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By TONY REED

Florence

presented awards to three

first responders April 15 at the Start of

City Council meeting.

Jr. Vice Commander David Younce, a retired police officer and firefighter, said he understands what it’s like to be a first responder.

“Sometimes you don’t feel as appreciated as other times,” he said, addressing the crowd of police officers and first responders assembled for the meeting.

Paramedic of the Year was awarded to Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority’s Mackenzie Jeffcott. According to the presentation read by VFW trustee Richard Ernest, Jeffcott started an internship through Lane Community College and while timid at first, has become confident in her work. “Today, Makenzie has excelled in providing the highest level of service and has obtained her Critical Care and Flight Paramedic certification. She’s earned herself a position in the training division and works to improve the personnel of WLFEA. She was recently awarded a unit citation for her performance in the field and was identified as a natural mentor by her peers.”

Justin Mack was awarded Firefighter of the Year by VFW and has been serving the community in that capacity since 2020. Also nominated as the Volunteer Association president for four consecutive terms, he is a driver-operator.

“Justin is never without his warm, friendly attitude, despite working a full-time job locally, his work ethic and motivation to be a better firefighter are admirable,” according to the VFW presentation. “He recently obtained his EMT license to expand his medical scope and to be a better service provider to the community.”

Florence PD dispatcher Josh Thomas was named Chief Communications Officer of the Year. Both police and fire/medical calls are handled from the same

location. Thomas has worked for Florence PD since 2012 and has worked as a dispatcher and a police officer. He was assigned to be Chief Communications officer in 2023. According to the presentation, Thomas has shown himself to be a capable supervisor who works hard to improve the department for all dispatchers.

Proclamations

Mayor Rob Ward read a proclamation regarding National Safety Telecommunications week, April 14 through 20, as several FPD officers stood in front of the Dias. The resolution noted the importance of dispatchers as the single vital link

he may want to sell it soon. Upon retiring from 42 years at E&J Gallo Winery, Rod called the shop owner who said he was ready to sell it. “He said ‘yes’ and Rod said ‘We’ll take it,’” Ruth said. “I said, ‘Wait a minute…’” However, after seeing

the house and shop next to the lake, she agreed, and they’ve been there since. She said she’d hoped her kids would want to take it over, but they’ve shown

In the April 10 photos of donations from the Florence Elks Lodge, Cal Applebee was misidentified. He is a founding member of the Oregon Coast Military Museum and currently a supporter. He is also a volunteer with the Band of Brothers. The Oregon Coast Military Museum was also misidentified. Willamette Valley Honor Flight (not Honor Flight, which is the national hub) serves all veterans who served between Dec. 7, 1941 and May 7, 1975 including those who served in WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. While Jerry Hernandez is a valued supporter, he is not a member of the

Pictured from left, Paramedic of the Year Mackenzie Jeffcott, VFW Jr. Vice Commander David Younce, Firefighter of the Year Justin Mack and Chief Communications Officer of the Year Josh Thomas.

Stoeckl- Conklin

A funeral Mass will be held on April 27, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m. at St. Clare Catholic Church, 1812 SW Spring Garden Street, Portland, OR 97219. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Gerry’s favorite charities: Catholic Relief Services - https://www.crs.org/ or the Benedictine Sisters in Mount Angel, Oregon - https://www. benedictine-srs.org/donate

April 11, 2024, Geraldine Rita Stoeckl-Conklin (Gerry), of Milwaukie, Oregon died peacefully in her home after a year-long battle with cancer. She was 87. She was born June 18, 1936, to Raymond and Mary Kozlowski in Detroit, Michigan. When Gerry was

eight years old her parents moved the family from Detroit to San Bernardino, California where Gerry lived for the rest of her childhood. During her life she also resided in Ogden, Utah; Florence, Oregon; and four years in Germany, which she regarded as some of the best years of her life. Since 2014, Gerry has lived in Milwaukie, Oregon with her youngest daughter and son-in-law.

Gerry was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Stoeckl (m. 1954) and her second husband John “Jack” Conklin (m. 2001) and is survived by seven children: David Stoeckl (Amy), Richard Stoeckl (Cindy), Robert Stoeckl, Teresa Stoeckl, Jeanne Bush (William), John Stoeckl (Andrea), and James Stoeckl (Jennifer). Gerry enjoyed welcoming sixteen grandchildren into this world and ten great-grandchildren. One of seven children, Gerry has three surviving siblings: Raymond Kozlowski (Kent, WA), Rose Montag (Vancouver, WA), and Jeanne Hiss (Colorado Springs, CO). Gerry is remembered for her good sense, intelligence,

MERKLEY MONTHLY:

MERKLEY

When I was an intern for Oregon Senator Mark Hatfield, I had a frontrow seat to see just how important it is for our state’s priorities and values to be represented on the powerful Appropriations Committee,

which is responsible for funding the federal government. Now, as chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior and Environment, I’m working hard to continue Senator Hatfield’s legacy and ensure that Oregon has a strong voice in the nation’s spending decisions – including investing in vital projects that meet our state’s diverse needs, from building wildfire resiliency to boosting affordable housing.

