Lighthouse project to begin in 60-days…
You’ll have about 60-days to visit the historic and scenic Heceta Head Lighthouse. Miss out on that window of opportunity and you may have to wait up to two more years before you can climb the spiral staircase inside the tower to access the sweeping views from the top. A one-million dollar restoration to the 105-year old lighthouse begins August First. The project will repair water damage and restore some of the architectural features of the lighthouse and adjacent work building. It’s expected to take up to two years to complete the work and during that time tours inside the building will be suspended. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is taking the opportunity to upgrade some of the facilities around the light. The half-mile trail from Heceta Lighthouse Scenic Wayside will be undergoing extensive renovation during the months of August and September. Parts of the trail will be re-routed to make it easier to access by people with disabilities. Some drainage issues will also be addressed. Officials say trail access to the lighthouse should be restored by October First.
When the high voltage of a taser didn’t do the job, Florence police had to resort to a metal baton and force to subdue a man who refused to surrender last week. Police responded to a report last Wednesday night of an alleged drunken man harassing people and trespassing on some of the vessels. Police initially couldn’t find the man, but before they could give up, he apparently yelled at them and retreated inside the cabin of a boat. Officers tried to take 57-year old Kim Eno into custody and when a stun gun didn’t work, had to resort to a collapsible metal baton. Eno was treated at the scene for minor injuries before being lodged at the Florence Jail. Police officers also suffered some minor injuries.
The Oregon Coast Military Heritage Museum is moving closer to reality. Federal tax exempt status was recently approved for the organization, making it easier for them to pursue donations and grants. Museum board president Sam Spayd said earlier donations have been tax exempt because they’ve been using the ‘umbrella’ of the Western Lane Community Foundation. But, some potential donors have reportedly held off until they could write a check directly to the museum, rather than a third party. Spayd said it appears they could receive in excess of $10-thousand in the short term because of the designation. Already they’ve amassed a metal building valued at $30-thousand and about $70-thousand in cash donations. Spayd said they’re on the verge of gaining approval from the City of Florence to begin assembling the building on a lot in the business park on Kingwood Street near the airport.
Tomorrow’s edition of KCST’s Our Town will feature 11-year old Kaylee Graham and the Power of Florence. Graham is promoting and organizing July 16th as a day for people throughout the community to volunteer for any project they choose. An information meeting at Siuslaw Public Library is set for this afternoon at five pm to present more information on the day. A website is also set up to register: www.powerofflorence.com.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - When it comes to public school funding,
Oregon has firmly established itself as a state that spends 7
percent less per student than the national average. Federal data
shows that nationally, public schools spent $10,500 per student in
2008-09 compared with Oregon, where schools spent $9,800 in the
same time period. The Oregonian says the state's pattern of
spending 93 cents for every $1 spent nationally has become
entrenched since 2002-03.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Plenty of people are eager to help save an
Oregon inmate scheduled to be executed in August - even against his
will. They could face an uphill battle if convicted killer Gary
Haugen doesn't reverse his decision to waive his remaining appeals.
Still, groups that oppose the death penalty are appealing to Gov.
John Kitzhaber and evaluating legal options.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon lawmakers are considering a measure
that will ensure that a National Guard soldier whose sibling dies
while he or she is serving will not have to deploy. Today the
Senate votes on a bill that would require the Adjutant General to
notify the governor if a unit is deploying that has a soldier whose
brother or sister was killed in service. If the soldier has certain
necessary skills or makes a case to be deployed, they could still
be sent to a combat zone.
TROUTDALE, Ore. (AP) - A BASE jumping accident in east Multnomah
County shut down all rail traffic as far east as Kansas City and
along the West Coast as searchers looked for the victim on Sunday.
Emergency responders were first told that an illegal BASE jumper's
parachute failed during a group jump off Crown Point. Rail lines
were shut down because the search and rescue site was adjacent to
Burlington-Northern-Santa-Fe tracks. But within an hour authorities
learned the jumper had already left the area and didn't need help.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A woman says she was assaulted while
jogging at Portland's Mount Tabor Park Sunday afternoon. The woman
told police that the man who seemed to be following her. Then he
approached her, pulled down her shorts and fondled her. She said
she was able to fight her way free and ran off.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Adrian Vaaler has observed Memorial Day
weekends the same way for the past decade, by playing "Taps" on a
bugle at ceremonials held at Eugene's Masonic Cemetery. Vaaler
played the bugle again over the weekend, wearing his formal dress
blues. The retired civil engineer was in the Army from 1968 to
1970, serving in Vietnam during 1969 and 1970. Vaaler plays French
horn or trumpet in local music groups including the Eugene
Symphonic Band, Oregon Brass Society and Lane Symphonic Band.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The cool, wet spring weather is creating
challenges for Oregon farmers for the second year in a row. Growers
are catching up on their planting but keeping a keen eye on the
weather. Forecasters say it's normally about 70 degrees this time
of year, so temperatures have been about 10 degrees below normal.
And rain has been about a tenth of an inch above average.
UMATILLA, Wash. (AP) - The Army Corps of Engineers says the
Columbia River is higher than usual. But the river is always high
this time of year because of spring snowmelt. The Tri-City Herald
reports the National Weather Service is predicting a record year
for high water volume. The Corps says the amount of water passing
through the McNary Dam has doubled since May 1.
BETHANY, Ore. (AP) - Authorities searching for man who
approached two 5-year-olds in Bethany and tried to lure them with
candy. The children say the stranger approached in a car and said,
"Come over here. I have candy for you." Washington County
deputies say the children ran into one of their homes, told parents
what happened and the parents then called police.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
The NCAA baseball tournament pairings were announced yesterday and the number 15 ranked Oregon State Beavers will be the number one seed in the Corvallis Regional. Oregon State will host Arkansas-Little Rock Friday evening, while the number 2 and 3 seeds, Creighton and Georgia, get together that afternoon. The winner of the double-elimination tournament will advance to one of eight ‘best-of-three’ super regionals. Oregon State ended up in 2nd place in the Pac Ten, 38-17 overall. Meanwhile, the Oregon Ducks, who spoiled the Beavers chances at a Pac-10 crown, ended in eighth place, 33-26-1 overall and did not get a tournament berth.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day 2011...
Two Memorial Day Traditions…
Two traditions to honor fallen soldiers are traced to the Civil War era…. Setting aside one day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers… Memorial Day was adopted by many northern communities in the mid 1860s, emulating a southern tradition that was meant to remember family members and friends who had passed away.
The Commander of the Army of the Republic, John A. Logan, issued the first official proclamation of Memorial Day in May of 1868. That was after several communities in upstate New York set aside one day in May to honor slain Civil War Soldiers by decorating their graves.
The tradition of playing “Taps” is associated with military funerals but it actually began as a way of signaling ‘lights out’ in military encampments. Shortly after the introduction of the simple, yet haunting melody, a funeral was held for a fallen soldier and the man’s commanding officer decided the traditional rifle volley over the soldier’s grave might trigger more fighting. So instead, he called in the bugler to play the ‘new’ tune.
Two Memorial Day observances are being held on the Central Coast today… in Florence the traditional 11 AM ceremony, organized by the American Legion, will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Park on Bay Street. The service will include all branches of the military, as well as recognize the different veteran’s groups. It will end with a “laying on of wreathes”. Memorial Wreaths honoring fallen members of each branch of service will be laid in the water by the U.S. Coast Guard at the end of the service.
In Reedsport the 29 Palms Marine Corps Band will hold an afternoon concert at Hahn Memorial Park… that’s after a noon parade through downtown Reedsport. The Oregon Air National Guard is scheduled for a flyby during the parade. A Community barbecue is set at the park along with the concert. The band will play two more concerts tomorrow… one at two, the other at six, in Winchester Bay.
Turning to other news… Florence Police responding to a 9-1-1 call Saturday afternoon and discovered a young man dead of a single gunshot wound in the parking lot across from the Florence Events Center. Police Chief Maury Sanders said 21-year old Ross Matthew Bradley ended his own life. Sanders said it wasn’t immediately clear when it occurred, but his remains were found by a passer-by just before one pm Saturday.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
McMINVILLE, Ore. (AP) - A deputy with the Yamhill County
Sheriff's Office has been arrested and placed on administrative
leave. The Statesman Journal reports that the 48-year-old deputy
from Newberg is facing criminal mistreatment and assault charges,
but no further details of the allegations were immediately
available. An investigation is ongoing.
WHITE CITY, Ore. (AP) - Organic frozen-food maker Amy's Kitchen
is poised to expand its Oregon operations with the construction of
a new warehouse and freezer unit in White City. Industry observers
estimate that such a project could easily cost more than $10
million. However, a company official tells the Mail Tribune that
that the project won't generate a lot of new hires. Instead,
current staff will be reassigned.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - A southwest Oregon employment agency is
cutting nearly half its workers. The Job Council helps connect
unemployed people with job training and services in Josephine and
Jackson counties. An agency official tells the Daily Courier his
staff is expected to shrink from 89 to 50 employees - a 44 percent
reduction.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say reports of a BASE jumper
crashing to the ground near railroad tracks yesterday morning
temporarily shut down Burlington Northern-Santa Fe's operations
along the West Coast and as far east as Kansas City. Authorities
say the rescue mission was called off and rail lines re-opened
after a caller with credible information said the jumper suffered
only minor injuries and had left the area. BASE jumping involves
parachuting off man-made structures and cliffs.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
For the first time since they returned to the college baseball diamond in 2009 the Oregon Ducks swept a three game Pac-10 series… this one was an important one all around. The three losses knocked the number 6 ranked Oregon State Beavers out of first place in the conference and left them tied with second place with Arizona, a game behind UCLA. It also may have left the Diamond Ducks in position to get an invitation to one of 16 regionals in the NCAA playoffs… they’ll find out later today.
One thing that three straight losses did not do was spoil the Beavers post-season chances… Oregon State will host three other teams beginning later this week in one of those 16 NCAA Regionals.
Number 11 Oregon Softball dropped two straight games Friday and Saturday to Florida, ending their season at one of eight “super-regionals”. The Number 3 Gators won the first game of the best-of-three series Friday night in a weather shortened five inning 9-1 game. Florida then shut-out the Ducks 7-0 Saturday to clinch the series.
Two traditions to honor fallen soldiers are traced to the Civil War era…. Setting aside one day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers… Memorial Day was adopted by many northern communities in the mid 1860s, emulating a southern tradition that was meant to remember family members and friends who had passed away.
The Commander of the Army of the Republic, John A. Logan, issued the first official proclamation of Memorial Day in May of 1868. That was after several communities in upstate New York set aside one day in May to honor slain Civil War Soldiers by decorating their graves.
The tradition of playing “Taps” is associated with military funerals but it actually began as a way of signaling ‘lights out’ in military encampments. Shortly after the introduction of the simple, yet haunting melody, a funeral was held for a fallen soldier and the man’s commanding officer decided the traditional rifle volley over the soldier’s grave might trigger more fighting. So instead, he called in the bugler to play the ‘new’ tune.
Two Memorial Day observances are being held on the Central Coast today… in Florence the traditional 11 AM ceremony, organized by the American Legion, will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Park on Bay Street. The service will include all branches of the military, as well as recognize the different veteran’s groups. It will end with a “laying on of wreathes”. Memorial Wreaths honoring fallen members of each branch of service will be laid in the water by the U.S. Coast Guard at the end of the service.
In Reedsport the 29 Palms Marine Corps Band will hold an afternoon concert at Hahn Memorial Park… that’s after a noon parade through downtown Reedsport. The Oregon Air National Guard is scheduled for a flyby during the parade. A Community barbecue is set at the park along with the concert. The band will play two more concerts tomorrow… one at two, the other at six, in Winchester Bay.
Turning to other news… Florence Police responding to a 9-1-1 call Saturday afternoon and discovered a young man dead of a single gunshot wound in the parking lot across from the Florence Events Center. Police Chief Maury Sanders said 21-year old Ross Matthew Bradley ended his own life. Sanders said it wasn’t immediately clear when it occurred, but his remains were found by a passer-by just before one pm Saturday.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
McMINVILLE, Ore. (AP) - A deputy with the Yamhill County
Sheriff's Office has been arrested and placed on administrative
leave. The Statesman Journal reports that the 48-year-old deputy
from Newberg is facing criminal mistreatment and assault charges,
but no further details of the allegations were immediately
available. An investigation is ongoing.
WHITE CITY, Ore. (AP) - Organic frozen-food maker Amy's Kitchen
is poised to expand its Oregon operations with the construction of
a new warehouse and freezer unit in White City. Industry observers
estimate that such a project could easily cost more than $10
million. However, a company official tells the Mail Tribune that
that the project won't generate a lot of new hires. Instead,
current staff will be reassigned.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - A southwest Oregon employment agency is
cutting nearly half its workers. The Job Council helps connect
unemployed people with job training and services in Josephine and
Jackson counties. An agency official tells the Daily Courier his
staff is expected to shrink from 89 to 50 employees - a 44 percent
reduction.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Authorities say reports of a BASE jumper
crashing to the ground near railroad tracks yesterday morning
temporarily shut down Burlington Northern-Santa Fe's operations
along the West Coast and as far east as Kansas City. Authorities
say the rescue mission was called off and rail lines re-opened
after a caller with credible information said the jumper suffered
only minor injuries and had left the area. BASE jumping involves
parachuting off man-made structures and cliffs.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
For the first time since they returned to the college baseball diamond in 2009 the Oregon Ducks swept a three game Pac-10 series… this one was an important one all around. The three losses knocked the number 6 ranked Oregon State Beavers out of first place in the conference and left them tied with second place with Arizona, a game behind UCLA. It also may have left the Diamond Ducks in position to get an invitation to one of 16 regionals in the NCAA playoffs… they’ll find out later today.
One thing that three straight losses did not do was spoil the Beavers post-season chances… Oregon State will host three other teams beginning later this week in one of those 16 NCAA Regionals.
Number 11 Oregon Softball dropped two straight games Friday and Saturday to Florida, ending their season at one of eight “super-regionals”. The Number 3 Gators won the first game of the best-of-three series Friday night in a weather shortened five inning 9-1 game. Florida then shut-out the Ducks 7-0 Saturday to clinch the series.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Memorial day preparations... Marine Corps Band, barbecues and parades.
Western Douglas County remembers their vets…
Residents in Reedsport are serious about their Memorial Day weekend. No, they don’t all go camping and take the weekend for themselves. Many of them are involved in an entire series of events aimed at remembering veterans who have passed on… either in action, or after they come home. The Memorial Day observances begin tomorrow afternoon with a community gathering flanking Highway 101 in the center of town to welcome the 29 Palms Marine Corps Air, Ground, Combat Center Band to town. The band makes their first performance Sunday evening at the Pacific Auditorium at seven pm… but at four that afternoon a community barbecue will be held at the United Presbyterian Church to welcome the band. Things kick into high gear on Memorial Day itself with a memorial service and VFW formation at the Reedsport Cemetery at ten, followed by a noon parade through town and ending with another barbecue and concert, at 1:30, at Hahn Park. Tuesday, the music moves to nearby Winchester Bay where the Marine Band will offer two free concerts at Phillip Boe Memorial Park… one at noon, the other at 6:30.
Memorial Day observances in Florence are a little more subdued, but every bit as reverent. The American Legion is organizing the traditional 11 AM service at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Bay Street. Acting post commander Steve Olienyk says one traditional aspect is the ‘laying of wreathes on the water’ that will conclude the ceremony. Anyone is welcome to bring a wreath to the service…
Olienyk – “Prior to 11 o’clock. We want to do that between 10:30 and eleven.”
From there, they’ll be transferred to the Coast Guard.
Olienyk – “And then what we do is we transport them over to the port dock and the coast guard vessel picks them up there.”
At the conclusion of the observance, they’ll be laid in the river.
Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of the summer recreation season and that means camping. Some Oregon campgrounds are still closed however. A wet and cool spring has left snow piled high… as much as 12 feet deep at some higher elevations. That means some campgrounds in the Cascades still aren’t open. The Oregon Coast is “wide open” however. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is reporting all coastal campgrounds, except one primitive location, Hilgard Junction, is still affected by high water on the Grande Ronde River.
You may be relaxing this weekend, but law enforcement officers will be getting plenty of overtime. Several local agencies will be joining with the Oregon State Police to provide saturation patrols over the weekend. Police say the targeted activities they’ll be looking for… speeding, seatbelt and child safety seat violations, as well as driving under the influence. Last year 6 people died in six separate crashes on Oregon highways over the Memorial Day Weekend. Officials hope to reduce that number.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) - Police say a man loaded what appeared to
be a leftover World War II-vintage bomb into his minivan and drove
it to the downtown Corvallis, Ore., police station. Officers closed
off traffic while they decided how to dispose of the explosive
yesterday afternoon. The man says the device was found in a shed on
rental property he manages nearby. He decided Corvallis police
would know what to do so he drove it to the station, bringing his
pet dog Bling Bling along for the ride.
BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) - Authorities in Washington County, Ore.,
have seized more than 17 pounds of methamphetamine with an
estimated street value of $775,000 after a traffic stop led to a
search of two homes. The Oregonian reports that two men were
arrested for investigation.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - "Saturday Night Live" star Fred Armisen
is going to address the Oregon Episcopal School graduating class in
June. Armisen is also the co-creator and co-star of "Portlandia,"
the IFC series that parodies Portland, where the private school is
located.
WILLAMINA, Ore. (AP) - The Yamhill County sheriff's office says
two county probation officers in a car collided with a school bus
carrying 19 kids in the town of Willamina. No children were hurt in
the head-on crash yesterday. The two people in the car were taken
to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) - Three Corvallis men have been arrested in
the death of a man found fatally beaten in a sleeping bag off
Interstate 5 near Harrisburg. The Linn County sheriff says the men
were found working at a farm near Corvallis and were arrested after
questioning by detectives. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
has placed an immigration hold on all three.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A federal jury has awarded $100,000 to a
Marion County sheriff's deputy in a wrongful termination lawsuit.
The money was awarded to Kristine Phillips on May 12 because the
sheriff delayed her reinstatement after an arbitrator ruled in her
favor. Phillips worked at the county jail in 2007 and was accused
of misconduct and fired for handcuffing an inmate to a bunk bed.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A group of lawyers and religious leaders
in Portland is trying to prevent the execution this summer of death
row inmate Gary Haugen. Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death
Penalty hopes to persuade Gov. John Kitzhaber to commute the death
sentence and may take legal action to stop the execution. Haugen
was in prison for killing his ex-girlfriend's mother in 1981 and
was sentenced to die for killing another inmate in 2003. The
execution date is set for Aug. 16.
BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) - Narcotics investigators in Washington
County have seized 17 pounds of methamphetamine and $42,000 in cash
after a traffic stop led to a search of two homes. The Oregonian
reports the meth has an estimated street value of $775,000. Members
of a drug task force stopped a suspected drug runner's truck on
Monday in Beaverton. No drugs were found but a drug dog indicated
it detected the scent of drugs. Officers found meth and cash in the
two homes. Both men were arrested for investigation of possessing
and delivering meth.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Rhino romance is in the air at the Oregon
Zoo in Portland. A black rhino named Pete has been alone since his
last mate died in 2005. A female rhino named Zuri arrived last
month from the Cleveland zoo on a breeding loan. Zuri went on
public display yesterday and the two rhinos touched horns between
the bars. Soon they'll be allowed together. Keepers hope the result
will be an addition to the endangered species.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
The Oregon Duck baseball team can act the part of the spoiler this weekend when they host number six ranked Oregon State for the final series of the Pac-10 season. The Beavers hold a one-game lead over Arizona State and UCLA in the race for the conference crown and the Ducks can spoil that lead with two wins. Oregon and Oregon State meet at PK Park in Eugene.
Tickets are on sale for the first ever Viking Athletic Recognition dinner to be held a week from tonight at Siuslaw High School. Former Siuslaw Athletic Director and current president of the Siuslaw Athletic Booster Club Deacon Perkins says it’s not a fundraiser.
Perkins – “What we decided to do was recognize kids.”
Those kids are all the Athletes of the Week and Honorable Mentions recognized this past year by the Sports Club… Mapleton and Siuslaw alike.
Perkins – “We’re bringing all those kids together and just trying to do a ‘feel good’ athletic kinda recognition for those kids.”
The prime rib dinner will be prepared by the Siuslaw Culinary Arts Program… tickets are $12 and are available at Coast Radio, the high school office, Coast Insurance and All About Olives in Old Town.
Residents in Reedsport are serious about their Memorial Day weekend. No, they don’t all go camping and take the weekend for themselves. Many of them are involved in an entire series of events aimed at remembering veterans who have passed on… either in action, or after they come home. The Memorial Day observances begin tomorrow afternoon with a community gathering flanking Highway 101 in the center of town to welcome the 29 Palms Marine Corps Air, Ground, Combat Center Band to town. The band makes their first performance Sunday evening at the Pacific Auditorium at seven pm… but at four that afternoon a community barbecue will be held at the United Presbyterian Church to welcome the band. Things kick into high gear on Memorial Day itself with a memorial service and VFW formation at the Reedsport Cemetery at ten, followed by a noon parade through town and ending with another barbecue and concert, at 1:30, at Hahn Park. Tuesday, the music moves to nearby Winchester Bay where the Marine Band will offer two free concerts at Phillip Boe Memorial Park… one at noon, the other at 6:30.
Memorial Day observances in Florence are a little more subdued, but every bit as reverent. The American Legion is organizing the traditional 11 AM service at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Bay Street. Acting post commander Steve Olienyk says one traditional aspect is the ‘laying of wreathes on the water’ that will conclude the ceremony. Anyone is welcome to bring a wreath to the service…
Olienyk – “Prior to 11 o’clock. We want to do that between 10:30 and eleven.”
From there, they’ll be transferred to the Coast Guard.
Olienyk – “And then what we do is we transport them over to the port dock and the coast guard vessel picks them up there.”
At the conclusion of the observance, they’ll be laid in the river.
Memorial Day weekend is the traditional start of the summer recreation season and that means camping. Some Oregon campgrounds are still closed however. A wet and cool spring has left snow piled high… as much as 12 feet deep at some higher elevations. That means some campgrounds in the Cascades still aren’t open. The Oregon Coast is “wide open” however. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is reporting all coastal campgrounds, except one primitive location, Hilgard Junction, is still affected by high water on the Grande Ronde River.
You may be relaxing this weekend, but law enforcement officers will be getting plenty of overtime. Several local agencies will be joining with the Oregon State Police to provide saturation patrols over the weekend. Police say the targeted activities they’ll be looking for… speeding, seatbelt and child safety seat violations, as well as driving under the influence. Last year 6 people died in six separate crashes on Oregon highways over the Memorial Day Weekend. Officials hope to reduce that number.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) - Police say a man loaded what appeared to
be a leftover World War II-vintage bomb into his minivan and drove
it to the downtown Corvallis, Ore., police station. Officers closed
off traffic while they decided how to dispose of the explosive
yesterday afternoon. The man says the device was found in a shed on
rental property he manages nearby. He decided Corvallis police
would know what to do so he drove it to the station, bringing his
pet dog Bling Bling along for the ride.
BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) - Authorities in Washington County, Ore.,
have seized more than 17 pounds of methamphetamine with an
estimated street value of $775,000 after a traffic stop led to a
search of two homes. The Oregonian reports that two men were
arrested for investigation.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - "Saturday Night Live" star Fred Armisen
is going to address the Oregon Episcopal School graduating class in
June. Armisen is also the co-creator and co-star of "Portlandia,"
the IFC series that parodies Portland, where the private school is
located.
WILLAMINA, Ore. (AP) - The Yamhill County sheriff's office says
two county probation officers in a car collided with a school bus
carrying 19 kids in the town of Willamina. No children were hurt in
the head-on crash yesterday. The two people in the car were taken
to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) - Three Corvallis men have been arrested in
the death of a man found fatally beaten in a sleeping bag off
Interstate 5 near Harrisburg. The Linn County sheriff says the men
were found working at a farm near Corvallis and were arrested after
questioning by detectives. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
has placed an immigration hold on all three.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A federal jury has awarded $100,000 to a
Marion County sheriff's deputy in a wrongful termination lawsuit.
The money was awarded to Kristine Phillips on May 12 because the
sheriff delayed her reinstatement after an arbitrator ruled in her
favor. Phillips worked at the county jail in 2007 and was accused
of misconduct and fired for handcuffing an inmate to a bunk bed.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A group of lawyers and religious leaders
in Portland is trying to prevent the execution this summer of death
row inmate Gary Haugen. Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death
Penalty hopes to persuade Gov. John Kitzhaber to commute the death
sentence and may take legal action to stop the execution. Haugen
was in prison for killing his ex-girlfriend's mother in 1981 and
was sentenced to die for killing another inmate in 2003. The
execution date is set for Aug. 16.
BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) - Narcotics investigators in Washington
County have seized 17 pounds of methamphetamine and $42,000 in cash
after a traffic stop led to a search of two homes. The Oregonian
reports the meth has an estimated street value of $775,000. Members
of a drug task force stopped a suspected drug runner's truck on
Monday in Beaverton. No drugs were found but a drug dog indicated
it detected the scent of drugs. Officers found meth and cash in the
two homes. Both men were arrested for investigation of possessing
and delivering meth.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Rhino romance is in the air at the Oregon
Zoo in Portland. A black rhino named Pete has been alone since his
last mate died in 2005. A female rhino named Zuri arrived last
month from the Cleveland zoo on a breeding loan. Zuri went on
public display yesterday and the two rhinos touched horns between
the bars. Soon they'll be allowed together. Keepers hope the result
will be an addition to the endangered species.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
The Oregon Duck baseball team can act the part of the spoiler this weekend when they host number six ranked Oregon State for the final series of the Pac-10 season. The Beavers hold a one-game lead over Arizona State and UCLA in the race for the conference crown and the Ducks can spoil that lead with two wins. Oregon and Oregon State meet at PK Park in Eugene.
Tickets are on sale for the first ever Viking Athletic Recognition dinner to be held a week from tonight at Siuslaw High School. Former Siuslaw Athletic Director and current president of the Siuslaw Athletic Booster Club Deacon Perkins says it’s not a fundraiser.
Perkins – “What we decided to do was recognize kids.”
Those kids are all the Athletes of the Week and Honorable Mentions recognized this past year by the Sports Club… Mapleton and Siuslaw alike.
Perkins – “We’re bringing all those kids together and just trying to do a ‘feel good’ athletic kinda recognition for those kids.”
The prime rib dinner will be prepared by the Siuslaw Culinary Arts Program… tickets are $12 and are available at Coast Radio, the high school office, Coast Insurance and All About Olives in Old Town.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Likely winner in Port race announced; Local real estate firm looking for "next level" ; Siuslaw students score scholarships; and beach safety.
Likely winner arises in Port election
There are still about two-dozen contested ballots to be counted, but the Lane County Elections Supervisor says a clear winner has emerged in a write-in race for an open position on the Port of Siuslaw Commission. Former Lane County Commissioner Bill Fleenor has been declared the ‘unofficial’ winner after a four-person panel counted the nearly 12-hundred ballots by hand yesterday. Lane County Clerk Cheryl Betschart says she won’t release the vote tally until probably next week because of 25 votes that are awaiting signature verification… and the deadline for that process is May 31st. But, she says, even if all of those votes went to the number two person in the race, it still would not change the outcome. Betschart declined to identify the second place candidate. Two other residents had declared candidacies… Bianca Hein and John Murphey. And, adds Betschart, the vote was actually split four ways. She said there are two men with very similar names registered to vote in the Port of Siuslaw… Both named John Murphy… one with an “e-y”, the other without. But, she says, if the tallies for both John Murpheys were added together… it still wouldn’t be enough to unseat Fleenor. If the results stand, Fleenor will assume a four-year term on the Port of Siuslaw Commission replacing Bud Saulsgiver on July First.
The owners of Prudential Pacific Properties say they’re eager to take the company to the “next level”. After 20 years Michael and Mirriam Cocciolo announced yesterday they have merged with the largest locally owned real estate company in the northwest. Prudential Northwest Properties, based in Portland has 22 offices in Oregon and Southwest Washington. They also have a series of internet based tools that help them reach out to prospective buyers and sellers on a regular basis that can keep them informed about property values and market trends. Company President Bert Waugh said he’s known the Cocciolos for 15 years and they share common values.
Waugh – “They non-stop talk about their agents, and their people, and the community. And we’re the same way. It really is a perfect marriage.”
Prudential Pacific Properties has consistently held the largest share of sales and listings in Western Lane County. Last year’s sold volume was just over $31.5-million.
23 Siuslaw High School Seniors got a boost earlier this week when scholarships were presented. Just under $200-thousand was handed out, about $86-thousand from local sources. One student in particular garnered the lion’s share. Megan Connor won the Geraldine Bagley Foundation Scholarship, $40-thousand over 4-years. She also picked up $10-thousand from the Florence Rotary and a dozen other local scholarships ranging from $500 to $2000. Connor picked up one other major award… a Ford Family Foundation grant that will pay the rest of her college expenses through grad school.
It’s nearly Memorial Day Weekend… the traditional start of the summer recreation season. Even though the weather may not be the best this weekend, lots of visitors are expected to be at the beach… and, says Oregon Parks Beach Ranger Trisha Wymore, they need to keep their eyes open.
Wymore – “And the oceans are still really dangerous right now. We’re still getting high tides and with the weather changing we’re getting big waves and just be aware that water comes in fast and be safe out there.”
Wymore said even a small log can be converted to a deadly weapon with just a few inches of water rushing around and under it.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A jury has determined an Oregon State
Penitentiary inmate who killed another prisoner in 2008 should be
sentenced to death. Prosecutors asked for the death penalty because
33-year-old Isacc Creed Agee was already serving a sentence for
attempted murder. Defense attorneys had argued for a life sentence,
saying that Agee suffered mental problems because his mother drank
and used drugs when she was pregnant.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon lawmakers have decided on a plan to
cut Medicaid payments to hospitals and health care providers
starting July 1. However, the Oregon Health Plan will be cut by
11.5 percent instead of 19 percent as proposed in the governor's
budget. The program covers about 60,000 low-income Oregonians.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A man who pleaded no contest to two rape
charges has been sentenced in Portland to 19 years in prison. The
Oregonian reports Pedro Delgado-Lopez was arrested last August and
confessed to attacking a woman who was walking to work. DNA also
matched him to a 2009 rape of a woman leaving a party. Prosecutors
say he'll likely be deported to Mexico after his prison term.
KEIZER, Ore. (AP) - A 29-year-old woman sent her friends some
alarming text messages last night in Keizer. Brandi Kindred said
she was walking to Keizer Rapids Park when she accidentally fell in
the Willamette River. She said she was able to get out of the
water, but she was cold and lost. Then her cell phone battery went
dead. Keizer police say officers, deputies and firefighters
searched until Kindred was found about 2 a.m., barely conscious.
Police believe she would not have survived the night alone. She was
treated for hypothermia and friends took her home.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Portland police say they're trying to find
medical and social services for a homeless, disabled man known as
"One-legged Scottie" who has been arrested 30 times in the past
three years for drinking in public and related violations. Scott
Hamilton admits he's a drunk and isn't angry at being arrested. But
he says he's mad that his wheelchair was confiscated after a Sunday
night arrest and he had to crawl out of the Multnomah County Jail
when he was released.
GERVAIS, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police say a truck driver was
unable to avoid hitting a man walking on Highway 99 south of
Gervais. The man was killed yesterday afternoon. The highway was
closed three hours for while police conducted an investigation.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A 91-year-old California woman who sells
helium hood kits that people can use to kill themselves says her
home has been raided by federal agents. Sharlotte Hydorn's company
sells the kits through mail or telephone order for $60. They're
essentially a plastic bag and clear tubing. In December, a
29-year-old Eugene, Ore., man killed himself using a suicide kit he
bought from Hydorn. Appalled Oregon lawmakers are working on a bill
that would make it a felony to sell or transfer such a kit to
Oregonians.
SEATTLE (AP) - Federal authorities say three brothers led a
scheme to steal $130,000 worth of items from Lowe's home
improvement stores in Oregon and other states. A complaint says
that since late 2007, the men have been going into the stores,
emptying toilets or sinks out of their boxes, packing the boxes
with high-end faucets or other items, and then checking out -
paying the price of the toilet or sink when the box actually
contained goods worth much more.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Number 13 seed Oregon is in Gainesville, Florida beginning tomorrow morning for a ‘best of three’ series against number 4 Florida in one of eight ‘super regional’ series in the NCAA Softball Tournament. Game one is at 11 Pacific Time Friday. Game two at nine local time Saturday and then a third game, if necessary, would be played Saturday evening. The winner will advance to the Women’s Softball World Series June 2nd through the 8th.
The Oregon Baseball team was ranked 15th in preseason polls and Oregon State wasn’t ranked at all. Now, the Beavers are number six and the Ducks have struggled to find success on the diamond. The two teams will wrap up Pac-10 play this weekend at PK Park in Eugene with the Civil War Baseball Series. NCAA playoff selections will be announced next week.
There are still about two-dozen contested ballots to be counted, but the Lane County Elections Supervisor says a clear winner has emerged in a write-in race for an open position on the Port of Siuslaw Commission. Former Lane County Commissioner Bill Fleenor has been declared the ‘unofficial’ winner after a four-person panel counted the nearly 12-hundred ballots by hand yesterday. Lane County Clerk Cheryl Betschart says she won’t release the vote tally until probably next week because of 25 votes that are awaiting signature verification… and the deadline for that process is May 31st. But, she says, even if all of those votes went to the number two person in the race, it still would not change the outcome. Betschart declined to identify the second place candidate. Two other residents had declared candidacies… Bianca Hein and John Murphey. And, adds Betschart, the vote was actually split four ways. She said there are two men with very similar names registered to vote in the Port of Siuslaw… Both named John Murphy… one with an “e-y”, the other without. But, she says, if the tallies for both John Murpheys were added together… it still wouldn’t be enough to unseat Fleenor. If the results stand, Fleenor will assume a four-year term on the Port of Siuslaw Commission replacing Bud Saulsgiver on July First.
The owners of Prudential Pacific Properties say they’re eager to take the company to the “next level”. After 20 years Michael and Mirriam Cocciolo announced yesterday they have merged with the largest locally owned real estate company in the northwest. Prudential Northwest Properties, based in Portland has 22 offices in Oregon and Southwest Washington. They also have a series of internet based tools that help them reach out to prospective buyers and sellers on a regular basis that can keep them informed about property values and market trends. Company President Bert Waugh said he’s known the Cocciolos for 15 years and they share common values.
Waugh – “They non-stop talk about their agents, and their people, and the community. And we’re the same way. It really is a perfect marriage.”
Prudential Pacific Properties has consistently held the largest share of sales and listings in Western Lane County. Last year’s sold volume was just over $31.5-million.
23 Siuslaw High School Seniors got a boost earlier this week when scholarships were presented. Just under $200-thousand was handed out, about $86-thousand from local sources. One student in particular garnered the lion’s share. Megan Connor won the Geraldine Bagley Foundation Scholarship, $40-thousand over 4-years. She also picked up $10-thousand from the Florence Rotary and a dozen other local scholarships ranging from $500 to $2000. Connor picked up one other major award… a Ford Family Foundation grant that will pay the rest of her college expenses through grad school.
It’s nearly Memorial Day Weekend… the traditional start of the summer recreation season. Even though the weather may not be the best this weekend, lots of visitors are expected to be at the beach… and, says Oregon Parks Beach Ranger Trisha Wymore, they need to keep their eyes open.
Wymore – “And the oceans are still really dangerous right now. We’re still getting high tides and with the weather changing we’re getting big waves and just be aware that water comes in fast and be safe out there.”
Wymore said even a small log can be converted to a deadly weapon with just a few inches of water rushing around and under it.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A jury has determined an Oregon State
Penitentiary inmate who killed another prisoner in 2008 should be
sentenced to death. Prosecutors asked for the death penalty because
33-year-old Isacc Creed Agee was already serving a sentence for
attempted murder. Defense attorneys had argued for a life sentence,
saying that Agee suffered mental problems because his mother drank
and used drugs when she was pregnant.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon lawmakers have decided on a plan to
cut Medicaid payments to hospitals and health care providers
starting July 1. However, the Oregon Health Plan will be cut by
11.5 percent instead of 19 percent as proposed in the governor's
budget. The program covers about 60,000 low-income Oregonians.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A man who pleaded no contest to two rape
charges has been sentenced in Portland to 19 years in prison. The
Oregonian reports Pedro Delgado-Lopez was arrested last August and
confessed to attacking a woman who was walking to work. DNA also
matched him to a 2009 rape of a woman leaving a party. Prosecutors
say he'll likely be deported to Mexico after his prison term.
KEIZER, Ore. (AP) - A 29-year-old woman sent her friends some
alarming text messages last night in Keizer. Brandi Kindred said
she was walking to Keizer Rapids Park when she accidentally fell in
the Willamette River. She said she was able to get out of the
water, but she was cold and lost. Then her cell phone battery went
dead. Keizer police say officers, deputies and firefighters
searched until Kindred was found about 2 a.m., barely conscious.
Police believe she would not have survived the night alone. She was
treated for hypothermia and friends took her home.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Portland police say they're trying to find
medical and social services for a homeless, disabled man known as
"One-legged Scottie" who has been arrested 30 times in the past
three years for drinking in public and related violations. Scott
Hamilton admits he's a drunk and isn't angry at being arrested. But
he says he's mad that his wheelchair was confiscated after a Sunday
night arrest and he had to crawl out of the Multnomah County Jail
when he was released.
