Student Housing Stability A new report from Oregon Housing and Community Services highlights the link between stable housing and student success, noting that students facing housing instability are more likely to struggle academically and less likely to graduate. The issue has local relevance. The Siuslaw School District’s McKinney-Vento program provides […]

Smoke To Be An Issue For Travelers State officials are urging Oregonians to prepare for changing wildfire conditions before traveling this summer. ODOT, OEM, DEQ, and OHA say heavy smoke can reduce visibility, worsen air quality, and lead to road closures, detours, and reduced speed zones. Travelers are encouraged to […]

SDC Ordinance Passes After last month’s discussion on continuing the System Development Charge deferral program ended in a 4-1 vote to extend the debate, the Florence City Council met Monday to further deliberate and vote on the ordinance. Councilor Robert Carp spoke against the measure, saying he did not believe […]

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 […]