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Oregon News Herald Continued from Front Page April 2025 March Flooding in Drain, Douglas County and Across Oregon in Corvallis crested at 32.84 feet, which was 2.84 feet above the flood stage. Daily rainfall recorded at the Hyslop weather station between Albany and Corvallis totaled nearly 4 inches from March 10-16. The biggest daily reading was 1.15 inch on Sunday morning Roseburg received 3.47 inches of rain between 1 AM on March 16th and 1 AM on March 17th, smashing the previous daily record of 0.87 inches set back in 1932. The deluge was a record breaker, claiming the title of the wettest single day in March history. The old mark was 2.29 inches from March 21st, 2012. The heavy rain flooded towns, washed out roads and turned hillsides into streams of mud. The Galesville Reservoir near Azalea, was operating near capacity after 4 to 5 inches of rain fell between March 14 and 16. According to Douglas County spokesperson Tamara Howell, the storm pushed the Galesville dam to its limits on March 17 and 18, filling the 42,225-acre-foot reservoir to the brim. The dam prevented multiple communities from more-disastrous flooding, according to Douglas County. The Galesville Dam “...acted as a major flood-control device, saving the communities of Glendale, Riddle, Myrtle Creek and Winston from even greater flooding and additional carnage.” Howell said. The Coquille River at Myrtle Point in Coos County experienced moderate flooding, with a flood stage of 35.0 feet, and some sections of Highway 42 downstream from Myrtle Point and along the highway to Powers were affected. On March 18, Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency after parts of Oregon were hit with a series of floods and landslides that overwhelmed neighborhoods and prompted several water rescues, including one that claimed the life of a Jackson County woman. According to Kotek, the floods affected communities in southern Oregon since late February, including Clackamas, Coos, Curry, Yoncalla Sprucing Up for Spring Are You Ready For An Emergency? Spring has finally arrived in Douglas County. Thanks to generous donations made to the Yon- calla Beautification Project (YBP) an additional 28 hanging flower baskets will line Eagle Valley Road and Main Street this spring and throughout summer. The result should be an anticipated total of 40 colorful baskets. New posts and flower basket holders, as well as new civic signs, are being made by Jess McHaff- ie’s Yoncalla High School shop students. Once the flower baskets are in place, they will be watered daily by Dorane Slocum. Another YBP project made possible by dona- tions will be replacing worn-out USA flags, which are flown during federal holidays, with new flags. Currently, YBP also is working with the City and high school to coordinate a city-wide cleanup day. People wishing to purchase or sponsor flower baskets or to make tax-free donations to YBP can do so by contacting YBP treasurer Doris Bartlett at 541-315-0608. Meetings are held at the Com- munity Center at 6 p.m. the fourth Thursday each month and are open to the public. These past few months we’ve seen news of devastating wildfires, hurricanes, tornados and flooding – many with Level 3 evacuations which means “Go Now.” If you have lived through a natural disaster, you realize the importance of being prepared BEFORE the disaster happens. Don’t plan on going to a store at the last minute or after the fact for much needed supplies. Get a kit together, make a plan and be informed. Have enough supplies and equipment to get you through at least three days without electricity, water or trips to the store. But a 14-day kit is even better! It’s good to have a “go bag” for home and vehicles such as a backpack or tote with wheels. What to put in your emergency kit? Every household is different. How about a flashlight with spare batteries, a battery-operated radio, water for 3 days, medications, socks, shirts, blanket, small tool kit, first aid kit, pet food, spare eye glasses, hearing aid batteries, granola bars, coloring books for the kids. Don’t be overwhelmed by a huge list of items – add a few items each week. After preparing yourself and your family for possible emergencies, take the next step in preparing your neighborhood and community. CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) is a program that educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur where they live. CERT trains volunteers over the age of 18 in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light first aid and light search and rescue in order to support professional responders. Lower Umpqua CERT team covers Reedsport, Continued on Page 7 Douglas, Harney, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Multnomah, and Malheur counties along with an active flood threat that could impact Harney County. Many of these Oregon Counties also declared states of Emergency during and after the flooding Page 5 and landslide event. For continued support, assistance and guidance, it is recommended all residents and businesses to contact local county representatives and websites for information and resources for loss and damages from flooding. Above, Elkton town Park flooded by Umpqua river on March 16. Photo by Avi Zohar Below, top row from left Yoncalla from Drone footage, Yoncalla on Eagle Valley Rd, HWY 34 near Corvallis, Below, bottom row from left, Roseburg in the city limit, Row River Rd near Cottage Grove Schools’ in Session North Douglas Elementary School North Douglas Middle School Student of the Month Student of the Month 7th grader Rilee Mast 4th grader Nicholas Nelson Nicholas is a true friend to his classmates, and he is kind as well. He has volunteered many times to help me pick things up around the room, help others who are struggling or take things to other teachers for me. I can count on Nicholas to be on task and doing his best. He sets a great example for others to follow. I’m so glad that he is in my class this year! Rilee Mast is a very hardworking, kind, and smart student. She is always there to help someone if needed and gives 100% on her work every day. She is a great role model to other students. Oregon News Herald will print your school students awards and achievments. Send Pho- tos and info to - schoolnews@ndherald.com
