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Guest Writer

Mild temperatures and sunny skies greeted well over one hundred area

residents as they observed the annual Memorial Day Ceremony held at the Veterans Memorial Park on Bay Street in historic Old Town Florence on May, 27th. Memorial Day is the National Day of Remembrance when

our nation honors and remembers those in our military service who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom.

The ceremony is supported each year by the community’s Veteran service organizations and their associated auxiliaries including Disabled American Veterans Chapter 23 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post

3232. This year’s ceremony was coordinated by American Legion Post 59. US Navy Veteran and Post Commander Mike Nielsen served as Emcee for the day’s event.

Elements of the day’s ceremony included opening and closing prayers, presentation of colors, performance of both the national anthem and America the Beautiful,

Pledge of Allegiance, reading of the traditional ‘In Flanders Fields’, presentation of memorial wreaths, Memorial Day Address and a rifle salute. The ceremonies concluded with the laying of eleven wreaths, sponsored by numerous area groups and individuals, placed on the waters

See VETERAN, Page A2

Riverside landslide project funding requested

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

A last-moment cancellation by Congresswoman Val Hoyle postponed a site visit to a slipping riverside area in Florence that threatens public, private and federal Coast Guard properties.

Hoyle was scheduled to visit Florence May 29, but canceled, due to a “minor medical emergency” the night before.

The city is requesting $800,000 for the construction of a pile wall in a landslide area that was damaged by heavy rains in 2022, as well as needed repairs to public facilities in the area. According to the funding request, the damaged area threatens City property, as well as private property and the federally-owned Cost Guard station there.

“After a period of heavy rain in January 2022, a steep section of the

bank of the Siuslaw River adjacent to Coast Guard Road began to fail, resulting in cracking of the Coast Guard Station parking lot, disconnection of a City stormwater main, and deformation of a private wooden deck,” the City’s request stated.

According to the City of Florence website, the wall would “temporarily halt the the slipping so we can engineer a more long-term solution.”

“With recent storms and significant rain events from January 12, 2024 to present, the slippage has become more acute, slipping more than 25 inches in less than four weeks,”according to the City. “From the City’s evaluation the slope movement resulted in the formation of a scarp, a long steep slope or cliff at

See RIVERSIDE, Page A2

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

“The

they’re doing is establishing a total 11 percent increase. This consists of a 3.1 percent CPI increase and an 8 percent increase to prepare for the construction of an IMERF.”

Farley Campbell explained that IMERF, [Integrated Material and Energy Recovery Facility], is a machine that separates waste from recyclables.

“This has been a big Lane County process to have a new site,” City Manager Erin Reynolds added. “[County] Commissioners voted to approve this late last year, to build the IMERF. It’s costly and that is why there is that surcharge, essentially.”

“What this results in is a $10.46 increase per ton from the current tipping fees of $95.16 [to $105.62.]

This would take effect July 1.” Farley-Campbell explained that the amount is not an 11 percent increase to current solid waste fees.

“If you pay $35, it’s not increasing that by 11 percent,” she said.

“What it’s doing is that there is a certain amount that’s associated with your fee that relates to the tipping fee.”

Asked what that would mean to the average residential rate, a table showed that most users would pay an additional $2, based on several factors.

“If you have a 60-gallon cart, which is what most people have, and you have it picked up weekly, you’re looking at a $2 increase,” she said.

She said some residents, such as those living in Florentine, share a bill for disposal services, and their fee would increase $1.85.

“There’s a cost savings associated with not having to mail out 485 bills and do all of that processing,” she said.

With little discussion, the council unanimously approved the resolution governing rates.

PHOTOS BY TONY REED

Western Lane Ambulance District LifeMed Membership

By Bob Horney and WLFEA Chief Michael Schick

This is Part 2 of community service programs at WLFEA available to residents of Florence. Part 1 appeared April 3, 2024 in the Siuslaw News regarding Red Residential Emergency Signs posted at our residences to guide the emergency vehicles directly to our homes.

Now we look at another program that takes over once we are in the ambulance and headed for the appropriate emergency care location. This program is called LifeMed. It is an annual program which runs from July 1 and ends the following June 30, costing $65 which covers ALL permanent family members living at the residence. It will even cover a qualified family member living in a substitute care facility such as a nursing home. Each and every one will receive medically necessary pre-hospital care and ground transportation within a LifeMed reciprocal areas. There are currently

Riverside Landslide project funding requested

From Page A1

the edge of a plateau or ridge that is formed by erosion.”

