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Declining Gray Whale Populations . . ............. PAGE 10 Tour a ‘Haunted’ Lighthouse . . ......................... PAGE 8

October 24, 2023

Lincoln City’s Largest and Most Trusted News Source Since 1927

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Finally

Long-awaited Cultural Center Plaza ready to be ‘activated’ JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

A

community celebration to activate the newly-completed Lincoln City Cultural Plaza project is on the horizon.

After five years of fundraising and nine months of construction, the Plaza’s art installations, accessible pathways and pedestrian-friendly spaces are ready for the communi-

ty to enjoy, according to organizers.

Those who attend the Nov. 18 celebration will be among the first to “activate” the Plaza, through arts activities scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Cultural Plaza Activation Party schedule will include a ribbon cutting, musical performances, dancing, art-making, and compli-

mentary lunch and beverages – and the first reading of “Why They Came,” the original community poem written for the Poetry Path.

The poem was developed through a community process with a group of approximately 25 people who brainstormed about what the See CENTER, Page 12

Jeremy C. Ruark / Country Media, Inc. During the investigation, LCPD officers searched the driftwood area of Siletz Bay for the described suspect.

Surprising twist, arrest in reported robbery JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

Photos by Jeremy C. Ruark/Country Media, Inc. Top: Looking at the front of the Cultural Center Plaza Above left: South along the front of the Cultural Center Plaza.

Above Center: The colored aggregate of the Poetry Path.

Above right: Another view of the Cultural Center Plaza with the sculpture ‘Poppy’ seen far left.

There is a surprising new development in a Lincoln City robbery investigation.

At approximately 9 a.m. July 31, Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) responded to the Pelican Brewing Company after receiving a report from employee Denali Cox stating she was robbed outside the restaurant.

The 34-year-old Cox told offices she was taking a deposit for the restaurant to the bank when a suspect accosted her and stole the deposit bag containing an undisclosed large amount of money and receipts.

The suspect was reported to have fled the area on foot.

The LCPD officers were joined by Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police troopers at the scene. The officers, with weapons drawn, began searching a wooded area adjacent to the beach at Siletz Bay. A short time later, the officers returned to the area parking lot where law enforcement vehicles had been staged. No suspect was apprehended in that initial search.

“After several months of rigorous and thorough investigation of the incident, the detectives were unable to substantiate the reported robbery and it appeared the report was a ruse to cover a theft of monies from the restaurant by the employee,” LCPD Lt. Jeffrey Winn said.

On Sept. 28, the case investigation was presented to a Lincoln County Grand Jury.

See ROBBERY, Page 12

ODOT faces budget challenges, expect less roadway maintenance JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is facing significant declines in revenue and added expenses, which means Oregonians and visitors will see less maintenance along the state’s roadways in days and months ahead.

ODOT manages a $6.12 billion budget that funds programs related to Oregon’s system of highways, roads and bridges; railway; public transportation services; transportation safety programs; driver and licensing; and motor regulation. Delivery and operations accounts for about two-thirds, or $4 billion, of ODOT’s 2023-2025 legislatively approved budget. The division spends its resources on maintaining the highway system, bridge and pavement preservation projects, adding capacity to highways, and bicycle/pedestrian projects among others.

The News Guard reached

out to ODOT Assistant Communications Director Katherine Benenati for insight into the budget challenges.

The News Guard: What is ODOT’s message to drivers about the winter maintenance that may not be available?

Katherine Benenati: Let me stress, that we will still be out there. But we will not be able to provide the service Oregonians have come to expect. During winter, you’ll notice more snow and ice build-up, more chain requirements, longer delays and fewer open roads. Please plan ahead: carry chains and know how to use them, check local forecasts and forecasts for where you’re going, keep an eye on tripcheck.com. We remind travelers to do these things every year. This winter, it will be even more critical.

And it’s not just winter maintenance that will be affected.

We’re already restricting maintenance recruitments, deferring some road and bridge maintenance, includ-

Courtesy photo ODOT warns that during winter, drivers will notice more snow and ice build-up, more chain requirements, longer delays and fewer open roads. ing pavement repair and painting as well as litter removal and graffiti cleanup, and scaling back after-hours response efforts.

These cuts will affect drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and freight haulers – everyone who uses the system.

You’ll see more potholes and ruts on the road, along

with more trash in medians and along highways.

You’ll spend more time waiting for roads to re-open after a crash, see lowered speed limits because of poor pavement conditions and fewer ODOT responders on the road.

You can learn more about our budget and regional cuts

at: https://www.oregon.gov/ odot/about/pages/transportation-funding.aspx.

The News Guard: What is the economic factor that is likely leading to less winter maintenance?

Benenati: There are a few, namely declining revenues and rising costs for materials, labor and equipment.

Revenue from the gas tax is on track to decline as vehicles become more efficient while the cost of doing business has increased rapidly in recent years. To balance our budget, we are scaling back maintenance and services around the state. Until the state establishes a sustainable revenue source, these cuts will only become more severe.

We cannot fund maintenance or direct services by redirecting funding from other areas like our transit or electric vehicle charging programs, nor can we pull from federally funded or toll-funded construction projects like the major interstate projects planned in the Portland area.

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Classifieds.................. 7 Comics ...................... 11

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WEATHER

INDEX

Our funding structure was established decades ago. It has failed to keep pace with the evolving needs of the multimodal infrastructure Oregonians have come to rely on statewide and it needs structural reform.

The News Guard: What solutions is ODOT pursuing or will seek to resolve the funding challenge?

Benenati: The good news is that there are plenty of options to solve this structural funding issue. One option would be to expand our pay-per-mile, or Road Usage Charge program. This program charges drivers per mile.

It’s very similar to the gas tax in that the more you drive on the road, the more you pay to maintain and improve it. But unlike the gas tax, this program wouldn’t unintentionally subsidize higher-income drivers who are more likely to own efficient or electric vehicles. Instead, every driver would pay based only on how

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October 24, 2023

Coast Moment

On the beach along the shoreline at Lincoln City. See more Coast Moments at thenewsguard.com.

Jeremy C. Ruark/Country Media, Inc.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Oct. 25 Parks & Rec Board Meeting The Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Board will 2:30 p.m. at the Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 NE Oar Place, in Lincoln City. The public is invited to attend and listen to this meeting at the Community Center. The agenda and packet for the meeting is available on the city website at www.lincolncity. org under “Agenda, Packets and Video.” The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired, for a hearing impaired device, or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities, should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting to City Recorder, at cityrecorder@lincolncity.org.

Oct. 25 Democrats Meeting Lincoln County Democrats will hold their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. in the upstairs room of the Visual Arts Center, 777 NW Beach Drive in Newport. The meeting will feature a talk by software engineer Louis Ross about artificial intelligence, where it came from and where it may go, both the positive and the negative. All are welcome.

Oct. 31 Halloween Events Trunk or Treat from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free candy for kids! Visit the decorated cars at Gleneden Beach Community Hall, 110 Azalea Street. For more information, visit www. glenedenbeach.org.

Halloween at the Hall from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. An adult party to celebrate the holiday! Costume contest, sweet and savory treat bar, photo booth, fortune telling and a host of spooky activities. Beer and wine for sale.

Gleneden Beach Community Hall, 110 Azalea Street. For more information, visit www. glenedenbeach.org.

Nov. 5 Community Breakfast The Panther Creek Senior and Community Center’s monthly community breakfast at 655 Wayside Loop in Otis from 8 am.m to 11 a.m.

The cost is $8 for adults or $4 for children under 12. For more information, or directions, email pcsacc@centurylink.net.

Nov. 18 Cultural Plaza Activation Party and Ribbon Cutting A free, family-friendly celebration for the

Lincoln City Cultural Plaza, a 2.5 acre accessible public space filled with public art, poetry, access and attractions for both residents and tourists to enjoy. The Cultural center is located at 540 NE Highway 101in Lincoln City.

The Cultural Center will be activating each space around the Plaza with music, dance, food, public art project, dedications, ribbon cuttings, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine.

Free lunch, hot drinks, cookies and prizes. For more information, call the Lincoln City Cultural Center at 541-994-9994.

On Going Veterans Free Homemade Soup and Sandwich offered twice monthly from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Lincoln City B.P.O. Elks # 1886 located at 1350 S.E. Oar Avenue in Lincoln City.

Lincoln City Senior Center Events • Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at 10 a.m., first and third Thursdays.

• Tai Chi 8:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. No membership required. Donation to instructor suggested.

Your LOCAL Medicare Resource

Questions? Contact Charlotte at charlotte@insurancestores.com

• Folk Music Circle to begin meeting Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. beginning in April.

• Weekly Walk on LCCC track. No charge or membership required. 10:30 a.m. Mondays.

• Chair Yoga 11:30 a.m. Mondays. No membership required. Donation to instructor suggested.

