Ballots in the Mail
Ballots are now arriving for Oregon’s May 19th primary election, following Tuesday’s voter registration deadline. In Lane County, voters will see a mix of state races and local measures, including a Republican primary for Oregon House District 9. That race features candidates Troy Cribbins and Claire Lynn, with the winner advancing to the general election. Florence-area voters will also weigh in on a major school funding proposal. The Siuslaw School District is asking voters to approve a bond of approximately 139 million dollars to fund a new high school and campus improvements. Ballots must be returned or postmarked by Election Day.
FEMA Denies Oregon Grant
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Oregon funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program following last December’s storms. Governor Tina Kotek says the state will appeal the decision, calling the funding critical to reducing future risks. The storms caused widespread damage across nine counties including Lane County, with more than $15 million in infrastructure impacts and over 300,000 people losing power. State officials say the lack of mitigation funding is unusual and leaves communities vulnerable as they continue recovery efforts.
May Day
A May Day rally is planned in Florence this Friday as part of a nationwide day of action. Florence Organizes will host the “May Day Strong Rally” from noon to 2 p.m. at Florence City Hall, joining events across the country focused on workers’ rights and economic issues. City Councilor Sally Wantz is scheduled to open the event. Organizers say Dunes City Indivisible will provide coffee and cocoa, with music from the Cascadia String Band. Participants are encouraged to bring signs and, according to organizers, support local businesses by using cash on May Day.
Former City Manager Passes
Rodger Lee Bennett, 87, died April 26 in Florence. According to his family, Bennett was born January 25, 1939, in Flint, Michigan, and served in the U.S. Army in the early 1960s, including time stationed in Japan.
Bennett spent much of his career in public service, working to strengthen local governments and economies across the West and Midwest, including serving as city manager in several communities, among them Florence from 2001-2006. He also worked with tribal governments, economic development organizations, and later volunteered internationally following retirement. Active in civic life, Bennett was a longtime Rotarian and community volunteer. His family says he believed small, local actions could make a big difference. Rodger Bennett is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carol, four children, and nine grandchildren.
