TSN36

STATE OF THE CITY

“The

partners work hard to keep Florence safe and a great place to live,” he said. “Patrol, dispatch, and corrections are on 24/7 so we can thrive as a community. We know you will be there when we call. Thank you to the Police Department for your consistent work.”

Ward said the Municipal Court saw changes to staffing and our new employees quickly got up to speed to ensure the judicial process preserves both the integrity and rights of the defendant, as well as the citizens of the City of Florence and the Court.

Ward noted that two long-range planning efforts were kicked off this year.

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“The first of these projects was the completion of the Transportation System Plan update,” he said. “Last completed in 2012, this 2023 Plan is a significant update that ensures

PHOTO BY TONY REED

Mayor Rob Ward addresses the crowd during his State of the City address

efficient transportation infrastructure planning for the future.”

Ward said the second major planning effort related to local housing.

“We made strides in this effort through the Housing Implementation Project,” he said. “This was the next phase in our multi-year housing related projects that began in 2018.

Siuslaw News Staff

A transient subject from Sweet Home remained in jail as of Feb. 27, after being arrested for breaking into a Florence home and holding the female resident against her will to rob her.

“On Feb. 20, about 10:07 p.m., the Florence Police Department received a report of a burglary and robbery at a residence in the 19th and Tamarack Street area,” a release stated. “Upon arrival, it was discovered that a male suspect had entered a residence by going through a window. Once in the residence, the suspect held the female resident down and then forced her to give him some of her property.”According to FPD reports, the suspect forced the victim into the garage where the victim was able to open the garage door, causing the lights to come on.

The suspect ran out of the garage.“While officers were out at the residence investigating the incident, other officers were out searching for the suspect,” the release said. “Officers learned from video that the suspect had gone up to another residence in that area, and had approached the front door. the motion light was activated, apparently causing the suspect to turn and leave and then go to the victim’s residence.”Officers found a suspect matching the description, Phillip Thomas Swartz, 36, in the Safeway parking lot in Florence and arrested him without incident.

See CITY, page B3

Siuslaw Valley Charter School answers questions

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Siuslaw Valley Charter School co-chairs Aric Sneddon and Kay King agreed to an interview with the Siuslaw News February 15th, amid controversy created regarding a stated affiliation with Hillsdale College of Michigan. The charter has since put out a press release saying it no longer plans to use the teaching services offered by Hillsdale, and will instead go with a basic classical education model and details appear in a separate story.

Background

Sneddon said the effort to open a local charter school started in 2022, following Covid.

“I think the misunderstanding a lot of parents had early on was

classical education model, King said public schools “teach to the test.”

housing implementation project and further code updates throughout the year. This work takes a lot of thoughtful policy decision Winter in Old Town at 1285 Restobar We are happy to serve you! We are open: Noon 7 days a week! BESTFLORENCEOF VOTED Mayor reflects on achievements Reported shooting under investigation By TONY REED Siuslaw News Sheriff’s Detectives could not release a great deal of information regarding a reported drive-by shooting Feb 26 near the North Jetty

thinking that the low education they were getting during Covid was just because of Covid and I think a lot of the families came to the realization that that was just the quality of education that they had been receiving for quite a while,” he said. “That’s when parents across the country got upset with the low standard, the lack of actual development the lack of teaching kids the ability to become learners, to form their own opinions and not be preached to. so, that’s where the genesis really was.”

He said that after several local school board meetings to discuss it, interest in the charter school and classical learning model have snowballed.

Asked to describe the biggest differences between public school and a

“Everything is measured by the tests they give throughout the year,” she said. “Although now, anyone can graduate, they don’t have standards for graduation right now.”

“They basically are trying to push the remaining kids from Covid through,” Sneddon said. “The state has suspended graduation requirements, districts are still allowed to implement them.” He said several districts have chosen to allow all students to graduate, even those who were not on track to graduate before the change.

“That’s how ridiculous this is,” he said. “We have asked Siuslaw because it’s not clear if they’ve decided to do that… That expires in 2026, I believe, and that’s when

an FUN & GAMES! Join us!

graduation requirements will fall back into place.”

Classical model

“Classical education is an approach where everything builds on each other,” she said. “So, as you grasp concepts, they are used across the board, not just in math or others. You keep moving up in the chain until eventually, you get to more critical thinking. Critical thinking is huge, that’s how you learn to discern, with what you’re being taught, how to present your own materials so that as you move through the ladder within classical education… In public or modern education, they’ve really gone away from the

See CHARTER, page A5

“We For more information or to RESERVE A TABLE Please call: Toni Young 541-991-7212 Jodi Cole: 541-999-9974

He was charged with burglary 1, robbery 3, Criminal Trespass 1, menacing and harassment, Police Chief John Pitcher said that after consultation with the Detective and a review of reports, the District Attorney’s office added the charge of Kidnapping II. As of Feb 27, Swartz was still being held at Lane County Adult Corrections and bail had been set at $175,000.

in Florence. At about 10:15 p.m., a male subject called 911 to say a vehicle drove by his RV and an occupant fired a shot, hitting him in the ribcage. It was determined that the subject had an injury to his chest which had not penetrated the skin. The subject was taken to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Deputies canvassed the area for a couple miles, according to Sheriff’s Sgt. Tim Wallace, but found nothing suspicious.

Anthony (“Tony”)

Vernon Cavarno

Born in Concord, NH, on July 15, 1930, Tony’s journey through life was marked by adventure, service, and an unwavering love for his family. After graduating high school, Tony embarked on a distinguished 20-year career in the Marine Corps. He served with valor in the Korean War, where he often joked about the intense cold. Maybe that’s where he acquired his bone-chilling sense of humor.

Following his service in Korea, Tony’s adventures took him to Karachi, Pakistan, as part of the Marine Corps Embassy Guard. It was here, amidst the vibrant culture and bustling streets, that Tony not only earned his pilot’s license—a feat he was very proud of—but also met the first love of his life, Mavis Drexler. They were married in a ceremony among close friends, including Tony’s best man, a Pakistani businessman named Bhiko Patel. The newlyweds’ honeymoon journey to the Taj Mahal and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) was just the start of a lifetime filled with love and exploration.

