A different kind of stimulus; STEP to talk Marine Reserves; Gas at 2.62; and a vacancy on the Port

A different kind of stimulus?

A lot of the initial federal stimulus program last year went for ineffectual programs according to Oregon’s Fourth District Congressman.
215 – “I voted against it and I think we can do better.”

Springfield Democrat Peter DeFazio called many of the projects funded by last springs stimulus – quote – “fluff and pie in the sky”. He expressed disappointment that it relied heavily on providing tax cuts.
217 – “To borrow money to give people small tax cuts to buy goods made overseas is not going to help anybody unemployed get a job.”

DeFazio, who chairs the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee, says there is a huge backlog of infrastructure improvements needed on the federal highway system. He hopes another stimulus bill, if one is produced, would address that.
216 – “If the money is borrowed, the money needs to be invested in things that are going to provide benefits. Not only today and put people to work today, but for future generations.”

The complete interview with DeFazio will air as part of this afternoon’s KCST’s Our Town. The program airs between four and six and will focus on the economy and jobs.


Recreational fishermen have a vested interest in marine reserves planned for off the coast of Oregon. Mike Herbel is on the government relations committee of the Coastal Conservation Association. He’s been monitoring the reserve process for several years. The CCA wants to preserve access for recreational fishers all public areas. Herbel, along with CCA Executive Director Bryan Irwin will talk to the local STEP group this evening when they meet at seven. That’s at the Florence Elks Lodge and it’s open to the public.

Gas prices are down for the third week in a row, but will that trend continue? Marie Dodds with Triple-A of Oregon says crude oil prices rebounded somewhat from their January slide. This week’s average price in Florence dipped by two-cents a gallon to $2.62… four cents below the national average and 15-cents less than Oregon’s statewide average price as measured by Triple-A. The Florence average continues to track considerably lower than the rest of the state. In Eugene the average price is $2.79, Portland $2.75, and in Medford it’s $2.80 a gallon on average.

Port of Siuslaw Commissioner Bob Thorp stepped down last month after serving on the panel since 2007. Applicants for the vacant position are currently being accepted at the Port of Siuslaw office. Registered voters who live in the Port District are eligible. The replacement would serve through June of this year. A two year position to fill out the remainder of Thorp’s term will be on the ballot in May.

Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon couple has been found guilty
of criminally negligent homicide for praying over their ill son
instead of seeking medical help. The jury returned the verdict
yesterday in the trial of Jeff and Marci Beagley, members of the
Followers of Christ Church in Oregon City. Jurors agreed the
Beagleys had a duty as parents to provide medical care for their
16-year-old son, Neil, who died in 2008 of complications from a
urinary tract blockage. Sentencing is set for Feb. 18.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) - A Eugene man jailed after a car chase
that ended when his vehicle burst into flames has died. Deputies at
the Klamath County Jail called an ambulance early Monday for
39-year-old James Emary when he seemed to be in medical distress.
He was pronounced dead at Sky Lakes Medical Center in Klamath
Falls. He'd been arrested Sunday. The sheriff's office tells
KVAL-TV that Emary was alone in a cell and there is no indication
of foul play. An autopsy is planned.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Portland police have offered their first
full account of an officer's fatal shooting of Aaron Campbell,
saying the 25-year-old man failed to comply with orders to put his
hands in the air. Police confirm Campbell was unarmed at the time
of Friday's shooting. The Portland Police Bureau says Officer
Ronald Frashour fired one shot from his rifle because Campbell
reached toward the back waistband of his pants. The Oregonian
reports a grand jury is expected to review the case.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon Secretary of State audit shows
that no restitution was ordered in about half the crime victim
restitution cases it audited. Prosecutors told auditors they don't
have the resources needed to fully investigate losses to all
victims.

REDMOND, Wash. (AP) - The robber left a clue at a bank holdup in
Redmond. A note handed to the teller was written on the back of a
receipt for paying a traffic fine. The name on the receipt led
police to arrest Donovan J. Haskin on Friday, and he's now facing
robbery and drug charges.
(The Oregonian)

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Eugene City Manager Jon Ruiz warns that the
city must eliminate 30 to 40 jobs to help balance its budget. It's
the second year in a row the city has been faced with a shortfall.
The municipal government trimmed 41 jobs last year through early
retirements, job buyouts and leaving vacant positions unfilled.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) - Klamath County Sheriff Tim Evinger
had to be called in to resolve a dispute at the Klamath Tribes'
court. A judge was scheduled to hear a lawsuit filed by tribal
members who say they legally removed the tribes' current council in
November. But tribal officials say the contract for the tribes'
only judge has expired, so they reported her for trespassing when
she arrived. The sheriff held an hour-long mediation that ended
with the judge recusing herself from the case. Another tribal judge
will be sought.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Bowling…
The Siuslaw Viking Girls Bowling team will advance to the state finals after finishing second place in the District Four tournament over the weekend. Nikki and Jen Parry, along with Alyssa Anderson were named to the District All-Star team. D.J. Anderson was selected as the season MVP for the boys.

Prep Basketball:
The Mapleton Sailors moved into second place in the boys’ Mountain West League with a 57 – 51 overtime victory over the Crow Cougars. Kenny Smith had 19 points.