Coast Radio News –

Put Safety First on the Dunes

As summer approaches there will be greater activity on the dunes and the Western Lane Ambulance District is reminding people that safety first is the best precaution.  During the 2014-2015 season WLAD responded to 48 emergency medical calls involving ATV’s on the dunes. In order to keep injuries at a minimum they are asking that all riders participate in the Oregon Parks and Recreation Safety Course and follow all the associated guidelines for safety including wearing the proper gear. Which includes a helmet, boots, gloves, goggles, and chest protectors.

In addition WLAD reminds you that being under the influence carries the same penalties for ATV riders as it does for automobile. Don’t drink and drive.

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 Two sentenced after admission of guilt

 

It was swift justice for two men charged with burning down a 102 year old home in Florence. James Luis Main and a 17 year old accomplice admitted guilt for the arson and were sentenced Thursday.   Main received a 16 month sentence while the unnamed teen was given 3 years probation. Both will be required to make restitution for the damages that have yet to be calculated.

Lane County Circuit Judge, Lauren Holland also required the teen to receive a high school diploma within 18 months as a condition of his probation. During proceedings the judge also read an impact statement from the homeowners who said the only salvageable property was a garden hose

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Gas Prices continue to rise, and sharply in Florence

Gas prices jumped again as demand continues to increase in the spring months. Greg Laskey is a senior petroleum analyst with Gas Buddy dot com:

            “According to the department of energy’s report that came out on Wednesday, demand is up about 4 percent higher right now than it was a year ago at this time.

Locally the average Florence price for a gallon of regular gas jumped 8 cents over the weekend to $2.19 a gallon. While statewide prices stayed steady at an average of $2.22 a gallon.

In addition to increased demand GasBuddy dot come is reporting that fuel production is down 6.8 percent from the same time last year.  According to the report U.S. drivers used more gas in the month of March than in any previous year dating back to 2008.

According to Laskey drivers in Oregon will still benefit even though prices are going up…

“That’s the good news for consumers is that even with prices rising they are rising from a much lower floor this year than what we have seem the previous year.”

Prices are expected though to stay an average of 25 cents lower than last summer.

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Voter registration deadline tomorrow:

If you are planning on voting in the May 17th primary you have to be registered by tomorrow, April 26th. If you wish to register online you have until 11:59pm to do so. For any questions on voter registration and elections in Oregon, go to: LaneCounty dot org / Elections or call Lane County Elections at 541-682-4234.