Fleeing driver crashes, escapes on foot
By TONY REED Siuslaw News
A high speed chase led State Police and Sheriff’s deputies through Deadwood and Mapleton Easter Sunday before the driver crashed in Florence and fled on foot.
According to State Police, the driver of the Ford F-250 truck was seen driving recklessly before a pursuit began. Officers chased the subject through rural areas, with officers reporting speeds of up to 80 mph at times.
Once through Deadwood and Mapleton, the pursuit headed west on Highway 126 just before 11 a.m.. Florence Police Chief John Pitcher said his department was notified after an unsuccessful attempt was made to deploy spike strips on Highway 36,
See WANTED, Page A5
FACC thanks and recognizes community volunteers
By TONY REED The Siuslaw News
Many tables filled with volunteer organizations April 23 so the Florence Area Community Coalition could show appreciation for them and the tireless work they do for the community.
Brenda Gilmer opened the ceremony by noting that for local volunteer organizations, “Covid was hard, but look at us- We came back strong.” Gilmer said that while many organizations could not be present (or spare the volunteers to attend), the tasks of local volunteerism are often shared.
See FACC, Page A6
OCHS Director Elizabeth Thompson addresses a room full of volunteers. (Tony Reed photo)
Killer whale swims into Florence
JULIE CONWAY Oregon Coast Killer Whale Monitoring Program
At about 6:15pm, a lone bull killer whale was seen about two miles up the Siuslaw River. At 7:41pm he was spotted from the jetty, and then shortly after he was seen by the coast guard station. He ended up switching directions, and he headed back up the river. He was last spotted at 8:34pm, near the low point on Rhododendron, at which point it became too dark to see.
We’re able to confirm, it
was T051! He’s back! T051 (born 1981) has been seen on several occasions in Oregon. Last spring he was seen traveling with T049A2 in Oregon for quite a while. In the fall of last year, T051 and T049A2 gained a lot of popularity after they spent 44 days in a lake in Alaska. It’s great to see him back in Oregon! A big thank you to everyone who helped track T051!
Editor’s note: On April 24, a pod of killer whales was spotted next to Sea Lion Caves, possibly heading south.
Protests continue in Florence
SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF
Protesters stood on all four corners of Highways 126 and 101 as hundreds of vehicles passed with waves and honking horns. While the response was mostly positive, some motorists and pedestrians expressed
opposition to the protest in a variety of ways. However, all remained peaceful throughout and dispersed without any incidents. Much like the previous protest two weeks before,
The occupants of this pickup fled on foot April 20 after it crashed on 8th Street, ending a pursuit that started north of Deadwood. (Tony Reed photo)
Pictured here, T051 swims in the Siuslaw River near the jetties. (Jaklyn Larsen photo)
Tony Reed photo
PFLAG names ally businesses
Submitted by EVELYN LOVELACE
Part 2 Of 2
A sizable crowd filled the Library’s Bromley room April 16 for “Allies: A Public Forum” to hear from a broad spectrum of local, county, and state organizations committed in one way or another to accept and assist queer folks in Florence, and to make them aware of what services are available.
PeaceHealth didn’t just send one of their chaplains, but two. Melissa Moffett, a PCP at Peace Harbor, was also in attendance. She reaffirmed that at PeaceHealth “We take care of everybody,” and that the PeaceHealth network has a dedicated provider in Eugene who specializes in gender-affirming HRT, a treatment of particular importance to trans folks. Moffett also described the efforts PeaceHealth has gone to change its database and administrative functions to be more inclusive of queer identities. It used to be common practice, she said, for doctors to be in control of whether a patient was considered male or female, rather than delegating that authority to the patient. This had serious health implications because it caused other parts of the system to propose routine screenings incorrectly. A trans man, for instance, might be assigned male and scheduled for routine
checks on a prostate they don’t have while critical gynecological health went unaddressed.
Despite the apparent difficulty, PeaceHealth managed to upgrade their IT systems to be more inclusive of diverse body types, to make sure everyone was receiving care for “the parts they actually have.”
Michael Harklerode, principal of Siuslaw High School, described himself to the group as a “proud parent of a trans student.” Despite admitting that the high school has no policies specifically aimed at protecting trans youth, Harklerode described this as “quite defensible,” claiming that the policies in place to protect all students are sufficient. Harklerode also urged attendants to vote in the upcoming school board election on May 20th, though he carefully avoided advocating for any particular candidate.
Three of those candidates, incumbent and retired teacher Maureen Miltenberger, music instructor Adrian Pollut, and former substitute teacher Tom Posegate, spoke briefly on their support for queer rights.
Representing the Oregon Department of Human Services, self-identified queer woman Xana McCray talked about her social services career both as a queer woman and helping
other LGBTQIA+ people navigate Oregon’s benefits system. She also discussed at length the various social services offered by the state of Oregon and efforts made to make them more inclusive. In particular, she noted the “huge undertaking” of collecting Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE) data to help track structural inequality and accommodate the needs of LGBTQIA+ folks.
As a useful tidbit for folks in general, she also let the gathering know that SNAP benefits count double at the Florence Farmer’s Market, making it easier for low-income folks to get access to healthy food.
Regarding mental health, counselor Norma Wood described her work with “all manner of fruits, vegetables, and ministers” as a callback to Greg Wood’s plate allegory earlier in the meeting. She told those assembled about Serene Abundance Studio, a queer-friendly space with a “relaxed, non judgmental atmosphere that encourages creative thought, study, and research.”
She also led the meeting in some contemplative visualization and meditation.
