New Look at Possible High School
The Siuslaw School District’s Facilities Advisory Committee unveiled two scenarios for a new high school during a presentation at last night’s Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Lane Community College. Committee member Robert Orr said both options would build an entirely new facility rather than remodel the current 55-year-old building. The first proposal calls for a $122 million school with a full-size auditorium, while the second is a scaled-down $113 million version with a smaller auditorium and classrooms. Both plans would require voter approval of a levy—at about $2.96 per $1,000 of assessed value, or $888 more per year for a home assessed at $300,000. An additional $13 million proposal would expand the elementary school with new classrooms. Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak said the existing high school has run its course.
“It’s really kind of outlived its mechanical systems and that’s the bigger problem is that it was built again in a time where it was best bid/low bid and so it was built with systems at the time that were on the verge of obsolescence.”
The committee will hold several public sessions in the coming weeks for community input.
County Commissioner Facing Allegations
Lane County Chair David Loveall is facing allegations of workplace harassment after reportedly calling a former county attorney a “spinster” and likening a partner agency leader to a “stripper.” County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky said Loveall’s actions led to a $250,000 settlement with then-County Counsel Erin Pettigrew and reflect a broader pattern of behavior. In a strongly worded email, Mokrohisky accused Loveall of deflecting responsibility and demeaning others. Loveall denies the allegations, saying the complaints are politically motivated and tied to his conservative and Christian beliefs. Commissioners have not indicated whether further action will be taken.
New Vaccine Recommentations
Lane County Public Health and the Community Health Centers of Lane County will follow new vaccine recommendations from the Oregon Health Authority and the Western States Health Coalition. The guidance calls for flu shots for everyone six months and older, RSV vaccines for babies, certain children, and adults over 50 with risk factors, and COVID-19 vaccines for young children, those with risk factors, or anyone choosing added protection. Prescriptions are no longer needed to receive a COVID-19 shot from primary care providers or pharmacies, though it may take a few days before pharmacies begin vaccinating. Oregon Health Plan members will be covered for all three vaccines.
