10 September 2014
Boat Breakdown Leads to Shots, Menacing Charges
Two men fishing on the Siuslaw River Monday afternoon had trouble with their boat, so rowed to a nearby landing. After walking to get their vehicle and trailer, they took advantage of a small boat ramp at the property, two miles east of Florence.
That’s when the property owner, 81-year old Elden Nordahl, arrived in his own boat and told the men not to leave. He went into his home, returning a few minutes later with a shotgun and fired one round into the aluminum drift boat.
According to the Oregon State Police, as he was reloading, the two men attempted to drive away, that’s when Nordahl fired a second shot, hitting the boat’s motor.
Nordahl was arrested for menacing, recklessly endangering another person, unlawful use of a weapon and pointing a firearm at a person.
State Troopers said there were several people on the river fishing during the incident that may have witnessed the exchange. They’re hoping to hear from them.
Permanent Superintendent Pondered
The Siuslaw School Board will consider this evening whether or not to appoint Ethel Angal as superintendent. That would remove the word “interim” from her title.
She has been serving in the temporary capacity since early June when the previous superintendent, Shawn Wiencek, was placed on paid leave. Wiencek was fired last month.
One other item on the agenda for board members this evening: an executive session to consult with legal counsel regarding current or possible litigation.
The board meets at 6:30 at the District Office.
South Jetty Burn Scheduled
35 acres of grass and brush south of Florence could go up in smoke as early as tomorrow.
Siuslaw National Forest Fire Management Officer Dan Eddy says crews will light the fire intentionally in order to manage and reduce invasive plant species like European Beach Grass and Scotch Broom… both of which were introduced into the area in the 40s and 50s.
Eddy says no road closures will be in effect, but fire engines will patrol near the South Jetty Staging Area during the operation. He said smoke may be visible from Highway 101 and Florence during the burn.
A similar operation is scheduled for next week near the Oregon Dunes Overlook ten miles south of Florence.
Testing Results Hold Steady
In the midst of major state efforts to boost high school graduation rates and college attendance, statewide tests show Oregon Students holding steady in proficiency in reading, writing, math and science.
The results of the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills were released Wednesday by the Oregon Department of Education.
Deputy superintendent Rob Saxton said it takes time to transform education. He is confident, he added, that things will improve in the years to come.
While there were ups and downs in grades and subjects; the department said overall test results held pretty steady.
Chief Education Officer Nancy Golden said third grade reading is a good predictor for life-long success and that was unchanged between 2013 and 2014 with 66-percent of students meeting the standard.
