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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (July 23, 2016)
4 A ❘ SATURDAY EDITION ❘ JULY 23, 2016 Siuslaw News P.O. Box 10 Florence, OR 97439 DISASTER PREP B Y D AVE R OBINSON Special to the Siuslaw News recent posting on Facebook pointed out that 30 percent of college fresh- men didn’t know how to boil an egg, 52 percent of American teens can’t change a tire and 70 percent had no idea how to sew on a button. A quick online search found a 1933 Harper’s magazine article titled “Skills Every Man Should Know.” Eighty years later the list is a bit out-dated, listing items such as, “How to Dance,” “How to Drink” (yes, you heard it right), “How to Swim,” “Ride a Horse,” and the list goes on. Certain European countries historically required dri- ver’s license applicants to demonstrate their ability to change a tire and clean spark plugs. Most countries no longer require these skills with the wane of two-cycle engines and modern tire quality upgrades. I have a friend who calls the handyman to hang a picture in his office. I don’t nec- essarily advocate that every person be profi- cient in handyman skills depending on their individual situation. If you live in the city, you might not need to have chainsaw skills, nor have developed the ability to do your A RYAN CRONK , EDITOR ❘ 541-902-3520 ❘ Opinion Grown-up Skills own fix-it jobs around the house, but in the event of a disaster, YOYO (You’re On Your Own). It will be difficult to hire someone to screw plywood over your busted window, or to repair your fractured plumbing. You get the picture. I recall some years ago, we were in a car- avan headed to Mexico to help some folks. One of the vehicles lost the lights to their cargo trailer. I handed my son a screwdriv- er, knife and a roll of electrical tape. He got right on it. The car’s owner asked, “How did you learn to do that?” I looked at him with a look of “doesn’t everyone know this?” No, not everyone does. Some think these skills are beneath them. Some think these things are too difficult to learn, and yet some think they will just magically learn this stuff when the time comes. So, if there’s a chance you might need a chainsaw, get one and learn to use it. How about a battery-powered drill for screwing that plywood over your window? Some basic PVC plumbing pieces and a can of glue will make you a hero when the pipes break. First aid skills are always in need during a YESTERDAY’S NEWS disaster. What you know may save a life, maybe even your own or that of a family member. Now’s a great time to upgrade your knowledge. Check out the training available on www.redcross.org. Take a look at your first aid kit, make sure it’s well-stocked. If you lack skills, then it is important you connect with your neighbors and combine your resources. I’m willing to bet there’s someone in your neighborhood that has the skills you may lack. Mapping your neighborhood will not only help you get acquainted, but will com- bine the skills and knowledge of your neighbors in the event of a disaster. If you want more information on Mapping Your Neighborhood, contact me by email and I will forward information to you. ______________________ Dave Robinson is the postmaster in Bandon, Ore., and author of “Disaster Prep for the Rest of Us.” He may be contacted at disasterprep.dave@gmail.com. Visit his website for more disaster preparedness tips, www.disasterprepdave.blogspot.com. LETTERS Thanks to all Big thanks to all who donated ink cartridges and cell phones at Power of Florence. Siuslaw Genealogy Society col- lects old cell phones and ink jet car- tridges to recycle. The money received from these help pay for ancestor search sites at the library. The society also provides free per- sonal help “finding your family.” Drop sites are at Florence Shipping, Habitat for Humanity, True Value, Siuslaw Public Library and Full Spectrum Computers. Thanks to all! Pat Rongey Florence MOMENTS IN TIME The History Channel On July 31, 1715, a hurricane strikes the east coast of Florida, sinking 10 Spanish treas- ure ships and killing nearly 1,000 sailors. Although much of the gold and silver was sal- vaged, coins and other artifacts occasionally wash up on Florida beaches. On July 25, 1898, during the Spanish- American War, U.S. forces launch an invasion of Puerto Rico. With only seven