Tony’s career in the Marine Corps saw him serving in various capacities, from Recruiting Sergeant to combatant in the Vietnam War, where he completed his second overseas tour before

retiring as a First Sergeant, decorated with two Purple Hearts. His tales of a retirement narrowly avoiding a third tour became a legendary part of his story, illustrating his good fortune and humor in the face of life’s challenges. Retirement did not slow Tony down; it instead opened the world to him. He became an avid Mako shark fisherman, a pioneer of the sport in Southern California, and started a beautiful family with Mavis, blessed with four children: Mark, Laura, Bruce, and Alan. Tony channeled his entrepreneurial spirit into founding a thriving home improvement and cabinet business, a venture he passionately led for two decades. After Mavis’s passing, Tony found the second love of his life, Barbara Elliott Himsl, or “Grandma Bebe.” Together, they created Camp Cavarno, a magical family retreat on Sutton Lake in Florence, Oregon, where generations learned to shoot, fish, crab, chop wood, water ski, and debate politics by the campfire.

Tony’s later years were filled with travel and community service. He and Bebe embraced a life on the move, visiting all 50 states, mostly by steering their way across the country’s back roads in their RV. During the winters, they found their slice of paradise, living in their RV on the beach at Camp Pendleton, blending the thrill of exploration with the serenity of seaside living.

Always proud of his military service, Tony was an active member of various veterans’ groups like the VFW and American Legion, a founder of the Veterans Memorial Park in Old Town Florence, and the initiator of the “Band of Brothers” coffee meetings. His dedication to fellow veterans was also evident in his 16 years driving

the DAV van, a testament to his enduring commitment to service. Tony was also a beloved figure at the Elks and the Rolling Elks. Grandpa Tony’s fearless spirit and insatiable thirst for adventure were epitomized when he daringly flew the Manta Ray, a notoriously perilous kite tube, on both his 75th and 80th birthdays, proving that age was merely a number to him in the pursuit of exhilaration and zest for life.

Grandpa Tony, never one to hold his tongue, made his mark far and wide, from the opinion pages of local newspapers to the inboxes of friends and family, sharing his take on the world’s goings-on. His spirited dispatches will be sorely missed, leaving us to wonder, “What would Tony say?” in the face of future headlines.

In saying goodbye to Grandpa Tony, we’re reminded of the remarkable paradox he embodied: a

“manly man” of unyielding strength and stubbornness, yet with a tender heart overflowing with kindness, love, and warmth. He loved unconditionally, from Grandma Mavis and Grandma Bebe, to his cherished pets like Tiger Bud, to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who saw in him not just a grandfather, but a hero to look up to, a source of laughter, and an endless well of wisdom.

Tony’s final chapter was as extraordinary as his life. He embodied the essence of a true gentleman and an exemplary role model in his every action—from the outset to his final moments, his approach to life and to those around him was imbued with a deep respect and kindness that will forever be cherished and remembered. And true to form, he exited the stage of life in quintessential Grandpa Tony style: fearless, embraced by love, and on his own terms—with Fox News

playing in the background.

Grandpa Tony, you’ve given us stories for a lifetime, and though you’ve set sail on your final adventure, your spirit of adventure, love, and laughter lives on.

Grandpa Tony is predeceased by his first wife Mavis, his sister Irene, and his son Mark. He leaves behind a legacy of love, courage, and adventure, survived by his

second wife Bebe, three children, three stepchildren, 21 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one great-greatgrandchild, and his 19-yearold cat, Miss Muffin. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date. Burns’s Riverside Chapel Florence Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

“I

While watching the Memorial for George Floyd, I was moved to tears by Rev Al Sharpton’s Eulogy. And, moved also by the family’s attorney to battle on with the fight for justice and equality for all Americans no matter their race, ethnicity or religion. This has been my purpose in life since returning from Vietnam. That is the reasoning for my many posts against Trump and those who blindly follow his anti-American and anti-Christian behavior. I will continue to be a soldier against his policies and those of Right Wing Extremists who seek to destroy our great Nation.

As for my personal history, I was on the front lines of the

Anti-War movement beginning in August of 1970 after my return from the horrors of Vietnam. Greg Hedgecock, Craig West and I formed two demonstrations in Coos Bay against the Vietnam War, one with over 100 demonstrators.

I worked hard on shutting down the Menasha sludge pipeline that was polluting our North Spit and even made Walter Cronkite News because of my efforts. I was invited twice to symposiums on race relations in Portland because of my writings regarding the serious issues of race facing the city. Both seminars were filmed by a local TV station and I was allowed to speak at both. I also marched against the first and second Iraq Wars

in Portland and during the George W. Bush war against Saddam Hussein I was asked to read my anti-War poems in the morning and at the evening demonstration where 4,000 plus protesters were waiting for speakers. After I finished my most famous poem, “War Dead,” there were cheers aplenty and the night was lit with candles and lighters in appreciation. That also brought tears to my eyes. There were other demonstrations and letters pertaining to my efforts to bring truth to dishonesties and lies. That is my purpose in life.

Dennis Baker Florence

Serious Issues to Consider

Americans today are confronting an overwhelming array of serious issues. The following are just two of the many areas that concern me.

The World Health Organization (WHO). While we were masked, standing six feet apart, and afraid of killing Grandma during the Pandemic, the WHO was quietly amassing a consortium of multi-stakeholder partnerships designed to take over control of our lives. The proliferation of WHO-produced documents is extensive, and includes such amendments as:

• Expanding the definition of pandemics, health emergencies and health products, introducing the concept of “potential” harm. This allows the WHO to define these terms however they choose.

• Making the International Health Regulations (IHRs) binding and giving the Director General the ability to independently declare

emergencies. That is one man deciding for all signatories.

