12 June 2015
Legislature Clarifies Port Telecommunications Abilities
The regulations allowing what Oregon Ports can and cannot do, never included the ability to work with telecom companies. Oregon Senator Arnie Roblan said that’s because the internet didn’t even exist when the rules were made.
Senator Arnie Roblan: “You think you have everything in place and your community starts working on things and then they realize, oh, we don’t have the authority to do that. It lists all the other things Ports can do, but it didn’t say it could do this one.”
That’s just what happened last year when the Port of Siuslaw started looking into developing and working cooperatively with the private sector on expanding internet capacity and speed in the area.
Port of Siuslaw Manager Bob Forsythe worked with State Representative Caddy McKeon (muh-KYOO-en) on rewriting the rules. They were approved this session.
Senator Arnie Roblan: “It’s clear now that Ports have the authority to make and work with people if they’re bringing online any kind of cable.”
Roblan said that’s just one of the actions aimed at helping ports on the central and south coast as they work on economic development and diversity.
Crash victim expected to make complete recovery
A Florence woman who had to be cut from her vehicle and airlifted to a Springfield hospital will likely head for home today… and plenty of physical therapy.
54-year old Phyllis Berkner had surgery Sunday evening at River Bend to repair a broken femur. She suffered that in a crash south of Florence Sunday afternoon. She and a passenger were driving southbound on Highway 101 near Siltcoos Outlet Road when their car was struck head on by another.
Witnesses told police the other vehicle, driven by 35-year old Rico Letson of Reedsport, appeared to have been driving recklessly prior to the crash. Skid marks on the highway clearly showed Letson’s vehicle had crossed the center line.
Letson, and Berkner’s passenger were transported to Peace Harbor Medical Center where they were treated and released.
Firefighters had to cut the roof off Berkner’s Ford Taurus in order to allow medics to treat her.
Berkner’s daughter, Trina Espie, said said doctors told her mother she should make a complete recovery, something she added her mother is “determined to do”.
Dunes City won’t be able to charge more for collecting school tax
Dunes City Councilors heard last night they’re just going to have to accept what they get for collecting and forwarding construction excise taxes to the Siuslaw School District.
The district imposed a one-dollar per square-foot tax on new construction 8-years ago. Dunes City, Florence and Lane County are required to collect when issuing a building permit, then pass it on to the district. They are allowed to keep one-percent for processing the fee.
So far this year, Dunes City has collected $65-hundred dollars. But they’ve only been able to charge $65 for doing so. Dunes City Administrator Fred Hilden says that doesn’t even cover half of their costs.
City Councilors asked Hilden earlier this year to look into whether or not they could increase their share. But, state law enabling the tax clearly limits it to one percent. Hilden told councilors last night they have no choice but to accept it.
OLCC works to alleviate confusion about recreational marijuana
Recreational marijuana will be legal in Oregon beginning July 1st. Individuals can grow it, keep it, and use it.
But, you won’t be able to legally buy it or sell it.
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission… OLCC… is beginning a public campaign next week aimed at getting that information out and answering public question about it. That’s also when the OLCC will launch a website with information on the rollout. www.whatslegaloregon.com won’t be active until June 16th.
Voters in Oregon approved recreational pot last fall. The first provisions of that take effect next month, but the selling part of it won’t likely happen until later next year. Even though you won’t be able to buy or sell marijuana for recreational use for another 12 months… you already know you’ll be paying a 20-percent tax on purchases. The Legislature approved that last week.
7 citations issued for failure to yield to pedestrian
11 drivers were stopped during Monday’s crosswalk enforcement action by Florence Police… seven of those were cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Lieutenant John Pitcher said an additional seven citations were issued for things like using a cell phone while driving; not having proof of insurance; and one for driving under the influence.
Pitcher called the day a success because a lot of attention was paid to pedestrians in crosswalks and how drivers should react to them.
Lt. John Pitcher: “We’ve had people killed in crosswalks in our town. It’s an ongoing problem, so we want to educate the public. Unfortunately, citations are a part of that education. We want to let people know that we’re there, that we’re doing this, give them the opportunity to think about it, to think about the crosswalks. If the warnings don’t work, then we issue the citation.”
Police went out of their way to publicize the event and even call attention to it while it was underway. The department gets additional funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation to help pay for the overtime required to do this. He said residents should watch Highway 101 in Florence over the next few months… they’ll be doing it again at least twice more before Labor Day.
USFS continues field ranger program
If you’ve ever walked a trail and spotted a bird and wanted to know what type it was; or wondered what the name of that plant is that you’re looking at, you’re not alone.
That’s one reason why the U.S. Forest Service is continuing the “Field Ranger” program for the sixth year.
David Thompson is an interpretive specialist for the Siuslaw National Forest. He oversees the Field Rangers at Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Thompson has assembled an international crew of retired professionals; former Forest Service employees; and other volunteers.
They will be at various recreation locations this summer, offering personal guided hikes; group tours; and “Junior Ranger” programs.
You can find Field Rangers wherever Forest Service “Welcome” flags are displayed on Highway 101. You can also call the Cape Perpetua or Dunes Recreation Visitor Centers for more information.