Jerry Rust running for House District 9
Jerry Rust announced yesterday that he will be campaigning as the Democratic nominee throughout House District 9 from now until November. Rust, a previous Lane County Commissioner from 1977-1997, said he is running because people want and deserve a choice, and he believes that he can help coastal communities face hard economic times with his history of creating jobs and bringing people together.
Rust has prior public experience at the county level in wastewater management, criminal justice, solid waste/recycling, tourism and economic development. His prior state-level service includes, among other positions, the State of Oregon Covered Bridge Commission, Oregon Department of Agriculture Gypsy Moth Task Force and as a Delegate to China.
District 9 of the Oregon House of Representatives includes portions of Coos, Douglas, Lane and Lincoln Counties. The current representative for the district is Republican Boomer Wright of Reedsport. The 2022 General Election will be held November 8.
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Drivers continue to feel the pinch at the pump as the national average hits a new all-time high above $5 a Gallon. The Triple A of Oregon says nearly half of all states now have averages at or above $5 a gallon. The cost of oil remains above $120 per barrel, nearly double last August’s price, as increased demand for oil outpaces the tight global supply. Despite record high gas prices, demand for gasoline remains strong across the nation and here at home as the summer driving season ramps up. As a result, pump prices are up in all 50 states, and nearly half of all states, including Oregon, have averages at or above $5 a gallon.
In Florence the average cash price at the pump for regular unleaded is $5.38
as of last night. For the week, the national average for regular jumps 10 cents to $5.02 a gallon. The Oregon average climbs eight cents to $5.54. These are both at record highs. Seemingly new record highs continue to be set almost daily.
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Thursday is the final day of classes at Siuslaw schools. The school year is ending in a different way than how it began. “The beginning of the school year started off with a lot of regulation and rules and guidelines to follow.” Siuslaw Elementary Principal Amy Flora said as the year progressed Covid restraints were eased and students were able to return to a more regular schedule of activities. “This spring we’ve seen the return of field trips and different group activities, and we had an after school program for our band and choir students.” Teachers and most staff members will wrap up their classrooms Friday before taking the summer off.
Staff will return to school the last week of August with most classes resuming Wednesday, September 7th.
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The Oregon Employment Department (OED) will receive $3 million in additional federal grants for unemployment insurance (UI) through the American Rescue Plan Act. Funds will be disbursed with an emphasis on historically marginalized workers in partnership with community-based organizations. “Steps taken to fix UI systems now… will help ensure jobless workers get the support they need the next time there’s an economic downturn,” said U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, who, along with Senator Jeff Merkley, announced the grants.
