19 December 2014
Vehicle Registration Fee Could Boost Road Fund
Lane County residents will have a chance to comment next month on a proposal that would raise more than $11-million a year for road and bridge maintenance. The Board of Commissioners will conduct a hearing January 27 on a plan to add $70 every two years to the vehicle registration fee levied by the state.
Jay Bozievich – “We are now getting to the point where we can’t maintain that asset in good condition and it’s going to start deteriorating. The vehicle registration fee, which would be added to Oregon’s registration fee, which is the lowest in the nation, would help us maintain those roads and keep our roads safe and in good operating condition.”
West Lane Commissioner Jay Bozievich said 28 of those 70-dollars would be distributed to incorporated cities, but the balance… approximately $6.3-million each year… would bolster the County’s road fund.
The January 27th hearing wouldn’t be the final chance for residents to express their opinion. If Commissioners feel there’s enough support, they’ll refer it to voters in May for a final decision.
The Rains They Are Acomin’
The Siuslaw River is already beginning to rise. With more heavy rains on the way, it and other coastal rivers are expected to quickly fill their banks over the weekend.
The National Weather Service says a strong and deep, moist westerly flow will begin crossing the Pacific Coast tomorrow morning, depositing as much as seven to ten inches of rain in the Coast Range… five to seven inches along the immediate coast.
Given the data, forecasters say several coast range rivers have at least a moderate potential of exceeding flood stage.
Current estimates show the Siuslaw River crossing the first action flood stage of 18 feet above Mapleton by early Sunday morning, then cresting just below the moderate flood stage of 22 feet by midday Sunday.
Florence Dental Clinic Singled Out for Service
A local dental practice was recently honored by the Oregon Bankers Association.
Florence Dental Clinic, owned and operated by Drs. Brian Holmes and Justin Linton received a “Community Applause” award during the OBA Executive Conference two weeks ago in Seattle.
They were recognized for their efforts to provide dental care and education to youngsters in the area. The dentists and their staff have been bringing dental vans to Siuslaw and Mapleton schools every year since 2002. That effort has led to a marked decrease in incidents of periodontal disease during that time.
Dee Osborne, with Siuslaw Bank in Florence nominated the business. She said they’ve provided more than $400-thousand in free care through the vans; plus assist several other fund raisers and volunteer efforts.
Community Christmas Baskets
Distribution of the Community Christmas Baskets will be done tomorrow at two different locations once again. The annual project, organized by the Florence Soroptimist Club, features a food box containing ingredients for a traditional Christmas Holiday meal. Toys and gifts for children are also give away.
The Food Box distribution will be at Siuslaw Middle School from ten AM to 1 PM… or until supplies are exhausted.
The toy distribution for low-income families will be handled at the Florence Church of the Nazarene at Nopal and 12th Street from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Christmas with the Elks
The Florence Elks Lodge will host their annual Children’s Christmas Party tomorrow from one to three PM. The event offers plenty of Christmas cookies and ice cream, along with games and a visit by Santa Claus.
A special performance by CROW – the Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshop, a children’s theater group.
The party is free and open to all children.
