Pilots Honored
It was a special day at the annual Wings and Wheels event on Saturday, one that came with some very special recognition for 3 of our distinguished residents. Curt Cowlie visited Florence for the presentation of a special award.
“Today we are awarding 3 distinguished airmen with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.”
Callie says it is no small feat to obtain this honor.
“You must have 50 years of flying, be safe, have no accidents, have no violations on your record, and must receive 3 letters of recommendation from their peers.”
The FAA honored Pete Maury, Dick Markee, and Sam Spayd for their outstanding records. Coast Radio News asked Sam Spayd what the award meant to him.
“The amazing thing is I don’t believe I’ve been flying for 50 years, it just doesn’t seem that long because it’s been such great fun and a great challenge all my life.”
All three of the recipients flew for United Airlines.
Bond Saves Forest
A new bond list heading to the State House and Senate will include money for the state to purchase Elliot State Forest near Coos Bay. The 82,500 acre forest would then be removed from the requirement to provide logging funds to benefit the Oregon’s common school fund. The land would instead be used to establish a new habitat conservation plan and open it for possible purchase by OSU for research potential while still offering recreational use and some timber harvesting. To supplement the education funding, 100 million would go to the Educational Endowment and interest earned from the monies would be funneled to the k12 school programs.
Safe Fireworks
A quick reminder that on this 4th of July to be safe with fireworks. Mishandling of fireworks can be the cause of fires and the safe use of them fall upon the community. Fire Marshall Sean Barrett reminds us.
“The first this is, don’t let the kids light them or play with them. Have an adult take care of that. Make sure you are in a safe place to do it, outside with an area that is not combustible, make sure you have water and a bucket to put them in.”
Chamber of Commerce sponsored fireworks begin this evening at dusk and will be on the barge on the Siuslaw River just across from the Port of Siuslaw RV park on the south side of the river.