21 May 2013
It’s Election Day…
Last minute voters have until eight pm to mark their ballots and return them to the Lane County Elections Department.
At that same moment the first election results in today’s special districts election will be released online.
So far just under 30-percent of Lane County’s 209-thousand registered voters have returned their ballots. Turnout is expected to be heavy enough today to boost that to about 35 or 36 percent.
The Sheriff’s jail levy, along with extensions of special levies at Mapleton Fire District and Siuslaw Schools are being decided, as are dozens of contested and uncontested races for various boards and commissions.
Voters in the Heceta Water District are being asked to decide whether or not to change the way they’re governed. A measure there is proposing a People’s Utility District… backers say that would give the water provider more protection from encroachment by the City of Florence.
It’s too late to mail ballots… In Florence they can be dropped off at the drive-up ballot box in front of the Justice Center.
Self Appointments For Concealed Handgun Permit Applications
A sharp increase in applications for concealed handgun permits over the past six months has led to long waits just to turn in the applications. At times, there has been as much as a three hour wait.
Now the Sheriff’s Office has instituted a “self-appointment” system through the department’s website that allows applicants to pick a day and time that best suits their needs.
Sergeant Carrie Carver with the agency says applicants should thoroughly review the application to make sure they are eligible to apply. Then they can go to www.lanesheriff.org and click on the “CHL” or Concealed Handgun License link. From there they can follow the steps to make an appointment.
Carver said their goal was to be able to provide a service to community members in an efficient way.
Calm Festival
Police in Florence issued 19 citations and made six arrests over the weekend’s Rhododendron Festival. That was a – quote – “relatively calm weekend” says Police Chief Ray Gutierrez.
He credited the weather with having the most influence on activities; which was more than likely a good thing.
This is the second year that Gutierrez has had no outside help from the Lane County Sheriff’s office. Staffing limitations have caused the Sheriff to no provide any additional patrols in Florence over the festival weekend. That stretches local forces.
Gutierrez said they did have additional support from Tribal and State Police again this year… something he says is greatly appreciated.
Power of FlOreNcE
She’s much older and wiser now.
Kaylee Graham was only 11 years old when, along with help from family and friends, organized the first Power of Florence… a day that was designed to encourage everyone in the community to get together and volunteer for the day.
That was in July of 2011.
She did it again last year and plans are underway for the next “Power of Florence” coming up July 20th but an organizing meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow afternoon… from four to five pm… at Siuslaw Public Library.
This year’s motto is “Each ONE, ONE Day, Making a Difference”.
