Three days after a divided United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) sided with the City of Grants Pass, the Florence City Council adopted code updates to regulate where and how long homeless citizens can sleep and remain in public areas.
City Attorney Ross Williamson explained that the SCOTUS ruling would have little effect on the City’s new codes, since they’re based on an Oregon State law.
“As we have talked about, the Grants Pass plaintiffs claimed that Grants Pass was regulating camping on City property, which included parks and other city property in city rights of way,” he said. “The claim from the plaintiffs was that these regulations violated the Eighth amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.” That was a holding from the Martin vs. Boise case, and the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Grants Pass case violated the Eighth Amendment and that the plaintiff’s did have a valid claim, Williamson explained.
“As we heard on Friday, the Supreme Court determined that the plaintiffs did not make a case under the Eighth Amendment, so the city’s regulations about sitting and sleeping in parks or other city property did not amount to a violation under the Eighth Amendment,” he said. “So, essentially, the Supreme Court is saying that the Martin [vs. Boise] case was wrongly decided and that the Martin [vs. Boise] case took the Eighth Amendment too far and extended the … jurisprudence too far.”
Williamson said the SCOTUS determination means the Martin vs Boise and the Johnson vs. Grants Pass cases were no longer “good law.”
“Those cases no longer stand for the propositions that we have been talking about over the past year,” he said, “and that the Eighth Amendment is no longer implicated in these types of camping regulations.”
Williamson noted that SCOTUS did not rule on whether Grants Pass regulations were legal or not, ruling only that they did not amount to a violation of the Eighth Amendment. He said the case will now go back to trial court to continue, and it will be determined if there are other claims the plaintiffs can make against those regulations. Williamson said SCOTUS specifically noted that the See UPDATE, Page A5
Florence July 4th was a blast
SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF
Unlike many inland areas experiencing triple digit temperatures and fire warnings, Florence saw perfect weather for eating watermelon, a bike parade and a fantastic fireworks display over the Siuslaw River. Fireworks were launched from the east end of the Port RV park, and
could be seen from a variety of viewpoints.
Every available parking space in a 4-block radius of the Port was full, and many observers carried chairs and coolers from as far away as the event center.
The crowd quickly hushed when the lights along the boardwalk went
out and the fireworks began. For those at the Port, the show was accompanied by music as booms echoed from the hills across the river.
Coast Guard Station Siuslaw River had a boat in the river as well.
An ambulance was stationed in Old Town near the Port and fire
personnel were at the launch site ans staged around the area.
Driving away from the port after the display, a layer of smoke hovered over town and flashed of light could be seen as residents celebrated with retail fireworks.
No major incidents were reported as of Friday, July 5.
Democrats, homeless advocates disappointed in U.S. Supreme Court ruling on homelessness
The top court sided with Grants Pass in a case brought by homeless people against that southern city’s restrictions on camping in public places
LYNNE TERRY
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Democratic lawmakers, homeless advocates and legal experts in Oregon expressed disappointment Friday with the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Grants Pass homeless case, while conservatives welcomed the decision.
In a 6-3 decision split along partisan lines, the court sided with the southern Oregon city in
its prohibitions against homeless people using blankets, pillows or cardboard to protect themselves in severe weather while sleeping in public places. The court said that the city’s ordinances against homeless camping did not violate the Constitution’s Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.
“The Constitution’s Eighth Amendment serves many important
functions, but it does not authorize federal judges to wrest those rights and responsibilities from the American people and in their place dictate this nation’s homelessness policy,” the decision states.
Sybil Hebb, a homeless expert with the Oregon Law Center, which provides free legal advice and filed the case against Grants Pass, told the Capital Chronicle the center’s staff was disappointed with the ruling.
“The decision is certainly not what we had hoped for,” Hebb said in an email. “We wholeheartedly disagree with the decision and find it morally wrong as well as counter-productive.”
The court’s ruling marks a reversal of a 2022 decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the case, Gloria Johnson vs Grants Pass.
See RULING, Page A7
Don “Ping” Lindberg
Donald Duane Lindberg was born March 24, 1963 in Corvallis, OR. He is the son of Tammy and Don Lindberg. He passed away June 21, 2024 at his home in Alsea, surrounded by family and his dogs.
Don grew up in Florence and went to work in the woods with his father at a young age, where he fell in love with cutting timber and the outdoors. After working for his dad and uncle’s company, L & C Logging he went on to start his own logging company, Lindberg Cutting. Don was a third generation logger.
His love for the outdoors extended past just working in the woods, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed burning brush, running tractor and farming.
Don was a prankster and as ornery as they come! He loved to tell stories and make people laugh. He is known for his sense of humor, quick one liners and goofy smile.
Don is survived by his three daughters; Cheyenne, Breonnna and Bailey Lindberg; step-sons, Cody Thalman and Noah Estes; wife
Deb Lindberg; parents Don and Tammy Lindberg and sister Pixie Center.
A charity benefiting Children’s Miracle Network has been selected for donations in Don’s honor.
Checks payable to - Log A Load for Kids Mail checks to: AOL PO Box 12339 Salem, OR 97309
A celebration of life will be held at the Florence Events Center in Florence OR at 3pm on Sunday July, 28th. Please join us to tell stories and celebrate a life well loved.
Guy Murr Lundy
Guy Murr Lundy, a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully in his own home, the morning of June 24, 2024, surrounded by his wife and children. He was 86 years old. Born on September 13, 1937, Guy lived a full and impactful life.
Guy was a dedicated member of his church and an active participant in his community. He was a cherished friend to many and always willing to lend a helping hand.
After a rewarding 41-year career as a jeweler, Guy retired, leaving behind a legacy of craftsmanship and dedication. His work was not just a profession but a passion that brought joy to many.
Guy is survived by his beloved wife, four children and their spouses, 15 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren. His family was the pride and joy of his life, and he was deeply loved and respected by all who knew him.
Guy will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community
A service will be held to, at the LDS church in Florence, Oregon at 1 PM, on July 5th. 2705 Munsel Lake Rd.
Jane (Fancher)
L awton
Jane (Fancher) Lawton was born April 6, 1943in Jamestown, New York she passed away in Veneta, Oregon July 2, 2024. Her parents were Rollin A. Fancher and Annie P (Pullan) Fancher . She attended Jamestown Public Schools and Kent State University,
Kent, Ohio, her occupation was an Elementary School teacher and a librarian.
Jane married James J. Lawton on June 19, 1965.
Jane is survived by her loving husband James “Jim” of Florence, Oregon. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. Two sisters Judith F. Hagadorn and Mary F. Ker also survive her. She was proceeded in death by her parents and a sister Elizabeth F. Goffar.
Jane enjoyed music, art, reading, travel and volunteering.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made in her name to Florence-Friends Of The Siuslaw Library or Jamestown: Prendergast Library or Smith Memorial Library, Chautauqua Institution.
At her request her urn will be placed at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Lakewood, New York.
Burns’s Riverside Chapel Florence Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
passed away at 44 years young due to complications of a surprise cancer diagnosis. Sarah hails from Newberg, Oregon but her calling to be a teacher is what landed her in Florence, Oregon. Sarah was an incredible human being, and a damn good teacher. To know her was to love her.
