Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 10, 2016)
Page A-10 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, August 10, 2016 Weather watcher needed By Dan Klapheke IVN Staff Writer The National Weather Service (NWS) Cooperative Observer Program (COOP) Medford office is seeking a volunteer to observe and record weather data in the Cave Junction area. The volunteer will replace the current Cave Junction observer, who is moving away from the Valley. Spencer Higginson, hydrologist for the NWS Medford office, said the position requires no prior knowledge of weather or data collecting. “No experience is needed,” Higginson said. “We would bring the equipment and install it.” According to a letter sent out by NWS, there are over 11,000 volunteer observers across the nation who record and report weather data. COOP provides meteorological data on daily maximum and minimum temperatures; snowfall and precipitation totals to predict forecasts; and agricultural industries, insurance industries, engineers and It’s climate scientists rely on the information provided. Despite the importance of the position, Higginson said it’s a simple five to 10 minute job. “It’s just a matter of sticking a special ruler into a rain gage,” Higginson said. “The only demanding thing is that it’s every day.” Possible observers are not required to take any sort of test, the letter said, and data can be logged online or through email. Data-gathering equipment is provided by NWS, but personal or other equipment may be used if it meets NWS standards. Observers typically belong to an older demographic, Higginson said, and often have a sense of patriotism and duty to the country. Recently, NWS created an award recognizing an observer who had collecting data for 50 years. However, Higginson said that demographic is getting older and aren’t as able to observe. “We would love to get some young blood in there,” Higginson said. COOP formally began in 1890 under the Organic Act, which also started the Weather Bureau, but some stations were operational earlier. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin kept meteorological data, and weather records date back to 1644. Cave Junction’s COOP station started in 1962 and mainly collects daily temperature and rainfall. The station is part of a nine-county area in northern California and southern Oregon that the NWS Medford office covers, and there are 84 COOP sites within it. Higginson said the observer would need to live at least within five miles of downtown. There’s no perfect mindset for the position, Higginson said, but enthusiasm helps. “Someone that loves the weather is ideal,” Higginson said. “If you’re indifferent or even hate it, you’re less likely to keep going on it.” For more information or if interested in the position, contact Spencer Higginson via email at spencerhigginson@noaa.gov or phone at 541-773-1067. Pickers are coming Judy Hoyle IVN Contributing Writer Calling all collectors of valuable or unique stuff, your “15 minutes of fame” is coming in September. The “American Pickers” documentary television series will be filming episodes in Oregon and Washington for the History Channel in a few weeks. They’re looking for unique collections and the stories behind them. The team of Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz are the on-camera guys who love to discuss the stories behind the collections as well. They routinely travel the back roads of America from coast to coast, on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten machinery and other interesting “gimcracks and geegaws.” They’re also looking for the interesting people who love to collect remarkable or exceptional items from our past. They specifically want to see old Airstream trailers, motorcycles, scooters, furniture, radios, antique toys and dolls, fishing gear and decoys, pinball and vending machines. Other items on their wish list include old movie posters and other advertisements, board games, early mousetraps, Boy Scout items, license plates and taxidermy animals. Antique bottles, pottery, crocks, jugs, granite ware, cast iron, clocks, lamps and rugs are also of interest, as are oil paintings, folk art and photographs. Pedal cars and tractors, toy wagons and boats, juke boxes, military items, shell boxes, BB guns, wood carvings, wagon wheels and holiday décor have all been featured on their show. A press release sent out to news media and chambers of commerce stated, “Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about American’s past along the way.” The show’s producers are currently creating a schedule of stops and are seeking private collections or accumulations of antiques that the duo can spend the better part of the day looking through. They are not interested in browsing retail shops or flea markets. “It’s kind of a process,” stated program associate Natasha Moore, “We’re putting out feelers. Hopefully you guys have some good stuff.” Film crews will go to selected households to pick through the treasures, listen to the stories and buy unique items. They ask those interested in participating to email their name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@ cineflix.com or call 1-855-653-7878 (OLD- RUST). National Health Center Week All you cAn eAt breAkfAst August 8 - 12 or order off the menu At the I.V. GrAnGe F irst three s undays oF the month From 8 a . m . to 12 noon . 3763 Holland Loop 541-592-6045 FREE BLOOD PRESSURE CHECK Monday - Friday (Walk-In Clinic & Cave Junction Medical Clinic) Grants Pass Medical Clinic Receive a $20 Gift Voucher towards medical or dental services P ainT S PeCial ! 1701 NW Hawthorne Avenue • Grants Pass SPORTS PHYSICALS Monday - Friday (Walk-In Clinic & Cave Junction Medical Clinic) $25 Each. Enter to win a $25 Gift Certificate at Competitive Athletics Walk-In Clinic 1701 NW Hawthorne Avenue • Grants Pass MOUTHGUARDS Cave Junction Medical Clinic Monday - Friday (Dental Clinic in Grants Pass & Wed. in Cave Junction) $20 Each.Enter to win a $25 Gift Certificate at Competitive Athletics Please call 541-479-6393 to make an appointment. 25647 Redwood Hwy. • Cave Junction FREE KIDS DENTAL CLEANINGS Monday - Friday (Dental Clinic in Grants Pass & Wed. in Cave Junction) 1st 25 kids (18 & under) get a FREE Back-to-School Backpack Please call 541-479-6393 to make an appointment. IMMUNIZATIONS Monday - Friday (Walk-In Clinic & Cave Junction Medical Clinic) Dental 1701 NW Hawthorne Avenue • Grants Pass 25647 Redwood Hwy. • Cave Junction Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm (Grants Pass) Tuesday & Thursday 8:30am - 5:00pm (Cave Junction) Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm (Medford) seitz restoration & Collision Pharmacy 1701 NW Hawthorne Avenue • Grants Pass 25647 Redwood Hwy. • Cave Junction Healthy Families of Southern Oregon 1701 NW Hawthorne Avenue • Grants Pass 25647 Redwood Hwy. • Cave Junction 1380 Biddle Road, Ste. D • Medford An Affordable Solution For Quality Health Care 541.472.4777 • www.siskiyouhealthcenter.com This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. • Includes selected colors • Single Stage Urethane Paint • Jambs and Body Work Extra For Inquiries and Scheduling, contact our office. R eStoRation - C olliSion - R efuRbiShing w Here Customer W oRk With all i nSuRanCe oR S elf - pay satisfaCtion is paramount . i-CaR C eRtified - 44 y eaRS e xpeRienCe 541-592-3990 1st 25 kids (18 & under) get a FREE Back-to-School Back pack FREE BOOKS FOR KIDS 5 & UNDER Complete refinish starting at $1800 220 Watkins St. Cave Junction
