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Oregonians will pay record gas prices this Labor Day weekend Over Labor Day 2026, the Oregon average price of gasoline will jump 12 cents to $4.89 a gallon. Of course, gas prices vary depending upon the location. ~ Photo by Tiffany Eckert/KLCC September 3, 2026 KLCC | Tiffany Eckert
Oregonians will face record gas prices this Labor Day weekend, according to the American Automobile Association. Prices in Oregon are averaging $4.89 per gallon.

The war in Iran is the principal cause of the high cost of fuel, AAA spokesperson told KLCC.

Despite the highest-ever gas prices for Labor Day, AAA expects record travel over the three-day holiday weekend.

Read more…
Oregon lawmaker to propose financial support for small cities left in financial limbo September 2, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Mia Maldonado

Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, announced last week a plan to introduce during the 2027 Legislative session a proposed $1 million fund housed at the state’s economic development agency Business Oregon, which would allow cities with fewer than 20,000 residents to apply for a grant or low-interest loan to maintain parks, libraries, museums and other essential community spaces when they face budget crises. The grants and loans would be available up to $50,000, Evans said.

The proposal was inspired by the city of Independence last week closing five of its parks, citing insufficient funding to maintain them, he said. Two have since reopened after receiving a $30,000 grant from the nonprofit, Friends of Community Parks, the Statesman Journal reported.

Read more…
Five Things to Know About Oregon’s Record Wildfire Season The Wrights Spring Fire as seen on the afternoon of Friday, August 7 from Sprague River Road. ~ Photo from InciWeb August 28, 2026 Oregon Journalism Project | Khushboo Rathore
Oregon’s unfinished fire season is the most destructive ever, burning more than 2.5 million acres and choking off clean air across the state.

At the same time, Oregonians may misunderstand some aspects of the wildfire crisis, which could leave communities unprepared as fire seasons grow longer and more intense year after year. The Oregon Journalism Project analyzed recent data updated Aug. 24 by the National Interagency Fire Center to dispel some misconceptions.

Read the full story…
Data centers emerge as new flashpoint between Kotek, Drazan in Oregon governor’s race A view of data centers in Boardman, Oregon. ~ Photo by Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle August 28, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Shaanth Nanguneri
Growing public backlash over data centers is becoming an issue for voters of both parties in the Oregon governor’s race.

A fissure between the candidates is emerging over data centers and the growing public backlash over the server farms in Oregon and nationwide. A late July poll by the Portland-based firm DHM Research found that 71% of Oregonians have a negative view of data centers

Read the full story…
State rebates on electric vehicle purchases, leases open again An electric vehicle charging at a station in a national park. Oregon’s popular EV rebate program is reopening through Nov. 4, 2026. ~ Photo courtesy of the National Park Service August 25, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Alex Baumhardt
Oregonians planning to buy or lease an electric vehicle before Nov. 4 can get thousands of dollars from the state to help pay for it, according to an article in the Oregon Capitol Chronicle.

Officials at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality on Tuesday reopened the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which offers rebates of $1,500 to $7,500 on the purchase or lease of an eligible electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, depending on income. Motorcyclists through the program can get up to $375 back on the purchase of an electric motorcycle.

Read the full story…
Oregon News Site to Close August 25, 2026 KLCC | Zac Ziegler
Another Oregon news website is shutting down.

The Highway 58 Herald, an online news outlet that covered Oakridge, Lowell, Pleasant Hill and other communities along the scenic highway, will officially shut down in September.

Earlier this year, The News-Review in Roseburg announced a significant restructuring of its newspaper, ceasing its print edition and laying off 11 of 15 employees.

According to the Agora Journalism Center, 13% of Oregon’s newspapers have closed since late 20222.

Read more about the Herald’s closure…
Siuslaw National Forest is Hiring August 24, 2026 Press Release | Siuslaw National Forest
The USDA Forest Service is hiring for wildland firefighter positions on the Siuslaw National Forest.