She was stubborn to a fault, but a fierce advocate for all students, her colleagues, family and friends. Whether it be over curriculum and policies, or literally barging through the door to put out a fire in the girls’ bathroom…she was there to protect and support those she cared about. When she wasn’t at school (which was a rare occurrence) she was always up for trying a new experience. She loved reading, playing games, taking spur of the moment trips, and quilting. Quilting is one of the many special talents she shared with her mom.
Sarah’s quilts are exquisite and she poured huge amounts of love into each and every one she gifted. Sarah is preceded in death by her parents and her favorite four legged man, Dutch (her dog). She is survived by her brother, sister in-law, nephews, friends, and the hundreds of students whose lives she has touched. Her passion, unwavering loyalty, dedication and witty humor will forever be remembered, cherished, and sorely missed. In lieu of flowers, just pay her kindness and generosity forward to others. Donations can also be made
was all about working as a team and
A Celebration of Life will be held on
nity get things accomplished. Celebration of Life July 27th @ 3pm
OBITUARY POLICY
Sarah Barnard
Sarah Barnard (a.k.a. the one and only Miss B.) has
OPINION
As a senior living in Florence half time, I wanted to share a pet peeve. With so many chain supermarkets and so few family owned stores left, a frustrating trend seems to be everywhere. With all the high food prices, I try to look for discounts and sales but now I’m supposed to take a picture of the food with my phone, look up the food and … well, I’m not really sure. I’ve even tried to get young employees to help. They say you can’t have this particular item- I was looking at steaks in Fred Meyer and they said “you have to have the coupon but it has to be on your phone but I couldn’t get it and they couldn’t get it I’ve even given them my phone to do it for me and they can’t do it either. My husband is an engineer and worked in telecommunications he sometimes cant figure it out.
It’s extremely frustrating and I feel like it’s almost discriminatory against the senior community. Who has the extra time? You want to grab your stuff and leave.
I just feel like it’s stupid and if it goes away, I’m sure they’ll just come up with something else like it.
Judy Stark Florence
AMERICAN
As we celebrated Independence Day and 248 years of freedom, I thought it
The Central Oregon Coast Board of Realtors is deeply concerned about the impact of the 26% building permit fee increase the City of Florence is set to enact on July 1st. This increase will negatively impact first-time homebuyers, local teachers, nurses, and care providers.
The national housing crisis has hit coastal communities hard, and Florence is no exception. This fee increase will exacerbate the already challenging housing market, making it even more difficult for essential members of our community to afford to live here. A 26% increase is too significant for local builders to absorb without passing the costs onto residents through higher purchase prices or rents. This not only affects potential homeowners but also has a direct negative impact on local businesses associated with new home construction.
Builders, forced to find additional savings to offset this increase, will likely reduce spending on local services and suppliers, further straining our local economy. We understand the city’s need to address the $24 million debt and support the unprofitability
of the Florence Municipal Airport and the Event Center. However, placing this financial burden on homebuyers is not the solution. Oregon already has some of the most expensive building codes in the nation. Adding local fees to these high costs makes constructing smaller, more affordable homes uneconomical in today’s market. Florence is already known as one of the most challenging communities for builders and developers due to delays and hidden costs from the local planning department. This drives many to focus on high-end housing, where returns can justify these obstacles, leaving those in need of workforce housing out in the cold. We urge the city to reconsider the fee increase and engage with the community to find sustainable budgeting solutions. A collaborative approach can help us address the financial challenges without sacrificing the ability of our residents to afford homes. Let’s work together to create a balanced solution that supports both our infrastructure and our community’s housing needs.
Central Oregon Coast Board of Realtors
LETTERS POLICY
Letters to the editor should contain at most 350 words. The Siuslaw News reserves the right to edit, condense, or reject any letter to the editor. Letters published in The Siuslaw News will also be published online. Letters to the editor and guest columns must include your first and last name, city or town or residence, and phone number for verification purposes. Letters endorsing candidates or campaign issues must be received no later than ten days before an election. Letters written by candidates will not be accepted. Letters to the editor should be the author ’s work. We strongly discourage and will attempt to weed out form letters, letters mailed to other news outlets, or letters written and edited by a third party, including but not limited to political parties. We try to restrict the printing of one submission per author per month. We do not publish anonymous letters, personal attacks, personal complaints, poetry, consumer complaints, or letters written in bad taste. To send a letter: Mail: Editor, Siuslaw News, 4969 HWY. 101 Notrth, #4 PO Box. 10, Florence OR, 97439 Email: treed@countrymedia. net.
appropriate for the Chronicles to touch on the cost of that freedom in the number of lives of Americans who paid the price to both secure and
maintain that freedom, since then.
As with many topics when attempting to research and find factual statistics, the
numbers vary greatly for the multiple wars America has engaged in over the years. For example, most statistical sources originally estimated the lives lost in the Civil War to be around 618,222, which included both Union as well as Confederate casualties. However, a 2021 historian revised the estimate to 750,000. A 2020 Congressional Research Service Report only lists Union losses, not Confederate losses.
Another anomaly is the Vietnam War. When the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial was dedicated in 1982 it originally contained 57,939 names. Current count in that 2020 report cited 58,202 lives were lost; some current official sources cite 58,318, and when the Wall That Heals was in Florence in 2019 that figure cited was over 58,400. As a constantly changing, fluid figure, it is difficult to secure an exact number.
That being said, our founding fathers lost 4, 435 Americans fighting the British in the Revolutionary War to obtain our freedom. Since then, just including what are considered major wars and combat casualties only, that number continues to grow.
It’s a Party!
Come Celebrate Life and Art at the Silver Lining
This July, Kimberly Fleenor will be hosting a show featuring artists Rhonda Butler, Judy Kaplan and Janey DiMuro. Rhonda celebrates nature in her work as she creates pieces with “found” wood and foliage, making jewelry and sculptures never seen before. She lives on acres of old growth forest where she finds the elements of her art all around her. Each unique piece she creates is a microcosm of the forest itself.
much joy in watching a painting come to life. I do my best to get out of the way and let the art direct me.”
Judy has worked in various mediums. She will be showing her beautiful, colorful, lyrical paintings. ‘’ I’m obsessed with the process of abstract painting. There’s
You’re the Difference! Reduce Reuse Recycle
are known to eat other jellyfish. Do you like working with people? Helping them be successful? Learning their story? PLEASE SEND LETTER OF INTEREST & RESUME TO
Janey’s provocative collages address the issues of our day, sparking debate and discourse. She also works with fine fabrics, creating pillows and unusual wall hangings with unexpected results. The
Join our sales team, working with local businesses to share their story with our community. No cold calls. You will be working with established advertisers. Hourly pay plus commission.
fperea@countrymedia.net
show will open Saturday, July 13 from 3 to 5 PM at the Silver Lining Boutique located at 2217 Hwy 101 in the heart of Florence. Kimberly and Eva hope that you will join us to “raise your glass” and enjoy the art. There’s so much to share!
Cost
The cost of independence
From Page A3
The War of 1812, again against Great Britain, cost an additional 2,260 American lives. As our nation marched west in the quest to fulfill manifest destiny, another
Update City approves homeless sheltering code
From Page A1
Plaintiffs may have due process claims.
1,733 Americans died in the Mexican-American War in the mid-1800’s.