GERVAIS, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police say a truck driver was
unable to avoid hitting a man walking on Highway 99 south of
Gervais. The man was killed yesterday afternoon. The highway was
closed three hours for while police conducted an investigation.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A 91-year-old California woman who sells
helium hood kits that people can use to kill themselves says her
home has been raided by federal agents. Sharlotte Hydorn's company
sells the kits through mail or telephone order for $60. They're
essentially a plastic bag and clear tubing. In December, a
29-year-old Eugene, Ore., man killed himself using a suicide kit he
bought from Hydorn. Appalled Oregon lawmakers are working on a bill
that would make it a felony to sell or transfer such a kit to
Oregonians.
SEATTLE (AP) - Federal authorities say three brothers led a
scheme to steal $130,000 worth of items from Lowe's home
improvement stores in Oregon and other states. A complaint says
that since late 2007, the men have been going into the stores,
emptying toilets or sinks out of their boxes, packing the boxes
with high-end faucets or other items, and then checking out -
paying the price of the toilet or sink when the box actually
contained goods worth much more.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Number 13 seed Oregon is in Gainesville, Florida beginning tomorrow morning for a ‘best of three’ series against number 4 Florida in one of eight ‘super regional’ series in the NCAA Softball Tournament. Game one is at 11 Pacific Time Friday. Game two at nine local time Saturday and then a third game, if necessary, would be played Saturday evening. The winner will advance to the Women’s Softball World Series June 2nd through the 8th.
The Oregon Baseball team was ranked 15th in preseason polls and Oregon State wasn’t ranked at all. Now, the Beavers are number six and the Ducks have struggled to find success on the diamond. The two teams will wrap up Pac-10 play this weekend at PK Park in Eugene with the Civil War Baseball Series. NCAA playoff selections will be announced next week.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Schools chief takes pay cut - gas drops - chowder against bullying
Superintendent proposes salary cut
One proposal floated last week to cut expenses at Siuslaw Schools came from the Superintendent. Jeff Davis offered to cut his work-week back by one day … and reduce his salary by 20-percent in the process. Davis said his offer made sense for both the district and him personally. He said he felt he could continue to do a good job for the district and provide the guidance and supervision needed by working four days each week. The savings are estimate at approximately $20-thousand in the first year. Board Chair Tammy Butler had previously said she wasn’t sure if she liked the idea. The work-week reduction would mean Davis would not be available to building administrators one day each week. The superintendent agreed with that characterization and pointed out that he is proposing it on a ‘trial basis’ for one year. His reduction is included in the district’s $19.3-million budget that has been approved by the Budget Committee and is set for adoption by the School Board in two weeks.
Funding for a video training series about bullying and anger management aimed at elementary students will get a boost from a local restaurant tomorrow night. Mo’s Restaurant will be catering a special fund-raiser at the Siuslaw Elementary Cafeteria tomorrow from five to eight pm. The money will be used to help purchase the “Steps to Respect” bullying prevention program. Mo’s manager Rachel Williams said she became interested in helping out after hearing about the increase in instances of bullying in schools. Mo’s will be providing the meal… shrimp or chicken skewers, clam chowder and garlic cheese bread… and it will be served by school staff. Tickets are ten dollars for adults, 5 bucks for kids and a family of four can eat for $25. Tickets are available at Mo’s or at the Elementary School office.
Prices for gasoline are falling in time for Memorial Day Weekend. The national average, as measured by Triple-A, tumbled 11-cents in the past week to $3.83 a gallon. Oregon’s average price dipped four cents and is at $3.92. Locally, the average price dropped a nickel a gallon and is still well below the national average at $3.78. Six states and the District of Columbia still show average prices above four dollars a gallon. Alaska has the highest average price at $4.27. California is number four at $4.10 a gallon. Oregon’s average price is the 11th highest in the nation.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A flood warning remains in place for the
Columbia River in the Portland metro area, with minor flooding
expected in some lowland areas.
The National Weather Service said the river was just below flood
stage early Wednesday morning but was expected to gradually rise
above the 16-foot flood stage by Wednesday evening and remain
slightly above for the rest of the week.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A jury in Salem is deciding whether an Oregon
State Penitentiary inmate convicted of killing another prisoner
should be sentenced to death or life in prison. Isacc Agee was
convicted May 10 of killing inmate Antonio Barrantes-Vasquez.
Prosecutors asked for the death penalty because Agee already is
serving a 54-year sentence for attempted murder while the defense
asked the jury to give Agee life in prison because of his mental
illness.
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - Clackamas County firefighters say a
fire that damaged an Oregon City home and killed a pet dog was
likely caused by a propane barbecue grill. Residents had just
finished grilling chicken yesterday afternoon when the grill
exploded next to the house on a covered patio. The home and
belongings appeared to be a total loss.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A Forest Service decision to approve a
proposed expansion of the Mount Ashland Ski Area has pleased ski
area officials and left foes considering whether to return to
court. The resort says logging to clear new ski runs could start as
soon as mid-September. A federal appeals court considering an
environmentalists' lawsuit ruled the Forest Service needed more
analysis of potential negative impacts. After new studies, the
agency said the expansion would not harm the Pacific fisher, a
weasel-like animal.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Multnomah County is investigating the case
of a disabled inmate who wound up crawling from the downtown
Portland jail when he was released because his wheelchair could not
be located. Scott Hamilton had been arrested for sitting in his
wheelchair, drinking a beer on public property. When he was
released early Monday, his wheelchair was nowhere to be found. The
Oregonian says Hamilton wound up scooting on his rear out through
the jail lobby doors.
AMITY, Ore. (AP) - Police in the town of Amity wrote more than
$4,000 in traffic tickets during an annual charity bicycle ride
that passed through the community. Police Chief Dan Brown tells
KGW-TV his officers have tried for years to get the bicyclists to
comply with traffic laws and says "we had to take it a step
further."
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon lawmaker is trying to revive a
stalled proposal to ban plastic grocery bags by promoting
recycling. The proposal by Rep. Vic Gilliam of Silverton would
outlaw plastic bags unless, by next year, 20 percent of all plastic
bags sold in Oregon are recycled. The recycling goal would increase
by 20 percent each year until reaching 80 percent.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
On the college diamond… the Oregon Ducks unleashed their offense early yesterday in Portland, scoring five runs in the first inning before cruising to a 7-2 win over the Portland Pilots. The Ducks return to Eugene later this week where they’ll host the Civil War series against Oregon State.
A benefit dinner and auction is set for the Mapleton Athletic Booster Club on Saturday, June 11th at the Mapleton High School. Dinner begins at five followed by a silent auction and live music featuring the Singing Loggers… Craig and Terry. A live auction will follow at seven. Dinner is eight dollars for adults, $5 for kids ten and under.
One proposal floated last week to cut expenses at Siuslaw Schools came from the Superintendent. Jeff Davis offered to cut his work-week back by one day … and reduce his salary by 20-percent in the process. Davis said his offer made sense for both the district and him personally. He said he felt he could continue to do a good job for the district and provide the guidance and supervision needed by working four days each week. The savings are estimate at approximately $20-thousand in the first year. Board Chair Tammy Butler had previously said she wasn’t sure if she liked the idea. The work-week reduction would mean Davis would not be available to building administrators one day each week. The superintendent agreed with that characterization and pointed out that he is proposing it on a ‘trial basis’ for one year. His reduction is included in the district’s $19.3-million budget that has been approved by the Budget Committee and is set for adoption by the School Board in two weeks.
Funding for a video training series about bullying and anger management aimed at elementary students will get a boost from a local restaurant tomorrow night. Mo’s Restaurant will be catering a special fund-raiser at the Siuslaw Elementary Cafeteria tomorrow from five to eight pm. The money will be used to help purchase the “Steps to Respect” bullying prevention program. Mo’s manager Rachel Williams said she became interested in helping out after hearing about the increase in instances of bullying in schools. Mo’s will be providing the meal… shrimp or chicken skewers, clam chowder and garlic cheese bread… and it will be served by school staff. Tickets are ten dollars for adults, 5 bucks for kids and a family of four can eat for $25. Tickets are available at Mo’s or at the Elementary School office.
Prices for gasoline are falling in time for Memorial Day Weekend. The national average, as measured by Triple-A, tumbled 11-cents in the past week to $3.83 a gallon. Oregon’s average price dipped four cents and is at $3.92. Locally, the average price dropped a nickel a gallon and is still well below the national average at $3.78. Six states and the District of Columbia still show average prices above four dollars a gallon. Alaska has the highest average price at $4.27. California is number four at $4.10 a gallon. Oregon’s average price is the 11th highest in the nation.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A flood warning remains in place for the
Columbia River in the Portland metro area, with minor flooding
expected in some lowland areas.
The National Weather Service said the river was just below flood
stage early Wednesday morning but was expected to gradually rise
above the 16-foot flood stage by Wednesday evening and remain
slightly above for the rest of the week.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A jury in Salem is deciding whether an Oregon
State Penitentiary inmate convicted of killing another prisoner
should be sentenced to death or life in prison. Isacc Agee was
convicted May 10 of killing inmate Antonio Barrantes-Vasquez.
Prosecutors asked for the death penalty because Agee already is
serving a 54-year sentence for attempted murder while the defense
asked the jury to give Agee life in prison because of his mental
illness.
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - Clackamas County firefighters say a
fire that damaged an Oregon City home and killed a pet dog was
likely caused by a propane barbecue grill. Residents had just
finished grilling chicken yesterday afternoon when the grill
exploded next to the house on a covered patio. The home and
belongings appeared to be a total loss.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A Forest Service decision to approve a
proposed expansion of the Mount Ashland Ski Area has pleased ski
area officials and left foes considering whether to return to
court. The resort says logging to clear new ski runs could start as
soon as mid-September. A federal appeals court considering an
environmentalists' lawsuit ruled the Forest Service needed more
analysis of potential negative impacts. After new studies, the
agency said the expansion would not harm the Pacific fisher, a
weasel-like animal.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Multnomah County is investigating the case
of a disabled inmate who wound up crawling from the downtown
Portland jail when he was released because his wheelchair could not
be located. Scott Hamilton had been arrested for sitting in his
wheelchair, drinking a beer on public property. When he was
released early Monday, his wheelchair was nowhere to be found. The
Oregonian says Hamilton wound up scooting on his rear out through
the jail lobby doors.
AMITY, Ore. (AP) - Police in the town of Amity wrote more than
$4,000 in traffic tickets during an annual charity bicycle ride
that passed through the community. Police Chief Dan Brown tells
KGW-TV his officers have tried for years to get the bicyclists to
comply with traffic laws and says "we had to take it a step
further."
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon lawmaker is trying to revive a
stalled proposal to ban plastic grocery bags by promoting
recycling. The proposal by Rep. Vic Gilliam of Silverton would
outlaw plastic bags unless, by next year, 20 percent of all plastic
bags sold in Oregon are recycled. The recycling goal would increase
by 20 percent each year until reaching 80 percent.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
On the college diamond… the Oregon Ducks unleashed their offense early yesterday in Portland, scoring five runs in the first inning before cruising to a 7-2 win over the Portland Pilots. The Ducks return to Eugene later this week where they’ll host the Civil War series against Oregon State.
A benefit dinner and auction is set for the Mapleton Athletic Booster Club on Saturday, June 11th at the Mapleton High School. Dinner begins at five followed by a silent auction and live music featuring the Singing Loggers… Craig and Terry. A live auction will follow at seven. Dinner is eight dollars for adults, $5 for kids ten and under.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
05-24-11 Waiting for Write-In votes, mellow Rhody Festival and watch out for blue-green algae
Write Ins still being counted…
The results of races for 24-different positions on government panels in Lane County are still undecided today, and it could take a few more days to determine, says Lane County Elections Supervisor Cheryl Betschart.
Betschart – “Very labor intensive when there’s no candidate filed, it requires a lot of humans to get everything prepared and tallied. So, it does take some time.”
That’s because workers have to separate all the ballots with write-in votes on them… then divide them by precinct. Betschart says the prep time for counting write-ins takes a lot of time. She’s hoping that by tomorrow she can assemble at least one, and possibly two four-member tally boards to actually examine each ballot and determine the intent of the voter in all 24 races.
Betschart – “What Oregon law says is that if you can determine that the voter intended to cast their write in for that particular individual that they would be tabulated under that same name so even if there’s a variance in the spelling. And that determination is made by the four member tally board.
That leaves write-in candidates like John Murphey, Bianca Hein and Bill Fleenor still waiting and wondering which one of them will be filling position #4 on the Port of Siuslaw Commission.
It wasn’t just the weather that was mellow over the Rhododendron Festival weekend. Florence Police Chief Maury Sanders said just about everyone got along well. Preliminary police reports show no major incidents. Police made 14 arrests in Florence, one for a DUII, and five were still lodged in jail as of yesterday.
Sanders – “This year they did play well… fairly well… there were a few minor incidences as you always get. But overall when you look at it from the city wide perspective it went very well.”
Three fights were reported and 35 citations were issued by Florence police. There was at least one other incident that looked far more serious than what it turned out. A crash on Canary Road in the wee hours of Saturday morning. The vehicle left the road and struck a tree severely damaging the car. The driver was pinned inside and had to be extricated using the jaws of life. A fire department spokesman said the driver was later treated and released at Peace Harbor Hospital. It appeared alcohol was involved. Police have not released any other information on the crash.
It's about time for algae bloom season to begin on Oregon lakes. Oregon public health officials say annual monitoring will begin this month for algae, the microscopic organisms that grow naturally in the ocean and fresh water. Most algae are harmless. But one kind, called cyano-bacteria or blue-green algae, can produce toxins capable of causing illness in people and can be fatal to dogs. Three years ago an algae bloom on Siltcoos Lake left many residents there without potable water for several weeks. Two years ago several dogs died in separate incidents after coming into contact with brackish water on the Umpqua River near Elkton. The state will issue health advisories when blue-green algae blooms are spotted.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SANDY, Ore. (AP) - State Police say a woman who was walking her
dog on Highway 211 south of Sandy was struck yesterday afternoon by
a pickup truck driven by a 15-year-old. Nineteen-year-old Stevie
Rae Urwin of Sandy was taken to Legacy Emmanuel Medical Center in
critical condition. Police say driver Neal Bieri of Sandy has a
provisional instruction permit.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - When police responded to a report of a
barefoot toddler wandering in a Eugene neighborhood, he said his
father was asleep. Police found the home Monday afternoon about
three blocks away, and the man was in bed, intoxicated. He didn't
seem unduly alarmed that his son had wandered off. The 3-year-old
was placed in the custody of his grandmother.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - One of Gov. John Kitzhaber's signature
priorities is getting a hearing in the Oregon Legislature today. A
budget panel holds a work session to make changes to Kitzhaber's
plan to put people to work installing energy-efficient technology
in Oregon schools. Proponents say it would save schools money on
their energy costs while creating a safer and healthier learning
environment for children. But some critics question whether the
retrofits would ever save enough money to justify a big upfront
cost.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Coast Guard helicopter and a search boat
looking for a missing Oregon fisherman have not found any sign of
him on the Multnomah Channel between the Columbia and Willamette
rivers in the Portland area. Authorities say that 51-year-old
Jeffrey Ferguson of Cornelius went fishing last Friday from the
Scappoose Bay Marina and was reported missing the next day.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Police say a man armed with a knife
crawled through the window of a Portland apartment early today and
attacked a 14-year-old girl. She was able to fight him off and he
fled. Officers searched the neighborhood with a dog but did not
find the suspect. The girl was not hurt. She does not know the
suspect.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Eugene police have arrested a father and son
after a high-speed car chase that followed a bank robbery. Police
say an officer tried to stop a car at the bank but the vehicle took
off. Eventually, Springfield police and Oregon State Police helped
Eugene officers stop the car on northbound Interstate 5. Officers
arrested 54-year-old Robert Allen Little and 31-year-old Matthew
Little.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Salem police say a woman driver who turned
her attention from the road because she thought her dog had jumped
out of an open car window ended up crashing into a ditch. Police
say the woman thought her pit bull had jumped out the window
yesterday so she turned to look. Police say her car went off the
right shoulder, overcorrected and went off the left side of the
road. The woman was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Her
uninjured dog was picked up by a family member.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Portland Trail Blazers have abruptly
dismissed general manager Rich Cho, after less than a year on the
job. Blazers President Larry Miller told The Associated Press that
there wasn't any "chemistry" with Cho. The team's director of
college scouting, Chad Buchanan, will serve as acting general
manager.
FAIRVIEW, Ore. (AP) - Police in the Portland suburb of Fairview
are investigating the discovery of human bone fragments on property
where a regional government agency dumps dirt from local
cemeteries.
The Oregonian reports that Fairview police on Monday found bone
fragments, including what appeared to be parts of skull and
vertebrae. Officers also found plastic that looked like part of a
graveside memorial wreath.
Detective Brad Robertson said he spoke with officials at Metro
and he believes the bones originated in a cemetery that the
regional agency operates.
Metro contracts with companies to dig graves and then has the
excess dirt dumped on a piece of land near Blue Lake Regional Park
in east Multnomah County. But occasionally, the excavators dig up
human remains.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - A popular cave on the Deschutes National
Forest in central Oregon has been vandalized and the U.S. Forest
Service is looking for suspects.
KTVZ-TV in Bend reports officials are still investigating the
full extent of the recent damage at the Hidden Forest Cave but they
say it's one of the worst cases of vandalism they've seen.
Officials said graffiti was sprayed on many of the cave's
features, trees and rocks were damaged, and fires destroyed many of
the cave's cultural and ecological resources.
Hidden Forest Cave is off China Hat Road south of Bend. The
Forest Service plans an assessment of the site in about two weeks
to determine what it will take to restore the area.
---
Information from: KTVZ-TV, http://www.ktvz.com/
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Siuslaw Track and Field standout out Marisha Reavis is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The Viking Junior finished in the top four in two different events at last week’s OSAA 4A State Track and Field finals. Reavis captured 3rd in the discus with a throw of 107-feet, 3-inches; She also captured 4th in the shot put with a toss of 33-feet, 3.75-inches… Honorable Mention to Leigh Aurich, who competed in four different events at the 4A meet, making the finals in two where she finished 8th in the 300 meter hurdles and 9th in the triple jump.
Looking at the schedule today… Oregon Duck Baseball is on the diamond in Portland against the Pilots for non-league action.
The results of races for 24-different positions on government panels in Lane County are still undecided today, and it could take a few more days to determine, says Lane County Elections Supervisor Cheryl Betschart.
Betschart – “Very labor intensive when there’s no candidate filed, it requires a lot of humans to get everything prepared and tallied. So, it does take some time.”
That’s because workers have to separate all the ballots with write-in votes on them… then divide them by precinct. Betschart says the prep time for counting write-ins takes a lot of time. She’s hoping that by tomorrow she can assemble at least one, and possibly two four-member tally boards to actually examine each ballot and determine the intent of the voter in all 24 races.
Betschart – “What Oregon law says is that if you can determine that the voter intended to cast their write in for that particular individual that they would be tabulated under that same name so even if there’s a variance in the spelling. And that determination is made by the four member tally board.
That leaves write-in candidates like John Murphey, Bianca Hein and Bill Fleenor still waiting and wondering which one of them will be filling position #4 on the Port of Siuslaw Commission.
