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By TONY REED Siuslaw News

At an informal work session March 21, the Florence City Council looked into potential locations inside city limits where people experiencing homlessness could erect temporary shelters.

City Manager Erin Reynolds said the informal work session was scheduled for Council and staff to discuss policies regarding emergency sheltering and emergency shelter codes. Reynolds said a regular public meeting will take place April 29th to allow community input.

The issue was last discussed in January and councilors were given a refresher by Community Development Director Wendy Farley Campbell. Police Chief John Pitcher said discussions started with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling which mandated that law enforcement cannot disturb or remove someone sleeping in public areas if no other places are available.

Mayor Rob Ward added that City officials cannot ask someone to leave a public area until reasonable accommodations are made available to them.

“We are kind of caught between a rock and a hard spot,” Ward said. “I have the feeling that the majority of the city would probably choose not to have anybody camping anywhere

in the city. In a way, that’s the way it used to be.”

Farley-Campbell said the project proposes to write new code regarding emergency shelters, adding that the current code regulations need to

be moved to a new chapter where they would be more appropriate.

Event-based emergency shelter code already exists, she said, noting it’s a land use code that says the city does not regulate emergency based and warming shelters, but gives authority to the council to place them as needed. Farley-Campbell

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is 93 and Dean is 94.

“And a half,” he added. He said they met at a tiny new college in Portland that became part of the community college there. She was a farm girl from Dayton Oregon and spent much of their marriage as a housewife. The two have been in Florence 44 years and say they have seen a lot of changes, namely the rate at which the town has grown. Asked for the secret of staying together 73 years, Dean said, “When you have disagreements, talk them out.”

On March 22, Willie and Joyce celebrated 71 years together.

Asked how they met, Joyce said she was a student at Mapleton School and was assigned to help orient new students. “It was the first day of school and they handed out paperwork to each student so they’d know where they were to go,” she explained. “This person (Willy) came in and I handed him the paper. He grabbed the paper and said (with some attitude), ‘Well, what do I do with this?’ I said, ‘Just take the paper and go through that door, find a chair and sit down and there will be a teacher to tell you what to do.’”

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“And I’ve paid attention ever since,” Willie added. Joyce said she immediately noticed Willie’s attire, saying he wore white, with shined dress shoes, making him stand out from the usual Mapleton boys.

“I listen,” Willie said, when asked for the secret of staying together 71 years.

Joyce smiled, adding that they have never had much to disagree about over the years.

“We’ve been together so long that it doesn’t do any good to argue,” she said. “He’s going to do it his way and I’m going to do it my way.”

A Florence man stopped into the Siuslaw News office to announce that he and his wife are celebrating 75 years together.

Allan Arthur said he and his wife Nedra were married April 3, 1949 in Tijuana, Mexico. They’ve had two sons, both deceased, but have four surviving grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

They live nine miles from Florence on Highway 126.

“We’ve had an incredible life together,” Allan said, noting that he and Nedra are both 93 years young and grateful to still be around. “We love the area and the many friends we have here.”

said other code is being added to capture the need for shelters to help firefighters,

PHOTO BY TONY REED

An elaborate temporary shelter has been set up on the south side of the Siuslaw River.

Allan & Nedra

Ramona & Dean

Willie & Joyce

C

ode Council mulls homeless camping code

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emergency personnel and disaster victims during fires and other natural disasters. She said City staff have a plan for where such shelters would be and future decisions would codify it into code.

Not “camping”

Farley-Campbell said the second part of the code has to do with establishing immunity for “temporary sheltering.”

“This has been referred to as camping, we will be moving away from that terminology because, in land use, camping is something that is a recreational activity and not what we’re really talking about,” she said. “We’re talking about people sheltering, so we will be converting all of the language in the proposed code to say temporary sheltering.”

Farley-Campbell explained that “temporary sheltering” breaks into two categories. “Residences” refer to a property where the tenant or owner offers one of two options for temporary sheltering, being a vehicle in the driveway or a tent in the backyard. FarleyCampbell said it would be one or the other, not several tents and not several vehicles. She added that no payment can be received for the permission to shelter at a residence.

“People can’t pay rent, they can’t mow your yard, they can’t cover the groceries, there is no compensation,” she said.”We are not expecting this to become short-term rentals, like RVS in the driveway. This is about people experiencing homelessness.”

She said those offering shelter are expected to keep the property clean and well maintained by not piling belongings or garbage in an unsightly manner. She said hosts also cannot allow RVs to be parked inside yards, but must have them in a driveway, so as not to burden neighbors, according to the proposed code.

Property owners hosting tent shelters would be expected to allow those guests to use their bathroom and hand washing facilities if not provided outside.

“If you are providing a porta-potty or some other kind of facilities, they need to be 10 ft from the property line and not in the front yard so those are the standards as proposed for people to offer sheltering on private property,” she said. “This Is already happening throughout town, and we presently act on a complaint basis. Establishing this will hopefully provide a path for those people to then make it legal and have some standards by which to apply nuisance complaints.”

Other locations

The other type of temporary shelter would be located on non-residential property, such as commercial, industrial or public properties.