The project is expected to prevent damage to the Coast Guard Road and two housing developments consisting of 36 homes. The City’s engineering team that long term stabilization would be a much

Veteran Community holds Memorial Day Ceremony

From Page A1

of the Siuslaw River by the United States Coast Guard, Siuslaw River, while ‘Taps’ played.

The day’s message was given by Bruce Andrade, Commander, District 13, Department of Oregon, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the Unites States. Andrade, a US Navy Veteran, recounted multiple stories of heroic and ultimate sacrifices made by US soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen in their service throughout our military heritage. He spoke of the significance of how all service members think of their “buddies, brothers-in-arms” as intonations of friendship, brotherhood, and common purpose.

And for those who have paid that ultimate sacrifice, “the sacred memory of their selflessness, and the freedoms they died to obtain, will

80-plus reciprocal agencies through the State of Oregon which means we would get the same benefits if we had a qualifying emergency in one of those districts instead of Western Lane Ambulance District.

My experience with both programs happened on December 31, 2022 Being a pretty cautious guy when it comes to health and money, I saw advantages to participating in both programs by properly placing a Red Residential Emergency Sign by the street and enrolling in the LifeMed Program for $65, covering Marianne and myself.

I would never have predicted that my 2022 New Year’s Eve would end with a Western Lane Ambulance emergency ride to the Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay –but it did! With Critical Care Paramedics David Rossi and Charlie York whisking me to Bay Area Hospital, David behind the wheel and Charlie tending to me, I had only one concern - paying attention to anything/everything Charlie

larger project that would trigger permitting by many state regulatory agencies, including, NOAA Fisheries, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Coast Guard/ Homeland Security, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and Oregon Department of State lands.

“Since the long-term solution is many years in the making, the City will need to go through the process to construct a secant pile wall retaining system to immediately stabilize the shallow

asked me or needed me to do. Most of the time that was to simply stay calm and quiet and let him do what he needed to do. But, he would occasionally ask me a question or I would even ask him a question since I was still alert and curious about what all goes on in an emergency ambulance ride.

So, you “may” ask, “How could I be that relaxed following a heart attack and headed to the hospital about 50 miles away?” Well, first of all my life was in Charlie’s hands and the best thing I could do for myself, Marianne and rest of family, was to remain as calm as possible and follow whatever directions Charlie gave me. Secondly, I had absolutely NO CONCERNS about how to pay for the ambulance ride simply because I was enrolled in the Western Lane Ambulance District’s LifeMed Program.

Always trying to be prepared for emergencies and having heard just how costly ambulance trips could be was enough to convince me

slide area,” according to the City website

The total cost of the project os $1.075 million. The request was added to Hoyle’s list of 15 community projects that would total over $28 million in state funding.

Hoyle has made requests for 15 community projects in District 4, for Benton, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane and Lincoln Counties. Among the projects is the Siuslaw River Slope Stabilization Project, which asks for $800,000 for the above work. Other

years ago that the single $65 annual membership fee covering all permanent members in the household was indeed one heck of a deal. So, as David was getting me to Bay Area Hospital at $22 per mile (which I didn’t know at the time) and Charlie’s effective care working on me being covered under the same program, I could concentrate totally on what Charlie was doing for me. I knew from LifeMed literature that my costs were going to be very minimal.

Arriving at Bay Area Hospital in minimal time with blood clots already dissolved by Charlie, I already felt like I was moving right along to recovery. But, that actually arrived the next day, Monday, Jan. 1, 2023, with the placement of 3 stents. Bay Area Hospital discharged me on Tuesday, January 2nd. Talk about turn-around!

Going back to the very beginning - the 911 call - just knowing I had a membership in LifeMed meant there was NO concern about Marianne

lane County project funding requests are the Cottage Grove Community Policing project ($500,000), the Lane Coutny Rural Fire Radio Resilience Project, ($1.5 million) and the Springfield Police Emergency Response Equipment Project ($1 million).