It wasn’t just the weather that was mellow over the Rhododendron Festival weekend. Florence Police Chief Maury Sanders said just about everyone got along well. Preliminary police reports show no major incidents. Police made 14 arrests in Florence, one for a DUII, and five were still lodged in jail as of yesterday.
Sanders – “This year they did play well… fairly well… there were a few minor incidences as you always get. But overall when you look at it from the city wide perspective it went very well.”
Three fights were reported and 35 citations were issued by Florence police. There was at least one other incident that looked far more serious than what it turned out. A crash on Canary Road in the wee hours of Saturday morning. The vehicle left the road and struck a tree severely damaging the car. The driver was pinned inside and had to be extricated using the jaws of life. A fire department spokesman said the driver was later treated and released at Peace Harbor Hospital. It appeared alcohol was involved. Police have not released any other information on the crash.
It's about time for algae bloom season to begin on Oregon lakes. Oregon public health officials say annual monitoring will begin this month for algae, the microscopic organisms that grow naturally in the ocean and fresh water. Most algae are harmless. But one kind, called cyano-bacteria or blue-green algae, can produce toxins capable of causing illness in people and can be fatal to dogs. Three years ago an algae bloom on Siltcoos Lake left many residents there without potable water for several weeks. Two years ago several dogs died in separate incidents after coming into contact with brackish water on the Umpqua River near Elkton. The state will issue health advisories when blue-green algae blooms are spotted.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SANDY, Ore. (AP) - State Police say a woman who was walking her
dog on Highway 211 south of Sandy was struck yesterday afternoon by
a pickup truck driven by a 15-year-old. Nineteen-year-old Stevie
Rae Urwin of Sandy was taken to Legacy Emmanuel Medical Center in
critical condition. Police say driver Neal Bieri of Sandy has a
provisional instruction permit.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - When police responded to a report of a
barefoot toddler wandering in a Eugene neighborhood, he said his
father was asleep. Police found the home Monday afternoon about
three blocks away, and the man was in bed, intoxicated. He didn't
seem unduly alarmed that his son had wandered off. The 3-year-old
was placed in the custody of his grandmother.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - One of Gov. John Kitzhaber's signature
priorities is getting a hearing in the Oregon Legislature today. A
budget panel holds a work session to make changes to Kitzhaber's
plan to put people to work installing energy-efficient technology
in Oregon schools. Proponents say it would save schools money on
their energy costs while creating a safer and healthier learning
environment for children. But some critics question whether the
retrofits would ever save enough money to justify a big upfront
cost.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Coast Guard helicopter and a search boat
looking for a missing Oregon fisherman have not found any sign of
him on the Multnomah Channel between the Columbia and Willamette
rivers in the Portland area. Authorities say that 51-year-old
Jeffrey Ferguson of Cornelius went fishing last Friday from the
Scappoose Bay Marina and was reported missing the next day.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Police say a man armed with a knife
crawled through the window of a Portland apartment early today and
attacked a 14-year-old girl. She was able to fight him off and he
fled. Officers searched the neighborhood with a dog but did not
find the suspect. The girl was not hurt. She does not know the
suspect.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Eugene police have arrested a father and son
after a high-speed car chase that followed a bank robbery. Police
say an officer tried to stop a car at the bank but the vehicle took
off. Eventually, Springfield police and Oregon State Police helped
Eugene officers stop the car on northbound Interstate 5. Officers
arrested 54-year-old Robert Allen Little and 31-year-old Matthew
Little.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Salem police say a woman driver who turned
her attention from the road because she thought her dog had jumped
out of an open car window ended up crashing into a ditch. Police
say the woman thought her pit bull had jumped out the window
yesterday so she turned to look. Police say her car went off the
right shoulder, overcorrected and went off the left side of the
road. The woman was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Her
uninjured dog was picked up by a family member.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Portland Trail Blazers have abruptly
dismissed general manager Rich Cho, after less than a year on the
job. Blazers President Larry Miller told The Associated Press that
there wasn't any "chemistry" with Cho. The team's director of
college scouting, Chad Buchanan, will serve as acting general
manager.
FAIRVIEW, Ore. (AP) - Police in the Portland suburb of Fairview
are investigating the discovery of human bone fragments on property
where a regional government agency dumps dirt from local
cemeteries.
The Oregonian reports that Fairview police on Monday found bone
fragments, including what appeared to be parts of skull and
vertebrae. Officers also found plastic that looked like part of a
graveside memorial wreath.
Detective Brad Robertson said he spoke with officials at Metro
and he believes the bones originated in a cemetery that the
regional agency operates.
Metro contracts with companies to dig graves and then has the
excess dirt dumped on a piece of land near Blue Lake Regional Park
in east Multnomah County. But occasionally, the excavators dig up
human remains.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - A popular cave on the Deschutes National
Forest in central Oregon has been vandalized and the U.S. Forest
Service is looking for suspects.
KTVZ-TV in Bend reports officials are still investigating the
full extent of the recent damage at the Hidden Forest Cave but they
say it's one of the worst cases of vandalism they've seen.
Officials said graffiti was sprayed on many of the cave's
features, trees and rocks were damaged, and fires destroyed many of
the cave's cultural and ecological resources.
Hidden Forest Cave is off China Hat Road south of Bend. The
Forest Service plans an assessment of the site in about two weeks
to determine what it will take to restore the area.
---
Information from: KTVZ-TV, http://www.ktvz.com/
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Siuslaw Track and Field standout out Marisha Reavis is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The Viking Junior finished in the top four in two different events at last week’s OSAA 4A State Track and Field finals. Reavis captured 3rd in the discus with a throw of 107-feet, 3-inches; She also captured 4th in the shot put with a toss of 33-feet, 3.75-inches… Honorable Mention to Leigh Aurich, who competed in four different events at the 4A meet, making the finals in two where she finished 8th in the 300 meter hurdles and 9th in the triple jump.
Looking at the schedule today… Oregon Duck Baseball is on the diamond in Portland against the Pilots for non-league action.
Monday, May 23, 2011
05-23-11 Wrapping up Rhody - Ice machine delivers - Write in Vote count process
Spanning the Years…
Queen Rhododendra Emalee Joslin reigned over the 104th Rhododendron Festival that turned out to be a spectacular weekend in the Florence area. Joslin also won the talent competition during Friday night’s Queen’s Coronation and Scholarship pageant at the Florence Events Center. First Runner up was Emma Claussen and Miss Congeniality was Ashley Velarde. Saturday morning more than 600 Rhododendron and Azalea trusses were entered in the American Rhododendron Society show. The Sweepstakes Winner was Gene Cockerum of Florence. Best of Show went to “Grand Slam” entered by Dave Gruesz (gruze). As the judging was going on at the FEC for the flowers, some of the hottest hot rods and coolest cruisers around were on display at the Grocery Outlet Center for the 19th annual Show and Shine put on by the Beach Kombers Kar Club. The “best in show” award went to a 69 Camaro owned by Mike and Cindy Ramsay. The Davis Carnival was packed all three days of the festival, as was Old Town Florence which hosted hundreds of motorcycles and pedestrians all weekend. Motorcycles were on display at Three Rivers Casino as well… Saturday’s “Let it Ride” show hosted plenty of bikes there. Chris Ketchum of Coos Bay earned the ‘best of show’ award.
Thousand of spectators lined both sides of the parade route along Highway 101 and Bay Street. The sun was out, but the wind stayed away, creating the perfect opportunity to enjoy the day. Just under 100 entries, including 850 band members, dozens of classic cars, corvettes, clowns and several floats. One float in particular stood out to Grand Marshall Frank Nelson who bestowed his award on the entry from ABC Pre School. The Mayor’s Trophy went to Lane Community College in Florence and the Queen’s Award went to Quality Child Care of Florence. The One More Time Again Marching Band from Portland may have been the final entry in the parade but they were the first choice in the band selection. Quality Child Care of Florence also won the best commercial float entry and the Florence Elks Lodge the best Non-Commercial. Dr. Fred Bower won the best vehicle entry and Western Lane Ambulance the best Service Entry.
Moving on to other news… the Siuslaw Fisherman’s Association, after a more than seven year effort to replace the commercial ice machine on the Port of Siuslaw wharf delivered their first load of ice last week. The Hayley Ann purchased 15-hundred pounds of salted and shaved ice for her hold on Thursday. Bud Saulsgiver said they began making ice earlier in the week and by Friday had about 10-thousand pounds accumulated… just about half of their normal capacity. Saulsgiver said he hopes the ice machine will attract more commercial fishers to the Port of Siuslaw.
The process of hand-counting the 1,183 write in votes cast in last week’s election for the Port of Siuslaw Commission position #4 begins today. The Lane County Elections department has assembled a three-person panel to begin sorting the ballots. Lane County Elections Supervisor Cheryl Betschart says the write-ins don’t have to be exact, but the panel must be able to determine the voter’s intents. She said it could take several days minimum to tally the ballots… but state law requires the task to be completed no later than Monday June 6th.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) - Albany police say a man found crushed to
death inside a recycling center was a 50-year-old transient who
likely fell asleep inside a cardboard compactor. Sgt. Jerry Drum
tells KVAL that 50-year-old Gordon Lemke's body was discovered
Thursday morning at the Allied Waste recycling plant. The death
does not appear to be suspicious.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Triple-A reports the average price of a
gallon of gasoline in Oregon is $3.93, down 3 cents from a week
ago. It's still 9 cents higher than the national average and $1
higher than a year ago. Some metro prices -- Portland $3.90, Salem
$3.89, Eugene-Springfield $3.91, and Medford-Ashland $4.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Searchers have been unable to find a
fisherman whose boat was found empty Saturday in the Multnomah
Channel near Coon Island. KGW reports 51-year-old Jeffry Ferguson
went fishing Friday from the Scappoose Bay Marina. He was reported
missing Saturday by his family.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A man who helped create the Mount Hood Ski
Patrol in 1937 has died. The Oregonian reports Henry W. "Hank"
Lewis died Saturday in Portland at the age of 98. Lewis ran the
Mount Hood ski patrol for its first two years. During World War II
he trained troops in skiing and served with the Army's 10th
Mountain Division.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Debate over charter schools has stirred
ideological rancor and stalled other education issues not just for
this year's Legislature but for the past several years. The
Oregonian newspaper reports that lawmakers this session have held
nearly two dozen hearings and work sessions on the topic, but only
one charter school bill successfully moved through a legislative
chamber.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Work is scheduled to begin next month on a
new athletics administration building at the University of Oregon.
The project to build football practice fields and a stadium for
women's soccer and lacrosse is expected to create hundreds of
construction jobs. The work is being paid for by Phil and Penny
Knight. Phil Knight is chairman of Nike, Inc.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Rob Summers was a sophomore at Oregon
State University in 2006, working on a business major and playing
baseball when a hit-and-run accident on a Portland street left him
unable to use his legs. Last week he made international headlines
as the first such spinal injury patient to stand and regain some
purposeful movement with the help of an electrical stimulator. He
tells the Oregonian he hopes his story will motivate others with
spinal cord injuries.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep sports first… on the baseball diamond… The Siuslaw Vikings season came to an end Friday afternoon where they fell to the North Valley Knights 7-2. Several key defensive highlights in the game included a rare double-play at the plate by the Vikings.
The 4A Track and Field finals were held at Hayward Field in Eugene where there were several Vikings in action. Marisha Reavis made the medal stand twice: she finished third in the discus, fourth in the shot put. Matt Campbell was sixth in the boys 15-hundred; Mitchell Butler sixth in the three-thousand; Linda Paredes seventh in the girls’ 800; Leigh Aurich was 8th in the 300-hurdles, 9th in the Triple Jump.
Friday afternoon Katy Potter finished tenth at Hayward Field in the girls’ 3-thousand meters… then bright and early Saturday morning she won the women’s 5-k at the Rhody Run. 408 runners registered for the 33rd annual race. Hayden Schaffner of Florence won the men’s 5-k; Eulalia Galvan won the women’s 10-k. and former Florence resident and current Davis, California project manager Brian Gruenemay won the men’s 10-k.
On the college diamond… number 2 ranked Oregon State opened the weekend with a win over the USC Trojans at home, but then dropped two straight Saturday and Sunday. The Beavers are still on top of the Pac-10. Oregon was in the Palouse where their NCAA hopes may have ended with a loss to the Washington State Cougars yesterday.
The NCAA Hopes for Oregon Softball are still alive. The Lady Ducks beat Penn State 3-1 yesterday to advance to their second straight NCAA Super Regional.
Queen Rhododendra Emalee Joslin reigned over the 104th Rhododendron Festival that turned out to be a spectacular weekend in the Florence area. Joslin also won the talent competition during Friday night’s Queen’s Coronation and Scholarship pageant at the Florence Events Center. First Runner up was Emma Claussen and Miss Congeniality was Ashley Velarde. Saturday morning more than 600 Rhododendron and Azalea trusses were entered in the American Rhododendron Society show. The Sweepstakes Winner was Gene Cockerum of Florence. Best of Show went to “Grand Slam” entered by Dave Gruesz (gruze). As the judging was going on at the FEC for the flowers, some of the hottest hot rods and coolest cruisers around were on display at the Grocery Outlet Center for the 19th annual Show and Shine put on by the Beach Kombers Kar Club. The “best in show” award went to a 69 Camaro owned by Mike and Cindy Ramsay. The Davis Carnival was packed all three days of the festival, as was Old Town Florence which hosted hundreds of motorcycles and pedestrians all weekend. Motorcycles were on display at Three Rivers Casino as well… Saturday’s “Let it Ride” show hosted plenty of bikes there. Chris Ketchum of Coos Bay earned the ‘best of show’ award.
Thousand of spectators lined both sides of the parade route along Highway 101 and Bay Street. The sun was out, but the wind stayed away, creating the perfect opportunity to enjoy the day. Just under 100 entries, including 850 band members, dozens of classic cars, corvettes, clowns and several floats. One float in particular stood out to Grand Marshall Frank Nelson who bestowed his award on the entry from ABC Pre School. The Mayor’s Trophy went to Lane Community College in Florence and the Queen’s Award went to Quality Child Care of Florence. The One More Time Again Marching Band from Portland may have been the final entry in the parade but they were the first choice in the band selection. Quality Child Care of Florence also won the best commercial float entry and the Florence Elks Lodge the best Non-Commercial. Dr. Fred Bower won the best vehicle entry and Western Lane Ambulance the best Service Entry.
Moving on to other news… the Siuslaw Fisherman’s Association, after a more than seven year effort to replace the commercial ice machine on the Port of Siuslaw wharf delivered their first load of ice last week. The Hayley Ann purchased 15-hundred pounds of salted and shaved ice for her hold on Thursday. Bud Saulsgiver said they began making ice earlier in the week and by Friday had about 10-thousand pounds accumulated… just about half of their normal capacity. Saulsgiver said he hopes the ice machine will attract more commercial fishers to the Port of Siuslaw.
The process of hand-counting the 1,183 write in votes cast in last week’s election for the Port of Siuslaw Commission position #4 begins today. The Lane County Elections department has assembled a three-person panel to begin sorting the ballots. Lane County Elections Supervisor Cheryl Betschart says the write-ins don’t have to be exact, but the panel must be able to determine the voter’s intents. She said it could take several days minimum to tally the ballots… but state law requires the task to be completed no later than Monday June 6th.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) - Albany police say a man found crushed to
death inside a recycling center was a 50-year-old transient who
likely fell asleep inside a cardboard compactor. Sgt. Jerry Drum
tells KVAL that 50-year-old Gordon Lemke's body was discovered
Thursday morning at the Allied Waste recycling plant. The death
does not appear to be suspicious.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Triple-A reports the average price of a
gallon of gasoline in Oregon is $3.93, down 3 cents from a week
ago. It's still 9 cents higher than the national average and $1
higher than a year ago. Some metro prices -- Portland $3.90, Salem
$3.89, Eugene-Springfield $3.91, and Medford-Ashland $4.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Searchers have been unable to find a
fisherman whose boat was found empty Saturday in the Multnomah
Channel near Coon Island. KGW reports 51-year-old Jeffry Ferguson
went fishing Friday from the Scappoose Bay Marina. He was reported
missing Saturday by his family.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A man who helped create the Mount Hood Ski
Patrol in 1937 has died. The Oregonian reports Henry W. "Hank"
Lewis died Saturday in Portland at the age of 98. Lewis ran the
Mount Hood ski patrol for its first two years. During World War II
he trained troops in skiing and served with the Army's 10th
Mountain Division.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Debate over charter schools has stirred
ideological rancor and stalled other education issues not just for
this year's Legislature but for the past several years. The
Oregonian newspaper reports that lawmakers this session have held
nearly two dozen hearings and work sessions on the topic, but only
one charter school bill successfully moved through a legislative
chamber.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Work is scheduled to begin next month on a
new athletics administration building at the University of Oregon.
The project to build football practice fields and a stadium for
women's soccer and lacrosse is expected to create hundreds of
construction jobs. The work is being paid for by Phil and Penny
Knight. Phil Knight is chairman of Nike, Inc.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Rob Summers was a sophomore at Oregon
State University in 2006, working on a business major and playing
baseball when a hit-and-run accident on a Portland street left him
unable to use his legs. Last week he made international headlines
as the first such spinal injury patient to stand and regain some
purposeful movement with the help of an electrical stimulator. He
tells the Oregonian he hopes his story will motivate others with
spinal cord injuries.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep sports first… on the baseball diamond… The Siuslaw Vikings season came to an end Friday afternoon where they fell to the North Valley Knights 7-2. Several key defensive highlights in the game included a rare double-play at the plate by the Vikings.
The 4A Track and Field finals were held at Hayward Field in Eugene where there were several Vikings in action. Marisha Reavis made the medal stand twice: she finished third in the discus, fourth in the shot put. Matt Campbell was sixth in the boys 15-hundred; Mitchell Butler sixth in the three-thousand; Linda Paredes seventh in the girls’ 800; Leigh Aurich was 8th in the 300-hurdles, 9th in the Triple Jump.
Friday afternoon Katy Potter finished tenth at Hayward Field in the girls’ 3-thousand meters… then bright and early Saturday morning she won the women’s 5-k at the Rhody Run. 408 runners registered for the 33rd annual race. Hayden Schaffner of Florence won the men’s 5-k; Eulalia Galvan won the women’s 10-k. and former Florence resident and current Davis, California project manager Brian Gruenemay won the men’s 10-k.
On the college diamond… number 2 ranked Oregon State opened the weekend with a win over the USC Trojans at home, but then dropped two straight Saturday and Sunday. The Beavers are still on top of the Pac-10. Oregon was in the Palouse where their NCAA hopes may have ended with a loss to the Washington State Cougars yesterday.
The NCAA Hopes for Oregon Softball are still alive. The Lady Ducks beat Penn State 3-1 yesterday to advance to their second straight NCAA Super Regional.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
On the Cusp of Rhody Days - County Administator selected - Rhody Show largest in North America
Spanning the Years…
The 104th Rhododendron Festival is on the cusp… and this year’s theme is focusing on the Diamond Jubilee of an important landmark for the Florence Area.
