TSN48 by C.M.I.

Siuslaw News Wednesday, April 8, 2026 Florence, Oregon

Number 14 • 136 years

Kids scramble for Easter goodies Florence First Citizen Mike Webb accepts the award from former First Citizen Jenna Bartlett-Anderson. Tony Reed photo

Webb named Florence First Citizen By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

The fact that it was a week early did not seem to bother kids when the confetti cannon went off to mark the start of the Easter egg hunt at Miller Park March 28. Separated by age into three large fields, kids scramble out to find traditional Easter eggs, as well as some prize eggs hidden in the field. Families were also able to take photos with the Easter Bunny and interact club members. The event was hosted by the interact club and the Rotary Club of Florence. See more photos on page A7. Photo by Tony Reed.

No Kings 3 rally happens in Florence With a measurable number of demonstrators walking on Highway 101 between Highway 126 and City Hall, it was difficult to estimate how many were present for the NO KINGS 3 rally March 28. The rally was one of thousands occurring around the country that day. A small contingent of trucks with flags staged a counter protest by driving up and down Highway 101 in front of demonstrators. Florence Police Chief Pitcher said that while words were exchanged between the two factions, no further disputes were reported. Chief Pitcher confirmed that overall, the protest went well and most people remained in good humor throughout. He also noted that a medical response to the intersection just before 3 p.m. was not related to the protest, but simply to a subject who had fallen on the sidewalk. Medical personnel were able to administer aid to the subject. See more photos on page A7. Tony Reed photo.

Mike Webb and Danin Lacouture were named Florence First and Future First Citizens for 2025 at the Legacy of Leadership celebration, during a packed event at the Florence Events Center on March 31. Mayor Rob Ward recalled past First Citizens, including two in 1998, Anna Morrison and Keith Smith, who ran against him in the local election. Noting the current nominees, Ward said their efforts have yielded lasting benefits to the community. He said that in honoring those achievements and the spirit and leadership in which they were conducted, all can be inspired. Ward congratulated the First Citizen nominees, Dale Edwards, Gayle Sisson, Sally Wantz, Mike Webb and Greg Wood, and Future First Citizen nominees, Nyx Harklerode, Adylin Holbrook, Danin Lacouture, Camden See CITIZEN, Page A7

Project completed on Dunes access near Florence The Great Outdoors Fund (TGOF), in partnership with Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative and the US Forest Service, announced the successful completion of a transformative project at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (ODNRA). Funded by one of the largest grants in

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

JIM HOBERG Broker/Owner

Yamaha’s Outdoor Access Initiative history, the initiative replaced 41 aging kiosks, installed 55 new bilingual panels, and integrated QR codes for streamlined fee collection across OHV recreation sites. This effort enhances visitor education, promotes responsible recreation, and supports conservation in one of the

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

nation’s premier coastal dune areas. To mark this achievement, partners gathered April 2 for a “Field Day” at the South Jetty OHV Staging Area. The event celebrated See DUNES, Page A6

A crew gets new interpretive panes ready to install. Photo provided.

1870 Hwy. 126, Suite A • PO Box 3040, Florence, OR