Sign Reminder
The Oregon Department of Transportation has issued another reminder about the placement of political and other signs placed near roadways. With May elections upon us ODOT says all signs within the highway Right of Way will be removed. Signs are prohibited on trees, utility poles, fence posts and other natural features along the roadways. Right of way width can vary significantly depending on the specific location. If you have questions about sign placement you can contact the ODOT District office for specific regulations in the area. Signs are limited to 12 square feet, but a variance could allow up to 32 square feet. No flashing or intermittent lights or moving parts and they cannot imitate official highway signs or devices and signs are not allowed on scenic corridors. No payment or compensation of any kind can be exchanged for either placement or the message on temporary signs, including political signs which are visible to a state highway. Signs found to be in violation will be placed at the ODOT district office for 30 days.
Resiliency Grant
The state of Oregon has just announced a grant program that will distribute 10 million dollars for individuals, groups and organizations as part of a long-term goal of having communities create resiliency to prepare, respond, and recover from disasters. The Resiliency Hubs and Networks Grant is available to a wide variety of organizations. The hope is that rural communities like Florence will have pockets of available resources in case of a large scale disaster. Information from the Oregon Department of Human Services says a resiliency hub is likely already part of the community in the form of entities like Florence Food Share and the Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County. Groups like this are eligible for a portion of the grant. The grant is intended for stockpiling things like medical supplies, communications equipment, generators, training, water purification, vehicles and more. Applications for the grants will close on April 30th. for applications go to Oregon.gov/odhs.
Search and Rescue Recruiting Teen Volunteers
Lane County Search and Rescue is looking for teens 14 years and older to be part of the Search and Rescue academy. Interested youth have until June first to sign up. They must have a positive attitude and be willing to respond any time day or night and often in bad weather and extreme conditions. Graduates of the SAR Academy will become Oregon State SAR Certified and receive training in Medical care, orienteering, outdoor survival and other important skills. For more information email lcsosar@lanecountyor.gov.
Early Rhody Show
The Rhododendron Show that takes place each year during the Rhododendron Festival is quite popular, but Day Farrald, the President of the Siuslaw Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, says it’s not the only one.
“We actually do two shows. There are a few throughout the country that do two shows, I really think that ours is probably the biggest of the early show and our late show does pretty good too.”
This year’s early show, along with one of their always-popular plant sales, takes place Saturday and Sunday, April 20th and 21st at the Florence Events Center. Entries are open to anyone, not just members of the Siuslaw Chapter. Farrald has some suggestions as to what you should look for when choosing your entry.
“You want a truss that is as upright as possible, and you want one that is open as possible. Every flower fully open, and of course a real nice collar, all the leaves around.”
Entries can be dropped off Saturday the 20th between 7 and 9 AM, when judging begins. The show will open to the public that day once judging is complete, something that could take a couple of hours. The doors will be open both days until five pm and it’s free to get in the door.
