Siletz Tribe Charitable Fund Grant for Food Backpack Program
The Food Backpack For Kids program has received a three thousand dollar grant from the Siletz Tribal Charitable Fund. According to the organization, Food Backpack For Kids is a nonprofit that works to combat childhood hunger after school and on weekends in the Siuslaw and Mapleton School Districts. Volunteers fill food bags every Wednesday and load them into the Backpack Van, with each bag containing meals for Saturday and Sunday along with milk, fresh fruit, drinks, snacks, and disposable utensils. The bags are delivered to schools for distribution to students who may otherwise face weekend hunger.
Fire Safety
There are a lot of fires that occur during the winter, some of which are directly related to the holidays. Deputy chief for Western Lane Fire and EMS Rob Chance says fires in the home can happen from things like faulty Christmas lights, even safer LED candles, according to Chance have caused fires. And of course your Christmas Tree. Chance says that while we love the fresh smell in the house, there are dangers that need to be addressed. One is keeping the tree watered.
“The Biggest thing is you know if you take one home from the lot, make sure they put a fresh cut on it, at least two inches, if not do one when you get home and make sure you keep that thing well watered.”
He says the fresh cut helps the tree absorb the water. He also says make sure that you watch you cooking. A lot of people will leave the kitchen to take care of household stuff or even get distracted by the television and that can be disastrous. He say keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Future First Citizen Nominations
Florence organizers are seeking nominations for the Future First Citizen Award, which recognizes an outstanding Siuslaw High School senior who demonstrates leadership, community spirit, and a commitment to improving the Florence area. According to the committee, students may be nominated by others or nominate themselves, and candidates are evaluated on academic achievement, school activities, community service, and outside work experience. Up to ten nominations will be reviewed, with a subcommittee narrowing the field to five finalists before the past five First Citizens make the final selection. The nomination deadline is Friday, January 30, 2026.
Shop Safely
Florence Police Chief John Pitcher says law enforcement will be out in increased numbers over the holiday season. Chief Pitcher encourages everyone to be safe and responsible always, but during the holidays there are a lot of activities and gatherings that may involve alcohol and that Florence Police, as well as OSP and Lane County Sheriff’s will be looking for drivers that are impaired. Statistics show that December and even more so the last two weeks of the year are some of the most dangerous times to be on the road. A 5 year period between 2018 and 2022 show almost 5000 fatalities in the month of December attributed to drunk driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 27% of accidents that involve drunk drivers are from ages 21-34. Oregon numbers show that more than 23% of crashes involve the use of more than one intoxicant. Chief Pitcher says, have a designated driver, and don’t drive if you are drinking.