“In this case, the property owner, not the tenant would be the applicant, so to speak. Again, no compensation. We are not running hotels or RV camping or anything like that. There are also no time limits proposed in the code. The type of shelter that is proposed is three vehicles, or three tents or any combination, such as one tent and two vehicles or one vehicle and two tents.”

Farley-Campbell commented that the tent definition would need to be clarified so that circus tents aren’t erected in the city limits as shelters .

Storage and sanitation would be similar to residential properties but may prove difficult for those commercial properties that close at night, Farley-Campbell said.

Asked if a fee would apply for those requesting to provide such services, Farley Campbell said discussion is underway with the state regarding a licensing program.

“We don’t have a plan right now,” she said. “We’re looking to see what tools we can use to do it.”

Councilor Sally Wantz asked about eviction processes for those creating a nuisance.

“This is sheltering,” Farley Campbell said. “You can make someone go anytime you want.” She said it’s currently in the code that an eviction can take place without cause or time limits because there is no expectation that the service provided is to be considered housing.

Councilor Robert Carp asked if a registry would be in place, to record how many people are out there using such assistance.

“That is my proposal, yes,” Farley Campbell replied.

Councilor Bill Meyer asked if there is a requirement in the proposed code to notify neighbors of an application to temporarily shelter people.

“No, there is not,” Farley Campbell replied. “That could be added, and if we did, it would increase the registration cost to cover the postage and staff time.”

Mayor Rob Ward said the City would also have to formulate a response to neighbors who don’t want temporary shelters next to their home.

Farley-Campbell said such issues would be handled in the same way the city handles any nuisance complaint where Code Enforcement officers would respond. Per the current proposed code, not wanting someone there would not be reasonable grounds to prohibit them from being there, she said.

Myer commented that in such cases, the guest could then be informed of the code and the standards which they are to maintain so as not to cause a nuisance.

Farley-Campbell said an RV issue which came up

in the 48 hours before the meeting highlighted that some screening or buffering between neighbors may need to installed before temporary shelter is provided.

Not to camp

Farley-Campbell explained that exclusion areas would include most parks, riparian or wetland areas, within visual line of sight of a public trail, city-owned facilities that are open to the public, certain public rights of way, and right of ways to an adjacent dwelling. Buffers of 300 ft would surround churches or religious institutions, elementary and secondary education schools, daycare and child facilities, and facilities providing services to homeless persons.

Farley-Campbell said another exclusion area would be within 100 ft of the edge of the pavement on Highway 101 and Highway 126

Carp asked if the city would be required to post signs noting exclusion buffers around churches schools and other facilities.

“I think the City is interested in having a map,” Farley-Campbell said.

Mayor Ward suggested parking restrictions of three hours for RVs and shelter vehicles around excluded areas.

After some discussion, Farley-Campbell said everyday motor vehicles and RVs can park anywhere legally allowed but restrictions could apply when using a vehicle as a temporary shelter.

Rough draft map

Farley Campbell produced a digital map of the city, starting from the north end, which showed proposed buffer zones as circles and borders.

Reynolds and FarleyCampbell said there are 16 churches in Florence and the most northern circle surrounded the church at Heceta Beach Road.

During discussions about prohibited areas, Ward expressed concerns about enforcement of temporary shelter locations on or near rights of way in undeveloped areas.

“The other thing that concerns me is if we have to go check on them, do we somehow have to walk through the woods for 200 to 300 feet to see if someone has a tent out there? Are they taking it down each day? Wow, I understand the reasoning for the right away but I almost think we need to come up with a different approach.

“Well, that’s what this is about,” Farley Campbell replied.

Ward questioned how right of ways would be delineated in such areas, so that the process of keeping people from camping in right of ways could be regulated.

After some discussion about of unhoused residents in the Florence area, Chief Pitcher estimated that about 30 people live in vehicles at different times.

“We believe it’s about the same for tent camping,” he said. “That was harder to track. They have deserted camps everywhere so we think active camps are in the same range, 20 to 30 content counts in our area.”

Managing the code Counselor Bill Meyer expressed concern, saying he believed the original intent of the council was to highlight the areas of the city where camping is not allowed and let the unsheltered population choose from allowed area.

Myer suggested that the council should consider how particular areas will be impacted by allowing temporary sheltering.

“I would rather take what we’ve got in place right now, what is being proposed right now, and treat it as a first pass and see how it works out to see what areas we need to tune. Let’s see if we can manage it from that approach. That is what I would favor right now.”

Councilor Sally Wantz added if the council creates areas that could be available, the City would not be restricting anyone a safe place to camp and sleep.

“So, we are meeting that criteria,” she said. “We are not restricting it so much that we are going to be in trouble. These areas, I don’t think they need to be publicized. However, somebody needs to know about it, so if someone is there or not there, we can regulate it, right?”

Chief Pitcher added that most homeless residents know the law regarding where they can and cannot camp.

“ … but if we tell them, ‘you can’t be here,’ they are going to say, ‘where can we be?’” he said. “If we are going to move them, we have to tell them where they can go.”

