Crisis counseling team responds to Mapleton Schools
Lane County Sheriff’s Deputies notified officials at Mapleton Schools this morning of the death of a student at the school… no other details were released, but Superintendent Jodi O’Mara said a crisis team arrived at the schools early this morning to counsel other students and staff.
O’Mara could did not talk about any other details, but she stressed that the school is secure and all students are safe.
Oregon Tsunami Conference to be held in Florence
Key players in Oregon’s preparations for what would likely be a devastating tsunami; that would follow an equally devastating earthquake; will converge next week on Florence.
The annual Oregon Tsunami Conference will fill the Florence Events Center for a day and-a-half next Wednesday and Thursday.
It’s aimed at state, county and local government agencies that would be on the front line of dealing with the aftermath of an earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Fault off the Oregon Coast.
Headlining the event when it opens Wednesday afternoon will be Andrew Phelps, the director of Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management. Several scientific experts will speak during the two-day event, including Dr. George Priest, a retired geologist who was instrumental in communicating the risks posed by the 600-mile long fault off the Oregon and Washington coasts.
State parks passes discounted for the holidays
Annual passes that provide for year-round access to Oregon State Parks charging day-use fees will be discounted during the month of December.
Lisa Sumption, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director says this is the only month the annual parking permit is discounted. She calls the passes a “great gift” for family and friends.
Annual Oregon State Parks passes are normally $30 for 12-months. They provide access to any of the 26 Oregon State Parks that charge fees.
Also discounted this month is the Oregon Coast Passport. It allows access to Oregon State Parks, U.S. Forest Service, National Park and Bureau of Land Management sites along the Oregon Coast. That is typically $35 for a year and is discounted to $30 through December 31st.
Both passes are available at major Oregon State Parks offices, some state park “friends” stores, such as at Shore Acres, and at local businesses around the state.
Gas prices low
The average cash price for a gallon of regular gas in Florence is only a penny higher this week than it was last year at this time… but it’s four cents less than last week, and 95-cents lower than three years ago.
A survey of six local stations Tuesday evening showed the average price was $2.18. That’s compared with last year in the final week of November when it was $2.17 a gallon.
Drivers three years ago faced much higher prices… the average for the last week in November 2013 was $3.11.
Marie Dodds with Triple-A says the national average price held steady this week at $2.14… and Oregon’s average price slipped two cents a gallon to $2.41.
Empty bowls to fill pantry shelves
For the past 20 years Florence Food Share has used empty bowls to help fill their pantry shelves in December.
The bowls are created by local artists and pottery students, then sold at a public event. That event is scheduled for weekend at the Florence Events Center.
Food Share Director Norma Barton says most of the bowls will be offered for sale at five or ten dollars each. Some of the “gorgeous larger” bowls will be priced a bit more she added.
There will be others, along with artwork of various media, offered on a silent auction.
All bowls are accompanied by a coupon good for a bowl of soup or chowder at a participating restaurant.
Friday’s sale is from five to 7:30 at the FEC, then Saturday it runs from ten to four. The bowls will also be offered Sunday afternoon beginning at 12:30.
Nativity Festival
Several recreations of the nativity will be on display in Florence for three days beginning tomorrow.
The 11th annual Florence Nativity Festival will feature hundreds of nativities at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Munsel Lake Road. Doors are open from one to six pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
JoAnn Mower (MOW-ur) says each of the Nativities hold a special meaning to their owners who have agreed to display them.
