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Siuslaw News Wednesday, July 23, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 30 • 134 years

Florence residents join another national protest

Florence sends firefighters to Madras area WESTERN LANE FIRE and EMS AUTHORITY

On July 15, following a request by the Oregon State Fire Marshal Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority (WLFEA) deployed five firefighters along with two fire engines to the Cram Fire located 20 miles NE of Madras, OR. The Cram Fire is currently reported to be over 28,000 acres with no containment. The WLFEA firefighters will be a part of a task force which includes several Lane County Fire Departments and See FIRE, Page A7

In what has become a regular occurrence in Florence, demonstrators held signs and chanted while motorists drove by and honked as part of a nationwide protest. Called the “Good Trouble” protest, the latest in anti-Trump demonstrations, it was named for Democratic Congressman John Lewis, who died July 17, 2020. Lewis was known for saying, “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”

Help them get a much-needed break By TONY REED Siuslaw News

A unique volunteer organization on the Lane County Coast could use some help caring for people with dementia so that those who care for them can have a much-needed break. Memory Care Respite of Florence is a nonprofit organization which works out the Florence Senior Center and spends Tuesday and Thursday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) offering social time for people with dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease and other memory issues. MCRF Director Juels Larson wanted to quell any ideas that a space hosting dementia patients might appear like a dry scene from One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

“It’s not like that, at all,” she said. “It’s filled with a lot of laughter for the entire four hours that we offer the session. It’s really good companionship for people suffering from dementia. It’s a really fun volunteer gig.” MCRF Board member Ivy Medow explained that the round-the-clock job of constantly caring for someone with dementia can be difficult and exhausting. MCRF provides four hours, twice a day where someone caring for a family member with dementia can drop them off and use the time for other things. Whether it’s getting groceries, catching up on laundry, cleaning up around the house or simply taking a nap, the four hours allows care providers a much needed break.

“That’s four hours a day, twice a week,” she said. “we’re only open twice a week and we’d like to be open, at least three days a week. We don’t have enough volunteers, we’re always trying to recruit, but it takes a special type of person…” Medow said the organization has 12 members, including the Executive Director and is currently short one volunteer on the program side. Medow credited Larson for bringing the organization back from imminent closure a couple times by implementing a new board and recruiting volunteers. She said MCRF also allows families to keep their loved ones at home, rather than having to place them in a care facility.

Man arrested after ramming parked cars

HOW TO VOLUNTEER Larson said the organization will conduct a background check, interview and provide training for prospective volunteers. “Because of the nature of the population they are working with, we like to put our

On July 14 at 6:50 am, Florence Police responded to the area of 1750 43rd St for a report of a multi-vehicle crash and a male suspect screaming at a female. Upon arrival it was discovered the male suspect, Hudson-McMullen, had caused extensive damage to two parked vehicles by intentionally ramming into them with his vehicle. The two damaged vehicles are associated to his ex-girlfriend who he has an ongoing custody dispute with. A third parked vehicle was damaged by one of the vehicles struck by McMullen being hit into the third vehicle. When Hudson-McMullen was placed into custody it was discovered that he was wearing body armor during the incident. Oregon has laws in place that prevent possession

See BREAK, Page A7

See ARREST, Page A7

“It’s a great asset to the community,” she said. “It needs help and it’s a link in the whole industry/elder care phenomenon.” She said MCRF gives that family member or caregiver an opportunity for a little normalcy in their lives while their loved one is fed, entertained and given the opportunity to communicate with others.

Federal school funding review may impact Siuslaw programs SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

Even though the fiscal year budget was approved for Siuslaw School District by June, administrators now have to consider additional cuts and reductions due to the federal impounding” of funds that were already promised to the district. District Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak explained that impounding of Title funds are not directly related to the recent reconciliation bill, aka

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

JIM HOBERG Broker/Owner

UNDER REVIEW The US Department of Education released that it will review FY2025 funding for the

following Title funds: Title I-C, II-A, III-A, IV-A, IV-B. “Accordingly, the Department will not be issuing Grant Award Notifications obligating funds for these programs on July 1 prior to completing that review. The Department remains committed to ensuring taxpayer resources are spent in accordance with the President’s priorities and the Department’s statutory responsibilities.” Grzeskowiak told the Board of Directors that it’s unclear

One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “They are not mentioned in the reconciliation bill directly, but many of the broad reductions to federal departments in the reconciliation bill impact these funding that could impact FY25,” he said, noting that Title programs represent more than $6 billion that schools have already budgeted for in the upcoming year. Saying those programs provide vital support to students, Grzeskowiak said, “Typically,

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

Title program allocations for the upcoming year are posted in February; that did not happen this year. In May, schools were told to expect flat funding in each of these programs. On July 1st, ODE received a communication that five of the ten Title programs were being impounded pending review.”

what grant programs that were previously allocated are now being revoked. The following explanation was shared with the District Board of Directors. “Title I-C - Migrant Education Program - The district doesn’t receive funds directly for MEP, but participates in the county consortium for greater efficiency of services. This program assists See PROGRAMS, Page A7

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