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Siuslaw News Wednesday, April 2, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 14 • 134 years

Assisted Living project still moving forward By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Locals who regularly drive the length of Highway 101 through Florence have likely noticed heavy equipment moving sand across from Fred Meyer shopping center and have created what looks like an entry road onto the highway. The work is part of the Cannery Station project, which developers hope will become a large assisted living facility that may integrate multi-family housing into its plans. During a Planning Commission hearing in See PROJECT, Page A7

Workers and equipment are moving a lot of sand to create streets around a planned development of an assisted living facility.

Investigation finds no evidence supporting allegations against CROW By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

A third-party investigative firm says it has found “no substantial evidence of criminal activity or systemic mistreatment within CROW (Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops, Inc.) The investigation summary by Gunderson Services of Portland, noted that it was hired to conduct a limited and targeted investigation into specific allegations made against CROW, its staff and volunteers. The company investigated “any claim for which criminal or civil action could be brought.” When asked,

Florence Police Chief John Pitcher said his department had not conducted any investigation of CROW. BACKGROUND CROW Director Melanie Heard explained that five individuals came to the Dec. 11 board meeting to express concerns and complaints. She said they also provided a packet they’d titled, Stand for Justice, which contained a mix of personal and anonymous allegations. “They asked the board not to share that packet of testimonials,” Heard said. “About five days later, they began

emailing it out themselves and it went far and wide into the community.” Heard said the individuals were informed that the board needed 30 days to respond in writing and did so within the timeframe. “By then, it was too late because the members had made comments on many public comments, verbally and in writing,” she said. “I need to tell you that one of the individuals was suspended in June 2024 for inappropriate behavior. They were suspended for one year, their whole family, and we think they were unhappy with that decision.”

On Feb. 10, the CROW’s legal consultant (not CROW) hired Gunderson Services, LLC. of Portland, which specializes in a wide range of investigation and security services. Asked how much it has cost CROW to deal with the allegations, Heard said the financial damage has not been tallied, but will likely exceed $80,000. She said the dialog that occurred on social media following dissemination of the event also negatively affected the organization. She said one particular Facebook page allows commenters to do so anonymously and without

accountability. She explained that CROW is a private nonprofit 501(C)3 organization, created so children and families could participate at a low cost. “In the Siuslaw region, that is critical. The families we serve are not capable of paying the high amounts like children’s theaters in other cities.” she said, explaining that the organization was structured to be able to accept grants, fundraisers, program income and charitable donations. “We charge about a third of what you would see in any other See CROW, Page A7

Elks donate to Food Share

Los Compadres no more Last week, another building was brought down in the 300 block of Highway 101, completing demolition that started in January. According to City reports, the property owner, Raycen Raines, was granted permission Jan. 6 to demolish the former Hoberg’s Muffler Shop building and the neighboring Los Compadres building. The last in the series to be taken down was this garage building which used to be the Saxon’s gas station. As for any future use of the properties, staff said in January that none have been officially proposed or submitted. Tony Reed photo.

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

Tom Hornback (Treasurer, Chairman of Board), Colin Morgan, Executive Director of Food Share Pantry, George Bandy (Exalted Ruler, PER) The Florence Elks #1858 used part of their Beacon Grant to donate $3000 to the Florence Food Share Program. The Food Share provides nutritional food to be distributed to the homebound elderly, disabled and low income families in need. The

Lodge partners with Mapleton Food Share to cover more areas of need. Many Elk members volunteer at the Florence Food Share to help distribute and help stocking and restocking of food that is delivered to the Food Pantry.

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