Stamp Our Hunger
Tomorrow is the Letter carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” food Drive. Food insecurity is an issue with over 700 families in the Siuslaw Region and often summer time there can be an increased need with students at home. Last year collections suffered due, most likely, to weather conditions.
“food banks often receive the majority of their donations during the holidays and by now they’re starting to run low on supplies and our local food drive, happening in May, gives them a boost going into summer.”
Non Perishable items can be place in a box or a bag and left by your mail box on Saturday, or you can drop off items between 11 and 2 at the Post Office on 8th Street.
Boat Ramp at Tahkenitch Closed
Boaters that frequent Tahkenitch Lake need to know that a recent hole that appeared in the boat ramp has caused the temporary closure of the ramp. The dock and parking area will remain open. Central Coast District Ranger Michele Holman says they are working quickly to find a solution, but that the damage is rather extensive and it could end up being a long-term closure. The hole developed over time between two concrete slabs that make up the ramp and has recently grown in size due to the amount of traffic at the site. Boats can still be launched at the Tahkenitch Landing Campground area, but boaters are asked to come early and plan for longer waits. There is limited parking available.
Detour For Reedsport Hospital
Tomorrow Ranch Road in Reedsport will be temporarily closed as crews remove some large trees in the area. This will effect direct access to the Lower Umpqua Hospital and will require use of a detour route at Regents Place.
Elders Concerned About Rising Costs
A new survey finds older Oregonians are concerned about the cost of living in many aspects of their lives. The Vital Voices research program from A-A-R-P dives into issues that impact Oregonians age 45 and older. State director of A-A-R-P Oregon Bandana Shrestha says the cost of health care and housing top the list of topics on people’s mind.
“One big takeaway from the survey is that Oregonians are really feeling affordability and the economic pressures in all aspects of their lives.”
Concern over affording health care expenses increased from 78-percent in 2020 to 91-percent in 2023. May is older Americans month.
Debris Drop Off
Due to the Rhododendron Festival next week the City of Florence will be taking yard debris collections tomorrow at 27th and Kingwood. There is a small cash fee for the debris. Collection is for tree clippings, leaves, grass clippings, weeds, pruning and brush. No Household waste is permitted, including animal waste. Scotch Broom is also permitted this month. Collection times are 9 am until 2pm and costs begin at $12 for a standard pick-up load.