• Giving the WHO control over certain country provisions, including financial and intellectual property, travel, confinement, medical examinations, and medications, including vaccinations. The WHO seeks to transgress against the national sovereignty of every nation signing onto to this agreement and sets itself up as a “Governing Body.” Their estimated $31 billion per year budget will be funded from the “developed” countries and distributed, in part, to “developing” ones for more “equitable” distribution.

The Biden Administration is firmly advocating this agenda.

If you read nothing else, read The WHO’s “Implementing the Immunization Agenda 2030.” With a 2030 Target of “500 vaccine introductions” (Page 10), their goal focuses not on health, but rather techniques of coercion for 100% compliance.

The Immunization Schedule While the “Pandemic” generated questions about the alleged safety and efficacy of the Covid-19 gene therapy, it has also prompted a closer look at the childhood immunization schedule. Even with over 70 vaccinations by age 18, American children are sick with diseases once considered rare. In 1970, autism occurred in 1 in 10,000 children. It is now 1 in 36, and primarily males. Dr. Toby Rogers (Substack) has a critical article entitled “The Political Economy of Autism.”

According to Rogers, around 1987 the incidence of autism began to skyrocket. Just prior, Congress passed the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, which gave total immunity to vaccine manufacturers from vaccine-related injury or death. The PREP Act furthers legal immunity. Coincidence?

Finally... The Covid-19 Pandemic resulted in the largest transfer of wealth in the history of the world. Businesses closed. Doctors lost their licenses. Millions lost their lives. Why? Because we trusted our leaders and they lied to us. Hopefully, we are smarter now and have learned to question everything. Whether it is the WHO usurping our freedom and denying our sovereignty, or the medical industrial complex impinging on our God-given physical and mental being with absolute impunity, there is a tremendous amount of power and financial gain to be had at every level. We must tell our officials at local, state, and federal levels that we want no part of the WHO’s Pandemic Treaty or the Amendments to the International Health Regulations. We have a

ited time to stop this before it is

Saturday, March 9, 2024

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Charter Charter School answers questions

trivium which was always the model of education, back to Socrates.”

He said in modern education, schools buy their curriculum.

“If you buy a language arts curriculum from Houghton Mifflin, and you buy a math curriculum from McGraw

Hill, those will never go together, Sneddon said, adding that in classical education, teachers are aware of what’s happening in all subjects to keep them aligned. “You also introduce foreign language at that point,” he said, “because the part of your brain that learns language is the most malleable when you are young. After two years in foreign language in high school, that part of your brain is almost solidified so it’s making sure that you are teaching kids what they are able to learn.”

“The second part is logic,” he said. “Anybody who’s had a middle schooler knows that is when opinions start to be thrown out left and right.” Sneddon said the logic stage takes facts that students have learned and teaches them to examine them in order to form an opinion and support it. Students are also introduced to Latin at that point, which Sneddon said makes them better spellers, improves foreign language learning, and aids technological learning such as coding. He said traditional education tends to give students

a computer and assume that using it makes them proficient.

“The classical model does not do that. [It] says we’re going to give you skills to be able to think critically and solve problems. Then, when you are introduced to technology, you have the skills to be able to learn what is in front of you. Whether you’re going to trade school, whether you’re going to university, or whether you’re going to the military, you’re able to compile all those skills and actually learn the task that is being put in front of you. You haven’t just been funneled into a profession.”

King and Sneddon said another major difference occurs when a student reaches the rhetoric stage, the high school years, where they learn to make their case while also taking in opposing information to become fully informed.

“That is the biggest difference,” he said. “We’re not teaching kids what to think, we’re teaching kids how to think for themselves, how to utilize the resources around them and solve problems that they may have.”

Books vs. tech

Sneddon said technology won’t be absent from the classical curriculum, but will definitely occur less than in a public school curriculum.

“It teaches them when it’s appropriate to use an electronic device for research and where [to find] appropriate sources- Unlike now where we just Google it.” Sneddon shared that he is currently dealing with his own kids,

who sometimes Google information rather than”looking it up” using credible sources and peer-reviewed information.

Unlike a modern art class, Sneddon said that in a classical education art class, students will learn brush techniques, watercolors, pastels and such, but will also understand where they came from and learn about the artist that used them.

“It’s more of an art history class,” he said.

“What our curriculum teaches in third grade is about equivalent to what modern education teaches in 6th and 7th grade he said. “That’s one of the biggest differences. we know that kids are able to learn more than what modern education is expecting of them.”

Noting that his mother is a retired teacher and he is home-schooling one of his kids, Sneddon said public school expectations of students were low before Covid.

“Coming out of Covid, I’m seeing that what my freshman is learning now is what we learned in 6th grade,” he said.

He said parents show a great deal of interest in the curriculum and are surprised at how much it differs from public school.

“It won’t work for everyone,” King added.

“It’s hard,” Sneddon said. “It will require families to be engaged in their students’ learning. There are a lot of families who are interested but if you want to drop your kid off in the morning and pick them up when you think

school’s done, we’re not the curriculum for you.”

Frequently asked questions

From Page A1 See

Asked where the charter school would be located, King said it’s something they are still working on. She said that without a prospective contract, it’s difficult to look for a location.

Sneddon said two potential locations have been identified in Florence, but did not disclose their locations, since they are on the market.

At a previous school board meeting, King said 69 families have shown interest in enrolling their students. Sneddon said that equated to around 130 students, Which he said was amazing considering SVCS has done no community outreach.

“It’s important to note that the money will follow the child, and won’t leave the district,’ King said, noting that people are repeating that the district may lose 92% of its funding. She called the figure ridiculous, saying no money will leave the district.

The question has been raised whether the state would punitively pull funding for noncompliance. King said that in speaking to state representative Boomer Wright, was told that the state will not pull funding from a school district, but will instead simply request they make changes to their application.

“They’re not going to pull funding,” she said. “They may say that, but it’s never happened.”

King said if the school district approves the charter money will stay in the district, but if SVCS has to appeal directly to Oregon Department of Education, money will leave the district.

“Any money enrolled with Siuslaw Valley Charter School would stay with us and come from the state directly,” Sneddon said, “instead of going through the authorizing district that would have been Siuslaw.” Sneddon added that charter schools don’t often use all of their funding, which sometimes results in surpluses for the sponsoring school district.