Our nation’s Civil War, if counting only Union lives, cost 364,511 Americans, but if you include the Confederate lives, who were also Americans, that number soars, making it the deadliest of all American wars.
The Spanish-American War at the turn of the century cost
Eighth Amendment vs. state law
“So, this frees up cities throughout the 9th Circuit that had been restricted by the Martin Vs. Boise case… which has been in our lives for about four years now,” he said. “However, we are impacted slightly different than other states. Unlike Washington, California or Arizona, we are still impacted by Oregon Revised Statute 195.530.”
2,446 lives. Although America was in WWI for just two years, it still cost the lives of 116,516 doughboys. That cost could have been much greater. World War II cost the next highest loss of American lives at 405,399. There’s a reason why they were called “The Greatest Generation”. Korea cost the lives of 36,574 Americans. The so-called “Sand lot” war in
Williamson said ORS 195.530 was created to codify the Martin and Johnson cases.
“So, even though those cases are no longer ‘good law,’ we still have a codification We still have a state statute on the books that essentially draws those cases into the law of Oregon. The actions of the Supreme Court don’t undermine ORS 195.530. They don’t overrule ORS 195.530, and specifically, the Supreme Court was saying, ‘We’re not touching local law. That’s going to be a state issue, and if Oregon wants to regulate homelessness, … that’s for them to decide’. The Supreme Court was not touching ORS 195.530.”
“We’re no longer beholden to the Martin vs Boise case, We’re no longer beholden to the Grants Pass case but we’re still regulated by 195.530,” he said. “In Oregon, regulation of those experiencing homelessness must be objectively reasonable, which takes into account the regulations have on those experiencing homelessness.”
Williamson said that throughout the City’s process, it has crafted codes to meet ORS 195.530, and have resulted in what the city determined to be objectively reasonable. He said that while the SCOTUS ruling made national headlines, it was not as impactful to Oregon, since it still has ORS 195.530 on its books. He added that as cities in Oregon create codes, they will be tested over time as claims are filed and the definition of “objectively
Iraq and Afghanistan cost an additional 6,773 lives, and again, both of these are fluid as the latter continues to evolve and cost lives, and MIA/POW discoveries from the former are still likely to occur just as they do so with MIA/POW from Vietnam. Again, not counting some of the smaller excursions such as Grenada, those listed above alone total between 1,003,644
reasonable” is more refined by courts.
“From the legal landscape where we are now, we believe our code provisions pass the test,” he said.
Void question
Williamson was pressed by councilors Bill Meyer and Robert Carp on whether or not ORS195.530 is now void or can be challenged, since it’s based on Martin vs Boise and Johnson vs Grants Pass and deemed to be bad law by SCOTUS. Williamson said, “not necessarily.” He said that while the statute was made to codify the cases, the State legislature also has the authority to regulate such issues.
“The Eighth Amendment wasn’t really the underpinning for the statute,” he said. “The Eighth Amendment didn’t form a foundation for it, so the crumbling of the Eighth Amendment doesn’t mean the statute crumbles, as well. The statute can stand on its own.”
Asked by Meyer if the SCOTUS ruling changes anything the council has worked on for the last two years, Williamson said no. Mayor Rob Ward noted that the City could also amend its codes in the future if new case law warrants it.
Public comment
Community Development Director Wendy FarleyCampbell went over “abundant written testimony” received throughout the city process, and heard from two members of the public at the July 1 meeting.
Brenda Gilmer, who has been vocal during the long process returned to the podium to again address code
and 1,009,347 American lives expended over two-plus centuries, to secure and maintain our freedom. And this does not include non-combat related deaths such as from training and accidents, nor does it include the thousands who have served, survived and returned home. It is quite a cost that has been paid and continues to be paid.
definitions. She said the definition of “family” is disingenuous and based on religious bigotry. She went on to say that allowing religious institutions to provide shelter fails to account for the number of youth that have been rejected by religious families and forced into homelessness. She said young homeless females are likely to be exploited by men for sex. Gilmer said she felt the codes give too much authority to the city manager and fails to offer due process.
“There’s more people than houses,” she said. “There just isn’t enough room for people.” Gilmer said the City doesn’t build needed housing. It should be noted that multiple affordable units have been, and are being built in Florence and the Council recently approved the sale of city property for an affordable housing complex with its own child care facility.
Gilmer spoke of the code’s process for registering property owners and homeless guests to the patches given to Jewish people in Nazi Germany. Gilmer accused the city of stigmatizing homeless through the registration process as her time ran out.
Speaker Carl Fernandez said he does not agree with the ordinances, saying he is concerned for the health and well-being of Florence. He said the ordinance will make Florence a magnet for encampments, saying recreational vehicle residents are already taking advantage of the city. Asking how the codes will be enforced, Fernandez called the codes a “huge gamble.”
“I hope it works, I really do,” he said, asserting that the code would need a “perfect world” for it to work and that
The estimated numbers above equate to the loss of entire American cities such as Austin, TX or San Jose, CA. So as we fire up our barbeques, enjoy the grand fireworks or engage in joyous celebrations of our independence, lets be sure to reflect on those who paid, and continue to pay, for our freedom.
people will take advantage of loopholes.
Discussion
Councilors had a lengthy discussion regarding whether neighbors should be allowed to weigh in when a neighbor hosts a homeless person or family on their property. Further discussion revolved around differences between gated communities and Home Owners Associations, the definition of “temporary” in regard to sheltering, and site cleanups.
Farley-Campbell estimated that costs to the city would decrease once the code is in place for a while, as it prevents people from establishing longterm campsites where trash may accumulate. Councilors also discussed code sections related to the exchange of good or services for use of private property for temporary sheltering and the ability of an owner to terminate that agreement.
Farley-Campbell also went over the map showing all aspects of buffers, exclusion zones and summarized the changes made at the July 1 meeting.
Councilors and staff agreed that amendments can be made to deal with future issues as they come up. Mayor Rob Ward said he feels the code will give the City the tools it needs to avoid having permanent campsites around the city. With little further discussion, the council unanimously approved a first and second reading of the ordinance, making it effective Aug. 1, 30 days from the date of approval.
The full text of the code can be found on the Siuslaw News website at https:// www.thesiuslawnews.com/ approvedcode2024
JOIN OREGON POETS TO CELEBRATE “THE
What Oregonian hasn’t grumbled about too many days of rain and then, in another season, prayed for a good, soaking downpour?
