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Florence, Oregon Siuslaw NewsWednesday, November 13, 2024

Number 46 • 133 years

Veterans honored at High School By TONY REED Siuslaw News

The Siuslaw High School gym filled with students and local veterans Nov. 7 for a Veterans Day Assembly to honor those who have served. Principal Mike Harklerode opened the assembly by saying he had nothing to do with it, as it was organized entirely by students. Student Coordinator Claire Lindell welcomed veterans into the assembly to a round of applause by students, faculty and others. Wayne Sharp noted that the U.S. Armed Forces consist of six branches, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force, having members stand as their branch was announced. Lindell also read the names of school staff who served before Coast Guard members presented colors center stage. US Coast Guard Seaman Apprentice Luke Hazelton spoke of Prisoners of War and Missing in Action personnel, by explaining the relevance of the empty table setting in the gym before lighting the single candle placed on it. Each item on the table has significance, from the chair representing See ELECTIONS, Page A6

Vote counting takes days and races remain close Siuslaw NEWS STAFF

By 1 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 8, three days after the election, results were 71 percent counted. Of 279,006 registered voters, 199,346 had been counted. FLORENCE In the races that most affect Florence, the three-candidate race for City Council seats favored Bill Meyer and Sally Wantz. Wantz had 40 percent of the votes (2,919) at 6 p.m., Meyer had 34 percent (2,485) percent and Mark Brennan had received 24 percent (1,768). Write-in votes totaled 1.27 percent, or 92 votes. Florence Mayor Rob Ward ran unopposed and retained his seat. DUNES CITY In Dunes City, Mayor Ed McGuire ran unopposed and retained his seat. City Councilor Chris Clemons also ran unopposed and retained his seat. US Coast Guard Siuslaw River personnel presented colors at the high school assembly. (Photo by Tony Reed)

City personnel gathered to open the formerly closed section of Rhododendron Drive next to the river. (Courtesy photo)

See ELECTIONS, Page A7

Marchers take message to the street By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Rhododendron Drive done By TONY REED Siuslaw News

After 6 months of detours and intersection changes, residence were able to once again travel down the section of Rhododendron Drive directly next to the east bank of the Siuslaw River. A brief ceremony was held in the rain

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to open the section of roadway along the river, attended by City and Public Works staff, the City Council and contractors K&E Excavating. The Rhododendron Drive realignment project started with an open house in March of 2024, and was paid for by a combination of Street, water, sewer and other

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funds, along with a loan taken out by City. The project took about six months to complete and the total cost of the project came to just under $7 million. Public Works Director Mike Miller said the authorized budget amount was about $7.3 million. The City also See ROAD, Page A7

After gathering to hear speakers stress the importance of being involved and voting, a group of 45 to 55 enthusiastic marchers made their way down Highway 101 from Florence City Hall Saturday in the pouring rain. Cynthia J. Wright read her poem, “Socialization of Hate,” which highlighted how children are loving and friendly to everyone until adults train them to notice and dislike differences in each other. She said the attitude has become accepted behavior in in our lives and if we don’t find ways to communicate and understand each other, people will continue to destroy each

About 50 people walked in the rain with message signs along Highway 101 Nov. 2 other “until nothing good remains in this world.” City Council member and Senate District 5 candidate Jo Beaudreau said she’s amazed that women in the US still need to struggle against those who wish to take

away certain rights. “We exploded a whale before women could have credit cards,” she noted. Beaudreau asked each person in attendance to “talk to at least five See MARCH, Page A7

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