According to Hoyle’s office, funding requests have been submitted for FY2025 but have not yet been approved. Hoyle’s visit to the site has been postponed to July but a date has not been determined.

making that call. No matter where I ended up going by ground ambulance, my costs would boil down to my medical insurance co-pay and I could handle that.

Having read my experience, it will come as no surprise that I highly recommend everyone get their Red Residence Emergency Signs and sign-up or re-new their membership for the LifeMed Program. The years I didn’t use my LifeMed, my small charge of $65 was helping someone else just like how others were helping me when I needed it. It is totally a winwin program.

Now I turn this over to WLFEA Chief Michael Schick for more information about LifeMed including how to get signed-up for new members and ways to renew membership for those of us already on board.

Chief Schick:

Participating in our annual LifeMed program to cover your out of pocket expenses

for ambulance ground transport is extremely easy. You can enroll via our website, www.wlfea.org, or simply drop by our administrative office in Florence at 2625 Highway 101. If you have any questions about the program, please take look at the FAQ section on our website or call our office at 541-997-3212. It’s important to remember that this program has no impact on the care you or your loved ones will receive. LifeMed is only a factor during the billing process which happens after the call. For our LifeMed members we bill your insurance company and consider that payment in full. We have reciprocal agreements with many other Ambulance agencies throughout Oregon but each program could have slightly different rules so if you do receive care from another agency it’s important that you talk directly to that provider concerning their billing practices.

live forever.” … ”The bells of liberty ring in America today because of the men and women that we honor on this Memorial Day. Whether it’s a century ago or an hour ago, we remember. Let those who want “peace at any price” remember this day for which thousands have died. Honor, freedom, and that which we have today, has come at great human sacrifice.”

duty in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq-Afghanistan.

Roughly twenty-one percent of our Florence area population are Veterans, compared to the State average of just eight percent. According to local Veteran statistics, over the years since WWI, Florence has lost twenty-four military personnel in action or active

OPINION

I’ll never forget driving more than 600 miles up and down Oregon during the 2020 Labor Day fires. I saw towns destroyed and never once broke free from the thick smoke. I was deeply moved by that heartbreaking experience.

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, so I want to make sure you’re aware of how I’m working to protect Oregon’s communities from wildfire threats.

In April, I led Oregon’s entire Congressional delegation in a letter urging the Secretary of the Interior and the director of the Bureau of Land Management to renew the Western Oregon Operating Plan, known as WOOP. This effective, century-old fire management system expires at the end of June, so we’re pushing to extend it another five years to continue critical

fire response preparedness and coordination for western Oregon. As chair of the subcommittee that directly oversees the budgets for these agencies, and as the only Oregonian on the spending committee, I made sure that the government funding bills we passed in March made big investments in wildfire management. They included $4 billion for wildfire suppression operations across the country, $7 million for smoke mitigation through the program I created at the Environmental Protection Agency, and $31 million for the national Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, which includes five collaboratives across Oregon that are proven models for forest management. In addition, I’ve introduced the Wildfire Resilient Communities Act to provide $30 billion to increase federal wildfire reduction projects and triple funding, up to $3 billion, for the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program. And I worked across the aisle to save the Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers, which operate three locations in Oregon, including one in

Yachats, training young people for conservation careers, like wildland firefighting. We also need to invest in our firefighters. Between 2017 and 2022, Oregon received more than $43 million in Assistance to Firefighter Grants to purchase needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, and trainings. That’s in addition to more than $33 million awarded to Oregon over the same period to recruit and retain trained frontline firefighters. This month, I once again led a bipartisan group of Senators calling for additional funding to train National Guard members to fight wildfires. And I support making permanent the pay increases for federal wildland firefighters provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

You don’t have to be near a wildfire to be harmed by it, so I’ve introduced two bills to support Oregon families and businesses from smoke and heat hazards.

The first is the Smoke and Heat Ready Communities Act to help communities develop new tools to protect the public during extreme smoke and heat events, like creating cool

spaces with clean air that can be a safe refuge in dangerous conditions.

The second is the Wildfire Smoke Emergency Declaration Act, which would empower the President to declare a “smoke emergency” and mobilize the federal government to aid states and local communities, establish emergency shelters, and assist with relocation efforts, just like for a flood or storm.