Larry Bloomfield, station manager at KXCR 90 7 FM Community Radio Station, rounded out the invited speakers. A follower of the Bahai faith, he described KXCR’s mission of community-centered radio as fundamentally queer inclusive. “We talk to everybody about everything”
he said. “Each of us is a piece of a puzzle, and nobody wants their puzzle to be missing pieces.” Bloomfield pitched the radio as an opportunity for the attendants to have their voice heard, while arguing for the importance of public broadcasting to the community at large. He described KXCR as “Another gem in the crown of Florence” and urged people to consider participating. There were two speakers who were unable to attend. Western Lane Crisis Response intended to come but couldn’t make it, though they did leave a pamphlet about the various services they offer.
When the meeting was opened up for questions and comments, though the crowd seemed reticent to speak up. However, one person made herself heard. The writer’s mother, an ally with trans family members who had been excluded from PFLAG chapters in California, stood up and told her story.
The Florence chapter of PFLAG was founded in 2011. While at one point its membership was quite robust, the Covid-19 Pandemic inflicted grievous damage. This is especially significant as the PFLAG chapter in Eugene no longer exists, though there are still chapters in Newport, Corvallis, Salem, Redmond, and Pendleton. Official PFLAG members, including the president of the local chapter, expressed a desire to recover its momentum in the face of mounting hostility from the federal government.
Lucille “Lucy” Jones, 99, formerly of Florence, OR, died on April 10 2025, surrounded by her family at her residence.
Lucy was born on January 11, 1926, in Danbury, Nebraska. Throughout her life she also lived in Colorado, California, Arizona and Oregon. She married Ray Jones on July 7 1951. For 24 years, she worked as a Registered Nurse.
Lucy enjoyed cross stitching, fishing and camping. Her favorite color was purple and she was a loyal fan to both the Denver Broncos and the Oregon Ducks. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray Jones; son Dennis Jones; parents Elijah and Ida Grimes; sisters Doris Walslead and Lois Walker.
Lucy is survived by her sons David Jones of Blythe, CA and Robert Hausman of Astoria, OR; 4 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and 1 greatgreat grandchild.
For those who would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Lucy the family suggests the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com
LEROY HIETALA November 9th, 1934 March 27th, 2025
LeRoy Victor Hietala joined his many friends and family members in Heaven on March 27, 2025. He is survived by his children, Robyn (Doni) Bilyeu, Eira Hietala, Steven Hietala, Chris (Denise) Boutell,
and Jamison (Dot) Boutell; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held for family and friends at 1:00 pm on May 3, 2025, at Bonaventure Senior Living Community in Gresham, OR.
CRAIG GILBERT June 26, 1954 January 5 2025
Craig Gilbert passed away on January 5 2025
Born in Corcoran, CA on June 26 1954, Craig excelled as a talented athlete at Corcoran High School, competing in baseball, basketball, and track and field. He later moved from California to the coast of Oregon to be near his beloved parents. Throughout his life, Craig wore many meaningful roles: a devoted son and brother, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He was an active member of his community, always willing to lend a hand where needed.
Craig found great joy in the outdoors. Whether hiking, exploring, camping, fishing, or hunting, he embraced nature with curiosity and passion. He was also an avid admirer of wildflowers and plants, taking the time to learn their names and appreciate their beauty. Writing was another of Craig’s passions, and he found fulfillment as a published poet.
Professionally, Craig dedicated his career to financial planning, guiding others toward their financial goals with care and expertise. In his free time, he delighted in baking and was well-known among family and friends for his exceptional culinary skills and love of good food. Craig is survived by his beloved son Nathan and wife Arynne, two cherished grandsons, and his caring sisters and family and friends. His warmth, kindness, and adventurous spirit will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Donations can be made in Craig’s memory to the McKenzie River Trust at mckenzieriver.org. Craig was put to rest in a private service.
I read this in Dan Rather’s Substack column, Steady, dated April 17 2025 I think it is relevant to Florence since our school board and a potential charter school will have similar impact on us, and all over Oregon this movement is taking hold. We need to consider the real impact, and I thought Mr. Rather did a good job with these observations, where Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a certain bill into law. I know Texas is bigger so the numbers are bigger, too, but the impact to public education, and to the community is the same.
Mr. Rather writes, “The bill is about ‘school choice,’ an innocuous-sounding but destructive program that reallocates money earmarked for public education and gives it to families to pay for private and parochial school tuition. Governor Greg Abbott has made it his mission to push school choice through the Texas legislature. After several years and many false starts, he has succeeded. In 2024, Abbott targeted 15 anti-voucher House Republican incumbents during their primary races. Jeff Yass, a hedge fund billionaire from Pennsylvania, provided $12 million to “primary” those incumbents.
During the vote last night, Republicans fended off a number of amendments, including one that would have required an income cap to access the money. And another that would have put school choice on the ballot in November. The bill earmarks $1 billion for school vouchers, allocating $10 000 per student. Now, that billion dollars will not be available to improve Texas public schools.”
“The money that would go to this program would have gone to our public schools, would have given our teachers a bigger pay raise, would have kept more schools open, would have made more classrooms smaller,”
Representative Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat, said after the vote.”
Let’s think long and hard about what we want our Oregon Education to look like, and how we want to treat our children, their teachers, and our communities. Remember to vote in the upcoming school board election.
Democracy means voting. Ivy Medow Florence
I’m disappointed to see Florence protestors adopting the position that Isreaelis are committing genocide against the Palestinians.
Genocide is when an
ethnic group is systematically eliminated by a stronger people, like what Hitler & the Natzis tried to do to the Jews in World War II.
Israel has one of the most powerful armies in the world. They have F-14 fighter jets and tanks equipped with thermal imaging for accuracy.
