Open Fishing for Coho; Worker’s Compensation Dividend; Les Schwab’s 9th Annual Customer Appreciation; Transit Route Survey

Open Fishing for Coho

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced that it is allowing another opening period for coho fishing for Friday and Saturday.  According to ODFW the first open period anglers averaged more than one fish for every 2 anglers for an estimated catch of 2700 coho leaving only 800 left available for harvesting.  But they say that cooperation and coordination with NOAA fisheries and flexibility in salmon management they were able to roll-over quota from the summer hatchery coho season.  ODFW says they will review catches and report next week on whether there will be additional fishing days.  Chinook salmon remains open 7 days a week through October.

Worker’s Compensation Dividend

Businesses in Oregon that are required to carry workers compensation insurance should be seeing some relief as SAIF announces that it will be returning about 180 million dollars to policy holders.  SAIF President and CEO Kerry Barnett says they are not a for-profit company and when the group has a good year they are able to return funds as a dividend.  Claims against the insurance program have been down in recent years due to an increased emphasis on safety allowing for the return.  According to Barnett about 94 percent of businesses are eligible to receive all or part of the additional safety performance dividend.  Employers will be receiving their checks in October.

Les Schwab’s 9th Annual Customer Appreciation

Local business Les Schwab is holding their 9th annual customer appreciation day this Saturday. The Rhody Cruisers will be on hand for a show and shine along with free hot dogs served up by the Lions Club of Florence.  The event is scheduled from 11-3pm.  The event is open to all Florence residents, young and old.  Coast Radio will be broadcasting live until 12:30.

Transit Route Survey

The city of Florence is still looking for input on a proposed Florence to Eugene transit route.  The city’s website has a link to a survey that will provide much needed data to determine the feasibility of operating a bus schedule to and from Eugene.  The survey asks about travel habits to Eugene including purpose of the travel and frequency.  The survey takes about 5 minutes.  If you do not have access to the online survey a copy can be picked up at the Florence Chamber of Commerce, City of Florence Public Works, Florence Post Office, Mapleton Post Office, and the Siuslaw Public Library.