It also would allow small businesses to access federal resources to recover from what can be a huge financial hit, from grape growers in the Willamette Valley to the furniture store owner in Southern Oregon who told me about how their entire stock had been ruined by smoke. Our communities deserve the same recovery assistance for natural disasters as other regions, even if our emergencies look different out West. Wildfires, severe smoke, and extreme heat aren’t going away anytime soon, so I’ll keep fighting for the resources to ensure that Oregon’s communities and forests are safe and prepared.

Gallery’s Featured

Kathryn Damon-Dawson, a well-known artist in Florence and beyond, will be the featured artist at Backstreet Gallery during the month of June, 2024. Her reception is Saturday, June 8, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Kathryn will offer a whole slew of new watercolor paintings, which enter the realm of pictography, portraying birds within uniquely imagined moments in time. For example, Bridgeport Lucida blue guitar is enjoyed by five walking, great blue heron. Another, a friend’s black Les Paul Gibson guitar is inspected by a gorgeous raven. Other paintings, such as “Rhapsody in Meadow Lark Minor,” depict birds engaged in imagined conversations.

Kathryn is thankful for her photographer friends in Tuesday Birders, who share images they capture. This allows her to add to her photo archives - a resource for imaginings.

Kathryn’s paintings are archival in quality. She paints solely with Oregon honey-based M. Graham & Co. professional-quality paint on archival Arches watercolor paper. Honey, as the vehicle, provides higher pigment loads and provides greater color saturation and richness, which is evident in Kathryn’s paintings. Kathryn has identified as an artist since she was six years old. She has always noticed the play of color and light on nature’s forms as seasons and weather roll on, altering the effects of sun, moon, and shadow. For as long as she can remember, her active muse has inspired her to create. Her home and studio overlook Siltcoos Lake on the coast of Oregon where birds abound.

In 2023, Kathryn published the 2nd Edition of Tundra Rhythms, filled with true adventures and over 200 photographs regarding 35 years of exploration in Alaska with her husband, Rand, in Super-cub,

N75PC, aka “75Papa Charlie.”

They both learned to fly their tail-dragger, fabric-covered airplane and experienced frequent encounters with wolves, bears, birds and other critters in remote parts of Alaska from the Alaska Peninsula to the Arctic Ocean. Her book is available at Backstreet.

Kathryn is a Past President and Signature Member of Watercolor Society of Oregon with their Platinum Award

status earned at WSO’s Juried Exhibitions. She is also a member of Western Federation of Watercolor Societies. She is a Backstreet Coop founding member and has served in all board positions. The public is invited to attend Kathryn’s reception at Backstreet Gallery Artist Cooperative, 1421 Bay Street, Florence, Oregon, which is celebrating its 19th Anniversary this year.

Dance teams win and shine at Eugene, FEC

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

with the Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops (C.R.O.W.) Spring Dance Showcase May 24 and 25.

C.R.O.W. Artistic Director and Flight Director/ Choreographer, Melanie

Heard said dancers have been learning and rehearsing the choreographies since January and a few of the pieces were self-choreographed.

The performance followed on wins by the Flight Dance Team a week before.

“Flight attended “Turn it Up” dance competition in Eugene and won several awards, including three First places, several Second places,

and a special recognition from one of the judges for the “King of Pop” number,” Heard said “It was really nice to be recognized in this way at our first ever outside competition with the team. The dancers have all been working so hard, and their dedication shows.”

The full showcase moved quickly from one performance to the next, ranging from

whimsical and artistic, to dramatic and comedic, namely with the Tutu Dads’ and Dance Moms’ performances.

Heard says the next performance will be the fall, following the summer theatre camp program.

The 2024/25 Flight Dance Team Audition will take place Saturday June 8 at the C.R.O.W. Center at 3120 Highway 101 in Florence.

Dancers should wear non-baggy dance attire and bring contemporary, ballet, or jazz shoes for the audition. Dancers must be 11+ years old, with previous dance experience. More information can be found at https://www. crowkids.com/flight-danceteam . Find more photos from the Spring Dance Showcase at thesiuslawnews.com in the Community section.

Visit us online at

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Some City service fees increasing

At its May 20 meeting, the Florence City Council adopted a resolution that will increase fees for various City services, effective July 1, citing cost recovery for those services.

While the city may not be able to fully recover all costs, staff say it’s getting closer to reaching that goal.

