Rep. Hoyle holds Town Hall
By TONY REED Siuslaw News
From the stage of the Florence Events Center, March 19th, Congresswoman Val Hoyle spoke to an almost full house during a town hall event.
Following an introduction by Florence Mayor Rob Ward, Hoyle opened the discussion by talking about the difference between how people view news today, compared to what older generations recall.
“When I was growing up, and I am of a certain age, we had one news program. We watched Walter Cronkite and then came out and discussed the same thing but came to different opinions,” she said. “Now what we have is that we literally hear different facts. So many people have outsourced their social
interactions and communications to social media, where the algorithm is run by people that feed you information that you already believe, so we’ve stopped talking to each other. That outsourcing of our social interactions and communication has made it so that we are not respecting each other as Americans.” Hoyle said the practice is detrimental to the country but has also become the impetus for political town hall meetings where people can interact with elected officials. Hoyle said that as an elected official, she is there to help and speak to the electorate, regardless of political party preference.
CITIZENS UNITED Hoyle said one issue that should not be partisan in nature is the influence of money on
politics. She recalled Citizens United, where “Money was ruled as speech and corporations were ruled as people.”
“I don’t know about any of you, but none of my neighbors are corporations. None of my neighbors are billionaires and that is not a partisan issue. We Americans have now had our campaigns sold out to the highest bidder and that is extremely detrimental..” she said over building applause.
Many Americans are now asking themselves what they can do in the face of what appears to be a growing constitutional crisis, she said.
Hoyle said the lines between the three branches of government are being blurred. She said that during a recent discussion with the Appropriations Committee, she asked why the Republican majority is handing
over the power of the purse and legislators ability to weigh in on proposed tariffs.
“Let me tell you where I come from on tariffs. I worked in an American manufacturing company and we were devastated by NAFTA,” she said. “It was a terrible policy that sold out American manufacturing and we lost a lot of working people who felt that, again, we were selling off our manufacturing to the highest bidder.”
She said that while tariffs play a role in the economy, she believes in fair trade policies that ensure American workers are given priority over people in other countries.
“They [tariffs] should be used with surgical precision and not just blanket tariffs without investing in American
See HOYLE, Page A6
Tsunami Warning System status a mystery
By TONY REED Siuslaw News
Specific information about the West Coast’s Tsunami warning system has been difficult, if not impossible to obtain in recent weeks since the Trump Administration started another round of job cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Associated Press reports say NOAA officials submitted a list approving 10 percent of its employees to the Department of Commerce for layoffs.
While most know NOAA for weather forecasting and reporting, it also operates many programs, including the Tsunami Early Warning System, which monitors quakes and calculates the potential for a tsunami and warns coastal communities that may be at risk.
BOILERPLATE ANSWERS
Attempting to contact NOAA for comment specific to the
A message on the NOAA press page says layoffs have impacted its ability to respond.
tsunami warning system has been essentially fruitless. Of about a dozen phone messages and emails from this paper over the last few weeks, only a single email was answered.
“Our long-standing practice is not to discuss internal personnel and management matters,” said Susan Buchanon, director of public affairs at NOAA. “NOAA remains dedicated to its mission of providing timely information, research, and resources that serve the American public and ensure our nation’s environmental and economic
resilience. We continue to provide weather information, forecasts and warnings pursuant to our public safety mission.”
It should be noted that NOAA spokeswoman Monica Allen also told the Associated Press the previous week that the agency’s policy is not to discuss internal personnel matters, but said NOAA will “continue to provide weather information, forecasts and warnings pursuant to our public safety mission.”
NOAA Chief Scientist Craig McLean told AP that weather forecasts across the US will be
negatively impacted by the cuts and worsen as a result, and will be apparent soon.
“This is not government efficiency,” former NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad told the AP. “It is the first steps toward eradication. There is no way to make these kinds of cuts without removing or strongly compromising mission capabilities.”
LEADERS REACT
Noting NOAA’s part in tsunami preparedness, U.S.
See TSUNAMI, Page A7
SCHOOL NEWS
Charter opening delay and banned book
SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF
SVCS delays opening Siuslaw Valley Charter School (SVCS) officials say are continuing toward opening Whitmore Classical Academy in Florence, but that it will take another year before it can happen.
SVCS was working toward a fall 2025 opening, but is pushing that date up to September 2026
Since 2022, SVCS started the process of opening a publicly-funded charter school that will use the classical education model. In early March, after creating a master plan and vision for opening the school, newly-hired Head of Schools Arturo Rulelas resigned. Ruelas said the securing of a building was top priority if the school planned to open in fall 2025
An SVCS release said the last building that the school was working to lease became unavailable.
“Once a building is identified there will still be significant work to be done to open our doors. Therefore without a building secured at this time, we cannot follow our original plan of a 2025 opening”, said Kay King, board president.
“We know we have a lot of very disappointed parents and students. Our board will keep working around the clock to continue the rigorous processes associated with opening a brand-new school. We will continue to search for a commercial building or property. We would appreciate partnering with individuals in our community in this endeavor.”
The release said more information should be available by Mid-April.
It should be noted that US Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney-Barrett recently recused
See SCHOOL, Page A5
Editor’s note: Due to space constraints, the story about the investigation into allegations made against Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops (CROW) will appear on our website this week and in the print edition next week, along with information about what’s happening across from Fred Meyer, and an OSU study about where Florence gets its news and information. Go to thesiuslawnews.com to check it out.
ELDEN NORDAHL
The family of Elden Nordahl sadly announces his passing on March 6, 2025. Born on September 12 1932, in Claremore, OK, to Irving and Jessie Nordahl, he joined the Army shortly after high school. He next attended Linfield College where he got his teaching certificate. He taught and coached boys and girls at the middle school for the next 19 years where he touched the lives of many students. While teaching he started the summer baseball program. After teaching he was ready for a new challenge. He sold real estate, insurance, served 20 years on the Central Lincoln PUD
board, and built houses. He also owned and operated Coast Village in Florence and built the Wild Winds Subdivision in Florence. He was always working on the next project and had several he was working on when he passed. He loved his time on his ranch raising cattle and growing hay. When the time came to move to town, he found a parcel of land on the Siuslaw River where he could fish and watch nature around him.
