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Hoyle tours Port of Newport International Terminal

U.S. Congresswoman Val Hoyle (D-Ore., 4th District) paid a visit to Newport on Thursday, April 4, making a stop at the Port of Newport International Terminal, which recently received federal funding to make major improvements to infrastructure.

Last summer, Hoyle introduced a resolution in the House (H.R. 4618), called the “Supporting Commercial Fishing in Port Infrastructure Projects Act,” which was ultimately passed by both the House and Senate and signed into law by President Joe Biden. H.R. 4618 ensures ports can apply for infrastructure grants that support commercial fishing, bolster jobs, and drive the economies of our coastal communities.

Hoyle commented on the effect of this new law while touring the International Terminal last Thursday.

“There are port development infrastructure funds that previously could not be used to improve ports for commercial fishing,” Hoyle said. “That doesn’t make

Coastal color in the evening sky

C. RUARK L incoln County Leader Gov. Tina Kotek has signed into law the sweeping measure, HB 4002, the Oregon Legislature passed to combat the state’s fentanyl drug addiction and overdose crisis. Among other elements, the law puts in place a new misdemeanor penalty for possession of small amounts of hard drugs, with opportunities for defendants to avoid jail if they enroll in programs

that aid in their recovery and potential treatment. The new misdemeanor penalty starts in September, with jail

Lincoln County Health and Human Services recently wrapped up its first season of operating an overnight homeless shelter in Newport. A report on the last six months of operations was presented April 1 to members of the Newport City Council. The shelter opened Oct. 1 of last year and ran through March 31, which is the operational

Black bear put down to protect human safety

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has issued an advisory urging people not to feed wildlife, such as deer, because that seemingly kind effort can heighten dangerous encounters with black bears. A black bear that officials said was intentionally fed by people in Cottage Grove, a small rural community near Eugene, has been put down by the Oregon State Police after it lost its wariness and began approaching people.

ODFW agents attempted to capture the bear over the last three weeks.

“During the first week of April, the bear cornered a woman as she attempted to enter her house and subsequently went to sleep on a neighbor’s front porch,” ODFW District Wildlife Biologist Chris Yee said. “These are not normal behaviors for a wild black bear, and wildlife biologists considered the bear to be habituated to the extent that it would become aggressive towards people.” At the request of ODFW, the bear was

Napa

The Yaquina Head Lighthouse in north Newport is silhouetted by the setting sun. Sunshine and fair weather is becoming more and more common along the coast as spring moves on toward summer. (Photo by Steve Card)

STEVE CARD L incoln County Leader

STEVE CARD L incoln County Leader

Oregon’s new law puts in place a new misdemeanor penalty for possession of small amounts of hard drugs. (Photo by Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images)

The Port of Newport will be doing some major work to repair pilings at its International Terminal thanks to federal funding secured with the help of U.S. Congresswoman Val Hoyle (D-Ore., 4th District), who visited the port last week. (Photos by Steve Card)

Two running for open district attorney seat

Lincoln County District

Attorney Lanee Danforth has chosen not to seek re-election on the upcoming May ballot, and there are two candidates — Kathryn Benfield and Jenna Wallace — who are looking to take over her position.

When asked about her decision not to seek another term, Danforth said, “At this time, I don’t wish to comment on why I chose not to run for reelection. I am extremely proud of the accomplishments I have made during my term. We have an amazing office full of prosecutors dedicated to ensuring our community is safe.”

KATHRYN BENFIELD

Benfield has been a criminal defense attorney in Lincoln County for more than 30 years. “I have watched multiple administrations at our district attorney’s office come and go, each bringing their own unique practices, yet all offering their own independent shortcomings in how they have approached prosecution,” Benfield said. “Prosecutors can and should do better.” Benfield said she chose to run for DA “to bring about the changes that are necessary to make our community safer, while addressing not only the

needs and services of and for the victims of crimes, but also the needs and rehabilitative services necessary to effectuate a course of change for those charged with criminal conduct.”

Benfield said her experience as a defense attorney has given her a unique perspective. “I have had to address unfair and nonsensical charges,” she said. “I have had to raise and address issues in cases that should not have existed in the first place. Defense attorneys are the gatekeepers in the justice system, doing both their job and the job of the prosecution. Wrongful seizures and searches, having to seek exculpatory evidence that should be automatically provided, addressing charges that should not have been brought in the first instance, those issues and more fall at our feet.”

The criminal justice system is in need of significant reform, Benfield said, “and that starts in the office of the district attorney.”

Under previous administrations, the DA’s office “has had a lack of accountability, communication, transparency, and consistency in the charging of crimes,” said Benfield. “The office has become weaponized. There have been several lawsuits filed by and against the current Lincoln County District Attorney — litigation, some of which is still ongoing, that is not in the best interests of this community. The citizens of Lincoln County deserve better.”

JENNA WALLACE

Wallace has spent her career in law as a prosecutor, and she currently serves as the chief deputy

for the Lincoln County District Attorney’s office.

“As a career prosecutor, I believe in the criminal justice system, and as the elected district attorney, I will do everything within my authority to seek justice for all citizens of Lincoln County,” Wallace said. “As the current chief deputy district attorney, I have had the privilege of contributing to the safety of our community by successfully prosecuting this county’s most serious crimes, including child

abuse, assault, domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide,” she added.

Wallace said her experience as a prosecutor “has taught me repeatedly that justice is not black and white; it is not one size fits all. Justice requires a thoughtful review and a decisive approach to each and every set of facts.”

Justice may come in the form of a dismissal, a diversion, participation in a treatment court, probation or a prison sentence she added. “Throughout my career, I have sought to utilize my experience, judgment, and integrity to seek fair and equitable resolutions in each and every case. I understand that the purpose of the district attorney’s office is to seek the truth, not just a conviction, and this will remain my guiding principle as your elected district attorney.”

Alleged theft ring busted at Lincoln City

One adult and one juvenile face criminal charges following a theft investigation at the Lincoln City Outlets that resulted in the recovery of more than $4,000 in stolen items.

The Lincoln City Police Department received a call March 31 from employees of

the Sunglass Hut at the Lincoln City Outlets regarding a theft. The employees reported that two females and a male had stolen several sets of sunglasses then fled the store. Multiple LCPD officers responded and began investigating.

INSIDE LOOK

“The employees were able to direct officers to the vehicle involved, a white pickup truck, as well as providing video of the suspects,” LCPD Sergeant Torin Liden said. “Inside the truck officers could see multiple un-bagged items of merchandise from various stores at the Lincoln City Outlets.”

Officers located the involved male,

34-year-old Guillermo Lopez-Villalobos of Salem, and an associated female juvenile sitting nearby. LCPD officers and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies, who had arrived to assist, canvassed the area but were unable to locate the other female involved. LCPD officers were able to locate a stash of stolen clothing items on the property that appeared to be associated with this theft.

Guillermo LopezVillalobos was arrested and transported to the Lincoln County Jail on charges of organized retail theft, theft in the first degree, and criminal

conspiracy. The associated female juvenile was taken into custody and later released to an adult relative. The juvenile female will be referred to the Lincoln County Juvenile Department for her participation in the crime. The adult female involved in this case had been not located and had not been identified as of April 4

LCPD officers obtained a seizure warrant for the pickup truck, and it was towed to the Lincoln City Police Department.

In the following days, LCPD officers obtained a search warrant for the pickup truck and searched it, recovering stolen merchandise from several different stores in the mall.

The estimated value of the recovered stolen merchandise is over $4 000

ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT OPERATIONS

In early March, The Lincoln County Leader first reported the arrest

of two people following what LCPD investigators called an organized retail theft operation at the Outlets. That investigation was triggered after reports by employees and others of the alleged crimes. Liden said the community partnership helps law enforcement find and stop such crimes. “We at the Lincoln City Police Department depend on the eyes and ears of the public to report suspicious activity,” Liden said. “Property crimes affect the law-abiding public through increased costs for consumers. We rely on our partnership with our citizens to deter crime in our community, and appreciate their trust and support.”

Liden added that the most recent theft investigation at the Outlets is ongoing, and anyone with information regarding this crime, or the female involved, is encouraged to contact Officer Zach Rigg at 541-994-3636

JEREMY C. RUARK L incoln County Leader

STEVE CARD L incoln County Leader

Sudoku answers

Historical society director retiring after 35 years

Susan MG Tissot

After a 35-year career leading five museums spanning four states, Susan MG Tissot is retiring, effective April 30 “It’s time for me to take time,” she said. Her decision not to seek a renewed contract as executive director of the Pacific Maritime History Center and Lincoln County Historical Society was a difficult one. The toughness of the choice is clearly reflected in her somewhat apologetic reticence to talk about it.

Describing herself as “one scrappy museum professional,” Tissot admits she’s likely to have trouble “practicing the art of letting go.” During her career, Tissot is credited with the creation of a new museum and reenergizing and revitalizing three others. At LCHS, she has put the organization “back on the radar” in the state. She oversaw the completion of the PMHC’s Mezzanine Gallery and raised funds for the multipurpose meeting room across the hall from the Doerfler Family Theater. She brought back the popular Crab Krack Fundraising Dinner Auction. Under her guidance, the museum hosted nine exhibit changes. With local literary icon Carla Perry, Tissot recently headed a successful writers’ gathering open to all, the “Get Lit at The Maritime” event. Just in time for spring break, she oversaw the reopening of the 1895 Burrows House museum.

and wrenching series of stark black and white with red paintings of 40 missing and murdered Indigenous people. Their devastating stories, now shown in paintings, began critical conversations that continue across the country. “Seaweed,” in contrast, is uplifting with a touch of whimsy. It demonstrates the fascinating and multiple inspirations provided by that marine flora in the seas around us. The algae and kelp appear in forms and uses as varied as the edible and as nurturing as those on silk scarves offered in the gift shop during the exhibit.

