Outages
More than five thousand power outages were reported this morning across the Central Lincoln PUD service area. Most of the outages are in Lincoln County, but several are also affecting Lane County, from Deadwood to Florence and Dunes City. The high wind warning ended at six a.m., but roadways remain treacherous in some areas. Tree limbs, downed trees, and other debris have been reported around the Florence area following strong overnight winds. Central Lincoln PUD crews are out working to restore power, with progress expected throughout the day. Winds are forecast to be lighter today, but gusts over forty miles per hour are possible again this evening. Drivers are urged to use caution and watch for work crews.
City Council to Present Town Hall Type Meeting
The Florence City Council is considering a town hall–style meeting on January 5th to gather public input on two issues: the city’s use of Flock safety cameras. City Manager Erin Reynolds said the meeting would likely be held at the Florence Events Center to accommodate a larger crowd and would follow a format similar to a June 2024 town hall, including a staff presentation, public input, and council discussion, followed by a regular council meeting. Mayor Rob Ward said the goal is to ensure all voices are heard, noting the council may consider next steps after hearing community feedback. Councilor Robert Carp cautioned against making decisions the same night input is received, saying Florence is not experiencing widespread concern. Other councilors expressed support for the town hall format, with Councilor Sally Wantz suggesting the council consider a resolution outlining the city’s position on ICE, similar to actions taken by other coastal communities. THE CITY MADE THE DECISION TO ONLY HAVE THE FLOCK CAMERAS CONVERSATION ON JANUARY 5, 2026 AND WILL RECONSIDER THE ICE DISCUSSION AT A WORK SESSION ON 1/8.
New Round of Grants from OCF
Small business entrepreneurs across Oregon are receiving a major boost through a new round of grants from the Oregon Community Foundation. The foundation has awarded more than 903-thousand dollars through its Thriving Entrepreneurs program, supporting 42 nonprofit organizations that help small business owners with funding, coaching, and business development. Nearly 80 percent of this year’s grants went to organizations serving rural communities. According to the foundation, the program has now invested more than 3.5 million dollars statewide over the past five years, with a focus on underrepresented and rural entrepreneurs. Locally, Lane Community College received 22-thousand, 500 dollars to support the Lane Small Business Development Center. The funding will help expand Spanish-speaking and bilingual business advising and support Latino founders through business accelerator and community programs.
Gas Prices are Falling
The holiday season is bringing some relief at the gas pump as prices continue to fall in Oregon and across the country. The national average for regular gas is now at its lowest level since May of 2021, while Oregon’s average is the cheapest since February. For the week, the national average dropped four cents to two dollars and ninety-one cents a gallon. Oregon’s average fell nine cents to three dollars sixty-one cents. AAA says lower crude oil prices and strong gasoline production are driving the decline. AAA also projects record holiday travel, with more than one hundred twenty-two million Americans hitting the road, including one point seven million Oregonians. Locally, the average gas price in Florence is three dollars nineteen cents a gallon.
