Postal Service Changes
The American Postal Workers Union is speaking out against recent changes at the U.S. Postal Service, calling for greater transparency and a return to previous delivery standards. The Postal Service has ended same-day transport of most collected mail, meaning deliveries—especially in rural areas—can now be delayed until the next day or longer around weekends and holidays. Daniel Cortez with the Oregon Postal Workers Union says it’s too soon to know how the slowdown will affect Oregon’s vote-by-mail system, but he has concerns nationally. He advises anyone sending time-sensitive mail to hand it directly to a window clerk and request a same-day postmark. Cortez says ongoing processing center closures, forcing most Oregon mail through Portland, are contributing to delays.
Gas Prices
Gas prices remain relatively steady nationwide while Oregon drivers are seeing noticeable relief at the pump. The national average for regular gas is unchanged from last week at $2.82 a gallon, its lowest price since March 2021. Oregon’s average fell another 5 cents to $3.34 a gallon, the second-largest week-over-week decline in the nation, behind Washington, D.C., and the lowest price for Oregon since May 2021. AAA Oregon says seasonal factors like lower demand and winter-blend fuel are helping keep prices down, though rising crude oil prices above $60 a barrel could push prices higher. Locally, the average price in Florence is $2.85 a gallon.
Patton’s Grandson to Visit Florence
A special guest tied to World War Two history will be in Florence on Friday. Will Wagner with the VA is bringing Ben Patton, grandson of General George Patton, to Florence for a meet and greet at 1 p.m. Friday at the DAV Hall on 21st Street. They’ll be discussing a Veterans Project filmmaking workshop that takes place this weekend, Friday through Sunday, January 16 through 18, at the University of Oregon Student Veterans Center in Eugene. The free workshop is open to veterans, active duty, reserve, and National Guard members, with all meals provided. Organizers say the program will also be brought to Florence May 1 through May 3.