Millions of Palestinians are living in tents on the beach or on top of rubble. This means that if Israel wanted to commit genocide by killing them then most of them would be dead in a few hours.
Israel is trying to eliminate the terror arm of Palestine called the Hamas & free the remaining hostages that were taken by the Hamas.
The Hamas are Palestinians in Gaza that launched a preemptive attack on Israel on 10/7/2023. They slaughtered thousands of Israelis & took hundreds hostages. The atrocities were great, including rape. One young jewish woman, Shauni Luk, was shot in the head & paraded through Gaza nude in the back of a flatbed pickup.
You may observe that Israel is stronger than the Palestines in Gaza & that’s accurate. That said, Israel operates with restraint when conducting operations in Gaza.
Civilian casualties still occur because Hamas uses civilians as human shields. Furthermore, Israel wouldn’t have declared war on Gaza if Mohammed Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, hadn’t launched the 10/7/2023 attack.
The nation of Israel was formed by Jews in 1948 on land that was abandoned by the British Empire. These were the same Jews who were being slaughtered by the Natzis while the world
delayed intervention.
Israelis have successfully defended their historic homeland since.
So please consider this context before coming to the conclusion that Israel is committing genocide.
Carl Hulan
Florence Resident
Maureen Miltenberger, running to be re-elected to the Siuslaw School Board, has my enthusiastic support! In addition to being experienced as an educator and board member, she has impressed me with her enthusiastic desire to improve educational achievement, while making things better for the public school system, the staff, and most importantly, for all the students. She has served as Vice Chairperson, has been a member of the Facility and Policies committees, and has attended the Summer and Winter Oregon School Board conferences. She delves deeply into the issues and the challenges involved, while never losing sight of the critical importance of our public-school systems for educating our future leaders and citizens in a safe and inclusive environment. A good communicator and a leader with vision and experience, Maureen deserves your vote for position 4 on the Siuslaw School Board.
Terese Keller Florence
Have you had the pleasure of talking with Tom Posegate? If not, I encourage you to reach out and connect with him. He is genuine, approachable, and cares deeply about kids.
Tom is running for the Siuslaw School District Board as an unaffiliated candidate who simply wants the best possible
education for all students. As a former teacher, and father of three young children, he and his wife, Heather, are engaged and committed members of our community. Please join me in electing Tom Posegate to the Siuslaw School Board.
Susy Lacer Florence
We will have the opportunity in May to elect people to the Siuslaw School Board. It is an important election. The young people in our schools will soon be our city council members, business owners, teachers, medical professionals and stewards of our community. We need well educated, compassionate, critical thinkers; to attain that goal requires a strong school system and a strong School Board.
Three candidates for School Board positions have the necessary qualifications: Adrian Pollut, Tom Posegate, Ma ureen Miltenberger. These candidates have demonstrated knowledge and expertise by teaching and volunteering with children. Currently Maureen is the only Board member with teaching experience. Adrian and Tom have young children attending elementary school. They are active in their children’s education. These candidates have an excellent foundation in understanding the strengths and needs in the school system. Adrian, Tom and Maureen are committed to providing a safe learning environment for all students.
Please join me in voting for Adrian Pollut, Tom Posegate and Maureen Miltenberger for Siuslaw School Board.
Susan Schuster Florence
POLICE LOG
Florence Police Department responded to the following calls from April 16th to April 22
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
At 6:54 a.m., officers responded to the area of spruce and 31st Street or a report of a non-injury traffic accident.
At 10:06 a.m., a subject came into the police department who was found to have a warrant for his arrest out of Florence Municipal Court. Subject was taken into custody.
At 11:04 a.m., a caller reported a domestic dispute happening inside a car along Highway 101 in Florence. Officers arrived
to find the vehicle had left the area.
At 2:24 p.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Mulberry Lane or a report of fraud. Officers contacted a subject who said a student loan had been taken out in their name in 2021 Case remains under investigation.
At 7:42 p.m. officers responded to the 3400 block of Lilac Street for a report of a domestic dispute.
At 11:55 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of 1st Street or a complaint of loud noise coming from the treatment plant. Officers determined the plant was
making a normal amount of noise and is not in violation of City ordinances.
THURSDAY, A PRIL 1 7
At 6:31 a.m., officers responded to a report of trespassing in the 1600 block of 15th street.
At 8:41 a.m., officers responded to the 2400 block of Oak Street for a report of a missing person. Officers contacted the subject who said he had not been in contact with another person for some time and felt they might be missing. Officers were able to locate the subject who said he simply didn’t want to go home. Subject was in good health and in no need of further assistance.
At 8:53 a.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of 27th Street for a report of an unresponsive subject. CPR instructions were given but the subject was declared deceased by emergency personnel. Officers found nothing suspicious and the medical examiner was contacted.
At 12:13 p.m., an officer reported responding to a juvenile problem in the 2900 block of Oak Street.
At 5:40 p.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Highway 101 for a report of controlled substances and paraphernalia donated to a local thrift store. Officers took
possession of the material for destruction.
At 10:37 p.m. a caller from outside the Florence area reported that a subject known to them had been making threats of self harm and may have been en route to Florence.
FRIDAY, A PRIL 18
At 11:03 a.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of 37th Street for a report of an unresponsive subject. Responding medical personnel declared the person deceased. investigating officers found nothing suspicious and the medical examiner was contacted.
At 11:12 a.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of West 15th Street for a report of elder abuse. Officers investigated to find a civil dispute occurring and that the call was not as reported.
At 5:13 p.m., officers responded to the 1400 block of 7th Street or a report of a subject trespassing.
