Missing Mapleton Man; Job Fair; Flu Numbers

Missing Mapleton Man

The Lane County Sheriff’s office is looking for an adult white male that has gone missing.  83 year old Clarence Taylor, who goes by Chuck was reported missing yesterday afternoon.  Taylor suffers from dementia and is believed to have walked away from his home on Saturday evening.

He stands approximately 5’9” and weighs about 165 pounds.  He was believed to have been spotted briefly in the Whitaker creek area yesterday.  He has brown eyes and a gray beard and was last seen wearing a  puffy green jacket and jeans.

Job Fair

Siuslaw High School has announced plans for a student job fair in Florence.  Currently they are looking for vendors to be part of the event that will be on Friday March 17^th from 11 – 2 pm.  Students will have the opportunity to submit an application or a resume and interview for part-time jobs, seasonal work and other youth apprenticeships.  It is a free event and vendors will be provided a space with a table.  Businesses are asked to call Pam Hickson at 541-997-5470 to reserve a space.

Flu Numbers

Flu cases in the state continue to take a significant dive over previous high levels set in December.  For the first week of January cases have dipped below 1500 and positivity test rates have gone from 32% down to about 15%.  The predominant number of cases are currently being recognized in long term care facilities.  The Oregon Health Authority is also showing a week over week reduction in hospitalizations.  however flu vaccination rates are also on the decline, but following a similar trend from previous years with seniors being the primary recipients of the shots.  Prior to the pandemic numbers show a resurgence of the flu in the early spring months around mid-March and early April.  Oregon has moved to moderate in seasonal flu numbers.