Central Coast Word Surfers Writing group 1 to 3 p.m. every second Saturday of the month. Free. Driftwood Public Library, 801 SE Highway 101 in Lincoln City Lincoln County Genealogical Society Regular meeting first Saturday of each month from 10-10:45 a.m. Programs begin at 11 am. We host a kaffeeklatsch before our meeting from 9:30 am -10 a.m. All are welcome to attend. Call 503-302-8892, or visit LCGSOregon.org.

If you have a community event coming up, send brief details with the date, time, location and contact phone/email to jruark@countrymedia.net.

October 24, 2023

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Oregon, 43 other states reach Trick or treat safely $2.3B settlement with ACI SHERIFF’S TIPS OF THE WEEK

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Many view Halloween as a time for fun and treats, costumes, and attending spooky parties. Due to the increased pedestrian traffic, especially in low light conditions, it is also time to use extra caution.

According to the National Safety Council, children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween night compared to other nights of the year. Here are some safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council to make Halloween safer for everyone.

• Use caution when Trickor-Treating • Travel in small groups and be accompanied by an adult.

• Know phone numbers for emergency phone calls.

• Carry a note in their pocket with their name, address, and emergency contact.

• Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks if available, and avoid crossing or walking through yards.

• Stop at all corners and stay together in a group before crossing the street.

• Cross streets at the corner, use crosswalks if available, and avoid crossing between parked cars.

• Always look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.

• Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant.

• Avoid wearing hats that could slide over their eyes.

• Avoid wearing long, baggy, or loose costumes and avoid oversized shoes to prevent tripping.

• Ensure costume weapons are flexible, not rigid or sharp, and are very clearly toys.

Adults should: • Supervise children during trick-or-treating and during other activities.

• Supervise children as they cross the street.

• Establish a curfew for older children.

• Prepare homes for trickor-treaters by clearing porches, lawns, and sidewalks.

Place decorations away from doorways, landings, or walkways.

• Avoid giving choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys to young children.

• Inspect all candy before children eat it.

• Consider taking advantage of community events where kids can wear costumes and trick-or-treat in one central place without the need to navigate neighborhood streets.

• Drive slowly and watch for children in the street and on medians.

Following these tips can help ensure this Halloween is a safe and fun holiday for everyone.

For more information and tips visit www.lincolncountysheriff.net

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) joined 43 other state financial agencies in reaching a settlement with ACI Payments Inc. (ACI), for erroneously initiating electronic transactions totaling $2.3 billion from the accounts of 480,000 mortgage-holders nationwide.

By the numbers State regulators levied $10 million in fines through a multistate enforcement action. In Oregon, there were over 13,000 erroneous ACH entries affecting nearly 5,000 accounts. The dollar value of transaction in Oregon alone was over $23 million. Additionally, 50 state attorneys general, including the Oregon Attorney General Ellen

Rosenblum, levied an additional $10 million in fines to ACI, in coordination with state regulators.

Before the settlement, the erroneous charges were corrected by ACI. ACI Payments, a subsidiary of ACI Worldwide Corp., is a state-regulated money transmission business licensed in Oregon and nearly all other U.S. states (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System ID 936777). ACI acts as a vendor for mortgage servicing companies by processing borrowers’ mortgage payments through its Speedpay platform.

What happened?

State regulators determined that ACI erroneously used live customer data in a test of its Speedpay platform, causing unauthorized

mortgage payments to be processed from customer accounts. State regulators commenced a multistate money transmission investigation reviewing all aspects of the event. The state regulators believe the error was due to defects in ACI’s privacy and data security procedures and technical infrastructure.

“DFR will use its enforcement authority against companies that fail to have sufficient data security and internal controls in place to protect Oregon consumers,” DFR Administrator TK Keen said. “This settlement demonstrates how state regulators and state attorneys general can work together to hold companies accountable, and to ensure consumers can confidently and securely pay their loans online without fear of unauthorized payments being made on their behalf.”

This enforcement action orders the following of ACI Payments Inc.: • Risk and compliance programs – Maintain a comprehensive enterprise risk management program and a third-party risk management program tailored to the nature, size, complexity, and risk profile of ACI. • Agreement monitoring – Regular reporting (for two years) to a state regulator monitoring committee to ensure both the adequacy of the risk management programs and compliance with the order.

• Administrative costs and penalties – Payment of $10 million in fines for administrative costs and penalties.

Read the settlement agreement and order with this story at thenewsguard. com.

Lawmakers try to tackle addiction crisis JULIA SHUMWAY Oregon Capital Chronicle News Guard Guest Article Oregon lawmakers heard from state behavioral health officials and local addiction treatment providers during a four-hour meeting October 17 that confirmed that the drug epidemic is one of the most intractable problems Oregon faces and touches every part of the state.

Addiction treatment and the behavioral health system is complex. Bureaucratic barriers stand in the way of getting treatment to people

when they need it. It’s hard to hire qualified providers, especially in remote rural areas, and programs need more money to hire and retain staff and build needed facilities.

Many people have an easier time scoring fentanyl than they do finding treatment.

Clear direction What lawmakers need now, said Sen. Kate Lieber, the Senate majority leader and co-chair of the new Joint Interim Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response, is a clear

direction on what they can do to get people into treatment.

“I’m putting a stake in the ground here for everyone who is listening. We need to get people off the streets now,” Lieber said. “We have run out of time to build the exact system we want. What can we do now to rapidly get people off the street in a safe way?”

The committee met for the first time Wednesday amid growing criticism of the state’s 2020 voter-approved drug decriminalization law, Measure 110. An epidemic of fentanyl overdoses and wide-

spread frustration over public drug use has led legislative Republicans to call to repeal the law, while a coalition including Nike co-founder Phil Knight is pushing 2024 ballot measures to recriminalize possession of some drugs, mandate treatment and ban public use of drugs.

The behavioral health providers who spoke to the committee Wednesday broadly supported Measure 110.

“Measure 110 is the best thing that’s happened to See CRISIS, Page 4

POLICE BLOTTER Police Blotter Police Blotter The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies.

All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change. For specific details about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

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1:53 a.m.

Report of a car fire in the 300 block of SE Neptune Avenue. Report taken for suspicions regarding the fire.

9 a.m.

Caller in the 4000 block of Logan Road reporting a high and run caught by vehicle camera. No plate seen.

1:28 p.m.

Caller in the 2800 block of NE Inlet Avenue reporting two juvenile males attempt-

ed to enter a motel room and then a hot tub and were in a tent at the bottom of the beach access stairs. Three juveniles transported to police department and released to family members.

1:34 p.m.

Caller in the 1500 block of East Devils Lake Road reported finding drug paraphernalia.

2:05 p.m.

Caller in the 4600 block of NE Windward Place reporting PayPal scam, information compromised and out $300.

Oct. 11 8:07 a.m.

Caller in the 1300 block of NW 14th Street reported theft of trash container.

9:02 a.m.

A report of theft of a bag of electric tools at a construction site in the 4600 block of NE Union Loop.

9:46 a.m.

Caller in the 1400 block of NW Highway 101 reports business door has been broken by a ball bearing that is lodged in the door.

10:16 a.m.

Caller in the 3100 block of SW Coast reporting theft of a backpack blower from vehicle.

4:17 p.m.

Caller in the 1900 block of SE Highway 101 reports a digital Sony camera was taken from vehicle.

7 p.m.

Single vehicle rollover at West Devils Lake Road and NE 14th Street. Driver cited for Careless Driving and Driving Uninsured.

Oct. 12 9:04 a.m.

Caller in the 2100 block of NW Highway 101 reporting a burglary and front door damaged.

9:45 a.m.

911 report of an unconscious person not breathing in the 1500 block of SE Oar Avenue. North Lincoln Fire & Rescue, Lincoln City Police and Pacific West Ambulance crews responded. DA and medical examiner notified.

Oct. 13 8:02 a.m.

Caller reports a male was beating on female in the 1000 block of SE Oar Avenue. Male pulled out a knife when others attempted to intervene. Male left scene in a white van. Officers located vehicle at Brown Bear State Park. Male was taken into custody, transport-

ed to jail charged with Assault II, (Attempted) Menacing, Assault IV, Harassment, and Disorderly Conduct.

11:49 a.m.

Caller in the 4000 block of NW Logan Road reporting three juveniles in the back room destroying things, going through boxes, possibly stole Halloween masks. Officers were unable to locate the suspects.

2:37 p.m.

A non-injury traffic crash reported in the 100 block of SW Highway 101.

11:32 p.m.

Officers initiated a traffic stop in the 1700 block of NW 44th Street. Three subjects taken into custody for warrants.

Oct. 14 2:32 p.m.

Caller in the 4600 block of SE Lee Avenue reporting a female has not been seen since Oct. 12.

8:03 p.m.

A disturbance reported in the 1500 block of SE East devils Lake Road. Caller reports male yelling and smashing a window. Subject taken into custody and booked into jail on charges of Burglary II, Criminal Mischief I, Trespass II, Theft III, and Menacing.

please join us for

safe treats & games

october 31 • 4 -7 pm • taylor & taylor realty co.

