Florence celebrates the exploding whale
By TONY REED Siuslaw News
In an event likely hampered by the rain, dozens of people came together in Florence Nov. 10 to remember and celebrate one of the most unusual events to happen on the west coast, when the Oregon Highway Division used dynamite in an attempt to disintegrate a dead whale near Florence’s south jetty. The event has gone on to worldwide notoriety because of a newscast at the time which has since been recirculated on
Annual Veterans
Florence, Inc.
Despite threatening early morning downpours, the 19th annual Veterans Day Parade launched as planned to travel through the streets of historic Old Town Florence on Monday, November 11th to sunny skies. The streets were adorned by the American flag compliments of Florence Kiwanis Club. This year’s parade was led by Florence Police Chief John Pitcher, followed by Color Guard provided by Veterans of Foreign War Post 3232 Behind them students
Day Parade Success
Siuslaw Valley Charter School welcomes Head of Schools
Submitted by SVCS
The board of Siuslaw Valley Charter School officially announced their head of schools, Arturo Ruelas. “Arturo is a visionary and transformational education leader. He is recognized across the United States and China for his 19 years of experience in K through 12 education,” said Kay King, Board president. “As the newly-appointed Head of Schools for Whitmore Classical Academy, he brings a rich background in strategic leadership, curriculum development and organizational growth.”
First Step Florence opens folding house
By TONY REED Siuslaw News
A small but fun celebration in Florence featured a symbolic exploding whale, Mermaid Luna and KATU reporter Paul Linnman who posed for photos and signed photos. (Tony Reed photos)
Arturo Ruelas
Tony Reed photos
Tony Reed photos
Submitted by Siuslaw Pioneer Museum
What they hoped to find lay at the bottom of Tahkenitch Lake for 37 years. Local folks may recall that June day in 1987, when a Southern Pacific (“SP”) Railroad train derailed on its daily route between Coos Bay and Eugene. As the 102car train crossed a trestle on the northernmost part of the lake, the 75th car derailed. Four cars loaded with lumber and plywood plunged into the lake. Four other cars derailed, awkwardly leaning on the tracks, with an empty liquid petroleum gas tank still attached. SP confirmed there were no chemicals being transported. Sparks from the friction of the train’s cars had scraped against the tracks and ignited a fire on the trestle. Several helicopters assisted in putting out the fire, using drop buckets filled with lake water. Fortunately, there were no injuries during the mishap.
Investigation revealed during maintenance on the tracks that morning, a section of the track had not been adequately secured.
Fast forward to September, 2024 when scuba diver Lawrence
Bloomfield visited the Museum’s Kyle Research Library to donate items from his remarkable experience with the Tahkenitch Lake derailment project. For some time, others had encouraged him to conduct an exploratory dive of the lake for possible derailment artifacts. He entertained the idea, and began researching the possibility of such an undertaking. Because the Tahkenitch boat dock was unserviceable at the
time, he studied the area to determine a feasible entry point from land for the dive. With nearly 500 pounds of gear needed for the dive, sorting out the logistics was an essential element of his planning process.
Nearly two years in the making, the project presented tremendous challenges from its inception. Lawrence secured permission from the Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indians (CTSI), the Department of Forestry and other agencies to access the service road to the train tracks. The road led to rugged terrain, downed trees blocking an overgrown path, and
landslides. He soon realized the project had all the makings of a “multiple excursion event”. He revisited the site nearly 20 times to work out a viable plan to execute the project.
As he retold the story, it was obvious Lawrence maintained an unwavering determination to methodically resolve each successive challenge. He organized a crew of worthy individuals as dedicated and passionate as himself to undertake the project. Among the crew was photographer Thaxter Haywood from Colorado. Lawrence consulted with various agencies and Brien Mill, another local diver familiar with the area. In time, he located a spot to launch a boat for the dive. Together with his crew, they used kayaks to initially survey the area. About 1 ½
miles from where they first paddled out, they began seeing compelling evidence of train parts half buried in silt along the shore - a train chassis, railroad ties, cables, etc. It became apparent they were in the vicinity of where they needed to be.
A HISTORIC EXPEDITION
Seven months after obtaining the CTSI permission, Lawrence and Thaxter took their first dive. According to Lawrence, visibility in the lake was poor. The lake’s algae, mud, silt, and clay complicated the prospect of seeing, much less recovering artifacts. Despite a depth of only 22 feet and using guarded movements to minimize stirring up the silt, they could barely see more than 3 inches in front of them. Flashlights were nearly useless. They resorted to using their hands to feel along the lake’s silt covered floor.
