Lane County earns dubious distinction
The Lane County Sheriff’s office could get as much as $100-thousand a year in federal money and additional assistance from federal law enforcement agencies, all to help combat illegal drugs. Sheriff Russ Burger announced yesterday that Lane County will join seven other Oregon Counties and one Indian Reservation that have been designated as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas. With ongoing and long term budget constraints, Burger says the designation comes at a critical time. Heroin abuse and trafficking are “increasing at an alarming rate” he says. In order to be eligible, counties must show significant illegal drug production, manufacturing or distribution; a commitment by law enforcement agencies to respond to the problems; and a need for a significant increase in federal resources. Approximately 14-percent of U.S. counties are included in the H-I-D-T-A program nationwide. Lane County and the Warm Springs Reservation in north central Oregon were selected for the designation this week. Seven other counties, including Douglas County, were previously added to the program.
The Dunes City Council will officially begin the search for a new recorder and administrator this week. Mayor Eric Hauptmann (HOWPT-munn) didn’t say why she had been relieved of her position, but Amy Graham has not been on the job since March 15th. He said her severance package would be finalized today. Graham was promoted to City Recorder in May 2008 when her predecessor, Greg Perkins, suddenly left the job after only three months. Hauptmann said salary will be a main discussion when the council meets. Graham was earning just under $40-thousand a year. Fred Hilden, the administrative assistant, will fill the job on an interim basis.
The price of crude oil reached an 18-month high this week. It’s at $86 per barrel. Marie Dodds with Triple-A of Oregon says the jump was partly in response to good economic news. It also triggered a subsequent jump in the average price of regular unleaded gasoline… Florence’s average price surged four cents this week to $2.79 a gallon. Oregon’s statewide average increased a penny to $2.90; the National average went up three cents to $2.83.
The Siuslaw School District Budget Committee will hear the annual budget message from Superintendent Jeff Davis this evening when they begin their season’s work in the Library at Siuslaw Elementary School. The budget committee meeting will begin at 6:30.
Two former Florence Mayors, each currently serve in different local government capacities, will talk about the proposed annexation of property inside Florence into the Siuslaw Valley Fire District. City Councilor Alan Burns and fire board member Rob Ward will be on the second half of KCST’s Our Town this afternoon. Also on the program: Bob Peters, a member of the Lane County Citizen Advocates for Public Safety; and Siuslaw High School vice-principal Matt Henry. The program, on 106.9, airs from four to six.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Boy Scouts leader testifying in a sex
abuse lawsuit in Portland says he reported the confession of
another Scouts leader's abuse only to find the man still with the
organization more than a decade later. Larry O'Connor said Tuesday
that he was surprised to see the man he reported in 1970 at a
national Scouts jamboree in full uniform in 1981. O'Connor
testified in the lawsuit of a Portland man who claims a former
Scout leader abused him as a boy.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Republicans are intensifying opposition to law
professor Goodwin Liu's nomination for a San Francisco-based
appeals court, setting up a test of whether President Barack Obama
can win confirmation for a liberal. If confirmed, Liu would serve
on the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals serving Oregon and eight
other western states.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon Zoo bird curator Shawn St. Michael
is involved in an elaborate game of transporting soon-to-hatch
condor eggs. The zoo is involved in a captive breeding operation
designed to help restore wild populations of endangered California
condors. The theory is that it's easier and less stressful to move
eggs than to move enormous birds.
NEWPORT, Ore. (AP) - Oregon Coast Aquarium officials in Newport
say one of two young California sea lions recently acquired by the
aquarium has drowned. A spokeswoman says the sea lion named Bailey
and the other young newcomer named Maya apparently worked loose a
filtration drain cover, and it appears suction kept 10-month-old
Bailey from being able to surface to breathe.
GRANDVIEW, Wash. (AP) - Grandview, Wash.-based Del Bueno says
it's expanding its recall of Queso Fresco Fresh Cheese to all
package sizes because the cheese has the potential to be
contaminated with Listeria. On Monday, the company said it was
recalling just 16 oz. packages. The cheese was distributed to
retail markets in Washington and one retail store each in Hermiston
and Milton-Freewater, Ore. All date codes through May 30, 2010, are
being recalled.
KEIZER, Ore. (AP) - Keizer police say they closed an entrance to
McNary High School and temporarily evacuated students and staff
from a portable classroom Tuesday afternoon after receiving a
report of a suspicious package in the parking lot. Sgt. Lance Inman
says a caller described a "strange package about the size of a
brick wrapped in paper and duct tape." The Salem police bomb squad
later determined that's exactly what it was.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - More than 500 ODOT employees will likely move
into two vacant buildings in Salem that were once home to high-tech
companies. Spokeswoman Christine Miles told The Statesman Journal
leases are being reviewed by state attorneys. The workers could
move into the new space in October to make way for a $65 million
renovation of ODOT's building on the Capitol Mall.
SCOTTS MILLS, Ore. (AP) - Law officers used dogs and an aircraft
to search for man suspected of firing shots at a woman and a dog in
Scotts Mills. Marion County deputies say a woman saw a suspicious
person near her home yesterday and approached him with her German
shepherd. She told deputies that the man pulled a handgun and fired
two shots from 50 yards away and fled. She was not hit. A two-hour
search did not find the suspect.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
College Baseball:
The Portland Pilots were steered to a 9-2 loss by number-17 ranked Oregon State yesterday at Goss Stadium in Corvallis. Ryan Gorton improved to 3-and-oh this season on the mound, Rob Folsom went four-for-five at the plate with two doubles and three RBI. The Beavers host UCLA for Pac-10 play this weekend.
University of Oregon President Richard Lariviere (la-RIV-ee-air) said he encouraged former Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Mike Bellotti to take a television analyst position with ESPN. Lariviere, who assumed the presidency last year after Bellotti had been hired as A-D said he told Bellotti that a change would be needed at the top of the athletic department in the near future. He stopped short of saying Bellotti was fired, calling the move – quote – “mutually agreed-upon”.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Council delays discussion on fireworks prohibition
In a surprise move last night, the Florence City Council abruptly removed the proposed fireworks prohibition from the agenda and put it off until June. Councilor Nola Xavier said the delay was to allow proponents of the ban a change to provide input.
201 – “We have people who have been able to testify why they want the fireworks, but we have people who haven’t had the opportunity to come and say why they don’t want them.”
