Drowning Victim
A man drowned Monday after falling into Thor’s Well, a popular but dangerous attraction near Cape Perpetua south of Yachats. Emergency crews were called around 3:40 p.m. after the man was swept into the 20- to 30-foot deep hole during an incoming tide. Responders from Yachats, Waldport, Seal Rock and Oregon State Police could not reach him from shore. The U.S. Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter from North Bend, and a rescue swimmer eventually recovered the victim’s body from inside the well. Authorities said the man was alone, and a car with Colorado plates was towed from the nearby parking lot. His identity has not been released.
Charter School
The Siuslaw Valley Charter School Board of Directors meets Thursday, September 18th at 4 p.m. at the school’s administrative office on Laurel Street in Florence, with a Zoom option available. Ahead of the meeting, the board released its financial records for public inspection, including its 2024 tax filings. Thursday’s agenda includes updates on grants, loans, curriculum, and uniforms, along with reports on fundraising, enrollment, and a recent site visit to Treasure Valley. Directors will also review financial reports, discuss an RFP update, and move into executive session to address property and legal matters.
Gas Prices
Drivers in Oregon and Washington are feeling a sharp spike in gas prices this week, following outages at the Olympic Pipeline and scheduled and unscheduled maintenance at refineries in Washington and California. The Olympic Pipeline, which carries fuel to Portland, was down starting about September 2, though it is now reportedly resuming operations. Nationally, the average price for regular gasoline has edged down slightly, hovering at $3.20 a gallon. In Oregon, however, the average has jumped to $4.28 a gallon, the second-largest week-over-week increase in the country behind Washington. Locally in Florence, the average regular gas price is around $4.23 a gallon, with mid-grade and premium grades slightly higher. Fuel costs may ease in coming weeks, as winter-blend fuel becomes available and the pipeline returns to full capacity. But for now, motorists in the region are paying more at the pump.