Administrative Services Director Ann Baker explained that last year at this time, Council approved increasing city fees to the Consumer Price Index of the time, with the exception of building fees. She said the city’s fiscal policy requires an annual review, saying the city should promote the use of user fees instead of property taxes to fund programs. She said where it is feasible, charges for services shall accurately reflect the actual cost of providing the service.

Starting July 1st, increases for the majority of City fees come to 2.7%.

Planning Director Wendy Farley Campbell explained that building fees had not been increased since 2005. Staff proposed a 26% increase to those fees, 14% of which was cost recovery for application and permitting fees.

“The situation with the building fund is that it’s supposed to ideally be self-supporting. It will be a while before it’s in a position to do that,” she said. “In order to do that, we need to start building a reserve so that whenever times are lean and the permits slow down, we can still afford to pay staff to provide those services.” She said increases would also keep those employees on staff when fee income is low.

“We coordinated these with the state Building Codes Division. They reviewed what we proposed, told us what we needed to add,” she said.

The state recommended adding manufactured dwelling and RV Park permits, master plans structural and setup fees, and seismic surcharges (related to schools, fire stations and other public facilities).

Other fees were established for a change of occupancy, expedited plan reviews, permit extensions and refund processing.

Six new fees were established for the planning division, including some for pre-construction conference, administrative, community development, land use application compliance, expedited land divisions and middle housing land divisions, and appeals requiring a city-hired referee.

Farley Campbell said some of the listed services currently have no charge for service, but still take up a lot of staff time. She said the last two, land divisions and appeals, are required by the state.

Full recovery?

City manager Erin Reynolds said FarleyCampbell and staff have been working with the state on the analysis for over a year, and that building is heavily-regulated in Oregon.

“There’s quite a bit of oversight from the state here,” she said. “These fees were proposed and there’s been a 45-day notice, that has been posted on the City website. This is truly working toward one of our financial policies that we’ve had on the books for probably about eight years now and we getting closer and closer to a full cost recovery for the building department. It’s something that’s actually required if we’re going to maintain and keep our stand alone building program here for the city. We were under quite a bit of scrutiny with other municipalities several years back in the 2017 [to] 2019 time frame where the state was looking to take away that autonomy from municipalities.”

She said at the time, the City previously felt that customers would not be able to get the service they deserve, related to housing and building. The City was able to work with state legislators but will need to continually show

that costs can be recovered for the services.

Counselor Bill Meyer asked if adoption of the increased fees would put Florence at a disadvantage to other communities.

Farley-Campbell said the proposed fees are consistent with what other jurisdictions are charging. Reynolds added the general fund was budgeted to supplement the building fund, $50,000 for each year biennium and by this year, $50,000 was “not near enough.”

“We are about $30,000 in the negative in the building fund because it’s not supporting itself at this point,” Reynolds said. “Then the other fees proposed outside of building and planning were included in the budget process and are in our current biennial budget.”

Counselor Sally Wantz questioned the proposed 9% increase to establish a reserve and asked if a projection had been made as to an exact dollar amount.

“I will just say that that’s about as much as I thought you would be able to tolerate,” Farley-Campbell said.

“It really should be higher. There was one time when we didn’t change the solid waste rates for four or five years and then we had to do this massive increase. We knew it wouldn’t be very palatable, so we established it over a series of years. I look at it sort of like that, but maybe I’m being too cautious.”

Asked if the 9% increase would continue year after year, Reynolds said a special revenue fund amount is intended to create a 60-day reserve, if the department receives no fees during a specific amount of time. Staff hopes to create a $68,300 Reserve and the city would reevaluate it yearly, she said.

After some discussion about the adequacy of funding for various City departments and services, Reynolds predicted that the council will be discussing the subject in preparation for its next budget.

“We do have a newly-adopted transportation system plan that I believe has over $100 million capital projects that need to be done in the next 20 years. It’s really important to emphasize over the next 20 years, that at

some point, you put together a financial plan and package that is financially feasible, has some reasonableness with capacity of staff and the tolerance of a community, and you work on a plan to put together projects that make sense for the coming years.” Reynolds said. She said the increases are not equal to the cost of providing the services, but the City is trying to deal with inflating costs while being

aware of what the community can handle. “Growth can help pay for some of that, so the more housing units, and the more people, that does help, but it sometimes cost more money too,” she said. “So we are going to keep talking about revenues and resources and will be having some more work sessions with staff and we’ll keep working through it.”

