Smoke and Haze
There have been several reports of a smoke odor and haze in the area. According to Western Lane Fire and EMS Chief Michael Schick, it appears the smoke is coming from Central Oregon. Fortunately, there are no reported fires in the immediate area. However, the DEQ is showing higher particulate levels in the air locally. There was also a report of a slash burn outside the district, though no details are available on that. As of this morning, the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency is reporting good air quality for Florence, but the Eugene-Springfield area has seen a decline. Burn restrictions remain in place until at least the 15th, according to LRAPA.
Volunteer Opportunity
There’s an event happening on Saturday, October 26, from 10 AM to Noon, where volunteers will gather to remove invasive Scotch broom and small trees at Three Mile Prairie Dunes County Park in Florence. Hosted by the Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, Lane County Parks, and Friends of Three Mile Prairie, this effort aims to protect native plants and wildlife from invasive species. The site is a 15-minute walk from the northwest corner of the Fred Meyer parking lot. Organizers ask that you bring work gloves, tools, and your family. For more information, visit SaveOregonDunes.org.
Tax Court Closed
Oregon’s Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Tax Court, and circuit courts will be closed today, October 8, 2024, as they undergo a software upgrade. During this closure, services that will be offline include the Oregon eCourt Case Information system, online bill payments, and text message hearing notifications. While File & Serve and Guide & File will have limited availability, court facilities will be closed for hearings and document filings. Court staff will use this time to ensure a smooth transition to the new system and prepare court dockets for the week. The Office of the State Court Administrator in Salem will remain open.
