Foundation Grants
The Three Rivers Foundation—the charitable arm of Three Rivers Casino Resort—has awarded $720,000 in grants to 60 nonprofits across Oregon in 2025. Established by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, the Foundation supports essential community services with revenue generated from casino operations. In Florence, several local organizations received funding at a June 3 luncheon hosted at the casino. Siuslaw Outreach Services was awarded $76,000 to help launch the Siuslaw Area Resource Center, a new initiative aimed at improving access to community services. Three Rivers Foundation administrator Shelby Erickson highlighted the diverse range of support:
Audio Player“We gave to CASA of Lane County, Creswell Clubhouse. Locally we gave to the Safe Shelter for Siuslaw Students, so they help out those locally that maybe are unhoused or need help with housing.”
Other Florence-area recipients include the Florence Police Department, Florence Food Share, the Mapleton School District, Mapleton Food Share, Western Lane Ambulance and the Florence United Methodist Free Lunch Program. The Foundation continues to focus on programs that reflect the values and needs of the communities it serves.
McKenzie Pass to Open
If you’re planning a summer road trip to eastern Oregon, McKenzie Pass—also known as OR 242—will reopen to all travelers on Monday morning, June 16. The scenic, winding route closed for winter on November 1 and is now cleared and safe for travel. Drivers are reminded to share the road with cyclists and pedestrians. Vehicles longer than 35 feet remain prohibited due to tight curves and steep elevation. The seasonal route, once a toll road in the 1870s, now reopens each June following extensive cleanup and safety inspections.
Water Safety
With summer in full swing, Oregon’s waterways are drawing boaters and swimmers—but safety remains critical. Officials urge everyone to wear a properly fitted life jacket, especially in cold water where sudden exposure can cause water shock and increase the risk of drowning. Before heading out, create a float plan, take a boating safety course, and get a free vessel safety check. Boating under the influence is illegal and a leading factor in accidents, according to safety officials.