Tissot is most proud of her coordination of the recent exhibits, “Portraits in Red: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Painting Project,” as well as “The Curious World of Seaweed,” an exhibition from San Francisco artist Josie Iselin. While dramatically different, each exhibit engages its viewers with new perspectives. “Portraits” is an emotional

As she leaves, Tissot’s career has come almost full circle. She and her husband Brian — a surfer, marine biologist, teacher and science fiction writer — met as graduate students at OSU’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in 1987. After receiving their degrees, they moved to Hilo, Hawaii. There, Susan led the development and creation of the Pacific Tsunami Museum just in time for the 50th anniversary of the 1946 April Fools Day tsunami.

Concern that their two young children have more contact with extended family, the Tissots returned to the mainland in July 1998. Susan first commuted to Kelso as exhibit coordinator for the Cowlitz County Museum. She then led the Clark County Historical Museum in its 1909 Carnegie Library building in Vancouver and served as adjunct faculty in the History Department at WSU, Vancouver. After nearly 16 years in Clark County, the couple moved “behind the Redwood curtain,” as Susan put it, to Trinidad, California. Brian became director of Humboldt State University’s marine laboratory in Trinidad. Susan followed, becoming executive director of the Humboldt Botanical Garden Foundation in Eureka. In late 2016 Susan took over as executive director of the Coos History Museum in Coos Bay.

After a break for family medical issues — prolonged by the COVID 19 lockdowns — the couple eventually moved up the coast to Lincoln County when the Lincoln County

Historical Society hired Susan to lead their organization. She now departs with its programs strong and its finances intact.

Healthy both physically, the organization is ready for a new director to take the helm.

Tissot declares a bit wistfully, “I will miss the work, the engagement with the community and of course that beautiful bay view from the PMHC,”

In her next chapter, she plans to complete a monograph about her family history and explore the stories of her maternal Ukrainian grandparents. She will hike and kayak — and, doubtless, bake more of her memorable pies — but after “taking time,” she promises to stay in the community and remain involved. The LCHS Board is currently negotiating with a possible successor.

The public is invited to Tissot’s retirement party, which will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on April 30 at the Pacific Maritime History Center, 333 SE Bay Blvd., Newport.

Story submitted by Susan Elizabeth Painter

Finalists selected for Newport city manager

The city of Newport has designated four finalists for the position of city manager: David Benson, Robert Field, Gary Marks, and Nina Vetter. The current city manager, Spencer Nebel, will be retiring this summer.

Community members are invited to attend a roundtable group conversation with the finalists from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, at Newport Performing Arts Center, 777 W Olive St.

DAVID BENSON

ROBERT FIELD

finalist for the city manager position,: he said. “I look forward to participating in the interview process and especially the opportunity to meet with community members, members of the staff team, and elected leaders.”

NINA VETTER

David Benson is the current senior managing consultant for PFM Management and Budget Consulting. He previously served as assistant chief recovery officer for the city of Houston, Texas; assistant city manager and chief of staff to the city manager in League City, Texas; chief growth officer for the KIPP Houston charter school network; and chief of staff for the mayor and director of economic development corporation in Pasadena, Texas. Benson holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Houston and a bachelor’s degree in American studies from Yale University.

“I’m honored to be a finalist for Newport’s city manager opening,” said Benson. “As a native Oregonian who grew up spending time along the coast, and as someone who’s devoted a career to helping local governments work better, it’s hard to imagine a more appealing opportunity than this. I’m looking forward to meeting the city’s elected leaders and staff, along with the constituents and stakeholders they serve, to learn more about how the community works together toward a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable Newport.”

Robert Field most recently served as the city manager for San Bernardino, California. He previously served as assistant county executive officer, assistant director, deputy director, principal development specialist, and senior development specialist for the Riverside County Economic Development Agency and director of facilities management for the county of Riverside.

Field holds a master of leadership and organizational studies degree from California Baptist University and a bachelor’s degree in history from University of California, Riverside.

“My family and I are excited that I have been selected as a finalist for the position of city manager for the city of Newport and relocating to the Oregon coast, assuming I am selected,” Field said. “It would be great to have the opportunity to work with the mayor and city council on behalf of the people of Newport to make the city an even better place to reside, visit, and work.”

GARY MARKS

Gary Marks is the current public works director for Dallas, Oregon. He previously served as city manager in Lebanon; city administrator in Ketchum, Idaho; city manager of Whitefish, Montana; city administrator for North Bend; and city manager for Heppner. He also served as a city councilor in Tualatin.

Marks holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources management from George Fox University.

“Newport is a wonderful community as well as a beautiful place, and I feel very honored to be a

selected as a finalist for the city manager position,” Vetter said. “I look

forward to meeting with the public, staff, council, and community leaders.”

Nina Vetter recently served as the city manager in Gresham. She previously served as city administrative officer for the Pueblo West Metropolitan District in Colorado; strategy, performance and contract compliance manager and senior budget management analyst for Colorado Springs, Colorado; and financial and administrative services associate for the USAIDState Department for the Country of Georgia.

Vetter holds a master of public administration degree from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from George Washington University.

“Newport is a beautiful community, and I am excited to have been

This is a brief look back at what made the news in Lincoln County during this week in history.

25 YEARS AGO (1999)

COUNTY COULD ADD BEDS TO DETENTION

Lincoln County has been chosen to receive up to $500 000 to help expand its juvenile detention center.

The expansion would help house an expected increase in the number of incarcerated juveniles. But if built, the expansion would cost the county almost $300,000 annually to operate.

REGIONAL WATER FACILITY DISCUSSED

The idea of a regional water supply for Lincoln County was discussed last week by representatives from most of the cities in the county, as well as its larger water districts.

At the invitation of the city of Newport, representatives gathered Friday afternoon at the Lincoln County Courthouse to hear more about a regional water impoundment facility proposed for construction at Rocky Creek, located just north of Cape Foulweather.

NLH BOARD CHOOSES EIGHT POSSIBLE AFFILIATES

The North Lincoln Health District voted to invite proposals from eight health care entities with a goal of possible affiliation at a community forum held on March 31 at Taft High School.

More than 50 members of the community met with the NLHD board and Affiliation Task Force Committee to ask questions about how a possible merger with another health care group might affect their lives.

BAYSHORE COUPLE JAILED FOR ALLEGED METH LAB

Two Bayshore residents were arrested Tuesday on drug manufacturing charges after 38 marijuana plants and chemicals suspected of being part of a methamphetamine lab were found in their rental home, according to Oregon State Police.

Officers also found two assault rifles and a homemade bomb, OSP reported.

Federal, state and local authorities assisted in the operation.

50 YEARS AGO (1974)

DISTRICT MULLS PROBLEM OF KEEPING STAFF

Eleven school district teaching resignations were accepted this week, and two school administrators said they are concerned with the continuing loss of good second and third-year faculty members

Dr. Dick Smith said he plans a district-wide study to see why “so many young good teachers leave the Lincoln County School District after two or three years.”

THREE RESCUED AS TUG SINKS OFF NEWPORT

Three California men were rescued from the ocean about three miles off Newport April 9 after a 73-foot tugboat sank shortly after the crew radioed for help

The men, rescued by Coast Guardsmen from Station Yaquina Bay under the leadership of Chief Thomas McAdams, were in good condition at the hospital Wednesday morning.

TEN-MAN TEAM PURSUING LEADS IN BEATING DEATH

A 10-member crime team from three police agencies this week is investigating the death of an apparent homicide victim, whose viciously beaten body was discovered Friday morning in the Oceanlake area of Lincoln City.

The body of a man was found by an employee of North Lincoln Sanitary Service. Lincoln County District Attorney Charles Littlehales said that he died sometime after 11 p.m. Thursday.

JUVENILE PROBLEM NOT SETTLED AFTER ‘RIOT’

The real question facing Newport officials and parents isn’t so much what happened last Friday night as will it be worse this Friday, or perhaps six months from now, a review of the problem reveals.

The confrontation between police and young teenagers April 5 and 6 in downtown Newport resulted in the arrest of two 19-year-old youth and six juveniles.

No serious injuries were reported, however, one city patrol car and one off-duty policeman’s car received damage.

75 YEARS AGO (1949)

MANY SHIPS DUE NEXT TWO MONTHS

A heavy schedule of ships due to load lumber in Yaquina Bay within the next two months, and announcement of a new line sending a vessel here about June 1 for the first time, was reported today.

Among these are four ships scheduled to pick up loads of between 700 000 and 2 5 million feet of C. D. Johnson Lumber Corporation timber, due this month and next.

BOMB FUSES FOUND ON BEACH

Local Coast Guard officials issued a warning today regarding bomb fuses that have washed up on Oregon beaches in recent weeks.

Sealed in black gallon cans, they should not be molested, but reported at once to Coast Guard headquarters, the officials said. The fuses contain a high explosive.

A Navy helicopter from Seattle spent a night here early last week in a coast-wide search for the fuses and mines, and it was here again Saturday.

TWO MILLION DOLLAR SCHOOL VOTE

Lincoln County citizens will go to the polls tomorrow to decide whether the school district shall spend

$2 110 000 to build seven new school buildings and renovate eight others.

The building program is designed to bring county schools to the state standard.

CARD PARTY TO BENEFIT TOLEDO PLAYGROUND FUND

The second in a series of card parties to benefit the Toledo Playground will be held today at 8 p.m. at Stanton School.

Both pinochle and bridge will be played. Those attending are asked to bring a small item of canned food.

100 YEARS AGO (1924)

COW

TESTING ON LOWER SILETZ IS MAKING HEADWAY

The fourth monthly report of James Muno, tester for the Lower Siletz Cow Testing Association, shows that the cows of that district are responding to the balmy air and the fresh watery grass.

The production record is materially higher than it has been in the past due largely to fresh cows, but also to the things mentioned above.

COUNCIL LIFTS BAN ON BILLIARD ROOMS IN TOLEDO

An ordinance relative to controlling the number billiard rooms in Toledo has been lifted by the city council.

The former ordinance provided that only three billiard rooms should be allowed until the city reached the population of 3000. It was argued that this ordinance only served as protect the pool rooms that are now operating and guaranteed them a livelihood, while other businesses were not allowed.

