Reedsport Woman Charged with Murder
A Reedsport woman is in custody on murder charges following a fatal house fire Thursday night. Douglas County 911 received a report of a structure fire shortly before eleven p.m. in the twenty‑seven‑thousand block of Lower Smith River Road. Callers reported people unaccounted for and possibly still inside. Deputies and firefighters attempted rescue and pulled one person from the home. Despite lifesaving efforts, the sixty‑five‑year‑old victim was pronounced dead. A second victim, aged sixty‑seven, was found inside and also declared deceased. A third person escaped without injury. Deputies detained forty‑one‑year‑old Pamela Anne Westfall of Reedsport at the scene. Investigators say she admitted to intentionally starting the fire following a disturbance. Westfall was lodged at the Douglas County Jail on multiple charges including two counts of first‑degree murder and first‑degree arson. The Major Crimes Team continues the investigation.
Tonight’s City Council Meeting
The Florence City Council is expected to take up a federal aviation safety grant tonight as part of its regular meeting at City Hall. Councilors will consider approving an application for just over two‑hundred‑thousand dollars to replace aging safety equipment at the Florence Municipal Airport. The project would include a new airport beacon and wind cone. City officials say the existing equipment, installed in twenty‑eleven, is nearing the end of its useful life due to coastal weather conditions. The total project cost is estimated at about $210,000 with the City responsible for roughly $1,000.00 after state and federal funding. If approved, construction would be scheduled for later this year. The City Council meeting begins at five‑thirty this evening at Florence City Hall.
Mapleton Water District Meeting
The Mapleton Water District Board of Commissioners meets Monday evening to address funding, personnel, and infrastructure matters. The agenda includes a proposed transfer of general fund money for the Riverview Culvert Project, the resignation of board member Doran Lee, and consideration of Steve Elliott to fill the vacant seat. Commissioners will also review contracts for water storage improvements, IT and line locate services, and discuss rate studies, sewer policies, street light outages, and risk management issues. Project updates are expected on EPA Rice Road, intake improvements, and long‑term wastewater planning. The meeting starts at 5 p.m. at the Mapleton Lions Club Kitchen.
Fire Shuts Down 101
Western Lane Fire and EMS responded to a house fire at 3:02 Sunday morning at 87647 Highway 101. Crews say the home was fully involved when Engine 621 arrived, with a Florence Police officer already on scene. Because the only hydrant was across Highway 101, the roadway was initially shut down until water tenders could support the attack. The resident was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and the animals were reported safe with a neighbor. Reedsport Fire provided mutual aid. The fire was knocked down and overhaul was completed by 6:30 a.m. The cause remains undetermined.
