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while housing your food product has not yet been reported, nor when you get a skin tear from trying to open one) Toxic emissions have been measured for the plastic used in baggies. We are facing a problem of pandemic proportions and we are faced with removal of federal safety oversight. This topic needs more exposure. I plan to do this in future letters. For now, be aware that your are inhaling and ingesting poisons every day. You can do something about that. Wouldn’t it be good if the City of Florence, in the interest of its citizens health and well-being, declared it to be a “clamshell free zone?” In good health, Nan Harvey Florence

After the defense by the Left of inappropriate reading material with pictures debate, along with what happened to concerned parents in Northern Virginia school board meeting, transvestite reading hour for grade school kids, im voting conservatively. Combine that with the male in the female sports debacle, ànd women hygienic material installed in males restrooms, I could never vote for a liberal ever again. Charter schools and home schooling is the future.

David Gletne Mapleton

Do you believe in free speech? Would you agree that people who preach it but vote for book bans are showing their actions speak louder than their words? Then please join me in voting for Tom Posegate, Maureen Miltenberger, and Adrian Pollut for the Siuslaw School District Board. Local elections are important! Debbie Salazar Florence

In response to Carl Hulan’s letter published 4/30 expressing disappointment regarding protestors referencing “genocide” when referring to the more than a century old Israel/Palestine conflict. I wish to direct Carl to the The New York Times opinion piece “65 Doctors, Nurses and Paramedics: What we Saw in Gaza.” and to the Mother Jones article ‘The Doctor Who Saw Children Shot in the Head in Gaza – and Tried to Tell the World.” You may not wish to call it genocide, but it is unquestionably war crimes targeting civilians that the US Government, in all our names, with our tax dollars, should not be funding. A government and it’s citizens that refuse to see these atrocities, because of who is committing them, is as culpable as those that are committing them.

Tanya Timberlake Florence

AMERICA 2025:

We are divided by intangible concepts that drive a wedge between us citizens. As a country we have lost our ability to think in ways that come from our own personal values and communal experiences. As humans, our ability to think in multiple ways and analyze different perspectives have been one of our most fundamental strengths

that keep us apart from the rest of the animal kingdom. We have grown lazy with being able to think for ourselves in meaningful, significant ways and have abettingly relied on social media, news outlets, and people who we have deemed as the experts or rebels that have led us to think what we biasedly and innately believe to be true. We are fed algorithms that network into our minds to provide us comfort or distress with what we’re technologically, preconditioned to see.

Our job’s not to tell people what to do, we simply have a duty to teach, remind, and spread awareness about each other. This is not a command nor a demand from any of us, but to remind us all that thinking is a powerful tool that we use to learn, grow, apply, and understand with and we must not let others nor technology do this for us. To teach us that EVERYTHING matters, which is difficult to comprehend, especially if one’s unwilling to understand. Welcome that none are perfect, we are not always right and we can be wrong. Accept that we are only humans who lived in caves and we have created a complicated society that we are still struggling to understand and trust. Ignorance can be blissful and knowledge can be powerful but find the balance and for the moment, we will be alright.

TF Walker Mapleton

VOTE FOR MAUREEN MILTENBERGER- TOP NOTCH CANDIDATE

If you think that a school board member should have integrity, be knowledgeable of best education practices and be a tireless advocate for all students, then help reelect Maureen Miltenberger, a top notch candidate!

As Vice Chairperson of the Siuslaw School Board, Maureen has never missed a board meeting and puts in many extra hours outside the regular meetings consulting with the superintendent to develop agenda items. She attends school board conferences to learn how to help our district improve service for students. (She also volunteers in the elementary school.) Her hard working, conscientious, behavior and caring attitude has won her the trust of the teachers in the schools. She is endorsed

by the Siuslaw Teachers Union.

Maureen’s stellar performance in her first term as Director on the Siuslaw School Board has certainly proven she is the best candidate for the job. I am proud to endorse her.

Nora Kent Florence

BANNING BOOKS

SENDS WRONG SIGNAL

Heads up! We have a school board election May 20. This election may determine whether or not we ban books in our schools. One book in question, Flamer, concerns a young boy who is being bullied because of his sexuality. It has some frank language and graphics. This is an issue for some school board candidates, who prefer it be banned from the school library. Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. Banning a book will only call attention to it, making it more enticing to young students. Rather than “protecting” them, it will draw them to the “forbidden” item.

2. The act of banning is a slippery slope toward censorship. Who is going to determine what books are objectionable?

3. This can become a weaponized, political act, forcing a particular agenda on the entire school district, and targeting certain marginalized groups.

