Motorcycle Accident Investigation
Florence Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a 26-year-old Florence woman Sunday evening. Police say they were called out just after 6 p.m. on December 28 to a reported motorcycle crash on Rhododendron Drive near Treewood Drive. When officers arrived, they found that a motorcycle had left the roadway and crashed. The rider, identified as Marnie Murie Vasquez of Florence, was severely injured and transported by Western Lane Fire and EMS to Peace Harbor Hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. According to police, Vasquez was riding northbound on Rhododendron Drive with three other motorcyclists when her motorcycle left the roadway on a slight curve. The Florence Police Department is working with the Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Brandon Bailey at 541-997-3515.
Alleged Squatter Vacates Property
Brittany N. Jones has vacated the property formerly known as the Old World Gingerbread Village, complying with a court order to leave by midnight December 28. Property owner Carol Sarault had accused Jones of squatting in the building. The two reached a settlement agreement through the court system on December 23, requiring Jones to leave the property. Because of that agreement, neither side is able to comment publicly. Jones has continued to address the situation on social media. In a December 28 TikTok post, she said, quote, “When one door closes, another one opens,” adding that she is already working on a new location to serve the community. Some local property owners have expressed support for Sarault, saying they have faced similar situations themselves. Meanwhile, a change in state law is on the horizon. Starting January 1, 2026, House Bill 3522 is intended to close a loophole that has limited property owners’ ability to remove squatters using standard eviction procedures. Some local owners remain skeptical, saying enforcement, not legislation, remains the key issue.
Rural Health Care To Receive Federal Funding
Oregon will receive 197.3 million dollars in federal funding in 2026 to improve healthcare access in rural and frontier communities. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced the funding as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program. The Oregon Health Authority says the money will be invested in community-driven projects focused on improving healthcare access, strengthening the rural healthcare workforce, managing chronic disease, and expanding the use of health technology. The program also includes a dedicated Tribal initiative, providing direct funding to Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes to improve healthcare access and outcomes. State officials say additional funding could be awarded over the next several years, with federal officials reviewing Oregon’s progress annually. OHA plans to begin distributing funds in 2026, with early awards going to projects that can launch quickly.
Students Benefit From Community Generosity
The holiday season was a little brighter for students in the Siuslaw School District thanks to strong community support. Local businesses, churches, and organizations came together to help students and families in need. Mo’s supported elementary schools by fulfilling classroom wish lists and providing chowder and bread vouchers to families affected by the temporary suspension of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. Middle and high school students received support through Giving Trees hosted by Habitat ReStore, Florence Dental Clinic, and Big Dog Donuts, with community members donating clothing, shoes, and essential household items. Additional support came from groups including the Odd Fellows, Florence Christian Church, Crossroads Church, and the Knights of Columbus. According to district staff, the generosity provided more than supplies, helping students feel supported and cared for heading into the holiday break.