Burn Season on Hold
Lane County residents are being reminded that fire season is still in effect, despite recent rain and cooler temperatures. The Oregon Department of Forestry, along with the Lane Fire Defense Board, says current conditions suggest fire season could continue until at least mid-October. That means backyard debris burning remains prohibited throughout Lane County, even though fire danger in western Lane County is currently rated low. Officials say Oregon has experienced one of its worst wildfire seasons on record, with more than 2.5 million acres burned statewide. They emphasize that additional rainfall and improved fuel conditions are needed before restrictions can be lifted. Once fire season officially ends, residents are encouraged to check local restrictions before lighting any outdoor fires.
Students Practice Recycling
Siuslaw Elementary School students are helping reduce waste with a new milk carton recycling program. More than 500 cartons are used in the school cafeteria each day. Instead of throwing them away, students now empty leftover milk into a collection container and place cartons in a recycling cart provided by County Transfer and Recycling. The carts are then taken to a materials recovery facility in Eugene. Principal Amy Flora says students are already surprised by how many cartons are used daily and says the school will continue teaching recycling, reducing, and reusing throughout the year.
Domestic Violence Awareness March
This Sunday, the community is invited to join the March Against Domestic Violence in Old Town Florence, helping to kick off National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The silent march, led by Florence Police and members of the Siuslaw High School Interact Club, begins with gathering at Veterans Park at 12:45 p.m. and steps off at 1:00 p.m. The march will conclude at the Port of Siuslaw Boardwalk with a 30-second moment of silence honoring those whose lives have been lost to domestic violence, followed by testimony from a survivor. The event is part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and encourages community members to stand in support of survivors.