Kady Sneddon – “I wanted to point out I think it’s really cool how much of a tie in we’re doing this year with the 75th anniversary of the Siuslaw River Bridge.”
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kady Sneddon says it starts with the theme of the festival… “Spanning the Years”. The bridge was dedicated in May 1936 during the annual Rhododendron Day celebration 75 years ago. The Oregon Department of Transportation recently completed a 2 ½ year electrical, mechanical and esthetic renovation of the bridge and will be showing it off Sunday after the parade.
Kady Sneddon – “I think it’s worth picking up a Rhody brochure and checking out the fact that ODOT is actually going to be doing bridge tours, of the operator room on the bridge itself, on Sunday.”
Today’s Chamber of Commerce Noon Forum at Driftwood Shores will feature local author Judy Fleagle who, along with Dick Smith, recently completed a book about the construction of the landmark. That’s open to the public.
ODOT will also have a special display set up at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum all Weekend.
The interim Lane County Administrator will fill that post permanently. Liane Richardson was approved yesterday by the Lane County Commission to succeed former administrator Jeff Spartz who left in December. Richardson was selected unanimously by the board at that time to fill in as interim. She received praise from the Commission Chair, Faye Stewart, who said he’s been – quote – “incredibly impressed” with her passion for the position and the organization. Her selection was not unanimous… Commissioners Rob Handy and Peter Sorenson both voted against the move. Handy said a national search should have been made. That would have cost close to $100-thousand however, at a time when county finances are extremely tight.
It’s nearly impossible to look anywhere in this area and not see a rhododendron… either a wild native variety… or a hybrid. Avid growers of rhodies and azaleas are getting ready for this weekend’s signature event for the Rhododendron Festival. Mike Bones said the Florence Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society puts on a big show…
Mike Bones -- "We have the largest flower show in the Pacific Northwest. Actually I could actually say all of the United States… and Canada. It's very well known around the Rhody world and people come just to see our flower show."
The show is open to more than Rhododendrons…
Mike Bones -- "Azaleas and Rhododendrons…
And, says Bones, you don’t have to be a member of the club. You don’t even have to know the type of Rhododendron that you’re entering.
Mike Bones -- "They don't have to know the name of them, we'll give them the little slip of paper… the name tag... they can go back and put it on their plant.
The late spring rains, while depressing to some, have been welcomed by others, especially the pink flowers that are just now beginning to open up.
Mike Bones -- "The macrophyllum, our native is just starting to bloom out, which is nice because by this weekend there'll be a lot of them."
He said there’s a special category just for them. Growers can bring cuttings to the Florence Events Center between 7 and 9 AM Saturday… the show opens to the public Saturday afternoon from one to five, then Sunday from ten to five.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police have released the name of
a man who died from a heart attack near the Oregon State Capitol
steps. The Statesman Journal says that 69-year-old Harold Pribble
Jr. of Myrtle Point was rushed to Salem Hospital, where he was
pronounced dead on Tuesday. Troopers say Pribble had been pushing a
cart full of rocks for an exhibit he was going to set up inside.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A transient man has been indicted with
murder for the killing of a man 17 years ago in Portland.
Sixty-two-year-old Raymond Lee Johnson was found dead in his home
in 1994. Police reopened the case last year and developed
information that led to the arrest of 40-year-old Terry Lavell
Haynes when he was spotted Tuesday night in Portland. Haynes was
indicted yesterday.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Federal and local authorities are looking
for a husband and wife duo convicted of tax fraud last year after
they took off their electronic monitors late last month. Police say
53-year-old Tony Dutson and 48-year-old Micaela Renee Dutson were
sentenced in March to 10 years in federal prison for tax fraud, but
were released and an electronic monitoring system was placed on
them. Authorities say they took it off April 29. Police say they
have connections to Oregon and Arizona.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - Retired bus driver Cynthia Willis is
waiting to hear whether she will have to choose between her pistol
and her pot. The Oregon Supreme Court is to rule this morning. The
Jackson County sheriff tried to take away her permit to carry a
concealed handgun after she acknowledged in a renewal application
that she also had a medical marijuana card. This is not a Second
Amendment case. Instead, it revolves around the question of when
federal law trumps state rights.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon House Rules Committee today hears
public comment on a bill that would overhaul the state's medical
marijuana program. Among the proposed changes would be giving more
access by the state police to Oregon Medical Marijuana Program
records. The bill would also add more stringent regulations to the
qualifications for growers, including a broader criminal background
check.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Democrats in the Oregon House are trying to
revive a bill aimed at promoting cultural competency in health
care. The attempt comes a day after the measure failed in a
party-line vote yesterday. The bill would have required health
licensing agencies to come up with standards for teaching doctors
and other providers to respond effectively to people of all
cultures, languages and ethnic backgrounds.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A Union Pacific employee in Oregon who helped
reduce the number of injuries where he works has won a national
railroad industry award for promoting safety. The American
Association of Railroads says John Kirwan won the 2010 Harold
Hammond Award. Kirwan is a machinist who helped lead the Hinkle,
Ore., shop where he works to a streak of more than 1,400
injury-free days.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - Three calves have been added to a one of the
largest herds of the rare white buffalo. The Oregonian reports that
the three calves were born over Mother's Day weekend at a sanctuary
near Bend. The additions bring the total number of white bison at
the sanctuary to 14. Bison ranchers estimate there are about 50
white buffalos in the U.S. So rare are the animals that Native
Americans considered them sacred.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
The Siuslaw Viking Softball squad will be in Central Oregon this evening where they’ll face the Crook County Cowgirls in the ‘play-in’ round of the OSAA playoffs. The winner of this evening’s game in Prineville advances to play again next week. Crook County is 18-7 overall, but ranked 21st in the OSAA’s performance rankings… Siuslaw is 12-13 and rated 27.
The Oregon Ducks completed their two game sweep of the Gonzaga Bulldogs on the diamond of PK Park yesterday afternoon, blanking the ‘dogs’ 9-nothing.
Just over 300 runners preregistered for Saturday’s Rhody Run and organizers expect at least another hundred to show up on race day. The 5 and 10 kilometer courses begin and end at the Florence Events Center… both races begin 9 AM Saturday.
The 104th Rhododendron Festival is on the cusp… and this year’s theme is focusing on the Diamond Jubilee of an important landmark for the Florence Area.
Kady Sneddon – “I wanted to point out I think it’s really cool how much of a tie in we’re doing this year with the 75th anniversary of the Siuslaw River Bridge.”
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kady Sneddon says it starts with the theme of the festival… “Spanning the Years”. The bridge was dedicated in May 1936 during the annual Rhododendron Day celebration 75 years ago. The Oregon Department of Transportation recently completed a 2 ½ year electrical, mechanical and esthetic renovation of the bridge and will be showing it off Sunday after the parade.
Kady Sneddon – “I think it’s worth picking up a Rhody brochure and checking out the fact that ODOT is actually going to be doing bridge tours, of the operator room on the bridge itself, on Sunday.”
Today’s Chamber of Commerce Noon Forum at Driftwood Shores will feature local author Judy Fleagle who, along with Dick Smith, recently completed a book about the construction of the landmark. That’s open to the public.
ODOT will also have a special display set up at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum all Weekend.
The interim Lane County Administrator will fill that post permanently. Liane Richardson was approved yesterday by the Lane County Commission to succeed former administrator Jeff Spartz who left in December. Richardson was selected unanimously by the board at that time to fill in as interim. She received praise from the Commission Chair, Faye Stewart, who said he’s been – quote – “incredibly impressed” with her passion for the position and the organization. Her selection was not unanimous… Commissioners Rob Handy and Peter Sorenson both voted against the move. Handy said a national search should have been made. That would have cost close to $100-thousand however, at a time when county finances are extremely tight.
It’s nearly impossible to look anywhere in this area and not see a rhododendron… either a wild native variety… or a hybrid. Avid growers of rhodies and azaleas are getting ready for this weekend’s signature event for the Rhododendron Festival. Mike Bones said the Florence Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society puts on a big show…
Mike Bones -- "We have the largest flower show in the Pacific Northwest. Actually I could actually say all of the United States… and Canada. It's very well known around the Rhody world and people come just to see our flower show."
The show is open to more than Rhododendrons…
Mike Bones -- "Azaleas and Rhododendrons…
And, says Bones, you don’t have to be a member of the club. You don’t even have to know the type of Rhododendron that you’re entering.
Mike Bones -- "They don't have to know the name of them, we'll give them the little slip of paper… the name tag... they can go back and put it on their plant.
The late spring rains, while depressing to some, have been welcomed by others, especially the pink flowers that are just now beginning to open up.
Mike Bones -- "The macrophyllum, our native is just starting to bloom out, which is nice because by this weekend there'll be a lot of them."
He said there’s a special category just for them. Growers can bring cuttings to the Florence Events Center between 7 and 9 AM Saturday… the show opens to the public Saturday afternoon from one to five, then Sunday from ten to five.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police have released the name of
a man who died from a heart attack near the Oregon State Capitol
steps. The Statesman Journal says that 69-year-old Harold Pribble
Jr. of Myrtle Point was rushed to Salem Hospital, where he was
pronounced dead on Tuesday. Troopers say Pribble had been pushing a
cart full of rocks for an exhibit he was going to set up inside.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A transient man has been indicted with
murder for the killing of a man 17 years ago in Portland.
Sixty-two-year-old Raymond Lee Johnson was found dead in his home
in 1994. Police reopened the case last year and developed
information that led to the arrest of 40-year-old Terry Lavell
Haynes when he was spotted Tuesday night in Portland. Haynes was
indicted yesterday.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Federal and local authorities are looking
for a husband and wife duo convicted of tax fraud last year after
they took off their electronic monitors late last month. Police say
53-year-old Tony Dutson and 48-year-old Micaela Renee Dutson were
sentenced in March to 10 years in federal prison for tax fraud, but
were released and an electronic monitoring system was placed on
them. Authorities say they took it off April 29. Police say they
have connections to Oregon and Arizona.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - Retired bus driver Cynthia Willis is
waiting to hear whether she will have to choose between her pistol
and her pot. The Oregon Supreme Court is to rule this morning. The
Jackson County sheriff tried to take away her permit to carry a
concealed handgun after she acknowledged in a renewal application
that she also had a medical marijuana card. This is not a Second
Amendment case. Instead, it revolves around the question of when
federal law trumps state rights.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon House Rules Committee today hears
public comment on a bill that would overhaul the state's medical
marijuana program. Among the proposed changes would be giving more
access by the state police to Oregon Medical Marijuana Program
records. The bill would also add more stringent regulations to the
qualifications for growers, including a broader criminal background
check.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Democrats in the Oregon House are trying to
revive a bill aimed at promoting cultural competency in health
care. The attempt comes a day after the measure failed in a
party-line vote yesterday. The bill would have required health
licensing agencies to come up with standards for teaching doctors
and other providers to respond effectively to people of all
cultures, languages and ethnic backgrounds.
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - A Union Pacific employee in Oregon who helped
reduce the number of injuries where he works has won a national
railroad industry award for promoting safety. The American
Association of Railroads says John Kirwan won the 2010 Harold
Hammond Award. Kirwan is a machinist who helped lead the Hinkle,
Ore., shop where he works to a streak of more than 1,400
injury-free days.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - Three calves have been added to a one of the
largest herds of the rare white buffalo. The Oregonian reports that
the three calves were born over Mother's Day weekend at a sanctuary
near Bend. The additions bring the total number of white bison at
the sanctuary to 14. Bison ranchers estimate there are about 50
white buffalos in the U.S. So rare are the animals that Native
Americans considered them sacred.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
The Siuslaw Viking Softball squad will be in Central Oregon this evening where they’ll face the Crook County Cowgirls in the ‘play-in’ round of the OSAA playoffs. The winner of this evening’s game in Prineville advances to play again next week. Crook County is 18-7 overall, but ranked 21st in the OSAA’s performance rankings… Siuslaw is 12-13 and rated 27.
The Oregon Ducks completed their two game sweep of the Gonzaga Bulldogs on the diamond of PK Park yesterday afternoon, blanking the ‘dogs’ 9-nothing.
Just over 300 runners preregistered for Saturday’s Rhody Run and organizers expect at least another hundred to show up on race day. The 5 and 10 kilometer courses begin and end at the Florence Events Center… both races begin 9 AM Saturday.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Election Results - DeFazio visits - Gas 2.83 - Rhody kickoff
Voters have their say…
Siuslaw School Board Chair Tammy Butler will hold on to her position for another four years. She edged challenger Rob Spooner 1,692 to 1,231 votes in yesterday’s election. Just under 36-percent of Lane County’s registered voters weighed in yesterday… that’s about nine percent more than two years ago. In addition to the School Board race, there were several other local contested positions on the ballot.
For the first time in more than 50-years voters inside Florence City Limits had a say in who would be on the board of Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue. They appear to have chosen a challenger, Cindy Spinner, over long time incumbent Bill Mead. 63-votes separate the two… Spinner with 1375, Mead with 1312.
In the Heceta Water District incumbent Jerry Nordin has defeated Chuck Gesik 354 to 311. Two incumbents will return to their ‘at large’ positions on the Lane Community College Board of Directors: Rosie Pryor gathered 70-percent of the vote over William Gehling; Tony McCown downed Doug Nelson by a margin of 58 to 41 percent.
One other contested race on the ballot actually wasn’t on the ballot. Nobody filed for position four on the Port of Siuslaw Commission. Three write-in candidates campaigned; John Murphey, Bianca Hein and Bill Fleenor. All we know so far is that 1,083 write-in votes were cast. Election workers won’t begin tallying them until later this week and the results could take until next week.
More than a hundred people, mostly senior citizens, crowded into a meeting room at the Florence Events Center yesterday morning to hear Fourth District Congressman Peter DeFazio talk about his views on things in Washington. The Springfield Democrat targets senior citizens for his day-time Town Hall Meetings and says he crafts a message specifically for them. The message yesterday: leave Medicare alone and balance the budget faster than a proposal made by Republican Congressman Paul Ryan.
DeFazio -- “The Republican Ryan budget, which privatizes Medicare, slashes the Oregon Health Plan, cuts other programs important to middle income families doesn’t propose to balance the budget until 2040. I think that’s too long. I think we can do it within ten but we’re going to need a balanced budget amendment to drive congress to make the tough decisions.”
DeFazio spent the afternoon on the central coast. Following the Florence Town Hall he spoke to local Rotarians, then headed to an afternoon Town Hall in Reedsport.
Retail gas prices continue to creep downward. Prices across the board dipped by about a penny a gallon for regular unleaded this past week… the national average, as measured by Triple-A, is now at $3.94… Oregon’s statewide average is $3.96 and in Florence it backed off a penny to $3.83 a gallon. Crude Oil is trading at about $96 a barrel, down from $103 a week ago and a recent high of $113 earlier this month. Marie Dodds with Triple-A says there are some concerns that the Mississippi flooding could restrict the flow of gas. The area is home to 11 oil refineries that produce about 13-percent of the total U.S. capacity.
Despite cloudy skies the finishing touches are being put on “Spanning the Years”… the 104th Rhododendron Festival. The unofficial kickoff is this afternoon when the Davis Shows Northwest Carnival opens in Old Town. The Chamber of Commerce will talk festival at tomorrow’s monthly Noon Forum at Driftwood Shores. The official beginning of the festival is set for seven pm Friday on the stage of the Florence Events Center when five Senior Court Princesses vie for the crown of Queen Rhododendra. Tickets are still available for the Queen’s Coronation and Scholarship Pageant… $12 for adults at the FEC.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The latest results show a $548 million
bond package to pay for repairs to every school in Portland is
heading for defeat. The Oregonian reports the schools bond package
was defeated. But voters approved a separate property tax hike to
keep teachers. Eugene voters rejected a temporary income tax for
schools. Backers say it would have raised $17 million over a
four-year period.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police say a 69-year old man who
collapsed near the steps of the Oregon State Capitol building in
Salem died of an apparent heart attack. Troopers at the building
were alerted yesterday morning when they heard a woman yell that
someone had fallen on the sidewalk. Troopers said they would
release his name by Wednesday, after his family was notified.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon wildlife managers have captured and
killed a wolf in the northeastern corner of the state to control
attacks on livestock. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife wolf
coordinator Russ Morgan said yesterday that killing the young male
will reduce the food needed by the Imnaha pack and biologists hope
it will discourage the pack from preying on cattle in the area.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon man who calls himself the
nation's largest broker of licenses for medical marijuana has
pleaded guilty to reduced tax-evasion charges. Paul Stanford, the
50-year-old founder of the Hemp and Cannabis Foundation, was
charged in March with failing to file personal income taxes in 2008
and 2009. He was sentenced to 18 months' probation plus community
service.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A judge today will question an Oregon inmate
on death row who has asked to waive the rest of his appeals process
and die of a lethal injection. Judge Joseph Guimond will hold a
hearing in the Marion County Courthouse, where 49-year-old Gary
Haugen will answer 29 questions that Guimond will use to judge
Haugen's competency. Prosecutors are seeking a July 28 date for
death by lethal injection. Haugen was already in prison on a 1981
murder charge when he and another prisoner were convicted of the
2003 murder of a fellow inmate.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Senate will debate a measure today
that urges Congress to continue federal funding for timber
counties. The bill asks for reauthorization of the Secure Rural
Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Timber
counties in Oregon rely on federal payments to replace revenue that
has declined as fish and wildlife protections, such as limited
logging, have increased.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Wind power companies facing a springtime
shutdown to accommodate a surge of hydropower in the Northwest say
the region's main power manager has a conflict of interest, using
authority over transmission lines to protect its business
interests. The assertion from the American Wind Energy Association
follows the Bonneville Power's announcement last week that it plans
to curtail wind power because of a surplus of energy from
hydroelectric dams. Such a shutdown could cost Northwest wind
developers millions in tax credits.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Cold case detectives have arrested a
transient suspected of killing a man 17 years ago in Portland.
Sixty-two-year-old Raymond Lee Johnson was found dead in his home
in 1994. Police reopened the case last year and developed
information that led to the arrest of 40-year-old Terry Lavell
Haynes when he was spotted last night in Portland.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Wart removal and breast reduction surgery
will no longer be covered by Oregon state workers' health plans by
2012. The Public Employees' Benefit Board has voted to exclude a
number of treatments from coverage to save $5 million. Other
treatments no longer covered include varicose vein stripping and
bunionectomy.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Oregon Baseball Coach George Horton believes his Ducks need to win out over their final nine games if they want to have a shot at getting picked up for the post-season. They started that trek off on the right foot last night at PK Park, blanking the Gonzaga Bulldogs 6-nothing in a non-league contest. The two teams meet again this afternoon in Eugene.
Siuslaw Softball is on the schedule tomorrow in Central Oregon when they travel to Prineville to face the Crook County Cowgirls in OSAA “play-in” action. The Cowgirls are 18-7 overall, and on a 12 game winning streak. The Vikings are 12-13 and wrapped up the regular season at home with a win over North Bend Monday night. Tomorrow’s game gets underway at five.