I call these investments “community-initiated projects” because Oregon communities identify their top priorities and I fight to get them funded. Community-initiated

Albatross Records

OBITUARIES

and above all her kindness. She valued her family and was married twice to loving men, both of whom predeceased her in death. She treasured family reunions and enjoyed traveling, reading, music, and watching sports, especially golf. She also enjoyed writing and for much of her life she journaled. Late in life Gerry had one of her short stories published, and she leaves an unpublished novel nearly finished. A great believer in learning at any age, Gerry earned her Associate of Arts Degree in General Studies at the age of 77.

A funeral Mass will be held on April 27, 2024 @ 11:00 a.m. at St. Clare Catholic Church, 1812 SW Spring Garden Street, Portland, OR 97219. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Gerry’s favorite charities: Catholic Relief Services - https://www.crs.org/ or the Benedictine Sisters in Mount Angel, Oregon - https://www. benedictine-srs.org/donate

Janice LaVonne Cockerham

Janice (Jan) Cockerham passed away peacefully on April 4, 2024 at the young age of 95.

Janiceorn January 29, 1929 in Salinas, California to Fern & Luther Hartsell. Charlene, the Hartsell’s youngest daughter joined the family one year and two days later.

Janice and her family moved to Redding, California so Luther could work on the Shasta Dam which lasted many years. Janice excelled at school, skipping two grades. She headed off to college at the age of 16 and attended Linfield College in McMinnville, Oregon. This is where Janice met her future husband John Horton Cockerham. John had been

a Seaman in the Merchant Marines during WWII. The couple soon married on November 19, 1946 on the radio program Bride and Groom. They settled down in the country outside of McMinnville and had 3 children- John, born in 1948, Sandra, born in 1952 and Steven, born in 1953.

The Cockerham family then moved to the California Bay Area, living in Oakland, San Francisco and Daily City.

Janice worked in a very busy hospital in San Francisco as a transcriptionist and John worked in auto parts services.

To be closer to Janice’s aging parents and grandparents, the Cockerham’s returned to California and country living in Shasta.

Janice was a medical assistant to a talented surgeon, George Swendiman and John continued in parts services. While in Shasta, Janice loved to fish and her family enjoyed her trout dinners.

John passed away in 2001.

Janice then returned to Oregon to be closer to her children and grandchildren in Reedsport and Florence. Here, she enjoyed making

new friends and volunteering at the Senior Center and the Umpqua Discovery Center.

Janice enjoyed many hobbies which included but not limited to fishing, baking, sewing, gardening, playing BINGO, and watching golf.

Janice was well known for making a mean flower arrangement out of vegetables, her candied orange peels, and always gifting her jam and jellies.

Janice is survived by her sister Charlene Safanov, children John (Cindy) Cockerham, Sandra (Steven) Reese, Steven (Roxane) Cockerham, grandchildren Janice (Peter) Twigg, Sandra (Seth) Parker, Amy (Shawn) Spurgeon, C.J. Reese, Christopher (Cassie) Cockerham, Scott (Maya) Cockerham and 12 great-grandchildren. Janice was very proud of her family and bragged often on how special each and every family member was. Janice was preceded in death by her husband John on May 7, 2001 and grandson Gregory Reese on May 1, 1994 Burns’s Riverside Chapel Florence Funeral Home.

projects are effective because no one knows the needs of your community better than you, the folks who live and work in them every day. So, when you tell me which projects will help your communities most, I work hard to secure funding for as many of those projects as possible.

Just this March, Congress approved 139 of these community-initiated projects in the fiscal year 2024 government funding bills – projects that invest in Oregon’s working families by funding improvements in housing, health care, and education, as well as critical infrastructure, like water supply and sanitation systems.

To help address the housing crunch and ensure more families have access to a decent home, the city of North Bend

build affordable housing for critically needed workers in education, public safety, and health care. And Community Action Resource Enterprises, Inc. (CARE) in Tillamook County will receive $500,000 to renovate a building to serve as the county’s first low-barrier navigation center for people experiencing homelessness, which will also include employment, support, and case management services.

To help close healthcare gaps and save lives, $2 million will go to the Curry Health Network to build a new chemotherapy clinic at the hospital in Gold Beach so folks living with cancer don’t have to drive far outside the county to receive lifesaving treatments. And, in Lane County, the Behavioral Health

receive $1.5 million to help realize its vision of providing immediate support to anyone in the county experiencing behavioral health crises, including substance abuse.

It’s also critical to the health of our families to modernize our drinking and wastewater infrastructure. That’s why I pushed to secure nearly $1.9 million for the City of Astoria to replace a nearly 100-year-old cast-iron waterline with modern piping. And the City of Clatskanie will receive $3 million toward building a new wastewater treatment plant to replace their over 50-year-old plant that is experiencing structural and mechanical failures.

To invest in the education and workforce of our coastal communities, $896,000

Community College and its partners to create a maritime workforce education pipeline for high-skilled, high-wage, in-demand jobs in the “Blue Economy”, like maritime construction and welding. These are just a few of the more than 475 community-initiated projects spanning all 36 Oregon counties that I’ve secured funding for over the last three years in partnership with Senator Wyden and Oregon’s representatives in the House. As the only member of the Oregon delegation on the Appropriations Committee, I’ll keep fighting to fund as many of these homegrown projects as possible.

