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Siuslaw NewsWednesday, December 13, 2023 Number 50 • 133 years

Driver arrested after crash

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Crime, thefts, spur approval of fencing, barbed wire

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out, Freeman said, “How many more thefts would we have if we didn’t have An hour-long Planning barbed wire?” Stitch & Sole Commission discussion He said that without 1377 Bay Street • 541-997-7463 over whether to allow it, it would be that much Daily 10 am – 6 pm a business to extend a easier to simply jump the fence and add barbed fence. U.B.U. Naturally Mind, Body & Spirit wire, highlighted other “It’s not 100 percent Lisa Riberal • 302 Kingwood Street issues• 541-653-7736 faced by a local [effective,] but it’s a lot Open Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm utility company. better than not having At the Nov. 28 meetit,” he said. ing, Central Lincoln “We’ve had employPeople’s Utility District ees who’ve had negative (PUD)asked the cominteractions, that’s my The driver of this car crashed and was arrested mission if it could string politically correct way of about five miles south of Florence. Tony Reed barbed wire atop a sixsaying it, with the campphoto. foot chain link fence at ers in the area harassing Quince St. and 10th St. us, day and night,” he By TONY REED deputy turned around to around the Central Linsaid, “and that’s reinthe crash scene. Siuslaw News coln PUD Building and forced by Code Enforce“The driver, 54-yearutility vehicle parking ment saying there is a A Washington driver News old Mickie Siuslaw 148Petersen MapleofStreet * 541-997-3441 areas. lot of transient activity was arrested Dec. 5 after Washington State exited 8-5andMonday According to staff rearound the property. losing control of his car the vehicle attempted - Friday ports, the utility requestWe’ve had continued in front of a Lane County to flee the scene on foot,” ed extra fencing with a thefts from our yard, and Sheriff’s deputy on High- Sgt. Crawford reported. sliding gate and barbed Central Lincoln PUD will be extending its fence and again, it goes back to way 101 south of Flor- “The deputy gave verbal wire. A chain link fence putting up more barbed wire after having issues the barbed wire, it’s not ence. At about 3 p.m., commands to Petersen to currently exists along with trespassers and thefts. Tony Reed photo. perfect but I truly think a southbound deputy stop, which he complied. Quince Street, part missioners were given a cers noted a measurable we’d have more thefts if reported seeing a north- Petersen was taken into of which already had list of local police and amount of transient ac- the barbed wire wasn’t bound sedan with expired custody and lodged in the tivity in the area. barbed wire along the fire calls to the address. there.” registration. Lane County Jail for at“They’ve received nine Why they want it top. That wire was added Freeman said the com“The deputy turned tempt to elude and reckCLPUD employee pany had to put a put a without approval at the calls in the last year, around to attempt a traf- less driving along with time. It was requested mostly related to the Mark Freeman said the low wood fence around fic stop with the vehicle,” being cited for traffic viothat it be approved so it alarm being triggered,” company has been con- the HVAC because peoaccording to LCSO Sgt. lations.” can be brought into com- according to staff re- sidering securing the lot ple in the area had been Codey Crawford. “As the Sgt. Crawford said Peports. “So, there have for some time, to im- using it as a restroom. pliance. deputy started to catch tersen was held overnight After procedural dis- been some issues on site prove employee, and ve“It turned into a real up to the vehicle, it began in jail and was scheduled cussion about whether that existing security isn’t hicle safety, and to ad- nuisance to clean that up passing other motorists. for arraignment after dress ongoing thefts from on a regular basis,” he barbed wire is allowed managing.” After passing the second press time Dec. 6. It was noted that secu- the site. by area zoning rules, and said. car, the blue sedan lost No other vehicles were Asked why existing whether a gate in the rity cameras have been Asked if lighting could control on its own and involved in the crash. fencing should be for ex- added to the area and fencing/barbed wire isn’t be added for additional crashed into the rhodo- Florence Police Chief iting vehicles only, com- Code Enforcement offi- working to keep people See WIRE page 4A dendron bushes.” John Pitcher arrived to asIt was noted to have sist followed by local fire been about a half-mile and medical personnel. from the point where the

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If you’re already getting tired of the rain, remember that rainbows need it to grow. This one sprouted in Florence Dec. 1 and came into full bloom over downtown. Keep your cameras ready, because they’re known to bloom when the sun comes out. Tony Reed photos.

If you missed this years’ Christmas Tree Lighting in Old Town Florence, well, you probably stayed dry. However, it takes more than an atmospheric river to keep Florence from kicking off the holidays. If you weren’t there, you also missed a fun and festive display of holiday cheer, covered hayrides around Old Town provided by Public Works Director Mile Miller. Umbrellas were the accessory of choice at the tree lighting, and the crowd cleared out shortly afterward. Tony Reed photos

INSIDE Obituary — A2 Sports — B1

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

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2A | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | SIUSLAW NEWS

RECORDS

OBITUARY LOKEY-DICK—Patri- son Stefan, and her greatcia “Pat” J. Lokey-Dick, granddaughter Carter Jo. know as mom, Pat was the Grandma & Ms. most loving, Pat was born compassionate, May 2, 1942. patient mom, She passed away grandma & November 28, great-grandma 2023. Pat was in the world. only 81 years She selflessly old. dedicated her Pat is survived Pat Lokey-Dick life to raising by her loving children each of us, giving us each Tammy, Tyler & Matt exactly the kind of love (Wife Allison), her grand- we needed, supporting daughter Sam & grand- us, challenging us and no

matter what, she was always there for us with the warmest hugs & kisses. She was and always will be our family’s rock. Not only did she dedicate her life and love to us but also to so many children in our community. Pat “Ms.Pat” gave 18 amazing years to the Siuslaw Elementary School starting as a volunteer and then becoming a full time SPED Aid & Recess Aid. She was so passionate

about her job and she was incredible at it. The children loved her & she loved them! She has made an impact on so many lives. Ms. Pat also worked part time at the B’oys & Girls Club Elementary Summer & After School Program for 11 years, continuing her work with our local children, always advocating for their needs. There are no words that can express how much she will be missed.

Council, commission discuss transitional housing By TONY REED Siuslaw News A three-hour joint meeting of the Florence City Council Planning Commission Monday delved into issues surrounding transitional housing and homeless camping in the city setting the stage for further refinement and City Code changes in the future. Prior to the meeting, Assistant City Manager Megan Messmer explained that joint work sessions happen as needed. “This is just one tiny step in a process that’s taken several years,” she said. “It’s a component of the Housing Implementation Plan and this is related to transitional housing.” Subcommittees have discussed transitional housing and came to consensus on recommendations to bring to the Planning Commission. “This is the first time the council and planning commission are hearing these recommendations,” she said. At the meeting Planning Director Wendy Farley-Campbell gave the history of the project dating back to April 2022 over six meetings. She said the effort included input from many members of the community through public meetings, open houses and surveys. Transitional housing The Florence City Code defines transitional housing as “A congregate facility designed to provide housing to shelter families and individuals offered on a short-term basis. The facility may offer meals, lodging and associated services on site, aimed at helping people move towards self-sufficiency. Transitional facilities are not considered bed and breakfast inns / boarding houses, hotels or motels.” She explained the two proposed outcomes were to come up with a housing implementation plan of policies and programs the city could undertake, and some code updates. The city council adopted the Housing Implementation Plan last year, “but the transitional housing was a show-stopper,” she said, “because the way the consultant proposed it was just not digestible by the Housing Implementation Plan Stakeholder Advisory Team (HIPSAT).” Farley-Campbell said the city pulled the transitional housing element from plans and adopted the rest through the land use process, leaving transitional housing elements to be adopted later. What remained were recommendations from the team, which the council and commission heard and discussed. Farley-Campbell said a transitional housing advisory group worked to create codes for consideration. Farley-Campbell noted that transitional housing

The Florence City Council, Planning Commission and staff met in the Florence Events Center Dec. 4 to discuss topics related to creating transitional housing, camping and emergency shelter codes. Tony Reed photo would be more program- noting the time limits immatic than emergency posed by other Oregon housing or mission-style cities. housing. Mission-style Farley-Campbell said housing would be the that when the issue of time most entry-level, providing limits was presented to nightly food and shelter the city attorney, he queswhere all occupants are tioned why the city would considered guests. It would care and suggested the not be subject to tenant entire section be stricken. laws that apply to other The disclosure immediuses. Emergency housing ately changed the tone of would simply shelter peo- the discussion, prompting ple nightly as needed in agreement that time limits an emergency situation or should be left out of any cold snap. future decisions. Surveys said Other discussion cenFarley-Campbell said tered around proposed disOregon revised some stat- tances between transitional utes and allowed more housing operations and types of emergency and churches, childcare facilitransitional housing mod- ties and schools. els, such as yurts, tiny City Councilor Robert homes and recreation vehi- Carp said he wanted to see cles. She said that in 2019, those distances increased the city got mired in trying for the safety of children to create transitional hous- and others. Questions then ing codes but was only able revolved around whether to get a definition into the a church offering daycare code but fell short of allow- could then serve as a traning transitional housing use sitional housing provider. anywhere in the city. Reynolds said many in the Surveys done in 2022 faith community would asked for input on transi- want to help and do so in tional housing issues, and programmatic way. showed most participants Camping approved of it, but wantLooking at areas where ed it to be programmatic homeless camping should in nature. The 208 surveys be prohibited in the city, showed a 71 percent ap- discussion centered around proval of transitional hous- creating a definitive map ing, and the majority sup- showing areas where port was for tiny homes, camping is prohibited. lodging conversions and Farley-Campbell said leapartment conversions. gal counsel was concerned Other questions related that a committee-generated to development standards list of prohibited areas conand allowable locations. tained too many off-limits According to the presenta- areas and not enough altion, the strongest support lowable. was shown for transitional After several questions housing with parking, bi- and comments about cycle parking and storage, where camping is prohiblandscaping and common ited, it was stated it would open space. A least-sup- be easier to create a map ported option was the use showing where camping is of tents. She also noted allowed. the difference between the Others felt a map of tiny houses that are used in allowed camping areas emergency and transitional would cause them to atshelters which have basic tract campers and overamenities and are about the whelm those areas. size of a storage shed. Reynolds said staff will Discussion lingered on review several aspects of the length of time people the discussion and go over should be allowed to use them with legal counsel to transitional housing, with ensure any proposed codes several weighing in and align with the 9th Circuit

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Court of Appeals ruling that allows sleeping in public places. It was noted that without permission, camping on private property constitutes trespassing and is not allowed. However, if a private property owner wishes to allow camping on their property, they are not allowed to charge for it. Discussion continues After the work session, City Manager Erin Reynolds noted that everything discussed at the work session was in draft form and does not exist in city codes. She said the city has no law or code on city books regulating camping (aside from trespassing), and discussions were centered around how codes could be written to regulate camping on public property. No action was taken and no codes were changed at the joint meeting. A City Council work session meeting took place Dec. 7 after press time with presentations from the Florence Housing & Resource Team about strategies for unhoused members of the community. Planning Commissioners discussed transitional housing further at their Dec. 12 meeting. Reynolds noted that the meeting will start the initiation process to become city code in land use language. In regard to the camping topic, councilors and commissioners favored having another work session to further discuss subcommittee findings and information. Reynolds said that session may take place in January.

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SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | 3A

OPINION

Siuslaw News P.O. Box 10 Florence, OR 97439

“I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” — Thomas Jefferson (1800)

Outrage in Wyoming erupts over public land auction

By Savannah Rose There’s a 640-acre parcel of magnificent, stateowned public land in Wyoming that’s set for auction unless the state changes its mind. Simply put, this small inholding, known as the “Kelly Parcel,” should never be privatized—never. It is one of the most awe-inspiring and important pieces of open space remaining in America. Within Grand Teton National Park, its borders include the National Elk Refuge and Bridger-Teton National Forest. Its value was appraised in 2022 at $62.4 million. However, the director of the Office of State Lands and Investment just recommended a starting bid of $80 million. But its real value isn’t about money: The land is a vital migration corridor for elk, moose, big horn sheep antelope, pronghorn and mule deer travelling into and out of the national park. It also hosts 87 other “Species of Greatest Conservation Need.” And the annual,

Pronghorn in migration, Wyoming, Courtesy Savannah Rose oming State Board of Land Commissioners will decide whether a private owner gets to do whatever they want with the Kelly Parcel once they bid highest at auction— fence it, subdivide it, certainly road it. With its iconic views of the Tetons and natural beauty that’s surrounded by public land—plus sporting one of the most coveted zip codes in the country— the Kelly Parcel will most likely be snatched up at auction by a billionaire with development and dollar signs in their eyes. “The people of Wyoming would not want to be part of a legacy where this land fell into a private developer’s hands and see that beautiful landscape dotted with a few select starter castles,” said John Turner, former director of

200-mile-long migration corridor known as the Path of the Pronghorn— from Grand Teton National Park to the upper Green River Basin—passes right through the Kelly Parcel at the crux of what’s recognized as the longest mammalian migration in the contiguous United States. Wyomingites have been resolute in their opposition to selling the stateowned parcel. Publicity generated by the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance collected more than 2,600 comments from people opposed to an auction, and hundreds of opponents turned out at each of four public hearings in November. Many others contacted the state directly for a total of more than 10,000 people opposed to a state auction. Yet this week the Wy-

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, at one of the hearings. There is no rush to dispose of the Kelly Parcel, no deadline to cash in before the bank forecloses or a buyer backs out. But an auction changes everything, in a way that can never be undone. That is why Dave Sollitt, executive director of the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance is asking The State Board of Land Commissioners to put a stop to this auction and focus on working with state legislators to find a way to sell the Kelly Parcel to Grand Teton National Park, where it belongs. “National parks are heralded as ‘America’s best idea,’ and auctioning off public land within Grand Teton National Park would stand out as Wyoming’s worst idea,” Sollitt said. “If they go to auction, the state and everyone loses control. That’s how auctions work.” Though money generated from auctioning the Kelly Parcel to the highest bidder would contribute some $4 million annually to the support of public schools, the windfall to the state would also come at an immeasurable cost See AUCTION page 4A

A warning from the snowbirds

By Pepper Trail No, this isn’t about those folks who spend their winters in Arizona or Florida. The snowbird behind this warning is an actual bird, the dark-eyed junco, a small creature you probably know if you have a bird feeder and maybe even if you don’t. Trim, gray sparrows that flash white tail feathers as they take flight, juncos are called snowbirds because they arrive in our towns with the coming of snow.

