Hundreds attend Circles in the Sand
The amount of people attending the Annual Beach Labyrinth next to Driftwood Shores was evident in the fact that parking was scarce for up to a quarter-mile from the beach. However, a mix of foggy and warm weather made a great
atmosphere for the event, which found people walking through a seemingly endless maze of sand art, sculptures and other odd creations. The event happened both Saturday and Sunday, bringing hundreds of visitors out to the beach.
City Council candidates share views
Three candidates are running for two open seats on the Florence City Council.
The Mayor position is also open but no candidates have filed. Ward will still be on the ballot, with a write-in option available.
Ward served as the Mayor of Dunes City for nine years, was on the Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Board for 9 years, the Florence City Council from 1985 to 1988, and has been the Mayor of Florence since 2023
He also served as Mayor of Florence from 1989 to 1990
He has a BS from Oregon State University in Forest Engineering. The Siuslaw News first received a letter from candidate Mark Brennan and to be equitable, asked for general letters from the two incumbent candidates, Sally Wantz and Bill Meyer. The letters from all three candidates have been included in this issue in no particular order.
CANDIDATE BILL MEYER
Education: 1965 Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Mathematics from California State, University at Long Beach
Work history: 1965-1972
Taught Science and Math 1967-1972
1972 -2013 Designed embedded computers for industrial control systems from 1972 to 2016
1965 2007 Managed engineering design office for Murcal Inc. of Palmdale, California,
By TONY REED Siuslaw News
After watching their friends taken from classrooms and listening to their obituaries, students at Siuslaw High School witnessed a simulation of the aftermath of a DUI crash off Oak Street on Oct. 9. The simulation involved personnel from PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Hospital, Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority, Florence Police Department and ended with a student being transported from the scene in a
specializing in “clean sheet design” of software and hardware for embedded computers used in industrial controllers.
Personal background: Married to Peggy Meyer 1965 – present. Two children and 4 grandchildren.
Resident of Florence Oregon 2013 to present.
Prior Governmental experience; Served on Josephine County
A5
Florence teen dies in crash, another injured
Oregon STATE POLICE
On Friday, October 11 2024 at 10:47 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 20, near milepost 7, in Lincoln County.
The preliminary investigation indicated an eastbound Nissan Titan, operated by Jacob Joseph Barlett (18) of Florence, attempted to turn onto NE Arcadia Drive at a high rate of speed. The Nissan left the roadway, rolled several times, and came to rest on its roof.
The operator of the Nissan (Barlett) suffered critical injuries and was transported by life flight to a regional medical center.
Burns Riverside Chapel hearse.
Principal Mike Harklerode explained that the demonstration was no small effort.
“This has been about five months of work,” he told students. “It started way back last May. We’ve had a lot of moving parts to make this happen, including moving the entirety of our Homecoming week.”
Harklrode explained that the program was founded on the promise that every 15 minutes, someone dies as a result of a
A passenger in the Nissan, Benito Kirk Esquivel Whitney (18) of Florence, was declared deceased at the scene.
The highway was impacted for approximately one hour during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash is under investigation with speed being considered a primary factor.
OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Toledo Police Department, and Toledo Fire and Rescue.
TONY REED PHOTOS
In the center of the gym, a casket sat atop the Vikings center court logo. Across the gym, students read letters to family, that were worded as if they had been written after their death from a DUI crash.
Western Lane Community Foundation marks 50 years
By TONY REED Siuslaw News
After decades of serving and assisting locals and community organizations, a celebration was held at Florence Events Center for the Western Lane Community Foundation’s 50th anniversary.
Executive Director Gayle Vinchesi said that when deciding on the theme of the celebration, participants agreed to highlight the impact Western Lane Community Foundation has had on the families and organizations in our community.
“I hope that no one is disappointed to hear that this isn’t a fundraiser,” she joked. “You were invited to the celebration because you have supported us in some way, whether to establish or add to a fund, or were the recipient of a scholarship a grant or annual distribution, or served in some capacity as a volunteer, you know that together, we have made a difference.”
She said that since 1974, WLCF has contributed to the community through grants, scholarships, and community projects. Over the past five decades, we have seen remarkable growth and transformation.
“From our humble beginnings of $3 500, we have an expanded our reach and impact, thanks to the unwavering support of our donors, volunteers and community partners,” she said.
Vinchesi said that when she joined 15 years ago, she had no idea how much the foundation would grow.
“Today, with the help of Oregon Community Foundation, WLCF manages over 100 funds with assets exceeding $15 million,” she said, “and we distribute well over halfa-million dollars into the community through local non-profit agencies, scholars and grant recipients annually.”
WLCF Board president Jim Waterman recalled hearing a radio news story
in a larger community about how their foundation gave $100,000 to community organizations.
“That community is 40 times larger than ours, by population,” he said, “and they were giving away $100 000. It just lends perspective on the foresight that people had to establish these funds and grow them and continue to give to the community in such important ways.”
Asking donors to stand and be recognized, Waterman said, “Our community thanks you.”