3891 nw hwy 101, lincoln city

4

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October 24, 2023

Incentives drive electric vehicle sales up in Oregon GRANT STRINGER Oregon Capital Chronicle News Guard Guest Article

More Oregonians than ever are buying electric cars and the state is poised to see a major influx, in part because of friendly state and federal policies, according to a new report by the Oregon Department of Energy.

Almost 70,000 electric vehicles are registered in Oregon, up from 38,000 in 2021, analysts wrote in a report to the Oregon Legislature that was released last week. The agency says Oregon will probably surpass the state’s goal to have 90% of vehicle sales be electric by 2035, which would help decarbonize the state’s transportation sector, the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Jessica Reichers, energy technology and policy manager at the Oregon Department of Energy, told the Capital Chronicle that Oregon is on the cusp of a big shift to electric cars. Nationally, Oregon is emerging as a hub: Sales of electric vehicles in Oregon were second only to California in the first quarter of 2023, the report said. Regionally, Oregon has collaborated with California, Washington and British Columbia, Canada for a network of fast charging sta-

tions dubbed the West Coast Electric Highway.

The report also notes that falling prices and more consumer choices for electric vehicles — including a growing market for used models — are helping speed up the pace of adoption.

However, only 2% of registered vehicles in Oregon are electric. Few dealerships sell electric cars in central and eastern Oregon, and it can still be hard to find a charge outside of urban centers or away from Interstate 5 and Interstate 84, Reichers said.

“That’s a challenging thing when you’re driving long distance,” she said.

Heavier-duty vehicles, like buses and semi trucks, remain expensive and hard to charge. Transitioning those vehicles will be more difficult but critical for Oregon climate goals, the report said.

State lawmakers passed goals for electric vehicle adoption in 2019. Agencies are using a combination of requirements and incentives to get more electric cars on the road.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality requires that 35% of new cars, trucks and SUVs sold in Oregon have no tailpipe emissions by 2026, with stricter rules after that. Oregon also

still emits carbon, particularly during the assembly of lithium ion batteries. Reichers noted that mining for lithium and other necessary minerals comes with its own environmental and human rights concerns.

To meet climate goals, state agencies require fuel suppliers to sell progressively cleaner products and invest in multi-modal transit systems that take more vehicles off the road, whether they’re electric or not.

Oregon Capital Chronicle focuses on deep and useful reporting on Oregon state government, politics and policy.

We help readers understand how those in government are using their power, what’s happening to taxpayer dollars, and how citizens can stake a bigger role in big decisions. https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/09/26/ electric-vehicle-sales-up-inoregon-thanks-to-incentivesreport-says/ Oregon Capital Chronicle 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. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapital chronicle.com.

debuted two wildly-popular rebate programs to help buyers cover the cost of an electric car. One, the Charge Ahead EV program, gave low-income Oregonians who purchased electric vehicles up to $5,000. But both programs ran out of money because of “overwhelming demand.”

They will reopen next year when more funding is available, the agency says.

Stuart Green, policy manager for the Portland-based nonprofit Forth, said the Charge Ahead rebate made a

big splash: More than 40% of zero-emission vehicle registrations were supported by the program, Green said.

He said pausing the rebate programs will slow the state’s progress and called for more incentives, especially for low-income residents and rural communities that “have more barriers to electrification and are less likely to be served by private investments.”

A federal incentive of up

to $7,500 is still available for moderate- and low-income drivers.

Reichers said Oregon’s biggest challenge is a lack of chargers. Plug-in electric cars can be charged with a standard 110-volt outlet. But a faster charge requires a Level 2 charger that comes with a price tag of up to $1,200, Reichers said.

The Oregon Department of Transportation plans to invest $100 million, with about half from federal funds, in charging networks. Its Community Charging Rebates Program has committed up to $7 million to help install Level 2 chargers in rural swaths of Oregon. Reichers also said private charging companies including Tesla are beginning to collaborate more, which will open more options for drivers.

However, Green said, it’s far from certain whether Oregon will meet its zero-emission vehicle targets. A policy reversal from the federal government, supply chain glitches or legal challenges to government policy “could easily change what is possible in Oregon,” Green said.

Electric engines produce no tailpipe emissions and are far more climate-friendly than internal combustion engines.

But electric car production

or 2.0%, since September 2022. Most of the gains in the past 12 months were in specialty trade contractors, which added 4,000 jobs. Meanwhile, construction of buildings had the same employment level as the prior year.

Professional and business services grew at a moderate pace over the past year, adding 3,900 jobs, or 1.5%. This

gain was led by management of companies and enterprises, which added 2,400 jobs, or 4.8%. Professional and technical services grew moderately, adding 1,600 jobs, or 1.4%.

But the third component industry, administrative and waste services, was nearly flat over that period, cutting 100 jobs, or -0.1%. And within that industry, employment

services was particularly weak, shedding 2,000 jobs, or -4.5%, over the past 12 months.

Leisure and hospitality expanded at a consistent and rapid pace over the past 24 months. During that time, it was up 23,900 jobs, or 12.8%.

Despite these rapid gains, at 210,800 jobs in September, it is still 5,700 jobs below its

pre-recession peak reached in February 2020.

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.5% in September and 3.4% in August. September was the fourth consecutive month in which Oregon’s unemployment rate was between 3.4% and 3.5%.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.8% in both August and September.

I’ve never seen this.”

Some patients have reported recovering from multiple overdoses with naloxone, an overdose reversal drug, but each overdose puts stress on brains, similar to a concussion, and contributes to brain damage. Treleaven said he doesn’t expect to see longterm fentanyl addicts, because fentanyl, unlike heroin, isn’t a drug people can use long-term and expect to survive.

Joe Bazeghi, director of engagement at Recovery Works NW, said physicians started raising alarms around 2018 that the methods they used to help people detox from heroin and oxycodone weren’t working as well for fentanyl.

The organization has provided medication-assisted treatment in Yamhill, Clackamas, Washington and Multnomah counties for the past 10 years and recently opened a 16-bed detox center in southeast Portland.

Fentanyl can be stored in fat cells, while other opioids are more easily excreted. That means people who appear to be stable and out of withdrawal can fall back into it, Bazeghi said.

“This stuff is far, far more powerful,” he said. “People come in with far, far more significant challenges.”

Kimberly Sue, an assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine and the former medical director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition, shared data from her work in New York State,

where fentanyl has been the leading cause of overdose deaths since 2016.

Overdose deaths are paradoxically higher in areas that appear to have treatment available, she said. People who are homeless or incarcerated have the highest rates of overdose deaths.

“We are doing an abysmal job of getting people access to treatment that we know works,” she said.

Effective treatment includes recognizing that most people use more than just one substance, and may need treatment for alcohol or stimulants along with opioids, she said.

Providers need to find ways to get addiction services to people outside of a traditional clinic, and drug users need access to medications like methadone and buprenorphine, she said.

“As long as it’s easier to get fentanyl than it is to get treatment for opioid use disorder, we will continue to see a rise in overdose deaths.”

Courtesy photo A program offering cash rebates to Oregonians for buying electric vehicles ran out of money earlier this year because of the demand.

Need for incentives

Oregon adds 8,100 jobs during the month of September STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc. Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 8,100 jobs in September, following a revised decline of 700 jobs in August.

September’s job gains were largest in construction (+3,200 jobs); profes-

sional and business services (+2,200); and leisure and hospitality (+900). Most of the other major industries were relatively flat over the month, with none cutting more than 200 jobs.

Construction employment surged to another record high, gaining 3,200 jobs. At 119,900 jobs in September, construction is up 2,300 jobs,

Crisis Continued from Page 3

he said.

providing treatment in Oregon,” said Tim Murphy, chief executive officer of Salem-based Bridgeway Recovery Services.

Need for sobering centers

Law enforcement focus A second hearing on Nov. 6 will focus on law enforcement and the police response to addiction, and two more meetings before the Legislature convenes in February will help committee members draft specific recommendations for policy changes.

Lieber, D-Beaverton, is a former Multnomah County prosecutor who decided to remain in the Legislature instead of running for attorney general to focus on addiction and behavioral health issues.

She told the Capital Chronicle after the meeting that she feels like the Legislature is playing Whac-a-Mole with behavioral health. As soon as lawmakers make progress on one aspect of the crisis, something else pops up.

Committee co-chair Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend and a former Deschutes County public defender and prosecutor, said he learned more about how the crisis manifests in different communities in the meeting. Drug abuse and behavioral health are problems throughout the state, but they look different in urban and rural areas. Legislators can help local communities be more innovative in finding solutions,

In Harney County, which spans more than 10,000 square miles, Burns-based Symmetry Care treats people in mental health and addiction crises. Sometimes, the provider goes days without receiving calls for help, Director Chris Siegner said.

He urged lawmakers to recognize that more money doesn’t always mean providers can bring in staff, especially in rural areas where it’s harder to recruit workers. And he asked them to think about how to get people into treatment when they aren’t competent to choose it for themselves.

“I don’t think anybody wants to criminalize drug use, but they also don’t want people who are unable to care for themselves to die in front of people,” he said.

