County to Discontinue Non-Emergency Call Center
With storm cleanup well underway and some areas have been completely cleared Lane County has decided to discontinue its non-emergency call center. Officials say that calls have steadily declined over the past several days and they have decided to use the resources on other recovery efforts. They will continue to monitor the volume of calls coming in to their non-emergency number for calls related to the ice storm. Lane County in association with the recent storm has made a form available to those who may have received damage from the storm.
https://www.cognitoforms.com/LaneCountyOR/LaneCountyIceStormHousingDamageSurvey
ODOT Concerned About Water Levels
The Oregon Department of Transportation is advising drivers around the state to be aware of the possibility of rising water. After the recent snow and ice warmer temperatures have returned and the potential for water on roadways could exist. Even if you live in an area far from the storm effects it could raise water levels in rivers and creeks posing a potential danger. If you are traveling, ODOT expects to keep tripcheck.com updated with the latest on the road conditions.
Mapleton School Board Meeting
The Mapleton School Board moved last week’s monthly meeting to this week because of the ice storm. They plan on calling to order at six PM Wednesday at Mapleton High School. Directors are slated to hear a variety of reports during the meeting, including one from Maintenance Supervisor Randy Duval who will give an update on work to connect to a well on school grounds. Duval says the plumbing contractor has all the parts needed but they are waiting on the Oregon Health Authority for final approval. The Mapleton board opted last year to secure an alternative water supply due to ongoing challenges with Mapleton Water District.
ONA Strike Will Not Effect Peace Harbor
Hospice and home care nurses that work for PeaceHealth in Eugene/Springfield have called for a strike. Member of the ONA union have not come to an agreement with the hospital and have set a date of February first to begin the strike. The strike will not affect nurses in the Florence area or those associated with Peace Harbor Hospital according to PeaceHealth spokesperson Joseph Waltasti. Bryan Stewart the system Vice President for Home and Community with PeaceHealth says the hospital in Riverbend has contracted with an agency to bring in temporary replacement caregivers during the strike and that care will not be affected.
OSP Investigation
The Oregon State Police have not released the results of their investigation into yesterdays accident that left one dead and closed highway 101 for several hours. The early morning accident shut down traffic and caused a three hour delay for schools. Highway 101 at Canary Road was closed from 4:45 until just after 9 am.
