No Students Injured in Bus Accident
Florence police are looking into what caused a pick-up truck to strike the rear of a Siuslaw school bus sending the driver of the truck to the hospital. No students were injured in the collision and the driver of the bus was ok. According to information released by the Siuslaw School’s Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak the bus was stopped when the pick-up drifted from its lane and collided with the rear of the bus. The bus was returning from its elementary school run and returning to pick up 6th-12th graders for its out of town stops. At first it was believed that the bus suffered minimal damage, but Grzeskowiak said there is evidence that the bus may have sustained structural damage and will be assessed today. The school informed parents of the students on board at the time encouraging them to keep a watchful eye in case some late bruising or bumps present. The driver of the pick-up was transported to Peace Harbor hospital. Initial reports are that the injuries are not critical. The school was able to dispatch a second bus to finish taking the students home.
School Addresses Recent Texas Shooting
The tragic news of the latest mass school shooting brings up questions from parents and community members about what precautions are in place to try to prevent access from an armed intruder. Siuslaw superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak said this has been a major focus.
“School staff, administrators particularly, we’re always in communication with the police department about relevant safety issues.”
The buildings are locked down during the day, preventing intruders from getting in.
“Any parent-visitor access is through secure buzzer entry through the office.”
Rear and side doors are kept locked at all times, but when students are coming in before classes, and leaving after, the front doors are unlocked. That’s when school staff members, with radios, are posted to keep watch. Gzreskowiak says at the elementary and middle schools there is a double set of doors to help prevent intruders. The weakest link is at the high school, but a fix for that is already underway and a new office and entry will be in place sometime next fall.
COVID-19
The Oregon Health Authority is reporting large numbers of COVID-19 cases with another 1,684 cases reported yesterday. Weekly numbers coming in are some of the highest numbers throughout the pandemic with only a few weeks during the pandemic showing a higher total. Hospitalization numbers also continue to soar with more than 300 individuals admitted (307) and 10 percent of those are in ICU (30). Positive test rates are also above 10 % although overall test numbers are down due, in part, to unreported at home testing. Numbers for Florence are not being reported daily.
Safe Boating
The Oregon State Marine Board is encouraging boaters to have a safe experience on the waterways this summer. A big part of safety comes from being alert on the water and abstaining from substances like marijuana, drugs and alcohol is the key. Rapid changing conditions on the water require quick reflexes. They also recommend taking a break if you feel tired. Wind, glare, dehydration and wave motion contribute to fatigue. Properly fitting life jackets are also important. Safe boating information is available at boat.oregon.gov.
