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Florence, Oregon Siuslaw News Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Number 41 • 133 years

Honor Flight Veterans Receive Warm Welcome By CAL APPLEBEE Oct. 1, 2024

PHOTO BY TONY REED

US Coast Guard personnel welcome Veterans back from Washington DC Sept. 30.

Several local area Veterans and their Guardians returned to Florence on Monday, Sept. 30, from their four-day Honor Flight excursion to Washington, D.C., and were greeted by well over one-hundred area residents. There was a total of nine including Veterans and Guardians. Members of multiple organizations as well as individuals came together to create a warm welcome. They met at the Three Rivers Casino Resort parking lot by members and vehicles from the Florence Police Dept. as well as Oregon State Police, the Veteran convoy was escorted into town along a flag-posted corridor with flashing lights and to the enthusiastic crowd waiting at Florence Elks See HONOR, Page A9

Local man hailed a hero after saving man from rip tide By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Area first responders came together at the Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority station Sept. 26 to present a lifesaving award to Ryan McCarty for saving a man from drowning off the coast last month. EMT-P Charlie York told about 50 attendees that McCarty was on the 4th floor of Driftwood Shores Inn when he saw a man flailing far out

in the ocean. He said McCarty grabbed his bodyboard and jumped into a wetsuit, knowing that first responders would likely not reach the man in time. He then ran down the stairs and out to the ocean’s edge, about 300 yards in total. He then paddled out another 100 yards to the man’s location. York said he reached the man “at the very instant he was done,” and went underwater. Seeing clothes under the surface,

McCarty reportedly reached down into the water and pulled the man up to his bodyboard, still flailing. York said he then pulled the man onto the board and kicked back to shore against the rip tide. By the time they reached the shore the man had expelled a lot of seawater, but was conscious and breathing. York said that when medical personnel

PHOTO BY TONY REED

US Coast Guard BM1 Charles Hinkle and Sr. Chief Chris Ouellette stand as Ryan McCarty is presented the Lifesaving award by EMT-P Charlie York.

See HERO, Page A9

Wags & Whiskers Gala a huge success Oregon Coast Humane Society staff say the Wags and Whiskers Gala on Sept. 20 was a huge success but was also a fun time for all who attended. OCHS Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson said the result was great for a first event. “We raised $51,000 the night of the event and $25,000 before the event with sponsorships and ticket sales,” she said.”After expenses, we

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will clear about $50,000!” Thompson said over 255 people attended the event, which was held at Three Rivers Casino anf the theme was a Black Cat Ball. Attendees showed up in various Black Cat costumes and accessories and took part in fun. Thompson said the funds will be used to support shelter animals, and provide veterinary care, feeding, and supplies.

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See more photos on page A8

1870 Hwy. 126, Suite A • PO Box 3040, Florence, OR