Tom Atkinson

Disaster Case Managers are here to be a Resource for your Wildfire Recovery

ByTom Atkinson September 14, 2021September 13, 2021

Disaster Case Managers (DCMs) from the State of Oregon and Lane County are available to help survivors navigate the recovery process and make plans for the future. Call 833-669-0554 to get connected. Services include: connections to local and national resources FEMA appeals SBA loans recovery of vital documents support for rebuilding, renting or relocating Or…

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Community Mental Health Support

ByTom Atkinson September 13, 2021September 13, 2021

There is help available locally if you are struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety or are overwhelmed. The White Bird Crisis Line is accessible 24/7 at 541-687-4000 and 1-800-422-7558. It offers humanistic, person-centered crisis intervention. Oregon Safe + Strong Helpline: 800-923-4357 (HELP). Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained Crisis Counselor. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)…

Emergency RV Permit Update

ByTom Atkinson September 12, 2021September 13, 2021

We do allow emergency RV permit extensions. As long as there are no outstanding compliance issues on the property, and as long as wastewater is being handled properly, we can re-issue permits for another six-month period. If your permit has expired, or is getting close, please follow the steps below to renew. How do I Extend my…

Residents Recount the Terror of the Holiday Farm Fire One Year Later

ByTom Atkinson September 9, 2021September 9, 2021

Source: OPB.org By Brian Bull KLCC At first, Labor Day 2020 felt like a typical holiday: kids swam and anglers tried their luck in the deep green waters of the McKenzie River. Locals grilled burgers and enjoyed family get-togethers under the dense canopy of pine and fir trees that blanketed the hillsides. But in a…

Are You Ready to Evacuate?

ByTom Atkinson September 8, 2021September 9, 2021

Source: LaneCountyOR.gov September is National Preparedness Month. We encourage everyone in Lane County to use September to focus on preparedness and end the month more ready for an emergency or natural disaster. Emergency Alerts Part of being prepared for an emergency is knowing how you will receive emergency alerts and life safety information. Lane County uses…

Governor Proclaims Sept. 7 as a Day of Remembrance

ByTom Atkinson September 7, 2021September 7, 2021

Governor Kate Statement on One-Year Anniversary of Historic Labor Day Wildfires in Oregon Governor proclaims Sept. 7 as a day of remembrance; calls on Oregonians to honor with action (Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown proclaimed today to be a day of remembrance and issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the historic 2020 Labor…

Replacement History Highway Signs Find Temporary Home at the Track

ByTom Atkinson September 1, 2021September 1, 2021

We lost quite a few History Highway signs in the wildfire and efforts to replace them have been underway for a while. Last week all seven newly printed signs were delivered and are temporarily hanging on the fence at the McKenzie Community Track until they can be reinstalled as close to their original position on…

Blue River’s Resilience And Rebirth Captured In Phoenix Sculpture

ByTom Atkinson August 31, 2021August 31, 2021

Source: KLCC.org By Brian Bull A monument to resiliency and rebirth now stands in the McKenzie River Corridor town of Blue River, which was ravaged by last year’s Holiday Farm Fire. The metal phoenix sculpture – called “Viribus” was installed Thursday morning and will watch over Blue River as it rebuilds. Sculptor Jud Turner and…

Our HFF Anniversary Tribute

ByTom Atkinson August 30, 2021August 30, 2021

Monday September 7th 2020 On this day a year ago our lives were forever changed. We must remember those who have lost so much and honor those who risked their lives and fought to keep the flames at bay. We share with the community stories of heroism and hope to help in the healing process…

Grant Funds Available for Businesses Strained by Holiday Farm Fire

ByTom Atkinson August 30, 2021August 30, 2021

Businesses negatively impacted by 2020’s Holiday Farm Fire have a new funding opportunity to help restore their operations. “The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is honored to receive a $20,000 grant provided by the OCCU Foundation to help restore, rebuild, and return hope to businesses impacted by the Holiday Farm Fire,” said Chamber President and…