1 July 2014
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
Statistics gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show about one-third of all traffic fatalities in the country are related to drunken driving. That figure goes up to about 44-percent over the Fourth of July holiday.
That’s why police agencies are stepping up enforcement this weekend when it comes to drivers under the influence.
In Florence, police will be paying extra attention, especially after dark when they say drunken drivers are twice as likely to be involved in a crash.
In the Eugene area, police are taking things to the next level. Frustrated by an increase in the number of suspected impaired drivers that refuse breath tests, Eugene Police will be implementing a “no-refusal” program.
Drivers will still be able to exercise their legal right to forego blowing. But they should expect a court ordered blood test within minutes of doing so.
A judge, a blood draw technician, two prosecutors and extra police will be on standby through the weekend in Eugene to begin the prosecution of suspected drunken drivers.
Pasture to go up in smoke
An estimated 100-acres of grass and light brush will go up in flames today and tomorrow at the Dean Creek Elk Viewing area on Highway 38 just east of Reedsport.
Bureau of Land Management fire officials will be carefully burning pastures in an effort to improve grazing conditions so the wild herd of 80-to-100 head of Roosevelt Elk will continue to use the area.
Bill Elam, Fuels Specialist with the BLM’s Coos Bay District says the burning will be near the main viewing area, which will remain open, but fire-fighters will be taking steps to protect health and safety. Elam said smoke may be visible from nearby Reedsport; and there may be delays on 38 during fire operations.
Our Town
A variety of topics will be aired tomorrow afternoon on the next edition of KCST’s Our Town. The main portion of the program will feature PeaceHealth CEO Rick Yecny, along with Clinic Director Nena Harvey. Troy Soenen, the director of Rural Health Transformation with the Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems will also be on hand.
Prior to that conversation, the program will focus on the upcoming Relay for Life; Power of Florence; and the upcoming opening of City Lights Cinema.
Our Town airs on KCST tomorrow afternoon from four to six pm.
Fire Safety in the Forest
Fireworks pose such a threat that simply possessing them on National Forest Land could result in a $5-thousand fine and-or up to six months in jail.
there are currently no restrictions in forested areas for the public, but, says Siuslaw National Forest Fire Management Officer Dan Eddy, that’s no reason to not use caution when hiking, fishing or camping.
With the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, Eddy says there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. Things like keeping your campfire small and in an area that has been properly cleared out. When you’re done with the fire, make sure it is completely out. And, if you smoke, do it inside your vehicle or in a cleared area and dispose of the cigarette butt properly.
>>>
