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August 15, 2023

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Upgrades, improvements preparing for back to school

JEREMY C. RUARK

Country Media, Inc.

With just a few weeks to go before the start of the new school year, the Lincoln County School District (LCSD) administrators and maintenance crews have been working through the summer upgrading and conducting an-

nual maintenance projects at the school buildings.

The News Guard reached out to Lincoln County School District Facilities Director Rich Belloni for insight into the summer projects.

The News Guard: What have been the most significant projects at the district’s school buildings this summer

and why those projects?

Rich Belloni: Handicap access to Taft High School, Seismic up-grade to Yaquina View School. This is funded through a $2.5 million grant LCSD applied for and received. Along with this is a safety upgrade to office. Staff will now have sight lines to people entering the building

Proud

with a vestibule and double entry. Other projects include:

• Newport High School building under grandstands federal grant

• Crestview Elementary Waldport safety upgrade to office

• Toledo High School contracted a section of roof approximately. 20K sq. ft.

True&

Celebrating 150 years of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

The Bureau of Land Management is hosting what is billed as a historic milestone: the 150-year commemoration ceremony of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

The event is slated for Aug. 19 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the lighthouse located in the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, 750 NW Lighthouse Drive in Newport.

The Yaquina Head Light Station has been a crucial aid to navigation along the Oregon Coast for 150 years, according to the BLM.

“Standing 93-feet tall at the westernmost point of the basalt headland, the lighthouse has been a bright beacon of the night, guiding ships and their supplies along the west coast since the light was first lit on August 20, 1873,” a release from the BLM states.

Starting at 3 p.m. on August 19, the commemoration will feature the U.S. Coast Guard Honor Guard and remarks from various partners and supporters. The speakers schedule to attend include, BLM Oregon/Washington State Director Barry Bushue, senior leaders from the U.S. Coast Guard, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State House of Representatives, and Lincoln County.

Shortly before sunset, the Coast Guard will lead a ceremonial relighting of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. Throughout the day, costumed park rangers will lead children’s games and activities, host a children’s art show, and tend a period garden.

If You Go

Lighthouse Celebration

8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 19

Yaquina Head Lighthouse 750 NW Lighthouse Drive Newport

Tidepools will be available for exploring between 8 a.m. and noon.

History

One of Oregon’s tallest lighthouses, Yaquina remains an active lighthouse and its beam can be seen glowing in the night. The lighthouse and the surrounding natural area attracts an estimated 350,000 visitors annually from around the world.

Restoration and maintenance efforts for the lighthouse include a $400,000 paint job and other work conducted in 2015, which was funded through grants, donations, and fundraisers.

Over the years, tours have been conducted at the lighthouse with volunteers dressed in period-costumes. Nearby the lighthouse is a cobble beach composed of millions of rounded basalt rocks. The beach by the lighthouse is rich with tide pools and the Yaquina Head Natural Area also offers hiking trails.

The lighthouse is currently closed and not offering tours. The tidepools are open 365 days a year.

For the Aug. 19 celebration, RSVPs are encouraged to Sarah Bennett, BLM Oregon/Washington public affairs officer at spbennett@blm.gov, or call 503-808-6003, are appreciated by Thursday, Aug. 17.

For more information about the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, call 541-574-3100.

Shooting leaves one dead

One detained, few details surrounding event are known

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

Specific details of a fatal shooting on the Yaquina Bay Bridge had not been revealed by investigators as of late last week.

The incident unfolded shortly before 1 p.m. Aug. 9, as Newport Police Department (NPD) officers were dispatched to a possible shooting on the bridge along Highway 101 in south Newport.

“Officers arrived on scene and immediately detained a male subject,” according to a release from NPD. “Officers located a deceased male on the west walkway of the Ya-

quina Bay Bridge. Officers confirmed the deceased male suffered at least one gunshot wound.”

Officers located and identified several witnesses to the incident. During the investigation, officers closed the north and south bound lanes of the bridge to traffic for approximately two hours.

Traffic adjacent to the bridge backed up for blocks in the north and the south bound lanes of Highway 101, the major route through Newport.

Specific details about the victim, the person detained, and what led to the fatal shooting had not been released by law enforcement officials as

the investigation continued through the afternoon, Aug. 9. NPD said there was no threat to the community.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Newport Police Department at the non-emergency telephone number, 541-574-3348.