Ward again expressed concerns of management, and how the city would regulate the hours in which tents could be erected, where garbage should be cleaned up, and whether other rules are being followed.

Counselor Jo Beaudreau noted that city enforcement is complaint-driven, and would likely be handled by Code Enforcement, which would also notify the city manager’s office. She questioned whether or not it would be a waste of staff time to continually monitor whether tents are being erected and taken down, along with other rules.

Asked about managing the 20 to 30 tents currently estimated to be in the city, Pitcher said many of them are in areas which are difficult for officers to access. He also noted the difficulty of only enforcing complaint-driven offenses, since complaints aren’t made about campsites that aren’t seen, leaving officers to pick and choose which sites they respond to.

Ward suggested creating an allowed sheltering spot across from the police station, which generated some laughter in the chamber. He said that Siuslaw Outreach Services was hesitant to site its building near

the police station because many of its clients may be uncomfortable being that close to it.

“Well If we say they have to camp next to the police station, maybe they will go out of town,” Ward said.

“Also, I was thinking that in an area like this, it would be easy for us to manage because we could just go in there and Public Works could go in there with the machine that cuts the brush and open that up so we have good visibility We could drive down that road and see whether someone was in there or not- without a lot of effort.”

Chief Pitcher suggested that if the city has a designated site, it would be best to have an on-site manager.

“Without some on-site management, that would be difficult,” he said, noting that officers must give people time before demanding that they leave a particular area.

Myer said he does not want to designate a specific site for that purpose.

“I think you could get a critical mass of individuals that could present a danger to an officer to get in there and babysit that group,” he said.

“Suddenly, you’d have a congregate… I do not believe we need to designate a particular area and I thought we made that fundamental decision. We are going to say where they can’t be, and let the population, through their network [find them], and if we have issues that arise because things happen in certain areas and it’s hard for us to supervise, then we address it, but

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Do you part and volunteer today to help support these organizations in our community.

Peace Harbor Volunteers

Want to make a difference in the community and make new friends? Do you have a few hours a month? If so, we would love to have you join the Volunteer Program at PEACEHEALTH PEACE HARBOR MEDICAL CENTER. Opportunities are available both in and out of the Hospital setting. All training provided. Applications are available at the Lobby Volunteer Desk or the Gift Shop located in the Hospital at 400 9th Street, Florence, OR 97439.

Us Too Florence

Saving men one PSA test at a time. “Someone to talk to...who understands!” 541-997-6626 • 47maribob38@gmail.com www.ustooflorence.org

To include your organization in this directory, please call us @ 541-997-3441

“I

as cause for withdrawing from a friend.”

I concur with Mr. Bruce Hadley in his letter of March 20th regarding the poor journalism exhibited by the reporter covering the Siuslaw Valley Charter Schools. The articles are unclear and not helpful, especially since they contain confusing, unsubstantiated, and unchallenged quotes from the advocates. I have noticed and commented upon this tendency, especially the latter, in recent issues of the paper. I do not accuse this paper of favoritism in any way, only, as Mr. Hadley observes, poor journalism.

George Durant Florence

Good News for Women Celebrating Women’s History Month, Joe Biden signed an executive order allocating twelve billion dollars for advanced research on women’s health issues. This is a long-needed shift. Research to date has mainly used men as research subjects. While heart attacks are the leading cause of death for women, research has been conducted on men. We only know that the signs for women are different than those for men. Early studies on the role of estrogen in post-menopausal women were done on 8000 men. Finally, women are receiving the respect they deserve. And it

took a man in the oval office to demonstrate the respect that women deserve. It is a good start, and in a political climate at war with women’s rights, it is a relief. If women are fortunate, a change in the congressional balance will ensure its full realization. All women need to keep this in mind when November rolls around. What kind of world do we want to live in? One where women are respected, or one where women are treated as puppets?

Nan Harvey Florence

I must say that the articles concerning the SVCS and the school district have been some

of the most comprehensive articles I have read from the SNEWS in many years. I applaud the writers for seemingly not leaving anything out. Both sides made their cases. Good arguments from all sides. I do know most of the folks on the board and the SVCS. All of them want the best for the students. It was resolved.

Dana Rodet Westlake

What to do when the cell phone towers go down

The multi-talented Jay Guettler is the Local Coordinator for the Neighborhood Radio Communications Network of the Emergency Communications for West Lane County; he will speak to, and answer questions from, the public at the April 11, 2024, meeting of City Club of Florence in the Bromley

Room of the Siuslaw Public Library.

Growing up in the [then] small town, of Roseville, California, just northeast of Sacramento, it was during his teenage years that Guettler became interested in radios. He and a friend studied together to pass the test for their Amateur Radio Novice Licenses. Because school, work, and family occupied most of his time, it wasn’t until his retirement from the work-a-day world that Guettler rediscovered his interest in radio and earned his Extra Class Amateur License.

Preparedness and community work have long been

ingrained in Jay’s life from his time as a Boy Scout and later as a Scout leader. His education path touched on electronics, energy, the environment, and technology management. Several of his work and volunteer roles have focused on what happens when the regular infrastructure has a ‘hic-up’, to creating systems that mitigate those failings.

