15 May 2015
Local Country Celeb to Marshal Sunday’s Parade
She may be country, but she’s also a little bit rock and roll and that’s why the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce has selected Amy Clawson as the Grand Marshal of this week’s 108th Grand Floral Parade of the Rhododendron Festival.
The theme of this year’s festival is “Let’s Rock and Rhody”.
Clawson will preside over Sunday’s parade, along with Queen Rhododendra CVIII (108) Kennedy Roylance and King of the Coast Keoni Castro.
Clawson may be petite, but she packs a lot of power in her performances. She’s appeared on stage along with the likes of Toby Keith, Neal McCoy, Martina McBride, and most recently, Pam Tillis. Since 2008 she and her band, Coltrane, have served as “artist ambassadors” for Bi-Mart and the Willamette Country Music Festival in Brownsville.
The Grand Floral Parade begins at noon Sunday.
Taxpayers to get rebate
State economists are raising their estimates for the “kicker” rebates Oregon taxpayers are expected to get next year. The quarterly revenue forecast released yesterday projects more than $473 million will be refunded to taxpayers.
That’s $123-million more in rebates than what was predicted in February. It’s expected that the average payout will be $284.
The exact amount of the kickers won’t be fixed until after the two-year budget cycle ends in July.
Governor Kate Brown said in a statement that strong economic growth also means an additional $100-million for schools in the next biennium.
Oregon’s “kicker” law is triggered when tax collections exceed projections by at least two-percent. When that occurs, the unanticipated revenue is returned to taxpayers. Lawmakers have already said they will come in the form of tax credits.
Saturation patrols to seek out drivers under the influence
Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies, Florence Police and Oregon State Troopers will be out in force over the festival weekend. They’ll be covering the area with saturation patrols, seeking out unsafe activities like speeding, seat belt compliance and drivers under the influence.
Sergeant Billy Halvorson with the Sheriff’s Department said that agency has received special grant funding of $20-thousand that will help pay for the extra patrols. He said they’re expecting heavy traffic and congestion on Highway 101 and 126 because of the festival.
The Rhody Express will be operating special shuttles from Old Town to local lodging establishments from 9 PM to 3 AM tonight and tomorrow. The Express will pick up at the intersection of Bay Street and Maple Streets both nights. The rides are free.
Amber Alert yields prompt results
A North Bend woman was detained in Cottage Grove late yesterday afternoon and her 3 ½ year old daughter, the subject of an Amber Alert, was located safe.
Tillamook Police notified authorities in Coos County yesterday afternoon that 19-year old Kaitlyne Wirth had violated a court order and taken Jocyln Wirth.
An Amber Alert was issued at approximately 6:25 PM. Within 20 minutes a driver on Highway 99 near Cottage Grove spotted Wirth’s vehicle and called 911.
State troopers were dispatched and located the vehicle. They recovered the girl who was in good condition.
Tillamook City Police officers are investigating.
Siuslaw Education Foundation forming
A new non-profit foundation is being formed in the area that will eventually help Siuslaw and Mapleton schools financially.
The Siuslaw Education Foundation is coming together as the result of efforts spear headed by Siuslaw School Board member Suzanne Mann-Heintz.
The Siuslaw board agreed last night to work with the new foundation. Mapleton School board members are expected to signal their approval next month.
Mann-Heintz said they are in the process of forming the non-profit corporation and seeking Federal 501-c-3 tax exempt status. She said once it’s up and running, the foundation will be eligible to apply for a number of grants on behalf of both districts. They’ll be able to collect donations and eventually set up an endowment fund.
