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Siuslaw High School students embrace CNA program opportunities | PAGE A4

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Siuslaw NewsWednesday, July 3, 2024 Florence, Oregon

Number 27 • 133 years

Suspect unfit for trial, another to be tried next year By TONY REED Siuslaw News

PHOTO BY TONY REED

Kids enrolled in the summer reading program can now say they’ve seen a rattlesnake, a cobra and even got to hold and pet an albino Burmese Python.

Reptiles

COME TO SIUSLAW LIBRARY By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Kids enrolled in the Siuslaw Library’s summer reading program got a treat June 20 when Oregon Reptile Views brought a variety of reptiles for them to see, touch and learn about. Owner Jordan Vicars’ fast paced displays, jokes and surprises kept the interest of the roomful of kids as he brought out everything from a baby tortoise to a

live rattlesnake and even a monicled cobra. He explained that the venomous snakes had undergone surgeries to remove the venom glands but kept a safe perimeter because “they can still bite.” Vicars turned the experience into a learning moment to explain everything from differences between turtles and tortoises, poisonous and venomous, and what a gular scute is used for. However, kids already knew the difference between

alligators and crocodiles, carnivores and herbivores and even and even that fingernails are composed mostly of keratin (like some animal shells and rattlesnake rattles). Wide-eyed kids shrieked when Vicars brought out Ruby the Columbian Red Tail Boa, measurone- stop, listen and move away ing at about six feet long. slowly. While showing a live and noisy Western Diamondback rattlesnake (named Mr. Pickles), Vicars told kids See REPTILES, Page A3 how to react if they ever encounter

Two local cases are making their way through the County Superior Courts, after suspects were arrested in separate cases this year. Florence Police Chief John Pitcher said the suspect in a February home invasion robbery will not be facing trial following investigation. Phillip Thomas Swartz, 36, of Sweet Home was arrested Feb. 20 after it was found that he had forced his way into a window, held a female victim down and took property from her. “While officers were out at the residence investigating the incident, other officers were out searching for the suspect,” a police release said. “Officers learned from video that the suspect had gone up to another residence in that area, and had approached the front door. The motion light was activated, apparently causing the suspect to turn and leave and then go to the victim’s residence.” Officers located Swartz in Florence and arrested him for burglary 1, robbery 3, Criminal Trespass 1, menacing and harassment, and the District Attorney’s office added the charge of kidnapping II. On June 24, Police Chief John Pitcher said the case is being stayed. “He’s been declared unfit to stand trial and participate in his own defense,” he said. “He is going to be transported to the State hospital. If he is deemed fit, he can be tried.” Pitcher said the case against See UPDATE, Page A5

Western Lane Community Foundation announces 2024 Scholarship awards to Siuslaw and Mapleton seniors

Western Lane Community Foundation is pleased to have awarded 24 scholarships to the following Siuslaw and Mapleton High School seniors totaling $123,500. The Dr. Brittany Hartzell-Baguley Scholarship of $5,000 per year for four years was awarded to Adelaide Lake; Harold Nusbaum Scholarships of $4,000 per year for four years were awarded to Corduroy Holbrook, Jane Lacouture, Riley Olson and Mya Smith; The Jack and Bobbie Saubert Scholarship of $2,500 per year for four years was awarded to Cate Waggoner. The John Seaver Scholarship for $2,500 per year for four years was awarded to Billie Massey.

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

The Marteen Wick Future First Citizen Scholarship of $2,500 was awarded to Cate Waggoner. The Art and Jean Koning Scholarship of $2,000 was awarded to Samantha Cody. The Larry and Florence England ‘Late Bloomer’ Scholarship of $1,500 was awarded to Brynlee Manues and Alexander McKenzie. The Alan and Virginia Robertson Scholarship of $1,250 was awarded to Daelyn McGee. The Joan Orr Scholarships of $1,000 each were awarded to David Sassone and Rosa Velasco Mendez. The Joe and Pearl Ellingson Scholarship of $2,000 was awarded to Kylee Carson.

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B5-B6

The Hal and Lee Hylton Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Cort Waggoner.

The Richard and Barbara Whitmore Scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Cort Waggoner.

The Kathleen Nielsen Memorial See WLCF, Page A5

Celebrating Over 30 Years in Real Estate

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED JIM HOBERG Broker/Owner

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