Within 15 minutes of the dive they resurfaced to evaluate the benefit of continuing. Considering the research, travel and invested efforts over the past 2 years, Lawrence suggested they give it another 15 minutes to decide if the project could still be salvaged. They continued the dive, and quickly lost sight of each other. Lawrence reached out to what he thought was Thaxter’s fin. To his surprise, he grabbed onto what appeared to be a bag. When they resurfaced, Lawrence lifted the bag and relayed to Thaxter: “inside of this is a piece of the train”. By the end of the four-hour dive, they recovered more than 300 parts from the derailment. According to Lawrence, perhaps the most rewarding item recovered was a half-buried portion of a rail beam. He recalls a satisfying moment when after resurfacing from the dive, he declared to the crew:
“I don’t think we found the icing on the cake –we found the cake itself!” Inspecting the track’s rail piece, he suggests it may well have been the piece that caused the train to derail and ultimately tip over.
Many thanks to Lawrence Bloomfield and his crew for donating derailment artifacts to the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum. These artifacts include the rail beam, bolts, spring, brake pad and more. They can be viewed with the Cushman train exhibit on the Museum’s second floor. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. Visit our website and blog at SiuslawPioneerMuseum. com.
A champion among us
My first story as associate editor/ reporter for this paper involved and interview with Jeanette Campagna and Sonia Graham during the Coastbusters walk at Hans Petersen field in 2023. I was struck by their enthusiasm and dedication to helping others with the stress and financial impacts of breast cancer.
I was saddened to hear Sonia had passed away and felt the need to highlight her service to Lane and Lincoln counties.
It’s easy to find previous stories about Sonia online as published on different websites and other publications. She and Jeannette Campagna knew each other but were brought closer together
Thank you one and all
The VFW 3232 and Cooties Pup Tent # 9 wish to thank you for your continued support. Again we as a family did another outstanding job and exceeded my goals and expectations. I wish to also thank Bi Mart, Fred Meyer, and Safeway of Florence for their corporate help. Thanks also to McKay’s Market in Reedsport. The seasons are changing, therefore we wish you all a happy
by a mutual diagno sis of breast cancer in 2020. Over a year later, as both recovered with positive prognoses, they formed the Coast Busters Walk fundraiser. What made this fundraiser different from so many others was its beneficiaries. While some fund awareness campaigns and research, Coastbusters directly assists local women in treatment for breast cancer.
“It doesn’t pay their medical bills but at least, it offsets some of that so they are able to,” Campagna said.
“It helps relieve some of the financial stress so they can focus on healing and getting better,” Sonia told me.
During my interview with them in 2023, they explained that they had worked with sponsors to raise funds to help with local patients transportation costs, rent, utilities and other costs.
The money delivered to local patients lets them know that someone understands, someone cares and someone wants to help them. Imagine facing such a diagnosis, weighing all the costs and anxiety about your own future, but then someone arrives to say, “We can help- you focus on getting better.”
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
holiday season and look forward to seeing you next year, your support/ help with the VA home in Lebanon, local needs here and in Reedsport and our vets in Roseburg. Sincere thanks Harry and Ido Morgan Florence
Restore or Destroy?
“Places don’t matter so much to folks as they used to.” - Johnny Sundstrom Places held meaning to us, we moved when
needed and our need was survival.
Spaces were found and transformed, made into something special; a place that holds memories.
As we evolved as a species so did our movements and our value to sacred places.
Places that became sacred are turning back into spaces as we lose value to our places.
Who we are matters but WHO is defined by where we are; what happens when we are lost?
We are lost when we
That’s big. The selfless, coordinated act of two people, strengthened by support from the surrounding communities, should touch anyone with a beating heart.
As a recent arrival, myself, I was further affected when I read in her obituary that she was involved in many other charitable fundraisers and projects.
On behalf of the Siuslaw News, our condolences to her family, friends and community. Our hat is off to her for all she’s done.
Coastbusters will continue to help local cancer patients and donations can be made through https://www.coastbusterswalk.org/Donate/
lose our value to our sacred places that we transformed by replacing the sacred with empty space.
A space is an empty void meant to be transformed, a place is sacred, meant to hold parts and pieces of ourselves and our ancestors.
TF Walker Mapleton
LETTERS POLICY
Letters to the editor should contain at most 300 words. The Siuslaw News reserves the right to edit, condense, or reject any letter to the editor. Letters published in The Siuslaw News will also be published online. Letters to the editor and guest columns must include your first and last name, city or town or residence, and phone number for verification purposes. Letters endorsing candidates or campaign issues must be received no later than ten days before an election. Letters written by candidates will not be accepted. Letters to the editor should be the author’s work. We strongly discourage and will attempt to weed out form letters, letters mailed to other news outlets, or letters written and edited by a third party, including but not limited to political parties. We try to restrict the printing of one submission per author per month. We do not publish anonymous letters, personal attacks, personal complaints, poetry, consumer complaints, or letters written in bad taste.
