Firefighters say structure fire intentionally set
Fire investigators say the early morning blaze that destroyed a Florence home and threatened two others yesterday was intentionally set. Neighbors called 911 just before five AM when the flames burst from a double-wide manufactured home at 1739 North Siano Loop.
Nobody was living in the home at the time, but firefighters were concerned that the woman who was renting the home may have been inside. It turned out that Jill Newman has been staying with a boyfriend for the past two months and had the electricity to the home turned off. Siuslaw Valley Fire Marshall Sean Barrett said from observations on the scene and interviews with Newman and witnesses it’s likely the fire was intentionally set.
Barrett is joined by investigators from the Oregon State Fire Marshall’s Office, Oregon State Police and Florence Police in determining the cause of the fire that destroyed the home. Even though she wasn’t living there at the time, all of Newman’s possessions were in the home and were destroyed.
Holiday Deaths fewer
The number of people who died on Oregon streets and highways over the Thanksgiving Holiday may have been fewer than average, but police said there was an increase in arrests for drivers under the influence of intoxicants. According to statistics released yesterday by the Oregon State Police, an average of six people have died each year over the 5-day holiday period since 1970. This year there were three deaths. At least two of those were not wearing seat belts and one is believed to be alcohol related.
Troopers say while deaths were down, there was a 65-percent increase in the number of DUII arrests. 72 were made this year, compared to 47 last year. Locally, Florence Police Chief Maury Sanders said things were relatively quiet. While local troopers accounted for three of the DUIIs, Florence police only arrested on suspected drunken driver.
Brouhard Seeking Oregon House Position
A North Bend woman with a varied medical background and a decade of experience as an elected official is seeking the Republican nomination for the Oregon House Seat being vacated by Arnie Roblan. Nancy Brouhard (BROO-ard) is a Registered Nurse with surgical experience; she’s been an office manager for a dental clinic and currently is an RN and office manager for a pain clinic. She was first elected to the Southwestern Oregon Community College board in 1994 and served one year as chair. She is seeking the Oregon House District Nine position currently held by Roblan… he’s running for the Oregon Senate.
Real? Or Artificial?
What’s better for the environment, a real Christmas Tree or an artificial one? How about the economy? With more Christmas Tree acreage in Oregon than in any other state buying local means going green. Conservationists say natural trees have plenty of environmental advantages as they grow. They capture carbon, provide habitat for birds, small animals and insects; and they generate oxygen.
On the other hand, most artificial trees are manufactured in Asia using polyvinyl chlorides or “PVCs” that don’t break down in landfills. There are economic advantages to buying local and natural trees… the American Christmas Tree industry generates a billion dollars in the economy every year and creates about 100-thousand jobs, most of them year-round.
Athlete of the Week expert at opening and closing holes
Siuslaw Football standout Jacob Holloway is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The senior offensive and defensive lineman was named to the Far West League first team on both sides of the ball. This past week in a semi-final win against Central, he and his teammates opened up holes on offense aiding the Vikings to 417 yards rushing; while closing them on defense to limit the Central Panthers to 45 yards on the ground.
Honorable Mention goes to fellow lineman Ryan Connor, a junior, who also received first team honors on the offensive and defensive lines.