Three Buttes Fire
The Oregon Department of Forestry says there will be no Thursday briefing on the Three Buttes fire. Yesterday afternoon’s update said there have been no significant changes to the fire’s pattern and it has not grown above the 144 acre mark that it has been positioned at for almost 4 days. Crews have completed roadside hazard tree mitigation and heavy equipment operators have completed their brush removal to create a defensible space along forest road 5854. Yesterday’s efforts focused on forest road 58 along a 2 mile stretch thinning trees to increase space in the canopy and reduce vegetation. Herman Peak Road remains closed along with forest road 1057. Upper North Fork Siuslaw Road remains open though drivers are to exercise caution as an increase in fire traffic is possible. A weak weather front with no precipitation moved through last night and dry weather and mild temperatures are expected through the weekend.
Peace Harbor Rehabilitation and Wellness Center
Peace Harbor Medical Center has announced that they have completed the 1.3 million dollar renovation of its Rehabilitation and wellness center. A ribbon cutting on Tuesday marked the official completion. The facility director Bruce Huddleston said it was a process that began before COVID and had to make changes on the go due to the aftermath.
“The ability to get supplies, equipment and then obviously the cost escalating forced us to do some minor changes but in the end we pretty much got what we wanted.”
Huddleston says most of the budget went to the actual re-construction of the building where they opened up the space and utilized parts of the building that previously were old storage areas for the market that once occupied the space. The community will get a chance to see the facility at an upcoming business after hours sponsored by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce on October 19th.
Rhododendron Festival Theme
The theme for the 118th Rhododendron Festival has been announced. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce has selected High Tides and Good Vibes from a list of submissions. Barb Danko will receive a $100 flocal gift card for her theme. Chamber President and CEO Bettina Hannigan says it is always exciting to kick off the unofficial start to the summer tourist season. The Rhododendron Festival is the second longest running floral festival bested by one year by the Portland Rose Festival. The chamber will now be soliciting design ideas for the logo. Professional and amateur graphic designers will have until November first to submit their designs. The selected logo will win $250.00 for their work. And must incorporate the Rhododendron flower along with elements of Florence.
