Gun Rumor Unfounded
Rumors quickly ran through Siuslaw Middle School last week of a student that was planning on bringing a gun on the school property after being involved in a fight. The rumors spread to social media with several posts saying they heard of the story. The school sent out a message to Middle School parents from Middle school principal Mr. Marohl letting parents know that any threat is investigated by law enforcement with the assistance of the school administration and that parents are notified as soon as possible. The rumored incident was from an allegation that surfaced sometime during September 6th and the 10th. Law enforcement conducted a thorough investigation and determined that at no time was there an actual weapon brought on to the school campus. Mr. Marohl’s note also encouraged parents and students to reach out immediately upon hearing such allegations so that quick action can occur. Information was released by the school on Thursday and Friday of last week.
Paving for Realignment Project
The paving of the south end section of Rhododendron drive is underway this week. Public works director Mike Miller says the weather will determine how much gets completed but as of Monday morning he seemed hopeful that several aspects of the project will receive attention, some of those were not scheduled out until October, but conditions and availability of personnel were the reason for the change in schedule. Miller says the street paving, parking area and walkways both on the riverfront side and the east side could be completed this week.
Speeding on Rhododendron
A citizen complaint about speed on rhododendron drive prompted a look by city officials into the speeds on the north end of the roadway. The automated sign on the south side of the street near Shelter Cove development records speeds of drivers along that stretch of road. According to numbers released the city found that the average speed on that stretch is 43 miles per hour just 3 miles over the posted speed limit and well within reasonable parameters. It also showed that 68 percent of drivers were compliant with the speed limit in that area. Conversely the North bound portion of the street near 12th street saw an increase in speeds from the posted 30 mph limit with only 48% complying with the limit with 17% of drivers exceeding 35 mph. yet in all average speeds were at the posted speed limits. Officials say they will be deploying one of their portable radar speed feedback systems on the north bound portion of Rhododendron drive near Shelter Cove in the month of October.