Whale Watchers Rescued
The Coast Guard rescued a whale watching vessel with 49 passengers aboard after it became disabled near Newport Wednesday afternoon. The captain of the 62-foot Discovery issued a mayday after the vessel began producing smoke and lost power between the Yaquina Bay jetties just before 1 p.m. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River dispatched two crews from Station Yaquina Bay aboard 47-foot Motor Lifeboats. They arrived within eight minutes and placed the Discovery into a side tow, returning it to the pier by 1:30, where Newport Fire and Pacific West Ambulance met the passengers. All aboard safely disembarked with no injuries or fire detected. Crews stood down by 2 p.m. Petty Officer Nathan Kapsar praised the rapid response and interagency coordination that ensured everyone returned safely.
Parenting Groups
The Oregon Social Learning Center is bringing back its free Parenting Healthy Preteens online groups this fall. Designed for caregivers of kids ages 9 to 12, the virtual sessions provide a welcoming space to share experiences, build routines, and strengthen communication. Groups run mid-October through mid-December, with lunchtime and evening options available. Participants can earn up to $75 and be entered into prize drawings. Registration is now open at oslc.org/kids.
School Facility Advisory Committee
The Siuslaw School District’s Facility Advisory Committee has spent the past 18 months reviewing the condition of district buildings. The committee is now seeking public input before making recommendations to the School Board. A public presentation outlining the most pressing needs — including a replacement high school and modifications to the elementary school — will be held Saturday, September 27th at 10 a.m. in the Bromley Room of the Siuslaw Public Library. All are welcome to attend and provide feedback.
Festival of Books
The Florence Festival of Books returns Saturday, September 27th from 9:30 to 4 at the Florence Events Center. Featuring authors and publishers from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond, this year’s keynote speaker is mystery and thriller writer Toby Neal. The festival also offers workshops, publisher resources, and writers from every genre. For details, visit florencefestivalofbooks.com
