Florence Man Arrested in Newport
A Florence man is behind bars in Newport after he led police on a chase through town in a stolen vehicle. Initially Newport police responded to a call of a subject trespassing on properties and trying to enter residences. Stephen Phillip Lent 30 of Florence entered a residence that was occupied and fled when confronted by the occupant. While searching the area for Lent police received a call that someone was trying to break into vehicles near the U.S. Coast Guard station. Lent had gained entry to a vehicle and drove north on highway 101. Police conducted a high risk traffic stop and took Lent into custody where he was charged with 3rd degree criminal mischief, 1st degree burglary, 1st and 2nd degree criminal trespass, unauthorized entry and use of a motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance – Methamphetamine. On Facebook local residents in Florence say that Lent had been menacing neighborhoods here and believe he may be responsible for several break-ins locally. Lent is in the Lincoln County Jail.
Measles Outbreak Concerns Lane County Doctors
It has not affected Florence, but the outbreak of measles in Portland and Washington has local doctors concerned that it might make its way to Lane County, and that is especially disconcerting for pregnant women. Dr. Yvonne Sculley with Peace Harbor hospital says women that are pregnant and have not had the measles vaccination are at risk.
“In pregnant women they are more likely to die from measles because their immune status is decreased while they’re pregnant.”
Sculley says the same is true for the unborn child. According to research Measles is more infectious than influenza or pertussis, and 9 out of 10 people exposed to the virus that have not been vaccinated will contract it. She says women that plan to get pregnant and have not been vaccinated should consider the vaccination 3 months prior to conception. Dr. Yvonne Sculley and Dr. Jacquelyn Serrano will be guests on February’s doc talk.
Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Florence Library is having a two day book sale this weekend featuring over 230 boxes of books. The sale will be held Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 4pm each day. The Friends say they have had a record donation of books this year with fiction, non-fiction, cookbooks, gardening and home improvement books. The sale will be set up in the Bromley room of the Siuslaw Public Library on 9th street. Members of the Friends of the Florence Library will have a pre-sale opportunity from 9-10 on Saturday and memberships applications will be available then. Cash or check only, credit cards will not be accepted.
Cold Weather Affects EV Performance
If you are the owner of an all electric vehicle be aware that cold temperatures can severely limit the range a vehicle can get when you have to use your heating system. Vehicle range can drop as much as 41% which means 100 miles of range will only net 59 miles. This is not likely to be a problem for Florence drivers unless you plan a trip where the temperatures will drop to 20 degrees or lower. AAA Oregon says to plan ahead when traveling and identify recharging opportunities that are closer together. Take time to preheat the vehicle while it is still connected to a power source, and if possible store the vehicle in a garage where you can stabilize cabin temperature.