A dark-eyed junco resting on a log, California. Photo by Christina Glebova, via Unsplash Come spring, they head back up into the mountains or north to Canada and Alaska for nesting. Juncos are among the West’s most familiar birds, reliable companions on summer hikes and winter

days. The total population of the species is estimated to be around 200 million. Juncos are in no danger of extinction, so, what warning could they be giving us? Juncos may be abundant

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but they are also in sharp decline. According to the Breeding Bird Survey, a decades-long monitoring study of the nation’s birds, junco populations are down by 42% since the surveys began in the late 1960s. But here is the peculiar part: There is no obvious reason for this loss of millions of birds. Juncos are adaptable, not requiring some disappearing habitat. They don’t make long-distance migrations to the tropics. Poisons or toxins don’t seem to pose a special threat to them. What seems to be killing juncos is simply ... everything. Based on numerous studies, the leading human-related cause of death among birds is predation by cats: over 2 billion (yes, billion) birds killed per year in North America. This is followed by collisions: windows, 600 million birds; vehicles, 200 million; powerlines and communication towers, 43 million. Then there are pesticides and toxics, 72 million, lead poisoning, 12 million, and oil and wastewater pits, 1 million. That adds up to well over 3 billion dead birds per year. Nothing on this list is a deliberate effort to get rid of juncos or other birds. They’re just byproducts of the way we conduct ourselves in the world. These dangers, of course, are not faced just by juncos. A review of North American bird populations documents that we have lost almost one-third of our birds since 1970. The researchers summarized their findings in no uncertain terms: “This loss of bird abundance signals an See WARNING page 7A

THE FIRST AMENDMENT

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

USPS# 497-660

Siuslaw News The newspaper is published every WEDNESDAY at 148 Maple St. in Florence, Lane County, Oregon. A member of the National Newspaper Association and Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association. Periodicals postage paid at Florence, Ore. Postmaster, send address changes to: Siuslaw News, P.O. Box 10, Florence, OR 97439. Siuslaw News Front Office For Advertising: ext. 325 For Classifieds: ext. 399 Jeanna Petersen Misty Berg

541-997-3441 For Circulation: ext. 399 For Obituaries: ext. 399 Advertising, 541-902-3529 Office Manager, 541-902-3526

DEADLINES: WEDNESDAY Edition — General news releases, Classified line ads, Legal Notices and Display Ads, Tuesday end of day one week prior. NEWSPAPER SUBSCRIPTION RATES: In Lane County — 1-year, $84; 1-month, $12.50; Out of Lane County — 1-year, $107; 1-month, $15.67; E-Edition Online Only (Anywhere) — 1-year, $69; 1-month, $6. Ask about our senior discounts. Mail subscription includes E-Edition. Website and E-Edition: TheSiuslawNews.com Submit press releases to PressReleases@TheSiuslawNews.com and online at TheSiuslawNews.com

Siuslaw News Office: 148 Maple St./PO Box 10 Florence, OR 97439

Office Hours: Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Siuslaw News welcomes Letters to the Editor and Guest Viewpoints as part of a community discussion of issues on the local, state and national level. Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and clarity. Publication of any letter is not guaranteed and depends on space available and the volume of letters received. Email letters to worldeditor@countrymedia.net TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PUBLICATION: Letters must address pertinent or timely issues of interest to our readers at-large. In addition: • Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Siuslaw News cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters. Authors should ensure any information is accurate, fair and not from second-hand knowledge or hearsay, and include sources where possible. • Letters have a suggested 300-word limit and may be edited for grammar and clarity. Occasionally letters will be longer. • Authors must sign their full name and include their street address (only city will be printed), as well as a daytime phone number and/or email address for verification. The person who signs the letter must be the actual author. Siuslaw News does not accept anonymous Letters to the Editor. • Siuslaw News will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste. Letters also may not be part of letter-writing campaigns. • Writers are limited to one published letter every two weeks. TO SUBMIT TO THE SIUSLAW NEWS: Emailed submissions are preferred. All letters need to include full name, address and phone number; only name and city will be printed. Handwritten or typed letters must be signed. The newspaper, at the sole discretion of the publisher and editor, reserves the right to reject any letter that doesn’t follow the above criteria.

WHERE TO WRITE President Joseph Biden State Rep. Boomer Wright The White House (Dist. 9) 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW PO Box 39000 Washington, D.C. 20500 Florence, OR 97439 Comments: 202-456-1111 503-986-1409 | 541-361-6042 Switchboard: 202-456-1414 Email: Rep.BoomerWright@ TTY/TDD: 202-456-6213 oregonlegislature.gov www.whitehouse.gov Lane County Dist. 1 Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek Commissioner Ryan Ceniga 125 E. Eighth St. 900 Court St., Suite 254 Eugene, OR 97401 Salem, Ore. 97301-4047 503-378-4582 541-682-4203 www.oregon.gov/gov Email: Ryan.Ceniga@ co.lane.or.us U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden Florence City Council 202-224-5244 | 541-431-0229 www.wyden.senate.gov Mayor Rob Ward & Councilors Bill Meyer, Sally Wantz, Robert U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley Carp & Jo Beaudreaux Florence City Hall, 250 202-224-3753 | 541-465-6750 www.merkley.senate.gov Highway 101, Florence, 97439 541-997-3437 U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle ci.florence.or.us (4th Dist.) 202-225-6416 Dunes City Council www.hoyle.house.gov Mayor Ed McGuire & Councilors Rory Hammond, Tom Mallen, Susan Snow, State Sen. Dick Anderson (Dist. 5) Melissa Stinson, Robert Orr 503-986-1705 & Melissa Stinson Email: Sen.DickAnderson@ Dunes City Hall, 82877 Spruce St., Westlake, OR 97493 oregonlegislature.gov 541-997-3338 dunescityhall.com

4A | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | SIUSLAW NEWS

Committee Hears Proposed Solutions to the Drug Crisis from Experts, Oregonians Last week, the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response held its third meeting to hear from experts about effective ways to treat drug addiction and build accountable drug treatment programs. They also listened to public testimony about the solutions to the drug crisis Oregonians would like to see the state pursue in their communities. Legislators will carefully consider these ideas as they continue their work to build a response to the drug crisis that saves lives and keeps our streets clean and communities safe. WIRE from page 1A security, Freeman said lighting was upgraded during a remodel in 2017. “After submitting the application, we had a vehicle stolen from the yard that we want to have fenced in,” he said. “It was picked up in Crescent City by California Highway Patrol, and we did get it back. Luckily, they just used it as a joyride.” He called it odd that while working toward increasing security, a vehicle was stolen from the area they want to secure. Freeman added that upon viewing security footage, it was learned that two people were living in the vehicle on the property Friday and Saturday before driving it away Sunday. When asked, Freeman said that, for unknown reasons, the alarm didn’t pick up the activity, and that most of the damage caused to the vehicle was die to them living in it. “As of a couple hours ago, we had to shut the office down because we got what we deemed were credible threats from a resident of Mapleton,” he said, “and it would have been nice of we could have closed those gates as well, to secure our vehicles and employee vehicles and things like that.” He said Lane County Sheriff’s personnel were investigating the threat to determine its credibility. LCSO officials said an active investigation con-

“Oregonians are frustrated and worried; I’m frustrated and worried about the drug crisis, but I have hope because we all want solutions that will make a real, immediate impact. We need to act fast to clean up trash, graffiti, and drug paraphernalia; reduce public disorder, public use, and criminal activity; get people off the streets and into treatment; and do everything we possibly can to prevent addiction,” said Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber (D – Beaverton & SW Portland). “Every Oregonian is impacted in one way or another by the drug critinues into the threats and therefore, did not comment further. He added later that even though employees are trained to lock trucks and storage bins, camera footage showed someone attempting to pry a tool bin open with a crowbar. He said male and female employees often come to the office during late night outages and a gated fence would improve their sense of safety, especially when moving between the building and their vehicles. “They’re excited about the possibility of this happening,” he said, “because there’s not always someone to escort you to at 3 a.m. when everything’s over or because the guys in the field are coming back and the people in the office are heading home.” Freeman said the additions shouldn’t deter from the presentation as mo-

sis, which is why it is so important for us to make sure that Oregonians have an opportunity to be part of the solution,” said Representative Jason Kropf (D – Bend). “The testimony we heard today showed Oregonians have core, shared values that unite us. We all want cleaner streets, safer communities and a drug treatment system that meets people where they are.” In the fourth meeting ahead of the 2024 Legislative Session, lawmakers will continue to examine potential public safety and public health solutions to the drug crisis in Oregon. torists come into the area since a mural and landscaping also exist in the entrance. He said most of the requested changes will happen on the backside of the building. Consideration Commissioner Laurie Green asked if previously removed hedges could be replaced to make the site appear less industrial, Freeman said several options were workable. When asked, Freeman said measures similar to those requested are in place in the Newport yard and barbed wire appears to be effective.

The Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response is the Legislature’s hub for the coordination of an urgent public health and safety response to the drug crisis. Through the 2024 session and beyond, this bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators will provide oversight of state programs and funding while seeking short and long-term solutions to keep Oregonians safe and healthy. This committee is cochaired by Senate Majority Leader Kate Lieber (D – Beaverton & SW Portland) and Representative Jason Kropf (D – Bend). He added that a private security firm is employed there, but not in Florence. In Reedsport, the entire facility is secure, but no vehicles park there at night, he said. Asked if the company has plans to move, Freeman said no, but will add to a substation to host tree-trimming vehicles. He said the company may outgrow the location but has nothing in its fiveyear-plan. With no public comments, the commission approved the request, as recommended by staff.

AUCTION from page 3A is likely to blight Wyto wildlife. oming’s reputation beThere is a better ap- yond recovery. It should proach. Selling the be clear: Privatizing parcel to the National an irreplaceable area Park Service—as Wyo- within a national park ming did with its other for short-term gain is a three parcels within the foolish and destructive park—is projected to move. generate up to $120 milSavannah Rose is a lion over 30 years. The contributor to Writers National Park Service on the Range, writersontried to buy the Kelly therange.org, an indeParcel in 2015, but the pendent nonprofit dedS agency lacked enough icated to spurring lively money to make the deal conversation about the then and now. West. She lives in JackEstablishing ourselves son, Wyoming, and is a as the first state to auc- wildlife photographer tion off public land who cares about keeping within a national park ecosystems intact.

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Trailer Sales - Repair - Rentals

• Detailing • Power Washing

Albatross Records

• Welding-Fabrication • Small Engine Repair

211 Harbor Street, Suite 1 Old Town Florence

• Metal Buildings

541-514-4713

Hours: Thurs, Fri and Sat from 11 am – 5 pm

• Moving – Recovery

Buying or Selling? I can help!

84966 Hwy 101 - Incredible opportunity to own rare RR2, dividable acreage. Split off 2 acres and build your dream home! 4.5 acre property with privacy, RV/boat storage, pond and more. 1979 ranch style home with 3 brms, 2.5 baths and 2095 sqft. $699,000. #3483- 23571702

Heidi White Broker 541-600-6058

Check out the new Catering Menu for all your holiday needs! Order online for pickup or delivery!

1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200

www.themarketflorence.com the Market & Dine-in Deli December Events

Make your reservations! 541-902-6447 Dec 13th — All you can eat Wings buffet 5pm-8 -$38.00 - Chicken wings, Mac n cheese, Salad, Honey Corn Bread, and Fresh baked Dessert served buffet style Dec 16th — Wine Paring – Dinner 5-9 $45.00 – four course meal and wine paring. Menu to be announced online at; https://www.facebook.com/ themarketdineindeli/ Dec 20th — Prime Rib Holiday dinner 5pm-9 $68.00 – Starters include Smoked salmon Crostini’s and Dungeness crab stuffed mushrooms, Caesar or garden salad. Main course -succulent Reserve Prime Rib, Salted Roasted Potatoes, Prosciutto wrapped asparagus and White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake dessert. Dec 13th — 26th Holiday and end of year blowout Sale 20-50% off Merchandise and Specialty Groceries – we have stocking stuffers, and unique gift ideas in our showcase plus Sweat shirts, hats gloves and more!

