Sneaker Wave Dangers
The National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazard Statement that will continue through 4am on New Years Eve along the coast. Sneaker waves are very dangerous and are unpredictable as was the case yesterday morning on the South Jetty. Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority responded to an incident on South Jetty late yesterday morning. A 5 year old female child was overtaken by a sneaker wave and hit with debris that was contained in the wave. WLFEA got the call at 11:58. Deputy Chief Matt House said the child was stabilized and flown by LifeFlight to a hospital with higher care with pediatric capabilities. Lane County Sheriff’s office was also on the scene. The child was conscious and responsive at the time of departure. No other details are available.
Police Patrols
This weekend the Florence Police Department will be conducting increased patrols around the city for the New Year Holiday. There will also likely be an increased presence of Oregon State Police and Lane County Sheriff’s office patrols along the highways into and out of Florence. Traffic fatalities tend to increase over holidays when there is heavy traffic from people traveling, but there is also an increased incidence of driving under the influence of intoxicants. If you plan on being on the roads locally, the Florence police ask that you plan ahead and establish a designated driver if you are considering attending an event or party.
CROW Auditions
Open auditions for the next CROW musical production are coming. The show itself will be over two weekends in April at the Florence Events Center. The Disney-film-turned-Tony-winning Broadway hit Newsies offers roles for all ages between four and 22 says CROW artistic director Melanie Heard. Auditions for all parts will be on January 15th and 16th, 6:30 PM, at the CROW Center at 3120 Highway 101. Heard recommends hopeful between the ages of four and seven come promptly at 6:30 either night as they will audition first. Detailed information about Newsies is available at www-dot-crowkids-dot-com.