Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (June 26, 2021)
SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, JUNE 26 2021 | 5A SAND from page 1A the river as I assumed that the sand would be firmer, and the walking would be easier. Wrong.” The appearance of the smooth sand was decep- tive. “I felt the tug of the sand,” Sheehan said. “In less than one minute, I was waist deep in what I believed to be quicksand. Panic crept into my being. Luckily, it is the 21st cen- tury and I was able to raise my phone above the mire. I called 911 and was told that they would dispatch the team immediately.” Local EMTs from West- ern Lane Fire and EMS Au- thority (WLFEA) arrived within 10 minutes to help Sheehan from the muck and the mire. “They were so very sup- portive and kind. The three Florence Public Works De- first time that we have had at the park near the river,” men encouraged me to stay partment. Director Mike an issue that I’m aware of. I Miller said. calm and that Siuslaw Val- Miller responded quickly have walked along the river The city’s signs will pro- ley Fire and Rescue would with his assessment of the myself, but not out into the vide warnings about soft bring a ladder to me so I problem, and more impor- mud/silt area. The sand is sand and mud and will could pull free of this wet tantly, the plans his team pretty soft during normal be installed once Public Works re- trap,” she said. ceives them. Before that The agen- became nec- essary, Shee- “This is certainly a beautiful area, but there are a lot of dangers cy most like- han was able that we have to be wary of, especially when near the water or on ly to have to deal with any to loosen first the dunes. ...When minutes or seconds count, it is always better to emergency sit- one leg and uations at the then the oth- notify emergency responders as soon as possible.” — Fire/EMS Chief Michael Schick park would be er and “belly crawl, military Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority first respond- ers affiliated style, to the with either of waiting he- WLFEA’s two roes.” She continued, “We all has for mitigating any fu- low tide events, and your components, Western Lane sighed with relief as the ture danger to park users. shoe will sink a bit to the Ambulance District and strong men carried me to “From what I under- top of the toe of your shoe, Siuslaw Valley Fire and my car, as both of my legs stand, this occurred during so casual or dress shoes are Rescue. Fire/EMS Chief Michael had fallen asleep as I tried a very low tide and the not the best thing to wear.” His department does Schick said, “I have nev- to escape.” individual walked out be- er run into a similar call The maintenance of City yond the sand and into have a solution. “The city has purchased in my career and I’m sure of Florence parks falls un- the mud/silt river bottom,” der the jurisdiction of the Miller said. “This is the warning signs to be posted it was frightening for Ms. Florence fireworks return with a blast thanks to chamber, port & city The Florence Area Chamber of Com- The governor continues to emphasize merce, the Port of Siuslaw and the City of her goal of a 70 percent statewide vacci- Florence have come together to save Flor- nation rate (at least one dose) to justify ence’s annual Fourth of July fireworks dis- lifting all COVID-19 related restrictions. play. Lane County reached the state’s minimum The fireworks will be shot over the Siu- benchmark vaccination rate of 65 percent slaw River from the east end of the Port of to move into the “low risk” category on Siuslaw Campground in Historic Old Town June 9. beginning at about 10 p.m. on Sunday, July Hannigan said that as community part- 4, to provide a multitude of great vantage ners, the various collaborators had to weigh points for spectators. economic impacts, visitor experience, and “Over the past two weeks, we have been public health concerns in a declining yet holding our collective breaths, biting our still changing COVID-19 environment. nails, and working with key stakeholders “Hearts have chambers, and our cham- SIUSLAW NEWS FILE PHOTO FROM 2019 — the show’s producer Western Display The Port of Siuslaw annually partners ber has a heart for this community. It thrills with the Florence Fireworks, the Port of Siuslaw and the City Area Chamber of Commerce to be the host site for all of us that we can start to put the social of Florence — for a safe contingency plan Florence’s July Fourth Fireworks. This year, the City of restrictions brought on by COVID-19 be- in the event that circumstances changed,” Florence, local donors and Western Display Fireworks are hind us and take those final steps toward said Chamber President/CEO Bettina making the show happen. the familiar rhythms of society. We are ex- Hannigan. cited to see the state so close to the 70 per- With the governor’s ruling updating Lane even after we thought we had to cancel and not cent vaccination goal,” Hannigan said. County to low risk, the circumstances did requiring an expensive cancelation fee.” According to Oregon Health Authority, change. Businesses, civic clubs, or individuals in- as of June 10, 1,991,717 people have com- “The port, Western Display and the cham- terested in making any size contribution to pleted a COVID-19 vaccine series. There ber, with support from the city, were excited demonstrate their appreciation and offset the are 2,303,485 people who have had at least