Pending Merger Will Impact Safeway Store
Florence is on the list of cities that will be part of a sell off after the completion of the merger between two giant grocery store companies. The combining of Kroger, parent company of Fred Meyer and Alberston’s that has Safeway as a brand brings about changes in the structure of the company’s holdings. A list of 579 stores including distribution plants and a dairy were released on Tuesday and Florence Safeway is on the list. The companies did not release how they came up with the list, however, owning both stores in a market the size of Florence should worry consumers. The plan does not include a closing of Safeway, but rather a sale to a company named C&S Wholesale Grocers. The CEO of Kroger Rodney McMullen said that no frontline workers will lose their jobs, but rather be incorporated into the new company. C&S has operated since 1918 and was founded in Worcester Massachusetts. The merger is not complete, however, the two companies await a trial in August in federal court here in Oregon. the Federal Trade Commission filed suit in February to block the sale that would merge the two largest supermarket companies.
Boil Water Notice Rescinded
The boil water notice for some customers on the Mapleton Water District was rescinded. Service was restored to customers within several hours of the leak that caused a loss of pressure to some customers. Jordan Walker with Mapleton Water District said in a press release that about 10 customers remained without water for about 24 hours. Independent lab results released yesterday confirmed the water is safe to drink. Mapleton is dealing with an aging water system which will need an overhaul at some point. Representative Boomer Wright talked about the need several months ago while on Coast Radio’s Our Town. He said that hopefully, upon reelection he can help find money for towns like Mapleton to rebuild their infrastructure to provide an up to date facility.
“I’ll be focusing on that for other areas like Mapleton, like Dunes City who need some major help in making sure they have their sewer and water and storm water systems where people can use them and their community can thrive.”
Mapleton Water District has suffered through several critical failures in recent years and the system is in need of revamping.
IRS Reports Scams
The internal revenue service released a notice warning companies that deal with tax preparation and taxpayer information that there is a new scheme a foot to try and steal information. Identity thieves are using new and different tactics to try to undermine the system including acting as new clients to try and gain access to client data. Scammers are also trying new phishing techniques to try and obtain Electronic Filing Identification numbers. And are also using AI to create fake IRS letters. If you believe you are being scammed, the irs has set up an email where you can send information. The email address is phishing@irs.gov.
Play Premiere
This evening marks the debut of the About Time Production “The One Act Play That goes wrong.” The play will be performed Thursday through Sunday for the next two weeks with performances at 7 pm (Sunday is a matinee at 2pm). Tickets are available at the FEC box office and online at eventcenter.org.