OR SEN. JEFF

“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” — Thomas Jefferson (1800)

How sad that Curtiss Buttke, who doesn’t live in Florence, feels justified in disparaging Honorably Retired Marine, Tony Cavarno. Tony has an admirable history of spearheading the development of Veterans Memorial Park on Bay Street to honor veterans from the American Revolution to today. The annual Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony honoring veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom is held here.

Tony served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, for which he was awarded two Purple Hearts, a distinguished military decoration awarded to those wounded while serving. He continued to serve as a volunteer here and in 16,000 hours, drove hundreds of veterans to Portland for medical appointments.

Oregon Dunes Chapter member, Air Force Veteran

Andrea Summerlin, nominated Tony for Outstanding Veteran Volunteer. Tony was selected as the recipient for Oregon and the Northwest Division, which includes Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Ordinarily, it would be presented at the Daughters of the American Revolution State Conference in May. Instead, it will be presented to his widow, Barbara, at his memorial service, in Florence, so his family can be present.

We look forward to the opportunity to honor a true hero.

Jacquie Beveridge Florence

I was severely distressed at the attack on our recently passed Tony Cavarno. Tony was a great man who did much for the community. I eschew all religion and Tony never once tried to convert me. We both desire the rule of law and to live a life based on Christian principles, i.e. tolerance and charity.

Ian Eales Florence, OR

I just returned from my second surgery at Peace Health Hospital. EVERY staff member I met today was great. In my opinion, Florence has a better hospital and medical staff than San Francisco, Portland, Salem, Eugene or other hospitals I have had to visit in the last 75 years. We are truly fortunate to live here!

Paul Floto

Florence

I was privileged to know Tony Cavarno as a Buddy (Fellow Marine) for more than 20 years. He never considered himself as a hero, but his service and sacrifices for his beloved country proved otherwise.

He was among the first to offer help to Veterans in need. Actually, that help

includes non-veterans who might need financial support to get through tough times. And so when I read Mr. Buttke’s unwarranted and fallacious attack on Tony, I felt a response that would not be printable. It takes a person of very low moral character to besmirch some who is not around to defend his position.

Our nation has lost its moral compass. Perhaps, as Tony suggested, returning to some Christian values are in order.

Keith Kraft Florence

We are back in Florence this week to take in a couple of performances of C.R.O.W’s production of “Newsies” and looking forward to a very entertaining weekend. And much to my surprise and delight have discovered Florence now has high-speed broadband internet available.

Thanks to the Affordable Connectivity Program, enacted under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as the largest internet affordability program in our nation’s history, is now helping 23 million households, including all of Florence.

Mark Riebau

Nashville, TN

To Mr. Curtiss Buttke, Sir, do you have a personal vendetta against Tony Cavarno? What in blazes does he have to do with your recent

editorial about religion? How dare you attack someone who cannot respond. The first two words that came to my mind? Despicable and cowardly. Probably a good thing you don’t live in Florence. He is not the only person who has presented editorials of a similar theme over the years. I have done as well. Why don’t you come after me instead of a deceased person? I am alive. Dana Rodet Westlakejust south of town.

Automated license plate readers (ALPR) from Flock Safety have been installed at 9th and 101. As I understand it, all data is automatically uploaded 24/7 to the servers of this private company for 30 days.

A simple web search (“Flock Safety troubles”) will show they have many prior and ongoing problems (such as misidentifying rental cars as stolen). I have some grave concerns about the installation of ALPRs in general (search for “ALPR problems”). However, this partnership may be even more problematic.

This installation was done with very little fanfare. If you are reading about this for the first time, please start asking questions if you also have concerns.

Rob Welles Florence

behind them, Police Chief John Pitcher, left front, stands with new

Aaron Couture and Isaiah Wilson

West Lane Translator, Inc., a not-for-profit organization providing free television and radio re-transmission to the Florence area, will hold its April Q2 Board of Directors Meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the Siuslaw Library, Bromley Room and virtually with attendance details provided to

all current WLT members via email. For the convenience of the public, a summary of the meeting will be posted to the WLT website, westlanetv.org.

Free Diaper day

Free Diaper Giveaway: There will be a Free Diaper Giveaway on Saturday, April 27th, from 10am - Noon at the Pregnancy and Parenting Center, 475 Laurel Street, Florence. All are welcome!

Friends of the Library meeting

Friends of the Siuslaw Public Library General Meeting will take place Thursday, April 25, 2024, Bromley Room, Siuslaw Public Library. On the agenda for the meeting, in addition to regular business, are the stars of New brochures and special books pricing.

Get ready to vote, Lane County

Election Day is quickly approaching, and the Lane County Elections office would like to encourage voters to register to vote or update their voter registration now, to be election-ready for the May 21, 2024 Primary Election. Voters in Lane County must register to vote or make changes to their party affiliation no later than April 30, 2024.

Oregon is a closed primary state. All voters will have an opportunity to vote on issues and nonpartisan positions. Only voters who are registered members of political parties may vote for their respective party’s candidates in a primary election. It is important to confirm or update your party affiliation now, but no later than April 30 if you wish to vote in a party’s closed primary.

“This is the time when every voter should be confirming their registration, including checking their

The voter

Among the many handmade items are these little lighthouse that cast light and pulse like real ones.

