Coast Radio Upgrades
It has been over a year since the process began of upgrading the coverage of Coast Radio along the coast. Along with new transmitters serving KCST 106.9 and KCFM 104.1, a new antenna location atop a 140 foot tower and a move of the 103.1 signal in Mapleton, coast radio also received permission from the Federal Communications Commission to increase the power of 104.1 to almost double what it had been helping to increase the coverage. Early tests shows it has a clearly listenable signal into Douglas County near the Lakeside Area. Coast Radio’s owner and General Manager Jon Thompson.
“It’s been a big year for improvement projects and a big investment by Coast Radio in the future of broadcasting here locally as a community radio station.”
Thompson says the process was not without its pains as there have been some small interruptions in broadcasts, but the benefit in the long run far outweighs the minor challenges faced during the upgrades. In addition to the new transmitters and tower moves Coast Radio also relocated its transmitters to a better facility on Glenada Hill.
“We’re really happy that we got in to West Lane Translators facilities they’re closely aligned with us in providing over the air free information and entertainment. That move was overdue.”
The new facility is also designed to withstand a 9.0 quake should on occur along the coast. Thompson says the completion of the projects will ensure quality service in Florence and the surrounding communities.
New Culinary Program
A new culinary program for older teens and young adults is being planned for Mapleton. The program is being established by graham Ross in association with connected Lane County. The 12 week program for ages 16-24 is at no cost to the student and will take place at the Culinary Lab on the Mapleton School Campus. Through monies provided by Connected Lane County students enrolled in the program will receive $16 pre hour in classroom training and upon completion will have a 4 week internship in a local restaurant where they will receive $17.00 per hour. Classes are slated to begin in September of this year. Curriculum for the classes will come from three sources, the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation, British Columbia’s BCampus culinary Arts Trade Training and Johnson and Wells.
ODOT Advisory Council
If you are an avid biker or walker the Oregon Department of Transportation would like your input on issues across the state. There are currently 2 positions available on an advisory council and would like to see participants from around the state be involved the future of both activities. One of the positions is for a youth ambassador and the other is for an at-large member. To qualify for the youth position you must be under the age of 21. There will be a stipend for travel reimbursements. Information on the program is provided at Oregon.gov/odot.
OHA/Americorps
The Oregon Health Authority’s Americorps VISTA program is seeking several individuals to be on staff. The Volunteers in Service to America will hire several full-time positions in several areas across the state, the closest of which is in North Bend. It is a one year program that begins in May. There are also opportunities to participate remotely. A Stipend and benefits are available. Staff will work in several areas including Health Equity, recruitment and training, fundraising and communicable disease prevention. Information can be found at Oregon.gov/oha.