RURAL ARTS CENTER

LORANE, OR

VMS hit by falling tree During one of Lane County's most severe ice storms in years, our very own Region 2, District 5 Transportation Maintenance coordinator, Jake Jensen, took a routine road safety check and turned it into an extraordinary rescue mission. 

On January 13, around 2:30 p.m., Jensen, returning to Veneta from the coast after assisting a coworker, encountered blocked westbound lanes at the Knowles Creek Tunnel on OR 126W. Recognizing the need for assistance, Jensen, armed with three power saws, extra chains, fuel and an unwavering determination, forged ahead aware he was in it for the long haul. 

Alongside passengers from stranded vehicles, Jensen and the makeshift team cleared dozens of fallen trees from Knowles Creek Tunnel towards Veneta, braving extreme fatigue, 18 degree temperatures, freezing rain and darkness. The goal was to create a path just wide enough for vehicles to pass through. 

One tree at a time 
“The frozen trees dulled the chains," Jensen recalled. "I had to rotate my saws, placing them inside the cab of my truck to keep them from freezing up. I went through six sets of bar chains. At one point, I made the decision to turn off my high beams because I could see how many more trees were in our path. I needed to focus on one tree at a time.” 

Despite facing challenges, including a tree striking Jensen’s work truck, only damaging the Variable Message Sign and rack, he persisted, leading the convoy of cars behind him. 

“As quickly as we were clearing trees in front of us, we could hear trees falling behind and all around us,” Jensen added. At one point, he met three vehicles trying to head west towards Florence. He swiftly turned them around before continuing east. 

Over the next six and a half hours, Jensen faced ice-covered trees falling faster than they could be cleared, providing continuous updates to dispatch on the radio. ODOT colleagues dropped what they were doing to help, with Veneta and Glenwood crews working together to clear the path. 

A successful rescue mission 
Against all odds, what began as a road safety check evolved into a rescue mission, saving over a dozen vehicles and numerous passengers. They made it back to Veneta around 9 p.m., ensuring the safety of all stranded individuals. 

Jensen, a dedicated 17-year employee, embodied determination, quick action and a get-it-done attitude, turning a hazardous situation into a remarkable display of community. We commend Jensen and all involved crews for their unwavering commitment to public safety.
VMS hit by falling tree Credit: OregonDOT

The Rural Arts Center in Lorane, Oregon is a community-based arts organization that provides a platform for artists to showcase their work, as well as offering a range of educational opportunities for local residents. The center is located in a rural area, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, and is housed in a historic building that has been renovated to serve as a cultural hub for the community.

The center hosts a variety of art events, including exhibitions featuring local and regional artists, live music performances, poetry readings, and theater productions. In addition, the Rural Arts Center offers a range of workshops and classes in various art forms, including painting, ceramics, and photography. These classes are designed for both beginners and experienced artists, and are taught by local instructors who are experts in their fields.

The Rural Arts Center is also committed to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness, and often incorporates these themes into its programming. The center regularly hosts events and workshops focusing on topics such as recycling, conservation, and sustainable agriculture.

Overall, the Rural Arts Center is an important cultural institution in the Lorane community, providing a space for artists and community members to connect and engage with the arts in a meaningful way. Its commitment to sustainability and community involvement make it a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike.

RURAL ARTS CENTER is a Uncategorized or General Museum in LORANE OR. US MID #8404100482

The museum is classed as GMU (Uncategorized or General Museums). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Western (Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington).

Contact RURAL ARTS CENTER

RURAL ARTS CENTER
79465 LETZ CREEK RD
LORANE
OR
97451-9717

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RURAL ARTS CENTER Information

MID # 8404100482
Name RURAL ARTS CENTER
Alternate Name
Classification Uncategorized or General Museums, , Western
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 931194014
NTEECC A99
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201306
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 43.815817, -123.325574
CODES FIPS State Code: 41
FIPS County Code: 039
US Census Tract: 000800
US Census Block: 1468