Game time has been set for the Viking baseball “Play-In” game Friday at home against the North Valley Knights… First pitch is set for 4:30.
Siuslaw School Board Chair Tammy Butler will hold on to her position for another four years. She edged challenger Rob Spooner 1,692 to 1,231 votes in yesterday’s election. Just under 36-percent of Lane County’s registered voters weighed in yesterday… that’s about nine percent more than two years ago. In addition to the School Board race, there were several other local contested positions on the ballot.
For the first time in more than 50-years voters inside Florence City Limits had a say in who would be on the board of Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue. They appear to have chosen a challenger, Cindy Spinner, over long time incumbent Bill Mead. 63-votes separate the two… Spinner with 1375, Mead with 1312.
In the Heceta Water District incumbent Jerry Nordin has defeated Chuck Gesik 354 to 311. Two incumbents will return to their ‘at large’ positions on the Lane Community College Board of Directors: Rosie Pryor gathered 70-percent of the vote over William Gehling; Tony McCown downed Doug Nelson by a margin of 58 to 41 percent.
One other contested race on the ballot actually wasn’t on the ballot. Nobody filed for position four on the Port of Siuslaw Commission. Three write-in candidates campaigned; John Murphey, Bianca Hein and Bill Fleenor. All we know so far is that 1,083 write-in votes were cast. Election workers won’t begin tallying them until later this week and the results could take until next week.
More than a hundred people, mostly senior citizens, crowded into a meeting room at the Florence Events Center yesterday morning to hear Fourth District Congressman Peter DeFazio talk about his views on things in Washington. The Springfield Democrat targets senior citizens for his day-time Town Hall Meetings and says he crafts a message specifically for them. The message yesterday: leave Medicare alone and balance the budget faster than a proposal made by Republican Congressman Paul Ryan.
DeFazio -- “The Republican Ryan budget, which privatizes Medicare, slashes the Oregon Health Plan, cuts other programs important to middle income families doesn’t propose to balance the budget until 2040. I think that’s too long. I think we can do it within ten but we’re going to need a balanced budget amendment to drive congress to make the tough decisions.”
DeFazio spent the afternoon on the central coast. Following the Florence Town Hall he spoke to local Rotarians, then headed to an afternoon Town Hall in Reedsport.
Retail gas prices continue to creep downward. Prices across the board dipped by about a penny a gallon for regular unleaded this past week… the national average, as measured by Triple-A, is now at $3.94… Oregon’s statewide average is $3.96 and in Florence it backed off a penny to $3.83 a gallon. Crude Oil is trading at about $96 a barrel, down from $103 a week ago and a recent high of $113 earlier this month. Marie Dodds with Triple-A says there are some concerns that the Mississippi flooding could restrict the flow of gas. The area is home to 11 oil refineries that produce about 13-percent of the total U.S. capacity.
Despite cloudy skies the finishing touches are being put on “Spanning the Years”… the 104th Rhododendron Festival. The unofficial kickoff is this afternoon when the Davis Shows Northwest Carnival opens in Old Town. The Chamber of Commerce will talk festival at tomorrow’s monthly Noon Forum at Driftwood Shores. The official beginning of the festival is set for seven pm Friday on the stage of the Florence Events Center when five Senior Court Princesses vie for the crown of Queen Rhododendra. Tickets are still available for the Queen’s Coronation and Scholarship Pageant… $12 for adults at the FEC.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The latest results show a $548 million
bond package to pay for repairs to every school in Portland is
heading for defeat. The Oregonian reports the schools bond package
was defeated. But voters approved a separate property tax hike to
keep teachers. Eugene voters rejected a temporary income tax for
schools. Backers say it would have raised $17 million over a
four-year period.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police say a 69-year old man who
collapsed near the steps of the Oregon State Capitol building in
Salem died of an apparent heart attack. Troopers at the building
were alerted yesterday morning when they heard a woman yell that
someone had fallen on the sidewalk. Troopers said they would
release his name by Wednesday, after his family was notified.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon wildlife managers have captured and
killed a wolf in the northeastern corner of the state to control
attacks on livestock. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife wolf
coordinator Russ Morgan said yesterday that killing the young male
will reduce the food needed by the Imnaha pack and biologists hope
it will discourage the pack from preying on cattle in the area.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon man who calls himself the
nation's largest broker of licenses for medical marijuana has
pleaded guilty to reduced tax-evasion charges. Paul Stanford, the
50-year-old founder of the Hemp and Cannabis Foundation, was
charged in March with failing to file personal income taxes in 2008
and 2009. He was sentenced to 18 months' probation plus community
service.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A judge today will question an Oregon inmate
on death row who has asked to waive the rest of his appeals process
and die of a lethal injection. Judge Joseph Guimond will hold a
hearing in the Marion County Courthouse, where 49-year-old Gary
Haugen will answer 29 questions that Guimond will use to judge
Haugen's competency. Prosecutors are seeking a July 28 date for
death by lethal injection. Haugen was already in prison on a 1981
murder charge when he and another prisoner were convicted of the
2003 murder of a fellow inmate.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Senate will debate a measure today
that urges Congress to continue federal funding for timber
counties. The bill asks for reauthorization of the Secure Rural
Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Timber
counties in Oregon rely on federal payments to replace revenue that
has declined as fish and wildlife protections, such as limited
logging, have increased.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Wind power companies facing a springtime
shutdown to accommodate a surge of hydropower in the Northwest say
the region's main power manager has a conflict of interest, using
authority over transmission lines to protect its business
interests. The assertion from the American Wind Energy Association
follows the Bonneville Power's announcement last week that it plans
to curtail wind power because of a surplus of energy from
hydroelectric dams. Such a shutdown could cost Northwest wind
developers millions in tax credits.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Cold case detectives have arrested a
transient suspected of killing a man 17 years ago in Portland.
Sixty-two-year-old Raymond Lee Johnson was found dead in his home
in 1994. Police reopened the case last year and developed
information that led to the arrest of 40-year-old Terry Lavell
Haynes when he was spotted last night in Portland.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Wart removal and breast reduction surgery
will no longer be covered by Oregon state workers' health plans by
2012. The Public Employees' Benefit Board has voted to exclude a
number of treatments from coverage to save $5 million. Other
treatments no longer covered include varicose vein stripping and
bunionectomy.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Oregon Baseball Coach George Horton believes his Ducks need to win out over their final nine games if they want to have a shot at getting picked up for the post-season. They started that trek off on the right foot last night at PK Park, blanking the Gonzaga Bulldogs 6-nothing in a non-league contest. The two teams meet again this afternoon in Eugene.
Siuslaw Softball is on the schedule tomorrow in Central Oregon when they travel to Prineville to face the Crook County Cowgirls in OSAA “play-in” action. The Cowgirls are 18-7 overall, and on a 12 game winning streak. The Vikings are 12-13 and wrapped up the regular season at home with a win over North Bend Monday night. Tomorrow’s game gets underway at five.
Game time has been set for the Viking baseball “Play-In” game Friday at home against the North Valley Knights… First pitch is set for 4:30.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
From sludge to fertilizer - another house fire - State furlough day - Election day
From sludge to fertilizer…
A demonstration project to determine the viability of turning sewage sludge into fertilizer turned out well. Public Works Director Mike Miller delivered the news… along with samples… last night to the Florence City Council.
Miller “The compost project was successful, we achieved the Class-A Biosolids designation, which was our goal.”
That “Class-A” designation means the harmful bacteria has all been composted, or ‘cooked’, out of the sludge. The raw sludge was mixed with ground yard debris then aged in a giant gore-tex bag over the winter. The result, about 100 cubic yards of compost, suitable for gardening. There’s just one hitch right now, Miller can’t use it for that… yet.
Miller – “Because it was a pilot project our disposal permit basically says that all the bio solids produced at the waste water treatment plant has to go to Short Mountain.”
Located south of Eugene, about 70-miles away, that’s where all of the sludge generated at the city’s Waste Water Treatment plant must go. Miller hopes to get approval to use the current batch of compost on parks and city owned property. He’s also asking the city council to consider pursuing a permanent long term project that would convert all of the sludge to what he’s calling “Flo-Gro”. Besides the impact of dumping thousands of cubic yards of the sludge each year in the landfill, there’s the expense of hauling it.
Miller – “And we, and we just got a better deal with our hauler, but we’re looking at just the hauling costs alone are running us about $80-thousand a year.”
The up-front costs to establish a long-term composting project could exceed $3.5-million. But that would handle several years of sludge that could be deposited much closer to home.
Another home was destroyed by fire in the Florence area. Firefighters were dispatched Friday night, about 9:30, to a vacant rental dwelling on Foulweather Street in the Heceta Beach Area. Siuslaw Valley Fire Marshall Sean Barrett says the 700-square foot home was a total loss, but the blaze was extinguished in 35 minutes. Barrett said the fire was definitely human-caused but the exact reason likely will never be determined because all the evidence was destroyed in the fire. He speculated a transient may have lit a fire in one room to keep warm. The home, valued at $30-thousand, was uninsured. It is owned by Kathleen Copenhaver from Redmond.
Oregonians will do without ‘over-the-counter’ services at the DMV and other state office this Friday as most state employees get an unpaid day off. It’s the tenth of ten furlough days ordered nearly two years ago by then-governor Ted Kulongoski to help balance the current two-year budget. The Department of Administrative Services says each furlough day saves about $2-million in personnel costs. Residents can still access online services such as driver’s license and auto registration renewal; hunting and fishing licenses; and general information requests. Emergency services are not impacted… Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police and corrections workers will be on the job.
Today is election day… that means ballots are due back by eight pm. Post marks don’t count, so don’t drop that ballot in the mail and hope that it will get there in time. The best bet is to deliver it to the white ballot drop box in front of the Florence Justice Center by eight pm. Initial results will be available online at the Lane County website shortly after that.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PACIFIC CITY, Ore. (AP) - Authorities along the Oregon Coast -
from Neskowin to Pacific City - are preparing for one of the
largest tsunami drills in history.
Evacuation drill spokesman Jim Kusz says that people need to
prepare in case a tsunami hits the coast, similarly to the way that
people in Florida have drills for hurricanes.
Tsunami drill awareness has been more acute since the massive
earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan. That tsunami hit
Oregon, causing millions of dollars in damage.
The drill will span 15 miles, and authorities will use fire
sirens to a set off the drill. Messages will be played telling
people where to go to get to higher ground. Authorities hope to
have a large attendance from nearby residents.
GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) - A black cylinder-like device used to
threaten workers during a Gresham bank robbery posed no threat to
bank employees and was safely removed. The woman escaped with an
undisclosed amount of cash. No one was hurt. A bomb-squad robot
examined the device and removed it yesterday. The woman is
described as white, 5-foot-6, 130 pounds, in her late 20s or 30s.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Rescuers have suspended the search for a
Canadian man who's been missing in the rugged, high desert
mountains of northeastern Nevada since March. Hunters found the
man's wife, 56-year-old Rita Chretien, weak but alive on May 6. The
Oregonian reports that the Elko County Sheriff's Office in Nevada
said the search for 59-year-old Albert Chretien may resume if
conditions improve and snow melts, or if investigators get any
leads on his location.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Lawmakers say an Oregon House committee will
quash a proposal to require that all students have access to free
full-day kindergarten by 2015. The state Senate voted
overwhelmingly in March to impose the requirement, but it hasn't
gained traction in the House. The House Rules Committee is to vote
tomorrow on changing the bill to continue the current law, which
leaves it up to school districts to decide whether to offer the
program and whether to charge parents.
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) - The Springfield School Board has given
Superintendent Nancy Golden high grades for her performance, but
the lauded school official will also get a 2.4 percent salary cut.
The Eugene Register-Guard reports that Golden's salary will drop to
almost $128,000 from $131,000. Golden said that if her employees
get a pay cut, she will also.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Welcome to Portland's Cannabis Cafe, where
the sick and the stoned gather nearly every night to share donated
marijuana. Thursday is karaoke night, and a cross-section of
Portland's working and middle classes come to sing their hearts
out. Patrons say the karaoke night gives them a reason to get out
of the house. They say they're able to form a community instead of
medicating with marijuana alone. The clientele is a collection of
AIDS patients, cancer patients and those who tell a doctor they're
suffering from severe pain.
ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon wildlife rehabilitation center
has released a group of brown pelicans back into the wild. The
Wildlife Center of the North Coast released six brown pelicans near
Astoria last week. Some of the pelicans had gotten tangled in
fishing lines and suffered frostbite and wing injuries. One was
rescued while seeking shelter in the Seaside Hallmark Resort pool
during a snow storm with gale force winds.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An overnight house fire in Salem left a woman
in critical condition. Willamette Valley Fire and Rescue says
firefighters were called to the home at 1:40 a.m. today and found
that five occupants had escaped. But a 46-year-old woman was
missing. Firefighters didn't find her until after they knocked down
flames. She was airlifted to Legacy Emmanuel hospital in Portland.
The other five residents were treated at Silverton Hospital for
inhaling smoke.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - Central Oregon horse owners are on alert for a
deadly virus. A veterinarian with Bend Equine Medical Center says
no cases have been confirmed in the state, but several animals are
being monitored. The equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) has killed horses
in other states, forced quarantines and cause horse owners to
cancel events to prevent the disease from spreading.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Siuslaw Track and Field Standout Linda Paredes is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The middle distance runner captured the Far West League title in the 800 meters last week with her season’s best time of 2:26.07, plus ran one leg of the 2nd place 4-by-400 relay team. The Viking senior qualified for the 4A state meet in both events. Honorable Mention goes to Leigh Aurich who qualified for state in four events, finishing second at Far West District in both the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, the Triple Jump and as a member of the same 4-by-400 relay.
Regular season prep softball wrapped up last night on the diamond at Siuslaw High School with the Lady Vikings going out with a win, 12-2 over the North Bend Bulldogs. Siuslaw now advances to the ‘round of 32’ Thursday evening when they travel to Prineville where they take on the Crook County Cowgirls.
North Bend edged the Siuslaw Vikings on the baseball diamond last night, 4-2, to force a three way tie for second place in the Far West. The Vikings were already clinched as the League Champions for the second straight season. The Vikings will host the North Valley Knights Friday afternoon in the Round of 32.
On the schedule today… Oregon will host Gonzaga for non-league college baseball.
A demonstration project to determine the viability of turning sewage sludge into fertilizer turned out well. Public Works Director Mike Miller delivered the news… along with samples… last night to the Florence City Council.
Miller “The compost project was successful, we achieved the Class-A Biosolids designation, which was our goal.”
That “Class-A” designation means the harmful bacteria has all been composted, or ‘cooked’, out of the sludge. The raw sludge was mixed with ground yard debris then aged in a giant gore-tex bag over the winter. The result, about 100 cubic yards of compost, suitable for gardening. There’s just one hitch right now, Miller can’t use it for that… yet.
Miller – “Because it was a pilot project our disposal permit basically says that all the bio solids produced at the waste water treatment plant has to go to Short Mountain.”
Located south of Eugene, about 70-miles away, that’s where all of the sludge generated at the city’s Waste Water Treatment plant must go. Miller hopes to get approval to use the current batch of compost on parks and city owned property. He’s also asking the city council to consider pursuing a permanent long term project that would convert all of the sludge to what he’s calling “Flo-Gro”. Besides the impact of dumping thousands of cubic yards of the sludge each year in the landfill, there’s the expense of hauling it.
Miller – “And we, and we just got a better deal with our hauler, but we’re looking at just the hauling costs alone are running us about $80-thousand a year.”
The up-front costs to establish a long-term composting project could exceed $3.5-million. But that would handle several years of sludge that could be deposited much closer to home.
Another home was destroyed by fire in the Florence area. Firefighters were dispatched Friday night, about 9:30, to a vacant rental dwelling on Foulweather Street in the Heceta Beach Area. Siuslaw Valley Fire Marshall Sean Barrett says the 700-square foot home was a total loss, but the blaze was extinguished in 35 minutes. Barrett said the fire was definitely human-caused but the exact reason likely will never be determined because all the evidence was destroyed in the fire. He speculated a transient may have lit a fire in one room to keep warm. The home, valued at $30-thousand, was uninsured. It is owned by Kathleen Copenhaver from Redmond.
Oregonians will do without ‘over-the-counter’ services at the DMV and other state office this Friday as most state employees get an unpaid day off. It’s the tenth of ten furlough days ordered nearly two years ago by then-governor Ted Kulongoski to help balance the current two-year budget. The Department of Administrative Services says each furlough day saves about $2-million in personnel costs. Residents can still access online services such as driver’s license and auto registration renewal; hunting and fishing licenses; and general information requests. Emergency services are not impacted… Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police and corrections workers will be on the job.
Today is election day… that means ballots are due back by eight pm. Post marks don’t count, so don’t drop that ballot in the mail and hope that it will get there in time. The best bet is to deliver it to the white ballot drop box in front of the Florence Justice Center by eight pm. Initial results will be available online at the Lane County website shortly after that.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PACIFIC CITY, Ore. (AP) - Authorities along the Oregon Coast -
from Neskowin to Pacific City - are preparing for one of the
largest tsunami drills in history.
Evacuation drill spokesman Jim Kusz says that people need to
prepare in case a tsunami hits the coast, similarly to the way that
people in Florida have drills for hurricanes.
Tsunami drill awareness has been more acute since the massive
earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan. That tsunami hit
Oregon, causing millions of dollars in damage.
The drill will span 15 miles, and authorities will use fire
sirens to a set off the drill. Messages will be played telling
people where to go to get to higher ground. Authorities hope to
have a large attendance from nearby residents.
GRESHAM, Ore. (AP) - A black cylinder-like device used to
threaten workers during a Gresham bank robbery posed no threat to
bank employees and was safely removed. The woman escaped with an
undisclosed amount of cash. No one was hurt. A bomb-squad robot
examined the device and removed it yesterday. The woman is
described as white, 5-foot-6, 130 pounds, in her late 20s or 30s.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Rescuers have suspended the search for a
Canadian man who's been missing in the rugged, high desert
mountains of northeastern Nevada since March. Hunters found the
man's wife, 56-year-old Rita Chretien, weak but alive on May 6. The
Oregonian reports that the Elko County Sheriff's Office in Nevada
said the search for 59-year-old Albert Chretien may resume if
conditions improve and snow melts, or if investigators get any
leads on his location.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Lawmakers say an Oregon House committee will
quash a proposal to require that all students have access to free
full-day kindergarten by 2015. The state Senate voted
overwhelmingly in March to impose the requirement, but it hasn't
gained traction in the House. The House Rules Committee is to vote
tomorrow on changing the bill to continue the current law, which
leaves it up to school districts to decide whether to offer the
program and whether to charge parents.
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) - The Springfield School Board has given
Superintendent Nancy Golden high grades for her performance, but
the lauded school official will also get a 2.4 percent salary cut.