Annie Schmidt, former WLCF board member and executive director, noted that she has also been the recipient of WLCF assistance. Having been a member of many local community boards and organizations, Schmidt said she has benefited in many ways from what the foundation has done.
She recalled how former director Dick Smith asked her to be the executive director, although she knew nothing about the position. She remained in the position for about six years and became president of the board. She said that when Smith became the executive director, it was the beginning of a huge move forward for the foundation. She said her proudest moment was securing funding for the Siuslaw Museum to move into the old school house in Old Town.
“We ended up giving the museum about 11 percent of the funds they needed to buy the building,” she said.
Schmidt recognized Carol Hart for being the
executive assistant for about 22 years.
Scholarship coordinator Cindy Forsythe said she feels like she’s known the foundation her whole life. She explained that her mother was on the original board until the early 80s and was the person who asked Dick Smith to join.
Forsythe spoke of her grandmother Geraldine Merz, who felt that the best way to grow children was to keep them busy. She taught school near Bandon, Oregon, and with her husband, created a successful business and later moved into Florence in the 1970s. She continued to teach and helped many people with reading disabilities, And later became interested in a movement to build a public school in Florence. After seeing difficulties with the movement, she formed the Merz fund with the assistance of the Community Foundation, Which has created academic, recreational and sports funds throughout the county.
“It’s difficult to know just how many kids have been touched by the funds, but that’s the cool thing about perpetuity,” she said. “If it was just 10 kids a year, at this point it would be 440 children, and still growing because perpetuity means forever, so every year, funds are distributed from that initial gift she made by starting the Merz fund.”
Forsyth said the philosophies of helping communities have been passed down through her family.
“This is Geraldine’s legacy” she said, “and the
legacy of all of you.”
Elizabeth Thompson, director of the Oregon Coast Humane Society, said she was delighted at the invitation to speak about how the Community Foundation helps animals in the Florence area. She said the society started about 30 years ago, and has since gone through financial periods where the’ve had to choose between feeding the animals or paying staff.
“The decision was always to feed the animals, in case you’re worried,” she remarked, smiling. “Then, Bernice Dupuis who was a big supporter from the beginning of Oregon Coast Humane Society, which was then the Florence Area Humane Society, passed away in 2008
“This woman set up a fund, like the Merz fund, that will continue in perpetuity, supporting animals,” she said. “As long as there are animals in our community that need help, the Dupuis fund will be here to support them.
Every year we get a five figure fund from her, that will go on past all the generations …it will last as long as there are animals in need, which is really impressive.”
Thompson said that every year, the Humane Society also applies for grants from the Community Foundation, because there is always a need. She said the society asked for a grant to help spay and neuter animals in the community, based on an observable growth in animal populations. The funds were granted, and 159 spay and neuter
vouchers awarded in the community. She said it also allowed them to serve almost 700 animals in the shelter through spay and neutering, feeding, microchips, vaccinations and more.
She said that the generosity of the foundation and community have been pivotal for the Humane Society.
SURPRISE FUND ANNOUNCED
Waterman returned to the podium for an offagenda presentation.
“There is a person who has contributed uniquely to the life of this organization and to our board,” he said. “People came to us and said we want to establish a fund in her name and a number of people got their checkbooks out and made it out in the minimum amount of $10 000, to start the fund. It will be one of these perpetual funds that will offer scholarships every year to students. This person will not want to come up here and take the spotlight- too bad.”
Knowing by that point it was about her, Executive Director Vinchesi made her way back to the podium.
“I was going to try to get through the day without crying, and you guys just blew it,” Vinchesi said, trying to stay composed. “The best part of getting is paying it forward. This will be impactful for a student, and that’s all we can ask for, right?” Waterman noted that next year a student will be named as the first recipient of the Miss Gayle scholarship.
Non-Emergency Medical Transport
By CAL APPLEBEE
The Florence area enjoys a much larger percentage of Veterans at twenty-one percent as compared to the State average of just eight percent. Coupled with the fact that, due to its popularity as a retirement destination, the average age in Florence is roughly twenty years
older than the State’s average. In recent years, our local Veterans have begun facing challenges to reach their medical appointments. Over the years, the local DAV (Disabled American Veterans) Chapter 23 has operated a medical appointment transport van under a VA (Veterans Administration) program. However, it relies on
volunteer drivers from within the community to function, and the bureaucratic process within the federal agency has led to challenges dealing with the VA program. The local Chapter has not been able to recruit drivers so the loss of the van as a resource has resulted in a significant gap in services for local Veterans.
Fortunately, a new
service has appeared in Florence to help fill this gap.
Stony Biz, LLC, based out of Austin, Texas and established in 2019 recently established a presence in Oregon in 2023. Located in Sutherlin, the company is Veteran-owned by a USAF (United States Air Force) Veteran, it is administered locally by another USAF Veteran, Sandy Blair. She recently addressed the Florence Band of Brothers coffee group to introduce the new program, designed to not only fill the gap left by the VA program, but adds value as well in the services it offers. The program offers non-emergency medical transport for Veterans as well as active military members, to and from daily appointments such as doctor appointments throughout Oregon, under a contract with the VA out of Roseburg and White City. While there are certainly protocols and requirements to be eligible for the program designed to meet Veteran’s Special Mode Transportation needs, it will go a long way in supplementing the struggling VA transportation programs.
