COVD Numbers Rising
There are no regular updates coming from the Oregon Health Authority, but COVID-19 is still prevalent and numbers recently have been on the rise. Peace Harbor Medical Center has seen cases that have had to be admitted to the hospital in recent weeks. Jason Hawkins Chief Administrative Officer for the hospital says though they are seeing increasing numbers, it has not overly affected the staff. Peace Harbor has close to 600 caregivers in its system in Florence and Hawkins says only about 2 or three have tested positive.
“While we are seeing definitely an uptick in the community our caregivers do a great job taking what they do very seriously so they’re available for our patients.”
A new round of COVID-19 vaccines has recently been released and the Oregon Health Authority is recommending that most individuals over the age of 5 should receive one dose of the updated shot. The vaccines are still being offered at no cost.
Gas Prices Spike
Refinery issues in California have shot the price of gas in that state above $6.00 per gallon and has contributed to a sharp increase in Oregon. This past week the price of a gallon of regular gas rose $.09 to $4.76 for a gallon of regular. The price here in Florence is averaging $4.62 a gallon. The area’s largest supplier of gas to the public, Fred Meyer, remains closed due to a facility remodel underway. Supply issues have lengthened the time for completion.
Reedsport Pop-Up Vendor Market
This Friday the city of Reedsport will be hosting a fall pop-up vendor market on the sidewalks of Highway 38. There will be about 3 dozen contributors including local restaurants, homemade arts and crafts, jewelry and ceramics, yard art and clothing. The event will be on Friday afternoon from 5 to 8 pm.
Hazardous Waste Collection
Later this month the city of Florence in conjunction with Lane County will host a Hazardous waste collection. Allowed in the collection are items like car care products, cleaners, fluorescent tubes, lawn and garden chemicals, paints and solvents, and arts and crafts products. They will not be accepting drums, asbestos, electronics, infectious waste, pressurized cylinders, explosives or radioactive items. The event will be over two days, October 20 from noon until 5 pm and the 21 from 8 am until 2pm.
Rhododendron Drive Re-alignment
The city of Florence in their monthly newsletter has released information on the upcoming realignment of Rhododendron drive between 35th street and Wildwinds. The project is in the final stages of engineering and are waiting on a geotechnical engineering report which will allow engineers to complete the final design for a retaining wall on the east side of the road. The city expects to send the project out for bid in November with an estimated total cost of about 7 million dollars.