At 7:19 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of Highway 126 or a report of illegal credit card use. Officers were told that a credit card had been stolen and bank information disclosed that the card had been used at a local store. Officers were able to obtain video footage of the store and recognized the person using the card. According
to Chief Pitcher, an arrest is pending.
At 10:01 p.m., a caller in the 2400 block of Oak Street reported that her neighbor’s cat is keeping her awake.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
At 2:09 a.m., an officer made a traffic stop in the area of Highway 101 and 7th Street and arrested Bobby Thurman III for DUII.
At 8:15 a.m., a report of an abandoned vehicle in the 1400 block of Pine Street was taken.
At 3:42 p.m., officers responded to the 1200 block of Bay Street or a report of a dispute occurring. Officers contacted a couple who was arguing because the male felt the female was too intoxicated to drive. Officers calmed the situation and sent the couple back to their motel room, where at 4:10 p.m., police were called again, due to their ongoing dispute. Subjects were counseled.
At 6:50 p.m., officers responded to the 1500 Block of Airport Road for a report of a cream-colored SUV making a lot of noise. Vehicle was gone when officers arrived.
At 8:06 p.m., officers responded to the 2300 block of Oak Street for a report of a verbal and physical dispute occurring.Officers contacted the parties and arrested one for disorderly conduct, harassment, and criminal mischief.
SUNDAY APRIL 20
At 12:45 a.m., officers responded to the area of Laurel and 7th streets for a juvenile problem.
At 10:58 a.m., Florence Police Department was called to assist State Police with a vehicle pursuit.
At 11:47 a.m., a caller reported seeing a subject in a gold Jeep parked near the Humane Society pointing a rifle across the river. Caller recontacted, saying the vehicle had left the area.
At 1:02 officers responded to the area of Gallagher Park after a citizen reported finding a backpack containing a handgun and ammunition there.
At 2:51 p.m., a caller reported meeting a person with a knife in the 2000 block of Highway 101 Officers could not locate or make contact with the caller after several attempts.
At 4:01 p.m., a caller reported someone had taken a bag of aluminum cans from their property in the 1700 block of 20th street. Caller recontacted, saying they were able to get the cans back.
We Are Better Together
At 8:43 p.m., the school resource officer investigated a report of a minor in possession of alcohol.
At 5:57 p.m., a business in the 1700 block of Highway 126 reported a female subject inside throwing items and food. While en route, officers were told the female subject had entered another business and was causing
Skinner , Sales
in case the chase came to Florence. When it was learned that it was continuing west on Highway 126, FPD officers set up to deploy spike strips outside town.
Officers were able to deploy spike strips but the driver continued with deflated tires, before turning south onto Highway 101
The driver was unable to make the corner at speed and careened through the VP Racing Fuels pump area, causing damage to property, before crashing into the curb and bushes near Banner Bank.
Pitcher said The passenger was located and arrested for possession of heroin and parole/probation violation, according to OSP.
Chief Pitcher said one of his officers arrived after the crash and saw one subject running from the truck. That subject was spotted again and taken into custody.
OSP Captain Kyle Kennedy said investigating officers are still working to identify the driver, who had not been located as of Thursday afternoon.
Chief Pitcher said that officers were given a variety of descriptions of the driver by witnesses, so an accurate community alert could not be issued at that point.
reported that a vehicle had hit the bumper of their vehicle and left.
problems. Officers arrived to find the female subject had gone into a third business. Subject was cited for criminal mischief and taken to the hospital for mental health evaluation.
MONDAY, APRIL 21
At 1:07 a.m., an officer observed a bicycle in the area of 9th and Ivy that appeared to have been left there for some time. The officer picked up the bicycle and returned it to the station. If it’s yours, call 541-997-3515 to identify and claim the bicycle. (Case # F202503559)
At 9:23 a.m., officers responded to the area of Highway 126 near Munsel Creek for a report of a parked vehicle with a broken window.
At 11:16 a.m., a caller
Color provided a possible plate number of the departing vehicle. Case remains under investigation.
At 1:11 p.m., officers responded to the area of Highway 126 and Highway 101 for a report that a subject in the area was suspiciously exchanging money for something out of a car window. Officers made contact with the subject and the car who said he had been selling taffy. Officers observed that the subject did have a larger than normal amount of taffy in the car. No further action was taken.
At 2:25 p.m., officers responded to the 4700 block of Highway 101 for a report of a possible hit and run accident. Officers observed the vehicle had damage and multiple locations and a report was taken.
At the crash scene, various electronics and a large pair of bolt cutters could be seen in the cab. Asked if the occupants were suspected of burglary or other illegal actions, Capt. Kennedy said it’s part of the investigative inquiry.
When asked, Capt. Kennedy said the truck was later found to have been reported stolen.
Chief Pitcher said soon after the incident, a citizen found a backpack containing a handgun, a silencer and ammunition, which was turned over to OSP.
Anyone with information about this incident or the location of the driver should call 800 442 0776 or *OSP from a mobile phone.
TUESDAY, APRIL 22
At 7:34 a.m., a caller requested Medics respond to the 2400 block of Highway 101 with Narcan or a possible overdose. Officers and medics arrived, Narcan was administered and the subject came around. Subject wanted no further assistance and left.
At 5:31 p.m., officers responded to the 1900 block of 23rd Street for a report of possible illegal camping.
At 7:29 p.m., a caller reported losing their wallet in the 1200 block of Yew Court.
At 8:48 p.m., an officer stopped in the area of Rhododendron drive and 35th Street to assist a motorist.
