Pounding Tomorrow
The Annual Pounding for the Florence Food Share takes place this Saturday, and organizers say the need is especially urgent for families in the region. Rising food costs continue to outpace many household budgets, and although SNAP benefits have been restored, demand for assistance remains high. Event organizer Cindy Wobbe says Food Share is also in need of volunteers to help process donations and support ongoing operations. This year, benefactors Larry and Crystal Farnsworth, along with the Suzanne Green & Rebecca Goehring Trust, have pledged to match all contributions dollar for pound, which could significantly increase Food Share’s ability to assist local households. The Pounding runs from 10 to 2 at Grocery Outlet as a convenient drive-through event where community members can drop off frozen turkeys, canned goods, dry goods, fresh vegetables, or cash and check donations. Coast Radio on KCST will broadcast live from the event tomorrow from 9:30 until noon.
Senator Wants Clarification on Rescue Helicopter Move
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden on Wednesday called on U.S. Coast Guard officials to meet with him this Sunday morning at the Newport Municipal Airport to address concerns over the relocation of a Coast Guard rescue helicopter. In a letter to the acting Coast Guard commandant, Wyden said he wants answers before his scheduled Lincoln County town hall later that day, noting he has received no response since requesting information earlier this month. Wyden says Newport’s Coast Guard station is a critical safety net for fishermen, visitors, and residents, and that moving the helicopter to North Bend — more than 90 miles away — has raised concern about response times there. However, the shift would have little to no impact on Florence
Thanksgiving Meal
The Kiwanis Club of Florence is once again preparing the Florence Community Thanksgiving Dinner, set for Thursday, November 27, from 11:30 to 1:30 at the Florence Elks Lodge on 12th Street. The meal is free and open to everyone, with both dine-in seating and to-go meals available. Organizers note that delivery will not be offered this year. Volunteers will be on site throughout the afternoon, and anyone wishing to lend support may bring cash donations or non-perishable food items to help local food share programs.
Mapleton Man Arrested
Lane County Sheriff’s deputies responded to Mapleton’s business district Monday morning after reports of a man threatening people with a large knife. Deputies say 29-year-old Thomas Lynn Jessop pointed the knife at bystanders and made threatening statements before two individuals held him at gunpoint. Another bystander used bear spray, causing Jessop to drop the weapon and remove his clothing. He was cooperative at first, but his behavior escalated, and medics sedated and transported him to a hospital for evaluation. Jessop was later booked into the Lane County Jail on multiple charges, including menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, and disorderly conduct. Several agencies assisted at the scene.