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Election Day Ahead; Rhododendron Theme and Logo; Burn Season; Tax Volunteers

Gazebo on the Siuslaw River

Siuslaw River Gazebo

Election Day Ahead

Election Day is just around the corner for Florence, with voters set to decide on key City Council positions on November 5th. The open roles include one 2-year term for Mayor, currently held by Rob Ward, and two 4-year Councilor terms, currently held by Bill Meyer and Sally Wantz. These volunteer roles make up the governing body of Florence, tasked with passing city laws, policies, and budget, and overseeing key positions, including the City Manager. With a demanding schedule of meetings and research, the Mayor and Councilors dedicate significant time to representing Florence and its interests. Voters will choose Rob Ward for Mayor and select two of three candidates—Sally Wantz, Mark Brennan, or Bill Meyer—for the Councilor positions.

Rhododendron Theme and Logo

The theme for the 118th Annual Rhododendron Festival, set for May 15th through 18th, 2025, is “Rhodies on the River.” This year’s theme celebrates Florence’s riverside beauty, blending the vibrant rhododendrons with the flowing Siuslaw River. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce invites community members, visitors, and businesses to embrace the theme with their creativity. The Chamber is also launching the 2025 Rhododendron Festival Logo Contest, open to both amateur and professional designers. The winning design, showcasing rhododendrons, Florence’s scenic elements, and the theme, will receive $250 and festival-wide recognition. Submit entries by November 17th to info@FlorenceChamber.com.

Burn Season

With Florence’s burn ban lifted last week, Lane County’s fall outdoor burning season remains open—except in Eugene, Springfield, Oakridge, and their urban growth boundaries, where outdoor burning will be completely prohibited after today at 5 PM. Residents in these areas will not be permitted to burn, and violations can result in fines ranging from $50 to over $2,500. Lane County residents outside these restricted areas may continue burning but should confirm the daily advisory status through LRAPA’s website or advisory line. Coastal residents can check conditions by calling 541-997-1757. LRAPA encourages alternatives to burning yard debris, such as composting, chipping, or using Lane Forest Products, Rexius, and transfer stations for mulch conversion.

Tax Volunteers

The IRS is recruiting volunteers for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs to support free tax preparation services. Oregon Taxpayer Advocate Codi Trudell encourages Oregonians to volunteer, noting a rising need. In 2024, Oregon saw a jump in VITA sites and volunteers, with 4,700 more residents receiving tax help than in 2023, yet many are still turned away due to a shortage of volunteers. In total, free tax assistance was provided to over 32,700 Oregonians at 104 sites this year, up from 88 sites in 2023. Volunteers help eligible taxpayers claim essential credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, which often go unclaimed, totaling nearly $100 million in missed benefits. The IRS is also looking for new sponsors to host VITA and TCE clinics.

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