Community Bank Week
This is Community Bank Week in Oregon and the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services is letting people know the importance of banks that have Oregon roots and serve communities like Florence. TK Keen is the Division of Financial Regulation administrator in Oregon and says that community banks take a much different approach with a relationship-based model that is a major source of financing for small businesses and farms and also commit thousands of hours of volunteer work throughout the state. With just over a handful of community banks left that are chartered in the state, one chartered here in Florence recognizes the importance of serving the community. President and CEO of Oregon Pacific Bank Ron Green says the importance of community banks was no greater felt than during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
“We originated 25 million dollars of loans to kind of help save and preserve local small business. We believe that attribute to the retention of about 1500 local jobs just in the Florence market alone.”
Green says along with volunteering OPB also contributes financially to many of the area non-profits. All this week OPB had displays in its lobby honoring community bank week and invite the public to come by to see them. They are also giving away a basket from All About Olives.
Sneaker Wave Warning
The national weather service is posting the possibility of sneaker waves along the central Oregon coast beginning this morning and going through late tomorrow evening. The Beach hazard statement reminds us that dangerous waves can come up on the beach suddenly and can carry animals and small children out to sea. There is also the possibility of debris that can cause severe injury and death.
Gas Prices Drop
Gas prices continue to fall in Oregon. For the second week in a row the state has seen double digit decreases with another 11 cents dropping off the price of a gallon of regular gas this past week. The average is not $4.52 a gallon. Here in Florence a significant decrease this past week has lowered the average price to $4.16 a gallon. The gas station located at Fred Meyer is still undergoing construction but their customers can use their reward points at the Shell station south of the bridge until construction is completed. Supply issues have lengthened the process and a completion date is not yet known.
Reedsport Water Fix
The City of Reedsport is announcing that there will be a water shut-off today to fix a water line. There will be a three block area affected by the shut-off between Jupiter avenue and 13th street. They expect to have the repairs completed by days end.
Money Raised for Breast Cancer Awareness
Organizers of the recent CoastBusters Walk here in Florence are reporting a successful event. Sonia Graham says they have raised $19,347 to date and says it is a great testament to the Florence community. The walk was in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Graham says more money is still being collected and the total could rise above the $20,000 dollar mark. The money will remain in the Florence community to help local breast cancer patients.
