ODOT Announces Highway 101 and 126 Paving; Grant Would Not Materialize until 2022; More Banner Carriers Needed; Celebrating Nurses and Awards; Up To Date Rhody Coverage

ODOT Announces Highway 101 and 126 Paving

In anticipation of heavy traffic for Rhody days the Oregon Department of Transportation has announced that beginning Monday, May 14th they will begin resurfacing areas along highway 101 and highway 126.  The recent utility work in the area, replacing water lines has created a trench that will be refilled.  Monday the portion of 101 and 126 will begin with side streets and crossings to begin during the day on Tuesday through Thursday.  ODOT expects most of the work on the main roads to be completed prior to Rhody weekend, but that any remaining work will be completed by Memorial Day Weekend.  ODOT reminds people that crews will be present and they should be cautious and obey posted signs.  Some delays are to be expected as well.  Work continues on the Siuslaw River Bridge, but ODOT says crews will not be present during the festival weekend.  Updates on the progress can be found on tripcheck dot com.

Grant Would Not Materialize until 2022

The city of Florence is looking at the safety of its streets and the proper way to move forward.  Florence has applied for an all road transportation safety (ARTS) program grant that will allow it to make improvements on some of the more dangerous intersections in Florence.  One of the intersections is 9th street and Kingwood.  The city says that it is not sure on how to proceed with that intersection, but has some time to do studies as the grant money will not be available until 2022.  ODOT has surveyed intersections that tend to be prone to accidents and determined that 9th and Kingwood is an area to look at, but the city says due to the hospital and police being located on that street the choices are limited.  A four way stop at that intersection could likely hold up emergency responders in the time of crisis.  And due to the proximity of highway 101 many options would likely produce long delays or not have the effectiveness that locations further from main thoroughfares would have. The city is continuing to look at possible solutions.

More Banner Carriers Needed

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is making headway on banner carriers for the Annual Rhododendron Parade, but that they could still use about 16 more youth to help.  The chamber has experienced significant growth over the past year and the banners represent many of the chamber members.  Youth between the ages of 9 and 17 are being asked to volunteer to carry the banners along next Sunday’s 2 mile parade route and will, for their efforts, receive a bracelet that will entitle them to free rides at the carnival.  Consent waivers for the event are available at the chamber website at Florence chamber dot com.

Celebrating Nurses and Awards

It has been a week of celebrating nurses at Peace Harbor Medical center and awards were handed out this week for excellence in nursing in six categories.

Recognized for excellence in

Nursing support:                 Deb Jameson

Nursing advocate:              Lori Roeser

Nursing Clinician:                 Kay Knettle

Nursing Collaborator:           Stephanie McGrath

Nursing Educator:                Sandy Fleetwood

Nursing Leader:                  Casey Hand

Peace Harbor congratulates all the award winners and nominees for their outstanding efforts in making patient care a priority.

Up To Date Rhody Coverage

Next weekend is the 111th annual Rhododendron festival  KCST and KCFM will be keeping you updated on all the activities available.  First up will be the coronation of the King and Queen Rhododendron.  The event will be held at the Florence Event Center.  Tickets are available at the FEC box office.  Tickets are 10 dollars for adults and 6 dollars for children 18 and under.