88416 1st. Ave. #2 Florence, Oregon 97430 541-902-6447

BO W • Tu 5• • Tu 12 R •

SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | 5A

Hebo Ranger District sites to require digital payments

Shoppe LOCAL #MyFlorence

Shop. Eat. Support.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, recreation sites on the Hebo Ranger District of the Siuslaw National Forest will require digital payment. This includes campgrounds, Sand Lake Recreation Area sand camping, and developed recreation sites that require a fee. No cash will be accepted. “We are excited to modernize our payment methods,” said Hebo District Ranger Shawn

Rivera. “By accepting digital payments at our most popular recreation sites, our recreation employees and campground hosts will have more time to work on maintenance issues and other important projects. The reservation system at East Dunes Campground will be new to users, but it will give visitors more time to plan ahead and guarantee them a campsite.” Digital reservations and

payments for developed campsites must be made on Recreation.gov or by phone at 877-444-6777, with the exception of West Winds Campground. Fees for camping at West Wind Campground can be paid for at the West Winds Fee Kiosk by January 2024. Day use and sand camping site fees can be paid with a valid day pass, Northwest Forest Pass, or an Interagency Pass. For more information about

passes, visit https://t.ly/ P9fAu. Day use passes can be purchased online or by using an electronic fee card machine located at the West Winds Fee Kiosk or Drift Creek Falls Trailhead Fee Kiosk. Sand Lake Recreation Area – East Dunes Campground will be added to Recreation.gov by Jan. 1, 2024, and each campsite will require digital reservations and payment. The campground has 59 campsites that were previously available on a first come, first served basis and paid for in cash.

Florence Charm Tr

nce Oregon

ore Fl

A weekly roundup of shopping, savings and doings around town.

Guests are encouraged to check online for available campsites and make their reservation prior to leaving home. Those who visit a campground with an open campsite, but do not have a reservation, will need to find internet access in order to reserve their campsite. Some campgrounds have cell service where others may require guests to drive to find reception. These changes do not affect dispersed camping, which is also available on designated areas of the Forest. For more information, visit our website.

baskets return Charm TraiFood l OR

’S C O

ASTAL PLAYG

to Florence

Siuslaw News staff

A 40+ year tradition will continue this season in Florence when Soroptimist packs family cars with all the food they need for an amazing holiday dinner. Soroptimist Treasurer Carol Bennett said folks from several local groups will team up for the Community Christmas Basket program Dec. 16 at the Siuslaw Middle School parking lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bennett said Soroptimist does the fundraising to buy $25,000 to $30,000 in food every year to provide meals to families based on number of family members. Families of one or two people will get all the trimmings for a chicken dinner, while larger families will receive a turkey dinner. Rolls, stuffing, milk, but-

ter, eggs, vegetables and more will be placed in “baskets” and loaded directly into cars by volunteers so families only need to drive to the location. Bennett said volunteers are welcome at the site and anyone who shows up will be given something to do. “When you see even one family smile and say, ‘thank you,’ it will all be worth it,” she said. Bennett estimated that about 425 families will benefit from the distribution. No donations of food are needed, since all families receive similar baskets. To donate, send checks to S.I. Florence, PO Box 1209, Florence OR, 95439 or drop a check by 1234 Rhododendron St., Suite 7. Donations are tax deductible.

The Florence Charm Trail is excited to anno

2022 Holiday Charm

For a limited time and while supplies last o

Rental Center

Backhoe / Excavator Hedge Trimmer / Tile Cutter And more…… For the homeowner or contractor

FLORENCE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 290 Hwy 101 • 541-997-3128 Mon-Fri 9 am -1pm, Sat 10 am-2 pm

Reservations taken for all Equipment Monday—Friday 8 to 5 1550 6th St. & Hwy 101 541-997-2653

BARGAINS OF THE MONTH TRUE VALUE HARDWARE

SAVE. SHOP

WALLY’S

1750 HIGHWAY 126 DUNES VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER FLORENCE, OR PHONE (541) 997-8024 SALE DATE:

DECEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2023

$8.99

$25.00 off Pumping or $10.00 off a Service Call

Bud’s Upholstery 10% off Materials on any new job 541-997-4856

1550 6th St. & Hwy 101 541-997-9424 Monday—Saturday 10-5

OREGON COAST HUMANE SOCIETY

’S C O

ASTAL PLAYG

Florence Charm Trail

TKitchen HE SKlutter HIPPIN’ SHACK

MuchHighway More than a101 Kitchen Store 1258 Bay Street • 625 • 541-997-5888 541-997-6060 Daily 9:30am-6pm Mon – Friday 8 am – 5 pm • Sat 9 am – 3 pm

BBeauxEAUXArtsAFineRTSArtFINEMaterials ART MATERIALS

December 2023

Yellow Tags are

50% off!

2285 Hwy. 2285 Hwy.101101• 541-991-8213 • 541-991-8213 Tues – Friday 12 pm – 5pm: Sat 12 pm - 4 pm, or by Tues appt. – Friday 12 pm – 5pm: Sat 12 pm - 4 pm, or by appt

Hours: 10am - 4pm Seven days a week!

(541) 997-5705 1193 Bay St., Old Town Florence

Contact Bob for more information: (H) 541-997-6626 • (C) 541-999-4239 47maribob38@gmail.com

The Shippin’ Shack 625 Highway 101 • 541-997-5888 Mon – Friday 8 am – 5 pm • Sat 9 am – 3 pm

The Thrift Shop

BOTH MEETINGS ARE CURRENTLY ON HOLD. WATCH SIUSLAW NEWS FOR RESUMPTION • Tuesday Evening Group (2nd Tuesday) 5-7 p.m. - Ichiban Chinese/Japanese Restaurant • Urologist Dr. Bryan Mehlhaff attends. • Tuesday Lunch Group (3rd Tuesday) 12 noon – 1:00 p.m. – Ichiban Chinese/Japanese Restaurant • Urologist Dr. Roger McKimmy attends.

Florence Events Center 715 Quince St. • 541-997-1994 Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm

When you present this coupon. expires December 31, 2023

www.ustooflorence.org

Charm Trail

1686 12th St. • 541-997-2610 Monday-Saturday 10am-3pm (South side of building)

2023 Holiday Charms

Coupon expires - December 31, 2023

Prostate Cancer Education Support on the Oregon Coast

Oreg o

The Florence Charm Trail is excited to announce For a limited time and while supplies last only. KITCHEN KLUTTER Much More than a Kitchen Store For a1258 limitedBaytimeStreet and while supplies last only • 541-997-6060 Daily 9:30am-6pm

Discount does not apply to credit card or mailed payments.

ZERO/US TOO Florence

nce ore

The Florence Charm Trail is excited to announce

Payment must be made at the time of service to receive discount.

SUPPORT

THE ELKS LODGE

Call Today to Schedule an appointment Call 541-997-8885

4981 Hwy. 101 N., Florence

715 Quince St. • 541-997-1994 Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm

Sterilite® 18 gal. Holiday Storage Tote Snap-on lid. Molded handles for easy transport. 231/ 2”L x 183/ 8”W x 161/ 8”H. W 204 527

Septic Tank Pumping

FLORENCE EVENTS CENTER

Call today to reserve your rental equipment located at 1550 6th Street & HWY 101 Rentals are available on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Call 541-997-2653 OPEN: MONDAY – FRIDAY 8AM TO 5PM

Honda Portable generators provide quiet power for camping, RVing, tailgating and more. Honda Home generators offer convenient, reliable back up power for outages. Honda Work generators are the number one choice in the construction and rental industry.

Lighthouse Inn 155 US-101 • 541-997-3221 Open Daily

LIGHTHOUSE INN

Bay Street 155 US-101Tees• 541-997-3221 1499 Bay Street in Old Town • 541-305-5795 11 am Open Daily – 5 pm Mon-Thurs. • 10 am – 7 pm Fri.-Sun. Florence Saw Shop is proud to be a qualified elite retailer of the Stihl product line. Our friendly and Certified Gold Technician is always ready to help you select the equipment that meets your specific needs. Your equipment comes fully

Stitch & Sole 1377 Bay Street • 541-997-7463 Daily 10 am – 6 pm

BAY STREET TEES

U.B.U.Bay Naturally & Spirit 1499 StreetMind, in OldBodyTown • 541-305-5795 Riberal • 302 Kingwood Street • 541-653-7736 11Lisa am – 5 pm Mon-Thurs. • 10 am – 7 pm Fri.-Sun. Open Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm

assembled and ready to use.

Repair Center Have a piece of equipment with a small engine that needs a tune-up, needs rebuilt, or just isn’t running like it should? Bring it into our small engine repair shop for a quote.

We also sharpen chains.

& SOLEkeepsake MakeSaTITCH personalized Bay Street • 541-997-7463 for1377friends and family Dailythrough 10 am – 6thepmholidays each Available

$3 $3

Siuslaw News 148 Maple Street * 541-997-3441 U.B.U.8-5NMonday ATURALLY- Friday MIND, BODYEach & SPIRIT

6A | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | SIUSLAW NEWS

Razor clamming open from WA border to Cape Blanco

Razor clamming is now open from the Washington border to Cape Blanco (north of Port Orford), the Oregon Department of Agriculture and ODFW announced. Recent shellfish samples indicate levels of domoic acid (a marine biotoxin) are below the limit for two consecutive weeks. Razor clamming remains closed from Cape Blanco to the California

border as domoic acid levels continue to be above the safety threshold. Crab, mussel, and bay clam harvesting are open along the entire Oregon coast. Domoic acid is produced by algae and originates in the ocean. ODA will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Re-

opening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit. For more information call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin hotline at (800) 448-2474, the ODA Food Safety Program at (503) 986-4720, or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.

Commercial Dungeness crab season begins Dec. 16 from Cape Foulweather to California border Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery opens Dec. 16 from Cape Foulweather (just south of Depoe Bay) to the California border. Pre-season testing shows that crabs remain too low in meat yield to open commercial fishing from Cape Foulweather to the Washington border. The next round of crab meat yield and biotoxin testing will help determine if this area can open Dec. 31 or is further delayed. Targeted to open Dec. 1, Oregon’s ocean commercial Dungeness crab season can be delayed or partially opened so consumers get a high-quality product and crabs are not

Realtor of the Year and Affiliate of the Year named The Central Oregon Coast Board of Realtors held its annual Holiday Party on December 2. The evening included announcing Mike Blankenship as the winner for Realtor of the Year and Beth Rudometkin as Affiliate of the Year for 2024. Mike Blankenship was instrumental in leading the board and membership to achieve numerous goals this year. Beth Rudometkin is an industry leader in the mortgage industry who prides herself in putting in the time and effort on behalf of her clients and community. COCBR collected over 70 gifts at the party for local children in need this holiday season.

wasted. This year’s sea- egon’s commercial crab son was initially delayed landings is available onuntil at least Dec. 16 due line. to low meat yield in some coastal areas. ODFW tests crabs out of Oregon’s six major crabbing ports in partWE DO IT ALL! nership with the Oregon • Pressure washing Dungeness Crab Commis• Gutter cleaning sion, Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA), • House washing and the commercial • Clean and vacuum lint from Dungeness crab industry. dryer vent. Weekly season opening • Check washer lines for updates are posted onleakage line until the decision to • Inspect exterior door open the season is made. hardware; fix squeaky Oregon, California and handles and loose locks. Washington coordinate AND MUCH MORE for your home. Dungeness crab qualiDan and Teresa Lofy, Owners ty testing and the comAnd Watson mercial season opening dates. A history of OrFree Estimates Licensed & Bonded Florence, OR 97439 CCB#221760

Mike Blankenship was named the Realtor of the Year during the Central Oregon Coast Board of Realtors Holiday Party on December 2. Contributed photo

Come take a look at our ever changing inventory!

Johnston Motor Company Since 1939

2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475

https://www.thesiuslawnews.com/

American Market has two locations in Florence to serve you for all your convenience shopping needs including special beer snacks, hot food and cigarettes.

H H H

2515 Highway 101 541-997-5360 Open 24 hours 87764 Highway 101 541-997-8855 Open 6am – 10pm

H H H

Residential & Commercial Complete Asphalt Installation & Service • Roads • Driveways • Parking Lots • Seal Coating Call Your Asphalt Specialist Today

541-870-2302

FREE ESTIMATES Family Owned & Operated CCB#214400

Dr. Jessica Kubisch, Dr. Jordan Raymer & RN injector, Brittany Countryman, are excited to be offering these services to the Florence and surrounding community.

Schedule a free consultation today!

Medical grade facials Dermal fillers Semaglutide Botox Kybella BioRePeelCL3 Chemical peels Microneedling Vitamin Injections IV Nutritional Infusions Professional grade skin care products 524 Laurel Street, Florence, OR 97439

www.pacifichopeaesthetics.com

1340 Bay St. in Oldtown Florence (541) 997—7339 | 11am-6pm daily

541-239-3300

• Crystals • Rocks • Nature-themed Gifts

• Specimen Seashells • Local Artisan Goods • Archival Natural History Posters • Global Fair-Trade Crafts • Jewelry • and more!

SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | 7A

WARNING from page 3A ous gases such as carbon urgent need to address monoxide. With its small threats to avert future size and fast metaboavifaunal collapse and lism, the canary would associated loss of ecosys- collapse before the gas tem integrity, function reached levels fatal to and services.” humans, giving the minIt’s not just bird popula- ers just enough time to tions that are collapsing. escape. Insect populations are We need to see the crashing as well. Studies humble snowbird for from the United States, what it is: Our “canary Europe and Asia over the in the world.” When past 10 years document even the commonest wild shocking declines in in- species are suffering drassect populations, as much tic declines, do we really as 50 to 75%. believe that a world inIf you’re plagued by hospitable to our fellow swarms of mosquitoes in creatures will continue to the summer, you might be hospitable to us? As think that’s not such a one species after another bad thing. But insects are dwindles away, the struccrucial to the functioning ture of the ecosystems of just about every eco- that sustain life on Earth system on Earth, serving is weakening. as pollinators, decomposThe familiar flash of a ers and as food for count- junco’s white tail feathers less species of critters as I hike along a mounhigher up the food chain. tain trail always brings a Is there an exception smile to my face. It’s a reto this relentless litany minder that keeping comof population declines? mon species common is Why, yes. It’s us. Since essential to keeping this 1970, the human popula- beautiful planet livable, tion of the United States and for that, I say thank has grown by more than you, little snowbird. 60%, while bird popuPepper Trail is a conlations have fallen by a tributor to Writers on third. That doesn’t seem the Range, writersonlike a coincidence. therange.org, a nonprofEveryone has heard it dedicated to spurring of the canary in the coal lively conversation about mine: the bird that min- the West. He is a biologist ers brought underground and writer based in Ashto alert them to danger- land, Oregon.

nosh eatery 541-997-5899

Old Town Florence

Tues-Sat 11am-9pm

www.nosheateryﬂ orence.com

Railroad Comes to the Coast

By Cal Applebee American Heritage Chronicles The railroad industry was still in its formulative years in the early part of the 19th century, as was our young nation. The first steam locomotive arrived in the east in 1830, yet by just 1850, nine thousand miles of track had been laid there. Railroading became more consequential in many ways during our nations development, demonstrated by its use by the North during the Civil War for transporting both troops and supplies, in the early 1860’s. As our settlement gained momentum towards the west, so did railroading as a tool of that effort. The US Congress passed legislation in 1866 to create a rail line here in the west from Portland, down through the Willamette Valley and reaching the California border. Then in 1869 the Transcontinental Railroad connected East to West, and finally a line was built serving between Portland and Roseburg in 1872. The coastal region of Lane County was still fairly well isolated however, and although efforts began as early as 1889 by the Siuslaw and Eastern Railway and Navigation Co. to construct a line reaching only to Mapleton, it would take until 1913 for that effort to succeed. When it did, travelers still had to use boats on the Siuslaw River to reach Florence. By 1919, in addition to freight traffic, passenger traffic had increased to the point where travelers spilled over to the

baggage cars as well as passenger coaches. By the mid 1920’s a highway had been constructed along the river completing the road link clear to Florence and the coast. Likewise, the railroad’s ribbon of steel tracks arrived in the 1920’s, although it only reached Cushman and not Florence. By the late 1920’s loss of passengers caused the discontinuation of daytime passenger train service, leaving only night trains. The ridership levels were obviously impacted by the connection to the coast via the new road from Mapleton. While the trains from the valley never actually reached Florence on their way to Coos Bay, they did stop at both the Cushman Station as well as Siltcoos Station. In fact, in 1935, a train derailed at the Siltcoos Station crushing all three buildings there. Around 1950 pullman sleepers were discontinued on the Eugene to Coos Bay run, but regular passenger coaches still ran. But by June of 1953 Southern Pacific’s last daily “milk run” was cancelled, stating they had been “losing money for quite a few years”. In the 1980’s a special for the World Trade Week event brought pas-

senger service back to the rails once again between Eugene and Coos Bay with a consist of multiple passenger cars, but it was only a one-time event. Freight traffic continued to keep the line busy for the next several decades, along with sales of the company, re-alignments and mergers. In 2007 however, then-owner Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad closed the line with just a one-day notice to its shippers, intending to tear up the line and sell it for scrap. Despite the struggling economy by that time, the International Port of Coos Bay realized the need to keep the rails intact and began the arduous process to acquire it. Not an easy task even in stable economic times, the task was daunting as it included 134 miles of track, nine tunnels and 37 bridges, including three draw bridges, most of which required refurbishing. They felt it was critical to keep the line alive and serve their customers’ needs. They reopened the line in 2011. In 2008 I attended a Florence Chamber luncheon where Port representatives presented their plan of attack. I asked if they felt passenger service between the valley and the coast might be in the future, even if just

excursions. They replied, “not likely” as it simply wasn’t cost feasible, particularly when “freight rules the rails”, explaining that if a passenger train met a fright train on the line, the passenger train would be delayed letting the freight move on schedule. While other parts of the coast have more railroad heritage than here in western Lane County, such as Coos Bay where timber and coal mining was heavy in the late 1800’s, we have seen other railroad activity in the area. For example, a short line for a logging camp existed in the Mapleton area in the vicinity of the Gingerbread House, and a narrow-gauge short line existed in the Glenada area during the construction of the Coos Bay line in the early 1900’s. While the presence of the railroad is somewhat evident in our area today, it doesn’t fully reflect the efforts over the past 100-plus years to make it become a reality. But it did become a reality, almost faded from existence at one point, and was then rescued to serve our commerce needs. The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum is currently working on a display of the Cushman station and will be interesting to visit!

Faith – Friendship - Fellowship – Fun

CHURCH DIRECTORY

To include your organization in this directory, please call us @ 541-997-3441

ANCHOR OF HOPE CHURCH Live like Jesus, share His Love. 1318 Rhododendron Drive www.anchorofhopeflo.com Sunday Service 11am Livestream on Facebook @anchorofhopeflo

FLORENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2nd & Kingwood • (541) 997-6025 Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for adults is at 9:00 a.m. Online services at www.florenceunitedmethodist.org or find us on Facebook.

BAHA’I FAITH OF FLORENCE Monthly Interfaith Devotions in-person & Zoom 4th Monday 7:00 pm “Ye are all leaves of one tree ...” -Baha’i Writings Join us on Facebook: Florence Baha’i Community For info and meeting location: 541-590-0779 ALL ARE WELCOME!

FOURSQUARE CHURCH 1624 Highway 101 (next to A&W) –- 997-6337 Pastor George Pagel – Something for the entire family. Sunday Service 10:00 am Wednesday Bible Study returns this Fall. Website: florence4square.com

Wednesdays at 7pm https://www.florencecrossroadag.org/church-online Other platforms update after the service. florencecrossroadag.org office@florencecrossroadag.org

RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS) “War is still not the answer.” FCNL We meet Sunday’s at 11am in our homes. Call 541-515-8191 for locations.

FLORENCE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP 87738 Hwy 101 at Heceta Beach Road RUAUU? Come explore the answer with us. Sunday Worship Services ~ 10:00am www.florenceuuf.com

ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL Church Welcomes You Worship Sun. 10am Wed 11am 2135 19th St. 541-997-6600 standssecretary19@gmail.com Labyrinth & Garden daily 8am-5pm “Be the change.”

NEW LIFE LUTHERAN E.L.C.A. COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH NEW LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH, E.L.C.A. 4590 Hwy. 101 N, across from Fred Meyer“Serving Christ by serving others.” 541 997-7418 21st & Spruce Streets—(541) 997-8113 SUNDAY SERVICES - Adult Bible Study Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m. 9:30 AM; Worship 10:45 AM; Online services available on our FaceBook, YouTube, High School Youth 7- 9 PM and website: www.florencenewlifelutheran.org MID-WEEK- Women’s Bible Study-Tuesday NEW LIFE PENTOCOSTAL CHURCH 10:00-Noon and Thursday Located in Park Place Plaze (Suite J) 7:00-8:00PM; Men’s Bible Study Thursday Sunday Morning@ 10AM and 8:00-9:30 AM; Middle Wednesday Night @ 7pm School Youth Wed. 7-9 PM. Pastor Tim Banks Sunday Worship streams live at Community Baptist 541-252-2319 Church Facebook Page PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF THE SIUSLAW CROSS ROAD ASSEMBLY OF GOD 3996 N Hwy 101 541-997-7136 Corner of 10th & Maple- 541-997-3533 Internet and in person Sunday Services at 10:30am, Sunday 9am Adult Sunday School is at 9:30am. 1st Service in person Call the church for details. Sunday 11am Reverend Greg Wood 2nd Service in person & Online All Welcome. Come as you are. Children’s Church (0yrs-12yrs) in person & Online

RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH, L.C.M.S. Worship Services 10 am • Bible Study 9:00 am FLORENCE CHRISTIAN CHURCH Pastor Steve Waterman 2nd & Ivy - 541-997-2961 - Non-Denominational 85294 Hwy. 101 S. – 997-8038 Service is on Sunday at 10:00 am Facebook.com/ResurrectionLutheranChurchFlorence Sunday Service also streaming live at 10am www.puppro.wixite.com/rlcflorence at florencechurch.com

JOIN US IN WORSHIP 4 lines, approx 15 words, $15 a week 4 week Minimum Deadline: Noon Tuesdays

SAINT MARY, OUR LADY OF THE DUNES CATHOLIC CHURCH 1.5 miles south of river on Hwy 101 – 997-2312 Mass Times: Daily: Tue, Wed, Fri 9:00 AM Adoration & Confession Fri 9:30-10:30 AM Saturday 5:30 PM and Sunday 11:00 AM Fr. Amir Welcomes All to Attend

8A | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | SIUSLAW NEWS

$100 PRIZE! Try to figure out which Santa belongs to which business. They may not have their Santa hats on or be wearing a beard, but they will be in the businesses and could be helping you. Two Chances to Win $50 One winner will be who correctly identifies the MOST Santa’s,* and one winner will be selected at random from the entries. 1

_ _ _ _ _Dr. Travis Alcorn, Florence Dental Clinic

_ _ _ _ _Captain David Rossi from West Lane Fire & EMS

_ _ _ _ _TR Hunter Real Estate

_ _ _ _ _Dr. Justin Linton, Florence Dental Clinic

_ _ _ _ _Dr. Brian Holmes, Florence Dental Clinic

_ _ _ _ _Bob Horney, US TOO Group

_ _ _ _ _ Siuslaw News

_ _ _ _ _Chad E. Clement, D.D.S., PC

_ _ _ _ _Jo Beaudreau, Beaux Arts Fine Art Materials & Gallery

_ _ _ _ _Shervin’s Tire & Automotive Repair

_ _ _ _ _Florence North Liquors at Twin Lake Store

_ _ _ _ _Chief Pitcher, Florence Police Department

_ _ _ _ _Hunt Family Dentistry

_ _ _ _ _Flo, the Official, Unofficial Florence Mascot

_ _ _ _ _Lofy Construction

_ _ _ _ _Randy Paredes , Broker, Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate

Entry form must be received by Friday, December 15th at 12 Noon.

Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

The winners will be contacted on December 20th by phone.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Two ways to enter: Bring your entry to Siuslaw News, 148 Maple St. Email a scanned copy to jpetersen@countrymedia.net

Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Phone: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ * Employees and family members of the Siuslaw News are not eligible to play.

* In the event of a tie the winner will be randomly drawn from those entries. Must be 18 years of age to enter.

KELLY - This Week Stats: 7-4 Season Stats: 84-52

Gracie & Kelly Invite You to stop in and Check Out the Great Selection of Toyota Cars & Trucks

RON - This Week Stats: 9-2 Season Stats: 90-46 Big Fish Café & Dinner House

345 Riverfront Way Reedsport • 541-361-6331 Gluten-free Fish n’ Chips

Dinner 4-8ish

Closed Sunday and Monday

FULL BAR. Call for reservations. All occasion Catering Spectacular River Views

Open Year Round — Dinner

Atlanta Chicago Pittsburgh Minnesota Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Buffalo Baltimore Miami Houston LA Rams Tie breaker: 57

JIM - This Week Stats: 8-3 Season Stats: 89-47

WE BUY USED GOLF CARTS

Diversified Sales Golf Cart Sales & Repair Used Cars & Trucks 541-997-4505 2530 Hwy. 101, Florence

Trailer Sales - Repair - Rentals

Small Engine Repair Metal Buildings Barns and Sheds Moving - Recovery

Atlanta Cleveland Indianapolis Minnesota Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Dallas Baltimore Miami Houston LA Rams Tie breaker: 42

JIM - This Week Stats: 9-2 Season Stats: 86-50

RV’ers, we are PARTS your complete Mobile SERVICE & Dry Rot Repair Service

“Complete RV Truck & Auto Repair”

FLORENCE RV AND AUTOMOTIVE 4390 Highway 101 North, Florence

541-997-8287

AMRIT/ROJ - This Week Stats: 7-4 Season Stats: 85-51

Atlanta Cleveland Indianapolis Cincinnati Detroit Green Bay NY Giants San Francisco Buffalo Baltimore Miami Tennessee LA Rams Tie breaker: 43

American Market has two locations in Florence to serve you for all your convenience shopping needs.

H H H

2515 Highway 101 • 541-997-5360 Open 24 Hours

87764 Highway 101 • 541-997-8855 Open 6am - 10pm

HHHH H

Gracie

Atlanta Cleveland Pittsburgh Cincinnati Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Dallas Jacksonville Miami Houston LA Rams Tie breaker: 40

Carolina Cleveland Indianapolis Cincinnati Detroit Green Bay NY Giants San Francisco Dallas Baltimore Miami Tennessee LA Rams Tie breaker: 42

CHAD - This Week Stats: 10-1 Season Stats: 89-47

S! You Always Put A

GO DUCK

Smile On Our Face!

Go Get Em, DUCKS!

1256 Bay St. 541-997-3423

Atlanta Cleveland Indianapolis Minnesota Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Dallas Baltimore Miami Houston LA Rams Tie breaker: 58

BEAT THE PICKERS PANEL

FOOTBALL CONTEST 2023

by r picks iled, a in you Bring 4 PM - if m d by e ay Tuesd e post mark week must b ay of game Tuesd

WEEK 13 WAS SKIPPED DUE TO DEADLINES. WINNERS WILL RETURN NEXT WEEK! Week 16 - Games will play on 12/23-12/24

neW england

Pittsburgh la Chargers atlanta houston n Y Jets tamPa baY miami Carolina minnesota tennessee ChiCago

denver

at at at at at at at at at at

Tie-Breaker:

Ants concrete LLC Concrete Contractor Antbully82 @yahoo.com

Anthony Thalhamer 197439 CCB

541 735-4836

Atlanta Chicago Pittsburgh Cincinnati Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Buffalo Jacksonville Miami Tennessee LA Rams Tie breaker: 46

DAN - This Week Stats: 6-5 Season Stats: 79-57

For All Things Forgotten DRIVEWAYS RAIN DRAINS AND MORE!

