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Siuslaw News Florence, Oregon Wednesday, March 20, 2024

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Number 12 • 133 years

Rhododendron Drive project begins Arrests made adding dedicated bike lanes, constructing separated multiuse paths, Although not that visible yet, work began on Rhododendron Drive and replacing aging water and sewer lines,” according to the City. “These in Florence March 10 on what was enhancements aim to improve overpromised to be “a long project.” all safety and transportation options The Rhododendron Drive projfor all users, including pedestrians ect area extends from Wildwinds and cyclists.” to 35th Street and will move the City Staff, along with RH2 roadway about one lane to the east. According to city reports, “project is Engineering, and K&E Excavating, explained the project in detail essential to address various issues, during an open house March 6. including improving pedestrian “The Rhododendron Drive and cyclist safety, replacing aging Realignment and Improvement utilities, enhancing traffic flow, Project is not merely a roadway and aligning with the city’s service paving project,” according to City and quality of life goals.” City reports said the main objective is to of Florence reports. “It is also for water and wastewater pipe line improve safety. replacement and the installation “The planned improvements of a separated multi-use path. The include widening the roadway, Siuslaw News Staff

project will shift the roadway to the east in the area of Marine Manor south to the end of the river overlook pullout area. This is necessary in order to improve vision clearance and provide an enhanced parking area along the river.” According to the city, the project will bring additional benefits, including an elevated multi-use path, a pedestrian signal, The City of Florence opened bids on the Rhododendron Drive Realignment & Improvement Project in December 2023. K&E Excavating, Inc. out of Salem, Oregon, was awarded the construction contract for this $7 million project. Project costs include $250,000 for engineering services

and $6,750,000 for the construction phase. Additionally, Lane County is contributing $338,000 to reconfigure the intersection to New Hope Lane and access to the Transfer Station.” According to the City, the project will be paid for with street funding and other allocations and was approved in the 2023-2025 biennial budget. Completion is estimated for December 2025, and construction will be staged so as minimize disruptions. “Traffic flow and access to the area will be maintained during construction to the best extent possible. All detour plans and alternate routes will be communicated to the public in advance to minimize disruptions.”

... Photo by Tony Reed Equipment is staged an waiting to start work on the Rhododendron Drive Realignment project.

PHOTOS BY TONY REED

SMS hosts Hispanic Heritage Night

Siuslaw Middle School Principal Andy Marohl said he was surprised to walk in to the auditorium to find a crowd gathering ahead of Hispanic Heritage Night, March 12. People kept coming and quickly filled the space. The stage was filled by Mariachi del Sol musicians and a free Mexican dinner was provided by Los Compadres Mexican Restaurant, Rosa’s Mexican Restaurant, Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant, Traveler’s Cove, Los Amigos Burritos and Venues. Kids enjoyed doing crafts with families and Marohl read raffle numbers for buckets of legos and $20 Fred Meyer gift certificates. Two Pinatas didn’t survive long after kids stepped up to take their best swing at them. Marohl explained that the event was a Title 1 family engagement event. “Title I is a federal education program that supports low income students and families throughout the nation,” Marohl explained. “Siuslaw Middle School is a school-wide Title I school, meaning that there are supports in place for all students. This funding pays primarily for personnel such as paraprofessionals and intervention teachers. We also use Title I funding for family engagement activities such as Hispanic Heritage Night, Open House, and STEAM Fair.” Find more information at www.siuslawk12.or.us under departments, special services.

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in Mapleton mail thefts By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

Lane County Sheriff’s investigators have arrested two suspects mail thefts and break-ins in the Mapleton area. According to Sheriff’s Sgt. Tim Wallace, calls started coming in that mail had been taken from private mailboxes in a wide area near Highway 36. Wallace said information had been disseminated on social media from the area, not all of which was accurate. “On February 27th, KEZI reported on the incidents, which led many victims to come forward that had not yet reported thefts to the Sheriff’s Office,” according to a March 12 release. Wallace said it appeared that the suspects hit mailboxes during the night. Some mail was opened and gone through in near the boxes from which it was taken, but it also appeared the suspects drove to another location to open and then dispose of the stolen mail. “On February 28th, both suspects, Matthew Curtis Berkner Sr. and Daniel Kenneth Frye, were located and arrested in Florence on unrelated cases,” the LCSO release said. “Deputies contacted over a dozen victims and several witnesses over the following days and developed probable cause to arrest both suspects, who were still being held in the Lane County Jail.” According to LCSO, the two were arrested for theft 1, Criminal Mischief 2, and theft 3 but additional charges may be filed by federal authorities. Wallace advised residents of all rural area to get a locking mailbox or check mail daily. “This was done at night which indicates that some residents had left their mail in the box that day or didn’t have a locking box.” If you suspect your mail was stolen, call the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. A self-report can be started by downloading a pdf form from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office website. It’s also a good idea to notify your bank or financial institution and let them know, so that extra security measures can be taken. Wallace said mail theft reports typically increase around the holidays and tax return season. Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Lane County Sheriff’s Office at 541 682 4150.

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