Mapleton Staple Reopens
A cornerstone of the Mapleton business community has reopened. For years area residents and visitors could stop at the Alpha-Bit for a quick bite or to browse an eclectic and sometime funky selection of gifts and antiques. The café has reopened under new ownership and still offers the same experience. New owner Jon Noland is serving up soups, sandwiches and sweets; made fresh daily Thursdays through Monday. Noland also has the smoker going out front most days for a varying line-up of specials. The sweets are made by Noland’s mother, Orie Jenks, she owned and operated the Little Blue Hen Café at 17th street in Florence for many years.
Monkey Pox in Lane County
Lane County, has reported two presumed monkeypox cases after testing from the state public health lab – the second and third presumptive cases reported in Oregon. Jason Davis, a spokesperson for Lane County Public Health, said an epidemiological link between the first and second case reported in the county — which both were reported Friday — has not been established. Most monkeypox patients experience only fever, body aches, chills and fatigue. People with more serious illness may develop a rash and lesions on the face and hands that can spread to other parts of the body. The disease is endemic in parts of Africa. In May cases began emerging in Europe and the United States.
City Names Pitcher to top Law Enforcement Post
The City of Florence has announced the appointment of John Pitcher to the permanent position of Chief of Police. The appointment was effective on Friday. Chief Pitcher was appointed interim chief upon the passing of Chief tom turner on May 6th. City Manager Erin Reynolds said in the official statement that Chief Pitcher has the full support of the department, city staff, and city council as well as the many partnering agencies with which they deal. While the announcement was made today, Chief Pitcher will be formally recognized at the July 18th City Council Meeting.
