School Board To Deliberate Plan
It may be a virtual start, but the Siuslaw School Board will consider a September 14th date for the beginning of the school year. The board will meet tomorrow evening to discuss the change. Discussions will be held that include 4 days for Staff Development and Family Orientation days. The new model of Comprehensive Distance Learning that the state has proposed will have some challenges here in Florence. According to Siuslaw School Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak internet access for students is not accessible for all of the students, especially in outlying areas. The board is currently considering a needs based subsidy to help families that do not currently have access to internet, or cannot afford access. He says another option could be a remote learning base.
“We’re trying to find a couple of satellite facilities where people could come and have access to computer terminal, internet during the day.”
But he still says the most likely approach would be funds available through the state for families to receive internet access. The board is planning on a full review of the states mandates and hope to approve a plan during tomorrow night’s meeting.
COVID-19 Cases
There are now 590 total COVID-19 cases reported for Lane County with one more infectious case bringing that number to 36. With a population of almost 400,000 in Lane County there have been just over 45 thousand residents tested which is about 11.5%. in oregon the total number of confirmed cases is 21,488 with the total number of tests conducted nearing 500,000. There are still about 3.7 million people in the state that have not been tested. There is also one new death reported, an 88 year old Multnomah County man who tested positive on July 29 and died on August 5th. He had underlying health conditions.
Free Fishing Weekend
Outdoors is a great place to be if you are wanting to avoid crowds and possible contact with the coronavirus and this weekend the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is offering a free fishing weekend. You can fish, crab, or clam without needing a license or tag, of course all limits and regulations are in place including size and quantity limitations. ODFW also reminds the public that certain social distancing requirements are in place even in the outdoors. One reminder is to bring your own water, soap and hand sanitizer because access to park facilities may be limited.
OCHS Receives Donation
The Oregon Coast Humane Society has received more than 600 pounds of dog and cat food as part of a donation by the local Mini Pet Mart. OCHS executive Director Charles Brown says this comes at a great time for the facility in that direct support is down a bit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the last 10 years Mini Pet Mart has donated regularly to OCHS. Lorelei Ward, says the contributions that they are able to give are due in part to customer donations as well as contributions from manufacturers and distributors.
