Town Hall for Proposed Medication Clinic
Lane County Public Health will host a public, town hall-style meeting tomorrow evening to share information about plans to open a medical treatment clinic for individuals struggling with addiction. Jason Davis with Lane County Public Health says the Eugene facility currently serves about 30 Florence residents, and a recent county study indicates there are many more people in the Florence area who could benefit from treatment closer to home. Davis says research shows barriers such as long-distance travel can be a significant roadblock to successful treatment and recovery. The proposed clinic would be located in a former medical office along Highway 101. Due to its proximity to a nearby school, the proposal has become a source of controversy within the community. Davis says the goal of the meeting is to ensure the county reaches out to Florence residents and remains fully transparent throughout the process. The town hall is scheduled for tomorrow evening at the Florence Events Center, beginning at 5 p.m.
Senior Digital Literacy
In the wake of rising digital scams, two Oregon nonprofits are promoting digital literacy among older adults to help prevent fraud and reduce isolation. Nationally, internet crime losses reached a record $16.6 billion in 2024. Beth Mitchell with the Oregon nonprofit AGE+ says fear of scams can keep some older adults from using technology, calling digital literacy a public health issue. She says staying connected helps people access resources and maintain relationships. Mitchell advises verifying messages through official contact information and reminds people there’s never a need to act immediately.
Wyden Visit
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will host a town hall meeting on Wednesday in Florence, where he plans to address a range of local and national issues. Wyden is expected to discuss community concerns over reports that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may pursue a detention facility in Newport, a proposal that has raised questions among residents and local officials. He will also highlight the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools program, extending funding through 2026 and restoring payments to Oregon counties for 2024 and 2025. The senator is also expected to provide an update on federal efforts to combat synthetic opioids, including nitazenes, outline his push for stronger health and harm-reduction strategies, reiterate his opposition to unauthorized U.S. military action in Venezuela, and criticize what he calls incomplete disclosure of the Epstein files. The town hall begins at 5 p.m. at Siuslaw Middle School.
Mapleton Water District
The Mapleton Water District Board of Commissioners meets this evening at 6 p.m. to consider several resolutions addressing district finances and delinquent accounts. One proposal would reauthorize and extend the district’s line of credit with Oregon Pacific Bank and confirm authorized signers. Another would update policies for past-due accounts, establishing new payment arrangements, shutoff timelines, and conditions for restoring service after nonpayment. The board will also review revised customer notices explaining the proposed changes.
MLK Holiday
Local banks and city offices are closed today in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Flags will also be visible throughout the community, placed by members of the local Kiwanis Club in honor of the slain civil rights leader.