BOY INJURED WHEN GUN EXPLODES

Lester Gentry was seriously injured last Thursday while hunting with another boy, whose name was not learned.

The boys were hunting on Beaver Creek. The trigger of the rifle being carried by Gentry‘s companion got caught in the brush, the gun exploding and the bullet crashing through Gentry’s lower leg, shattering the bone and tearing an ugly wound. At last report, the boy was resting easily in the hospital, and everything seemed favorable that the leg would be saved.

LINCOLN COUNTY LEADER STAFF

OPINION

Gaza: the death of an American airman

BY GILBERT SCHRAMM

On Feb. 26, Senior Airman Aaron Bushnell, 25, a cyber defense operations specialist with the 531st Intelligence Support Squadron, reportedly died from injuries sustained in a brutal and unusual way. Most Americans mourn the death of any service member. I hope he is mourned as well. He made a tragic sacrifice for a higher ideal. Bushnell set himself on fire in front of the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. to protest the continuing atrocious assault of Israeli forces on Gaza. As an experienced airman and defense expert, he probably had a pretty clear insight into what the current Israeli bombing would do on the ground. Reuters reports him as saying in a final statement, “I will no longer be complicit in genocide.”

In 1963, Buddhist monks in Vietnam chose to sacrifice themselves in the same way. Their selfimmolations helped focus the world on the tragedy then occurring in Vietnam. Their acts helped change the trajectory of that conflict. I sincerely hope that the death of Aaron Bushnell will do the same for the ongoing carnage in Gaza.

True to usual form, Israel keeps trying to direct everyone’s attention to the singular events of Oct. 7. The actions of Hamas (and various other groups on that day) were truly appalling, Almost everyone has acknowledged that time and again.

What is of much greater concern at this point is the nature and scale of Israel’s response. Israel desperately wants to make everyone look away from that reality and dismiss it. The truth is, of the 1,139 people allegedly killed by Hamas, reporting suggests that about 20 percent were killed by “friendly” (Israeli) fire. That number seems to hold true of Israeli operations in Gaza itself. Given that Israel has mandatory national service for both men and women, a lot of the Israeli victims were not truly “civilians” either. That holds true for the hostages as well.

On the other side, almost 33,000 Palestinians have been killed (about 300 a day for six months) mostly (by a large margin) civilians. Over 17,000 were children. About 80,000 have been seriously wounded. There is no longer a single functional hospital in

Gaza. Doctors are limited to performing first aid. Months ago, reports suggested that thousands of amputations had already been performed. There were also reports that doctors had been reduced to performing operations without anesthetic and were using vinegar as a substitute for antiseptic. This is barbaric.

CNN recently reports that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told visiting American lawmakers that the defeat of Hamas was just weeks away. What bizarre fantasyland is he living in? He made that same claim months ago: “There is light at the end of the tunnel,” and we are “about to turn a corner.” He claimed that Israeli forces had killed the number three and four in Hamas and would soon get one and two. So what? They will just promote the next guy (who might be worse than today’s guy).

Even U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Netanyahu that their strategy was going nowhere. I believe airman Aaron Bushnell had the courage to act to expose the brutal truth. The best in him moved him to his extraordinary act. It is tragic when the best in us moves us to such acts of desperation.

Many Americans seem to truly believe that Israel is a great ally of the U.S. That is no longer true. Israel’s current policy does irreparable harm to the U.S. It doesn’t help Israel either.

It is now high time for the U.S. to part ways with Israel. America’s founding fathers warned us about “entangling foreign alliances.” America’s relationship with Israel has become a cultish kind of idol: a golden calf we must all bow down to. That is not healthy. That is what an “entangling alliance” is.

During World War II, Russia and China were staunch U.S. allies. A few years later, they were mortal enemies. When national interests no longer match up, it is time for a change. I sincerely hope that the sacrifice of our Airman Bushnell helps bring this truth home. The U.S. should cut off all military and diplomatic aid to Israel. I hope local readers will call their representatives and urge them to do that. Then Mr. Bushnell’s sacrifice will not have been in vain.

Gilbert Schramm is a resident of Newport.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

REPLACE HALL TO END COUNTY CHAOS

The endorsement by a former county commissioner of seemingly entrenched incumbent commissioner Claire Hall tries to paint a pretty picture of our growing misfortunes in Lincoln County. (Letters, Lincoln County Leader, March 27).

With the cynical bluster of career politicians who seem to emerge only at election time, we’re told that Claire alone is qualified to handle the “myriad complex issues” that would stultify ordinary people like us. Lost in the high praise for Hall, however, are the county’s deplorable failures on important fronts such as decent housing, rural sprawl, the decline of tourism, environmental threats and other selfinflicted wounds.

Overlooked in Hall’s so called “record of accomplishments” is the blame

she earns for mishandling key assets such as the tourism industry, left vilified and struggling in the wake of the county’s bungled oversight. In January alone, Lincoln County lost 60 more permanent jobs in the hospitality sector — the foreseeable result of leaderless dawdling by three highly paid commissioners.

Rural and urban residents who both shoulder the costs of county government but are seeing fewer benefits for their tax dollars can do better. As one of four challengers to Hall in the May 21 primary election, I encourage voters to replace Hall and bring an end to the chaos in county government.

Rick Beasley Depoe Bay

THE FRIENDLIEST?

This is written in response to David Powell’s come-on-Newport letter

of April 3, urging Newport residents to support the gas tax measure.

Mr. Powell made some good points about the condition of Newport’s roads, as well as some excellent points about the responsibility of the Newport citizenry to take ownership of the situation. In a nutshell, I too think it’s the responsibility of the Newport citizens to take some measure of ownership. It’s only fair: those with a problem are responsible for its solution.

However, a ballot measure designed to capture tourist dollars is a form of taxation without representation. It’s just another way to become less friendly to the tourists. First, tourists need to pay for parking. Now, they and countless others who travel to or through Newport for shopping or workrelated reasons will pay for Newport’s roads. It seems unfair — like

shooting fish in a barrel. It also seems as though Newport is headed down a road that will not be greeted by a “Friendliest” sign.

Cris Torp South Beach

THANKS YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

I want to thank everyone who donated to our 20th annual St Paddy’s Dinner and Silent Auction. We raised $3,900 for our ongoing utilities and maintenance costs.

Chinook Winds Casino, Cedar Creek Quarries, Noel’s Market, Lincoln Plumbing, Better Bark & More, Roby’s Furniture, Georgie’s @The Hallmark Resort and many more businesses in Siletz, Toledo and Newport areas — we could not have done this without your generosity.

Michelle Schaffer President Siletz Valley Grange

LAW ENFORCEMENT TIP OF THE WEEK

Spring scam reminder

April showers bring May flowers, but scams are always in season. Ever year, Oregonians fall victim to scams from criminals disguising themselves as legitimate organizations or businesses. They are quite savvy in getting you to provide your personal information and create a sense of urgency to get you to act quickly.

One popular scam we see in Lincoln County is via phone call. Scammers pretend to be from our agency or another organization calling regarding jury duty, an outstanding warrant, etc. Then they pressure you to pay a fine or bail money, often in Bitcoin, gift cards, or other non-traditional payment forms.

You should know our office will not ask for payment over the phone. Before you share any information with the caller, collect their name, agency, and reason for calling. Then hang up and look up the organization’s real contact information to confirm with them the call is legitimate. Save our contact information below so that you can quickly verify it is someone from our office calling.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM SCAMS

• When you receive unexpected contacts from people or businesses over the phone, by mail, email, in person, or on social media, always consider the possibility that the interaction may be a scam.

• Remember to call or log on to the organization’s real website to verify the information you’ve been given is accurate.

• Verify the caller is from a legitimate organization before sharing any information. If you have trouble verifying an organization’s phone number or website, consider stopping by their office to speak with someone in person.

Protect your passwords and personal information.

• Always use password protection.

• Don’t share access with others.

• Update security software and back up content regularly.

•Protect your Wi-Fi network with a password.

Use caution, especially with those you are not familiar with.

• Avoid using public computers or Wi-Fi hotspots to access online banking or provide personal information.

Ignore unfamiliar attachments or links.

• Don’t click on links, open attachments, attempt to unsubscribe, or call any telephone number listed in suspicious messages.

• Do not give any money, credit card info, or other personal details.

• When in doubt, look up the organization’s website or phone number and contact them directly.

Save contact information from official organization’s ahead of time.

• Anytime you open a bank account, work with a company, etc., save that organization’s phone number, website, and address so that you can reach out to them if you receive something suspicious or have questions about someone from their agency contacting you.

Know what an organization will and won’t ask for over the phone or through email.

• The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will not ask you for payment over the phone.

• Most government agencies will not ask for sensitive information such as social security numbers, passwords, etc. over the phone.

Help friends and family learn how to spot a scam.

• Protect others by helping them learn and follow scam prevention tips.

• Encourage loved ones of all ages to tell you about or otherwise report suspicious calls, texts, emails, and social media messages. Remind them to verify the person or organization sending the message before they reply back, provide information, or click

Food pantry sees surge of demand

JEREMY C. RUARK L incoln County Leader

Lincoln City Food Pantry Manger Tilly Miller said the harsh winter storms sent more single adults and families to the facility. “We usually average about 1 000 per month, but in January, we saw about 1,400 and about 1 300 in February,” she said. “We’re seeing more people who have never used the food pantry before because they are just having a hard time.” Miller said a reduction in food stamp allotments after the COVID pandemic also added to the increased demand for food.

“Also, some people moving here are finding that their money doesn’t go as far as they thought it would,” she said, urging anyone moving to Lincoln City to be prepared. “There could be hidden costs, or unexpected costs, like medical issues that people should be prepared for,” she said.

GROCERY STORE CONNECTION

Local grocery stores continue to help fill the pantry shelves as often as they can with canned and boxed goods.

“The grocery stores also donate food they have to pull from their shelves, like deli items, produce, and dairy products, but it is food that is eatable and meets safety guidelines from the Oregon Food Bank,” Miller said. “We try to transport that food

The Lincoln City Food Pantry is located at 1505 NE Sixth Drive in Lincoln City. (Photo by Jeremy C. Ruark)

quickly from the stores to the pantry’s big freezers and refrigerators so that that food is maintained at a safe level.”

