TSN820

Kids take to the skies

By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

Some Florence fesidents were asking about the unusual number of airplanes in the skies over town Aug. 8 and the explanation may make you smile. Inside each of those planes was a kid, age 8 to 16, who was about to complete Florence Air Academy, a two-week course designed to introduce them to career fields in aeronautics, travel, and more.

Florence Air Academy is owned and operated by Terry and Winette Tomeny. Terry’s 35- year flight experience is too vast to include here, but he currently owns TomenyAero Inc. in Florence.

Terry said this years class of 17 kids is the largest in its eight-year history and hosts kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County.

Terry said some of the class highlights included a visit by a Coast Guard helicopter crew, a visit to a Coast Guard boat, a trip to the Lane Community College Flight and Maintenance schools, a visit to the Police Station, flying remote control airplanes with a local RC Club, flying drones with a local expert, and even building and launching model rockets.

“I joined the Board of Directors at See SKIES, Page A7

Oregon beaches

JEREMY C. RUARK

County Media, Inc.

The travel website, Lonely Planet, illustrates a listing of what it describes as 10 of the Best Beaches along Oregon’s Pacific Coast.

Oregon’s coastline as 363 miles of rugged terrain “dotted with some incredibly beautiful stretches of sand, dramatic headlands and prime surfing. Not only that, this stretch of coastline has been protected from development

and designated as “the People’s Coast,”’ Lonely Planet states. “Since the Beach Bill was passed in 1913, the state’s beaches, coves, and coastline have been reserved as public lands for the enjoyment of Oregonians.”

· Cannon Beach is number 1 on the list as the “best beach for bird watching.”

· Seaside is listed as number 2, described as the “best beach for a fun carnival atmosphere.”

· Yachats is number 3, described as “best beach

for getting away from it all.”

· Gold Beach is listed as number 4, “best beach for wildlife watching.”

· Florence and the Oregon Dunes is number 5, as, “best beach for otherworldly landscapes.”

· Manzanita, described as the “best beach for an exclusive vibe.” is listed number 6.

· Brookings is number 7, listed as “best beaches for incredible views.”

· Bandon is number

See BEACH, Page A6

March 1, 2023.

changed its legal name to Columbia Bank, an Oregon state chartered commercial bank,” according to its website. “We are owned by Columbia Banking System, Inc. Effective July 1, 2025, we changed the legal name of the bank from Umpqua Bank to Columbia Bank. We will continue to do business under the trade name Umpqua Bank until we publicly change the trade name to Columbia Bank later this year.”

According to a post on https://www. umpquabank.com/ columbia/ the merge with Columbi Bank happened

“The name of our combined bank will continue to operate as Umpqua Bank and our private bank, financial services and healthcare functions will operate under the brand of Columbia Wealth Management,” the post states. It also tells local customers that they will continue to have the same staffing, with no

Understanding Tsunamis and Tsunami Alerting

FROM THE CITY OF FLORENCE

With the Distant Tsunami Advisory that was issued on July 29th, it is a good opportunity to refresh our understanding of Tsunami alerting and the types of Tsunamis we may experience on the Oregon Coast.

OREGON MAY

E XPERIENCE T WO KINDS OF TSUNAMIS:

• Distant Tsunamis are caused by earthquakes or eruptions far away in the Pacific Ocean. Distant earthquakes of an 8.0+ magnitude are likely to generate dangerous

distant tsunamis , though smaller earthquakes can still cause dangerous waves and damage. Distant tsunamis will take hours to arrive in Oregon and will only directly impact the coast. • Local Tsunamis are tsunamis caused by major earthquake activity along the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ). The CSZ is a tectonic fault line that runs 70-100 miles off the shore of the Pacific Northwest. A tsunami caused by the CSZ is commonly referred to as “The Big One”. They occur irregularly every 200-800 years, most recently in 1700. Local

tsunamis are the more dangerous of the two and will impact the entire PNW region.

TSUNAMI ALERTS

During a Distant Tsunami event, similar to what occurred on July 29th, alerting will be generated by the National Tsunami Warning Center. These alerts will be available on www.tsunami. gov and shared widely through many sources. Please note that only distant earthquakes will allow for enough time to trigger onshore tsunami warning systems. An explanation of the four types of Tsunami related

notifications are available in the graphic.

A Local Tsunami would follow an earthquake that will be felt in the impacted region. The local CSZ earthquake will take only minutes to arrive on the Oregon Coast and your biggest warning will be the shaking. If you feel any shaking while near a body of water, evacuate to higher ground immediately.

AM I IN THE TSUNAMI I NUNDATION ZONE?

You should be aware of where the Tsunami inundation zones are. There are different inundation zones for Local and

Distant Tsunamis. You can view information on a specific location, what the evacuation routes are, and where you should go at https://www.oregon. gov/dogami/tsuclearinghouse. This information is also linked on various City, County, and other Emergency Response websites.

SIGN UP FOR ALERTS

Each county in Oregon has a local emergency notifications system. LaneAlerts is the updated emergency notification system for Lane County. All Lane County residents are encouraged to register for LaneAlerts,

even if you already registered with AlertMe (the previous notification system) as that system is no longer operating.

Sign up now to stay in the know about any disaster or emergency that may occur in your area at www.LaneAlerts. org or text your ZIP code to 888777. You will be asked to sign up for an account and can then decide how and when you would like to be notified.

Want to sign up for another county in Oregon? Find your county’s Emergency Notification System at https://oralert.gov/.

Rep. Evans proposes $300 million package for training, facilities

By ALEX BAUMHARDT  Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, has been introducing legislation to modernize the state’s emergency preparedness and response processes for years. He called the state’s tsunami warnings last week to residents on the Oregon Coast — raised due to strong currents and unpredictable waves as a result of a massive earthquake off the coast of Russia — “a good warmup.” No one was injured, and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management called the warning off within 24 hours.

But, Evans said, it also highlighted the ways in which Oregon is behind other states in providing quality information quickly to everyone in a potential disaster impact zone, and when it comes to training volunteers to respond to them.

“We just have a lot more to do because ultimately, even as we’re working to improve, federal capacity is being cut,” Evans said.

President Donald Trump in June said the Federal Emergency Management Agency could be eliminated by December.

“We’re going to be on our own for a longer period of time, and we need to be prepared for that,” Evans said. Oregonians on the coast who signed up for the state’s emergency notification system, OR-Alert,

got a text to stay away from beaches, harbors and marinas. City and county police, firefighters and other officials warned people on the ground in coastal communities to stay inland.

Sign up for emergency alerts here.

But the state’s text alerts only went to people who subscribed to them, rather than anyone with a cell phone within the potentially impacted areas. And there weren’t any texts following the initial warning that provided more information about a timeline for potential impact, how high waves could be and what to do if waves were carrying large objects onto shores as they crashed. Tsunamis can occur more than 20 hours after initial waves, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Jackie Uhrhammer

Jackie Uhrhammer, 91, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Jackie was born in 1934 in Detroit, Michigan. At age 13, she spent a summer in The Dalles and vowed to live in Oregon someday. In 1955, she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Michigan and headed west. She landed in Eugene and met reporter Jerry Uhrhammer. They both loved Oregon and Jackie was always ready for the next adventure. After a long career in clinic

1934 - 2025

nursing, she and Jerry retired to Florence in 1997 to support their widowed daughter and found their forever “gang.” They loved their new life there. After Jerry passed, she joined her

growing family in Redmond. She was an amazing woman, mom, wife, grandma, and friend.

