Raid Nets Six; ODF Fire Watch; Planning Commission Meeting; Crosswalk Construction Continues

Raid Nets Six

Commander John Pitcher with the Florence Police department said that Friday morning’s raid on a house at 88359 Highway 101 and 5459 Friendly Acres Road could result in more arrests as the investigation continues.  6 people were initially arrested in the action.  Brooke Bales, Justin Thompson and Brianna Mill were all charged with possession of a controlled substance.  Bales with Methamphetamines, and Thompson and Mill with Heroin.  John Barron was charged with a felon in possession of a firearm.  Michael Bechtold was charged with attempted possession and possession of a schedule 3 drug.  Kenneth Hammerberg was charged with frequenting a place where controlled substances are used.  More charges could be forthcoming.  Police were on the scene most of the morning on Friday.  Florence Police were assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s Special Response Team.  And while traffic was slow on Highway 101 during that time, The public was not in danger according to Pitcher.

ODF Fire Watch

The Oregon Department of Forestry reports that they have already responded to 230 fires this season on Federally protected lands with an approximate total number of acres burned at 2280.  Most of those from the Graham Fire.  Other fires in Oregon include the Box Car Fire with 20,000 acres burned and the Jack Knife fire with 1000 acres.  Both of these fires are in the same general vicinity.  Dry conditions have made this a delicate season for fire and ODF is encouraging diligence in preparing and prevention of fires.  Locally the Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue is undergoing a campaign for residents to have their home inspected for free to help homeowners make their properties as safe as possible from wildfire.  People interested in having their home evaluated can contact Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue.

Planning Commission Meeting

The City of Florence Planning Commission meets tomorrow evening at the Florence Event Center.  They will be looking at 3 resolutions for planned development.  The first will consider the 17 acres across from Fred Meyer from Cannery Station Development for an 8 phase mixed use development with 31 lots over the next 10 years.  Next is a conditional use permit for two metal buildings at Driftwood Shores as they remodel their pool and administration buildings and the third so for a cluster housing proposal on 19th street for a four unit cluster with two attached and two detached units.  The meeting will be at 5:30 tomorrow evening.

Crosswalk Construction Continues

Construction resumes today on the three high visibility crosswalks in Florence.  Crews are expected to be out preparing for the next phase of construction.  Most of the work is scheduled to be done in the overnight hours but the Oregon Department of Transportation encourages motorist to be cautious and patient during this construction.  They also warn that these crosswalks are not yet available for use. Crosswalk construction is located at Redwood and Highway 126, between 15th and 16th street on highway 101 and at 12th and 101.