Xavier seemed unapologetic that the more than two-dozen people in the council chambers who were prepared to comment on the proposal to ban all fireworks in a widespread area of Old Town weren’t allowed to speak.
202 – “Well actually, in hindsight, they could have had their say tonight because once it was removed from the agenda they could have come and spoke at public comment because public comment allows for anything that’s not on the agenda to be spoken.”
That option wasn’t explained before many in the audience left in disappointment. The council approved the delay with no explanation nor discussion other than Mayor Phil Brubaker’s comment – quote – “it wasn’t ripe”.
The Florence City Council will no longer pursue an intergovernmental agreement with the Heceta Water District that would allow the district to continue serving water customers that are annexed into the city. After three years of talks with nothing to show for the effort, councilor Sue Roberts said she is tired of the animosity and mistrust that has been generated by the water district board of directors.
203 – “They wear two hats, a lot of them, anti annexation with Bulldogs or Rottweilers or whatever that logo is, and then they sit on the water district too.”
She spreads the blame around… saying it’s not just the directors but district residents who are to blame.
204 – “At this time, well, do not want any, us to have any agreements with the Heceta Water District. The Heceta Water District, their elected officials, apparently the citizens in the Urban Growth Boundary, or who are served by the Heceta Water District concur with the policies that are going on now or they would be doing something about it.”
One agreement the city does want to pursue however, is how to handle the transfer of water in the event of an emergency. But as far as day to day operations go, Roberts said the continued stalling tactics used by the district have cost the city nearly $60-thousand in legal fees.
The good news is that the number of closed and pending sales in the Florence Real Estate Market appear to be on the rise. At least in the first quarter of 2010 says local real estate market analyst Tawfik Ahdab. The bad news, at least from the perspective of those on the selling side he says, is that it continues to be a buyer’s market with downward pressure on pricing. In his quarterly market report, Ahdab says the latest median sale price in Florence and Dunes City reached a record low of $150-thousand. That’s down from the recent historical range of $199-thousand. Ahdab adds there does seem to be a bright spot in that area. Several area brokerages have reported recent increases in showings of residences in the upper end of the price range.
This weekend’s Green Show at the Florence Events Center will offer a variety of tips and how-tos to area residents. One exhibitor in the show will offer some big money savings potential with a very positive environmental spin. In 2009 alone St. Vincent de Paul diverted five million pounds of metal from area landfills. Much of that was in the form of appliances. Many of those are recycled and reconditioned by the society and offered for sale at their dozen or so retail outlets in Lane County. Those landfill diversions aren’t limited to just scrap metal. Each year the non-profit agency recycles furniture; clothing and household items; and even remanufactures mattresses and box springs. The Florence Green Show is Saturday from ten to five at the FEC.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Portland officer says in newly released
documents on a police shooting death that he didn't think his Taser
would be effective on a homeless man who came toward him with a
knife because the man was wearing a heavy coat. Officer Jason
Walters also says he rejected pepper spray or a baton during the
encounter with 58-year-old Jack Dale Collins because Collins was
too close, and Walters didn't have any backup.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Lane County Jail officials say a man charged
with using a homemade knife to kill a homeless man has been found
in possession of makeshift weapons three times as he awaits trial.
Lloyd Ervin Austin is charged with attempted assault of a jail
deputy for Thursday's incident. Jail officials say Deputy Neil
Woolsey wasn't hurt. Authorities say Austin was also caught with a
knife in February and again last Wednesday.
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) - Springfield police say a man who shut
off the lights on a stolen car in an attempt to elude them has died
of injuries suffered when the car crashed into a tree. Sgt. Tom
Borchers said Monday that 21-year-old Christopher Lee Rose died at
Sacred Heart Medical Center. The Springfield man crashed Saturday.
Police say they were pursuing a stolen vehicle before losing sight
of it when the lights were shut off.
NORTH BEND, Ore. (AP) - North Bend police say a 21-year-old man
sought on a probation violation raced away from them across a
rotting pier -- then disappeared when the pier gave way. Police
called the Coast Guard for help early yesterday, fearing Rodney
Yeiter might have fallen into the water. The crew of a Coast Guard
motor lifeboat located him hiding under a dock about two hours
later. Yeiter was treated and released to police custody.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Lane County Republicans have sold all of
their $250 tickets to Sarah Palin's April 23 appearance in the
Hilton Eugene's main hall, which can hold 750. Now a $100
pay-per-view option is available for those who want to watch the
former vice presidential candidate on a big video screen. The party
is offering 280 of those tickets.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - For the second time, a former Portland
high school basketball coach has been convicted of drunken driving.
The Oregonian reports former Jesuit High coach Kathryn Adelman Naro
was convicted Thursday in Washington County and will be sentenced
April 16. Her lawyer says he'll appeal. Naro is the daughter of
former Trail Blazers coach Rick Adelman.
TIGARD, Ore. (AP) - A man in a wheelchair says two men assaulted
and robbed him early yesterday in Tigard. Police say the
44-year-old says his money spilled when he was pulled out of the
wheelchair in the Greenway Town Center. He was treated at a
hospital.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A 39-year-old Medford man is hospitalized
with critical injuries suffered when he tried crossing Interstate 5
last night. Trooopers say Sean Daily was struck by a northbound car
driven by a 71-year-old California woman as she approached the
Highway 62 overpass. Police say Daily walked in front of the car.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Athlete of the Week:
Siuslaw Track and Field standout Joe Campbell is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The senior distance runner captured the individual title in the 3,000 meters at the Junction City Invitational with a personal record time of 4:16.68. Campbell also ran one leg in the Vikings’ first place 4x400 relay team. Honorable mention is given to Siuslaw sophomore Marisha Reavis (muh-REE-shuh REVV-iss), who extended her previous personal record in the shot put by more than three feet, putting it 33’10” for second place at the same meet. Reavis also ran a leg on Siuslaw’s 2nd place 4x400 relay.
On the Schedule…
Oregon State will host the University of Portland for non-league baseball.
In a surprise move last night, the Florence City Council abruptly removed the proposed fireworks prohibition from the agenda and put it off until June. Councilor Nola Xavier said the delay was to allow proponents of the ban a change to provide input.
201 – “We have people who have been able to testify why they want the fireworks, but we have people who haven’t had the opportunity to come and say why they don’t want them.”
Xavier seemed unapologetic that the more than two-dozen people in the council chambers who were prepared to comment on the proposal to ban all fireworks in a widespread area of Old Town weren’t allowed to speak.