Information about the various transportation programs the VA offers can be found at their website: https://www.va.gov/ HEALTHBENEFITS/vtp/ veterans_transportation_ service.asp
More information about the Stony Biz LLC program, services and personnel can be found on their website at: www.stonybiz. com.
OPINION
Sally Wantz and Bill Meyer are valued member of the Florence City Council and have served the City of Florence for the past four years. Sally Wantz and Bill Meyer are up for re-election.
Both Councilor Wantz and Councilor Meyer participated in the development of our Council Norms that laid the ground work for how we as a Council will interact with each other. This includes, “We know we may disagree with each other, but we will not be disagreeable.”
Consequently, when the Council votes, all Councilors respect the majority vote, even if a Councilor did not vote in favor of what was passed.
Your current City Council is a diverse group, representing the Florence Community. Because of our Council Norms, which we all value, we are able to have constructive discussions on a wide variety of topics. This open discussion often results in decisions that are better than any one of us could have hoped for.
Your City Council works hard to provide the very best results for the entire Florence Community.
This City Council still has work to do: Housing, Child Care, Mental Health Services, and Economic Development, are among the issues that the City Council will be working on. I ask that you vote for both Sally
LETTERS
Wantz and Bill Meyer for the two open City Council positions.
Rob Ward Mayor
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Friends of the Siuslaw Library for all their hard work seen and unseen throughout the year, and certainly many kudos to the library staff for their unfailing patience in helping me research and locate just what I’m looking for!
While looking for a nice city to retire, one of our priorities was a good library, and we are so pleased with the manner in which the library is currently funded and appears to be funded well in the future, while so many cities and counties have had to cut back or close their libraries, Florence has maintained a positive importance to its library, patrons, volunteers and staff.
The Friends of the Siuslaw Library invite you to help them celebrate National Friends of the Library Week by getting a library card if you don’t have one and becoming a member of the Friends Group.
Jerry Sanford Florence
This first page of our Voters’ Pamphlet states, “This election is monumental.” We are encouraged to educate ourselves about the candidates and the issues. I
have educated myself and these are the issues most important to me: Affordable, accessible health care and medication for all (including mental health care and reproductive rights); Quality public school education, including for the young child; Well planned action to address climate crisis; Safe, affordable housing ; Thriving small businesses; Reduction of gun violence by implementing reasonable regulations; Comprehensive re-design on immigration policies.
Stop the divisiveness, stop the obstruction, stop the walk outs. Work together to accomplish our goals.
I will vote for: Jo Beaudreau; Elizabeth Steiner; Val Hoyle; Kamala Harris; Tobias Read; Dan Rayfield; William Mrkeicka. Please join me.
Susan Schuster Florence
As we watch the devastation on the east coast, it is upsetting to see the former president politicize these tragedies by lying about the FEMA response. Governors in the affected states, Democrats and Republicans, have praised the response of the federal government. But the lies have demoralized emergency responders,
discouraged victims from applying for aid, and prompted threats against FEMA contractors. Once again, a crisis is being used to divide us. As members of a coastal community subject to devastating storms, as well as tsunamis and the possibility of a major earthquake, we should all be concerned about what a Trump administration might mean for us.
Trump blocked FEMA aid to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017 and threatened to withhold aid during fires in California. In addition, he has pledged to replace nonpartisan government workers with his loyalists (and he signed an Executive Order in 2020 which would have allowed him to do so), making it easier for him to control the actions of FEMA. As a blue state, what federal assistance could we count on in the event of a major disaster, should he become president? Something to consider as we mark our ballots this month.
Donna Mlinek Florence In Favor of Sally Wantz and Bill Meyer
NEWSPAPER
OUR STAFF
are homeless must be held to standards of behavior and structure in a way that does not let the issue get out of control and become unmanageable. This has happened in many cities on the west coast, and managing this will be a priority; nothing has the potential to do more damage to a city’s quality of life. If you lose control of this issue, it is almost impossible to get control back; ask anyone who lives in a city that has lost control.
The Housing Crisis: We must work to have an adequate inventory of buildable parcels. We must have a planning and permitting process that is timely and not an undue burden. The City Council of Florence must continue working to attract the creation of workforce housing to meet the needs of our local businesses. The current council has had some successes in this area, but the need is great, and much more effort needs to be expended.
Childcare: There is a great need for childcare in our area, so the council needs to continue working on this issue. We have had a recent success; a building project we just approved has a childcare center as part of the overall plan. We need to continue pushing for similar success as a council. Again, this requires continuing with the cooperative attitude that the current council has shown.
The issue of affordable housing is a marketplace issue. It is matter of supply and demand. The council can work on increasing the supply of affordable housing, but it is a very tough issue. I cannot make a promise that I can solve this issue, but I personally will work at what I can do to improve the situation.
