Dietz Leaving School For Nursing Career
After nine years as the Human Resources Specialist for the Siuslaw School District, Jennie Dietz will be leaving at the end of July. Dietz says leaving will be — quote — “bittersweet”, but she is making a career change and will be starting nursing school soon. Filling the open position will be Rick Medders. Medders has been working as an educational aide at Siuslaw Middle School for the past year. But he brings the experiences of a lengthy career in the Human Resources department at tech giant Intel Corporation. Siuslaw Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak said Medders will work the month of July alongside Dietz getting acquainted with district employment procedures.
Gas Prices Dip Slightly
It is not much of a drop, but Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says that gas prices are coming down. In recent days the price of gas in Oregon has dropped 3 cents in Oregon to $5.50 and with traffic volume for the 4th of July holiday expected to be at pre-pandemic levels it could mean a small savings for drivers. Dodds says the recent price drop was likely due to a lesser demand at the pumps with the national average dropping nine cents. Locally the price of a gallon of regular is averaging $5.37.
COVID Hospitalizations
The number of individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 has risen to almost 400 in the past week. Cases have been climbing in the past 2 weeks with 42 new patients added yesterday. 7 new patients were admitted to the ICU. The test positivity rate is also climbing in the state at 16.4%. There were 1,922 cases reported statewide yesterday and 157 for Lane County.
OCHS Volunteers Needed
When you think about volunteering with the humane society you probably think it means spending a lot of time with the animals, but there are other options. In addition to helping take care of the animals and meeting their needs, volunteers at the shelter regularly staff the reception desk. Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson says they would not only help with office support and answering the phone, but they serve the crucial and fulfilling task of giving tours of the facility, helping finalize adoptions and comfort owners who may be looking for their lost furry friends. Another need is for help at the society’s Thrift Store on Bay Street. In addition to retail services, volunteers can help out with landscape maintenance. If interested, potential volunteers can call or stop by the shelter on Rhododendron drive or at the thrift store. And of course, if you want to cuddle kittens or walk dogs… those efforts are always welcome.