Elden is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marijo, and his 6 children; Shelly Circle, Michele, Brian, Damon, Caley Joy, and Jessica Harms. He fiercely loved his 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren He is also survived by his sister Betty Williamson of Dexter Oregon and many nieces, nephews, and good friends. His family was most important to him. He called us his tribe and our Chief will be greatly missed. A celebration of life
will be held for Elden on his river property this summer. All will be welcome. Arrangements are in the care of Burn’s Riverside Chapel.
MARIETTE MURPHY
Miette Full Murphy completed her life’s journey Tuesday March 4, 2025, following a battle with cancer. She was the beloved daughter of Roy & Helene Full and the beloved wife of Dan Murphy. She was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, educated through high school at Rowland Hall and graduated from the University of Utah. Professionally she began her career as a speech therapist in Syracuse, New York. She later worked in Chicago, IL where she also completed her MBA degree at DePaul University. In the mid 1980’s she returned to Salt Lake City to be closer to her aging parents. Once back in SLC she grew in the management of rehabilitation services and retired in 2018 as the Executive Director – Utah for Rehab Without Walls. In 2019 she relocated with her husband to Florence, Oregon where she enjoyed the coastal environment. She is survived by her husband, adopted children and grandchildren, and multiple friends throughout the country. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Burn’s Riverside Chapel.
PATRICK J MCCALMONT
Patrick McCalmont, 79, of Florence, Oregon, passed away on March 12
2025, with his wife by his side.
Patrick was born May 9 1945 in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the son of Melvin and Juanita (Carstens) McCalmont. The family later moved to Sioux City, Iowa.
Patrick joined the Navy in 1966, during the Vietnam Campaign, serving until he was honorably discharged in 1969. After the service, he returned to Iowa.
In 1970, Patrick married Karen Moulds. He adopted her two sons, Donald and Allen, and had a daughter, Kym. They later divorced.
In Sioux City, Patrick worked many years as a butcher in the meat packing industry. After his divorce, he moved to Witchita, Kansas. He then moved to Santa Cruz, CA. There he met Diane Marie Phipps, and they discovered that they had each been born in the same hospital in Fort Dodge. They were married August 20 1983 and he became father to her daughter, Tika. In 1993, a daughter, April, was born to them.
In Santa Cruz, he worked as a butcher for David Meats until he was hired as a USDA meat inspector. In 1986, Patrick and Diane purchased McCalmont’s Custom Slaughtering. He also drove bus for the Santa Cruz Metro Transit District. Patrick retired in 2004
After retirement, the family moved to Florence,
OR, where he resided until his passing. Patrick loved to fish. During this time, Patrick mastered the art of fly fishing. He had numerous fishing buddies, and discovered a variety of fishing holes, his favorite being Bender’s Landing on the North Fork Siuslaw River. It was there, in 2008, that he landed the holy grail of catches – a 47-pound, 43-inch chinook salmon.
Preceding Patrick in death were his parents; and two brothers, Brian and Jimmy.
Patrick is survived by his wife, Diane; children: Kym, Tika, April, Donald, and Allen; grandchildren: Andrew, Julianna, Brian, LeAnn, Jayce, Rene’, Ryan, David, Hannah, and Eric; a brother, Michael; and nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to honor Patrick will be held at a later date. Patrick’s cremains will be laid to rest at North Lawn Cemetery in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the local Florence STEP (Salmon & Trout Enhancement Program) (501(c)3), at P.O. Box 1322, Florence, OR 97439
RICHARD “TONY” ANTHONY ROHDE
and Sammy, pet daddy to Wapiti and Ivory, passed away on October 7 2024 He is survived by his Fiance, children, 4 grandchildren, Mother Patti, brother Garret, and sister Sara. A celebration of life will be held on June 21st, 2025 Preced in death by his father Jack Rohde, sister Lori, grandmother Lorraine, grandfather Ray Potter, grandmother Lila, and Grandfather Alfred Rohde. With a quiet, loving demeanor, Tony held a genuine passion for sports and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. His family is left with countless stories of hunting adventures, fishing nonsense, and logging tales. While he is no longer with us, his spirit will forever guide us in our adventures.
JOANN MARIE WESTCOTT
Richard “Tony” Anthony Rohde, beloved Fiance of Corinne Kruzick, father of Mathhew, Mitchell, Aubrey, and Alleyna, stepfather to Lars, Hunter,
JoAnn Marie Westcott 87 was born April 26, 1937, in Portland, Oregon. She passed away on March 8, 2025, at home. JoAnn retired from Wells Fargo Bank after 27 years of service. JoAnn and her husband Larry moved to Florence 32 years ago she worked for Oregon Pacific Bank until finally retiring. JoAnn and Larry loved to travel in their RV. They traveled all over the US, British Columbia, Canada, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. She also loved crabbing and fishing. She is survived by her husband Larry K. Westcott, daughter Linda Marie Wilcox, stepson Ralph K. Westcott, his wife Lorrie and their sons Ralph Jr, Kristopher and his wife Alicia, Michael E. Westcott and wife Mattie, daughter Desiree Westcott, Rayann Westcott Tolman, Christina Westcott, Aileen Westcott, Yvonne Westcott Sanchez and 12 great grandchildren.
Last week four members of the Siuslaw School Board banned Flamer, the award-winning young adult graphic novel by Mike Curato, from the Siuslaw High School library. In taking this action, they substituted their own personal beliefs for their duties as public servants. This decision violated the law, disregarded the district’s mission and policies, and ignored commentary from local stakeholders and the public who overwhelmingly recommended keeping Flamer on the shelf.
Prior to the meeting the board underwent a training seminar by a professional librarian on the First Amendment and book banning in public schools which, if followed, should have resulted in something much less restrictive than an outright ban. The board’s decision ignored this training – and the Constitution.
When an elected official substitutes her, his, or their own personal views for law, policy, and expert and public commentary, that official acts in bad faith. Four elected officials have done just that. The board was duty bound, according to the board’s own mission statement, to “uphold the Constitutions of Oregon and the United States, to protect the public interest in schools, and to ensure that a high-quality education is provided to each student.”
Board elections are coming in May. Vote.
Scott Bailey Florence
I didn’t expect to be so moved by the book Flamer, recently banned by the school board.
By their statements at the school board meeting, four members found the book inappropriate for the high school library.
Having spent my childhood attending church 3 times a week, having never heard my parents utter a curse word in my life, I expected to be turned off by the book. Rather, I really empathized with the main character of the book- based on the author’s personal experiences at high school and summer scout camp.
