Back to School Supply Drive
The Siuslaw Vision Child Care Working Group is launching a “Back to School Fall Supply Drive” to help local child care providers and early learning programs prepare for the school year. From September 14th through October 16th, community members can donate school supplies, books, art materials, cleaning products, gift cards and other needed items. Organizers say the effort builds on the success of a similar drive held this spring. Donations will benefit child care and preschool programs throughout the Siuslaw region. A complete list of requested items and donation locations is available through Siuslaw Vision. A complete list of dropoff locations will accompany this story on the Coast Radio Website.
Heceta Lightkeeper’s House Restoration
A popular Oregon Coast destination is getting a facelift this fall. The Siuslaw National Forest says the historic Heceta Head Lightkeeper’s House will undergo roof and front porch replacement work during October and November. Scaffolding, construction materials, and weekday noise are expected while crews restore the 132-year-old structure. Forest officials say the project is designed to preserve the building’s historic character for future generations. The Heceta Head Lighthouse and Lightkeeper’s House, just north of Florence, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Labor Day Travel/Expense
Drivers heading out for Labor Day will be paying record prices at the pump. AAA says the national average for regular gas is holding at $4.10 a gallon, while Oregon’s average jumped 12 cents this week to $4.89. Here in Florence, regular is averaging around $4.95 this morning. AAA says Oregon prices are being pressured by tight supplies during the switch to winter-blend gasoline, along with possible issues affecting the Olympic Pipeline. Crude oil also remains above $80 a barrel amid the continuing conflict with Iran. The previous Labor Day record in Oregon was $4.74 a gallon, set in 2023.