Jobs include fire engine operators, assistant fire management officer, and entry-level firefighter positions. Applications are open Aug. 24 through Sept. 22, 2026

Click to see the job postings…
One of the greatest films ever shot in Oregon turns 100 this year August 21, 2026 The Oregonian/OregonLive | Jamie Hale
Buster Keaton’s classic film “The General” turns 100 this year. It was filmed in Cottage Grove and released in 1926.

This year locals will celebrate the anniversary with a special screening Aug. 29 at the Cottage Theatre. Tickets are available at cottagetheatre.org.

Read more…
Compost bins can be a fire risk This semi-truck was hauling hay when it caught on fire on July 25, 2026. The entire truck and trailer were consumed by flames, stalling traffic on Interstate 5 Northbound near Albany, Oregon. ~ Photo by Brian Bull/KLCC August 20, 2026 KLCC | Brian Bull
Compost bins are a potential fire risk for homeowners. The enclosed space can’t easily dissipate the heat generated by composting, Mike Caven, Chief of Eugene Springfield Fire, said to KLCC.

Fires have erupted in gardens, hay trucks, and grain silos, sometimes explosively if pressure and heat exacerbated significantly. Caven said monitoring for moisture and tilling can help prevent such build-up.

Read more…
Matsutake mushroom season arrives September 8 August 19, 2026 Press Release | Siuslaw National Forest
Matsutake mushroom commercial permits will be available starting September 8, 2026, for use within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the Central Coast Ranger District. The Siuslaw National Forest announced.

Permits can be purchased in person at the Reedsport office starting on September 8 and then at the Waldport office as well, on a first-come basis. 100 commercial use permits will be available.

The permits cost $200. No permit is required for non-commercial use, up to six mushrooms per day,

Similarly looking, poisonous mushrooms exist in the same areas as the matsutake, the Forest Service warns.

Click for more information…

Get Strong

The Oregon State University Extension Service’s is offering a free exercise class at City Hall in Dunes City. The twice-a-week class will run for twelve weeks, through mid-November.
The Elm Park Projects

Elm Park Apartments is open, providing the area with 32 low-cost apartments, while next door, the Elm Park Early Learning Center will add nearly 80 childcare seats.
National Forest restricts some OHV use on the dunes due to court order.
Good Morning Florence
School attendance up statewide with mixed results locally
"Holy Bubbles!" and More

National Night Out at Miller Park Tuesday night, courtesy of the Florence Police Department. The red sun was courtesy of wildfire smoke that drifted into our area.
A Summer Night on Bay St.

Bay Street was closed from Laurel St. to the bridge for the annual Block Party.
The 250 for 250 Project

The goal was to photograph 250 people on the 250th anniversary of the birth of our country. The people in Florence, on this one Fourth of July, this one moment in time.
Declining Enrollment a Problem for the Siuslaw Schools

The Siuslaw School District is facing a $4.2 million deficit, in part because of the new charter school. Overall declining enrollment means the district may need to consider consolidation in the coming years.
The Charter looks to September

The Whitmore Academy Charter School is moving closer to the first day of school. Building construction is on schedule, and the school has about 80 students enrolled.

More Local News

Walk for Breast Cancer returns to Florence in October Members of the Lincoln County cancer-fighting group CoastBusters promote their upcoming fundraising walks Sept. 26 in Newport and Oct. 3 in Florence during the Beachcombers Festival parade in Waldport. ~ Photo Quinton Smith/Lincoln Chronicle September 2, 2026 Lincoln Chronicle | Cheryl Romano
CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer will be in Florence on October 3, 2026, at the Siuslaw Middle School.

After taking a year off in 2025 to mourn the loss of their co-founder and regroup, this year’s events will be held in memory of Sonia Graham, who co-founded the organization with Jeanette Campagna to support area breast cancer patients and their families.

Participants can register on the CoastBusters’ website.

