Mapleton schools respond to positive lead tests
Ten out of the 32 water sources tested for lead at Mapleton schools last month came back with higher than allowable concentrations. Mapleton Superintendent Jodi O’Mara announced the results Friday. She said five drinking fountains in the elementary school plus one more in the Middle School weight room have been capped and will not be used. Water coolers will be provided in three of the classrooms.
O’Mara said four sink faucets were also found to be contaminated with lead in excess of the EPA recommended limits of 20-parts-per-billion. Two of them are being capped as other water sources that were within limits are available in the same rooms. Fixtures at the two other sinks; one in the football field concession stand and the other in the school district kitchen are being replaced and will be retested to make sure they’re ok.
O’Mara called the results – quote – “Better than expected”. She said with the age of the facilities, she anticipated much higher concentrations of lead.
Hit and run ATV Fatality near Winchester Bay
The Douglas County Sheriff’s office is investigating a an ATV crash near Winchester Bay Friday night that left one person dead, another critically injured.
Ben Wohl died at the scene, his passenger, Bree Ellison, was transferred to River Bend in Springfield where she is recovering with several broken bones in her back, neck and legs.
On scene witnesses said a four-passenger ATV known as a Razr, collided head-on with Wohl’s quad. Those witnesses said the Razr occupants stopped briefly before attempting to flee, but damage to their ATV caused them to abandon it a short distance away and flee on foot.
Witnesses said a man was driving and there were two passengers, a woman and another man. Those witnesses said the woman also appeared to be injured.
The owners of the Razr told Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies the next morning that it had been stolen.
Friends of Ellison and Wohl have posted a $2500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver of the Razr.
A Douglas County dispatcher said deputies and supervisors worked through the weekend to investigate the crash. They are continuing to follow up on leads.
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center switches to winter hours
If you’re taking a last-minute run up the coast Monday or Tuesday before school starts, you’ll want to check your watch if you’re going to the Cape Perpetua Visitors Center.
That’s because effective Monday, Labor Day, they’ve switched to winter hours… ten a.m. to 4 p.m.
Brian Hoeh, the visitor center manager, says fall is a “great time” to explore the Oregon Coast. There’s less traffic, he says, plus the weather tends to be a little milder with warmer temperatures and less wind.
Lane County takes over Konnie Park in Swisshome
The Lane County Parks Department is assuming management responsibility for yet another area facility. Konnie Memorial Park is a 145-acre day-use facility at the confluence of the Siuslaw River and Lake Creek near Swisshome. It includes a boat ramp popular with steelheaders and other boaters.
Park neighbors have shared concerns about security issues and illegal activity taking place at the park in recent months. That’s one reason why Lane County has secured a 25-year lease with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for management and maintenance at the park.
Parks Manager Mike Russell said Konnie Park fits well in Lane County’s system because of its proximity to other parks. He said they’ll establish a volunteer park host who will live on-site to improve security and do minor maintenance. A day use fee will be required for the site.
Lane County has similar agreements with Fish and Wildlife at other boat launch facilities in Tiernan and Mapleton.
