Gas Prices Rise
Pump prices continue to climb amidst an increase in demand and unstable crude prices. According to Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon the price of a gallon of regular gas around the state is now averaging $3.89 a gallon adding 3 cents from the previous week while national prices continue to go downward. Some of the increase can be attributed to the switch to the summer-blend gas along the west coast. Here in Florence the average price has risen to $3.41 a gallon up 3 cents from the previous week.
Siuslaw Vision
If you have ever wanted to be a participant in a think tank that explores ideas and inspirations for promoting affordable, inclusive, high-quality family opportunities in the Siuslaw region this Sunday, March 5th there will be a family table event at the Florence Seniors and Activity Center on Kingwood. The meeting will begin at 5 pm and dinner will be provided. This is the second such meeting hosted by Siuslaw Vision. There is a requirement to RSVP. If you are interested you can go to the Siuslaw Vision Website siuslawvision.org for more information or a link to the RSVP page. Childcare will be provided. Conclusive notes on the January 6th event will be provided.
Plover Protections
Annual nesting protections for a threatened shorebird will return to area beaches later this month. The breeding and rearing season for the Western Snowy Plover begins March 15th and runs through September 15th. Temporary fencing aimed at providing safety and security for the birds will begin appearing in the Baker Beach area north of Florence over the next two weeks. Areas south of the Siuslaw River will be roped off near the mouth of Siltcoos Outlet and Carter Lake. Beachgoers are prohibited from entering the enclosures and dogs are not allowed on the beach in the proximity. The Plover was listed as being threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1993 after coastal populations plummeted due to the loss of critical nesting habitat.
OSP to Expand Opportunities for Women
The Oregon State Police has signed on to the 30×30 Pledge – a series of low- and no-cost actions policing agencies can take to improve the representation and experiences of women in law enforcement. The activities help policing agencies assess the current state of a department with regard to gender equity, identify factors that may be driving any disparities and develop and implement strategies and solutions to eliminate barriers and advance women in policing. These actions address recruitment, assessment, hiring, retention, promotion, and agency culture.
New Behavioral Health Director for OHA
The Oregon Health Authority has announced the hiring of Ebony Clarke to the position of Behavioral Health Director. Clarke spent the last 10 years with the Multnomah County Health Department. She is a supporter of going into communities to find specific issues related to each community in order to find fitting solutions for each. Clarke says her new role is to listen and learn from others. One of her priorities in the new role is to broaden and enhance the system of care for youth and adolescents. Doing that she says will require rebuilding the behavioral workforce.
