Bi-Mart Case Reinstated
An Oregon appeals judge reinstated a discrimination case against Bi-Mart after it determined a Lane County Circuit court judge dismissed the case brought on by Brandy Dalbeck. Dalbeck in her suit claimed that she was discriminated against because of her age when she tried to by a hunting rifle at the Florence Bi-Mart in 2018 when she was 18 years old. After fatal shootings in Parkland Florida that killed 17 students and staff members Bi-Mart announced that it would no longer sell guns to anyone under the age of 21. Oregon law permits the sale of shotguns and rifles beginning at the age of 18. Appeals Judges Erin Lagesen and Jacqueline Kamis said Oregon law does not allow companies to restrict gun sales for individuals between 18 and 20. The case will be returned to Lane County Circuit Court. Dalbeck was asking for $10,000.
COVID-19 Numbers (From 10-14)
Florence COVID-19 numbers stands at 672 this morning as Lane County Public Health reports 95 more cases of the Virus. The Oregon Health Authority reported 1,237 cases yesterday. The OHA also reported 3,624 booster doses yesterday accounting for more than half of the daily total. The Florence Events center will be the site of a vaccination clinic today from 10 am until 6 pm with all three doses available and the Pfizer booster dose. It is recommended that you get an appointment, but they will allow for walk-ups.
Gas Prices
With oil prices rising to a 7 year high Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon is reporting that gas prices are following suit with the national average jumping 8 cents and Oregon adding three cents to its average to $3.76 a gallon, but even with the hike in prices Oregon is actually lower by 4 cents from its high in August. In the Florence area gas prices are averaging $3.80 a gallon.
Iabechello Celebration
There is a correction for the Celebration of service for retiring SVFR captain Liz Iabechello . There was a misprint in the flyer distributed and the celebration will still be on Monday the 18th, but the time if from 11-1.