Coos County Behavioral Health Director David Geels said his area needs a dedicated safe place where people who have overdosed or face mental health crises can go to take care of immediate needs and then work with his team and other providers on longer-term treatment.

“Some kind of sobering center or crisis stabilization center is crucial to do that,” he said. “We do not have that in Coos County. We don’t have it in Curry County.”

He said a center needs to be local and easily accessible

Metro Creative Connection Oregon lawmakers are looking for ways to address the state’s fentanyl crisis.

– police aren’t going to drive an hour to drop someone off at a stabilization center.

Sen. David Brock Smith, R-Port Orford, represents Coos and Curry counties along with other areas of southwest Oregon. He’s not part of the committee but sat on the dais with committee members and asked questions.

In a texted statement through a spokeswoman, Brock Smith said he was there because addiction was an important issue to his constituents.

“All three of my county boards of commissioners (Curry, Coos, Douglas) have passed resolutions urging the governor and/or Legislature to repeal Measure 110,” Brock Smith said. “My constituents are dying, my communities are frustrated and my public safety professionals do not have the tools they need to protect residents.”

Lieber said after the meeting that Brock Smith will not vote on anything in the committee because he’s not

a member, but senators are allowed to join and ask questions.

‘Far more powerful’ The drug crisis in Oregon and across the country is driven by fentanyl, a cheap, highly addictive and often lethal drug. More than 930 Oregonians died from opioid overdoses in 2022 compared to 280 in 2019, according to Oregon Health Authority data.

Rick Treleaven, executive director of Bestcare Treatment, which provides addiction treatment in central Oregon, said he’s had more clients die in the last year than the last 25 years put together. He compared the fentanyl epidemic to the early AIDS epidemic, when public health officials struggled to keep people from risky behaviors and deaths were rampant.

“Our clients are coming in and they say ‘I’m scared of this drug,’ but they can’t stop,” Treleaven said. “In 40 years,

Follow this developing story at thenewsguard.com and in the Tuesday print editions of The News Guard.

Oregon Capital Chronicle 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. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.

October 24, 2023

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News & Views VIEWPOINT

Protecting your business’ privacy ROSEANN FREITAS News Guard Guest Column

Ransomware is everywhere.

The number of businesses that fall victim to attacks grows each year, and the consequences for those targeted continue to be costly. According to the FBI, in 2022, adjusted losses due to ransomware Roseann exceeded $34 Freitas million.

The prevalence of ransomware attacks emphasizes the need for businesses to protect their customer’s personally identifiable information.

Safeguarding privacy is not merely a recommendation but a standard set by the Better Business Bureau. It’s a crucial element of trust in your business.

A breach of privacy harms your reputation and bottom line. Attacks can result in significant financial losses as well as cause operational shutdowns. Furthermore, businesses may face legal repercussions if they fail to protect customer data adequately.

Building a Robust Business Cybersecurity Plan A thorough cybersecurity plan is paramount in safeguarding your business against ransomware attacks.

Here’s a step-by-step process to help you create a robust cybersecurity plan: 1. Risk Assessment: Begin by identifying potential vulnerabilities within your system. This includes outdated software, lack of firewalls, and weak password practices.

2. Employee Education:

Equip your team with knowledge about ransomware attacks, their implications, and how to prevent them. Regular training sessions can go a long way in fortifying your defense.

3. Security Measures: Install reliable antivirus software, implement strong password policies, and utilize secure cloud storage for sensitive data.

4. Regular Updates and Backups: Keep your systems up to date and back up critical data regularly. This can help you recover quickly in case of an attack.

5. Incident Response Plan: Have a clear plan detailing the steps to take in the event of a breach. This should include identifying the breach, containing the threat, eradicating the ransomware, and recovering the systems.

6. Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure that your cybersecurity measures are effective and updated. This also helps to identify any unnoticed breaches or vulnerabilities.

For small businesses that may not have the resources to maintain an IT department, outsourcing to a reputable IT company is a viable and often necessary alternative. But don’t just pick the first one you find - due diligence is key. Asking for personal recommendations from trusted business associates can also be invaluable. Remember, your chosen IT company will be entrusted with your business’s cybersecurity.

THIS THING CALLED LIFE

Nine ball in the side pocket MICHELLE PIERSON YOUNG News Guard Guest Column

I once had a client who, seemingly out of the blue, said she was concerned about her marriage.

I wasn’t surprised, as a coach, there have been more shocking reveals on calls than that. But I was confused as we’d been working together for some Michelle time, and this Young was the first time she’d exRoseann Freitas is the PR pressed there was a problem and Communications Manag- in her relationship. As I beer at BBB Great West + Pa- gan to ask questions to get to the heart of what my client cific.

wanted, the dimmer switch of understanding slowly began to reveal something different than we’d understood before.

In an effort to give her relationship the energy she knew it needed, she used familiar words, “I’m worried about my marriage.” Clearing my head, I asked, “Do you mean to say your relationship is important to you and you want to be sure to get it into, and keep it in good shape?” I could hear the smile in her voice after fairly rigorous questioning, “Yes,” she smiled through the phone. I could hear relief in the clarity.

I thought, ‘Now that makes sense.’

We went on to explore how it feels to be worried about something, versus wanting to make sure that

thing, or person, or relationship stays in, or gets into vibrant working order.

The problem with the thinking in “I’m worried about something,” is that, first and foremost, it feels bad to worry. Feeling bad is not a good idea if we want to feel good. It’s that simple sometimes. The possibility that lies within, “This is important to me, what does it need to thrive?” is limitless.

I wouldn’t call this “personal development” per se, it’s simply coming from the direction of creating a positive outcome... preferably for everyone. Maybe we should coin it “positive direction thinking.” It’s not a magical tool, it’s just choosing a desired pocket on the pool table of outcomes.

COVID-19.

Visit pebt.oregon.gov for more information about the P-EBT program.

Families with specific questions about their child’s eligibility or P-EBT card can contact the P-EBT Call Center at (844) ORE-PEBT or (844) 673-7328. The P-EBT Call Center is available Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific in seven language options (English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Somalian, Mandarin and Cantonese). Callers may also request a translator for additional languages.

P-EBT does not replace any child nutrition program already offered and families are encouraged to continue to participate in meal programs in their schools and communities.

P-EBT food benefits are issued in addition to regular SNAP benefits. P-EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test.

Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon. org/find-services/

“Nine ball in the side pocket,” makes a lot more sense than, “Please lord, don’t let the nine ball go into those other pockets.”

Totally different outcomes on the pool table of life.

This is where physics meets psychology. Wherever I look on the road of life, my hands will unconsciously follow my focus. Should I focus on strong relationships and deep understanding, my unconscious choices will follow suit.

What I think about, I bring about. Huh. Personal development it turns out to be after all. What do you know?

Michelle Pierson Young is a Lincoln City life coach. She may be reached at Michelleatplay.com.

$43M in additional food benefits for Oregon children

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) will be issuing additional food benefits for young children whose families received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits between Sept. 1, 2022 and May 11, 2023.

These additional food benefits will provide approximately $43 million in additional food assistance for 99,000 young children in Oregon.

“We are grateful to have been able to provide more than a $1 billion in addition food benefits to children and students in Oregon since 2020,” ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Director Claire Seguin said. “As communities continue to be affected

by COVID-19 and the rising cost of food, we know that many families are experiencing hardship and are struggling to get enough healthy

food for themselves and their children. We encourage anyone who is struggling to meet their basic needs to contact our partners at 211, the Oregon Food Bank and their local Community Action Agency for support during this difficult time.”

Eligibility for P-EBT food benefits Families must have received SNAP benefits at any time between Sept. 1, 2022 and May 11, 2023.

Children in the family who were age 5 and under at any time during this period are eligible to receive additional food benefits.

Families will receive the additional food benefits for every month during this period that: One or more children in their household were ages 5 and younger The family was receiving SNAP benefits.

Families will receive an

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extra $67 food benefit per child for every month between September 2022 and • April 2023, and $30 for May 2023. Families can receive up to $566 in additional food benefits for each child who is eligible.

How children will receive P-EBT food benefits Families who are currently receiving SNAP benefits will receive the P-EBT food benefits onto their EBT card on Oct. 17.

Families who are no longer receiving SNAP benefits will receive a notice in the mail and the benefits will be deposited onto their existing EBT card associated with their household. If families no longer have their EBT card they can request a replacement card by calling 855-328-6715.

What is the P-EBT program?

Since 2020, Oregon has issued approximately $1 billion in P-EBT food benefits to help children in Oregon get enough quality and nutritious food.

These additional food benefits are part of the P-EBT program, a temporary COVID-19 response program meant to provide additional food support for children whose access to adequate and quality food received through school programs may have been impacted by

Publisher David Thornberry: dthornberry@countrymedia.net Regional Executive Editor: Jeremy C. Ruark: jruark@countrymedia.net General Manager & Marketing Consultant: Robyn Smith: rsmith@countrymedia.net

Resources to help meet basic needs Find food resources in your community: needfood. oregon.gov Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www. adrcoforegon.org.

