DUII Enforcement
It’s New Year’s Eve, and law enforcement agencies are reminding drivers to plan ahead as extra DUI patrols will be on the roads tonight. Florence Police Chief John Pitcher says while officers want people to enjoy the holiday and relax, safety remains the top priority. Drivers are urged to use a designated driver, call a cab, or arrange a ride with a friend rather than getting behind the wheel impaired. Pitcher notes that even a DUI arrest without injuries can lead to long-term consequences, including higher insurance costs and driver’s license issues. He adds that impaired driving crashes causing serious injury or death can result in prison time and lifelong emotional consequences.
Referendum to Come on Gas Tax
The Oregon Elections Division has verified enough signatures for Referendum Petition 2026-302, clearing the way for the measure to appear on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot. The petition, known as StopTheGasTax.com, submitted more than 191,000 signatures, with state officials confirming over 163,000 as valid through a statistical sampling process. The referendum effort is led by chief petitioners Bruce Starr of Dundee, Ed Diehl of Scio, and Jason Williams of Tigard. With the signature threshold met, additional signatures submitted later this month will not be verified. The Elections Division is expected to ask the Attorney General to draft a ballot title, with an official measure number to be assigned next summer.
Library Meeting
The Siuslaw Public Library District Board of Directors will hold a special meeting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, in the Bromley Room at the Siuslaw Public Library, located at 1460 Ninth Street in Florence. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss and take action on selecting a strategic planning consultant for the district. The meeting is open to the public, with options available for in-person or remote attendance. Members of the public wishing to participate remotely or submit comments are asked to contact the library by 9 a.m. that morning. A complete agenda and additional information are available at siuslawlibrary.org.