HVAC CLEANING GUTTERS & SCREENS MOSS REMOVAL PRESSURE WASHING DRYER VENTS DECKS PATIOS

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Atlanta Chicago Pittsburgh Minnesota Denver Tampa Bay NY Giants San Francisco Dallas Baltimore NY Jets Houston Washington Tie breaker: 37

STEVE - This Week Stats: 5-6 Season Stats: 64-72

Florence Heating &

SHEET METAL, INC

1645 Kingwood St. Tel: (541) 997-2422 Florence, OR Fax: (541) 997-4006 Residential and Commercial Sales and Service Heat Pumps, Ductless Heat Pumps and Furnaces

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CinCinnati buffalo indianaPolis Cleveland Washington JaCksonville dallas green baY detroit seattle arizona

ANTHONY - This Week Stats: 9-2 Season Stats: 88-48

Free Estimates

CCB#64

Atlanta Cleveland Pittsburgh Minnesota Detroit Green Bay NY Giants Arizona Dallas Baltimore Miami Houston Washington Tie breaker: 37

AARON - This Week Stats: 7-4 Season Stats: 83-53

GETZ CONSTRUCTION LLC

CCB#220417

AARON GETZ owner

getzaaron@yahoo.com 541.999.7724

Carolina Cleveland Indianapolis Cincinnati Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Buffalo Jacksonville Miami Tennessee LA Rams Tie breaker: 44

Total Points from the Sunday Game:__________ DAREN - This Week Stats: 10-1 Season Stats: 84-52

HUNT FAMILY DENTISTRY DAREN T. HUNT, D.M.D.

950 9th Street • P.O. Box 14000 Florence, OR 97439

541-997-7181

Atlanta Cleveland Pittsburgh Minnesota Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Dallas Baltimore Miami Houston LA Rams Tie breaker: 30

Name:

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

and DELI

1544 US-101 • Florence, OR

Atlanta Cleveland Indianapolis Cincinnati Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Dallas Baltimore Miami Houston LA Rams Tie breaker: 35

JENNA P - This Week Stats: 10-1 Season Stats: 74-62

REGENCY FLORENCE

REHABILITATION CENTER

A Regency Pacific Community

Bringing independence to living and quality of life ••• Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

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1951 E 21st Street :: Florence www.regencyflorence.com

Atlanta Cleveland Indianaoplis Cincinnati Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Buffalo Jacksonville Miami Houston LA Rams Tie breaker: 62

JEANNA - This Week Stats: 8-3 Season Stats: 79-57

In Print & Online

Subscribe or renew today!

148 Maple Street

thesiuslawnews.com 541.997.3441

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Jackson Family Coastal Construction Licensed and Bonded

Phone Number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

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WIN A $20.00 GIFT CERTIFICATE With the Football Contest

Fill out the form below for your choice of winners. The TIE-BREAKER game is a Sunday game. Guess the total points of this game. In the event of a tie-breaker tie, the winner will be determined by a drawing. Entries must be received by Tuesday, 4 pm of game week at the Siuslaw News, 148 Maple Street, (P.O. Box 10), Florence, Oregon 97439. You can also take a picture of your completed entry form and email it to: jpetersen@thesiuslawnews.com Employees of the Siuslaw News and their families are not eligible to win. In the event of multiple winners, final weekly winner will be drawn at random from preliminary winners. ATTENTION: Tiebreaking Process - the designated tie-breaker game will be judged on total points ONLY. Please estimate the total points for the tie-breaker game. One entry per family.

CHRIS - This Week Stats: 10-1 Season Stats: 87-49

MARKET

JUSTIN - This Week Stats: 6-5 Season Stats: 80-56

The Market & Dine-in Deli

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RANDY - This Week Stats: 9-2 Season Stats: 80-56

Atlanta Cleveland Pittsburgh Minnesota Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Dallas Baltimore Miami Tennessee LA Rams Tie breaker: 53

Coffee Station and Specialty Grocery Market Home of the Exploding Whale burger Award Winning Clam Chowder Hand Made Tarts & made to order Deli Sandwiches. Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

at north end of the resort

88416 1st. Avenue, Florence

SETH - This Week Stats: 6-5 Season Stats: 86-50

Atlanta Chicago Indianapolis Cincinnati Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Buffalo Baltimore Miami Houston LA Rams Tie breaker: 45

MIKE - This Week Stats: 7-4 Season Stats: 88-48

Mike Blankenship TR Hunter Real Estate Principal Broker Mobile:

541.991.7826 Office:

541.997.1200

mike@trhunter.com 1749 Highway 101 Florence, OR www.trhunter.com

Atlanta Cleveland Indianapolis Cincinnati Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Dallas Baltimore Miami Houston Washington Tie breaker: 52

Atlanta Cleveland Indianapolis Cincinnati Detroit Tampa Bay NY Giants San Francisco Buffalo Baltimore Miami Houston LA Rams Tie breaker: 42

TODD - This Week Stats: 8-3 Season Stats: 78-58

625 Highway 101

Atlanta Chicago Indianapolis Minnesota Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Buffalo Baltimore NY Jets Tennessee LA Rams Tie breaker: 48

JIM - This Week Stats: 7-4 Season Stats: 78-58

JIM HOBERG Broker/Owner

visit us online at

www.jimhoberg.com

541-997-7653 1870 Hwy. 126, Suite A PO BOx 3040 FlOrence, Or FAx 541-997-7654

Atlanta Cleveland Pittsburgh Minnesota Detroit Green Bay New Orleans San Francisco Buffalo Baltimore Miami Houston LA Rams Tie breaker: 49

10A | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | SIUSLAW NEWS

COAST REAL ESTATE

541-997-7777

“We’re next to the Bridge”

100 Hwy. 101, Florence, OR

Servicing Florence Since 1956

Featured New ListiNgs, Price reductioNs & uPdates For the week oF december 13, 2023

$598,000

90778 SOUTHVIEW LANE NE W

Wonderful move-in ready home in Sandpines West gated community. Craftsman touches inside & out. Covered front porch. Hardwood floors & gas fireplace in living room. Large kitchen with pantry & all appliances are included. Great sun deck with privacy screen; fenced backyard with zen-like, low maintenance water feature. All this & a stones throw to golf course & close to beachs. OPEN HOUSE APPTS AFTER 2PM WELCOME; CALL 541-505-1180

4863 DARLINGS LOOP NE W

oPeN house Sat., 12/16 • Noon-2pm

1620 WILLOW LOOP NE W

1038 ROYAL ST GEORGES DR.

Freshly remodeled inside & out. Spacious rooms and convenient east end of town location. Large .28 acre lot with long paved driveway & tons of parking. Huge 648 SF oversized, finished garage. Home is 1782 SF with separate primary bedroom wings. Tasteful 24 x 24 tile floors and butcher block counter tops. Huge kitchen with island and pantry. Bright and sunny. Well-maintained and lightly lived in, this house represents great value in today’s market. RV parking, fenced yard and much more. Call today for appointment.

Quaint & cozy South Lakes Cottage. Large corner lot (.41 acre) with garden areas, trees & great landscaping. Detached finished garage with shop/workbench area + 2 enclosed storage areas. Great location - just a few steps to Darling’s Resort and Siltcoos Lake. Fenced yard & dog run areas. Covered patio/deck with hot tub. Home has been well cared for and is move-in ready. Ductless HP, cozy woodstove, and really nice kitchen with all appliances included + washer & dryer.

Awe-inspiring views of the Oregon coastline and Lily Lake from this 2-bedroom (possibly 3), plus office, 2.5 bath, 3134 sqft custom home in the exclusive gated Southview community just a few minutes north of Florence. Easy trail to beach - just a short walk away.

$469,000

954 NOPAL ST.

1600 RHODODENDRON DR. #272

1961 cottage style 3 bedroom home in the center of town. Original hardwood floors, brick wood burning fireplace and fenced rear yard. Close to the library, post office and stores. Walking distance to “Old Town”. Interior has been freshly painted and ready for you to move in!

$1,359,000

$595,000

5600 MUNSEL LANE

812 8TH ST.

Great “move-in ready” home in Greentrees East. Comes with newer appliances and a brand new dishwasher. Roof and newer stove were replaced in 2011. Water heater replaced in 2016. Carpets are freshly cleaned. Come enjoy the benefits of this 55+ gated community on the Oregon Coast. This one won’t last long!

Panoramic ocean view home in Fawn Ridge West. 4,244 square feet, 3 bdrm, 3.5-bath including a Mother-in-law suite w/separate entrance and elevator. Expansive great room with gourmet kitchen, high end appliances & butler’s pantry. Large .54 acre lot & a 2nd buildable .74 acre lot adjacent on Bambi Court is included, plus a 53’ deep by 20’ RV garage w/ full RV hookups & 16-foot door.

Unique split-level gem offers the perfect blend of tranquility & convenience. This well-loved 1 owner home, built in the 1960s, is now on the market for the first time. Imagine the stories & memories that await you as the fortunate new owner of this cherished property. Spacious layout, large private lot, and proximity to fishing, shopping, and golf, this home presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Split-level home in highly desirable neighborhood. 1477 SF of living space. Inviting fireplace in spacious living area, perfect ambiance for relaxation and warm gatherings. New roof Jan. 2023. While this home needs some additional love, it presents a fantastic opportunity for those with a creative eye and a desire to make it their own. End of street privacy within walking distance to shops & Old Town.

2137 10TH STREET

2107 WILLOW LOOP

2105 WILLOW LOOP

87831 HWY 101

This two bedroom, one bath home w/large living room is located 1 1/2 miles to the beach and close to Fred Meyer. Home features an open floor plan with lots of natural light, Fiber cement lap siding, 2 car attached garage, landscaped front yard, Pit-set concrete foundation and fenced back yard. Home is paired at the garage with adjacent home.

Property includes a duplex and a house on one lot. House in back of duplex includes attached 2 car garage and fenced backyard. Duplex includes one unit with 2 bedrooms and fenced yard. The other unit is upstairs with one bedroom and skylights. House will be vacant as of July 31st. Vacancy allows for opportunity to live in house while having investment properties in front or rent all three! Property is close to Bay Street as well as shopping is close by! Now is the time to make the most of this incredible opportunity!

BRAND NEW CREEKFRONT HOME IN WILLOW DUNES. Tons of concrete parking and circular driveway. 3 bedrooms + den and 2 baths. 1/3 acre lot. Custom kitchen with island and pantry. Separate bedroom wings with spacious primary suite with walk-in closet. Covered rear patio adjacent to Munsel Creek. Construction is nearing completion, so call for appointment today!

BRAND NEW CREEKFRONT HOME IN WILLOW DUNES. 3 bedrooms + den and 2 baths. Shop space in garage. Construction nearing completion soon. Kitchen features a center island and pantry, quartz countertops and custom cabinetry. Separate bedroom wings and tall ceilings in great room. Cedar shingle accents on exterior. 2 covered patios. Call for appointment today!

Conveniently situated within the urban growth boundary. Minutes away from beach & historic Old Town Florence. Step inside, you’ll be greeted by a combination of Oak hardwood, newer laminate & new carpeted flooring. Private backyard w/ nearly an acre of land. Home has a full metal roof & new electrical panel. Storage room in the garage keeps your outdoor equipment organized. Home has been recently updated. Schedule a showing today & discover the charm & potential this property has to offer.

4480 HIGHWAY 101

1277 BAY STREET

423 HIGHWAY 101

580 N HWY 101., YACHATS

TL#1700 HWY 101

Fantastic opportunity to acquire an already profitable commercial building space. Just over 3,000 SF featuring 7 offices, a fully equipped kitchen, storage room, inviting waiting room & 2 bathrooms. A spacious 1,441 SF structure with three large RV doors, catering to diverse business needs. Seize the opportunity to acquire an established profit making property.

Rare offering: Quaint vintage Bay Street building circa 1920. Distinctly charming w/ timeless allure of a byone era. Located on “Restaurant Row” in a prime Bay Street location. Currently rented month-tomonth to Mari’s Kitchen, a delightful dining experience open Thursday- Monday. Please do not disturb tenants. Showings on Tuesdays & Wednesdays only. Inquire to listing office for more info. and showing appt. Bay Street properties don’t come along often...inquire today!

HEART OF THE CITY RE-DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY. Prime location with approximately 247 feet of Hwy 101 visibility and frontage + rear access along Laurel Street. .67 acre site consisting of 3 older uninhabitable buildings: zoned Main Street A intended for highdensity mixed-use (commercial + residential). All the Highway improvements are complete and your next venture awaits! Apartments/Condos/Commercial...Re-develop today!

Rare business opportunity in the heart of Yachats, a vibrant coastal beach town. A unique chance to own a well-established local restaurant that has been in constant operation with one owner for over 40 years. Both the building and the business are included in the sale.

4.9-acre property boasting mixed-use potential. Prime location, anchored by Fred Meyer to the south and a new multi-use area to the east, just south of Munsel Lake Road. Rapidly growing area is enhanced by the new Three Mile Prairie subdivision to the north. Seller has taken care of $50,000 assessment for City Sewer and water, both located at property line. With its strategic location and supportive local environment, this property offers an exceptional multi-use opportunity. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary chance to capitalize on the area’s growth and potential.

