Community

Building Vaccine Confidence in Rural Communities

ByTom Atkinson June 3, 2021June 2, 2021

Source: USDA.gov Infographic on COVID-19 Vaccinations The White House created the infographic below to outline how the COVID-19 vaccine helps to protect your rural community and yourself. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and here now. Strong confidence in the vaccines within communities will lead to more people getting vaccinated, which will lead to fewer COVID-related illnesses, hospitalizations…

Firewise Community Meeting Monday June 7th 5:30pm

ByTom Atkinson June 2, 2021June 2, 2021

Please join us to learn about Firewise and discuss McKenzie Firewise community boundaries! Several local partners, including Pure Water Partners, Oregon Department of Forestry, McKenzie Fire, and Upper McKenzie Fire, are working together to explore the development of McKenzie Firewise communities. Becoming a certified Firewise Community is an effort by the National Fire Protection Association…

Governor Announces Updates to County Risk Levels

ByTom Atkinson June 2, 2021June 2, 2021

Source: Governor.Oregon.gov Updated risk levels take effect Friday, June 4; Clatsop moves to Lower Risk, Lane and Polk move to Moderate Risk (Salem, OR) — Governor Kate Brown today announced updates to county risk levels under the state’s public health framework to reduce transmission and protect Oregonians from COVID-19. Effective Friday, June 4, through Thursday,…

Alert: High Heat Tips, Video & Resources

ByTom Atkinson June 1, 2021June 2, 2021

Source: Portland Bureau of Emergency Management Today and tomorrow, temperatures will reach 90 degrees or higher, with the hottest times of day between 2 pm to 8 pm. Very hot weather can cause heat-related illness and death, especially earlier in the season before our bodies are used to warm temperatures. The most sensitive groups are…

McKenzie CDC Welcomes New Managing Director

ByTom Atkinson May 29, 2021May 29, 2021

Lisa Mattes-McCreary officially joined the McKenzie Community Development Corporation this week. She brings a wealth of experience to the newly created role of Managing Director, including 12 years as District Manager and 26 years as a development professional in the fields of forestry and business at Oregon State University and the University of Montana. Originally…

Post Office Grand Opening

ByTom Atkinson May 28, 2021May 28, 2021

The new Blue River Post Office has been up and running for a couple of weeks but it will finally get the grand opening ceremony it deserves on Wednesday, June 2nd. At 11am there will be a ribbon-cutting and we expect a few famous faces to be there but can’t confirm that so you will…

Governor Announces Updates to County Risk Levels

ByTom Atkinson May 27, 2021June 2, 2021

Source: GovernorOregon.gov Updated risk levels take effect Thursday, May 27; Multnomah County approved to move to Lower Risk CORRECTION: There was an error in the county risk level list in the original release. The complete list has been updated to reflect the correct risk levels: 15 in High Risk, three in Moderate Risk, and 18 in…

Forest Glen park Now Open

ByTom Atkinson May 26, 2021May 27, 2021

Lane County’s Forest Glen Park in Blue River is open after hazard tree removal and cleanup was completed by the Debris Management Task Force in partnership with Lane County Parks. Residents should continue to avoid closed parks and boat ramps in the fire area. Crews are working to make these spaces safe. State and federal…

Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program

ByTom Atkinson May 25, 2021May 25, 2021

Source: OregonRentalAssistance.org Beginning May 19, 2021, qualified renters who have experienced financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability, may apply for the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP). This program is not a loan, which means those who receive assistance will not have to pay back…

McKenzie River Treasures Community Market Opening This Summer!

ByTom Atkinson May 21, 2021May 24, 2021

The new Saturday market is meant to help local businesses and showcase all the wonderful things the McKenzie Valley has to offer. The new “McKenzie River Treasures” market will take place on alternating Saturdays between Iron Forest, near Finn Rock, and the McKenzie Station Pub on McKenzie Station Pub on McKenzie Bridge. Janice Myers of…