TSN87 by C.M.I.

INSIDE MORE PICKLEBALL COURTS COMING

Vikings’ new look gym may floor you| PAGE B1

Pizza • Pasta • Seafood Summer in Old Town at 1285 Restobar. We are happy to serve you! We are open: Noon to 9 pm, 7 days a week! 1285 Bay Street| Old Town Florence 541-902-8338 www.1285restobar.com

Siuslaw News News & views that define our community

$2.00

thesiuslawnews.com

Siuslaw News Florence, Oregon Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Number 32 • 133 years 16TH ANNUAL SIUSLAW AWARDS:

Sequins and Sandals brings the community together Submitted by FLORENCE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Fire Chief Michael Schick, Deputy Chief Matt House, retired paramedic David Rossi and wife Kelly at Rossi’s retirement send-off inside the Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority firehouse last week.

Capt. Rossi retires after 40 years to Capt. David Rossi after 40 years of service. Fire Chief Michael Schick began by nothing that Rossi has been an At a well-attended ceremony integral part of emergency response inside the engine bay at Western in western Lane County since 1982. Lane Fire and EMS Authority station Nearby, a table was covered July 25 first responders bid farewell in awards and commendations By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Rossi had collected over the years, from Officer of the Year in 2022, Paramedic of the Year in 2019, the Life-Saving award in 2019, a lifetime Achievement award in 2017, Paramedic of the year, 2019-2020, a Meritorious Service Award in 2022, Officer of the Year in 2023 and the

40-year Longevity Award, among others. “David began his EMS career in 1984 as a part time EMT with the Western Lane Hospital and 40 years later we now have the opportunity See ROSSI, Page A5

City’s block party was a blast

Messmer said it was such a hit that the city has been doing it every year Tucked away from the wind in since, Covid notwithstanding. Old Town Florence July 26, a party “Our overall theme is ‘everything was happening that filled the entire is free,’” she said, noting that nothblock. From the Siuslaw River ing was being sold. Bridge over Bay Street, one could “We bought 2,000 servings of ice see people packed in from one side- cream and we gave away 1,800 of walk to the other, enjoying refreshthem,” she said, noting that the city ments, ice cream and live music bought 1,000 servings last year and from 5 Guys Named Moe. The 500 ran out by 7 p.m. block of Bay Street was cordoned off She said city staff are often asked to vehicle traffic by a fire engine at why the city doesn’t hold more block one end and a US Coast Guard boat parties. Saying it takes a lot of time, at the other. money and volunteers, Messmer Assistant City Manager Megan called it positive that people enjoy Messmer said planning for the event the block parties and want to attend starts in spring and involves a lot more. of planning. She said two interns She wanted to thank the nonprofhelped this year and all city staff its, partners and volunteers for their were involved on the day of the help. party. Florence Police Department’s The first block party was held National Night Out event occurred in 2018 to showcase the commuAug. 6 and photos will appear in the nity during a mayor’s conference. next issue. SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B5-B6

See AWARD, Page A4

ANNUAL SUTURING CLASSES Saturday, August 10th, 2024

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS EXPO AT FLORENCE EVENTS CENTER

The 16th Annual Siuslaw Awards, themed “Sequins and Sandals,” took place at the Florence Events Center July 25, 2024 and was a spectacular evening of celebration, community, and recognition. The event, beautifully decorated in white with aqua blue accents to evoke a beachy vibe, saw guests dressed in Hawaiian prints and beach-themed attire, creating a festive and relaxed atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed Caribbeanstyle cuisine, featuring rice, beans, cowboy caviar, and shrimp, complemented by specialty drinks. The evening was filled with fun activities, including a themed photo booth, raffles, and a wine toss, making it a memorable experience for all. During the one-hour mix and mingle, guests enjoyed appetizers in the lobby, fostering community connections. Pastor Dale Edwards – Crossroad Assembly Church gave the invocation and after dinner out-going Chair Al Rojas shared his thoughts about how serving as the Chamber’s chairman for the last two years had proven to be a powerful experience, developing new leadership skills and the joy of supporting the Chamber’s mission and purpose. Florence Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Bettina Hannigan delivered the State of the Chamber address, highlighting the Chamber’s achievements and future initiatives. The address emphasized the Chamber’s role as catalysts, conveners, and champions of the local business community, showcasing efforts in workforce development, tourism marketing, and economic stability. Russ Pierson skillfully retired outgoing board members Jason Hawkins – PeaceHealth Peace Harbor and Neil Ecker - Hyak and welcomed new board members Rich Colton from Three Rivers Casino and Lisa Wood from PeaceHealth Peace Harbor. The new board was installed, featuring: · Chair: Beth Rudometkin, American Pacific Mortgage · Past Chair: Al Rojas, Oregon Pacific Bank

Register now to reserve your place. $20.00 cost per person. Call: 541-997-3441 for more details. Sponsored by: Taught by: