WLCF Grants; Gas Prices; Volunteerism on the Rise; Hoyle Says No, For Now, to Impeachment

WLCF Grants

Western Lane Community Foundation has awarded $97,750 in scholarships to 24 graduating seniors from Siuslaw and Mapleton High Schools. Among this year’s recipients: Kamorah Lake received the $5,000-per-year Dr. Brittany Hartzell-Baguley Scholarship; Addison and Macy McNeill each earned $4,000-per-year Harold Nusbaum Scholarships; and Macali Lade was awarded both the Saubert and Marteen Wick scholarships. Other recipients include Abbigail Maldonado, Evelynn McMaster, Joel Sissel, Aiden Covey, and Michael Felkins. The awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 and are funded through community donations and family trusts. WLCF says the scholarships reflect its mission to invest in the future of local youth and support their educational goals.

Gas Prices

Gas prices are on the rise across Oregon and the U.S., driven by tensions in the Middle East. Crude oil prices surged after strikes between Israel and Iran, along with a U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. Prices eased slightly this week following reports of a ceasefire, but AAA says market volatility will likely continue. The national average for regular gas is up six cents to $3.22 a gallon, while Oregon’s average climbs seven cents to $4.08 — the highest so far this year. In Florence, the average is currently $3.87 per gallon. Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says they anticipate record travel over the Independence Day holiday, with more than 72 million Americans expected to hit the road or fly.

Volunteerism on the Rise

After a Covid-era dip in volunteering, data shows the numbers are rising across the country, and Oregonians volunteering more than the average American. To honor the state’s top volunteers, AARP Oregon is now accepting nominations for its Andrus Award for Community Service. the organization will select a person or couple, age 50 or older, performing services without pay in their communities. Data from 2023 shows that nearly 36 percent of Oregonians formally volunteered through organizations, about eight points higher than the national average. Research shows volunteering helps counteract the effects of stress, anxiety, and depression, while making people feel more connected and happier. The deadline for Andrus Award nominations is September first. The winner receives a thousand dollars to donate to a nonprofit of their choosing.

Hoyle Says No, For Now, to Impeachment

U.S. Representative Val Hoyle of Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District voted in favor of a motion to table impeachment proceedings during a session of the House of Representatives yesterday. Hoyle has previously voiced opposition to military escalation in the Middle East, including recent strikes in Iran. She cited the lack of a viable path forward as the reason behind her vote, emphasizing that impeachment is a serious constitutional process and should not be used for symbolic or partisan purposes.