Jackie is survived by her children John, Jo-Ann Barrett (Ron), and Michael (Lisa); three grandchildren Kelsey (Matt), Tyler (Kelsey), and Jacqueline (Cole); and five great grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Redmond on Monday, August 25th, at 11:00am. A rosary will be said at 10:30am, and a luncheon at the church will immediately follow. All are invited.

Patricia Ann Bechtold

July 25, 1936 - June 20, 2025

Patricia Ann Bechtold passed away on June 20, 2025.

She was born in Pierre, South Dakota on July 25, 1936. Her parents, Ernest John and Lois Arie Patnoe, and her three siblings: Mary, Laurence, and LaVern preceded her in death. Patricia was called Patty Ann throughout her childhood in White River, South Dakota.

During high school, two events that shaped her future occurred: she met Virgle Duane Bechtold, and she worked part time at the local bank in White River. After graduation, Patricia attended Black Hills Teacher College in Spearfish, South Dakota for one year, but she decided she liked banking more than teaching. In 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, Virgle Bechtold. They moved to Florence, Oregon in 1962, and Patricia soon started working for the original Lane County Bank as a bookkeeper. Patricia started working full-time at the Florence Branch of Western Bank in 1972, and six years later she was promoted to Operations Officer. She was promoted to Branch Service Officer in 1988 and was awarded the Gold Circle Award in 1992 which was the highest honor awarded to Western Bank employees. Western Bank was purchased by Washington Mutual in 1996, and Patricia retired in

1998. Even after retirement, she kept her professional appearance, always without a hair out of place, which is quite a challenge when you live on the Oregon Coast.

Family was an important part of Patricia’s life. She and her husband, Virgle, held family events and holidays at their home for many years. Patricia and Virgle hosted several family reunions, and Patricia and her sister, Mary, would cook for weeks in preparation. Patricia loved her grandchildren. She would decorate her house and cook for holidays and grandchildren’s birthdays. In her later years, she was still an avid sports fan, would meet friends for lunch, and enjoyed weekly visits to the hair salon.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Virgle Bechtold, after sixty-seven years of marriage. She is survived by her four children: Lory (Kevin), Doug, Don, and David (Cassie), her nine grandchildren: Michael, Austin, Joel, Chelsea, Samuel, Kynan, Raudy, Kyler, and Beau, and her seven great grandchildren: Henry, Penelope, Colson, Sutton, Rosalie, Buckley, and Travis.

The family plans to honor Patricia and Virgle in early September, on the date of their 70th wedding anniversary.

The state also lacks the volunteers and emergency responders to take care of multiple disasters at once, Evans said.

“Had we had a major tsunami, we would have been stretched beyond our capacity, because we’re currently also fighting wildfires, and the number of responders has gone down over the years,” he said.

In response, he’ll bring a three-pronged, $300 million disaster preparedness package to the state Legislature in early 2026

First, it would create six to seven new emergency responder training facilities over the next decade, to train volunteers to respond to different kinds of disasters across the state, such as wildfires, ice storms, floods and, of course, tsunamis.

Second, it would create a Disaster Recovery Authority housed in the governor’s office to direct the state’s response and coordinate state agencies after any emergency both in the short and long term, including hiring more people and coordinating federal and private aid. It’s a similar function given to Utah’s lieutenant governor, who leads an

Emergency Management Administration Council.

The Emergency Management Administration Council was created to provide advice and coordination for state and local government agencies on government emergency prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery actions and activities.

The third prong of the package would create a program that grants state funding to local emergency authorities across the state to help them pay for specific needs based on specific types of disasters they’re most likely to face.

MORE TRAINING

There is no standardized, multi-disciplinary disaster training ground for first responders and volunteers in Oregon, Evans said, just academies focused on a single discipline at the local level.

In some states, such as Florida, every volunteer firefighter is trained and graduates from a state-run program.

Evans, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Oregon Air National Guard and a former volunteer firefighter, said

the state is having trouble maintaining its current forces of volunteer firefighters and emergency responders in part because trainings are hard to find and schedule when they’re offered piecemeal at local agencies. He’d like to see monthly trainings available at multiple facilities statewide across disciplines so more people can participate.

When the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training was established in 2001, it was supposed to be a hub for smaller facilities established across the state. But those smaller training sites never got built, Evans said.

The package he’ll propose is an amalgamation of several bills that Evans has tried to pass before. In the most recent Legislative session, he sponsored House Bill 2858, to create the statewide preparedness training facilities, and House Bill 2770, which would have created the Disaster Recovery Authority in the governor’s office. Both bills failed to advance out of legislative committees.

“We’re going to try to approach the 2026 session as if that’s the last stand,” Evans said. “If anybody wants anything out of me, we’re going to be working on this.” He said the state has made progress modernizing in small ways over the last several years. In 2017, the Legislature created an equipment sharing and grant program called SPIRE, where the state buys rescue boats, all-terrain vehicles and other emergency equipment that local agencies can use, but that the state retains ownership of and can retrieve when needed.

In 2022, the state made the Oregon Department of Emergency Management a stand alone agency with its own funding separate from the State Police and the Military Department, where it used to be housed. In 2023, the Oregon Department of the State Fire Marshal also became a standalone agency, whereas before it had played a supporting role in the Oregon State Police.

The Legislature recently provided the emergency management department enough money so that it could run a 24-hour operation center, which will begin operating in July, Evans said. He hopes this improves the quality and speed of notifications and updates people statewide receive in a disaster. Evans called all of this “a first step.”

THE POWER OF A DEMAGOGUE

It is astonishing the power that Donald Trump has amassed; and it is clear that, no matter the state of his mental capabilities or what the Constitution says about third terms for presidents, he will never relinquish that power. Like all demagogues, like all dictators, he will strive to die in office. And what will be left of America when he is through?

His latest activities have been his worst: he has appointed a deceitful lawyer to the Court of Appeals; he has fired the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics over a disappointing job report, replacing her findings with more Trump lies; he is doing all he can to sweep the Epstein/Maxwell horror under the rug and “dull the public outrage”; he is leading the way in the gerrymandering in Texas; he is spreading what the Financial Times calls a “cancer of uncertainty” throughout the world. Trump can be stopped, says Thomas Friedman, only if the Republican Party says, “Enough!” And I fear that that will never happen.

We have had other demagogues in our history – Joseph McCarthy, Huey Long, and Father Coughlin among them – and, though they never reached the position of president, they have strongly influenced public opinion. They have ultimately been silenced. Demagogues must be kept in check.

I have never been a doom-sayer, never one to look only upon the dark side, but, since the dark side is with us, I cannot help but see it. Though there have been many good people who have been duped by Trump’s lies and now see through him, there are many others, those who claim to be patriots, who think that he is doing well. They are the enemies of democracy, and must be defeated. Not physically – not by force – but by reason and law and trust in the decency of man. It is clear by now that Trump and his advocates do not respect those qualities, nor do they seem to possess them. We must do what we can to keep them alive or all might be lost. It is not too late.

George Durant Florence

Thank you Siuslaw News for presenting some of the dire consequences of the “Big Brutal Bill”. This abomination was recently passed by a narrow margin thanks to the lack of true representation by the current administration and their spineless lackeys. The article “ Health Care Workers Are Warning…” in the August 6 edition illustrates in stark terms some of the results. This legislation has to be among the most shameful and destructive acts to come out of congress in a very long time.

The loss of access to health care for millions is bad enough;

but the fact that the wealthiest individuals in our country will save over $300,00 in taxes per year on the backs of the most vulnerable is beyond disgraceful.

