3 April 2015
Three people left homeless, one other pet survives
Firefighters were able to resuscitate one family dog, but another did not make it after a smoky fire Wednesday evening in Florence.
Neighbors smelled smoke at about 5:45; called 911. Firefighters responded immediately to the home at 2160 18th Street where they found heavy smoke coming from the eaves.
It took 20 firefighters about 15 minutes to control the blaze; another 45 minutes to extinguish and ventilate the smoke.
Fire Marshall Sean Barrett said the occupants of the home had just left about 15 minutes before the fire was discovered. Two pet dogs were in the house. One did not survive, but the other did; primarily because of quick action on the part of firefighters and paramedics. A veterinarian that treated the dog said responders used special resuscitation equipment. Had they not intervened quickly, the dog likely would not have survived.
The interior of the home was heavily heat and smoke with Barrett estimating the total damage valued at about $180-thousand.
A Red Cross Disaster Action Team provided emergency support to the home’s occupants whom Barrett did not name.
Senior Center Seeks Chef
The Florence Senior Center is nearing its fifth anniversary… and since day one, there has been one individual responsible for preparing lunch for about 50 people, twice a week.
Christine May – “His name is Larry Osgood. He does a fabulous job and he does it without pay. So, what we need to do is find his replacement. I just know that that person is out there.”
That’s right. Senior Center Association President Christine May said Osgood has been volunteering his time, two days a week, to prepare a meal for anywhere between 40 and 80 different people. Osgood has said he’s ready to let someone else take over, but he’s not going to step down immediately.
Christine May – “He’s here now and he’s more than willing to share all of his knowledge and skills with anybody that is really interested. I think it takes someone with a passion for food and somebody that really wants to serve this community.”
May said they’re hoping to recruit and train someone to step in by December of this year.
Ready, set, go!
The annual Community Easter Egg hunt is set for tomorrow morning at Miller Park.
Earlier this week, members of the Siuslaw Interact Club began stuffing thousands of plastic eggs with candy, toys, and treats. They’ll be hidden in the grass at Miller Park tomorrow morning by ten a.m. That’s when the whistle will blow and kids between the ages of one and ten will scramble to fill their baskets.
Florence Rotary, which sponsors the Interact Club at Siuslaw High School, helps with the hunt as well. Spokesperson Lis Farm advises parents and grandparents to be on time. While it may take days of preparation… the whole thing can be over in about five minutes.
If you do miss it; there’s another egg hunt, open to the public, at Regency Florence. The adult care facility at 1951 21st Street will have an egg hunt at one pm.
Volunteers sought for triathlon
Dunes City will be hosting the third annual Oregon Dunes Triathlon and Duathlon again on Mother’s Day Weekend. The races begin at East Woahink Day Use Area Saturday, May 9th; and conclude with a “dash up the dunes” at Cleawox Lake. In between, competitors will swim, bike and run.
In order to make sure the event runs safely and efficiently, organizers say they need dozens of volunteers from the community.
They’re offering a $250 cash bonus to the organization that can recruit the most volunteers. Dunes City Administrator Fred Hilden said it can be a civic club; athletic club, even a homeowners association. Interested volunteers can contact Renee Green at Dunes City Hall to register.
Spring means salmonella for some
Fluffy newborn chicks may be adorable, but handling the traditional Easter holiday icon can also lead to infectious disease, according to State Veterinarian Dr. Brad LeaMaster of the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
Brad LeaMaster – “You know, there’s nothing cuter than a baby chick or a baby duckling. Young children like to hold them and cuddle them and put them close to their face. That’s a no-no.”
Outbreaks of salmonella have been reported in Oregon this time of the year over the past 20-years. The source is often traced back to handling poultry. Some of the baby chicks are just someone adding to their back yard flock. But, LeaMaster says others are given as Easter gifts to small children. He suggests sticking with a stuffed animal instead.