12 April 2013
More Rhody Royalty Announced.
The second set of Rhododendron Royalty for 2013 was introduced to the public this week. Six area grade schoolers were chosen from a pool of 75 applicants. They’ll represent Siuslaw and Mapleton schools in the 106th festival set for May 16th through the 18th.
The court will consist of first through fifth graders Meika Shapell, Ally Peterson, Brier Shird, Tyler Winona and Erin Gustafson from Siuslaw; as well as Mapleton 3rd grader Bailey Overton.
The court joins the previously announced Senior Court consisting of Mapleton High School Seniors Taysie Savage and Courtney Rodet along with Siuslaw senior Jade Herbert.
Each senior court princess will mentor two junior court girls as they act as ambassadors for the this year’s festival.
The Senior Court Queen will be selected and announced at the Queen’s Coronation and Ball set for May 11th.
Vendor Fair to Remain in Old Town
The Rhody Festival is just five weeks away and the Florence City Council is being asked once again to approve a street closure to accommodate a vendor’s market on Maple Street in Old Town.
Chamber executive director Cal Applebee said the move to Maple Street last year was met with some opposition, but much of that turned into support after seeing the way it turned out.
Applebee said the one block of Maple between Bay and First Street will be closed once again and set aside for merchandise and food vendors. The council will consider the Chamber application Monday evening at City Hall.
I-5 Crash Injures Douglas County Residents
A Reedsport couple suffered minor injuries after an early morning crash on Interstate Five just south of Tigard yesterday. According to Oregon State Police 73-year old Olaf Bryant was northbound just after 6 A.M. Thursday when his car rear-ended a disabled vehicle that had stopped in the travel lane. Bryant and his wife, 79-year old Phyllis Bryant were treated at a Portland area hospital for minor injuries. The driver of the disabled vehicle, 31-year old Rodriguez Valdez of Salem, was not injured. Troopers say all involved were wearing safety restraints and no citations were issued.
Track Town USA to Host Trials Again
The City of Eugene and historic Hayward Field will be the home of the U.S. Olympic Trials once again in 2016. It will be the third straight trials and the sixth time overall.
Officials with USA Track and Field made the announcement yesterday at the State Capitol in Salem. Governor John Kitzhaber officially accepted the offer. The 2016 Olympics will be held in Rio De Janeiro.
Eugene also hosted the trials three straight times between 1972 and 1980.