Before the pandemic, the food pantry was organized to provide a family friendly shopping experience. When the pandemic occurred, that system changed due to social distancing guidelines.

“We are still bagging the food up and bringing it outside to our visitors since the pandemic,” Miller said. “They are not able to shop inside yet. One good thing is, it is faster for everybody. It would be really hard for us to take care of the amount of people coming inside during the four hours we are open Tuesday and Thursday.”

A decision to change that system is possible, Miller added.

“That would change the dynamics of how we do a lot of things,” she said. “Right now, we prepare the food ahead of time and bag it up, and we would not do that if people were shopping.”

Overall, Miller said the food pantry is making a difference in the community.

“There are challenges,

MEETINGS

but I kind of roll with it,” she said. “People are just trying to get enough groceries each day. I am happy to be a part of a place people can rely on and were they have less anxiety. I enjoy meeting new people.”

HOW TO HELP

While donations of nonperishable foods, glutenfree and low-sugar items are encouraged, Miller said financial donations are also appreciated.

“Whatever gives them the most pleasure,” she said. “Check donations gives us the most flexibility.”

Checks can be mailed to: Lincoln City Food Pantry, PO Box 1260 Lincoln City, Oregon 97367

The Lincoln City Food Pantry is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday and from 10 a.m. to noon the third Saturday of the month. The pantry has about 20 volunteers, with one paid staffer, and operates on approximately $6 000 monthly.

The pantry is located at 1505 NE Sixth Drive in Lincoln City and may be reached by calling 541-994-3699

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

Lincoln County Board of Commissioners: 10 a.m., commission meeting room, county courthouse, Newport. For info, go to www.co.lincoln. or.us. Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Board: 2:30 p.m., community center, 2150 NE Oar Place. Oregon Coast Community College Board of Education: 6 p.m., Central County Campus, 400 SE College Way, Newport. Depoe Bay Planning Commission: 6 p.m., city hall. Toledo City Council: 6 p.m., council chambers, city hall.

New county parks reservation system announced

To address issues with overcrowding, guest and staff safety, and access to county recreation facilities, Lincoln County Parks will require overnight camping reservations during the 2024 season “We want to take this opportunity to address recent adjustments to the rules and regulations at Moonshine Park and clarify the reasons behind these changes,” Parks Supervisor Kelly Perry said. “We understand that change can sometimes be challenging, especially when it impacts familiar routines and cherished activities.” The changes are necessary to address capacity

BEAR

From Page A1

killed by Oregon State Police. “This is not the outcome anyone wanted,” Yee said. “The actions we had to take were a direct result of people intentionally feeding this bear.”

The two-year-old male bear was first seen in the city on March 5 and was spotted repeatedly near people or dwellings over the last several weeks.

THE WARNING

ODFW and Cottage Grove Police Department provided information to residents and warned people not to feed the bear. “Bears that are fed by people lose their wariness and can become aggressive and pose a threat to human safety,” Yee said. “In this case, the bear was being intentionally fed, had become foodconditioned, showed no fear of people when approached, and eventually began approaching people, presumably for food handouts.”

In March, ODFW and Oregon State Police served a local car

issues, safety concerns, and to maintain the integrity of the park’s natural resources while providing access and enjoyment of county park facilities for all visitors. “First, we have introduced a maximum limit of six individuals per campsite at Moonshine, down from the previous allowance of 10 ,” Perry said. “This adjustment is necessary to alleviate strain on our septic system, which is currently over capacity. By limiting the number of people per campsite, we can better manage our resources and ensure that all campsites remain open, operational and safe.”

dealership and employee with a warning to cease feeding the black bear. Under Oregon law, (ORS 496 730 and 496 731), it is illegal to either directly or indirectly feed bears and can result in a criminal citation, a Class A misdemeanor, by Oregon State Police.

STRONG TENDENCY TO RETURN

Relocation is not an option for bears that are habituated to food provided by people, according to the ODFW. Bears have a very strong tendency to return to the place they were captured — some traveling up to 50 miles or more to return. Bears that have become habituated to “human food” tend to repeat the same bad behaviors in their new location. Relocating bears results in exporting the problem to another community if the bear does not return to the site of capture. Most habituated bears that are captured have to be humanely killed to protect human safety.

Habituated bears past the age of cub are rarely considered candidates for

Additionally, Lincoln County Parks has implemented restrictions on the number of vehicles permitted per campsite. Each campsite is now limited to one RV/vehicle and one additional vehicle. This measure is in response to safety hazards caused by excessive parking, particularly in fire lanes and main thoroughfares within the park. Vehicles must be parked exclusively within designated paved parking areas to maintain order and ensure the safety of all visitors. People should note that reservations are now required for all campsites. This change aims to prevent the

placement in an accredited facility or zoo. A bear’s age, behavior, and circumstances plus facility availability and space are all factors when considering the possibility of placement. The average home range for a male black bear can exceed 50 square miles and placement in a confined facility is often not considered a viable or humane solution.

STAY SAFE

ODFW urges Oregonians to respect wildlife and do their part to ensure that all wildlife, including black bears, and people coexist. “A bear’s strongest sense is smell, and everything from trash cans to grill drippings can bring them to your property,” Yee said. “Bears also have a great memory when it comes to food. Not only will they remember where they have found food before, including trash, but female bears will also pass this knowledge down to their young.

Intentionally or accidentally feeding bears can negatively affect multiple generations of bears.

According to the ODFW, all wildlife have

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disappointment, inconvenience and even open conflict experienced by many visitors under the previous first-come, firstserved system, which often led to overcrowding and frustration due to lack of available space.

Also, to address concerns raised by local residents, Lincoln County Parks carefully managed reservations for specific campground loops. Following a review period, reservations for the B-loop will be open for the upcoming summer season starting May 1 . This decision was made to provide equitable access to all visitors while assuring local residents have access

specialized diets that coincide with seasonal changes. Food provided by people can negatively impact their health, lead to conflict and safety issues with people, and in some cases have fatal consequences for the animals.

“For the sake of Oregon’s wildlife and their health, please do not feed them,” Yee cautioned. “Living responsibly with black bears is possible and it’s up to everyone to do their part to keep people safe and bears wild. Follow these tips:

• Never feed or approach bears. Feeding bears, intentionally or unintentionally, will cause them to associate people with food. It is also against the law in Oregon (ORS 496 730).

• Secure food, garbage and recycling. Please ensure that your trash and dumpsters are secure from bears by using

to a beloved gathering spot. So far, 80 percent of reservations through the new system have been Lincoln County residents.

For day use visitors, Moonshine Park continues to have a total of 27 spaces available. Day use fees are $ 5 per day or $ 35 for an annual pass — this has not changed. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all park users, overflow parking within the park will not be permitted to ensure clear fire lanes and access for emergency vehicles. When day use parking spots are full in summer season, Lincoln County Parks will update the website and outgoing

commercially available garbage cans, metal bars over dumpsters, fully enclosed trash storage, or by storing garbage inside. Take trash out immediately before pick-up, not the night before. Wash garbage cans with bleach to reduce their smell. Food waste is one of the strongest attractants for black bears, and allowing bears access could qualify as illegal feeding if appropriate steps are not taken to prevent the issue.

• Remove bird feeders in bear habitat when bears are active. Birds have plenty of naturally available food sources during all seasons, which is why some species migrate in winter. Bears can be food rewarded from bird seed and suet in feeders, leading to habituation and food conditioning, destroyed birdfeeders, and public safety issues.

• Never leave pet food outdoors. This practice

phone message. “We kindly ask for your cooperation in adhering to these updated rules and regulations. They are essential for the efficient, responsible and safe management of our park facilities. Please be aware that enforcement of these rules will be in effect this summer,” Perry said. “Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we strive to maintain Moonshine Park as a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive environment for all visitors.”

To make reservations, visit the Parks website at https://www.co.lincoln. or.us/ 1149 /CampgroundReservations.

can easily attract bears and other wildlife, putting your pets and wildlife at risk.

• Clean and store grills after each use.

• Alert neighbors and ODFW to unusual bear activity (continued sightings during daylight hours, lack of wariness around people or pets, etc.).

The ODFW encourages readers to share the tips with neighbors, friends and family.

“A community effort is vital to preventing problems with bears and situations like the one in Cottage Grove,” Yee said.

“One person who feeds or attracts bears, intentionally or not, can pose a risk to everyone in the neighborhood.”

Find out more about living responsibly with black bears at https:// myodfw.com/articles/ help-keep-bears-wild.

Daniel Thomas Murphy

1950 - 2024

In loving memory of Daniel Murphy, who passed away surrounded by family on March 23rd, 2024, at the age of 73.

Daniel Murphy was a beloved local mechanic, community member, friend, and father whose generosity knew no bounds.

with a few cents in his pocket and opened a business that would serve the Lincoln City community for 40 years. Nine years later, they would give birth to their second child, Denae. Through that shop, Daniel met several more friends, travelers, and passersthrough.

3. 50% OFF PICK-UP OPTION: If you choose to republish an obituary within one month of its original publication date without making any changes, you’ll receive a 50% discount.

4. ONLINE: All obituaries are placed online at no additional charge. Contact your local newspaper office for submission deadline and how to submit payment information. Obituaries must be prepaid before publication. OBITUARY POLICY

James M. (Jim) Lyberis made his final voyage with family by his side on March 20, 2024. He had a love for family, friends, nature, the sea, and carpentry.

He was born in Lincoln, NE, to Chris & Georgia (Morey) Lyberis. Jim graduated from East High School in 1976. He then did carpentry framing for new home construction in Lincoln before he set his sight on Oregon and decided to move there.

While in Oregon, Jim had career(s) in the lumber industry harvesting trees as a lumber jack; he was a commercial fisherman for many years and loved it’s adventures; owned and operated Lyberis Remodeling; and, was able to retire in Toledo, OR with his family.