Citizens of Florence, I have been honored to serve on your city council.Bill Meyer
CANDIDATE
SALLY WANTZ I choose to live in Florence for the same reasons that brought us here 21 years ago: The people, the weather, the size of the town, and the feeling of a vibrant community. I continue to appreciate all these qualities that have provided me and my spouse, Jennifer, a place to truly call home. Simple as that.
Affordable housing and
child care are two areas that go hand-in-hand that I feel strongly about. Going forward, I will continue to support our critical workforce & economic development by looking at every housing opportunity with a lens to make affordable housing a reality and not a pipe dream. There is also a childcare desert, and I will work toward what I did in 2012 when I saw a need and opened Quality Child Care
Peace
Want
“Someone
understands!” 541-997-6626 • 47maribob38@gmail.com www.ustooflorence.org
of
preschoolers. Next Spring, the council and city staff begin the process of creating our 25/27 workplan and related budget. I will make sure these two areas of concern have high priority in every decision I
make. Challenges we have faced these last few years have been addressed with thoughtful consideration of all sides with continued quality dialogue, community outreach and
- Fellowship – Fun FAITH DIRECTORY
To include your organization in this directory, please call us @ 541-997-3441
ANCHOR OF HOPE CHURCH
Live like Jesus, share His Love. 1318 Rhododendron Drive
www.anchorofhopeflo.com
Sunday Service 11am
Livestream on Facebook @anchorofhopeflo
BAHA’I FAITH OF FLORENCE
“What is Baha’i, and Why?” 2nd Monday 7:00 pm
Interfaith Devotions 4th Monday 7:00 pm Info and meeting location: 541-590-0779
Zoom link on Facebook: Florence Baha’i Community All ARE WELCOME!
COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH
4590 Hwy. 101 N, across from Fred Meyer541 997-7418
SUNDAY SERVICES - Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM; Worship 10:45 AM; High School Youth 7- 9 PM
MID-WEEK- Women’s Bible Study-Tuesday 10:00-Noon and Thursday
7:00-8:00PM; Men’s Bible Study Thursday 8:00-9:30 AM; Middle School Youth Wed. 7-9 PM.
OF GOD
of 10th & Maple- 541-997-3533
Services 9am 1st Service in person Sunday Services 11am 2nd Service in person & livestreamed Wednesday kids/youth night is at 6:30 NOT livestreamed. https://www.florencecrossroadag.org/church-online
Other platforms update after the service. florencecrossroadag.org office@florencecrossroadag.org
2nd
FLORENCE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Heceta Beach Road
RUAUU? Come explore the answer with us. Sunday Worship Services ~ 10:00am www.florenceuuf.com
transparency. These remain key qualities to our future success. I am pleased to be a co-author of the city’s Norms & Expectations document that council adopted in 2023. It is our blueprint of how our volunteers and city staff will work together to keep Florence on the right path for those who work, live and play here.
What I believe is that the council and city staff will examine each of these areas for our 25/27 workplan and address each as needed during that twoyear period. I will look with a keen eye to our next budget to ensure we are asking our citizens for exactly what’s needed to keep ours a safe & vibrant community. As we know, the Port of Siuslaw is a critical partner with the city, and I’ll do what I can to maintain a good working relationship. Nationwide concerns have and will continue to filter down to communities like Florence. As a city councilor, I will be aware of these issues to inform me of what we might, as a community, do to keep our city a safe and viable option for those who want to work here, move here, live here, retire here, thrive here. I certainly want us to do the right thing for a healthy environment with the knowledge that it’s not just about what’s best for us today, we must think about what’s best for future generations.
In closing, the people of Florence deserve volunteers to serve on the City
Council who will look at all sides before making a decision about the future of Florence. Having said that, I challenge our citizens to be involved on our committees, commissions and agencies. There are a lot of folks reading this article who have areas of expertise that can help us move in the right direction. As well, I invite anyone to come to City Council meetings to offer your thoughts, comments and concerns. We can’t know what we don’t know, and you can help us.
Thank you, Sally Wantz
CANDIDATE MARK BRENNAN
As a candidate for one of the two Florence City Council positions being contested this election cycle, I want to share my unwavering commitment to our city. I am running against two incumbents with strong two-party support. I am running as an unaffiliated candidate because I believe both sitting representatives of the two major parties have positions with which I disagree.
Over the years, I have discussed council business with my opponents, Councilor Bill Meyers and Councilor Sally Wantz, and I can attest to their good intentions regarding city policies and plans. While I have expressed my disappointment in their decisions numerous times, I do not doubt their commitment to our city. My concerns extend beyond the votes both
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FLORENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2nd & Kingwood • (541) 997-6025 Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School for adults is at 9:00 a.m. Online services at www.florenceunitedmethodist.org or find us on Facebook.
FOURSQUARE CHURCH
1624 Highway 101 (next to A&W) –- 997-6337
Pastor George Pagel – Something for the entire family. Sunday Service 10:00 am Wednesday Bible Study returns this Fall. Website: florence4square.com
NEW LIFE LUTHERAN E.L.C.A.
NEW LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH, E.L.C.A.
“Serving Christ by serving others.”
