Port Manager Terminated
After several weeks of executive session meetings the Port of Siuslaw went into open session on Monday to officially vote on the firing of Port Manager Steve Leskin. Leskin had been on paid administrative leave for two months after several incidents involving Leskin prompted the board to remove him from his daily duties as manager while they looked into allegations made against him. During Monday’s Open meeting Commissioner Huntington made the motion to conclude Leskin’s employment. The motion was then seconded by Commissioner Buckwald and the board voted unanimously to pass the motion. The motion included wording that terminated Leskin’s employment with cause which voids his contract with the port and also terminates his severance agreement. Mr. Leskin was present for the Open Session.
Community Supports Local Youth
The community continues to respond to the needs of a local boy who suffers from a very rare immune disease. Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised to help cover expenses for young Malakai Kirk who suffers from DOCK8 deficiency, hyper IgE syndrome. Cost for treatment can rise up to a million dollars. Through assorted fundraisers, and a go fund me page, well over $30,000 has been raised and the efforts keep going. On August 26th at the Florence event center there will be another show which benefits Malakai. Featuring the CROW kids, Singer-songwriter Meghan Slankard, and the Buck and a Quarter Band. Steve Galbreath is helping to raise awareness:
“It’s the Florence Event Center, August 26th at 7 o’clock. Tickets can be purchased in advance or ahead of time.”
There is also the option of purchasing a table for that evening. A table for 8 is $100.00. Appetizers and beverages will also be available for purchase.
Local Business Receives Online Award
Florence and Florence businesses continue to rack up the awards when it comes to travel and customer service. This time it is Hoagland properties, owners of the Old Town Inn and the River House Inn. Trip Advisor has recognized them for their outstanding customer service. Both properties are in Trip Advisors Top 40 of best accommodations along the Oregon Coast. There are over 250 properties on the list. Craig Sanders, Hoagland Properties’ president. Says it is “Attention to detail, and the dedicated work of an enthusiastic housekeeping staff, (that) makes the difference.” TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence honors hospitality businesses that have consistently received strong praise and ratings from travelers. The award accounts for the quality, quantity, and recency of reviews submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period.
Gas Prices Inch Up
Record demand for gasoline is pushing retail prices higher. For the week, the national average for regular unleaded rises three cents to $2.35 a gallon, while Oregon’s average climbs two cents to $2.69. Here locally the price has inched up 3 cents to average 2. 38 for a gallon of regular gas. Gasoline demand reached a new weekly record in the U.S. at just below 10 million barrels per day, and the demand average over the past four weeks is about one percent ahead of the same four-week period last year. Oregon is gearing up for the total solar eclipse August 21 which will bring about a million people into the path of totality. AAA Oregon/Idaho expects eclipse traffic to rival a winter weather event and advises travelers to be ready for traffic gridlock and possible supply shortages.