Officers also made 5 welfare checks, responded to 4 mental health calls and conducted 63 traffic stops. According to the dispatch log, officers have responded to 6,364 calls since Jan. 1
Rhododendron Festival Court Rhododendron Festival Court
Senior Boys: Left to Right : Travis Clark, Storm Engel, Nyte DeLeon, Joel Sissel, Charles Nelson
DIAMOND SPONSORS
Senior Girls: Left to Right Back: Ashlyn Hart, Kamorah Lake, Sophia Montoya Left to Right Front: Claire Lindell, Macali Lade
Junior Court: Left to Right Back: Hattie Decker 3rd Grade, Lily Hamar 5th Grade, Lilia Galvan Mendez 4th Grade. Left to Right Front: Alyssa Lukashev 1st Grade, Maren Ferguson 2nd Grade
“You can’t give up your life healthily or happily if we don’t share the load that we have,” she said. “This coming year the FACC is committed to rebuilding a structure for volunteering in town. We need to replace our computer systems, we need to develop a means to effectively communicate with each other and we need to bring into play a mechanism that shuts down the fire hose of information that overwhelms us. It’s not that we don’t have enough information- we have too much information and we’re working on plans to change that.”
Gilmer said organizing and sharing the new information is key, along with printing and sharing it with older community members who aren’t digitally connected.
Gilmer urged those in the room to join FACC to help with that mission and more.
Elizabeth Thompson is the executive director of the Oregon Coast Humane Society, which logged 19,000 hours of volunteer service last year.
Noting that the shelter
has been in Florence for 30 years while privately funded, Thompson said, “everything we do is because of the people in this room and in our zip code who helped make this possible. How lucky that we live in a community that Is so generous and loves animals the way they do.”
Thompson explained that while the Humane Society logged 19,000 volunteer hours last year, but was down to 8,000 hours just after Covid.
“To see the increase over the last few years has been absolutely incredible,” she said. “The Black Cat Ball was a big part of it because for every hour they were in there, we had boots on the ground running up and down the coast asking for help, golf certificates, going out and gathering things we were able to auction off to bring in so much money, which was so incredible. We can’t wait to do it again this year.”
Noting dedicated
volunteers one-by-one, Thompson told many stories of how community members seemed a little shy at first, but once directed toward a goal, excelled at what they did and many continue to do so.
THE SAME GOAL
“The biggest piece I want to share is that all of us are in this together,” she told the volunteers in the room. “All of our organizations are touching the same people in the same community. We are asking the same volunteers to help. We are asking the same donors to support us, and we are serving the same population.” Thompson said the more
tasks the community can share, the better it will do.
She spoke of a recent instance where a surplus of food was acquired, and organizations immediately communicated and shared the overflow with Food Share and other organizations.
“Building these partnerships is how we continue to serve on the next level.
I think it’s such a good example of how we’re all in this together and everybody does better when everybody does better,” she said, to a round of applause. “Every time we get a chance to partner with another agency, it changes our world, not just for our animals but for the organization.”
She said that while the sense of community is lost in many areas, it’s exemplified through the youth of Florence, particularly in regard to the Rhododendron court and Interact Club.
Thompson also asked people to consider calling the Humane Society when they have an outdoor public event.
“Anytime that we can go, we draw a crowd,” she said. “We bring dogs, people come. So come and find us.” Thompson said the arrangement is good for the organization and
the shelter “and it’s really good for the animals.”
USE WHAT YOU HAVE
After sharing more heartwarming and inspiring stories of OCHS volunteers and what they do, Thompson stressed the importance of using local media, social media and simply asking for help.
“If you do not ask, they will not help,” she said. “It’s OK for people to say no because that means you are closer to the yes. The next one’s going to be yes.”
As for finding an organization with which to volunteer, Thompson advised folks to look for what they love and a mission they support.
“It makes it good for you and it’s good for whoever you are helping.” she said, stressing that when volunteers have fun together, the fellowship is as important as the service. “It’s easy when you’re so busy, to forget that part.” Thompson stressed the importance of facilitating volunteerism by helping everyone to feel welcome.
“I think we have to figure out how to make them fit in and I think none of us feel like we ever fit in 100%. I think it’s really important that we make sure to make space for everybody who wants to help, and they may not be the easiest person to be around, they may not be the person that you feel brings sunshine into the room, but eventually they will pick up your sunshine, so still invite them to be part of it because it does matter.”
I’m closing, Thompson shared, “I just want to tell you guys, this town is inspiring because of what we all do for somebody else. and how lucky, because, like one of the slides said, smaller towns tend to be more generous. I think that absolutely is us with Florence and we need to figure out how to make sure this organization, FACC, continues so that we can build bridges and we can come together and we can do our important work.”
The 21 tables at the event hosted representatives of many local volunteer organizations, whose representatives described what they do and who they help.
Editor’s note: Today, April 30 is Adopt A Shelter Pet Day.
From Page A1
demonstrators held signs opposing actions of the Trump Administration, the hiring of Elon Musk to oversee the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Other signs opposed the deporting and jailing of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and demanded his release and return to the US. At the protest, wearing a Lady Liberty gown, Lisa Walter -Sedlacek, of Florence ORganizes, said that after the April 5 protest, organizers nationwide scheduled another for April 19. She said that another local group, Indivisible, usually protests at the intersection, so Florence ORganizes, decided to join them. She estimated that the number of protesters was over 300 ORganizer Leonora Kent said another protest will take place May 3 at City Hall from Noon to 3 p.m.
Brenda Gilmer expresses appreciation for the shared task of volunteerism in Florence.
SPORTS & LIFESTYLE
Siuslaw league season kicks off
Will LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
Siuslaw’s softball and baseball teams kicked off their league schedule each by squaring off with South Umpqua, and the Lancers proved to be tough competition for the Vikings to overcome.
