News for 9-4-24: Library District Special Meeting; Hot Weather for Mapleton; Realignment Progress; Meet and Greet for Candidate DeSpain; State Parks to Consider Price Increase

Library District Special Meeting

This Friday the Siuslaw Public Library District Board of Directors will hold a special meeting.  On the agenda will be a discussion of their free speech policy. The meeting will be at 11am.  The board was unable to reach a quorum for their August meeting and thus the necessity of this week’s meeting.  They will consider revisions to the petition and protest portion of the policy.  They will also consider a proposed designation of Indigenous Peoples’ day as an annual in-service day for their district.  The public is invited to attend this meeting in person at the library or email ref dot siuslawlibrary dot org for information on how to attend the meeting virtually.

Hot Weather for Mapleton

Heat is in the news for the Mapleton/Deadwood/Swisshome area for the next several days.  Beginning tomorrow at noon and lasting through 10pm on Friday the area will have temperatures in the upper 90’s.  the area is expected to hit 96 today as well, but the addition of calm winds for Thursday and Friday will make the heat seem more intense.  People are urged to prepare and stay well hydrated and find a cool place to get out of the heat.

Realignment Progress

Construction continues on the Rhododendron Realignment project with the installation of 982 linear feet of curbing recently installed for a barrier to the parking area portion of the roadway that will keep vehicle from entering the landscaped portion of the area.  Crews are also continuing to work on excavation of the raised pathway for bicyclists and pedestrians.  The raised pathway WILL provide a safer environment and a better view of the river.  Construction on the roadway portion of the project is also slated to begin this week.

Meet and Greet for Candidate DeSpain

Candidate for the 4th congressional district Monique DeSpain will be in Reedsport this Saturday for a meet and greet.  Despain is the republican candidate for the position currently held by Val Hoyle.  The event will be at the carving station beginning at 1pm.  there has been no formal notice as to whether she will be heading to Florence that day.

State Parks to Consider Price Increase

The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission is planning to meet in Newport on September 17th to discuss, among other things, the need to raise rates for parks in lieu of rising costs.  They will also be discussing the use of drones, a shore police and a review of construction impacts to the shore environment.  The meeting will take place at the Hallmark Resort 744 SW Elizabeth Street, Newport.  The meeting will be open to the public following an 8:30 am executive session.