Mapleton Dispute
A dispute in Mapleton ended with one individual being transported to the hospital. On Monday Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to multiple calls of a report of a dispute and a possible discharge of a firearm. Deputies arrived at a residence in the 11,700 block of Maple Ave in Mapleton and came in contact with 23 year old Steen Joseph Hardt. Hardt stated that he had been in a dispute with his father and struck him in the head with a frying pan and a replica firearm. Deputies found a man inside with a laceration on his head and located a broken cast iron pan and a broken replica firearm. There was no evidence that a firearm had been discharged during the dispute. Hardt was taken into custody on charges of Assault in the second degree and unlawful use of a weapon. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail. The Victim was transported to Peace Harbor hospital.
Water District for Mapleton Rescinds Water Boil Notice
Mapleton residents can now use their water without boiling it first. The boil notice was rescinded yesterday after more than a month of difficulties surrounding the water system. As of yesterday morning the Oregon Health Authority has determined that the water was safe to drink. Residents lost water pressure on December 26th and it took several weeks to locate the problem and fix it. Several leaks in the system caused the loss of pressure and emptied the storage tank. Mapleton Water District Commission Chair Vanessa West said “district employees have been putting in overtime and community members have volunteered to get the district back on track, locating three substantial leaks. Mapleton has had issues with its water system over the past several years after problems arose during a forest fire when the system was damaged.
Gas Prices
Gas pumps are starting to see the effects of higher crude prices and increased demand for fuel. According to Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon prices increased by 6 cents in Oregon over the past week. The average price for a gallon of regular is not $3.78 in Oregon and the local price for a gallon of regular is up to $3.40. Dodds says the increase comes as more people hit the road during some recent good weather, but the latest forecasts have cold wintry mixes returning and she says they do not expect to see a decrease in pricing as global crude prices continue to climb.
Wine and Chowder
Presidents day weekend will see the return of the Wine, Chowder and Glass Float Trail. The event, normally held in October will have its second try in February after a successful event in 2022. The Glass Float Trail will begin on Friday the 17th, Wine will be the focus on Saturday the 18th from noon until 5 pm and on Sunday the Chowder Trail will be from noon until 3pm. The Florence Regional Arts Alliance will also conduct their annual Taste of Art and Wine Event on Sunday the 19th from 11 until 4 at the Florence Events Center. Complete details on the events is available at florencechamber.com.