We have many American legends from our nation’s heritage. As an avid automobile enthusiast who has owned and enjoyed more than one hundred vehicles over the years, nearly one-third being Jeeps, one legend will always stand out to me, and that is the iconic Jeep that evolved from WWII, not only for its contribution to that war effort, but also because of the iconic vehicle it has become and remains today.

Beginning even after the turn of the 20th century, our nation’s military leaders determined it was time to mechanize the ‘modern army’. Throughout the 1930’s they experimented with a variety of motorized vehicles for transporting both troops and equipment: various Ford and Dodge trucks and passenger cars were modified with four-wheel drive and body alterations. One of the discoveries with these prototypes was that while they worked well for traversing the terrain and carrying the loads, they were often too heavy for the intended purpose as a light reconnaissance vehicle.

Eventually, the Army Quartermaster Corps produced specifications which they thought would result in the ultimate vehicle and put out an invitation to 135 different automotive manufacturers to submit bids and prototypes. Hard to imagine that today in our times of the ‘big three’ and all the foreign imports. Out of that effort,

only two auto manufacturers responded: American Bantam Car Company in Butler Pennsylvania and WillysOverland in Toledo Ohio.

One criterion in the government’s invitation for a request for proposal probably had a lot to do with the small response, and that was to not only submit an estimate for building the new quarter- ton reconnaissance car, but to also produce and deliver a working prototype to the Army for testing – in 49 days! Out of the two responding companies, only American Bantam Car Company was able to do so.

American Bantam Car Company was an upstart firm coming out of the ashes of a failed attempt to establish a small-car market here in the United States in the 1920’s and 1930’s, attempted previously by a British-American partnership called American Austin Car Company. That attempt had failed for a variety of reasons, and the restructured company modified their vehicle and approach and made another try at it. One of the efforts they tried for finding a niche market for their little car was to offer some vehicles to the Pennsylvania National Guard in the late 1930’s for consideration as a light reconnaissance car. So they probably had a leg-up on the competition when they started their prototype – but they also relied on good-ole American ingenuity by utilizing off-the shelf parts already in stock, relationships they had with component contractors such as Spicer for transfer

cases, as well as brought in an engineer known for producing under pressure. These efforts along with the motivation of a company struggling to re-make itself resulted in a winning vehicle.

Virtually at the last minute, or at least on the last day, the American Bantam Car Company delivered their prototype to the Army Quartermaster Corps at Camp Holabird, Maryland, actually driving it there, for intensive testing. One of the Army officers involved with that, Major Lawes, was perhaps the first person to realize the importance and potential of the vehicle delivered for testing when he stated, “I believe this unit will make history”. Little did he know how right he was.

As the process moved forward, refinements and changes were made, and additional units were ordered for more extensive testing. Eventually, the Army realized that Bantam’s production capabilities would not be able to keep up with the anticipated volumes of vehicles they would be ordering, so Willy’s continued with its prototype, and the Army eventually talked Ford Motor Company into also participating. An initial 1500 units were ordered from each company and during that phase of development with each having subtle differences, and the military, wanting standardization so parts would be interchangeable in the field, required the final production vehicle to be ‘standardized’, which is what we see today as

the majority of WWII jeeps which have survived.

With the production constraints of Bantam, they were eventually dropped from the contracts after delivering just shy of 3,000 vehicles but continued on with other war effort contracts such as the ¼ ton trailer, aka the companion jeep trailer, as well as other armaments for the military.

Both Willys-Overland and Ford Motor Company went on to produce jeeps for the military through mid-1945, with Willys producing approximately 348,849 units and Ford producing approximately 277,878 units.

After the war, American Bantam Car Company went on to manufacture a variety of other steel products, but never entered the automotive industry again, and eventually faded into oblivion in the mid1950’s. Ford Motor Company wasn’t interested, at the time, in continuing jeep production, and went back to their own passenger car and light truck efforts in the post war years. However, they would re-enter the SUV market decades later with their own iconic Bronco. Willys-Overland realized the importance of the jeep vehicle that came out of the collaborative effort during the war, and even before war’s end, had started re-designing both the vehicle as well as uses for marketing, and in late 1945 and into 1946 began manufacturing the now famous CJ2A, both for the American market as well as overseas, where the jeep vehicle already had a lot of acceptance and credibility.

Florence Inn sells to Wyndham Hotels

Nation’s largest lodging company

Hoagland Properties, Inc. announced that its two Florence properties, River House Inn and Old Town Inn, will join the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand. The transition is expected to be completed by the end of June.

Under the new arrangement, River House Inn will retain its distinguished name while aligning with Wyndham’s Baymont brand as a softbranded property. Old Town Inn will become a Super 8 by Wyndham.

“We are excited to announce the integration of River House Inn and Old Town Inn into the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts family. This decision leverages the extensive resources and global reach of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts. By joining forces with Wyndham, both properties aim to enhance guest experiences, access a broader customer base, and benefit from Wyndham’s marketing and industry-leading rewards program,” explained Ron Moore, Hoagland Properties’ president and CEO. “After more than 30 years as local family owner/operators on the Oregon Coast, this strategic move reflects our commitment to our mission ‘to exceed guest expectations with a spotless, reasonably priced, well-appointed room and exceptional service.”

