TSN101 by C.M.I.

Pizza • Pasta • Seafood Fall in Old Town at 1285 Restobar. We are happy to serve you! We are open: Noon to 8 pm, 7 days a week! 1285 Bay Street| Old Town Florence 541-902-8338 www.1285restobar.com

Siuslaw News Wednesday, October 1, 2025 Florence, Oregon

SOS Opens Resource Center

Number 40 • 134 years

Elementary school improvements proposed Committee pitches idea of replacing high school while fixing elementary school issues

A sizable crowd comes in from the evening heat to tour the new Siuslaw Area Resource Center. Tony Reed photos By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

SOS Executive Director Bob Teter explains the history and purpose of the Siuslaw Area Resource Center during its ribbon-cutting Sept. 22.

Over 200 people attended Siuslaw Outreach Services’ (SOS) opening of its Siuslaw Area Resource Center in Florence Sept. 22, in Florence. SOS President Stephanie Restrepo and Project Chair Montee Kennedy said the center fulfills a dream years in the making, starting with an idea by former SOS president Kim Schwartz and Executive Director Bob Teter to come up with a single regional resource center shared by multiple agencies serving people in need. Kennedy wanted to recognize

the service of area veterans, noting that they have been foundational in completing the project. “this project has also been made possible, thanks for the generous contributions of many donors, the hard work of our contractors, the passion of our staff and volunteers, and countless others who have given their time and energy and resources” Kennedy said. “Every one of you has played a role in getting us to where we are today.” Will Wagner, with the US Department of Veterans Affairs in Roseburg, noted that there are 2,000 veterans in Florence, See SOS, Page A7

By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

During a Sept. 16 presentation at Siuslaw High School Principal Mike Harklerode laid out the Facility Committee’s proposal to replace the high building, while also making several safety and circulation issues at the Elementary School. As previously reported, Harklerode discussed issues with the aging high school and reasons for the replacement proposal. He said replacement of the high school would “reset the lifespan of the school for a See SCHOOL, Page A6

The signs told the story

With two ducks in his mouth, Goose swims back to the shore. Tony Reed photos

Goose gets duck, duck By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

Hundreds of people came together Sept. 20 at the Highway 126/101 intersection in vigil for the late Charlie Kirk, but also in support and opposition to the Trump administration. Signs and flags were mixed throughout the crowd, but the most commonly displayed read, “We are Charlie,” “Stand with Charlie” and “Murder is never right.” Other signs opposed some actions of the current administration, calling it a “power grab” and an attack on free speech. Demonstrators stood on each of the intersection’s four corners, but no clear partisan division was evident and, at times, demonstrators with seemingly oppositional signs could be seen calmly talking to one another. Police Lt. Len Larson said the crowd remained peaceful throughout the demonstration, but some were counseled for stepping off the curb and impeding oncoming traffic. He said officers often attend local demonstrations to keep the peace. Tony Reed photo

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

An enthusiastic crowd came out to Darlings Marina Sept. 20 for the Oregon Coast Humane Society’s Duck Round-up fundraiser. The premise was simple1,000 rubber ducks were sold for $10 each. Each duck had a number written on the bottom. All the ducks were dumped into Silcoos Lake next to Marina, where Goose, the Golden retriever, had been practicing his goose-retrieving technique. After launching off the dock, Goose swam into the raft of See DUCKS, Page A5

OCHS staff carried buckets of ducks to the lake.

Where great food, genuine hospitality, and the spirit of the Oregon Coast come together Award Winning Chowder - Pizza - Bistro for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Experience Florence’s only oceanfront dining, lodging and event venue!

88416 1st Avenue, Florence, OR • 541-902-6447