Commercial Crabbing Season Delayed Again
Low meat yields and elevated levels of toxin have again delayed the beginning of commercial Dungenous crabbing along the coast. Recreational crabbing is allowed in some limited areas but the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says it will be at least the 31st of December before commercial harvesting ramps up. Further testing could cause more delays or the option of opening the season on two different dates in different locations. Dungenous crabbing is Oregon’s most valuable fishery. Even with last year’s delayed opening last year’s commercial harvest was 23.1 million pounds and about 31 percent above the 10 year average. ODFW says that crab and shellfish products sold in retail markets is safe for consumers.
New Committee Members Needed
Another committee to rise from the combining of the City of Florence committees is the Community and Economic Development Committee. The committee will look at issues involving housing, community development, and parks and recreation issues. One of the initial main projects of the CEDC will be to feedback on proposed city code updates. Economic Development Coordinator Kelli Weese says this committee is a great opportunity for anyone interested in working with the city to create solutions for some of Florence’s biggest concerns. Deadline for application to the committee is December 31st. applications can be found at ci.florence.or.us or at the public works building at 2675 Kingwood street.
No Bridge Work This Week
No work is scheduled on the Siuslaw River Bridge this week. The Oregon Department of Transportation says work will take a break and continue on the 17th. Crews are currently finishing up work on sidewalks on both the north and south ends of the bridge and have begun cleanup of the area. North of Florence work continues on two bridges: the Cape Perpetua Half Viaduct and the Cape Creek Bridge. Crews are working on staging materials for the Cape Creek bridge and are installing scaffolding at the Cape Perpetua Half-Viaduct bridge.
Yachats Man injured in Vehicle Chase
Yesterday morning Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to stop a Jeep Patriot that was driving erratically in Waldport. The driver failed to stop and attempted to flee eastbound on Highway 34. Deputies followed the vehicle for 8 miles when the driver lost control in a curve and crashed down an embankment. The driver of the Patriot, 28 year old Yachats resident Jay Plaisted was injured and transported to Samaritan Pacific Community Hospital in Newport. The passenger in the vehicle a 51 year old female was life flighted to another hospital. It is believed that the driver was impaired and the accident remains under investigation.
