Siuslaw voters say no; Mapleton says yes
The results are still unofficial, but it appears voters said no to a $36.9-million bond levy that would have paid for construction of a new high school in Florence. The latest results, as of three AM, show the Siuslaw levy going down by a margin of 3,169 to 2,801. That’s 53-percent of voters saying no.
If it had been approved, the district would have also received an extra $4-million to replace the high school.
In Mapleton, the school district will get a total of $8-million to make repairs to the buildings housing kindergarten through 12th grade. Voters said yes by a 367 to 218 vote margin… that’s just under 63-percent voting in favor.
Voters approved a $4-million 25-year levy that will be paired with a $4-million grant from the Oregon Department of Education.
Two county-wide non partisan races that have an impact on Western Lane County were up for a vote yesterday.
Rick Brissendon picked up 16,433 votes for Justice of the Peace, outdistancing his closest competitor, Woody Woodbury. He had 10,774 voters.
But, the two will be on the ballot in November because Brissendon didn’t get more than a majority. Two other candidates were on the ballot… Joshua Rogers had 5,588 votes and Guy Rosinbaum had 4,389…. Neither men actively campaigned, in fact Rosinbaum withdrew from the race early on.
Brissendon wound up with 43.85 percent of the vote; Woodbury had 28.75 percent. The two will face off in the fall.
The other county wide non-partisan race was for the District Attorney’s position. Patty Perlow will remain in the post she’s held since being appointed by Governor Kate Brown in August. Perlow outdistanced her challenger, Clayton Tullos by a 65,443 to 20,836 vote margin. That gave Perlow 75 ½-percent of the vote. Her election is not official yet. She will be on the ballot in November, but because she picked up more than half of the votes cast, she’ll be unopposed.
Middle School Principal named
The final administrative vacancy at the Siuslaw School District for the coming year has been filled. But, it creates a new opening. Andy Marohl (muh-ROLL) will take over as principal at Siuslaw Middle School beginning in the fall. He split his time as vice-principal at the middle school and Siuslaw Elementary this year. Before that, he spent nine years teaching 7th grade science at Siuslaw. For the past three years, Marohl has also served as the district’s STEAM coordinator; promoting science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
He fills the position vacated when Andy Gzreskowiak (grez-KO-wee-ack) was named Superintendent of Schools. Marohl’s promotion also opens another administrative position. Andy M. and Andy G. will work together to recruit and hire a new VP for the two schools.
City celebrates police and public works
You may have noticed the blue ribbons adorning street signs, trees and everything else at the intersection of Highways 101 and 126 this week. Those are there to signify National Law Enforcement Week. Florence City Manager Erin Reynolds said she and elected officials are happy to be supporting police officers this week.
Erin Reynolds – “As well as the National Public Works Week. Those are two great groups of employees we have for the city that do so much behind the scenes to keep our city running.”
Reynolds said it’s appropriate that they’re showing appreciation to both groups this week.
Erin Reynolds – “It is our biggest week of the year and we could not have a successful Rhododendron Festival without the police department and without our public works.”
No specific events are planned, but Reynolds said they have special treats in store all week long.
Gas prices up two cents
Drivers in Florence are paying two-cents a gallon on average more for gas last week than they did last week… and 47-cents less than they did last year at this time.
This week’s average cash price for regular gas in Florence is $2.38 a gallon. Marie Dodds with Triple-A of Oregon said the statewide average price is up four cents this week at $2.45.
The national average price gained two cents. It’s at $2.23 a gallon.
