Local News:Butler Honored; Bank Robbers Sought; Trans Plan Discussed; Grilles go Cold and Dark

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Long Time Administrator Honored

The Siuslaw High School Hall of Fame inducted the second round of candidates Saturday afternoon at the

2012 inductees into the Siuslaw High School Hall of Fame. Left to right, Everett May, Tim Savage, Kim Larson, Mark Savage, Stephanie Osburn Norman, Del Reavis Jr., Bob Hilton, Jef McClellan and Jeff Butler. Reavis and Butler were receiving the awards on behalf of their fathers. May, Hylton, Larson, Tim and Mark Savage were members of the 1966 State Championship Cross Country team from Siuslaw. Not pictured, Larry Ulrich, Greg Wells, Tami Courtney Johnson and Teri Gortler.

Florence Events Center.  Among those honored was long time superintendent Glenn Butler who took the job 40-years ago at the same time that Title IX, providing for equal opportunity for women and girls was instituted.  When he took over, the only girls athletics provided at the high school were some club activities and track and field.  Under his guidance, not only were the team sports added, but leagues and facilities were developed as well.  Jeff Butler spoke on behalf of his father at the ceremony.  He said their home was always a haven for neighborhood kids.

 

Jeff Butler: And when we played football and baseball in the back yard my mom would fret that we were tearing up the yard and tearing up the beautiful grass, my dad just looked at her and said ‘kids need a place to play’.  He took that same thought and just applied it to the school.”

While Butler helped provide that place for kids, for 26-years he also provided healthy financial underpinnings for the district, as well as grooming what many have called an outstanding staff.

Police Seeking Leads in Mapleton Robbery

Two men wearing ski goggles and carrying rifles walked into Siuslaw Bank in Mapleton around 10:30 Friday morning and left with an undisclosed amount of cash.  Police say the pair fled in a “beat up looking” white colored, 90’s model 2-door hatchback with a blue interior.  Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies and Oregon State Police responded.  They say one suspect was wearing a white jumpsuit or coverall; had a thin build and was between six-foot and six-three.  The other suspect, described as being slightly shorter than the other, and with a heavier build, was wearing a black coverall with a dark colored leather vest.

Nobody was injured and nobody was directly threatened by the weapons, but the branch was closed for the rest of the day.

Police say they have no suspects and anyone with information is being encouraged to call Sergeant Cliff Harrold with the Sheriff’s Department.

City Trans Plan Hearing Continues

The Florence City Council will hear additional comments and testimony this evening on updates to the draft Transportation Systems Plan.  Two previous hearings, one in June, the other July 9th netted a smattering of input.  The plan sets out a list of projects aimed at improving circulation of vehicles, bikes and pedestrians in the city; as well as making accommodations for growth over the next 15 to 20 years.    The council has already met in a work session to discuss how they would like to see the six-dozen different projects prioritized.  Additional input from the public will be taken during the council’s regular meeting this evening at city hall.

 

The Siuslaw Middle School Band marches past Bliss Hot Rod Grille on HIghway 101 during the May 2012 Rhododendron Festival Grand Floral Parade. (Photo contributed by Rachel Pearson)

Bliss Grilles go cold and dark

A landmark Florence restaurant closed its doors for the last time last week.  Bliss’ Hot Rod Grille turned off the grilles, as well as the flood lights illuminating the grilles of classic cars that surround the façade of the building at the corner of 12th street and Highway 101.  Customers stopping by for breakfast Wednesday morning found the doors locked and the closed signs in the window.  A family friend of Gene and Sonja Bliss said declining business from increased competition, and rising costs combined to make the business a virtual “non-profit” over the past several years.