Public Input For Schools; Crude Drives Prices in Florence; Free Fishing Weekend; Seat Belt Enforcement Crackdown

Public Input For Schools

A steering committee meeting of the Siuslaw School District is planned for Monday evening.  Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak say the committee will be giving a brief review of their pre bond planning work which will include facility assessments, long term project goals, and a list of bond project priorities.  The school would like to receive input from the community before presenting to the Board during its February 14th meeting.  The steering committee meeting will be at 6:00 p.m. Monday February 12th at 2111 Oak street.

Crude Drives Prices in Florence

The price of crude oil continues to rise and that has meant higher prices at the pump here in Florence.  The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Florence is currently $2.75 a gallon.  And while we continue to pay more for gas, Florence is still one of the lowest prices in the state.  The Oregon average is at $2.89 a gallon.  Last year at this time Florence was paying $2.36 for regular gas.  Crude oil prices are above the $60 a barrel price and have been there since the beginning of 2018.  While demand and prices are higher, so is production.  Since last year 182 new oil production rigs have come on-line in the U.S.  Making the total 765.  Industry analysts believe the trend will be rising prices through the winter months.

Free Fishing Weekend

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have announced free fishing for the President’s Weekend.  Saturday and Sunday, February 17th and 18th, residents can fish, go crabbing and clamming without a license or a tag.  ODFW does remind people that other restrictions remain in place for bag limits, size restrictions and closed areas.

Seat Belt Enforcement Crackdown

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting increased seat belt enforcement from now  until February 18th.  The County has been given funds for the increased patrols through a grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration traffic fatalities in Oregon have increased 11% from 2015 to 2016.  Data is still being calculated for 2017.  Sheriff’s patrols will be out in force and will focus on seatbelt use, child safety, cell phone usage, and aggressive driving.