Was there coarse language? Yes. Sexual content? Yes. It was ALL in the context of the bullying and harassment that he experienced!
I find it very strange that four board members could not make the connection. Anyone who has been around adolescent boys
knows this type of harassment happens.
Having a child under the LGBTQ+ rainbow who experienced bouts of depression and suicidality, I KNOW how scary this situation is for young people finding their way in a society that openly shames them.
This book was written to save vulnerable youth from SUICIDE! How shameful that the board voted against a special community board, professional librarians, students, and teachers.
Heidi Jarman Florence
Last December, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Roberts, cautioned that elected officials “have raised the specter of open disregard for federal court rulings,” calling them “dangerous suggestions” that should be “soundly rejected.”
Recently, the Trump administration openly defied a federal judge’s order to halt the deportation of a group of Venezuelan migrants. Trump rationalized his disregard of this order by resorting to insults, calling the judge a “Radical Left Lunatic … troublemaker and agitator,” and demanding his impeachment. That rant launched a media barrage of taunts and threats against judges in general, including images of judges in handcuffs.
Trump’s attack was such a breach of our democratic norms that Chief Justice Roberts issued a rare public rebuke: “For more than two centuries, it has been established that impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision. The normal appellate review process exists for that purpose.”
When Trump attacks our judiciary, he is attacking our democracy and the rule of law that protects all Americans. That rule of law is the cornerstone of our Constitution – the Constitution Trump swore to uphold and defend. Trump’s contempt for our freedoms could not be more clear.
Jill Thomas Florence
I would like to acknowledge and thank some of our community businesses for stepping up to feed those that are less fortunate and houseless.
During the months of January and February the weather turned cold and
because of the wonderful members of the Florence Unitarian Universalist Fellowship the Florence Warming Center was able to open.
I would like to thank Mo’s, A&W, Domino’s Pizza, and Dairy Queen for their generous donations of incredible meals. You all went above and beyond. I would also like to give a HUGE shout out to NOSH. They have been helping serve our guests amazing food for the past 3 years. You folks rock!!
Another shout out to all the volunteers who brought delicious breakfast and dinners and helped us set up and breakdown. We couldn’t do this without your help. Florence has an amazing community of folks who care about others. Thank you again!
Karen Twitchell Volunteer; Florence Warming Center
I was disappointed and more than a little horrified to read that the Siuslaw School Board has banned the book _Flamer_. Despite the previous decisions of the school librarian, the principal, and a bipartisan committee to keep the book in the school library; despite the comments of the fifty people attending the meeting in support of keeping the book, four individuals felt they and they alone should decide what our children can and cannot read. It is one thing to control what your own child reads; that is your right and responsibility as a parent. But *no one*, no matter what their title or position in society, has the right to control the reading habits of others. If you don’t approve of the language or subject matter of a book, that’s a personal issue for you and your children and no one else. The fact these four individuals felt entitled to impose their opinions on the children of Florene is a sad and frankly terrifying reflection of the degradation of free speech in our country under the current administration. I expect better of us as citizens of “the home of the free and land of the brave.”
Debra Walker Florence
Tariffs, they can be great fun. Imagine the ability of taxation, without representation (from Congress). Just declare a National Security Emergency.
Loophole found.
Think of the rush one would get from knowing that every world leader
would have to “kiss the ring” or you could smash their Country’s economy instantly with tariffs. That would buy you respect (of sorts).
Sure, it’s the non Millionaire American Citizens who would pay these tariff taxes for essential staples. All you need is to tell them that the USA has been taking advantage by them. Or, just promote hatred. For instance - like to convince everybody that Canada is a “Country of Nasty people” and needs to become a State.
While everyone wraps their heads around the “Nasty Canadians” on our unsecure Northern border, no one is asking, “where is all that tariff money going?”. A private slush fund? that can be given to whoever you want. Just dole it out as subsidies, to pals?
For distraction, do the Karate Kid thing - TARIFF ON / TARIFF OFF - and crash the Stock market. This will give everyone something worse to worry about than tariffs. Yep, tariffs can be fun, just not for everyone.
Steve Williams Florence
The current administration has stated that tariffs will be used to return manufacturing jobs to the U.S. A transition of manufacturing will take years if successful for many reasons. I suggest that the administration should focus on returning Customer Service (CS) centers to the U.S. now and to make CS centers at all businesses responsible to their customers. Customer Service is clogged with a long wait on a phone, confusing choices, and agents trying to communicate from far away with hard-to-understand dialects. You are often put on “hold” as they “consult”. A delay to you costs them nothing. Agents often do not have authority either. This issue applies to services located in the US that have fallen into this abyss. The olive branch allows you comment on the service is always the last insult. Again, you are asked to spend time to do their market research work by replying to their questionnaire. Who knows if it is ever read or analyzed. Online merchandise offers “star rating” that are contaminating by influencers. Moving CS centers back to US could be achieved quickly and would be appreciated.
Joe Fyie Florence
Portland Teen Celebrates by volunteering at Humane Society
FROM OCHS
Since 2022, Portland resident Hazel Heron has spent her birthday helping animals at the Oregon Coast Humane Society (OCHS). This year, she will celebrate her Sweet Sixteen with a day of service at OCHS in Florence, where she will continue her tradition of volunteering alongside friends and family.
A passionate animal lover and guardian of two rescue dogs, Hazel has made the annual trip to Florence since she was 13, bringing pet donations and a spirit of service. During the visit, Hazel and her friends will socialize with the animals, create adoption kits for new pet families, and make enrichment toys and treats for shelter
animals.
“Hazel’s commitment to shelter animals is truly inspiring,” said OCHS Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson. “We look forward to her visit every year, and she has become a beloved member of our OCHS family. Watching her grow into a dedicated advocate for animals has been a pleasure.”
In addition to her love of animals, Hazel enjoys
reading, hiking, and sports. She hopes to play softball in college and is beginning to visit schools with her parents. At home, she shares her life with her two rescue dogs, Jojo and Lulu.
Hazel’s birthday visit will take place on March 28-29. To celebrate, stop by OCHS by March 27 to sign a birthday card for her. The OCHS team will fill a gift basket and
decorate the lobby in her honor.
Interested in celebrating your own Day of Service at OCHS? Contact the shelter to learn more.
