Two Finalists for Lane County Sheriff

Coast Radio News
Local News
21 April 2015

New Sheriff could be selected tomorrow

The current Chief Deputy to the Lane County Sheriff and a former Florence Police Chief are the two finalists for the open sheriff’s position. Byron Trapp and Maury Sanders will speak to the Lane County Board of Commissioners tomorrow prior to individual interviews.

The two are the only candidates out of eight applicants who met all the requirements for the job. None of the other six met the threshold of two-years of residency in Lane County.

The Board of Commissioners may make a final decision tomorrow on just who will replace Turner. He’ll take over as Florence’s Police Chief May 1st.

Commission Chair Jay Bozievich said this morning he could not speak for the entire board, but having just two candidates – quote – “does make it more likely” they can reach a decision tomorrow. The interviews will be televised on local access TV in Eugene. They can also be viewed online at the county’s website. It begins at nine AM Wednesday.

Cleanup doesn’t call for a lot effort

It’s springtime and that means it’s time for cleanup. Already volunteer efforts have spruced up landscaping at the 101-126 intersection. And, members of the Rhododendron Society will be working tomorrow at Gallagher’s Park… on 126 at Spruce. Society member Mike Bones:

Mike Bones – “It’s looking good. We’re making Florence look good for the guests that come in.”

With the annual Rhododendron Festival just three weeks away Bones said he hopes the cleanups will inspire business owners and operators along the Highway 101 corridor to follow suit.

Mike Bones – “It’ll be awesome. Just go out and clean up in front of their stores. That’s all they would have to do. Get the weeds out of the curb in front of their stores. It doesn’t… it wouldn’t take long.”

In many cases… just a quick cleanup will make a big difference and make Florence look nice for the thousands of visitors headed our way.

Background check bill hearing today

A seven hour hearing is set for tomorrow in Salem on a bill that would expand background checks to cover most private gun sales.

The House Committee on Rules set the public hearing. They will hold a two-hour informational meeting prior to taking public testimony.

If the bill passes, most gun transfers between people who are not close relatives would have to take place in front of a licensed gun dealer who can perform a background check.

Critics say the proposal would do little to curb gun violence. Proponents argue it’s needed to stop people from buying firearms online without a background check.

A two-hour Senate committee public hearing on the bill earlier this month drew criticism from Republican lawmakers who said it didn’t allow enough time for everyone to testify.

Get a little “culture” in your own kitchen

A class this Saturday at the Real Food Co-op will demonstrate how to make yogurt and kefir at home. The two products, when made at home, are high in probiotics which have been found to keep your gut healthier and can boost your immune system. They can also be high in B vitamins and many minerals… and making it yourself can mean you have control over the amount of added sugars.

Real Food Coop is on Rhododendron Drive, just a half-block off Highway 101. The yogurt and kefir class will be Saturday from three to four pm.

National Volunteer Week

Volunteers at Peace Harbor Medical Center give more than their time. Last year the 135 active members of the group logged about 35-thousand hours in the gift shop, running errands and doing many other things. But, says Volunteer president Paula Burnette, they have another goal.

To prove that, in January, the group donated $15-thousand to the Peace Harbor Foundation.

Part of the money went to support the cardiopulmonary wellness and rehabilitation department. The rest went to the Save a Life, Leave a Legacy campaign to build a new emergency department.

Burnette also pointed out this week is National Volunteer Week.

Quick response to allegations at City Council meeting

The daughter of a Florence man who passed away last fall made public allegations against two local attorneys, a Florence woman, the Florence Police department and the City Manager last night.

Amanda Copeland presented a “wanted poster” for the attorneys and the woman at the City Council meeting. She claims her father, Jerry Copeland, was a victim of elder abuse and theft before he passed away in September.

The California woman reported the crime to Florence police earlier this month, but is apparently dissatisfied about the pace of the investigation.

Immediate responses to public comments at council meetings are not always made, but in the case of Copeland’s accusations, City Manager Erin Reynolds said a detective is investigating her claims and would respond appropriately when that investigation is complete.

Police Lieutenant John Pitcher said this morning that no matter what the detective finds, the information would be turned over to the District Attorney’s office.