To send a letter: Mail: Editor, Siuslaw News, 4969 HWY. 101 Notrth, #4 PO Box. 10, Florence OR, 97439 Email: treed@countrymedia.net.
OUR STAFF
Rhody Court Team kicks off Rhodies on the River
Rhody Court applications are now available for the 118th Senior and Junior Rhododendron Court. Siuslaw and Mapleton students in their senior year are encouraged to apply. Deadline to apply is December 14th. Applications are online at www.rhododendroncourt. com. Junior Court paper applications are available at Siuslaw and Mapleton Elementary School offices. The Court Leadership Team consists of a dynamic group of dedicated community members including; Kay King, Jennifer Waggoner, Tamara Cole, Jenna Bartlett, Wendy Krause, Maygan Hiatt, Lindsey Holcroft, Marissa Reavis and Kim Erickson. Team
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members have been working since October to make sure theirs and the community’s vision of the Rhododendron Court is brought to reality.
The mission of the Rhododendron Court program is to provide scholarships for higher education, to offer networking and mentoring opportunities to outstanding young women and men in a program that perpetuates an appreciation for Rhododendron Festival history and tradition.
The Rhododendron Festival High School Court is comprised of five outstanding ladies and five outstanding men who are selected from Siuslaw and Mapleton High Schools. The Junior Court is comprised of one student from grades 1-5. Queen Rhododendra and her Junior and Senior Princess Courts, as well as the King of the Coast and his Senior Prince Court will reign over the 2025 Rhododendron Festival. They act as the goodwill ambassadors for this event and make many promotional appearances between the start of the year and the annual Rhody Festival in May.
All Senior Court applicants will go through an
interview process with five community members for the selection process in early January. Rhododendron Court will be announced members will be announced to the community mid to late January.
After being selected, Court Members will make appearances at community events, meet with business leaders, and speak at youth organizations and civic groups. These ambassadors for the Rhododendron Festival will also receive one-on-one mentorship and will showcase their talents in the Rhododendron Coronation on Saturday, May 10th, 2024, where they will compete for the title of Queen Rhododendra and King of the Coast!
Queen Rhododendra and the King of the Coast, along with their Senior Court, will be awarded scholarships on the night of the coronation.
If you are interested in this once-in-a-lifetime experience and be part of Florence history, please complete your application by December 4th, 2024
If you have any questions about the application or participating, please email rhododendroncourts@gmail.com
The Nativity Festival Committee of Florence is seeking community members who would like to participate in this year’s event which will be held December 6 th, 7 th and 8 th. It runs from 1 : 00 p.m. to 5 : 00 p.m. each day. Displayers from past years are also invited to join us again.
All nativity sets, large or small are welcome.
The festival takes place at The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints’ building located at 2705 Munsel Lake Rd on the corner of
North Fork and Munsel Lake Roads in Florence and is free of charge. The festival is sponsored by the woman’s auxiliary of The Church of Jesus Christ of LatterDay Saints and is open to all people and all faiths.
Please contact Vickie Kennedy at 541 - 9977404 or by e-mail at vdkennedy 54 @gmail. com for registration information. More information can be found on our Facebook page by searching for Florence Nativity Festival.
Legislation Investing in rural schools passes Senate
JEREMY C. RUARK
Country Media, Inc.
A critical source of federal funding to assist rural communities in Oregon has won approval of the U.S. Senate.
A bipartisan bill to reauthorize the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and SelfDetermination Program (SRS) through 2026 introduced by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) was unanimously approved by the Senate Nov. 11 Crapo and Wyden were joined by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) in reintroducing the legislation in 2024 SRS was authored by Wyden and enacted in 2000 to financially assist counties with public, tax-exempt forestlands.
The U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management administer the funds.
The totals are based on a formula including economic activity, timber harvest levels and other considerations that vary from county to county.
SRS payments are critical to maintain education programs for many rural counties that contain federal lands exempt from property taxes.
PREVIOUS FUNDING
Wyden and Merkley announced in April that 30 Oregon counties, would receive more than $47 7 million in federal payments under the Secure Rural Schools and Community
Self-Determination Act (SRS) for schools and road maintenance, youth job training, wildfire prevention, watershed restoration and habitat conservation.
Coos County would receive $59 496 69
Curry County would receive $1,169,189 57 Lane County was to receive $7,764,108 96 Lincoln County would receive $1,298,614 26 and Tillamook County would get $662 760 56
REACTION
“Building on a history of bipartisanship, the Senate reiterated its support for rural communities,” Wyden said after the Senate approval Monday night. “I thank Senators Crapo, Merkley and Risch for their partnership to extend this critical funding – a lifeline that helps rural communities keep open their schools, libraries, roadways and supports other vital resources. Once we’ve completed the remaining work to secure this three-year extension, I will be using it as a bridge to a permanent fix for providing services to rural Oregonians and Americans in every corner of our country.”