About SNAP Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities.

Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid.

Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855673-2372.

About P-EBT Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) is part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. P-EBT is money for children whose access to adequate and quality food may have been impacted

by COVID-19.

P-EBT is a program in partnership with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education.

Fast Facts • Families who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and have young children will receive additional food benefits for their children.

• Oregon will provide approximately $43 million in additional food assistance for 99,000 young children.

• These food benefits will be issued to existing EBT cards on Oct. 17.

• These additional food benefits are part of the federal Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program, a temporary COVID-19 program meant to provide additional food support for children whose access to adequate and quality food may have been impacted by COVID-19.

• This is the last time Oregon will be able to provide P-EBT food benefits to children in Oregon as the program has not been renewed.

Subscriptions In county delivery is $70 | $90 out of county We reserve the right to adjust the terms of prepaid subscriptions upon 30 days notice.

The News Guard (USPS 388-100) is published every Tuesday and is an independent newspaper, periodical class postage paid at Lincoln City, OR USPS Deadlines Advertising/Classifieds: Wednesday, 4 p.m | Obituaries, Community News, Legals: Thursday, Noon | Sports, Letters to the Editor: Thursday, 4 p.m.

Obituaries Death Notices: Free | Standard Obituary: $75 for 200 words with small photo, $50 additional 200 words, $25 for each additional photo | Includes online placement

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October 24, 2023

Disaster loans available to Oregon small businesses SUBMITTED Small nonfarm businesses in 21 Oregon counties, including Lincoln and Tillamook, and neighboring counties in Idaho and Washington, now eligible to apply for low interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

The loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought in the following primary counties that began Aug. 1, according to SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center West Director Jeffrey Lusk.

Primary Oregon counties: Clatsop, Lincoln, Mor-

row, Polk, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Washington and Yamhill.

Neighboring Oregon counties: Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Columbia, Gilliam, Grant, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah and Wheeler; Neighboring Idaho counties: Adams, Idaho and Nez Perce; Neighboring Washington counties: Asotin, Benton, Columbia, Garfield, Klickitat, Pacific, Wahkiakum and Walla Walla.

“SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on

Learn to document family heirlooms

Courtesy photo Documenting Your Family Heirlooms Zoom presentation s scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Oct. 25 SUBMITTED The Lincoln County Genealogical Society (LCGS) will host an upcoming virtual program, “Documenting Your Family Heirlooms,” by genealogist Glenda Lloyd on Oct. 25 at 10:30 a.m.

The program takes place on Zoom and will be available to registrants for 30 days after the presentation.

In this presentation, Glenda Lloyd will guide participants through the journey of preserving family heirlooms, going beyond mere birth, marriage, and death dates.

Family traditions and stories about items in the family can enrich the family history and ensure that the information is passed on to future generations accurately and correctly.

Discover the stories behind your family’s treasures and ensure their legacy lives on for generations.

Lloyd does workshops, seminars and genealogy programs for genealogy societies and has taught at the Salt

Lake Institute. Glenda helped organize and served as the first president of Root Cellar Sacramento Genealogical Society. Genealogy is her hobby and her passion.

LCGS regularly hosts these live Zoom presentations featuring nationally recognized genealogists and professionals. While these programs are a complimentary benefit for LCGS members, non-members are welcome to participate for a registration fee of $10. The fee includes an annual LCGS membership, providing access to genealogical resources. To reserve your spot and receive the Zoom link, email Searchlightlcgs@ gmail.com.

LCGS offers monthly programs during its meetings generally scheduled for the first Saturday of each month.

SAVE THE DATE!

FREE THANKSGIVING LUNCH NOV. 16 • 12 NOON LC COMMUNITY CENTER

farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused by the disaster and businesses directly impacted by the disaster,” Lusk said.

Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses which could have been met had the disaster not occurred.

“Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disaster only and

not on any actual property damage. These loans have an interest rate of 4 percent for businesses and 2.375 percent for private nonprofit organizations, a maximum term of 30 years and are available to small businesses and most private nonprofits without the financial ability to offset the adverse impact without hardship,” Lusk said.

Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the initial disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

By law, SBA makes Economic Injury Disaster Loans available when the U.S. Sec-

retary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster.

The Secretary declared this disaster on Sept. 25.

Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance. Agricultural enterprises should contact the Farm Services Agency about the U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance made available by the Secretary’s declaration. However, nurseries are eligible for SBA disaster assistance in drought disasters.

The application process Applicants may apply online, receive additional di-

saster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance. sba.gov/.

Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@ sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.

For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

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THAT, IF ADOPTED, MAY AFFECT THE PERMISSIBLE USES OF YOUR PROPERTY AND OTHER PROPERTIES IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD, AND MAY CHANGE THE VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTY. ZOA 2023-09 proposes updating the existing Lincoln City Comprehensive Plan which was originally adopted in 1984, and replacing it with the new 2043 Lincoln City Comprehensive Plan.

The applicable criteria are: Lincoln City Municipal Code (LCMC) 17.76.060 Type IV Procedure (Legislative) and 17.77.050 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment. A copy of the draft 2043 Lincoln City Comprehensive Plan will be available for inspection at no cost at least seven days prior to the hearings and will be provided at reasonable cost to individuals who request it.

The complete file may be reviewed online at www. lincolncity.org by going to Departments in the top bar, then Planning & Community Development, and then 2043 Lincoln City Comprehensive Plan Update. All relevant documents and evidence submitted by or on behalf of the applicant, and applicable criteria are available for inspection at no cost and will be provided at reasonable cost upon request at Lincoln City Planning and Community Development, 801 SW Hwy 101. For additional information, please contact Anne Marie Skinner, Director, at askinner@lincolncity.org or 541.996.1228. Failure of an issue to be raised in a hearing in person, or by letter/ email, or failure to provide statements or evidence sufficient to afford the Planning Commission and/or City Council an opportunity to respond to the issue precludes appeal to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). Please email your comments to askinner@lincolncity.org or mail to Lincoln City Planning and Community Development, PO Box 50, Lincoln City, Oregon 97367. The meeting location is accessible to persons with disabilities.

A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired, for a hearingimpaired device, or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities, should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. To request information in an alternate format or other assistance, please contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Kevin Mattias, at 541- 996-1013 or kmattias@lincolncity.org.

Visit the ADA Accessibility | City of Lincoln City, OR webpage to view how the City continues to remain in compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding City programs, services, processes, and facilities.

OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, NAOMI R. CARTER AND RODNEY R. THOMAS, AS TENANTS

BY THE ENTIRETY as Grantor to SERVICELINK LLC as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for AMERISAVE MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of May 27, 2021 and recorded on June 21, 2021 as Instrument No. 2021-07968 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Lincoln County, Oregon to-wit: APN: R89070 | R509725 A PARCEL OF LAND IN U.S. GOVERNMENT LOT 23, SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 7 SOUTH, RANGE 11 WEST, WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, IN LINCOLN COUNTY, OREGON, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:BEGINNING AT A POINT 120 FEET SOUTH AND 20 FEET WEST OF THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LOT 23; THENCE SOUTH 200 FEET; THENCE WEST 150 FEET; THENCE NORTH 200 FEET; THENCE EAST 150 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. Commonly known as: 2013 NE SURF AVE, LINCOLN CITY, OR 97367 Both the Beneficiary, AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.752(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Monthly Payment(s): 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 04/01/2023 to 09/30/2023 at $8,263.80 Monthly Late Charge(s): By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $172,929.38 together with interest thereon at the rate of 2.75000% per annum from March 1, 2023 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on February 20, 2024 at the hour of 09:00 AM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, Public Entrance, Lincoln County Courthouse, 225 West Olive Street, Newport, OR 97365 County of Lincoln, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the

said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any. Dated: 10/12/2023 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949- 2528300 Order Number 96638, Pub Dates: 10/24/2023, 10/31/2023, 11/7/2023, 11/14/2023, THE NEWS GUARD

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Announcements Lincoln City seeks consulting services to assist the City in completing a Climate Action Plan and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. Visit lincolncity.org for more information.

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999

Public Notices NG23-557 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS CITYINITIATED LINCOLN CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE The Lincoln City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider ZOA 2023-09, the Lincoln City Comprehensive Plan Update, on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The Lincoln City City Council will hold a public hearing to consider ZOA 2023-09 on Monday, December 11, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. The public hearings will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 801 SW Hwy 101, Lincoln City, Oregon. Persons who may be affected are invited to participate in the hearing and present written and/or oral testimony relating to the plan. The hearings will be televised live on Channel 4 and streamed live on the City’s website. Citizens requesting to give testimony via Zoom or telephone must email planning@lincolncity.org no later than noon on the hearing day.