OCHS is a lifesaving organization that relies on community donations to care for animals in need. To support the animals, visit Oregon Coast Humane Society’s donation page or stop by the shelter.
| treed@countrymedia.net
herself from a case in Oklahoma where the court is considering whether explicitly religious organizations can operate publicly-funded charter schools.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump issued an executive order March 20 to begin dismantling the US Department of Education, making the future of all public, charter, religious and private schools uncertain.
HOW BANNED BOOK GOT THERE
The Siuslaw School District Board has voted that a now-controversial book should be removed from the school library, as it was found the book revolves around a teen protagonist facing harassment and pressure at school for being effeminately gay. While the controversy continues on social media as to whether it was correct to remove the book, the attention has surely prompted more people to
read it themselves.
At the District Board meeting, several speakers asserted that banning the book deprives students of the ability to read and judge for themselves, while discrediting the authors’ First Amendment freedoms of expression.
The comic-style book has been under scrutiny at other Oregon School boards in Philomath, and Grants Pass, along with other books felt to be controversial at those schools.
When asked how the book came to the library, Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak said books are investigated through multiple sources before being allowed, with consideration given to the appropriate age range for elementary, middle or high school libraries.
“People don’t just select a book and put it on the shelf,” he said, noting that the process is outlined in the district’s Materials Adoption Policy. Grzeskowiak said reviews of individual books are considered, along with sources like Title Wave
and five other sites professional librarians use to evaluate material.
Asked if the school keeps a list of books that were reviewed and dismissed, Grzeskowiak said no, but principals may also decide not to buy certain books solely for budget reasons.
“Our entire catalog of books is available to be reviewed through the school website, where people can go in and look by category, author, theme,” he said, “and that’s all books that have been vetted through the professional resources that we have for library services.”
Grzeskowiak said some online sources give anonymous recommendations and ratings of books with no disclosure of their qualifications for doing so.
“We want to make a very clear distinction that we will use, and base our decision, on regular, accredited sources,” he
said.
While the word “ban” is often used by media and others when schools remove books, it also tends to increase interest in the book when a “ban” is being considered.
When asked if the book is “banned” from students at Siuslaw High School, Grzeskowiak confirmed that it has simply been removed from the school’s library but is not against the rules to read.
“If a student were to purchase a copy of this book and read it during their free time at school, there would be no disciplinary issue,” he said. “If a child were to check this out from the public library, and had it with them, it’s not something that’s a contraband item. It’s just no longer on the shelves at the high school library.”
The first 27 pages of the book can be found online at google.com/books by searching Flamer.
Albatross Records
manufacturing, because you know who’s going to pay that price?” she asked, to an audible “We are” from the audience. Hoyle said those jobs need to be brought back in a way that doesn’t put more economical burden on other consumers.
PEOPLE VOTED
“Donald Trump won the election because people were frustrated. People were frustrated with government. Anyone that doesn’t think there’s waste, fraud and abuse is delusional. That’s just a fact. That there is too much red tape in government, that’s a fact and we need to address it, but this wholesale breaking of our agencies and government services, where people are now having trouble contacting Social Security,” she said. “They fired so many people at GSA and NOAA without looking at what they do. They fired the people who know how to run the tsunami warning system. Is that cutting waste, fraud and abuse? No. Is that making our government more efficient? No.”
Hoyle said she has talked to fishermen and firefighters who say they cut people at NOAA who are working to tell us what the weather is going to be. She said people were cut from the US Forest Service who are responsible for predicting and fighting wildfires. She said that while some of those jobs have been restored, The Trump
Administration has said it will ignore the rulings of judges about whether those actions are legal.
“We can’t allow that to happen,” Hoyle said.
Hoyle recalled speaking to a nurse who had moved her family from Florida to work for the veterans administration, who was turned away as she arrived to start work.
“She was told, I’m sorry your job is no longer needed,” Hoyle said, noting that she comes from a military family, “I can tell you that my father earned the right to the care he receives from the government.” She said that careful fulfills the promise made to veterans that their country would take care of them.
“Whether it’s social security, the VA, or Medicaid, or Medicare, and by the way, the massive cuts to Medicaid are going to affect our ability to have rural hospitals,” she said, as an audible reaction went through the room. “My district, over 70 000 square miles from Lincoln County all the way to the California coast, has more Social Security recipients than 87 percent of the districts in the country.”
Hoyle said the first bill she introduced after being elected was designed to expand the solvency of Social Security and to ensure that people can have an increase of benefits of 2,500 per year by taxing people that are making more than $400 000 a year, the same as you pay. Firefighters, police officers, nurses, pay the same amount as Elon Musk or George
Soros- that’s not right.”
Hoyle closed by saying Americans need to again become citizens who work together to do what’s best, and that our tax dollars come back to invest in “the most beautiful place in Oregon country.”
DEMOCRACY FOR SALE
Tiffany Muller, President and Executive Director of End Citizens United, explained that the grassroots organization is made up of 4 million members across the country who come from a variety of backgrounds and share the common belief that the power of democracy resides with the people, not just those who can write the biggest checks.
“Who do you think has a bigger voice in our democracy right now? You all or Elon Musk?” she asked as the audience responded “Musk.”
“I do not think someone who writes a $300 million campaign check should then get to have carte blanche over how our government operates,” she said. “Everywhere I travel across the country I’m hearing the same concerns. Will my kid be able to graduate college and get a job that allows them to afford the American dream? Will my Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid be protected? Can I afford my prescription drugs? A lot of what we see is that the answers to that depend on who’s calling the shots in government. Since the Citizens United decision, too often it’s the big money corporate special interests.”
Muller said that in 2010, with Citizens United, the Supreme Court put a For Sale sign on our democracy.” She said that in the last election cycle $20 billion was spent on elections.
“ I don’t care if you are a Democrat, or Republican, or Independent, I think we can all agree that $20 billion could be better served in lots of other ways…” she said, drowned out by applause. “Another thing I think we all can agree on is that I think we should all know where that money is coming from. It needs to be disclosed and transparent so that we can trace back conflicts of interest and corruption and make sure we’re able to hold our elected officials accountable. That is just common sense.”
TRANSPARENCY
She said that when the
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Saving men one PSA test at a time. “Someone
Supreme Court made the decision, it was claimed that such things would be transparent and accountable, but it has not been.
She said that about 75% of the money spent on our elections can no longer be traced back to its source.
Muller spoke of the Disclose Act, Which would expand prohibition on campaign spending by Foreign Nationals, and require that election candidates disclose advertising funding sources.