The religion question

At school district meetings, Sneddon has repeated the charter will not be religious or political in any way. However, SCVS’s intent to affiliate with Hillsdale College, a known religious and politically-affiliated institution, sowed doubt that SVCS would uphold the separation of church and state by not teaching religion using public funding.

A release from SVCS after this interview stated that it will not be using the services of Hillsdale and is moving forward with the classical education model.

Asked directly whether the school will teach that evolution is the accepted scientific method or that divine creation is responsible, King said, “We will teach both.”

“Basically what the curriculum has in there, and because it is a non-religious curriculum, the science components are non-sectarian that have been assembled,” Sneddon stressed. “We feel like this is one of those situations where people want it to be religious so they can oppose it. It is simply not religious. There are religious components that have happened through history. Whether it’s Buddhism, whether it’s Muslim, you name it. There have been wars fought over religion. There have been areas remapped over religion. You can’t ignore where religious events have happened throughout history. Where public education skates by them, we teach them in a historical manner. It is never proselytized.”

“Coming back to evolution and creationism,” King said, “they both exist in our society as the understanding of how we got here and everything, so you’d want your child to know both things and make their own…”

“But don’t misunderstand that with there being a

religious lesson in a science class,” Sneddon interjected.

Asked if the school will teach that only one of 4,200 known gods is the correct one, Sneddon replied, “You are not going to have anybody saying one is right and which one.” He said that instead, students will learn that certain groups of people believe or have believed in certain deities.

“That’s what’s interesting,” Sneddon said. “In public education you can learn about all those people but you can’t learn about Mohammed, it’s almost like the three major religions can’t be talked about but all of the other history can that had deities and godsit doesn’t make any sense. Again, don’t misinterpret that with a religious component.”

Off to college

Discussing how the classical education model prepares students for college, Sneddon said that in talking to admissions officers, he was told that Oregon schools’ expectations are so low that college admissions officers discount Oregon students’ scores.

“Tufts and Harvard and other schools around the country will say that your 4.0 GPA in Oregon is probably more like a 2.5.[GPA]. Oregonians don’t know that. Families in Florence don’t know that.”

Asked If LGBTQ students will be allowed and welcome in the charter school, King

noted that families will be granted admission through a lottery system.

“We are required to follow all state laws,” Sneddon said. “A school does not have to ask special regulations or rules to accommodate LGBTQ students because the state already has them.”

Sneddon said these school’s primary concern will be whether or not a student wants to learn and understands that coming to school will require work.

“We don’t care what your race is, what your sex is,” he said, saying the charter S only concern will be if students/parents want them to learn.

“Unfortunately, education has become very political, Sneddon said. “To think that public schools are not extremely political is being willfully blind. That is one of the major drivers for why we chose a classical education model- politics are absent” He said the curriculum does not focus on LGBTQ students’ needs while making others’ needs secondary.

“That’s what we see in modern education,” he said. “We see a lot of tailoring to group de jour… Modern education is super political and hyper-focused on whatever is political at the moment because that’s where the money comes from. That’s where the special interest groups are, that’s where curriculum companies say ‘we

can do a curriculum here and make a lot of money.’ If you want an apolitical education, classical education is where you need to be looking because there are no politics built around it.” Sneddon said it’s a main reason why non-political families are showing interest.

Improve the district?

King and Sneddon were asked why a creating charter school is a preferred option to working to improve the local school district. King said it’s a question they hear often.

“I struggle with that a bit because I was a public school teacher,” King said. She said that if the charter starts out teaching only elementary students, those students will raise the bar for others and enrich the high school.

Sneddon said a small group of families want better but lack the firepower to go up against the Teachers’ Union.

“Parents who want more for their kids are always shown the door,” he said. “They are never given a seat at the table to help.” He asserted that the district will complain it has no collaborative involvement with parents and families but

will not work with those fam-

ilies who come to the district wanting to help. Eventually, they stop trying, he said.

“They are running their businesses, they’re doing soccer and football and Girl Scouts and they don’t have time to fight the district into getting better,” he said. It’s just not a fight that is winnable when you are one or two or three people.”

Following lengthy discussion about training, state laws, curriculums, previous school board meetings and home-schooling, Sneddon said he felt the chart is being stonewalled.

“We are not adversaries in education, we are partners,” he said. “We know that there are districts out there who embrace their charter schools and everybody benefits. It’s what we want here. We also know, based on testimony from the board, the board has an interest in being charter school friendly. Unfortunately, the administration has shown that there is no interest, and their actions are what’s causing the problem. Policy did not allow stonewalling, which is what has been happening for the last year.”

Where the charter school process goes from here

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

There wasn’t a lot to report following a Feb. 20 release from Siuslaw Valley Charter School which stated that the school will no longer seek to use the teacher services of Hillsdale College. The decision comes after months of meetings by the Siuslaw School District regarding SVCS’s stated intent to affiliate with Hillsdale, a warning

from district legal counsel, a response from SVCS and a board decision to rework a new contract that meets all the requirements of Oregon Revised Statutes regarding charter schools.

“We have made the decision to move forward using the public school classical education curriculum only, and not as a member school,” the release stated. “We will inform the Hillsdale College K-12 office that SVCS will no

longer seek their teacher training services.”

The release said it rescinded its affiliation letter in an effort to move the process along, so that it can move into negotiations. It said the goal is to hire a head of schools in order to open in September 2025.

In a somewhat longer letter to the School District, SVCS said close collaboration between them was important.

“As we progress into contract negotiations, we emphasize the importance of close collaboration between SVCS and the Siuslaw School Board.

“We believe it is inappropriate for the Superintendent to develop the Charter School contract in isolation,” the letter read. “We request that the Siuslaw School Board engage with the OSBA Charter School Department to support the negotiation process. Their knowledge and experience are crucial in developing a legal and appropriate Charter

School Contract with the district. Utilizing OSBA’s expertise will also allow the Superintendent to return to his regular duties. This request must come directly from the board of directors.”

