Secretary of State Audit Faults State Park Documentation
An audit report released this week by the Oregon Secretary of State’s office found that the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department needs to conduct more safety inspections and keep better track of its assets. Katie Gauthier (GOTH-ee-air) is the external relations manager with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. She acknowledged that the report was not a surprise and in fact the agency has been working to address concerns raised by auditors. “We have been implementing many of the changes that were highlighted in the last year. This was around documentation. And, we were doing many of these activities and we were focusing on customer service.”
Often, she added, that meant focusing on the actual work that needed to be done without documenting it. “In general, the facilities were being still being updated.”
Gauthier points to a major influence on their ability to address many future issues. “ We do have funding concerns and we have very aging facilities and so we do continue to struggle with the ability to maintain some of these facilities.”
In fact, the audit also found that failure to document some of the previous work has resulted in the loss of public funds. One specific example was a $50-thousand trash compacter destroyed by fire. Because the documentation hadn’t been completed to put it on an asset management system, there was no insurance coverage to replace the unit and the extra cost had to come from operating funds.
Call for Art issued for Elm Park
Emerging, mid-career, and established artists are being invited to submit original artwork that could be purchased and displayed at the Elm Park Learning Center and Elm Park Apartments. The Florence Regional Arts Alliance Creative Center on First Street is coordinating the selection process. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork will be considered. There are at least three indoor locations identified for 2-D work, and two more exterior spots for 3-D work. Applications and project presentations will be conducted April 14th, 5:30 PM at the Arts Alliance, 1458 First St., in old town Florence. More information can be found online at bit.ly/CallForElmParkArt. Elm Park is currently under construction just off 9th street, northwest of the Florence Justice Center.
Ems looking at Southern Oregon home
The Eugene Emeralds will play their first home games of the season this weekend at PK Park, but the long-term Eugene based organization has made it clear they’re looking for a new home. PK, the home of Oregon Duck baseball, does not meet requirements set by Major League Baseball and the Ems have been seeking a new home for the last three years after local voters declined to help pay for a new stadium that would meet MLB standards. Medford has been identified as a possible future location but civic leaders in that southern Oregon community have publicly expressed concerns about a price tag that could reach $130-million. The Ems and the Ducks have a lease in place through 2029.
Spring Bazaar to feature locally created art and craft items
The 2026 edition of the Florence Events Center Spring Bazaar will offer a comprehensive variety of locally inspired and produced art, jewelry and craft items. Organizers say the Central Oregon Coast offers plentiful water and natural resources and beauty abounds. It’s no surprise that so many talented artists and artisans have made the Florence area home. Shoppers from ten AM to four PM tomorrow will find handcrafted goods and accessories along with delightful baked treats alongside charming home décor items. 40 vendors will be on hand.