“We need a Federal Election Commission that will do its job and actually hold those who break the law to account,” Muller said, “and actually fix it. Being a member of Congress shouldn’t be about lining your own pockets.”
She said things like stock trading by Congress members are things all Americans can agree on, while Big Pharmacy lobbyists outnumber Congress members 3 to 1
“Now, you wonder why prescription drug prices aren’t coming down? Maybe it’s those 1500 lobbyists and the $300 million we spend every single election cycle,” she said. “Let’s get rid of it.”
Muller said citizens need to keep the pressure on to adopt common sense reforms and take democracy back from big money interests.
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS
The first commenter noted what he called “a mess in the Democratic party, saying the Senate leadership doesn’t have the will to fight, but the people still do.” He asked what can be done to replace Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer.
Hoyle quoted a colleague in the House who said “The Republicans are our opponent but the Senate is our enemy.”
Hoyle noted that while she is not in the senate, a leadership election will occur in two years that could change that if every eligible voter is allowed to vote.
Hoyle also said she voted no on the continuing resolution.
“Congress has said ‘We are spending money in this way’ and the executive branch Is ignoring it,” she said. “That’s not right, and I wasn’t going to vote for that.”
She said she was comfortable with her vote, but also stressed that while she is proud of Oregon’s senators, she disagrees with Schumer.
She said that while she and her colleagues have different ideas about how to achieve what’s best for Americans, “Nobody elected Elon Musk.”
Inciting a collective gasp in the room, Hoyle and Muller said Musk has now received $38 billion in taxpayer-funded contracts.
“I never, and no one ever, elected Elon Musk,” she said. “If the government was shut down, people would suffer, and they would determine who an essential worker would or wouldn’t be. I think Chuck Schumer made the wrong decision. I think it’s weak.”
Hoyle said if the government wants to look at spending inefficiencies, it should look at defense contracts. She said that while an additional $6 billion was sent to the Defense Department, it also recently failed its 7th financial audit. She said that about 50 percent of the budget goes to defense contractors with zero oversight.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Another commenter asked, when the president stops following the law, what can be done?
“I can say that, as a democrat, we are not in the majority. It is why I make it clear that our constitutional duty is to ensure that we have separate and equal parts of government, and I have Republican colleagues who are willing to give that away, which I think is reprehensible, but we still have the courts…” Hoyle answered as the audience started to stir. “The Trump administration, right now, is saying that they are going to try to ignore the courts. Justice Roberts, just yesterday, said he can’t do that. So what we need to do is continue to show up. I’ll tell you what, it’s going to be on us to show up and take it to the streets to protect our democracy.”
Hoyle urged citizens to tell their own stories about how top level cuts are affecting them. She added that around her district, even in the most conservative areas, both Republican and Democratic voters dislike the cuts being made to the veterans administration, NOAA and the Forest Service’s fire detection abilities. She said she has normally calm colleagues in the Federal Bureau of Investigation who are “freaked out,” repeating that Americans need to tell their own stories and communicate that “this is not normal.”
CALL IT OUT
One commenter recalled that it was instilled in her as a child that no one should be allowed in government with a criminal record. She asked how it was possible for that to happen in the US Presidency, and with appointed officials in the White House.
“We, has the American people, are a represented democracy where the American people vote,” Hoyle responded, “and they did elect Donald
See HOYLE, Page A7
From Page A6
Trump.” Hoyle added that a great number of American people do not believe anything bad about the president or his appointees. She said that while she simply disagrees with some appointees, others are wholly unqualified to hold their appointed positions.
“ That is the choice of the president… but we cannot underestimate the power of misinformation, and outsourcing our social relationships. Again, we are not operating on the same sets of news, or even facts.”
Calling misinformation the most detrimental thing to happen to the United States, Hoyle noted, “there is a significant portion of our population believing that the 2020 election was stolen. Even though 62 court cases were lost and it wasn’t proven, the fact is, by having those court cases come up and then we have bots and misinformation and social media where it feeds into the lack of faith in our basic democracy. That happened because we handed over the right for people to buy our elections.”
Hoyle said she herself lives in a rural community of differing political views, but everyone in her community, regardless of political preference, will help each other when asked.
“They are good people who believe fundamentally different things than I do,” she said.
Hoyle spoke briefly of immigration, noting that the people saying the US
TSunami
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Representative Val Hoyle, Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden and U.S. Reps Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas and Maxine Dexter asked several pointed questions about the status of NOAA and recommended that all affected staff jobs be reinstated.
On March 20, Oregon Rep. Maxine Dexter, along with California Rep. Jared Huffman sent a letter to General Service Administration (GSA) Administrator Stephen Ehikian, in opposition to the planned facility closures at the Department of Interior (DOI), the National NOAA, and the United States Forest Service (USFS) across the country.
has too many immigrants are the same ones who refuse to fix the immigration system.
“They’re more interested in demonizing people who came here for a better life. I want a work program that allows people to go back, so we know who’s in our country, but when we are sending green card holders to internment because we don’t like their speech, without any due process… Do you think it’s going to stop with them because we don’t like what they say? absolutely not.”
Hoyle spoke of the Save Act HR22, which would require birth certificate proof to vote, disenfranchising people who have changed their name, including women who did so by marriage.
“Tell me, how does that protect our elections?”
Hoyle asked. “You can’t even use your real ID. we are going to have to protect our elections, we are going to have to speak up, and these are the stories that matter. I beg you, reach out to your neighbors, and to people who don’t think the same as you do. talk about things that you’re concerned about. I talk to conservative farmers who are extremely worried about the tariffs and … can’t find people to do the work that is backbreaking that feeds this country. Who’s going to do that work?
Fundamentally, we need to fix our immigration system, we need to secure our borders, we need to fund border patrol, which we haven’t done either.”
Regarding the question about what Americans
“The purging of DOI, NOAA, and USFS offices across the nation is a direct attack on the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly to protect our nation’s economy and natural resources, as well the people, industries, and communities that rely on the services these agencies provide. We demand that these closures be halted immediately and that a comprehensive review of the decision-making process that led to this reckless action be conducted,” the letter reads. “These agencies are indispensable in their physical locations, delivering vital services from public safety to economic development to the protection of invaluable natural and cultural resources. The proposed closures will undermine our nation’s ability to respond to public safety needs and continue lifesaving environmental monitoring.”
can do, Hoyle said Americans need to make sure elections cannot be bought, that Americans are receiving real, valid information, and vote in two years to achieve a democratic majority in the house in order to have balance again.
