Child Care Needs to Grow
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce helped spark an effort to address one of the community’s biggest challenges: childcare. Working with local leaders and partners, the plan for the Elm Park Early Learning Center is now moving forward. The new center is expected to open in August 2026, adding 76 slots — a 50 percent increase for Florence. Half will serve families in poverty through Head Start, and the other half will be available to working families who don’t qualify. Supporters note that without childcare, parents can’t work, and businesses can’t grow. Lane County has lost more than 700 healthcare workers since last year, and Florence continues to feel the impact across many industries. Eighty-seven percent of the project’s funding has been secured. The final piece is a $250,000 grant from the Ford Family Foundation that requires broad community support. Local donations will be matched by Our Coastal Village, Inc., doubling their impact.
Hang-It-All Show
The Siuslaw Public Library is inviting artists and craftspeople of all ages and abilities to take part in its upcoming community art show, Hang It All. The free exhibit will run through October in the library’s Colgan-Bennett lobby gallery and display case. Artists are welcome to submit work in any medium — from painting and photography to ceramics, woodworking, quilting, jewelry, and more. Two awards will be announced at the end of the month: the Bob Kutsch Award, chosen by the library’s art display committee, and the People’s Choice Award, based on public voting. Artwork must be dropped off on Wednesday, October 1, between 9 and 11 a.m. at the library on 9th Street in Florence.
New Phone Rules at Siuslaw Schools
New state rules on student cell phone use are prompting changes at Siuslaw High School. Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak says phones must now be kept off and out of sight from the first bell to the last — including during lunch. Previously, students could check their phones at lunch for messages or work schedules, but that is no longer allowed. Principal Mike Harklerode says the school had already made progress on limiting classroom phone use last year, and this new regulation introduces fresh challenges.
“The biggest thing is going to be when parents need to get in touch with their students. Contact the main office and we’ll be happy to get a message to a student. Or kids can come to the office if they have to make a critical phone call.”
Students will now need to work through the school office for important calls, as staff adapt to balancing compliance with the new state rules and keeping communication accessible.
