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Siuslaw NewsWednesday, September 3, 2025 Florence, Oregon

Number 36 • 134 years

Drivers cited at city crosswalk SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

Florence Police Chief John Pitcher says his department will be conducting more pedestrian enforcement operations in the city following what was conducted in the middle of the day August 23. Oregon law says that drivers must stop and remain stop for pedestrians and traffic signals until they have cleared the lane in which the driver is traveling and the adjacent lane. At crosswalks without a See CROSSWALK, Page A5

While a chalk-written warning tells bicyclists to “STOP” at the Spruce Street/ Munsel Creek Bike Path intersection, drivers also need to be aware that people and riders may emerge from the trees just north of 12th Street. Tony Reed photo

Oregonians share urgency and ire over latest proposal to raise taxes for transportation funding MIA MALDONADO Oregon Capital Chronicle

Students were back to school this week at Siuslaw High School, with somewhat stricter rules about the use of electronic devices.

Siuslaw High School goes back to Yondr Pouch SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF

Students at Siuslaw High School were introduced to the Yondr pouch last year but Principal Mike Harklrode outlined that the 2025-2026 rules regarding the use of electronics are more strict this year, due to state requirements.

“Last year we were able to have phones at lunch,” he said. “Governor’s EO 25-09 bans phones for the entire school day.” However, as was the case last year, phones are not to be used during the school day while on school grounds. “Every student will be assigned

a personal Yondr Pouch,” according to the Electronic Rules Policy. “While the Yondr Pouch is considered school property, it is each student’s responsibility to bring their pouch with them to school every day and keep it in good See YONDR, Page A5

Julie Murray is one of nearly 500 people who work for the Oregon Department of Transportation who will be laid off if the state Legislature does not provide funding to fill the agency’s $350 million budget gap. The drone pilot and video producer has filmed wildfires, landslides and construction projects to keep Oregonians informed during emergencies, and about major highway and transportation infrastructure work. The department trusts her to be in the most extreme conditions while filming, and it’s invested in dozens of drone, artificial intelligence and safety trainings for her, she told lawmakers Monday at the Capitol

in Salem. “The agency developed me, molded me into a perfect fit, and the layoff will throw all that away,” she said. “My coworkers on the layoff list are also all trained up. ODOT is set to lose them to the private sector and will spend years retraining and rebuilding. We are investments worth keeping.” Murray — along with more than 60 others speakers — shared testimony with the Joint Interim Committee on

Transportation Funding during a three-hour public hearing on Gov. Tina Kotek’s transportation funding proposal that’s meant to prevent department layoffs, preserve how the state splits its highway funds with counties and cities and modernize transportation funding. Lawmakers will meet on Friday in Salem to discuss and take a vote on the proposal. Many See FUNDING, Page A4

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce photo contest opens again The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is once again looking for the best amateur or professional photos of the fun, frolic, famous attractions, iconic buildings, and beautiful scenery of Oregon’s Coastal Playground. The winner will collect a $250 cash prize and have their submitted photo featured in the Chamber’s directory and visitor resource guide, other printed marketing pieces, on their website, and in social media. A panel of Chamber

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Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1

members will decide the winner. The deadline for entry is November 15, 2025. The winner will be notified by email within the following 30 days. Last year’s winner, Robyn Wargo of Roseburg, entered a photo of her granddaughter, 3-year-old Eowyn of Eugene, who was having the time of her life, grinning and running with abandon on Heceta Beach, flying a kite for the first time. “We are looking for the best photos that represent this place we

Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B4-5

call ‘Oregon’s Coastal Playground,’ so we’re looking for outstanding amateur or professional photos that convey our theme,” says Chamber president and CEO Bettina Hannigan. “Photos from in town, around town, nearby attractions, and from the natural areas within 20 miles of Florence will be eligible. We call this place Oregon’s Coastal Playground for a reason, so we want images that highlight Florence See CONTEST, Page A5

While not submitted, this photo was the result of slogging through the mud at low tide to line the Siuslaw River Bridge up with the setting sun last year. Tony Reed photo.

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