Seeking a Federal Disaster Declaration…
Lane County officials have a Friday deadline to submit damage estimates from last week’s storm and subsequent flooding. Their objective: showing the Governor’s office that there has been enough to justify requesting a federal disaster declaration. County Emergency Manager Linda Cook says public or private, she wants to know about the scope… and estimated cost of damages.
Linda Cook – “We’re looking for serious damage to any type of primary residences. We’re looking for any impacts to businesses that were shut down during the floods or any physical damages their facility may have sustained. Any type of public infrastructure damages: police, fire, public works, hospital, utility.”
She says the damage estimates need to be just that at this point… estimates.
Linda Cook – “It’s really important for the community to be able to tell their story, what kind of damages they incurred.”
Photos, descriptions and cost estimates can be emailed to prepare@co.lane.or.us or, you can leave a voicemail message with a description at 541-682-6744.
Not all was wet
Despite near record flooding in Mapleton late last week, there were a few businesses that managed to stay dry and open. Randy’s Riverview Market and the other businesses near the Highway 126 and 36 intersection stayed above the water.
And, down the highway at the Mapleton Business Center Katy Giovenco says her bookkeeping and tax preparation business… Associated Services Corporation… is ok.
Katie Giovenco – “We’re ecstatic about it and, probably in a state of shock just like everybody else who will eventually find out that we did not get wet.”
She said the water came within an inch of getting into the building, but she and the other tenants managed to stay dry.
Fund Set Up for Injured Florence Man
The worst of last week’s winds began in the early morning hours of Wednesday when they rapidly surged to speeds in excess of 60 or 70 miles an hour in town. That caused several trees to either pull up roots and fall or snap off.
One of the trees that came down that morning landed on a car driven by David Tai of Florence. He was on his way home from dropping his 16-year old daughter off at school. At first there was hope that the spinal injuries would not be permanent, but Bob Teter with Siuslaw Outreach Services says that hope appears to be gone.
Bob Teter – “Nothing had really changed since Friday. They did a second surgery on Friday to reconstruct his neck, it’s broken in multiple places.”
Tai was a cook at Three Rivers Casino and the only member of his household with income. A fund has been set up for the family’s benefit at U.S. Bank.
Siuslaw and First Citizen Awards
Nominees for the fifth annual Siuslaw Awards and First Citizen have been announced.
The three candidates for the Stu Johnston Business of the Year are Oregon Pacific Bank, The Back Street Gallery and Ray Wells Incorporated.
For Excellence in Customer Service: Flowers by Bobbie, Pacific Pines RV Park, On the Coast Printing and Siuslaw Broadband have been nominated.
Curb Appeal is Edwin K. Bed and Breakfast, Burns’ Riverside Chapel and Dutch Bros.
Four businesses have been nominated for Community Caring: Hoagland Properties, Sears in Florence, Mon Ami Gourmet Deli and Antiques, and Sue Gilday State Farm Insurance.
There are four nominees for First Citizen… Rachel Pearson, Steve Olienyk, Lisa Walter-Sedlacek and Bob and Bonnie MacDuffee. Only one nominee for Future First Citizen… Siuslaw High School Senior John Johnson.
The Siuslaw Awards Banquet is this Friday evening, 6:30 at the Florence Events Center and tickets are available at the Chamber Visitor’s Center.
Athlete of the Week
Siuslaw wrestling standout Jesse Kuntz is Coast Radio Sports’ Athlete of the Week. Wrestling at 171 pounds in the 12-team Sutherlin Invitational the Viking junior tied for third in his weight class.
Honorable Mention goes to sophomore wrestler Kasey Kawahara. He won his first ever wrestling match, overcoming his opponent while dealing with autism in an inspirational victory in the opening round of the J-V 152-pound weight class at Sutherlin.