16 February 2016
Criminally negligent homicide charged in October death
A 70-year old Florence man is facing charges of criminally negligent homicide following an October 8th motorcycle crash that caused the death of an 89 year old Reedsport woman.
David Ralph Cheeseman admitted to authorities that he had smoked marijuana, drank a half bottle of cold medicine and drank alcohol before leaving an Old Town Florence restaurant with Jean Benson.
The pair were riding on Cheeseman’s 2015 Harley Davidson three-wheel motorcycle on Highway 101 near Dairy Queen when it crashed, rolling over on top of both Cheeseman and Benson.
Benson died two days later from her injuries.
Cheeseman was booked into the Lane County Jail last week.
Court documents show his blood alcohol content at the time of the crash was nearly twice the legal limit. It’s not clear when the case may go to trial.
Urban Renewal Agency offering downtown open house
A community open house next week will give residents a chance to learn about efforts to promote economic development and make improvements to Highway 101 through the core downtown area.
The Florence Urban Renewal Agency has been working closely with the Oregon Department of Transportation and design consultants about work that is expected to begin next year on Florence’s main street between the bridge and Highway 126.
That’s when ODOT will begin a repaving and infrastructure improvement project. The city wants to utilize the urban renewal district in making other improvements that would encourage investments in adjacent private property.
Four “opportunity areas” have been identified by the district; two of those are on Highway 101.
The open house to show those areas; as well as hear feedback from residents; will be one week from today at the Florence Events Center from five to seven pm.
Rotary students of the quarter striving for perfection
Two area students were recognized last week by Florence Rotary as “Students of the Quarter”. Brea Blankenship is a student at Siuslaw Middle School where she maintains a 4-point-0 grade average. Her science teacher Hillary Roach said Blankenship is “conscientious” and a “great role model” for other students.
Michael Larson is a junior at Siuslaw High School and also maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA. A part of his full class load includes three advanced courses and when he graduates next year he’ll take with him several college credits. Math teacher Rachelle Campbell said Larson’s life is “well balanced” with other activities including athletics and leadership.
Both students were nominated by teachers at their schools. They were honored by the Florence Rotary Club last week.
Property Tax Payments due
If you’re splitting your property taxes into three payments this year, you’ll need to know that the second payment is due today.
Lane County Assessor Mike Cowles said in order to avoid a penalty; you’ll need to make sure of a few things…
If you’re mailing, do it early; especially in rural areas. If you have a rural mail pickup at home, it may not be post-marked on the day it is picked up.
He says the two best ways to ensure it’s received on time is by either paying it in person over the counter… but you’ll have to drive to Eugene to do that… or use Lane County’s online payment system. You can use a Visa or Mastercard… or make a payment using an “E-Check”. That’s at www-dot-lanecounty-dot-org.
Cowles says Lane County collects property tax payments on behalf of 83 different taxing districts including cities, schools, water districts, fire districts and more.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports:
Siuslaw wrestling standout Dylan Jennings is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. The Viking 220 pounder is currently the fifth highest ranked active wrestler in the state at the 4A level. The team captain has been an anchor for the team all season and won his weight class at both Far West Crab Pool tournaments; plus he was a runner up at the Bend Invitational and finished fourth at Cottage Grove.
Honorable Mention goes to Viking guard Sierra Potter. She had seven steals last week in the Vikings’ loss to Marshfield, then added one more against Brookings-Harbor, bringing her season total to a team-leading 71 for the season.