an early morning fire destroyed a residence at 1515 2nd avenue in old town. the fire was reported about 2:30 this morning. Siuslaw valley fire and rescue arrived on the scen and called for more assistance as the building was completely engulfed. coast radio news found division chief sean barret on the scene
..ah, right now we’re in the middle of investigating about two oclock this morning we were dispatched to a house fire, by the time the firefighters arrived there was flames ah basically coming out most of the windows in the building. the heaviest fire was in the back part by the garage. right now that’s where our investigation is leading us into that area.
fire officials are still in the midst of their investigation but say there seems to be nothing suspicious about the blaze at this time.
>>>
Legislative Session Headed for a deadline
Lawmakers have until Sunday night to wrap up on the 2016 session, so that means if they’re going to make headway on that “to-do” list, they’ll have to get cracking.
But, it’s likely though, that they will wrap up work on the 35-day session by Friday afternoon or evening.
Minority republicans have been staging a “slow down” on bills that they say would shift public policy to quickly. They’ve been avoiding floor votes and have even used parliamentary procedures that force the complete reading of bills before a vote can be taken.
Despite the slowdown, there has been some progress.
One major policy bill that was passed last week… and signed by Governor Kate Brown yesterday… was a three-tiered approach to raising the state minimum wage over the next six years from a statewide $9.25 and hour to one that would range from $12.50 in rural counties… mainly on the southern coast and in eastern Oregon; to $13.50 in north coast, Willamette Valley, and some Central Oregon Counties; and all the way to $14.75 in the counties in and around Portland.
>>>
Nine of the top short films produced by Northwest filmmakers will be on the screen next week in Florence. It’s the Best of the 42nd Northwest Film Festival at City Lights Cinemas. One of the films that will be shown is called Memory, a ten minute experimental film produced by Portland’s Stuart Eagon.
City Lights owner Michael Falter said Memory and the other eight films will air twice next Thursday, once at noon, then again at 6:30.
“We have a great partner, LCC, and they’re doing a lot of great work promoting it, but they’re also offering discounted vouchers. You can get a $5 voucher to come and see this package. You just have to go to LCC to pick it up.”
Falter added that Eagon will talk about his production. It shows several architectural and historic features in Portland and was filmed in Black and White.
>>>
The cash price for a gallon of regular gas is still holding steady in Florence, but in other areas, it’s rising at the fastest pace since November.
Florence’s average cash price remained the same this week at $1.66 a gallon. But the statewide average increased by three cents to $1.93; and the national average, as measured by Triple-A jumped a nickel to $1.76 a gallon.
Marie Dodds with Triple-A says the organization expects gas prices to continue to rise over the coming weeks as wholesale prices for crude oil increase and demand puts more pressure on supply.
But, she added, prices are not expected to rise as high as in recent years.
>>>
After serving two decades as the municipal judge in Florence, Rick Brissendon will now take on a much broader jurisdiction.
Brissendon was named this week as the Lane County Justice of the Peace, replacing Gary Carl, who resigned Monday. Carl had been in that role since last fall when long time Justice Cindy Forsythe retired.
Brissendon will remain based in Florence… that’s the home court location for the Lane County Justice Court… but in addition to his role as Municipal Judge, he will also preside over the Justice Court in Florence and Springfield.
“The Florence Municipal Court is very important to me”, said Brissendon.
He also said he intended to file for election to the Justice Court position that will be on the May 17th ballot in Lane County.
>>>
The 20th edition of the Florence Home and Garden Show opens at two o’clock Friday afternoon at the Florence Events Center. It will feature a wide variety of exhibitors. As usual, there will be plenty of displays showing off how you can make your home or yard more attractive. Several landscape oriented displays will be set up; along with booths showing off ways to refinish or remodel your home.
There are also plenty of items to put in your home, says organizer Jon Thompson; from home décor to kitchen items and furniture.
You can arrange to clean your gutters, re-roof your home, paint it inside and out, trim the trees outside and get new cabinets.
You’ll also be able to restock your pantry, says Thompson. Face Rock Creamery will be offering samples of their award winning cheeses and Whisky Creek Organics, the local “community supported agriculture” will be offering reservations for their summer produce.
The doors are open Friday from 2 to 6, then again Saturday from 10 to 6 and Sunday from 11 to 3. Admission is just $2, but half-price tickets are available at Bi-Mart… and if you’re really frugal, Thompson says you can get in for free between four and six on Saturday.
>>>