County Traffic Numbers-Country Fair; New Alert System for Lane County; Temperatures; Razor Clamming; Merkley Town Hall

County Traffic Numbers-Country Fair

Last week during the Oregon Country Fair the Lane County Sheriff’s Office conducted traffic safety stops in the area surrounding the fair.  For its efforts deputies cited 75 drivers and gave warnings to 95 additional drivers.  17 drivers were cited for having no license or driving with a suspended license. 26 were given tickets for not wearing their seat belts.  14 for distracted driving and 17 miscellaneous citations.  There were no citations for impaired driving.  The additional coverage for the operation was part of a grant funded by impact Oregon and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

New Alert System for Lane County

Lane County has introduced a new alert system that citizens can subscribe to.  The subscriber will receive alerts that may effect their workplace, home, child’s school and would include evacuation orders, severe weather, flooding and police activity and more.  Lane County Emergency Manager Patence Winningham says it is a great tool to reach people with emergency information.  There are two ways to register.  You can go to lanealerts.org or text your zip code to 888777.  She recommends that every member of a household sign up.  You are required to set up a profile.

Temperatures

It is going to be another hot weekend for most of the county. With temperatures in mapleton in the 90’s today and tomorrow and eugene experiencing mid 90’s.  a heat advisory is in effect through Saturday evening.  Along the coast expect temperatures in the mid 70’s.

Razor Clamming

The Oregon department of fish and wildlife is reporting the closure of razor clamming along most of the coastal areas beginning tomorrow.  ODFW is also reporting good trout fishing on the Siuslaw.

Merkley Town Hall

Senator Jeff Merkley will be holding a town hall in Eugene this Sunday. The event will be from 3-4 pm at Lane Community College.  One of the topics he wants to address is the reintroduction of a bill that would discourage hedge fund companies and private equity companies from buying up large  numbers of homes by establishing a $20,000 tax per home owned by a company in excess of 100 properties.