School Prepared for Monkeypox
As families are preparing to send their children back to school next month the news of another unexpected health risk is a cause of concern. Siuslaw Schools Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak says Monkeypox is on his mind. But, he added, they’re already preparing for it.
“All of the disinfectants and sanitizers that we use at the school for covid kill it because it’s in the exact same family group.”
That means all of the sanitation guidelines in place because of Covid means everybody, including students already know what to do in order to prevent the spread of any disease. Doing things like proper handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, and staying away from school if you’ve possibly been exposed or infected.
“If a child develops any sorts of lesions, then they should stay home and people should contact their medical provider because it’s highly contagious.”
Health experts say any infectious disease can be a real risk in school settings. That’s why Grzeskowiak says he and all staff members will be paying close attention to preventing the spread of any disease and not just Covid or Monkeypox.
Youth Returned to Camp Florence
A youth that had been missing from Camp Florence since Friday is back in custody at the facility. 19 year old Taylor Pennington ran away from the transitional housing facility at about 4:30 Friday. Staff conducted a search but were unable to bring him back into custody. Law Enforcement was notified and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Pennington was returned to custody on Tuesday. He had been committed to the facility to OYA custody from Coos County. Camp Florence is one of four step down facilities at OYA designed to prepare youth for a return to the community.
Gas Prices
Oregon gas prices have decreased by another 10 cents since last week. The average for a price of regular gas is now $5.05. Florence prices are also down some as well with an 8 cent drop from last week’s average of $4.98. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says falling crude prices and a seasonally low demand for gas are the major contributors to the decline. This week’s decline is the 7th consecutive week of falling prices across the board.
Bridge Work
Three bridges will finish up receiving construction updates this week including the Siltcoos River Bridge, the Siuslaw River Bridge and the Devils Lake Bridge in Lincoln city. ODOT officials says to expect delays as crews complete the projects. One other bridge receiving attention from ODOT is at Takenitch Lake. That bridge is down to one lane regulated by a temporary light installed in May. Traffic interruptions have been brief but will continue for the foreseeable future.
Book Sale
When does selling off books turn into adding more to the collection? People regularly donate books to the library, and titles for which there are multiple copies are thinned out as being surplus. For years, the Friends of the Siuslaw Public Library has offered those books for sale over Labor Day Weekend. They’’ll do that this year, but with so many books stock piled up, according to “Friends” board member Annie Schmidt they’re holding a “pop up” sale this Saturday in the parking lot. “These are all donations, as well as books that have been culled from the library shelves. Books are a dollar hard back; 50-cents paperback.” Schmidt says the sale will be from ten AM until two PM. She also says not to worry if you miss out this Saturday because there will be many more books available September 3rd and 4th during their annual Labor Day Sale.