OYA Youth Escapes
The Oregon Youth Authority reported the escape of a youth that was being held at its facility in Florence. 20 year old Brandon Hansen had recently been transferred to the Florence facility from its MacLaren facility in Woodburn. Hansen was being held since January 2017 for the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. On Saturday evening Hansen told staff that he was going to check on the dogs kept at the facility, but then left the grounds. Staff located him near the Siuslaw River Bridge, but before they could approach him it is believed he jumped into the Siuslaw River. Florence police and Coast Guard personnel assisted in the search for Hansen, but were unsuccessful in locating him. OYA Spokesperson Benjamin Chambers says they sincerely hope that Hansen is ok. Camp Florence is a transitional facility used to help youth return to society after being incarcerated. Chambers says the facility is conducting an internal review to see what changes in procedures and protocol might need to be made to prevent a future occurrence. A warrant has been issued for Hansen’s arrest.
Peanut Butter Drive Concludes
Johnston Motor Company has been collecting jars of peanut butter for the Florence food share during the month of May. They delivered some of the donations on Friday. Ed Monks is the interim director of the Florence Food Share.
“We have in excess of 250 jars received so far.”
Monks says so far, because Johnston Motor Company agreed to continue to collect jars through the weekend. Monks says that peanut butter is a staple for their clients and through the summer it provides a good supplement for students that may not have access to good foods. Donations of food and money can be made at any time to the Florence Food Share located at 2190 Spruce Street.
City Council Meeting
The Florence City Council meets this evening at 5:30 at the Florence City Hall. The council will hold a public hearing on the biennial budget for the 2019-2021. The council is expected to approve the budget that begins on July first. They will also hold a public hearing on City of Florence Fee adjustments for city services including Airport fees, administrative, Florence Event Center, public works and Utilities. On average, but not uniformly, fees will increase 1.3 percent. Some services will remain at the current rates. Water and wastewater System Development Charges will increase 2.4 percent.
