October 18, 2012
Coal Trains and Water District…
A final decision on whether or not to place a proposal on a future ballot that would allow voters north of Florence to replace the way the Heceta Water District operates will be put off until next month. Lane County Commissioners met in Florence earlier this week and heard no testimony on the proposed boundaries of the Heceta Water People’s Utility District.
But, they did hear plenty about the processing fees that backers have been told they owe the county before it can go to a vote. Chief Petitioner Ron Gerber has previously stated the fees asked by the county… amounting to several thousand dollars… are not reflective of the true costs. West Lane Commissioner Jay Bozievich says the board is going to seek a third-party legal opinion on the matter before taking up the discussion again November 7th in Eugene.
In a separate matter the Board of Commissioners held off on discussions about a resolution in support of a possible bulk coal terminal in Coos Bay. That item was on the agenda for both the Board’s Tuesday afternoon Florence meeting as well as one yesterday morning in Eugene. It was removed at the request of Port of Coos Bay officials who say they don’t have a specific proposal yet.
Old Town Wharf Project
Things are likely to get a little crowded… and noisy… in Old Town Florence by the first of November. That’s when work on replacing the wharf structure beneath Mo’s Restaurant and ICM gets underway. Port of Siuslaw Manager Bob Forsythe says Legacy Contracting will begin stockpiling material the final week of October. 200 tons of steel beams… some of them as long as 67-feet… will arrive in 15 different truckloads.
Forsythe says there will be some street closures as equipment and supplies are moved to and from the project site. Pedestrian access to the wharf and the transient vessel dock will be restricted at times as well. Access to Mo’s and ICM will be maintained and both restaurants will remain open throughout, but part of the Mo’s parking lot will be used to store materials.
Dry Cleaning Becoming a Thing of the Past
Changes in fashions, lifestyles and an aging population are credited with the pending closure of Florence’s only dry cleaner. Struggles with a declining clientele were blamed for the previous owner’s decision to sell the business, and since the Holloway family took over two and a half years ago, those struggles have continued.
arla Holloway’s son Greg owns and operates the store. She says it’s more than just a “bad economy” closing. Changes in lifestyles and fashions have meant the dry cleaning industry has been in less demand. Holloway says Florence Dry Cleaners will stop accepting business next week on the 26th… then will close for good by November 1st.
Karla Holloway says her son has moved on to a business that has more demand… He’s purchased Steam Way Carpet Cleaning… a business segment that is on the rise.
Siuslaw Pride
It’s homecoming week at Siuslaw High School and the community is being invited to join in the school spirit by decorating their business in Blue and Gold and encouraging employees and staff to wear school colors tomorrow. Teacher Kim Pickell (pih-KELL) says businesses that want to enter the school pride contest should call the high school today. Pickell says about a half dozen entries have already been received.
A committee will make the rounds tomorrow afternoon to judge. The entry showing the most Siuslaw Pride will win four tickets to tomorrow evening’s homecoming game; a traveling trophy; and other prizes including a half-time interview on Coast Radio’s broadcast of the game.
Great Oregon Shake Out
Don’t forget to drop, cover and hold this morning at 10:18 during the Great Oregon Shakeout… earthquake preparedness drill.