Local News Digest – Domestic Violence – Gas Averages – Expense Fund – 2 Viks on UO HOF Team

Weaving a common thread…

A compelling and awareness-raising reading will be held on stage this evening at the Florence Events Center; tales of three women and their struggles against domestic violence.  Leah Goodwin is a domestic violence advocate with Siuslaw Outreach Services.  She wrote the play based on the experiences of local women.

 

Leah Goodwin – “The stories are told in a fashion as if three women are talking and telling their separate stories. But as the audience listens to each story they will see the common thread that weaves between the women.(click to listen to quote)

The evening begins with a no-host wine reception at the FEC at six, then the readings begin at seven.  The $10 admission will help S.O.S in their mission…

 

Leah Goodwin – “As of Friday, last Friday, we have seen 192 people come through our doors. The reason I say people is we’ve also had men who are victims of domestic violence come through our doors seeking help, a way to get out of their situation.” (click to listen to quote)

Siuslaw Outreach Services will hold another awareness raising event this Sunday afternoon at 1:00 with a march on Bay Street from the Veteran’s Park to the Boardwalk.

Oregon Average Gas Prices among highest in nation.

The average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline held steady in Florence this past week at $3.75, but nationwide it dropped by two cents to $3.45.  Oregon’s average prices held steady as well at $3.78 according to Marie Dodds with Triple-A.  Dodds says the Pacific Coast continues to offer the highest fuel prices with Hawaii most expensive at $4.18, followed by Alaska at $4.03, then California at $3.85 and Washington at $3.82.

Oregon is fifth highest once again.  The lowest average gas prices in the country are in South Carolina… $3.21 a gallon.

Account set up for travel expenses

A special account has been set up at Oregon First Community Credit union to help with the expenses a mother is incurring to be with her ill son in Texas.  Brad Finnell, a 2010 graduate of Siuslaw High School went into the Air Force a few months ago.  He was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord, two weeks ago and is undergoing treatment in Wichita Falls, Texas.

His mother, Jackie Franklin, says she will remain with Finnell during his hospital stay.  Friends say that’s created a financial burden from the unexpected travel and lost work.

Two Vikings on Oregon Hall of Fame Team

The 1970 University of Oregon National Championship Track and Field Team will be inducted into the Oregon Hall of Fame Friday night.  The team featured Steve Prefontaine from Coos Bay, but there were two other coastal residents.  Mark Savage graduated from Siuslaw High School in 1968 and his older brother Steve Savage in ’66.

Steve Savage says even though they shared the national crown with Kansas and BYU, there’s more to the story.

 

Steve Savage – “You know, they probably won’t mention this at the U of O induction, the University of Cal actually won the meet. But, Cal was disqualified because they had a… I think it was a sprinter or a long jumper named Isaac Curtis.”(click to listen to quote)

Curtis apparently had signed a contract with an agent to pursue a pro football career, rendering him ineligible and voiding his points.

Steve Savage scored points in that meet… he finished third in the 3,000 meter Steeplechase.