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Siuslaw News Wednesday, July 2, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 27 • 134 years

Farmer’s Market brings crowds to the Port By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

Visitors to the Port of Siuslaw on Tuesdays will likely find lines of people waiting to buy locally-made and grown foods. The market allows locals to sell everything from produce, to meats and eggs, jellies, jams and sauces and even mushrooms, while offering educational exhibits and information about sustainable farming. Farmer’s Market Board President Jennifer Ledbetter said future markets will feature a fix-it booth from WasteWise Lane County where a specialist will fix things from small kitchen appliances to sewing machines and more. Teens staffing the Power of Produce booth handed out $5 See MARKET, page 7

Berkner trial moved Police arrest one after standoff Devices seized in crimes to September Submitted by FLORENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT

SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

A June 25 trial date has been moved to Sept. 9 for Keith W. Berkner, of Florence, in Lane County Circuit Court. Berkner was arrested Dec. 27, 2024, after police received and investigated a report of possible sexual abuse of a juvenile. “From that investigation, Keith Berkner was developed as a suspect in the case,” a Florence Police Department release stated after his arrest. “On [Jan. 22] a search warrant was

executed on Berkner’s residence, where Berkner was placed into custody and later transported to Lane County Adult Corrections.” Berkner is charged with Sodomy in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, both felonies. If convicted, the maximum sentences for the two offenses are 70 months (25 years) and 75 months (10 years) in prison. As of June 26, he remains in custody at Lane County jail. According to court See TRIAL, page 6

On June 24 at 12:45 p.m. the Florence Police Department received a call from a juvenile that her mother was being assaulted at their apartment in Shorepines. Officers arrived and were able to make contact with the female victim, who had managed to get out of the apartment with her daughter. Officers determined that the male suspect, Benjamin Turnbeaugh, 50, was still in the apartment and had locked the door. It was discovered that

Turnbeaugh had a felony warrant for his arrest out of Lane County and the officers had probable cause to arrest Turnbeaugh for Strangulation after interviewing the female victim. Officers attempted to make contact with Turnbeaugh, but he would not come to the door or respond. After additional officers arrived and a key was obtained, officers made entry into the apartment, using the department’s

ballistic shield as additional cover. Officers made contact with Turnbeaugh in a bedroom in the apartment. After challenging him, Turnbeaugh was placed under arrest without further incident for Strangulation and Felony Parole and Probation warrant out of Lane County Circuit Court. Turnbeaugh was lodged in the Florence City Jail and later transported to Lane County Adult Corrections.

There’s a lot going on this July 4 weekend in Florence and here’s the full list of family-friendly events and activities. FIREWORKS Fireworks will be shot over the Siuslaw River from the east end of the Port of Siuslaw Campground in Historic Old Town beginning at about 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4. The location provides a multitude of great vantage points for spectators with the colorful 30-minute program reflecting off the river.

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

JIM HOBERG Broker/Owner

Private fireworks are not allowed. The Port, the City, and the Chamber will work again with the experts at Western Display Fireworks to make this happen,” said Chamber president/ CEO Bettina Hannigan. “Big thanks go to the Port for their generosity in providing the launch location again. This year the City of Florence, the Port of Siuslaw, and the Florence Area Chamber are jointly funding the big event. We look forward to celebrating our nation’s freedom and encourage everyone in Florence to find safe and fun ways to celebrate

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B8-9

Submitted by FLORENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT

THREE DAY PORCH PARADE Locals are invited to unleash their creativity and show their patriotic pride by decorating their front porch, front window, yard, or any area of their home or business visible from the street. Registration is free and is open now through July 1 at 3:00 p.m. at FlorenceHabitat.org. The first 50 homes/businesses

On June 26, two search warrants were served in Florence, one in the Skookum Dr area and the other in the Wayside Mobile Home Park. Florence Police worked with the Oregon Department of Justice (ODOJ), who was the primary agency on one warrant while Florence Police was the primary agency on the second warrant. Both search warrants were based off of cyber tips from ICAC and were separate and not related to each other. After the search warrants were served several pieces of electronic equipment were seized from both locations. ODOJ took custody of all the items to complete the forensic examinations to continue the investigations. Once that examination is completed ODOJ will provide Florence Police with any evidence that was retrieved from the devices from the Florence Police lead search warrant. Florence Police will work with

See SCHEDULE, page 6

See CRIMES, page 6

July 4 activity schedule FLORENCE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

against children investigation

Independence Day this year, and then to look to the skies that evening for the beautiful display we have planned.”

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