While both teams went 0-3 in their series against South Umpqua, the Lancers showed what one of the best teams in the Far West League has to offer. Both of the Lancers’ teams are rated among the top ten 3A schools in the state.
Let’s take a look at the results and where the Vikings stand
after their initial foray into league play.
BASEBALLS REBOUND FOR BIG WIN
The three matchups with South Umpqua proved to be a tough draw for Siuslaw. In their first game on Apr. 15, the Vikings traveled to play the Lancers on their home turf and took a 3-8 defeat.
An early deficit proved challenging for the Vikings to recover, as they gave up six unanswered runs in the first and second innings. Siuslaw scrounged three runs in between the top of the fourth and sixth
innings, but South Umpqua answered in the bottom of the sixth and stretched the lead to 8-3, which ended up being the deciding margin. Errors largely ended up being decisive in the game, as Siuslaw’s pitchers only gave up three earned runs, but their five fielding errors allowed five more baserunners to get home. Jacob Mann, Lucca Flosi, Max Reynolds, Joel Sissel, and Michael Fitzsimmons each registered a hit for Siuslaw, and Fitzsimmons batted in two of the Vikings’ three runs. In their second and third games against South Umpqua,
the Vikings were the hosts. Playing back-to-back games on Apr. 18, Siuslaw struggled to get the bats heated up, and they lost the two matchups 11-1 and 7-0, respectively. South Umpqua seems to be the class of the Far West League in the early goings of the season, and as of the time of writing, sits atop the league with a 4-0 league record and is ranked the eighth-best team in the state according to OSAA. Despite the three defeats, Siuslaw rebounded with aplomb. In a matchup between the Vikings and Spartans on Apr. 22,
Vikings making history in track and field
Will LOHRE Country Media, Inc.
Siuslaw’s track and field athletes have hit the ground running this season, and the hard work the athletes have been putting in has been paying off. Amid a busy schedule of competitions, the Vikings have been blazing the trail, with many team members scrawling their names in the Siuslaw history books.
The work is far from over, though. Just about halfway through the season, there is still plenty of ground to cover and hurdles to jump. For Head Coach Chris Johnson, improvement is still the goal.
“At this point in the season, we are still just trying to get better with each practice and then hope to see that improvement in meets,” Johnson said. “Both teams are doing well.” After both teams
finished first at the Siuslaw Icebreaker to start the year, the season has been chock-full of highlight moments.
REWRITING THE RECORD BOOKS
Siuslaw has a robust and storied program, and as Johnson predicted before the season, the depth of this year’s squad is allowing them to align themselves with some of the top athletes in school history.
“Will Johnson, Kale Jensen, Clayton Wilson, and Wes Nicholls have probably been the biggest standouts,” Johnson said. “All of them are placing their names in the Siuslaw records books.”
In addition to those four, Johnson made sure to mention Henry Stone, Justin Allen, Ray Brito Xilot, and Caleb Gray among the team’s top performers, as well as the 4x100 relay team, made up of Johnson, Michael
Felkins, Nicholls, and Brito Xilot, and the 4x400 relay comprised of Stone, Brito Xilot, Nicholls, and Wilson. Jensen and Nicholls now hold the 11th and 12th place in the 100m in school history, each with a time of 11 45. Nicholls registered his time at the Siuslaw Icebreaker, while Jensen hit his mark at the Mondo Track Club Decathlon. Nicholls also registered the fourth-fastest 200m in school history, hitting 22 64 at the Oregon Relays held Apr. 4 and 5 Ray Brito Xilot also ran one of the fastest 200s in school history, etching his name in the record books with a 22 87 at the John Oliver Invite, good for the 7th-best time in program history.
Jensen has also posted outstanding measures in the high jump. At the Oregon Relays this year, he posted the
10th-highest mark in Siuslaw history, clearing the bar at 6 2”. He is one of the most versatile members of the Vikings’ team, achieving the tenthbest long jump in school history at the Roseburg Twilight Invitational and the third-best decathlon score in program history at the Mondo Track Club Decathlon/Heptathlon.
Will Johnson is another multifaceted competitor for the Vikings who has been putting up eye-catching performances. In addition to running with the 4x100 relay team, he has also posted top-12 scores in several other events. Johnson now holds the 12th-best pole vault record (13 4”), eighthbest long jump (21 11 25”), and sixth-best triple jump (43’4 5”).
After winning state championships in the 1500 and 3000 in 2A with Reedsport last year, senior transfer Clayton
See SIUSLAW, Page B3 See TRACK, Page B3
Wilson has continued to shine. Wilson posted the sixth-fastest 800m in school history, timed at 1:57 01 at the Roseburg Twilight Invitational. The highlight of his season so far was setting the alltime school record in the 1500, a record that was set by Mack Marbas in 2014. Wilson narrowly clinched the record at the Roseburg Twilight Invitational with a time of 3:57 72, just .26 seconds ahead of Marbas’ 3:57 98 time. In the 3000m, Wilson put up the fifth fastest time in school history racing at the 2025 Oregon Relays, solidifying his spot as one of the best distance runners in the program. On top of that, Wilson also set the school records for the 3200 and the 2-mile distances. Wilson’s 9:20 02 time in the 2-mile shattered the
Join us for an incredible opportunity at the 16th Annual Cool at the Coast Golf Spectacular! Entry forms are now available, and we invite you to be part of this impactful event. This tournament isn’t just about golf—it’s about making a difference. By participating, you’re contributing
to the Rotary Polio Plus Program, which receives an impressive $4,000 annually. With matching funds from the Gates Foundation, your support helps provide nearly three times as much, furthering the fight against polio. Over the past 16 years, our Florence Rotary golf tournaments have funded
almost 60 000 polio vaccinations worldwide, showcasing the tangible impact your involvement can have.