Jim loved the outdoors and photography. If you were ever traveling with him in two or more cars, you would see him pointing to

the majestic beauty of nature in the front windshield of his truck, and then he’d get out and take a photo of it.

He had the most incredible laugh; he’d squint his eyes and he’d make everyone smile & laugh too. His laugh, attitude, and zest for life was transferred to all who knew him. Jim will be missed by us all.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Georgia, & grandparents. He is survived by his life partner, Sandy Maassen, their son, Harley, his father, Chris, & his brother Joe.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday April 17th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Yaquina Bay Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Newport Fishermen’s Wives or Kodiak Fishermen’s Memorial.

Born in 1950 in Hamilton, New York, Daniel traveled across the country and up and down the west coast meeting lifelong friends everywhere he went before settling in Lincoln City with his new wife, Karen Murphy. Not long after settling, Karen became pregnant with Devin. Motivated to provide for his new family, Daniel walked into the office of the owner of the shop at 4794 SE Hwy 101

Daniel is survived by his children Devin and Denae, his sister Sandy, and a handful of cousins. His memory will forever be cherished. The family of Daniel asks to keep his legacy alive by doing something kind for a friend or stranger.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 25th 2024 at Wapiti Park in Lincoln City at 2pm.

Carol Ann Friges Clark

7/19/1940 - 12/11/2023

Carol Ann Friges Clark passed away into the presence of Jesus on December 11, 2023 in Spokane, Washington with her daughter and caregiver at her side following a difficult battle with the end stages of Parkinson’s Disease. Born in Akron, Ohio on July 19, 1940 to James and Victoria Friges, Carol grew up in Lorain and attended Lorain High School. Carol married her high school sweetheart, Frank Sukalac in 1959. By 1961 she and Frank had their first child Mark, followed by a move to Phoenix, Arizona and the birth of their daughter Laura. After a divorce, Carol became a single mother, supporting herself as a waitress, working in a bank and much later as a nursing assistant.

Peed on the Toaster”. In the 90’s Carol and Herc travelled together to Poland where they lived for 2 years to connect with Carol’s relatives and teach English. Carol remained in Waldport for several years following Herc’s death in 2010 until, when in declining health in 2019, Carol moved to Spokane, Washington to be near her daughter who would oversee her medical care.

Years later, Carol met and married Frank Rocheleau resulting in a move to southern California and two stepdaughters, Beth and Anne, who remained in her life in the years following the divorce. Eventually, Carol met Harold “Herc” Clark, a former Pittsburgh Steeler and a kind and stabilizing force. After their marriage in 1984 they moved to Vashon Island and years later to Waldport, Oregon on the coast.

While married to Herc, Carol indulged her love of writing by self-publishing two short poetry books, “Pink Ribbons” and “The Cat

Carol is preceded in death by her parents James and Victoria, her beloved aunt Bess and husband Herc. Carol is survived by her son Mark (Candy), daughter Laura (Jerry), brother Donald (Linda), cousin Amy (Keith), nieces, nephews and her lifelong friends, Linda, Sharon, Bill, Nikki and Lottie who remained faithful throughout her life.

We would like to express heartfelt appreciation to the owner of Hearts and Beyond ACH, Caroline, and caregivers Camele and Judine, for giving our mother a happy last year of life filled with kindness, excellent care and fun. Appreciation also goes out to the staff of Hospice of Spokane.

A private family scattering of ashes will occur this summer on the Oregon coast at the water’s edge where Carol once loved to walk.

James “Jim” Lyberis 6/22/1958 - 3/20/2024

plan going forward. In past years, a winter homeless shelter in Newport was opened only under certain weather conditions. Under this new setup, Newport now has safe, supervised overnight housing for the homeless for a full six months, with no temperature or weather condition requirements.

The building being used for the shelter in Newport is located at the corner of Hurbert and Seventh streets. The property was acquired by the Housing Authority of Lincoln County, which entered into an agreement with county health and human services to operate the shelter.

Reporting to the council

on the shelter operations were Jayne Romero, director of county health and human services; Chantelle Estess, the winter shelter coordinator; and Karen Rockwell, executive director of the Housing Authority of Lincoln County. Estess told council members that as of the close of this first season, “we saw 230 unique individuals, we had 180 nights with an average of 26 folks per night, and with Lincoln City as well, we’re looking at about 5 333 stays, which includes the returnees.”

The shelter population consisted of 66 percent from Lincoln County, and 17 percent were veterans,” Estess said. “We noticed that over 43 percent was of the age of 50 and up,” she added. “Two

individuals that came through our door were 83 years old.” Some of these older residents had medical conditions the shelter was not prepared for, “but we were able to adapt.”

Throughout the sixmonth period, “we had zero law enforcement calls, zero fire department calls, zero ambulance calls,” said Estess. “That is to be credited to the staff and to the training that we were allowed to do.

“We also had 29 officer escorts. This means that officers on the street in the middle of the night were able to call me and say, ‘Hey, I have a guest, this is the situation, I’d like to bring them in to the shelter.’ They were able to come at any time during the night and relieve the pressure of

the officer having to walk away from this person on the street and give them safety for the evening.” The shelter was also able to do 19 emergency room transports, “so folks that were just leaving the emergency room didn’t have to go right back to the streets. They came to us and they were able to get a warm meal and get a good night’s sleep,” Estess said.

Romero said they had 29 volunteers who were trained to help at the shelter, and some of these provided more than one night of support a week.

“We also had 26 staff trained with de-escalation, mental health overview, blood-borne pathogens, things of that nature,” she said. “We’re pretty proud of what we have accomplished.”

Funding for the winter homeless shelter came from a variety of sources, including the city of Newport.

“So now I want to ask you for continuation funding. It costs about $820,000 to operate two shelters, which is higher than what we originally expected,” Romero said. “The county is prepared to bring $446,790 to the table to offset the overall $820 000 in expenses, so that leaves a balance of $373 094

“We’re asking you, as well as Lincoln City, to contribute as much as $100,000,” she added. “We know that’s a lot, but I think we delivered a good service. We kept people out of alcoves, we kept people out of jail and so forth, so I really would appreciate if you would

consider funding in that amount.

The city council was also asked for one time funding in the amount of $250 000 for renovating the Newport shelter before the start of the next season. That renovation will increase the bed count and add important safety improvements and keep the environment more efficient to serve the needs of the unhoused community.

City Manager Spencer Nebel told council members, “We appropriated $200 000 in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds and an additional $200 000 for general homeless activities in the current year budget. The recommendation that I have would be to utilize the $200 000 of ARPA funding and $50,000 of the remaining general fund to assist with this project. This would be for the capital funding that would be under construction during the course of this summer, preparing it for this next winter going forward.”

City Councilor Cynthia Jacobi made a motion to provide $250,000 to the housing authority for capital funding for the shelter facility. That motion was approved.

A second motion was made by Jacobi to direct the city finance officer to include $100,000 in the proposed budget for the next fiscal year for consideration by the Newport Budget Committee and possible adoption by the city council. That motion was also approved.

HOYLE

From Page A1

sense because that’s part and parcel what of we do in our ports. I represent two-thirds of the coast in Oregon, and those ports, this really drives our economy, employs our people and we feed the world. So being able to use those funds for these kind of improvements allows us to keep doing that work.”

Hoyle was able to secure a total of $16 6 million in funding for community projects across Oregon’s 4th Congressional District.

The Port of Newport will receive $361 075 for dock repairs at the rollon/roll-off dock at the International Terminal.

These funds will be used

DRUGS

From Page A1

time only required when defendants violate or fail their probation. The misdemeanor penalty unwinds the drug decriminalization of Measure 110, which Oregon voters passed in 2020. Measure 110 put a $100 citation system in place with no criminal penalty for possession of small amounts of hard drugs.

The Lincoln County Leader reached out to the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police Executive Director Kevin Campbell for insight into the challenges law enforcement may face with this revised drug law.

The Leader: What does your organization see as the challenges for police agencies in Oregon, especially small, rural police departments, in implementing the specific law enforcement aspects of this law?

Kevin Campbell: There are a number of challenges for law enforcement agencies as they implement this new law. Here are a few thoughts:

Oregon has one of the lowest officer per thousand population ratios in the United States, and we are facing an ongoing workforce challenge that prevents many of our police agencies from filling critical vacancies. As of 2022, only Washington State had a lower officer per thousand ratio. The new programs envisioned by HB 4002 will require resources to implement that will strain the already limited resources of small departments.

The workforce crisis is also an obstacle to Oregon’s efforts to increase drug treatment capacity. With these realities in mind, partnerships and collaboration are paramount. Oregon has a history of collaboration that has served us well in times of resource scarcity. Fentanyl is a game changer, and the endless flow of the deadly drugs into the state is very difficult to interdict. Federal steps to drastically reduce the flow of dangerous drugs into the United States is absolutely critical and is a component of the crisis that state and local governments cannot address.

Preliminary CDC overdose death statistics for the 12-month period ending September 2023 reveals Oregon with the highest increase in overdose deaths at 41 55 percent. The national average increase was 2 1 percent). (www. cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/vsrr/ drug-overdose-data.htm

Access to drug treatment in Oregon is one of the lowest in the country

for the repair of dock pilings. Because the International Terminal is the only dock capable of receiving freight in the nearby region, these dock repairs will ensure that it can continue bringing benefits to the local economy.

“I feel like my job is to get the federal tax dollars that we spend, that we send to D.C., back here to invest in community priorities,” Hoyle said. “The commercial fishing industry is part of our economic engine, so when the port said this is a priority, to fix this port, and working with senators Wyden and Merkley, we were able to get the money for this. It’s going to make a big difference.”

Aaron Bretz, director of operations for the Port of Newport, said, “This is

which limits options for police officers and behavioral health professionals who are seeking to deflect those struggling with addition into programs.

The Leader: What recommendations and guidance can your organization provide to police agencies to help those agencies overcome the challenges with this new state effort.

Campbell: The Oregon Association Chiefs of Police, along with the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association, Oregon District Attorney’s

huge for us because what the congresswoman has been able to do is get the federal government to recognize that federal fishing dollars count toward the economic driver of the region. So federal dollars are easier to come in here to support port infrastructure that supports fishing operations. It also benefits potential cargo operations that we’ve got coming up.

