Local News – Community Christmas Baskets – Thanksgiving – Crash injures 3 – Shore Acres – Ducks win – Far West Football

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Community Christmas Basket Efforts Underway

It may only be Thanksgiving Day but it’s time to begin thinking about Christmas for some.  In fact, for the organizers of the annual Community Christmas Basket Project they’ve already been hard at work planning and beginning their fund raising.  Project Chair Shasta McMullen says they’re actively seeking cash donations right now to fund the food boxes and toys that will be distributed to low income families the week before Christmas.

Shasta McMullen – “They can send cash or check to our post office box 1209.”

They’ve lowered their target for this year.  After raising nearly $30-thousand the past three years, the group is working towards a goal of $20-thousand.  Last year, McMullen said, they distributed boxes to more than 600 households… this year they expect to hand out 425.  While the cash drive is going on now, they’ll begin gathering non-perishable food and toys next week.

Shasta McMullen — “And then after thanksgiving we will have, in the local businesses, Christmas trees and tubs out.”

This year the food boxes will be distributed on Saturday, December 17th with the toy distribution set for Sunday and Monday the 18th and 19th.

Community Thanksgiving Dinners

Community dinners of Thanksgiving are being offered in both Florence and Reedsport today.  Turkey and all the trimmings will be on the menu at the Reedsport Senior Center on Winchester Avenue from noon until two.  The dinner is organized by the Lower Umpqua Ministerial Association and is coordinated by Pastor Jim Ives of the Covenant United Methodist Church.  Ives says the dinner is open to all, but especially to those who may be alone or unable to prepare their own meal today.

In Florence, the Kiwanis Club and the Elks Lodge have teamed up to provide a thankful spread between noon and 2:30.  It too is free, but donations of non-perishable food will be accepted for Florence Food Share…  Free rides to and from the dinner are being offered during that time only inside city limits by River Cities Taxi.

Crash Injures 3

Three Florence residents were injured Tuesday afternoon, one of them seriously according to police, in a two vehicle crash on Highway 101.  According to Florence Police a car driven by 81-year old Rosemary Unser was pulling out of Fred Meyer onto Highway 101 when it was struck in the side by a southbound vehicle driven by 54-year old David Minor.  Unser had to be extricated by firefighters and was transported to Peace Harbor Hospital.  Her passenger, 85-year old Donna Cook received minor injuries, as did the driver of the other car.  Police said no citations were issued, but Unser has been referred to DMV for testing.

Lights go on at Shore Acres

It’s been a Thanksgiving tradition for decades in Coos County… Throwing the switch on the Holiday Lights at Shore Acres State Park.  This year preparations for the 300-thousand light display were on track when a severe storm blew in with high winds and heavy rain.  Co-Chair David Bridgeham said the storm didn’t disrupt the schedule at all.

David Bridgeham – “Uh the storm did blow through and we survived it remarkably with just a few things to pick up.  We are going to be open on Thanksgiving evening.”

The lighted formal garden of the former Simpson Estate on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean will be open every evening from four until 9:30 through New Year’s Eve.

Ducks win on the road

E.J. Singler hit four free throws in the final minute to give Oregon the lead last night in Lincoln and the Ducks held off Nebraska 83-76.  The Cornhuskers rallied from 15 points down with a 22-7 run, tying the game at 75 with two minutes remaining.  Following Singler’s free throws with 47-seconds left the Ducks went on their own 8-1 run to close out the game.  Garrett Sim led the three-and-one Ducks with 20-points.

All League Football Selections announced

14 members of the Far West League Champion Siuslaw Vikings picked up 21 honors in the All League list.

All Far West League football honors were announced this week with the Siuslaw Vikings dominating things.  Sonny Tupua was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player, as well as earning first team defensive lineman recognition.  John Johnson, Jacob Holloway and Ryan Connor were each named to the first team on both sides of the ball as well. Other first teamers… Jacob Thompson, Josh Iabichello (yabba-kello), Henrique Sotello, Dylan Alameda, Neal Larson and Alex Snow.  On the 2nd team, Ryan Smith was named both ways while Peter Tupua was named as an offensive lineman.  Jackson Brastow received honorable mention for both offense and defense while Riley Rankin was tabbed for Honorable Mention as a center.

 

 

Far West Football All League 2011

Offensive

Honorable Mention-Center                           Riley Rankin

Honorable Mention-Offensive lineman Jackson Brastow

2nd Team- Wide Receiver                             Ryan Smith

2nd Team-Offensive Lineman                         Peter Tupua

1st Team- Kicker                                          Henrique Sotello

1st Team- Punter                                          Josh Iabichello

1st Team-Tight End                                      Jacob Thompson

1st Team-Offensive Lineman                         Jacob Holloway

1st Team-Offensive Lineman                         Ryan Connor

1st Team- Running Back                               Sonny Tupua

1st Team-Quarterback                                   John Johnson

 

Defensive

Honorable Mention -Defensive Lineman        Jackson Brastow

2nd Team-Defensive Back                    Ryan Smith

1st Team- Defensive Back                             John Johnson

1st Team- Defensive Back                             Dylan Alameda

1st Team- Defensive Lineman                        Jacob Holloway

1st Team-Defensive Lineman                         Ryan Connor

1st Team -Defensive Lineman                        Sonny Tupua

1st Team-Linebacker                                     Neal Larson

1st Team-Linebacker        `                            Alex Snow

 

Offensive MVP-Sonny Tupua-Running Back