First Citizen and Future First Citizen Announced
Florence honored two outstanding individuals at the 2024 Legacy of Leadership celebration held Monday night at the Florence Events Center. Carol Bennett was named the Florence First Citizen for her decades of volunteer work, including leading the annual Community Christmas Basket Project and mentoring women through Soroptimist International. Her name will be added to the permanent display at the Siuslaw Public Library. Siuslaw High School senior Macali Lade was recognized as the Future First Citizen, earning the $2,500 Marteen Wick Scholarship. Lade serves as senior class president, a student rep to the school board, and is active in athletics and community service. Organizers say both honorees reflect Florence’s spirit of service and leadership.
DFR Retrieves 2 Million Dollars
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation recovered over $2 million for consumers in the first quarter of 2025, according to state officials. The division’s consumer advocate and compliance teams handled more than 1,400 complaints—up from the previous quarter—with insurance-related issues leading the way. Governor Tina Kotek praised the division’s work, saying it shows the state’s commitment to protecting consumers and holding financial institutions accountable. DFR also shared examples of resolved disputes involving vehicle insurance, dental plans, and hail damage claims.
Onsite air Crash Investigation Completed
Federal investigators have completed their onsite examination of the HondaJet that ran off the runway into Coos Bay earlier this month at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport. Officials from the NTSB, FAA, and Honda Aircraft Company inspected the wreckage of the 2019 Honda HA-420, which skidded off Runway 23 on April 7 and came to rest in shallow water. All five aboard were taken to Bay Area Hospital; none sustained life-threatening injuries. The plane was recovered by barge later that morning. Investigators are now analyzing data, but a full report could take months. The wreckage will remain at the airport for up to two years.
Ada Grange Rummage Sale
This Friday and Saturday is the annual Ada Grange Rummage Sale. The group uses the proceeds from dessert sales to help the Lane County K9 Blue program. The event will be from 9-2 on Saturday and 9-1 on Sunday. Ada Grange is located 10 miles out Canary Road.
