06 August 2015
Residents urged to make personal preparations
A lot of talk has been generated in the past few weeks about the probability of a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami along the Oregon Coast. Local preparations have been under way for well over a decade and while many questions have been answered, Lane County Emergency Manager Linda Cook says there are still some unknowns.
Linda Cook: “Here’s the reality, we don’t know what the true impacts are going to be. We’re assuming that Florence is going to be isolated, but is it really? And how long will it be isolated? And, we’re assuming that there’s going to be a lot of damage in the valley, but we don’t really know that.”
Scientific studies have shown the damage from a 9-point-oh earthquake will likely be devastating and widespread. But, according to Cook, there is a possibility there will be some “pockets” of relatively low damage. Being ready for any possibility will help emergency response and long-term relief efforts capitalize on those pockets and get aid to where it’s needed quicker and more efficiently. Preparedness is ultimately everyone’s responsibility though. Cook urges all residents to keep a “grab and go” kit with two to three days of emergency supplies close at hand; and keep a well stocked pantry at home.
Clatsop County’s South Jetty fire contained
Firefighters used a special dozer yesterday to complete a three-foot wide fire trail around 27-acres of brush, small trees and beach grass on the northern Oregon Coast.
They expected to have fire lines around the South Jetty Fire near the Columbia River contained by last night and will spend the next several days ‘mopping up’ hot spots in the interior.
The fire started Monday evening, rapidly spreading in the coastal wind. Officials continue to block access to the jetty near Warrenton. Operations at Fort Stevens State Park have been minimally impacted.
Riding the Rhody with Mayor Joe
It will cost you a buck, but if you have something you want to share with Florence Mayor Joe Henry, you can catch up with him this afternoon on the Rhody Express.
The “Ride with a Councilor” program on the first Thursday of each month has two goals.
The first is to provide access to elected officials in a setting away from City Hall. Henry and the four council members have been doing that by taking turns riding the bus each month.
The second is to draw attention to the low-cost transportation service in Florence. The Rhody Express runs on a two-hour schedule; alternating between north and south loops every hour.
The complete schedule is available at the city’s website; at city hall; and at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.
Henry will ride this afternoon from 1:30 to 3:30.
School Board hopefuls interviewed
Five applicants for a vacant position on the Siuslaw School District Board of Directors will be interviewed this evening.
Board Chair Tammy Butler says it is possible she and the other five members of the current board could select one of the applicants tonight. But, that’s if there is a “clear standout”.
Those five applicants are: Bruce Hadley, Vickie Kennedy, Jimmie Zinn, Dennis R. Lewis, and Bill McDougle.
Interviews will likely fill all the available time tonight. A final selection could be put off until August 12th when the board holds their regular August meeting.
Tonight’s meeting at the School District office begins at 6:30.
Events Coordinator hired for Chamber
Sherri Bollinger has been tabbed for the newly-created position of “events coordinator” for the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce. She’ll jump into the role immediately with her first event coming up September 11th through the 13th… the Rods and Rhodies hot rod show in Old Town Florence. She’s also actively working on Oktoberfest at the Florence Events Center.
Bollinger has worked on the managing event staff for Portland’s Rose Festival, the Portland Marathon and more. She also served as president of the Waldport Beachcomber Days.
