Issuu

Siuslaw NewsWednesday, December 17, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 50 • 135 years

Tree Lighting was a true community affair Sheriff and Eugene PD end Flock contracts Florence keeps its cameras on SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

Mayor Rob Ward counted down and flipped the giant switch to light the Christmas Tree. Tony Reed photos. BY TONY REED The Siuslaw News

Rain cleared and warm weather greeted hundreds

of people who came out to Old Town Dec. 6 for the official lighting of the City’s Christmas Tree in the Siuslaw Bridge

Interpretive Center. Sidewalks were crowded at times with folks See TREE, Page A6

If you missed the tree lighting, you can still see it at the Siuslaw Bridge Interpretive Center through the holidays.

Follies inspires performers By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

Hundreds came out for the 2025 Holly Jolly Follies at Florence Events Center, put on by Children’s Repertoire of Oregon Workshops Interrupted while napping a couple days after the final performance, CROW Director Melanie Heard said the turnout was great with the final day’s attendance at 75 percent capacity. “We got some great feedback from people

afterward,” she said. “They loved the show and they loved the message behind it all, so it was a great experience.” Asked for any feedback she received from the performers, Heard said, “They’re already asking me what next year show is going to be about, which is really sweet. I don’t know yet. I have a couple ideas percolating, but they had a blast.” Heard said Brian Smart, who performed See FOLLIES, Page A6

At times, almost the entire stage floor was covered by performers.

Two law enforcement agencies in Lane County have ended contracts with Flock Safety for automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras but Florence’s cameras remain active. The Lane County Sheriff’s Office recently announced it suspended its contract even though it had not yet installed cameras anywhere in Lane County. According to an LCSO release, “LCSO’s contract with Flock Safety was initiated after the Eugene Police Department and Springfield Police Department began work to install their systems.” LCSO’s contract with Flock Safety occurred after the Eugene Police Department and Springfield Police Department started work to install their systems. “For an ALPR system to be most effective in preventing crime and holding offenders accountable, coordination between local agencies is paramount,” the release stated. “Without other See FLOCK, Page A7

Arts Festival showcases local talent

Empty bowls help fill the Food Share The 29th annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser took place at the Florence Events Center last weekend to raise money for the Florence Food Share. The entire east side of the conference room was filled with locally-provided works that were seen by hundreds. Local artisans created and donated bowls, art and other pottery items that are sold by Florence Food Share to raise money to keep the operations doors open. The fundraiser has been going on for 29 years now and has become as much as part of the holidays as the other events happening the same day at FEC. Tony Reed photo

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

Florence Regional Arts Alliance celebrated its 14th Anniversary with the Holiday Arts Festival last weekend at the Florence Events Center. Over 20 local craftsmen and artisans brought a wide variety of handmade art pieces, that were for sale and viewing. Participating artisans donated 10% of their sales to support the FRAA Art Center and its mission. Tony Reed photo

FE ATURED OFFERING S IN AND AROUND FLORENCE EXQUISITE FLORENTINE HOME LUXE OLD TOWN CONDO COMMERCIAL INCOME PROPERTY LIKE NEW W/SHARED DOCK

COAST REAL ESTATE

541.997.7777

“WE’RE NEXT TO THE BRIDGE.”

852 Munsel Creek Loop

$599,950

83591 Sauter Drive

$799,000

211 Harbor St. #22

$389,000

2230 Kingwood St.

$675,000

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