Businesses, sponsors, volunteers and community partners are also invited to participate, as CoastBusters gears up for what it expects to be its biggest year since its start in 2021. Since then, the group has staged walk-a-thons and other events to help patients and their families along the central coast, raising almost $150,000.

Donations can be made online to support those in Lincoln County and in Lane County. People preferring to write a check may mail it to CoastBusters, P.O. Box 1804, Newport, Ore. 97365. Anyone who donates will get a receipt for their tax-deductible contributions.
Car crashes into the Travelodge hotel August 31, 2026 Press Release | Florence Police Department
A red SUV crashed into the Travelodge on Route 101 on Saturday evening, August 29, injuring a woman inside the motel, according to a press release from the Florence Police Department.

The initial investigation of the scene, combined with eyewitness statements, indicates that the driver left the Circle K at a high speed, crossed 101, crashed through the Edward Jones Investment building before crashing into the Travelodge, trapping a woman inside. Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority extracted the woman from the room and both the victim and driver were transported to Peace Harbor Hospital.

The crash remains under investigation and felony charges against the driver are pending, according to the press release.

Read the full press release…
New: The Puzzle #10 August 29, 2026
Check out the latest weekly crossword puzzle!
Siuslaw National Forest raises fire danger level The Three Buttes Fire northeast of Florence on September 11, 2023. ~ File photo by Will Yurman August 12, 2026 Press Release | Siuslaw National Forest
The Siuslaw National Forest is raising the fire danger level from moderate to high, effective August 13, 2026, they announced in a press release.

“Local firefighters have already detected and contained several small fires on the Forest this year,” said Anne Trapanese, Deputy Fire Staff Officer-Fuels with Northwest Oregon Interagency Fire Management. “With the hot and dry conditions in western Oregon, we want to urge the public to remain vigilant in preventing human-caused wildfires and follow all fire restrictions,” Trapanese said in the press release.

Read the full release…
Road Work on Rhododendron Drive August 7, 2026 WotT | Will Yurman
Be prepared for road construction starting Monday on Rhododendron Drive, from 9th Street to Wild Winds Street.

Read More…
Cooling Centers in the County A 2024 file photo of the Siuslaw Public Library ~ Photo by Will Yurman August 5, 2026 WotT | Will Yurman
Warm temperatures and poor air quality are in the forecast for all of Lane County including the coast.

In Florence and Mapleton, the library is a cooling center. The DHS office in Florence is as well.

Read the story to get the full list.
Fee increases proposed for Siuslaw National Forest August 2, 2026 Press Release | Siuslaw National Forest
The Siuslaw National Forest has proposed fee increases to nearly two dozen recreation sites in the national forest area. Click to see the full list of sites, and the proposed fee changes.

The public is invited to comment, and the Forest Service has extended the comment period through September 18. See the press release for how to submit your comments by mail, email or online.
Postcards July 23, 2026 WotT | Will Yurman When a picture is worth a thousand words.
Sutton Lake Boat Ramp Closing July 22, 2026 Press Release
According to a Siuslaw National Forest press release, “Sutton Lake Boat Ramp and day use facilities will be closed for construction from August through November 2026 to replace the deteriorating boat ramp and floating docks.”

The facilities will close August 3.
Local firefighters helping with southern fire July 14, 2026 WotT | Will Yurman
Area firefighters have been sent south to help fight the East Evans Creek Fire.

UPDATE: As of 7/25 the fire has spread to 15,705 acres, and is 46% contained.

Latest Stories

Oregonians will pay record gas prices this Labor Day weekend Over Labor Day 2026, the Oregon average price of gasoline will jump 12 cents to $4.89 a gallon. Of course, gas prices vary depending upon the location. ~ Photo by Tiffany Eckert/KLCC September 3, 2026 KLCC | Tiffany Eckert
Oregonians will face record gas prices this Labor Day weekend, according to the American Automobile Association. Prices in Oregon are averaging $4.89 per gallon.

The war in Iran is the principal cause of the high cost of fuel, AAA spokesperson told KLCC.

