DeSpain Announces 4th District Candidacy
This morning, Monique DeSpain launched her 2026 campaign for Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District, setting up a rematch against incumbent Democrat Val Hoyle. In her announcement, DeSpain, a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and mother of twin boys from Eugene, said she is running again because she refuses to “give up on the people of this District,” adding that Oregon has faced challenges such as homelessness, unsafe streets, and rising costs. DeSpain previously ran in 2024 as the Republican nominee in the district. Her campaign video highlights her background in military service and her pledge to focus on lowering costs, fighting crime, and restoring prosperity. According to her campaign website, she is seeking to bring what she calls “real leadership” and accountability to Washington. DeSpain will be a guest on the October edition of Our Town.
Honeyman to Receive Infrastructure Upgrade
The Oregon State Parks Commission has approved more than $17 million in Local Government Grants for 2025, including a major project at Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park south of Florence. The $1.1 million project will upgrade the raw water pump station, install a new HDPE water supply line from Woahink Lake to the treatment plant, and replace the aging overhead power service with an underground connection. Construction, planned for the 2025–27 biennium, will require a temporary closure of the park. The commission also adopted new rules for ATVs, procurement, and historic properties, and reported a $14 million budget shortfall due to lower-than-expected lottery revenues.
Goodwill to Campaign for SOS
Beginning Sunday, October 5th, through Saturday, October 11th, the Goodwill store in Florence will host a round-up campaign to benefit Siuslaw Outreach Services. Customers can choose to round up their purchases or make a cash donation, and Goodwill will match all contributions. Funds raised will support SOS in providing services to more than 2,000 local residents each year, including those affected by homelessness, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Goodwill says the effort reflects its commitment to strengthening the community and supporting local organizations.
Gas Prices Easing
Pump prices are easing in Oregon and across most of the country this week with the switch to winter-blend fuel and the reopening of the Olympic Pipeline. The national average for regular fell two cents to $3.15 a gallon, while Oregon’s average dropped four cents to $4.19. Here in Florence, the average price for a gallon of regular is $4.14. AAA Oregon says the relief follows September’s spike caused by the pipeline outage, though any major Gulf Coast storm during hurricane season could still impact fuel supplies and prices.