Winter Heat and Water Help; Pounding Tomorrow; Measure 114 Timeline Could Move Up

Winter Heat and Water Help

As winter approaches opportunities for families and households that have financial difficulties improves.  Siuslaw Outreach Services will begin taking names for the Low-Incomd Home Energy Assistance Program as well as the Low-Income Home Water Assistance program.  People can sign up beginning December first at 9am.  in order to qualify household income must be at or below 60% of the area mean income level which according to the latest census numbers is $48,944.  Executive Directory Bob Teter says a limited number of applicants will be allowed.  To get on a wait list for processing applicants may call 541-997-2816 or apply in person at SOS at 1576 12th street.

Pounding Tomorrow

The Pounding to benefit the Florence food share will be tomorrow from 10 am until 2 pm.  The 22nd annual event will help to serve more than 770 families that are experiencing food insecurity.  The annual food raiser consistently raises more than 20 thousand pounds of food.  Last year it raised 21,427 pounds and that amount was matched in dollars by local business owner Klaus Witte of Top Hydraulics who has once again committed to matching poundage with funds.  The event will be a drive through in front of the grocery outlet entrance on Highway 101.  Cash donations will also be accepted.

Measure 114 Timeline Could Move Up

With background checks for firearms mounting, gun advocates are concerned that the deadline proposed by the state for Measure 114 to go in to effect is unreasonable.  The Secretary of State is predicting that the measure could go into effect on December 8th thirty days after the vote.  Some gun rights advocates were under the impression that they would have 30 days upon the certification of the election results which would give them until mid January.  According to numbers released by the state there are about 20,000 background checks awaiting approval.  That has taxed the unit that processes the checks with 26 full-time examiners.  State Police say they would need an additional 38 positions to handle the increase but currently funding only exists to add 13 part-time positions.