Despite the highest-ever gas prices for Labor Day, AAA expects record travel over the three-day holiday weekend.

Read more…

Read More
Oregon lawmaker to propose financial support for small cities left in financial limbo September 2, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Mia Maldonado

Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, announced last week a plan to introduce during the 2027 Legislative session a proposed $1 million fund housed at the state’s economic development agency Business Oregon, which would allow cities with fewer than 20,000 residents to apply for a grant or low-interest loan to maintain parks, libraries, museums and other essential community spaces when they face budget crises. The grants and loans would be available up to $50,000, Evans said.

The proposal was inspired by the city of Independence last week closing five of its parks, citing insufficient funding to maintain them, he said. Two have since reopened after receiving a $30,000 grant from the nonprofit, Friends of Community Parks, the Statesman Journal reported.

Read more…

Read More
Walk for Breast Cancer returns to Florence in October Members of the Lincoln County cancer-fighting group CoastBusters promote their upcoming fundraising walks Sept. 26 in Newport and Oct. 3 in Florence during the Beachcombers Festival parade in Waldport. ~ Photo Quinton Smith/Lincoln Chronicle September 2, 2026 Lincoln Chronicle | Cheryl Romano
CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer will be in Florence on October 3, 2026, at the Siuslaw Middle School.

After taking a year off in 2025 to mourn the loss of their co-founder and regroup, this year’s events will be held in memory of Sonia Graham, who co-founded the organization with Jeanette Campagna to support area breast cancer patients and their families.

Participants can register on the CoastBusters’ website.

Businesses, sponsors, volunteers and community partners are also invited to participate, as CoastBusters gears up for what it expects to be its biggest year since its start in 2021. Since then, the group has staged walk-a-thons and other events to help patients and their families along the central coast, raising almost $150,000.

Donations can be made online to support those in Lincoln County and in Lane County. People preferring to write a check may mail it to CoastBusters, P.O. Box 1804, Newport, Ore. 97365. Anyone who donates will get a receipt for their tax-deductible contributions.
Read More
Car crashes into the Travelodge hotel August 31, 2026 Press Release | Florence Police Department
A red SUV crashed into the Travelodge on Route 101 on Saturday evening, August 29, injuring a woman inside the motel, according to a press release from the Florence Police Department.

The initial investigation of the scene, combined with eyewitness statements, indicates that the driver left the Circle K at a high speed, crossed 101, crashed through the Edward Jones Investment building before crashing into the Travelodge, trapping a woman inside. Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority extracted the woman from the room and both the victim and driver were transported to Peace Harbor Hospital.

The crash remains under investigation and felony charges against the driver are pending, according to the press release.

Read the full press release…
Read More
New: The Puzzle #10 August 29, 2026
Check out the latest weekly crossword puzzle!
Read More
Five Things to Know About Oregon’s Record Wildfire Season The Wrights Spring Fire as seen on the afternoon of Friday, August 7 from Sprague River Road. ~ Photo from InciWeb August 28, 2026 Oregon Journalism Project | Khushboo Rathore
Oregon’s unfinished fire season is the most destructive ever, burning more than 2.5 million acres and choking off clean air across the state.

At the same time, Oregonians may misunderstand some aspects of the wildfire crisis, which could leave communities unprepared as fire seasons grow longer and more intense year after year. The Oregon Journalism Project analyzed recent data updated Aug. 24 by the National Interagency Fire Center to dispel some misconceptions.

Read the full story…
Read More
Data centers emerge as new flashpoint between Kotek, Drazan in Oregon governor’s race A view of data centers in Boardman, Oregon. ~ Photo by Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle August 28, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Shaanth Nanguneri
Growing public backlash over data centers is becoming an issue for voters of both parties in the Oregon governor’s race.

