Local Policy Makers Visit Blue River Water District
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Local Policy Makers Visit Blue River Water District

ByTom Atkinson

Today a group of local elected Representatives, Environmental Groups & Agencies visited the Blue River Water District Wellhead to discuss the effects of the fires and the plans for reconstruction and expansion of the District to include a new Sanitation District. Water District board member Alice Bonasio, Water District Superintendent Al Artero and Jason Carman…

Excessive Heat Watch This Week
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Excessive Heat Watch This Week

ByTom Atkinson

Source: Alerts.Weather.gov EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAYAFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY EVENING… MCDC – Local Info: In the midst of this heatwave the Upper McKenzie Community Center and Living Waters Church buildings are both operating as cooling centers 11am-6pm thru Friday 13th Aug. WHAT…Dangerously hot conditions with temperatures up to 100possible. WHERE…Portions of Southwest…

ODF – Firefighters Taking on 25 Smoke Reports in Northeast After Thunderstorms
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ODF – Firefighters Taking on 25 Smoke Reports in Northeast After Thunderstorms

ByTom Atkinson

Source: ODFFire.com August 6, 2021 La Grande, OR- Firefighters across the district have been busy responding to several lightning-caused fires from yesterday’s thunderstorms. A total of 25 smoke reports have been reported on lands protected by Oregon Department of Forestry-Northeast Oregon District. These fires are spread around the district, however several of them have occurred…

Oregon Covid Dashboard Update
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Oregon Covid Dashboard Update

ByTom Atkinson

Source: GovStatus.eGov.com The range of data dashboards and resources here are really incredible so take a look if you want to keep informed as this pandemic progresses. Below is a screenshot from the latest update dashboard for earlier this week. The stunning dominance of the Delta variant (Yellow) is clear as is the rise in…

Investing in Infrastructure Virtual Exchange
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Investing in Infrastructure Virtual Exchange

ByTom Atkinson

Investing in Infrastructure: Rural Strategies for Building and Maintaining Healthy Local Economies Monday, August 16, 20213:00 – 4:00 PM Eastern TimeFollowed by Peer-Learning Breakout Sessions from 4:00 to 4:45 PM Register for the Virtual Exchange Water, roads, bridges, broadband, affordable housing – these pieces of physical infrastructure are all critical to fostering prosperous rural communities…

Survey – Have Your Say on the New O’Brien Memorial Library – Complete Before Aug 8th
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Survey – Have Your Say on the New O’Brien Memorial Library – Complete Before Aug 8th

ByTom Atkinson

What would you like to see at our rebuilt O’Brien Memorial Library?  The Library Board of Directors is seeking your input through a brief online survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/OBrienMemorialLibrarySurvey5 Please respond by Sunday, August 8. If you would prefer a paper copy, you can visit the Library and pick one up during regular hours.  Thank you!

FEMA Awards ODOT Over $34 Million for Debris Removal in Wildfire Affected Counties
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FEMA Awards ODOT Over $34 Million for Debris Removal in Wildfire Affected Counties

ByTom Atkinson

Salem, Ore. – FEMA has approved $34,488,250 for the State of Oregon to defray the costs of debris removal throughout Douglas, Jackson, Lane, Lincoln and Marion counties from 2020’s devastating wildfires under FEMA’s Public Assistance Program (PA). FEMA funds will reimburse the Oregon Department of Transportation for the collection, removal and disposal of debris from destroyed structures throughout…

Time Capsule From 1949 Found in Destruction of the Holiday Farm Fire
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Time Capsule From 1949 Found in Destruction of the Holiday Farm Fire

ByTom Atkinson

Source: KPIC.com LANE COUNTY, Ore. — A piece of history has been discovered in the destruction from the Holiday Farm Fire. The Vida-Mckenzie Community Center was burned in the Holiday Farm Fire, with only the concrete portions still standing. It was demolished on Friday, and residents found something long-rumored to be in the cornerstone of…

Goodpasture Covered Bridge Work to Restrict Nighttime Traffic
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Goodpasture Covered Bridge Work to Restrict Nighttime Traffic

ByTom Atkinson

Lane County will be replacing the roof of the Goodpasture Covered Bridge beginning in August. The bridge sustained damage in the most recent ice storm and the federal funding to support repairs is now available. The bridge will be closed on August 9, August 10 and August 11 from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. so…

Re-Marking of Hazard Trees Underway Soon
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Re-Marking of Hazard Trees Underway Soon

ByTom Atkinson

When hazard trees were originally marked – between January and April of this year – several hundred trees statewide showed signs that they had at least a slim chance of survival. Trees may have demonstrated a greenery crown scorch right at the minimum threshold or a bark char marginal enough to give it a possibility of…