21st & Spruce Streets—(541) 997-8113 Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m. Online services available on our FaceBook, YouTube, and website: www.florencenewlifelutheran.org
PRESBYTERIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH
3996 N Hwy 101 541-997-7136
Internet and in person Sunday Services at 10:30am, Adult Sunday School is at 9:30am. Call the church for details.
Reverend Greg Wood All Welcome. Come as you are.
RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS)
“War is still not the answer.” FCNL
We meet Sunday’s at 11am in our homes. Call 541-515-8191 for locations.
RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH, L.C.M.S.
Worship Services 10 am • Bible Study 9:00 am Pastor Steve Waterman 85294 Hwy. 101 S. – 997-8038
Facebook.com/ResurrectionLutheranChurchFlorence
www.puppro.wixite.com/rlcflorence
ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL Church Welcomes You Worship Sun. 10am Wed 11am 2135 19th St. 541-997-6600 standrewssecretary19@gmail.com Labyrinth & Garden daily 8am-5pm “Be the change.”
SAINT MARY, OUR LADY OF THE DUNES CATHOLIC CHURCH
1.5 miles south of river on Hwy 101 – 997-2312 Mass Times:
The
“We’re next to the bridge” 100 Hwy 101 Florence, OR 97439 COAST REAL ESTATE (541) 997-7777 cbcoast.com
have cast to other areas of concern. Councilor Meyer is a personal friend, and I respect the time and effort he has expended over his terms as City Councilor and Port Commissioner. He currently holds both positions and plans on continuing in those roles. Unfortunately, his health has declined dramatically over the past two years, having had a stroke and undergoing a lengthy recovery process, which he has told me has affected his health in unexpected ways. I am worried that Bill will jeopardize his future well-being if he continues to participate in both positions. Regarding Meyer’s positions on issues, I disagree with his outright and total rejection of the scientific evidence of climate change, the looming danger to democracy posed by former president Trump, and the need to move to alternate energy solutions such as wind and wave power. I also remain concerned that holding two positions that require attention to detail and extensive information background is an unreasonable expectation for a man of his age and medical condition. Councilor Wantz is also well-intentioned, but unfortunately, her repeated inability to convince her fellow councilors of the validity of her positions has prevented her from forwarding any meaningful shift in council voting results. Specifically, I believe parents should be able to home-school their children. I also think any attempt to enact meaningful gun restrictions is doomed to failure on judicial review and is thus a waste of time. I believe we should call for a Constitutional Convention on a state and federal level to clarify the Second Amendment. Wantz’s inability to promote ideas and plans without chance of passage will remain problematic if she is re-elected. We need a new voice that is not bound by party blinders and unattainable goals. We need someone who has seen the inaction on important issues due to bipartisan squabbling and will promote ideas all sides can support. I am that person. I believe we need to expand the number of City Councilors, and I have proposed creating a self-guided historical and educational tour of downtown.
We also need to establish more off-season events for visitors to enjoy that are not anchored to the Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps most importantly, we must closely review city employee salaries and planned public works expenditures. Right now, it only takes three votes to determine how we spend more than 70 million dollars every biennium, although the need for more intensive discussion and debate often needs to be improved. I have covered hundreds of city meetings as the lead reporter for the Siuslaw News and have many friends in the business community who support my candidacy for these and many other reasons. Neither Wantz nor Meyer will provide the nonpartisan perspective we need moving into the future, and I present a dedicated and reasoned alternative to the status quo.
Respectfully, Mark James
Brennan
DUI
What people at the scene did not see was how the scenario continued.
The Life Flight Network helicopter that was flying overhead during the simulation landed at Florence Airport to rendezvous with medics. Two of the patients were listed as critical, and at the hospital in Florence, one victim was found to have severe brain injuries that would need to be evaluated for brain death. Another was taken to the operating room.
Students who had been taken from their classrooms earlier that day appeared at the crash scene as their own ghosts and were taken to an overnight retreat away from their friends and classmates.
Much of the simulation was filmed, and shown to the student body the following day.
Students entered the gym to see a white casket in the middle of the floor.
CONSEQUENCES
A victims Impact Panel was presented to speak to them about the consequences of decisions and their impact on loved ones.
Ben Snider spoke about what it was like for him as a parent to receive a death notification for his daughter, as part of the program. He said later that while his wife had to receive the news and that even though it was part of the simulation, it was emotional to hear the words said aloud.
Asked for his thoughts on the program and DUI/ distracted driving, he said it’s always a concern as a parent.
“You want to will them to make decisions for their own good and sometimes that draw to make a rash or imperfect decision can affect you or someone else for the rest of their life,” he said. “It’s hard to paint a picture for them and I thing E15M does as good a job as you can without someone having to experience it themselves.”
Snider said he’s hopeful that the program was able to humanize the reality and consequences of DUI/ distracted driving.
“You don’t get a second chance,” he said, “you don’t an opportunity to correct that decision. It’s better to make a phone call or do anything other than get behind the wheel or pick up your phone while you’re driving.”
