Accident Investigation
It was a motor vehicle accident that happened almost a week ago, but information was just released last night by the Oregon State Police. The wreck on Friday on Highway 101 south of Florence held up traffic for 3 hours as police, fire and ambulance assisted the injured parties. The OSP report says 26 year old Robin Miles Bihm of Coos Bay was traveling southbound on Highway 101 about 6 miles north of Gardiner when the Ford 150 failed to negotiate a left hand curve. The vehicle ran off the road and the driver overcorrected sending it into the North bound lane where it struck head on a Toyota Tundra operated by Alan Kent Mcilhenny of Tonasket Washington. Mcilhenny 72 and his wife Barbara Jean Mcilhenny along with James Otis Wells suffered serious injuries. A 4th passenger in the Tundra Margaret Ann Wells 76 of Tonasket was declared deceased at the hospital. The crash is still under investigation, but impairment is being considered as a possible cause of the crash.
Florence Forward Event
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is announcing an event for Florence entrepreneurs and business owner from the ages of 20-45. The newly formed entity Florence Forward is working to build a vision and plan for the future of the Florence community through a young professionals organization. The event will be at Three Rivers Casino Resort on October 1st. the event costs $10 per person and information and tickets are available at florencefun.com.
Gas Prices
Gas prices are pushing downward as a lackluster demand for fuel and lower crude prices begin being felt at the pump. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says the dip in Oregon prices has been minimal compared to national prices, but the fell a penny this last week to $3.75 a gallon. Dodds says the switch to winter blend fuels is in process and is also having an impact on prices. Here in the Florence Area prices of a gallon of regular gas are averaging $3.35 a gallon. Sale of winter blend fuels began on the 15th in Oregon.
Hotel Update
Matt Braun of Braun Hospitality will speak to the Florence Urban Renewal Agency this evening at 5:30. Braun will update FURA with the latest fundraising efforts for the 81 room, 4 story Microtel by Wyndham. There will also be a request for an extension of the DDA agreement that is expiring. Plans to begin construction of the development are still planned for 2025.
Yard Debris/Recycling Collections
This Saturday is yard debris collection day for the city of Florence. Debris can be brought to the north side of the public works building on Kingwood and 27th Street. Information on what debris can be brought is available at the city’s website ci.florence.or.us. it is also black and White recycling day for large items like appliances and tires and rims. Those items will be collected at the Siuslaw Middle School parking lot on Saturday from 10 am until 2 pm.