Snow on the beach? New COO for Oregon - Gas prices driven by unrest - Chamber exec leaving.

Winter Storm Warning posted… we could see snow on the beach.

Get ready for some snow. The National Weather Service has posted a winter storm warning for western Oregon and much of Central Oregon… saying a “significant low elevation snowfall” is expected beginning late today and running through Friday morning. Forecasters say unseasonably cold weather, fostered by a cold air mass moving into the region tonight could bring snow accumulations down to the beaches and valleys. Mixed rain and snow is possible today, with the mixture transitioning to snow by this evening and continuing through tomorrow morning. Two to four inches accumulation are possible along the coast with accumulations up to seven inches predicted for higher elevations. Roads may become icy and snow covered… resulting in slick driving conditions.

Using a private business model, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber announced yesterday what he’s calling the first step in reforming government. Former Portland Metro executive Michael Jordan will be the first Chief Operating Officer for Oregon and will lead the effort to review outdated systems, streamline departments, make state government more efficient and cut costs. Kitzhaber says Jordan will be responsible for leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the state, and he will direct the Oregon Department of Administrative Services.

Crude oil prices are up to their highest level in about 2 ½ years and they’re taking retail pump prices with them. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded, according to Triple-A, climbed a nickel this week to $3.17. Oregon’s average jumped eight cents, it’s at $3.35; and the local average price is up nine cents… it’s at $3.23 a gallon. Marie Dodds with Triple-A of Oregon says turmoil in the Middle East “is the major concern” driving oil prices which jumped by $9 a barrel in the past week.

She’ll stay through the Rhododendron Festival, and hopefully help train her successor, but Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kady Sneddon will be leaving at the end of May. Chamber President Mike Rose said Sneddon announced last week she has accepted another job offer and will be stepping down after 3 ½ years. Rose says the goal is to have a replacement on board by the end of April to help out with Florence’s signature festival and ease the transition.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The funeral for an Oregon Marine killed in
Afghanistan will be held Saturday at Medford.
Twenty-six-year-old Matthew DeYoung of Talent died last week
supporting combat operations.
His mother, Teddi DeYoung told The Oregonian her son was born a
Marine because she had served in the Navy and her husband Bruce
served in the Marines.
Matthew DeYoung was assigned to a unit based at Camp Lejeune. He
was deployed to Iraq in 2006 and 2007 and was sent to Afghanistan
late last year.

Here is the latest Oregon news from The Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A Lincoln City police officer wounded
during a Jan. 23 traffic stop on the Oregon coast has been
discharged from a Portland hospital. Lincoln City police say
Officer Steven Dodds was transferred yesterday from Legacy Emanuel
Medical Center to an undisclosed location to continue his recovery.
Authorities say the search for suspect David Durham is ongoing, and
the FBI has offered at $10,000 reward for help capturing him.
Officer Dodds was near death after he was shot by a driver he
pulled over for speeding.

ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) - Oregon State Police troopers are asking for
public help to track down who shot a bald eagle found at Svensen
Island near Astoria in December. The Daily Astorian reports the
Wildlife Center of the North Coast in Astoria captured the mature
eagle on Dec. 22. The federally protected bird was found on the
ground, wet, cold and covered in blood, with a severely injured
wing. After six weeks of critical care in the Wildlife Center's
hospital, the eagle has been moved to the outdoor flight cage and
volunteers say it is gaining strength.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The Census Bureau releases details today
about Oregon's population, which now numbers 3.8 million. Data from
the 2010 census is going to the Legislature and the governor's
office for use in redrawing legislative and congressional
districts.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Oregon reportedly fined Congressman David
Wu's campaign $1,000 last fall for not having workers' compensation
insurance for much of the past three years. The Oregonian says the
fine was reduced to $500 after the campaign purchased the coverage
last October, but the campaign has yet to pay that amount.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The long and so far unsuccessful search
for Kyron Horman is scheduled for a review this week in Portland.
The boy disappeared from his elementary school last June and a
massive investigation has not turned up any sightings or led to any
suspects.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Police have identified a suspect in the
death of a Portland woman 48 years ago. Portland police say they're
looking for Johnny Lawrence for the 1963 death of Mary Frances
Reid, who was 22 years old when she was killed. Police say they
don't know if Lawrence is still alive, but they want to know where
he is either way.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:

The Lady Vikings never trailed last night… but faced a tough game none-the-less as they held on for a 44-36 Far West League playoff win over North Bend at Reedsport High School. Nikki Parry led scoring with 16 points and 9 rebounds for the Vikings. Kasey Strenke had ten points, Leigh Aurich nine; and Alex Dodson pulled down nine rebounds. Siuslaw, at 10-10 overall will host Hidden Valley, 12-15 out of the Skyline League in a ‘Round of 32’ game Saturday night, six pm at Siuslaw High School. North Bend is still playing. They’ll travel to Mazama in Klamath Falls Saturday evening.