15 September 2015
95% chance El Nino will last through next spring
The central Oregon Coast has a 60 to 70 percent probability of being warmer than usual this winter. But, despite a strong El Nino, the chances of higher than average amounts of rainfall are pretty slim.
That’s according to information published last week by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In her blog posting about climate and El Nino, research scientist Emily Becker says there is a large reservoir of “warmer than usual” water just below the surface of the tropical Pacific. That should keep temperatures relatively higher… a couple degrees on average… for at least a few more months.
But, according to Becker, El Nino will have more of an impact on rainfall in central and southern California this winter… bringing more than normal. Rainfall amounts in western Oregon and Northern California are expected to be at typical levels.
The climate phenomenon is expected to have a negative impact on snowpacks in the northern Rockies this year. Becker predicts there is an 80-percent probability of less precipitation than normal.
Doc Talk to stress eating, sleeping and exercise
Eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly can help you maintain your health.
That can be easier said than done though.
Dr. Marques Johnson, a general surgeon at Peace Harbor Medical Center will talk about how you can be successful in staving off his services by being healthy during Thursday morning’s Doc Talk on Coast Radio.
Dr. Marques Johnson – “Often times we think we’re eating healthy when we’re really not.”
Presented by PeaceHealth Peace Harbor, the half hour program will feature tips from Johnson on how you can eat better.
Dr. Marques Johnson – “If you can do one thing: cut out processed foods, and it’s a pretty simple single-step-solution frankly to begin able to eat more healthy.”
Doc Talk airs on KCFM Thursday morning at ten; then replays again Sunday on KCST at noon.
Lane County extends life of waste disposal site
A $4.3-million dollar project to increase capacity and improve the capture of runoff at the Short Mountain Landfill south of Eugene got underway this week.
The increased capacity is expected to meet the needs for waste disposal in the county for another ten years.
It’s being constructed over a 9-acre section of landfill that is already at capacity. Several layers of plastics, clay and gravel will form a “cell” that they will begin filling with trash next year.
Crews will also install improvements to the runoff capture system… catching the water runoff from the landfill and diverting it to a 1.2 million-gallon storage tank.
Short Mountain Landfill was first opened 39 years ago, but became the exclusive depository for Lane County waste in the early 1990s. While the current expansion is designed to last until 2025, the expected life of the landfill is through 2125.
Firewood permits for National Forest go on sale next month
Permits to allow gathering of firewood for personal use are going to be available soon at ranger stations across the Siuslaw National Forest.
Firewood season on federal forest lands runs from early October through the end of February.
Permits are $10 per cord with a two-cord minimum. Households can collect up to six cords per calendar year.
Commercial permits are available, but they are $20 per cord with a six-cord minimum.
Maps of approved firewood harvesting areas can be reviewed before purchasing permits… and you can take one with you. Preview packets are available beginning next week.
Rods and Rhodies best in show goes to Oregon Ford
As far as community events go, the annual Rods and Rhodies hot rod show in Florence was a big success says Cal Applebee.
Cal Applebee – “The crowd, both on Saturday and Sunday was just phenomenal. People were down there in droves, the streets were packed, so, it was a great weekend.”
30 awards were passed out to participating vehicle owners. Best in Show was awarded to the Emerald Green 1936 Ford Coupe owned by John Winkes of Trail, Oregon.
Applebee says the success of the show means success for local businesses… restaurants in the area were overflowing, and motels displayed no-vacancy signs all weekend.
Cal Applebee – “A lot of these folks that come to the car show came in on Wednesday and Thursday and don’t leave until Monday night. They’re generating three and four and five nights’ stays in our motels so that’s a great thing.”
That also generates additional room tax money for Lane County and the City of Florence, who in turn share that money with the Chamber of Commerce which uses it to promote even more events.
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