DeSpain Visits Florence
Republican House District 4 candidate Monique DeSpain visited Florence Monday, meeting with members of the Band of Brothers veterans group and speaking with residents while door knocking across the area. DeSpain said concerns about homelessness, addiction and mental illness continue to be among the top issues she hears from voters across Lane County.
DeSpain: “There are hundreds of millions of federal tax dollars coming into Lane County and yet the problem is growing. So that’s a major priority. A lot of people are very concerned. I’d say everybody I talk to, they recognize it as a problem. And also forest management, particularly as you get closer inland.”
DeSpain also pointed to wildfire prevention and economic development as reasons to increase forest management efforts. During a breakfast meeting with Florence veterans, she said transportation and access to services remain concerns for some former service members.
DeSpain: “They were telling me about how veterans really have a hard time getting to and from their medical appointments or whatever services they’re enjoying in the VA system. There’s a van that’s broken down and just the bureaucracy and just common sense fixes that we would easily get done in our day-to-day. There are just administrative burdens, you know.”
DeSpain is seeking election to Oregon House District 4 in November.
Honeyman to Close for Tree Removal in New Year
Oregon State Parks plans to remove more than 150 dead or unhealthy trees at Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park beginning in January of 2027. The project will focus on hazard trees in the campground and Cleawox Lake day-use area, with campground closures expected for several days during the work. Coastal Region Forester Kathryn Charlton says the inspections are essential for identifying trees that could pose risks to visitors and infrastructure. Park Manager Ryan Warren says the early notice is intended to help campers plan ahead. Some removed logs will be donated to local watershed restoration projects, while portions of select trees will remain as wildlife habitat snags. The project is expected to take about six weeks to complete.
CED Grants Available
Lane County will begin accepting applications August 19 for its 2026-27 Community and Economic Development Grant Program. The competitive grants support projects that create jobs, increase wages, assist businesses, encourage innovation, and revitalize downtowns and commercial districts across the county. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and cities serving Lane County residents. A total of $200,000 is available, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. Applications are due by 5 p.m. September 25. More information will be available through Lane County’s Community and Economic Development office.
Stagecoach Road to Close for Road Work
Lane County has announced a temporary closure of Stagecoach Road near Swisshome for culvert installation work. The closure will affect Stagecoach Road between mileposts 6.6 and 9.7 on August 24 and 25, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. County officials say the closure is necessary to allow crews to install a culvert in the area. There will be no alternate route available during the closure. Motorists traveling through the area are encouraged to plan ahead and use a different route before reaching the closure zone.
