Pop Up Vax Clinic
Lane County Public Health has teamed up again with the City of Florence to add a Covid vaccination clinic at the Florence Events Center. The “pop-up” clinic will be this Saturday from 10 to 1:30 at the FEC. There is no charge, but it is by appointment. If you have already had a Covid shot or booster you’ll need to bring your vax card with you. Another shot clinic, that will also provide no-cost testing will be held Wednesday April 27th. Persons 5 years and older can receive shots, but actual distribution is based on availability.
COVID-19 Update
Lane County Public Health is reporting 38 new cases of COVID-19 and no new cases for the Florence community (1509). the latest number are not as concerning as the numbers State is reporting. Oregon Health Authority reported 494 cases yesterday as cases begin to slowly rise. One number that is still alarming is the deaths associated with the virus. There were 84 deaths reported yesterday. Hospitalizations continue slight declines with 89 individuals remaining in Oregon hospitals. The rate of positive tests continues to rise as well. There has been a 2% increase in positive test results in the past week for a total of 5%
Utility Bill Increase
If you live within the City of Florence you will likely notice a change to your utility bill. The Florence City Council approved a 5% increase in for city services including water, wastewater, stormwater and street maintenance fees. The city’s last rate increase was a 1.9% increase in July of 2019. Due to the pandemic the city chose not to increase rates for the 2020/2021 fiscal year. The typical monthly bill from the city will average $106.48. the city also recently announced a low-income water assistance program for households that are at or below the 60% state median income.
Mapleton Food Share
Mapleton Food Share in program to purchase building. A longtime Siuslaw Valley resident and business person pledged $125,000 late last year to help Mapleton Food Share purchase the building they’ve been leasing. Johan Mehlum made the pledge in 2021 and stipulated it be matched with community donations of an equal amount. Karen Harden is the director of the emergency food pantry. She already has two tentative offers of $50,000 each. There are some details that need to be worked out before they become final. But, Harden adds, she is confident that will happen well before the June 2023 deadline. Mehlum was co-founder of Siuslaw Valley Bank and served as the president and CEO for 50-years. He passed away in January. The pledge is being held in trust by United Way of Lane County. According to Food For Lane County, the Mapleton food pantry served more than 3200 individuals in 2021.