We must get the ship of state back on course when election time comes around.

Mark and Cynthia Chandler Florence

I agree with President Trump’s claim that there is a crime issue in D.C. but contend that the substance of the District’s crime issue is unrelated to the city’s crime rate---instead it has everything to do with Trump’s flagrant attacks on the rule of law. I could go on—and on and on—but you get the point. There is a real out-of-control crime situation in Washington however it is not the one referred to in the president’s executive order. It is the one he is leading. It is the one whose perpetrators Trump is pardoning & shielding from investigation & prosecution in the first place. It is the one for which his own accountability is blocked by presidential immunity. And, it is the one of which he is a leading beneficiary. Unfortunately, this is not a crime spree that deploying the National Guard or a federal takeover of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department is going to deter. Trump is 4 years late for the one that really needed the Nat. Guard; Jan 6th! Jeff Talbot, Florence

Oregon sees 2,700 job losses in July

Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 2,700 jobs in July, following a revised loss of 8,600 jobs in June, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

The monthly unemployment reports are a key economic indicator of the state.

JOB LOSSES

July’s losses were largest in financial activities (-2,700 jobs); professional and business services (-1,400); and health care and social assistance (-1,100). Gains were largest in construction (+2,900 jobs) and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+800). Construction employed 112,700 in July, rebounding from its relatively weak prior two months, but landing well below its average level of 117 500 jobs during the prior two years. Professional and business services has been on a declining trend since early 2023. Accounting for 254 100 jobs in July, it is down 14,800 jobs, or 5.5%, since its peak employment in March 2023. Each of its three component industries dropped by a similar percentage during that period. Newly revised numbers for this year show lower employment levels than previously estimated for most industries.

CLOSER LOOK

Since July 2024

Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment

dropped 24,600 jobs, or -1.2%. Manufacturing lost 9,400 jobs, or 5.0%. Each of these industries cut between 3% and 4%: information, private education, wholesale trade, financial activities, and construction.

In that time, only two major industries expanded: health care and social assistance (+9,800 jobs, or 3.2%) and leisure and hospitality (+2,000 jobs, or

1.0%).

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.0% in July and 4.9% in June, after rising gradually over the past year from 4.2% in July 2024. Oregon’s 5.0% unemployment rate was 1.4 percentage points higher than the recent low of 3.6% during spring 2023

The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1% in June and 4.2% in July.

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POLICE LOG

The Florence Police Department responded to the following calls from

6 to August 12.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 6

At 3:34 a.m., officers on patrol observed a subject they knew to have warrants for his arrest. Officers make contact and arrested the subject for one warrant from Florence Municipal Court and another from Lane County Circuit Court.

At 9:02 a.m., a caller reported that someone had used a stick with tape on it to take money from a donation box in the 100 block of Harbor Street. Caller said the amount was between $10 and $20. Case remains under investigation.

At 1:05 p.m., a caller reported that a driver had cut them off, and flipped them off in the 4800 block of Highway 101. Vehicle was gone when officers arrived.

At 1:28 p.m., a caller reported that two intoxicated subjects were arguing in the 400 block of Juniper Street. Officers arrived to find a verbal dispute occurring. Crisis response members were summoned to the scene to assist one of the subjects.

At 3:15 p.m., officers responded to the 1500 block of Airport Road for

a report from a juvenile that her mother was being harassed by a property manager. Officers investigated to find a civil dispute over rent payment. No further action was taken.

At 3:50 p.m., officers responded to the area of Highway 101 and 15th St. for a reported accident involving a vehicle and pedestrian. Officers discovered the pedestrian had sustained only minor injuries and cited the driver for inattentive driving.

At 4:27 p.m., officers responded to the 87 500 block of Highway 101 for a reported baggie found containing a crystal substance. Officers took possession of the baggie for destruction.

At 11:30 p.m., officers responded to the 4800 block of Highway 101 for a report of a male subject standing in the road with only a phone light and a reflective vest. Subject was gone when officers arrived.

THURSDAY AUGUST 7

At 9:08 a.m., a caller reported a vehicle driving northbound into town, saying the driver could not stay in their lane. Officers arrived in the area but were unable to locate the vehicle.

At 9:25 a.m., officers responded to a call in the 1300 block of Highway 101 and encountered

Bradley Robbins, known by officers to have warrants for his arrest. Robbins ran from officers but was later located and arrested. Robbins was found to have been in possession of a motorcycle that had been reported stolen and was reportedly carrying methamphetamine. Charges were added. Robbins was found to have warrants from other states, but authorities there chose not to extradite him.

At 11 a.m., officers stopped a dump truck traveling northbound on Highway 101 that was losing gravel from its box. Officers notified the driver, who attempted to fix the problem. Public Works was contacted to help clean up areas where gravel had spilled.

At 2:32 p.m., an officer on patrol found a wallet in the 2000 block of Highway 101. Officers tried to contact the owner based on identification in the wallet, but were unable to reach them.

At 8:13 p.m., a13-yearold caller reported having a dispute with another 13-year-old who called them a ”bad name” and asked about legal recourse. No further action was taken.

At 8:39 p.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of Willow Loop for a reported dispute.

Subjects were separated and no further action was taken.

At 10:36 p.m., a caller reported that a bear had been hit on the highway near mile marker 181. Call was turned over to Oregon State Police.

At 10:49 p.m., officers responded to the 900 block of Nopal Street for a reported dispute. Officers made contact with a subject known to them who had been screaming in the area. Subject was advised to keep it down.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 8

At 1:06 a.m., a repossession agency reported that while trying to repossess a vehicle in the 2100 block of 10th St., a subject pointed a gun at them. Officers responded and spoke to the subject who said he only displayed the gun. Subject was arrested for menacing, allowing the agency time to repossess the vehicle.

At 12:36 p.m., officers responded to the 2200 block of Highway 101 for a report of a dog inside a car. Officers found dog was in no danger, no further action was taken.

At 1:22 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 1600 block of Highway 101 for a dispute over a service animal inside the business. Officers advised all subjects of the law regarding service animals.

At 2:38 p.m., a caller reported hearing a loud crash earlier. Upon going out to their vehicle they found dents and damage. A report was taken.

At 7:41 p.m., officers in the area of the Quince Street and Highway 126 were investigating a tagged RV in the area and discovered it had been reported stolen in 2021 from Coos County. While investigating further, officers found the RV contained weapons and firearms inside. Officers arrested one occupant of the RV, Chelsie Kelley, for possession of stolen property, being a felon in possession of firearms. She was also found to have a warrant from Springfield Municipal Court. Officers are following up in the investigation and more charges may apply. The owner of the RV was contacted.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9

At 1:21 a.m., officers responded to the 2400 block of Highway 101 for a report of a group of people making noise. Upstairs arrived to find some young adults hanging out and advised them to keep the noise down.

At 12:02 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Myeena Drive for a report that a locked box had been left in a driveway. Officers took possession of the box. Contents were unknown.

At 1:59 p.m., officers responded to the 1800 block of Highway 101 for a report that a purchase order had been made with a credit card and that the business found the card had been reported stolen. Officers were waiting for someone to pick up the when they discovered that another employee had inadvertently notified the card user that it had been reported stolen. Subjects did not arrive to pick up the order.

At 7:35 p.m., a caller reported that she had left a vehicle in another location for some time and recently saw it listed for sale. After contacting the property owner where the vehicle is located, the caller said she took possession of the vehicle again but found a modified shotgun inside it. Shotgun was turned over to the police department.