A fissure between the candidates is emerging over data centers and the growing public backlash over the server farms in Oregon and nationwide. A late July poll by the Portland-based firm DHM Research found that 71% of Oregonians have a negative view of data centers

Read the full story…
Read More
State rebates on electric vehicle purchases, leases open again An electric vehicle charging at a station in a national park. Oregon’s popular EV rebate program is reopening through Nov. 4, 2026. ~ Photo courtesy of the National Park Service August 25, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Alex Baumhardt
Oregonians planning to buy or lease an electric vehicle before Nov. 4 can get thousands of dollars from the state to help pay for it, according to an article in the Oregon Capitol Chronicle.

Officials at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality on Tuesday reopened the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program, which offers rebates of $1,500 to $7,500 on the purchase or lease of an eligible electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, depending on income. Motorcyclists through the program can get up to $375 back on the purchase of an electric motorcycle.

Read the full story…
Read More
Get Strong August 25, 2026 WotT | Will Yurman The Oregon State University Extension Service’s is offering a free exercise class at City Hall in Dunes City. The twice-a-week class will run for twelve weeks, through mid-November. Read More
Oregon News Site to Close August 25, 2026 KLCC | Zac Ziegler
Another Oregon news website is shutting down.

The Highway 58 Herald, an online news outlet that covered Oakridge, Lowell, Pleasant Hill and other communities along the scenic highway, will officially shut down in September.

Earlier this year, The News-Review in Roseburg announced a significant restructuring of its newspaper, ceasing its print edition and laying off 11 of 15 employees.

According to the Agora Journalism Center, 13% of Oregon’s newspapers have closed since late 20222.

Read more about the Herald’s closure…

Read More
Siuslaw National Forest is Hiring August 24, 2026 Press Release | Siuslaw National Forest
The USDA Forest Service is hiring for wildland firefighter positions on the Siuslaw National Forest.

Jobs include fire engine operators, assistant fire management officer, and entry-level firefighter positions. Applications are open Aug. 24 through Sept. 22, 2026

Click to see the job postings…
Read More
One of the greatest films ever shot in Oregon turns 100 this year August 21, 2026 The Oregonian/OregonLive | Jamie Hale
Buster Keaton’s classic film “The General” turns 100 this year. It was filmed in Cottage Grove and released in 1926.

This year locals will celebrate the anniversary with a special screening Aug. 29 at the Cottage Theatre. Tickets are available at cottagetheatre.org.

Read more…
Read More
Compost bins can be a fire risk This semi-truck was hauling hay when it caught on fire on July 25, 2026. The entire truck and trailer were consumed by flames, stalling traffic on Interstate 5 Northbound near Albany, Oregon. ~ Photo by Brian Bull/KLCC August 20, 2026 KLCC | Brian Bull
Compost bins are a potential fire risk for homeowners. The enclosed space can’t easily dissipate the heat generated by composting, Mike Caven, Chief of Eugene Springfield Fire, said to KLCC.

Fires have erupted in gardens, hay trucks, and grain silos, sometimes explosively if pressure and heat exacerbated significantly. Caven said monitoring for moisture and tilling can help prevent such build-up.

Read more…
Read More
Matsutake mushroom season arrives September 8 August 19, 2026 Press Release | Siuslaw National Forest
Matsutake mushroom commercial permits will be available starting September 8, 2026, for use within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the Central Coast Ranger District. The Siuslaw National Forest announced.

Permits can be purchased in person at the Reedsport office starting on September 8 and then at the Waldport office as well, on a first-come basis. 100 commercial use permits will be available.

The permits cost $200. No permit is required for non-commercial use, up to six mushrooms per day,

Similarly looking, poisonous mushrooms exist in the same areas as the matsutake, the Forest Service warns.

Click for more information…
Read More
Oregon wants your input on transportation August 19, 2026 WotT | Will Yurman
Oregon is looking for public comment on the state’s transportation system. The governor has convened “The Rebuilding Our Transportation Vision Workgroup,” to offer recommendations by the end of the year.

The deadline for public comments is September 10.

