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Siuslaw News Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Florence, Oregon

Music Fest spotlights new talent

Number 5 • 136 years

WLFEA selects Rob Chance as next Chief

Rob Chance FROM WLFEA

The Board of Directors of the Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority (WLFEA) is pleased to announce the selection of Rob Chance as the organization’s next Fire and EMS Chief, effective July 1, 2026. The Board voted 7-1 at their Jan 22 Board meeting to select Chance based on his demonstrated leadership, operational experience, and commitment to community-focused fire and emergency medical services. The process was open to internal candidates and consisted of an interview panel and a thorough evaluation of professional qualifications and leadership philosophy. The single opposing vote was cast by Director Keith Stanton who

Midnight 45 brought speed and energy to the FEC stage. SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

While ticket sales were a bit below last year’s numbers, attendees had a great time at the Winter Music Festival last weekend in the Florence Events Center. According to Florence Arts, Culture & Entertainment (FACE) President Rachel Pearson, said Friday night ticket sales were less than expected, likely due to name recognition. She said that while a couple of the groups weren’t as well-known as others, they were still amazing. “That was Thunder and See FEST, Page A6

The Burnett Sisters Band highlighted harmonies and masterful solos. Mark Huddleston photos.

See CHIEF, Page A6

Walkout America observed

County buys out lease for new treatment facility SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

The Lane County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved delegating the county administrator to execute a lease buyout agreement at the former Workmen’s Comp. building, which the county plans to use as

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Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

a methadone drug treatment facility. The procedural item was included on the consent calendar with other items for blanket approval. In January, county staff came to Florence to explain the purpose and plan for reusing the former Workmen’s Comp.

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

building located at 4480 Highway 101, suite G. “On June 6, 2025, the Board approved an Order delegating authority to the County Administrator to sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of real See FACILITY, Page A6

Submitted by CITIZENS IN SUPPORT OF DEMOCRACY

Florence residents among the local non-partisan group, Citizens in Support of Democracy, gathered outside City Hall, Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 20th, as part of a national general strike, following the Martin

Luther King holiday. Many others from Florence Indivisible also stood at the corner of Hwy 101 and 126 in observance of the Tuesday walkout, which marked the oneyear anniversary of the President’s inauguration. The protest was organized nationally by the

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Women’s March and 50501 groups, which involved Americans walking out of work, school, and commerce at 2 p.m. local time to oppose the federal administration’s policies. “I think it’s important that we stand together See WALKOUT, Page A6