23 September 2014
Wiener Dogs, Pancakes and Beer…
Three German bands, Scandinavian dancers and polka playing accordions will provide most of the entertainment; but some will no doubt come from the wiener dog races, pancake feed, and authentic German Bier and Bratwursts October Fourth at the Florence Oktoberfest.
This year’s fest will be at the Florence Events Center where the day will begin with a Kiwanis Club pancake breakfast. That’s all part of an effort by Kiwanis Clubs across the Northwest attempting to set a record by hosting pancake feeds on that day with proceeds going to a worldwide effort to eliminate tetanus.
Other non-profit agencies will be involved with Oktoberfest as well, serving bratwurst, desserts and more.
Advance tickets for the festival are only $10… that includes breakfast. They’re available at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center.
Ocean warming tied to winds
A recent scientific study has found that warming temperatures in Pacific Ocean waters off North America over the past century closely follow natural changes in the wind… not increases in greenhouse gases related to global warming.
The study was released yesterday by the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
It compared ocean surface temperatures from 1900 to 2012 to surface air-pressure, a stand-in for wind measurements, and found a close match.
Several mainstream climate scientists questioned how the authors could claim that changes in wind direction and velocity were natural, and unrelated to climate change.
The authors countered that one steep ocean warming period from 1920 to 1940 predates the big increases in greenhouse gases, and an ocean cooling period from 1998 to 2014 came while global average temperatures were at or near all-time highs.
Emergency department fund drive gets boost
The fund drive to expand the Emergency Department at Peace Harbor Medical Center got a $30-thousand boost this week.
Recognizing the connection between quality healthcare and a healthy economy, Oregon Pacific Bank CEO Ron Green said they were proud to offer “continued support” to Peace Harbor.
The Peace Harbor Medical Center Foundation has been quietly raising money over the past two years to triple the size of the Emergency Department and update it… Through last week they had gathered pledges and donations for four million of the estimated $5-million price tag.
Ground for the expansion is expected to be broken just after the first of the year.
Forest Service firewood permits offered
Commercial and personal use permits for gathering firewood on National Forest land in Western Oregon will go on sale October First. Personal use permits will cost $10 per cord with a two-cord minimum. Commercial permits are twice that… $20 per cord, with a minimum permit requirement of six cords.
Permits are available at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area office in Reedsport; Information is also available at the Central Coast Ranger District office in Waldport or at the Siuslaw National Forest Headquarters in Corvallis.
Personal use permits will be good primarily for existing log decks and downed wood after commercial logging activities are completed. Cutters are encouraged to check with the Forest Service for up to date information on availability and fire danger.