“But it changes the way that the federal government views the main industry in this region, so that’s huge,” added Bretz. “The ability to get federal dollars that quickly in here is impressive.” Bretz said the port also secured a Port Infrastructure Development Program grant that enabled them to purchase a couple of log stackers and finish out the

Association, League of Oregon Cities, Associated Oregon Counties Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and County Behavioral Health are hosting a May 9 implementation symposium in Salem designed to help agencies benefit from successful models that already exist and efforts underway to create new programs designed to address our addiction crisis.

The Leader: What is your message to our communities about what the

9-acre lot that’s a staging area for cargo or anything else at the terminal. And repairing the dock pilings at the terminal is going to make is possible to continue using that equipment.

impact of this adjustment to the law means?

Campbell: Successfully addressing Oregon’s profound addiction and fentanyl overdose crisis will require time, unprecedented collaboration and an ongoing commitment on the part of leaders of every level of government to invest in building critical drug treatment and stabilization capacity.

The legislature made some significant investments in inpatient drug treatment/stabilization beds during the 2024 Legislative

“This maintains the roll on, roll off capability here at the terminal, and that’s a big thing in cargo,” Bretz said. The dock hasn’t reached the point where it can’t support the equipment, he

Session but they will need to continue to make significant investments in 2025 and beyond.

said, “but we’re trying to keep in front of things. We wanted to make sure that we could continue to operate before we get to the point where we have to start shutting down capabilities.”

Components of the legislation that go into effect immediately are those focused on drug dealers and include important tools for prosecutors and increased penalties for those who are dealing drugs in parks, outside treatment centers and outside temporary residence shelter.

Ben Botkin of the Oregon Capital Chronicle contributed to this report.

Components of the legislation that recriminalize possession of dangerous drugs and that create prearrest deflection programs designed to connect those struggling with addiction to programs and services don’t take effect until September. Their success will depend on adequate drug treatment resources and new collaborative partnerships between law enforcement, county behavioral health programs and community-based organizations.

Congresswoman Val Hoyle speaks with Aaron Bretz, director of operations for the Port of Newport.

BUSINESS

Economy improving, but consumers skeptical

Americans are still worried about their financial stability even as their recession fears lessen. High prices at the grocery store and consumers’ memories of their pre-pandemic budgets may be playing a role. Here’s what financial and economic experts have to say about what this week’s economic indicators tell us about people’s perception of the economy.

WHAT IS DRIVING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE?

The Consumer Confidence Index, released by the business nonprofit and research organization the Conference Board, is a survey indicating how optimistic or pessimistic consumers feel about their financial wellbeing and the economy.

The Consumer Confidence Index fell slightly in March from 104 8 to 104 7, well below some economist expectations of 106 5. Although consumers’ perception of the likelihood of a recession fell this month, consumers were less confident about their family’s financial situation in the next six months. The percentage of consumers who expected their incomes to fall rose from 11 9 percent in February to 13 8 percent in March.

Elizabeth Pancotti, director of special initiatives for the Roosevelt Institute, said that consumers’ experience of the economy and their financial situation may come down to crises they’re feeling that may not show up at a macro level but may strike their budgets particularly hard.

“When egg prices finally come down and chicken prices finally come down, but orange juice is high because of some random citrus greening disease or some other shocking food item, your total grocery bill

doesn’t come down, and that really highlights it,” she said.

“There’s one crisis after another at a micro level, which I think is really why we’re not seeing that divergence between overall economic strength and at a very micro level, the feelings of average consumers.”

Pancotti acknowledged that housing is also one of the highest expenses for consumers right now, and those prices aren’t showing as much movement as other areas of consumers’ budgets.

“For most families, it is the largest purchase they make every month,” she said.

WHY ISN’T CONSUMER SENTIMENT HIGHER?

Consumer sentiment, a smaller survey conducted by the University of Michigan, also gauges people’s sense of the economy overall, the labor market, and how they see inflation.

On Thursday, U.S. consumer sentiment jumped to 79 4 from

76 9 in February and 62 a year earlier, making this its highest level since July 2021

Joanne Hsu, director of the survey, said in the report that this number is an indication that consumers believe the economy is “holding steady,” but “as the election season progresses and debates over economic policy become more salient for consumers, their outlook for the economy could become more volatile in the months ahead,”

Kevin Kliesen, business economist and research officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, said consumer confidence and consumer sentiment are still far below pre-pandemic levels and that it’s a puzzle as to why when the economy has “been growing fairly strongly” in the past year and a half. But like Pancotti, he added that high prices at the store compared to pre-pandemic prices may be playing a role in those measures.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM INFLATION AND THE FED?

As the Federal Reserve looks to its favorite inflation measure, the personal consumption expenditures price index, economists are watching the PCE closely for signs the Fed will cut rates in the coming months. This policy change is expected to have effects on the housing market as well as the growth of businesses.

The PCE rose 0 3 percent from January to February and 2 5 percent over the past year, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said the numbers were “in line with expectations” but not as reassuring as the numbers Fed officials saw last year.

Cristian Tiu, associate professor of finance at the University at Buffalo, said that although the economy is adding jobs, he doesn’t believe the quality of those jobs is high enough

to sustain this price growth for much longer.

“Prices basically on consumer goods can’t be driven up forever just by the very top of the wage distribution. The rest of the wage distribution actually looks pretty modest. So I don’t think these price increases can actually be sustained,” Tu said.

For this reason, he doesn’t think the Fed should continue to put brakes on the economy through restrictive monetary policy. Tu added that he sees inflation as driven partly by corporate profit-seeking, with companies taking advantage of inflation to continue to keep prices higher than they can justify for the American consumer.

Oregon Capital Chronicle

(oregoncapitalchronicle.com) is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oregon Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence.

Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital announces new executive leader

Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital had a change in executive leadership last month when Jennifer Will joined the team as chief operating officer, taking over duties from longtime COO Virginia Riffle, who retires in mid-April.

“We are sad to say farewell to Virginia after almost 23 years with Samaritan, the last 12 here at North Lincoln,” said Dr. Lesley Ogden, chief executive officer of both Samaritan hospitals in Lincoln County.

“Virginia will leave an indelible mark on our hospital and our community with her compassionate, caring and careful leadership style,” Ogden said. “We are thrilled

FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Empowering your kids: family lessons in financial literacy

Financial literacy empowers your kids to understand financial decisions throughout their lives. It equips them to learn the value of money and develop healthy money habits throughout their youth. Imagine them being financially secure — confidently managing college expenses, saving for their dream vacation, or making sound investment choices — thanks to the foundation you built early on. Let’s get them started!

EARLY MONEY LESSONS

Young children can grasp basic money concepts. Here are two examples to start early.

• While shopping, point out different coins and bills, explaining their value and how

they can be used to purchase things. Compare prices and explain the differences in value. Discuss the parameters of how much you plan to spend.

that Jennifer was able to join us a few weeks in advance to work with Virginia and facilitate a smooth transition in this key leadership role.”

Will has 18 years of health care experience, most recently serving as associate vice president of clinics for Samaritan Medical Group, with a focus on medical specialties and behavioral health. Prior to that, Will held the position of director of primary care and specialty practices for Samaritan’s clinics in Lincoln County. Other

• Around the house, have your child identify needs versus wants. Compare things like clothes and food to toys and games. Encourage your child to create a list of things they want. Discuss prioritizing the list and saving for those wants.

WORKING POWER

As they get older, consider an age-appropriate allowance. This provides a tangible amount of money for them to manage. You can create a chore-chart and tie allowances to household tasks to instill the value of earning. Additionally, you can find ways for them to earn money beyond their basic chores. All of this

health care leadership experience includes work at PeaceHealth in Eugene and UCI Health in Irvine, California.

People in the community may recall Will from when she worked at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital as a patient financial supervisor in 2010-2011

“I’m excited to work at the coast, which is a place that has always felt like home to me. There’s a strong sense of community here that feels unique,” she said. “I am also inspired by the

can help teach them that money comes from work and not debt.

After they’ve earned their money, discuss how much can be spent, saved, and donated. Consider using a clear jar for savings so they can see their progress firsthand.

SAVING GOALS

Help your child set realistic saving goals, whether it’s for a new toy, a trip, or a contribution to a bigger family purchase. Encourage them to allocate part of their allowance to savings and track their progress. Explain the concept of delayed gratification and the value of planning purchases. Most importantly, celebrate milestones to keep them motivated.

OPENING A KIDS BANK ACCOUNT

Once your child understands

people who work here, people like Lesley Ogden and Virginia Riffle who have created a teamoriented and collaborative culture where everyone is invited to have a seat at the table.

“I hope to continue to build on and inspire our Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital team to think of ways we can use innovative strategies to overcome the challenges that come our way,” she continued. “At the end of the day, I’m humbled to work in a place where we can make a difference in

the basics and demonstrates responsible money management with their allowance, consider opening a bank account for them. This exciting step gives them a sense of ownership and allows them to practice saving in a safe and secure environment. Research kid-friendly accounts with features like debit cards with parental controls and supervised online access.

Regular family discussions about money normalizes financial planning. Involve your kids in age-appropriate ways. As they get older, you can incorporate tracking their money, future goals, and responsible credit card use

people’s lives.”

Will earned a bachelor’s degree in health care management from Colorado Technical University and a master’s degree in health leadership from Western Governors University. She currently holds the position of vice chair of planning and education for the American College of Healthcare Executives – Oregon Chapter, where she is recognized as a Fellow. In addition, she is well versed in Lean process improvement methodologies.

Julia Carlson

High prices at the grocery store and consumers’ memories of their pre-pandemic budgets may be playing a role in how Americans feel about their finances as recession fears recede. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Jennifer Will

COAST LIFE

Sitka youth program expands to Toledo

Toledo Elementary School (ToES) students now have highquality art education thanks to a partnership with the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology. Working from a twoyear Oregon Department of Education grant, the pilot Youth Art Program is focused on low-income, rural schools that currently do not have an art program. The grant partially covers the costs for Sitka to administer and deliver the program, and to subsidize the costs to make it affordable for participating schools and free for kids and families. ToES is the first school in Lincoln County School District to participate in this program.

