H1N1 Virus 4 weeks away; cover your cough to avoid swine flu; financial security topic of Community Forum; and Cape Perpetua hours shorten.

H1N1 Vaccines about a month away…

A consortium of 81 different groups, including school districts, will aid Lane County Public Health in delivering the new Swine Flu vaccine. Betsy Meredith, Lane County Public Health Nursing Supervisor says they’ve targeted a total of 167-thousand Lane County residents… that’s 47-percent of the population… at the highest risk of contracting the H1N1 virus. Meredith says that breaks down into five segments… pregnant women; small children between six and 24 months of age; care givers and household members of those children; health care workers; and adults age 25-thourgh-64 with chronic diseases such as diabetes, asthma, immune system abnormalities or neurological conditions. She says it’s been a huge effort requiring considerable community coordination. The vaccines are expected to begin being distributed nationally in the next four weeks and should arrive locally sometime next month.

Health officials in Lane County have some tips for avoiding any kind of flu as we enter the traditional season. Public Health Nursing Supervisor Betsy Meredith says you can protect your health, as well as that of the people around you by simply covering your cough or sneeze; wash your hands often with soap and water; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; avoid close contact with sick people; and if you are ill yourself, stay home or away from other people.

Reductions in prosecution, limited space at the Lane County Jail and overall cutbacks on the part of other law enforcement agencies has prompted Florence Police to step up their awareness. One program that police chief Maury Sanders has embarked on is a cooperative effort with banks and credit unions. Sanders says they’re working together on a coordinated deterrent to bank robberies. He’s also been guiding his agency through a variety of programs including a two-year accreditation process. Several additional jail beds reserved for local offenders have been opened up, providing and alternative to sending prisoners to an already overcrowded Lane County Jail. (Noon only) Sanders, along with representatives of two local banks will be on the KCST Community Forum this afternoon at 4:05.

Hours at the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center will shift beginning this weekend. Effective Sunday it will be open from 10 AM to 4:00 PM daily except Saturdays when it closes at 5:30. Acting Visitor Center Manager Carole Wendler says there are plenty of activities available during the off-season.

TAKING A LOOK INTO COAST RADIO SPORTS:

Prep Volleyball:
A very tough Newport Volleyball team downed the Siuslaw Vikings last night in three games, 25-16; 25-19; 25-19. Viking Coach Amy Peterson said Stacy Voodg had five kills; Brionna DeSantis had four.

By the way, volunteers are being sought to help with Saturday’s Siuslaw Volleyball Invitational Tournament. Courtside held is needed at the Varsity Tournament; One scorekeeper is still needed for the JV Tournament.

On the Schedule…
More volleyball action today… Reedsport is on the road to Rogue River for nonleague action. Mapleton heads up Highway 36 to Triangle Lake.