The request must include the person’s name and the screen name the person intends to use for the meeting. Instructions will be sent to the person requesting prior to the meeting. PLEASE NOTE: THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

BY ITSELF WILL NOT AFFECT THE PERMISSIBLE USES OF YOUR PROPERTY, BUT FUTURE ZONING CODE AMENDMENTS RESULTING FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

NG23-563 TS No. OR09000032-23-1 APN R89070 | R509725 TO No 230398883-OR-MSO TRUSTEE’S NOTICE

NG23-565 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN CASE NO. 23PB08349 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID WILLIAM ROGERS, deceased NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Jean Marie Rogers has been appointed as the personal representative of the above estate. All persons having a claim against the estate are required to present them to the undersigned attorney for the personal representative at:

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October 24, 2023

The Gray Lady: Oregon Coast’s haunted lighthouse RODNEY HARWOOD Country Media, Inc. This Queen Anne-styled cottage with a red roof overlooks the rocky cliffs and violent waves of the Pacific Ocean below as has done so for more than a century.

The former living quarters of the keepers house at Heceta Head Light station has carried its tale of the Gray Lady for close to seven decades.

This Halloween season locals and travelers alike will have a chance to learn of the Oregon Coast ghost story about Heceta Head and the Gray Lady.

The 2023 Ghost Story Tour of the Keepers House at Heceta Head Light station, once the home of the men who took care of the lighthouse and their families, will be on Oct. 28-29.

Guests can tour the lighthouse keepers quarters and maybe spot the spirit, hear of the tales surrounding the most photographed lighthouse on the Oregon coast and listen to its storied past of the paranormal.

Some say the apparition is a gray-haired woman who appears wearing a late Victorian-era dress; a wispy gray figure appears to be floating down the hallway.

The sounds of sweeping and furniture being moved occur in the night and they come from the locked and otherwise unoccupied attic.

Occurrences, real or imagined, in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage have given the location the reputation of being one of the most haunted places on the West Coast.

The main apparition is

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Public Notices 121 SW Morrison St., Suite 600, Portland, OR 97204, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All those persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published on: October 24, 2023. Jean Marie Rogers, Personal Representative Steven R. Bennett, OSB #781399 FARLEIGH WADA WITT Attorneys for Personal Representative 121 SW Morrison St., Suite 600 Portland, OR 97204 Phone: (503) 228-6044 Fax: (503) 228-1741 Email: sbennett@fwwlaw.com.

NG23-566 Notice to Interested Persons Lincoln County Circuit Court Case Number: 23PB08958 Notice: The Circuit Court of the State of Oregon, for the County of Lincoln, has appointed Fred A. Vogt, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Lila Marie Baer, deceased. All persons having claims against said estate are required to present the same, with proper vouchers to the Personal Representative at Edgel Law Group, 1800 Blankenship Road, Suite 370, West Linn, Oregon 97068, within four months from the date of first publication of this notice as stated below, or they may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by this proceeding may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the Personal Representative, or the attorney for the Personal Representative. Dated and first published October 24, 2023. Fred A. Vogt, Personal Representative, c/o Edgel Law Group, 1800 Blankenship Road, Suite 370, West Linn, Oregon 97068.

Nicole H. Sakys, Edgel Law Group, 1800 Blankenship Road, Suite 370, West Linn, Oregon 97068.

Ghost Story Tour of the Keepers House at Heceta Head Light Station October 28-29 Ghost Story tours are from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Each tour runs approximately 20 to 30 minutes with a limit of 15 people per session.

The park is located off of Highway 101 just 13 miles north of Yachats https://heceta-lighthousegift-shop.myshopify.com/ products/2023-ghost-story-tour-of-the-keepershouse $10 per person are required in advance known as Rue, named by a group Lane Community College students who saw the letters R-U-E appear on a Ouija Board when they asked questions to the popular device.

The name stuck.

It is told that Rue had two daughters, one of which drowned in a tragic accident.

It is not known whether she drowned in the ocean or in a cistern, but that there is an unmarked grave on the hillside that has been long left undisturbed and has since become overgrown.

Although Rue left the Heceta Head Cottage after her daughter died, it is said that she came back after her own death to look for her daughter.

One of the most frightening encounters with Rue was reported by the Siuslaw News in 1975. According to the tale, a workman was cleaning one of the windows in the attic when he noticed an odd reflection in the glass.

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Public Notices NG23-567 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN In the Matter of the Estate of: WILLIAM LOUIS PEDRETTI, Deceased.

Case No. 23PB08957 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ANTONIO WILLIAM PEDRETTI has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to Personal Representative, ANTONIO WILLIAM PEDRETTI, at the address below, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorneys for the personal representative. ADDRESS FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: c/-o Attorney David V. Cramer, OSB #992479, Zantello Law Group, 2941 NW Highway 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367. DATED and first published: October 24, 2023. David V. Cramer, Attorney for Personal Representative.

NG23-559 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN Probate Department In the Matter of the Estate of CAROL JOY PERKINS, Deceased. Case No. 23PB08511 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on September 22, 2023, Rachelle Collins, was appointed as Personal Representative of the above-referenced estate.

All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the Personal Representative or to Stacey D. Mealer, Attorney, at the addresses listed below, within four months after the date of first publi-

When he turned to see what was behind him, he saw the apparition of an elderly woman wearing a late-Victorian style gown. He fled the house and didn’t return for days, refusing to ever go into the attic again.

According to a PBS special on Legendary Lighthouses, nearly everyone who has stayed at the lighthouse since the 1950s has experienced some sort of paranormal activity.

The Heceta Head Lighthouse was named for the Spanish sailor Don Bruno Top: Heceta Head Lighthouse as it is today.

Heceta, who discovered the Above left: Some of the original lighthouse keepers. location in 1755. It sits on a beautiful location on the Above right: A view of the lighthouse in its early days. coast just north of Florence project completion was ham- the site.

Although the complete and is said to be the most pered and delayed by the photographed lighthouse in cliff-top site since nothing project was said to have takcould be done until the roads en about five years, the light the United States.

Construction of the light- were built in order for the itself was lit for the first time house began in 1892. The supplies to be brought up to in March of 1894.

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On the weekend before Halloween, guests will have the opportunity to decide for themselves if the tales from the sea are just old sailor’s legend or real.

October 24, 2023

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cation of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the Personal Representative, or the attorney for the Personal Representative. Personal Representative: Rachelle Collins, 39400 Howard Road, Marcola, OR 97454, (541) 731-4741. Attorney for Personal Representative: Stacey D. Mealer, Attorney OSB# 023915, PO Box 81 ~ 1195 Main Street Suite 2, Sweet Home, OR 97386, (541) 270-2406 ~ Mealer@actionnet.net.

ship and range, said point being on the North line of NW 28th Street, 50.00 feet wide; thence West, 70.82 feet to the true point of beginning of the tract herein described; thence West, 50.00 feet; thence North, 120.00 feet; thence East, 21.00 feet; thence South 20.00 feet; thence East 6.85 feet; thence South ° 05’ 5r West, 59.37 feet; thence South 3° 1 0’ 02” East, 40.69 feet to the point of beginning Commonly known as: 1643 NW 28TH STREET, LINCOLN CITY, OR 97367 Both the Beneficiary, Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2017-1, U.S. Bank National Association as Indenture Trustee, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.752(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Monthly Payment(s): 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 01/01/2022 to 01/01/2022 at $1,308.43 12 Monthly Payment(s) from 02/01/2022 to 01/01/2023 at $1,302.71 7 Monthly Payment(s) from 02/01/2023 to 08/01/2023 at $1,410.70 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 09/01/2023 to 09/01/2023 at $1,520.72 1 Monthly Payment(s) from 10/01/2023 to 10/01/2023 at $1,308.43 Late Charge(s Late Charge(s) 331.38 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to-wit: The sum of $351,605.56 together with interest thereon at the rate of 3.87500% per annum from December 1, 2021 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed.

Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on February 20, 2024 at the hour of 10:00 AM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, at the Olive Street entrance to the Lincoln County Courthouse, 225 W Olive, Newport, OR 97365 County of Lincoln, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes

the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any. Dated: 10/4/23 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Order Number 96425, Pub Dates: 10/17/2023, 10/24/2023, 10/31/2023, 11/7/2023, THE NEWS GUARD

NG23-560 TS No. OR08000094-22-1 APN R108120 TO No 220354889-OR-MSI TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, JESSE L JAYNES SR as Grantor to WESTERN TITLE & ESCROW COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for WEALTHBRIDGE MORTGAGE CORP, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of December 13, 2007 and recorded on December 21, 2007 as Instrument No. 200717451 and the beneficial interest was assigned to Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2017-1, U.S. Bank National Association as Indenture Trustee and recorded October 25, 2022 as Instrument Number 202210047 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Lincoln County, Oregon to-wit: APN: R108120 A tract of land located in the Northeast quarter of the Northeast quarter of Section 10, Township 7 South, Range 11 West, Willamette Meridian, in Lincoln County, Oregon, and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at a point which is West, 760 feet and South, 600 feet from the comer common to Sections 2, 3, 1 0 and 11, in the above mentioned town-

NG23-568 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN In the Matter of the Estate of: ANNA MARIA GAMBA, Deceased.

