Fire season comes to a close
Widespread rain and cooler temperatures have led to a statewide easing of fire restrictions effective Saturday, October 29th. The start and end of fire seasons are set by individual fire protection districts based on conditions in their area. But steady and soaking rain this week has triggered the end of burn-bans on land protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Local fire agencies are going along with the lifting of restrictions. Chief Michael Schick with Western Lane Fire and EMS said despite one or two major fires that took place on federally administered land, this season was mild.
“It wasn’t as bad as it could have been but I think we were much more reactive than we have been in years past. I think the state really stepped up and was moving resources around so we could address issues when they were small before they got out of hand. So that was one of the differences for this summer.”
The lifting of burning restrictions at the state level does not mean you can go light that pile in your backyard though. Burning is never allowed inside Florence City Limits those outside city limits must have a permit issued by Western Lane Fire and EMS.
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December fund raiser for Food Share to expand offerings
Empty Bowls, a community event that has raised money for Florence Food Share every holiday season for the past several years is moving “beyond the bowl”.
“We have jewelry, textile art, paintings, glass bowls, wooden bowls, metal and wood sculptures.”
Desiree Clifton is co-chair of this year’s event. It originally began when several area potters, along with art classes, began donating hand crafted bowls for sale with the proceeds helping to feed area residents. Clifton said the offerings are expanded this year by popular demand.
“Opened it up to all forms of art because we were approached by many artists saying I want to participate but I’m not a potter.”
In all, Clifton says, there will be more than two-thousand different items. Empty Bowls will be at the Florence Events Center beginning December first and will be open over two weekends
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City To Hold Open House On Transporation Plan Update
The City of Florence will complete an update of the communities transportation system plan. The first open house of the process will be held Thursday November 3rd at the Florence Events Center. The undertaking is to identify an integrated network of multi modal transportation facilities and the services needed to support the City of Florence planned land uses, address transportation planning needs with in the city limits and the urban growth boundary. TSP funding includes grants for local governments for planning projects along with an ODOT TGM Grant with matching funds from the City. The Thursday, November 3rd Open House begins at 5:30 at the Florence Events Center