Amy Graham, COO of Hoagland Properties, says the transition has been a huge undertaking, especially transitioning two facilities at the same time.

“Joining forces with Wyndham presents an incredible opportunity to bring excellent properties to the Wyndham lines. The partnership will bring value to guests, employees, Wyndham, and Hoagland Properties,” said Graham.

“Amy, her general manager, Heather Graham, and their team, are striving to ensure all Florence guests will enjoy their lodging experience

American Bantam Car Co. prototype military jeep just prior to being delivered to the US Army for testing in November, 1940. This iconic jeep would go on to spawn an American legend that can be found all over America’s highways today.

Eventually they would have a huge market overseas and continues even to this day.

Despite the success of the little Jeep, Willys-Overland as a company wasn’t without troubles, and over the years, the Jeep brand vehicle was owned by a variety of parents, including Kaiser, AMC/Renault, Chrysler, DaimlerChrysler, Chrysler Group LLC, FCA and now a foreign conglomerate known as Stellantis.

General George Marshall, later Chief of Staff under presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman, and Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense under Truman, called it “America’s greatest contribution to modern warfare”.

When Chrysler purchased the Jeep brand in 1987, then CEO Lee Iacocca stated “An American legend has come home again” referring to its prior French heritage under the Renault name. I always found it ironic that one of the owners during its lifetime was Daimler Benz based in Germany, a company and a country that the little jeep had played such a large role in defeating during its birth in WWII!

Today it is one of the most prolific vehicles on America’s highways, spawning entire sporting fields in the off-road industry, numerous vehicle clubs and exploding aftermarket industries. I think it’s here to stay.

The agreement between Hoagland Properties, and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts was formalized in November 2023.

throughout the transition process,” said Moore. “Physical transition of the properties is being led by facilities manager Travis Graham,” added Moore. “Responsible for the exterior and interior changes at all Hoagland Properties buildings, Travis’ dedication and hard work have been instrumental in facilitating a smooth integration process. He is looking forward to delivering exceptional guest experiences under the Wyndham brand with updated rooms, and a fresh new look.”

creek and onto the trailer, and then into storage at the Florence storage shed. Lunch will be provided. Volunteers should meet at the storage shed on Hwy 101 at 9 a.m. May 9 and

to the trap. On May 11, assistance will be needed to clean, lube and replace fishing line in STEP reels. This will be a short job if adequate help arrives. STEP needs to have rods and reels ready to use for upcoming projects.

Public hearing set to review $24.6B grocery store merger impact

Both Safeway and Fred Meyer would be affected JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has scheduled an opportunity for public comments concerning the proposed merger of two major grocery store chains – Kroger and Albertsons. This deal could impact more than 150 pharmacies in Oregon, according to a release from the OHA.

The public hearing will provide information about the transaction and OHA’s review Allow representatives from Kroger and Albertsons to provide testimony and answer questions and allow members of the public to provide comments.

Background

“The OHA is reviewing this planned transaction to understand how it might affect pharmacy services in Oregon,” a release from the OHA states. OHA has convened a Community Review Board for this review. This board is hosting a public hearing from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24.

Kroger and Albertsons are the nation’s two largest grocery chains. In Oregon, the two corporations operate 176 stores, serving nearly every community in the state. Kroger operates 51 Fred Meyer and 4 QFC stores, while Albertsons operates 96

Safeway and 25 Albertsons stores.

Oregon Attorney General

Ellen Rosenblum has joined the Federal Trade Commission and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general from across the nation in acting to block the proposed $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons grocery chain merger.

“If big grocery stores are allowed to reduce competition this way.” Rosenblum said, “They can charge higher prices for food for no good reason and reduce services, including in their pharmacies. They can also slow the growth of employees’ wages, or even reduce some of those wages. Working conditions and

employee benefits can suffer, as well. In short, there’s no good for consumers or workers in this proposed merger — and lots of bad.”

Oregon Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission investigators found compelling evidence that direct, head-to-head competition between Kroger and Albertsons has forced the two chains to compete vigorously against one another — both on price and on the quality of goods and services offered at their stores, according to Rosenblum.

Oregon, the FTC, and the other AGs filed to enjoin the merger in U.S. District Court in Portland following a vote

by FTC commissioners on Feb. 26.

It is the result of thorough investigations by the FTC and the states into the proposed merger’s anticipated effects, Rosenbaum said in a statement.

Dog Park rain shelter update

Following a push by a Florence resident to create a rain shelter at the local public dog park, the City has put a page on its website to help collect the needed funding.

“The community has expressed an interest in constructing a weather shelter for the Singing Pines Dog Park,” the new page reads. “Chip Asplund has spearheaded this donation drive in honor of his late wife, Melody Joy Asplund.”

Go to the city website at ci.florence.or.us and search for Singing Pines weather shelter updates. Please follow the “DONATE HERE” link to make a tax-deductible donation by card. You will receive

an emailed receipt for your tax records. Donations can also be made in person at City Hall, dropped in the drop box at City Hall, or mailed to Singing Pines Weather Shelter Donation, 250 Hwy 101, Florence, OR, 97439. (If you donate in person, through the drop box, or via mail, please indicate if you need a receipt and where to send it.)

