One Dead on Yaquina Bridge
Yesterday afternoon in Newport the police had to shut down the historic Yaquina bridge as they responded to a report of a shooting. The report came in just before 1pm and the police have not released many details of how the incident went down, only that one man was dead and another was in custody. The deceased was shot at least one time on the west walkway. Traffic quickly backed up on the bridge and it was shut down for over two hours while police conducted their investigation. Coast Radio received a call from a driver that was caught on the bridge during the incident but offered sketchy details that turned out not to be accurate. More details are expected to be released upon the completion of the investigation.
Improving Driving Skills
As we get older our skills as motorists can be impacted by reaction time, sight and hearing issues and complacency. Even the slightest changes can have a big impact on driving which in turn could also impact your wallet. To help bolster skills the AARP is offering a class that will refresh driving skills and rules of the road along with training on turns, right of way and roundabouts. The class will be held at the senior center on Kingwood on Friday September 15th from 9:15 until 4:00 pm. The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.
Gas Prices
Gas prices continue to rise around the country and around the state. Oregon followed the national trend adding 3 cents a gallon this past week. The increase is in part due to a rally in crude oil prices. Though a decrease in demand has helped to keep the prices from skyrocketing according to Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon. The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Oregon is at $4.46. The state has the 4th highest price in the nation. Dodds says some of the cost increases is due to the extreme temperatures around the nation having an effect on refinery operations from production to maintenance. There is no indication that prices will be coming down any time soon.
Oregon Arts Commission
Tomorrow the Oregon Arts Commission will hold its first ever quarterly meeting in Florence. There will be a community reception this evening at the Florence Regional Arts Alliance building on 120 Maple Street from 5-6:30 to allow community members to meet the Arts Commissioners. Senator Dick Anderson will be on hand as a member of the Arts and Culture Caucus and will speak briefly. The commissioners will also be given a tour of the Art Exposed exhibits in Old Town.