What now?

SVCS co-chair Kay King said she was feeling frustrated, having sent the letter a week before, because she had still not heard back from the district office by Feb. 27. King said she was given information earlier that if SVCS dropped Hillsdale affiliation, the process Would move forward quickly

“It’s frustrating, because we’re trying to move forward and we have so many deadlines, she said. “What we want to see happen is that we are given a contract proposal, so we have a place to start and we can sit down with our negotiations team and begin crafting the contract.”

Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak said he will be going forward with what the board recommended at the last meeting, which is to meet with legal counsel and draft a contract in compliance with Oregon Revised Statutes chapter 338, which covers charter schools in Oregon.

“I think the language of the law is fairly clear,” he said. “So we are going right along the lines of ORS338 There is language in ORS338 that if charter schools are going to enter into contract with Consulting services, it is supposed to be with a public school, an education service district, or a public university in Oregon.”

Grzeskowiak noted a discrepancy between the press release and a letter sent to the School District. He noted that the release states that SVCS plans to “use the curriculum,” while the previous letter says SVCS plans to be a “curriculum school.”

Shoreline Christian School

Shoreline Christian School of Florence will host an open house for the community to learn more about its programs on Thursday, March 14, at 6:00 p.m. It will provide an opportunity for prospective families to meet the teachers, tour the school, and ask questions.

For those attending, there will be discounted registration for new students.

Enrollment is open for next year for grades K-8. Transfers are easy. Shoreline Christian is fully accredited and is open to people of all faiths, or no particular faith at all.

Shoreline Christian School offers individualized instruction, strong academics, monthly outdoor school, relevant Bible lessons, and educational field trips that integrate classroom learning.

“When you look at the Hillsdale website, there are specific conditions to being a curriculum school which is quite different from using the curriculum and then supplementing it to meet state standards,” he said in an email. “The letter of intent states that they can maintain full license to the curriculum if SVCS were to reject the consulting program, which is not the same as being a curriculum school according to the Hillsdale website.” Grzeskowiak said it may sim-

“Shoreline Christian School may be the right school for your family. Our teachers hold high expectations for our students, both in academics as well as how they interact with each other. Families can expect a Christ-centered focus for their children—and to be partners in developing positive attitudes, nurturing friendships, and healthy lifestyles,” says teacher/principal Karie MacPhee.

“With a small school and a great student/teacher ratio, we are flexible, adaptable, and can customize a learning plan that advances students who are ready for more challenges, or address student needs to bring them up to the level where they need to be,” adds school board chair Nathan Large. “We are a part of a robust international school system whose students typically outperform their peers, and we are open to students in kindergarten through grade eight regardless of faith.”

information on the school and its programs, or wishing to register for the open house, can contact principal 541-9974445 in Florence, at the Florence Seventh-day Adventist Church, behind Wildflower Montessori School, and can be accessed via the last driveway on Oak Street before Fred Meyer.

Shoreline’s teachers and school board members will be on hand during the open house to answer questions about what the kids learn, how they interact in a multigrade classroom, and about their regular outdoor school program. Tuition is $450/ month. Refreshments will be provided.

Tide Table

WELLS’ TIES TO VIKINGS BASEBALL RUNS DEEP

First-year coach welcomes seasoned Siuslaw team to first official practice

................7.2.

Low 5:49 p.m. -0.8

SATURDAY, MARCH 9

High................. 12:08 a.m. .................6.3

Low 5:55 a.m. .................1.4.

High.................. 1:44 a.m. ..................7.4

Low 6:30 p.m. ................-0.8

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

High................. 12:43 a.m. .................6.7

Low 7:45 a.m. .................0.7.

High.................. 1:37 p.m. ..................7.3

Low 8:10 p.m. -0.6

MONDAY, MARCH 11

High.................. 2:19 a.m. ..................7.1

Low 8:33 a.m. ..................0.2

High.................. 2:29 p.m. ..................7.1

Low 8:49 p.m. -0.1

MONDAY, MARCH 12

High.................. 2:20 a.m. ..................8.5

Low 8:41 a.m. ..................0.3

High.................. 2:48 p.m. ..................7.4

Low 8:41 p.m. ..................0.6

MONDAY, MARCH 13

High.................. 2:55 a.m. ..................8.6

Low 9:30 a.m. ................-0.5

High.................. 3:42 p.m. ..................6.7

Low 9:18 p.m. ..................1.5

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

High.................. 3:32 a.m. ..................8.5

Low 10:21 a.m. -0.4

High.................. 4:41 p.m. ..................6.1

Low 9:56 p.m. ..................2.4

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

High.................. 4:12 a.m. ..................8.2

Low 11:17 a.m. .................0.0

High.................. 5:46 p.m. ..................5.5

Low 10:39 p.m. .................3.2

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

High.................. 4:58 a.m. ..................7.7

Low 12:22 p.m. .................0.4

High.................. 7:08 p.m. ..................5.1

Low 11:35 p.m. .................3.9

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

High.................. 5:55 a.m. ..................7.2

Low 1:38 p.m. ..................0.7

High.................. 8:54 p.m. ..................5.1

MONDAY, MARCH 18

Low 1:03 a.m. ..................4.4

High.................. 7:10 a.m. ..................6.7

Low 2:55 p.m. ..................0.8

High................. 10:21 p.m. .................5.4

TUESDAY, MARCH 19

Low 2:49 a.m. ..................4.3

High.................. 8:35 a.m. ..................6.5

Low 4:01 p.m. ..................0.6

High................. 11:11 p.m. .................5.8

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20

Low 4:08 a.m. ..................3.9

High 9:49 a.m. ..................6.6

Low 4:52 p.m. ..................0.4

High................. 11:44 p.m. .................6.1

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

Low 5:03 a.m.

