School Reports COVID-19 Cases; 97439 Cases Mount; Wine and Chowder; OCHS-Betty White

School Reports COVID-19 Cases

The Siuslaw School district has reported a pair of cases of COVID-19 among the student population.  Siuslaw Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak sent out a letter to staff and families yesterday indicating that the school is taking proper steps to notify individuals that may have been exposed to the infected students.  He says they are working closely with Lane County Public Health to protect the health of the community and to maintain education opportunities for the affected individuals.  Areas of the school have been cleaned and sanitized particularly common areas and high touch areas according to Grzeskowiak.  Should any additional cases arise, staff and families will be notified through an update on the school’s website and through an automated call.

97439 Cases Mount

Covid-19 case counts continue to mount as 12 more cases were added yesterday bringing the Florence area count to 1031.  Health officials are confident that this number along with Lane County and State numbers will continue to climb for the foreseeable future.  State numbers were at 9,796 with Lane County reporting 686.  There were fewer breakthrough cases reported this week with the number declining to 26.4%.

Wine and Chowder

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that the Wine and Chowder Trail will go on in February.  The event moved from October of last year due to concerns over the coronavirus, but will now take place the 18th through the 20th of February. Participants will be able to purchase glass float hunt and chowder trail tickets from the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center during the event for 5 dollars.  Details of the event will be updated on the chamber’s website florencechamber.com.

OCHS-Betty White

The Oregon Coast Humane Society wants you to remember Betty White. Betty White used to say “you can always tell about somebody by the way they put their hands on an animal.”  The famed actor passed away recently, just weeks shy of what would have been her 100th birthday.  Almost immediately the Oregon Coast Humane Society began receiving donations in White’s memory.  With the 100th anniversary of her birth just days away they’ve opted to have a couple observances in her memory.   Monday, January 17th the Humane Society Thrift Store in Old Town will offer a 50% discount on clothing as well as doing some giveaways.  Animals at the shelter on Rhododendron Drive will be treated to some extra snacks and people are being asked to stop by and visit the animals.  Wrapping up the “White Centennial Fundraiser” will be Homegrown Public House and Brewery at the entry to Old Town on Maple Street.  Humane Society Director Elizabeth Thompson says Homegrown will be serving some of White’s favorite foods from three to seven pm as well as donating a portion of their sales during that time to the local shelter.