Oregon Budget Compromise won’t close prison
Lawmakers in Salem reached a budget compromise last night that avoids closing a prison in Salem, but cuts payments to people who provide in-home care to seniors and people with disabilities. The budget agreement also calls for cuts in middle management positions. That move had been opposed by Governor John Kitzhaber. Legislative leaders from both parties made the announcement late Thursday in a memo; a Kitzhaber spokesman has said the governor will sign the budget. Lawmakers hope to find federal funding that would avoid the $13.3-million in cuts to care providers, but that money has not yet been secured. They’re also grappling with slower-than-expected growth in Oregon’s economy that has resulted in a $341-million drop in projected revenue between now and June of next year. The budget agreement erases just over $200-million in planned spending affecting most facets of state government. It is still subject to legislative approval.
Bridge Interpretive Center Hearing Set
The long awaited Siuslaw River Bridge Interpretive Wayside has moved into the application process. The Florence Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on a conditional use permit and design review application for the wayside which utilizes two different riverfront parcels in Old Town Florence. The western portion will feature access to view the cathedral arches beneath the bridge and will incorporate a small parking area. That will be directly beneath the northern end of the bridge. The eastern portion, between Siuslaw River Coffee Roasters and the Waterfront Depot, will incorporate several walkways, benches and tables along with interpretive signage about the estuary and the bridge. A separate component will be a demonstration stormwater runoff treatment project that utilizes natural materials to filter street runoff before it reaches the river. The entire plan is available for viewing at City Hall, or the city’s website. The hearing is set for seven pm Tuesday night.
Fraudeville, Act II
The Second Act of Fraudeville will be presented tomorrow evening at Three Rivers Casino and Hotel. Representatives of seven different businesses and organizations will abandon all inhibitions and present their ‘lip-synched’ interpretations of musical hits. At the same time, the audience will be able to bid on several different silent auction items and try to dunk a variety of local celebrities. The fun is intended to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County. Tickets are $25 per person and include food and beverages. The doors open at 5:30 tomorrow evening.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
Three Siuslaw Viking Wrestlers are on the mats this morning at the OSAA 4A State Finals at Portland’s Memorial Coliseum. Jesse Kuntz will face the #1 seed, Tucker Cook of Tillamook, in the opening match at 170 pounds. Peter Tupua will go against unranked Josh Ream of La Grande in the opening round at 285 pounds. #3 seeded Sonny Tupua at 220 pounds will face a freshman, Trevor Rasmussen, from Crook County in Prineville.
The first two rounds of the championship and consolation brackets run through this evening. Championship semis and consolation placement rounds are tomorrow morning, then championship finals are set for tomorrow evening.
The Lady Vikings of Siuslaw will face the number three ranked Mazama Vikings at six this evening in regional play-off basketball action. The game, from Klamath Falls, will air on Coast Radio Sports with the pregame show set for 5:45. The winner of tonight’s game would advance to the first round of the OSAA playoffs next week.
It’s Civil War Basketball weekend with the Oregon Ducks set to face the Beavers at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis Sunday afternoon at 4:30. Both perspectives will be presented on the air… Oregon and Jerry Allen on KCST; Oregon State and Mike Parker on KCFM. The pregame shows begin at four pm.
