Siuslaw School Board Meeting
The Siuslaw School Board will meet this week to discuss and possibly come to a decision on a proposed charter school slated to begin offering classes in the fall of 2024. Backers of the Siuslaw Valley Charter School, which also goes by the name “Whitmore Classical Academy” submitted the application in April. Following the requirements spelled out in Oregon law, the board held a hearing on the application May 10th where they received testimony in favor and against. Wednesday’s meeting at the district office on Oak Street begins at six pm. It is open to the public, but no additional input will be taken on the Charter School application.
Mapleton School Board Meeting
This month’s meeting of the Mapleton School District Board of Directors will be held at the Deadwood Community Center Wednesday beginning at six pm. It will be streamed live on the Mapleton Schools Youtube channel. There are a number of items on the agenda. The board will likely take action on a new labor agreement that has been forged in talks with teachers. Final approval of the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year is also likely. There are a couple of personnel changes that will be introduced. Two of those are on the gridiron. Zac Burtt will be introduced as the new high school football coach. Craig Putnam will take over the middle school coaching duties.
USDA Report on Siuslaw National Forest
A new biannual report released by the US Government on the Siuslaw National Forest says the endangered Snowy Plover is at its highest level since 1990. The report also covered the efforts to thin forests to improve the mature growth conditions. Areas that still need improvement according to the report is sound limits on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area. The situation is being addressed and plans are being developed to mitigate some of the noise. The US Department of Agriculture has released a detailed look at the area and has published their report at fs.usda.gov
Fish Poaching
Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Troopers are concerned that illegal poaching of fish could become a problem. Recently they have found evidence of fish that have been damaged with sliced fins, circular scabs and embedded hooks that likely happened as a result of illegal fishing practices. Snagging occurs when a person hooks or attempts to hook a fish anywhere on its body other than inside the mouth. Trooper Cameron Jamison says indicators have been showing up on some fish that have been released from hatcheries and they want to educate the public on how to recognize and report poaching. It can be reported at *677 or by calling 800-452-7888.
