Remains Identified
The Human remains discovered in a deep precipice southeast of Yachats has been identified. Dustin Jay Steyding of Yachats had gone missing in July of 2023. He had left work on a day in Late July, but was not reported missing until a month later. Steyding had been a hot shot firefighter in New Mexico and was apparently in good physical condition and very experienced in the woods. His vehicle had been located on Keller Creek Road just south and east of Yachats. His body was discovered by a pair of Benton County Search and Rescue members that had completed a search and were on a hike in the area. He was found in a steep coastal drainage area in thick vegetation. The investigation is ongoing and there are no initial reports of the cause of death.
Body Recovered
The body of another apparent hiker was recently discovered on a trail in the Sweet Creek Falls area. On late Monday morning a hiker noticed a person down on the trail that was unresponsive. Fire personnel responded and determined that the male was deceased. He was identified as Adan Miranda-Gonzalez 29 of Eugene. Lane County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers were called out to assist with transporting Miranda-gonzalez back to the trailhead. Lane County sheriff’s office personal say the death does not seem to be suspicious at this time. They are looking for more information and would like the public’s help. If you were in the area over the weekend and have information you can call 541-682-4150 option 1.
Some Funding Breakdowns
If there is to be a charter school in Florence the financial contribution from the state would be bases on $10,200 per student based on a projected Average Daily Membership. If the school were to open in the 24-25 school year that would be 1,071,000.00 total budget which would give the charter school 858,800 under the Standard Sponsorship formula for SPED Funding. State Board Sponsorship formula for Special Education funding would be significantly less with a total of allocated funds at $206,550 based on current proposed numbers.
Newport Seafood & Wine Festival
This weekend’s Newport Seafood & Wine festival is bringing out patrols from the Oregon State Police. OSP officials say they will have an additional 9 units on the roads along the coast. The focus will be on Highway 101 but also on highway 20 and 18.
Suspect Apprehended
Tuesday evening Florence Police were able to quickly apprehend a residential burglary suspect. A woman in a home near 19th and Tamarack streets said an unknown male entered her residence through a window, held her down and forced her to give him some of her property. Police say the woman was then forced into her garage where she was able to open the garage door and causing the lights to come on. The suspect ran to the south, away from the home. While officers were investigating, others were canvassing the area and learned the suspect had also approached another nearby home, but fled when security lights came on. A video of that incident aided officers in developing a description. A short time later, a suspect matching the intruder’s description was found in the Safeway parking lot. 37-year old Phillip Thomas Swartz, a transient with the last known address being in Sweet Home, was arrested and charged with burglary, robbery, criminal trespass, menacing and harassment. He was scheduled to be transported to the Lane County Jail in Eugene.
Numbers Computed
Numbers for this past weekend’s Wine Chowder and Glass Float Trail have been tabulated. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce reports that more than 1,000 people participated in the event. People from as far away as Massachusetts attended the festival. President and CEO of the Chamber Bettina Hannigan says this year the festival received coverage from four different television outlets. Hannigan said she met individuals from Florida and Pennsylvania and several other far away places
