Increased interest in tsunami maps…
New tsunami inundation maps for the central Oregon Coast have been released and emergency managers are doubling up on their efforts to spread the word. The West Lane Emergency Operations Group offers regular classes on emergency preparation the second Saturday of each month.
Because of the expected interest in the new maps, the group will be offering two sessions March 9th, one at 9:30… the other at one PM. Educator Joan Edwards says the state has also created a new website that will enable residents to view their own neighborhood and assess the need to either evacuate or “shelter in place” in the event of a tsunami. Copies of the new maps will be distributed at the classes. They’re free, but because space is limited, you’ll need to pre-register. You can do so by calling Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue at 541-997-3212.
Hospice Volunteers Get Back More
Volunteers who work with Peace Harbor Hospice say they actually receive more in return than they give. Nan McCreesh has been spending time over the last four years as a hospice volunteer. She said she was initially afraid of walking into a situation she couldn’t handle. But, she overcame those fears with training and experience.
Hospice volunteers provide assistance and emotional support to terminally ill patients and their families. A ten-week volunteer training class begins April 4th. Guest speakers will share their knowledge and experiences in the weekly four-hour sessions. Interested parties can contact Donna Becker at 997-3418.
Post Office Burglary
A routine early morning patrol check of the Florence Post Office Saturday resulted in the arrest of a 35-year old Florence man. An officer contacted Josh Penrod at 2:35 AM inside the post office lobby. The officer also discovered that several post office boxes had been broken into and items appeared to have been stolen.
Penrod was placed under arrest and is facing several charges including drug possession, burglary, possession of burglary tools and 41 counts of mail theft. A representative of the postal service responded to secure the boxes and mail… the US Postal Inspector’s Office has also been advised.
Gas Prices Up and Down
Fuel prices continue to rise nationally… but in Florence the average for a gallon of regular unleaded actually dropped by two cents this past week. It’s at $3.57 a gallon.
Marie Dodds with Triple-A says gas prices are spiking earlier than usual this year due to a variety of causes: higher crude oil prices; refinery shut-downs; and speculation. The national average price jumped up by 14-cents a gallon this week to $3.75. Oregon’s average increased by seven cents in the same time period, but it’s well below the national mark at $3.64.
