Public begins learning about August eclipse

More than 60 people attended the public meeting Tuesday night to hear more about the upcoming solar eclipse on Aug. 21.

Chamber Director MeriAnn Rush led the meeting that included information on what locals should expect in the days leading up to the celestial event such as the 6,000 visitors that are expected.

Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Gordon talked about some of the things his department along with entities such as the National Weather Service, NASA, local first responders and others are doing to get prepared for the influx of people.

Even though the eclipse will not be happening for several months yet, Gordon has been in touch with others who have gone through an event like this and compiled a list of items we need to be ready for. Meetings are being held monthly with a variety of town and county departments and local volunteers to make sure all the bases are covered.

A few of the items those in attendance were wondering about included allowing people to park their campers on their property, whether or not they could rent out rooms in their homes or spaces for dry camping, since most hotel rooms are already booked and the commercial RV campgrounds are full.

Currently, if family members are camping or parking their trailers on your property you do not need a permit. However, if you are going to rent out space, say in an open field, you may need a permit and you will need to collect lodging tax from the people parking there. If you have space within the city limits, you will need to contact the Town to find out what the specifics are related to renting out space in your yard or on your property.

Some of the things Gordon suggested was people do their grocery shopping on Monday or Tuesday as most of the visitors are expected to hit town on Thursday or Friday. Also, it would be a good idea to gas up your vehicles early in the week as it is unknown what the gas situation may be like during that weekend.

Folks were also reminded it is Demolition Derby weekend, so there will also be an influx of derby enthusiasts as well.

Tuesday night’s public meeting is just the first of what is sure to be many more public meetings to keep everyone informed as the date grows closer. Those dates will be advertised well in advance so people can make plans to attend.

Interpreters needed

In preparation for the solar eclipse, a call is going out to anyone who may speak a foreign language.

Catherine Crumpler with Wisdom Tree is spearheading a search for locals who may speak any foreign language as we are expecting as many as 6,000 visitors, many of whom may not speak fluent English.

Crumpler would like to put together a list of volunteers willing to interpret in any number of situations, from medical emergencies to someone being separated from their family.

The list will remain private and shared only with local emergency management for use during the eclipse.

If you or someone you know speaks any foreign language, please call Crumpler at 921-3667.

Please feel free to leave a message with your name, phone number and the language you speak and Crumpler will return your call.