4. No student is being forced to read this, or any, book, especially if it is not part of the curriculum.

5. Free speech and expression are at stake here.

Please read the candidates’ statements in your voter’s pamphlet carefully. Your votes will ensure against sending the wrong message to our kids/ community.

Mark Levy Florence

Reading is Fundamental Florence is a small town, sometimes referred to as rural or remote.

Educationally, it is barely a blip on the national radar. Nonetheless, the education of our students is very important to us. Who knows, someday our graduates will build our home, set up our computers, provide medical care, or engage in many other occupations. And for that, we want them to be the best they can be.

Currently, they are not.

US News & World Report 2024 data give the following statistics: Basic math proficiency for Siuslaw Elementary,

Middle and High School is at 29%, 22%, and 23%, respectively. Reading scores do not fare much better at 40%, 31% and 61%, respectively. Siuslaw High School seniors scored a pitiful 19% proficiency in science. Further, three in every ten students do not graduate.

The student-teacher ratio is 14:1, lower than the state average. That is a small classroom size that should leave no student by the wayside.

Everyone is aware that COVID-19 shutdowns put our students at a disadvantage. What is being done to make up for it, except excuses? If we let this go on, our children will be left with a dismal future. The laudable word salad of accomplishments attributed to Mr. Grzeskowiak’s Superintendent Evaluation Summary made no mention of his achievements in improving the scores shown above. Indeed, if those are “improved” scores, we need to review our choice of educators. We want to see measurable goals. It’s not a vague concept. It’s been done for years. Cultural platitudes can come after demonstratable gains in math, reading, and science.

A Special District Election will be held Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Director Positions 2 4 and 6 are up for a vote for Siuslaw School District #97J. It is time to prioritize learning essential skills that will serve our children and maximize their future. Children are much better at discerning their own social structure than adults. Let’s get back to basics.

Diane Manos Florence

As a former many year mrmber of the city budget committee, I often wondered when the grant funds would evaporate and either fees or taxes eoould ensue. In this case an imposition of an escalating water fee ir fees. How about some city layoffs or some zero based budgeting by starting from scratch and funding necessities not wishes. Does the city really need an assistant city manager being paid over a six figure sakary? I think not. Time for government to belt tighten, even Florence Oregon where accountability is not always the siren song of sane behavior!

Joel Marks Richmond, VA

OBITUARY

CAROLINE “COOKIE” KAYE TABOR

January 3, 1945

April 22, 2025

Caroline “Cookie” Kaye Tabor of Bend, Oregon passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025. She was born January 3 1945 in Hobart, Oklahoma to Marilynn English Tabor and Edward Tabor. Most of her childhood was spent in Nevada.

Cookie is survived by her sister Jackie Bahr of Florence, Oregon, nieces Kelly Bahr of Independence, California, and Tracy Bahr and Davey McCoy of Bishop, California, as well

as many cousins and relatives. She was preceded in death by her mother Marilynn Loacker, stepfather Robert Loacker, father Edward Tabor, and brother-in-law

Gunter Bahr. Cookie’s ashes will be sprinkled alongside her mother’s ashes in the desert mountains of eastern California.

Cookie was an active member of Bend Chapter DAR until her health began to fail in recent years. She was also a longtime member of Bend Quilters, was an exceptional hand quilter and donated many of her quilts to causes benefiting military veterans.

There is so much that could be said about our sweet Cookie but suffice it to say that she was special to us all and we grieve her loss.

occupy the commonly-owned vehicle.

needs rebuilt, or just isn’t running like it should?

Bring it into our small engine repair shop for a quote. We also sharpen chains.

At 11:26 p.m., officers responded to the 3000 of Highway 101 for a report of a female subject to sleeping in the area. Officers made contact with the subject who had a warrant from Florence Municipal Court. Subject was taken into custody.

At 4:52 p.m., officers responded to the area of Highway 126 and Quince Street for a report of a vehicle accident.

At 5:33 p.m., officers responded to the 2000 block of Highway 101 for a report of a male and female subject yelling at each other. Subjects reportedly calmed down and left prior to officer arrival.

At 7:59 p.m., officers responded to the 2200 block of 12th St. for a report of a dispute. Officers found a family civil dispute over a phone. Subjects were separated and counseled.

At 11:02 p.m., officers responded to the 1500 block of 10th St. for a report that a male subject was intoxicated and acting out. Officers arrived to find the subject had left, but made contact with him nearby. Subject had calmed down and was given a courtesy ride to another location.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

At 12:43 p.m., officers

responded to the 3600 block of Highway 101 for a report of a loud bang in the area. Officers were unable to locate the source of the noise or anything suspicious.

