Port of Siuslaw Storage Burglarized
The Port of Siuslaw has reported a break-in to the blue storage units on the property. Dina McClure, interim port manager, says she was alerted to the break in at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, but that the time line for the break-in has not been established. McClure says they will be looking at the port’s new camera system for clues as to when the break-ins occurred. She says they are following up with owners of the units to see when they may have been accessed last.
Couple Arrested in Crime Spree
Florence police have arrested the couple they believe are responsible for multiple crimes in the Florence and Mapleton area beginning sometime Tuesday and continuining through early evening Wednesday. 39 year old Zachary Wells and 40 year old Laura Wells were taken into custody after the U-haul they had been driving was spotted on highway 101 north of town. Florence police described them as a transient couple living in the Florence area. They were charged with the theft and damage to a white Jeep Wrangler that was recovered on the jetty. Laura Wells was also charged with possession of a controlled substance. Along with a list of other crimes as noted by Commander John Pitcher with the Florence Police Department
“Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, criminal mischief one, theft one, unlawful entry into a motor vehicle, criminal mischief 2, and theft three.”
Commander Pitcher said that evidence recovered in the U-Haul leads them to believe that the couple is responsible for more criminal activity and that they continue to investigate. Police still do not know if the couple is responsible for break-ins that occurred at the Port of Siuslaw, but they are investigating the possibility and still trying to determine a time line for that crime.
Gas Prices Climb
Demand for gasoline is at its highest level for October in a decade. The U.S. energy Information Administration reports that the latest gasoline demand measurement is the highest for the end of October since 2006 and that’s putting upward pressure on prices. For the week, the national average for regular unleaded surges seven cents to $2.54 a gallon while the Oregon average jumps six cents to $2.81. Oregon remains the steady 5th place holder for national prices. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says good news is around the corner
“Triple A doesn’t expect this to be a long term trend, gas prices are expected to fall as we head into the holidays.”
Locally the average price for a gallon of gas is $2.60 a gallon.
Bell Ringers Needed
The Salvation Army is planning their bell ringing efforts for this year’s red kettle events. The giving begins on November 25th. Sam Spayd says there will be a kick-off this evening for those interested in volunteering.
“It’s at 6 oclock at ICM Restaurant and there’s a meal being served, 12 dollars per person, one of the Salvation Army Officers will be there to explain the program and how we run it and the set up and everything at that time and people can start signing up for the bell ringing.”
Spayd says there will be 6 kettles set up around the community at places like Fred Meyer, Bi-Mart, Safeway, Grocery Outlet, and one in Old Town.
High School to Honor Veterans at Assembly
Siuslaw high school is holding a special assembly to honor veterans today. It will culminate with a luncheon that will be served at the school. This is the second annual event at the high school which was initiated by Claire Waggoner last year and had over 45 veterans attend. High school students will interview several veterans. KCST’s Wayne Sharpe will be introducing them to the students. The veterans will be treated to coffee and donuts before the assembly.
