Charter School Signs Paper on Building
Siuslaw Valley Charter School has officially purchased the former Rite Aid building and plans to open Whitmore Classical Academy this fall for students in kindergarten through third grade. Board President Kay King says the purchase was made possible through private donations, calling it “a monumental event for the school and community.” Whitmore Classical Academy will operate as a public, tuition‑free charter school open to students throughout the region. The school has been working since June 2025 to secure the property. City zoning and building permits have now been approved, with construction set to begin in May. Classes are scheduled to start Tuesday, September 8. Board Treasurer Chuck Trent says the project has not yet used any taxpayer dollars and emphasizes a focus on academic results. The school plans to grow one grade level each year toward a full K‑8 program. Enrollment for fall is still open.
Council Meeting
The Florence City Council will meet Monday at 5:30 at City Hall, with a key consent agenda item involving airport safety improvements. Councilors will consider accepting a $200,260 Federal Aviation Administration grant for the Florence Municipal Airport. If approved, the funding would pay for construction and management of a project replacing the airport beacon and wind cone, navigational aids originally installed in 2011 that have reached the end of their useful life due in part to coastal weather conditions. The project is fully funded and construction is expected to begin later this year. Council will also consider recommending approval of a full on‑premise commercial liquor license for Florence Market on 8th Street, forwarding that recommendation to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. The meeting will open with presentations and announcements, including proclamations and committee appointments, before public comment.
Sheriff Warns of Ongoing Scams
Although the scam is being reported in Douglas County to our south, Lane County officials say they have received similar reports in recent weeks. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about scammers posing as deputies or other staff members in an effort to extort money. Victims report receiving phone calls claiming they missed a court appearance, failed to report for jury duty, or have a warrant for their arrest, followed by demands for immediate payment to avoid consequences. Officials stress that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not contact people by phone to demand payment or threaten arrest. Scammers may spoof phone numbers, use the names of real deputies, or obtain personal information online to appear legitimate. Authorities say the money is rarely recoverable due to the technology used and the scammers’ locations. Douglas County deputies advise anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up and contact law enforcement directly using a verified phone number.
