Armed Robbery Suspects Identified (Update: In Custody)
The Florence Police have reported that they believe the suspects in an armed robbery at the American Market Monday evening are no longer in the Florence area. Through information distributed by Chief John Pitcher, Florence Police working with Douglas County Sheriff’s department were able to obtain a license plate number for the vehicle used in the robbery. The vehicle was reported stolen from California and the two suspects were identified as juveniles also out of California. The suspects in this case have been identified as 15-year-old Daniel Michael Keough and 17-year-old Quinton Matthew Ramey. Both are from Redding, CA. A 16-year-old female by the name of Taylor Kathleen Lenihan is believed to be traveling with them. Chief John Picther has announced that the Armed robbers have been placed in custody by the Sumner Police Department.
Election Ballots
Less than a week after ballots for the May 16th Special District Election were mailed out, and with just under two weeks to go, ballots are already coming back. In the three precincts making up the Florence area so far about 400 of the 6-thousand ballots have been returned. Overall, just under one-percent of all 275-thousand Lane County ballots have come back. The Lane County Elections Office is offering voters a way to track ballot returns in Lane County. The new dashboard allows viewers to see how and where ballots were returned, how many have been returned, and how many ballots have signature challenges. Results will be published every few days, after ballots have gone through the full signature verification process. Voters have until eight PM Tuesday, May 16th to mark, sign, and return their ballots using one of the 21 ballot drop boxes around the county, including the only Western Lane County location at the Florence Justice Center. If voters prefer to use the mail, they can do so without having to add a stamp. In order to be counted, it must be postmarked no later than May 16th. Initial unofficial election results will not be posted until at least eight PM Tuesday the 16th
Suicide Prevention Seminar
This Saturday the VFW post 3232 in Florence will host a suicide prevention seminar. It will be held at the Florence Elks Lodge. The seminar coincides with the VFW’s National “Day of Service”. The seminar is free and open to the public and lunch will be served. Though it is a free event, participants are encouraged to register for the event so that adequate meals are available.
Registration Link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/florence-community-suicide-prevention-seminar-tickets-601140516467
Mapleton Boil Water Notice Intact
The boil water notice for Mapleton water district customers remains in effect. Late Monday evening water pressure was restored to the facility after more than a day without water. District staff was able to locate and isolate a major leak under the westbound approach to the bridge that crosses the Siuslaw River in Mapleton. The Mapleton Water District sought direction from the Oregon Department of Transportation on how to proceed due to the involvement of bridge. The water district representative Jordan Walker said in a press release that it may still be a couple of days as they await results from the Oregon Health Authority on the water samples. Water District Board Chair Vanessa West says it has been a rough couple of years for their customers. West says long term solutions are needed including major improvements to the system. The public is asked to use alternate sources of water and at the least tap water should be brought to a rolling boil for several minutes before using it