Janelle Lawrence explained that their parents will never be the same after the death of a child. She said since their room and belongings will remain, those parents will have regular reminders of them. She reminded them of all the people affected by those actions from friends and family to the community’s first responders who try in vain to save them from the results of their decisions.
Joan Miller spoke of her own experience From 1999, when her car was rear-ended by a drunk driver who tried to leave the scene. The crash forced her car to be sideswiped by another car, causing her severe injuries to her body and brain. She spent four days in a coma
and spent much of her life till now recovering from it.
She estimated that the entire hospital bill came to over $1 3 million, and that insurance would not cover it all. For an accident that was not her fault, she had to spend over $250 000 and endure over 20 years of surgeries and difficult recovery.
She explained that her injury left her unable to do basic things like eating, walking or even remembering how to use a drinking cup. She said that while everyone takes for granted the gift of choice and a future, hers was taken away.
LETTERS FROM THE GRAVE
Three students who had been “killed” in the previous days’ simulation, read postmortem letters to their friends and family.
Junior Grace Frank reminded students that every 15 minutes, someone in the United States dies or is seriously injured in an alcohol-related incident.
“Today, I died,” she said. “I’m sorry I couldn’t stay longer. please remember me with joy instead of pain. please remember me as someone who loved deeply and who wanted to make the world a better place. I especially loved my friends. please know how special you are.
Frank urged her mother’s spouse to help make her life happy, and urged her mother to smile and take every day as a gift.
“I’ve enjoyed being your ‘little bug,’” she read. “You were an amazing mother.”
Freshman Thomas Gentry said in his final letter, “the only thing I can say is every day counts, no matter how bad it was. Think about the
good times.”
He urged his friends to look at the bright side, even on the dark days.
Junior Kevin Caspar started by saying no amount of apologizing will reverse the effect of what he had just done by drinking and driving.
“I killed me, my best friend and two other innocent souls for my stupid actions,” he read. “Why did I get behind the wheel knowing I was drunk? Because of my actions, I won’t be able to achieve my dreams. I won’t be able to start a family or open the coffee shop I’ve been dreaming about. But why does it matter now, I shouldn’t be thinking about me, I should be thinking about the other three people I killed. I should be thinking about their dreams and what they wanted to do in this lifetime.”
Caspar said he was sorry to the family and friends of the three other passengers whose lives were lost.
“A lot of people are going to be mad at me and that’s okay, I deserve it. I just hope one day you guys will forgive me.”
In closing the assembly, Harklerode reminded students that they should not normalize intoxicated and distracted driving, and that they should speak up if they see someone doing it.
A CHANCE TO LEARN
“Peace Harbor had a team of eight people that were on site at the high school for the event,” said Misty Wadzeck, MDEM RN, BSN. “For the students that were transported to Peace Harbor as part of their experience, they were involved with the Emergency Department providers, nurses and techs, Chaplain, Operating
9:00 1st Service in person
Sunday 11:00
2nd Service in person & Online Children’s Church (0yrs-12yrs) in person & Online
Corner of 10th & Maple St. • 541-997-3533 www.florencecrossroadag.org email: office@florencecrossroadag.org
Room, Imaging, Lab and Patient registration teams. They had contact with all the caregivers a true trauma patient would interact with, so it’s a very large team that came together for their experience there.”
Wadzeck wanted to highlight that at the overnight retreat, students were able to talk with nursing leadership and social workers and counselors about trauma care and health care professions.
“They also were able to discuss health care careers and other opportunities to shadow these training opportunities,” she said. “The following morning, they were able to speak with law enforcement, ED providers (nursing, social work , ED physician) about any other questions they have, and our experiences in emergency care.”
The following day, PeaceHealth and WLFEA
offered lifesaving training at the school.
“Our final day was Friday when we offered stop the bleed, and hands only CPR,” she said. “I am happy to say we had 17 students from Siuslaw High School come in on their day off to complete this life saving training.”
“It was an amazing experience, and we truly believe that this program will save lives in our community,” Wadzeck said, adding that she’s looking forward to the next production in the future.
WLFEA first responders Rob Chance, Jerry Ward, Blair Campbell, Doug Unrein, Michael Morden, Geri Brooks, Colten Griswold, James Strauss, Justin Mack, Ali Gharib, and Chase McCord took part in the crash simulation and the sobriety tests and arrest of the DUI driver was conducted by FPD School Resource Officer Hailey Coons.
SPORTS & LIFESTYLE
Vikings win against Douglas
By TONY REED Siuslaw News
In a hard-fought, backand-forth game against the Douglas Trojans Oct. 11, the Siuslaw Vikings prevailed with a final score of 38-30 Vikings started slow, falling behind to two consecutive Trojan touchdowns, but came back to take and hold the lead. Although the latter half of the game was backand forth scoring, interceptions and a fumble turnover, the Trojans were never able to catch up to the Vikings on the scoreboard.
Vikings take loss to Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill Girls soccer showed up at Hans Petersen Field Oct 16 to hand the Vikings Girls a 4-0 loss. The Billies showed superior ball-handling skills throughout the match and were consistent in sending goals high into the net past the goalkeeper. Despite keeping the energy up throughout the game, the Vikings were unable to close the gap.
