Strike Over
Citizens were being turned away at the gate from the Florence Transfer station yesterday as a labor dispute caused a reduction in work force in the county. Personnel were letting people know that the station would only be open Wednesday through Saturday. However, Lane County has reached an agreement with it’s employees. At 10:30 Tuesday evening the county released news that the two sides have come together and the strike was over. The union for the county workers, AFSCME, will still have to have the 692 members ratify the agreement and then an official vote from the Lane County Commissioners will follow. The three year agreement include a 2% cost of living increase each year for the three years of the contract, market adjustments for 63 percent of its workers, contributions to a pre-tax family health plan, and some temporary positions will become part-time positions meaning they will not have to reapply for their positions each year. Steve Mokrohisky, the Lane County Administrator says he is pleased that an agreement had been reached and they look forward to having everyone back to work.
Woman Charged in Theft
Charges have been brought against the woman accused of stealing more than $17,000 dollars from Driftwood Shores. The former bookkeeper for the hotel, 44 year old Christy Lynn Bursaw is scheduled to be arraigned today on a felony charge of aggravated first-degree theft. Bursaw is accused of stealing tips that were designated for restaurant employees. The Florence Police Department investigation began in June. Bursaw reportedly admitted to the theft only after being shown evidence.
A New Look At Flood Master Plan
Last winter’s flooding has prompted a discussion on the city’s stormwater master plan. Flooding and standing water caused problems for residents and businesses as the City of Florence dealt with record rainfall amounts and a plan that had been initiated in the 90’s and implemented in 2004. The 20 year plan included many projects to be implemented for stormwater conveyance and with many of those projects completed the city is planning on moving to a new phase. There will be a meeting for public input with two sessions. That will be on Wednesday, November 1st. it will be held at the Florence Event Center. The first session will be at 3pm for citizens living in the Coastal Highlands area and the second session will be at 4pm for those living within the Mariners Village development.
Great Pumpkin Giveaway
The excitement is rising to the top as Coast Radio prepares to begin its 29th year for broadcasting this Halloween. 29 years ago Coast Radio signed on in Florence and for the last 28 years it has celebrated with the Great Pumpkin Giveaway. Tomorrow from 3- 5 pm the celebration continues. In the parking lot of Old School Furniture and the Saw Shop there will be games, food, candy for the kids, and most importantly, Pumpkins for those that are 18 years of age and younger. The pumpkin giveaway will begin at 4 pm sharp