Black and White Recycling Event
The City of Florence Environmental Management Advisory Committee will hold its annual Black and White Recycling Event Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Siuslaw Middle School south parking lot. City residents can drop off black tires, white propane tanks, and appliances for free, with certain size and quantity limits, and after 1 p.m. the event opens to all Florence-area residents if funding remains. Other partners will accept mattresses, block foam, paint, building materials, household goods, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and non-perishable food for local nonprofits. Volunteers will be on site to assist with unloading, and information will be available on Oregon’s new RecycleOn program. Details are online at ci.florence.or.us.
Mapleton Water District
The Mapleton Water District Board of Commissioners meets tonight at 6 p.m. at the Mapleton Lions Club Kitchen. On the agenda are two resolutions — one to authorize applying for state Water/Wastewater Financing Program funds for a Wastewater Facility Plan tied to the district’s planned sewer system acquisition, and another to transfer $20,000 from operating contingency to capital outlay for project needs. Commissioners will also discuss the fiscal year 2025-26 supplemental budget, potential rate changes, and several engineering service proposals, including work on the Rice Road pipeline and water treatment plant improvements. The district has faced multiple water challenges in recent years, including leaks and boil water notices. Tonight’s meeting is open to the public.
Dunes Clean-up
The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, Lane County Parks, and Friends of Three Mile Prairie will host a volunteer work party Saturday, August 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Three Mile Prairie Dunes County Park in Florence. Volunteers will help remove invasive Scotch broom and small trees to protect native dune plants and wildlife. The site is located north of Florence Golf Links, west of Highway 101 at Fred Meyer, with a 15-minute walk to the work area. Organizers suggest bringing closed-toe shoes, gloves, water, and hand tools if available. More information is at saveoregondunes.org.
Coast Guard Rescue
Coast Guard crews from two districts worked together last week to assist three mariners aboard the 97-foot fishing vessel Defiant, disabled about 95 miles west of Newport. The vessel reported it was adrift early Sunday morning. Aircrews from Sacramento and North Bend delivered supplies that evening, while the Coast Guard Cutter Alder began towing the vessel Tuesday, bringing it about 80 miles closer to shore. On Wednesday, the tow was transferred to a Station Yaquina Bay crew, who brought the Defiant safely into Newport. Officials say the rescue highlights the Coast Guard’s teamwork and dedication.
