Three Rivers Foundation Awards Grants
The Three Rivers Foundation has awarded $850,000 in grants to 83 organizations across Oregon, continuing its mission of supporting programs that strengthen local communities. The foundation, established by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, announced the grants during a special luncheon at Three Rivers Casino Resort in Florence. Tribal Chief Doug Barrett said the funding reflects the Tribe’s commitment to improving quality of life through investments in public safety, education, food security, housing, and community services. Among the local recipients, the Florence Police Department received $35,000 for new speed radar and flashing stop signs, while Siuslaw Valley Charter School and Whitmore Classical Academy were awarded more than $26,000. Mapleton Food Share received $20,000, and the Florence Community PTA was awarded $15,000. Siuslaw High School, Friends of Florence, and the Oregon Coast Military Museum were also among the organizations receiving grants. Foundation officials say this year’s grant cycle represents one of the organization’s largest community investments to date, supporting programs and services throughout western Oregon.
Block Party Coming
The City of Florence has announced its 2026 Community Block Party set for Friday, July 17 from 5- 10 p.m. in Historic Old Town. The free event will take place along Bay Street between Laurel Street and the Siuslaw River Bridge and will feature a live concert from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. by 5 Guys Named Moe, sponsored by Three Rivers Casino Resort. Family activities include free ice cream, popcorn, games, face painting, and a photobooth, along with a new water refill station debut from Florence Public Works. A community scavenger hunt will run July 3 through July 19 using the Goosechase app, sponsored by the Central Oregon Coast Board of Realtors. Bay Street will close at 2:00 p.m. on July 17 and reopen around 11:00 p.m. following the event.
Education Grant Changes Coming
Major changes to federal student aid are set to take effect July 1 under reforms backed by the Trump administration and Congress. The changes include expanded Pell Grant eligibility for short-term workforce training programs in fields such as health care, trucking, and skilled trades. At the same time, the federal SAVE student loan repayment program is being phased out, requiring more than 7 million borrowers to select new repayment plans by the fall. New limits will also be placed on graduate and Parent PLUS loans, restricting how much students and families can borrow. Supporters say the changes will reduce excessive debt and promote workforce development, while critics warn they could limit access to higher education and create confusion for borrowers navigating the new rules.
