Officials celebrate first fiber optic connection in new network
The final touches on a project funded by a 2009 federal stimulus package is nearing completion. The result will be a fiber optic connection between government buildings, public safety agencies and medical facilities in Florence.
It’s part of a larger project under way in several Western and Southern Oregon Locations. Dan Mulholland with the Lane Council of Governments is the project co-manager of the huge appropriation.
Dan Mulholland – “4.7-billion nationally. We got about eight million, a little over eight, and the Florence portion is about 300-thousand.”
The fiber network is aimed at speeding up internet connections and creating efficiencies.
Dan Mulholland – “For the governments it mostly allows them to get more efficient in the way that they use computers and, oddly enough, it enables them to have a better phone system.”
The City of Florence has several buildings with separate phone systems currently. Most of them are outdated. The new links will allow them to function on one single system. The advantages to health care will be to shrink the distance between specialists and patients.
Dan Mulholland – “Even though it’s part of the same project they’re actually completely separate from the local government. And, for them, it’s mostly these days, about transmitting very large data files because of the granularity of pictures in medicine today.”
A contractor has been at work in Florence for the past several months installing the lines. Florence City Hall was the first to be connected.
Septic Ordinance Appeal Deadline December 8th
A controversial move to repeal an ordinance requiring registration and regular inspection of septic systems in Dunes City appears to be headed for appeal. The November 10th decision by the Dunes City Council suspended the ordinance originally enacted in 2006. It its place would be a voluntary education program. At least two possible appeals have been announced. Former Councilor Susie Navetta and the Oregon Coast Alliance have until December 8th to submit arguments to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals.
Opponents of County Redistricting want voter referral
Another controversial decision is also drawing fire. The Lane County Board of Commissioners adopted new dividing lines for the five districts represented by commissioners in October. Opponents of the plan want to refer it to voters for a final decision, but county administrators say that’s not allowed by the county code. They maintain that it amounts to ‘gerrymandering’ because it provides a political advantage to more conservative candidates in four of the five zones and they’re seeking a court order allowing the referral to proceed. Commission Chair Faye Stewart disputes the political advantage charge. He says all five districts have a majority of traditionally more progressive minded registered democrats… that would give any perceived advantage to like-minded candidates.
Early Holiday Shopping Gift Ideas
Here are a couple of early holiday shopping gift ideas… The annual See’s Christmas Candy Sale begins today at Sears. Members of the club will be offering the sweet treats between ten and five daily until Christmas Eve or they run out…. Also on sale… annual day use permits for Oregon State Parks and Federal Recreation areas… both are being offered at a $5 discount through the month of December.
Taking a look at Coast Radio Sports…
Mapleton Sailor Basketball
Liz Harry scored 22 points as the Mapleton Sailor Girls basketball team opened non-league play with a 55-17 win over the Falls City Mountaineers at home last night.
In the boys’ game, Tucker Ford hit a three-pointer with five seconds remaining to bring the Sailors within two, but they fell short 32-30.
Two Undefeated Teams to Tangle in 4A Football Final
This year’s Siuslaw Viking Football team has gone unbeaten in 12 games. They have a chance to make it 13 straight, a feat accomplished only by the 2006 state championship team, this Saturday when they face the La Salle Falcons in the OSAA 4A Finals in Hillsboro.
The Falcons are also undefeated… they’ve gone 13-and-oh so far this year. Kickoff Saturday is at 2:15 at the Hillsboro Sports Complex on Highway 26 at Cornelius Pass Road. Parking will cost you $4. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for students.