The Vikings Girls Soccer team played Santiam Christian Oct. 22, at home after press time.
TONY REED PHOTO
One of four goals scored by Pleasant Hill.
Vikings on the field and on the court
Will LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
Siuslaw High School sports continue to roll along, and after another busy week, the league and state high school standings have been shaken up. With volleyball, football, and soccer all hurdling toward the end of their seasons, let’s catch up with how the most recent Viking contests have been.
Vikings Football Ahead of the Oct. 18 Homecoming game against Sutherlin, the joint Siuslaw/ Mapleton football program enjoyed a perfect start to the season, going 5-0 overall. The 3-0 preseason has also begotten a strong league start, with the Vikings beating South Umpqua and Douglas in their first two games. The Viks’ recent Oct. 11 win against Douglas was a gritty comeback performance that finished with Siuslaw on top 38-30 Though the Vikings went down two touchdowns early, the team rallied back, inspired by some big
defensive plays, including a critical interception.
The game against Sutherlin was shaping up to be to be a good game, as Sutherlin is the second-ranked team in the 3A-SD4 Special District 4, behind the Vikings. Of note, the Vikings are currently ranked #1 overall in the state for 3A schools. Siuslaw will hope to defend their number one spot when they take the field against Sutherlin.
Vikings soccer
Both the boys and girls soccer teams have been active since our last update, with both teams sitting in different positions as the end of the season draws near.
The girls soccer team has had a tough run of games recently, with a 1-4 record in their last five contests. The losses came against Central Linn/East Linn Christian, Creswell, Sisters, and Pleasant Hill. Getting the ball in the net was a big problem in the four losses, as the Vikings did not register a goal in those matches. Conversely, in the Vikings
Oct. 14 game against Elmira, Siuslaw scored six goals while only giving up two.
The Vikings hope to finish the season strong, though the playoffs are now beyond their grasp, as their 3-8 league record will not be salvageable enough to pass the four teams ahead of them in their league rankings.
The Vikings soccer team was looking like they’ll be a near lock for the playoffs. The Siuslaw/Mapleton team is ranked third in the 3A/2A/1A-SD3 Special District 3, and the league will have four teams qualify for the state tournament.
The Vikings have a 5-1-1 league record and a 9-2-1 record overall. Though they trail Creswell and Santiam Christian in the league standings, the Vikings are the highest-scoring team in the league, with 53 goals scored.
One of the recent highlight performances for Siuslaw came from freshman Sailor Jensen against East Linn Christian. Sailer played goalie in the first have,
stonewalling attackers to the tune of four saves, and then he opened the scoresheet when he moved to the outfield in the second half. Siuslaw took the lead off the back of a Sailer volley that found the top right corner for the lead in what would eventually be a 3-0 victory.
The Vikings play Santiam Christian on Oct. 17 in a game that pits the second and third-ranked 3A/2A/1A-SD3 teams against each other. Head Coach Londi Tomaro characterized the contest as an “important” game.
Vikings Volleyball
Vikings volleyball was looking to get back on the right track and finish the season strong after a threegame losing skid. Going into their Oct. 17 game against South Umpqua, the Vikings were coming off a tough loss to league leaders Coquille.
Though Siuslaw lost the match three sets to zero, the contest was closer than the set count showed, with the scores being 21-25
15-25, and 22-25. Head Coach McKenzie Perry said that some of the standout performers were Kimberly Martinez-Munoz and Kylee Stinger. Martinez-Munoz had 17 digs, ten serve-receive passes at 100 percent, 11 kills, and one block. Stinger had 16 digs, 15 serve-receive passes at 93 percent, and 14 assists. Other players notching stats were Kamorah Lake with two blocks and three kills, Stella Duman with two blocks, Mia Snider with a block and five kills, and Chloe Clark with six digs, 14 serve receive passes, and two aces. The Vikings are 2-5 in league play and 6-10 overall, which has landed them third of the six teams in the 3A-5 Far West League. Unfortunately, the Far West league will only qualify two teams to state, and with Coquille (7-0, 13-2), Douglas (5-2 10-4), and Sutherlin (5-2 10-8) ahead of them in the standings, the playoffs will likely be beyond reach unless results go their way.
Community Halloween Party at the Ada Grange #570.
Everyone is welcome to join in the fun! October 27th, 2024 from 1 pm - 3 pm. Refreshments provided.
(Ada Grange is 10 miles out on Canary Road at 82457 South Canary Road, Westlake, OR.) Contact Megan at 541-991-2313 or Heather at 541-590-0635 for any questions.
WLT Meeting today
West Lane Translator, Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing free television and radio re-transmission to the Florence area, will hold its October Q4 Board of Directors Meeting on Wednesday, October 23 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Siuslaw Library, Bromley Room and virtually with attendance details provided to all current WLT members via email. For the convenience of the public, a summary of the meeting will be posted to the WLT website, westlanetv.org
Costume paddle on the river
Hello paddlers! Get your costumes ready for the 2nd annual Halloween day paddle on the Siuslaw. Throw on a costume (for you or your boat) and meet us on the water!
