Tom Atkinson

Debris Cleanup Weekly Update

ByTom Atkinson July 21, 2021July 21, 2021

Source: DebrisCleanupNews.com The State of Oregon and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) have expectations that the work associated with hazard tree cutting and removal and private property debris cleanup will be completed by later this year. When comparing Beachie Creek and Riverside prime contractor Engineering and Construction Contracts (ECCs) performance to others, we determined…

State of Oregon Fires and Hotspots Dashboard

ByTom Atkinson July 20, 2021July 20, 2021

There are 22 active wildfires in the North West that have burned nearly half a million acres so far in 2021. With this summer shaping up to break records for wildfires it pays to be informed. This Fire & Hotspot dashboard is an amazing resource featuring live updates covering Oregon and neighbouring states plus the…

BINGO To Return on August 14th

ByTom Atkinson July 20, 2021July 20, 2021

“Bingo at the Center” will return August 14th 7:00pm, but will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Walterville. Bingo at the Vida McKenzie Community Center began in August 2003 and has continued as a family fun night for everyone since. We are looking forward to bringing the bingo night back to our community after…

Discovering More McKenzie Treasures

ByTom Atkinson July 19, 2021July 19, 2021

By Alice Bonasio, Executive Director of the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce Since launching a few weeks ago, the McKenzie Treasures Saturday Community Market has really started to take off, and it’s so nice to re-visit it each week only to find new local vendors with a range of unique crafts and products on offer….

211info WILDFIRE Information & Resources

ByTom Atkinson July 19, 2021July 19, 2021

211 is still maintaining a wildfire response line for all wildfire survivors in Oregon. They will route survivors to resources, and also direct them to local DCMs. Contact them here: https://www.211info.org/contact They also maintain a website here that includes a lot of useful info although some of it appears to be out of date (e.g….

Lane County Customer Service Center hours update

ByTom Atkinson July 16, 2021July 16, 2021

The Lane County Customer Service Center (3050 N. Delta Highway, Eugene) has switched to drop-in consultations for all customers from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. No appointments are necessary. You can still make appointments for the Leaburg Annex, which operates at the Leaburg Fire Station Training Room (42870 McKenzie Highway – milepost 20) each Thursday. Appointments…

FEMA Reps Available in Springfield July 23-26

ByTom Atkinson July 16, 2021July 15, 2021

If you missed last weekend’s FEMA outreach event in Blue River, you’ll have another opportunity at the Springfield Municipal Court (230 4th Street, Springfield) next weekend. Friday, July 23: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 24: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, July 25: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, July 26: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00…

Lane County Planning Director Discusses HB 2289

ByTom Atkinson July 15, 2021July 15, 2021

On Tuesday, Lane County Planning Director Amber Bell provided an overview of HB 2289 to the Board of County Commissioners. Watch the video below for a high-level overview of how HB 2289 simplifies the rebuilding process for many fire survivors by eliminating the need for land use applications. You can read the overview in the…

Update: Salmon Spawning Restoration Project at Finn Rock Reach

ByTom Atkinson July 15, 2021July 15, 2021

The Finn Rock Project will take place on land owned and managed by McKenzie River Trust. Beginning in June of 2021, McKenzie River Trust Staff, partners, and local contractors will begin the restoration process. The project will take place during a salmon-safe window of time with completion happening before the end of August 2021. Work…

Keeping Cool This Summer

ByTom Atkinson July 14, 2021October 22, 2021

THIS CAMPAIGN HAS NOW CLOSED The McKenzie Community Development Corporation is offering free fans for valley residents without Air Conditioning. Oregon is in the grip of a severe drought, and – along with the entire Pacific Northwest – we’re experiencing record-breaking high temperatures. And while these dangerous conditions would be challenging at the best of…