It was also noted at the meeting that any unintended consequences or accidental overcharges can be corrected throughout the year as they are discovered. No public comment was received on the issue and the council voted unanimously to approve the fees.

Windermere in Florence dedicates Community Service Day

Submitted by WINDERMERE LANE COUNTY

Local real estate brokers from Florence are gearing up for Windermere Real Estate’s 40th Annual Community Service Day, which will be held on Friday, June 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Florence Food Share Garden,

Community Briefs

2190 Spruce St. During this cherished summer tradition, they will volunteer for Florence Food Share and Garden, a nonprofit committed to alleviating hunger by providing emergency food to low-income, disabled, senior, unemployed and underemployed individuals within the community.

This is a unique way to highlight a local business working to help a local nonprofit organization. Please stop by to grab some visuals: On this year ’s Community Service Day, brokers from

Windermere Lane County will spend the day preparing the garden for planting season by tilling, amending the soil, weeding and more.

Established in 1984, Windermere’s Community Service Day has been recognized nationally as a model hands-on volunteer program and has been adopted by other real estate companies and businesses around the country. Nearly 300 offices across the Western United States will pause for the day to allow brokers, managers, owners, and staff to make a positive difference in their local communities.

First Step Gala fundraiser

First Step of Florence is holding its Gala fundraiser June 18th at 5 p.m. beginning with wine and cheese at the Organic Noodle, 2465 US101.

Admission is $65 per person and seating is limited. Please RSVP by June 1st. Contact Sandy at 541590-2325 or send an email toinfo@firststepflorence.org

You can also purchase tickets directly at https://givebutter.com/AmR8Pq Dinner will offer an entree choice of chicken, salmon, or vegan ratatouille with grains. The mission of first step of Florence is to help families residing in the Florence area or in need of safe and stable housing. we offer the only transitional housing program in Florence, according to the website. how are you unique program teaches participants to send and Achieve goals appropriate for their own families progress and includes housing assistance, job placement, and a financial savings plan. First Step resources and programs are designed to encourage successful living and to date, has helped move

over 30 children and their families out of insecure living situations. For more information go to firststepflorence.org

Suicide prevention seminar

Florence Elks Lodge #1858, in partnership with the Lane Mental Health and Wellness Coalition and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3232 are proud to present a Suicide Prevention seminar June 8.

This event is open to all and free to attend. Lunch will be provided. Speakers include Dr Stacy Nielsen, DSW and Donna Marie Drucker, OFSC/ TWV executive director.

The seminar will start Saturday, June 8 from a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Florence Elks Lodge, 1686 12th Street, Florence. for more information please email William Wagner at william.wagner4@ va.gov

RECYCLE

FLORENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

2nd & Kingwood • (541) 997-6025 Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School for adults is at 9:00 a.m. Online services at www.florenceunitedmethodist.org or find us on Facebook.

FOURSQUARE CHURCH

1624 Highway 101 (next to A&W) –- 997-6337

Pastor George Pagel – Something for the entire family. Sunday Service 10:00 am Wednesday Bible Study returns this Fall. Website: florence4square.com

NEW LIFE LUTHERAN E.L.C.A.

NEW LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH, E.L.C.A.

“Serving Christ by serving others.” 21st & Spruce Streets—(541) 997-8113 Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m.

Online services available on our FaceBook, YouTube, and website: www.florencenewlifelutheran.org

PRESBYTERIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

3996 N Hwy 101 541-997-7136

Internet and in person Sunday Services at 10:30am,

Adult Sunday School is at 9:30am. Call the church for details. Reverend Greg Wood All Welcome. Come as you are.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS)

“War is still not the answer.” FCNL

We meet Sunday’s at 11am in our homes. Call 541-515-8191 for locations.

RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH, L.C.M.S.

Worship Services 10 am • Bible Study 9:00 am Pastor Steve Waterman 85294 Hwy. 101 S. – 997-8038

Facebook.com/ResurrectionLutheranChurchFlorence

SPORTS & LIFESTYLE

Mapleton Boys T&F are Academic All-Stars

By ZAC BURTT Mapleton Journalism Club

The Mapleton boys track and field team didn’t qualify any of its athletes for the state tournament at Hayward Field on May 16-17 but found a way to make their mark another way - in the classroom.