deaths, U.S. troops under Gen. Nelson Miles were able to secure the island by mid-August. On July 26, 1908, the FBI is born when U.S. Attorney General Charles Bonaparte orders a group of 10 newly hired federal inves- tigators to report to the Department of Justice. Notorious gangsters such as George “Machine Gun” Kelly and John Dillinger met their end at the hands of the FBI. On July 27, 1953, after three years of bloody war, the United States, the People’s Republic of China, North Korea and South Korea agree to an armistice, bringing the Korean War to an end. The war cost the lives of more than 50,000 Americans. On July 29, 1976, the “Son of Sam” fires five shots in the first in a series of shootings that would terrorize New York City over the course of the next year. Shooter David Berkowitz claimed that “Sam” was his neigh- bor Sam Carr, who transmitted his kill orders through his pet black Labrador. On July 28, 1990, Maximo Menendez falls into a coma and later dies after drinking a Colombian soft drink, Pony Malta de Bavaria, in Florida. The soft drink had been laced with liquid cocaine, apparently by smugglers who planned to reclaim the bottles. Take action for change I feel compelled to address the systemic “shoot to kill” protocol of our police departments. In the instance, of say, the Orlando shooter who already killed 49 people, I can understand it. But when it’s a more minor offense, such as the case of Antonio Montez in Pasco, Wash., and many others around the country, this cycle of police violence needs to stop. Montez, a Mexican farm worker, was throwing rocks at the police. In their pursuit of him, while he was running away with arms up, he was killed with 17 gunshot wounds by three or four officers. Was that real- ly necessary? Wasn’t his life worth more than that? The police, if they feel themselves or the public threat- ened by an individual, can’t just wound him if need be and arrest him? Shot 17 times, really? The officers in Montez’s killing, and in so many other instances, were not brought up on charges, which makes me think they were following orders. Something needs to change in the procedural training of police officers. I am so grateful for the videos of bystanders in these situations, even though they are so incredibly dis- turbing to watch, because it forces EDITOR @ THESIUSLAWNEWS . COM On July 30, 2003, the last of 21,529,464 Volkswagen Beetles built since World War II rolls off the production line at Volkswagen’s plant in Mexico. (c) 2016 King Features Synd., Inc. some of us with a conscience who might be complacent otherwise to take action for change. Julie MacFarlane Florence Wake up, Florence I’m responding to two letters to the editor. One written by Carl Slusser, titled “Give Me a Break,” published May 18, and the other by Win Jolley, “No Coordination,” published June 18. Their letters complained about the installation of waste water pipes at the junction of 35th and Rhody. Jolley was correct when he stated that “the resurfacing was sub par with cracks and fissures already occurring.” The waste pipe connect- ed directly in front of my house on North Siano Loop, very easy to find. It’s the house where the paving stopped and the pounding began. Instead of just paving the rest of the street, this company again cut corners by pounding on the lump they left in front of my house. After two days of pounding, my home of 22 years began cracking every- where. I called neighbors who came immediately and watched as my home continued to crack. I lived in Whittier in 1987 during the 6.9 earthquake. My house, which was on a slab foundation, was not damaged to the extent of my home on North Siano Loop. My own insurance company did not stand by me. Please read your home insurance policies carefully. I sent copies of mine to the insurance board who explained to me that I had 22 pages of “blah, blah, blah” and the only thing they would cover is if my house burnt down. I was even told that my house fell apart because my foundation was bad. Give me a break. My house survived 22 years of hurricane-force winds. I have had the house looked at by several con- tractors, who all agree these are new cracks. The City of Florence felt badly for me; however, when they hired this company they put a clause in the contract that should they dam- age any person’s property or cause any person bodily