City Council Meeting:      SDC Vote Possible The Florence City Council will consider extending incentives aimed at encouraging new housing construction during its meeting Monday night. Councilors are scheduled to vote on Ordinance 3, which would continue the city’s system development charge exemption and deferral programs through June 30, […]

School District Monies Divert to Charter School The opening of Whitmore Classical Academy is having a measurable financial impact on the Siuslaw School District. Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak says about 60 students who previously attended district schools have transferred to the charter academy, taking state education funding with them. “With the […]

Morgan Installed as Rotary President The Florence Rotary Club has a new president. Colin Morgan is leading the organization for the 2026–2027 Rotary year, succeeding Jenna Bartlett-Anderson. Morgan begins his term overseeing a club focused on local and international service projects, including student scholarships, youth leadership programs, community initiatives, and […]

Chamber Position Opens The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is looking to fill a key community-facing position following the departure of Visitor Center and Office Support Manager Lisa Brandow, who has accepted a new career opportunity. Chamber President and CEO Bettina Hannigan says the position plays an important role in […]

Oregon’s Drought Oregon’s drought is expected to continue through summer and into fall, with experts warning that above-average temperatures are increasing wildfire risk and straining water supplies. National Integrated Drought Information System coordinator Jason Gerlich says dry conditions and a severe snow drought are compounding the problem. Nineteen of Oregon’s […]

Crash Closes Eastbound 126 A head-on crash on Highway 126 near Tiernan shut down the eastbound lane for several hours Thursday afternoon. Witnesses told authorities a late-model SUV traveling westbound slowly crossed the centerline near milepost 7 and struck an RV heading east. The RV driver reportedly tried to avoid […]

Interim CMO Announced for PeaceHealth PeaceHealth has named Dr. John Tynes as interim Chief Medical Officer for the Oregon Region, with his first day set for July 23. Tynes most recently served as Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver and previously held CMO positions […]

Black and White Event The City of Florence has expanded this year’s Black and White Community Collection event, adding several new partners and collection opportunities. Along with free disposal of unwanted tires, refrigerant appliances and propane tanks, residents can also donate pet food and supplies for the Oregon Coast Humane […]