Long Term Recovery Group Announcement
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Long Term Recovery Group Announcement

ByTom Atkinson

LTRG welcomes new executive director The McKenzie Valley Long-Term Recovery Group announced the hire of Devin Thompson as the Group’s new executive director. The McKenzie Valley Long-Term Recovery Group (MVLTRG) is made up of representatives from faith-based, non-profit, government, business and other organizations working to assist people and families as they recover from the Holiday…

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Offers Business Assistance
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Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Offers Business Assistance

ByTom Atkinson

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is offering grants ranging from $500-$1,500 for general operation costs, small business repairs, or other business-related expenses to businesses affected by the Holiday Farm Fire. The deadline to apply is October 11. Learn more about the grants and apply at www.springfield-chamber.org/wildfire-relief-grants/. For questions and/or a printable application, please contact:Dani Thompson at dani@springfield-chamber.org or…

Pure Water Partners Update
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Pure Water Partners Update

ByTom Atkinson

As soon as it was safe to enter the fire-impacted area, EWEB, McKenzie Watershed Council, McKenzie River Trust, the Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District and other members of Pure Water Partners banded together to work with landowners to keep toxic ash and other hazardous materials from entering the river. There were a number…

Oregon Wildfire Update
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Oregon Wildfire Update

ByTom Atkinson

26 major fires are still burning in Oregon this week but today’s info on the Gales fire, the largest and closest wildfire to the McKenzie River info is below. Check out the OEM website here for a lot more info on the size, scope and level of control we have on any fires that are…

USDA Launches Resource Guide to Help Rural Communities Seeking Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Assistance
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USDA Launches Resource Guide to Help Rural Communities Seeking Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Assistance

ByTom Atkinson

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2021 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today unveiled a resource guide as part of National Preparedness Month to help rural communities seeking disaster resiliency and recovery assistance.      This guide follows the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement of the American Jobs Plan, which targets investments to support infrastructure in…

Community Mental Health Support
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Community Mental Health Support

ByTom Atkinson

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
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Emergency RV Permit Update

ByTom Atkinson

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

ByTom Atkinson

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?
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Are You Ready to Evacuate?

ByTom Atkinson

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…