In a rare gathering, thirty of Oregon’s premier poets
GRACE OF OREGON RAIN”
will read at Newport’s 60+ Activity Center (Address: 20 SE 2nd St, Newport, OR 97365 Phone: (541) 265-9617) on Saturday, July 27, between 1 and 4 p.m. to celebrate our rain with their poems from a stunning new collection, “The Grace of Oregon Rain” edited by Alexandra Mason. This spectacular anthology illustrates the metaphorical significance of rain in our daily lives and in Oregon’s history. The rain nourishes our poetic imagination. These poems strive, through metaphor, to clarify the human experience of life in the rain. Our feelings move beyond mere love/hate. At times we grudgingly acknowledge rain’s
inconvenience and discomfort, but over all else we glory in its power of renewal. The collection as a whole comprises a remarkable unity that testifies to the Oregon experience. Neither unremittingly cheerful nor gloomy, the poems place us in homes, on city streets, in forests, and on the coastline, acknowledging our interaction with rain in the present and in our common imagined past. The rain is perennial; it vexes us, it sustains us, it outlasts us. These poems teach us about life in the northwest and ground us in the reality of that experience and its emotional impact. The collection is a love song to our place and its heritage. With the turning
of each page, readers will proclaim a new favorite in the collection. The poems are insightful, humorous, imaginative, visual and sensory, sincere, self-aware, moving, and often profound. In the end we are left with a sense of negotiated acceptance between ourselves and our rain. Our rain ties us to our place and inclusively forms our character, defines who we are. Please join us to meet these poets and celebrate release of this beautiful collection. Poets will be thrilled to share insights on their writing process and autograph this volume. Other books by the poets will also be for sale (cash sales preferred). Public welcome!
EMERGENCY SUTURING CLASS
to be held at the Florence Events Center during the DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EXPO Saturday, August 10th, 2024
Please call the Siuslaw News at 541-997-3441 to sign up. You may pay by credit or debit card.
There are two classes being offered. Positions in the class are on a first paid for, first reserved basis and classes are limited to the first 25 paying participants in each class. So don’t delay, sign up for a place now!
The class is at 11:00 AM AND 1:30 PM Saturday, August 10th, 2024
Cost is only $20 per participant! (no refunds)
Sponsored by:
Taught by:
Car Show in Florence
The Rhody Cruisers Car Club has been a feature in Florence since 1998. In 2023, the club members decided to take the Rhody Cruisers into the next step in their growth by becoming a 501c3 Non-profit.
Being a Non-profit opens up bigger doors for the club to live their mission statement:
“It is the mission of the Rhody Cruisers to promote enthusiasm, dedication, and preservation of car culture on the Oregon Coast.
We encourage participation in the hobby by all ages through regular social events, cruising, attending car shows, and serving our community and local charities.”
With serving our community and local charities in mind, Rhody Cruisers have partnered with the Three Rivers Casino to create a new car show on the coast with the goal of donating any proceeds to local Florence charities, including but not limited to Friends of Florence cancer van, Boy & Girls Club, Oregon Coast Humane Society, Siuslaw High Auto Shop, and several of the veterans’ organizations in Florence.
The Casino Cruisers Classis Car Show is scheduled for Saturday, July 13th Three Rivers Casino Resort. Show will be open to spectators 9am-2pm. In addition to getting to see some of the coolest cars of all years & makes, there will be Raffle Prizes, Multiple Indoor & Outdoor vendors, a beer garden & food truck, a live band, and a 50/50 drawing benefiting the Friends of Florence cancer van. For more details or information on how to register your car for show at the event, visit RhodyCrusiers.com.
Nuclear Energy is topic for City Club, July 11, 2024
City Club Of Florence City Club will meet in the Bromley Room of the Siuslaw Public Library on Thursday, July 11, 2024 The door to the Bromley Room opens at 12:15 p.m. and the meeting begins at 1:30 p.m., promptly. City Club meetings are open and the public is encouraged to attend.
Each City Club meeting features a different topic with the Thursday, July 11, 2024, topic being Nuclear Energy. Go to facebook.com/ CityClubofFlorence, or call 541-999-0745 for more information.
Join the Block Party July 26
Submitted by City Of Florence
The City of Florence is excited to announce the 2024
Community Briefs
Community Block Party!
Join us on Friday, July 26, 2024, from 5 to 10 p.m. on Bay Street, between Laurel Street and the Siuslaw River Bridge. A free concert will be provided by the band 5 Guys Named Moe.
The Community Block Party is a time for our community members to come together and enjoy an amazing evening with their friends and family, play some games, enjoy a free concert, and eat some tasty treats! The event will provide free live music and activities for people of all ages.
Our previous block parties have been made possible by the generous support of our sponsors. As we plan for 2024, we are again looking for this support to assist in proving this amazing event for our community. Your support of this event ensures that we can provide an evening of fun and games for families to enjoy. Check out sponsorship opportunities on the City’s website.
The sponsorship form can be printed and filled out from the link under supporting documents on the sponsor webpage, or filled out online. Sponsorship contributions will be essential to assist in covering the costs of the free concert, the interactive community scavenger hunt app, supplies for the fun and games, lots of ice cream and other goodies, giveaways for attendees, and other logistical needs associated with the event.
We couldn’t provide amazing events like this to our community without the support of our local businesses and organizations. If you have any questions regarding the event or the sponsorship opportunities, please contact Megan Messmer at 541-9022182 Full details on the event are available at ci.florence. or.us/2024blockparty.
Army Band to Play at FEC
The 234th Army Band, nicknamed “Oregon’s Own” is the Oregon National Guard’s ambassadors to the State of Oregon. Organized in 1919, the band has seen duty in
the Pacific during WWII and was awarded several citations including the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for service from October 17, 1944 to July 4, 1945. The band tours every summer as part of its Annual Training, performing concerts for the citizens of Oregon and beyond. “Oregon’s Own” was reorganized to the 234th Army Band on May 17, 1947 and has been proudly serving Oregon for over 100 years as one of the top bands in the nation.
The band, under the direction of CW4 Ashley Alexander and SSG James Cameron, will perform a variety of music from classical to contemporary, intermixed with patriotic songs and traditional marches. This family-friendly show will also feature vocalists SPC Kimberly Nagorska and SFC Duane Reno.
Based in Clackamas, the 234th Army Band is made up of 40 Soldiers from Oregon and Southwest Washington. In addition to saluting military Servicemembers past and present, the band aims to entertain all members of the community as a show of appreciation for the shared sacrifice families of Oregon National Guard Service Members have endured in support of military operations around the globe. All performances are free to the public, and tickets to all performances will be available at these Sponsor locations for the Florence event. (Please note: two tickets per person).
The show starts in the Florence Events Center on Tuesday, July 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are first come, first serve. Free tickets are available at Lofy Construction LLC / Coastal Home Services 1885 18th Street, West Coast Real Estate Service at 1870 Highway 126 and the Siuslaw News 4969 Highway 101, North of Fred Meyer Space #4
Empty Bowls
2024 Call for Artists for Poster Art
We are currently making plans for Florence Food Share’s annual Empty Bowls event, which has been a
successful fundraiser for 29 years. Local artists contribute handmade ceramic, wood, and fused glass bowls along with other art for sale during the first weekend of December.
For over a decade, we have featured the work of a local artist on the poster advertising the event. The art created for the event serves as the focal point for the poster and is later raffled off at the event to generate extra revenue for the Florence Food Share. In return, the artist receives recognition in local and regional publications and a tax deduction, of course.
We are searching for artwork that conveys the message of the event and the mission of Florence Food Share, which is to provide nutritious food to those in need because “no one should go hungry.” We welcome any medium, as long as it can be photographed, and the original artwork can be donated to the event. We will handle the framing, with input from the artist.
To be considered for creating the poster art for 2024, please send us your concept, including the medium and a description of the proposed image. Additionally, attach a photo of one of your previous works to give us an idea of your style. Please email your submissions to Desiree Clifton at dclifton@windemere.com by August 25, 2024. The completed, unframed artwork should be submitted no later than September 30, 2024.