New Siuslaw Vikings coach Derek Wells is not exactly a new face in local baseball.“This is my 26th season of coaching at all levels in Florence, so I’m very familiar with all the kids,” Wells said Monday, as the team gathered for its first official practice. Local ties run deep.“As a graduate of Siuslaw in 1996, and a former player, I’m truly excited for the opportunity to coach the Vikings,” he said. It could be an exciting season. The team lost just three seniors from a team that went 16-10 and played in two state playoff games. Tom Shinn stepped down as head coach after the season, but he did not leave the cupboard bare.Seniors returning include utility player Billie Massey, infielder Eaden Mead, pitcher-first baseman Andrew Norman-Jensen and outfielder-pitcher Mathias Wilson. Juniors include catcher-first baseman Silas Gorder and second baseman Max Reynolds. Joel Sissel, expected to handle catching duties, is out for the season with an arm injury.“Our one challenge we face this year will be our catcher position, with Joel Sissel out for the season with an arm injury,” Wells said. “So we are hoping Jacob Mann can carry the load for us this season.”Sophomores include outfielder-pitcher Micah Blankenship, catcher Jacob Mann, outfielder-pitcher Zakary Nilles, shortstop-pitcher Jordan Pitcher and pitcher Jordan Wheeler.“This year’s transition for myself and the players should be a smooth one,” Wells said, “considering I have been able to

coach all the kids in previous years.”A strength of the team should be found on the mound.“This year’s team will have seven pitchers, with Andrew Norman-Jensen leading the way,” Wells said. “With two lefties and some up and coming young pitchers, I feel good about our chances on the field.”Stay healthy, dodge some rain and catch some breaks, and the Vikings should be in the thick of the Mountain Valley Conference race.“Overall, 2024 looks to be promising,” Wells said. “We have some great kids on and off the field, and coaches with a great background in baseball.”Assisting Wells well be Jim Baxter, Michael Pitcher and Greg Reynolds. Bill Shaw will coach the junior varsity.Notes

The team is listed as a Siuslaw/Mapleton co-op, but Sailors basketball standouts Tristan Stewart, a senior, and freshman Roenin Barrows will start the season on the junior varsity. … Siuslaw moves to the Far West League next year, competing with Coquille, Douglas, Glide, South Umpqua and Sutherlin.

Schedule

• Last season: 16-10

overall, 11-7 Mountain Valley Conference This season: 0-0 overall, 0-0 Mountain Valley Conference

• Monday, March 11 at Newport, 4:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 13 Sutherlin, 4 p.m.

• Friday, March 15 Coquille, 4 p.m.

• Tuesday, March 19 Creswell, 5 p.m., league opener

• Friday, March 2 2 at Creswell (DH), 3 p.m.

• Wednesday, March 2 7 vs. Taft, 11:30 p.m., at Newport Tournament

• Thursday, March 28 vs. Brookings-Harbor, 9 a.m., at Newport Tournament

• Thursday, March 28 vs. Seaside, 11:30 a.m., at Newport Tournament

• Monday, April 1 at La Pine 4:30 p.m.

• Thursday, April 4 La Pine (DH), 2 p.m.

• Tuesday, April 9 at Elmira, 5 p.m.

RHP/ OF

• 13 Jordan Pitcher, SS/ RHP

• 19 Jordan Wheeler, RHP Mapleton players

• Tristan Stewart, senior

• Roenin Barrows, freshman

spring Chinook seasons

The spring Chinook fishery below Bonneville Dam will open on Friday, March 1.

Oregon State University researchers are first to see at-risk bat flying over open ocean

CORVALLIS, Ore. – On a research cruise focused on marine mammals and seabirds, Oregon State University scientists earned an unexpected bonus: The first-ever documented sighting of a hoary bat flying over the open ocean. The bat was seen in the Humboldt Wind Energy Area about 30 miles off the northern California coast; the Humboldt area has been leased for potential offshore energy development, and the hoary bat is the species of bat most frequently found dead at wind power facilities on land.

OSU faculty research assistant Will Kennerley, the first to see the bat, and colleagues documented the sighting with a paper in the Journal of North American Bat Research. The bat was spotted just after 1 p.m. on Oct. 3, 2022, in observing conditions rated as excellent.

“I have spent a lot of time at sea in all oceans of the world, and I’ve seen a lot of amazing things,” said Lisa Ballance, director of OSU’s Marine Mammal Institute. “A hoary bat was a first for all of us. It’s a reminder of the wonder of nature, and of its vulnerability.”

Hoary bats are strong fliers and highly migratory, moving from breeding areas across North America to southern or coastal wintering areas, the scientists said. They are regular visitors to the Farallon Islands near San Francisco and to Bermuda, but a review of current and historic records of offshore bats in North America indicated that a hoary bat had never been spotted from a ship.

Hoary bats can fly as high as 2,400 meters – well beyond the vision of human observers and outside the acoustic range of ultrasonic detectors, which could partly explain why the species has seldom been detected offshore, the researchers note.

Kennerley and Oregon State marine ecologist Leigh Torres were aboard the R/V Pacific Storm as part of the MOSAIC Project, which studies the distributions and densities of seabirds and marine mammals around potential offshore wind energy areas. Ballance is the four-year project’s principal investigator.

The bat appeared during a seabird survey 49 kilometers off the coast of Arcata, California. It was flying

between 5 and 10 meters above the ocean, generally approaching the Pacific Storm from the north, and got as close as 50 meters to the vessel.

“We of course didn’t set out to look for bats at sea, but this demonstrates the value of having observers out on the water ready and able to document unexpected observations like this,” said Kennerley, who photographed the bat. “I think surprises like this are one of the most exciting parts of doing science.”

Research including a 2019 study led by OSU-Cascades suggests the hoary bat, known scientifically as Lasiurus cinereus, is declining at a rate that threatens its longterm future in the Pacific Northwest.

Bat population declines are problematic for a host of reasons, researchers say. In many environments worldwide bats provide ecosystem services including pollination, pest control and seed dispersion. They are one of the most diverse groups of mammals but are not well understood, and have in recent years become at great risk both from wind energy production

and from the invasive bat disease white-nose syndrome. Wind power affects bats through collision and barotrauma, which refers to injuries caused by rapid changes in atmospheric pressure like what can occur around the blades of a wind turbine. Examination of dead bats collected near turbines often reveals signs of the internal hemorrhaging associated with barotrauma rather than collision.

