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Siuslaw News Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 12 • 134 years

City opens Siuslaw Estuary Trail Dozens of SHS

students make honor roll SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

Siuslaw High School Principal Mike Harklerode shared that 177 students in all four grades made the honor roll last semester. He explained that results were delayed about a month to allow some students with outstanding work to complete for credit in the previous semester. “Students earn honor roll status by earning a 3.5 or higher grade point average in all classes in a single semester,” he explained. “Students who make the honor roll for consecutive semesters are awarded an academic letter at a ceremony next fall.” To put that number into a visual context, those names are included below. Weather cooperated for opening of the Siuslaw Estuary Trail March 13. Tony Reed photos. By TONY REED Siuslaw News

About 50 people, along with Public Works personnel, city staff and City Councilors, arrived between local hail and rain flurries to get a first look at the newly opened Estuary Trail. The March 13 opening began with remarks from Mayor Rob Ward, who said the trail represents “a significant step forward in our efforts to provide safe and accessible pathways for walking and biking.” He said the trail project was developed in collaboration with the help of many community members and agency partners. He also acknowledged See TRAIL, Page A5

SVCS newly-hired Head Berkner awaits second pretrial of Schools resigns Another pretrial conference is scheduled for Keith W. Berkner, 42, of Florence, in Lane County Circuit Court. Berkner was arrested Dec. 27, 2024, after receiving and investigating a report of possible sexual abuse of a juvenile. “From that investigationm, Keith Berkner was developed as a suspect in the case,” according to FPD. “On [Jan. 22] a search warrant was executed on Berkner’s residence, where Berkner was placed into custody and later transported to Lane County Adult Corrections.” Berkner remained in custody as of Feb. 19. A pretrial conference is a court hearing where prosecution and defense present information to determine if enough evidence exists to go to trial. At the Feb. 27 pretrial

conference, Berkner waived his 60-day trial right and that a new pretrial Conference date was set for April 7, alongside a trial date of June 24. Berkner is charged with Sodomy in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, both felonies. If convicted, the maximum sentences for the two offenses are 70 months (25 years) and 75 months (10 years) in prison. According to court records, Berkner entered a not guilty plea to the indictment on Jan. 29. At the time of arrest, Berkner was listed online as the owner of Keith Berkner Home Daycare, a license-exempt childcare provider in Florence. Officials at Lane County District Attorneys Office did not comment further on the case, since the investigation is ongoing.

SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

By TONY REED Siusaw News

Siuslaw Valley Charter School officials are continuing toward opening Whitmore Classical Academy in Florence, despite the recent departure of its newly-hired Head of Schools. In a recent release, the SVCS Board said Arturo Ruelas’ resignation became effective March 7. “The board is actively working on a leadership transition plan and remains fully committed to fulfilling our mission to offer a high-quality option for the students of the greater Florence Area, using the classical education model. Updates will be provided in the coming weeks,” Board President Kay King said in a release.

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

The board held a special meeting March 13 to discuss these issues but results were not available as of deadline.

A brief history The SVCS Board has been meeting regularly to discuss the implementation of policies but the process to reach this point has been ongoing since before 2024. n late 2023, SVCS asked the Siuslaw School District to approve its proposed charter school, WCA, along with its classical learning model. In October, 2023, the board approved the SVCS application. School District attorney Rich Cohn Lee sent a January letter See SVCS, Page A6

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

FRESHMAN • Ashley N. Bocales, • Barenger S. Clemons, • Annalee J. Fleming, • Willa C. Harklerode, • Alexandria N. James, • Jasmine M. Krause, • Jericho B. Lake, • Harrison D. Lane, • Aiyana Lujan, • Claire M. McNeill, • Madelyn A. Scribner, • Zoey V. Stanger, • Ali B. Timm, • Jonah C. Vollmar, • Christopher R. Craig, • Lucca I. Flosi, • Aris V. Lade, • Covina Y. Lobdell, • Kaydence L. Parker, • Ethan J. Williams, • Gunner D. Durgan, • Avett Z. Dykstra, • Reese A. Flescher, • Grace Frank, • Travis Heckel, • Clover A. Holbrook, • Lucian T. Martin-May, • Aleria D. Mendolia, • Lorenzo M. Ramsey, • Sammy Skanes, • Makaia P. Snider, • Lilliana P. Hunt, • Emma K. Beaulieu, • Mollie A. Burtt, • Aurora D. Carl, • Maely Chiang, • Bella R. Garneau, • Trenten B. Harer, • Avelynn A. Hulet, • Jonah G. Marohl, • Bentley N. Nelson, • Hannah A. Richard, • Greyson R. Shrewsbury, • Fiorenzo Stone, • Kanati J. Lipe, SOPHOMORE • Jaydee C. Beggs, • Tara I. Boomer, • Paige N. Bottensek, • Aidell J. Cadet, • Chloe J. Clark, • Lilyana M. Clemons, • Stella M. Duman, • Ezra N. Haberly, See HONOR, Page A6

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