Siuslaw Awards
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce recognized community leaders Thursday night at the 19th annual Siuslaw Awards at the Florence Events Center. Among the winners, the Rookie Agent Award went to the Oregon Coast Humane Society Veterinary Clinic, recognized for its early impact in the community. Our Coastal Village, Incorporated received Q’s Innovation Award for forward-thinking solutions, while Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool earned the Operation Heartbeat Award for nonprofit service. Three Rivers Casino Resort was honored with the Double O Impact Award for its community support. Steven Price received the Chamber’s Distinguished Service Award, and Igor Kusznirczuk was named Outstanding Ambassador. The Chamber also awarded its Emerging Entrepreneur Scholarship to Brooklyn Beecher. The evening’s top honor, the Stu Johnston Business of the Year Award, went to BeauxArts Fine Art Materials. The annual event drew several hundred attendees and celebrated leadership, service, and innovation across the Florence area.
County Budget to Get Final Vote
Lane County commissioners are set to take a final vote Monday, June 23 on the proposed FY2026-27 budget, which includes a plan to use some transient lodging tax funds for public safety, including rural sheriff patrols and courthouse projects. The proposal follows a recent change in state law allowing counties to use up to half of certain lodging tax revenues for non-tourism purposes. At a June 9 public hearing, commissioners voted 4-1 to ask staff to prepare an alternative budget that does not rely on those funds for non-tourism uses. The transient lodging tax was originally dedicated to tourism-related facilities, including a 2% increase approved in 2023 for that purpose. The June 23 meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. at Harris Hall in Eugene, with opportunities for in-person and virtual public comment.
Fire Season Woes
With fire season now in effect on all Oregon Department of Forestry protected lands, including state forests, officials are urging visitors to take extra precautions to prevent human-caused wildfires. ODF says about 70 percent of wildfires in Oregon are started by people, with debris burning and some recreational shooting activities among the causes. Last year, three fires were linked to improper target shooting at the Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes in the Tillamook State Forest, prompting a temporary closure. ODF says most shooters follow the rules, but ongoing education remains critical. Exploding targets are prohibited, and shooters must use paper targets, safe backstops, and clean up debris. Officials recommend using designated shooting areas when possible and carrying a shovel and at least one gallon of water or a fire extinguisher. Law enforcement may issue citations for violations during patrols.
