Downtown Motorcycle Crash; Gas prices; Bowls for Bullies; Reedsport Blaze

Coast Radio News
Local News

23 January 2013

Police Continue to Investigate Downtown Motorcycle Crash.

Firefighters and medics attend to Michael J. Kopilic after a Saturday evening motorcycle crash on Highway 101 in front of Safeway. (photo by Sean Barrett)

A motorcycle crash on Highway 101 in downtown Florence Saturday evening looked much worse that it ultimately turned out to be.  Police say Michael J. Kopilec of Florence was northbound on 101 when he apparently strayed to the right in front of Safeway.

John Pitcher – “The driver hit the curb of the crosswalk there, which caused the crash.  He was injured, and at first it there was a lot of talk about oh, it’s really really bad.  I don’t know the extent of the injuries but it’s not life threatening, that’s the last I was told.”

Lieutenant John Pitcher said a passenger was on the bike as well, Tara Dibbern suffered a minor injury to her finger.

John Pitcher – “We do believe alcohol was a factor in that accident and we’re continuing that investigation.”

Northbound 101 was blocked while medics attended to Kopilic and Dibbern… Kopilic was transported to Peace Harbor Hospital where he was treated and released.

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Fire guts Reedsport Apartment

An inmate crew from Shutter Creek Correctional Institution watch as firefighters mop up following an apartment fire on Frontage Road in Reedsport. (Photo by Scott Anderson)

 

Residents of a four-unit apartment building in Reedsport were safely evacuated from their homes yesterday morning.  Firefighters from Reedsport, Gardiner and Lakeside responded to the two-story Edgewood Apartments on Frontage Road around nine AM.  Officials said the fire began in a downstairs unit and the entire structure was gutted.  One resident was reportedly treated for smoke inhalation after he went back into his apartment to rescue his dog.

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Gas Prices Continue Slide

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Florence dropped by four cents in the past week and it’s down nine-cents since the first of the year.  Today’s average in Florence is $3.25; that’s six cents below the statewide and national prices as measured by Triple-A.  Oregon’s average price rarely matches the national average… it usually tracks several cents higher.

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Bowls Against Bullies

For the third year shrimp skewers and clam chowder will help fund an anti-bullying program at Siuslaw Elementary School.  The fundraiser this evening at the elementary cafeteria will offer food provided by Mo’s Restaurant.  It’s ten dollars for adults, five for kids and a family of four can eat for $25.  It’s from five to seven and all proceeds help fund the “Steps to Respect” bullying prevention program.

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