to be able to reverse course on our May 21 cost of the event are asked to contact Hannigan one dose. The number of adult Oregonians decision and make this happen,” said Han- at 541-997-3128 or mail/drop off a check at the needing vaccinations to reach the 70 percent nigan. “Big thanks go to the Port for their Visitors Center, 290 Highway 101. threshold is 93,234. generosity in providing the launch location “Over the past 18 months, we have learned “We look forward to celebrating our nation’s and to Chamber members whose annual dues independence and encourage everyone in that these are not easy decisions and that they are underwriting this year’s big event (more Florence to find safe and fun ways to celebrate can be forced to change by quickly shifting than $18,000) for everyone who happens to Independence Day this year and look to the governmental edict,” Hannigan continued. be in town. And we are especially grateful to skies that evening for the beautiful display we “It has been challenging, even frustrating, but Western Display for keeping the date open have planned,” Hannigan said. we have become more adept at shifting with them. That’s why we are thankful to those who SIUSLAW PUBLIC LIBRARY have supported us and understood the depth, breadth, and length We are open for dine-in, take-out, of time it takes to co- No appointment needed. sidewalk & patio seating ordinate such events. All ages welcome. we move closer to We are doing everything As the state’s goals, we Masks required. we can to safely look forward to safely serve our community. Florence: Monday-Thursday 11 AM - 2 PM resuming our public Friday 11 AM - 6 PM events like October’s We are open: Wine & Chowder Trails Mapleton: Thursdays 12-5 PM. and Great Glass Float Noon to 8pm every day Walk-ins with limited capacity; 2020 Giveaway Weekend,” D VOTE no public computers. F 1285 Bay Street, Old Town Florence O T S she added. E B F LO E N C R (541) 902-8338 For more infor- 541-997-3132 mation, visit www. WWW.SIUSLAWLIBRARY.ORG www.1285Restobar.com florencechamber.com. E BROWSING IS BACK! Let me Showcase your property. New Listing Tim Sapp Owner / Principal Broker 541 999-8230 6851 Hwy 126 – Three acres of privacy with a garden and apple trees. Large, inviting deck with river views. Warm, wind-protected garden site with southern exposure. All new flooring, garage door, interior paint, plumbing, decking and some new doors and windows. $525,000. #3225-21356257 1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200 O FF B AYSTREET B ISTRO 3pm to 9pm Thur. to Sun. DUNES from page 1A The motion to accept Mill’s recommendation to approve the resolution was passed unanimously. Resolution No. 3 was a request from Mills for councilors to approve the budget for the city for the next budgetary year. After a brief discussion outlining the past stages in the budgetary process, Councilor Rory Ham- mond raised a minor ob- jection to the resolution. “I don’t have any prob- lems with how much mon- ey we are going to spend; it’s how we are going to spend it,” he said. “I want to see how we are going to replace our computers.” Mills then reassured Hammond that there would be a process in place for councilors to see before expenditures were made. Hammond accepted this explanation and the motion was passed unan- imously, approving a bud- get of $761,201 for the fis- cal year 2021-2022. At the end of the meet- ing, councilor reports were brief. Councilor Susan Snow spoke about stop signs and how they are being ignored, and Councilor Duke Wells encouraged people to write their elect- ed officials with concerns regarding what he feels is a diminution of Second Amendment rights and the right to self-protec- tion. The next Dunes City Council meeting is sched- uled for July 28, 2021. For more information, visit dunescityhall.com. Get Results...List With Mike. Early bird 3pm to 4pm 15% off your bill Dine-in only Mike Blankenship Broker 541 991-7826 Closed Mon., Tue., Wed. Lake Point Dr #34 – Lovely wooded setting, backing up to natural preserve areas. Partially cleared, buildable lot in The Reserve at Heceta Lake, one of Florence’s most elegant neighborhoods! Beautiful development with curving streets, underground utilities, and Heceta Water. $139,000. #3214-21389818 Covered heated porch, In-door dining and ToGo’s Reservations highly recommended LOCATED IN OLD TOWN Sheehan. We immediate- ly discussed the situation with the city following the incident and they decided to be cautious and have warning signs installed at the park to hopefully pre- vent another incident.” He also offered advice for those recreating in the Siuslaw region. “This is certainly a beau- tiful area, but there are a lot of dangers that we have to be wary of, especially when near the water or on the dunes. One thing I feel Ms. Sheehan did that helped was to call 9-1-1 first and then continue to try and extricate herself from the mud. When minutes or seconds count, it is always better to notify emergency responders as soon as possible.” For more information, visit www.ci.florence.or.us/ publicworks/parks. 541-590-3569 165 Maple Street, Florence, OR Offbaystreetbistro.com 1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200 Serving the entire Oregon Coast. Staff ed locally with factory trained professionals. Residential and Commercial Garage Door Installation. 541.997.5008 www.overheaddoor-eugene.com Overhead Door Company of Th e Oregon Coast™ CCB# 50460