NE W

25 TWIN TREE COURT

$329,500

$310,500

5171 NOPAL ST.

$495,000

$450,000

u ed

$1,550,000

$309,500

$898,000

$698,000

$599,900

$398,500

$ 595,000

$698,000

$1,042,500

List Price

$399,900 1340 Square Feet

QUICK

MOVE IN

andy Johnson Principal Broker/Owner

missy Johnson Broker

aLva bracey Broker

PameLa yarbrough Principal Broker

aric sneddon Broker

randy Paredes Broker

$299,900

$849,000

Interest Rate

Payment

5.625%

$1837.50

Conventional 30 year fixed with 20% down

With buyer’s incentive $15,000 buy down credit

Rates are not guaranteed and are subject to change. All information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Any programs shown do not demonstrate all options or pricing structures. All loans subject to underwriting approval. Some products may not be available; please reach out to your local lender for more information. Equal Housing Opportunity and Licensed under the Oregon Consumer Finance Act.

dani FLescher Broker

rick cox Broker

Jack Johnson Broker

ryan denning Broker

John barnett Broker

sadie Ward Broker

Justin young Broker

sam Johnson Broker

shirLey hunt Principal Broker

Lynnette Wikstrom Broker

Wanda Johnson Broker

Check out our Website @ cbcoast.com New Search Features, Videos and More. See ALL of Florence’s Listings.

SPORTS & LIFESTYLE

worldeditor@countrymedia.net

Tide Table

Siuslaw River Entrance saltwatertides.com

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Bennett’s photography on display at chamber gallery

The work Florence photographer Rodger Bennett will be on display at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce’s Visitors Center and Gallery. Contributed photos The world-class work of local photographer Rodger Bennett’s winter exhibit at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce’s Visitors Center and Gallery has been installed and is ready for locals and visitors to enjoy. “We are delighted to again have Rodger’s stunning work for our winter display at the Chamber’s Visitors Center,” said Chamber president/CEO Bettina Hannigan. “His work has brought so much joy to visitors.” “People will be amazed and delighted to know we have such an international caliber photographer in our midst here in Florence,” Hannigan added. “You really need to come see these pieces. They include absolutely stunning images of from iconic spots in our area, from around the world, and of wildlife.” “It’s an honor to have been

chosen again by the Chamber to hang my work in the Visitors Center Gallery,” said Bennett. “We hope that people visiting the Chamber will enjoy the showing,” Bennett said. “There are a variety of sizes and a few decorator images, and we’ll continue to rotate some images in and out over the next month or two to keep the display fresh and interesting.” Bennett describes the exhibit as “An eclectic collection of metal prints; some new, some previously exhibited, a collection of photos of places or things that remind us of just how beautiful life is.” Most of Bennett’s work is printed on high gloss metal giving it a stunning effect. “I just hope that visitors believe they haven’t wasted their time in studying a sample of my art. Photos don’t lie. They show the subject as it is. When peo-

ple like looking at the images, I am grateful,” he added. Among the works is “a good one of Hank, the Blue Heron, taken about nine miles up the Siuslaw. He visits his best pal, Nancy, on a regular basis. He consents to posing for portraits if he’s amply compensated,” Bennett explained. “It’s rewarding to be included among those who are contributing to a positive community spirit through the Chamber’s gallery,” said Bennett. “The Florence Area Chamber is taking a high-level, multi-faceted approach to improving the economic climate, showing off the upbeat attitude and the attractiveness of the entire area. I feel privileged to be a member of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.” All pieces are for sale and customized sizes and media are available to order. Rodger

Bennett Legacy Portraiture’s gallery is at 1234 Rhododendron Dr., suite 7. It shares the parking lot with Florence In Bloom. “Carol and I are always happy to have people come by to look at images or just to chat,” he added. Bennett can be contacted at (541) 991-0777 or through his website, PhotoByRodger.com. The Bennetts also operate their business consulting and bookkeeping service from the same location. The Chamber features a different local artist’s work on a rotating basis and is open this winter from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For more information about the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, and how to join or volunteer, visit FlorenceChamber.com or call (541) 9973128. The Chamber’s Visitor Center is at 290 Highway 101 in Florence.

Habitat plan for western state forests could cost counties $18 million a year in timber revenue The Oregon Department of Forestry released long-awaited revenue projections for 14 counties if a landmark conservation plan is adopted By ALEX BAUMHARDT Oregon Capital Chronicle

To avoid major lawsuits under the federal Endangered Species Act, state and federal agencies have crafted a plan to reduce the amount of timber logged from Oregon’s western state-owned forests annually by up to 40%. Officials in some counties that have relied on those timber revenues for the past 80 years are angry and worried about the impact that could have on their budgets and social services. On Monday, the Oregon Department of Forestry released its long-awaited projections showing how much timber revenue each of 14 western Oregon Jim Hoberg, ABR, ABRM, CRS, GRIcounties would get a year for Jim Hoberg, ABR, ABRM, CRS, GRI P 541-997- SOLD (7653) the next 70 years following the P 541-997- SOLD (7653) 541-997-7654 F by Sponsored F 541-997-7654 T F 1-866-967-7653 adoption of a landmark proposT F 1-866-967-7653jim@jimhoberg.com jim@jimhoberg.com www.wcresi.com al that’s expected to be adopted JIM HOBERG, www.wcresi.com ABR,ABRM,CRS, next year. The Western Oregon GRI, SRES, GREEN State Forest Habitat ConserBroker/Owner ••• vation Plan would govern logP.O. Box 3040 • 1870 Highway 126, Suite A • Florence, OR 97439 O. Box 3040 • 1870 Highway 126, Suite A • Florence, OR 97439 ging and conservation on about sales@wcresi.com rentals@wcresi.com 630,000 thousand acres of state forests to protect 17 threatened or endangered species. The plan 541.997.7653 awaits approval from the OreToll Free 1-866-967-7653 visit us online at www.jimhoberg.com or www.wcresi.com gon Board of Forestry and the • RESIDENTIAL • LAND • COMMERCIAL • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • federal government. If the habitat plan passes as expected next year, total annual timber revenues to eight counties could decline by as much as $18 million compared to the past decade’s averages, according to the forestry department’s BROKER/OWNER

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latest figures. Six counties stand to earn thousands of dollars more in annual revenue under the plan, but eight could lose up to several hundred thousand dollars each year. Clatsop and Washington counties appear to be staring down multi-million dollar losses. The Board of Forestry is scheduled to discuss the projections next Thursday. Its chair, Jim Kelly, was unavailable to discuss the findings by Thursday evening, and Mike Wilson, the forestry department’s state forests division chief, declined to comment before the meeting. Habitat gains For conservationists, the latest figures show that the forests can still offer plentiful financial benefits to the counties as well as better protection for critical habitat. On average, the counties have received a combined $63.9 million each year during the last decade from logging. Under the new plan, they stand to receive between $46 million and $51 million. Michael Lang, Oregon policy manager of the nonprofit Wild Salmon Center, said Oregon’s western state forests have been overlogged for decades, and especially during the past 20 years. About 11% of them are considered “complex” or “layered” forest suitable for myriad species, and less than 10% of the original old growth in those forests remains, according to

data from the Oregon Department of Forestry. “We hope they push forward and finalize this habitat conservation plan and the new forest management plan,” Lang said. “It’s looking to the future and not in the past, which is unsustainable.” But some county leaders say the costs to their budgets under the habitat plan are too high. Courtney Banks, chair of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners, said timber revenues fund positions for police, firefighters and teachers. She also worries about jobs in nearby timber mills going away following a dramatic cut to the amount of forest that can be logged. “Any reach into our pocket has a pretty long lasting and extreme response,” she said. For Tillamook County Commission Chair Erin Skaar, any revenue loss is too much. “No loss is acceptable,” she said. Timber losses On average, 252 million board feet of wood, or enough to build about 16,000 average homes, has been harvested from Oregon’s western state forests each year for the past 10 years. As part of an 80-year-old deal between the state and the counties where the forests are located, 65% of the revenue from those harvests each year goes back to the counties and smaller “taxing districts” with-

in them – an average of nearly $64 million each year during the last decade. Klamath County state forest land is not covered under the habitat conservation plan, and is thus omitted from the projections. The state has given Clatsop County about $21 million and Tillamook County an average of $17 million in timber revenues each year during that time. These two counties encompass the largest share of western state forests that are logged, and leaders from both have been the most outspoken against the habitat conservation plan. While most counties could lose several hundred thousand dollars each year, Clatsop County and its smaller taxing district losses would be the highest – a maximum of $7.6 million per year. Clatsop County’s operating budget this year is $98 million. Clatsop County Commissioner Courtney Bangs said the $7.6 million cut would likely curtail the county’s public services, including schools and police. As an example, she pointed to the Jewell School District, which serves 133 students in Seaside. It runs entirely on about $5 million a year in county timber revenues, rather than the state school fund. Bangs said the school would be gutted. The Oregon Department of Education, however, said it See HABITAT page 2B

A COUPLE OF NEW LISTINGS FOR YOU! 954 NOPAL ST.

1600 RHODODENDRON DR. #272

COAST REAL ESTATE

541.997.7777

Randy Paredes Broker

“WE’RE NEXT TO THE BRIDGE.”

100 HWY. 101 SEE ALL FLORENCE LISTINGS AT CBCOAST.COM

2B | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | SIUSLAW NEWS HABITAT from page 1B would step in to fund the school if it lost its timber revenue. “The funding formula for the State School Fund is designed to take into account changes in local revenue. So, a loss of timber sales would mean that the district would start receiving State School Funds,” Peter Rudy, an education department spokesperson, said in an email. Most of the counties appear to be facing a smaller impact from lost revenues than previously anticipated. Former Tillamook County Commissioner David Yamamoto had told reporters months ago that the state timber revenue accounted for almost 25% of Tillamook County’s general fund budget and that cuts would be difficult. Under the latest projections, Tillamook County and its taxing districts would lose a maximum of about $688,000 per year. The county’s operating budget for 2023 was more than $145 million. Skaar in Tillamook County is concerned that the forestry department’s numbers aren’t accurate and that they don’t take into account other potential financial losses from reduced logging. But she acknowledged that the impact appears to be far less than anticipated for her county. “We are probably one of the least damaged in this,” she said Wednesday. Still, Skaar said she stands with her colleagues in other timber communities who are concerned about losing timber revenue. “Every dollar we lose is

a service that somebody could lose,” she said. Promise of passage The Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan would govern the bulk of Oregon’s Coast Range forests that are managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Currently, the state forester can change conservation areas in state forests without agency and public input. Under the new plan, the state forester would no longer be in charge of such decisions in conservation areas, and some previously logged areas in the forests would be off limits to logging for at least 70 years. If approved, the conservation plan would protect the state from lawsuits over 17 species that are protected, or expected soon to be protected, under the Endangered Species Act. Among them are Northern spotted owls, marbled murrelets, salmon and steelhead, martens, red tree voles and torrent salamanders. The Western Oregon State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan itself has been decades in the making. But it was accelerated around 2018 and again this year following lawsuits over species loss in Oregon’s western forests and a settlement this spring between the Oregon Department of Forestry and several conservation groups over logging and endangered coastal coho salmon. Part of that settlement included the forestry department’s assurance that the Western Oregon State Forest Habitat Conservation Plan would be passed.

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Early child care shortages in Oregon costing parents jobs, survey finds By ALEX BAUMHARDT Oregon Capital Chronicle Public funding to boost early child care options in Oregon has grown by millions during the past few years, but options are still limited for many parents who are forced to choose – and lose – jobs, according to a survey from Portland State University. More than 40% of parents said they or their partner had quit a job, not taken a job or “greatly changed” a job because of difficulty finding child care the previous year. The percentage was slightly higher for parents of color. The survey, undertaken by more than 3,000 Oregon parents between December 2022 and January 2023, revealed that major challenges still exist when it comes to finding child care for kids 5 and younger. The survey was conducted by Portland State’s Early Childhood program and recently submitted to the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care and the Early Learning Council. The findings will help the agency with legislative and budget priorities in the next year, it said in a release. Among the problems the survey found are limited spots, few options

A survey of Oregon parents found many struggled to find child care due to limited spots, few options with hours that fit parents’ work schedules and high prices. (Getty Images) with hours that fit parents’ work schedules and high prices. Finding child care was particularly difficult for parents of kids with learning disabilities, for children of color and for families that primarily speak a language other than English at home. Kids of color and those with disabilities were the most likely to have been asked to take a break from facilities or asked to leave a child care center in 2022. That year 10% of all children were asked to take a break or leave. That rate increased to 16% for Black children, a fourfold increase compared to 2020. “Parents of color are among those most likely to experience those negative impacts on employment, too,” said Katherine Pears, research

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Celebrating over 30 Years in Real Estate

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

• RESIDENTIAL • LAND • COMMERCIAL • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT•

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS! Sampson is five years old and arrived at OCHS after his owner passed away. He’s ready for a home of his own. Sampson loves people and is always eager to greet folks when they enter the cattery. He’s shy with other cats but could live with calm, respectful cats. If you’d like to meet this sweet tuxedo-wearing cat, stop by the shelter or apply online!

If you would like to meet them or any of their friends, please visit us at:

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scientist at the nonprofit Oregon Social Learning Center, which partnered with Portland State on the study. “So, you’re really talking then about the most vulnerable families getting kind of a double whammy there.” Pears said improving child care access and af-

T ito no fordability will requiresto expanding the workforce— through professionalfor training and developmentch and paying child careOr staff statewide livableCo wages. Re “The 0 to 5 brain is do-fir ing these amazing things,Jun and we don’t confer dig-aw nity on the people thatwa are helping that brain de-po velop,” she said. ba Through the 2019 Student Success Act, the state has spent more than $35 million increasing slots for infants and toddlers statewide, but she said more than funding is needed to improve access to child care. “If employers want staff, and they want folks who can do jobs well, and drive the economy, then employers need to get involved in helping folks have good child care,” she said.

