Schools went into lockdown as a result of last Friday’s weapon incident
Shortly after 11 o’clock Friday morning staff members at Siuslaw Middle School looked across Oak Street and saw a young man brandishing what appeared to be a rifle. Special Programs Director Ethel Angal (angle) said staff knew what to do and didn’t hesitate.
Ethel Angal – “The Elementary and Middle School went down into lockdown immediately, two staff members reported it immediately as it was happening and our police were there in just minutes.”
The weapon turned out to be a BB gun and Angal said despite appearing to fire the weapon several times, nobody was hurt. She added that it appeared the boy was not directing his actions towards the school.
Ethel Angal – “He was a former student and had not been in our school. Had been in another school setting.”
Police apprehended the 14-year old boy within minutes. He was charged with menacing and disorderly contact and placed in the custody of a juvenile facility in Eugene.
Board of Commissioners in Florence
Lane County Commissioners will be in Florence this afternoon and evening for two meetings. Both are open to the public. First up from four to 5:30, the commission will be at the Florence Events Center for a workshop on the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan process. A panel chaired by Oregon Coastal Zone Management Association head Onno Husing will include members of environmental, recreation and commercial fishing groups as well as elected officials.
Following a short break, Lane County Commissioners will then convene at the center at seven pm for a public hearing on amendments to the Florence Comprehensive Plan relative to annexation policies. Florence officials have long since adopted the plan and say they’re observing the process but will not participate.
Quality Child Care Shows Off New Building
An open house this afternoon will show off the new Quality Child Care of Florence facility next to the EC Cares and Head Start building on Oak Street. Kyung Peterson said originally it was hoped the building would be ready by now, but high winds and stormy weather caused delays. Rather than cancel at the last minute, she said QCCF board members opted to host the event from the outside. They’ll be on hand from 12:30 until 6:30.
Kyung Peterson – “to answer any questions that they may have. We’ll also have some pre-enrollment forms that people can also fill out. I’m not sure if we’re going to allow people inside the building, but they can definitely look outside the building.”
Prospective clients can ‘pre-enroll’ and hear about programs that will be offered. Peterson didn’t say when, but said the center would be open for business soon.
Beware of Hazardous Materials During Cleanup
If you’re still cleaning up after stormy weather and flooding you may want to watch out for hazardous materials. Lane County Waste Management superintendent Jeff Bishop says many common household chemicals such as paint, cleaners, pesticides and even used motor oil can be hazardous and need to be disposed of properly. Used motor oil, antifreeze and automotive batteries can by recycled for free at Lane County waste transfer sites. Other hazardous materials can be disposed of at the Glenwood waste facility east of Eugene by appointment. If you can store the material, there’ll be a free household waste round up April 22nd and 23rd at the Florence transfer site.
Athlete of the Week
Mapleton basketball standout Isaiah Holman-Gross is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The Sailor point guard was a perfect 11-for-11 at the free throw line Saturday evening and scored 20 points for Mapleton in the 50-37 victory over the Siletz Valley Warriors. Honorable mention goes to Siuslaw basketball’s Katie Thrall. She had a career high 13 points against the Sutherlin Bulldogs.