Follow developments at thenewsguard.com and in the Tuesday print editions of The News Guard.

Jeremy C. Ruark / Country Media, Inc. Officers gathered at the southwest side of the bridge during the investigation.

The News Guard: What are the costs for the individual projects?

Belloni: The individual costs are:

• Taft High School is funded by LCSD 75K

• Taft High School bathrooms and concession stands with a press box above l80K

• Yaquina View School

seismic upgrade is funded by the State of Oregon 2.5M

• Yaquina View School office is 200k funded by LCSD

• Newport High School building under federal grant 250K

• Toledo High School 100k LCSD

See SCHOOL, Page 14

Courtesy photo

Yaquina Head Lighthouse south of Lincoln City attracts about 350,000 visitors each year.

Coast Moment

Night work continues on Yaquina Bay Bridge

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

The City of Newport announces single lane closures at night were scheduled to begin Sunday, Aug. 13 and continue through Friday morning, Aug. 25 on the Yaquina Bay Bridge.

There will be a single lane closure on the bridge, with flaggers, nightly from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. The work is part of

the zinc coating being applied as a protection to the bridge.

“Thank you for your patience and cooperation.” the city’s release states.

History

The Yaquina Bay Bridge is an arch bridge that spans Yaquina Bay south of Newport.

It is one of the most recognizable of the U.S. Route 101 bridges designed by Conde

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

August 19 Shed Day

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will host a Shred Day from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug.19, at the Lincoln County Courthouse parking lot, 225 W. Olive Street, in Newport.

Sail Away Registration is now open for the Yaquina Bay Yacht Club’s (YBYC) adult sailing class. Space is limited to 12 students. Those interested need to register and pay to hold a spot. Class dates are Aug 3-22. Tuesday and Thursday evenings, plus Saturday, Aug 5. For more information go to https://yaquinabayyachtclub.org/adult-small-boat-sailing.

Lincoln City Senior Center Events

Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at 10 a.m. 1st and 3rd Thursdays.

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

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.

membership required. Donation to instructor suggested.

On Going

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.

Free Meal For Veterans

Homemade soup and sandwiches every third Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lincoln City B.P.O Elks #1886 at 1350 SE Oar Avenue in Lincoln City

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

McCullough and one of eleven major bridges on the Oregon Coast Highway designed by him. It superseded the last ferry crossing on the highway, according to Wikipedia.

For more information, contact Clare C. Paul, PE, Assistant City Engineer 541574-3370 or Andrea Mather, PE, ODOT Assistant Resident Engineer, Area 4 541-7574156.

Chair Yoga 11:30 a.m. Mondays. No

Jeremy C. Ruark / Country Media, Inc. Seagulls along the Oregon Coast. See more Coast Moments at thenewsguard.com.

Courtesy photo

The work is part of the efforts to protect the Yaquina Bay Bridge.

SHERIFF’S TIPS OF THE WEEK

It’s important

buckle up pets

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Drivers and passengers alike know the importance of wearing their seatbelt when riding in a vehicle. Next time you take your pet with you, make sure they are just as safe.

Dangers

Many dog owners let their dog run loose in an open truck bed, not thinking about the dangers. No matter how well-trained or coordinated your dog is, they can still fall or jump out of the back of a truck.

Oregon law requires a dog to be protected by a carrier or other restraint if transported on “the external part of a vehicle” on a highway. A carrier or cage is most ideal, but if you use a leash or lead, make sure it is of a length that doesn’t allow the dog to go over the side. A two-point restraint works best to ensure the animal can’t jump or be thrown in the event of a sudden stop or collision.

Inside vehicles

If your pet travels inside the vehicle with you, remember that driving with any an-

to

imal on your lap presents a distraction and puts the pet, driver, passengers, and other motorists at significant risk for a collision; a collision that would otherwise be preventable. There are numerous pet-specific vehicle restraints that work with your existing seatbelts and can be purchased either online or in pet stores. Remember to keep your pet’s collar with ID tags on during the trip and keep their license updated. An updated license (required for dogs, recommended for cats) and current contact information can help reunite you sooner if there is a collision or your pet gets separated from you another way.

Emergency supplies

In addition to ensuring your pets are properly secured for the journey, remember to pack emergency supplies. Packing essentials such as extra food and water can make a big difference if you are stuck in traffic or inclement weather.

Our pets love to be on the go with us. Show them how much you care by always considering their safety when you take them on the road.

