Museum Manager Arrested On June 29th, Florence Police began investigating a report of an inappropriate relationship between a 27-year-old man and a juvenile female. The suspect, Geoffrey Cannon, was identified as the manager of the Oregon Coast Military Museum. Investigators developed probable cause and, on July 10th, served search warrants […]

Final Jamboree The 2025 Oregon Jamboree will mark the end of an era, as organizers have announced it will be the festival’s 34th and final year. Founded in 1992 as an economic development project for Sweet Home, the nonprofit festival has helped generate millions in revenue for the region and […]

Water District Announces Merger Facing the imminent failure of its sewer infrastructure, the Mapleton Commercial Area Owners Association and the Mapleton Water District have announced plans to merge into a new special district. Thanks to the passage of House Bill 3910 this spring, the merger allows the community to access […]

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 […]