IN TWO YEARS?
“We don’t have two years,” the next commenter said. “We have a coup and we need to do something now.”
Hoyle said she agrees and is doing what she can now and focusing on things she can control by asking questions of top level officials like, “Did you actually need to fire everyone who can fight wildfires? Did you actually need to fire the people who oversee our nuclear weapons? Was that part of your plan?”
“By calling out what’s happening, which is breaking the system so that we can sell off our federal lands, sell off our Postal Service and privatize our VA… There is a role for private business, I don’t think it should be to buy off our government and campaigns, but here we are.”
Hoyle said her role is now to speak to her Republican colleagues, testify in Congress, show up to make sure she can vote, and let people know what’s actually happening in a factual manner that applies to them.
Hoyle spoke of the damaging floods that have occurred in Western Lane, Curry and Douglas County, noting many people were recently fired from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency).
The letter was signed by 75 other state legislators and endorsed by about 30 government and other agencies working on environmental issues.
OR/CA COAST
The Oregon Coast has experienced tsunami warnings, one of which was issued and canceled last year due to an offshore quake near the Oregon California Border. In 2011, the Tohuko quake and tsunami
destroyed many towns on the coast of Honshu, Japan, before it crossed the Pacific Ocean to cause damage on the US West Coast.
While some Oregon ports sustained damage, the northernmost harbor in California was essentially destroyed by surging waves. That harbor, located in Crescent City, also recorded one death from the event and has since rebuilt its entire harbor using many grants
“They want to eliminate FEMA, so talking about actual impacts in a very real way matters, and if it means we have to take this to the street if we have an executive branch that that is not recognizing the judiciary, there will be a time for that,” she said, “but what we need to do is keep communicating and absolutely find every way we can and right now, that’s showing up and not getting into our partisan silos on social media where we have an echo chamber of what we already believe.”
FAIRNESS DOCTRINE
The next commenter asked if it would be possible to revise and bring back the Fairness Doctrine, eliminated during the Reagan Administration, which previously made it illegal for the three networks, ABC, NBC and CBS, to use their broadcast licenses to influence public opinion or set a biased public agenda.
“Is there a way we can bring that back?” Hoyle responded, “We could have a bill. Do I think that this current majority in administration will pass it? Absolutely not, but it is on the list of things that we must do if we are going to come together as a country again, to make sure that we are operating off the same set of factual information.” She said news needs to be brought back to being information, rather than entertainment.
Muller noted that the Fairness Doctrine also existed in a time before 20 was spent on elections.
“The problem that we have now is that so much
and loans. Crescent City has seen 32 tsunamis since 1933, according to City records. Much of Crescent City was destroyed in 1964 when a 20-foot tsunami hit the shores in the middle of the night, killing 13 people.
Just north of Crescent City, the tsunami damaged many boats and docks in the Brookings/ Harbor, Oregon, port and damages were estimated at over $6 5 million.
of the coverage we see are these advertisements that are being purchased which the Fairness Doctrine didn‘t apply to,” she said, noting the flood of election advertisements and difficulty in tracking their funding sources.
The final commenter said the major concerns of residence in Florence revolve around the solvency of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. It should be noted that the vast majority of people in the events center were elderly residents.
“When Elon Musk called Social Security the biggest Ponzi scheme ever, this is a person who has never had to earn anything. his father gave him proceeds from an emerald mine in South Africa, he has never had to struggle. Social Security is so critical and it is not an entitlement, it is an earned benefit,” Hoyle said to applause. She noted that her recent bill, co-authored with Senator Bernie Sanders, aims to extend the solvency of social security by 75 years, And increase the benefit by $2,500 a year, which she said is significant for a lot of people.
“We know they want to push to privatize Social
Security,” she said. “If we look at the stock market right now, it’s crashing, that is a terrible idea. Social Security does not cost the government money but what we need to do is make sure that our police officers, firefighters, teachers, nurses, ordinary people, are not paying the same exact amount as billionaires. These programs affect our rural communities more significantly than they do a lot of our urban communities, although they are affected as well.”
Noting that President Trump campaigned on a promise not to touch Social Security and Medicare, Hoyle said legislators and citizens need to hold him to that.
The preponderance of democratic audience members became apparent when one man, in obvious dissent, attempted to yell something unintelligible from the seats. For a few moments, the interaction escalated to yelling, almost drowned out by the applauding crowd as Hoyle asserted, “We’re not going to be silenced, that’s not who we are!” Following the Town Hall, Hoyle and staff remained in the lobby for a short time before driving to another in Eugene.
MEET IVY!
Surrendered alongside her sisters, Ruby and June, this
hearts from the very start. Each time they meet someone new, they eagerly roll over for belly rubs—talk about pure love! Ivy is the perfect size, expected to reach a cuddly 45 pounds when fully grown. With her affectionate nature and gentle spirit, she is certain to bring boundless joy and warmth to any home fortunate enough to welcome her.
SPORTS & LIFESTYLE
Mapleton 6th Graders to Compete in OBOB Regional Competition
Mapleton Elementary School’s 6th-grade team, the Sailing Odders, is gearing up to showcase their literary knowledge at the upcoming Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) Regional Competition. The event will take place on Saturday, March 22, from 9 AM to 2:45 PM at Roosevelt Middle School, 500 E 24th Ave, Eugene, OR 97405
OBOB is a statewide reading competition that challenges students to read and recall details from a selected list of books. Teams engage in a series of battles, answering trivia questions to demonstrate
their comprehension and teamwork skills. Mapleton Elementary’s team has dedicated months to reading, studying, and practicing for this event, showcasing their passion for literature and academic excellence. Those attending include 6th graders Liam Littlewood, Isabelle, Henry Sanders, Syler McMurray, Diz Flansberg, Angie Gargano, Hazel Grijalva , Peyton Walk, and David English. The team participants chose Angie, Hazel, Peyton, and David (with Syler as an alternate) to represent them in the battle. Team coaches are Rosie Golden and Stephanie Grijalva.
Please give these students a shoutout when you see them, and attend
the event if you can. This competition showcases a love of reading and teaches
Vikings revved up for track and field Principal reports on Middle School
Will LOHRE C ountry Media, Inc.
Chris Johnson has been coaching Siuslaw’s track and field teams since 1996 and head coaching since 1999; in all his years with the program, there hasn’t been a season for which he’s been more excited.