CITY OF FLORENCE PHOTO

While most dogs don’t mind playing in the rain, it’s not so great for their owners so the city is collecting donations to build a rain shelter at Singing Pines Dog Park.

“We are doing this to protect Oregon consumers and workers,” Rosenblum said. “We believe this proposed merger would hurt both, and we’re doing our part to prevent it from going forward.”

THURSDAY, APRIL

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

High..................

Low 8:25 p.m. ..................2.9

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

High..................

SUNDAY, APRIL 28

High.................. 2:53 a.m. ..................7.3

Low 10:13 a.m. -0.4

High.................. 5:03 p.m. ..................5.4

Low 9:45 p.m. ..................3.5

MONDAY, APRIL 29

High.................. 3:38 a.m. ..................7.1

Low 11:07 a.m. -0.2

High.................. 6:06 p.m. ..................5.3

Low 10:44 p.m. .................3.7

TUESDAY, APRIL 30

High.................. 4:36 a.m. ..................6.8

Low 12:08 p.m. -0.1

High.................. 7:13 p.m. ..................5.3

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1

Low 12:05 a.m. .................3.7

High.................. 5:48 a.m. ..................6.4

Low 1:12 p.m. -0.1

High.................. 8:15 p.m. ..................5.6

THURSDAY, MAY 2

Low 1:36 a.m. ..................3.2

High.................. 7:13 a.m. ..................6.1

Low 2:14 p.m. ..................0.0

High.................. 9:07 p.m. ..................6.1

FRIDAY, MAY 3

Low 2:55 a.m. ..................2.4

High.................. 8:38 a.m. ..................6.0

Low 3:11 p.m. ..................0.1

High.................. 9:51 p.m. ..................6.7

SATURDAY, MAY 4

Low 4:00 a.m. ..................1.3

High.................. 9:53 a.m. ..................6.1

Low 4:02 p.m. ..................0.4

High................. 10:30 p.m. .................7.3

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Low 4:56 a.m. ..................0.2

High................. 10:59 a.m. .................6.2

Low 4:50 p.m. ..................0.8 High................. 11:07 p.m. .................7.8

MONDAY, MAY 6 Low 5:46 a.m. -0.8 High................. 11:59 a.m. .................6.3 Low 5:36 p.m. ..................1.2 High................. 11:45 p.m. .................8.2

TUESDAY, MAY 7

Low 6:34 a.m. -1.5 High................. 12:55 p.m. .................6.4

Low 6:21 p.m. ..................1.7

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 High................. 12:23 a.m. .................8.4 Low 7:20 a.m. -1.9

THURSDAY,

Paddle and hike event April 27

Siuslaw Vision and the Florence Oregon Area Kayakers (FOAK) are presenting “Siuslaw PlayShop - Let’s Paddle and Go Hiking” at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince Street, Florence, on April 27, 2024. This day of information and inspiration is geared for those who love to play in the outdoors. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the event concludes around 3:30 p.m. There is no preregistration, admission at the door is $2 (cash only) per person; children are free and additional donations are gratefully accepted. A free lunch is available for the first 350 participants.

The goals of this event are to educate and inspire local residents and visitors to explore the many waterways and trails on the Central Oregon Coast and to connect with each other while learning and exploring. Organizers believe the event will lead to the improved health of community members, increased appreciation of natural areas, and better relationships and connections among the people who participate. The program will provide two tracks focusing on hiking and paddling with six separate talks for each track in addition to the Opening General Session. Expert speakers will present information for beginning to advanced adventurers including safety, places to paddle and hike and how best to access them, what permits are needed, what gear is required, and volunteer opportunities. Vendors, non-profits

and interest groups will provide information, gear and equipment displays. Presenters will include:

· Members of the Consolidated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, including an introduction of the new Chief Doug Barrett

· Patrick Dill, Park Ranger at Honeyman State Park

· Julia Johanos, USFS Interpretive Ranger

· Tommy Swearingen, Willamette Kayak and Canoe Club

· Noelle Windesheim, Trail Keepers of Oregon

· Chance Rey, Oregon Paddle Sports and additional speakers and opportunities to learn more about exploring the outdoors.

The event will provide an opportunity for local artists to display their outdoor adventure photos and paintings

for potential sales and to contribute their artwork for a multi-media presentation.

FOAK expects broad participation from a variety of outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, paddlers, birders, photographers and other artists, geocachers and others. This is a family-friendly event; children are welcome to come and participate in activities that will help encourage family participation in these outdoor activities.

PeaceHealth/Peace Harbor Medical Center, Banner Bank, Rotary Club of Florence, PacificSource Health Plans, and Florence Elks Lodge 1858 are proud sponsors. There are still opportunities for additional sponsors and supporters as well as display opportunities for vendors, non-profits and interest groups.

Florence Oregon Area Kayakers started in 2016 as

a Facebook group and now has close to 1,300 members. Kayakers, paddleboarders and canoeists gather together to learn safe practices and delight in our local lakes and on the Siuslaw River. Siuslaw Vision is a local non-profit created to convene, catalyze, and connect individuals and organizations who want to improve the quality of life for people living in the Siuslaw region. Among its goals are to help people implement locally-owned solutions that address community-identified goals and to ensure all people in the Siuslaw region have opportunities to be connected, happy, active, educated, working and creative.