At 8:25 p.m., a caller reported a lost dog in the 4900 block of South Jetty Rd. Dog was described as a “female Pom-sky.”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

At 10:44 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of Highway 101 for a third-party report of a male following a female while arguing. Officers made contact with the subjects to find no physical contact had occurred. Subjects were separated and the situation calmed.

At 11:19 a.m., officers responded to the 3300 block of Rhododendron Drive for a report of a dog in the yard. Officers arrived to find a multicolored pit bull, but were unable to capture it.

At 11:30 a.m., a caller reported a motorcycle in the area of 1st Street and Nopal weaving and riding

recklessly. Officers arrived and located a motorcycle in the area. After stopping the rider, officers determined it was not the reported motorcycle and that rider was free to go.

At 12:33 p.m., a caller reported a pit bull advancing on them in the 1500 block of N. Siano Loop. Officers arrived to see the same pit bull from the 11:19 a.m. call. Officers were unable to capture the dog but were told it someone had picked it up at another location.

At 3:01 p.m., officers responded to the 4700 block of Highway 101 for a report of a dog in a vehicle. Officers arrived and found the dog in no danger. No further action was taken.

At 3:31 p.m., officers responded to the 5600 block of Highway 126 for a report of a dog in a vehicle. Officers arrived to find the dog in no danger and no further action was taken.

At 4:13 p.m., caller reported finding clothing and ID on the beach. Officers took possession of the items to find they belong to a subject from out of the area. At last report, officers were still trying to contact the owner.

MONDAY, AUGUST 11

At 12:37 a.m., officers responded to the 900 block of Highway 101 for a report of people arguing. Arriving officers were told that only a verbal dispute had occurred. Officers contacted Siuslaw Outreach Services to provide assistance for one of the subjects.

At 2:37 a.m., officers found a loose dog in the 1900 block of Willow Loop. Dog was described as a white pit bull/ lab cross wearing a green collar. Doug was taken to Humane Society.

At 9:20 a.m., officers located a vehicle in the 900 block of Greenwood Street that was wanted for eluding officers on August 2.

At 12:21 p.m., a caller reported that his dog had been stolen from his car. Caller re-contacted dispatch later to say his dog was safe at home, and had not been in his car as he had thought.

At 2:22 p.m., officers responded to the 3300 block of Oak Street for a report of inappropriate contact by a coworker. Case remains under investigation.

At 5:23 p.m., officers observed a motorcycle parked near the Estuary Trail that had an unusual amount of driftwood secured to it. Officers contacted the owner as he came out of the trees. Subject was found to have warrants for his arrest from Clatsop County and Eugene. Subject was taken into custody after returning the driftwood to where he’d found it.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 12

At 1:08 a.m., officers responded to the area of Rhododendron Drive and Sebastian Street for a report of an alarm going off inside of business. Officers went into the business and contacted a subject who showed signs of intoxication. Subject was warned not to drive and promised not to do so, but was observed driving shortly afterward. Officers arrested Janet Engel for DUII.

At 7:55 a.m., a caller

Advisory committee members selected to advance West Coast Ocean Initiative

Administrators of the nation’s two national ocean science trusts said they have taken a key next step in the development of the West Coast Ocean Science Action Agenda by announcing initial appointments to an advisory committee.

The committee will provide strategic oversight and validation of coastwide agenda implementation, emphasizing fairness, representation, and balance of voices needed to deliver on ocean science priorities for the coming decade.

As the U.S. West Coast faces the impacts of a changing climate - including heatwaves, coastal storms, changing ocean chemistry, and sea-level rise - advancing scientific knowledge and solutions is critical. The agenda will identify shared science priorities and co-create science funding structures that can deliver on these needs.

Laura Anderson, Chair of the Oregon Ocean Science Trust, expressed support for the agenda and advisory committee members that will contribute to its success. “Ocean science protects lives, fuels innovation, and strengthens coastal economies,” said Anderson. “We’re excited to welcome advisory committee members to this region-wide initiative to bring to the table unique voices and perspectives that will help us deliver a robust agenda.”

The trusts are partnering with the West Coast Ocean Alliance and the West Coast Ocean Tribal Caucus to authentically listen to Tribal science priorities and lift those into the shared priorities

Police

From Page A4

reported having video evidence of a subject cutting a hole in the fence and entering a vehicle on the property. Case remains under investigation.

At 11:30 a.m., a caller reported a subject driving while intoxicated in the 900 block of Highway 101. Officers located the subject and arrested Kenneth Bartley for DUII.

At 3:38 p.m., a caller reported items stolen from a short term rental in the 700 block of Spruce Street. Case remains under investigation.

At 4:28 p.m., a caller reported that from a storage unit in the 5000 block of Highway 101 Case remains under investigation.

At 4:54 p.m., a caller reported that a subject in the Port of Siuslaw shoved and sprayed beer on them.

At 6:13 p.m., multiple callers reported a subject on a bicycle dragging a dog in the area of Highway 101. Officers contacted the subject who said he had not been dragging the dog, as it was not tied to the bike, and was under verbal command.

At 9:28 p.m., officers arrived in the area of Oak and second St. for a report of a large party and fireworks. Officers waited in the area but saw no signs of partying or fireworks. No further action was taken.

At 9:28 p.m., a business in the 4700 block of Highway 101 reported a female subject refusing to leave. Officers contacted the subject who had a warrant from Salem and placed her under arrest.

identified in the agenda.

“The West Coast Ocean Alliance, including its membership of tribal and state governments from throughout the region, is very much looking forward to the opportunity to share their ocean science priorities,” West Coast Ocean Alliance Executive Director John Hansen said. “The advisory committee will play an essential role in providing accountability to inclusively listening and learning, and demonstrating how all government partners can be heard in a meaningful way.”

As the trusts expand partnerships in Washington, additional members will be welcomed to the Advisory Committee to ensure appropriate consideration of shared science priorities from the breadth of the U.S. West Coast.

“It is an honor to partner with the members of the advisory committee,” California Ocean Science Trust Executive Director Liz Whiteman said. “They bring an incredible diversity of perspectives and experience in the science-to-policy sector. I look forward to learning from their expertise to

collectively realize the vision of the agenda.”

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

APPOINTMENTS:

• Becky Smyth, recently with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

• Dr. Clarissa Anderson, Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System

• Dominique Kone, Blue Convergence Fund

• Kate Wing, Intertidal Agency

Dr. Jan Newton, University of Washington and Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing System

• Dr. Matthew Gribble, University of California, San Francisco

• Dr. Priya Shukla, Strategic Earth Consulting

• Dr. Rod Fujita, Ocean Innovations Consulting

• Dr. Roxanne Beltran, University of California, Santa Cruz

• Sabrina Lopez, PhD Student, Coastal Climate Resilience Fellow

• Dr. Will White, Oregon State University

As part of the application process, advisory

committee members shared perspectives on their diverse interests associated with U.S. West Coast ocean and coastal research needs. Ensuring historically underrepresented voices are included in agenda strategies, considering strategies that address both threats and opportunities facing the U.S. West Coast, developing strategies that lead to actionable science, and leveraging funding across federal, state, and philanthropic sources, were a few of the concepts

expressed by potential members.

For example, Becky Smyth, recently with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and selected for the advisory committee, emphasized the urgency of the effort.

To view information about each advisory committee member, visit https://www.oceanscienceagenda.org/ advisory-committee.

To track progress implementing the Action Agenda, visit https://www. oceanscienceagenda.org.

