Old Town Parking - Japanese Debris - Stolen Radios - Studded Tires

Old Town Parking recommendations on tap…

A group of business owners, property owners and residents in the Old Town Area met at City Hall last fall to air their thoughts about parking restrictions and how they are enforced. Executive Assistant Shawn Penrod says the conversations between all the participants sparked a good exchange.
215 – “And it was really a chance to get the public opinions and concerns out there, and so that they could also listen to each other.”

Since then, staffers at City Hall have been working on some recommendations they’re going to make to the city council on possible changes. But, before they do that, they want to get input from those who will me most directly affected. Penrod says a public meeting tomorrow evening at City Hall hopes to draw some of the same participants that met in November.
217 – “There’s going to be some discussion about RV parking and some possible changes to the seasonal parking restrictions that start in May.”

He declined to discuss specifics of the proposals ahead of the meeting… it gets underway tomorrow at five pm at city hall.

Two of the 12 radios stolen from a fire station north of Florence last week have been returned and authorities believe the other ten are still nearby. Police believe the radios, valued at more than $40-thousand, were stolen in an effort to get quick cash for drug buys, but didn’t give any details. One report said two – quote – “perpetrators” have been caught, but police did not report any arrests in the case. Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue is offering a $100 per radio bounty… no questions asked… for the return of the remaining units.

As Japan struggles to recover from the devastating earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis, there are new concerns along the western U.S. coast about the massive amount of pollution, debris and trash floating in the North Pacific. Portland State University oceanographer and geology professor Curt Peterson says some of the lighter materials such as plastic or Styrofoam could begin showing up in about nine months. Heavier items, like timbers and debris from construction could take a year and longer. Peterson said he expects that much of the heavier debris will actually sink.

The deadline for removing studded tires from your car or truck has been extended through the weekend. State law requires they be removed by March 15th unless weather conditions warrant their continued use. Oregon Department of Transportation officials extended the removal date again yesterday saying difficult driving conditions are expected through mountain zones through the upcoming weekend. Motorists who fail to have the studs removed by April Fifth could be facing a $190 fine. O-DOT says studded tires cause at least $40-million damage each year to city streets, county roads and state highways.

Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…

Viking Softball trailed by three runs in the top of the seventh and came from behind for a 6-5 win over the Falcons on the road in Elmira yesterday. Sadie Wells hit an RBI single to score April Ruf for the winning run. Brianna Knapp then shut down the top of the order in the bottom of the seventh for three straight outs. The Lady Vikings are now 6-and-one in preseason play.

Siuslaw softball standout Sadie Wells is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The sophomore shortstop continues to be an effective force at the plate for the Lady Vikings, producing key hits in scoring situations. Honorable Mention is given to pitcher Liz Jones who claimed two wins on the mound last week, and threw a combined ten strikeouts in a double-header against Coquille.

The Creighton Bluejays greeted their former coach warmly, then handed Dana Altman and his Oregon Ducks an 84-78 loss to open the College Basketball Invitational last night in Omaha. Five Ducks were in double digits… Joevan Catron had 15 points and nine rebounds for Oregon. Game two of the best-of-three series will be tomorrow night in Eugene.