For additional information, please check out the PlayShop website: https://www.siuslawplayshop.com/

Vikings beat Elmira twice

The Siuslaw Vikings baseball team brought out the brooms April 12 to wave goodbye to the Creswell Falcons at Jiggs Dodson Stadium. Siuslaw won 10-9 and 7-6 to complete a three-game sweep of the Falcons, the only team in the same league as the Vikings the past six seasons.

Next school year, Siuslaw heads to the Far West League, while Creswell remains in the Mountain West Conference.

After two years together in the MVC and four seasons in the Sky-Em League, the Vikings and Falcons will go their separate ways.

Max Reynolds punched a bases-loaded, game-winning hit in the bottom of the seventh to leave the Vikings to victory in the first game.

In the second game, Jacob Mann pitched a complete-game victory and wrapped a bases-loaded, game-winning hit in the bottom of the seventh for the Vikings Siuslaw finished the first half of league play 6-3 in the MVC and 8-4 overall. Elmira fell to hard-luck 0-6 and 3-11

The Vikings have a threegame series with Harrisburg, Sisters and Pleasant Hill to finish the regular season.

Siuslaw schedule

• Record: 8-4 overall, 6-3 Mountain Valley Conference

• Friday, April 26 at Harrisburg (DH), 2 p.m.

Non-league opponents include Marshfield (Coos Bay), North Valley (Grants Pass) and Cascade Christian (Medford).

Siuslaw has not played Coquille in more than a decade, nor Sutherlin since the Covid-shortened 2020 season that was played in spring 2021. The Vikings beat North Valley, Cascade Christian and South Umpqua en route to winning the 2021 3A state title.

Siuslaw lost to Marshfield and Douglas and beat Brookings-Harbor in 2017, the Vikings’ final season of the old Far West League.

Reviving old rivalries

• Beat South Umpqua 14-9 at Cottage Grove to win 3A title in 2021 (Nov. 27)

• Beat Cascade Christian 38-34 in fourth game of 2021 season (Oct. 1)

• Beat North Valley 48-13 to open 2021 season (Sept. 10)

• Beat Sutherlin 54-12 in Covid-shortened 2020 season (April 9, 2021)

• Beat Brookings-Harbor 31-26 in last game of 2017 season (Oct. 20)

• Lost to Marshfield 45-12 in sixth game of 2017 season (Oct. 6)

• Lost to Douglas 56-13 in fourth game of 2017 season (Sept. 22)

• Siuslaw has not played Coquille in more than a decade

3A Special District 4 Combined Schedule

First practice Monday, Aug. 19. Non-league

Week 0 — Friday, Aug. 30

Siuslaw has the option of adding a ninth game this coming season in either Week 0 (Aug. 30) or Week 4 (Sept. 27). Douglas still needs to fill its non-league schedule, while the other four schools have their maximum nine games in a 10-week window.

Siuslaw (5-5 in 2023) bye, Sam Johnson

coach Brookings-Harbor (1-8) bye, Shaun Bavaro

coach Coquille (5-4)

bye, David Thomason

coach Douglas (Winston) (2-7) bye, Nick Garcia

coach South Umpqua (Tri City) (8-4) bye, Steve Stebbins

coach Sutherlin (3-6) bye, Bret Prock coach

Week 1 — Friday, Sept. 6

Marshfield at Siuslaw, 7 p.m. Brookings-Harbor at Phoenix, 7 p.m. North Valley at Coquille, 7 p.m. Cottage Grove at South Umpqua, 7 p.m. Pleasant Hill at Sutherlin, 7 p.m. Douglas vs. TBA

Week 2 — Friday, Sept. 13

Siuslaw vs. North Valley at Grants Pass, 7 p.m. Pleasant Hill at Brookings-Harbor, 7 p.m. Coquille at Cottage Grove, 7 p.m. South Umpqua at Elmira, 7 p.m. Sutherlin at Creswell, 7 p.m. Douglas vs. TBA

Week 3 — Friday, Sept. 20

Cascade Christian (Medford) at Siuslaw, 7 p.m. Brookings-Harbor at Etna (Calif.), 7 p.m. St. Mary’s (Medford) at Coquille, 7 p.m. South

Umpqua at Klamath Union, 7 p.m. Phoenix at Sutherlin, 7 p.m. Douglas vs. TBA

Week 4 — Friday, Sept. 27

Siuslaw bye BrookingsHarbor at St. Mary’s (Medford) 7 p.m. Phoenix at Coquille, 7 p.m. North Valley (Grants Pass) at South Umpqua, 7 p.m. Sutherlin at Klamath Union, 7 p.m. Douglas vs. TBA

3A Special District 4

Week 5 — Friday, Oct. 4

Siuslaw at South Umpqua, 7 p.m. Coquille at BrookingsHarbor, 7 p.m. Douglas vs. Sutherlin, TBA

Week 6 — Friday, Oct. 11

Douglas at Siuslaw, 7 p.m., Homecoming Sutherlin at Brookings-Harbor, 7 p.m. South Umpqua at Coquille, 7 p.m.

Week 7 — Friday, Oct. 18

Sutherlin at Siuslaw, 7 p.m. Coquille at Douglas, 7 p.m. Brookings-Harbor at South Umpqua, 7 p.m.

