TSN312 by C.M.I.

Long-planned hotel clears design review

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

After years of discussion, a plan for an 86- room, 4-story hotel to be located in the open area across from the Florence Events Center passed the design review hurdle and developers hope to have it open by summer 2026

The Florence Planning Commission approved the request, with conditions at its regular meeting March 4 which lasted about four hours. Planning Manager Jacob Foutz introduced the topic as the Braun Microtel™ Proposal. The property is currently owned by the Florence Urban Renewal Agency. He noted that the Commission first heard and approved the plan in 2022, but expired, so the applicant

Dance instructor to open new academy

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

What started out as an idea that turned into a Gofundme campaign will culminate into a local dance academy for kids of all ages.

Cara Richter, a locally known dance instructor, used money from the campaign to buy the supplies she needs to open Florence Dance Academy soon.

Richter noted she was working with Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops (CROW) when some programs were temporarily suspended, due to other issues.

She said some community members then asked her of she would like to host dance classes.

“I had previously talked about wanting to do my own thing,” she said, noting that she had support from CROW staff. “I just needed a little bit of money for the bars and mirrors.”

Richter said she asked for $1,500 but the Gofundme effort quickly raised $3 000, so she closed the request.

“Now I can get a lot of miscellaneous items like turning discs, rosin for pointe shoes,

Home and Garden Show keeps FEC busy

The 2025 Home and Garden Show hosted over 2,000 people in two days and one lucky visitor, Dan Riedl of Florence, took home a $500 cash prize.

Show Thanking sponsors, Director Jon Thompson added, “I really appreciated the Florence Garden Club who staffed the admission table and have done so since the show’s inception.”

Webb selected to join City Council

By TONY REED Siuslaw News

Following a full day of interviewing 11 applicants, the Florence City Council voted 4-1 to appoint Mike Webb to the council seat left by resigning councilor Bill Meyer. After having interviewed the candidates during a five-hour long work session Feb. 27, the council appointed Webb at the regular meeting Feb. 3

According to his application, Webb is the current vice president of Oregon Pacific Bank, has been a Board Member for Western Lane Ambulance District sine 2005, and a board member with the Florence Urban Renewal Agency since 2008

Contacted by phone after the selection, Webb was cheerful about the prospect.

“I’ve been drafted,” he laughed. “I feel pretty good

Cara Richter stands on pointe in what will be the Florence Dance Academy, once the space is cleared and mirrors put up. Tony Reed photo.

Mike Webb

See COUNCIL, Page A4

See DANCE, Page A6

See HOTEL, Page A7

This prospective drawing shows what the Microtel may look like from the northwest side.

Speakers discuss climate apathy

SUBMITTED by EVELYN

LOVELACE

Two local speakers packed the conference room at Driftwood Shores in Florence March 2, calling for a “cultural and spiritual transformation to combat climate change.”

Mike Allen and Jim Henry took center stage during the service, hosted by Florence Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (FUUF).

Allen, a retired radio physicist, former Navy instructor, and avid political activist, addressed the crowd as he stood beside a stuffed octopus, the significance of which he chose not to explain.

Allen’s speech, like the topic of the gathering itself, was in dialogue with a statement by Gus Speth, former dean of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, which Allen quoted, ”I used to think the top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and climate change. I thought that with 30 years of good science, we could address those problems. But I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed, and apathy, and to deal with those we need a spiritual and cultural transformation.”

Allen, who has been a prolific political activist since the 80’s, focused his words on that third problem: apathy.

“Apathy is the number one reason we don’t

override the selfishness and greed of those in power,” he told the congregation. In particular, he cited a Lancet study (“Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey”) with a number of dark statistics about the psychological burden climate change is inflicting on the young.

Quoting the study:

“Respondents across all countries were worried about climate change (59% were very or extremely worried and 84% were at least moderately worried). More than 50% reported each of the following emotions: sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, and guilty. More than 45% of respondents said their feelings about climate change negatively affected their daily life and functioning, and many reported a high number of negative thoughts about climate change (eg, 75% said that they think the future is frightening and 83% said that they think people have failed to take care of the planet).”

His environmental activism, he told the crowd, started seven years ago when he read an article about the Rocky Mountain Institute, a nonprofit focusing on renewable energy. The institute calculated that the commitments made at the time by local governments, states, and

businesses alone – without federal intervention – “could get the U.S. about two-thirds of the way towards the carbon pollution reductions it had originally promised to make by 2025.” It was a “moment of activation” for him to focus his efforts on local commitments to combat climate change.

Allen said when he urged the Florence City Council to commit to change in 2017, his words went unheeded. He said then-mayor Joe Henry said he “didn’t want to embarrass the president” who had recently decided to remove the US from the Paris Agreement. Allen said he has been pressuring City Hall since but City staff and council seem to remain unconcerned.

Yet Allen remains undeterred. He proposed three things necessary to overcome climate change apathy on a local-scale. First, to realize that “We are in a crisis and must act.” Second, to get organized. And third, to “Attend council meetings in large numbers” and give frequent public comments to pressure the Florence city government to take the issue seriously.

UNDERSTANDING CHANGES

FUUF member and commercial fisherman Jim Henry, took a more spiritual angle on the day’s subject. Having grown up on an island in Maine, he spoke of being surrounded by nature and how important it was to him. His environmental journey began in his teens when he read Rachel Carson’s seminal work Silent Spring, which he found very moving. Particularly the dedication, which included a quote from philosopher and Nobel peace prize winner Albert Schweitzer:

“Man has lost the capacity to foresee and to forestall. He will end by destroying the earth.”

Henry spent his 20s trying to make ends meet as a fisherman, with “a 500k mortgage at 18% interest on a boat,” a time he described as “working for the bank.” Within that decade alone he noted “incredible, rapid changes” in the ocean ecosystem, and in the fisheries he relied on

for his livelihood. This gave him, as he put it, a “vested interest in saving this planet,” though his own environmentalism goes well beyond his pocketbook.