“I have told the kids (several times) and parents and the coaching staff that I am as excited for this track season as I have been any of the 29 previous years I’ve coached at Siuslaw High School,” Johnson said. “We have a lot of momentum, excitement, and big tasks to accomplish.”
Johnson has had no shortage of success in his time coaching Siuslaw’s cross-country and track and field teams, winning 16 state titles in cross-country and three championships in track and field. The most recent championship came in 2023 when the Siuslaw boys track team took home gold at the state meet in Eugene.
Last year, the Vikings enjoyed a successful season, with the boys team winning a district championship and placing third at state. The girls finished in the top half of the state at 16th and are returning some of their top contributors from last season.
One of the big stories for
Johnson and the Vikings this year is the program’s number of recruits.
Through the season’s early weeks, this year’s group is looking like one of the largest in program history.
“This is the biggest team we have had in a long time and maybe ever. We have about 50 boys and 35 girls signed up and coming to practice,” Johnson said. “That’s about 25% more than normal. We are beyond excited.”
Some of the new folks to the program are already seasoned when it comes to distance running. Johnson said that the new crop includes some of the best cross-country team members and other familiar faces from other Siuslaw sports.
“We added 2A 1500 and 3000 state champion Clayton Wilson, who won the state cross country championship last year, plus many others, including Blu Boehjle, Henry Stone (1st team all-state in the cross), Michael Felkins, Joel Sissel, Jacob Mann, Michah Blankenship, and many other newcomers give us a lot of depth,” Johnson said.
Wilson ran for Reedsport High School during his first three high school years and captured 2A state titles in the 1500 and 3000 in 2024 Wilson will be a great
addition to Siuslaw’s team, and his times in the 2A 1500 (4:10 23) and 3000 (8:59 58) last season compare favorably to the top times in the 3A state championships (his 1500 time would have landed him in 5th, his 3000 would have placed second).
In addition to fresh faces, the Vikings are returning some of their best competitors from last season.
The boys bring back “big scorers” from last year’s third-place team in Kale Jensen, Will Johnson, Wes Nicholls, Raymundo Brito Xilot, Justin Allen, and Max Reynolds.
Jensen scored the most varsity points for Siuslaw’s boys last season and was the top 3A high jumper in the state, clearing the bar at 6 4” to win the championship. Jensen was also the runner-up in the long jump. He will look to defend his title and build off a successful ‘24
Siuslaw also returns three of the four runners who won the state championship in the 4x100. Will Johnson, Nicholls, and Brito Xilot paced the state in the relay, barely edging out Elmira in the finals to clinch gold.
The girls team returns Danin Lacouture, Alison Hughes, and Maya Wells,
Siuslaw NEWS STAFF
Siuslaw Middle School
Principal Andy Marohl and District Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak came to The City Council meeting to share some school news with the community.
Marohl said that as of March 17th, the middle school was in its 27th week, leaving only 56 school days until summer break.
“Not that I’m counting, “ he smiled.
Marohl reported that 66% of middle school students are on the honor roll with a 3 0 GPA or higher.
179 students proving that Middle School brains can, in fact, function before noon. even more impressive, 40 students have a perfect 4 0,” he said. “That’s 15% of our student body who have figured out how to balance school, tick tock, and not losing every single pencil they own.”
When it came to attendance, 70% of students have 90% or better attendance, he said. nearly 75% of students willingly show up almost every day.
“If that’s not success, I don’t know what is,” he said.
However, students aren’t just excelling in academics but are out in the world making a difference.
“Our 7th and 8th grade Stream Team recently hiked the PAWN trail with the Siuslaw Watershed Council,” Marohl said. “They learned about 500-year-old trees, got a little muddy, and planted native plants to help salmon populations. it’s like a Hands-On nature documentary, minus the dramatic voice over with more environmental stewardship.”
The 6th graders recently visited Cape Perpetua, where they explored tide pools, met a nudibranch and played Eagle Eye under the wizard tree.
“It’s safe to say they had a better field trip and we ever did growing up,” he said.
Marohl noted that the school’s Penny Wars raised $1,300 for the Ethan Dougherty Scholarship.
Looking ahead, The school is gearing up for its annual auction of wonderment, where staff clean out their homes and students bid on Hidden Treasures. Marohl said it’s a little like Ebay, but with more emphasis on good behavior.
“On a more serious note, our Sources of Strength program continues to foster a culture of positivity and mentorship. Last month’s Positive Vibes campaign
By Bob Horney and WLFEA Chief Michael Schick
Marianne and I moved to Florence way back in 2001. We had, for many years, started our summer vacations from Southern California with a week or so at the Thousand Trails/NACO campground south of Florence. We retired in the south end of Florentine Estates. That did leave us within range of Hwy 101 traffic noise. It was also very noticeable at times when multiple vehicles left the nearby WLFEA station at the same time with horns and sirens clearing the way. During the majority of our years here those were just necessary sounds coming from responders rushing to the aid of people in need. Not much more thought about it and
we went on with our lives. Then came New Year’s Eve 2022. I was having chest pain and Marianne called 911 for the very first time. Shortly after David Rossi (now enjoying retired life) and Charlie York showed up at our door. They checked me out, put me in the ambulance and hauled me to Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay. Charlie dissolved my clots on the way and David got me to the hospital in short/safe order. Because of that experience with David and Charlie, I no longer hear those sirens as nonchalantly as before. There were no sirens involved when David and Charlie came to my aid. I was in distress, but they were close by and here within minutes. That simple act of coming to my aid
has sparked a tremendous respect and admiration for the WLFEA Paramedics and Fire Crews that serve our residents and visitors. Every time I hear a siren heading out to somewhere, I have to stop and give thanks for those men and women who are willing to serve in those positions and, in particular, Chief Schick with his WLFEA Team including the WLFEA Board that keep these men and women trained and equipped to perform their life-saving work. However, I need to ask Chief Schick who has the responsibility of determining when to use the siren and other emergency measures on a call?
THE ANSWER
Great question Bob, and one I
have had to address many times in my career. It can definitely be confusing and induce panic in drivers. In general, it is actually more dangerous for us to respond with emergency lights and sirens and many studies have shown that the time savings is minimal. For example, my drivers are taught to stop and visibly clear an intersection prior to proceeding through it, even if the light is green in our direction. We have to look for both vehicles and pedestrians. This takes time but is absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of our firefighters and the public.