“The advancement of this West Coast Ocean Science Action Agenda comes at a critical time,” Smyth said. “With the dual challenges of rapidly changing ocean conditions due to climate change and other pressures and the decrease in funding for research and science, this science action agenda can help us envision the needs and opportunities for important research to understand and sustain our valuable West Coast ocean resources.”

Do you part and volunteer today to help support these organizations in our community.

Peace Harbor Volunteers

DOING GOOD . GIVING BACK

VOLUNTEER AT PEACEHEALTH PEACE HARBOR MEDICAL CENTER

Do you have a desire to serve your community? Peace Harbor Medical Center may be the place for you. At Peace Harbor, we strive to provide compassionate, high quality, accessible health care and to promote a healthy community. We value having community volunteers in various aspects throughout the healthcare system. For more information and to obtain an application visit the Gift Shop or Front Lobby Desk at Peace Harbor Medical Center at 400 9th Street, Florence, Oregon.

Us Too Florence

Saving men one PSA test at a time. “Someone to talk to...who understands!” 541-997-6626 • maribob@oregonfast.net www.ustooflorence.org

KCST holds fundraiser Auction

SUBMITTED by KCST

More than 100 items valued at more than $25 000 will be sold live on air to the highest bidder Friday, August 22, during Coast Radio’s Summer Auction.

Bidding will begin Friday at 9:15 a.m. and continue until all items are sold around mid-afternoon. It’s our twice-yearly fundraiser, only we aren’t looking for donations, explained Coast Radio General Manager Jon Thompson. ‘“Listeners can support their local radio stations and staff by bidding and winning quality items and services.”

The list of auction items can be found on Coast Radio’s website at www.kcst.com. You can also stop by our studios for a printed copy of the auction list or e-mail rweil@kcst.com for a copy.

Bidding is simple, but is easier if you pre-register. Just call the station

at 541-997-9136 during regular business hours prior to the auction. Discounts typically average around 40% according to Thompson, but “We’ve sold items for much less.”

The auction features a long list of items including gift certificates to many of the area’s best restaurants, computers including an iMac and a custom-built PC, tools, dining set, garbage disposal, paint, gift baskets, gift certificates for car repair, care detail, groceries, flowers, tax work, golf, carpeting, flooring and services for home repair, gardening and maintenance. Certificates and tickets for attractions like Sea Lion Caves, C&M Stables, City Lights Cinema and Wildlife Safari and lodging at the River House Inn, Driftwood Shores Resort, Best Western Pier Point Inn and Hotel Florentine a unique boutique hotel and recent addition to the area.

south of Depoe Bay, calling it “an impressive collapsed sea cave that churns with waves and offers good tidepools nearby.”

8, “best beach for marine life.”

· Depoe Bay is listed number 9 for “best whale watching.”

· Number 10 on the list is Indian Beach in Ecola State Park, listed as “best beach for coastal hiking trails.”

The travel website lists Depoe Bay as a small city with “coastal charm.”

“Located 10 miles south of Lincoln City, little Depoe Bay is edged by modern timeshare condominiums but still retains some original coastal charm,” Lonely Planet notes. “It lays claim to having the world’s smallest navigable harbor and being the world’s whale-watching capital – pretty big talk for such a pint-sized town. Whale-watching and charter fishing are the main attractions in the area year-round.”

Lonely Planet also suggests Devils Punchbpwl as a detour five miles

The online magazine puts Florence and the Oregon Dunes at Number 5 on its list.

Stretching for nearly 50 miles between Florence and Coos Bay, the Oregon Dunes form the largest expanse of oceanfront sand dunes in the USA, according to Lonely Planet

“These sandy hills tower up to 500 feet and undulate inland for up to 3 miles to meet coastal forests, harboring curious ecosystems that sustain an abundance of wildlife, especially birds. The area inspired Frank Herbert to pen his epic sci-fi Dune novels,” the online site states. “The very northern and southern sections of the dunes are dominated by dune buggies and dirt bikes (off-highway vehicles, or OHVs); avoid hiking in these areas.

The central section of the dunes is closed to OHVs and preserved for wildlife and more peaceful human

.1 . The regular format on both stations will be suspended during bidding.

“We keep three items active on the block at any one time”, he said.

“We describe them, invite bidders to call, and then after a few minutes we will close it out”. Some items prove extremely popular and often bidders will get competitive. When that happens, the item will stay active until all the bidders drop out except the winner.

The station maintains a phone room with plenty of lines and operators to take the bids and record the sales.

Winning bidders will need to pick up their buy at the station, 4480 Highway 101 , during regular business hours, within ten days. You can pay with cash, local check or using a debit or credit card.

activities such as hiking and canoeing.”

Lonely Plant also offers a planning tip: “Make time for Florence’s Old Town neighborhood to see the town’s most charming side – a quaint waterfront district nestled along the scenic Siuslaw River next to the Oregon Coast’s prettiest harbor,” it states. Yachats, number 3 on the list, is described as a neat and friendly little town and one of the Oregon Coast’s best-kept secrets.

“Lying at the base of massive Cape Perpetua, Yachats offers the memorable scenery of a rugged and windswept land,” Lonely Planet states. “People come here to get away from it all, which isn’t hard to do along this relatively undeveloped stretch of coast. Not only is the beach close to town an ideal stretch of sand and sea stacks, but Cape Perpetua also gives you even more room to roam and take in the coast.” See more at https:// www.lonelyplanet.com/

From Page A1

interruption in service. It also promises greater access to banking locations, expanded service and greater access. It also states that some consolidation and closing of locations may occur.

“This is strictly a name change and does not reflect any other legal change,” according to the website. “The bank is the same legal entity as before. Deposits made with Umpqua Bank are deposits made with Columbia Bank and are not insured separately by the FDIC.” Contracts made with Umpqua also remain under the new name. Staff inside the bank say the only changes otherwise will be the signage and a facelift of the interior.

the B&GC a little over a year ago because there are way too few activities for the kids in this community. It’s really CROW (wonderful organization) or the B&GC. CROW focuses on the Arts. We try to focus more on STEM activities.” Terry noted that kids will hopefully soon get local sponsors and mentors to build soap box-style cars and race them.

On Aug. 8, kids were given a final test on what they’d learned and the highest-scoring kids were allowed to choose the plane they would fly in.

“This is under the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Young Eagles program. This year we have five local pilots and three from Roseburg who will fly all of the kids individually,” Terry said, noting that families were welcome to watch the exciting final day.

After pre-flight checks and some instruction, kids fastened their seat belts.

All eight planes went out to the runway together and took off only minutes apart, flying north. Kids were then flown over the Heceta Head Lighthouse, around to the area over Three Rivers Casino, over the Siuslaw River, Old Town, the Siuslaw River Bridge and the jetties before returning to the airport.

From inside the planes, kids used the radios to communicate each plane’s position and status back to the airport.

For the duration of the flights, the young voices could be heard on the assigned frequency making reports like “Florence Area Traffic, Florence 4, entering left, downwind on 45,” and “Florence area, Florence 7 passing the lighthouse and “Florence 2, turning left for runway 33, full stop.”

Once back at the airport, pilots picked up more students and went up again.

Terry said it’s been a tradition to take the top-scoring student up in his open cockpit biplane, in addition to flying in the other planesr. This year saw a thee-way tie for top

score, so he opted to take all three. However, after taking one student up, the biplane wouldn’t start again.

“That’s never happened in the nine years I’ve had it,” he said. After finding out later that the engine had been flooded, Terry told the kids he would make good on the flight soon. He added that one of the students volunteered to come down later and help prep the biplane for commercial flight

tours. After the flights, kids, parents and others went back to the hangar for lunch, provided by the Lions Club. The day concluded with kids receiving graduation certificates, a Young Eagles certificate, and a Young Eagles logbook. Certificates were presented by Chamber of Commerce Director Bettina Hannigan.

Terry wanted to thank pilots Sam Spayd, Lou

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541-997-8885

SPORTS & LIFESTYLE

New faces joining the Viking ranks

Will LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Summer is coming to a close, and while I’m sure no one is in a rush to see the long days come to an end, the fall also brings activity back to the hallways of Siuslaw High School and action onto the fields and courts.

There have been some changes in the administration at Siuslaw, as longtime Athletic Director Chris Johnson has stepped back, and Max Perry has stepped in to fill his shoes.

Despite the transition, the priorities remain the same: ensuring a successful year for students participating in Vikings athletics.

Before students set foot on the hardwood, gridiron, or soccer pitch, Perry’s first priority was ensuring that all athletes and coaches were registered and cleared for the first day of official practices on Aug. 18. Once practices begin,

Perry turns to confirming eli gibility for ath letes in regards to their “main priority:” academic performance. Siuslaw wants to ensure that the stud ies are still the priority, even if students are pursuing athletic passions.

“Beyond that, we’re working to make sure that all of our logistics are dialed for bussing, officials, and game management,” Perry said.

“There are a lot of moving pieces to coordinate, and making sure everything works efficiently and effectively is the goal.”

As sign-ups ramped up toward the end of the summer, Perry said there are 114 kids set to participate in athletics. In terms of participation numbers, Perry expects almost 140 students to wear jerseys for the

Viking teams this year. One of the driving forces for the strong turnout is an enthusiastic incoming class.

“A number that really excites me is that we have over 40 incoming freshmen signed up for athletics right now,” Perry said. “I’d love to see that number continue to grow, but I think that’s one of the largest groups of incoming athletes we’ve had in a few years.”

In addition to a fresh set of faces with the incoming freshmen, there have been some changes to the school’s coaching staff.

“Amanda Richards, who was an assistant volleyball and softball coach last year, will be leading the Girls Basketball and Softball programs this year while continuing to

coach volleyball as an assistant,” Perry said. “We just posted our Head Golf position this week, doing our best to replace Chuck Johnson, who retired from teaching and coaching after 40 years.”

The biggest changes for Siuslaw athletics will be in the personnel and the new athletes. Much of the infrastructure for sports at the school has remained the same in the interest of keeping coins in the coffers. But that doesn’t mean the quality has taken a dip.

“We’re doing our best to be frugal this summer, so nothing new as far as equipment is concerned,” Perry said. “Our maintenance staff has continued to do great work getting the fields and courts in shape for the fall, which we always receive compliments on from teams we’re hosting at our facilities.”

It’s only a matter of time before those facilities are put to use, as the

fall sports will get into full swing in September. Before crowds are welcomed back to cheer on their Vikings this fall, these are the upcoming important dates to be aware of: Aug. 22 Siuslaw Hall of Fame: 5:30 p.m. in the main gym. Aug. 23 Siuslaw Athletic Booster Club Auction: 6 p.m. at the Florence Events Center Aug. 23 Siuslaw Volleyball Blue/Gold Scrimmage: 12 p.m. in the main gym

Aug. 28 Boys/ Girls Soccer and Volleyball Jamborees at Marshfield

There’s a lot to be excited about this fall, but what is Perry most excited for? Well, it should come as no surprise. “I’m really looking forward to watching our student-athletes compete, whether that’s at practice or in games,” Perry said.

Chris Johnson to keep the Siuslaw

running at least three more

It’s been said that winning a state high school title, any title, is a heavy lift. Many coaches win one or two during their careers. Most don’t win any. A select few win a slew. But hardly any coach in the history of Oregon high school sports can boast of the 19 state championships – 16 in cross country, three in track and field – that Siuslaw’s Chris Johnson has collected since he launched his coaching career at Siuslaw High in the fall of 1995

Johnson and the Vikings added another first-place trophy to the school’s trophy case when they claimed the Class 3A boys state track championship at Eugene’s Hayward Field in late May.

“He is hands-down the most successful coach

Siuslaw has ever had –the numbers speak for themselves,” said Max Perry, who took over as the school’s athletic director from Johnson this summer.

Johnson, who was named Oregon’s coach of the year by the United States Track and Field Cross Country Coaches Association in July, isn’t finished coaching, however. He’s committed to at least three more years as the Vikings’ head cross country and track coach.

HOW DOES HE DO IT?

Johnson’s recipe for success has been a combination of a relentless work ethic, detailed practice plans, pushing, inspiring and motivating his athletes to reach levels they didn’t believe they could, and sprinkling in a charisma that connects with nearly everyone he coaches.

Clayton Wilson, who transferred from Reedsport High to Siuslaw last fall and captured four state titles in his only season as a Viking, quickly connected with Johnson.

Wilson became the first Siuslaw runner to claim the “triple crown” of distance running after winning the Class 3A state cross country meet last fall and adding state championships in the 1,500- and 3,000-meter runs at the state track meet in the spring. He added a fourth state title by running a leg on the Vikings’ winning 4x400-meter relay team that clinched the team title over Burns.

Perry, the Vikings’ associate head track coach who has assisted Johnson since 2014, compares Johnson’s approach to a college program.

“We have a great staff that works really

years

well together, but it’s Chris who gets us focused,” said Perry, a 2007 Siuslaw graduate who went on to excel in the shot put and discus at Southern Oregon University. “There’s a professionalism that Chris brings to the team that’s like a college program. We’re able to get our kids to be as good as they possibly can be without breaking them.”

After spending one season as an assistant coach, Johnson, 55, took over the cross country head coaching position in 1996, and promptly won a boys’ state title. But it would be another eight years before he struck gold again as both the boys’ and girls’ teams bagged titles in 2004

Vikings

NETWORKING AND MORE.

What changed?

Several seasons into his career, Johnson began inviting top coaches from around the state to his home for a few days over the Christmas holiday, when school was out. What Johnson learned is that the best coaches he encountered had a gift for reaching and inspiring their athletes and to be there for them on a bad day. He had observed those same qualities in longtime Henley High head

Then came an avalanche of titles – the girls piled up five straight state crowns and six in a span of seven seasons between 2004 and 2010. The boys chipped in with state championships in 2011 and 2012, meaning that one team or the other, or both, triumphed eight times in nine years. Johnson, ever the perfectionist, was getting better at what he did.

Florence Pet Grief Support Group

Are you grieving the death of a pet?

Anticipating the death of your pet? Wondering if/ when to euthanize an ailing pet? Grieving a lost pet?

You don’t have to go through this alone.

Receive and offer understanding and support with others who are coping with intense feelings and challenging issues related to pet grief.

The group is sponsored by the FUUF Animal Ministry, and is facilitated by professional counselors and coaches who are animal lovers with training in grief work.

The Florence pet grief support group takes place on the first and third Thursdays of every month, from 4:00pm to 5:15pm.

Meetings will take place at the Florence Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (FUUF), located at87738 Route

From Page B1

track and cross country coach Ron Smith, who spent many years as the director of the Steens Mountain Running Camp in southeast Oregon.

Smith won eight track state titles and three cross country crowns with the Hornets.

“I followed Ron around at the Steens camp one year for a full day,” said Johnson. “What I saw was a man who could walk into a room and instantly have a rapport with everyone in the

1010 at Heceta Beach Rd. north of Florence.

