Latest COVID Numbers
The latest weekly report on COVID-19 cases is in. The Oregon Health Authority is reporting a drop in the 7 day average for the virus with 961 cases. The OHA is still reporting daily case counts but the weekly county reporting is still the norm for specific zip codes. For the Florence area cases are still averaging more than 20 a week with 26 new cases reported for this week, bringing the total number of cases for the area to 1899 since the beginning of the pandemic. Hospital cases are decreasing though with the current number being 371 with 48 cases reported in the ICU. Initial vaccinations and booster doses have flatlined. The report shows that 84.7 % of Oregonians have had at least one dose and 47.7% have been boosted. That number has remained relatively unchanged since February. Omicron BA-5 is the dominant strain of the virus. The CDC is reporting that an updated vaccine for the new strains will be available in September.
Mapleton School District to Discuss Pool
The Mapleton School District will discuss the Mapleton Pool building in its next school board meeting on the 17th of August. Organizers that support the pool for use by the public were having difficulty in finding funds to cover the operational costs of the pool while a USDA grant would pay for a renovation of the building that houses it. On June 15th the school board voted to step away from efforts to salvage it.
Bronco Roundup
For four days next week enthusiasts of the Ford Bronco will enjoy the sites in Florence as the annual Northwest Bronco Roundup invades the streets. From the 17th through the 20th the popular sport utility vehicle will be flooding the streets in all different styles and frankly in all different levels of customization from the all-dune modifications to stock, off the showroom quality. The group plans a bridge tour, a beach cruise and an Old Town Takeover. The Roundup is sponsored in part by Three Rivers Casino Resort.