Traffic Changes Coming at 35th and Rhododendron
Beginning August first there will be a change in the traffic pattern at the intersection of 35th street and Rhododendron Drive. The city will be initiating an all-stop pattern. That will mean all vehicles will have to come to a complete stop from 35th street, north on Rhododendron and south on Rhododendron. The city has added a dedicated turn lane for south bound traffic on Rhododendron for vehicles wishing to access 35th street. The intersection will have LED enhanced stop signs to illuminate the changes. Also as of August 1st the access point for the Humane Society and the Lane County Transfer Station will be from 35th street and no longer from the south by Wildwinds st. there will also be additional signage denoting the traffic pattern change. Citizens can follow the progress on the Rhododendron alignment project by signing up for updates at ci.florence.or.us.
Medicaid Enrollment
A new study out shows that Medicaid renewals for the state of Oregon are the highest in the nation since the lifting of the Covid-related continuous enrollment requirements. 92% of the state’s nearly 1.5 million renewals have been completed according to a report released by the Oregon Health Authority. One of the reasons the study notes is the process by which they are automating renewals while matching state and federal data. Individuals that have not yet renewed can go to benefits.oregon.gov for assistance. OHA says you may receive a letter if your Oregon Health Plan is ending and you will need to review the letter and go to oregonhealthcare.gov for information.
Scotch Broom Removal
One of the groups participating in this Saturday’s Power of Florence is the Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative. Bill Blackwell says they’re just a group of local residents that are interested in getting rid of invasive scotch broom. This is the first year they’ve been a part of the Power of Florence, but Blackwell says they’ve held many work parties at Heceta Dunes, a stretch of mostly open sand north of Heceta Beach Road. Blackwell says they work there because it’s an opportunity to “Protect the Best”.
“Because it has open sand and native grasses and native plants. So we just try to keep after the scotch broom, either cutting it or pulling it.”
He says they’ve been able to have an ongoing impact.
“Over the years we’ve cleared about 50 acres of scotch broom from there.”
They’ll begin work at ten AM Saturday and anticipate working until noon. Blackwell says if you’re not familiar with just where Heceta Dunes is located, it’s easy to find. From the intersection of Heceta Beach Road and Rhododendron Drive you’ll go north on Fourth Avenue.
“Go to the end of that and then you turn right at Joshua Lane, go to the end of it. And then you park on the side of the street and we ask that you not block driveways or mailboxes.”
He says you’ll need to wear sturdy, closed toe shoes for walking on the sand and bring work gloves, water, snacks and sunscreen. If you have a shovel, hand saw or loppers, be sure to bring them also as they only have a limited amount of tools. For more information on the Power of Florence, you can visit their Facebook page.
