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Siuslaw News Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Florence, Oregon
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Number 24 • 136 years
City buys $180,000 stormwater pump By TONY REED The Siuslaw News
The place was packed for the Siuslaw High School 2026 graduation. Find more photos at thesiuslawnews.com
Siuslaw graduates 115 in packed house inside a packed Siuslaw High School gym during the graduation ceremony on June 5. Despite the temperature, Principal Mike Harklerode
By TONY REED The Siuslaw News
Paper graduation programs found a second use as fans
introduced the ceremony, saying he had the best job in the world after watching the processional. He said that, along with
lining the school entry roads with senior photos, another tradition was the grad walk, See SHS, Page A6
Lighthouse repair date yet unknown SIUSLAW NEWS STAFF
New and returning visitors to the Lane County coast may have noted something missing just north of Sea lion caves. While the Heceta Head Lighthouse remains a prominent feature across the water, its signature beam of light has been shut off for over a month. The 56 foot tall lighthouse, constructed in 1892, uses a 392-prism, first order Fresnel lens. The rotating beam emits light once every 10 seconds. However, aging parts have prompted State Parks’ personnel to shut it off while it’s being repaired.
The Heceta Head Lighthouse, pictured before its light was turned off for repairs. Tony Reed photo.
See LIGHTHOUSE, Page A7
At its June 1 regular meeting, the Florence City Council approved the purchase of a stormwater pump for the price of $180,840 for the Coast Guard Road Stormwater Pump Station Project. In 2022, extreme coastal weather exposed rapid slipping of land along the banks of the Siuslaw River. When it was estimated that further slippage could threaten nearby homes and the Coast Guard station, the city opted to install a secant pile wall to stabilize the bank. Staff have been monitoring the loss of the bank area since that time, and results show varying amounts of ground slippage, depending on the weather. City Manager Erin Reynolds explained that the project aims to stabilize slippage along the end of Coast Guard Station Road at the river’s edge. “Before we make repairs to the slippage, and before we install the secant wall, we would like to remove the stormwater outfall from where it goes out into the Siuslaw River, and instead, pump the stormwater up and into Rhododendron Drive, where we have another stormwater system,” she said. “In order to do that, we need this equipment.” According to staff reports, the City’s work plan in the 2025/27 budget directed staff to advance the Coast Guard Rd. Secant Wall Project, as previously approved by the council. Reynolds said engineering staff identified the pump as a need and included specifications. “To advance this project See PUMP, Page A7
Mapleton community congratulates MHS graduates By TONY REED The Siuslaw News
Mapleton High School sent 11 graduates into the world on June 5 in a ceremony that repeatedly highlighted the value of community. Salutatorian Natalee Stevens thanked parents and community for their support, saying, “We notice when you’re here, and it helped push us forward.” She said that during many days and nights of work, it sometimes felt like it would be
Salutatorian Natalee Stevens speaks during the graduation ceremony at Mapleton High School. Tony Reed photos.
See MHS, Page A7
INSIDE
Opinion — A3 Classifieds — B6-7
Obituaries — A2 Sports & Lifestyle — B1
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