The OnPoint Community Credit Union Academic AllState Program recognizes outstanding achievement in the classroom. The boys and

girls team in each Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA)-sanctioned activity with the highest team grade point average (GPA) earns the Academic All-State Award.

The 2024 Mapleton boys track and field team not only topped the 1A classification to win Academic All-Star honors, but their 3.81 was the highest GPA for any high school boys track team in Oregon, edging 6A Franklin’s 3.80.

The Mapleton boys track team this year was freshmen Roenin Webb-Barrows and Toni Garcia Galvin, sophomores Ramil Beers and Jacob Burchell, juniors Alex Burnett and Dom Stewart and senior Tristan Stewart. They are coached by Jessica Krull. Each Sailor on the boys track team will receive a commemorative decal and a certificate. The school will receive a plaque to honor the team. Members of top ten schools in

each activity at each classification are also recognized.

The Mapleton girls track team was no slouch in the classroom either. Their combined GPA was 3.53. The girls team was freshmen Lucie Burruss and Abbi Galvan Mendez, sophomores Jostin Harrington and Natalie Stevens, junior Eve McMaster and senior Samantha Cody. Burruss was the team’s lone representative at the state

Scholarships Awarded by PTA

championships where she competed in the 3000m.

The other local high school track team, 3A Siuslaw, also thrived in the classroomthe girls had an impressive cumulative GPA of 3.84, good enough for 4th in their classification and the Viking boys brought home a 3.42 to go with their 3rd place finish at the State Championships, which were at Hayward Field May 16-18.

Florence Community PTA has been providing scholarships to Siuslaw and Florence home-schooled graduating seniors for over twenty-five years. It’s one of the many annual programs that PTA is proud of.

PTA supports seniors who are going on to

post-secondary education at a college, university, trade, or vocational school. While a teaching career is one of the primary criteria for a PTA scholarship, they also support other students who show a passion for community service, school activities, and have financial need.

The PTA Scholarship Committee noted that this year’s applicants were especially hard to choose from, as so many were deserving. After review of thirty-six applicants, congratulations go to the following four who were chosen to receive the $500 scholarships. They are

Corduroy Holbrook, Jane Lacouture, Adelaide Lake and Cate Waggoner

The scholarships were announced and presented at Siuslaw High School’s Scholarship Awards Night on May 22 at the Florence Event Center.

If you are interested in learning more about the PTA, becoming a member, and/or volunteering for the Scholarship Committee, contact them at florenceoregonpta@gmail.com.

PHOTO COURTESY MAPLETON JOURNALISM CLUB

The top cumulative GPA from any boys high school track team in the state came from these Mapleton Sailors. From left: Alex Burnett, Dom Stewart, Tristan Stewart, Roenin Webb-Barrows, Jacob Burchell and Toni Garcia Galvan. In front: Ramil Beers.

Corduroy Holbrook, Jane Lacouture, Adelaide Lake and Cate Waggoner, with Diane McCalmont.

Farmers Market returns to Port

The cool weather was perfect May 28 for keeping fruits and veggies fresh during the second Florence Farmer’s Market of the summer.

Farmer’s Markets are held every Tuesday, weather permitting, at the Port of Siuslaw next to the boardwalk. Vendors arrived early to unpack and set up and the opening of the market was announced at 3 p.m. Lines had formed at booths by 3 p.m.

Live music will be scheduled whenever possible. On May 28, Roanne Legg played guitar and sang as visitors shopped and wandered on the boardwalk.

On June 4, Robbie Dee Woody was scheduled to play violin at the market. She attended one of the Royal

Colleges of Music in London and toured as principal second violin with one of Europe’s top youth orchestras. Her husband, Jamie Smith will be providing the entertainment June 12. Jamie has been playing drums since he was 5 years old and guitar for some 35 years. A large part of his life revolves around music and he has gained great knowledge in all kinds of popular genres. Many locally-grown and locally-produced foods were available, ranging from fresh strawberries to vegetables, hummus and more. The market will continue every Tuesday until October 15 from 3 to 6 p.m.