“Our bipartisan bill provides reliable funding that is crucial to keeping schools and libraries open, maintaining roads, restoring watersheds, and ensuring there are police officers and firefighters to keep communities safe,” Merkley said. “The Senate did its job and now the House must swiftly pass this bill to
extend the SRS program so Oregon communities can maintain access to these important lifelines and resources.”
Crapo said the approval by the Senate “gets us one step closer to providing the funding certainty upon which rural county governments can rely,” he said. “I encourage the U.S. House of Representatives to swiftly reauthorize the SRS program to avoid any disruption to this vital program as rural counties rely on these continued payments to ensure funding for schools, road maintenance, public safety, search and rescue operations as well as mental and physical health services.”
U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse (D-Colorado), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Washington) and Val Hoyle (D-Oregon) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Christmas tree permits are now available for the Siuslaw National Forest and will be offered through Dec. 31, 2024. Go to recreation.gov to purchase a permit online. If you wish to purchase a permit in person, call our offices before your visit as office hours may have changed. Christmas tree permits are $5 with an additional transaction fee of $2 50 when purchased online. Cutting trees in some areas is prohibited; tree hunters should check maps provided with permits prior to selecting their tree. Visit our Christmas Tree Permit webpage for more details. Fourth graders with Every Kid Outdoors (EKO) passes are eligible for one free Christmas tree permit. Students and their guardian can visit an office in person or apply for the permit online. For more information about the EKO pass— which also provides students and their families free admittance into selected national forest recreation sites, national parks, and other federal public lands— visit everykidoutdoors.gov.
Sunday 9:00 1st Service in person Sunday 11:00 2nd Service in person & Online Children’s Church (0yrs-12yrs) in person & Online
General Christmas tree guidance and safety tips:
• Determine which national forest you want to visit and check maps for potential locations.
• Purchase a permit at recreation.gov, a national forest office, or an official vendor.
• Check the weather forecast and road conditions before traveling.
• Start tree hunting early in the day to have plenty of daylight hours.
• Remember to tell
someone where you are going and when you will return.
• Bring emergency supplies; include a rope and tarp to move your tree to your vehicle.
• Bring a map and compass as cell service may be limited.
• The tree you choose must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites, and campgrounds. Stay away from areas alongside streams, rivers, and lakes.
The Forestry and Natural Resources Extension program at OSU will be holding a Ties to the Land Lunch & Learn Webinar Series, from November 19, 2024, to January 7, 2025
Ties to the Land is an educational program for rural landowners who are considering how to pass on their land or associated business to future owners. The program materials help participants think through the social, financial and legal aspects of succession planning. Done properly, a succession plan will consider your goals, your family members’ needs, and the legal process for transferring your land or business while considering taxes.
The Ties to the Land Lunch & Learn Webinar Series includes four sessions from 12 1 pm on Tuesdays, and participants can register for as many of the sessions as they like. Dates and topics are as follows:
• November 19: Options for succession of the land
• December 10: Family meetings
• December 17: Unexpected partner loss
• January 7: Professionals viewpoint on ownership options
The fee is $15 per class, or $50 for the whole series (a $10 discount). Pre-registration is required. To register or learn more, visit https:// beav.es/ties or contact Carrie Mack at 541-2376808 or carrie.mack@ oregonstate.edu.
Peace Harbor Volunteers
Want to make a difference in the community and make new friends? Do you have a few hours a month? If so, we would love to have you join the Volunteer Program at PEACEHEALTH PEACE HARBOR MEDICAL CENTER. Opportunities are available both in and out of the Hospital setting. All training provided. Applications are available at the Lobby Volunteer Desk or the Gift Shop located in the Hospital at 400 9th Street, Florence, OR 97439.
Us Too Florence
Saving men one PSA test at a time. “Someone to talk to...who understands!” 541-997-6626 • 47maribob38@gmail.com www.ustooflorence.org
To include your organization in this directory, please call us @ 541-997-3441
the internet.
Former KATU Reporter
Paul Linnman, whose tongue-in-cheek newscast of the event now has over 20 million views and millions of copied versions, was also at the festival with his wife Vicki. Vicki said they were already married when it happened and that she has just accepted the resulting fame as part of his life. As Paul posed for photos with people and signed autographs, Vicki said the attention follows him wherever he goes, but that he’s always gracious and happy to talk. At one point, Paul tried on and bought an official Exploding Whales baseball team hat from Connor Watrous, who had a booth at the event. For four games a year, the Eugene Emeralds become the Exploding Whales.
Another witness to the event was Kelly Umenhofer, who was 14 at the time. Kelly’s father Walter, owned the car that was flattened by the large chuck of falling whale blubber.
