26 August 2014
Filing Deadline Today
If you were thinking about getting into the Florence or Dunes City council races and kept putting it off, you’re rapidly running out of time. Today is the deadline for submitting final paperwork, including nominating petitions with signatures of qualified voters verified by the county elections office.
The four step process could theoretically be done in one day, but it would be a stretch, especially with the number of prospective candidates from other Lane County municipalities stepping up to the counter to pick up their vetted petitions.
As of yesterday, there were two official candidates for Florence Mayor, with one more declared; Four candidates for a pair of four-year council terms and two people vying for one two-year council term.
As of last week, only Dunes City Mayor Rebecca Ruede had filed for reelection, Councilors Duke Wells, Richard Anderson and Sheldon Meyer had all signaled intentions to run, but had not yet submitted paperwork.
Incidentally, for any candidate who files, then subsequently changes their mind… they have until this Friday to officially withdraw their name from the November ballot.
Fire Danger Remains Extreme
Labor Day, school and fall are just around the corner. But that doesn’t mean the danger of wildfire has gone away.
Rod Nichols with the Oregon Department of Forestry says the signs of “seasonal transition” can cause some people to drop their guard against wildfire.
But instead of easing, the pressures are actually increasing.
Nichols said fire agencies in our corner of the state have increased fire precaution levels in the past week due to hot, dry conditions.
Most of the state is already at the “high” classification, but many areas in southwest Oregon are registered as “extreme”. Nichols said forest fuels are still bone-dry and primed to burn.
Quake Preparedness
Sunday morning’s earthquake in the Napa Valley of California should serve as a reminder to be prepared for earthquakes in Oregon.
Dr. Althea Rizzo, the geologic hazard coordinator for the Oregon Office of Emergency Management, says residents need to prepare now for a possible quake by developing an emergency plan and building an emergency kit.
“You could be on your own for days or weeks” says Rizzo. She says many people are seriously injured in and after a quake because they don’t know what to do… or what not to do.
Familiarize yourself with the concept of “drop, cover and hold” and prepare three… yes three… emergency kits. A “go-bag” in the car with a minimum of three-days supplies; one for work that will get you through a week; and the kit at home should be enough sustain you for three weeks.
More information on how to prepare for an earthquake or other natural disaster can be found at the O.E.M. website, or locally at the fire station, the ambulance district, or through the West Lane Emergency Operations Group.
Meet the Other Florence
Yesterday’s feature article on the CNN Travel website was extolling the virtues of the Central Oregon Coast in general… and the Florence area specifically.
The story, entitled “Meet the Other Florence” described many features of the Florence area, including visits to Old Town, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, and Heceta Head Lighthouse.
It also talked about clam digging and hanging out at the gazebo park in addition to the many shopping and dining opportunities.