202 – “Well actually, in hindsight, they could have had their say tonight because once it was removed from the agenda they could have come and spoke at public comment because public comment allows for anything that’s not on the agenda to be spoken.”
That option wasn’t explained before many in the audience left in disappointment. The council approved the delay with no explanation nor discussion other than Mayor Phil Brubaker’s comment – quote – “it wasn’t ripe”.
The Florence City Council will no longer pursue an intergovernmental agreement with the Heceta Water District that would allow the district to continue serving water customers that are annexed into the city. After three years of talks with nothing to show for the effort, councilor Sue Roberts said she is tired of the animosity and mistrust that has been generated by the water district board of directors.
203 – “They wear two hats, a lot of them, anti annexation with Bulldogs or Rottweilers or whatever that logo is, and then they sit on the water district too.”
She spreads the blame around… saying it’s not just the directors but district residents who are to blame.
204 – “At this time, well, do not want any, us to have any agreements with the Heceta Water District. The Heceta Water District, their elected officials, apparently the citizens in the Urban Growth Boundary, or who are served by the Heceta Water District concur with the policies that are going on now or they would be doing something about it.”
One agreement the city does want to pursue however, is how to handle the transfer of water in the event of an emergency. But as far as day to day operations go, Roberts said the continued stalling tactics used by the district have cost the city nearly $60-thousand in legal fees.
The good news is that the number of closed and pending sales in the Florence Real Estate Market appear to be on the rise. At least in the first quarter of 2010 says local real estate market analyst Tawfik Ahdab. The bad news, at least from the perspective of those on the selling side he says, is that it continues to be a buyer’s market with downward pressure on pricing. In his quarterly market report, Ahdab says the latest median sale price in Florence and Dunes City reached a record low of $150-thousand. That’s down from the recent historical range of $199-thousand. Ahdab adds there does seem to be a bright spot in that area. Several area brokerages have reported recent increases in showings of residences in the upper end of the price range.
This weekend’s Green Show at the Florence Events Center will offer a variety of tips and how-tos to area residents. One exhibitor in the show will offer some big money savings potential with a very positive environmental spin. In 2009 alone St. Vincent de Paul diverted five million pounds of metal from area landfills. Much of that was in the form of appliances. Many of those are recycled and reconditioned by the society and offered for sale at their dozen or so retail outlets in Lane County. Those landfill diversions aren’t limited to just scrap metal. Each year the non-profit agency recycles furniture; clothing and household items; and even remanufactures mattresses and box springs. The Florence Green Show is Saturday from ten to five at the FEC.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Portland officer says in newly released
documents on a police shooting death that he didn't think his Taser
would be effective on a homeless man who came toward him with a
knife because the man was wearing a heavy coat. Officer Jason
Walters also says he rejected pepper spray or a baton during the
encounter with 58-year-old Jack Dale Collins because Collins was
too close, and Walters didn't have any backup.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Lane County Jail officials say a man charged
with using a homemade knife to kill a homeless man has been found
in possession of makeshift weapons three times as he awaits trial.
Lloyd Ervin Austin is charged with attempted assault of a jail
deputy for Thursday's incident. Jail officials say Deputy Neil
Woolsey wasn't hurt. Authorities say Austin was also caught with a
knife in February and again last Wednesday.
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) - Springfield police say a man who shut
off the lights on a stolen car in an attempt to elude them has died
of injuries suffered when the car crashed into a tree. Sgt. Tom
Borchers said Monday that 21-year-old Christopher Lee Rose died at
Sacred Heart Medical Center. The Springfield man crashed Saturday.
Police say they were pursuing a stolen vehicle before losing sight
of it when the lights were shut off.
NORTH BEND, Ore. (AP) - North Bend police say a 21-year-old man
sought on a probation violation raced away from them across a
rotting pier -- then disappeared when the pier gave way. Police
called the Coast Guard for help early yesterday, fearing Rodney
Yeiter might have fallen into the water. The crew of a Coast Guard
motor lifeboat located him hiding under a dock about two hours
later. Yeiter was treated and released to police custody.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Lane County Republicans have sold all of
their $250 tickets to Sarah Palin's April 23 appearance in the
Hilton Eugene's main hall, which can hold 750. Now a $100
pay-per-view option is available for those who want to watch the
former vice presidential candidate on a big video screen. The party
is offering 280 of those tickets.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - For the second time, a former Portland
high school basketball coach has been convicted of drunken driving.
The Oregonian reports former Jesuit High coach Kathryn Adelman Naro
was convicted Thursday in Washington County and will be sentenced
April 16. Her lawyer says he'll appeal. Naro is the daughter of
former Trail Blazers coach Rick Adelman.
TIGARD, Ore. (AP) - A man in a wheelchair says two men assaulted
and robbed him early yesterday in Tigard. Police say the
44-year-old says his money spilled when he was pulled out of the
wheelchair in the Greenway Town Center. He was treated at a
hospital.
MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) - A 39-year-old Medford man is hospitalized
with critical injuries suffered when he tried crossing Interstate 5
last night. Trooopers say Sean Daily was struck by a northbound car
driven by a 71-year-old California woman as she approached the
Highway 62 overpass. Police say Daily walked in front of the car.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Athlete of the Week:
Siuslaw Track and Field standout Joe Campbell is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The senior distance runner captured the individual title in the 3,000 meters at the Junction City Invitational with a personal record time of 4:16.68. Campbell also ran one leg in the Vikings’ first place 4x400 relay team. Honorable mention is given to Siuslaw sophomore Marisha Reavis (muh-REE-shuh REVV-iss), who extended her previous personal record in the shot put by more than three feet, putting it 33’10” for second place at the same meet. Reavis also ran a leg on Siuslaw’s 2nd place 4x400 relay.
On the Schedule…
Oregon State will host the University of Portland for non-league baseball.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Council to hear 2nd Fireworks Ban reading; Gov says Oregon fared better this time around; downed trees block 36; Burns wants Mayor post back
Second reading on Fireworks Prohibition set for tonight…
The Florence City Council will take up the second reading of a proposed ordinance banning the use of all fireworks in most areas of Old Town Florence this evening. The move has drawn fire from several businesses in the area who claim it will put a damper on Fourth of July business. The Council opted to make the fireworks ban a priority in December during their annual goal-setting. It was in response to a move made last year by the Port of Siuslaw banning fireworks on all Port property. The council, on a 3-2 vote, approved the first reading March 15th. If it passes this evening, the ban would be in place in time for this year’s Independence Day Holiday. The council will also hold a pair of public hearings on proposed zoning code changes in the business park this evening. The council meets at seven at city hall.
