ODOT Layoffs On Monday, Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced the first wave of layoffs—483 positions—out of an anticipated total of 600–700, marking the largest workforce reduction in Oregon state government history no transportation funding passed in the 2025 legislative session, a second wave looms […]

Fatal Crash Oregon State Police say a Florence man was involved in a multi-vehicle crash Saturday that left two people dead and several others injured. Investigators say a Kia Optima crossed the centerline on Highway 101 near Coos Bay and sideswiped a southbound Toyota Corolla driven by 61-year-old Kent McQuillen […]

July 4th It’s the Fourth of July, and several events are taking place throughout Florence. The Florence Kiwanis have placed flags across the community in observance of Independence Day. At noon, Florence Habitat for Humanity will host its annual pie and watermelon eating contests and sponsor a porch parade, judging […]

Happy 4th As Oregonians prepare for a festive Fourth of July weekend, state agencies are urging residents to celebrate responsibly. The Oregon Health Authority, ODOT, OLCC, and others warn that driving or boating under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, or medications can be deadly. Impairment is a top factor in […]

Graduation Rules Changing The graduation rules for Siuslaw students has changed.  The school board and administration has decided to add another credit to requirements raising the rate to 25 credits needed to complete studies.  Principal Mike Harklerode says the changing world requires more information for the students to be prepared […]

Council Approves Ordinance Extension Last night’s City Council Meeting saw the adoption of Ordinance number 7 series 2025, the extension of the system development charges reduced fees.  The ordinance, according to Public Works director, Mike Miller has been effective towards the increase in housing development over the past several years […]

Bill Dies…for Now A bill that would have given Oregon cities more flexibility with local lodging tax revenue has died in the Legislature. House Bill 3962 passed the House earlier this month but stalled in the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee before the session adjourned on June 27th. The measure […]

Florence Police Enact Two Warrants On June 25th, two separate search warrants were executed in Florence—one in the Skookum Drive area and another at the Wayside Mobile Home Park. Florence Police and the Oregon Department of Justice collaborated, each taking the lead on one of the operations. According to authorities, […]