Fiber to Receive Government Help
The US Department of Agriculture- Rural Development is investing $35 million to bring high speed internet to the Oregon Coast. $10.6 Million of that will fiber provider Hyak connect the area around Mapleton and Swisshome. Margi Hoffman is the Oregon Director of the USDA Rural Development Program.
“And that will mean that over 1400 people, 28 businesses, 21 farms and two educational facilities will be able to connect to high-speed internet.”
Hoffman says the area along Highway 36 is very rugged and heavily timbered.
“Really really hard to reach for providers alone, so oftentimes funding for this Re-Connect project can be the difference for people getting high speed internet or not.”
Hoffman says it can be very challenging for residents and businesses in rural areas to get that “final mile” connection to the web. The Re-Connect program is aimed at helping them take advantage of distance learning and telehealth programs, as well as increase business opportunities.
Scam Calls
The Sheriff’s department in Douglas County has put out another reminder about scam calls. They are receiving complaints that residents are getting calls from someone identifying themselves as sheriff’s deputies. Public Information officer Lt. Brad O’dell has even listed his own name as someone the callers are pretending to be. There was a similar alert that came out last month from Lane County. The caller is telling residents that they missed jury duty, failed to pay some fines or they have a warrant out for their arrest and telling them it can all be cleared up by debit or gift cards or even wiring the money. O’dell says it is even important to be on the lookout for purchases that may come from gift cards and notice any peculiar behavior and perhaps placing a notice by the cash register. O’dell says if you receive a call, hang up. And call local authorities.
Ballot Return
There are only 5 days left to return your ballot for the November election. If you have not received a ballot in the mail you should contact Lane County Elections. Ballots must be postmarked by November 8th if you are returning by mail. Drop box location for Florence is at the Justice Center on 9th street and have to be delivered by 8 pm.
TSP Open House
The City of Florence is hosting a Transportation System Plan Open House this evening at the Florence Events Center this evening at 5:30. City staff will provide an overview of the plan that spans a 20 year period. Community input is also welcome with regards to transportation-relate issues.
Heavy Rains Coming
The National Weather Service is predicting the possibility of some heavy rains over the weekend including along the coast. They warn that it could affect streams and rivers and cause some flooding. They are predicting 3-6 inches of rain along the coast and 1-3 inches in the cascade region. Most of the heavy rain is expected to arrive on Sunday.