After spending a few post-retirement years wandering around the country, it was in 2017, that Jay and his wife Pam settled in Florence. Of course, it helped that Jay’s aunt and uncle live here, but Jay and Pam liked the feel of the community.

City Club is an informational group that brings to the public-at large a variety of issues and topics. City Club of Florence meets promptly at 1:30 P.M., on the second Thursday of each month. The public is always invited and urged to attend. For additional information, go to Facebook. com/CityClubofFlorence or call 541-999-0745. JAY GUETTLER TO ADDRESS CITY CLUB:

Jay’s interests are extensive and include hiking, cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, building things, music, volunteering at City Club, KXCR, S.T.E.P., the Free Lunch Program, Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue, etc, and radio. Mark your calendar to hear the latest updates on emergency communications, and what to do when that system fails, on April 11, 2024, in the Bromley Room of the Siuslaw Public Library located at 1460 Ninth St.

again, I would like to attempt this first without specifying an area and designating an area and hauling or transporting people to a specific site or the numbers of them increase because the minute you get the numbers of them, it gets back to …, there needs to be on site management because you’ve got people with lots of different problems.”

Carp agreed, noting an area In Oklahoma where a public safety center was constructed, but evolved into a homeless camp.

“When it came time to evict them, it was all out, he said. “Fights, a brawl, officers got hurt, and one of the people was killed because they were attacking the officer, so, when you do something like this suggestion, it will become a popular place, it will be a mass place and when you try to evict them, there will be a revolt. There’s going to be confrontation, at some point they’re going to assemble and fight back.”

I stand by the thought that as long as we have reasonable areas for people to camp, there is no reason to have to publicize where those are,” Wantz said, “as long as we know in our minds where they are and there is a record somewhere that says where they are, I agree with counselor Myer to that great extent. I don’t believe we

need to publish this or hand out flyers on the street to say ‘here’s where you can camp and where you can’t.’ As long as we are legally allowing camping in areas and we are not restricting somebody’s right to have safe shelter, and it looks like we do, so I think we’ve met that burden. We are within the law and this is not against anybody, and if I understand what the chief is saying, they pretty much know where to go, so why spend a lot of time telling them you are in the right spot or you are not, and we will move them if we get complaints.”

The bottom line

Asked how city residents will know if someone is camped in a prohibited or allowed area, Reynolds returned to the complaint-driven method, saying that it would be a tool to use when making contact with people who have generated complaints. She said the sheltering enforcement would look no different than any code enforcement complaint where an officer educates someone about the code.

“We’re not looking to fine people, we’re not looking to put people in jail, we really are looking to have a good quality of life for all of our residents, all the people in the community,...” she said. Reynolds said that if the code were adopted as proposed, it would not mean officers patrolling all of the non-restricted areas, but would instead mean that when a complaint is received, officers would address it using the direction given in the code.

Noting that other cities have “safe campsite” areas, Reynolds said most have other requirements, but also have what would essentially be considered an outdoor shelter with on-site monitors and other services.

Councilor Jo Beaudreau said that as a woman, that if she were experiencing homelessness, she would appreciate having the option of a safe camping area.

“I do understand that we have the cold weather shelter and the Bridges program but if somebody, in an emergency was trying to get away, I would definitely want to sleep somewhere where I wouldn’t be raped, where I wouldn’t be beat up, and next to the police station would be an option,” she said. “I like having that door open for continued conversation but also, as council, we have made it clear that we don’t want to use public property for these types of things and that’s one of the reasons I argued when we were discussing this as to have that option more open so that we could do something with case management, with supervision- to be able to help somebody in a whole gamut of cases and backgrounds.”

She said that for some, committing a crime in order to be thrown in jail for the night might seem like the only safe option, even if it puts a burden on the justice system.

“If someone is that scared for their life, I don’t even know if the lobby doors are open at the Justice Center to fall asleep in,” she said. “I don’t know some of these things, and I’m thankful that I don’t know, but when people are desperate for whatever

reason, and they are all valid, we need to have an open heart and figure out some solution that would help.” She said some people are burdening the hospital system by coming into the emergency department when they don’t need emergency help.

Carp noted that Siuslaw Outreach Services provides help for people in emergency situations, along with other local organizations. Ward asked Chief Pitcher what would happen if the code is approved with a requirement to only have tents erected between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. and whether it might prompt people to go outside the city limits. Pitcher echoed that the most common campsites are not in places where everyone can see them.

“People don’t see tent camps here,” he said.”If they did, they would be more appalled at what they see. Are there going to be places where we’re going back to every morning and saying ‘hey it’s

8 a.m., you have to go?’ That probably won’t happen.”

The council took no action on the discussion but agreed to meet again April 4 to revisit proposed changes and have further discussion.

A subject sleeps next to a bicycle out of the rain below the Siuslaw River Bridge.

SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

A local performer has accepted the offer of a lifetime but will need some help to c Elyse Stewart has been accepted to the very prestigious Joffrey Ballet, and we are trying to bring awareness to her campaign for funds. She started with C.R.O.W. when she was teeny, performing in nearly all of our events and shows,” said Melanie Heard - of the Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops. “She is also my executive assistant, and is learning about running a non-profit.” Heard said that after auditioning for the Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive Program, Stewart was accepted to several summer sessions around the world.

“It is VERY expensive for her to attend this training,” Heard said. “We don’t believe in setting pre-conceived

limitations for our small town CROW kids. We want them to soar and achieve their dreams, and merely getting accepted into this classical and contemporary ballet program (11 different schools all over the USA and in Italy) is a REALLY BIG deal.”

According to the gofjundmepage, Cara Richter created a raffle with some items from local businesses and restaurants. Tickets are $5/ each or 5 for $20 and you can buy a ticket at the Bake Sale Saturday, or stop by AIC Insurance (697 Maple St.) during business hours (MonThurs) to buy your tickets. There are some great prizes you could win!

Donations can be mailed to C.R.O.W. PO Box 184, Florence, OR 97439 Attn: Elyse Stewart Joffrey Fund or online at the gofundme pagehttps://www.gofundme.com/f/ send-elyse-to-new-york

our emergency responders took a back seat in our list of priorities. Fortunately, the friendly reminders of those in charge of the program connected after several years and our free sign suddenly appeared alongside our driveway.

Jump forward to New Year’s Eve 2022 and those friendly reminders paid life-saving dividends. Out of the blue, this healthy guy was having a heart attack – didn’t know it – but absolutely needed medical attention. Fortunately, we had our 6” X 12” red reflective sign posted alongside our driveway to guide our paramedics in.

Another 911 call on April 4, 2023 brought two different paramedics and a fire engine crew directly to our home.

With those two 911 calls, we clearly recognized the importance of those signs! Sure, our paramedics and fire crews had their own mapping systems to follow, but there was nothing like having our very own red reflective driveway street side sign for them to locate our home. We all know the saying: “Seeing Is Believing” and that certainly was the case here with the sign assuring the paramedics they were at the right home. This was especially critical because my life was at stake.

The Florentine Estates home numbering system seems to make no sense in certain locations and can leave one totally bewildered. I’m pretty sure there are other

locations throughout Florence where home numbering is out-of-the-ordinary.

Still pondering? Consider this. At the Dec. 4, 2023, Florentine Estates Homeowners’ Association

Board Meeting, one of the residents made a comment that emergency vehicles often go to the wrong house. I’m concerned with the word “often” and cannot imagine that happening if those seeking emergency assistance have properly placed emergency signs by their driveway.

The other part of that equation was stated by another resident at the same meeting: Red Emergency Signs are hard to see. I agree that “some” signs are hard to see if they haven’t been properly maintained and placed away from obstacles such as plants and other obstructions. Personal maintenance is required.

Homeowner Associations like Florentine Estates, Green Trees and the like can offer “deals” to entice residents to get and post those signs. Homeowners throughout Florence have the same need, but will be on their own to request their sign from the Fire Department by calling

541-997-3212 and speaking with Christine. Donations to help cover the cost of the signs are never required but always welcome.

As I encourage everyone city-wide to participate in this program.

I’m sure we all fully comprehend the importance of these signs from the caller’s perspective, but I want everyone to stop for a moment and think just how important getting to the right home without any delays is to the paramedics and/or fire crews. Please give them a hand (posted sign) in finding you.

If I can assist, please call me at 541-997-6626. I have a supply of materials and will be more than happy to attach your sign to a stake and properly install it for you.

A dependable way to be found

WLFEA Chief Michael Schick

Finding the right address is always a concern for emergency responders and I would like to thank Bob for bringing up a very important issue. We have two different mapping programs tied into the dispatch information we receive for every call and the programs automatically

work as they should the vast majority of the time. Errors can sometimes happen when the person calling 911 doesn’t know the address or they may have forgotten the address. It’s easy to forget something as important as your address when there is an emergency. In addition, our mapping program will occasionally send us to the location where the address should be but in some cases that’s not where the address actually is. This is a fairly common issue we deal with in the more rural areas of our district. We expect odd numbered addresses to be on the west and north sides of a street and even numbered addresses to be on the east and south sides but that is just a general rule. Having clearly identifiable address signs can certainly help us get to your emergency quickly. If you have a question as to whether your address sign is adequate don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we would be happy to drive by and give you our opinion! As Bob mentioned, we have a limited amount of sign supplies and we are always happy to provide a sign for your address.

formative figure in the pop-art movement. The word ‘dodgy’ pokes fun at our attempt to create an atmosphere that

pays homage to many pop icons.” Put those two thoughts together, flip them, and you’ve got Dodgy Warhol. Jason says, “We have loads of unpretentious accessories with flare. Whether your obsession is The Never-ending Story, Totoro, David Bowie, Taylor Swift, Stranger Things, or anything in between, we’ve got you covered.” And when asked why they chose to locate on the waterfront (in the former site of Drawstrings of Malibu), Jason says, “Bay Street is a special place to us. We love the historical buildings. It’s continuing to evolve into a popular place for both residents and tourists. We’re excited to be part of that.”

