Former Oregon Coast Military Museum Director, Geoffrey Cannon will be sentenced tomorrow after entering a guilty plea earlier this month to second degree sexual abuse of a minor who had volunteered at the Oregon Coast Military Museum in Florence. Cannon admitted to the charge on November 6 under a plea agreement that calls for probation and sex-offender registration, with prosecutors dismissing additional counts as part of the deal. The case had immediate effects earlier this year, including the closure of the museum amid public outcry and concerns raised by the victim’s family. As the community watches for the court’s decision on November 18, the plea has renewed questions about oversight and volunteer protections at small nonprofits and cultural institutions.
The Florence Emergency Cold Weather Shelter is asking the City Council to approve a third warming center location for the 2025–26 winter season. The request, set for discussion at this evening’s City Council meeting, seeks authorization to operate an overnight Florence Warming Center at 4480 Highway 101 on Wednesday and Thursday evenings when temperatures meet cold-weather criteria. According to city staff, Council approval is required under FCC 1-9-1:B, which allows nonprofits to operate emergency warming shelters during life-threatening weather. The organization says rising community need and volunteer capacity make the additional site necessary. The Council previously approved two other locations earlier this fall.
The City of Florence is considering amendments to its floodplain regulations to meet short-term federal requirements under the Endangered Species Act. The proposed changes to City Code Title 4 aim to comply with FEMA’s Pre-Implementation Compliance Measures, which call for no net loss of floodplain functions such as limiting added fill, impervious surfaces, and tree removal. City officials have held multiple meetings and hearings over the past year as the draft code has been revised, with litigation surrounding the federal rules still underway. The City Council has several options, including continuing the public hearing to a future date or adopting the ordinance as proposed. Staff recommends continuing the hearing while the legal process unfolds.
The City of Florence City Council will recognize Native American Heritage Month this evening during its meeting. The council is set to present a proclamation honoring the traditions, contributions and enduring presence of Native and Indigenous peoples. The agenda lists the proclamation under the presentations section at the 5:30 p.m. session. The observance aligns with broader national efforts to celebrate Native American Heritage throughout November.
Sports:
Eight Siuslaw cross country runners competed as the Wakonda Track Club at the NXR Northwest Regional Championships in Spokane. Sophomore Henry Stone led the boys with a 15:35 finish, placing 25th overall, followed by strong efforts from Bentley Nelson, Henry Dotson, and Yair Brito Xilot. Senior Adylin Holbrook led the Siuslaw girls in 20:46, with Abigail Jones, Claire McNeill, and Clover Holbrook close behind. Mapleton senior Natalee Stevens also ran well, finishing in 20:45.
Three Siuslaw volleyball players have earned spots on the Far West League all-league team. Junior setter Stella Duman was selected to the second team, while senior hitter Mia Snider and senior libero Kylee Stinger received honorable mention recognition. All three Lady Vikings were key contributors throughout the 2025 season.
The Oregon Ducks and the Oregon State Beavers are set to battle it out this evening on the basketball court for the Rivalry series. The Beavers will travel to Matthew Knight Arena for the game which will air on KCST and KCFM beginning at 6:30.
