Backyard Burning Ban continues
Cooler overnight temperatures, increased humidity and a little less wind during the daytime signals a change in the season. But, says Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Chief Jim Langborg, that doesn’t mean there’s been a change in outdoor burning.
Jim Langborg – “We’re not there yet. For now, all burning is banned.”
The estimated date for reopening of open burning outside Florence city limits right now is October 1st. The Chief says hot, dry, and windy weather would have to return in order to force an extension.
Jim Langborg- “But if you’re watching the weather forecast it’s starting to turn around; temperatures are dropping and there is more and more precipitation. I don’t think that’s going to happen, but if we had a year like we did last year where it was just continued drought and high temperatures then I think they would consider extending it.”
Fire and air quality officials will meet later this month to make a formal decision. No matter what they say, however, outdoor burning inside Florence city limits is banned year-round.
Traffic Restrictions in Old Town
The ninth annual Rods and Rhodies invitational classic car show is set for this weekend and with it is a reminder that traffic in Old Town Florence will be restricted.
Bay Street between Kingwood and Nopal Streets will be closed entirely beginning at nine tomorrow morning to accommodate the 107 cars and trucks that will be on display. At four, the cars will begin a cruise through Old Town; traffic will be reopened by early evening.
Sunday, streets will be closed again beginning at ten a.m. An awards ceremony is scheduled for Noon Sunday and then traffic will reopen again after that.
Community Wide Garage Sales
Along with all the cars and festivities in Old Town will be the fourth annual Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Community Wide Garage Sale. Chamber President Jenna Bartlett says dozens of sales are lined up.
Jenna Bartlett – “We had 50 garage sales sign up that you’ll find in the Siuslaw News and also on the Chamber’s website, but traditionally there are a lot more going on. So my estimate would be that there will be almost a hundred going on this weekend.”
A listing was published in Wednesday’s paper and will be reprinted again Saturday in the Siuslaw News.
Ambulance district seeking levy approval
More than 60-percent of the patients served by Western Lane Ambulance District are on Medicare. Because of cost restrictions imposed by that agency, it means payment for ambulance transport is often far less than the actual cost.
That has to be made up with property tax revenue and the district’s 27-year old permanent tax rate is inadequate say officials.
Ten years ago voters approved an operating levy to help bridge that gap. It was increased in 2012 by another public vote.
That levy is set to expire in May of 2017 and directors are once again asking voters for approval of the extra levy.
If approved November 8th, it would continue the current 45-cent-per-thousand-dollars tax through 2021.
