11 February 2014
Commissioners Release Richardson Report
Fired Lane County Administrator Liane Richardson told an investigator three of the five County Commissioners knew about changes she had made to her pay plan last year. Those changes; to convert deferred contribution to cash and also take cash for excess sick and vacation time, were in violation of county policy.
Two of the commissioners, Sid Leiken and Faye Stewart, denied the allegations and the third, Jay Bozievich, said he didn’t seek any details on the deferred comp matter because it didn’t increase costs. Bozievich also denied Richardson had told him about her “cash out”.
Independent investigator Greg Olson delivered his report to the commission in August. Richardson was unanimously fired by the board which said they had lost faith her “truthfulness”.
They issued a summary in the fall, but the Register Guard sued to have the complete report released… with the names and identifying information of any “whistle-blowers” blacked out. Commissioners initially fought the action, but agreed last week to release it, plus pay $10-thousand for the Guard’s legal fees.
A new administrator is expected to be hired by April.
Reedsport Crash Claims 1 Life
A 68-year old Lakeside man died yesterday afternoon in a single vehicle crash on Highway 101 7-miles south of Reedsport.
State troopers say Bruce Norman Ashton of Lakeside was at the wheel of a 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche that left the roadway at about 1:15, striking several trees. Ashton died at the scene. Investigators say they believe speed to be a contributing factor in the crash.
Traffic was routed around the crash on Wildwood Road for several hours.
Oregon Students Behind in Participation and Test Results
Oregon high school students are taking and passing Advanced Placement courses at a lower rate than their peers in other states.
The College Board released its annual “AP Report to the Nation” yesterday and it showed 24 percent of recent Oregon graduates took at least one rigorous AP course during high school, well below the national average of 33 percent.
Moreover, only 15 percent of the Oregon graduates had an AP score of 3 or better on an exam – the mark generally associated with receiving college credit. That trails the national average of 20 percent.
Deputy Superintendent of Oregon schools Rob Saxton says the state must do a better job of identifying students who have the potential to succeed in the courses and get them to enroll.
Rent A Rod
Local artists are being sought to show their two-dimensional work in the Florence Events Center Gallery Five during March and April.
It will be a “Rent-a-Rod” show. That means artists will rent a rod with space for up to three pieces for $20. All pieces must be offered for sale during the show and there are some size limitations.
Online applications can be found at the center’s website and they are due no later than February 21st.