harm, the city is not responsible. This is unacceptable. Sad thing is that I have to pay an attorney now. Beware Florence. If this company pounds in front of your home, just know they care nothing about you. Silke Hayward Florence Trump for president After listening to Donald Trump Jr. speak at the Republican National Convention, who wouldn’t want to vote for his father for president of the United States. This speech was by far the best speech I have heard to endorse someone. Donald Trump Jr. spoke the truth and facts about this man who we hope to have for the next leader of this great country. Donald Trump’s family reveals who this man really is. He will sal- vage the heart and soul of America. We need him as our leader for the future generations of this country. Donna Dobson Florence L ETTERS TO THE E DITOR P OLICY The Siuslaw News welcomes letters to the editor concerning issues affecting the Florence area and Lane County. Emailed letters are preferred. Handwritten or typed letters must be signed. All letters should be limited to about 300 words and must include the writer’s full name, address and phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and clarity. Publication of any letter is not guaranteed and depends on space available and the volume of letters received. Libelous and anonymous letters as well as poetry will not be published. All submissions become the property of Siuslaw News and will not be returned. Write to: Editor@TheSiuslawNews.com USPS# 497-660 Copyright 2016 © Siuslaw News John Bartlett Jenna Bartlett Ryan Cronk Susan Gutierrez Cathy Dietz Ron Annis Jeremy Gentry Publisher, ext. 327 General Manager, ext. 318 Editor, ext. 313 Advertising Director, ext. 326 Office Supervisor, ext. 312 Production Supervisor Press Manager DEADLINES: Wednesday Issue—General news, Monday noon; Budgets, four days prior to publication; Regular classified ads, Monday 1 p.m.; Display ads, Monday noon; Boxed and display classified ads, Friday 5 p.m. Saturday Issue—General news, Thursday noon; Budgets, two days prior to publication; Regular classified ads, Thursday 1 p.m.; Display ads, Thursday noon; Boxed and display classified ads, Wednesday 5 p.m. Soundings, Tuesday 5 p.m. NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION RATES: In Lane County — 1-year subscription, $71; 10-weeks subscription, $18; Out of Lane County — 1-year subscription, $94; 10-weeks subscription, $24; Out of State — 1-year subscription, $120; Out of United States — 1-year subscription, $200; E-Edition Online Only (Anywhere) — 1-year subscription, $65. Mail subscription includes E-Edition. Website and E-Edition: www.TheSiuslawNews.com WHERE TO WRITE Published every Wednesday and Saturday at 148 Maple St. in Florence, Lane County, Oregon. A member of the National Newspaper Association and Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association. Periodicals postage paid at Florence, Ore. Postmaster, send address changes to: Siuslaw News, P.O. Box 10, Florence, OR 97439; phone 541-997-3441; fax 541-997-7979. All press releases may be sent to PressReleases@TheSiuslawNews.com. Pres. Barack Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Comments: 202-456-1111 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 FAX: 202-456-2461 TTY/TDD Comments: 202-456-6213 www.whitehouse.gov Gov. Kate Brown 160 State Capitol 900 Court St. Salem, OR 97301-4047 Governor’s Citizens’ Rep. Message Line 503-378-4582 www.oregon.gov/gov U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden 221 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-5244 541-431-0229 www.wyden.senate.gov FAX: 503-986-1080 Email: Sen.ArnieRoblan@state.or.us U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley 313 Hart Senate Office Bldg Washington, DC 20510 202-224-3753/FAX: 202-228-3997 541-465-6750 State Rep. Caddy McKeown (Dist. 9) 900 Court St. NE Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1409 Email: rep.caddymckeown@state.or.us U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (4th Dist.) 2134 Rayburn HOB Washington, DC 20515 202-225-6416/ 800-944-9603 541-269-2609/ 541-465-6732 www.defazio.house.gov State Sen. Arnie Roblan (Dist. 5) 900 Court St. NE - S-417 Salem, OR 97301 503-986-1705 West Lane County Commissioner Jay Bozievich 125 E. Eighth St. Eugene, OR 97401 541-682-4203 FAX: 541-682-4616 Email: Jay.Bozievich@co.lane.or.us
