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Florence, Oregon Siuslaw News Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Number 5 • 134 years

March offers message of hope SUBMITTED by NORA KENT

The words “We’re ready” embodied the spirit of the approximately 120 community members who gathered for the People’s March on Saturday, January 18th at Florence United Methodist Church. The march was sponsored by Florence ORganizes and Florence Indivisible in solidarity with the National Women’s March. They joined with 300 other cities nationwide to strengthen unity and build community. The new Methodist Pastor Deborah Anderson led a prayer with a response of “In the midst of our distress and uncertainty, God is here” Attendees then listened and were inspired by words from “Lady Liberty.” Judy Dolmach played the character with humor -“ I just flew in from New York and are my arms tired”. She then shared the message by Emma Lazeras on the plaque under the Statue of Liberty, following with her own missive: “The light from this lamp is needed now more than ever. I

Photos submitted

See MARCHING, Page A7

Port Adds to Property Base Cold Shelter hosting nightly guests USED WITH PERMISSION FROM KCST RADIO

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Siuslaw Marina and RV park at the Cushman bend on Hwy. 126 sold this week to the port of Siuslaw for $1.2 million, port manager Dave Huntington says the purchase will generate needed additional revenue. The port expects to hire two to three full time employees to run the RV Park and Marina. “We feel very strongly that it’s a great opportunity and asset not only for the port but for the Community and users for years to

Several January mornings have found Florence residents scraping frost from their car windows, an indication that temperatures have dropped into the freezing range overnight. As promised, an overnight warming center has been set up in the Florence Unitarian Universalist Fellowship church at Highway 101 and Heceta Beach Road, has opened its doors to overnight guests, due to the low temperatures. According to data from Florence Municipal Airport, overnight temps

See PORT, Page A6

have dropped into the high 20s, and as low as 21 degrees on Jan. 20. Daytime highs have been in the 40s and low 50s, reaching 54 on Jan. 22 by mid-afternoon. FUUF Vice President Lydia Swagerty said Jan 22 that the shelter has hosted 5 to 8 people per night and as many as 13 at a time. Since the shelter location is about a mile north of greater Florence, rides have been provided to people hoping to stay warm overnight. Swagerty explained that drivers cruise the city around 5 p.m., looking for pre-marked

pick up locations where people can wait for rides.. Once at the shelter, they check in, check their belongings, set up their beds and are treated to a warm dinner. Swagerty said local restaurants and kitchens have been donating everything from stew, chili and soups, as well as staple foods. She said guests have been extremely respectful of volunteer staff and appreciative of the shelter. She said it’s also become obvious to her See SHELTER, Page A7

Inspire Culinary Academy graduates three One arrested for alleged sexual abuse SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

FLORENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Mayor Rob Ward and others were on hand in December to congratulate three graduates of Inspire Culinary Academy as he presented their certificates. The Florence Presbyterian Community Church hosted the graduation of Justice ScitesMcNeely, Ian Young and See GRADUATES, Page A6

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

From left, Danielle Hine, Director Graham Ross, Ian Young and Justice Scites-McNeely

On Dec. 27, Florence Police Dept. received a report of a possible sex abuse of a juvenile and initiated an investigation. From that investigation, Keith Berkner, 42, was developed as a suspect in the case. On 1/22/25 a search warrant was executed on Berkner’s residence, where Berkner was placed into custody and later

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B4-5

transported to Lane County Adult Corrections. As of Jan 23, he remained in custody with no bail shown for charges of sodomy in the 1st degree and Sex abuse in the first degree. This is an ongoing investigation and anyone who has information connected to this case is encouraged to contact Detective Garrett Litterell at 541-997-3515.