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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (July 8, 2020)
6A | WEDNESDAY, JULY 8, 2020 | SIUSLAW NEWS SEE MORE 4TH OF JULY PHOTOS ON A7 Fireworks from page 1A Deadwood from page 1A In addition, the majority of visi- tors throughout Florence followed state guidelines to wear protective face coverings when visiting His- toric Old Town Florence, which again sported red, white and blue thanks to Florence Kiwanis Club’s flag program, Old Town merchants and Florence Habitat for Humanity’s Fourth of July Porch Parade. July 4 featured three political gatherings in the Siuslaw region, including a “Patriotic Flag Wave and Rally” at 10 a.m. at Highways 101 and 126 in Florence, a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Deadwood at 11 a.m. and a Black Lives Matter demonstration from 1 to 3 p.m. at Highways 101 and 126 in Florence. PHOTO BY KATE HARNEDY RESPONSE from page 1A physical distancing is diffi- cult, did not deter holiday visitors from patronizing lo- cal restaurants, motels and businesses by the thousands. All three elements of the city’s emergency response teams were called on multiple oc- casions, mostly for minor issues. However, there were some situations that were more se- rious, according to Florence Police Commander John Pitcher. “It was a busy weekend for our 911 Center taking calls for Western Lane, Siuslaw Valley, Mapleton Fire, Swis- shome/Deadwood Fire and Florence Police,” Pitcher said. “There were several accidents over the weekend in the area, along with several other medical calls. We normally get a lot of illegal fireworks calls, but looks like we had more than normal this year from both inside and outside of town.” Police logs for the weekend show that there were at least five reports of illegal fire- works and a report of shots fired on Munsel Creek Loop this weekend. There were also multiple reports of disputes and dis- orderly conduct, with some individuals cited for public intoxication. In addition, there were a number of vehicular inci- dents, including a hit-and- run accident. “For our officers it was a little busy, and there were a lot of people in town,” Pitcher said. “Officers responded to a range of calls — from suicid- al subjects, hit and run, DUII, warrant arrests and more.” Michael Schick, Fire and EMS Chief for the Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority also reported a busy weekend for both Siuslaw Valley and Western Lane crews over the weekend. “It was an exceptional- ly busy holiday weekend for us. We responded to 54 combined incidents July 3 through July 5, with a peak of 24 incidents on the July 4,” Schick said. “Fortunately, there were no fires of note, with only an illegal burn and a fire alarm requiring a fire-only response.” Some of the calls were more serious, including “high acuity medical calls ranging from a gunshot wound to a few ATV accidents,” the chief said. “Of course, we had our typical lift assists and ALS transports. The cooperation among the Western Lane and Siuslaw Valley crews was out- standing.” Over the weekend, some calls received by the 911 dis- patch had less to do with criminal activity but more with COVID-19. Primarily, callers were distressed by the number of visitors not wear- ing masks and the lack of physical distancing between shoppers, walkers and their pets and children. “Dispatch continued to advise people calling in con- cerning the wearing of masks to contact the OSHA (Occu- pational Safety and Health Administration) number that was provided by the gover- nor’s office, as well as let them know the order does not ap- ply to outdoor,” Pitcher said. For more information on OSHA guidance con- Here’s your chance to have a bit of history for just $3! Th e Blast From Th e Past Rhododendron Festival Buttons are a fun memory from the year of COVID. You can get yours at the Siuslaw News Offi ce on Maple Street in Old Town Florence. The day before, local children made signs in or- der to participate and engage with a greater nation- al conversation about race and freedom. Flags from page 1A Protest from page 1A After about an hour, the group caravanned to Old Town Park, where more visitors and locals partic- ipated in patriot-themed games, conversation and signed various petitions. For more informa- tion, people can go to FlorenceRepublicans.com. of hate speech, the Fourth protest was peaceful. For more photos about the Deadwood and Flor- ence Black Lives Matter demonstrations, vis- it photographer Kate Harnedy online at www. katehphoto.com and on Facebook. cerning personal protective tively responded to almost equipment, visit www.osha. 100 calls. gov/SLTC/covid-19/. For information from Oregon Health Authority, visit gov- status.egov.com/OR-OHA- COVID-19. One of the main points Pitcher wanted to share with T HE S IUSLAW N EWS . COM the community was the inte- gration and professionalism shown by members of Flor- ence’s first responders over the holiday, which he char- S IUSLAW N EWS acterized as an all-around team effort as they collec- Visit us on LEGACY PORTRAITURE the web Happy Birthday James. 72 years young! Portraits that will show your innermost self. RODGER BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY 1234 Rhododendron Drive #7 | Florence, Oregon 97439 541-991-0777 | www.photobyrodger.com Love Lynnette • HVAC A/C & Heating Duct Cleaning • Zonal Heater Cleaning Cadet Wall Heaters • Dryer Vent Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning • Screen Installation • Moss Removal & Treatment • And more... Readers Choice Voted #1 Realtor During these uncertain times, we are accessible by phone, email and by appointment only. We are conducting business as safely as possible for our clients as well as our staff. 541-997-7653 Jim_hoberg@hotmail.com Dan and Teresa Lofy, Owners And Watson Local Eats Your guide to great locally owned restaurants. Surfside Restaurant at Drift wood Shores Resort is off ering a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu to go with curbside pick up, Wednesday through Sunday. We accept credit and debit cards for advanced purchase. Call 541-902-6447 and listen for the Surfside Restaurant prompt. We are open and ready to assist you! Drift wood Shores Resort 88416 1st Avenue, Florence We Are Open For Dine-in Have you seen our beautiful tea wall? Enjoy your favorite with us and take some with you. All loose leaf its available for purchase. Johnston Motor Company Since 1939 2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475 Traditional English pub fare, clam chowder, salmon bisque along with cream teas, unique desserts and baked items. 195 Nopal St. 541-902-0502 Open Wed-Sat 11:00-5:00pm 9 201 VOTED F BEST O E We are open for dine in and take out. Serving Regular menu & check for specials. 1285 Bay Street Old Town Florence (541) 902-8338 F LO E N C R OPEN EVERY DAY FROM 11AM-9PM. 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