He said the car was a brand new Oldsmobile Regency Brougham, which the family had owned for only about a month before they drove out to see the whale.
Umenhofer noted the irony that the car came
from Dunham Olds Cadillac, a dealership whose catch slogan was, “Come on in, we’ll make you a whale of a deal.”
Asked what happened to the car afterward, he estimated that it had been towed to a local yard but did not know if it had been destroyed, parted out or left.
“When we were there in the parking lot, a couple of the [Highway Division] guys were trying to pull the chunk off the roof,” he said. “It was like, ‘Why? that car is done.’ It didn’t just bend the roof, it bent the frame and the whole middle of the car. That piece of blubber weighed about 300 pounds and came from a thousand feet in the air.”
Umenhofer said that prior to the explosion, his dad had argued with the highway division workers about the amount of dynamite used and the trajectory of the blast.
The celebration took place mostly under awnings and inside Homegrown, due to the intermittent rain. Under one tent, kids got to meet and have photos taken with Mermaid Luna.
Merman Dan, a songwriter and performer from North Carolina, also came to the event and stayed through the day. Dan was inspired when he first heard about the whale and has since written several songs about it. At the end of the event,
organizer Jo Beaudreau retold the story of the whale and how it went viral before viral was a term. A much smaller, plywood whale was placed in the street, a fuse was lit and fireworks shot out of it to applause from the attending crowd.
RECALLING THE DAY
In his book, the Exploding Whale and other remarkable stories from the evening news, Paul said he and videographer Doug Brazil were both 23 when they were assigned to cover the story.
“Our assignment that day, Thursday, Nov. 12 1970, was to cover the disposal of a dead whale for the 5 o’clock news, which sounded easy enough, if of questionable news value, but this thing had an odd twist to it,” he wrote. “My boss had learned that the whale was going to be blown up with dynamite...There was certainly no way we could have known that in a few hours, both of us would be running for our lives, trying to escape the heavy and potentially lethal pieces of whale blubber which rained from the sky.”
Linnman added that there was also no way he could have known the footage would elevate
House
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to an information sheet provided by FSF, the cost of the folding home is less than $20,000 Amenities and interior are mostly white and the model also features a covered porch area.
Families will live in the house consecutively, each doing so until they can get back on their financial feet and move into regular homes or apartments.
It was noted that applicant families are carefully vetted and once they are
him to a cult-status icon of news and define his career for years to come.
In a 2020 interview with Oregon Historical Society, Brazil said the whale had been on the beach three to four days before the explosion, and Linnman’s report said it washed ashore already dead.
Brazil said the immediate reaction was that other news organizations weren’t that interested in the story. However, it was able to run on ABC News over the following weekend. After that, requests poured in from many government agencies, wanting to use the footage for safety training purposes, he said.
A column by Dave Barry made the incident
in the homes. must adhere to a firm set of rules.
While there, they can take advantage of classes and sessions to learn everything from basic job skills to instructions on finding their birth certificates and other documents needed for employment and taxes.
FSF Board member
Paul Pearson said that with that training, families and their kids can break certain cycles to escape poverty.
“If we can keep some of these families from becoming homeless over and over, it multiplies the benefit,” he said.
Two RV trailers are
famous before the internet elevated it to worldwide attention, they said in the OHS interview.
“When Barry called it ‘the single-most funny news story in history,’ that seemed to get everybody’s attention,” Linnman said.
“It staggers the imagination to think that this kind of occurrence would be around still 50 years later,” Brazil said. “It’s still on the internet, it’s still getting hits. Sometimes I don’t get it.”
The KATU video has garnered over 20 million views on Youtube and is the first result one gets with the search words “exploding whale.”
Oregon Highway Division’s George Thornton, whose idea it was to use dynamite, died
on the lot for the same purpose but Pearson said when they fall apart it will be a goal to put more of the larger folding houses in the space. He
in 2013 at age 84
A lesser-known story, also covered and videotaped by KATU, happened nine years later in 1979 when 41 sperm whales beached near Florence. People were unable to return the whales to the water and all died. Crews used saws to dismember the carcasses and remove them from the beach.
“It might be concluded that should a whale ever wash ashore in Lane County again, those in charge will not only remember what to do, they’ll certainly remember what not to do,” the newscast concluded.
To our knowledge, no other agency has ever attempted to dispose of a whale carcass using explosives.
said the City of Florence has been supportive of the mission, and another property north of the location that could host more such homes.
