Issuu

Siuslaw News Wednesday, May 21, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 21 • 134 years

Rhody King and Queen crowned By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Florence Events Center filled to the walls for the 2025 Coronation of the King of the Coast and Queen Rhododendra. Following talent, formal wear and impromptu questions, Joel Sissel and Ashlyn Hart were crowned King and Queen. Emcees Matt Templeton of KEZI News and Venessa Buss, 1989 Queen Rhododendra, introduced judges Rep. Boomer Wright, Bushnell University Director Carrie Gillies, OrCal President Steve Horn, Chamber Board President See RHODY, Page A6

Joel Sissel and Ashlyn Hart, 2025 King of the Coast and Queen Rhododenra. Go to our website, thesiuslawnews.com for dozens more photos of the Coronation event.

Ashlyn Hart reacts to the announcement that she was selected to be Queen Rhododendra as Nayt DeLeon applauds. Tony Reed photos.

Rhody Days kicks off at the port

The 2025 Rhododendron Days festival started in “coasty” weather but it didn’t stop folks from coming out to the carnival at the Port of Siuslaw parking lot on opening night. Lines were short at first but stacked up later on as kids and adults went on rides, played games and enjoyed carnival food. Unfortunately, most Rhododendron Days events, including the car show, Rhody Show, parades, motorcycles and more took place after our print deadline. Look for a full wrap up of Rhododendron Days events in the next issue. Tony Reed photos.

School District may make budget adjustments in June Memorial Day State budget uncertainty Observance offers some hope for laid-off employees

By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

The Siuslaw School District Board of Directors held approval of its final budget until the June meeting pending further review of state budget numbers. While about 14 positions were affected in some way by budget restructuring, the

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

number of actual layoffs was reduced to four in the final budget. Director Josh Haberly asked which additional budget cost led to the elimination of the four positions. DIstrict Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak said there were three major reductions, each amounting to losses of $250,000 to $300,000 each. In an email prior to the board meeting, Grzeskowiak broke down the reductions as follows:

Join in honoring the memory of those who sacrificed everything so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today. Come to Veterans Memorial Park May 26 at 1 p.m. The ceremony is free to the public and people are encouraged to attend. The park is located at the corner of Kingwood and Bay Street. For more information contact Richard Lewis, DAV chapter 23, at 541-901-9268.

See SCHOOL, Page A7

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

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