COVID-19
Oregon is reporting some of the highest numbers of new COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started more than two years ago. The Oregon Health Authority reported nearly 12,000 new cases last week and the state is averaging 1,685 new cases a day. That’s higher than all but 12 weeks since the start of the pandemic in 2020. Hospitalizations continue to lag behind the rising case numbers and remain far below previous pandemic highs. As of yesterday, 293 people were hospitalized — up 12% from a week before — and those tallies are expected to peak at 330 occupied hospital beds on June 9. There were 1,798 cases in Tuesdays report. Reported cases for the Florence Area have not been updated since May 18th.
Wildfire Awareness Month
As the month of May comes to a close so does Wildfire awareness month. Despite the rain that the coast has experienced this spring, wildfires are still a danger. In the coming weeks the area will experience drier conditions and a burn ban will be put in place. If you have debris piles outside of the city limits you can still receive a burn permit. Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue issues the permits and there is no charge for them. They can be filled out online at svfr.org or in person at the main fire station 2625 highway 101.
Bad Peanut Butter
There is a possibility that the jar of JIF peanut butter in your cupboard may have salmonella. The Oregon Health Authority has issued a warning. Creamy, crunch and natural varieties are suspected. If you have received a food box as part of the OHA food box program, or if you have purchased it locally check the lot codes printed on the container. Codes from 1274425 – 2140425 with 425 in the last three digits are being recalled.
Art Quest Kick-off
This Saturday the Public Arts Committee of the City of Florence will launch its self guided public art tour: Art Quest. Members of the committee will be available from 10 am until 1pm on the port of Siuslaw boardwalk to assist. Co-chair of the Public Arts Committee, Jo Beaudreau says “One of the goals of the Quest is to provide Questers with an expanded foundation of Art and Culture that is found right here in Florence.” There are handouts available at several locations explaining the Art Quest including the Florence Events Center, the Siuslaw Public Library, and the Siuslaw News.
No Spring Chinook
There is no Spring Chinook fishing on the Siuslaw River. According to Jessica Sall from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife the season has been closed under permanent regulation from ODFW. There will however be fall Chinook fishing from August 1st until December 31st.
Gas Prices
Gas prices continue to rocket upward in Oregon. The price of a gallon of regular gas has increased another 10 cents a gallon in the past week bringing the price to $5.16 a gallon. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says this will likely not affect travelers seeking destination places for the Memorial Day Weekend. AAA is predicting an average 39.2 million people will travel more than 50 miles which in an increase of 8.3% from last year. Of that number 530,000 are expected to be Oregonians. Florence prices for regular gas are averaging $4.99.