Housing Agency’s Finance Manager Sentenced
A former finance manager for Lane County’s housing agency has been sentenced for embezzling more than half a million dollars. On November 5th, a Circuit Court judge sentenced Miranda Renee Wilcox to 55 months in prison and two years of post-prison supervision after she pleaded guilty to six counts of aggravated theft. Prosecutors say that between 2022 and 2024, Wilcox inflated her wages and funneled fraudulent payments into a separate bank account, stealing more than $560,000 from Homes for Good. The agency manages several affordable housing properties here in Florence.
Glenada Hill Power Work Delayed
Central Lincoln Public Utility District is making power grid changes near Glenada Hill in Florence, the planned changes set for today have been postponed without additional information, but high winds predicted throughout the area today could be a factor
King Tides
King tides are hitting the Oregon Coast this week, bringing dramatic surf — and warnings to stay safe. The Oregon King Tide Project says the exceptionally high tides will occur November 5th through 7th, with more events in December and January. At South Beach in Newport, tide levels are expected to top 10 feet — the highest since January. Officials say stormy weather can make these tides hazardous, with powerful waves capable of sweeping people off rocks and beaches. Here in Florence, 8-foot tides are expected tomorrow and Saturday. Visitors are urged to watch from a safe distance and avoid low-lying shoreline areas.
Gas Prices
Oregon gas prices continue to fall, reaching their lowest point since April. AAA reports the state average for regular at $3.87 a gallon, down six cents this week, while the national average sits at $3.05. Oregon has the second-largest week-over-week drop and the biggest month-over-month decline in the country. AAA says refinery issues are pushing prices higher in California, Arizona, and Nevada. A fire and explosion at a refinery in New Mexico, along with maintenance at California facilities, is impacting supply in the Southwest and West Coast. Here in Florence, regular is averaging about $3.75 a gallon.