Henry spoke eloquently about what he called the “Earth community,” which humanity has left and has an ethical or spiritual obligation to return to. To him, this means re-engaging with and learning from nature, and no amount of technology or infrastructure can solve the crisis until that is achieved.

“We are the only species that doesn’t understand how to live in the Earth community” he said, and that we must re-establish our relationship with the Earth.

Henry, however, has done a lot more than pining for connection to the world; he’s gone out and gotten his hands dirty. At thirty years of age, having fought for a decade to make commercial fishing work in a dying habitat, he walked away from the boat and its mortgage and joined Greenpeace.

He spoke of a number of campaigns in which he participated. At first his efforts were focused on the causes he’d read about as a teenager: toxic substances. He described going out in the middle of the night to block up outfalls of chemical factories, forcing them to shut down, for which he and his compatriots were often arrested and jailed. He said police officers who arrested them would often thank them for “their good work,” a revelation met with laughter by the congregation.

He also engaged in campaigns in the Pacific ocean against illegal fishing, and claimed to have helped stop the Soviet Union from hunting whales to feed a Mink farm on the eastern edge of Eurasia, an activity that got a number of them arrested and thrown into Soviet prisons.

Ultimately, Henry was driven by the oft-repeated words: “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem,” which he attributed to Black Panther leader Eldridge Cleaver.

“None of us have a choice at this point,” he said. “We need to do something.”

POLICE LOG

The Florence Police Department responded to the following calls between Feb. 26 and March 4

FEB 26

At 1:09 a.m., officers arrested a subject for breaking one of the windows on the police department building.

At 1:24 a.m., a caller reported that a subject had stolen items from a store in the 1500 Block of 9th Street. Subject was identified as the same person responsible for the broken window at the police department. Charges were added to the report.

At 8:21 a.m., It was reported that a window had been broken at one of the schools. The school resource officer investigated, but no suspect has been identified.

At 1:38 p.m., Officers responded to the 400 block of Myeena Loop For a report of an attempt to slash tires. Officers observed that the tires still held air and appeared to have been damaged by means other than slashing.

At 1:44 p.m., a caller reported that a vehicle was heading toward Florence from Reedsport, speeding and driving erratically. Officers responded but were unable to locate the described vehicle.

At 2:12 p.m., officers responded to the 3900 block of Highway 101 for a report of a subject violating a restraining order. The case remains under investigation.

At 2:24 p.m., a caller in the 100 block of Sailor Lane reported a vehicle repeatedly honking its horn. Officers arrived but were unable to locate a vehicle or hear any honking in the area.

FEB. 2 7

At 10:57 a.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of 8th Street for a report of a deceased subject. Officers investigated and determined the death was of natural causes.

At 12:36 p.m., a caller in the 700 block of Highway 101 reported a possible hit and run traffic accident.

At 2:18 p.m., officers responded to a traffic collision in the area of Highway 101 and 10th Street. Officers found no one was injured and no citations were issued.

At 3:55 p.m., a caller in the 3900 block of Highway 101 reported that his wallet had possibly been stolen. The caller said he had looked everywhere but was unable to find it.

At 5:40 p.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Kingwood Street for a report of a dog at

large. At 8:13 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 3300 block of Highway 101. The business reported that a small group of juveniles had taken alcohol and other items from the store, as well as a bicycle.

FEB 2 8

From 9:02 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., code enforcement responded to calls in the 1300 block of 7th street, the 1400 block of 7th Street, and 8th Street west of Maple Street, for vehicles being stored on the street in violation of City codes.

At 10:22 a.m., a caller in the 1600 block of 31st Street reported theft of a backpack.

At 10:25 a.m., a subject returned a key fob/ remote found in the area of Laurel and 1st Street. Call 541-997-35152 identify and claim it.

At 2:05 p.m., officers responded to the Waterfront area or a report of dogs left inside a closed car. Officers located the car with the driver and dogs inside and no need for law enforcement.

At 10:29 p.m., officers responded to the 1200 block of Bay Street for a report of a subject Sheltering and violation of City codes. Officers contacted the subjects, informed them of the city codes, and referred them to areas where they could shelter overnight.

MARCH 1

At 10:14 a.m., a color in the 1200 block of Spruce Street reported that they haven’t had contact with a family member in some time. A missing person report was taken.

At 10:23 a.m., a caller reported finding chainsaws next to the car wash on Highway 126. An officer responded, but before they arrived, the owner of the chainsaws returned to get them.

At 10:47 a.m., a caller in the 1900 block of 18th Street reported a wooden fence knocked down in the area. An officer investigated and found no evidence the fence had been knocked down intentionally.

At 11:13 p.m., an officer attempted to stop a vehicle in Florence. The driver attempted to elude the officer before pulling over near Miller Park. The driver then fled the vehicle on foot, leaving three juveniles in the car. The driver was later located and cited for eluding. Officers then arranged for the three juvenile subjects to call parents for a ride back to Reedsport and for someone to come pick up the car.

MARCH 2

At 6:27 a.m., an officer patrolling in the area of Miller Park noticed damage to the previous vehicle that indicated someone may have tried to enter it overnight.

At 804 p.m., officers responded to the 3900 block of Oak Street for a report of theft. Officers investigated and found the issue to be civil in nature.

At 10:14 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of Rhododendron Drive for a report that possibly four shots had been fired in the area. Officers spoke to others in the area who reported they did not hear anything.