The Eugene Register-Guard reports that Golden's salary will drop to
almost $128,000 from $131,000. Golden said that if her employees
get a pay cut, she will also.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Welcome to Portland's Cannabis Cafe, where
the sick and the stoned gather nearly every night to share donated
marijuana. Thursday is karaoke night, and a cross-section of
Portland's working and middle classes come to sing their hearts
out. Patrons say the karaoke night gives them a reason to get out
of the house. They say they're able to form a community instead of
medicating with marijuana alone. The clientele is a collection of
AIDS patients, cancer patients and those who tell a doctor they're
suffering from severe pain.
ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon wildlife rehabilitation center
has released a group of brown pelicans back into the wild. The
Wildlife Center of the North Coast released six brown pelicans near
Astoria last week. Some of the pelicans had gotten tangled in
fishing lines and suffered frostbite and wing injuries. One was
rescued while seeking shelter in the Seaside Hallmark Resort pool
during a snow storm with gale force winds.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An overnight house fire in Salem left a woman
in critical condition. Willamette Valley Fire and Rescue says
firefighters were called to the home at 1:40 a.m. today and found
that five occupants had escaped. But a 46-year-old woman was
missing. Firefighters didn't find her until after they knocked down
flames. She was airlifted to Legacy Emmanuel hospital in Portland.
The other five residents were treated at Silverton Hospital for
inhaling smoke.
BEND, Ore. (AP) - Central Oregon horse owners are on alert for a
deadly virus. A veterinarian with Bend Equine Medical Center says
no cases have been confirmed in the state, but several animals are
being monitored. The equine herpesvirus (EHV-1) has killed horses
in other states, forced quarantines and cause horse owners to
cancel events to prevent the disease from spreading.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Siuslaw Track and Field Standout Linda Paredes is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The middle distance runner captured the Far West League title in the 800 meters last week with her season’s best time of 2:26.07, plus ran one leg of the 2nd place 4-by-400 relay team. The Viking senior qualified for the 4A state meet in both events. Honorable Mention goes to Leigh Aurich who qualified for state in four events, finishing second at Far West District in both the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, the Triple Jump and as a member of the same 4-by-400 relay.
Regular season prep softball wrapped up last night on the diamond at Siuslaw High School with the Lady Vikings going out with a win, 12-2 over the North Bend Bulldogs. Siuslaw now advances to the ‘round of 32’ Thursday evening when they travel to Prineville where they take on the Crook County Cowgirls.
North Bend edged the Siuslaw Vikings on the baseball diamond last night, 4-2, to force a three way tie for second place in the Far West. The Vikings were already clinched as the League Champions for the second straight season. The Vikings will host the North Valley Knights Friday afternoon in the Round of 32.
On the schedule today… Oregon will host Gonzaga for non-league college baseball.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Dropping balls to raise money - Reedsport medical clinic loses patient information - Co-Speaker sets budget strategies
A unique contest hopes to raise money for boys and girls…
The Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County has a pretty significant reach. So says club executive Ken Gaylord.
Gaylord - “We serve at least a 150 a day in the three locations that we have. We’re about a hundred kids a day over at the Elementary School.”
In addition to that, there are about another two-dozen each day at a middle-school and high school after school program… plus another 25 at the Teen Center on Airport Road. Gaylord says the fees generated by those programs are only a fraction of what it takes to operate.
Gaylord – “Fees only are about 17 or 18 percent of our total income and that’s including our summer… summer day camp.”
That’s one reason for a benefit golf tournament, set for June 11th at Sandpines. Gaylord says it’s one of their largest fund raisers and they’re hoping to pull in at least $20-thousand. A full field is anticpated on the course that day, plus an after tournament barbecue is open to the public for only $15. One other unique money-raiser will be a “closest to the flag” contest that anyone can get involved in.
Gaylord – “Apex Heli is going to drop golf balls onto the fairway at hole one. We’ll have a flag there. And the closest to the hole will win three days and two nights at Sunriver Resort in Bend, plus two rounds of golf.”
Tickets for the ball drop are only $10 and are available at several locations around Florence.
Co-Speaker of the Oregon House, Arnie Roblan, says he’s heard from Oregonians and is supportive of three budget strategies that arose following a series of town halls and budget hearings. The Coos Bay Democrat says he supports using some Rainy Day Funds to reduce impacts on schools and seniors. He says it doesn’t make sense to leave money – quote – “stashed under the state’s mattress” when severe cuts to services are being planned. Roblan adds the Oregon Legislature also needs to take a “tough look” at tax breaks that were implemented to create jobs and boost the economy. If they’re not working as intended, he says they should not be funded. The third strategy: prioritizing services provided by the state. He says the joint Ways and Means Committee needs to continue asking hard questions about the efficiency… and efficacy… of those services.
A computer hard drive, stolen from a Reedsport medical clinic has possibly compromised the personal information of more than 16-thousand patients. The Dunes Family Health Care is asking patients to contact them. The computerized records contain patient names, social security numbers, addresses, dates of birth and medical information. The clinic is rebuilding their data base using paper records.
Western Lane Ambulance District will be observing National Emergency Medical Services Week next week with an open house and tours of the agency’s headquarters and medic units. Western Lane Ambulance quarters are on the campus of Peace Harbor Hospital. Tours of the medic units and the building are set for Monday between two and four pm.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) - A judge has found the Umatilla County
District Attorney guilty of official misconduct and barred him from
holding public office for three years, the duration of his
probation. The state attorney general's office and Umatilla County
District Attorney Dean Gushwa entered settlement negotiations
yesterday. Gushwa also resigned as part of a pretrial agreement.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) - Funeral services will be held Saturday in
Albany for an Oregon National Guard soldier who died in a
non-combat incident in Iraq. Military officials say 25-year-old
Andrew Lara of Albany will be buried at Willamette Memorial
Cemetery. Officials haven't said exactly how he died April 27 in
Babil Province. Lara drove a mine resistant vehicle used to escort
convoys.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Portland-area vacuum cleaner salesman
has been convicted of multiple charges in what prosecutors say was
a scheme to defraud investors and banks of millions of dollars.
Federal jurors yesterday found Johnny Brown guilty of 14 counts for
setting up a Ponzi scheme from 2001 to 2003 that netted him about
$5 million from 114 investors' credit cards. U.S. Bank was saddled
with $4 million in losses.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Today Oregon lawmakers get the latest picture
of the state's finances as they work to finalize a budget with the
release of their latest projections. A sunny forecast would mean
smaller cuts from services for seniors and people with long-term
disabilities. But a gloomier-than-expected forecast might mean even
deeper slashing on the programs that are already facing massive
deficits.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Gov. John Kitzhaber is preparing to speak to
business leaders today. The governor will address the Salem Chamber
of Commerce in an event being billed as a "living room chat."
Kitzhaber is scheduled to discuss initiatives to create jobs and
revitalize Oregon's economy.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An explosion at a rural lumber mill near
Portland has killed one man and injured two others. Gaston fire
official say 60-year-old Steve Allen of Forest Grove died yesterday
afternoon in the blast at the Stimson Lumber plant. Two other
workers were injured when a 6-foot-long cylinder called a hydraulic
accumulator exploded in the mill's maintenance shop.
MILWAUKIE, Ore. (AP) - Four people suffered minor injuries
yesterday when a chemical cloud was released from a manufacturing
business in suburban Portland. The release prompted the evacuation
of Precision Castparts in Milwaukie. Officials warned residents
within a half-mile radius to stay inside. Two firefighters and two
company employees suffered respiratory irritation.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - State auditors will investigate how some
Oregon agencies hire retired employees as consultants.
The Statesman Journal reports the investigation is prompted by a
decision in the Department of Administrative Services to offer an
$80-an-hour contract to a leasing manager on her retirement.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - The Willamette National Forest wants to
allow salvage logging of dead trees that are threatening to fall
onto some roads.
The Register Guard reports the logging would occur in the area
burned by a 2009 wildfire.
Since the fire the Forest Service has closed 34 miles of roads
in an area where people like to hike, hunt and collect firewood.
The Eugene-based national forest is taking comments on the plan
on its website.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The state Fish and Wildlife Department says
Thursday, Friday and Saturday could be three of the biggest fishing
days this year as the all-depth halibut fishing season opens on the
central Oregon coast.
Hundreds of boats are expected to fish deep for Pacific halibut
- 600 feet or more.
Anglers should check the department's website for all the rules
and regulations.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
On the college baseball diamond… Oregon and Seattle ended up in a seven-seven tie yesterday in Tacoma… the non-conference game was called in the top of the tenth inning because of heavy rains and muddy field conditions. Oregon squandered an early five-run lead, but still led 7-5 going into the bottom of the ninth. But, the Redhawks manufactured two runs to tie it up and force the extra inning. Oregon had the bases loaded and was poised to score when the game was called. The Ducks will host Stanford beginning tomorrow night for a three game Pac-10 series.
The final weekend of regular competition for prep track and field athletes is coming up beginning tomorrow when the Far West District Meet gets underway. Originally scheduled for Sutherlin High School it has been moved because of inadequate facilities. The meet gets underway tomorrow at noon at Brookings-Harbor High School.
The Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County has a pretty significant reach. So says club executive Ken Gaylord.
Gaylord - “We serve at least a 150 a day in the three locations that we have. We’re about a hundred kids a day over at the Elementary School.”
In addition to that, there are about another two-dozen each day at a middle-school and high school after school program… plus another 25 at the Teen Center on Airport Road. Gaylord says the fees generated by those programs are only a fraction of what it takes to operate.
Gaylord – “Fees only are about 17 or 18 percent of our total income and that’s including our summer… summer day camp.”
That’s one reason for a benefit golf tournament, set for June 11th at Sandpines. Gaylord says it’s one of their largest fund raisers and they’re hoping to pull in at least $20-thousand. A full field is anticpated on the course that day, plus an after tournament barbecue is open to the public for only $15. One other unique money-raiser will be a “closest to the flag” contest that anyone can get involved in.
Gaylord – “Apex Heli is going to drop golf balls onto the fairway at hole one. We’ll have a flag there. And the closest to the hole will win three days and two nights at Sunriver Resort in Bend, plus two rounds of golf.”
Tickets for the ball drop are only $10 and are available at several locations around Florence.
Co-Speaker of the Oregon House, Arnie Roblan, says he’s heard from Oregonians and is supportive of three budget strategies that arose following a series of town halls and budget hearings. The Coos Bay Democrat says he supports using some Rainy Day Funds to reduce impacts on schools and seniors. He says it doesn’t make sense to leave money – quote – “stashed under the state’s mattress” when severe cuts to services are being planned. Roblan adds the Oregon Legislature also needs to take a “tough look” at tax breaks that were implemented to create jobs and boost the economy. If they’re not working as intended, he says they should not be funded. The third strategy: prioritizing services provided by the state. He says the joint Ways and Means Committee needs to continue asking hard questions about the efficiency… and efficacy… of those services.
A computer hard drive, stolen from a Reedsport medical clinic has possibly compromised the personal information of more than 16-thousand patients. The Dunes Family Health Care is asking patients to contact them. The computerized records contain patient names, social security numbers, addresses, dates of birth and medical information. The clinic is rebuilding their data base using paper records.
Western Lane Ambulance District will be observing National Emergency Medical Services Week next week with an open house and tours of the agency’s headquarters and medic units. Western Lane Ambulance quarters are on the campus of Peace Harbor Hospital. Tours of the medic units and the building are set for Monday between two and four pm.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) - A judge has found the Umatilla County
District Attorney guilty of official misconduct and barred him from
holding public office for three years, the duration of his
probation. The state attorney general's office and Umatilla County
District Attorney Dean Gushwa entered settlement negotiations
yesterday. Gushwa also resigned as part of a pretrial agreement.
ALBANY, Ore. (AP) - Funeral services will be held Saturday in
Albany for an Oregon National Guard soldier who died in a
non-combat incident in Iraq. Military officials say 25-year-old
Andrew Lara of Albany will be buried at Willamette Memorial
Cemetery. Officials haven't said exactly how he died April 27 in
Babil Province. Lara drove a mine resistant vehicle used to escort
convoys.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Portland-area vacuum cleaner salesman
has been convicted of multiple charges in what prosecutors say was
a scheme to defraud investors and banks of millions of dollars.
Federal jurors yesterday found Johnny Brown guilty of 14 counts for
setting up a Ponzi scheme from 2001 to 2003 that netted him about
$5 million from 114 investors' credit cards. U.S. Bank was saddled
with $4 million in losses.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Today Oregon lawmakers get the latest picture
of the state's finances as they work to finalize a budget with the
release of their latest projections. A sunny forecast would mean
smaller cuts from services for seniors and people with long-term
disabilities. But a gloomier-than-expected forecast might mean even
deeper slashing on the programs that are already facing massive
deficits.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Gov. John Kitzhaber is preparing to speak to
business leaders today. The governor will address the Salem Chamber
of Commerce in an event being billed as a "living room chat."
Kitzhaber is scheduled to discuss initiatives to create jobs and
revitalize Oregon's economy.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An explosion at a rural lumber mill near
Portland has killed one man and injured two others. Gaston fire
official say 60-year-old Steve Allen of Forest Grove died yesterday
afternoon in the blast at the Stimson Lumber plant. Two other
workers were injured when a 6-foot-long cylinder called a hydraulic
accumulator exploded in the mill's maintenance shop.
MILWAUKIE, Ore. (AP) - Four people suffered minor injuries
yesterday when a chemical cloud was released from a manufacturing
business in suburban Portland. The release prompted the evacuation
of Precision Castparts in Milwaukie. Officials warned residents
within a half-mile radius to stay inside. Two firefighters and two
company employees suffered respiratory irritation.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - State auditors will investigate how some
Oregon agencies hire retired employees as consultants.
The Statesman Journal reports the investigation is prompted by a
decision in the Department of Administrative Services to offer an
$80-an-hour contract to a leasing manager on her retirement.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - The Willamette National Forest wants to
allow salvage logging of dead trees that are threatening to fall
onto some roads.
The Register Guard reports the logging would occur in the area
burned by a 2009 wildfire.
Since the fire the Forest Service has closed 34 miles of roads
in an area where people like to hike, hunt and collect firewood.
The Eugene-based national forest is taking comments on the plan
on its website.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The state Fish and Wildlife Department says
Thursday, Friday and Saturday could be three of the biggest fishing
days this year as the all-depth halibut fishing season opens on the
central Oregon coast.
Hundreds of boats are expected to fish deep for Pacific halibut
- 600 feet or more.
Anglers should check the department's website for all the rules
and regulations.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
On the college baseball diamond… Oregon and Seattle ended up in a seven-seven tie yesterday in Tacoma… the non-conference game was called in the top of the tenth inning because of heavy rains and muddy field conditions. Oregon squandered an early five-run lead, but still led 7-5 going into the bottom of the ninth. But, the Redhawks manufactured two runs to tie it up and force the extra inning. Oregon had the bases loaded and was poised to score when the game was called. The Ducks will host Stanford beginning tomorrow night for a three game Pac-10 series.
The final weekend of regular competition for prep track and field athletes is coming up beginning tomorrow when the Far West District Meet gets underway. Originally scheduled for Sutherlin High School it has been moved because of inadequate facilities. The meet gets underway tomorrow at noon at Brookings-Harbor High School.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Appreciating school nurses - cutting brush - gas $3.84 - Free rides on the Rhody Express
Celebrating School Nurses…
This week has been set aside to recognize school nurses across the country, but in Oregon, many school nurses are moving so fast that they might barely notice. That’s if there’s even a nurse at all. In 2008 a legislative task force found about half of all districts statewide didn’t meet the recommended nurse-to-student ratio, and 54 districts had no nurse at all. Paula Peterson has been a school nurse for 22-years in Tigard.
Peterson -- "The National School Nurses Association suggests one nurse for every 750 ‘regular ed’ students – and by the year 2020, we’re supposed to reach that goal in Oregon."
At Siuslaw schools, there is a contract with PeaceHealth to provide a nurse on a limited basis to assist students that have chronic conditions. But budget constraints caused elimination of the school nurse program several years ago. Superintendent Jeff Davis says he’d like to provide a full time nurse, but he’s hesitant to suggest adding anything that might ultimately subtract from the classroom.
The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded went down about a cent-and-a-half this week. According to Triple-A it’s at $3.95. In Oregon, the average went up by about the same amount and is just below $3.97. Locally, average prices increased by about 3 ½ cents a gallon, but are still well below both national and statewide marks at $3.84. Marie Dodds with Triple-A says gas prices are easing in some areas of the country, but the eastern half of the nation could see more temporary price spikes due to flooding in the Mississippi Delta region. That’s where 11 oil refineries produce about 13-percent of the total U.S. capacity.
It’s spring time, the weather has finally dried out… at least somewhat… and many have turned their attention to their yards, cutting back some of the brush and overgrowth that has grown up over the past several months. Sarah Huff with the City of Florence says as long as you’re trimming that vegetation, keep in mind passage on sidewalks and visibility at intersections. Florence City Code leaves it to the property owner to make sure clear vision is available at all street and driveway intersections. The City of Florence can help you dispose of those cuttings in an eco-friendly manner… Yard Debris can be dropped off at the north end of the airport this Saturday. Enter from Kingwood and 27th street… it’s only $5 per pickup load.
The Rhody Express will be offering a safe and convenient way to get around Florence next weekend for those enjoying the night life during the Rhododendron Festival. Spokesperson Darby Conner says you don’t have worry about driving. The Rhody Express will be operating Friday and Saturday during the festival between nine pm and three am… with free rides.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) - Two autistic boys who police say were
kept in a caged room will stay in foster care for at least a month
as a commissioner decides their permanent living situation. The
Columbian newspaper reports the boys, ages 6 and 7, have been in
foster care since police accused a Washington state couple of
keeping them locked in a dark, mostly empty room, in diapers and
out of school. The boys' biological mother, Jona Bronson, of
Tillamook, Ore., is seeking long-term placement.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Legislature is looking at a ban on
importing some types of firewood to Oregon. The state House
yesterday sent the measure to a conference committee to work out
differences with a Senate version. The Senate approved the measure
last week. The bill would make it illegal to transport untreated
firewood harvested outside of Oregon, Washington or Idaho.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon House committee will hear from the
public today about a bill that would allow some illegal immigrants
to pay in-state tuition at public universities. Proponents say
students shouldn't be punished because their parents brought them
to the United States illegally. But opponents say illegal activity
should never be excused, and the state should not give illegal
immigrants a benefit that isn't available to U.S. citizens who live
in other states.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
has issued permits for eight ranchers to kill wolves caught in the
act of attacking livestock. The ranchers are all in range of the
Imnaha pack, and have already used non-lethal methods to protect
their herds such as special fences, range riders and removing bone
piles. The pack is blamed for 10 livestock attacks since last year.
Two other wolf packs in Oregon have not.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Gov. John Kitzhaber plans to discuss the
role of energy efficiency in Oregon's future economic growth. He's
scheduled to address the Bonneville Power Administration's Energy
Efficiency Summit today in Portland.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon man who persuaded two disabled
women to make him their state-funded caregiver has been sentenced
to 18 months in prison. Lane County prosecutors say 51-year-old
Michael Mornhinweg struck up relationships with the women online,
then persuaded them to hire him as their paid caregiver. After
that, prosecutors say he mistreated and neglected the women. He was
also ordered to pay $14,000 restitution.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The 12 members of the Oregon Legislature from
Lane County are co-sponsoring a measure to designate a 10-mile
stretch of Interstate 105 the "Officer Chris Kilcullen Memorial
Highway."
