Issuu

Florence, Oregon Siuslaw News Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Number 6 • 134 years

Music Festival entertains hundreds Della Mae performing at the Winter Music Festival TONY REED PHOTO

TONY REED PHOTO

Lighthouse crack being examined By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

A visible crack in the outer surface of the Heceta Head Lighthouse has generated some concern locally, but Oregon Parks and Recreation officials say it poses no immediate

threat to the structure. Park Manager Hylah Furnish said the crack is located on the south side of the structure, below the cupola. Estimating it’s about 10 feet in length. “We are aware of the crack See LIGHTHOUSE, Page A6

SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

The 2025 Winter Music fest brought several music groups and hundreds of people to the Florence Events Center over three days. The annual event

is put on by Florence Arts, Culture and Entertainment, (FACE) and this year’s production featured performances by Della Mae, Henhouse Prowlers, Kristen Grainger and True North Crying Uncle Bluegrass

Band, Tony Furtado and Luke Price, Whiskey Deaf, Thunder & Rain, Cascade Bluegrass and Nechville Banjos. FACE president Rachel See FESTIVAL, Page A6

Stand Down Feb. 22 at Elks lodge SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

on hand Jan. 30 after the new sign was affixed to the building. Rossi started his first responder career as a volunteer firefighter in Mapleton in 1982 and served in many department positions and received many awards for his fire and medical response service.

The Siuslaw Community Stand Down will take place today, Feb. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Florence Elks Lodge 1858 in Florence. For those wondering what what that means, a Stand Down is a day where many volunteers and organizations will make the effort to care for and help homeless and at risk people, with an emphasis on the US Veteran population. Many agencies will come together to help with five areas of health. Dentists, barbers, medical, mental health and social workers will be onsite to help relieve some of the burdens that can cause a person’s sense of well-being to break down. At-risk persons can come to the event, have breakfast, get a haircut, speak with counselors, find clean clothes, speak with employment counselors, get dental cleanings and checkups, and more. Guests can meet in person with local western Lane agencies, Lane County agencies, and Veterans Administration services.

TONY REED PHOTO

Sign officially marks fire station name change A small group of Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority personnel commemorated the new sign at one of the fire stations in Florence Jan. 30, after it was renamed for a retired fire captain. Fire Station 2, located near 9th Street at the hospital was

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

renamed Capt. David Rossi Fire Station following his retirement in July 2024. At the retirement ceremony, Chief Michael Schick said Rossi had not been told of the name change, which was apparent on his face when it was announced. Rossi and other fire and medical personnel were

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

TO BUILD RESILIENCE Chaplain Rick Chilton said the Stand Down will essentially be “a place where people can come and relax.” He explained that the event will feature a variety of services for families and at-risk individuals. “All are welcome,” he said. “It will be four hours of bringing key resources to those we’re trying to target so they can build resilience to overcome hardships. Chaplain Rick explained that every person who comes through the stand down will also receive follow-up contact from staff to ensure they are getting what they need. He noted the importance of helping with food and housing, adding that as many as 17 percent of kids in the area are considered malnourished. “Food security is a massive issue here,” he said. Adding that mental health professionals will be on site, Chaplain Rick said this year’s stand down will also feature a chaplain’s corner. “For spiritual health, it’s See ELKS, Page A7