13 February 2014
Don’t Be Knee Deep in the Big Muddy…
Landslides and debris flows are possible in many areas of western Oregon over the next few days as more heavy rains arrive to drench already soaked soil.
The Oregon Department of Geology says extra caution should be used if you’re traveling in the coming days. Road cuts, or other areas where slopes of hills have been excavated, are of particular danger. So too, are the bases of steep hillsides and places where slides or debris flows have occurred in the past.
If you live in an area with steep slopes, be alert to what’s happening around you and be prepared to move quickly.
According to information provided by the department, a debris flow can be a rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslide that contains boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry.
Highway 38 east of Reedsport is under a debris flow advisory with several areas experiencing running water across the roadway.
Limitations Considered for Medical Pot Dispensaries
Oregon lawmakers are considering whether or not to allow cities and counties to block… or at least delay… medical marijuana dispensaries.
Medical pot stores were approved by lawmakers last year, but a number of communities don’t want them. Others say they know they can’t keep them out, but they want to either limit the number of them or where they are located in their town.
A state Senate committee heard testimony Tuesday on a bill that advocates say would clarify authority that cities already have. It would give communities a chance to take their time in developing local controls.
Opponents to the bill say it could prevent access to medical marijuana.
Prudential Spirit of Community
A Portland high schooler and a middle school student from Florence were named earlier this week as the two top youth volunteers of 2014. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards identifies and honors young people from across the country who get involved and help their communities.
14-year old Kaylee Graham, an 8th grader at Siuslaw Middle School was recognized for her efforts at organizing and establishing the “Power of Florence” day of volunteering. Her work over the past three years has motivated more than three-thousand people to get involved in community improvement projects, raise money for charity, donate food and take part in other volunteer activities.
The other honoree was 18-year old Westview High School senior Christopher Younkins who created an after-school science enrichment program at six Portland elementary schools.
Radio Auction
Furniture, faucets, flowers and a whole lot more will be on the auction block tomorrow and Saturday on the two locally owned and operated radio stations in Florence.
The semi-annual Coast Radio Auction will feature more than 150 items valued at a total of around $35-thousand.
It’s not a charity auction, but it does offer a huge benefit according to KCST and KCFM General Manager Jon Thompson who says listeners are expected to share in the savings and pick up some ‘sweet’ deals.
Thompson also said some items could go for pennies on the dollar, with average savings around 50-percent.
Programming on both stations will be devoted to the auction beginning at 9 AM Friday and Saturday and will run through most of the day. Thompson says a complete listing of items for sale, along with instructions on how it works, can be found at K-C-S-T-dot-com.