Case No. 23PB08623 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that JANE MARY BROGI has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to Personal Representative, JANE MARY BROGI, at the address below, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorneys for the personal representative. ADDRESS FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: c/o Attorney David V. Cramer, OSB #992479, Zantello Law Group, 2941 NW Highway 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367. DATED and first published: October 24, 2023. David V. Cramer, Attorney for Personal Representative.

October 24, 2023

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State using new funding to clear away abandoned vessels JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) officials said they have reached a milestone in ensuring safe and healthy waterways statewide by removing the first hazardous vessel with newly approved funding.

The FV Tiffany, a 200-ton former fishing vessel built in 1939, became a hazard when it sank and spilled fuel into the Columbia River near Rainer in 2021.

The U.S. Coast Guard responded, cleaning up the fuel and refloating the vessel. DSL began monitoring the vessel while also seeking resources for removal.

“The FV Tiffany wasn’t just an eyesore,” DSL Interim Deputy Director Chris Castelli said. “More significantly this ship was a vehicle for toxins going into the Columbia River.”

The concerns Abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) like the FV Tiffany often contain harmful quantities of oil, lubricant, and other toxic substances in the materials used to construct the vessel.

“Some samples taken from the FV Tiffany contained high levels of PCBs and lead which pose a threat to the aquatic environment and potentially even human health,” Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Spill Contingency Planner

Scott Smith said.

Beyond the environmental hazards, the abandoned vessels present a myriad of safety concerns including water and navigational, according to Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Shaun McQuiddy.

McQuiddy said that vessel-abandonment cases have tested officer capabilities on a state level.

“These abandoned and derelict vessels have increasingly robbed our resources and time, statewide,” he said in previously published interview with The Chronicle, the Pilot’s sister publication in St. Helens.

In spring 2024, DSL will present the State Land Board with a report that includes a program framework addressing prevention, response, enforcement, education and outreach, and potential longterm funding needs and sources, as well as recommendations for legislative action in the 2025 Legislative Session.

About the ADV Workgroup

Penalties The penalties for vessel abandonment range from $440 on the low end to thousands of dollars on the high end. If the vessel becomes submerged, it becomes an even greater expenditure to remove the vessel that, for one boat owner, came out to a total of $55,000.

The most common types of offenders of abandoned vessels range from people living on their boat, to scrappers and owners of “fixer uppers,” according to McQuiddy.

The FV Tiffany is the first waterway-polluting vessel to be removed using new funding approved by the Oregon Legislature in June.

For years, DSL has been working with state, federal, and local partners to clean up and remove vessels, according to DSL Director Vicki L.

Courtesy photo Abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) like the FV Tiffany often contain harmful quantities of oil, lubricant, and other toxic substances in the materials used to construct the vessel.

Walker, who added that the collaborative efforts have resulted in removing hazardous vessels from waterways, but lack of a statewide abandoned and derelict vessel program with dedicated funding has meant ongoing impact to the Common School Fund. Since 2017, the Common School Fund has expended $12.9 million removing commercial and recreational vessels from public waterways.

“Oregon’s schoolkids foot the bill for cleaning up abandoned and derelict vessels,” Walker said. “Every dollar spent cleaning up these mess-

es is a dollar out of the classroom. Besides shortchanging Oregon school kids, lack of dedicated resources prevented the state from being able to proactively address the ADV problem.”

That changed with House Bill 5029, with the Oregon Legislature providing $18.8 million from the Monsanto settlement to begin removing vessels and developing a statewide program for longterm solutions.

Preventing vessels from becoming hazards that contaminate water, degrade habitat, damage property, and

impede navigation is a priority. The state always seeks to have vessel owners pay for cleanups and will explore options for recovering expenses incurred, currently estimated to be $1.42 million for the FV Tiffany. But focusing on prevention can help reduce the need for state-led cleanups.

The state’s new Abandoned and Derelict Vessel (ADV) Workgroup, with over 20 members ranging from harbormasters to recreationalists, began meeting in September to help create a program framework, including proactive solutions.

(OYA), Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC), Oregon Department of Education (ODOE) including the Early Learning Division, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC).

The second rule amendment focuses on data sharing and the way customers can authorize the release of their information to a third party.

Currently, the document must be notarized or witnessed by an OED employee or One Stop Partner.

OED is modernizing its systems and creating an online portal, Frances Online, where customers can securely log in and file a claim, complete questionnaires, view their documents, and decisions. An online version of the informed consent document will allow customers to complete it electronically.

Listening session dates and times are 4-5 p.m. on Oct. 26 and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Oct. 27.

The listening sessions will be in English with live Spanish and American Sign Lan-

guage interpretation. When you join the Zoom session, you will be able to select which language you would like to see or hear.

These sessions are scheduled to last 60 minutes, but they may end earlier.

The ADV Workgroup provides input to state agency partners on near-term action for vessel removals, a program framework, and legislative solutions. Workgroup members bring a wide variety of perspectives and expertise, including ports, marinas, waterway recreation, environmental protection, vessel salvage, and local government. State agency partners are DSL, the Oregon State Marine Board, DEQ, and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Over the next few months, the ADV Workgroup will provide input on key elements of a statewide ADV program.

ADV Workgroup meetings are open to community members and meeting agendas include time for community comments. Broad opportunities for community input are anticipated early in 2024.

Meeting details and materials are posted on the DSL’s website and announced via the abandoned and derelict vessels email notice list.

Oregon Employment Department proposes two changes SUBMITTED

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is seeking public comment on two proposed rule changes that the agency said will improve sharing of data with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and streamline customer authorization.

A state rule (OAR 471010-0120) requires OED to notify customers and secure their informed consent before sharing de-identified information with other agencies.

This limits OED’s ability to

participate in the ODHS Longitudinal Dataset, an opportunity to provide greater equity of service, better alignment of services between agencies, and more responsive customer service.

Changing this rule would allow OED to only share de-identified information with ODHS, which would protect personal data while allowing overall better outcomes.

Other agencies participating in this effort are the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), Oregon Youth Authority

Be Engaged WHO: Lindsi Leahy, Unemployment Insurance program director; Lisa Schriever, deputy director for operations and policy WHEN: 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, and 11:30

a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 WHAT: The Oregon Employment Department is hosting two listening sessions on proposed rule changes about data sharing and streamlined customer authorization.

WHERE: Via Zoom video conference: Register for the Oct. 26 or Oct. 27 sessions online now. (See link with this story at thenewsguard.com) OTHER: For updates about Oregon Unemployment Insurance program, visit unemployment.oregon.gov.

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October 24, 2023

Unusual deaths of hundreds of West Coast gray whales linked to lack of Arctic ice ALEX BAUMHARDT Oregon Capital Chronicle News Guard Guest Article The deaths of more than 700 West Coast gray whales since 2019 is likely the result of low food supplies caused by a lack of sea ice in the Arctic.

A team of researchers led

by Joshua Stewart of Oregon State University found there have been three “unusual mortality events” in the last 36 years, where the delicate balance of ice in the Arctic shifts, leaving the whales without enough food or access to food. The team’s findings were published Oct. 13 in the journal Science.

Stewart, an assistant professor at Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute, has studied West Coast gray whale populations recorded since the 1960s, as well as environmental data related to their habitats. The whales pass the Oregon Coast each year on their 12,000mile summer migration from breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico to the Arctic to feed.

Courtesy photo from Chris Johnson / National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Stewart and his team idenThe population of gray whales has shrunk by the thousands since 2016. tified three unusual mortality events, beginning in 1987, 1999 and 2019, and found Fast Fact each was tied to food availResearchers at Oregon State University say three major mortality events, including ability issues caused by ice fluctuations. In some years, one that’s ongoing, stem from a lack of food caused by ice changes. too much ice blocked the whales from accessing their Other Facts about Gray Whales traditional feeding grounds.

In the current mortality event, Weight: About 90,000 pounds the lack of robust ice means Length: 42 to 49 feet less algae is growing beneath Lifespan:Unknown Threats: Climate change, Disturbance from whale watching activities, Entanglement ice sheets and falling to the sea floor. This has left the whales’ in fishing gear, Habitat impacts, Ocean noise, Vessel strikes prey, small shrimp-like crusRegion: Alaska, West Coast taceans called amphipods, All gray whales are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. NOAA in smaller numbers because works to protect gray whales by: of a lack of nutrients and the Reducing interactions with commercial and recreational fishing gear habitat they need. Warmer Responding to dead, injured, or entangled gray whales Arctic waters and faster curEncouraging responsible viewing of gray whales rents have also brought the Minimizing the effects of vessel disturbance, noise, and other types of human arrival of other creatures to impacts compete for nutrients at the

bottom of the food chain, further reducing the number of calorie-dense amphipods that whales need.

Between 2016 and 2023, the population of eastern North Pacific gray whales has declined by nearly half, from a high of 27,000 to about 14,500 today, according to the most recent data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. Stewart said climate change has played a role in driving recent sea ice loss, impacting the food chain and leading to malnutrition responsible for hundreds of whales washing up on the West Coast during the last four years. Each of the three die offs Stewart’s team has studied led to whale population declines of at least 25% in just a few years.

