HB 2004 to Weaken Measure 110
It wasn’t even close. The vote to reshape the voter approved Measure 110 that decriminalized small amounts of illegal drugs passe the Oregon House floor yesterday with a 51-7 margin. The move is a response to battle the massive increases in fentanyl and other drug overdoses in the state. Democrats and Republicans agreed on the long debated House Bill 4002 which will give more power to law enforcement to detain and potentially identify those involved in the illicit dealings of dangerous narcotics. During measure 110 Law enforcement officials hands were tied. Lane County Sheriff Clifton Harrold says without detention of low level offenders they have no footing.
“From and investigative standpoint, the way we investigate manufacture and delivery starts with the possession. If you’re in possession of something and its unlawful then I have the lawful right to detain you long enough to investigate that. That’s usually how we get to the evidence of manufacture and delivery.”
House Bill 4002 will undo a key component of measure 110. It would create an unclassified misdemeanor that would carry the potential of a 30 day jail sentence for probation violations or up to 180 days if a defendants probation is revoked, but would receive an early release if they entered an inpatient or outpatient treatment. The bill now goes to the Oregon Senate.
Shooting Suspect Loose
The Florence Police assisted the Lane County Sheriff’s office on Monday after reports of a male who was struck by gunfire at the Goose Pasture Staging area on South Jetty Road. The unidentified man suffered significant injury according to Public information deputy Sargent Tim Wallace. The injured man was taken to Peace Harbor Medical Center where he was listed in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing, but detectives have yet to identify a suspect in the case. LCSO is asking for the public’s help in the matter. If you have knowledge about the shooting you are asked to contact the LCSO and ask for Detective Hudson at 541-682-4150 option 1 and reference case #24-0990.
Home and Garden Show
It is the longest running annual event at the Florence Events Center. The 26th annual Florence Home and Garden Show showcases businesses from around the state and California and Washington that deal with construction, landscaping and gardening, specialty products for the home, windows, doors and other remodeling for the home. The event did miss one year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic but has since returned. Local businesses like Laurel Bay Gardens have been an integral part of the show over the long run. Their display is the center piece of the show and features elaborate designs and many items from their gardens and gift shop. This year visitors can sample products, hire landscape designers, learn about banking and financial planning or get information on various contractors. The event goes from noon to 6 today and 10 to 6 tomorrow. Admission is 2 dollars for adults.
Weather
We may get a little look at winter weather this weekend with the National Weather Service predicting the possibility of rain mixed with snow overnight tonight and into tomorrow morning. It is not expected to be a significant amount of snow, but could make for slippery conditions in the morning. Mapleton is under a winter storm warning through this evening.
