Weekend Hit and Run
Over the weekend, a vehicle struck Big Dog Donuts and Deli in Florence, causing damage to the front of the business. According to the Florence Police Department, a car had been sitting under the shop’s awning when it suddenly accelerated and hit the building — but the driver did not stay at the scene. Owner Justin Flosi says the impact shattered glass and damaged the dining area. The kitchen and service areas were not affected, so the business will remain open, though the seating area is closed until repairs can be made. Flosi says the vehicle involved was believed to be a gold-colored Chevrolet Malibu or Impala, and at this point, there is no available video of the incident. He says the shop may need to fully close once repairs begin, but for now Big Dog Donuts continues normal operations.
Pounding Results
Saturday’s Pounding for the Florence Food Share brought in an impressive response. Organizers say the event collected more than 25,000 pounds of food and over $40,000 in cash donations. That total was boosted by two major contributions — a dollar-for-pound match from Larry and Crystal Farnsworth, and an additional $15,000 from the Suzanne Green/Rebecca Goehring Trust. The drive ran from 10 to 2, and by midday they had already gathered nearly 12,000 pounds of food. Organizer Cindy Wobbe thanked the community for the strong early support. More than 20 volunteers helped with the effort. Food Share Director Colin Morgan says the donations will help provide Thanksgiving meals for the 5,000 individuals and 800 families they served last year. But more donations will be needed throughout the holidays.
Safe Driving Over the Holiday
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office is reminding the community to celebrate safely this holiday season. Officials say the agency does not have a dedicated traffic team or a deputy assigned specifically to DUI enforcement due to limited funding, but deputies remain committed to keeping local roadways safe. They’re asking residents to plan ahead and make responsible choices if alcohol or drugs are part of their celebrations. According to the Sheriff’s Office, drivers can help prevent tragedy by planning a safe ride home, avoiding driving under any influence, and stopping friends or family members from getting behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking or using drugs. Party hosts are also encouraged to ensure guests leave with a sober driver, and everyone is asked to always wear a seatbelt. Deputies arrested several impaired drivers over the past week, noting that each situation had the potential for far more serious outcomes.
