November 23, 2012
Water Board considering financial support for PUD effort
Lane County has told petitioners of a drive to convert the Heceta Water District to a People’s Utility District that they may have to pay up to $25-thousand before the question would be put on the ballot. In response, the board of the district, which is not part of the process, is considering fronting the fees.
But, they want to hear from district residents first.
A public hearing on the matter has been set for Tuesday, December 4th at Driftwood Shores.
The water district and the board are officially neutral on the matter. But, according to a press release issued last week, they believe it “may be in the best interest of the district to provide voters the opportunity” to weigh in. No final decision is scheduled for that day… the board will take up the matter on their regular agenda December 11th.
Ten Years Later – remembering three Coos Bay firefighters killed in the line of duty.
Tens years ago this week three Coos Bay firefighters died in the line of duty. Randy Carpenter, Chuck Hanners and Jeff Common were inside the Far West Auto Parts store in downtown Coos Bay November 25th, 2002 when a wall collapsed. Family members, co-workers and friends have tried to come to grips with the tragedy in the decade since. A bronze memorial in front of Coos Bay City Hall was dedicated several years ago and training foundations and scholarships for fire-fighters have been established in the names of all three.
Florence Planning Commission to Review Plans
The Florence Planning Commission will meet next week for only the second time since August. The main subject will be a hearing on a conditional use permit and design review for a commercial building proposed on 19th street, a half-block off Highway 101. Stecker Buss is asking to demolish an existing single family home and replace it with a four-unit apartment with a small retail or office use included.
It would be just behind a similar structure owned by Buss that currently houses Water Lily Beads and Cascade Title. City staff is recommending approval; a public hearing before the planning commission is set for Tuesday evening, seven pm, at City Hall.
Alternative to Retail Therapy
Today is Black Friday, tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, and we’re three days away from Cyber Monday. All have an emphasis on shopping for the upcoming holiday season. But, if you’re looking for an alternative to ‘retail therapy’ the tour guides at the Umpqua River Lighthouse and Museum are providing a no or low cost look at the history of the central Oregon Coast. The lighthouse and museum near the mouth of the Umpqua are open daily from ten to four through Sunday. There’s no cost to tour the museum. A small admission fee will get you a guided tour of the lighthouse itself.