In his final state-of-the-state address, Governor Ted Kulongoski said he’s the first to acknowledge that 10.5 percent unemployment is not acceptable. But, the 69-year old Democrat says state government weathered this recession better than the dot-com collapse. He said it’s not “dumb luck” that Oregon isn’t cutting health care, school days, or support for families in crisis. Still, he says, Oregon faces a “decade of debt” unless it does more to shore up state finances. Kulongoski argues the state’s kicker rebates, which return money to taxpayers when revenue runs well above estimates, keep the state from saving in good times. He wants that money diverted into reserve funds for hard economic times. The Democratic Legislature rejected Kulongoski’s recent efforts to revamp the rebates.
Highway 36 just west of Triangle Lake was closed between Friday afternoon and Saturday because of downed trees and rock slides. Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Rick Little said the slide occurred Friday morning and workers weren’t able to safely access the area until Saturday morning. Traffic was restored by mid afternoon.
He can’t formally file for another 60-days, but former Florence Mayor and current councilman Alan Burns says he wants his old job back. Burns was first elected to the City Council in 1992, then served as Mayor between 1996 and 2004. Two years later, he was elected to council once again. No other candidates have formally announced their intentions, but it’s expected that the incumbent… Phil Brubaker will run again.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Items meant to go to an orphanage in
Uganda have been stolen Saturday from a Portland church's storage
container. The Oregonian reports members of the Abundant Life
Church discovered thieves had taken food, clothing and shoes.
Member Mark Covener said the theives made a "huge mess."
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) - Springfield police says a man crashed a
suspected stolen car into a tree after shutting off the car's
lights in an attempt to lose police officers. The Eugene
Register-Guard reports 21-year-old Christopher Lee Rose was in
hospitalized in critical condition Saturday. Officers lost sight of
the car when the lights were shut off, but police found the car
after it had crashed.
JORDAN VALLEY, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police say a Nampa man
has been charged with DUI after a weekend accident that took the
life of his 9-year-old son. Police say 33-year-old Rigoberto
Martinez-Perez was driving a pickup truck on Highway 95 at a high
rate of speed when the vehicle went off the right shoulder, rolled
several times and went down a 40-foot embankment.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - Anyone who sees an 8-foot boa
constrictor looking for a warm spot in Grants Pass, authorities
would like you to call them. The Grants Pass Department of Public
Safety says the boa -- named d'Artagnan -- was last seen at his
home Thursday. They say the snake escaped when a roommate at the
home opened the door without realizing the snake was loose.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Arbitration is scheduled today and tomorrow
in the contract dispute between the Oregon Department of
Corrections and the union for more than 1,800 corrections officers.
The two sides differ over furlough days, vacation and a freeze on
step pay increases.
FORT LEWIS, Wash. (AP) - About 120 Oregon Army National Guard
soldiers who returned Saturday to Joint Base Lewis-McChord are
among the first of nearly 2,700 troops coming home after a year in
Iraq. The Army says the rest of the 41 Infantry Brigade Combat Team
soldiers are due to return to Lewis-McChord in the next few weeks.
HUBBARD, Ore. (AP) - Marion County sheriff's detectives are
helping look for the hit-and-run driver whose vehicle killed a man
walking along a street in Hubbard. The 29-year-old Hubbard man,
Freddie Foster, was fatally injured Saturday night. The only
description of the suspect vehicle is that it's a white van.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Track and Field:
The Siuslaw Vikings had a half-dozen individual event winners at Saturday’s Junction City Invitational, including the longest shot put of the year at the high school level in Oregon… Alexis Reavis also moved to number two on the all-time Siuslaw High School list with a put of 42-feet-9-1/2 inches. Raelyn Robinson won the 800 meter, Samantha Pummer the 15-hundred. On the boys side, Joe Campbell won the 15-hundred in a personal best time of 4:16:68… little brother Matthew Campbell won the Three-thousand. The boys four-by-400 relay team of Wyatt Alletson, Neal Larson, Brad Greenburg and Will Fandrey won that event in 3:39.65.
College Baseball:
The Oregon Ducks handed the Arizona State Sun Devils their first loss of the season Friday night… well, actually Saturday morning. The Ducks and the Devils went 12-innings and ended up at 12:46 Saturday morning with the ducks on top 6-5. ASU won Saturday’s matchup 7-3 to take the three-game series. Oregon State split the final two games of their series in Los Angeles against the USC Trojans, winning Friday 4-3; losing Saturday 8-2.
On The Schedule…
Siuslaw baseball and softball scheduled for this afternoon against Marshfield has been called because of weather and field conditions.
The Florence City Council will take up the second reading of a proposed ordinance banning the use of all fireworks in most areas of Old Town Florence this evening. The move has drawn fire from several businesses in the area who claim it will put a damper on Fourth of July business. The Council opted to make the fireworks ban a priority in December during their annual goal-setting. It was in response to a move made last year by the Port of Siuslaw banning fireworks on all Port property. The council, on a 3-2 vote, approved the first reading March 15th. If it passes this evening, the ban would be in place in time for this year’s Independence Day Holiday. The council will also hold a pair of public hearings on proposed zoning code changes in the business park this evening. The council meets at seven at city hall.
In his final state-of-the-state address, Governor Ted Kulongoski said he’s the first to acknowledge that 10.5 percent unemployment is not acceptable. But, the 69-year old Democrat says state government weathered this recession better than the dot-com collapse. He said it’s not “dumb luck” that Oregon isn’t cutting health care, school days, or support for families in crisis. Still, he says, Oregon faces a “decade of debt” unless it does more to shore up state finances. Kulongoski argues the state’s kicker rebates, which return money to taxpayers when revenue runs well above estimates, keep the state from saving in good times. He wants that money diverted into reserve funds for hard economic times. The Democratic Legislature rejected Kulongoski’s recent efforts to revamp the rebates.
Highway 36 just west of Triangle Lake was closed between Friday afternoon and Saturday because of downed trees and rock slides. Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Rick Little said the slide occurred Friday morning and workers weren’t able to safely access the area until Saturday morning. Traffic was restored by mid afternoon.
