Lynn Declares Run For 9th District Seat
Claire Lynn has announced she is running for Oregon House District 9 following State Representative Boomer Wright’s decision not to seek re-election. House District 9 includes western Lane County and Florence, parts of Douglas County including Reedsport, and the Coos Bay and North Bend area through Charleston. Lynn is a seventh-generation Oregonian who grew up on the North Fork of the Siuslaw River, helping with her family’s logging business and cow-calf operation. She says she developed a love for the outdoors, spending time hunting and fishing with her father. Lynn has experience working in the Oregon Legislature and previously worked in Washington, D.C. She has been involved in efforts supporting natural resource industries and recently volunteered with the No Tax Oregon grassroots campaign related to the state’s proposed transportation tax. Lynn has also received endorsements from several Republican leaders and local officials as she launches her campaign.
Florence Organizes
Florence Organizes is hosting a Martin Luther King Junior Weekend Celebration January 17th and 18th in Florence. On Saturday, a brief rally will take place at 1st and Nopal Street ahead of the local MLK parade. Mayor Rob Ward is scheduled to read a proclamation, and Representative Val Hoyle is expected to attend. The rally will be followed by a parade traveling down Bay Street to Veterans Park. On Sunday, City Lights Cinema will host a noon tribute featuring guest speakers, community singing, and a free screening of the film Selma.
LCC Financial Mitigation Plan
The Board of Education for Lane Community College has approved the administration’s three-year financial mitigation plan, aimed at improving long-term financial stability while continuing to support students and staff. The plan addresses structural budget challenges and spreads 8 million dollars in reductions over multiple years to minimize disruption and restore required reserve levels. Board members said the approach provides predictability and transparency, while allowing flexibility as enrollment, state funding, and economic conditions change. College leadership will continue providing updates as the plan is implemented.
Grant Received for WLFEA
Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority has been awarded a 500-thousand-dollar federal grant through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The funding will be used to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus, replacing aging equipment and ensuring firefighters have modern, NFPA-compliant respiratory protection while operating in hazardous environments. Fire and EMS Chief Michael Schick said the grant supports firefighter safety while avoiding added financial strain on the community. The new equipment will be placed into service following procurement and training.