25 May 2015
Two Memorials in Florence today…
A special memorial ceremony is set for 9 AM at the Florence Elks Lodge today to remember those who gave their lives in service to the country. It will be followed at 11 by another at Veteran’s Memorial Park on the west end of Bay Street. Paul Gargis is the commander of VFW Post 3232 in Florence. Today’s services are a continuation of something that started 150 years ago.
Paul Gargis – “It began to remember the soldiers that were killed back during the Civil War, both north and south, and then that went on after World War I and World War II.”
He added remembering the sacrifices made is very important.
Paul Gargis – “We’re recognizing all of these people. So, I think it’s a… at least in the Veteran’s Community… it’s a very important day.”
An estimated 1.4-million American service men and women have died in service to the United States in the past 239 years… slightly more than that have been wounded. 40,917 are listed as missing in action. Three fourths of those are from World War II, most of those are unidentified remains interred in cemeteries around the world.
Peace Harbor says “Pardon our mess”
Construction on a $5-million plus expansion of the Emergency Department at Peace Harbor Medical Center gets underway this week. That means there’ll be some big changes in the parking lot and to the entrances to the hospital and the Family Medicine Clinic.
Peace Harbor spokesperson Kat Rannow says the traffic flow is changing because of the construction. If you’re headed to one of the facilities, Rannow says to watch for detours and signs that will direct you to alternate parking areas and accesses.
A formal ground breaking is set for this Friday afternoon. The contractor will begin moving equipment and security fencing in as early as tomorrow.
Special Meeting to allow Port Commission to discuss financial options.
The Port of Siuslaw Commission will hold a special meeting tomorrow afternoon to discuss changes to the proposed 2015-16 budget.
Earlier this month, the port budget committee recommended approval of the draft budget based on proposed increases in moorage and campground rates.
The Commission accepted the moorage increases last week, but did not take action on the RV park and campground rate hike. That left a $15-thousand shortfall in the coming year.
The Port Commission will meet tomorrow at four to discuss where to either find the additional revenue, or make cuts in expenditures.
