Florence Man Arrested
On October 27th around 7 a.m., Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a menacing report in the 5400 block of Bay Berry Drive, north of Florence. Deputies say 43-year-old Joshua Allen Cooper of Florence threatened a victim, trespassed, and caused property damage, including smashing a car windshield. When deputies attempted contact at Cooper’s residence, he refused to cooperate. An armored rescue vehicle and drone were used to maintain communication from a safe distance. After several hours of negotiation attempts, a search warrant was granted. Irritants were deployed without effect, and deputies — along with K9 Tito — entered the home and took Cooper into custody after a brief struggle. Cooper was lodged in the Lane County Jail on multiple charges including menacing, first-degree criminal mischief, stalking, and resisting arrest. Florence Police and Oregon State Police assisted, with Florence Police Chief John Pitcher noting they were prepared for the situation to potentially escalate toward the city.
Gas Prices
Gas prices in Oregon are back below four dollars a gallon for the first time since early September, when the Olympic Pipeline went offline. The state average for regular has dropped eight cents in the past week to $3.94 a gallon, one of the largest declines in the country. By comparison, the national average slipped about half a cent to $3.04, following a brief bump after a Midwest refinery fire. AAA Oregon’s Marie Dodds says prices have steadily fallen since the pipeline reopened, and drivers should continue to see relief at the pump barring any new disruptions. Here in Florence, regular is averaging around $3.79 a gallon.
PeaceHealth Announces Workforce Reductions
PeaceHealth is announcing workforce reductions across its system in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. Incoming President and CEO Sarah Ness says the nonprofit will cut about two and a half percent of its workforce, eliminating some caregiver roles, closing open positions, and making other organizational changes. Ness says the decision follows months of analysis and comes amid financial constraints and a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Impacted employees have been notified, and more details on structural changes are expected the week of November 3. PeaceHealth leaders say support resources are being offered as the organization works to remain sustainable and continue serving its mission.
Exploding Whale Park Recognized
Oregon’s quirky side shines in its small towns — from Shaniko to McMinnville. And here on the coast, Florence continues to make waves with national attention for its unforgettable whale explosion of 1970. The event — now famous worldwide and recently highlighted by Islands.com — is honored at Exploding Whale Memorial Park, a fun stop on the Siuslaw River celebrating a uniquely Oregon moment in history.