At 4:47 p.m., officers and medical personnel responded to the 5600 block of Highway 126 for a report of a subject unconscious after taking fentanyl. Subject reportedly came to without the aid of Narcan and was checked out by the medics. Subject left on their own and was told not to return to the address.

At 10:56 p.m., officers responded to the area of ninth Street and Highway 101 for a report of a reckless driver in the area.

At 10:39 p.m., officers responded to the 1600 block of 12th St. for a report of a dispute occurring.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

At 1:27 p.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of 31st St. for a report that someone had spray-painted derogatory messages on a vehicle. Case remains under investigation.

At 8:35 p.m., a subject came into the lobby of the police department with paperwork and credit cards they had found at another location. Officers are currently looking for the owner of the items.

At 12:12 p.m., officers responded to downtown Florence for a report that a road rage incident had turned into yelling and challenges to fight in a business parking lot. Officers contacted the subjects who admitted to the incident. Officers made a report and forwarded to the DAs office to determine if charges will be pending.

At 3:23 p.m., officers responded to the 1400 block of N. Siano Loop for a report of a dispute occurring. Officers determined they dispute has been verbal and subjects were counseled.

At 8:21 p.m., officers responded to the 1100 block of Highway 101 for a report of an intoxicated female acting out. Subject was cited for resisting and was released to the care of a responsible party.

MONDAY, APRIL 28

At 4:36 p.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Highway 101 for a reported dispute.

At 8:32 p.m., officers responded to the area of ninth Street and Highway 126 for a report of a disorderly subject. Officers contacted the subject who is known to law-enforcement and arrested him for disorderly conduct and criminal mischief, due to repeated yelling and attempted physical confrontation with people.

Add 11:05 p.m., officers responded to the 1300 block of Highway 101 for a report from a citizen that a business had cameras

in the dressing rooms. Officers investigated and found that footage from the cameras did not show the inside of the dressing rooms.

At 11:27 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of Myeena Loop for a report of a runaway juvenile. As of press time, it is undetermined if the juvenile has returned or been located.

At 11:27 p.m., officers responded to an area of Rhododendron Drive for a report of a disoriented subject in the area. Officers contacted the subject and were able to return her to her home safely.

At 9:42 p.m., officers responded to the area of Quince Street for a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident. Officers contacted the subjects, who refused medical attention.

At 11:16 p.m., officers responded to the 1500 block of ninth Street for a report of a dispute occurring. After combing the situation and leaving, officers were called again and returned. Dispute was determined to have been verbal only and subjects were counseled.

TUESDAY, APRIL 29

At 10:38 p.m., officers responded to the area of 15th St. and Highway 101 for a report of a disorderly subject. Officers contact the subject who is known to them who had been reportedly yelling and throwing something at another transient male subject. Officers could find no evidence of a crime, and subjects were counseled. At 12:11 p.m., a caller reported damage to the bumper of his vehicle but had no idea where it may have occurred. Officers met the subject, and took a report.

At 1:48 p.m., officers responded to the 600 Siano Loop for a reported assault. Officers contacted a subject who said that he had been beat up while he was” blacked out drunk.”

At 3:08 p.m., officers responded to the 80 block of sailor is Ravine Court for a report that Mail had been found on the trail nearby. Officers took the mail to return it to its owner.

At 4:03 p.m., officers responded to the 3100 block of Highway 101 for a report of a disorderly subject. Officers contacted the same subject from previous calls, and arrested him for disorderly conduct. At 10:27 p.m., officers responded to the 2000 block of Highway 101 for a report that a subject was trying to enter an RV. Officers contacted a subject who was found to have a warrant from Florence Municipal Court. Officers could find no evidence of an attempted break-in, but subject was arrested for a warrant from Florence Municipal Court.

SPORTS & LIFESTYLE

Honor Flight Veterans receive warm welcome

By CAL APPLEBEE

Several local area Veterans and their Guardians returned to Florence on April 28, from their four-day Honor Flight excursion to Washington, D.C., and were greeted by well over one-hundred Florence area residents. There was a total of eight which included Veterans Rick Rogers, Bill McRory, Richard Earnest, Gene Free, Steve Mitchell, Charles Simon, Guardian Floyd Wooten, and Blue Team Leader Steve Baggin. Met at the Three Rivers Casino Resort parking lot by members and vehicles from the Florence Police Dept. as well as Oregon State Police, the Veteran convoy was escorted into town along a flag-posted corridor with flashing lights and to the enthusiastic crowd waiting at Florence Elks Lodge 1858. Members of multiple organizations as well

as community individuals came together to create a warm welcome. Members of the Florence Police Dept., Oregon State Police, Western Lane Fire & EMS Authority, both fire and ambulance, as well as members of United States Coast Guard Siuslaw River, Elks Lodge, Florence Kiwanis, Daughters of the American Revolution, USS Shark Division –US Naval Sea Cadets, Patriot Guard Riders Oregon South Coast, Florence Jeeps R Us, Oregon Coast Military Museum, American Legion, DAV, and VFW greeted the returning Veterans with flying flags, cheers and applause.