We’ll launch from the Port of Siuslaw Boat Launch in Old Town Florence and be on the water by 4pm. [Be aware of fishing boats
launching and stay out of their way. ] The kiddies will be trick or treating the businesses on Bay St. 4 6 Don’t want to get on the water but still want to be part of the fun? Grab a bag of candy and hand it out (possible locations — the gazebo at the park, the sea lion deck by River Roasters, in between MO’s and ICM) while pointing at the paddlers on the river and calling folks over (ooo! Ahhh!).
Looking forward to participating in our community fun. Kayakers, SUPers, canoeists — all are welcome!
Holiday Bazaar and Bake sale
The Ladies of Elks will be holding their annual Holiday Bazaar and Bake sale November 1st and 2nd at the Elks Lodge in Florence. Times are Friday 1-6 pm and Saturday 9am-4pm. This event is the Ladies biggest fund raiser of the year. Included this year will be holiday decor, handmade items, baked goods and the ever popular jewelry table. Also a craft supply area has been added. On Saturday the 2nd there will be a soup and chili luncheon from 11:30 to 1:30.
Classified
The Port of Siuslaw is accepting applications for Camp Host. This is a year round, volunteer position for a single person or a couple. Benefits include RV space, utilities, cable TV, Wi-Fi and propane. Computer experience required. Camp Host experience preferred. Must have own RV. Responsibilities include RV Park and Marina reservations, registration, security checks, and misc duties. Job Description and application are available at portofsiuslaw. com and at the Port office located at 100 Harbor St. Florence, Oregon. Questions - call 541-997-3426.
Seeking an Experienced Park Operations Manager for Coast Village Residential Community in Florence, OR. Salary DOE + benefits. See coastvillageflorence.com. Email resumes to: facilities@ cvpoc.com.
Seeking roommates! No kids or pets. Call - 541.991.9032
SLN24-3035 SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION: BY ORDER OF THE COURT In the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Lane County, No. 24CV47696 Edward L. Lovingood Plaintiff v. Charles M. Salomone, Defendant: TO: Defendant: You are hereby commanded to appear and defend the
complaint or petition filed against you in the above-entitled action within 30 days from the date of first publication of this summons upon you, and in case of your failure to do so, for want thereof, plaintiff will apply to the court for the relief demanded in the complaint. This action is to rescind a deed and quiet title in plaintiff’s name in the property which is commonly known as 33788 Row River Rd, Cottage Grove OR. In this action, plaintiff seeks a judgment declaring that he is the owner of said property free and clear of any interest whatsoever of the defendant. NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANTS. READ THIS SUMMONS CAREFULLY You must “appear in this case or the other side will win automatically. To “appear” you must file with the court a legal paper called a “motion” or “answer”. The motion or answer must be given to the court clerk or administrator within 30 days of the date of first publication along with the required filing fee. It must be in proper form and have proof of service on the plaintiff’s/petitioner’s attorney. If you have
any questions, you should see an attorney immediately. If you need help in finding an attorney, you may call the Oregon State Bar’s Lawyer Referral Service at (503) 684-3763 or toll free outside the Portland area at (800) 452-7636. Richard A. Weill, P.C. OSB 821396 Date of first publication: October 16th, 2024, 102 W. Historic Columbia River Hwy. Troutdale, Oregon 97060-2033 (503) 492-8911 Attorney for Plaintiff
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AQUARIUS -Jan 21/Feb 18
You are always there for other people when they need you no matter how inconvenient that can be for you, Aquarius. This week someone else steps up and take the weight off you.
-Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, if someone had predicted last year where you’d be right now, you might not have believed it. But just look at how far you have come in such a short amount of time..
CAPRICORN -Dec 22/Jan 20
You might be walking on shaky ground, Capricorn. Certain variables are shifting, and you need to plan for a way to navigate the new situation.
Trust your gut.
TAURUS -Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, even if you’re not sure what to do this week, you may have to make a decision quickly. Take an innovative approach when mulling your options if need be.
Pisces, you are in a dreamy mood and everything seems like you are looking through rose-colored glasses. Have fun while it lasts, but don’t venture too far away from reality.
ARIES -Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, you might have been thinking about making changes for a very long time. One of the biggest changes could be moving home base. Look at real estate.
LEO Jul 23/Aug 23
GEMINI -May 22/Jun 21
Nothing but pleasant energy will surround you this week, Gemini. Use it to your advantage to get a lot of things done at your own pace. Then you can enjoy a night or two out this week.
CANCER -Jun 22/Jul 22
You may find yourself reevaluating your work-life balance, Cancer. It’s a good time to establish healthy habits and set realistic goals for self-improvement.
Leo, typically you enjoy being the center of attention and being gregarious with others. This week you might want to step back and enjoy some quiet time at home..
VIRGO -Aug 24/Sept 22
Just when you thought you wouldn’t hear back from someone you thought was out of your life, he or she turns up again, Virgo. You are not sure how to feel about this.
LIBRA -Sept 23/Oct 23
This week could prove to be all about the unexpected, Libra. Some things may not go according to plan, but it
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