Expanded Programs Planned for Boys and Girls Club
In 2025, the Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County served more than 600 youth, offering safe spaces, mentoring, academic support, and healthy meals. According to program leaders, these services help students stay engaged in school, explore career paths, and build confidence, while also supporting working parents who rely on consistent afterschool care. Studies indicate that every dollar invested in such programs can return several times that value to the community. As the year ends, organizers say they are preparing for expanded programs in 2026 and encourage residents to learn more about their efforts at bgcwlc.org.
Festival of Trees
Organizers of the Festival of Trees at the Oregon Coast Military Museum are expressing deep appreciation to the many local businesses and community partners whose sponsorships helped make this year’s event a success. They say the strong support not only brought the festival to life but also ensures the operating funds needed for the coming year. The Festival supports the Museum’s mission to educate the public on the history of the nation’s military members and the sacrifices made by veterans. According to organizers, turnout and generosity exceeded expectations, reflecting the ongoing commitment of the Florence community.
Delayed Employment Numbers
The Oregon Employment Department has released September 2025 employment data following a delay caused by the federal government shutdown. Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2 percent in September, up from 5.0 percent in August, continuing a gradual rise over the past two years. The U.S. rate held near four-and-a-half percent. Oregon added an estimated 3,300 nonfarm jobs in September, led by health care and social assistance, construction, and professional and business services, while financial activities saw losses. Health care continued its strong growth, adding more than eleven thousand jobs over the past year. Manufacturing edged down in September and remains about five percent below year-ago levels.
Bill Passage Will Mean Money for Rural Use
U.S. Representative Val Hoyle is praising House passage of the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill she helped lead to support rural, timber-dependent counties. The measure renews the program that helps fund schools, maintain roads, and provide emergency services. Hoyle said the program has been a lifeline since the decline of the timber industry and stressed that recent cuts to county timber revenues make reauthorization even more important. In its most recent year of funding, counties in Oregon’s Fourth District received more than $31 million. The bill now goes to the President for signature.