The program for honoring our nation’s Veterans at multiple museums and monuments in the Capitol, was created several years ago and is administered for Lane, Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties by South Willamette Valley

Honor Flight, located in Springfield, the area’s Official Hub for the national organization and one of four Hubs in Oregon. Florence Veteran Steve Baggin sits on the Hub’s board and was the coordinator for this trip for the Florence Veterans. In his remarks to the crowd following the arrival of the Veterans, Baggin, in addition to

thanking the traveling Veterans for their service, also thanked the community for coming out to create a warm welcome, but reminded the supporters “we need to not only honor our Veterans with events like this, but through other means as well.”

This was the first Honor Flight trip for 2025, with a second trip

scheduled in September. The trip is free for the Veterans and Guardians pay their own costs. Since the program started five years ago, Florence has sent over fifty Veterans. Detailed information as well as applications for Veteran and Guardian can be found on the Hub’s website at: https://www.swvhonorflight.org/

Accessibility improvements in Florence to welcome those of all abilities

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the completion of significant strides in making the Oregon Coast more accessible to visitors with mobility and hearing challenges. Through collaborations with organizations like Wheel the World, David’s Chair, and the implementation of Mobi-Mats and Hearing Loops, Florence is setting a new standard for inclusive travel. Nearly one in five Oregon visitors identifies as having accessibility needs, so Florence is making improvements all around

town to accommodate them.

Collaborating with Wheel the World for Inclusive Tourism In 2023, the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce received a $30,500 grant from Travel Oregon to partner with Wheel the World, a global platform dedicated to accessible travel. This partnership focuses on assessing local tourism businesses for accessibility, providing specialized training, and listing accessible experiences on WheeltheWorld.com, thereby connecting travelers who have

mobility challenges to inclusive accommodations and activities.

ENHANCING BEACH ACCESSIBILITY

In a concerted effort to improve beach access, Florence has installed Mobi-Mats at Heceta Beach Park, next to Driftwood Shores Resort and Conference Center. These durable, non-slip mats provide a stable surface over the sand, allowing individuals to use wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers to reach the shoreline with ease. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the

Oregon Coast Visitors Association to enhance “travelability” across coastal communities.

EMPOWERING MOBILITY

Florence is also home to a David’s Chair location, housed at Driftwood Shores, offering free access to electric all-terrain track chairs. These chairs enable users to navigate sandy beaches and rugged trails, opening up new opportunities for exploration and enjoyment of the natural beauty that defines the Oregon Coast. To reserve a track chair for use in Florence, visit DavidsChair.org.

Chalk it Up for Kids in the Arts! Volunteer

C.R.O.W. is thrilled to announce A Rhody Weekend “FUN-draiser” designed to bring the community together through creativity and color!

“Chalk it Up for Kids in the Arts!” takes place Saturday, May 17th from 10 to 2 in the front parking lot of the C.R.O.W. Center for the Performing Arts. Participants can purchase a square of asphalt to decorate with sidewalk chalk. When complete, the squares will create a beautiful chalk quilt, celebrating everyone’s unique

artistic flair! Prizes will be awarded for the most creative designs, and the final masterpiece will be shared on social media.

For those with physical limitations, small chalkboards will be available for seated decorating. A scrumptious bake sale and refreshing lemonade will also be on site.

All proceeds benefit C.R.O.W.’s upcoming programs, including scholarships for camps, dance classes, and workshops. CROW is excited to

present their award-winning Haunted Maze this fall, and the beloved Holly Jolly Follies the first weekend in December.

The fundraiser is a family-friendly Chalk Party and a chance to get creative and have some fun. Rain in the forecast? Don’t worry— there’s a fun indoor contingency plan ready! Reserve your square or become a sponsor at www. crowkids.com/chalkit-up. Questions? Email crowtheatrekids@yahoo.com

with Florence Farmer’s Market

The Florence Farmers Market is looking for volunteers this season starting May 20. Come be part of this dynamic, local, fun team of spirited vegetable crazy, wind loving, sustainable supporting, community gathering of volunteers. Pitch in any amount of time from 15 minutes to an hour or more, or the whole 3-6 pm hour market time to greet customers, partake in art projects with kids, help Local Matter events, assist with food demos, Community Table, and more, plus before and after for helping us set up and break down. If interested, reach out to Roanne at: contact@florencefarmersmarket. org and put Volunteer in the subject line.