On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. voted against a U.N. resolution condemning Russia’s aggression. Instead of siding with longstanding U.S. allies, the U.S. aligned itself with Russia and North Korea – two brutal dictatorships.Days later, President Trump berated Ukraine’s democratically elected president for refusing a “peace” agreement that included Ukraine giving the U.S. certain of its mineral rights, and

LETTERS

which didn’t provide clear security guarantees protecting Ukraine from further Russian aggression.I am astounded to witness our leaders extorting mineral rights from a democratic country under threat the U.S. will withdraw all support and invite a brutal dictatorship to wipe out their country. Trump has made clear that he wants to “normalize” relations with that dictatorship. This is not an America I recognize. This is not an America the world

recognizes.In response to Trump’s capitulation, the democracies of Canada, Britain, Germany, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Spain, Norway, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Greece released statements supporting Ukraine. These nations are strong, longstanding U.S. allies. Russia and North Korea are not. Trump has chosen repressive dictatorships. America should not.

Jill Thomas Florence

Early detection is key

By BOB HORNEYPROSTATE CANCER SURVIVOR

Zero/ U Too Chapter Leader

When I chose the headline above, “Behind the Headlines,” I had no inkling that in my lifetime I would see (or not see) so much happening out of sight. In my world of prostate cancer, and other worlds too, most of the research takes place behind closed doors. The difference now is that many of the support groups aren’t meeting face to face with urologists and others who are kind of on the inside track and keep

us informed. Personally, I don’t think there is much chance of getting back to the “good ole ways” of doing things with the amount of time I have left on this old planet. So, with that being the case (and wanting to keep helping others stay informed), I have a suggestion that I want to share.

Prostatepedia is a free monthly online publication which I send to the group each month and is one anyone can subscribe to. Simply go online to… prostatepedia@naspcc. org…and you will find all the information you need

POLICE LOG

At 10:47 p.m., a caller in the 5600 block of Highway 126 reported seeing a subject place a very young juvenile in the back of a pickup truck and drive off. Officers investigated but were unable to locate the truck.

MARCH 3

At 8:10 a.m., officers responded to the 1400 Block of 8th Street for a report of harassment. Officers determined that a subject had been calling another after the breakup of a relationship. Officers contacted the caller and told him to cease or be charged with telephonic harassment.

At 11:35 a.m., a caller

reported finding debris in the roadway at Highway 101 and 21st Street they felt may have been from a hit and run accident.

At 12:25 p.m., officers responded to the 600 block of Myeena Loop for a report of a stolen vehicle. Officers found it to be a civil issue where one party took the vehicle without permission. The party was contacted and they returned the vehicle. At 11:03 p.m., officers responded to the 2400 block of Highway 101 for a reported assault. Upon arrival, a couple told the officers that one of their ex partners saw them together and came at them with a baseball

to get this free publication up and going. The magazine features informal conversations with doctors, patients and activists about prostate cancer. Each month they tackle a different topic facing patients today – from how imaging has impacted treatment to dealing with erectile dysfunction after radiation or surgery to the evolving field of immunotherapy, Since it is online, you will find as many as 25 articles along with references to articles in previous publications. The information is endless. There is also a short list

bat. Subject reportedly hit the couple’s vehicle and threw the bat at it. subject was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon, menacing and harassment. Subject was also found to be in contempt of court.

MARCH 4

At 6:05 a.m., an officer made a traffic stop in the area of Highway 101 and Montell Lake Road. Driver was found to have a warrant for his arrest out of Curry County and was taken into custody.

At 9:50 a.m., a caller reported that an ex-partner was sending harassing text messages. Officer contacted the ex partner and warned them to stop.

of previous articles that we can download, read and print if we so desire.

This is one great source of “the latest” prostate cancer information covering every base I can think of. Best of all…as I said above…it is FREE. You can subscribe and unsubscribe at will, so if you are interested at all, you can give it a try at no cost.

To subscribe - go to: prostatepedia@naspcc.org

And finally…there is this gentle reminder from a 24 year PROSTATE CANCER SURVIVOR: Early Detection Saves Lives!

At 1:36 p.m., officers responded to the 2300 block of Highway 101 for a report of animal abuse. Officers found a situation was not as it was reported, and that the dog had been hit by a car.

At 5:18 p.m., officers responded to Miller Park or a report of juveniles kicking the doors of the bathroom.

From Feb. 26 to March 4, officers checked the welfare of 13 individuals, investigated 4 traffic collisions, issued 3 trespass warnings and made 43 traffic stops. Since Jan.1, officers have responded to 3,671 calls or incidents, according to the dispatch log tally.

STAFF

HAVE FUN! BEACH SAFE!

BEWARE THE SNEAKER WAVE

They´re called sneaker waves because they appear without warning, often surging high up on the beach with deadly force, and are impossible to predict. Sneaker waves also carry a large amount of sand that can saturate your clothes, weighing you down and making escape difficult if not impossible.

How to play it safe: Never turn your back on the ocean.

WATCH THOSE LOGS

The ocean is strong enough to pick up even the biggest log and plop it down on top of you. Some logs may look small, but even the tiny ones can be waterlogged and weigh tons. How to play it safe: If you see a log in the surf or on wet sand, stay off it.

RIP CURRENTS

Rip currents are strong currents of water that rush out to sea. They are stronger than even the best swimmer. These currents can swiftly sweep unwary beachcombers and waders off their feet and out to sea. Rip currents may appear as dark, choppy water. Any time you see debris and foam floating out to sea, chances are you have found a rip current. Avoid the area. How to play it safe: Parents keep your kids close when playing in the ocean. If caught in a rip current, don’t panic Swim parallel to the beach until you are out of the current, then head for the beach.

KNOW THE TIDES

Incoming tides isolate rocks from headlands and the shore. Avoid the temptation of strolling out to an interesting rock without knowing when the tide rolls back in. Free tide tables are readily available at state park offices, information centers and many shops and motels.

How to play it safe: Stay off rocks and small, enclosed beaches.

Know when the tide is coming in by visiting the tidetable website at the Hatfield Marine Science Center http://weather.hmsc.oregonstate.edu/weather/ tides/tides.html

HIGH WAVES CAN REACH YOU

Tides and waves can sweep over rocks, jetties and headlands, knocking you off and carrying you out to sea. How to play it safe: Assume nothing is “high enough” and avoid exposed rocks, jetties and headlands during strong wave action (like during and after storms).

