Pearl Harbor and Our Town
75 years ago today, the Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor, plunging the United States into World War II. The impacts of that continue to reverberate today in the world.
That’s according to author and historian Craig Nelson who recently released his latest book… Pearl Harbor: from Infamy to Greatness.
Nelson will talk about the changes wrought by that moment in 1941 on Coast Radio’s Our Town from four to six pm this afternoon on KCST. The program will air again tomorrow from ten to noon on KCFM.
Also on Our Town, Bettina Hannigan and Jenna Bartlett will talk about changes occurring in the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce; Heather Murphy will talk about Court Appointed Special Advocates for children; and Kathy Murphy… no relation… will talk about this weekend’s Light Up a Life remembrance for hospice patients.
Winter time is steelhead time
A little ice on the rod tip? That’s a sure sign it’s a good time to go steelhead fishing. If you’ve not been for a long time, or you never have, you may not know exactly where to go or how to “rig your rod” to increase your chances of success.
Dean Hendricks is the co-owner of North Country Lures and Flies. He’ll be at this evening’s meeting of the Florence Salmon Trout Enhancement Program group. He will bring maps highlighting good locations for fishing from the bank… or a drift boat.
Hendricks will also talk about different rod setups; bringing several different examples; and will talk about the use of such attractants as spinners, eggs and yarn balls.
Safety is also extremely important while fishing he adds.
The STEP meeting begins at seven this evening at the Elks.
Siuslaw awards nominations sought
Eight years ago the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce handed out the very first Stu Johnston Business of the Year award making the Siuslaw Business Awards an annual event.
Since then, area businesses have been recognized for Excellence in Customer Service; Curb Appeal; Community Caring; and Innovation. The Siuslaw Awards also single out one area Non-Profit group.
Two other notable awards are handed out at the Siuslaw Awards. The Florence First Citizen is recognized for that person’s community involvement, leadership and overall impact. The Future First Citizen award is presented to a local student based on his or her academic success as well as civic involvement.
Nominations for all categories will be accepted by the Chamber of Commerce through December 23rd. The awards will be handed out February 8th.
Heceta Lighthouse B&B, a Victorian Christmas
Volunteers have been hard at work decorating the Queen Anne style Keeper’s House at Heceta Head Lightstation for Christmas. Those efforts will soon be on display.
The interior of the Heceta Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast is normally open only to overnight customers, but over the last 21 years local residents have been invited in to check out the displays, listen to some holiday music and enjoy some seasonal treats.
Visitors to the Keeper’s house are also encouraged to take a night time walk to the lighthouse itself, so you’re encouraged to bring a flashlight and dress appropriately.
The B & B will be open to the public Saturday and Sunday from four to seven pm, then again the following weekend. Admission is free to the lighthouse, but parking at nearby Heceta Lighthouse State Park is subject to a day-use fee. You can walk the trail to the house, or a free shuttle will deliver you to the front door.
Free golf for Food Share
Free golf… that’s the offer this Saturday at Ocean Dunes Golf Links in Florence.
All you have to do is bring a minimum of three cans of food for Florence Food share.
Mike Rose with Three Rivers Casino and Resort says they’re looking forward to hosting the day of free golf, adding that it’s a way to do a “good deed and provide food for Florence Food Share”.
Local gas prices
The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded climbed slightly this week, increasing a nickel to $2.19.
Locally, the average cash price held steady this week… it’s a penny less than the national average at $2.18.
Oregon’s average price, as measured by Triple-A, dipped a penny a gallon to $2.40.
Marie Dodds with Triple-A said OPEC’s decision last week to cut production caused crude oil prices to jump and that put “upward pressure” on gasoline prices. Dodds added it’s still not clear what impact that will have on prices that typically decline this time of year.