But that’s not all! The funds raised will also aid the Rotary Club in its mission to provide essential projects and scholarships for the children of Florence and Mapleton. Your participation can
help shape the future of our community. A heartfelt thank you to our partners: Three Rivers Casino Resort, Ocean Dunes Golf Links, and PeaceHealth/Peace Harbor. Your support is invaluable! We would also like to express our gratitude to our platinum sponsors: Ray Wells,
Inc, Oregon Pacific Bank, County Transfer & Recycling, Zolezzi Insurance, Banner Bank, and The Mehlum Family Foundation. Your generosity funds incredible initiatives.
Don’t miss out on making a difference. For more information, visit www.theflorencerotary.org.
Community Briefs
Protests continue May 3
Please join Florence ORganizes for the Mayday Strong : Stand up for Working Families rally/protest on Saturday, May 3 at City Hall on Hway 101 from 12-3 pm. The rally will begin with music provided by Jamie Smith, Mark Levy and other musicians to sing along with. There will be other sharing as well before we begin chants and go to the street to express our solidarity with workers, veterans, immigrants and other marginalized populations. Be there! Be strong!
Denise Diamond & Teresa Zook
Featured at Backstreet Gallery
At Backstreet Gallery, springtime burgeons with unusual and inventive art. Denise Diamond’s altered driftwood sculptures and Teresa Zook’s woven textile wall hangings blend in a unique show. You’re invited to their reception on May 10 3-5 p.m. Enjoy tasty appetizers, wine, and live guitar music with Denny Weaver as you enjoy their work and meet the creators. Denise Diamond uses driftwood, shells, agates, and elements from the beaches of Oregon’s central coast to express her creativity and appreciation of the
Let me Showcase your property
Wendy Krause Broker 541 999-7765
1749 Highway 101 • 541-997-1200
environment.
SDon’t miss this exciting show that beautifully pairs nature, textiles, and artistic flair. Backstreet Gallery, located at 1421 Bay Street, accepts membership applications and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. See you at the reception on May 10
Book-signing Event for “All Under the Same Roof” by Jennifer French at Bridgeport Market in Florence.
Local author, artist, and longtime community advocate Jennifer French invites the public to a special book signing event for her new literary fiction, All Under the Same Roof, on Friday, May 9, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM at Bridgeport Market in Florence.
Guests will enjoy light finger foods and live music while mingling with the author and picking up a signed copy of her latest work. Copies of All Under the Same Roof will be available for purchase at this event.
French’s new novel offers a heartfelt and hilarious glimpse into life inside a quirky retirement apartment complex. With vivid vignettes, snappy dialogue, and an unforgettable cast of characters, the book explores the stereotypes, joys, and emotional journeys that come with aging—delivering both laughs and moments of reflection.
“All Under the Same Roof is more than a lighthearted romp,” says French. “It’s a story about identity, generational divides, and finding connection in unexpected places.”
The author brings decades of experience to the page. After a 35-year career in college administration, French transitioned into elder advocacy, working in assisted living communities across Colorado and Oregon. She now serves as a certified Long-Term Care Ombudsman in Oregon, continuing her mission to promote compassion and dignity in aging.
Florence residents may also recognize French as the co-founder of the Backstreet Gallery & Artist Co-op, an artistic hub she launched in 2005 with her spouse. She is also the author of two acclaimed young adult
novels: Hoot Owl Shares the Dawn, which received an Honorable Mention from the Independent Publisher Book Awards, and FIDGETS, a novel celebrated by students in special education programs for its relatable portrayal of ADHD.
For more information about the event, please contact Bridgeport Market at (541) 997-5091 or Jennifer French at jpfrench5450@gmail.com.
Florence Schools Calendar
The following events will be taking place at Siuslaw Elementary, Middle and High Schools until summer break.
May 3 – Oregon Writing Festival – Woodburn HS - Our TAG Coordinator Kelly Dotson and SMS Art Teacher Christina Ory are organizing a group of about 20 students to participate in this event. Students will be presenting stories, poetry, and other written works of expression in this state-wide showcase and clinic.
May 19 – SHS Evening of Excellence – Florence Events Center, 6 p.m. - This will be the annual awards night for the high school.
May 21 – SHS Scholarship Night – Florence Events Center, 6 p.m.
May 22 – 5th Grade Open House at Siuslaw Middle School, 5 to 7p.m .- This is the open house for students and parents for 5th graders to come and explore the middle school.
May 23 – Siuslaw HS Band Concert, Florence Events Center, 7p.m.
May 28 – Elementary Music Concert – 4th & 5th Graders; Florence Events Center, 6 p.m.
May 29 – Siuslaw HS Choir Concert, Florence Events Center, 7p.m.
June 4 – Siuslaw MS – STEAM Fair – student projects related to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics – 5 to 7pm
June 5 – SES Choir & Band Concert – All grade levels; Florence Events Center, 6pm
June 6 – Graduation, Siuslaw HS – 7p.m.
