A man arrested earlier this month in Florence, when police served a search warrant at a 12th street address, has been released from the Lane County Jail without any formal charges in the matter. 35-year-old Jason Scott Sprinkle was arrested along with two others March 4th during a joint Lane County Sheriff’s, Oregon State Police and Florence Police search warrant service. Police also recovered several items that had been reported stolen. Lane County District Attorney Chris Parosa did not specify details but said Sprinkle’s release was ordered by the court and not his office. Sprinkle had originally been detained under an unrelated incident and had not yet been formally charged. Parosa said prosecutors thought they had until April 2nd to do so. The DA acknowledged community frustrations but said the case is still active. Prosecutors and investigators are continuing to build a case, and charges could still be filed as more evidence is developed.
Fugitive gets ten years after two-year manhunt
A former Florence man who spent a year on the run after being convicted for sexually abusing a minor over a four-year period was sentenced last week to ten years in prison. Jack Duane Crist was convicted two years ago but fled before his June 2024 sentencing. Crist cut off his ankle monitor and remained on the run across several states. He was arrested in February this year in Chico, California. The convicted criminal appeared before Lane County Circuit Judge Debra Vogt (VOTE) earlier this month. Vogt handed down the 120-month sentence “without early release” last Friday. Crist also faces ten years of post-prison supervision and must register as a sex offender.
Child Seat Safety teaming up with an early Egg Hunt
A child safety event in Florence is taking place alongside one of the community’s favorite seasonal traditions this weekend. The Florence Police Department is teaming up with Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority, Safe Kids Northwest, the Three Rivers Foundation, and State Farm Insurance to host a free Car Seat Clinic Saturday, March 28th at Miller Park. The clinic will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., giving families an opportunity to have child safety seats inspected and properly installed. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to ensure the best fit. The event coincides with the annual Miller Park Easter Egg Hunt, which is scheduled a week earlier than usual this year. The hunt begins at 10 a.m. and is organized by the Interact Club at Siuslaw High School along with the Florence Rotary Club. Organizers say families with young children can take part in both events at one stop. For more details, call 541-997-3212.
Gray whale washes ashore in Florence
Photo by Denise JohnstonWildlife officials say they don’t yet know what caused the death of an approximately two-year-old gray whale found Thursday morning at Heceta Beach near Driftwood Shores. The 37-foot male likely died of malnutrition on the annual northward migration according to an unnamed marine biologist from Oregon State University. He was taking tissue samples and gathering information about the likely cause of death. Oregon State Parks officials have roped off the scene and want the public to know that dead and stranded whales are protected under federal law so approaching or touching the animal is prohibited. There has been no word on how the carcass would be disposed of.