He can’t formally file for another 60-days, but former Florence Mayor and current councilman Alan Burns says he wants his old job back. Burns was first elected to the City Council in 1992, then served as Mayor between 1996 and 2004. Two years later, he was elected to council once again. No other candidates have formally announced their intentions, but it’s expected that the incumbent… Phil Brubaker will run again.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Items meant to go to an orphanage in
Uganda have been stolen Saturday from a Portland church's storage
container. The Oregonian reports members of the Abundant Life
Church discovered thieves had taken food, clothing and shoes.
Member Mark Covener said the theives made a "huge mess."
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. (AP) - Springfield police says a man crashed a
suspected stolen car into a tree after shutting off the car's
lights in an attempt to lose police officers. The Eugene
Register-Guard reports 21-year-old Christopher Lee Rose was in
hospitalized in critical condition Saturday. Officers lost sight of
the car when the lights were shut off, but police found the car
after it had crashed.
JORDAN VALLEY, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police say a Nampa man
has been charged with DUI after a weekend accident that took the
life of his 9-year-old son. Police say 33-year-old Rigoberto
Martinez-Perez was driving a pickup truck on Highway 95 at a high
rate of speed when the vehicle went off the right shoulder, rolled
several times and went down a 40-foot embankment.
GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) - Anyone who sees an 8-foot boa
constrictor looking for a warm spot in Grants Pass, authorities
would like you to call them. The Grants Pass Department of Public
Safety says the boa -- named d'Artagnan -- was last seen at his
home Thursday. They say the snake escaped when a roommate at the
home opened the door without realizing the snake was loose.
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Arbitration is scheduled today and tomorrow
in the contract dispute between the Oregon Department of
Corrections and the union for more than 1,800 corrections officers.
The two sides differ over furlough days, vacation and a freeze on
step pay increases.
FORT LEWIS, Wash. (AP) - About 120 Oregon Army National Guard
soldiers who returned Saturday to Joint Base Lewis-McChord are
among the first of nearly 2,700 troops coming home after a year in
Iraq. The Army says the rest of the 41 Infantry Brigade Combat Team
soldiers are due to return to Lewis-McChord in the next few weeks.
HUBBARD, Ore. (AP) - Marion County sheriff's detectives are
helping look for the hit-and-run driver whose vehicle killed a man
walking along a street in Hubbard. The 29-year-old Hubbard man,
Freddie Foster, was fatally injured Saturday night. The only
description of the suspect vehicle is that it's a white van.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Track and Field:
The Siuslaw Vikings had a half-dozen individual event winners at Saturday’s Junction City Invitational, including the longest shot put of the year at the high school level in Oregon… Alexis Reavis also moved to number two on the all-time Siuslaw High School list with a put of 42-feet-9-1/2 inches. Raelyn Robinson won the 800 meter, Samantha Pummer the 15-hundred. On the boys side, Joe Campbell won the 15-hundred in a personal best time of 4:16:68… little brother Matthew Campbell won the Three-thousand. The boys four-by-400 relay team of Wyatt Alletson, Neal Larson, Brad Greenburg and Will Fandrey won that event in 3:39.65.
College Baseball:
The Oregon Ducks handed the Arizona State Sun Devils their first loss of the season Friday night… well, actually Saturday morning. The Ducks and the Devils went 12-innings and ended up at 12:46 Saturday morning with the ducks on top 6-5. ASU won Saturday’s matchup 7-3 to take the three-game series. Oregon State split the final two games of their series in Los Angeles against the USC Trojans, winning Friday 4-3; losing Saturday 8-2.
On The Schedule…
Siuslaw baseball and softball scheduled for this afternoon against Marshfield has been called because of weather and field conditions.
Fireworks possible at council meeting; Florence going green; Ems pull plug on April Fools prank.
Fireworks possible at Council Meeting…
The Florence City Council is set to hear the second reading Monday night of a proposed ordinance that would ban all fireworks… legal and illegal… in a wide stretch of Old Town Florence. It’s an effort that’s not generated a lot of public support… if any.
210 – “There is an organized effort amongst, you know, a lot of merchants and businessmen in Old Town to definitely be in attendance at that meeting.”
Bridgewater Restaurant owner Leo Duwell said he and many others are upset not only about the proposed ban, but also the lack of public involvement in the decision. He didn’t even know they council was considering the ban.
211 – “I read it in the paper and I was shocked. That was actually the first I’d heard. I knew the Port of Siuslaw had… didn’t want people to set it off.”
Duwell says the ban would harm tourism and put a damper on the Fourth of July holiday in Florence. And, he says, he’s not clear why the city is considering it. He didn’t see any safety risks from the use of legal fireworks and offered to help organize a cleanup effort after the holiday.
Florence will be going green next weekend… April Tenth… at the Florence Events Center will mark the first ever Florence Green Show.
213 – “We thought, well this would be a great educational opportunity to put on a show, get some different vendors involved. Kind of how it all began. It just started growing from there. It amazes me how many different people are doing stuff that I was unaware of in the community.”
Siuslaw News Publisher John Bartlett said there will be a wide variety of exhibitors at the show, along with demonstrations on how people can save money and energy. That show, April Tenth from ten to five at the FEC.
The new management team at the Eugene Emeralds pulled a prank yesterday… saying that suspended Oregon Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli would be in their bullpen this summer as a relief pitcher. Em’s spokesperson Onalee Carson said it was done in the spirit of the day.
214 – “You have to be aware of the date and we are moving into a brand new stadium with lots of new ideas and a new general manager and a new mascot, lot’s of new promotions. It made sense to kind of give us a bump in marketing and media and we’re definitely getting a wide response.”
Carson admitted that the prank was a last minute effort, put together Wednesday evening. It worked on some… all three Eugene TV Stations and one in Portland carried it on their late night news Wednesday and Thursday’s early morning shows. Other media recognized it for what it was… just another April Fool’s joke.
The National Weather Service has posted a high wind warning through this afternoon for the central and north coasts, as well as the Willamette Valley. Officials say the nice weather of the past couple of days will be long gone by midday and coastal residents need to be aware of heavy surf on the beach… and possible high water in some areas as the storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Baseball:
The Elmira Falcons put up three runs in the fourth inning to take the lead for good yesterday, as they beat the Siuslaw Vikings 4-2 in Florence. Siuslaw batters managed seven hits, but the defense yielded three errors.
Prep Softball:
Siuslaw scored one run in the fifth inning, but that wasn’t enough as they fell short, 5-1 against the Elmira Falcons at home yesterday. Head Coach Sean O’Mara said Alysen Boytz was the best pitcher they’ve faced so far this year, she struck out nine Viking batters.
