Friday, September 14, 2012
Reedsport School Lockdown was Textbook…
An armed standoff between police and a man wanted for questioning about a possible kidnapping came down early Wednesday morning in Reedsport; it posed a unique challenge for Laura Davis. She’s the Principal-Director of Reedsport Community Charter High School… just across the street from the Fir Grove Motel. Davis said the standoff began just after students settled into classrooms for the day and staff followed security protocols.
Laura Davis – “The lockdown went very smoothly. We went into lockdown a little after nine and stayed in lockdown through the end of the day.”
After police tried to enter the man’s room at midday, there were two gunshots fired from within. A SWAT team from Salem was called in… and they were scheduled to try to gain entry after students were gone.
Laura Davis – “Got children safely out of the building safely at the end of the day and as soon as the building was evacuated about 4:30 the SWAT team moved in.”
As scary as it may have been, Davis said students, staff and teachers responded well.
Laura Davis – “To my knowledge there was no panic or fear, we never felt threatened or endangered any time during the day. It was just a matter of common sense and staying away from outside of the building.”
When police entered the motel room across the street they found Benny Shawn Lee Pishione dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Highway 101 Closed South of Waldport
Highway 101 just south of Waldport is closed this morning as police investigate a fatal vehicle-versus pedestrian crash at Milepost 158. A local detour for passenger vehicles is now in place, but large trucks are being held at the point of closure while officials continue their investigation.
Florence Street Makeovers
The Florence City Council gave the go-ahead earlier this week to a half-million dollars of street improvement projects. City Manager Jacque Betz…
Jacque Betz – “We opened bids and we will be working on Spruce Street from 15th to 18th street and then also from Kingwood Street to Highway 101.”
Both stretches… three-blocks on Spruce and six-blocks on 15th… are in need of complete reconstruction because the gravel base beneath the pavement has failed. The work will start in October; it’s being paid for by a new street maintenance fee that went into effect July 1st.
Siuslaw Watershed Council Celebrates
In the mid-90s a diverse and sometimes wary group of landowners, conservationist, government agencies and businesses came together to help restore healthy salmon runs. The Siuslaw Watershed Council formed in September 1997 and in that time the group has become known internationally for not only the results they’ve accomplished, but the unique partnerships they’ve forged. They’ll be observing their 15th anniversary tomorrow at the Florence Events Center at six pm with local food and beverages… live music and a silent auction. Tickets are $25 at the door.
Wild Coho Return
The efforts put forward by the Siuslaw Watershed Council have been credited at least in part for the return of the wild Coho salmon to the Siuslaw River. The species is still listed under the Endangered Species Act, but it’s estimated that more than 300-thousand “silver sides” will return to Oregon waterways this year. For the fourth straight season the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will open selected streams wild Coho fishing. Beginning tomorrow anglers on the Siuslaw and Umpqua Rivers can legally take them. Similar fisheries will open October 1st on Siltcoos and Tahkenitch lakes.