The Florence Farmers Market is a nonprofit organization offering fresh, local

Pet of the Week

MEET LINDSAY

Lindsay is almost two years old and a 66-pound Shepherd mix. She loves belly rubs and playing with dogs that are her size. Lindsay walked in the Rhododendron Festival Parade and was such a good girl! Now it’s her turn to find a family! Stop by the shelter or fill out an adoption application on our website.

If you would like to meet them or any of their friends, please visit us at: OREGON COAST HUMANE SOCIETY

2840 Rhododendron Drive • Florence • 541-997-4277 www.oregoncoasthumanesociety.org

Shelter hours are 10am until 5pm seven days a week.

This message brought to you by:

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

Dan and Teresa Lofy, Owners And Watson

A photo was out of place in the May 29 coverage of the Rhody Run. This is the correct photo for the caption, “Miss Oregon Teen Volunteer Haylee Cole returns to the start/ finish line with a time of 39.38, followed by 2023 Queen Rhododendra Gillian Norton.”

Classified

Florence Cleaning LLC - Licensed, Bonded, & Insured, Provides Consistent, High Quality Residential Cleaning. Call today at 541-9995033 or Book at www. florencecleaning.com.

301 - HEALTH & NUTRITION

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855792-9764.

500 - EMPLOYMENT

Crew Members - McDonalds is seeking enthusiastic & outgoing individuals looking for flexible schedule flexible hours. TEXT: OR192 to 38000 to apply.

Customer Service Representative- Zolezzi

Insurance Agency is looking for a licensed customer service representative at their Florence location. Email resumes to craig@zianw.com

House Cleaning- 2 to 3 hours monthly. 541999-6944.

Housekeeper- help older person 2-3 days per week. Near bus route in Florence. 503551-4838.

702 - GARAGE SALES

747 - HEAVY EQUIPMENT

Tractor John Deere 1023 Diesel Only 40hrs of use. Like New. Sticker price $19k, Asking 15k/obo. 541-2282434.

706 - ESTATE SALE

88089 Hwy 101 N Start 9am-5pm SAT-SUN 2-miles north of FM Antiques, tools, household, canning, furniture.

790 - MISC WANTED

999 - PUBLIC NOTICES

903 - CONDOS FOR SALE Condo in Florence? SOLUTION: Duplex Partnership!!!I’m looking for a PARTNER to SHARE a DUPLEX ownership. It has TWO 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath units w/2 car garages. 1420sf with short walk to Old Town. We will each have independent units and yards and be responsible for our own unit’s expenses: $359,000 each. More information? Greg: 831-429-9999.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LANE Probate Dept. Case No. 24PB04502 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS In the Matter of the Estate of Walter D. Stemler, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Cassandra E. Thompson has been appointed as the personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them to the

NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE

SN24-2105 Notice of Public Hearings Notice is hereby given that the Florence Planning Commission will hold two public hearings in person and via videoconference on June 11, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the City of Florence City Hall Chambers located at 250 Highway 101, to consider and deliberate on the following: RESOLUTION PC 24 15 CUP 10 - 35th Street Rolling Dunes City Park An application from Mike Miller, Florence Public Works, for a conditional use permit with Design Review for addition of pickle ball courts and replacement of the restroom and picnic structure at city park

approx. 1,471 feet NE of the intersection of Kingwood and 35th Streets, Assessor’s Map 18-12-22-12, Tax Lot 00300 within the Open Space District. RESOLUTION PC 24 20 CUP 11 - 6th & Maple St Residential Use - Smith An application from Marcelle Smith, property owner, for a conditional use permit to construct a detached single unit dwelling and associated development at Assessor’s Map 18-12-27-44, Tax Lot 07600 situated in Mainstreet Area A regulated by Florence City Code Title 10, Chapter 27. Meetings air live on Cable Channel 191 and stream at www.ci.florence. or.us/citymanager/

public-meetings-live. Testimony can be given in writing or through a request to participate in the meeting. Those wishing to testify either in person or via conference call must submit a speaker’s card at www.ci.florence.or.us/ bc-pc/request-address-planning-commission-speakers-card by 3:30PM on June 11, 2024. Testimony not submitted in compliance with the above procedures, will not be included in the record. For additional information contact the Planning Department at planningdepartment@ci.florence. or.us or 541-997-8237.

OLIVE

By Emi Burdge