Accident Shuts Down 101
The potential for a deadly disaster was avoided on Saturday afternoon when a 1997 ford explorer traveling southbound on Highway 101 just south of Florence at approximately 1:28 pm crossed traffic and became airborne leaving a path of damage before crashing into the propane tank located at the One Stop Market. The vehicle was driven by 60 year old Buzz Berry of Florence. Berry was transported to Peace Harbor Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The crash ruptured the propane tank and businesses and residences in the area had to be evacuated. Both directions of Highway 101 had to be closed while the tank emptied. Oregon State Police are investigating whether speed, drugs or alcohol was involved in the accident. OSP was assisted by the Lane County Sheriff’s department, Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue, and Western Lane Ambulance. Highway 101 was reopened around 2:35 pm.
Plan to Extend Sewer Services
The city’s plan to extend sanitary sewer services along highway 101 north of town will be going out for bid on January 24th. the project will be funded by city wastewater funds and contributions by property owners along the stretch of road that extends to Munsel lake road on the west side and 52nd street on the east side. The project is expected to cost between 8 and 900 thousand dollars.
Code Enforcement Releases New Notices
The city of Florence has revamped its code enforcement notices. The new door hangers will begin to be distributed in the new year. It contains some of the more frequent violations with city code numbers corresponding to the offense. Hangers will be used when initial contact cannot be made at the time of the initial visit to alert residents of the violation.
