Rhody Path Discussions On Again

22 October 2014
Coast Radio News
Local News

Off again, on again path discussions

Only a couple hours after Florence City Councilors had reached a consensus to hold off on further discussions about the controversial Rhododendron Drive Multi-Path, they were talking about scheduling another work session next month.

Immediately following Monday’s work session, where the current council reached a consensus to leave any further discussions up to the incoming council, several candidates pushed for the November work session.

They were led by Ron Preisler who addressed the council on the matter.

The council had earlier heard an updated proposal for a less intrusive plan. It would have far less impact on vegetation and neighboring property owners than the original. Plus, city officials said it already had the approval of the Oregon Department of Transportation which would be providing approximately 90-percent of the funding for the $1.1-million plan.

Weekend fire gust pet shop

Only five birds died, but dozens of fish did not survive a fire that gutted the Florence Pet Center Saturday evening.

Robyn Camp, the owner of the shop on Tenth Street just off Highway 101, said all of her snakes and mice survived; as did her larger birds.

The blaze was reported shortly before six pm Saturday and firefighters made quick work of the hot and smoky blaze.

Several of the fish tanks shattered after they were heated by the fire, then cooled suddenly by water from fire hoses.

Camp said the contents of the building are a total loss. The value is estimated at around $200-thousand, but insurance will cover much of the loss she said.

Her big concern right now is to get cleaned up and reopened as quickly as possible. Insurance adjusters have told her it could take 90-days… but she’s working hard to shorten that.

Investigators say they determined the cause of the fire: an outlet strip.

Ramp congestion prompts call for patience

The fall salmon runs on the Siuslaw River and other coastal streams are continuing and that’s created quite a bit of congestion at the limited number of boat launches.

Wait times to launch in the pre-dawn hours have often extended to two hours; while the wait to “haul out” has been just as lengthy.

Ashley Massey with the Oregon State Marine Board says it’s a good idea to use a ‘staging area’ to transfer all equipment and supplies into the boat before entering the launch ramp area; Launch and retrieve with another person so someone can stay with the boat while the other parks; and never block a ramp with an unattended boat or vehicle.

Once you’ve launched, Massey advises boaters to remember the proximity rules for speed and wake to avoid agitating other boaters.

Once your ballot is returned… it cannot be retrieved.

That’s why it’s so important to look on both sides before sealing it up and dropping it in the mail or the ballot box.

Cheryl Betschart is the Lane County Clerk, and as such is also in charge of elections.

She says are a number of ballot measures and, in some areas, candidates on the back side of the ballot.

Most voters in Oregon have had their ballots for several days; they’re due back no later than eight pm, Tuesday November Fourth.

If you believe you’re registered, but still haven’t got your ballot in the mail, there’s still time to double check your status and remedy that situation.

You can go online at www-dot-OregonVotes-dot-com; or call the elections office at 541-682-4234.

Fuel prices plummet

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Florence went into free-fall over the past few days, dropping 20-cents a gallon. Today’s average is $3.20… that’s 63-cents a gallon less on average than Labor Day Weekend.

The average price in Oregon, according to Triple-A, is $3.36… the lowest average price since February.

The national average price is at a four-year low according to Triple-A. It fell to $3.09 a gallon this week and, according to analysts, could dip below the three-dollar mark in the coming weeks. Drivers have not seen prices at that level since 2010.

25th annual Great Pumpkin Giveaway… rain or shine.

Hundreds of free hot dogs and treat bags will be passed out Thursday afternoon to kids at Florence Saw Shop and Old School Furniture from three to five with the pumpkins passed out at four sharp.

The event is underwritten by Florence True Value.

Approximately 20 different businesses and organizations will be entered in the 2nd annual Great Pumpkin Carving Contest. Two winners will split a $750 cash prize that will go to their charity of choice.