Cost is free, donations are appreciated, and meetings are open to all adults 18 and over.

Facilitators are K.S. Stanley, MA, Wellness, Judy Dolmatch, MSW, LCSW, and Dhyan Summers, MA, LMFT. Contact Stanley for more information at fuufanimalministry@gmail. com

Friends of the Library Labor Day Weekend Book Sale

If you love books and love your Library, then the Friends of the Library’s big two-day Labor Day Weekend Book Sale is for you!

Sale dates are Saturday, Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug 31 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Bromley Room at the Siuslaw Public Library, 1460 9th St.

As usual, the books are

room. He could reach out and connect with kids quickly and create a synergy with them.”

Johnson had already been an outgoing, extroverted coach, but watching his peers at work convinced him that he needed to do more. And he has.

But being a psychologist, of sorts, in the sport of running also entails a basic fact: Running hard isn’t easy.

“I tell our kids we can’t sugarcoat this,” said Johnson. “If you’re going to be good then you’ll have to train hard. You’re going to have to be uncomfortable and

ANCHOR OF HOPE CHURCH

Live like Jesus, share His Love. 1318 Rhododendron Drive www.anchorofhopeflo.com Sunday Service 11am

Livestream on Facebook @anchorofhopeflo

BAHA’I FAITH OF FLORENCE

“What is Baha’i, and Why?” 2nd Monday 7:00 pm Interfaith Devotions 4th Monday 7:00 pm Info and meeting location: 541-590-0779

Zoom link on Facebook: Florence Baha’i Community All ARE WELCOME!

COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH

4590 Hwy. 101 N, across from Fred Meyer541 997-7418

SUNDAY SERVICES - Adult Bible Study

9:30 AM; Worship 10:45 AM; High School Youth 7- 9 PM

MID-WEEK- Women’s Bible Study-Tuesday 10:00-Noon and Thursday

7:00-8:00PM; Men’s Bible Study Thursday 8:00-9:30 AM; Middle School Youth Wed. 7-9 PM. Sunday Worship streams live at Community Baptist Church Facebook Page

CROSS ROAD ASSEMBLY OF GOD

Corner of 10th & Maple- 541-997-3533

Sunday Services 9am 1st Service in person Sunday Services 11am

2nd Service in person & livestreamed Wednesday kids/youth night is at 6:30 NOT livestreamed. https://www.florencecrossroadag.org/church-online

Other platforms update after the service. florencecrossroadag.org office@florencecrossroadag.org

FLORENCE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

2nd & Ivy - 541-997-2961 - Non-Denominational

Service is on Sunday at 10:00 am Sunday Service also streaming live at 10am at florencechurch.com

FLORENCE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP

87738 Hwy 101 at Heceta Beach Road

RUAUU? Come explore the answer with us. Sunday Worship Services ~ 10:00am www.florenceuuf.com

priced to sell. Hardbacks and trade paperbacks are only $1 each and pocket size paperbacks are even better at 50 cents each. Children’s books are 4 for $1. Just in time for Back-to-School reading! And of course we will have our sturdy, washable canvas book totes with custom art by a local artist also available to purchase. These bags are useful not just for books, but for groceries, or toting your beach blankets... You can purchase this artful bag, and fill it to the top with your favorite, books, CDs and DVDs or puzzles for only $20. Or, you can purchase the bag only, for $10. And don’t forget to personalize your bag with a unique bag tag! ($5)

Remember too: Current members of the Friends of the Library can get in early, from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30 for a special “Pre-Sale” event. Memberships are available at the door. The Friends of the Siuslaw Public Library is a 501 (c ) (3), all volunteer non-profit organization

suffer a little bit. But the rewards are out there for those who are willing to work.”

Johnson’s distance runners average about 55 miles per week, with a lot of sprint work mixed in.

During the cross country season, the Vikings often train at Sandpines Golf Links. Their most ardent workouts entail completing about 8,000 meters of work with repeat 800meter or 1,000-meter intervals mixed in.

During a meet, the runners are competing on 5,000-meter courses.

“We’re trying to get in the equivalent of 1.5 races,” explained

and all profits from book sales are used to benefit the Library in its mission. Book sales are the major source of revenue for the Friends, along with donations.

For more information, contact the Friends at siuslawlibraryfriends@ gmail.com

FRAA Board of Directors Recruitment

Do you want to have fun, spend time with interesting people who will stimulate your senses, and be part of creating the future plan for the Florence Regional Arts Alliance - then you should join the FRAA Board.

Here’s why: FRAA is the “Hub” of arts and cultural activity in Florence 150 members and growing

Sponsors of a variety of events; like classes and workshops in all mediums, arts festivals throughout the year like

Johnson. “And we finish with max velocity, running all-out for 60 to 200 meters.”

During lighter workouts, the Vikings are still, as Johnston puts it, “moving our feet quickly.”

The Vikings also hit the weight room three times each week, creating strength and power to augment speed and quickness.

“We’ve had few catastrophic injuries over the years,” noted Johnson, “and I think hitting the weight room has something to do with that.”

On race day, the Vikings are prepared, especially for the big meets. In addition to all the state titles, Johnson’s squads have brought home a staggering 39 district cross country championships and 19

FLORENCE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

2nd & Kingwood • (541) 997-6025

Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for adults is at 9:00 a.m. Online services at www.florenceunitedmethodist.org or find us on Facebook.

FOURSQUARE CHURCH 1624 Highway 101 (next to A&W) –- 997-6337

Pastor George Pagel – Something for the entire family. Sunday Service 10:00 am Wednesday Bible Study returns this Fall. Website: florence4square.com

NEW LIFE LUTHERAN E.L.C.A.

NEW LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH, E.L.C.A. “Serving Christ by serving others.” 21st & Spruce Streets—(541) 997-8113 Sunday worship is at 10:30 a.m. Online services available on our FaceBook, YouTube, and website: www.florencenewlifelutheran.org

PRESBYTERIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH

3996 N Hwy 101 541-997-7136

Internet and in person Sunday Services at 10:30am, Adult Sunday School is at 9:30am. Call the church for details. Reverend Greg Wood All Welcome. Come as you are.

RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (QUAKERS)

A Faith Community committed to peace since 1652. Silent Worship Sundays 11am, fellowship at Noon. Call for locations 541-515-8191. RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH, L.C.M.S. Worship Services 10 am • Bible Study 9:00 am Pastor Steve Waterman 85294 Hwy. 101 S. – 997-8038 Facebook.com/ResurrectionLutheranChurchFlorence

the Plein Air Art and Wine Festival, and literary events like Open Mic Poetry

Just voted “Best Gallery” ( tie with Backstreet)

Welcoming ALL age groups and skill levels

Do you have to be an artist to be on the FRAA Board - NO! We have people on the Board with a wide variety of interests and skills and that makes for a healthy Board. Just bring your enthusiasm.

FRAA is an economic stimulant in the community. A recent year long local study showed that Arts and Culture contributes $7.3 million to the local economy. At every local event, audience members spend $65 per person at local restaurants, shops, hotels and gift shops. FRAA is an economic driver in Florence You can help us plan the future for FRAA. The Board is currently working on our 5 year Strategic Plan If interested, please send an email to fraaoregon@gmail.com.

district track titles during his three decades holding a stopwatch.

Johnson’s 16 state cross country crowns trail only Beaverton’s Tom Rothenberger, who has 24. Rounding out the top five are Bend’s Bob Latham (14), Crater’s Justin Loftus (13) and Central Catholic’s Dave Frank (10).

