Man Shot Attempting to Steal Motorcycle
The Lane County Sheriff’s department is continuing its investigation into a shooting that happened Saturday morning in Mapleton. According to information released 25 year old Michael Wayne Vincent was shot in the leg while he was allegedly attempting to steal a motorcycle from East Mapleton Road. Deputies responded shortly after 8 am Saturday morning after they say a resident confronted Vincent and shot him. Deputies were able to stabilize Vincent and detain him. According to records available, Vincent has been detained several times in the past year.
COVID-19 Numbers Still Climbing
Oregon continues to report high numbers of coronavirus cases. Their last report on Friday evening included 1,785 individuals with Lane County reporting 280 new cases and 3 more cases for the Florence area. Hospitalizations continue to mount as hospitals struggle to find places to put them. There are more than 700 beds now dedicated to COVID-19 and 185 individuals are in Intensive Care Units. Peace Health and Peace Harbor Medical Center are reporting that they are having to send non-COVID patients out of the area for care due to the current conditions. Lane County COVID-19 numbers were the highest in the state on Friday. The state has not resumed their weekend updates despite the large numbers of daily cases.
Educator Receives National Recognition
Siuslaw School District Teacher Librarian Jennifer McKenzie has been awarded the Fulbright Teacher for Global Classrooms program award. The Fulbright Program is an international educational exchange program supported by the people of the United States and partner countries. As a Fulbright recipient McKenzie will “share knowledge and foster meaningful connections across communities in the United States and abroad.” McKenzie has been an educator for 18 years and joined the Siuslaw School District last August.
City Back to Virtual Meetings
The City of Florence will once again meet virtually for its August 16th meeting. Recent changes in the COVID-19 guidance from the Governor’s office will not permit in person attendance. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 this evening and will be on the gotowebinar platform. The council will hear several annexation requests this evening and discuss a street closure request to block 6th street near the Safeway parking lot for the upcoming 25th celebration of the Florence Events Center. Information on how to attend the virtual meeting can be found on the city’s website: ci.florence.or.us
Vaccination Clinics Planned
Lane County will be holding two vaccination clinics this week, one in Mapleton at the High School on Thursday from 10am until noon and the other at Siuslaw Middle School on Saturday from 1-3 pm. Vaccinations will be available for ages 12 and up and will accommodate first and second doses as well as the one time Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Walk-ups are permitted. Appointments are available at lanecounty.org/vaxclinics.
