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Wishing all of the graduates and their loved ones a simply beautiful day!

Siuslaw High School Graduation

Mapleton High School Graduation

June 6 • 7 p.m. Siuslaw High School

June 7 • 2 p.m. Mapleton High School

Siuslaw News Wednesday, May 28, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 22 • 134 years

A parade to be proud of By TONY REED Siuslaw News

It took a little over two hours for the entire 2025 Rhododendron Days parade to make its way through Florence on Highway 101 and turn down Bay Street before dispersing near the carnival. All along the almost two-mile route, parade watchers lined the west sidewalk to see everything from live music to marching bands to traditional Mexican dancers to the Rhody Court royalty to a giant CROW perched on an ATV. Grand Marshal Wayne

Sharpe had a prominent seat in a vintage convertible, followed by Florence First Citizen Carol Bennett. It would be hard to estimate the full total length of the floats, marchers and vehicles, but according to the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, this year’s parade featured 85 entries. According to the Chamber, this year’s Mayor’s Award went to the Elks Lodge #1858. The Queen Award went to the Senior Florence Rhododendron See PARADE, Page A7

Junior Parade tumbles down Oak Street

Led by classic fire trucks (with horns that made everyone jump) hundreds of littles rode, ran, walked and cartwheeled down Oak Street during the Junior Parade Saturday. Wearing shirts that read “Tumbling is my Jam,” kids happily performed gymnastic stunts and waved as they passed. The Rhody Court was also onboard, riding atop a couple of the fire engines. The parade went from Miller Park to the Middle school as people lined both sides of the street to watch. More photos of all Rhody Days activities can be found at thesiuslawnews.com. Tony Reed photos

One arrested after fight ‘Shining Light’ by Teakki Rain Legg FLORENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT

On May 18 at 5:45 p.m., Florence Police Department received numerous calls of a male suspect threatening people with a knife and a victim possibly ready to defend himself with a firearm, on Bay St near Nopal St. Oregon State Police (OSP) responded with Florence Police to assist. When Florence officers arrived an OSP Trooper was attempting to detain the suspect, who also had citizens trying to detain him as well.

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

JIM HOBERG Broker/Owner

Officers were able to get the suspect, who was identified as Cody Thomas Brog-Wells, placed in restraints. It was discovered that Brog-Wells had threatened an unknown male with a knife and the male had indicated he was armed with a firearm. Brog-Wells then went into a near parking lot and shattered the window of an uninvolved victim’s vehicle. Brog-Wells then threatened, and slashed at, another victim with his knife and struck the victim See FIGHT, Page A7

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

Rep. Hoyle Announces 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) announced that artists Teakki Rain Legg from Florence is Oregon’s Fourth District’s winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Winners have their artwork featured in the U.S. Capitol for one year and receive a round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C. for themselves and a guardian to be See WINNER, Page A7

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