New Satirical Novel by Local Author Shines Light on Life, Laughter, and Stereotypes in a Retirement Home
ONLINE POLL
Why bother? It’s not like it will make a difference- 6 percent THIS WEEK, WE’RE ASKING “WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF RHODODENDRON DAYS IN FLORENCE?”
it’s the cornerstone of our democracy- 68 percent I plan to vote but it’s not as important as a state or national election- 14 percent I doubt I’ll vote because I don’t have kids or family in those schools- 12 percent
The Rhododendron Court Coronation The parade through Florence The Carnival at the Port The car show, motorcycles in Old Town and everything else
To include your organization in this directory, please call us @ 541-997-3441
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. florencecrossroadag.org office@florencecrossroadag.org FLORENCE CHRISTIAN CHURCH 2nd & Ivy - 541-997-2961
From Page B1
Siuslaw downed Douglas 8-7 in a thriller. This time, it was Siuslaw who grabbed the early advantage. After each scored a run in the first inning, Siuslaw pulled away in the third and fourth innings, scoring three runs in each, building a 7-1 lead.
The Vikings had 10 hits on the day. Fitzsimmons, Mann, Flosi, Sissel, and Reynolds each registered at least one hit, and Coleman Weidman and Roenin Barrows both chipped in singles as
From Page B1
previous record (set in 1968 by Mark Savage) by 12 seconds.
And it isn’t just Wilson setting new standards at the longer distances. At the Oregon Relays, Henry Stone and Ezra King registered times in the 3200m, which placed them in the school’s all-time top five in that event. Stone also set the third fastest time in the 2-mile at that competition as well.
In addition to tremendous individual accomplishments, the 4x100 relay team worked in unison to capture the second-best time in school history. Felkins, Johnson, Brito Xilot, and Nicholls posted a time of 43 64 at the Roseburg Twilight Invitational, narrowly missing the all-time record set last year by 04 seconds. Meanwhile, the 4x400 team of Stone, Brito Xilot, Nicholls, and Wilson posted the sixth-fastest time in school history at the John Oliver Invitational.
As a team, Siuslaw has
well. Mann, Sissel, and Fitzsimmons were the standouts at the plate, though.
Mann ended the day with three hits and a sacrifice fly that helped get runners home. Sissel registered a hit in his three at-bats, but it was a double that drove in three runs as well. Fitzsimmons went .500 at the plate, knocking two singles and an RBI in his plate appearances.
Though the 7-1 lead looked comfortable, things got a little tighter in the top of the fifth when the Spartans put three runs in. Though the Vikings answered with a run to push the lead to 8-4 in
had some strong team results. The boys finished second of the 24 teams at the Roseburg Invite, and at the John Oliver Invitational, they placed third.
Zooming out, many of the times posted by Siuslaw’s athletes put them among some of the state’s best 3A performances this year. Siuslaw’s boys will look to keep honing their skills so they’re ready for the District
the bottom of the fifth, the game still had plenty of twists in store. The Spartans mustered a late rally in the top of the seventh inning, scoring another three runs to bring the score back within one, 7-8. Errors again proved costly, as Siuslaws’ pitchers, Mann and Sissel, only allowed one earned run each, but the Vikings had six errors, allowing five other runs to score.
Though there was some white-knuckling down the stretch, the Vikings closed out the game to hang on to their precious 8-7 victory. The results of their doubleheader against Douglas on April. 25 are not known at the time of press.
Championships in May.
GIRLS GETTING IT DONE
For the girls, there have also been a host of new records set, with the team featuring its own set of standouts.
“On the girls side, Danin Lacouture, Aidell Cadet, Maya Wells, and Addison McNeill are our headliners,” Johnson said. Wells has shone in distance running
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
SOFTBALL
STARTING SLOW
Siuslaw softball has had its fair share of hard balls to start the season, and the wins have been hard to come by thus far. In the preseason, nonleague portion of the schedule, Siuslaw went 1-9. The lone win came against Reedsport, whom they beat 4-1, on Apr. 5
For a team that’s still trying to find its rhythm, the Lancers proved a tough first opponent, as they are the top team in the Far West League and are the #9 ranked squad in OSAA’s 3A standings. The offense wasn’t coming easy for the
competitions this year and has reserved a place in the record books for Siuslaw. Thanks to performances at the Oregon Relays, she holds the all-time school record in the 1600m, with a 5:28 12, and is third all-time in the 1-mile, running a 5:29 97 Also running at the Oregon Relays, Alison Hughes, Macy McNeil, and Addison McNeil
Vikings against South Umpqua. In their first matchup away, the Vikings lost handily to the Lancers 15-0. The doubleheader also proved to be difficult. In the first game on Apr. 18, Siuslaw struggled to get things going and lost 16-1. In the following game, the Vikings were defeated 16-0. The Lancers proved a formidable foe over the three legs, with an impressive 49-1 score differential.
Douglas, whom the Vikings played next, also looks to be a stingy opponent. In the first matchup with the Spartans, the Vikings lost 17-1. That game marked Douglas’
posted times that set school records in the 3200m and 2-mile events. Hughes posted the best times in program history in both events, with 11:55 72 in the 3200 and 11:59 63 in the 2-mile. Macy McNeil and Addison McNeil are second and third in school history in those respective events. Another record of note
fourth straight league win. The results of their doubleheader against Douglas on April. 25 are not known at the time of press. The Far West League is a tale of two ends of the standings. Through the first four games of league play, three teams (South Umpqua, Glide, and Douglas) are 4-0 and the other three teams (Sutherlin, Coquille, and Siuslaw) are 0-4
Having played two of the toughest opponents to start the league will hopefully allow for some closer games against other teams who have struggled to get off the block early.
from the season is Danin Lacouture setting the tenth-best mark in Siuslaw shot put history, scoring 36’ 2”.
As a team, the Vikings have been performing well. At the Roseburg Twilight Invitational, they placed ninth out of 21 teams. The John Oliver Invitational saw them compete against 19 teams and place 10th.
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