BEWARE OF HIGH, STEEP CLIFFS

Assume that all cliff edges are unstable. Wet trails or soft sand and earth can make for unstable footing. Rocks can be slippery even when it isn’t raining. How to play it safe: Make sure you wear proper footwear, and stick to the trails. Stay behind guard fences and railings, and don´t get too close to the edge.

HEADS UP

Standing at the base of an Oceanside cliff can be dangerous, especially if it has an overhang. In some places, winter storms and high waves have eroded the shoreline, increasing the chance of collapse and slides.

How to play it safe: Beware of falling rocks, and don´t climb on bluffs and eroding hillsides. Don´t walk along the base of cliffs unless absolutely necessary.

Sharpe selected as Rhody Grand Marshal

Wayne Sharpe

KCST Radio DJ and sales Manager Wayne Sharpe will ride in

C

and I think it’s going to be an interesting couple of

Asked about any issues he’s looking forward to working on, Webb wants to stay on track with the development. Saying he’s been on the uban renewal committee since it started, Webb said he’s been able to follow a lot of the projects before the City.

“The Development of the Quince Street Property is one of the keys I’m interest in,” he said, “but just continuity of services and continuing to grow and keep a good culture at City Council is important to me.”

Webb said the council is a good team, adding that he appreciates how differences in opinion aren’t taken personally.

“I think the other choices would have been great candidates as well, so I hope I can do them proud.”

Webb will be briefed at a City Council Workshop and sworn in at the following regular City Council meeting.

OTHER STANDOUTS

Councilor Sally Wantz mentioned applicant and Planning Commissioner Laurie Green, saying she had actually “lost sleep” over the process before she narrowed her selection down to four applicants

prominence during the 2025 Rhododendron Days as Grand Marshal. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce announced the nomination last week, noting that in addition to his role on-the-air, Sharpe also broadcasts live sports from Siuslaw High School, community events, and more.

Sharpe served as Pastor at Assemblies of God in Bandon, has served on the Seventh Day Adventist

over the weekend.

“I was amazed at how many good folks there were who I might not have even thought about before,” she said, holding back her top four. “I will say the focus I was looking at goes back to a time when there was this young man named Rob Ward who was applying for the vacancy of then councilor Maggie Wisniewski and I thought to myself, ‘y’know, … this is a guy who has a history of how to be a mayor and how to work on the council’ and I thought at the time it was really incumbent that we had someone who understood city government, governance, and could hit the ground running.”

Wantz made a motion to appoint Planning Commissioner Laurie Green, which also failed by a 2/2 vote.

Councilor Jo Beaudreau said Buss was also her first top candidate but later did not want to make the motion to that end.

Ward said his top two choices were “interchangeable,” and he could vote for either.

“It’s always interesting where you get a group of people where you’d have to foul up to make a bad decision,” he said, “because they are just so good.”

Ward said later that he’s know Webb for a long time as a community member involved in many things.

Carp said early in the

Church board in Florence and served as a founding member of the Oregon Coast Military Museum, according to the Chamber announcement. He is also a Vietnam Era Marine Veteran.

“Wayne’s high profile and community service, and the value of it over the years, has been immeasurable,” said Bettina Hannigan, president/ CEO of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

deliberations that he would like to nominate and appoint Vanessa Buss. Though his motion failed by a 2-2 vote, Carp stayed firm. When it became obvious to him that the remaining three councilors were poised to vote for Mike Webb, he said he would vote no.

“I know how the vote is going to go and I commend the person who gets appointed,“ he said, “but I also want [him] to know that if I don’t vote for them, it doesn’t mean I don’t support them or that I don’t consider them an outstanding candidate. I just made my decision and I will respect the council’s decision.”

Remaining candidates were Elijah Yager, Randall Sparks, Mike Neilsen, Thomas Shaw, Elizabeth Diess, Glenna Hale, Joe Baldwin and Mark Brennan. Brennan was a candidate in the November 2024 election. At final count, Wantz and Meyer retained their seats with 40 12 percent and 34 3 percent of votes respectively, while Brennan received 24 3 percent of the total 7 696 votes cast.

Ward said the council will stay in touch with the applicants when it comes to meeting other needs in the city.

By Oregon Law, “If all positions in the governing body of a city become vacant and if the charter of the city does not provide otherwise,

ONLINE POLL

Last week, we asked, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING BEST COMMUNICATES YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE REST OF THE WORLD?

I’m hopeful and optimistic that things will be great 32 1 percent

I’m assured but think we should exer cise due caution 14 3 percent

I’m doubtful and think we’re on the wrong path 32 1 percent

I’m feeling like it’s hopeless and may never change 21 4 percent

“And he’s a fun personality, which is important for a grand marshal. Wayne is such an excellent representative of Florence, and we’re honored he accepted the Chamber’s invitation.” For more information on the annual Florence Rhododendron Festival, including applications for exhibitor space, parade entries, or to volunteer on the Chamber’s Rhody Fest committee, visit RhodyDays.net.

the governing body of the county in which the city maintains its seat of government immediately shall appoint the number of persons sufficient to constitute a quorum for the transaction of city business.”

Unless he resigns, Webb will serve the remainder of Meyer’s term, which ends in December, 2026

MAYBE NEXT TIME Letters sent to council before consideration commented on the previous interview process, which was shared live online at the City website.

Renee LoPilato commented that she didn’t feel the process was clear or that the council had clear direction about weighing pros and cons of each candidate. She suggested City HR create a process for decision, rather than “rushing” to make a decision.

Candidate Mark Brennan suggested the council move forward to increase the number of councilors, which he said would make for a more diverse and inclusive governing body. He also suggested using a weighted selection system, based on all votes.