We are grateful to all the artists who have participated in Empty Bowls over the years and eagerly anticipate the participation of new artists in this year’s event. For any questions regarding submitting artwork, please reach out via email to dclifton@windemere. com.
Florence Food Share awarded
PeaceHealth
by
The Florence Food Share received a $5,000 community
benefit award from the PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center Community Collaboration Committee on May 23, 2024. This award will help provide emergency food to people in western Lane County from the pantry and the adjacent Florence Food Share garden.
Colin Morgan, the Executive Director at Florence Food Share, expressed gratitude for PeaceHealth’s ongoing support, stating, “PeaceHealth has been a long-standing partner, and we truly appreciate their ongoing support. As we are experiencing an increased demand for our services, this generous gift could not have come at a better time.”
PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center is a critical access hospital and Level III trauma center offering general medicine, women’s health and childbirth services, emergency care, general surgery, orthopedics, mental health, rehabilitation, foot care, and diabetes care services to the local community.
The mission of Florence Food Share is to alleviate hunger and enhance the health and dignity of people in western Lane County. The pantry is located at 2190 Spruce Street in Florence, and is open Monday through Friday from
BAPTIST CHURCH
Hwy. 101 N, across from Fred Meyer541 997-7418
SERVICES - Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM; Worship 10:45 AM; High School Youth 7- 9 PM MID-WEEK- Women’s Bible Study-Tuesday 10:00-Noon and Thursday 7:00-8:00PM; Men’s Bible Study Thursday 8:00-9:30 AM; Middle School Youth Wed. 7-9 PM. Sunday Worship streams live at Community Baptist Church Facebook Page CROSS ROAD ASSEMBLY OF GOD Corner of 10th & Maple- 541-997-3533 Sunday Services 9am 1st Service in person Sunday Services 11am 2nd Service in person & livestreamed Wednesday kids/youth night is at 6:30 NOT livestreamed. https://www.florencecrossroadag.org/church-online Other platforms update after the service. florencecrossroadag.org office@florencecrossroadag.org
Ruling Democrats, homeless advocates disappointed in U.S. Supreme Court ruling
From Page A1
Three homeless people filed the suit in 2018, accusing the city of violating the Eighth Amendment for arresting and ticketing people for sleeping outside. The Ninth Circuit blocked the law, saying it criminalized the status of homelessness and therefore violated the Eighth Amendment.
Among the 38,000 people in Grants Pass, about 600 are homeless. They’re among the more than 20,000 homeless in Oregon, according to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The Oregon House Republican leader, Rep. Jeff Helfrich of Hood River, welcomed the Supreme Court’s reversal of the Ninth Circuit.
“Our parks were never meant to be campgrounds, and now our cities can finally begin restoring our communities’ public spaces,” Helfrich said in a statement. “The Supreme Court’s ruling is a victory for common sense and highlights what conservative leadership looks like.”
But according to Hebb, the Supreme Court ruling does not give cities an unlimited right to enact homeless camping bans or rule out any further legal recourse homeless advocates might have against restrictions.
“It’s important to note that the court left several specific legal avenues open – they specifically reference the availability of a necessity defense for people who do not have access to shelter or public places to live,” Hebb said.
“Nothing in the court’s ruling prohibits state or local governments from enacting laws that address this issue, or provide protections for people experiencing homelessness.”
In 2021, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill
3115 against unreasonable restrictions against homeless camping. The bill, which took effect in July 2023, states: “Any city or county law that regulates the acts of sitting, lying, sleeping or keeping warm and dry outdoors on public property that is open to the public must be objectively reasonable as to time, place and manner with regards to persons experiencing homelessness.”
Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham of The Dalles said that law hamper’s the ability of local community to address homelessness.
“The Legislature should immediately provide clarity to our local governments as they work to reduce homelessness in their communities by taking action on HB 3115. This time, cities and counties that are most affected should be at the table, leading the discussions on what is best for their local jurisdictions. We stand ready to pass legislation that balances the interests of all residents – whether they are in a home or seeking shelter,
utilizing both compassion and pragmatism to ensure our public spaces are safe, clean, and accessible for everyone,” Bonham said in a statement.
Gov. Tina Kotek has made fighting homelessness a top priority, and in this year’s legislative session, lawmakers approved $376 million to build more housing, help people with rent and get them in shelters and temporary housing. The Democratic chairs of the Legislature’s housing committees, Sen. Kayse Jama of Portland and Rep. Pam Marsh of Ashland, said the Supreme Court ruling will not affect their goal of ending homelessness.
“Our goal remains making sure every Oregonian has access to safe, affordable housing so no one has to resort to sleeping on the streets. Homelessness will be solved by building more housing, supporting shelters and programs to get people on the path out of homelessness,” they said in a statement.
They said cities and other jurisdictions also are
Friends of Florence
responsible for ensuring the livability of their communities and that there needs to be a balance between those concerns and the plight faced by the thousands in the state without stable housing.
“The Legislature remains focused on addressing the root causes of homelessness, increasing the housing supply, and funding programs that help get people on a path out of houselessness,” they said.
UPDATED at 3:52 p.m., Friday June 28, 2024, with a statement from the state Senate Republican leader, Daniel Bonham of The Dalles.
Oregon Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.
There’s a children’s song about how the wheels on the bus go “round and round.”
And maybe that should be the theme song for the Friends of Florence, a local non-profit group which provides free bus transportation five days a week to the Eugene area for cancer patients needing radiation treatment. With the
help of volunteers driving two 15-passenger buses, the Friends group has served over 1,000 cancer patients and logged nearly a million miles in its nearly 40-year history.
But right now, the organization needs a few more volunteer drivers to keep the wheels on the bus going round and round.
The Friends of Florence buses are similar to the rental
car shuttles used at airports. Drivers do not need a commercial driver’s license. The only requirement is a desire to serve your neighbors in need and a good driving record. It helps if volunteers have driven a large vehicle like a truck or RV, but it is not necessary.
Friends of Florence has a trainier, Dave Kieffer, who works with new drivers until they feel comfortable behind the wheel.
One of the benefits of the volunteer job is the gratitude shown to the drivers by the cancer patients, most who must travel to the Willamette Valley Cancer Institute or the Oregon Urology Institute five days a week for more than a month. Some patients are too sick to drive themselves.
Others cannot afford the cost
of fuel or having a spouse take time off work to drive them.
Some former riders regain their health and sign on to be volunteer drivers as a way of paying back. Volunteers often develop a camaraderie with passengers, end up serving for many years and logging thousands of miles behind the wheel.
Because of its accomplishments, the Friends of Florence has gained prominence throughout the region and beyond, and those who wear the Friends of Florence name tag are respected and admired.
Laura Smith, a volunteer driver who also serves as operations officer is proud of the organization and likes to say it is “driven by donations and volunteers.” Donations cover operating costs which
run about $50,000 annually. Passengers are not asked to donate.
There are no paid employees. In addition to drivers, volunteers serve on the Friends of Florence Board, train and schedule drivers, maintain the buses, and oversee finances and record-keeping. The Van Fans organization raises money to help cover expenses like gasoline and insurance.