Both Katrina and Jason have backgrounds in business and art. Both thought it was time to try something new.

Katrina says, “Retail lets us repurpose our skills. ‘Pop art meets business’ seemed natural. The Dodgy Warhol is an expression of us and brings novelty – and value -- to Bay Street.”

They are fans of the bayfront and own three other businesses on the street: The Uncommon Collective, Rivals Hollow, all located on Bay Street.

Katrina adds, “We frequently hear, ‘Whoa, are you guys trying to take over Bay Street?’ The short answer is ‘no.’ We weren’t planning more than one shop, but

FACC appreciates volunteers

The Florence Area Community Coalition is happy to announce that our annual Volunteer Celebration will take place on April 17, 2024 at the Florence Events Center. Our theme this year is “Volunteers Plant Seeds of Kindness”. City of Florence Mayor Rob Ward will be our keynote speaker. As we all know, our community runs on volunteer power and we want to say thanks and celebrate their work.

The cost is $10 per person, or $75.00 for a table of 8. Many agencies and organizations send their volunteers for a time of fellowship, refreshments and fun. For everyone, it is a wonderful time to find out what is happening in the volunteer communities.

The networking that happens locally is amazing. Not all organizations have

opportunities presented themselves.” Word is that the duo is planning the opening of shop number four.

Those who know the couple aren’t surprised to hear them say, “we have about ten ideas for projects brewing at any given time!”

They are enjoying the work but, “We might be ready for a vacation,” says Jason. A website is in progress for The Dodgy Warhol. For now, you can follow them on Facebook or Instagram @thedodgywarhol. Call 541.590.3801 or email: info@ shoptheuncommon.com for more information.

Community Briefs

the ability, however, to pay even that. That is where our request to you comes in. We hope that you will consider being a sponsor. A $100 dollar sponsorship will purchase a table for 8 for an organization of your choosing. Your sponsorship will be acknowledged at the sponsored table, in our advertising and at the event. We would request that you allow us to use your sponsorship for an unsponsored table if your choice is taken or you do not designate an organization. If you do not wish to sponsor a table we would also welcome a donation gift for a raffle for attending volunteers. Please send any sponsorship or donation to: FACC, PO Box 1161, Florence, OR 97439 Contact Monica Kosman at monistar@aol.com for more information. FACC is an allvolunteer 501(c)3 organization with a mission to improve the quality of life in Western Lane County through partnerships, networking, volunteerism, community

involvement, education, and awareness. You can learn more about us at www.florenceareacc.org

Rhody Society plant auction

The Siuslaw Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society is holding its annual plant auction at the Presbyterian Community Church at 3996 US 101 in Florence on Tuesday, April 16th. Arrive at 5:30 p.m. to mingle and get a seat before the Auction starts at 6:00 There will be lots more than just rhododendrons up for bid! Questions? Please contact club president: Mr. Day Farrald at 541-579-5544

Beached bird training

On Saturday, April 13 the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver a

training session in Florence, Oregon.

COASST participants help make a difference for the environment by collecting data on beach-cast carcasses of marine birds on a monthly basis to establish the baseline pattern of beached bird mortality on North Pacific beaches. Through an interactive, hands-on workshop, trainees will become acquainted the custom COASST field guide, Beached Birds, and have a chance to try out their newly acquired identification skills on seabird species common to the North Pacific. The COASST training provides participants with the tools to monitor for potential changes in the marine environment and promote stewardship of local marine resources. For more information and to reserve your training spot, call COASST at 206221-6893 or email coasst@ uw.edu. More information on COASST at coasst.org

..................0.4

High................. 12:04 p.m. .................7.3

Low 6:13 p.m. -0.1

MONDAY, APRIL 8

High................. 12:27 a.m. .................8.0

Low 6:50 a.m. -0.5

High................. 12:58 p.m. .................7.3

Low 6:53 p.m. ..................0.4

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

High.................. 1:02 a.m. ..................8.4

Low 7:37 a.m. -1.2

High.................. 1:51 p.m. ..................7.0

Low 7:33 p.m. ..................1.0

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

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

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

High.................. 2:15 a.m. ..................8.5

Low 9:10 a.m. -1.4 High..................

Low

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

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

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

Low

SUNDAY,

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

Low

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

Low

MONDAY, APRIL 15

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

Low

TUESDAY, MARCH 16

Low 1:02 a.m. ..................4.0

High.................. 6:42 a.m. ..................6.0

Low 2:10 p.m. ..................0.7

High.................. 9:26 p.m. ..................5.4

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

Low 2:35 a.m. ..................3.7

High.................. 8:05 a.m. ..................5.8

Low 3:11 p.m. ..................0.7

High................. 10:13 p.m. .................5.7

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

Low 3:45 a.m. ..................3.1

High.................. 9:19 a.m. ..................5.7

Low 4:01 p.m. ..................0.8

High................. 10:46 p.m. .................6.0

The

OSU to discuss tuition

resolution and hear an update on the 2024 state legislative session.

