Woahink Boat Fire; Group Seeks Access for All at Beaches; Reedsport Hires New Police Chief; Oregon Coast Aquarium Celebrates World Ocean Day

Woahink Boat Fire

A fire broke out on the boat dock at Woahink Lake yesterday.  At first Dunes City officials were concerned that fire fighting efforts and the location of the boat would require nearby individuals to turn off their pump intakes so as not to bring polluted water into their homes, however city administrator Jamie Mills said the boat never got into the lake and that there was likely no risk to the public. However the boat dock, according to reports was heavily damaged. The fire occurred around 12:15 yesterday and was reportedly out by 12:45.

Group Seeks Access for All at Beaches

A group promoting accessibility for all to Oregon beaches will bring a fleet of their specially equipped “track chairs” to Florence next month.  The “David’s Chair” Florence beach excursion will be Friday, June 16th between ten AM and Two PM at the Lane County park, just north of Driftwood Shores.  The “track chairs” provide all-terrain access to people with mobility challenges.  Steve Furst, the founder and organizer of “David’s Chair” says most of the two-hour spots on June 16th have already been reserved, but the unfilled time slots will be available that day on a first come first served basis.  A total of five adult chairs and one youth chair will be on hand.

Reedsport Hires New Police Chief

The Reedsport police have announced their new hire for police Chief.  The city has hired a former chief of the Monticello Police department in Illinois.  John Carter has experience in corrections, communications, fire and medical services and hold a master’s degree in criminal justice from Columbia College.

Oregon Coast Aquarium Celebrates World Ocean Day

On June 3rd the Oregon Coast Aquarium will host a World Ocean Day Celebration.  Jeff Harms is the Education Manager at OCA says the celebration is a great was for the coastal community to come together and celebrate the role the ocean plays in our lives.  There will be ocean-themed activities for all ages with displays, raffles and animal presentations.  The Oregon Coast Aquarium has been operating since 1992 and is ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S.