Thursday crash injures two Florence men

Coast Radio News
Local News

One critical

Two Florence men were injured, one critically, in a crash yesterday morning on Highway 126 just west of Veneta.

02-11-16 126 crash
46-year old James Swain, of Florence, was critically injured February 11th, when the pickup he was driving struck a guard rail, then struck an oncoming truck. (Oregon State Police photo)

Oregon State troopers say 49 year old James Swain of Florence lost control of his pickup for an unknown reason about 9:30 yesterday morning. He side-swiped the guardrail on the eastbound side of the highway, then went back across the centerline and into the path of an oncoming pickup.

Swain, and his passenger, 26-year old Timothy Driver, of Florence were both transported to River Bend hospital in Springfield. Swain’s injuries are critical according to police; Driver’s injuries are not life threatening.

The operator of the other vehicle, 19-year old Dominic Luebbers of Salem, was also taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons.

Highway 126 near the Oregon Country Fair grounds was closed several hours during the investigation. Traffic was detoured around the site on Suttle Road.

CROW wants you to share your heart

Already about $61-thousand has been raised to help create a home for the Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshop in Florence. A capital drive was started last year to raise the $220-thousand needed to pay for their building at 3120 Highway 101. Another $130-thousand is required to pay for remodeling.

CROW Artistic Director Melanie Heard said they’ll be hosting their second annual “Share Your Heart” fundraiser Saturday night at the Florence Events Center. It will feature “Crow Kids” singing “songs from the heart” and showing off their talents.

Heard said there are still a few tickets available for $40 at the FEC box office.

Senior Center volunteer turns 100

A Florence man who has been an active volunteer at the Florence Senior Center since his retirement will be honored tomorrow at the center. Harold Nusbaum turned 100 years old this week. He started volunteering for the center in 1984, serving on the board of directors for nearly 32 years.

“I think that’s what’s kept me alive all these years” he said.

16-years ago… when he was only 84, Nusbaum was honored with a J.C. Penney Volunteer of the Year award. He donated the $500 cash prize to the senior center.

He has called Florence home since 1946 and retired from U.S. Plywood in Mapleton when he was 65.

That’s when he began his “second career” at the senior center.

Nusbaum will be honored at the Florence Senior Center tomorrow from one until four.

Port wants you to meet the manager

Port of Siuslaw Manager Steven Leskin began work this week. The former trial attorney and municipal judge made a “career transition” last year when he left the bar and went to work as a grant writer and economic development specialist for the Port of Bandon.

He was selected by the Port Commission from several finalists last month and started work February 1st in Florence.

Leskin was at his first meeting of the Port Commission Wednesday.

He will be introduced to the community this afternoon from four to six pm during a reception in his honor at the Florence Events Center.

Property owners urged to be aware of scams

A scam targeting elderly property owners is getting attention this week. Property owners in Clackamas and Deschutes Counties who are delinquent in their taxes have reported receiving phone calls or letters threatening foreclosure or lawsuits unless they sign their property over to an individual or company in exchange for a minimal payment. According to Lane County Assessor Mike Cowles, the letters and calls are often coercive and contain false or misleading information about the status of that person’s property.

He says in Oregon counties may only foreclose three years after taxes become delinquent; and the property owner is contacted numerous times by mail or personal service.

Cowles says there have been no reports of this yet in Lane County. He gave some suggestions on how to handle them. Don’t ever let a caller pressure you into taking immediate action; Ask for contact information and tell them you’ll call back… then do some research to verify the number. Don’t wire any money to anyone… and don’t make a payment over the phones.

If you’re unsure about the status of your property taxes… contact the Lane County Assessor’s office and confirm it.