Read more…
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Rise in Measles Cases in Oregon in 2026 Measles rashes usually appear as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet. ~ Photo by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention August 17, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Mia Maldonado
The Oregon Capital Chronicle reports that Oregon has seen a rise in measles cases this year, already ahead of the 2024 outbreak.

The State of Oregon requires that children receive two doses of the measles vaccine before entering kindergarten, though parents can request an exemption and opt out.

Vaccination rates for individual school districts are available from the Oregon Health Department online.

Read the Full Story…
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The Elm Park Projects August 14, 2026 Elm Park Apartments is open, providing the area with 32 low-cost apartments, while next door, the Elm Park Early Learning Center will add nearly 80 childcare seats. Read More
PNW needs a massive upgrade to the power grid, report says ~ Photo by Clinton Carpenter/Bonneville Power Administration August 14, 2026 Washington State Standard | Aspen Ford
The Pacific Northwest will need a massive buildout of new energy infrastructure over the next six years to meet rising electricity demand, according to a draft regional power plan released Thursday, August 13, 2026.

Electricity demand could double in the next 20 years in the Pacific Northwest because of data centers, the increase in electric vehicles, and population growth, the Northwest Power and Conservation Council forecast last year.

The council released a draft of its Ninth Power Plan on Thursday, calling for the addition of 11,000 megawatts to the region’s grid — about a third of the electricity the Northwest uses at peak demand.

Public comment for the draft is open until Oct. 16.

Read the full story at the Washington State Standard…

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This Oregon Wildfire Season Has Blazed Past All Records, With No End in Sight Firefighters meet outside the Florence Events Center before heading out to fight the Three Buttes Fire near Florence in this 2023 file photo ~ Photo by Will Yurman August 13, 2026 Oregon Journalism Project | Khushboo Rathore
2026 has already broken the Oregon record for acres burned by wildfires, and we are still many weeks away from the fall rainy season.

As of Aug. 10, more than 1,400 fires of all sizes have consumed more than 2.3 million acres across the state–an area far larger than the once-record 2024 fire season at its completion. That is more acres than the states of Delaware and Rhode Island combined.

Read the full story…
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Lane Community College receives accreditation warning over governance An undated photo of a sign near the eastern entrance to Lane Community College in Eugene. ~ Photo by Rachael McDonald / KLCC August 13, 2026 KLCC | Rebecca Hansen-White
Lane Community College has received a warning from the body that oversees community college accreditation over concerns about its governance.

In a college-wide message Wednesday, LCC President Stephanie Bulger and LCC Board of Education Chair Jesse Maldonado said the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities found the college was out of compliance in a few areas.

Read More…
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Siuslaw National Forest raises fire danger level The Three Buttes Fire northeast of Florence on September 11, 2023. ~ File photo by Will Yurman August 12, 2026 Press Release | Siuslaw National Forest
The Siuslaw National Forest is raising the fire danger level from moderate to high, effective August 13, 2026, they announced in a press release.

“Local firefighters have already detected and contained several small fires on the Forest this year,” said Anne Trapanese, Deputy Fire Staff Officer-Fuels with Northwest Oregon Interagency Fire Management. “With the hot and dry conditions in western Oregon, we want to urge the public to remain vigilant in preventing human-caused wildfires and follow all fire restrictions,” Trapanese said in the press release.

Read the full release…
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National Forest restricts some OHV use on the dunes due to court order. August 12, 2026 Read More
Good Morning Florence August 11, 2026 Read More
Sen. Wyden’s wildfire tax relief bill passes just before Congress recesses, goes to White House The 6:30 am briefing for fire fighters at the Three Buttes fire near Florence. ~ 2023 File Photo by Will Yurman August 10, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Alex Baumhardt
In the final hours of work before members of Congress went on recess for five weeks, a bill backed by Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden to relieve natural disaster survivors from paying federal income taxes on their recovery settlements and lawyers’ fees passed against unexpected odds.

