8 July 2013
Oregon Legislature in Final Stretch…
They officially have until Saturday, but the 2013 Oregon Legislative session is expected to wrap up today… Democratic Senate President Peter Courtney announced the state Senate will meet this morning to take up a handful of remaining bills.
Traditionally, the two chambers adjourn simultaneously.
Lawmakers worked through the day yesterday, advancing several bills and sending some to the Governor’s desk for signature.
The Senate approved a bill boosting penalties for texting and talking on the phone while driving and another that would increase a tax credit for film and video productions.
House lawmakers signed off on a voluntary program to phase in a mileage-based road user fee for fuel efficient cars and a bill requiring certain midwives to obtain a license.
The Oregon House is scheduled to meet this evening.
Yachats Fatality
Oregon State Police are continuing the investigation into the cause of a fatal crash involving a small car driven by a 17-year old Waldport driver that struck and killed a 75-year old Yachats man Friday afternoon.
David W. Redetzke was attempting to cross the highway from his home just north of Yachats when he was struck in the southbound lane by a Dodge Neon driven by Jason T. Moore. Redetzke died at the scene according to troopers.
No other details have been released, police say Moore was not injured and is cooperating with investigators.
Redetzke’s death was the fourth confirmed fatality over the current Fourth of July Weekend.
Wings and Wheels
The Northwest Ravens made a “near-perfect” formation landing Saturday at the Fifth Annual Wings and Wheel’s car and airplane show in Florence… The dozen custom-home-built aircraft were lined up for final approach and were touching down on the tarmac one at a time when a gust of wind disrupted what would have been a perfect approach and landing causing the last bird in line to ‘wave off’ and come around again.
That was about the only thing that wasn’t nearly perfect on the day as hundreds of spectators viewed the aircraft on display next to the antique cars and emergency response vehicles.
Power of Florence
Now that you’ve made it through the Fourth of July weekend you can think about ‘recharging’ with the Power of Florence on Saturday, July 20th.
The third annual day of volunteering and helping out throughout the community is organized once again by Kaylee Graham… the 13-year old middle-schooler started the event two years ago with the help of family and friends.
Already 27 different activities have been registered on the event website, including several activities taking place at the Grocery Outlet parking lot.
The day will start off once again with a “Power Walk” beginning at Florence Christian Church… along the way you can stop at the Methodist Church for a pancake breakfast that will benefit the Boys and Girls Club.
A listing of many of the day’s activities can be found at www.powerofflorence.org.
