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Florence, Oregon Siuslaw News Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Number 2 • 134 years

SHS Cheerleader performs in Italy Everett Scott Fuller

One dead, one arrested, third dies in shootout SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

parade route. Contacted Thursday while on a layover in Portugal, Spain, Hand said that being chosen for the All-American Team gives

Two people are dead and a suspect remains in Lane County Jail following a report and investigation involving several law enforcement agencies on Dec. 26. According to Sheriff’s Office reports, Sheriff’s deputies, Oregon State Troopers, and Springfield Police officers responded to a residence in the 95000 block of E. Five Rivers Road, Tidewater, On Dec. 26 at about 10 p.m., for a report of a dispute with shots fired. According to the report, the

See CHEER, Page A3

See SHOOTOUT, Page A4

Siuslaw Cheerleader Sylvia Hand, center, performing in the New Years Day Parade in Rome. Photo submitted.

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

A Florence cheerleader spent New Years Day in Rome, Italy, and was able to perform in the New Years Day Parade there.

She also got to do something few Florence, Oregon residents will be able to do, which was to also see the City of Florence, Italy. Sylvia Hand, a Junior at Siuslaw High School and

member of the school Cheer Team, was chosen as AllAmerican Cheerleader in 2024, opening the door for her to go overseas. While there, she performed with other All-American cheerleaders as they walked the

Charter School looks at Master Plan New laws will go into effect in Oregon to help curtail medicine costs, reduce drug use on transit By TONY REED Siuslaw News

At its Dec. 19 meeting the Siuslaw Valley Charter School Board of Directors went over its Master Project Timeline and management and proposal for opening, as prepared by newly-hired Head of Schools Arturo Ruelas. “This proposal… is borne out of what I see is a need to have a comprehensive plan,” he said. “There are a lot of moving pieces.” He said the school is in the process of establishing governance, but

has more to complete, such as policies, training and working out budget formalities. He said the budget may need to be expanded to cover more than setup and year one expenses, including budgets for following years. It’s been noted that SVCS will start as a k-4 school, adding a grade level every year until it becomes a k-8 school, but not a high school. “I’m sure that we are on track and that there are accountability aspects to this project as well,” he said. “This plan includes all of that.”

Regarding student enrollment, Ruelas said “everything starts with students, and every educator says they are student-focused… That is also true for all people involved in education. [With] this project, we’re building the school, we’re recruiting teachers… It has to begin with the students.” Ruelas explained the district needs a targeted timeline for reaching enrollment, which the whole project revolves around. “Enrollment dates will be published annually, beginning See SCHOOL, Page A4

By BEN BOTKIN Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon is kicking off 2025 with new laws to stop drug use on public transportation, reduce the cost of prescription drugs and rein in the price of electronic device repairs. On. Jan. 1, dozens of laws went into effect for Oregonians, affecting health

care, consumer rights and public safety. Last year’s legislative session focused in part on House Bill 4002, which allows counties to start new programs to steer drug users towards recovery programs instead of jail. Those programs and a new misdemeanor penalty for low-level drug possession See LAWS, Page A5

High School auto class gets donation SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

Siuslaw High School’s Auto Tech class received some help from the Rhody Cruisers Car Club last week. A donation of $800 was to purchase two rolling tool carts and 10 socket sets needed in the Auto Tech class. The donation was funded by profits from the Rhody Cruisers first annual Casino Classic Car Show July 2024.

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Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

JIM HOBERG Broker/Owner

Club Treasurer Nahdo Selig said club members are also looking to mentor auto tech students in the classroom and establish a scholarship program for students wanting to further their education toward auto technology careers. She said club members have a variety of mechanical skills, and some are versed in hydrogen and electric technologies. She added that some club members are dissecting an

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B4-5

internal combustion engine for the class to use as a moving education model, while the students are creating the trophies for casr club shows and events. Currently, students are mostly disassembling vehicles and engines, but would also appreciate having a donated vehicle that could be rebuilt and restored. Call 925-9987352 if you have a vehicle that may suit that purpose.

Student Miles James, Norm Mendonca , Martin Buck (Instructor), Bill Files (Rhody Cruisers VP), Dan Kerr (RC Pres), Debie King (RC Treas), student Dylan Wheeler.

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