Crime Spree Prompts Closer Look

26 March 2014

Coast Radio News
Local News

Police in Eugene check for more local links in crime spree

Authorities in Eugene say they are checking several recent, unsolved crimes for possible links to a man suspected in a day-long crime spree that killed a Northern California sheriff’s deputy and a retired anthropology professor.

Police say Ricardo Chaney, who was killed in a March 19th shootout with a Fort Bragg, California police officer, also car-jacked a BMW in Eugene, locking the two occupants of the vehicle in the trunk.

A Eugene police spokesperson said they are looking into an armed robbery March 11th and other unspecified crimes are also getting a – quote – “fresh look”.

Chaney is believed to have shot and killed 79-year old George Wasson, a family acquaintance, and then set fire to Wasson’s home March 19th.

He then reportedly locked two men in the trunk of their car at gunpoint in Eugene, stealing the car.

The two were able to escape unharmed and Chaney drove south

where Mendocino County Sheriff’s Deputy Ricky Del Fiorentino was shot and killed.  Chaney died in a shootout with another officer.

It’s not easy living green…

The fifth annual Florence Green Fair will feature tips on reducing waste, saving money and using less energy.

It will also, according to organizers, help residents make “sustainable” choices that could ultimately make them healthier.

Approximately 40 different exhibitors will gather at the Florence Events Center April 26th offering suggestions, services and goods with a focus on “living green”.

The first 500 people in the door will get a free package of energy efficient light bulbs from the show’s sponsor… Central Lincoln PUD.

Information on how to be an exhibitor at the show can be had by calling the Siuslaw News.

Yaquina Lighthouse Closed Next Week

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse in Newport will be closed to the public next week.  The historic structure will be getting a fresh coat of paint on the staircase and interior walls.

A Bureau of Land Management memo said the closure will begin Monday, March 31st.  The lighthouse will reopen for guided tours on Sunday, April 6th.

The interpretive center at Yaquina Head and access to the area around the lighthouse will operate normally.

Second Half of Spring Break: Wet, Cold and Windy

If you were hoping for some sunshine and light breezes to cap off your spring break you should consider a quick call to your travel agent.

Weather forecasters are saying the second half of Spring Break along the Oregon Coast will be cooler, wetter and more blustery than the first half.

And, if you’re thinking you may want to head for Central Oregon… you’ll likely be out of luck there too.

Round one of a series of storms and unsettle weather swept through the area yesterday bringing heavy rain showers, gusty winds and thunder storms.  More of that is on the way through tomorrow with the heaviest rains expected by late Thursday and early Friday.

Concentrated snowfall is expected in the Cascades… possibly four to eight inches of accumulation… making travel over mountain passes iffy at best.