“I am proud to drive with Friends of Florence,” Smith said. “I’m an early riser and I like to drive.So working with a crew that provides safe free rides for our neighbors with a recent cancer diagnosis is something I can easily do once a month.”
&
Kenzie
On driving days, volunteers report to Peace Harbor Hospital at 7:30 a.m. and are usually back in town shortly after noon. Some days they have to gas the bus and they sweep it out and do a little cleaning before going home.
If you are interested in being a volunteer driver or want more information
www.thesiuslawnews.com
LARRY BACON
1
SPORTS & LIFESTYLE
ELIZABETH THOMPSON, DIRECTOR
Oregon Coast Humane Society
Nationwide, shelters are facing a critical point for large dogs - they are sitting longer and longer in shelters
KENZIE
Kenzie is a two-year-old hound mix who gets along with other dogs. She is shy at first when meeting new people, but quickly becomes your FURREND with patience and kindness. Kenzie is ready for a family of her own. If you’d like to add Kenzie to your home, stop by the shelter or apply online.
BAXTER AND MOXIE:
Moxie and Baxter came into our care on January 1st when they arrived at the Emergency Vet Hospital in dire condition with 7 other dogs. Five days and $10,000 later, 8 of the dogs came to OCHS as survivors of salmon poisoning (one dog did not survive). Moxie is Baxter’s mom, and both are tender
Pets of the week
throughout the country. Here at OCHS we are absolutely experiencing the same thing, and are trying to network our large dogs for placement in families or foster homes.
beings waiting for a chance at a family. They’ve been adopted and returned individually - Baxter for being dog reactive, and Moxie for chasing the cat in the home. We believe they will do fine in homes of their own or adopted together. These two have been waiting for SEVEN months for their happy ending. Please share them with Rottie lovers so we can find them families!
It is so sad to see dogs lingering in shelters because there are more dogs than adopters. We appreciate your help in networking our large dogs. I’m including our Pet of the Week, Kenzie, along
ODIE:
9-year-old Odie is such a delightful dog. He is incredibly well socialized and gets along with every person and dog he meets. Odie is also perfectly house trained! He’s looking for a home of his own and will make a great addition to any family.
PRIMA:
Prima was transferred to OCHS from Washington after an incident involving livestock. She wants you to know that livestock are delicious and she couldn’t help herself. That being said, Prima is a dream on a leash and has the stamina to keep up on even the most difficult hikes. She loves every person she meets.
with several other large dogs who have been in our care for months. We want better for our dogs. Let’s see what magic can happen with YOUR help! If you can share even one dog, it could change their
life! Thank you for advocating for shelter pets! Hope you had a happy Fourth of July!
help find Prima an adventure buddy!
ROCKET:
6-year-old Rocket is your typical husky - if something runs, he will chase it. Because of this, we are recommending that he live with dogs his own size. He is a fun sidekick and up for any adventure, especially if treats are involved. Stop by and meet this handsome boy if you’ve got a soft spot for the huskies!
SUMO: Sumo arrived at OCHS as a stray and his family never came for him. He’s learning leash manners and what it’s like to be loved. Sumo is agile enough to climb fences, so we’re recommending a home where his family will be with him most of the time. Sumo is active and agile, and he can’t wait to meet you!
LINDSAY: Sweet Lindsay is our longest
15th annual Cool at the Coast Golf Spectacular
FLORENCE ROTARY CLUB
Join the fun at the 15th annual Cool at the Coast Golf Spectacular Aug 3. The tournament gives $4,000 annually to the Rotary Polio Plus Program, which is matched 2-1 with funding from the Gates Foundation. Since the first tournament 15 years ago, the Florence Rotary golf tournaments have funded
almost 60,000 polio vaccinations worldwide.
The tournament also raises money to help the Rotary Club with projects and scholarships for the children of Florence and Mapleton. Florence Rotary extends thanks to Three Rivers Casino Resort, Ocean Dunes Golf Links and PeaceHealth/Peace Harbor for their partnership and support.
And a special thanks to our platinum sponsors, Ray Wells, Inc, Oregon Pacific Bank, Zolezzi Insurance and The Mehlum Family Foundation. Where, when and what
The Spectacular will take place at Ocean Dunes Golf
Links 3345 Munsel Lake Rd., Florence, OR- The Entry Fee is $400 per Team of Four –Limited to First 32 Teams. The entry fee includes beverages & lunch, door prizes and two Mulligans per player. At 10 am Shotgun Start Check in starts at 8:30 a.m., Putting Contest from 8:30 to 9:45 Teams of Four • Scramble Format • Gross & Net Divisions Tee prizes: Long Drive, Straight Drive, & KP’s on Par 3’s Cash Hole in One Prize! Raffle prizes include a $400 gift certificate to Fiddlers Green, Golf for four at Eugene Country Club, and Golf for four at Tokatee. For more information visit www.theflorencerotary.org
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FISH & WILDLIFE
A low tide series runs through Wednesday, July 10, on the north coast, giving clammers a last chance to harvest razor clams before the annual conservation closure begins at 12:01 a.m. July 15 on Clatsop beaches. ODFW encourages visitors to take advantage of the low tides to harvest razor clams now while they can. Since 1967, Clatsop County beaches close each year July 15- Sept. 30 for conservation. This lets young clams settle on the beaches to provide future harvest opportunities. As of July 5, razor clamming is open from the Washington border to Yachats and from Coos Bay north jetty to the California border. It is closed from Yachats to Coos Bay north jetty for elevated biotoxins. Biotoxin levels can change rapidly so always call the ODA Shellfish Safety
Hotline at 800-448-2474 before clamming. Know before you go:
out to harvest
and can only have one limit in possession while in the clam digging area (see exception under an Oregon Disabilities Hunting and Fishing Permit.)
SENIOR
Let’s
Local artists to be honored
Backstreet Gallery presents “Creativity is Ageless,” a show of the engaging pairing of mixed-media sculptures by Denise Diamond with author Judy Fleagle’s eclectic mix of books. The reception honoring them is July 13, 3-5 p.m., during 2nd Saturday Art Tour at Backstreet Gallery. Author Judy Fleagle has a new book––“Living Life to the Fullest . . . after age 70!” It covers 50 of her favorite blog posts from the past 13 years that are humorous, heartwarming, outrageous, and a few even serious. Her popular blog, Crossings Author, posts every Friday at 6 a.m. crossingsauthor.com.
Fleagle is best known for her bridge books––“Crossings: McCullough’s Coastal Bridges” and “The Crossings Guide to Oregon’s Coastal Spans.” As a long-time docent at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, she has written the definitive history of
Florence—”Around Florence.” And her bestseller, “The Oregon Coast Guide to the UNEXPECTED!!!,” appeals to the public’s fascination with the odd and unusual!
Two books are personal. “Devil Cat and Other Colorful Animals I Have Known” has five stories about animals she rescued that––eventually––became great pets. And “The Cancer Blog” is a week-byweek account through chemo in 2014-15 when she battled late-stage cancer. She tells it like it really was, with humor and a positive attitude.
Fleagle is very involved with Backstreet Gallery and each Sunday can be found at the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum. She does indeed live life to the fullest!