The bill also passed the House and will go to the White House for the president’s signature.

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Governor’s Advisory Committee Won’t Support Moratorium on Data Centers An explosion of data center facilities, including the one pictured here in northeast Oregon on May 18, 2026, have been built along the Columbia River Gorge during the last few years. ~ Photo by Jordan Gale/Oregon Capital Chronicle August 9, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Alex Baumhardt
Data center construction in Oregon should be regulated but not stopped, an advisory committee to Gov. Tina Kotek said, according to an article in the Oregon Capitol Chronicle.

“A lack of sales tax, generous property tax incentives for industrial development and relatively cheap electricity over the years has made Oregon a hot spot for data centers,” the Chronicle reported.

The committee agreed that the state should require more transparency from data companies and local governments regarding tax incentives and other agreements, but that on the whole, the state can benefit economically from the centers.

Read More…
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School attendance up statewide with mixed results locally Siuslaw High School Principal Mike Harklerode gives a tour of the school in 2025. ~ Photo by Will Yurman/WotT August 8, 2026 Oregon Journalism Project | Khushboo Rathore Read More
Road Work on Rhododendron Drive August 7, 2026 WotT | Will Yurman
Be prepared for road construction starting Monday on Rhododendron Drive, from 9th Street to Wild Winds Street.

Read More…
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Cooling Centers in the County A 2024 file photo of the Siuslaw Public Library ~ Photo by Will Yurman August 5, 2026 WotT | Will Yurman
Warm temperatures and poor air quality are in the forecast for all of Lane County including the coast.

In Florence and Mapleton, the library is a cooling center. The DHS office in Florence is as well.

Read the story to get the full list.
Read More
“Holy Bubbles!” and More August 5, 2026 National Night Out at Miller Park Tuesday night, courtesy of the Florence Police Department. The red sun was courtesy of wildfire smoke that drifted into our area. Read More
Carl Washburne campground north of Florence closed for a month August 4, 2026 Lincoln Chronicle
The Carl G. Washburne State Park campground along U.S. Highway 101 between Yachats and Florence is closed for at least a month so a contractor can replace two culverts damaged by a heavy rainfall in December 2023, the Lincoln Chronicle reported.
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Red Flag Warning Includes Most of Lane County An undated file photo of smoky skies over Eugene. ~ Photo by Karen Richards/KLCC August 3, 2026 KLCC
Take care if you’re traveling towards Eugene over the next few days.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the southern Willamette Valley for Monday from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. The warning area includes Eugene, Albany, Springfield and Cottage Grove.

The agency said the smoke should arrive by Monday afternoon and linger in the area through at least Wednesday.
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Department of Transportation facing $200 million shortfall in 2027-29 budget cycle A “closed” sign sits at a counter at the DMV office in Albany. Since Jan. 1, 2026, there have been 34 full day office closures across Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle division offices because of staffing shortages. ~ Photo by Mia Maldonado/Oregon Capital Chronicle August 2, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Mia Maldonado
Inflation and declining gas tax revenues are the primary causes of the predicted $200 million budget gap in Oregon’s Department of Transportation budget, according to this article in the Oregon Capitol Chronicle.

Without new revenue, the agency will need to eliminate almost 550 positions, according to agency deputy director Travis Brouwer. Cuts will be felt in road maintenance, and in DMV offices around the state, the article reports.
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Fee increases proposed for Siuslaw National Forest August 2, 2026 Press Release | Siuslaw National Forest
The Siuslaw National Forest has proposed fee increases to nearly two dozen recreation sites in the national forest area. Click to see the full list of sites, and the proposed fee changes.