The scientists on the Pacific Storm say their observation provides further evidence that the hoary bats sometimes use offshore habitat. That the sighting occurred within a leased offshore wind

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energy area highlights the potential for hoary bats to be affected by offshore energy development, they note.

“Our study only documents a single individual but nonetheless suggests a greater need for studies looking at threats bats may face at sea,” Kennerley said.

Donald Solick of the Electric Power Research Institute and Vesper Bat Detection Services is the corresponding author on the paper, which is based on work funded by the U.S. departments of Energy and the Interior. OSU marine ecologist Rachael Orben is also a co-author of the paper.

and proposed budget, and to conduct discussions and deliberations for establishing the City’s budget for the 2024/25 fiscal year. Dunes City residents are invited to continue.

Orchestra concerts coming in March

The Oregon Coast Chamber Orchestra announced their spring 2024 concert series, “Spring Dances”. The concerts will feature works by Anthony Hedges, Sarah Wallin Huff,

Community Briefs

Scott Joplin, Carl Michael Ziehrer, and more. Concerts are free and open to all. Due to the popularity of the orchestra’s Florence performances, this series includes two concert dates in Florence.

Florence: Sundays, March 17 & 24, 3 PM. Presbyterian Community Church, Florence, 3996 Highway 101, Florence.

Yachats: Friday, March 22, 7 PM. Yachats Community Presbyterian Church, 360 7th Street, Yachats. The Oregon Coast Chamber Orchestra is an all-volunteer community orchestra that has been playing and performing together since 2001. Under the direction of conductor Paul Strike, the group includes musicians of all ages and abilities, from high school students to seniors, amateur musicians to retired professionals, and everyone in between. Members live on the central coast or travel from other coastal communities or the valley to participate. For more information, visit occorchestra.org.

2024 Oregon Music Hall of Fame College Scholarship Applications

OMHOF is pleased to announce that applications for our college scholarship program are available again with a deadline of March 20, 2024. Each applicant should be studying music and graduating spring 2024 from an Oregon High School and continuing to college in the fall of 2024 with a major or minor in music.

Any questions may be emailed to: info@omhof.org All items must be mailed together, in order to qualify. All applications are fillable online, but must be printed, signed, and mailed (no digital copies accepted).

Oregon Music Hall of Fame PO Box 82173, Portland, OR 97282

What’s Your Story? Learn How to Tell it at PFLAG March 11

PFLAG welcomes storytelling expert Dr. Jennifer Yocum to speak at its regular meeting on Monday, March 11, at Florence United Methodist Church. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Dr. Yocum, whose doctoral specialty was storytelling, recently co-hosted a “Story Bridge” at the Laughing Crab in Old Town and was keynote speaker at Florence’s 5-church Ecumenical Spiritual Renewal in February. An accomplished story-teller herself, she shares her insights into the power of story-telling to bridge divides between people, something especially important to folks in the LGBTQ+ spectrum who are hesitant to tell their stories, even to potential allies. PFLAG meetings are always free and open to the public, and refreshments will

be served. Mark your calendar and bring a friend. Please be advised that PFLAG’s regular meeting night continues to be the second MONDAY of the month.

For more information, go to https://www.pflagflorenceoregon.org/

National Veteran K9 Day at the Heceta Head Lightkeeper’s House

Adoptable dogs from the local Humane Society will be on hand March 13 from 11 a.m.m, to 2 p.m., at the Heceta Head Lighthouse. Visitors can take part in a 50/50 drawing, Free cookies and dog biscuits (for the dogs), tours of the Lightkeeper’s House and more. The gift shop is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the first floor of the lighthouse is open from 11 a.m to 2 p.m.

Annual Meeting and Celebration

An annual meeting planned for Stewardship Groups on the Siuslaw National Forest. The event also serves as a recruitment opportunity for new stewardship group members The Siuslaw National Forest, in partnership with the non-profit organization Cascade Pacific, is planning an annual meeting to recognize and celebrate stewardship groups. The Siuslaw Stewardship Watershed Restoration Program: 2024 Annual Meeting to Celebrate Accomplishments will take place at the Yachats Commons Park located at 441 Highway 101 in Yachats, Ore. on Feb. 29 from 10:00 AM- 3:30 PM. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information about the 2024 Annual Meeting to Celebrate Accomplishments, please visit the Cascade Pacific website (cascadepacific.org) or contact Kirk Shimeall at kirk@

Visit us online at www.thesiuslawnews.com

Free lunches continue at two Florence locations

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

City officials and community members were treated to a free lunch with live music Feb. 22 at the Florence United Methodist Church. However, some may not know it’s been provided for 25 years.

Lenora Kent said the Methodist Church hosts the free lunches on Tuesday and Thursday. Across town at, at Community Baptist Church, lunch is served Monday, Wednesday and Friday from now to about 1:30 p.m.

“You can literally have a free lunch every day of the week,” Kent said.

She explained that the Methodist Church, staff from area churches take turns cooking and serving the free lunch. She said inviting city staff was a way spread the word about the lunches to

C ity

Mayor gives state of the city address

From Page A1

making and takes times.

Thank you to all of our partners for contributing to these ongoing efforts.”

He added that the City has been focusing on local, regional, and statewide efforts that would enhance the Florence economy in areas related to housing, business

others in the community. Mayor Rob Ward, Councilors Jo Beaudreau and Sally Wants were in attendance along with Community Development Director Wendy FarleyCampbell, and City Recorder Lyndsey White. At the Feb 22 lunch, guests enjoyed chili, salad and cornbread, along with live songs performed by Mark Levey.

The lunches are open to anyone in the community.

Kent said anyone wishing to help with food, donations or help can contact the Methodist Church at 541 997 6025 and donations will get to the right place. The Methodist Church is located at 333 Kingwood Avenue. Community Baptist Church is located at 4590 Highway 101 and the lunch entrance is on the northwest corner of the building by the lower parking lot.

development, living wage jobs, and childcare.