Denise Diamond is a recently retired Professor of English and an alumnus of Lewis and Clark. Originally from Chicago, she taught all over the country and
internationally before landing in Florence. She writes and performs poetry and Spoken Word in English and Spanish. So, it’s no wonder that a poetic element appears in her latest pieces—Driftwood Mediations.
Exploring Oregon’s coastal beauty inspired her work with driftwood.
Denise is self-taught, trading academics and her computer for belt-sanders, dremels, and a drill press. Each piece of found driftwood inspires something unique, while maintaining its natural features. Denise uses shells, lava beads, agates, miniatures, and organic elements in her assemblage pieces. The hanging pieces, Valhalla Ladders, are inspired from Viking mythology. Using her love of Spanish, hanging pieces of distinctive texture are Madera del Mar, wood of the sea.
Denise enjoys collaborating with other artists, which led to creating intriguing pieces with weaver Teresa Zook.
Denise designed many oneof-a-kind pieces to express her delight and respect for the extraordinary beauty of our coast. Driftwood plays an important role in our delicate ecosystem. Denise invites you to enjoy peeking into crevices, marveling at driftwood’s textural shapes.
Backstreet Cooperative Gallery is accepting membership applications, which are available at backstreetgallery. org and at Backstreet Gallery, 1421 Bay Street.
Meet the Ageless Creators––Judy Fleagle, Denise Diamond, and all the other outstanding artists at the Gallery, open daily, 11 a.m.
– 5 p.m. and Friday/Saturday until 7 p.m.
Plastics Collection Event in Florence
The Master Recyclers of Florence are gearing up to do a final 2, 4, 5 Plastics Collection Event on Saturday August 17th at the Florence United Methodist Church parking lot from 10 am until noon.
“This will be our last event for 2024.” explained Master Recycler and Co-Chair Britte Kirsch. “We are excited for the new Statewide Recycling Modernization Act to take effect in July 2025 so we don’t have to do these grassroots volunteer efforts anymore. The new recycling process will allow residents to do so much more with respect to
what we can recycle and how. It will be a wonderful opportunity for our community.”
There will only be three specific types of plastic collected at the event and everything must be clean and dry. Labels are okay but your plastics must be sorted and organized.
Here is what can be recycled:
Number 2 - (HDPE) Tubs and lids and small bottles (that are the smaller than the size of a fist)
No plastic bags or Number 1 (PETE) bottles, clamshells, containers, etc will be accepted. Remember your Number 2 (HDPE) plastic bottles, jugs and jars can all go into your comingle bin.
“The Florence community is always so amazing at these events, we thank you all for your patience and cooperation. We also appreciate all the wonderful volunteers who keep things running smoothly at these events.” added Nancy Rhodes, Master Recycler and Event Co-Chair.
Volunteers are always welcome, please contact Nancy Rhodes at bangogirl57@gmail.com for more information.
Master Recyclers of Florence is part of the Lane County Waste Management Master Recycler Program. The volunteer based team provides educational and community based programs designed to help residents rethink, reimagine, reduce, reuse and recycle. Please visit the website for more information on how you can become a Master Recycler.
OSU makes cancer discovery
Oregon State University researchers have discovered compounds that convert a protein known for protecting cancer cells into a tumor killer.
Scientists say their findings, several years in the making, open the door to promising therapies for breast cancer and other malignancies whose cells rely on the Bcl-2 protein to evade treatment and develop drug resistance.
“The holy grail in cancer research is finding a molecular target that plays a major,
essential role in cancer cell growth that you can go after without causing side effects –that is, without affecting regular cells,” said Siva Kolluri, professor of environmental and molecular toxicology in the College of Agricultural Sciences. “Multiple pathways control a normal cell to be normal, and cancer cells hijack one of those pathways that control the rate of proliferation and/or death.”
Many types of cells are recycled, Kolluri said, through a programmed cell death
process called apoptosis.
Cancer cells, however, neutralize pathways that ordinarily kill cells, allowing these cells to grow out of control and in many cases metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.
Bcl-2 is an anti-apoptosis protein produced in higher levels by some cancer cells and has been used as a target by many drug researchers, Kolluri said. Inhibiting Bcl-2 has been successful in treating certain blood cancers, but
not for solid cancers such as breast cancers.
“Cancer cells are so smart, they figure out ways to survive,” Kolluri said. “Many therapies do work for a while. But it’s like making a car stop, only to have the car move again. Here we’re completely taking the wheels off the car. We used the same Bcl-2 pathway but fundamentally made a new discovery: changing how this protein
See CANCER, page B3
How to play it safe: Never turn your back on the ocean.
WATCH THOSE LOGS
The ocean is strong enough to pick up even the biggest log and plop it down on top of you. Some logs may look small, but even the tiny ones can be waterlogged and weigh tons. How to play it safe: If you see a log in the surf or on wet sand, stay off it.
RIP CURRENTS
Rip currents are strong currents of water that rush out to sea. They are stronger than even the best swimmer. These currents can swiftly sweep unwary beachcombers and waders off their feet and out to sea. Rip currents may appear as dark, choppy water. Any time you see debris and foam floating out to sea, chances are you have found a rip current. Avoid the area. How to play it safe: Parents keep your kids close when playing in the ocean. If caught in a rip current, don’t panic Swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the current, then head for the beach.
KNOW THE TIDES
Incoming tides isolate rocks from headlands and the shore. Avoid the temptation of strolling out to an interesting rock without knowing when the tide rolls back in. Free tide tables are readily available at state park offices, information centers and many shops and motels.
How to play it safe: Stay off rocks and small, enclosed beaches.
Know when the tide is coming in by visiting the tidetable website at the Hatfield Marine Science Center http://weather.hmsc.oregonstate.edu/weather/ tides/tides.html
HIGH WAVES CAN REACH YOU
Tides and waves can sweep over rocks, jetties and headlands, knocking you off and carrying you out to sea.
How to play it safe: Assume nothing is “high enough” and avoid exposed rocks, jetties and headlands during strong wave action (like during and after storms).
BEWARE OF HIGH, STEEP CLIFFS
Assume that all cliff edges are unstable. Wet trails or soft sand and earth can make for unstable footing. Rocks can be slippery even when it isn’t raining. How to play it safe: Make sure you wear proper footwear, and stick to the trails. Stay behind guard fences and railings, and don´t get too close to the edge.
HEADS UP Standing at the base of an Oceanside cliff can be dangerous, especially if it has an overhang. In some places, winter storms and high waves have eroded the shoreline, increasing the chance of collapse and slides.
How to play it safe: Beware of falling rocks, and don´t climb on bluffs and eroding hillsides. Don´t walk along the base of cliffs unless absolutely necessary.
From Page B2
functions so it starts killing cancer cells.”
The research led by Kolluri and Christiane Löhr, professor of anatomic pathology in the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, involved studying triple-negative breast cancer in cell cultures and mouse models.
Triple-negative breast cancer, so called because its cells lack three specific receptors found in other breast cancers, is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. It accounts for roughly 20% of all breast cancer diagnoses, the scientists note – including 15% of those with the worst prognoses.
Kolluri and Löhr have presented their findings in a pair of recently published studies.
The first, which appears in Cancer Research Communications, describes how they discovered and
tested a new compound that changes the shape of the Bcl-2 molecule. The change exposes what they call Bcl-2’s “killer conformation,” which leads to cell death.