College Baseball:
It took ten innings, but the Oregon State Beavers opened Pac-10 play with a 4-1 win over the USC Trojans yesterday in Los Angeles. The Beavers scored three runs in the top of the tenth to break a 1-1 tie. // The Oregon Ducks started their second conference series with a one-run shutout loss to Arizona State at PK Park.
On the Schedule:
Oregon will host ASU today and tomorrow to wrap up their series; the Beavers face USC today and tomorrow as well. On the track tomorrow… Siuslaw will compete at the Junction City Invitational tomorrow…, Mapleton Track and Field is at the Mountain West Preview this afternoon at McKenzie High School. On the diamond… Siuslaw Baseball is slated for two in Lincoln City tomorrow against the Taft Tigers.
The Florence City Council is set to hear the second reading Monday night of a proposed ordinance that would ban all fireworks… legal and illegal… in a wide stretch of Old Town Florence. It’s an effort that’s not generated a lot of public support… if any.
210 – “There is an organized effort amongst, you know, a lot of merchants and businessmen in Old Town to definitely be in attendance at that meeting.”
Bridgewater Restaurant owner Leo Duwell said he and many others are upset not only about the proposed ban, but also the lack of public involvement in the decision. He didn’t even know they council was considering the ban.
211 – “I read it in the paper and I was shocked. That was actually the first I’d heard. I knew the Port of Siuslaw had… didn’t want people to set it off.”
Duwell says the ban would harm tourism and put a damper on the Fourth of July holiday in Florence. And, he says, he’s not clear why the city is considering it. He didn’t see any safety risks from the use of legal fireworks and offered to help organize a cleanup effort after the holiday.
Florence will be going green next weekend… April Tenth… at the Florence Events Center will mark the first ever Florence Green Show.
213 – “We thought, well this would be a great educational opportunity to put on a show, get some different vendors involved. Kind of how it all began. It just started growing from there. It amazes me how many different people are doing stuff that I was unaware of in the community.”
Siuslaw News Publisher John Bartlett said there will be a wide variety of exhibitors at the show, along with demonstrations on how people can save money and energy. That show, April Tenth from ten to five at the FEC.
The new management team at the Eugene Emeralds pulled a prank yesterday… saying that suspended Oregon Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli would be in their bullpen this summer as a relief pitcher. Em’s spokesperson Onalee Carson said it was done in the spirit of the day.
214 – “You have to be aware of the date and we are moving into a brand new stadium with lots of new ideas and a new general manager and a new mascot, lot’s of new promotions. It made sense to kind of give us a bump in marketing and media and we’re definitely getting a wide response.”
Carson admitted that the prank was a last minute effort, put together Wednesday evening. It worked on some… all three Eugene TV Stations and one in Portland carried it on their late night news Wednesday and Thursday’s early morning shows. Other media recognized it for what it was… just another April Fool’s joke.
The National Weather Service has posted a high wind warning through this afternoon for the central and north coasts, as well as the Willamette Valley. Officials say the nice weather of the past couple of days will be long gone by midday and coastal residents need to be aware of heavy surf on the beach… and possible high water in some areas as the storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall.
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Baseball:
The Elmira Falcons put up three runs in the fourth inning to take the lead for good yesterday, as they beat the Siuslaw Vikings 4-2 in Florence. Siuslaw batters managed seven hits, but the defense yielded three errors.
Prep Softball:
Siuslaw scored one run in the fifth inning, but that wasn’t enough as they fell short, 5-1 against the Elmira Falcons at home yesterday. Head Coach Sean O’Mara said Alysen Boytz was the best pitcher they’ve faced so far this year, she struck out nine Viking batters.
College Baseball:
It took ten innings, but the Oregon State Beavers opened Pac-10 play with a 4-1 win over the USC Trojans yesterday in Los Angeles. The Beavers scored three runs in the top of the tenth to break a 1-1 tie. // The Oregon Ducks started their second conference series with a one-run shutout loss to Arizona State at PK Park.
On the Schedule:
Oregon will host ASU today and tomorrow to wrap up their series; the Beavers face USC today and tomorrow as well. On the track tomorrow… Siuslaw will compete at the Junction City Invitational tomorrow…, Mapleton Track and Field is at the Mountain West Preview this afternoon at McKenzie High School. On the diamond… Siuslaw Baseball is slated for two in Lincoln City tomorrow against the Taft Tigers.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Eugene Emeralds pull plug on April Fools prank
KGW.com is reporting that a spokesperson for the Eugene Emeralds called quits early on an April Fool's Day prank involving Jeremiah Masoli.
Onalee Carson, a team spokesperson, admitted that rumors across the Web about Masoli pitching for the new minor league team were a publicity stunt that Emeralds management devised "last minute" on Wednesday night.
It was all done to raise the team's profile, she said, adding it worked.
The rumors about Masoli had flittered across Twitter early Thursday - along with rumors that Mr. T was starring at Portland Center Stage this weekend. All three TV stations in Eugene broadcast the news during last night's 11 o'clock segments and also continued promoting it in their early morning broadcasts.
http://kgw.com
Onalee Carson, a team spokesperson, admitted that rumors across the Web about Masoli pitching for the new minor league team were a publicity stunt that Emeralds management devised "last minute" on Wednesday night.
It was all done to raise the team's profile, she said, adding it worked.
The rumors about Masoli had flittered across Twitter early Thursday - along with rumors that Mr. T was starring at Portland Center Stage this weekend. All three TV stations in Eugene broadcast the news during last night's 11 o'clock segments and also continued promoting it in their early morning broadcasts.
http://kgw.com
Earthquake and Tsunami awareness promoted in April…
Officials say all month long there will be special efforts to promote awareness of earthquake and tsunami preparedness. That’s always a challenge, says Oregon Department of Geology Earth Sciences Information
204 -- "We try to come up with ways to engage people, to get people's attention, make them focus on the fact that we have the potential for these great earthquakes and tsunamis at the Oregon Coast and get prepared. Put a plan together, put a kit together, know where high ground is… be prepared."
Schools and state agencies will be practicing required “drop, cover and hold” drills or tsunami evacuation excersizes. Coastal communities will also be focusing on preparedness. State geologist Vicki McConnell says multiple state agencies are working on a number of initiatives that will help save lives in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. Those include enhances and updated tsunami hazard mapping along the coast as well as a multi-year outreach and education program.