Festival visitors mostly stayed under shelters as it rained off and on all day. Kelly Umenhofer and Paul Linnman share their memories of Nov. 12, 1970. Tony Reed photos
Visitors were amazed to be standing in a fully equipped home that had been unfolded a week before. Tony Reed photos
Club were available during staging, as well as coffee, hot chocolate and donuts provided by Bright Beginnings Pre School.
from Siuslaw High School proudly carried the banner ahead of Grand Marshals Wayne Sharpe and Wendy Farley Campbell, riding in vintage jeeps.
While the number of participants in this year’s parade was down from prior years, it still contained a variety of individuals from Veteran tand patriotic organizations, individual vehicles and floats from various community organizations including three different car clubs. Western Lane Fire & EMS, USCG and Auxiliary, and Florence Area Ambassadors also took part. Hot dogs served up by Florence Siuslaw Lions
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This year, in addition to the Siuslaw High School band who marched in the parade, participants and spectators alike were also able to enjoy patriotic music played from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. by both local radio stations, KCST 106 9 and KXCR 90 7
The Committee wishes to thank the many sponsors from the community who contributed either dollars or goods to make the parade possible. Information and pictures of the parade can be viewed on the Parade Committee’s new website for this year which can be reached at www.florenceveteransparade.org.
learning environment at Whitmore classical academy, preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving world. I look forward to the challenge and I can’t wait to meet and work with the residents of the Florence area.”
Ruelas says he’s committed to implementing a classical education model at WCA that will emphasize academic rigor, appreciation of the Arts and Charter development.
Outside of his professional life, he enjoys spending time with his family
“I am going to really enjoy hiking, camping and kayaking in the regions areas of natural beauty. I also enjoy attending art and cultural events,” he said. “Florence has it all.
“It will be my goal to foster an exceptional
Former Siuslaw principal and SVCS board member Larry Martindale added,” Ruelas will be a great fit for our community. We are very fortunate that he chose our school and shared our vision. it’s an exciting step for us.” He will begin in his position on December first of this year.
Whitmore Academy will open to grades kindergarten through four in the fall of September 2025 and will add a grade each year following that until they become a full K through 8 school. The intent to enroll form is available online at whitmoreacademy.com
Tony Reed photos
SPORTS & LIFESTYLE
Will LOHRE Country Media Inc.
Siuslaw High School’s volleyball season has come to an end, and even though the Vikings didn’t make the playoffs as they had hoped, Head Coach McKenzie Perry said it was still a fun season with many highlights along the way.
The Vikings finished the season with an 8-11 overall record and a 4-6 league record. Though they finished the season fourth in the 3A-5 Far West League, there were many positive takeaways and standout performances along the way.
“We had a great season, with a ton of growth, joy, and memories made,” Parry said. “While I am disappointed that we didn’t make playoffs and that we ended league play with a record of 4-6, that largely had to do with the fact that there was a lot of talent in our league this year.”
Despite some quality opponents in the league, the Vikings had some talented players of their own who they relied on to make things happen. The program’s seniors were a big part of that. Siuslaw only has a roster of ten this season, and four of those ten are seniors.
Parry detailed what the loss of the team’s seniors might mean for next year.
“We will feel the loss of our seniors, mostly in hitting experience. Kimberly Martinez-Munoz brought so much consistency, from her 96% serving completion to her .249 hitting efficiency.
Jolee Erickson brought the power, and before ending her season early with a knee injury, she racked up 135 kills and 29 aces,” Parry said. “Abby Riggs started the season in the back row playing defense but easily stepped into the outside hitter position after Jolee’s injury and delivered
very tough and consistent serving. Kamorah Lake gave us size on an otherwise vertically challenged team, and with her explosivity, she delivered a team-high 30 blocks.”
The loss of that production will be felt next season, and Parry said they may need to make some adjustments to fill essential gaps in the middle and outside. Parry noted that they will have room for up-and-coming JV players to move upto varsity next season.
In addition to the young players coming up, Siuslaw will have two returning players who were recognized as some of the best in the league. The full list of athletes who received recognition were:
Senior Kimberly Martinez-Munoz received First Team All-League Honors with season-long stats: 186 kills with 0 249
efficiency, 30 aces with 96% completion, and 319 digs.
Junior Kylee Stinger received Second Team All-League Honors with season-long stats: 319 assists, 31 aces with 80% completion, and 226 digs.
Junior Mia Snider received Honorable Mention with season-long stats: 111 kills with 0 222 efficiency, 17 aces with 85% completion, and 27 blocks.
When asked what the highlights of the season were, Parry said it comes back to how much of a joy this team was to coach. As a teacher at Siuslaw Middle School, she had many of these athletes as students in her classroom when they were in sixth grade.
“There are many potentially hard things about coaching, from personalities to coachability, to logistics and parents. None of those things were ever a problem
this year. They are all so fun to be around, their parents are all so supportive, and I have enjoyed continuing to get to spend time with them,” Parry said. “I have known all of them except Kamorah since they were 11-year-old 6th graders in my science class, and from the classroom to the gym, they are a dream team.”
