Briefs..

Roadwork

The Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT) will be working on some sections of Hwy. 126 this summer. Motorists will encounter two 24-hour and six 12-hour closures along an 8-mile-long paving project. That work will also include guardrail adjustments and replacement and striping on the stretch of road east of the Hwy. 242 junction.

More rumble strips will be added along the roadway from Cedar Flat to Hwy. 242 to alert drivers if they start to stray from within the travel lane.

Providing a smoother ride is the goal of other work on two structures - the Blue River and Fish Hole Bridges. Crews will be replacing the road surfaces there while also upgrading guardrails.

Firewise

Out of 290 Firewise sites in the U.S., the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) reports Oregon is ranked number two in the nation. In 2023, Oregon added 39 new sites to create more fire-adapted communities.

Along with being number two as a state in 2023, Oregon is also home to the number four and number five counties with the most sites in the nation: Jackson County with 75 sites and Deschutes County with 73 sites.

The program, run by the National Fire Protection Association, National Association of State Foresters, and U.S. Forest Service helps guide communities to protect homes and neighborhoods from wildfire. ODF is responsible for administering the program in Oregon in cooperation with the Oregon State Fire Marshal, community coordinators, and local fire departments, to develop action plans for implementing wildfire risk reduction activities.

A minimum of eight dwellings are required. Becoming a Firewise USA site is as easy as picking up the phone and calling a local ODF office, like Springfield’s at 541-726-3515.

By becoming a Firewise site, people can educate their community and work to become more wildfire resilient. Firewise sites have access to several wildfire partners, like the Oregon Department of Forestry, for help in securing grants, getting advice, and more.

Egg Hunt

The Walterville Grange’s Easter egg hunt will begin right at 10 a.m. so don’t be late (they go fast).  Be sure the kids bring their baskets to put the eggs they find in.  There will be some special eggs with special prizes in them.  Every egg will have a surprise in it.  There are three age groups:  4 and under; 5 and 6; and 7 and above.  There is no charge, and all are welcome.  We are still collecting donations for the new siding and windows on the west side of the building if you care to donate.