Wings and Wheels Cancelled
The latest casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic is the annual Wings and Wheels Car Show and Fly-in. The event was not scheduled until July 11th, but organizers thought that, even if a full recovery from the pandemic happened in May, there would still be businesses that support the event struggling to come back. Ross Kronert organizes the event in conjunction with the Florence Lions Club.
“We felt the better thing to do would be to put it off this year, try again next year, probably, and send the money back, especially some of the restaurants and small businesses, $250.00 would probably be nice to have coming through the door.”
Kronert was asked about the economic impact the event has on our tourist driven community, and if perhaps it would be a boost to have the event, but he said he and other organizers said the possibility of a robust economy returning by July was just too uncertain.
”None of us has a crystal ball to know what’s going to happen in July, everything that I have read I tend to think ok by July we may be walking around wearing a mask or may not able to be go to the same restaurant when we want to, there’s just so many unknowns. I don’t know that anyone really has the answer.”
Kronert says that several registered participants and even sponsors have donated the money they have already paid, which he says helps to cover some of the expenses already incurred. He says the event was fully ready to go for July, and now they are just looking forward to next year.
Florence is Tree City USA
The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Florence as a Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to urban forest management. In a release from the city of Florence, the city met the 4 criteria by establishing a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance or proclamation. Mayor Joe Henry has proclaimed this Friday, April 24th as Arbor Day in Florence. The city has posted information on its website regarding resources being made available.
No New Cases…So Far Today
Lane County Public Health updated its website yesterday and reported no new cases of the coronavirus. The number currently stands at 48, with 45 of those positive tests occurring in or around the Eugene/Springfield area, with 3 in rural Lane County. 2180 tests have currently been administered. Statewide the number of cases climbed slightly to 1,956 and the total number of tests has reached the 40,000 mark with 40,045 tests conducted. Oregon is one of 6 states that currently have the lowest rate of death associated with the virus.
New Meal Routes for Schools
Siuslaw School District will be changing up the way they deliver meals for students. They are condensing the routes from 10 to 5, but still servicing the same locations. Buses were going to 2-3 locations and will now increase to 5-6 locations. Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak says this will help with the consumption of resources while still servicing all the students and maintaining a safe environment for staff. A note goes out to parents on Wednesday to advise of the new times for specific locations.