At the end of the meeting on April 5, the board will hold an executive session as part of its agenda, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(d) to conduct deliberations with persons designated by the governing body to carry on labor negotiations.

On April 4, board committees will discuss items including the biennial capital funding request to the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission

and a change to the approved budget of the Kelley District Utility Plant project on the Corvallis campus. Committees will also hear reports on student financial readiness and financial aid and enrollment. All board meetings are open to the public and can be attended on Zoom or on the phone by calling 1-888475-4499 (meeting ID: 655 466 888). Meeting agendas and materials are posted as they become available on the board’s website. A public comment period is provided at the beginning

of every board meeting and before the board votes on any action item listed on the full board agenda. Public comment can be made in person, via Zoom or provided in writing at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to trustees@oregonstate.edu.

For more detailed instructions visit https://beav.es/SCn.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made by April 2 to trustees@oregonstate.edu or Stacy Jeffries at 541-737-3449.

Siuslaw softball drops two at Waldport

Lady Vikings return home for twin bill vs. Bandon/Pacific

The Siuslaw Vikings softball team fell to 1-6 on the season, losing a twin bill at 2A Waldport. The Lady Vikings played at home after press time, hosting Bandon/ Pacific. Siuslaw resumed Mountain Valley Conference play at La Pine. As of March 28, Waldport had improved to 4-1-1 with the sweep.

Schedule

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

• Tuesday, April 9 at Elmira/Mapleton, 4:30 p.m.

• Friday, April 12 Elmira/ Mapleton (DH), 2 p.m.

• Tuesday, April 2 3 Harrisburg/Monroe, 4:30 p.m.

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

• Tuesday, April 30 at Sisters, 4:30 p.m.

• Friday, May 3 Sisters (DH), 2 p.m.

• Tuesday, May 7 Pleasant Hill, 4:30 p.m.

• Friday, May 10 at Pleasant Hill (DH), 2 p.m.

Coach: Brian Riggs Assistants: Amanda Richards, Bailey Overton, Glen Joslin, Scott Swagerty

Roster

• Seniors

• 8 A shley Hennessee,

• f irst base 6 Brynlee Manues,

• catcher 5 Meika Shappell,

• third base 4 Cate Waggoner,

• pitcher Juniors 15 Makayla Bender

• pitcher 21 Jordyn Breeden,

• catcher 3 Jolee Erickson,

• pitcher 7 Claire L indell,

• second base 2 Abby Riggs,

• shortstop

• Sophomores Jozalyn Hulet

• Elizabeth Redelfs 17

• Kylee Stinger

• Freshmen

• Tara Boomer

• Paige Bottensek

• Emmy Center

• Chloe Clark

• Sophia Distifeno

• Stella Duman

• Hayley Rapp

Florence Street Vault canceled

The third annual

Street Vault — scheduled for

noon Wednesday — will have to

Biden alone in Oregon voters’ pamphlet

Trump declined to submit statement

for a presidential candidate – and draft a statement of 325 words or fewer that will be mailed to every voter in Oregon.

when they open their state-issued voters’ pamphlet next month: Republican Donald Trump.

Laura Kerns, a spokeswoman for the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, said Trump’s campaign declined to provide a statement for the pamphlet and didn’t share a reason.

Candidates aren’t required to submit statements, but most choose to pay the fee – $3,500

Trump still will appear on ballots mailed to Republican voters.

Only three presidential candidates have declined to provide statements for the voters’ pamphlet since 2012. John Kasich, Rand Paul and Tulsi Gabbard were not front-runners when they declined to participate.

Self-help guru Marianne Williamson will appear on

Democratic presidential primary ballots, though President Joe Biden clinched the Democratic nomination earlier this year. Williamson also did not submit a statement for the voters’ pamphlet, and her name is missing from a version of the voters’ guide produced for military and overseas voters that was posted online on Wednesday. It has the same statements Oregon-based voters will see in their paper guides next month, but it doesn’t include candidate photos and may

include inaccurate endorsement information.

Candidates list their occupation, job background, educational background and prior government experience, then have space for endorsements and their own statements. It’s a class C felony to lie about educational or professional backgrounds in the voters’ pamphlet: Former U.S. Rep. Wes Cooley was convicted in 1997 for claiming he served in Korea during the Korean War when he never left the U.S.

The Secretary of State’s Office requires organizations

Oregon Republican Party Election

2024.Go

or individuals who endorse candidates to submit forms confirming those endorsements, but it doesn’t check those forms against the list of endorsers provided by candidates until after sending the military and overseas guide. Any erroneous endorsements won’t appear in the final version of the guide sent to most voters.

Candidates are free to say whatever they want in the rest of their statements. Former state Rep. Julie Parrish, R-West Linn, introduced legislation in 2017 to make providing any untrue information for the pamphlet a crime punishable by five years in prison and a $125,000 fine, but it failed because of concerns about free speech.

and requires a lot of standing and bending while working on cars. Attention to detail and focus on safety is crucial. Apply in person!

