Majority of Students Qualify for Reduced/Free Lunch
Over 60 percent of students within the Siuslaw school district qualify for the reduced or free lunch program offered by the school. Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak says the numbers vary a little between the High school and middle and elementary schools.
“At our first count at the end of September the high school came in right at 60 percent. The middle school and the elementary schools are a little bit higher they’re at 62 and 65%.”
Not all students who qualify take part in the program. Grzeskowiak says it is a fairly easy process that parents can take and they will be doing another push for signup in October. The state and sometimes the school district can also qualify students in some cases. Hunger is a big issue in school and it can affect a child’s ability to learn and focus in school. An additional program that helps children is the school backpack for kids program that provides students food over the weekend. Grzeskowiak says once a student is identified and becomes part of the program it also opens them up for other benefits like the ability to take the SAT for free.
Checkpoints for OHV Riders
The Central Coast Ranger District of the Siuslaw National Forest will be staffing two public checkpoints for off-highway vehicles (OHVs) at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (ODNRA). The purpose of the checkpoints is to verify compliance with existing OHV regulations. Checkpoints will be located at the Hauser sand access point and the 10 Mile Beach OHV route, located within the ODNRA. Forest Protection Officers and Law Enforcement Officers will be checking for compliance with sound limits established for OHVs while in use at the ODNRA. They will also be confirming that OHV users follow other off-road regulations such as use of safety flags, OHV permit stickers and OHV safety education cards. Deputy District Ranger Garrit Craig says they have been getting an increased number of complaints regarding sound violations but they are also concerned with safety. Vehicles must be within a 93 decibel sound limit.
City Council Meeting
At it’s next meeting Monday night the Florence city council will be discussing upcoming water and waste utility projects that will be affecting highway 101 and 126. Director of Public works, Mike Miller will update the council and also recommend the establishment of a reimbursement district for the eastern portion of highway 101 north of 52nd street. The council will also consider approving a resolution to approve the submittal of a Safe Routes To School grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation. City Manager Erin Reynolds will also be giving the city’s quarterly financial report. The meeting will be at 5:30 pm at the Florence Event Center.