Ward said that over the past year, the City has aligned its efforts and reaffirmed its five primary goals; to provide livability and quality of life, promote economic development, provide City services, enhance livability and quality of life, achieve financial and organization sustainability while maintaining communication and trust.

Good work

Thanking Public Works staff, Ward highlighted a local project that was completed last year.

“The completion of the Miller Park playground replacement project stands as a testament to community collaboration and investment in public spaces,” he said. “This is an investment in the community and a public space we can all be proud of. The City Council had so much fun welcoming the community to this updated playground. I don’t think I have ever seen Miller Park so busy as that night! We also served over 2000 Hamburgers that night.”

Regarding the goal of achieving financial stability, Ward said a lot of work has gone into it.

“Our rigorous work plan development and biannual budget adoption process demonstrate our commitment to financial transparency and longterm planning,” he said, thanking the City Manager’s office staff. “We have both of those documents available on our website and they outline what the City aims to achieve over a two year cycle and how we intend to achieve it. A lot of work goes into developing that work plan by our City’s leadership team, and the work you are seeing out in our community right now and over the next year will be a direct result of that plan.”

Peace Harbor Volunteers

Do

Ward noted that the Finance Department was recognized recently for its work.

“As a City Council, we are also proud to recognize our Finance Department’s recent receipt of the Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Award and Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting,” he said. “Thank you to our Administrative Services Department for their work on the City’s financial documents that made these two awards possible.”

“Our final goal surrounds Communication and Trust,” he said, thanking the City’s communications team and the full City staff. “The City works each day to engage our community in the work that is performed. Information sharing through various media outlets, social media, newsletters, public meetings, and one-on-one discussions helps to inform community members. In addition to our general communications efforts, we’ve successfully hosted various community events, including the City Block Party, showcasing our commitment to local partnerships and sponsorships, and to providing the community with an opportunity to engage with the City.” Ward said the council started 2023 with some new members but hit the ground running developing our working relationships and getting up to speed on City business.

“We’ve done a lot of work together this year and we have each other’s trust, which is a huge responsibility and our most important achievement,” he said. “The City Council worked to set the tone for the Council early to be an effective team for our community. This is something I am extremely proud of as Mayor. We are still learning and growing, but it is my pleasure to be the Mayor with this City Council. Thank you to each

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

member of the Council for your dedication to our community. I look forward to our future as a City Council.”

Looking forward Ward noted that a couple upcoming city projects will cause some inconvenience but be worth it in the end.

“Our biggest and most anticipated project is the Rhody Drive Realignment and Improvement Project from Wildwinds to 35th Street,” he said, noting that people often ask when the road will be fixed. “Construction will begin on this project in the next month or so. We hope you will all join us for an open house next week, right here, on March 6th to learn more about that project. Our staff, engineer, and contractor will all be on hand to provide a project overview and answer questions. We ask for your patience in advance of the project and we will invite you all to help us celebrate when it’s done. I’m thinking a parade might be in order!” With grant funding secured by city staff, parks will also see improvements.

“Rolling Dunes Park will be enhanced with a new picnic area, updated restrooms, and additional pickle ball courts… which I hear is kind of a big deal,” he remarked.

“We are also excited to see the Siuslaw Estuary Trail constructed in Old Town along the banks of the estuary. This area will also be home to the future private hotel development that the Florence Urban Renewal Agency has been working hard to bring to fruition to support the Florence Events Center.”

Take part Ward encouraged community members to be involved and informed, but also to volunteer when possible. He said the Chamber of Commerce, Florence Events Center and City of Florence all need volunteer assistance during events.

“Speaking about getting involved, an exciting opportunity for our community members to provide their input is coming up this year in the form of the Community Attitudes Survey,” he said.

“The Community Attitudes Survey will ask respondents about their opinions on the quality of local government services. The overall focus is on community livability. It will include questions related to the characteristics of the community that contribute to quality of life, as well as residents’ experiences and engagement in community life.” Ward said the results will provide information about how the community is thinking and feeling about key aspects of living in Florence.

Ward noted that the City will be holding a Community Block Party in Old Town July 26, National Night Out will happen Aug. 6 in Miller Park and the Back to School Barbecue will take place during the first week of school.

Expressing gratitude to staff, council, City personnel and the community, Ward also took a moment to thank his wife Kathy for 52 years of support.

PHOTO BY TONY REED

Volunteers cooked at served lunch for a roomful of people on Feb. 22. Kitchen staff seemed to be having a great time making lunch at Florence United Methodist Church.

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The U.S. Coast Guard proposes to correct shoreline erosion and upgrade in-water facilities at the Siuslaw River Station in Florence, Oregon. These activities are necessary to stabilize upland facilities and improve safety for personnel. Anticipated construction activities include replacing the existing pier bridge, covered mooring, and floating docks and in stalling a pipe pile wall above the waterline to stabilize the eroding shoreline. Construction of the proposed project rary mooring of two 47’ Motor Life Boats and one 29’ Response

com/SIUSLAW_RIVER/. Individuals may request an electronic copy of the Draft EA and may submit comments by email to Mr. Rick Hylton at rick.d.hylton@uscg. mil. You may also send written comments by mail to: USCG Facilities Design and Construction Center, ATTN: Richard Hylton, 5505 Robin Hood Road, Suite K, Norfolk, VA 23513.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this notice, please call Mr. Rick Hylton

1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which large U.S. city is nicknamed Rip City?

2. MOVIES: Which movie features the quote, "She doesn't even go here!"

3. GEOGRAPHY: Which national capital city is the northernmost in the world?

4. TELEVISION: Which long-running sitcom features a dad named Phil Dunphy?

5. GAMES: In chess, how many knights does each player have at the beginning?

6. GEOLOGY: What natural phenomenon is associated with igneous rock?

7. LANGUAGE: How many official languages are in the United Nations?

8. MUSIC: David Grohl was a drummer in which band before he became the frontman for the Foo Fighters?

9. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of alligators called?

10. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of meat is used in Hasenpfeffer, a traditional German stew?

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