28 July 2014
Lane County Whistle Blower Wins Settlement
A Lane County employee who claimed she faced threats and retaliation when she “blew the whistle” on possible wrongdoing by a former Lane County Administrator is sharing in a legal settlement in excess of $40-thousand.
Sally Pelkey received only $3,650 in cash from Lane County. But, she will also be credited back about six weeks of paid time off that was taken during two subsequent investigations. The bulk of the cash payout, just over $37-thousand, will go to her attorney.
Pelkey played a key role in blowing the whistle on former administrator Liane (LEE-ann) Inkster. Known as Liane Richardson at the time, Inkster directed Pelkey to make two payroll changes in February 2013. Those were boosted Inkster’s take home pay, in violation of county policy.
Pelkey’s complaints led to an internal investigation, followed by an external investigation. The second inquiry found Inkster had violated county policy. The Board of County Commissioners fired her for cause last summer.
Single Vehicle Crash Results in Death of Florence Man
Oregon State Police say they don’t know why a late model sport utility vehicle left the road early Saturday morning, resulting in the death of a Florence man. But, they are continuing the investigation.
68-year old Ray Mosley was westbound on Highway 126, about eight miles east of Mapleton when his Ford Escape crossed the highway and struck a tree. The crash occurred just after three AM Saturday. Emergency crews responded, but Mosley had died in the crash.
The eastbound lane of Highway 126 remained closed for about four hours.
Dune Fest 2014
What is currently a bare stretch of sand in Western Douglas County beneath the Umpqua Lighthouse, will be transformed over the next few days into a small city with a population of thousands.
DuneFest 2014 officially opens Thursday with sand drag racing, freestyle motorcycle demonstrations, equipment and manufacturer’s displays; along with a whole host of other activities.
The main idea, according to the Reedsport Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce, is to promote healthy fun on the sand for families. The festival runs through Sunday afternoon.
Siuslaw High School Hall of Fame
The fourth class of inductees into the Siuslaw High School Hall of Fame will be honored this weekend.
Kirsten Daniel-Holden, Greg Klosterman, Mark Savage, Mike Haberly, Mary Robinson-Dodson, Jackie Gardner, Dick Whitmore and two state championship teams will be recognized Friday evening at Ocean Dunes Golf Links on Munsel Lake Road.
The two teams are the 1979 Boys Track and Field team and the 1988 Girls Basketball squad.
Tickets for the ceremony are $10 and can be picked up in advance at State Farm Insurance, Coast Insurance and All About Olives. They can also be purchased at the door, which opens at 5:30 that evening.
The event will be followed the next night by the annual Siuslaw Athletic Booster Club Dinner and Auction. That is $40 and will be at the Florence Events Center.