“We’re hoping that by diving a little deeper into the causes we can maybe better predict what the future of the gray whale population will look like, and then take some lessons from that for other large whale species and populations that are maybe increasingly impacted by climate change,” Stewart said.

West Coast gray whales have the longest migration of any mammal and are only found in the Pacific. They are among eight whale species in the Pacific. They were listed as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act but recovered and came off the list in 1994.

Nevertheless, in 2019, 120 dead gray whales washed up on West Coast beaches. In the years that followed, about 600 whales washed ashore, appearing to be malnourished, according to scientists.

Earlier this year, three gray whales washed up on Oregon beaches within two weeks, and in June, five washed up

on shores in Washington.

Most were malnourished. So far this year there have been 63 dead gray whales found on shores between the Baja and Alaska, according to NOAA data.

The current mortality event has gone on twice as long as the 1987 and 2019 events, Stewart said.

But there are signs it is coming to an end.

NOAA scientists in Baja found that gray whales in area lagoons are larger and healthier this year than in years prior. And for the first time in five years, the number of mothers with calves has increased.

Scientists have also counted fewer dead or stranded whales in Mexico and along the West Coast on their journey northward this year between February and May than in previous years.

“We need to stop human driven climate change, and even if we did stop that there’s some degree that’s probably baked into the system already, and will take quite a long time to reverse,” Stewart said. “That’s hard, right? I mean that’s pretty depressing. I don’t know what else to call it. It’s a hard pill to swallow, when you just see these impacts that may not be reversible.” https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/10/19/ unusual-deaths-of-hundredsof-west-coast-gray-whaleslinked-to-lack-of-arctic-ice/ Oregon Capital Chronicle 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. Contact Editor Lynne Terry for questions: info@oregoncapitalchronicle.com.

October 24, 2023

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October 24, 2023

New species of tiny wasps discovered STEVE LUNDEBERG News Guard Guest Article Fossil researchers have discovered a novel genus and species of tiny wasp with a mysterious, bulbous structure at the end of each antenna.

The female micro-wasp was described from 100-million-year-old Burmese amber in a study led by George Poinar Jr., who holds a courtesy appointment in the Oregon State University College of Science.

Poinar and Fernando Vega, an independent researcher based in Silver Spring, Maryland, have some ideas about the “clouds” on the antennae, but they don’t know for sure what they are.

“We could find no fossil

or extant insect with such antennal structures,” said Poinar, an international expert in using plant and animal life forms preserved in amber to learn about the biology and ecology of the distant past.

“We wondered how it could still fly with that weight.”

Micro-wasps are defined as those with an adult body length of less than 2 millimeters. There are thousands of species of these parasitic insects around today, spread among hundreds of genera, Poinar said. Some are useful for controlling scale insects, which can be crop pests, he added.

“This micro-wasp has a length of only 1.3 millimeters,” Poinar said. “That, as well as its 15-segment anten-

nae, a deep cleft in the center of its head and characters of the wings distinguish it from all other micro-wasps. The unique, miniature cloudlike structures stuck to the antennae must have certainly been an annoyance to this tiny parasite.”

Since the researchers could not find such structures on any other insect, current or extinct, they can only make educated guesses as to what they could be.

“They could be tiny plant seeds, plant secretions or eggs from a host the wasp was parasitizing,” Poinar said.

“There is a good possibility the micro-wasp was parasitizing scale insects since there is a male scale insect embedded in the same piece of amber.

Whatever they are, discovering these is one of the things that makes our work so interesting, and challenging: finding dominant, unique features on extinct organisms.”

The scientists named the new specimen Caradiophyodus saradae. The genus takes its name from the Greek words for head (kara) and cleft (diaphyodus), and the species name is a nod to fellow scientist Sarada Krishnan.

Findings are published in the journal Life.

ments you might have.

Benenati: I wanted to stress two things: One the importance of maintenance and two what travelers can do this winter.

These cuts are difficult for us to make. We take pride in our work and know that Oregonians rely on us. Maintenance does just what it sounds like. It helps us maintain our statewide network that is a lifeline for our economy and does so much more than get people from point A to Point B. Maintenance work helps our staff identify and address small issues before they become big problems. Completing the right work at the right time makes our infrastructure safer, last longer, run smoother and is cost effective in the long run.

Here’s what we’re encouraging drivers to do: • Check Tripcheck.com and your local forecast before you travel.

• During winter months, prepare for the possibility of extended delays, closures, more chain restrictions, and varying degrees of traction as they navigate roads.

• With smaller budgets for staff and materials needed to plow, sand, and deice, the potential for traffic jams and crashes increases. Incidents will take longer to clear.

• Be prepared for extended delays by giving yourself extra time to make your trip.

• Carry a fully stocked emergency kit, including a phone charger and weather-appropriate clothing, and refuel or recharge their tanks

often.

• Make sure that you and your vehicle are prepared to drive on snow and ice. Use traction tires and carry chains.

If you are not comfortable driving on slick roads, consider using public transportation to get where you need to go.

• If you are traveling on low volume roads, expect a rougher trip than you are used to. Pavement in these areas will decline, so slow down and stay focused on the road ahead.

• Use the yellow center line for guidance in low visibility weather.

ing a scavenger hunt. Those who do will receive a free prize upon completion. Additionally, people are invited to take part in a community art project to commemorate the event, enjoy live performances from a selection of local artists, take part in dedicating the Lincoln City Rotary Club’s Musical Area, and hear speeches from Lincoln City community members.

Representatives from Shapiro Didway Landscape Architects, Civil West Engineering and Cascade Civil Corp., partners in the Plaza Project, will be on hand as well. Find the full schedule at www.lincolncity-culturalcenter.org.

Inside the LCCC, stop by the Chessman Gallery to see Angela Haseltine Pozzi and Nicola Bianca Pozzi’s show, “Unhuman.” In the Fiber Arts Gallery, see the “Coral Reef Project,” an immersive

exhibit featuring crocheted artwork from more than 100 Oregonian fiber artists. Take home art kits will be available by donation.

“We’re inviting our whole Lincoln City community, whether you live here full time or just consider us ‘your place’ on the coast. We’ve all pulled together to make the Cultural Plaza a reality,” Price said. “We are beyond excited to finally be done with construction and invite the Lincoln City community into our new space.”

The Cultural Center has been located at the former Delake School building since 2007. Work began last spring for the new Plaza. See previous coverage of the project with this story at thenewsguard.com.

The Plaza site plan, which was formed with community input in 2018 and 2019, offers a redesigned parking

area and traffic flow, along with islands, lighting and other upgrades required by city code.

“This project will provide so much space at the Cultural Center and it will be so much more welcoming,” Price said.

“There will be places to gather to have weddings, receptions and concerts, and there will be lighting at night.”

Although the property belongs to the City of Lincoln City, the $3 million development is a project of the nonprofit Lincoln City Cultural Center.

The Cultural Center’s galleries will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the day of the Plaza Activation Party. The Lincoln City Cultural Center is located at 540 NE Highway 101 in Lincoln City.

vated Theft 1, a class B Felony and Filing a False Police Report.

Cox had moved to Maui, Hawaii two days after the reported robbery.

LCPD detectives contacted Maui law enforcement authorities and advised them of the felony warrant for the arrest of Cox. On Oct. 11, local Maui law enforcement

authorities served the warrant on Cox arresting her and transporting her to their local jail. At press time, Cox was in custody awaiting extradition back to Oregon.

Steve Lundeberg is a researcher and writer for Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. He may be reached at steve.lundeberg@oregonstate.edu

Roads Continued from Page 1 much they use the system.

Revenue could also be raised through registration or other vehicle fees, or the gap could be filled with funding from non-transportation sources. And while the gas tax won’t last forever, increasing or indexing it for inflation would help cover the cost of maintaining the system.

We are encouraged by the actions of the Oregon Legislature to address the near-term funding issue at DMV during this most recent legislative session and look forward to working with our partners to propose sustainable funding solutions for adoption by the state.

The News Guard: Feel free to add any aditional com-

Follow this developing story at thenewsguard.com and in the Tuesday print editions of The News Guard.

Center Continued from Page 1 DeLake School site means.

“So, we will have phrases about life here, and the people who live and visit here,” Lincoln City Cultural Director Niki Price told The News Guard in a published interview in September.

The Nov. 18 celebration will be a family friendly event with free entertainment and activities for guests of all ages.

The celebration will occur rain or shine, with plans to move indoors if the weather is not ideal. The Cultural Center will be giving out free Plaza-themed merchandise and lunch, courtesy of NW Natural, will be provided while supplies last. All are invited to attend — RSVP is encouraged but not required.

Attendees can also help the Cultural Center “activate” the Plaza by complet-

For more information, email zoe@lc-cc.org or call 514-994-9994.

Robbery Continued from Page 1 After reviewing the information, the Grand Jury issued an indictment for the arrest of Cox for the crimes of Aggra-

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