Governor Proclaims Sept. 7 as a Day of Remembrance
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Governor Proclaims Sept. 7 as a Day of Remembrance

ByTom Atkinson

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
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Replacement History Highway Signs Find Temporary Home at the Track

ByTom Atkinson

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
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Blue River’s Resilience And Rebirth Captured In Phoenix Sculpture

ByTom Atkinson

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
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Our HFF Anniversary Tribute

ByTom Atkinson

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 
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Grant Funds Available for Businesses Strained by Holiday Farm Fire 

ByTom Atkinson

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…

Lane County Permit Navigator Note
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Lane County Permit Navigator Note

ByTom Atkinson

Over the last few days, I’ve had a lot of questions come up about the replacement timeline. Folks have been concerned that they only have until September of this year to replace their dwellings. The good news is that House Bill 2289, which was passed in June, has extended the deadline for replacing dwellings in…

USDA Statement on the Affordable Housing Crisis
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USDA Statement on the Affordable Housing Crisis

ByTom Atkinson

WASHINGTON, August 25, 2021 — As the nation continues to grapple with an affordable housing crisis worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA is committed to supporting our tenants and owners. In addition to previous actions taken by the Biden Administration, USDA will now offer: Additional support to property owners waiting to receive the U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance…

$4.7 Million Granted to Communities Impacted by Fires
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$4.7 Million Granted to Communities Impacted by Fires

ByTom Atkinson

Source: McKenzieRiverReflectionsNewspaper.com McKenzie Valley projects receive $1/2 million The 2020 Community Rebuilding Fund, a collaborative effort led by the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) in partnership with Meyer Memorial Trust, The Ford Family Foundation, and American Red Cross, announced today $4,439,256 in grants to support 40 organizations throughout the eight Oregon counties ravaged by fires. Locally…