Eugene/Florence Route Funded
The State Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) is slated to provide funding for the bus route that will connect Florence and Eugene. Lane Council of Governments applied for the funds in February. LCOG along with the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians will receive $1,233,000 to fund the route through 2021. According to documents from STIF the Eugene/Florence intercommunity route was listed number 2 on the priority list for funding with the number 1 priority being the Florence/Yachats Connector. Lane County has been attempting to start the Eugene/Florence service since 2016. One of the driving factors was a submission that included the amount of Eugene residents with disabilities that have never been to the coast due to a lack of affordable transportation. Another factor was the ability to provide critical access to medical, social and other services for Florence residents. Transportation services are expected to start in early 2020.
High Surf Danger
A High surf warning is in effect for the central Oregon Coast through 11 pm this evening. The national weather service warns that unpredictable and destructive waves may wash over beaches, jetties and other structures with no warning. Breakers as high as 25 feet are possible with an enhanced opportunity for sneaker waves. It is recommended that you stay well back from the water’s edge.
Mental Health Crisis Team
The Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority has received a grant to develop a new Mental Health Crisis Response Team for Western Lane County. The crisis team will bring together Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue, Western Lane Ambulance, Peace Harbor Hospital, the Florence PD, and Lane County Sheriff. The grant from Lane County is $300,000. Over the past 2 decades mental health services have been cut reducing the amount of quality care available not just locally, but around the U.S.
Oktoberfest in Yachats
Yachats will be having its first ever Oktoberfest. Saturday October 26th at the Yachats Lions Club the Yachats Community Presbyterian Church will host the event. the event will include beer, brats and music with a ceremonial tapping of the keg on the evening prior at Brewery 348 with Polka music included.
