Pedestrian dies after being struck in crosswalk…
A 65-year old Florence man died after he was struck by a van in a crosswalk on Highway 101 Sunday evening. Robby Roy Oakley was headed to get himself dinner at A&W after putting in a shift at a local grocery store. Unfortunately, as he crossed the highway at 17th street he was struck by a northbound van operated by 84-year old Ronald Eugene Haynes of Florence.
Oakley was taken by ambulance to Peace Harbor Hospital where he died. Officials are releasing very little information about the crash, citing an ongoing investigation. They do say, however, that it appears that neither drugs nor alcohol were involved. Oakley was a longtime volunteer and first responder with Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue.
Responders Grieve
When emergency responders lose one of their own it can be tough going emotionally. Sunday’s death of long time volunteer firefighter Robby Oakley has had a definite impact. Western Lane Ambulance crews will get special counseling this week; and volunteer firefighters are gathering tonight.
John Buchanan – “We’re bringing all of our people together and just have a, you know, a hugging session.”
Fire Chief John Buchanan says they’ll offer group support tonight, but there will also be individual counseling available.
John Buchanan – “If anybody feels they need it. But yeah, it’s real hard on the first responders.”
Buchanan says the loss of Oakley, who is a previous firefighter of the year, will leave a void.
John Buchanan – “A great hole. Probably one of the most dedicated to our organization there was and we’re going to miss him.”
Services are set for Friday afternoon, two pm at the main fire station on Highway 101, just a few blocks north of the location of the tragic incident that claimed Oakley’s life.
Chowder Cookoff
After being absent from the festival since the first year, the amateur class will return to the Oregon Coast Chowder Cookoff for this weekend’s Chowder Blues and Brews Festival at the Florence Events Center. The panel of judges has been assembled and they’ll have more to do than just evaluate the professional entries.
They’ll also review the entries from home chefs in the Florence area and Willamette Valley using the same criteria. The People’s Choice tasting is set for one o’clock Saturday afternoon with the winners to be announced later that afternoon. The Chowder Blues and Brews also features the other two namesakes… Northwest micro brews and home-grown blues… that starts Friday evening.
Library Art in Progress
Representatives from Siuslaw Public Library recently visited the Tsunami Gallery in Gardiner to check on the progress of a new life-size bronze sculpture that will be placed on the grounds of the library.
The group, led by Library Director Steve Skidmore, inspected the full size clay version of the bronze created by sculptor Mack Holman. The as-yet unnamed sculpture of a woman walking on the beach, clutching a book, is due to be completed by December.
Funding for the $18-thousand artwork is coming from a combination of grants, contributions, donations and library endowments.