While studies continue to show vital connections between art education access, selfexpression and esteem, and overall school engagement and performance, as school budgets are cut, dedicated time, trained teachers and other resources for art in K-8 schools are increasingly rare, especially in rural Oregon communities.

LCSD Superintendent

Majalise Tolan worked with Sitka to

the program.

New exhibit at Olive Street Gallery explores pre-war Afghanistan Loyalty Days Court announced

The Oregon Coast Council for the Arts and Newport Visual Arts Center are excited to present the photography of Mark Svendsen in an extraordinary new exhibit titled “Afghanistan Before the Wars.” The exhibit is open now and runs through May 19 at the Olive Street Gallery inside the Newport Performing Arts Center. Afghanistan has not always been a battleground. Unfortunately, all that most Americans know of this country has been gained from news stories, photographs, and video segments from a period dominated by violence, destruction,

The annual Loyalty Days and Sea Fair Festival will be held the first weekend in May, and the event committee would like to introduce the three young women who have been selected for this year’s royalty court. They are

Around the world, the abundance and diversity of butterfly species is in decline, and people are just beginning to understand what it takes to protect and recover these charismatic microfauna. At the next meeting of the Yaquina Birders and Naturalists, U.S. Fish and Wildlife biologist Samantha (Sam) Derrenbacher will take people on a journey through the history, ecology, biology, and ongoing research of a threatened Oregon coast native butterfly — the Oregon silverspot. Those in attendance will learn about the prairie habitat the silverspot relies on, the efforts to restore it, and new research happening at Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

The meeting is free

The Audubon Society of Lincoln City will lead two bird walks this week that explore city open space, a state recreation site, and a nearby national wildlife refuge. With all these options, spring is a great “overlap” time to bid farewell to wintering

birds and welcome those that have arrived for warmer weather.

This Friday, April 12 from 9 to 11 a.m., a bird walk will take place at The Knoll Open Space and Roads End State Recreation Site in Lincoln City.

The Knoll Open Space walk provides diverse habitat for an interesting array of birds. April is a great time to see the last of the wintering songbirds and enjoy early arrivals such as warblers. The

jumpstart

Toledo-based artist Kim Bush is the Sitka ToES-based art instructor, bringing with her a deep connection to the local community. Here she is helping a Toledo Elementary School student make paint during a recent art class. The art curriculum integrates concepts the students are already learning from sciences, social studies and vocabulary. (Courtesy photo)

“Afghanistan Before the Wars” is the name of a photography exhibit by Mark Svendsen now showing at the Olive Street Gallery inside the Newport Performing Arts Center. (Courtesy photo)

Aubert

Julie

Perales Rylee Black

Tex Brooklyn Experiment performs in Depoe Bay

The Tex Brooklyn Experiment will perform at Fishing Rock Eatery and Lounge in Depoe Bay this Saturday, April 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy music by Bill Stiffler on bass, Deane Perkins on drums, Morgen Silverhorn on horns, C. M. Ducks on guitar and Robert “Tex Brooklyn” Rubin on piano and accordion.

The Tex Brooklyn Experiment is about “sharing original music and songs,” said Rubin. “I’ve written dozens of songs over the years, (and) I rarely performed them. My friends and former band mates have been gracious enough to learn them.”

A Tex Brooklyn Experiment show includes covers of blues, rock, jazz, country, zydeco, standards, reggae and requests. Original tunes

range from “Chicken Minuet” to “Loose But Not Sleazy.” In addition to his own work, Rubin has put music to the words of Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll, A.A. Milne, Scott and Angela Rosin, and Andrew Rodman.

Fishing Rock Eatery and Lounge is located at 3245 N Highway 101 in Depoe Bay. For more information, all 541-764-4222

SOLVE seeks volunteers for Oregon Spring Cleanup

From April 13 to April 22, families, community members, neighborhood associations, and environmental enthusiasts are invited to engage in a signature event in SOLVE’s annual calendar: the Oregon Spring Cleanup, presented by Portland General Electric. Registration for this environmentally conscious event series is now open. Participants are invited to join SOLVE, event leaders, and partners from across the Pacific Northwest in a collective celebration of Earth Day. With a variety of projects already online, the Oregon Spring Cleanup invites enthusiastic volunteers to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and brighter planet. Interested individuals can browse the map of projects to find events near them, learn about each opportunity, and

sign up for a meaningful contribution to the environment. Participating in the Oregon Spring Cleanup provides an excellent opportunity to bond with family members, coworkers, and neighbors, while collectively contributing to preserving some of Oregon’s most stunning locations.

For more information, visit solveoregon.org/ oregon-spring

Celebrating creativity exhibit at the VAC

The Coastal Arts Guild and American Easel announce the opening of their third annual exhibit featuring new works on wood panels. 10 x 10: Celebrating Creativity will be on display in the Upstairs Gallery at Newport Visual Arts Center from April 17 through May 26

This unique show features brand new, multidisciplinary works of art from community artists. Each begins with identical 10 by 10-inch wood panels as their base, but what they do from that point is entirely up to them. The show will feature a variety of mediums, from acrylics to mixed media, fabric collage, linoleum print, and more.

Not only visually beautiful, but the exhibition also does something beautiful — it provides funding for VAC needs. Artists purchased their base panels, and that money will fuel VAC initiatives. The sale of completed pieces, however, will benefit artists directly. When a visitor purchases a completed panel from the exhibition, 100 percent of the price will go directly to its creator.

“The 10 x 10 show gives artists an opportunity to share the vast

variety of their mediums and styles with the public while simultaneously supporting improvements at the VAC,” said Chasse Davidson, VAC director. “We’re grateful to the Coastal Arts Guild and feel fortunate to have their support. Their volunteer contributions help keep our galleries accessible to the public, and their monthly Tea & Talk provides a platform of introduction for visiting artists.”

For ArtSake Gallery in Newport is excited to announce its 16th birthday, and the gallery will be hosting a party to celebrate this milestone. The theme is “Sweet Sixteen,” and all are invited to join in the fun. The birthday party will take place this Friday, April 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. The gathering is open to the public, and people are encourage to come by the gallery at 258 NW Coast St. to enjoy the art, snacks, wine, and birthday cake. This year they are paying special tribute to founding gallery member Frances VanWert because without her, the gallery would not be what it is today.

About For Artsake Gallery

Chamber music on the Bayfront

The traditional Community Days, a citywide celebration of the people of Lincoln City, kicks off this Friday, April 12

Events include a community food drive, SOLVE Cleanup, Mudflat Golf, Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast, Ducky Derby and more.

For ArtSake Gallery also wants to remind people of the upcoming Itty Bitty Art Show, an annual exhibit that will be showing in June. More information about this can be found online at www.forartsakegallery.com

The Newport Symphony Orchestra will host a chamber concert

For Artsake Gallery is an artist-owned collective that features local art with paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and encaustic; sculpture; photography; pottery; jewelry; mixedmedia assemblages; and fused glass.

For ArtSake Gallery will be celebrating ‘Sweet Sixteen’ Lincoln City’s Community Days returns

Award Categories:

this Saturday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, located at 333 SE Bay Blvd. on the Newport Bayfront.

Performing are five Newport Symphony musicians: Pablo Izquierdo, oboe; Colleen White, clarinet; Adam Farmer, bassoon; Margarite Waddell, horn; and Diane Baxter, piano. They will present seldom heard masterpieces for chamber ensembles with the

breathtaking view of Yaquina Bay from the Doerfler Family Theater at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center.

Tickets (all general seating at $43 25) may be purchased online at newportsymphony.org, calling 541-265-2787, or at the door the night of the performance.

NSO’s Chamber Music on the Bayfront series was spearheaded by Maestro Adam Flatt to treat audiences to the joy of a more intimate and casual performance space to hear music that is seldom performed due to the virtuosic skill that the music requires.

The program will begin with a lighthearted and whimsical duet, “The Confessions of a Clarinet Player,” for clarinet and horn, by Charles Koechlin. This will be followed by the upbeat and intricate Sonate champetre for piano, oboe, clarinet and bassoon, by Germaine Tailleferre. In conclusion, “Great Quintet” K. 452, by W.A. Mozart, for piano and winds will complete the evening’s concert.

• Volunteer of the Year

• Leader of the Year

• Innovator of the Year

• Unsung Hero of the Year

The Community Days kickoff celebration and awards presentation is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Highway 101

• Rising Star of the Year (under 18 years old) “Lincoln City’s amazing people make it the special place it is. Help us recognize them. Award submissions are collected by the volunteer Community Days

committee and final selections made by panels of past award winners,” the Facebook post states. Winners will be announced April 13. You can make your nominations at the following online link: https://form.jotform. com/240607661050145

A schedule of events for Community Days can be found online at https:// tinyurl.com/2dsru8ep and also on the Lincoln City Community Days Facebook page.

Dance classes offered in Newport

Dance! And All That Jazz! is again hosting dance classes by Nicole Riviere, which will take place on Saturday, April 20

From 1 to 2 p.m., Riviere will teach Beginning/Intermediate Jazz (ages 7 to 11); from 2 to 3 p.m. will be Turns, Leaps, Progressions; and from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m., the class will be Intermediate/ Advanced Jazz (ages 12 to adult). The cost is $20 per class.

Born and raised on the Oregon coast, Riviere started her dance journey at Dance! And All That Jazz! at the age of 8. She went on to pursue dance

professionally in 1997 when she received the prestigious EDGE Performing Arts Center Scholarship in Los Angeles. Her professional credits include America’s Got Talent, Jimmy Kimmel Live, How I Met Your Mother, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, Nike, Death Cab for Cutie, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Basement Jaxx, Peaches, Justin Timberlake and Elvis Costello. For more information or to register for the class, call Dance! And All That Jazz! at 541-265-6168. The

This Saturday, April 13, from 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy the music the Tex Brooklyn Experiment at Fishing Rock Eatery and Lounge in Depoe Bay. (Courtesy photo)

Five Newport Symphony musicians will perform a chamber concert this Saturday, April 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center. (Courtesy photo)

“Sequential and content connected art education is important for the social, emotional, and academic development of our students and a vital part of a well-rounded education where creativity and selfexpression can flourish,”

Tolan said.