Deborah Lobey commented that she appreciated being able to watch the long process online. She said she felt staff handled the interviews professionally and that interview questions were relevant.

Karin Radtke said she watched the interviews online and gave her reasons for her own preferences. Radtke said that while her choices were consistent with the council’s, she remarked about the attention given to one’s length of residency.

“ Being a long-time resident of Florence seemed to be an immediate plus for you all, although your own experiences show that there is no correlation between length of residency and the ability to do a good job as a Councilor,” she wrote.

The five hours of interviews are still on the City’s website under the Feb. 27 work session link.

This week, we’re asking, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS WOULD YOU MOST AGREE?

Climate change is the single-most important topic humanity needs to address

Climate change is super-important but not the top priority right now

I think it’s important, but I don’t see any reason to panic

Climate change is fake news

Richter

age 3 and continued to around age 14. She said her high school’s dance team took first in state for hip hop.

“In college, I danced with In Motion Dance

Degree in criminal justice and psychology,” she said, noting that at one time, she wanted to start a dance program in prison. “that was the goal of my degree but I have a family and maybe that will happen sometime down the road.” Richter also taught her own class for about a year and has been with CROW for about eight years.

Asked what styles she will teach, Richter said ballet, hip hop and contemporary classes will be offered, but she would like to add tap, jazz, theatre and pointe (on toes) dance.

Balancing her family time, Richter said Elyse Stewart, who’d been accepted to the very prestigious Joffrey Ballet last May, will also be teaching classes.

“I’m hoping to have more instructors as we go,” she said. “I think having a variety of instructors is important for dancers.”

Richter was able to find the perfect space for the studio, which will be located upstairs at 1745 15th Street. For more information about classes and registration, email florenceordanceacademy@gmail. com.

EDITORS NOTE: This paper is aware of the online controversy surrounding CROW. A full report is pending and will be published when verifiable information is found.

Don’t forget to RECYCLE

was requesting consistent approval with the previous.

Foutz went over applicant requests for changes to parapet steps, glass panel fencing, signage, individual room lights on windows, parking between the building and Quince Street, landscaping, hedges, courtyards and others.

A SITE TO SEE

Applicant Matt Braun, with Braun Hospitality LLC, in Portland, spoke of how the particular location was chosen and its importance.

“There has been a lot of conversation over the siting of the building in the past three years,” he said. “Leading up to our final direction, we studied moving this building east, putting it on a rake, moving the building west, and trying to balance parking, safe access, pedestrian walkability, maximizing views into the Siuslaw River, so this was extensively studied.” Braun said safety concerns about the slope prevented moving it east and moving it west would make it seem more imposing and large from Quince Street.

“Where it’s sited was not haphazardly chosen,” he said. “We believe it’s for safety, efficiency, aesthetics, functionality and stability of the soil that it’s the right place to put it.” He estimated that if commissioners were to see full renderings of all options, they would agree. He added that the siting location leaves no option but to put parking in front.

“Not accepting this would be that we don’t have a hotel,” he said, “because we have to have the parking onsite and moving the building would be a massive deviation from some of the other principles that were laid out, so we’re trying to find a way to reconcile the city standards that require not having a building that sits right on the city sidewalk, and not having a building that sits on the edge of the berm.” Braun Representative Keava Campbell noted that the project would create the Microtel™ with 102 parking spaces, an outdoor patio and green space, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, stormwater detention and landscaping. She noted that the previous commission approved the blue, tan and gray color scheme which incorporates historic requirements and asked for consistent approval.

Regarding the driveway, she expressed a willingness to work with the city to make suitable changes, but would prefer redesigning to allow larger vehicles such as fire apparatus and RVs. She said removing it would force the larger vehicles to drive through the site. Foutz noted that the plan for a hotel is already in the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Plans and is envisioned by the City to support the events Center and tourism.

INGRESS/ EGRESS

Regarding the north driveway into the site, Foutz said the city’s intersection standards were recently updated in respect to distance between driveways.

“This is not a code that was here at the previous Planning Commission

meeting,” he said, adding that distance needs to be 125 feet. Foutz said the applicant didn’t agree with the condition and was requesting a compromise.

Public Works Director Mike Miller’s previously-submitted comments said since there are no plans regarding how the property will be developed in the future, the applicants driveway proposal would limit development opportunities for the property to the north. He said the current configuration would put a driveway directly across from the north driveway at the Events Center, which Public Works has previously recommended for removal.

“Having an offset driveway from the Microtel™ and FEC at this time would not be detrimental to safe traffic operations,” he wrote, adding that fire department access if a driveway is eliminated.

MIller’s report said Public Works disagrees with the prior commission’s proposed conditions of approval, and supports a variance to allow the developer to proceed as shown on plans.

When asked, Foutz said the fire chief looked at the plans and said the driveway could be eliminated and still meet fire code.

Commissioner Renee LoPilato questioned how crowds of people from the events Center and Microtel™ would

navigate Quince Street during busy times. A traffic impact analysis was submitted and reviewed by Southern Oregon Transportation Engineering which suggested updates but found no “fatal flaw” with the overall plan, Foutz said. An updated analysis has been requested but not yet received. Braun said a new traffic study is close to completion, depending on which direction is taken on the driveway issue.

A TRAIL AROUND IT

At the meeting, Miller addressed questions about the Estuary Trail, saying it’s 95 percent complete and runs along Munsel Creek, which is east of the Microtel™ location. He said the bank between the two is steep and heavily vegetated, and camps and trash have been cleaned up and people have not returned to the area.

Regarding potential light pollution onto the trail from the Microtel™, Miller said the same thick vegetation will block any light.

“It has amazing views from the Estuary Trail,” he said. “It is, and it will be, the gem of the city.”

FURTHER CONSIDERATION

After much discussion about colors, codes, features and compatibility, and aesthetics, commissioners discussed the overall look of the

building and its compatibility with Old Town.