“When you’re running in the district and state meets, those are big moments,” said Johnson. “The pressure is palpable. There are no timeouts, no do-overs, and it hurts a lot. I try to mitigate the pressure by telling the kids that, hey, this has worked for us so many times before. You have trained for this. Trust the training.”

See more in the Aug. 27 issue

Global & Local Artist Kyle Lind

Featured at FACE Gallery

The Florence Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (FACE) Gallery at the Florence Events Center (FEC) is proud to present a solo exhibition by global and local artist Kyle Lind, on view through August 25. This exciting showcase highlights Lind’s distinctive approach to art, process, visual style, blending texture, emotion, and place through a series of new and recent works. Some past works are put into a fresh format providing an airy perspective.

A longtime resident of the Florence area, Lind’s work draws inspiration from the Oregon coast’s rugged beauty and ever-changing light.

During private events at the FEC, Galleries One and Five may be temporarily unavailable for viewing. Apologies for any inconvenience. Contact the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince Street, 541-997-1994, EventCenter.org or Jo Beaudreau at BeauxArts Fine Art Materials, 541-991-8213, for general show questions. Admission is free and open to the public.

Lane County Cultural Coalition Grant Workshops

Lane County Cultural Coalition (LCCC) members are hosting free, in-person and virtual grant workshops for the 2026 Cultural Opportunity Grant cycle. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend.

For west Lane County, the in-person workshop is Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, from 3 to 4:15 p.m., in the Bromley Room at the Siuslaw Public Library, 1460 9th St, 97439 Refreshments will be provided. This program is neither sponsored nor

endorsed by the Siuslaw Public Library District.

The west Lane County virtual workshop is Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025 from 5:00 - 6:15 p.m.. Virtual attendance details will be available soon.

LCCC Cultural Opportunity Grants are funded by the Oregon Cultural Trust to support and protect Oregon arts, heritage, and culture.

Applications are due by Tuesday, Oct.15 at 5 p.m.

Grants are for up to $2,500, for projects taking

place between January 1st and December 31st, 2026

This grant is aimed at supporting projects and does not fund general operating expenses. Individuals, groups, organizations, educational institutions, public organizations, and forprofit and non-profit businesses are eligible to apply for this grant. Applications are available at laneculture. net.

Questions?

Visit laneculture.net or email laneculture@ lanearts.org.

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60 UNIT MINI STORAGE with large repair shop on Highway 101 in Florence 541-9991011

500 EMPLOYMENT

HECETA WATER PEOPLE’S UTILITY DISTRICT is hiring an Operator 1 in a non-exempt, temporary position for a 6-month duration. Salary at $22.40 hourly. This temporary position does not currently include a benefits package but may lead to a full-time position. Application and applying instructions along with the full job description are available online at www.hwpud. com or at Heceta Water PUD office, 87845

Hwy 101. Job position will remain open until it is filled.

702 GARAGE SALES SAND PINES AND FAIRWAY ESTATES combined entries on 35th and Rhododendron Saturday August 23th 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., MISC. 4

CHAINSAWS

1 hedge trimmer - 6 ft scaffolding - 1 garden cart - call for info: 541563-3466

890 WANTED TO RENT

COASTAL SENIOR SEEKS LONG TERM RENTAL

2-3 bd house, must be quiet, properly maintained, in a good area, have a heat pump and 2 car garage. No smoking/No petsPlease call 541-9650396 NO TEXT

999 PUBLIC NOTICES

SN25-176 INVITATION FOR BIDS CITY OF FLORENCE

Sealed Bids for the 35th Street Safe Routes to School Improvements project for the City of Florence, Lane County, Oregon (Owner) will be received at the City of Florence Public Works, 2675 Kingwood Street, Florence, Oregon 97439, until 10:00 a.m. (PDT) August 28thth, 2025.

Bids will be accepted at the above location via hand deliver. Alternatively, bids may be mailed via UPS, FedEx, or hand delivered to City Hall located at 250 Hwy 101 North, Florence, Oregon 97439. USPS deliver will not be accepted. Bids received after this time will not be accepted. Bids will be opened publicly and read aloud immediately following the specified closing time. All interested parties are invited to attend. Subcontractor declarations must be submitted to the above mentioned City representative no later than 2:00 p.m. (PDT) of the same day. The work on this project is for public work. A brief description of the scope of work is provided below: 35th Street Safe Routes to School Improvements - Base Bid: Furnish all labor, equipment and materials as required for the 35th Street Safe Routes to School Improvements project in the vicinity of 35th Street between Siano Loop (East) and Kingwood Street. Proposed Improvements consist of standard concrete sidewalk, standard driveway, ADA pedestrian ramps, HMAC - Level 3 patching, aggregate base, thermoplastic crosswalks, sign relocation, utility box grade adjustment and relocation, replacement of stormwater catch basins, and associated adjustments and relocations as required for a complete installation. Bidding Documents may be examined at the following locations: Civil West Engineering Services, Inc. City of Florence Public Works 486 E Street; Coos Bay, OR 97420 2675 Kingwood Street Ph: 541-266-8601; fax: 541-266-8681 Florence, OR 97439 Bidding Documents can also be examined on line at the following location: To be eligible to Bid and be listed on plan holders’ list,

bidders must download Bidding Documents and/ or purchase them from Engineer. Complete digital project bidding documents are available for Project #9824362 www. civilwest.com under Current Bidding. You may download the digital plan documents for $20.00. Please contact QuestCDN at 952-2331632 or info@questcdn. com for assistance in free-membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information. An optional paper set of project documents is available for a nonrefundable price of $140 per set which includes applicable sales tax and shipping. Please make your check payable to Civil West Engineering Services and send it 486 E Street, Coos Bay, OR 97420. Please contact us at 541-266-8601 if you have any questions. Contractors are encouraged to perform a walkthrough of the project prior to bid to familiarize themselves with the project. Bidders must be qualified to perform the work properly and to comply with applicable laws and bonding requirements. This contract is for public work and is subject to ORS 279C.800 to 279C.870. Prevailing wage rates for public works’ contracts in Oregon are required for this project. No bid will be received or considered by the Owner unless the bid contains: 1) a statement that bidder will comply with the provisions of ORS 279C.840 2) a statement as to whether the bidder is a resident bidder as defined in ORS 279A.120. Dated this 11th day of August, 2025. By order of: Mike Miller Title: Public Works Director Published: DJC Siuslaw News SN25-177 NOTICE OF RECEIPT OF BALLOT TITLE Notice is hereby given that a ballot title for a City Council referred measure was filed with the Elections Officer of the City of Dunes City on August 13, 2025. Electors may submit a petition for review of this ballot title in the Lane County Circuit Court no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, 2025. The text of the ballot title is as follows: CAPTION: Measure proposing an amendment to the Dunes City Charter. QUESTION: Shall the Dunes City Charter be amended to allow electors to pay a fee in lieu of obtaining 20 signatures?

SUMMARY: The Dunes City Charter is the governing document for the City of Dunes City. This measure would revise Chapter VI, section 30 of the current Amended City Charter, adopted November 4, 1980. The City Council approved the revised provision following a public meeting on August 6, 2025 and directed that it be submitted to the City voters for consideration at the November 4, 2025 election. The proposed revision would amend the current language of Chapter VI, Section 30 to include the following sentence, “Such petition shall be signed by not fewer than 20 electors or be accompanied by a fee of $20.” This change would allow candidates to either submit signatures or pay a fee to run for City Council positions. Full text of the current City Charter and the proposed amendment can be

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