Tolan is working with Sitka to expand this partnership next year to all Lincoln County elementary schools that could benefit from the program.

Oceanlake and Taft Elementary schools have partnered with the Lincoln City Cultural Center for a similar art program in their schools.

The art program isn’t just about learning the basics of art. One key aspect of the Sitka Youth Program is its emphasis on cultural relevance and diversity.

“We intentionally showcase artists and art movements that reflect the populations our program reaches,” explained Alison Dennis, Sitka executive director. “Cultural representation helps everyone see themselves in the artists and examples we feature and naturally helps deepen cultural understanding and empathy among students and school-wide.”

Dennis said they are overjoyed by the response they are receiving about the program. “As a longstanding Oregon coast nonprofit with deep roots in Tillamook and Lincoln counties, our priority will always be serving rural coastal kids in our local communities with highest quality arts and STEAM experiences that encourage school engagement and that kids and teachers look forward to and love.” Foundation grants and individual donations are essential to bring the program into new rural schools and communities. Lincoln County citizens

and philanthropists who believe in the importance of art access are encouraged to contact Dennis at 541-994-5485 or alisondennis@sitkacenter.org. About

The Sitka Center for

Central Coast Fly Fishers meet in Newport

The regular monthly meeting of the Central Coast Fly Fishers will be held at 5 : 30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 , at the OSU Extension Office, located at 1211 Bay Blvd. in Newport. Garrett Lesko will be the presenter and will discuss stillwater (lakes) fishing. Lesko has done informative presentations for the club on jetty fishing and cutthroat fishing on the coast. This is an in-persononly meeting, with no

EXHIBIT

From Page B1

and destitution. The other Afghanistan, the one that existed before the wars, comprised a beautiful and austere land of high snowcovered mountains, tumbling mountain streams, emerald-green fields of irrigated wheat and rice, and arid deserts.

The exhibit at Olive Street Gallery features photographs of this earlier Afghanistan and its people, drawing from a collection of pictures taken between 1968 and 1973, featuring

BUTTERFLIES

From Page B1

and open to the public. It will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, in the upstairs meeting room at OSU Extension Lincoln County, located at 1211 SE Bay Blvd. in Newport.

children, tradesmen, markets, nomads, artisans, and teahouse life. The exhibit serves to acquaint viewers with the native beauty of Afghanistan and the universal humanity of its people and to impart a sense of what life there was like when the country was at peace, a half-century ago. “We deserve to learn more about cultures than how they are presented to us through the news media,” said Chasse Davidson, director of the Newport Visual Arts Center. “Svendsen’s beautiful photographs share a slice of Afghanistan

Derrenbacher serves as the Oregon silverspot butterfly lead biologist for the USFWS. She spends warm summer days researching the butterfly, planting native species, assessing habitat quality, and working alongside partners for a net positive effect to the habitat. No day is the same in her line of work, and when stuck in the office, she is often leading the range-wide working group, consulting on species take, and writing grants to fund critical research and recovery tasks.

COURT

From Page B1

Julie Hernandez-Perales, Rylee Black and Amanda Aubert. They have already been busy speaking at various groups in Lincoln County as well as helping at the annual Newport Easter Egg Hunt in Newport.

JULIE HERNANDEZPERALES

“I am graduating with an honors diploma as one of the valedictorians for the Class of 2024 at Newport High School. In the fall, I will be attending the University of Puget Sound, located in Tacoma, Washington. I

Zoom. There will also be refreshments and door prizes (tickets $ 1 each or six for $ 5 ). Remember to bring a fly for the “Fish-on-a-Fly” drawing and take all of the flies home. Guests are welcome.

history and connect our humanity in a way that only art can.”

An opening reception will take place on Wednesday, April 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.coastarts. org/events/svendsen

Exhibits at Olive Street Gallery are free to the public and can be viewed from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, at 777 W Olive St. Artwork is also on display and available for viewing beginning one hour before all public performances at the Newport Performing Arts Center.

Derrenbacher believes her love of the environment and strong desire for conservation is literally built into her DNA. She says her conservation heroes are easy to pick out — they are her parents, the people who dedicated their lives to teaching others about the beautiful world around them and eliciting a passion for conservation in the next generation. When not working, Derrenbacher can be found hiking, biking, skiing, and paddling with her husband, Perry, and pup, Tumalo.

plan on majoring in biology while taking courses specializing in wildlife biology. I hope to pursue a master’s degree in biology and perhaps return to Newport to study marine biology. I aspire to play a key role in the preservation and study of ecosystems along the Pacific coastline through my future work as a biologist.”

RYLEE BLACK

“I am a senior at Newport High School. I have been involved in volleyball, softball, cheerleading and 4-H. I am also a junior leader for my large animal 4-H club. I’m honored to be a part of this amazing tradition

in hopes of inspiring both young and older lives. When I graduate, I plan on attending Linfield this upcoming fall to study business management.”

AMANDA AUBERT

“I will be graduating with an honors diploma with the Class of 2024 In the fall, I will be attending a four-year university and plan to study eco-psychology in hopes of one day being a children’s therapist. I currently hold two jobs, as I am a shift lead at Dutch Bros. as well as a high school cadet at Sam Case Elementary. I hope to inspire youth with my story and be someone they look towards.”

AUDUBON

From Page B1

group will walk downhill past the Sal La Sea wetlands to the parking lot at Roads End State Park to look for nearshore birds. Meet on Northeast Devils Lake Boulevard past the golf course (watch for the ASLC sign). This walk is sponsored by Lincoln City Parks & Recreation and Explore Lincoln City

On Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to noon, a

Through workshops, residencies, and community outreach programs, Sitka connects

nature and cultural diversity, promoting a deeper understanding of the world and our place within it.

bird walk will take place at Nestucca National Wildlife Refuge, Two Rivers Loop. The two-mile Two Rivers Nature Trail boasts a sweeping viewpoint of the confluence of the Nestucca and Little Nestucca Rivers. The walk is moderate with elevation changes and uneven terrain. Those taking part should meet in the upper parking lot off Christensen Road. All ASLC bird walks are free, family-friendly, easy to moderately easy, and open to the public; no preregistration or experience is required. Binoculars and guidebooks are provided. Walks are held rain or shine, so people should dress appropriately for coastal weather and muddy trails. Be sure to carry water. Look for the ASLC sign at the meeting site.

For details and any cancellations, check the ASLC website (lincolncityaudubon. org) or Facebook (@ audubonlincolncity).

Country Media

passion, this is the job for you!

Positions are Full-time. We will also consider applicants for freelance work.

We offer an above average wage with paid holidays, health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and more! Submit your

individuals with

A student at Toledo Elementary School (right) creates art with charcoal paint made in class. (Courtesy photo)

FOOD & DRINK

The Kitchen Wild

The Oregon Ag Fest Mini Oregon Blueberry Cheesecakes

By KATIE WILEY

Mark your calendars because the 37th annual Ag Fest will be taking over the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem on April 27 and 28

The Ag Fest is a huge annual event, second largest to the Oregon State Fair itself, that was created to help kids learn where their food, fiber, and flora come from. They’ve thought of absolutely everything to give families the full agricultural experience to touch, taste, and see the incredible world of

Oregon agriculture in a fun-filled, festive environment.

There are free activities ranging from planting seedlings, watching baby chicks hatch, racing mini pedal tractors, pony rides, a petting zoo, watching sheep get a haircut, learning how to saw timber like a logger, dog-herding demonstrations, cooking demos where you can taste local foods, and so much more!

They even have farming tractors brought in for the kids to see up close and take photos with, a booth

Makes 6, half pint cheesecakes

FOR THE CHEESECAKE:

• 6 Tbs. butter melted

• 16 oz Tillamook cream cheese softened (two 8 oz packages)

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy cream

FOR THE BLUEBERRY TOPPING:

• 3 cups blueberries

• 1/2 cup water

• 3/4 cup brown sugar

• 3 tsp lemon juice

• 3 tsp vanilla

FOR THE CRUST:

• 9 graham crackers

• 2 Tbs. granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup salted butter

• 1/8 tsp. cinnamon

Directions:

1) In a small saucepan, bring blueberries, water, brown sugar, vanilla and lemon juice to a low boil. Then, reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the blueberries begin to thicken to a pie filling consistency. Set aside to cool.

2) In a food processor, add graham crackers, sugar, and cinnamon and pulse until a crumb consistency. Add melted butter and pulse again until fully combined.

3) In half pint jars, spoon in 2 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of each jar, then press down tight to form the crust. Set aside.

4) In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese, melted butter, sugar, vanilla and heavy cream and mix with a hand mixer until smooth. Spoon cheesecake batter into jars on top of graham cracker crust, pressing down gently with the back of the spoon to remove air bubbles.

5) Spoon blueberry compote on top of cheesecake batter then refrigerate for at least two hours, covered in plastic wrap. Enjoy!

to teach the kids how to pan for gold, rodeo princesses handing out signed autographs, fire trucks with hands-on activities and obstacle courses, and as a bonus, all of the Oregon State Fair food vendors are there, too!

Not only is it a jam-packed weekend of learning made fun, but last year my kids came home from the event with more free goodies than we knew what to do with, from flowers and Douglas fir trees to plant, backpacks, stickers, pens and pencils, coloring books, kitchen towels and more.

Thanks to the Ag Fest’s generous sponsors such as Oregon Farm Bureau, Tillamook, Wilco, Oregon Dairy Women, Oregon Department of Agriculture, and Oregon Women for Agriculture, among many others, the event is free for children 15 and under and there is free parking. General admission is $15 for ages 16 and over.

Taft Baseball 4/2/24 vs Y-C

All photos by Lonnie French

Taft Softball 4/2/24 vs Amity