“It’s not our place to redesign the project- we approve or deny it,”

Commissioner Sandra Young said. “They have heard the discussion and they can take from the discussion whatever guidance they get but it’s not up to us to redesign the building and I wouldn’t dream of doing that, I’m not a developer. It’s not our place to do that.”

Commission Chair Debbie Ubnoske then said, “I think if we could get some changes in terms of the parapet height on one of the buildings, the applicant had mentioned a mural at some point… That may be a consideration for breaking up a wall, … It gets you more in tune with Old Town.” Ubnoske suggested having a place for public art or other amenities that could incorporate more of the Old Town design connections.

Foutz said 9 of 11 conditions could be met and staff would need direction regarding the north entrance and site lighting. When a motion was make to make the

driveway remain in its current location, egress only and right-turning,

Braun suggested a traffic engineer first examine it, since two outgoing lanes will create confusion for drivers. The motion was then modified to add that it be subject to traffic engineer consultation. Another motion was made to set the building’s lighting at the minimum/ maximum brightness.

The Commission approved the resolution, with the above conditions.

When asked, Braun said some of the conditions will take time to meet but he hopes to apply for a site permit next week.

“That’s a two-month process, so a month after that, we’ll be submitting for a construction permit,” he said, estimating that a building permit could happen in eight weeks. “We’ve raised all the financing for the project. The final number will come in at about $3 25 million of private equity, and we’re currently cranking through loan options.” Braun said those loans will be “the biggest hurdle now.”

Braun said construction could start as soon as June and predicted they could have “heads in beds” in about 13 months.

“We’re hoping in summer 2026, we can have our first guests staying there,” he said.

The full packet with prospective drawings and information can be found on the City’s website at https://www.ci.florence. or.us/meetings under the 03/04/2025 Planning Commission link.

“View Details.”

SPORTS & LIFESTYLE

Macali Lade winning her way

Will LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

When Macali Lade lost in the state final in 2024, something needed to change. After winning a state title in the 110-pound division her sophomore year in 2023, the pressure to repeat sapped the fun from competing. This season, rediscovering and reveling in the joy of wrestling was Lade’s goal. The result? A return to the pinnacle of Oregon high school wrestling and a second state championship in three years.

On Feb. 28, Lade was crowned 2025 Oregon State Champion in the 120-pound weight class after pinning Oakridge’s Victoria Keller in the finals. The victory was the culmination of Lade’s career as one of the most decorated wrestlers in Siuslaw program history.

But the journey to the 2025 championship was one forged in losses taken and lessons learned.

FINDING HER PASSION

Lade’s most brutal moments on the mat spurred her mentality switch.

“Last year, after winning the state championship my sophomore year, going out there for every one of my matches felt like a chore. I wouldn’t have fun with it,” Lade said. “After losing the finals last year, it opened my eyes a lot. I’m not wrestling for the outcome; I’m

wrestling because I love it. It’s so much fun. This year, I looked at it as, ‘This is what I love, it’s my passion.’ Going out and wrestling? It means the world to me.”

Now, win or lose, Lade says it doesn’t matter. She always wants to compete with a smile. Lade said her mindset has come so far, and losing isn’t “the end of the world” anymore; it’s just another opportunity to learn and improve. After losing by a 6-7 decision in the finals in 2024, Lade came back to mats with a renewed passion for the sport.

“Obviously, I hated losing, but I needed it. It completely changed my mindset into, ‘I need to work to achieve my goals,’” Lade

said. “This entire season, all it was was wrestling. My entire mindset. Everything.” Friends would ask Lade to hang out, and sometimes she would. But much of her time was spent pursuing her dreams on the mats. Lade’s routine to get where she wanted is not for the faint of heart.

“I would have morning practices at around 6:15 a.m., go to school, or go to the gym right after morning practice. Then, after school, I would practice from 3:45 till 5:45/6. It was just a repeat of that every single day,” Lade said. “On the weekends, I would go to the gym. I would even drill in my garage. It was eat, sleep, wrestling pretty much. It was a lot, but it was all worth it in the end.”

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

After putting together a season with just three losses, Lade entered the 2024-25 OSAA/OnPoint Community Credit Union Wrestling State Championships as the 1-seed in the 4A/3A/2A/1A 120-pound division. After pinning Scappoose’s Scarlett McHugh in quarterfinals, Lade matched up with Scio’s Kayla Borregard in the semifinals. Amid a rabble of activity in downtown Portland’s Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Lade prepared to face Borregard. Minutes before the match, a headphone-wearing Lade warmed up and went through her routine, pacing the mat and practicing her movements.

Based on the stakes and intensity of the undertaking, you might think she was listening to some hightempo rap or hard rock. But it’s probably My Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani or Better in Stereo by Liv and Maddie. It’s the “hype girl music” Lade needs to get going. By the time the match starts, Lade is all business and goes to work. During the match, Lade executes her signature move, something that she’s practiced and has become known for among her friends. It’s something of a combination of a headlock and a trip that ends up with the opponent on their back.

“The outside trip. That’s one of my favorite moves. That’s my go-to. I’ve had so many of my wrestling friends message me, asking, ‘Cali, how do you do your outside trip,’” Lade said. “I just get over the head, over the arm, and then it’s just right there. It’s beautiful. They go flying.” In front of family and friends, Lade bested Borregard by a 16-3 major decision. With it being her senior year and some challenging regional tournaments during the season, Lade said it almost felt like “a walk in the park.” The calm ahead of finals is a reflection not only of Lade’s approach but also of her experience.

When Lade won the state championship in 2023, she

Siuslaw’s season-defining small margin

Will LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

Siuslaw’s boys basketball season didn’t result in a playoff berth as they had hoped, and the season was decided by the finest of margins, as three tied for the top of the Far West League, but the conference only sent two teams to state.

