Mural Dedication
Finishing touches are going up on the mural located on the Central Lincoln PUD building in preparation for the dedication ceremony. The Public Arts Committee and the City of Florence will dedicate the mural on Wednesday, August 7th at 11:00 a.m.. The work was created by the artist team from Marino-Heidel Studios in Portland. The Project was not without controversy as the residents of Florence weighed in on both sides for and against. The Florence City Council was also split on the mural, though the permit was eventually approved for the project by city council on a 3 to 2 vote. The Mural had the support of the building’s owners, Central Lincoln PUD, and the Consolidated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, as well as the Oregon Community Foundation.
Local Benefactor Dies
Longtime Florence resident and community benefactor Art Koning has died. Koning and his wife Jean have been supporters of many local organizations and according to Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane board member, Michael Pearson, the club would not have survived the last several years but for the generosity of the Koning. Pearson said he will remember Art as a generous, kind, and thoughtful man who was most happy giving to others. This Saturday there will be a memorial at the Florence Event Center at 11:00 am with a reception to follow.
Campsites to Temporarily Close
Two recreation areas east of Mapleton will be shut down for two weeks as crews repair roads to Whittaker Creek Recreation site and Clay Creek Campgrounds. A total of 52 campsites will be closed while the repairs are being done to a 2 mile stretch of Lower Siuslaw River Road. The work is scheduled to begin Monday morning and last through August 18th.
Gas Prices Continue Downward Trend
Gas prices continue their down turn with another 3 cent savings this week as AAA Oregon reports that robust travel across the u.s. has not negatively affected pump prices. The state average for a gallon of regular gas this week is $3.15. Florence continues to be way below the state average with current prices of regular gas sitting at $2.75 a gallon.