2840 Rhododendron Drive • Florence • 541-997-4277 www.oregoncoasthumanesociety.org ** Winter Shelter hours are 10am until 4pm seven days a week.

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NOW YOU CAN LEARN HOW TO PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES AND DISASTERS ON YOUR COMPUTER, PHONE OR TABLET! Go to WLEOG.ORG and click on PREPAREDNESS CLASSES for a menu of disaster prep subjects. Each has short videos on different topics that you can watch when it is convenient for you and your family. **SAFE WATER, SAFE SANITATION **EMERGENCY FOOD PLANNING AND PREPARATION **PET CARE PLANNING FOR DISASTERS **ARE YOU READY? **SENIOR CITIZEN PREPAREDNESS **DOCUMENTATION AND INSURANCE

In addition to the classes, the WLEOG.ORG website has extremely useful information on NATURAL HAZARDS and EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS. Each of these has videos on various topics that explain the hazards the Pacific Northwest faces, and how to prepare for them. For more information, visit these websites: AMERICAN RED CROSS — WWW.REDCROSS.ORG CITY OF FLORENCE — WWW.CI.FLORENCE.OR.US FEMA — WWW.READY.GOV LANE COUNTY — WWW.LANECOUNTY.ORG SIUSLAW VALLEY FIRE AND RESCUE — WWW.SVFR.ORG WLEOG — WWW.WLEOG.ORG

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SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | 3B

Oregon Coast celebrates success in first round of program

The Oregon Coast Visitors Center recently announced a significant milestone in sustainable tourism — the approval of funding for 82 new electric vehicle charging ports along the Oregon Coast. The ODOT Community Charging Rebates Program ran its first funding round from June-October this year and awarded $1.75 million towards 370 new charging ports statewide. A total rebate amount of $364,971

was allocated for projects spanning the Oregon Coast. This is exciting news that demonstrates a strong commitment locally and statewide towards goals of sustainability and resiliency in Oregon Coast tourism. Key Highlights: The ODOT Community Charging Rebates Program will result in the installation of 82 new EV charging ports throughout the Oregon Coast. Of the total rebate funds,

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$364,971 (24%) was dedicated to supporting coastal initiatives, ensuring that the Oregon Coast remains accessible and welcoming to electric vehicle users. Oregon Coast Projects Awarded: • Clatsop County: o Fort George Brewery: 4 charging ports, $17,000 rebate o Ocean Lodge: 4 charging ports, $17,000 rebate o Inn at Cannon Beach: 4 charging ports, $17,000 rebate • Columbia County o Gable Limited Partnership: 8 charging ports, $44,000 rebate

• Coos County: o Bandon Inn: 2 charging ports, $8,500 rebate o Florencein, Inc: 2 charging ports, $8,500 rebate o Edgewater Inn: 2 charging ports, $8,500 rebate o Table Rock Motel, LLC: 2 charging ports, $8,500 rebate • Curry County: o AtRivers Edge RV Resort: 2 charging ports, $8,500 rebate • Lane County: o Lane County: 14 charging ports, $59,500 rebate • Lincoln County o Pacific View Lodging: DIRECTV SPORTS PACK IS INCLUDED FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS AT NO EXTRA COST!

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2 charging ports, $8,500 rebate o Advantage Real Estate: 2 charging ports, $8,500 rebate o Grand Pacific, LLC: 4 charging ports, $17,000 rebate o Cavalier Homeowners Association: 6 charging ports, $33,000 rebate o Pacific Communities Health District Foundation: 4 charging ports, $17,000 rebate o Fireside Hospitality, LLC: 2 charging ports, $8,500 rebate • Tillamook County: o Pacific View Lodging: 2 charging ports, $7,470.66 rebate o Tillamook County: 6 charging ports, $25,500 rebate o Tillamook Area Chamber of Commerce: 6 charging ports, $25,500 rebate Impact and Next Steps OCVA’s mission is to inspire travel and strengthen collaboration to create and steward a sustainable

coastal economy. Our Mitigation, Adaptation and Resiliency Plan, outlines goals specific to supporting decarbonization and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions on the Oregon Coast. Electric vehicle infrastructure is a key part of this work and a priority for OCVA. As people change how they travel, the coast needs to be prepared with EV infrastructure so travelers have places to charge their cars when they travel here, keeping us top of mind as a sustainable and accessible tourism destination. With this goal in mind, we are excited to see $364,971 allocated for EV projects spanning the Oregon Coast. This is the first of three funding rounds, and more opportunities will be available throughout the year. For more information about the ODOT Community Charging Rebates Program, visit the ODOT Community Charging Rebates program webpage.

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Making Friends One Job at a Time

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To include your business in this monthly section call 541-997-3441.

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4B | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | SIUSLAW NEWS

USDA grows solar power in rural Oregon

By ALEX BAUMHARDT Oregon Capital Chronicle More farmland across the U.S. will need to host power-generating solar panels for the country to decarbonize the electric grid and meet targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Departments of Energy and Agriculture. But that’s not the sell that officials at the USDA’s Rural Development office use to entice Oregon farmers and rural business owners to get onboard. “We estimate that our customers are saving between 40% and 100% on their electricity bills,” said Margaret Hoffman, Oregon director for the rural development office. Those customers are farmers and small business owners across the state who’ve applied for historic federal funding to put solar panels on their land and businesses through the Rural Energy for America Program. It’s been around since 2008 but received a record $1 billion in funding as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Congress in 2022. It is now, according to Hoffmann, the single largest investment in rural electrification since the 1930s, and farmers and business owners are eager to jump on it. “We’ve seen a huge uptick of interest in the program,” Hoffman said. Applications for the next round of Rural Energy for America grants will open on Dec. 31. Applications are due March 31, 2024. Recipients can apply for funding up to

Solar panels atop storage units in rural Virginia were funded by a Rural Energy for America Program grant. (U.S. Department of Agriculture) $1 million. In the last year the office has invested more than $4 million in 38 solar projects in rural Oregon. But challenges with a lack of transmission for the electricity, and a lack of local technical assistance – including help applying for grants to offset the cost of solar installations – remain. Hoffman, who previously served as energy policy advisor for former Oregon Govs. John Kitzhaber and Kate Brown, said it’s something she’s trying to champion as demand for solar in rural Oregon grows. Small scale Hoffman said solar installations that provide community-level energy are the “bread and butter” of the federal rural energy program. Big solar installations,

like the state’s first proposed large-scale solar park and farm in the Willamette Valley, have drawn more criticism or concern in rural communities. The Muddy Creek project in Linn County would cover 1,100 acres. The Rural Energy for America program funds projects that wouldn’t require more than a few acres and is geared at smaller solar installations that can provide clean power directly to businesses and neighboring homes. Hoffman said projects can be everything from solar panels on a production facility that cut energy costs, to solar panels on a barn or in a field that can in turn help reduce the high costs of pumping water for farm irrigation. One smaller grant

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recipient, Trail Distilling in Oregon City, got $73,000 to help pay for roof-mounted solar panels that have brought its energy bills down to about $13 per month, Hoffman said. A $1 million grant to fund a community solar project on city-owned industrial property in Ontario in eastern Oregon is slated to save the city more than $50,000 per year in reduced energy costs. Challenges Critics of the proposed Muddy Creek solar installation on Willamette Valley farmland have said solar developments should happen in eastern Oregon, where there is more abundant and less fertile land. But electric transmission lines from the east part of the state to the west are still underdeveloped, and much

of the land is owned by the federal government, which makes siting for solar development difficult. “If you look at the eastern part of the state, there’s a lot of Bureau of Land Management land, there’s a lot of Forest Service land, and some of that land has heightened protection because it’s either sage grouse territory or there’s a threatened plant species or something like that,” Hoffman said. Siting on federal

lands, which includes undergoing a rigorous environmental impact assessment, can cost millions. Then, there’s the cost of building the grid that’s needed to transmit the electricity. New transmission lines cost about $1 million per mile to build. “So if you have to build a project that’s 15 miles away from the nearest transmission line, you just added $15 million to your costs,” she said. On top of that, some large utilities charge a “wheeling fee” – essentially charging solar developers and producers a fee for using any part of the utilities’ transmission lines to transfer energy to the utilities’ customers. These more expensive issues aside, Hoffman said the greatest challenge is helping farmers and business owners ask for the federal money they need to develop solar on their own lands. “I think that the biggest challenge that we see is that an agricultural producer and a small business owner need technical assistance in order to write the grant and get all of the materials that are required to access the federal funding together,” Hoffman said. “Any investments we can be making in technical assistance increases the equitable access to our program.”

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Christmas Day Dec. 25 Florence 11 AM Mass Reedsport St. John the Apostle Church 8:45 AM

SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 | 5B

Wyden Leads Democratic Colleagues in Introducing Billionaires Income Tax

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., led colleagues in introducing the Billionaires Income Tax Act, legislation to ensure billionaires start paying their fair share in taxes. Wyden is joined by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Bob Casey, D-Pa., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Peter Welch, D-Vt., Jack Reed,

D-R.I., and Ed Markey, D-Mass., in introducing the bill. “America’s tax code is riddled with loopholes that allow the ultra-wealthy to get away without paying their fair share, while working families have to play by a different set of rules and pay taxes out of each paycheck,” Wyden said. “You can only have a successful economy if you have a tax code that treats everyone fairly. My Billionaires Income Tax will make that a reality by ensuring those at the very top start paying their fair share, just like the rest of us.” The Billionaires In-

come Tax Act would, for the first time, end one of the most prominent, legal ways that billionaires avoid paying taxes known as “buy, borrow, die.” Buy, borrow, die works as follows: Buy: A billionaire uses their wealth to buy assets that appreciate in value (real estate, stocks, artwork, collectibles). Borrow: The individual then borrows against that asset’s growing, untaxed value to fund their extravagant lifestyle, purchasing yachts, luxurious vacations, expensive art deals, and more. All the while, the assets continue to go up in value without pay-

Do you part and volunteer today to help support these organizations in our community. Peace Harbor Volunteers Want to make a difference in the community and make new friends? Do you have a few hours a month? If so, we would love to have you join the Volunteer Program at PEACEHEALTH PEACE HARBOR MEDICAL CENTER. Opportunities are available both in and out of the Hospital setting. All training provided. Applications are available at the Lobby Volunteer Desk or the Gift Shop located in the Hospital at 400 9th Street, Florence, OR 97439. Us Too Florence Saving men one PSA test at a time. “Someone to talk to...who understands!” 541-997-6626 • maribob@oregonfast.net www.ustooflorence.org

To include your organization in this directory, please call us @ 541-997-3441

ing a dime in tax. Die: When the individual dies, their assets are passed to their children or other beneficiaries, often entirely tax-free, and the cycle continues. The proposal would only apply to taxpayers with more than $1 billion in assets, or more than $100 million in income for three consecutive years. “Teachers and firefighters shouldn’t be paying higher tax rates than the ultra-wealthy. It’s that simple,” said Senator Whitehouse. “Our legislation will level the playing field by closing tax loopholes to ensure the highest earners pay their fair share in taxes.” “It’s common sense that billionaires should not pay lower tax rates than teachers, mechanics, and firefighters,” said Senator Stabenow. “The wealthy need to pay their fair share – plain and simple. And this legislation will help make it happen.” “The wealthy hide their money in everything from stocks and real estate to yachts and expensive art – saddling the rest of us with the cost. This is a commonsense step to close one of the most exploited loopholes that the wealthy use to get out of paying their fair share,” said Senator Brown. “For too long, billionaires have rigged the rules to cut their taxes to the bone, all while working families struggle to make ends meet. We should be investing in American families, not letting billionaires off the hook – and the Billionaires Income Tax takes an important step to make our

tax system fairer,” said Senator Warren. “Plain and simple, the system is rigged to benefit the ultra-rich and it’s time we level the playing field. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing legislation to finally make sure that billionaires at the top pay their fair share and bring some fairness to our tax system,” said Senator Baldwin. “For too long, our country’s tax code has rewarded wealthy individuals, enabling them to get away with paying lower tax rates than working families,” said Senator Hirono. “The Billionaires Income Tax Act would close loopholes in the tax code to ensure billionaires pay their fair share in taxes, while raising hundreds of billions of dollars to fund critical programs like Social Security and Medicare.” “It is unacceptable that the wealthiest people in this country have all sorts of loopholes and cutouts in our tax code, while working Americans play by a different set of rules,” said Senator Smith. “We need to level the playing field so that folks at the very top are treated the same as everyone else. This legislation will help close loopholes and create a more fair and equitable tax code so that those at the top finally start paying their fair share.” “Billionaires have rigged our tax system so that many contribute virtually nothing,” said Senator Merkley. “This is fundamentally unfair, undermining the legitimacy of the entire tax system. This has to end. And this

bill is the way to end it.” “While millions of Americans pay taxes directly from their paycheck each month, billionaires are able to shield their wealth from taxation and pay a lower tax rate on their earnings and wealth than the typical, hardworking family. Our bill ends this disparity and ensures that billionaires pay their share of taxes just like everyone else. This is about restoring fairness to our tax code,” said Senator Reed. “Billionaires have gotten away for far too long with paying next to nothing in taxes – all while their bottom lines have continued to go up. This bill would make sure they finally pay their fair share, just like working Americans have been doing all along,” said Senator Schatz. The Billionaires Income Tax is also endorsed by over 100 supporting organizations. A letter of endorsement with the full list of supporting organizations can be found at https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/ url?u=https-3A__www. finance.senate.gov_imo_ media_doc_112923atfcoalitionsignonletterendorsingwydenbit. pdf&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=qZocO7BwSLAHzIDq-t5dAhO5-aOf-k0MsOIDnyzsR_Y&m=92wgRYxyizhM-ZZZ_LSRV5a_ZFLn-PSnGhkXYBSU8HjEGj4ujHjCX1GwBJAvAUJq&s=KaMB_lA2 TA 6 _ o n j y u u A M 6 Ts J70hOtidmC_h1s2_olvA&e=.