Siuslaw, Douglas, and Sutherlin each found themselves with 8-2 records at the end of the season, and the three programs ended the year as Co-League Champions. Things came down to the wire in the Far West League, with Siuslaw sitting atop the pile heading into the final league game against Douglas on Feb. 18

Siuslaw entered the game with an 8-1 record, having won eight in a row, while Douglas stood at 7-2. A win would have cemented the Vikings as the top team in the league, but it would not work out that way. Siuslaw lost a hard-fought battle, falling to the Trojans 48-53, and the standings flipped, with Douglas and Siuslaw tied at 8-2. Sutherlin won its final league game against Glide to join the 8-2 deadlock.

There were two bids allotted to the Far West League for the state playoffs. With it being a

three-way tie, the team ranked highest in OSAA’s 3A rankings got the top spot, with the other teams needing to play against each other to see whose season would continue at state.

After Douglas’ final-day win over Siuslaw, their OSAA ranking leapfrogged #27 Sutherlin and #26 Siuslaw, and the Trojans ended the season at #20

An indication note that shows the importance of league play was the fact that Douglas advanced despite a worse overall record (15-11) than either Sutherlin (17-9) or Siuslaw (17-9).

With Douglas punching the first playoff ticket, the Vikings’ playoff hopes would come down to a league playoff showdown against the Sutherlin Bulldogs.

It was a tight contest between the two, especially through the first three quarters. The Vikings and Bulldogs found themselves level at 15s after the first quarter, and at halftime, the score was 26-25 in favor of Sutherlin. In the third quarter, baskets were tough to come by, with both teams combining to score just 14 points, but Sutherlin came out of the quarter with a

Macali Lade after winning the semifinal match at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Feb. 28. Photo by Will Lohre / Country Media, Inc

Celtic Bay Band to perform in Florence

St. Patrick’s Day weekend will be busy for the coast’s best-known Irish musicians.

Celtic Bay Band will perform rollicking tunes and songs in a number of coastal locations, including two here in Florence. On Sunday, March 16, from 2 to 4 p.m., Florence Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (FUUF) will host an afternoon of traditional music, food, and dance for the

Community Briefs

commemoration of St. Patrick, a pivotal figure in Irish history. Irish soda bread and Guinness stout will be available, and a donations are requested.

They will also perform at the Laughing Crab the following night Mon. March 17, the actual St. Paddy’s Day, from 6 to 9 p.m., joined by harper Mary Grace Brogdan. Corn beef and cabbage and other traditional delicacies will be on the menu, as well as fine wines and craft beers.

The band is also appearing from 11 to 2 at Bandon’s festivities Sat. March 15 as well as at Deadwood

Community Center that night from 7-9 p.m.

Celtic Bay has garnered statewide recognition, and will take the stage at both Corvallis Celtic Festival and Northwest Folklife Festival in Seattle this year. Don’t miss their local St. Patrick’s Day shows!

Farmer’s Market needs you

Florence Farmer’s Market is hiring for the Market Manager position. Resumés are accepted now through March 15. Please send it to outreach@florencefarmersmarket.org

Check out the website for the full job description, Florencefarmersmarket. org. You got to have a passion for local food, customer service skills, record keeping, getting volunteers to help out, and more! All the good things that go into a thriving community and a successful farmer’s market.

It’s approximately 15 hours/week, it starts end of March and goes through end of October.

It’s a great opportunity to serve this dynamic region, and with the equity programs offered, that provide incentives to partake in the local bounty, there is something for everyone. The market manager is key to a

successful market.

The market is also accepting vendor applications soon, information is on the website as well.

Four Shillings Short Concert

The Siuslaw Public Library is pleased to present the musical duo Four Shillings Short performing a Celebration of Ireland on Sat., March 15th, from 1 to 3 p.m., in the library’s Bromley Room.

A Celebration of Ireland takes the audience on a journey to the Emerald Isle with traditional toe-tapping tunes, songs in Gaelic and English, folklore, history and Irish poetry. Four Shillings Short, the husband/wife duo of Aodh Og O’Tuama from Cork, Ireland and Christy Martin from California, have been touring in the US & Ireland since 1997. They are independent folk-artists who perform 100 concerts a year, have released 13 recordings and live as full time troubadours traveling from town to town.

The International multi-instrumentalists perform traditional and original music from the Celtic lands on a fantastic array of instruments (over 30) including hammered & mountain dulcimer, mandolin, mandola, bouzouki, tinwhistles, recorders, Medieval and Renaissance

woodwinds, Native American flutes, North Indian sitar, charango, bowed psaltery, banjo, bodhran, guitar, percussion, vocals and even a crumhorn.

Four Shillings Short have had acclaimed and popular concerts at the Siuslaw Public Library in years past and the library is pleased to offer them the opportunity to entertain our patrons once again.

This program is free and open to the public. For more information about the program, please contact the library at (541) 997-3132 or visit Four Shillings Short at https://4shillingsshort.com/ home.

Florence Indivisible American Pie Meet Up & Music

Feeling a bit overwhelmed in these tumultuous political times? Come join us on Pi Day for music, apple pie, and an opportunity to find out about “easy as pie” things YOU can do to join with likeminded neighbors and have your voice be heard. The Meet Up is being held at Honeyman State Park West Woahink Recreational Meeting Hall (aka ‘The Yurt’) Friday, March 14 from 10 to noon. This lively and fun meet-up will be as American

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

as apple pie. They will be dishing up slices of Willamette Valley apple pie and serving River Roasters coffee! Music by local talents Katie & Adrian.

Bring along your favorite musical instruments to join in.

Meet the members of the Florence Indivisible to take strategic and effective grassroots pro-democracy actions.

“Florence Indivisible is a wonderful organization for taking actions, large or small, to help retain our democracy” said Darlene Norwood, Florence Indivisible leader, “It doesn’t have to be overwhelming, which is a normal reaction given the pace and volume of changes coming our way on a daily basis. There is power in community.”

