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Siuslaw News Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 26 • 134 years

Protesters arrive en masse to say “No Kings” ByTONY REED The Siuslaw News

Hundreds took to the sidewalks along Florence’s main street, Highway 101, on June 14 to stand in opposition of President Donald Trump’s actions, notably a military parade that’s received nationwide criticism for its purported similarity to those held by authoritarian regimes around the world. The protest appeared larger than the last, held in April, with groups of demonstrators stretching from City Hall to Highway 126. Demonstrations appeared peaceful from all locations, while most drivers honked and waved as they passed through the area. Some also expressed their disagreement by revving See PROTESTERS, Page A5

Juneteenth celebrated in Florence Areas of Mapleton evacuated during Rice Road fire By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

Florence ORganizes brought several informational booths, games, food, fun and music for a somewhat windy Juneteenth celebration in Miller Park. Lines were long for food, face painting an balloon animals with the soundtrack provided by singer/ songwriter Sunny Sundstrom. Speakers included Gunner Durgan, Linda Hamilton from Oregon Blacks for Youth and Families, Tony Garcia Galvan and a proclamation by Mayor Rob Ward. Organizers estimated that over 200 people attended the event throughout the afternoon. See more photos on page A8.

Residents of about 30 homes in Mapleton were told to evacuate Thursday afternoon June 19 after a wildland fire broke out near the intersection of Highway 126 and Highway 36. A social media post by Lane County Sheriff’s Office ordered a level three evacuation at about 3 p.m., saying residents of certain areas should” Leave Now” and not attempt to take belongings or save property. According to the National Fire Situational Awareness site (maps.wildfire.gov), the fire was first discovered at 1:42 p.m. on private property. Fire engines, a water See FIRE, Page A7

County considers potential opiate treatment facility in Florence By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

The Lane County Board of Commissioners vote to allow the County Administrator to approve the sale of a former medical facility in Florence for reuse as a medication assisted treatment facility for opioid addiction recovery. Jason Davis, Communications Director at Lane County Health and Human Services, first noted that the approval does not mean a sale is pending or that opening will be immediate.

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

JIM HOBERG Broker/Owner

“This first step precedes a long process of community engagement,” he said. “First and foremost, we look at the immediate facility and any adjacencies and start communication with them,” he said. “Then we look at stakeholders, anyone who will be interfacing with the clinic in any way, shape or form, and start to reach out to them. Then, we do general community sessions and in the midst of all that we try to do as much community education as possible.” See TREATMENT, Page A7

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B8-9

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