Tuesday’s election results means a couple of new faces to the Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Board, yet they are very familiar to the community. In the race for SVFR Director Position1 Siuslaw News Editor, Ned Hickson edged out Local business person Crystal Farnsworth. Hickson says he is cognoscente of the slim margin.
“I realize that it wasn’t a huge margin so I you know I understand that I have some folks to hopefully win over in terms of convincing them and assuring them that I’m on there for the right reasons and I am not coming on there with an agenda or anything like that. And I’m really looking forward to contributing what I can to the board and the continued momentum of the Siuslaw Valley Fire District.”
In position 2 on the same board OPB CEO Ron Green defeated former veteran firefighter Marvin tippler. Green said that Tipler ran a good race, but is ready now to tackle the work ahead.
“Get to work to continue to help the fire district and maybe indirectly the ambulance district continue on its path to progress.”
Both men say they are humbled by their victories, and ready to work for the greater good of the district
Tourists Welcome
Today is the official beginning of the Rhododendron festival. Although the town has been buzzing for two days already with carnival rides and fancy auto and motorcycles filling the streets. One of the reasons for the increased interest is likely due to recent kudos from the national media. Bettina Hannigan with the Florence chamber says:
“KEZI was here last week. Portland television was down here last week also at the interpretive center doing the weather and talking about us being number 2. And now we’ve got KVAL coming out today and they’re going to be talking about #2 and about Rhody. Florence is on the map!”
Hannigan says some have told her that they would rather not have all the attention, but she is quick to remind them of the benefits of such exposure.
“Tourism generates 127 Million dollars. 1800 jobs. And that money that comes in through our tourism revenue is going to be what helps us get doctors, and good restaurants, and school teachers, and people that want to come here and raise their families.”
Good Rules for Rhody days and tourism in general? Smile, be friendly, and be thankful that people come spend their time and money in Florence.
Rhody Run
Tomorrow is the 5k and 10k Rhody Run And according to race committee member Michelle Diffenderfer it is not too late to get registered online if you want to run, or walk. The Shut off time for online registration is 2 pm today, but you can still register tomorrow at the Florence Event Center. In past years pre registered runners have been able to pick up their race packets at coastal fitness on 101, but not this year.
“Everyone is to pick up their race packets if they are pre-registered the morning of the race.”
Pre-registration entries have been heavy, but Diffenderfer says that more are expected to run.
“By the time we get all the racers there, signed up with all the people that are registering same day, I’m guessing we will be close to 3 hundred racers.
She says that staff will be on sight by 7 am to accommodate everyone and the race begins promptly at 9.