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6B | WEDNESDAY, D DECEMBER 2023 | SIUSLAW NEWS 7B EcEmbEr 13, 13, 2023 | SIUSLAW NEWS

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Office Hours: Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday Closed Phone: 541-997-3441 Address: 148 Maple St. PO Box 10 Florence, OR 97439

$16,000 541-997-1281

All classified ads- lined, box, display, legals:

CLEANING Florence Cleaning LLC - Licensed, Bonded, & Insured, Provides Consistent, High Quality Residential Cleaning. Call today at 541-9995033 or Book at www. florencecleaning.com

EMPLOYMENT HELP WANTED All Positions - Papa Murphy’s - Under New Ownership$14-16/ hr. includes tips. Apply in person or at indeed. com. 1737 12th Street, 541-997-7272.

1984 BAYLINER 16’ BASS TROPHY

2013 Keystone Raptor Toy Hauler

Fish/Ski boat w/85hp Force motor and bow mounted bass trolling motor on Escort trailer. $3,000 541-991-4334 if no ans/lv mess

MED EQUIPMENT 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 855-7929764. MISC FOR SALE

Crew Members – McDonalds is seeking enthusiastic & outgoing individuals looking for flexible schedule flexible hours. TEXT: OR192 to 38000 to apply. ___________________ Customer Service Representative Zolezzi Insurance Agency is looking for a licensed customer service representative at their Florence location. Email resumes to craig@zianw.com.

Fresh Walnut and Hazelnut meat in 1lb. bags – Whole Walnuts available also. Honey pints and quarts. 541-9912633

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PETS/ANIMALS AKC Golden Retriever Puppies $1,000 - 4 males, 1 female. Full breeding rights. 2yr. health guarantee. For more info please call 541-378-5511

$59,900/obo 541-915-9635

RVS FOR SALE

RV CONSIGNMENTS WANTED! WE BUY & CONSIGN AT NO CHARGE! COUNTRY ROADS RECREATION 541-902-7987 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 attorneys for the Personal Representative. Dated and first published November 29th, 2023 Estate of Gordon L. Ball, Deceased, Attorney for Personal Representative /s/ Dustan E. Johnson Dustan E. Johnson, OSB 782610. Publication Dates: November 29, December 6 & 13, 2023. ___________________ PUBLIC NOTICE AGENCY: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service: Siuslaw (West Lane County) Local Work Group Meeting Date: Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Time: 10:00 -11:30 AM Location: Siuslaw Watershed Council Office, 10868 E Mapleton Rd, Mapleton, OR 97453 and Zoom Online Meeting https://www.zoomgov. com/j/1608871770?pw d = d D B Z M kRrVmY1ZHpiY0hVWWx1WGxXZz09 Meeting ID: 160 887 1770 Passcode: 320846 To join by phone dial:

2015/16 Passport Ultra Lite 3,585 lbs. Dry, gas/electric. Very clean.

Murphy bed, bunks, sleeps 6. 27ft with hitch. $15,900. 541-999-0820.

(669) 254-5252 Purpose: Make your voice heard. NRCS is seeking input from farmers, ranchers, small woodland owners, tribes, agency staff, and agriculture and conservation organizations regarding natural resource conservation priorities and opportunities in western Lane County. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. A request for accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made 48 hours before the meeting. For questions or concerns, please contact Annie Marion at 541-5635627 or anna.marion@ usda.gov. Publicatoin Date: December 13, 2023. ___________________ NOTICETO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed and has qualified as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Mary A. Koury, deceased, Lane County Probate No. 23PB10024. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims, with proper vouchers, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below, to the Personal Repre-

2001 CHEVY SILVERADO $2,300 1993 Pastime camper with kitchen, sleeps 4. $2,300 $4,200 for both Call Dale 541-999-9301 sentative at 188 West B Street, Bldg. N, Springfield, Oregon 97477, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this Estate may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the Personal Representative, or the attorney for the Personal Representative. Dated and first published: December 13th, 2023. Kara-Lee Metcalf, Personal Representative Kay Hyde-Patton, Attorney for Personal Representative Leahy Cox, LLP 188 W. B Street, Bldg. N Springfield, Oregon 97477 (541) 746 9621 Published December 13th, 20th & 27th, 2023. 12/27 ___________________ PUBLIC NOTICE A regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Central Lincoln PUD will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday December 18, 2023, at 440 Fir Ave. Reedsport. In addition to regular business, the Board will discuss the Carver Policy Governance Model, consider two contract awards: Little Whale Cove Bore Project and Storage Building – SS241 Heceta Beach; continued on pg. 8... and consider a resolu-

Custom built home with unparalleled Woahink Lake frontage. Beautiful custom finishes from the slate tiled roof to the radiant heat flooring system. Double garage, guest apartment, large dock with boat lift and more! $2,700,000 List #1208/23563402

$$ PAYING TOP DOLLAR $$ For sport card collectionsBaseball, Basketball, Football and Pokeman. Premium pay for vintage. Call Corey 541-838-0364.

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Each office is Independently Owned and Operated

For Every Real Estate Listing in Town

See: www.trhunter.com 89510 Hwy 101 #10 A peaceful setting for this 1975 Manufactured Fuqua mobile home. Backs up to the forest/ greenbelt for great views and wind protection. Workshop has new pressure-treated wood floor and new sliding glass door. $130,000. #341223373792 Levage Dr #5600 Discover your piece of coastal heaven! This .26acre lot is a hidden gem, perfectly situated within walking distance to Sutton Lake and the pristine Baker Beach. Build your dream home or vacation retreat amidst breathtaking natural beauty. $49,000. #3462- 23567810

1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200

PR ICE !

Build your custom home or place your manufactured home on this .15 acre lot. Located on a cul-de-sac in the Siuslaw Village neighborhood of Florence. $75,000 List #1174/23622889

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

Tuesday by 5 p.m

Commercial building features paved parking and a 4,156 sq. ft. building on a .21 acre lot. Two story with main commercial space below and bathroom, lounge & storage above. $649,000 List #1171/23549465

NE W

Florentine Estates 2-bdrm, 2 bath, 1075 sq. ft. of living space with a detached single car garage. Split bedroom floorplan with a laundry room and washer & dryer. Well appointed kitchen & dining area. $339,500 List #1200/23242637

DEADLINES:

ADJUSTMENTS:

Cleared parcel located in the beach area of Florence measures .31 acres in size with a large 22’x36’ metal workshop with 10’ tall sliding doors. Home site is leveled & ready for your build with water, power & septic. $269,900 List #1202/23104836

Two story 2-bdrm, 2 bath home with 1460 sq. ft. of living space overlooking Mercer Lake. Attached oversized 1-car garage. Open living room with vaulted ceilings. Balconies & decking. $539,000 List #1180/23244249

Custom built 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath dwelling on one acre south of Florence with an oversized garage with room to park a vehicle and an RV. Upper level space has open living & kitchen and slider to balcony. $524,900 List #1207/23410932

tires, 43k mi.

WANT TO BUY

JU ST RE DU CE D

Raleigh – Woman’s 26” IN THE CIRCUIT Model SC200, in good COURT OF OREGON, condition. $150.00 COUNTY OF LANE 831-2511-2404. Probate Department ___________________ In the Matter of the Estate of Gordon Lawrence Ball, Deceased. Case No. 23PB10124 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Dennis A. Ball was appointed Personal Representative on November 16, 2023. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned Personal Representative in care of his attorney DUSTAN E. JOHNSON, PC, at 326 6th Ave SW, PO Box 1928, Albany, OR 97321, within four months after the date

42’ with 3 pullouts, side patio, 11’ garage, automatic jacks, generator, new batteries and a lot extra!

INFORMATION

• Residential • Land • Commercial • Property Management

.19 acre parcel on the corner of Highway 101 and 32nd Street. Zoned Highway district & located near to shopping & schools. Great visibility and potential! $149,000 List #1146/22292509

53 Acre flag-lot nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac in the beautiful gated community of Fawn Ridge West. Property has paved road access. All City of Florence utilities, in a beach area neighborhood. $120,000 List #1162/23445033

sifieds PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

tion to approve a modified procurement policy. The board will also hear reports on customer & community outreach, 2023-2024 property taxes, the IBB process, key accounts, board planning cycle, and 2024 meeting dates will be set. Discussion will continue on bond scenarios as well as any other business that arises after publication of this notice. An Executive session will be held in accordance with ORS 192.660(2)(d) “To conduct deliberations with persons designated by the govern-

ing body to carry on labor negotiations”. To review the meeting agenda, please go to clpud.org. Published December 13th, 2023. ___________________ PUBLIC NOTICE CLAIMS against the Estate of DONALD G. JEFFERS, of Florence, Oregon, Lane County Circuit Court Case No. 23PB10471, are required to be presented, with proper vouchers, to the Personal Representative, Luann Brown, at PO Box 1121, Florence, Oregon 97439, within

SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, DEcEmbEr 13, SIUSLAW NEWS | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023 2023 || 8B 7B

four (4) months from December 13, 2023, the date of first 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 Dates: December 13, 20, & 27, 2023

REAL ESTATE CONDO FOR SALE

FOR SALE Condo in Florence? SOLUTION: Duplex Partnership!!!I’m looking for a PARTNER to SHARE a DUPLEX ownership. It has TWO 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath units w/2 car garages. 1420sf with short walk to Old Town. We will each have independent units and yards and be responsible

Business & Service

for our own unit’s expenses: $359,000 each. More information? Greg: 831-429-9999.

WANT TO RENT Mature woman seeks 1-3 bdrm. Clean, well-maintained home w/garage in good neighborhood for long term. Before you put on internet where I won’t see it contact me: 541-965-0396. Please leave voice message.

Reduce • Recycle •Reuse

• SHEET ROCK • FLOORING • TRIM • TEXTURE • DOORS WINDOWS • FENCE • SIDING • ROT REPAIR • AND MORE

CLEANING SERVICES tfc

997-2385. Florence Janitorial Services

For clean as a whistle, call

ELECTRICAL

Bill and Jo Hine, Owners CERTIFIED, LICENSED, BONDED & INSURED

Certified-Bonded

STEAM OR DRY Smoke • Water Cleanup

CONCRETE / PAVING

Ant’s Concrete

Excavation, flat work, sidewalks, patios, demos and much more! Call Anthony at 541.735.4836

CCB#197439

CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTORS

CONSTRUCTION , Inc. CCB#164861

New Homes, tfc Additions Remodels & Home Repair

SIUSLAW VALLEY ELECTRIC, INC.

FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET FOR THOSE THAT QUALIFY. GOVERNMENT PROGRAM FOR RECIPIENTS OF SELECT PROGRAMS INCL. MEDICAID, SNAP, HOUSING ASSISTANCE, WIC, VETERANS PENSION, SURVIVOR BENEFITS, LIFELINE, TRIBAL. 15 GB INTERNET SERVICE. BONUS OFFER: ANDROID TABLET FREE WITH ONE-TIME $20 COPAY. FREE SHIPPING & HANDLING. CALL MAXSIP TELECOM TODAY! 1-877-3900458.

CHOOSE EARTHLINK FIBER INTERNET FOR SPEEDS UP TO 5 GIGS, NO DATA CAPS, NO THROTTLING. PRICES STARTING AT $54.95. PLUS, A $100 GIFT CARD WHEN YOU MAKE THE SWITCH. CALL 1-866-266-3817. ________________ DURACELL. THE #1 TRUSTED BATTERY BRAND NOW OFFERING THE M150 PORTABLE POWER STATION. WHEN FULLY CHARGED THE M150 PROVIDES ENOUGH POWER TO CHARGE ALL YOUR DEVICESÂ– LAPTOPS, PHONES, TABLETS, EARBUDS AND MORE FOR WORK AND FUN. GIVE THE GIFT OF PORTABLE POWER THIS HOLIDAY SEASON ONLY $199. GO TO PORTABLEPOWER. INFO/137.

R&D Propane Residential and Commercial delivery service

Now Serving Florence!

Family Owned and Operated Since 1983 We Pride ourselves on providing the best customer service possible.

541-746-4621 • www.rdpropane.com

ROOFING / CONTRACTORS

McLennan Construction, Inc. Offering all types of ROOFING Great References, Senior Discounts Licensed & Insured • Established 2002

541-521-7303

Jim’s RV Services

1710 Laurel Way - Airport Industrial Park Store Hours: Mon. thru Fri., 8 A.M. to Noon

Forrest G. Grigsby • Stanton E. Grigsby P.O. Box 1216 • sve-1973-grigsby@hotmail.com

Phone 997-8821 FAX 997-3723

EXCAVATING DeQ#37263

Ray Wells, Inc

CCB#150484

RV SERVICES

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL CONTRACTING Ore. BBR No. 8689

997-3825

Upholstery

PORT, PROPERTY AND BILLS DIVISION. NO COURT APPEARANCES. DIVORCED IN 1-5 WEEKS POSSIBLE. 503-772-5295. WWW. PARALEGALALTERNATIVES.COM LEGALALT@ MSN.COM _________________