Graduation Broadcast
What grew out of necessity during the previous 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic has now become a staple for the community. This Friday is the graduation ceremonies for the Siuslaw Vikings and in the previous 2 years they have been broadcast on the radio and supported with online video feeds so that parents and family members could safely listen and watch their seniors walk and receive their diplomas. This year the Siuslaw School District asked for the event to continue. Beginning at 6:45 pm Friday evening family and friends can listen and watch the graduation due to generous contributions from Oregon Pacific Bank, Florence Elks 1828 and the Florence Rotary Club. Coast Radio’s Bob Sneddon along with Siuslaw High Schools Chuck Johnson will host the broadcast.
OHA Updates
The Flu continues to surpass the previous 2 years, but is still fairly low compared to previous years. The Oregon Health Authority is reporting 276 cases in the past week. The Willamette valley had the fewest reported cases in the state with southern Oregon and the Columbia Gorge areas having the highest incidence. Of the 276 cases there was only one case of type-b flu. Weekend number for COVID are also out with 4,253 cases reported since Friday. Hospitalizations are at 320 and ICU patients represent 38 of those beds. Lane County reported 380 new cases for the same period.
Flag Day
Flag Day Observance to get Highway 101 Exposure this year. For several years the American Legion has overseen a flag retirement ceremony in Old Town Florence. This year it will be in a new spot across from Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue on 26th Street. Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Tom Benedict is the coordinator of this year’s flag retirement ceremony. He said they hadn’t been able to connect with the property owner of the vacant lot across from Veteran’s Park where they’ve traditionally done them. Benedict said anyone with an American Flag that is too worn to properly display properly can drop it off at the Oregon Coast Military Museum. The ceremony itself is set for four PM Tuesday, June 14th. The Oregon Coast Military Museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Public Art
The City of Florence’s Public Art Committee is launching the Call-For-Artist for the Art Exposed Program. The program is a rotating art program, mainly outdoors and is weaved through the old town area of the city for residents and tourists to enjoy. Artists will be paid a $1500.00 stipend to display their art for 2 years and all art pieces will be available for purchase. There are 5 existing locations and the city is planning 3 more. Interested artists can find more information on the city’s website at ci.florence.or.us.
