October 16, 2012
It’s either feast or famine…
After accumulating less than two inches of rain total between July 1st and September 30th, the pendulum has swung the other way and rather quickly. According to the weather station on South Jetty Road operated by the Siuslaw National Forest, nearly five inches of rain has fallen in the area since Friday. More than half of that came in the 24-hour period between 5-AM Monday and this morning. That’s when 2.65 inches of precipitation were recorded. Some blustery winds have also accompanied the rainfall with the highest recorded gust just after eight PM Monday of 41 miles an hour.
Forecasters say the worst… at least for now… appears to be over with fair skies and calm conditions in the mix for the next two days. They expect the rain to return by Late Thursday but not as heavy.
Citations issued
The driver of the van that struck and killed a Florence man as he was trying to cross highway 101 last month will be cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian, as well as passing another vehicle while stopped.
But, say police, that’s the extent of the action they’ll take against 84-year old Ronald Eugene Haynes. Lieutenant John Pitcher says the exact sequence of events that led to the death of 65-year old Robby Oakley, September 16th, will likely never be known. It was after dark, Oakley was wearing dark clothing, and police determined that Haynes was following another vehicle that slowed and came to a stop. Investigators believe Haynes then changed lanes to pass the vehicle, striking Oakley in the crosswalk.
Voter Registration Deadline
Ballots for the November 6th General Election will be mailed later this week. Anyone who does not hold a valid voter registration as of today will not receive a ballot. Elections officials all over Oregon are calling on residents to check their status if they have any question. If you’ve changed your name, moved or otherwise changed your address and haven’t revised your registration; or if you’ve never registered to vote; today is the final day to take care of that business.
New voters who will turn 18 on or before November 6th may register today and receive a ballot.
A mail-in registration is ok as long as it’s post marked with today’s date, or you can handle the registration over the counter at your county’s election office by four pm.
An online option is available at www.oregonvotes.org no later than 11:59 PM tonight. But that’s only available if you have a valid Oregon Driver’s License, DMV-issued ID card or learner’s permit.
Coal Trains
The Lane County Board of Commissioners will provide two opportunities for residents to comment on a proposed resolution they’re considering in support of a bulk materials terminal at the Port of Coos Bay. The terminal would handle coal, shipped by rail from Wyoming and the Dakotas. Those coal trains would use existing rail corridors through Lane and Douglas Counties. Supporters say it would provide hundreds of jobs on the south coast. Opponents say the environmental risks outweigh the benefits provided by the jobs.
Lane County Commissioners will meet this afternoon, 3:30 at the Florence Events Center and will accept comments during that hearing. A second chance to comment will come tomorrow morning, 9 AM at their regular Wednesday meeting in Eugene.