From Florence, head south on Hwy 101 about 3 miles, turn left on Canary, travel appx. ¼ mile, entrance is on the right.

Florence Indivisible is a local chapter of a grassroots movement of thousands of local Indivisible groups with a mission to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda. They make calls. They show up. They speak with their neighbors. They organize. The event is FREE and carpooling is highly recommended. Please register at FlorenceIndivisible@gmail. com.

Sunlight Cabaret presents Areh Frankfurter and Lisa Lynne Come hear Celtic harps rare instruments and wondrous stories March 29 at the Florence Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. Donations are encouraged. Doors open at 2:30 p.m., and music starts at 3. FUUF is located at 87738 Highway 101 at Heceta Beach Road.

Jim Davis, Sales

became the first Siuslaw girls wrestler to win a state title. This season set another school milestone: Lade is the first Siuslaw wrestler of either gender to reach three state finals in a row. In the final, Lade brought all the elements together.

RECLAIMING GOLD

Vikings Head Coach Neil Wartnik said sometimes, finals matches at big tournaments don’t always bring out the best wrestling. This was not the case in Macali Lade’s match.

“She looked marvelous in the finals. It’s rare; sometimes, we don’t see the best wrestling in the finals. A lot of times, the challenge of the semis brings out the best,” Wartnik said. “But Friday night, Macali was golden.”

The final was the fourth meeting between Keller and Lade this season, and Wartnik Keller showed resolve in their matches, pushing Lade each time. In the finals, Lade brought full focus, and she again turned to her favorite move.

“She executed moves that were exciting, dynamic. She had two takedowns where she took Keller straight to her back,” Wartnik said. “One was a trip that is kind of Cali’s marquee move.”

It’s not a move Lade used in past years. It’s something she felt out and started using at the beginning of this season. She described it as a “lethal move” that, once she discovered, she “loved.”

Siuslaw

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34-31 lead to defend. And they did more than just defend the lead. The Bulldogs exploded for 22 points in the fourth quarter, and the Vikings couldn’t keep pace, ultimately losing 56-41. The seniors for Siuslaw gave it their all.

Senior Chaz Edblom led the way for the team with 17 points, but Michael Felkins (5 pts), Ryan Klampe (5 pts),

Throughout the season, the outside trip became a “goto” move. What better time to fall back on than in the finals?

“In the finals, I was like, ‘It’s my last match, I’m just going to use my favorite move. I’m going to go out with it,” Lade said. “So, I hit it twice, and it stuck her, so it was really nice.” Wartnik described Lade’s performance as a “display of great wrestling,” and said that many coaches from other coaches approached Wartnik to laud her abilities. When she won, Lade said there was an “outburst of emotion,” she jumped off Keller and immediately began to cry.

Though she felt confident going into the match, it “actually happening was an unreal feeling.” Seeing all the practice and hard work pay off in that moment was “unbelievable.”

WRESTLING MEANS THE WORLD

Lade still vividly remembers her first wrestling practice her freshman year. She said it was “insane,” but she loved it. That first day, she set the goal of becoming a state champion.

“When I set my mind to a goal, I will do everything in my power to make it happen,” Lade said. “The very next year, I became a state champion.”

Lade knew that winning the state championship was something she wanted, not just for winnings’ sake, but for the way she could share her accomplishments with others.

“It was looking at

and Gave DeLeon (4 pts) each got in the scoring column as well. Juniors Micah Blankenship and Owen Burtt also chipped in on the score sheet, with Blankenship adding five points and Burtt putting up six.

Siuslaw also had four of their players recognized on the Far West All-League Teams. Edblom and DeLeon were recognized on the First Team, Felkins was named to the Second Team and senior Justin Allen was an honorable mention. For a team that had its

everybody that I’ve taught and made an impact on, like the middle schoolers that I coach, all of the little totes that I coach, is how they look up to me now. Winning the title my sophomore year was amazing, but the bonds and knowledge that I’ve been able to pass have been so much more to me than the titles themselves,” Lade said. If she could, what would Lade tell that freshman version of herself?

“I wish I could tell my younger self, ‘Don’t feed into the pressure of everything. Have fun with it. Find the passion in it,’” Lade said. “That’s what I did this year. Last year, it was all the pressure, everything. And my freshman year was about achieving goals when really I needed to just have fun with it.”

After winning the championship, Lade made her way up to her family fan section. She and her mother, Megan Lade, shared a tearful hug. Though Macali said that Megan is often in the background, she is the support that allows her to succeed.

Her uncle David Lade and Sandy Lade traveled from Reno to watch her compete.

“It’s so amazing to see how proud I made them and it was an amazing feeling,” Lade said.

After most tournaments, the boys and girls wrestling teams would usually go grab dinner or a meal together. It always made for good bonding time, and the team is very close. Though the initial plan was Denny’s, they ended up at Wendy’s. Lade said it was bittersweet to know it was her last time

sights set on Coos Bay, the way the season ended will surely be a disappointment, but it was a season that also saw the Vikings win eight league games and miss out by the finest of margins.

doing something like this with the team. The Vikings’ wrestling program was a family to her, and it was hard to celebrate knowing it was the last tournament they would all be at together.

Looking to the future, Lade hopes to head to Washington State University and build a new family with the wrestling team there. It’s one of the best club programs in the country, according to Lade, and she’s excited about the prospect.

While the championships mean a lot, so much of this season was about Lade’s rediscovery of her love of wrestling, and as she goes forward, it’s something she doesn’t want to lose again.

“Wrestling means the world to me. My freshman year, I wasn’t in the best headspace. I was going through a rough time; I

joined as a joke. And it has taught me so much more about myself. My coaches and my teammates have always lifted me up and been there for me. They’re like my family,” Lade said. “Being

able to go out and wrestle my heart out, and whether it’s a win or a loss, I have the biggest support system ever. It saved my life. Wrestling has genuinely changed my life.”

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