Wyden Town Hall
Last night at Siuslaw Middle School, Senator Ron Wyden spoke to a crowd of about 400 constituents during one of his town hall meetings. The senator fielded questions on a wide range of topics, including housing, the Epstein files, and concerns surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Several questions focused on ICE tactics nationwide, including how the agency is interacting with U.S. citizens while also attempting to identify and deport undocumented immigrants.
“I believe strongly that the Senate has no business — none — funding ICE without new, strong guardrails against the lawlessness of the Trump Administration.”
The mostly supportive crowd broke into applause several times throughout the 90-minute question-and-answer session. Another question centered on concerns about potential efforts to limit who can vote. Wyden said he has already seen attempts to restrict voting access, including efforts to eliminate mail-in voting.
“We are going to have to do a lot to secure the vote. We are already trying to get people in place, working with local officials and the like, protecting the right to vote.”
In closing, the senator addressed concerns about the possibility of the current administration using the Insurrection Act to intimidate voters in upcoming elections. Wyden said he feels confident, citing court rulings that limited the use of the National Guard in Portland, that such efforts would not be successful against the American people.
New Apartments Begin Potential Renter List
Layne Morrill, manager of Chestnut Management, LLC, says the new Elm Park Apartments are scheduled to open beginning in June of this year. The low-income housing development is nearing completion, with 20 of the project’s 32 units expected to be ready by June. The remaining 12 units are anticipated to become available in July. Morrill says they are currently compiling a list of potential renters for the one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, located just off 9th Street near the Justice Center. Interested parties will need to get on that list, which will be vetted for qualifications. Applications will be sent out in March to those who qualify. Eligibility is limited to households earning 60 percent or below the area median income. Morrill also said the on-site childcare facility is expected to open in September. A separate organization will operate the childcare center, and hiring is expected to begin ahead of the opening. Training will be available for those interested, including applicants who do not currently have childcare experience.
WLCF Grant Cycle
The Western Lane Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 grant cycle, opening February 1st. Founded in 1974 by leaders of the Florence Rotary Club, the foundation is a community trust and private nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Western Lane County through long-term charitable investment. The foundation manages more than $17 million in assets across 104 funds and awarded more than $186,000 to 33 local nonprofit organizations during its most recent grant cycle. Nonprofits, schools, and community organizations serving Western Lane County are encouraged to apply. More information on eligibility and deadlines is available at wlcfonline.org.
