Museum Board At Odds
The Oregon Coast Military Museum continues to face public outrage after its executive director, 27-year-old Geoffrey Cannon, was arrested in July and indicted on multiple felony counts of second-degree sexual abuse. Cannon is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a teenage volunteer at the museum. He was released under monitoring and is barred from contact with minors while awaiting a pretrial hearing this fall. Pressure mounted after an audio recording surfaced from an unscheduled board meeting. Present were museum board members and Patrick Ritter, the assistant to the director. On the tape, Ritter could be heard making a derogatory comment about the victim.
“I think your daughter could possibly. You have to think about this, could be a promiscuous little slut and you don’t know it and I think you need to get a real handle on some of that.”
The comment sparked an immediate challenge from the girl’s mother — who also sits on the board — questioning why Ritter was even in the room. Despite calls from the community and the victim’s family for Cannon’s immediate termination, no action was taken at that meeting to permanently remove him from his post. Critics say the lack of movement, coupled with comments seen as victim-blaming, has further eroded trust. Community members are demanding accountability, independent oversight, and stronger safeguards to ensure the safety of youth volunteers going forward.
Park Remodel Complete
After months of work, the Rolling Dunes Park project in Florence is complete. What began with the careful removal and preservation of Native American carved panels has transformed into a revitalized community space. The park now features expanded tennis courts, six new pickleball courts, ADA-compliant restrooms, and a heavy timber-style picnic shelter. Funded in part by a federal Land & Water Conservation Grant, the project overcame delays and challenges to create a hub for recreation and gatherings that will serve Florence for years to come.
New C.R.O.W. Program
C.R.O.W., the Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops, is launching a new program this fall called Storywing in partnership with Siuslaw Elementary School. Designed by Artistic Director Melanie Heard, the program blends literacy and the performing arts, giving younger students the chance to see their own writing brought to life on stage while C.R.O.W.’s teen performers step into mentorship roles. Principal Amy Flora praised the initiative, saying it will strengthen both literacy and creative expression while providing a valuable outlet for students. Heard, a former classroom teacher, says the arts and literacy go hand in hand, and she is thrilled to see the program come to fruition. Storywing will culminate with an in-school assembly during the first part of the 2025–26 school year, with young authors recognized for their work and stories performed live. Organizers hope to expand the program to other schools in the future.