The Eugene police officer was shot to death April 22 in the line
of duty.
The Register Guard reports signs with the designation would be
added and the action would not rename the highway or require
replacing all the signs.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Eugene Police Chief Pete Kerns says an
off-duty detective was acting within his authority last December
when he confronted a teen and four his friends after seeing them
trespass in a neighborhood where he owns property.
Kerns says Det. Randy Berger took action for the benefit of the
community.
The Register Guard reports that cell phone video of the incident
shows the officer tussling with a Churchill High School student who
was arrested.
Parents of two of the teens complained to the city police
auditor's office that the officers acted improperly. The city's
Civilian Review Board will discuss the case at its June meeting.
Information from: The Register-Guard,
http://www.registerguard.com
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
On the prep baseball diamond… The Siuslaw Vikings are in sole possession of first place in the Far West today. They shutout the Douglas Trojans, ten-nothing last night in a game that was shortened to 4 ½ innings because of the ten run rule. Siuslaw did most of the damage in an 8-run third inning. In other Far West action, Sutherlin lost to South Umpqua; Brookings Harbor beat North Bend.
The Douglas Trojans shut out Siuslaw on the softball diamond, 3-0.
On the college diamond… Oregon opened up a two-game road series against the Seattle Redhawks with a ten-five win in Tacoma… They’ll meet again this afternoon. In Corvallis, Oregon State eased past the Portland Pilots 13-3 in non-conference action
This week has been set aside to recognize school nurses across the country, but in Oregon, many school nurses are moving so fast that they might barely notice. That’s if there’s even a nurse at all. In 2008 a legislative task force found about half of all districts statewide didn’t meet the recommended nurse-to-student ratio, and 54 districts had no nurse at all. Paula Peterson has been a school nurse for 22-years in Tigard.
Peterson -- "The National School Nurses Association suggests one nurse for every 750 ‘regular ed’ students – and by the year 2020, we’re supposed to reach that goal in Oregon."
At Siuslaw schools, there is a contract with PeaceHealth to provide a nurse on a limited basis to assist students that have chronic conditions. But budget constraints caused elimination of the school nurse program several years ago. Superintendent Jeff Davis says he’d like to provide a full time nurse, but he’s hesitant to suggest adding anything that might ultimately subtract from the classroom.
The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded went down about a cent-and-a-half this week. According to Triple-A it’s at $3.95. In Oregon, the average went up by about the same amount and is just below $3.97. Locally, average prices increased by about 3 ½ cents a gallon, but are still well below both national and statewide marks at $3.84. Marie Dodds with Triple-A says gas prices are easing in some areas of the country, but the eastern half of the nation could see more temporary price spikes due to flooding in the Mississippi Delta region. That’s where 11 oil refineries produce about 13-percent of the total U.S. capacity.
It’s spring time, the weather has finally dried out… at least somewhat… and many have turned their attention to their yards, cutting back some of the brush and overgrowth that has grown up over the past several months. Sarah Huff with the City of Florence says as long as you’re trimming that vegetation, keep in mind passage on sidewalks and visibility at intersections. Florence City Code leaves it to the property owner to make sure clear vision is available at all street and driveway intersections. The City of Florence can help you dispose of those cuttings in an eco-friendly manner… Yard Debris can be dropped off at the north end of the airport this Saturday. Enter from Kingwood and 27th street… it’s only $5 per pickup load.
The Rhody Express will be offering a safe and convenient way to get around Florence next weekend for those enjoying the night life during the Rhododendron Festival. Spokesperson Darby Conner says you don’t have worry about driving. The Rhody Express will be operating Friday and Saturday during the festival between nine pm and three am… with free rides.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) - Two autistic boys who police say were
kept in a caged room will stay in foster care for at least a month
as a commissioner decides their permanent living situation. The
Columbian newspaper reports the boys, ages 6 and 7, have been in
foster care since police accused a Washington state couple of
keeping them locked in a dark, mostly empty room, in diapers and
out of school. The boys' biological mother, Jona Bronson, of
Tillamook, Ore., is seeking long-term placement.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Legislature is looking at a ban on
importing some types of firewood to Oregon. The state House
yesterday sent the measure to a conference committee to work out
differences with a Senate version. The Senate approved the measure
last week. The bill would make it illegal to transport untreated
firewood harvested outside of Oregon, Washington or Idaho.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon House committee will hear from the
public today about a bill that would allow some illegal immigrants
to pay in-state tuition at public universities. Proponents say
students shouldn't be punished because their parents brought them
to the United States illegally. But opponents say illegal activity
should never be excused, and the state should not give illegal
immigrants a benefit that isn't available to U.S. citizens who live
in other states.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
has issued permits for eight ranchers to kill wolves caught in the
act of attacking livestock. The ranchers are all in range of the
Imnaha pack, and have already used non-lethal methods to protect
their herds such as special fences, range riders and removing bone
piles. The pack is blamed for 10 livestock attacks since last year.
Two other wolf packs in Oregon have not.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Gov. John Kitzhaber plans to discuss the
role of energy efficiency in Oregon's future economic growth. He's
scheduled to address the Bonneville Power Administration's Energy
Efficiency Summit today in Portland.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - An Oregon man who persuaded two disabled
women to make him their state-funded caregiver has been sentenced
to 18 months in prison. Lane County prosecutors say 51-year-old
Michael Mornhinweg struck up relationships with the women online,
then persuaded them to hire him as their paid caregiver. After
that, prosecutors say he mistreated and neglected the women. He was
also ordered to pay $14,000 restitution.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The 12 members of the Oregon Legislature from
Lane County are co-sponsoring a measure to designate a 10-mile
stretch of Interstate 105 the "Officer Chris Kilcullen Memorial
Highway."
The Eugene police officer was shot to death April 22 in the line
of duty.
The Register Guard reports signs with the designation would be
added and the action would not rename the highway or require
replacing all the signs.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Eugene Police Chief Pete Kerns says an
off-duty detective was acting within his authority last December
when he confronted a teen and four his friends after seeing them
trespass in a neighborhood where he owns property.
Kerns says Det. Randy Berger took action for the benefit of the
community.
The Register Guard reports that cell phone video of the incident
shows the officer tussling with a Churchill High School student who
was arrested.
Parents of two of the teens complained to the city police
auditor's office that the officers acted improperly. The city's
Civilian Review Board will discuss the case at its June meeting.
Information from: The Register-Guard,
http://www.registerguard.com
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
On the prep baseball diamond… The Siuslaw Vikings are in sole possession of first place in the Far West today. They shutout the Douglas Trojans, ten-nothing last night in a game that was shortened to 4 ½ innings because of the ten run rule. Siuslaw did most of the damage in an 8-run third inning. In other Far West action, Sutherlin lost to South Umpqua; Brookings Harbor beat North Bend.
The Douglas Trojans shut out Siuslaw on the softball diamond, 3-0.
On the college diamond… Oregon opened up a two-game road series against the Seattle Redhawks with a ten-five win in Tacoma… They’ll meet again this afternoon. In Corvallis, Oregon State eased past the Portland Pilots 13-3 in non-conference action
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Lovely to look at... but pull it out by the roots! State budget framework announced - New teacher eval program
Lovely to look at when in bloom…
All you have to do is feel the tickle on the back of your throat and you can tell there’s plenty of pollen in the air. One of the major contributors of that pollen is scotch broom. Despite the bright yellow flowers contrasting on the deep green foliage, it is a noxious weed. Landscapers say now is the time to get rid of it, before it goes to seed. Barb Rowland, co-owner of Honeyman Nursery and Landscaping says despite appearances, it’s not native and it can take over.
Rowland: "Crowd out everything that we do want as a native. It will crowd out the huckleberry and the native rhododendron."
That’s because it’s a prolific breeder, producing thousands of seed pods.
Rowland: "It is a non-sterile seed, and so for every seed pod that's on there you will get a new little seedling to start."
Those seeds can float several miles on the wind, allowing them to settle and wait for the right opportunity.
Rowland: "They're going to be the first thing to germinate. They do not need water to germinate so they're going to be an opportunistic plant that you do not want in your yard."
Rowland says it is relatively easy to get rid of. Small plants can be pulled out by the roots and mature bushes can be cut off and won’t come back. But, she says, seeds can lay dormant for decades before sprouting and beginning the cycle all over again.
They say they’ve agreed on a budget framework… and a timeline to implement it… but lawmakers aren’t filling in many details on the spending proposal hashed out this week behind closed doors. Legislative leaders and Governor John Kitzhaber met Monday at the Governor’s mansion and worked out the agreement, releasing a joint statement late yesterday. Officials say they’ve agreed on what the remaining issues are and how much money will be available to deal with them. The statement lays out priorities for any extra revenue that may come in above current projections. First in line will be the Department of Human Services, where programs for seniors, the poor, and people with disabilities have been slashed.
Teachers at Siuslaw schools say a new evaluation program will help them do a better job. The head of the teacher’s union, Tim Dodson, says anything that gives teachers a chance to improve and do better in the classroom is welcome. The new evaluation program, modeled after similar programs in other communities, provides clear guidelines for teachers, but also relies more heavily on administrator involvement. The Siuslaw School Board got a first look at the new program last week. They’re scheduled to take final steps to adopt it tomorrow night.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - The city of Eugene has snared $1.5 million
of the $2 billion in federal high-speed rail money divided up
nationwide. The awards announced yesterday divvied up funds
designated for a now-canceled rail line in Florida. Eugene says
it'll put the money toward its planned $25 million expansion of a
downtown train station. That'll include a new rail siding and a
raised passenger platform.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - A Springfield restaurant is holding a
fundraiser for the family of a slain Eugene police officer. The
Original Roadhouse Grill will donate all revenue on Friday to the
family of Officer Chris Kilcullen, who was shot to death April 22
after pulling over a vehicle. The Oregonian reports the ownership
company is donating all revenue and absorbing all food and staff
wage expenses.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon could execute its first death row
inmate in 14 years this summer. The Oregonian reports that
49-year-old Gary Haugen will have a death warrant hearing in Marion
County Circuit Court on Friday. He has written officials saying he
wants to drop all appeals to his death sentence. He was convicted
in 2003 of killing another inmate.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Some Portland parents are questioning the
school district's plan to change high school schedules to cut
teachers. The Oregonian reports the district will require teachers
to teach six of eight periods, up from five of seven. That allows
the nine high schools to offer the same number of classes with
fewer teachers - a cut of 45 in all.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Legislature has approved a bill
that would keep juveniles charged with adult crimes in juvenile
detention facilities while awaiting trial. The Statesman Journal
reports that the bill is designed keep teens away from adult jails
where they would be at risk of assault.
HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. (AP) - Clackamas County deputies found a
marijuana growing operation in a luxury home in a Happy Valley
neighborhood after neighbors complained of the smell. Det. Jim
Strovink told KGW the odor was "eye-watering." A man and woman
who rented the home were last seen about a week earlier leaving in
a rented truck.
NORTH BEND, Ore. (AP) - The Coast Guard is joining several
federal and state agencies for a fire response training exercise
near the Coos Forest on the Oregon coast today. The goal is to
improve coordination between the Coast Guard and other agencies,
and to test the ability of air crews to locate and rescue people.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A German shepherd named Jack is credited
with three late-night escape attempts from a Medford, Ore.,
veterinarian's office. Last week, he made it.
The Medford Mail Tribune reports the crafty canine managed to
pull open his kennel, trip the dead bolt on the clinic's back door
and pull down the handle to get outside.
He set off three motion-detector alarms on the way and managed
to rip open four bags of food.
The dog roamed seven miles from the vet's office, but only made
it home when animal control officers took him to a shelter where he
was reunited with his worried family.
A veterinarian calls the dog's recovery from flu-like symptoms
"impressive."
---
Information from: Mail Tribune, http://www.mailtribune.com/
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Siuslaw Track and Field standout Katy Potter is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the week. The Viking sophomore posted the fifth fastest time in Siuslaw history in the 3-thousand meters; 10:50.12; finishing second at the Wally Ciochetti Invitational in Cottage Grove. Potter’s time is also the seventh fastest in the 4A ranks so far this year. Honorable mention is given to Ryan Smith. The Siuslaw hitter was four-for-seven at the plate with three RBI and two triples in the Vikings’ double-header sweep over South Umpqua.
Viking Softball had a comfortable 5-run lead going into the sixth inning last night, but the Brookings-Harbor Bruins exploded for nine runs in the frame and came away with a 12-8 win over the Lady Vikings in Florence. The loss elevates the Bruins into a tie with Siuslaw for fourth place in the Far West standings with four games remaining. One of those games is set for this afternoon in Winston against the Douglas Trojans.
Viking Baseball is looking to keep pace on top of the Far West League. The Vikings will host Douglas this evening at five in Florence. That game will air on Coast Radio Sports with the pregame show at 4:45.
On the college diamond… Oregon is in Tacoma today and tomorrow for a two-game series against Seattle. Oregon State will host the Portland Pilots for a single non-league game today in Corvallis.
All you have to do is feel the tickle on the back of your throat and you can tell there’s plenty of pollen in the air. One of the major contributors of that pollen is scotch broom. Despite the bright yellow flowers contrasting on the deep green foliage, it is a noxious weed. Landscapers say now is the time to get rid of it, before it goes to seed. Barb Rowland, co-owner of Honeyman Nursery and Landscaping says despite appearances, it’s not native and it can take over.
Rowland: "Crowd out everything that we do want as a native. It will crowd out the huckleberry and the native rhododendron."
That’s because it’s a prolific breeder, producing thousands of seed pods.
Rowland: "It is a non-sterile seed, and so for every seed pod that's on there you will get a new little seedling to start."
Those seeds can float several miles on the wind, allowing them to settle and wait for the right opportunity.
Rowland: "They're going to be the first thing to germinate. They do not need water to germinate so they're going to be an opportunistic plant that you do not want in your yard."
Rowland says it is relatively easy to get rid of. Small plants can be pulled out by the roots and mature bushes can be cut off and won’t come back. But, she says, seeds can lay dormant for decades before sprouting and beginning the cycle all over again.
They say they’ve agreed on a budget framework… and a timeline to implement it… but lawmakers aren’t filling in many details on the spending proposal hashed out this week behind closed doors. Legislative leaders and Governor John Kitzhaber met Monday at the Governor’s mansion and worked out the agreement, releasing a joint statement late yesterday. Officials say they’ve agreed on what the remaining issues are and how much money will be available to deal with them. The statement lays out priorities for any extra revenue that may come in above current projections. First in line will be the Department of Human Services, where programs for seniors, the poor, and people with disabilities have been slashed.
Teachers at Siuslaw schools say a new evaluation program will help them do a better job. The head of the teacher’s union, Tim Dodson, says anything that gives teachers a chance to improve and do better in the classroom is welcome. The new evaluation program, modeled after similar programs in other communities, provides clear guidelines for teachers, but also relies more heavily on administrator involvement. The Siuslaw School Board got a first look at the new program last week. They’re scheduled to take final steps to adopt it tomorrow night.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - The city of Eugene has snared $1.5 million
of the $2 billion in federal high-speed rail money divided up
nationwide. The awards announced yesterday divvied up funds
designated for a now-canceled rail line in Florida. Eugene says
it'll put the money toward its planned $25 million expansion of a
downtown train station. That'll include a new rail siding and a
raised passenger platform.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - A Springfield restaurant is holding a
fundraiser for the family of a slain Eugene police officer. The
Original Roadhouse Grill will donate all revenue on Friday to the
family of Officer Chris Kilcullen, who was shot to death April 22
after pulling over a vehicle. The Oregonian reports the ownership
company is donating all revenue and absorbing all food and staff
wage expenses.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon could execute its first death row
inmate in 14 years this summer. The Oregonian reports that
49-year-old Gary Haugen will have a death warrant hearing in Marion
County Circuit Court on Friday. He has written officials saying he
wants to drop all appeals to his death sentence. He was convicted
in 2003 of killing another inmate.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Some Portland parents are questioning the
school district's plan to change high school schedules to cut
teachers. The Oregonian reports the district will require teachers
to teach six of eight periods, up from five of seven. That allows
the nine high schools to offer the same number of classes with
fewer teachers - a cut of 45 in all.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Legislature has approved a bill
that would keep juveniles charged with adult crimes in juvenile
detention facilities while awaiting trial. The Statesman Journal
reports that the bill is designed keep teens away from adult jails
where they would be at risk of assault.
HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. (AP) - Clackamas County deputies found a
marijuana growing operation in a luxury home in a Happy Valley
neighborhood after neighbors complained of the smell. Det. Jim
Strovink told KGW the odor was "eye-watering." A man and woman
who rented the home were last seen about a week earlier leaving in
a rented truck.
NORTH BEND, Ore. (AP) - The Coast Guard is joining several
federal and state agencies for a fire response training exercise
near the Coos Forest on the Oregon coast today. The goal is to
improve coordination between the Coast Guard and other agencies,
and to test the ability of air crews to locate and rescue people.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A German shepherd named Jack is credited
with three late-night escape attempts from a Medford, Ore.,
veterinarian's office. Last week, he made it.
The Medford Mail Tribune reports the crafty canine managed to
pull open his kennel, trip the dead bolt on the clinic's back door
and pull down the handle to get outside.
He set off three motion-detector alarms on the way and managed
to rip open four bags of food.
The dog roamed seven miles from the vet's office, but only made
it home when animal control officers took him to a shelter where he
was reunited with his worried family.
A veterinarian calls the dog's recovery from flu-like symptoms
"impressive."
---
Information from: Mail Tribune, http://www.mailtribune.com/
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Siuslaw Track and Field standout Katy Potter is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the week. The Viking sophomore posted the fifth fastest time in Siuslaw history in the 3-thousand meters; 10:50.12; finishing second at the Wally Ciochetti Invitational in Cottage Grove. Potter’s time is also the seventh fastest in the 4A ranks so far this year. Honorable mention is given to Ryan Smith. The Siuslaw hitter was four-for-seven at the plate with three RBI and two triples in the Vikings’ double-header sweep over South Umpqua.
Viking Softball had a comfortable 5-run lead going into the sixth inning last night, but the Brookings-Harbor Bruins exploded for nine runs in the frame and came away with a 12-8 win over the Lady Vikings in Florence. The loss elevates the Bruins into a tie with Siuslaw for fourth place in the Far West standings with four games remaining. One of those games is set for this afternoon in Winston against the Douglas Trojans.
Viking Baseball is looking to keep pace on top of the Far West League. The Vikings will host Douglas this evening at five in Florence. That game will air on Coast Radio Sports with the pregame show at 4:45.
On the college diamond… Oregon is in Tacoma today and tomorrow for a two-game series against Seattle. Oregon State will host the Portland Pilots for a single non-league game today in Corvallis.
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