Cougar Sighting
It was a week ago, but information has come out about an apparent cougar sighting at the site of the new concession stand at Miller Park. At about 7:20 last Friday morning workers who were preparing to begin masonry work on the new structure reported seeing what they believe was a young cougar. The animal was about 3 feet in length with a large round tail. The animal was just off the path west of the basketball court. When one of the workers yelled to alert another worker the animal climbed over a pile of sand and disappeared. Commander John Pitcher with the Florence Police department says that cougar sightings in the Florence area are a semi-regular occurrence and if one is sighted you can call either Florence police or the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Pitcher says it is always ok to call and report especially if the sighting occurs in a park or near schools. ODFW recommends several guidelines if you encounter a cougar that does not retreat. Stay calm and stand your ground. Maintain direct eye contact. Pick up any children, but do so without bending down or turning your back on the cougar. Back away slowly. Do not run. Running triggers a chase response in a cougar, which could lead to an attack. Raise your voice and speak firmly. If the cougar seems aggressive, raise your arms to make yourself look larger and clap your hands. If in the very unusual event that a cougar attacks you, fight back with rocks, sticks, tools or any other items available.
Brewery Close to Approval
Homegrown Public House had recently announced that they would begin a community brewery where individuals can come in and brew beer with an expert brew master. There is an informative meeting planned for Monday evening at 6:30 pm at Homegrown Public House 294 Laurel street. Elaine McMillan says they will introduce the brewer that evening and also have live music, and food for the event. She says they could hear anytime about licensing from the federal government and then it is just going before the Oregon Liquor Control Commission for state licensing. The brewery hopes to be up and running in early 2020.
PAC Meeting
The Public Arts Committee will meet at 10 am Monday morning to discuss the most recent work session between the City Council and the PAC for the proposed 2019/2020 PAC work plan. They will also consider the replacement of the Copper Leaf Tree art piece on the corner of Bay st. and Laurel St. and the subsequent sale of the piece.
Yard Debris
Tomorrow the city will accept yard debris at the north end of the airport at 27th and Kingwood. This is the next to last disposal opportunity for the season. Disposal costs are $11 for standard pickup truck load or small utility trailer; $16 for a medium utility trailer; and $21 for a large utility trailer. Over 20 cubic yards is $21 plus $5 for each additional cubic yard. The city will accept cash only onsite.
