No Charges Likely in Pot Seizure

18 April 2014

Coast Radio News
Local News

No Charges Likely From Pot Seizure

There were no arrests yesterday after Florence police confiscated what they’re calling a “significant amount” of marijuana at a Westlake home; and there likely won’t be.

Interim Police Chief Lynn Lamm declined to say just how much pot was seized by officers from Florence as they executed a search warrant at the home of Ricky Watts at 04683 Pacific Avenue around seven AM Thursday.  His department was assisted by Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies; members of the Lane Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team; as well as parole and probation officers.

In addition to the pot, officers seized cash and – quote – “evidence of sales”, although Lamm, citing a continuing investigation, also declined to specify what that evidence was.

He said the Lane County District Attorney’s office will consider the results of the raid, but Lamm doubted any charges would be brought against Watts or any other occupant of the residence because of the confusing and sometimes contradictory nature of medical and recreational marijuana laws.

Angry and Nearly Naked

Police in Florence wound up with a handful Tuesday morning; and passing motorists may have had an eyeful in the process.

They responded to a report of a “nearly naked” man lying in the traffic lane of the Siuslaw River Bridge about 9:30 that morning.

On arrival, they found a “very angry” man who had taken most of his clothes off.  Some he had piled in the road, others he was busy throwing over the rail.

47-year old Corey Allan Rowe of Reedsport was eventually taken into custody and charged with Disorderly Conduct.

Interim Police Chief Lynn Lamm said Rowe had spent the early morning hours at Peace Harbor Medical Center and appeared to be very angry after he was released.  It also appeared, he said, that “illicit substances” may have been involved.  Roew was held for a few days in the Justice Center for detox and was scheduled for release today.

Possible Hike In Sight for Commercial Moorage Rates

Port of Siuslaw Commissioners heard the draft this week of a proposal to possibly increase moorage rates at the commercial boat basin.

Port Manager Bob Forsythe said elected officials offered a “mixed reaction” to the idea which is aimed at closing a loophole for vessel owners who keep commercial certifications simply for the purpose of maintaining low moorage rates.

The rates for commercially licensed vessels are about half those for personal use.  Forsythe said that’s in order to encourage revenue and increased commerce.

He is proposing that Commissioners require proof that vessels are indeed engaged in commerce in order to benefit from the lower rates.

Easter Egg Hunts

Community Easter Egg hunts are scheduled for tomorrow in Florence and Mapleton; with another Sunday afternoon in Reedsport.

In Florence, the Siuslaw High School Interact Club, along with Florence Rotary, will hide more than three-thousand plastic eggs with prizes and candy at Miller Park tomorrow morning.  Ages one to ten will begin the hunt at ten AM, rain or shine.

In Mapleton, the Lions club will host a hunt at the Elementary School at noon.  That’s for kids through fifth grade.  In addition to the hunt, there will be races and other activities.

Then Easter Sunday the Gardiner-Reedsport Lions Club will host their 62nd annual hunt… this one at Barrone Park.  There will be more than one-thousand candy and treat filled eggs, along with 20 special “golden” eggs hidden.  The hunt is for kids up to ten years old… it begins at 1:30 Sunday afternoon.