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Siuslaw NewsWednesday, November 19, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 47 • 134 years

Siuslaw cross country capture state title Berkner WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

“It doesn’t get old,” Head Coach Chris Johnson said. For the eighth time in program history, Siuslaw’s boys cross country team hustled its way to the top of the podium as state champions. The seven-person squad of Henry Stone, Bentley Nelson, Ezra King, Camden Linton, Kale Jensen, Sailor Jensen, and Yair Brito Xilot earned a state title, scoring 88 points, the first time atop the state since 2022. The 3A OSAA State XC Championships were held at Lane Community College in Eugene on Nov. 8, and for the Vikings, competing at the highest level is nothing new. “These guys have been there before; it’s not a novelty for us to get over there,” Johnson said. “It’s a little bit different to go over there when you’re supposed to win. It’s a whole different mindset, and a little different level of stress when you’re the favorite. But also, it’s pretty comforting, because you’d never trade an inferior team for a better team.” Johnson said the team See STATE, Page A5

Trial postponed again SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

Though scheduled for trial Nov. 13, Keith W. Berkner, of Florence, will likely stand trial in Lane County Circuit Court on charges of sodomy and sexual abuse of children sometime in 2026. Berkner was arrested Dec. 27, 2024, after Florence Police Department received and investigated a report of possible sexual abuse of a juvenile. “From that investigation, Keith Berkner was developed as a suspect in the case,” a Florence Police Department release stated after his arrest. “On [Jan. 22] a search warrant was executed on Berkner’s residence, where Berkner was placed into custody and later transported to Lane County Adult Corrections.” Berkner is charged with Sodomy in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the First

The 2025 state champion Siuslaw Vikings. Courtesy photo from Becky Holbrook

The cross country team received a police escort. Tony Reed photo.

See TRIAL, Page A4

Charter School begins renovating future home

Prospective drawings show the current plan for the main entrance, playground and interior classrooms. By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

Siuslaw Valley Charter School Directors and volunteers have already begun working to rebuild the former Rite-Aid building at 35th Street and Highway 101 into Whitmore Classical Academy with the goal of opening next fall.

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

Inside the building on November 11, Director Chuck Trent showed the layout as currently planned, with a central area for assemblies, surrounded by classrooms. The central area already has a raised ceiling with a lot of space below. SVCS Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Waggoner said the area

will have many uses. “We will use that for our morning assembly, and then we will use it for any kind of indoor play, when our classes are full we might do art in there and have a rotating schedule with music, PE and Spanish, so we haven’t fully defined how See SCHOOL, Page A6

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

Annual Veterans Day Parade Brings out Scores of Florentines SUBMITTED by Cal Applebee

Literally hundreds of locals and visitors alike thronged the streets throughout historic Old Town Florence and beyond on Tuesday, November 11th as the 20th annual Veterans Day

Parade proceeded with floats, bands, service organizations, community non-profits, car clubs and more, all paying tribute to the Veterans residing in the Florence area. The turnout for this small town reflects the fact that the Florence area enjoys a Veteran population of

roughly two-and-a-half times the State average. Grand Marshals Charlie Pennington and Terri Pennington of Florence, both US Army Veterans who served in both Vietnam and Korea as well as stateside, rode See PARADE, Page A7

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