Administrators at Siuslaw School District made the decision this week to begin adding college credit advanced placement classes in the fall. Superintendent Jeff Davis said the move is aimed at challenging the students. English teacher Chris Johnson was recently awarded a grant from the Florence Rotary Club that will fund his work through the summer to prepare the first A-P offering. Davis said the Corbett School District in Eastern Multnomah County served as an example in the move. Over a decade they have gone from a district that had a 50% suspension rate to one of the highest rated high schools in the nation. Davis said the move to A-P classes will be a gradual one. It’s the district’s intention to add a new one each year.
Beginning today Big Creek Road, north of Florence, will be closed and the closure is expected to last about six weeks. A slide this past winter reduced the roadway to one-lane in one area. Crews will begin the process of stabilizing the slide and restoring two-lane traffic. Lane County Spokesperson Amber Fossen said Big Creek Road serves as a bypass from Highway 101 to North Fork Road.
The upcoming May 18th primary election is expected to generate a considerable amount of campaign activity. That’s prompted Jared Castle with the Oregon Department of Transportation to remind residents that election signs are not allowed in highway right of way at any time. Castle also says there are restrictions on signs placed on private property in view of highways. They’re limited to no more than 12 square feet; no flashing lights or animation are allowed; signs must not imitate an official highway sign or device; and they are not allowed in scenic corridors. Castle said signs that violate state rules will be removed without notice and held at local O-DOT district maintenance offices for 30-days.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) - A Coos County, Ore., sheriff's deputy in a
boat was able to rescue a man and his dog from a pickup truck stuck
in six feet of flood water. Dispatchers say 59-year-old Albert Lee
Sherman called for help early yesterday after attempting to cross a
flooded road in his Dodge Dakota pickup. His truck became disabled
on Arago-Fishtrap Road, west of Myrtle Point and Coquille
(koh-KEEL'). No injuries have been reported.
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - Rescue crews are searching for the body
of a man who fell into the water near The Wall, a popular fishing
spot in Oregon City. Emergency dispatchers received a 911 call
Wednesday reporting that a man wearing a Kansas City Chiefs jacket
was seen floating down the Willamette River. Shortly before 4 p.m.,
Oregon City police said 47-year-old Ricky Lee Bond of Springfield
is presumed to have drowned.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - A letter from the University of Oregon's
general counsel to state education officials reveals what led to a
$2.3 million severance package for departing athletic director Mike
Bellotti. It confirms that there was no written agreement with
Bellotti, but also suggests that his resignation after nine months
in office may have been hastened by university president Richard
Lariviere.
SEASIDE, Ore. (AP) - The director of the Seaside Aquarium has
some words of reassurance for Oregon beach walkers. If you
encounter an elephant seal breathing hard, spotted with sores and
missing patches of hair, don't worry, it's just molting. Director
Keith Chandler says this is the time of year it happens.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Portland Police Bureau is trying to
shave about $3 million from its budget, and one program that may be
shut down is the horse patrol unit to save $570,000. Assistant
Chief Brian Martinek said this week the mounted patrol unit is a
wonderful ambassador program for both the bureau and the city. But
he added it's not the most cost-effective way to provide police
services.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Court of Appeals has ruled that
physical evidence of sexual abuse must accompany a medical
diagnosis when presented to a jury. The rulings yesterday sent two
cases back to trial, including that of a man serving a sentence of
early 19 years.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A federal judge has ruled that government
investigators illegally wiretapped the phone conversations of an
Oregon-based Islamic charity and two American lawyers without a
search warrant. The judge in San Francisco said the Al-Haramain
Islamic Foundation of Ashland provided enough evidence to show
"they were subjected to warrantless electronic surveillance."
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Baseball and Softball:
It wasn’t the weather this time, but field conditions that prompted delay of yesterday’s scheduled baseball and softball matchups between Siuslaw and Marshfield. Siuslaw will try once again today to make up a couple games. The Elmira Falcons will be on both diamonds at Siuslaw High School this afternoon at 4:30… weather permitting.
Also on the schedule… Pac-10 baseball gets underway for the Oregon State Beavers. They’ll be on the road for the first of three against USC in Los Angeles. Oregon is at home against Arizona State.
Officials say all month long there will be special efforts to promote awareness of earthquake and tsunami preparedness. That’s always a challenge, says Oregon Department of Geology Earth Sciences Information
204 -- "We try to come up with ways to engage people, to get people's attention, make them focus on the fact that we have the potential for these great earthquakes and tsunamis at the Oregon Coast and get prepared. Put a plan together, put a kit together, know where high ground is… be prepared."
Schools and state agencies will be practicing required “drop, cover and hold” drills or tsunami evacuation excersizes. Coastal communities will also be focusing on preparedness. State geologist Vicki McConnell says multiple state agencies are working on a number of initiatives that will help save lives in the event of an earthquake or tsunami. Those include enhances and updated tsunami hazard mapping along the coast as well as a multi-year outreach and education program.
Administrators at Siuslaw School District made the decision this week to begin adding college credit advanced placement classes in the fall. Superintendent Jeff Davis said the move is aimed at challenging the students. English teacher Chris Johnson was recently awarded a grant from the Florence Rotary Club that will fund his work through the summer to prepare the first A-P offering. Davis said the Corbett School District in Eastern Multnomah County served as an example in the move. Over a decade they have gone from a district that had a 50% suspension rate to one of the highest rated high schools in the nation. Davis said the move to A-P classes will be a gradual one. It’s the district’s intention to add a new one each year.
Beginning today Big Creek Road, north of Florence, will be closed and the closure is expected to last about six weeks. A slide this past winter reduced the roadway to one-lane in one area. Crews will begin the process of stabilizing the slide and restoring two-lane traffic. Lane County Spokesperson Amber Fossen said Big Creek Road serves as a bypass from Highway 101 to North Fork Road.
The upcoming May 18th primary election is expected to generate a considerable amount of campaign activity. That’s prompted Jared Castle with the Oregon Department of Transportation to remind residents that election signs are not allowed in highway right of way at any time. Castle also says there are restrictions on signs placed on private property in view of highways. They’re limited to no more than 12 square feet; no flashing lights or animation are allowed; signs must not imitate an official highway sign or device; and they are not allowed in scenic corridors. Castle said signs that violate state rules will be removed without notice and held at local O-DOT district maintenance offices for 30-days.
Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press
COOS BAY, Ore. (AP) - A Coos County, Ore., sheriff's deputy in a
boat was able to rescue a man and his dog from a pickup truck stuck
in six feet of flood water. Dispatchers say 59-year-old Albert Lee
Sherman called for help early yesterday after attempting to cross a
flooded road in his Dodge Dakota pickup. His truck became disabled
on Arago-Fishtrap Road, west of Myrtle Point and Coquille
(koh-KEEL'). No injuries have been reported.
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) - Rescue crews are searching for the body
of a man who fell into the water near The Wall, a popular fishing
spot in Oregon City. Emergency dispatchers received a 911 call
Wednesday reporting that a man wearing a Kansas City Chiefs jacket
was seen floating down the Willamette River. Shortly before 4 p.m.,
Oregon City police said 47-year-old Ricky Lee Bond of Springfield
is presumed to have drowned.
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - A letter from the University of Oregon's
general counsel to state education officials reveals what led to a
$2.3 million severance package for departing athletic director Mike
Bellotti. It confirms that there was no written agreement with
Bellotti, but also suggests that his resignation after nine months
in office may have been hastened by university president Richard
Lariviere.
SEASIDE, Ore. (AP) - The director of the Seaside Aquarium has
some words of reassurance for Oregon beach walkers. If you
encounter an elephant seal breathing hard, spotted with sores and
missing patches of hair, don't worry, it's just molting. Director
Keith Chandler says this is the time of year it happens.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Portland Police Bureau is trying to
shave about $3 million from its budget, and one program that may be
shut down is the horse patrol unit to save $570,000. Assistant
Chief Brian Martinek said this week the mounted patrol unit is a
wonderful ambassador program for both the bureau and the city. But
he added it's not the most cost-effective way to provide police
services.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Oregon Court of Appeals has ruled that
physical evidence of sexual abuse must accompany a medical
diagnosis when presented to a jury. The rulings yesterday sent two
cases back to trial, including that of a man serving a sentence of
early 19 years.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A federal judge has ruled that government
investigators illegally wiretapped the phone conversations of an
Oregon-based Islamic charity and two American lawyers without a
search warrant. The judge in San Francisco said the Al-Haramain
Islamic Foundation of Ashland provided enough evidence to show
"they were subjected to warrantless electronic surveillance."
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:
Prep Baseball and Softball:
It wasn’t the weather this time, but field conditions that prompted delay of yesterday’s scheduled baseball and softball matchups between Siuslaw and Marshfield. Siuslaw will try once again today to make up a couple games. The Elmira Falcons will be on both diamonds at Siuslaw High School this afternoon at 4:30… weather permitting.
Also on the schedule… Pac-10 baseball gets underway for the Oregon State Beavers. They’ll be on the road for the first of three against USC in Los Angeles. Oregon is at home against Arizona State.
New Tsunami Warning System Would Cost Peanuts...
Oregon Agency explores innovative warning system…
Oregon officials say they've come up with an innovative and cost effective way to provide early warning in the event of a possible tsunami.
200 -- "We noticed in the 2004 Sumatran earthquake and tsunami on the coast of Thailand elephants headed to high ground even though there was no earthquake felt in the area and a short time later a tsunami roared into the coast."
James Roddy is the Earth Sciences Information Officer for the Oregon Department of Geology. He and emergency managers heard about this and wondered if pachyderms wouldn't make a more efficient and sustainable tsunami warning system.
201 -- "We heard there were zoos in the mid west that were having financial difficulty and needed to get rid of some of their larger displays. We contacted them and sure enough, it looked like we could get some elephants here at the coast."
Where to postion the elephants was a relatively simple matter…
202 -- "Well, we're going to begin staging them around the Newport and Lincoln City areas, at the state parks because there's plenty of land there."
Roddy said in addition to the land, there were already interpretive rangers at those locations who could help in educating the public about the purpose of the elephants. The cost of acquiring and transporting the beasts will be paid out of a federal stimulus grant and the ongoing maintenance will be self funded. Roddy said the elephant dung is quite rich and sought after by landscapers. He estimated that the first elephants were intended to arrive today…
203 -- "You know, this sounds like a pretty far fetched idea… and it is. And it's kind of a silly story but it actually has a very important message."
That message… in all seriousness… is that April is Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness month. Roddy says the story of the elephants heading for high ground to avoid the tsunami is true. What's also true is that many residents and visitors to the coast still don't grasp the depth of the risk.
204 -- "We try to come up with ways to engage people, to get people's attention, make them focus on the fact that we have the potential for these great earthquakes and tsunamis at the Oregon Coast and get prepared. Put a plan together, put a kit together, know where high ground is… be prepared."
For more information, got to kcst.com and click on the disaster emergency information link.
Oregon officials say they've come up with an innovative and cost effective way to provide early warning in the event of a possible tsunami.
200 -- "We noticed in the 2004 Sumatran earthquake and tsunami on the coast of Thailand elephants headed to high ground even though there was no earthquake felt in the area and a short time later a tsunami roared into the coast."
James Roddy is the Earth Sciences Information Officer for the Oregon Department of Geology. He and emergency managers heard about this and wondered if pachyderms wouldn't make a more efficient and sustainable tsunami warning system.
201 -- "We heard there were zoos in the mid west that were having financial difficulty and needed to get rid of some of their larger displays. We contacted them and sure enough, it looked like we could get some elephants here at the coast."
Where to postion the elephants was a relatively simple matter…
202 -- "Well, we're going to begin staging them around the Newport and Lincoln City areas, at the state parks because there's plenty of land there."
Roddy said in addition to the land, there were already interpretive rangers at those locations who could help in educating the public about the purpose of the elephants. The cost of acquiring and transporting the beasts will be paid out of a federal stimulus grant and the ongoing maintenance will be self funded. Roddy said the elephant dung is quite rich and sought after by landscapers. He estimated that the first elephants were intended to arrive today…
203 -- "You know, this sounds like a pretty far fetched idea… and it is. And it's kind of a silly story but it actually has a very important message."
That message… in all seriousness… is that April is Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness month. Roddy says the story of the elephants heading for high ground to avoid the tsunami is true. What's also true is that many residents and visitors to the coast still don't grasp the depth of the risk.
204 -- "We try to come up with ways to engage people, to get people's attention, make them focus on the fact that we have the potential for these great earthquakes and tsunamis at the Oregon Coast and get prepared. Put a plan together, put a kit together, know where high ground is… be prepared."
For more information, got to kcst.com and click on the disaster emergency information link.
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