Superintendent contract approved on split vote; logs spill in Mapleton; Sheriff to speak in Dunes City; American Legion post celebrates with a “cleaning caucus”

Coast Radio News
Local News

14 March 2013

Montana Administrator Selected to Head Siuslaw Schools

Catholics have a new Pope… and Florence has a new school superintendent.

But, unlike the College of Cardinals, the Siuslaw School Board vote on the matter was not a consensus and it was not unanimous.

The school board approved a contract for Shawn Wiencek last night on a 6-1 vote.  Michelle Rose initially abstained, but later in the meeting was given a chance to recast her vote… she did, this time in opposition to the former Montana administrator.

During a break in the meeting, Rose explained she could not vote in favor because she didn’t consider Wiensek, who is pursuing a Doctorate from Montana State University, to be one of her top three selections.

Former Montana school administrator Shawn Wiencek will take over as superintendent of Siuslaw Schools July 1st. (photo submitted by Siuslaw School District).
Former Montana school administrator Shawn Wiencek will take over as superintendent of Siuslaw Schools July 1st. (photo submitted by Siuslaw School District).

The rest of the board disagreed.  Out of 14 applicants reviewed, Wiencek was one of three who received second interviews.  She was enthusiastically supported by the rest of the board.

Despite the opposition, Rose said she would give the new administrator her full support.

Wiencek relocated to Lane County last year with her husband.  She’ll earn $75-thousand her first year at Siuslaw… about $12-thousand less than the current superintendent, Jeff Davis.

 

 

 

Log spill blocks traffic in Mapleton

A load of alder logs spilled when the driver made a right turn onto the Siuslaw River Bridge on Highway 126 in Mapleton. (Oregon State Police photo)
A load of alder logs spilled when the driver made a right turn onto the Siuslaw River Bridge on Highway 126 in Mapleton. (Oregon State Police photo)
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47-year old James Schripsman of Florence was not injured when his loaded log truck tipped as he turned onto the bridge in Mapleton. (Oregon State Police photo)

Nobody was injured, but traffic on Highway 126 over the Siuslaw River in Mapleton was disrupted for several hours yesterday after a loaded log truck spilled its load and overturned.

Oregon State Trooper Gale Cochell said 47-year old James Schripsema of Florence was making a right turn onto the Mapleton bridge with two loaded trailers of alder logs.  The front trailer and the cab tipped onto their left side, spilling the load, and coming to rest blocking the westbound lane.

In addition to the logs, a small amount of diesel from the truck’s tank leaked, but it was contained and cleaned up.

It took several hours to clean up the mess.  Traffic across the bridge was allowed one lane for about five hours… the road was opened to full traffic shortly after six pm.

Sheriff to address Dunes City

Lane County Sheriff Tom Turner will address the Dunes City Council this evening during their regular session in Westlake.  The Sheriff will talk about the upcoming jail levy that voters in Lane County will decide on the May 11th ballot.  He’ll visit with councilors and answer questions about the status of rural patrols and the jail.

The Council will also make a presentation to outgoing councilor Troy Sathe who stepped down last month.  He is leaving the area.

They will also hear about the upcoming Oregon Dunes Triathlon and Duathlon set for Mother’s Day Weekend… May 10th and 11th.

The Dunes City Council meets at seven pm.

American Legion Post celebrates birthday with park cleanup

In September 1919 the U.S. Congress approved the charter for the American Legion, the nation’s first ever patriotic veterans organization.

The effort to establish the group began with a caucus of  members of the American Expeditionary Force in Paris that met for the first time on March 15th of that year.

In honor of the group’s 94th anniversary, members of the Francis M. Yost Post number 59 of the American Legion will hold a “cleaning caucus” of their own tomorrow from ten until noon at Veterans Memorial Park on Bay Street.

Post Commander Mike Bones said they’ll welcome the assistance of anyone who would like to help out.

Mike Bones – “If you can’t get out and help us, we’re asking everybody to help a veteran.  Thank a veteran.  Go out and thank a veteran by helping them.  Do something.  Call them up and take them a cup of coffee or… do something.”

In addition to organizing commemorative events and supporting local vets, the American Legion has also been an active supporter of legislative interests related to service members.