High Wind Watch
A High Wind Watch is in effect for the South Washington and North and Central Oregon coasts from Tuesday evening through early Wednesday morning. Winds are expected to reach 30 to 40 miles per hour, with gusts possibly hitting 60 mph, especially along beaches and headlands from Yaquina Head to Long Beach Peninsula. These strong winds could bring down trees and power lines, leading to widespread power outages and challenging travel conditions, especially for high-profile vehicles. Authorities advise securing loose objects and preparing for potential power outages. This High Wind Watch lasts from 8 PM Tuesday to 6 AM Wednesday.
Rhody Court in Session
Applications are open for the 118th Rhododendron Court, inviting Siuslaw and Mapleton seniors to apply by December 14th at rhododendroncourt.com, with paper applications for the Junior Court available at local elementary schools. The Rhody Court Leadership Team, led by dedicated community members like Kay King and Jennifer Waggoner, has been working since October to make this year’s program a success. The Court offers scholarships, mentorship, and networking, and upholds the Rhododendron Festival tradition. Senior Court members—five young men and five women from Siuslaw and Mapleton High Schools—will go through interviews in January, with the final Court announced later that month. Selected members will make community appearances, receive mentorship, and compete in May’s coronation for the titles of Queen Rhododendra and King of the Coast. Scholarships will be awarded to winners at the event.
North Bend Deadly Accident
On Friday, November 8, at 5:55 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle-pedestrian collision on Highway 101 near milepost 230 in Coos County. The investigation revealed that William Kent Scoville, 49, of North Bend, was in the southbound lane attempting to remove items from the roadway when he was struck by a Toyota Rav4 driven by Casey Gregory Conemac, 32, also of North Bend. Scoville was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither Conemac nor his passenger, Catherine Marie Conemac, 58, was injured. The highway was closed for two hours during the investigation, with assistance from North Bay Fire and ODOT.
Santa Paws Event
Santa Paws is back! On Saturday, November 23rd, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring your pets and family to Florence Shipping Solutions on US-101 for photos with Santa. The Oregon Coast Humane Society’s second event will be at Mini Pet Mart on December 6th, with volunteer photographer Stephanie Ford capturing memories. Each event includes a Pet Food Drive, as OCHS feeds over 350 local pets monthly. Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson praises these partnerships, saying they help more animals in need. Suggested donations for photos start at $20, supporting shelter and community animals—no one will be turned away.
Reedsport Arrest
In the early hours of November 9th, Reedsport Police attempted to stop a suspicious vehicle on Highway 101 near milepost 209. The driver sped off, leading officers on a brief pursuit, which they halted for public safety. Shortly after, they found the abandoned vehicle near Wildwood Drive. As officers searched, they were called to an emergency in Winchester Bay, delaying the search. Upon returning, officers located suspect David J. Slack, 42, hiding and armed with two knives. After he surrendered, Slack was arrested on multiple charges, including reckless driving and menacing. Passenger Anna M. Florez, 38, was released without charges.
