Slide Closes 126 Between Mapleton and Florence
Torrential rains over the past several days have caused yet another landslide, this one closes highway 126 at milepost 9.4 between Florence and Mapleton, hundreds of yard of debris have collapsed from the hillside onto the roadway. It started falling around 4 pm yesterday afternoon and continued to come down throughout the evening. ODOT crews were on the scene last night but discontinued efforts late. Clearing continues this morning. It was initially thought that cleanup could be done in about 3 hours after the initial slide occurred but ODOT now estimates that there are over 300 yards of mud, rocks and trees that have covered the road.
Omicron in Lane County
The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has made it to Lane County. The county has determined that there is currently at least one case. The individual was traveling and began feeling ill upon their return to Lane County. Lane County Health Public Liaison Jason Davis says it will likely start making its way through the community. He says it is rare to just have a single case and should see it spread over the next several weeks. While the presence of the Omicron variant is concerning, the Delta variant is still making its way through the Florence community. There were 6 more cases reported by LCPH yesterday bringing the total to 864. Cases for the county are up over 20% from last week.
Three Rivers Casino Bets on Vikings
It’s a good bet that the Siuslaw Viking football team will get their championship rings. Thanks in part to a huge donation from Three Rivers Casino Resort. Rich Colton, director of Marketing for the casino presented the check to head coach Sam Johnson. Colton says it is “really something special for the Florence Community” to see the efforts of the players and coaches and the achievement after being winless several seasons ago.
Elks Lodge Christmas
Elks lodge 1858 is preparing for its annual free Christmas dinner. The lodge is preparing 700 meals for the community and will be ready for pickup beginning at 11 am at the lodge located at 1686 12th street. The meal will include turkey and all the fixings including dessert. While there is no cost for the meal, donations will be accepted. Distribution is limited to 4 meals per car unless you have all participants in the vehicle.