Week 8 — Friday, Oct. 25

Siuslaw at BrookingsHarbor, 7 p.m. Coquille at Sutherlin, 7 p.m. Douglas at South Umpqua, 7 p.m.

Week 9 — Friday, Nov. 1

Siuslaw at Coquille, 7 p.m. Brookings-Harbor at Douglas, 7 p.m. South Umpqua at Sutherlin, 7 p.m.

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Top boys finishes:

• Junior Wesley Nicholls won the 100 in a personal-record 11.52 and the 200 in 23.65a.

• Sophomore Will Johnson won the long jump with a PR 20-6 and the triple jump at 41-0.25.

• Senior Brayden Linton was first and sophomore Camden Linton second in the 1,500.

competition

followed by Siuslaw with 64, Marshfield 40 and Pacific 20. Junior Wesley Nicholls and sophomore Will Johnson won two individual events each.

• Sophomore Kale Jensen won the 300 hurdles, while placing second in the long jump and triple jump.

• Junior Justin Allen, senior Dylan Jensen and senior Talan Ross went 2-3-4 in the pole vault.

• Junior Max Reynolds was second in the shot put with a PR 41-0.25.

• Senior Hunter Pimlott was second in the discus with a PR 109-5.

• Siuslaw won both relay races, the 4x100 and the 4x400.

Top girls finishes:

• Sophomore Danin Lacouture won the shot put at 32-6.5.

• Sophomore Alison Hughes won the 1,500 while Macy McNeill, Madison McNeill, Adylin Holbrook, Abigail Jones and Corduroy Holbrook went 2-3-4-5-6.

• Sophomore Adylin Holbrook won the 3,000 in a PR 12:19.76a.

• Junior Maya Wells was second in the 400 in a PR 1:04.83a and the 800.

• Siuslaw won the 4x400 relay.

Oregon Relays in Eugene after press

Siuslaw competed at the

time.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Lady Vikings placed second in the four-school track and field meet

SIUSLAW SCHOOL DISTRICT:

Family Bilingual Literacy Nights

want to work on their reading and writing skills together. The evening program is set up to assist and support families and individuals with English literacy development. Programming values literacy in the home language as well as English, and is for people who value biliteracy as a relevant skill. Lessons will develop language skills for individuals, parents, and their children. Activities are planned to promote families’ learning together in a family-friendly setting. There are lessons planned for preschool children and adults. The district hopes that participants will come to learn English, work on reading and writing skills, work on communication skills,

network with other families, and encourage multilingualism. Lessons, materials, and a meal are provided each night. The variety of reasons adults are gathering to learn is surprising. From assisting children with homework, getting better jobs and having an easier time communicating with customers, to working towards getting their United States citizenship, the reasons people want to improve their English skills are vast.

Classes are typically held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, depending on what the group needs each week. They start at 4:45 pm and go until 6:30 pm, and are open to all ages. Classes are held at Siuslaw Elementary School, Room 9.

People who are interested in joining the class should email Kassy Keppol for more information at: kkeppol@siuslaw.k12.or.us.

The Siuslaw Vikings have made the most of their one softball game ilast week.

The Lady Vikings defeated visiting Bandon/Pacific in a nonleague battle April 81, with a score of 9-4.

Siuslaw, 3-10 for the season, resumes league play

Tuesday, hosting Mountain Valley Conference foe Harrisburg/Monroe.

Bandon/Pacific (5-7), which averages more than 10 runs a game, posted its second-lowest run total of the season.

The Lady Vikings have 10 games to play, including three-game series with Harrisburg/Monroe, Sisters and Pleasant Hill.

Siuslaw concludes its season May 14 with a “home”

game against La Pine at Elmira.

The last actual home game is May 7 against Pleasant Hill, the last home game for seniors Ashley Hennessee, Brynlee Manues, Meika Shappell and Cate Waggoner.

Roster

As of April 14 on OSAA website; uniform numbers for 2023 2 Abby Riggs, junior, shortstop 3 Jolee

14 — vs. La Pine at Elmira, TBD Coach: Brian Riggs Assistants: Amanda Richards, Bailey Overton, Glen Joslin, Scott Swagerty

website at the link below, as well as the City’s Facebook and Instagram

For more details about the Rhododendron Drive Realignment & Improvement Project, visit the project https://bit.ly/

Construction Update - Week of April 15th

K&E Excavating has been busy with the new

feet of the total 2,700 feed of pipe for the new water main. Over halfway there!

For the week of April 15th, the contractor will continue work on the retaining wall towards the north end of the project area, continue widening the road base for the realignment and improvements, and continue installation of the new 8-inch water main.

Heceta Beach Road Paving - Week of April 15th

is when a large machine, commonly called a milling machine or profiler is used to grind out 2-inches of the travel lane pavement. Once the travel lane has been milled, a paving machine is brought in to place the new pavement and

The City was notified last week by Heceta Water Peoples Utility District (Heceta Water PUD) that their contractor may begin paving operations on the west bound lane of Heceta Beach Road between Hwy 101 and Rhododendron Drive/4th Avenue, weather dependent, starting Monday, April 15th.

Their contractor will be completing a grind/inlay of the west bound travel lane as part of Heceta Water PUD 16-inch water main installation project. A grind/inlay