724 - BICYCLES

616 - TRUCKS

2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular cab work pick-up truck. 2dr., 8ft., 6 cylinder, white, only 62,890mi. Tires, body work and pain in excellent cond. $12,750. 541-991-3091.

714 - APPLIANCES

Three upright freezers. $125/ea. or all for $300. 541-268-4128.

750 - MISC FOR SALE

Tools, Refrigerator, BBQ- Call for details. 541-342-8643.

Vintage Bach Stradivarius Bb trumpet, w/ case, $1,200. 541-901-2195.

790 - MISC WANTED

Case No. 24PB01185, are required to be presented, with proper vouchers, to the Personal Representative, DONALD W. HILDEBRAND at 3980 Marshall Avenue, Eugene, OR 97402 within four (4) months from March 20, 2024, the date of first publication, or such claims may be barred. Any person whose rights may be affected by the proceeding may obtain additional information from the court records, the Personal Representative or the

for the fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, will be held at 82877 Spruce St., Dunes City, OR. The meeting will take place on April 3, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Commit

County, State of Oregon, to discuss the bud-

999 - PUBLIC NOTICES

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Paige DeBarge please contact Attorney Ed ward K. Bauman, (337) 491-0570 or ed@lake charlesattorney.com.

INVITATION TO BID:

Abandoned property of The Estate of Ivar Nelson and All Others.

For Sale, a 1977 SUN RI, Serial #66142381, Home ID #216311. The mobile home is located at 89510 Highway 101, #1, Florence, OR 97439.

This will be a private sale with a minimum bid of $5,000.00. Bids

accepted until April 17, 2024. Send/sub mit bids to 18150 SW Boones Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97224, Attn: Audra. Please call Jonna at: 530-524-2048 for appointment to see home.

CLAIMS against the estate of LOREN KEN

NETH HILDEBRAND of Florence, Oregon, Lane County Circuit Court

Country Media has immediate openings for Reporters to cover the news that matters to our communities.

Successful applicants will have an enthusiasm to cover enterprise journalism, civic meetings, school news, community events, and more. You’ll be writing for multimedia platforms including print, social media, and websites. If writing is your passion, this

ARIES

Mar 21/Apr 20

Grit and guts will get you what you deserve this week, Aries. You may have an opportunity to make a good deal of money, so give this plan careful consideration. Ask for advice if the need arises.

TAURUS

Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, there has been change in your life and you may want to blame the stars. Things will move out of your comfort zone and you will have to sharpen your ability to adapt.

GEMINI

May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, you may be questioning the relationships in your life at the time being, but don’t worry too much. If you hit a rough patch, things will clear up in a few days.

CANCER

Jun 22/Jul 22

A big shift in your perception and attitude will bring new components to your life that you may not have anticipated. This week you’ll certainly have a few eyes-wide-open moments.

LEO

Jul 23/Aug 23

There will be no hiding out this week, Leo. You will soon learn that things will come your way at a rapid pace. Do your best to keep up, mighty Lion, as it’s bound to be exciting.

VIRGO

Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, you might be willing to throw caution to the wind and get away on a moment’s notice. There are affordable ways to do this if you are willing to do your homework.

LIBRA

Sept 23/Oct 23 Libra, even though some drama may be swirling in your universe, you find it tolerable because it’s coming at you in small portions. Just stay on the sidelines as much as possible.

SCORPIO

Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, if boredom has set in, it’s better to look to new experiences instead of doing something rash just for the thrill. See which classes you can take or find new restaurants to explore.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 23/Dec 21

Self-care and healing are what you should focus on right now, Sagittarius. You may have been pushing your needs to the side lately and you need to make this a priority.

CAPRICORN

Dec 22/Jan 20

You are not normally characterized as “impulsive,” Capricorn. But you may surprise everyone this week. An opportunity to travel or another adventure could drop in your lap.

AQUARIUS

Jan 21/Feb 18

Try to create some tranquil spaces at home, Aquarius. You can use a haven, especially when a lot of stuff is thrown at you outside your home.

PISCES

Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, you may be on a mission this week to get things done. Don’t rush in your efforts to complete everything or you are bound to make mistakes that are not easily fixed.

1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: When did April Fools' Day come into being?

2. GEOGRAPHY: In which nation is the Great Victoria Desert located?

3. MOVIES: What sport is featured in the movie "The Mighty Ducks"?

4. HISTORY: What is the name of the island where Napoleon was exiled in 1814?

5. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is the largest rodent in the world?

6. LITERATURE: What is the name of Ron Weasley's pet rat in the "Harry Potter" book series?

7. U.S. STATES: Which letter of the alphabet is not in any U.S. state's name?

8. TELEVISION: Which iconic 1960s sitcom inspired two spinoff hits, "Petticoat Junction" and "Green Acres"?

9. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in WWII?

10. ANATOMY: How many pairs of spinal nerves exist in humans?

© 2024 King Features Synd., Inc. Answers 1. Likely in the late 16th century, when calendars changed from Julian to Gregorian. 2. Australia. 3. Ice hockey. 4. Elba. 5. Capybara. 6. Scabbers. 7. Q. 8. “The Beverly Hillbillies.” 9. George H.W. Bush. 10.