With multiple cars at an intersection, it is sometimes difficult to predict what someone might do. While one civilian might be attempting
teamwork, critical thinking, and perseverance. Go Sailing Odders!
The Mapleton Elementary School 6th-grade Battle of the Books team, “The Odders”, from left: Liam Littlewood, Peyton Walk, Isabelle Tuttle, Syler McMurray, Angie Gargano, David English, Hazel Grijalva and Henry Sanders. Photo by Rosie Golden/Mapleton Community Liason
Community Briefs
Oregon Coast Chamber Orchestra Spring Concert Series
The Oregon Coast Chamber Orchestra presents our spring concert series. The concert features works by Sibelius, Mendelssohn, Robin DeVour, and more. Plus a premiere by Robbie Dee Smith.
There are three concerts in the series:
Both Sundays, March 30 & April 6 3 p.m. Presbyterian Community Church, 3996 Highway 101, in Florence.
Friday, April 4 7 p.m., at the Yachats Community Presbyterian Church, 360 W 7th Street. This concert features guest conductor Ernie Hills, director of the Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble. All concerts are free and open to the public. To learn more, visit occorchestra.org.
About OCCO: The Oregon Coast Chamber Orchestra is an all-volunteer community orchestra that has been
playing and performing together since 2001. Under the direction of conductor Steve Posegate, the group includes musicians of all ages and abilities, from high school students to seniors, amateur musicians to retired professionals, and everyone in between. Members live on the central coast or travel from other coastal communities or the valley to participate.
A peaceful protest
Are you concerned about what’s going on in our country? Come join us at Florence City Hall on Saturday, April 5th from 1pm to 3pm to stand up, push back and protest against corrupt government actions. Florence ORganizes is joining with grassroots organizations across the nation to sponsor this family friendly event. Please bring your signs and musical instruments, as well as your voices for chanting. Make a joyful noise– being joyful is part of resisting!
For more information go to https://www.facebook. com/FlorenceORganizes.
Planting and selling class at LCC
Join us for an introduction to the types of products you might be able to harvest and sell from the resources on your land, including: Value-added and agricultural products allowed under Oregon’s Farm Direct Marketing Law, such as jams and sauces. Small-scale meat and egg production. Non-timber forest products such as greenery,
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to the right. While we prefer that everyone pulls to the right when able to do so safely so that we can pass in
the center or left lanes that’s not always possible and we will do our best to get by. So how do we decide whether lights and sirens are necessary? First, the information given to our 911 dispatchers. They are highly trained at getting important information from the caller. That info is then given to us and it’s the responsibility of our fire officers as to whether or not we should be responding with lights and sirens. On some incidents the caller may request a non-emergent response from the fire department. We will certainly consider that request and will
school
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had students recognizing positive friendships and mentors, proving that even in Middle School, kindness is still cool,” he said. “We also
foraged berries, firewood, and maple syrup.
For more information, contact Carrie Mack at 541-237-6808 or carrie.mack@oregonstate.edu OSU Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities and materials. This publication will be made available in an accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact Carrie Mack at (541) 237-6808 or carrie.mack@oregonstate.edu.
Come to the Florence LCC Florence Campus April 16 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Florence Garden Club presents a Plant Auction with Mike Bones
The Florence Garden Club will hold a plant auction at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9th at the Florence Presbyterian Community Church, 3996 Hwy 101.The public is invited to attend this program at no charge. Mike Bones, owner of Bones Nursery, will provide a large selection of beautiful rhododendrons and other unusual plants and shrubs. Mike will be the auctioneer again and will provide amusing anecdotes. Proceeds of the auction will be used for the club’s scholarship fund. The Garden Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month from September to December and January to June. Membership fee is $20, cash or check. More information can be found about the Florence Garden Club on Facebook. Check our website for even more entertainment listings and features
comply if the officer feels it would be appropriate. If the call sounds like there is an immediate danger to life or property, we will respond as quickly, and as safely, as we can. When no immediate threat is determined, I prefer that we go without lights and sirens whenever possible.
Sometimes you may see us approaching with lights and sirens and then the driver turns them all off.
Typically that means we’ve received further information about the call and the incident is not as bad as the first information received.
For example, we could get a report of a lot of smoke
continue to focus on professional development, including the Trauma Healing project, which helps us better support our students. because, let’s be honest, middle school is its own kind of trauma, and anything we can do to help kids navigate it is a win.”
coming from behind a residence which could mean a structure fire. We will send at least one engine, a water tender if needed, an ambulance, and a chief officer. All with lights and sirens. The Chief officer may get on scene first and indicate it is just a barbecue and everyone can cancel. A good outcome for everyone.
So, if you see us coming up behind you with lights and sirens please don’t panic. With the information we have we feel that someone’s life or property is in danger. If you can’t pull to the right safely do your best and we will get around you.
Overall, the middle school is a place of learning, laughter, and occasional chaos, he said.
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.
“Our students are thriving, our teachers are inspiring, and if anyone here wants to volunteer for a middle school field trip, I’d be more than happy to sign you up,” Marohl told the council.
who each scored points at state, placing in the top eight in their respective events. Wells is a returning district champion in the 1500, and she registered in eighth place in the state championship event. Lacouture had the highest placement of the girls in the state, with sixth place in the shot put.
In addition to their state competitors, Johnson said there is also “a great mix of newcomers.” The program is adding promising talent in Aidell Cadet, Avelynn Hulet, Makayla Bender, Maely Chaing to the mix of other returners (Addison and Macy McNeill, Keira Johnson, Mia Snider), and Johnson believes that depth will give them the ability to “score a lot of points at the district meet and possibly contend for a trophy at state.”
Beyond the lines of the track, Johnson knows that there are things more important than where they finish at the end of the season.
“This is a competitive, goal-oriented, and performance-based program. We want to work hard, get kids fit and technically sound, and are seeking improvement across the board,” Johnson said. “Still, we think character education is as important as results, wins, and personal records.”
With a whole season ahead, we’ll see how the team comes together in pursuit of that improvement.
1. GEOGRAPHY: Mount Everest is part of which mountain range?
2. MOVIES: Which color film was the first to win an Academy Award for Best Picture? 3. ASTRONOMY: Which planet in our solar system is believed to be the windiest?
4. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Where is the U.S. Constitution stored?
5. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a group of lemurs called? 6. TELEVISION: Which city is the setting for the dramatic series "The Wire"?
GEOLOGY: Which country has the most active volcanos?
OLIVE
By Emi Burdge
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