Standoff Ends Peaceably
A brief standoff with a possibly armed subject Wednesday at a Florence apartment complex disrupted things for a few hours. Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies had information that a man wanted by the Oregon State Parole Board was at an apartment at the 43rd Street Apartments. Deputies also had information that 39-year old Justin Martinez may have been armed, so the Sherrif’s Special Response Team was called in at 10:45 Wednesday morning to make the arrest. According to spokesman Sgt. Tom Speldrich Martinez initially refused to exit the apartment, but after nearly four hours he surrendered and was taken into custody at 3:30 PM without incident. Martinez was also wanted on a Florence Municipal Court warrant. Troopers with the Oregon State Police and Florence Police officers assisted.
Agressive Coyotes
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is advising Florence residents on and around Munsel Creek to be wary of coyotes. There have been recent reports the animals have been acting aggressively toward humans and pets. Information released by the agency advises residents to not leave small children unattended; and also to keep pets leashed or under control. Do not leave food or water outside for pets or feral animals. If you do encounter a coyote that is barking, growling, following you or charging you, pick up small children and pets; make loud noises; and back away slowly. You’re being asked also to report the aggressive animal to the ODFW Newport office at 541-867-4741.
LCSO Looking for Information on Abandoned Vehicle
The Lane County Sheriff’s office is seeking information on a vehicle that was abandoned at the Walton Post Office on or around Monday November 21st. the vehicle is a dark gray or blue GMC Envoy SUV with Oregon plates 682 JKZ. If you know the vehicle or person or persons who may be related to the vehicle you are encouraged to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office on their tip line 541-682-4167.
Caregiver Month Recognized
It’s National Family Caregivers Month, a time of year to underscore the important work these folks do. Family caregivers provide unpaid aid to the loved ones in their lives but often are unrecognized for the crucial role they play in ensuring people are able to age in place. Lori Stanton is the southern regional manager for the Oregon and Southwest Washington chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. She says sometimes the people family members are caring for aren’t able to say thanks, especially if they have conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
“For the Alzheimer’s Association in general, we just want caregivers to know that we see them and we appreciate what it is that they’re doing.”
Stanton says people who know family caregivers should reach out and see what they can do to help that person out. There are about 460-thousand family caregivers in Oregon providing five-point-seven billion dollars of unpaid care, according to a 2017 estimate.
