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ROSE
Here's a rose that's certainly a sweet one for Scott Lamb, who runs the resort at Lemolo Lake.
A public health advisory that had restricted water activity at the lake due to the presence of blue-green algae was lifted Monday after just three weeks.
Lamb has been working hard to rid the lake of the invasive tui chub, a fish that feeds on zooplankton, which in turn feeds on algae. Less zooplankton, more algae. Although experts aren't yet convinced the fish alone is the culprit in the presence of the algae, which produces toxins harmful to humans, Lamb certainly is.
“We're happy — it's proof in the pudding that our trap-netting operation is working,” he said of an effort that has removed 60,000 tui chub from the lake this year. He believes the annual advisory-causing blooms won't resurface next year.
We hope that's true, and the good news is that the lake is back in full operation after taking a big hit at the height of the summer tourist season. Trophy and legal-sized trout are being stocked in coming days. Do yourself a favor. Go visit.
THORN
A bad smell
Thorns normally have no discernible scent, but this one stinks the place up pretty good.
We've gotten calls and letters for some time about the odor emanating from the Heard Farms sewage treatment ponds in Wilbur, just off Interstate 5. Many have reported being able to smell the operation as they drive by, and nearby residents have also complained about offensive odors.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality recently fined Heard Farms, the operator of the plant, $76,637 for water quality violations and two sewage spills.
The DEQ reports sewage treatment lagoons have been overloaded, preventing them from operating properly, a condition that makes them attractive to disease carriers such as flies, mosquitoes and birds.
“The inefficient operation of the Heard Farms facility has created a public nuisance,” the DEQ said in a written release. “Strong offensive odors emanating from the facility have impacted the quality of life of nearby residents and commuters passing through the area.”
Enough said. This operation has been controversial from the start, and those who run it need to clean up their act.
ROSE
High and mighty
August seems like an uncomfortable time to be tossing around large objects under the sun, but it seems to work out well for the doughty athletes who attend Douglas County Scottish Society's Highland Games and Clan Gathering. The 17th annual event took place last weekend at Winston's Riverbend Park, and a 65-year-old from Nevada broke a world record — his own, in fact — in the weight-for-height competition.
Ray Oster of Carson City, Nev., heaved a 56-pound weight over a bar standing at 14 feet, 6 inches. Other contestants made good showings at Highland Games favorites such as the caber toss, heavyweight stone and edged weapons. In addition to the tests of skill and endurance were the added enticements of bagpiping, other forms of Celtic music, children's games, Clydesdale horses, dog agility trials and a Parade of Clans.
It's a colorful and educational mix, and here's a bouquet of appreciation to the Scottish Society for making Douglas County look good in plaid.
ROSE
Quacking good cause
There's still time to buy a yellow duck that could yield a golden egg at Saturday's Rotary Duck Race at River Forks Park.
A flotilla of ducks will be launched along the North Umpqua River, 11 of which will be retrieved to redeem for prizes. The grand prize is a 2009 Chevy Aveo donated by the Clint Newell Auto Group. Ten other prizes are worth thousands of dollars in goods or services at area businesses.
It costs $10 to purchase a potential winning duck. Proceeds from sales go to agencies that work to prevent child abuse and provide assistance to children who have suffered abuse.
These ducks have an important mission, and you can find a ticket for yours at any Cascade Community Credit Union branch, most other local credit unions, Macy's, any Bi-Mart in the county, Sherm's, Thunderbird, the YMCA and Clint Newell Motors. Tickets also are sold at Court-Appointed Special Advocates or CASA, the Family Development Center, Douglas C.A.R.E.S., Battered Persons' Advocacy and Safe Haven Maternity Home.
If you don't buy a ticket, you don't have a chance at a lucky duck.
Here's a rose that's certainly a sweet one for Scott Lamb, who runs the resort at Lemolo Lake.
A public health advisory that had restricted water activity at the lake due to the presence of blue-green algae was lifted Monday after just three weeks.
Lamb has been working hard to rid the lake of the invasive tui chub, a fish that feeds on zooplankton, which in turn feeds on algae. Less zooplankton, more algae. Although experts aren't yet convinced the fish alone is the culprit in the presence of the algae, which produces toxins harmful to humans, Lamb certainly is.
“We're happy — it's proof in the pudding that our trap-netting operation is working,” he said of an effort that has removed 60,000 tui chub from the lake this year. He believes the annual advisory-causing blooms won't resurface next year.
We hope that's true, and the good news is that the lake is back in full operation after taking a big hit at the height of the summer tourist season. Trophy and legal-sized trout are being stocked in coming days. Do yourself a favor. Go visit.
THORN
A bad smell
Thorns normally have no discernible scent, but this one stinks the place up pretty good.
We've gotten calls and letters for some time about the odor emanating from the Heard Farms sewage treatment ponds in Wilbur, just off Interstate 5. Many have reported being able to smell the operation as they drive by, and nearby residents have also complained about offensive odors.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality recently fined Heard Farms, the operator of the plant, $76,637 for water quality violations and two sewage spills.
The DEQ reports sewage treatment lagoons have been overloaded, preventing them from operating properly, a condition that makes them attractive to disease carriers such as flies, mosquitoes and birds.
“The inefficient operation of the Heard Farms facility has created a public nuisance,” the DEQ said in a written release. “Strong offensive odors emanating from the facility have impacted the quality of life of nearby residents and commuters passing through the area.”
Enough said. This operation has been controversial from the start, and those who run it need to clean up their act.
ROSE
High and mighty
August seems like an uncomfortable time to be tossing around large objects under the sun, but it seems to work out well for the doughty athletes who attend Douglas County Scottish Society's Highland Games and Clan Gathering. The 17th annual event took place last weekend at Winston's Riverbend Park, and a 65-year-old from Nevada broke a world record — his own, in fact — in the weight-for-height competition.
Ray Oster of Carson City, Nev., heaved a 56-pound weight over a bar standing at 14 feet, 6 inches. Other contestants made good showings at Highland Games favorites such as the caber toss, heavyweight stone and edged weapons. In addition to the tests of skill and endurance were the added enticements of bagpiping, other forms of Celtic music, children's games, Clydesdale horses, dog agility trials and a Parade of Clans.
It's a colorful and educational mix, and here's a bouquet of appreciation to the Scottish Society for making Douglas County look good in plaid.
ROSE
Quacking good cause
There's still time to buy a yellow duck that could yield a golden egg at Saturday's Rotary Duck Race at River Forks Park.
A flotilla of ducks will be launched along the North Umpqua River, 11 of which will be retrieved to redeem for prizes. The grand prize is a 2009 Chevy Aveo donated by the Clint Newell Auto Group. Ten other prizes are worth thousands of dollars in goods or services at area businesses.
It costs $10 to purchase a potential winning duck. Proceeds from sales go to agencies that work to prevent child abuse and provide assistance to children who have suffered abuse.
These ducks have an important mission, and you can find a ticket for yours at any Cascade Community Credit Union branch, most other local credit unions, Macy's, any Bi-Mart in the county, Sherm's, Thunderbird, the YMCA and Clint Newell Motors. Tickets also are sold at Court-Appointed Special Advocates or CASA, the Family Development Center, Douglas C.A.R.E.S., Battered Persons' Advocacy and Safe Haven Maternity Home.
If you don't buy a ticket, you don't have a chance at a lucky duck.
