Protestors on both sides came out Saturday in Florence
Several hundred local participants in the fifth national “No Kings Rally” Saturday afternoon in Florence lined the East side of Highway 101 between the bridge and Highway 126. They weren’t alone, however. A handful of supporters of President Trump stood at the Southeast corner of the 101-126 intersection waving signs proclaiming support for the 47th president and some of his programs. The “No Kings” protestors waved signs and chanted slogans decrying things like the war in Iraq, actions of ICE, and what many call Trump’s imperious use of executive orders. The counter protest wasn’t limited to just the handful on the corner. A so-called “Trump Train” consisting of several vehicles decorated with signs, flags and balloons cruised back and forth during the protest. Words between protestors on the sidewalk and vehicle occupants were exchanged routinely when traffic slowed. But, the yells never escalated beyond just words. Florence police officers and Oregon State Troopers maintained a strong presence between noon and mid-afternoon. Sometimes in their vehicles, but several times on foot, walking the area and talking with people. They did appear to be keeping a close eye on unsafe driving. More than a few traffic stops were seen. It’s not clear how many citations, if any, were written.
MAPLETON WATER DISTRICT GETS PRICE TAG FOR IMPROVEMENTS.
A consultant working with the Mapleton Water District has come up with a price tag for completely updating the water district. and MWD board co-chair Art Donnelly says it will be costly. “That price tag was 29 million dollars. Mapleton has under a thousand residents. Our system right now has, I believe, has 260 paying accounts. That’s difficult math right there, how are you going to pay for that with User Rates.”
Donnelly says grant funds have all but dried up or been rescinded since the cutting back of agencies last spring, but he is hopeful they can at least get some of the projects started. “We’ve got a number of hooks in the water. We’ve got 3 different applications out there right now for funding for the distribution system that would total up to over 3 million dollars. We have an application out there right now to refurbish that failing sewer system for just about a million dollars.”
Donnelly says most of the work right now is piecemealing things together when they fail, and he admits they have become adept at repairs. But he hopes for more funding so the entire system could one day be new.
BAY AREA HOSPITAL
Last month’s short legislative session in Salem yielded a life preserver of sorts for Coos County’s Bay Area Hospital. State Representative Boomer Wright says he was instrumental in getting a bill passed making the State of Oregon the guarantor of a pre-covid loan made to the hospital, staving off a possible closure. “They lost during COVID over a 120 million dollars and so that put them in a tough spot.”
This will give the hospital time to go out and find another lender to address financial needs Wright says the hospital is making their payments on time, but their agreement with the Bank of Montreal has other conditions they have not been able to meet, including meeting a25- million-dollar balloon payment coming due in 2030. With the bill passed this month, Wright says the hospital gains additional time to find another lender.
Tune in to Coast Radio’s Our Town this week for a more detailed conversation with Wright and Coast Radio’s George Henry. Henry also has a more in-depth conversation with Mapleton Water District Co-Chair Art Donnelly. The show airs on KCST 106.9 FM Wednesday from four to six pm, then Thursday from ten AM to noon on KCFM AM 1250, FM 104.1 in Florence and FM 103.1 in Mapleton.
CITY LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
If you live in the City of Florence, you could help play a key role in identifying community needs, supporting decision making and help to shape local policy. Open positions on several key committees and boards will be filled by June First, and applications are currently being taken. In addition to the Planning Commission and Urban Renewal Agency Board, there are spots on other bodies that advise the City Council about Environmental Management, Public Art, and Transportation. A temporary Ad-Hoc committee was recently created by the council to help plan and create a “mobility hub” to help coordinate and connect different modes of public transportation. Interested parties can get details on open positions and applications online at the city’s website or call City Recorder Lindsey White at 541-997-3437. Applications are due by Monday, April 6th. https://www.ci.florence.or.us/Committee-Recruitment