As they move into next season, Parry said that this year already has her excited for 2025. The six returning varsity players “love the game so much,” and Parry is excited to continue with them on their journey. This year’s team had a balanced rotation, and all team members played.
Parry said that because of this, they would bring critical experience to next year’s squad.
Once again, Parry touted the importance of juniors Stinger and Snider as
important leaders for the program.
“Kylee Stinger is a very experienced setter and will continue to grow while playing club this winter and spring,” Parry said. “Mia Snider is a returning captain with so much love for the game, and as a great leader, she knows just how to motivate her team on the floor.” With players ready to step up next year, Parry and the Vikings will hope they can get better and potentially punch a ticket to next year’s playoffs. Capping off this season, though, Parry said that “above all,” it was a joy to coach this group, and they’ve really brought the spirit of fun to the season.
“They challenged me to coach in a way that fostered their joy and love of the game because they played so much stronger when they were all having fun,” Parry said.
Siuslaw volleyball finish fun season Fall
Community Briefs
Don’t miss this show.
Backstreet Gallery celebrates their Community Challenge, A Spot of Color, at the Second Saturday Art walk. The show continues until December 1st. Don’t miss one of the best challenges, ever, where artists interpreted the theme A Spot of Color. The jurists, Jo Beaudreau and Michael Schwartz awarded ribbons to the following recipients. Three dimensional: 1st place, Lori Sall – Ceramic sculpted bowl, 2nd place, Debbie Boyle – beaded Necklace, 3rd place. Lorna Eskie – Stone Wreath. And two dimensional: 1st place, Donna Smith – watercolor and ink, 2nd place, Greta Olvias – Acrylic painting, Third Place, Robin Sewel – Watercolor painting. And the People’s Choice awarded to Donna Mlinek for her fiber art piece. Next Month, watch for Kristin Anderson’s gleaming glass show at Backstreet Gallery on Bay Street.
Siuslaw Public Library District Board meeting
A regular meeting of the Siuslaw Public Library District Board of Directors will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the Siuslaw Public Library located at 1460 9th Street in Florence, OR. The public is welcome to attend in person, and virtual attendance and written comment submission options are also available. A complete agenda and additional information is available online at siuslawlibrary.org or by calling 541-997-3132
Operation Christmas Child Gift Collection
Anchor Of Hope Church (Florence Evangelical Church) is once again the area collection point for Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. Florence residents, families, churches, and groups can help spread joy to millions of children around the world by filling shoeboxes as Christmas gifts for them. The gifts can include school supplies, clothing, toothbrushes, and toys for children ages two to 14. (No liquids, lotions, toothpaste, candy, or gum please.) From the distribution sites boxes are flown to
countries around the world, and then delivered to communities by trucks, and even donkeys, camels, or canoes.
Operation Christmas Child has been an annual project of Samaritan’s Purse since 1993. The project has delivered giftfilled shoeboxes to more than 220 million children, in more than 170 countries and territories. For information on how to pack a shoebox visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.
This year’s National Collection Week is Monday, Nov. 18 to Monday, Nov. 25. Florence project coordinators hope to collect at least 500 shoebox gifts this year. Anchor Of Hope Church (Florence Evangelical Church) is at 1318 Rhododendron Drive. Collection hours are Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 18th and 19th from 10 am – 2 pm. Wednesday, Nov. 20th from 10 am – 2 pm and 5 to 7 pm. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Nov. 21st, 22nd, 23rd, from 10 2. Sunday, Nov. 24th from 1 – 4. Plus, Monday, Nov. 25 from 8 – 10 AM. Donations to help with postage are also appreciated. For questions about dropping off shoeboxes, call the church (541) 997-2523
p.m. Doors open at 1:30 pm. It was a full house last year, and staff
to repeat that successful turnout. Those who were there know what to expect: lots of dancing and merriment. Donations are appreciated.
Gingerbread house contest deadline extended
Entries will be through Friday, Nov 22nd. Drop off dates at the Events Center are November 25-29
Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops (CROW) is once again holding its yearly Gingerbread House Contest. The houses are judged by the public and the cash prize for the first place winner is $100, and you can vote for your favorites while supporting youth arts and education.
Entry forms are due November 15th. The cost is $25 per entry. Fill out your form online at crowkids.com/gingerbread . Drop off the ready-to-display Homes at the Florence Events Center November 25th through 29th. public voting takes place December 2nd through the 15th. The cost is $1 per vote or six for $5. Put them all in one box, or divide your votes amongst your top favorite houses. The houses will be on display in the lobby of the Florence Events Center during the 2024 Holly Jolly Follies and other fun holiday events.
The
Christmas Music of Robbie Dee!