The second, in ACS Pharmacology and Translational Science, shows that another compound induces the death of breast cancer cells in culture and suppresses breast cancer lung metastasis in a mouse model. The lungs are a primary location to which breast cancer spreads.
“This is very promising because many metastatic cancers have high Bcl-2 levels,” Löhr said. “This increased Bcl-2 expression is also common in cancer that has become resistant to therapies. Changing the conformation of Bcl-2 and using that pathway to kill cells is a distinctively different approach than has been tried before. Altering the function of a protein in a live cell is pretty amazing and the potential to attack cancers that have escaped other treatments, while leaving normal cells intact, is there.”
Systematic findings
The scientists note that their results follow years of highly detailed, mechanistic research.
“We were studying a protein that typically regulates
genes in the nucleus, finding that the same protein also killed cells, and that it migrates from the nucleus into the mitochondria,” Kolluri said. “That migration is leading cells to die – how does it go to the mitochondria and how does it kill cells? That nuclear protein interacts with Bcl-2 – that’s how Bcl-2 changes into a killer.”
“A breakthrough like this is many years in the works,” Löhr added. “We’ve proven all the pieces that need to be in place and shown a proof of concept. And this has potential beyond humans, such as lymphoma cases in dogs. It’s an easier step from the lab to veterinary use than human use.”
Other OSU scientists contributing to the research were
Prasad Kopparapu, Martin Pearce and Shanthakumar Tyavanagimatt. The work also involved Harikrishna Nakshatri of the Indiana University School of Medicine.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the U.S. Army Medical Research and Material Command, and the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health supported the work.
“The next steps involve identifying partners to advance this research towards translation, testing in additional preclinical models, and eventually advancing the compounds to human trials,” Kolluri said.
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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 855-792-9764.
Florence Or please call Union Wa 360-8980130 to talk of seaplanes on Victoria BC Harbor and Black Ball ferry in May.
Crew Members - McDonalds is seeking enthusiastic & outgoing individuals looking for flexible schedule flexible hours. TEXT: OR192 to 38000 to apply.
Customer Service RepresentativeZolezzi Insurance Agency is looking for a licensed customer service representative at their Florence location. Email resumes to craig@zianw.com.
Florence United Methodist Church seeking part time pianist. Job description & application visit florenceunited methodist.org or call 541-997-6025.
Housekeeper- help older person 2-3 days per week. Near bus route in Florence. 503551-4838.
SENIOR AND DISABILITY SERVICES - part of Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) seeks a Unit Manager for its Florence office. Information is at www.lcog. org/jobs.
Substitute Library Assistant position, Lower Umpqua Library, Reedsport. $13.50/hour, irregular. Open until filled. 541-271-3500, library@luld.org. luld. org/employment.
Volunteer Directors for Florence Senior and Activities Center- Need help to run our programs. Especially looking for skills in grant writing, fund raising and publicity. Please call the center on Kingwood: 541-997-8844.
FREE PIANO! Free for the hauling. Must move out beautiful Kimball Petite Grand piano before July 11. Call 541-905-4248.
Huge Sale Fri.-Sat. 9am-3pm 5043 South Jetty Priced to sell!
for lease at Bay Berry Square, 88896 & 88906 Hwy 101, Florence. Contact Erik Jensen at (541) 953-6300 for more information.
DEADLINE
SLN24-3002 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE STATE OF OREGON COUNTY OF LANE IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF, CARLENE E. JOYNT, DECEASED. Case No.: 24PB05414 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned personal representative at P. O. Box B, Florence, Oregon, 97439, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the
attorney for the personal representative, Scott T. Bailey, Attorney at Law, P.C. at P.O. Box B, Florence, Oregon 97439. Dated and first published July 10, 2024. Debbie Jo Boyle, Personal Representative. Scott T. Bailey, Attorney at Law, PC OSB # 090841, PO Box B, Florence, OR 97439, P: 541-902-2000 / F: 541-997-5294, scott@ stblawyer.com. SLN24-3003 CLAIMS against the Estate of MICHAEL J. PEASE, of Florence, Oregon, Lane County Circuit Court Case No. 24PB05774, are required to be presented, with proper vouchers, to the Personal Representative, DENNIS L. PEASE, at 2440 16th St., Florence, OR 97439, within four (4) months from July 10, 2024, the date of 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 attorney for the Personal Representative. Laurel L. Ferguson Attorney for Personal Representative, PO Box 1153, 327 Laurel St, Florence, OR 97439. Publication Date: July 10, 2024. SLN24-3004 Advertisement for Sale of Personal Property NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that U-Store Mini Storage facility located at 4425 Highway 101, Florence Oregon, will sell all the personal property, Faerold #22, Koshyk #33, Goetz #34, Bird #71 & #73 . Property will be sold at public sale as complete units on Monday July 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM to satisfy Landlord’s lien. Units may have reserves. Call 541-9977330 for more information. Pub. Dates: July 10, 2024.
SLN24-3001 PUBLIC NOTICE CLAIMS against the estate of BETTY JOHNSON of Florence, Oregon, Lane County Circuit Court Case No. 24PB05337, are required to be presented, with proper vouchers, to the Personal Representative, HARRY JOHNSON at 2285 12th Street, Florence, Oregon 97439 within four (4) months from the date of 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 attorney for the Personal Representative, Daniel T. Garner, 625 Highway 101, PMB 350, Florence, OR 97439.Published on July 10, 2024.
FOLLOW THE CHARM TRAIL
CANCER Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, kick up your flirtatious nature, particularly if you have your eye on someone and are eager to start a relationship. Those who are attached can rekindle the passion.
LEO Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, share your optimism and level-headedness with someone who could use your support right now. You have an uncanny way of making others feel relaxed just by being in your company.
VIRGO Aug 24/Sept 22
An interesting travel opportunity comes your way, Virgo. However, at first glance it might not seem like the type of trip you would normally take. Keep an open mind and be surprised.
LIBRA Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, if you do not like the way things are going in one of your relationships, it is alright to speak up and encourage change. You are an equal partner and compromise is necessary.
SCORPIO Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, you have to jump on every opportunity to get ahead that is presented to you, even if it may temporarily upset your schedule and life. The investment will be worth it.
SAGITTARIUS Nov 23/Dec 21
Get involved with helping others as much as possible, Sagittarius. This way you will be in the unique position to help someone close to you who needs it soon enough.
CAPRICORN Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, there is nothing that you cannot accomplish when you lay on the charm. Others will flock to you this week and want to hear what you have to say.
AQUARIUS Jan 21/Feb 18
Enjoy every meeting of minds that you encounter, Aquarius. Each relationship and discussion can help broaden your horizons, and you can use that information wisely.
PISCES Feb 19/Mar 20
ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, there are tips and tricks to learn through observation of others, particularly if those people are doing something with style. Keep your eyes peeled for inspiration.
TAURUS Apr 21/May 21
Pisces, no matter how good a partnership looks on paper, if you are not meshing with this individual then it is not a partnership worth pursuing. Focus your attention elsewhere.
Taurus, let other people know what you are feeling by wearing your heart on your sleeve a little more often. You don’t have to be stoic all of the time. It is alright to ask for help as well.
GEMINI May 22/Jun 21
It may seem like the days this week will trickle by at a snail’s