The public is invited to comment, and the Forest Service has extended the comment period through September 18. See the press release for how to submit your comments by mail, email or online.
Read More
Oregon 39th out of 50 in New State Ranking The Blue Basin in John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, in 2024. ~ Photo by Will Yurman July 29, 2026 WotT | Will Yurman Read More
Pro-Data Center Ads in Oregon Funded by Industry Screenshots of similar videos from Connected Ohio, Oregon Connects, Pennsylvania Connects and North Carolina Connects. The groups were founded by leaders at the Data Center Coalition, a nonprofit data center advocacy group backed by large tech companies. (Collage by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle) July 28, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Alex Baumhardt
Recent ads promoting data centers in Oregon were paid for by Oregon Connects, a non-profit funded by an industry group that includes Microsoft, Google and Meta, the Oregon Capitol Chronicle reported in this story.

Nearly identical ad campaigns are being run in more than half a dozen states around the country.

Tax incentives in Oregon will save data centers $85 million in property taxes this year.
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In Oregon, Safeway and Fred Meyer among companies with highest number of employees on Medicaid July 28, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Alex Baumhardt
Safeway and Fred Meyer were among the most-listed employers on Oregonians’ applications for Medicaid in 2025, according to a report by the Oregon Capitol Chronicle.

More than 5,000 people receiving Medicaid listed Safeway/Albertsons as their employer and just over 4,000 listed Fred Myer/Kroger.

This comes as cuts to the federal program in 2025 could cost Oregon more than $9 billion in Medicaid funding over the next ten years, according to The Oregon Health Authority, the Chronicle reported.

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Proposal to Ban Hunting Won’t be on November’s Ballot Members of the Yakama Nation harvest Pacific lamprey at Wilumpt, or Willamette Falls, near Oregon City on June 24, 2026. The lamprey are an ancient and culturally significant species for many Northwest tribes. Fishing would have been banned under an initiative that failed to gather sufficient signatures to make the November ballot. ~ Photo by Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle July 25, 2026 Oregon Capitol Chronicle | Julia Shumway
Initiative Petition 28, an effort to dramatically expand the state’s animal cruelty laws, won’t be on the ballot in November. The Oregon Secretary of State’s Office announced the petition did not have enough valid signatures to qualify.

The Oregon Capitol Chronicle reported that, “none of the other 88 initiatives Oregonians proposed this year submitted enough signatures, so this will be the first general election in decades without a citizen-led initiative on the ballot.”

Read the full story at the Oregon Capitol Chronicle by clicking on this post.

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Heceta Head Lighthouse Shining Again The Heceta Head Lighthouse in a 2023 file photo by Will Yurman July 24, 2026 Lincoln Chronicle | Dana Tims
The lighthouse is back online after five months of repairs, according to this story from the Lincoln Chronicle. A $35,000 project replaced and repaired part of the mechanism that rotates the 10-foot-tall lens.

“Everything is fully restored and it all looks beautiful,” said Hylah Furnish, park manager for the state-managed property that includes the 132-year-old lighthouse. “We’re all really excited.”
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National Carousel Day Celebrated in Albany Volunteer Dale Gray hands out rings for the brass ring game at the Albany Carousel on July 13, 2026. ~ Photo by Kendra Schertell/KLCC July 24, 2026 KLCC | Kendra Schertell
The Albany Historic Carousel and Museum is celebrating National Carousel Day on July 25th with free rides for visitors. Hours and pricing are on its website.

The Albany Carousel includes a greyhound named Neil who is missing a toe. As are most of the wooden animals in the carousel, Neil is modeled after a real pet, a former greyhound racer who lost a toe and had to stop racing.

All of the animals have been crafted by hand by a team of 30 or so active artists. It took four years to carve Neil, appropriately the fastest carving ever for the museum.

Click to read the whole story on the KLCC website.

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West of the Tunnel

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Get Strong

The Elm Park Projects

National Forest restricts some OHV use on the dunes due to court order.

Good Morning Florence

School attendance up statewide with mixed results locally

"Holy Bubbles!" and More

A Summer Night on Bay St.

The 250 for 250 Project

Declining Enrollment a Problem for the Siuslaw Schools

The Charter looks to September

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I Want to Be...

The Disappearing Dunes

The Dry Time of Year

Unlivable