An evening of Christmas traditional and other
Santa Paws photos and pet food drives to benefit OCHS animals
Paws has dusted off his boots and is ready to take pictures with pets to kick off the PAW-liday season. On Saturday, November 23rd community members are invited to bring their furry family members (and human ones, too) to Florence Shipping Solutions at 2006 US-101 in Florence between 10:00am and 2:00pm for pictures with Santa. The second event will be hosted by Mini Pet Mart at 2630 US-101 in Florence on Friday, December 6th from 10:00am until 2:00pm. Kurt Kennedy, who plays Santa Paws for OCHS, is a longtime supporter of the organization and has agreed to two dates this year. Stephanie Ford, an OCHS volunteer photographer, will be taking photos again this year. Photos can be emailed or printed after the event.
In conjunction with pictures, OCHS will be hosting a Pet Food Drive in the parking lot at each location. Oregon Coast Humane Society feeds over 350 community pets each month and the need continues to grow. Many local families rely on the generosity of their neighbors to make sure their animals don’t go hungry.
OCHS Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson says that community partnerships like these make it possible to help even more animals. “Florence Shipping Solutions and Mini Pet Mart are incredibly generous local businesses who support more than just our organization. It’s inspiring to see businesses use their platform to support their neighbors in so many ways.”
Donations for pictures with Santa Paws support shelter and community animals in Florence. Suggested donations start at $20, but no one will be turned away.
Oregon Coast Humane Society is a nonprofit, limited intake shelter promoting a lifetime commitment to pets.
Coast Klezmer Band returns
Mark the date! Coast Klezmer Band is coming back to Florence Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Sat. Dec. 14, 2-4
hopes
Oregon gains 1,700 jobs, stronger growth
JEREMY C. RUARK County Media, Inc.
Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment gained 1 700 jobs in October, following a revised increase of 900 jobs in September, according to the Oregon Employment Department.
The department’s monthly unemployment report is a key indicator of Oregon’s economic strength.
GAINS AND LOSSES
October’s gains were largest in health care and social
assistance (+2 400 jobs); government (+1,700); and financial activities (+1 200).
Declines were largest in professional and business services (-2 400 jobs); manufacturing (-1,200); and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-1,000).
In the past 12 months, health care and social assistance (+16,900 jobs, or 5 8%) grew rapidly, while government (+7,000 jobs, or 2 3%) added the second most jobs. In that time, only three major industries declined by 1,000 jobs or more: retail trade (-3,700 jobs, or - 1 8%);
construction (-2 000 jobs, or -1 7%); and manufacturing (-1 000 jobs, or -0 5%).
JOB GROWTH
Quarterly revisions indicate stronger job growth during the first half of 2024 than previously estimated. This put nonfarm payroll employment levels nearly 10,000 above previous estimates for June and subsequent months.
Upward revisions during these months were largest in professional and business services (revised upward by 6,400 jobs); retail trade
(+2 000 jobs); and private educational services (+1 600). The largest downward revision was in real estate and rental and leasing, which came in 800 jobs
lower than previously estimated during June through August. Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4 0% in both September and October and has consistently remained between 4 0% and 4 2% since October 2023 The U.S. unemployment rate was 4 1% in both September and October.
FOLLOW THE CHARM TRAIL
Victims
about
VISOR and how it can help keep you informed. VISOR is a free, computer-based service that allows you to check on an offender’s custody status either in a county or state facility. It also
allows you to register to receive automatic notification when an adult in custody (AIC) is released or transferred.
How do I use VISOR?
Register online at: Home (oregon.gov)
Email VISOR: visor@ doc.oregon.gov
Leave a voicemail for VISOR: 888-749-8080
You may locate an AIC using basic information such as the name or offender number to search for the AIC you want to register for.
VISOR will give you the AIC’s custody information and invite you to register for free notification by phone call, email, or text if the status changes of the AIC Click in the “search bar” where you can conduct a statewide search of offenders and register
to receive notifications of a change in custody status of the offender: Home (oregon.gov)
How do I register with VISOR?
You will need to provide: A telephone number or email
Search for the AIC you want to register for Choose a preferred notification delivery method
You may create an account in VISOR if you wish. Creating an account will allow you to choose how and when you receive notifications, it will allow you to view recent notifications that were sent to you, allow you to change your personal information, and allow you to unregister.
You also have the option to remain anonymous when registering
instead of creating an account.
Important VISOR Facts VISOR will send you a notification when the AIC you registered for is released, transferred, escapes, or is deceased. All registrations and personal information with VISOR are, and will remain, confidential. You may register more than one phone number or email.
NOTE: Do not depend on the VISOR service as your only protection. If you feel you may be at risk, take precautions as if the offender has already been released.
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
BEAT THE PICKERS PANEL FOOTBALL
