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Siuslaw News Wednesday, October 29, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 44 • 134 years

Deputy Fire Chief Matt House Walking in Circles in the sand Retires

A large crowd of people came out to walk through the mazes during the annual Circles in the Sand event near Driftwood Shores on Oct. 18. The two-day event featured sand art by Denny Dyke and a kite exhibition by Rod and Cindy Thrall, creations by local artists, along with beautiful weather and photo-worthy sunsets. See more photos at thesiuslawnews.com Tony Reed photos

SUBMITTED by WLFEA

Council hears new high school proposal By TONY REED The Siuslaw News

The Siuslaw School Facilities Advisory Committee continues to tour Florence in an attempt to inform the greatest number of residents about a proposal to replace Siuslaw high school and conduct repairs and upgrades at Siuslaw Elementary school.

FAC vice-chair (and high school principal) Mike Harklerode and committee chair Bob Orr came before the Florence City Council on Oct. 20 to explain the proposal. Harklerode said that as a committee of the board of directors, the FAC has been meeting for about 19 months in order to bring recommendations back to the board regarding

necessary repairs at district schools. “We’re at the point now where we have preliminary recommendations,” he said noting that the committee has made about 12 presentations around Florence and have 12 more to go. “It’s been a very busy time getting the word out there, and we are anxious to take the feedback we have had in shaping

our final recommendations to the board.” REASONS FOR REPLACEMENT “This is where I live,” Harklerode joked, showing an aerial photo of the high school. “It was built in 1970, it’s 110,000 square feet and when See COUNCIL, Page A7

Second No Kings protest draws largest crowd

Arguably the largest crowd this year took to the streets for the second No Kings protest of 2025. Protesters spanned the half-mile from Highway 126 to City Hall but the largest crowds were at the 126/101 intersection. An accurate count of attendees was difficult to make, since many were walking back-andforth through the demonstration area. Police Chief John Pitcher said officers were on scene throughout the demonstration and reported no issues. It should be noted that demonstrators at City Hall made a point of not blocking the doorways, sidewalks or drop off areas. The protest was one of many No Kings protests held around the U.S. on Oct. 18. According to the Associated Press, more than 2,600 such rallies took place. See more photos at thesiuslawnews.com Tony Reed photos.

INSIDE

Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7

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Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority is proud to announce the retirement of Deputy Fire Chief Matt House, who officially concluded his distinguished career on October 21, 2025, after 27 years of dedicated service to the community. Deputy Chief House began his career as a volunteer firefighter with the City of Florence Fire Department in 1997, rising through the ranks from firefighter to Captain, with Western Lane Ambulance District in 1998 where he ultimately served as the District Manager, and finally with Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority as Deputy Chief following the merger of Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue and the Western Lane Ambulance District. Throughout his tenure, he has been instrumental in adzqvancing firefighter training programs, improving emergency medical response operations, and enhancing community safety initiatives. “Deputy Chief House has been an exceptional leader and a cornerstone of our department,” said Fire Chief Michael Schick. “His commitment to professionalism, mentorship, and public service has left a lasting impact that will continue to shape this department for years to come.” A retirement celebration honoring Deputy Chief House was held on October 21, 2025 at Fire Station #1. Members of the community, department personnel, and public officials joined in recognizing his remarkable contributions and wishing him well in retirement. Deputy Chief House expressed gratitude for the support received over the years: “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Florence and our surrounding areas alongside such dedicated men and women. I’m deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished together and confident that the department is in great hands for the future.” See CHIEF, Page A6