POLICE BLOTTER

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

Lincoln City Police

K9 helps capture felony warrant suspect

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

Eyewitnesses and a police

K9 have led to the capture and arrest of a felony warrant suspect.

At approximately 6:50 p.m. Sunday, Aug 8, a Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) officer spotted 41-year-old Robert Schroeder of Lincoln City driving a vehicle in the 1500 block of SW Coast Avenue.

“The officer was aware there were active felony warrants issued for Schroeder’s arrest out of Lincoln County for Probation Violation,” LCPD Lt. Jeffrey Winn said. “The officer attempted to stop Schroeder, but he fled from police and drove at a high rate of peed through the Olivia Beach neighborhood.

Due to the narrow residential roads with families walking nearby, Winn said the officer did not actively pursue the vehicle. With the help of bystanders in Olivia Beach, officers learned Schroeder stopped his vehicle near Olivia Beach Park and began running away on

LCPD

foot. Officers called for the assistance of a K-9 and a short time later, Officer Jargett Villafane and his K-9 partner Nato arrived in the area.

“K-9 Nato began tracking Schroder and eventually located him hiding in thick shrubbery on the cliff side

gunpoint.

between the Esther Lee Motel and the Inn at Spanish Head,” Winn said. “Schroeder was taken into custody without further incident.”

In addition to his probation violations warrants, Schroeder was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on new charges of Driving While

Courtesy from LCPD

Revoked – Felony, Reckless Driving, and Reckless Endangering.

LCPD is asking any witnesses of the reckless driving in the area of SW Coast Ave and the Olivia Beach Neighborhood to call Sgt Tolzman at 541-994-3636.

LCSO hosts free shredding event Aug. 19

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will host a Shred Day from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Lincoln County Courthouse parking lot, 225 W. Olive Street, in Newport.

The event is being held in an effort to combat identity theft and financial fraud for our citizens and assist them in protecting their personal privacy.

Shred Day is a free event

open to the public. This event is not intended for significant amounts of shredding for private businesses or other government entities.

“Feel free to bring your paper documents, files, canceled checks, or any other document that contains your personal or sensitive information,” LCSO states in a release. “We also accept CDs and DVDs that contain personal or sensitive information. The shredding is 100% secure and will be conducted by an iSecure truck on site.”

There is no limit to the amount of shredding that can be broght to the event, however, once the truck is full, the LCSO will not be able to accept any more documents.

Here are some examples of items you should shred and not place in your trash can.

Expired or unused credit and debit cards

Credit card statements

Feel

July 21 9:56 a.m. Police conducted a traffic stop ay NE 19th Street and Highway 101. Driver cited for Driving While Suspended,

Driving Uninsured, Unlawful Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance. Subject arrested and transported to jail on Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession

of Illegal Firework. To firearms seized.

2:14 p.m.

Caller in the 1100 block of NW Harbor Avenue reported theft of a Smith & Wesson 38 Special Model 20, wood grips, and well-worn blue finish. Gun was in a paper bag in truck of vehicle and was fully loaded.

3:52 p.m.

A three-vehicle traffic crash reported in the 3000 block of SW Highway 101. One driver cited for following too close.

July 22 1:06 a.m.

Police officers dispatched for a welfare check in the 1300 block of SE 23rd Street. 9-1-1 call from crying female asking for help. Female located in vehicle and transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital for evaluation.

9:37 a.m.

Caller at NW 40th Street and NW Highway 101 reporting male on property refusing to leave. Male was taken into custody and transported to police department, cited for Trespass and released.

1:49 p.m.

Caller in the 6000 block of SW Jetty reported a family member found a large black bag full of items in the bushes behind a local business possibly related to a theft or burglary.

4:49 p.m.

A traffic crash reported at SE 48th Place and SE Highway 101. One driver arrested for DUII, Driving While Suspended and for a warrant. Menefee towed one of the vehicles.

July 23

3:59 a.m.

Police responded to a 9-11 hang up call in the 3000 block of NW Highway 101.

Officers located a vehicle into a semi delivery truck. Driver fell asleep, ran into the delivery truck trailer. No injuries. Vehicle was towed by Menefee Towing.

12:10 p.m.

Officers responded for an area check at SE 54th Street and Highway 101. Subjects were found inside a vehicle. One subject refused to exit. Forced entry made after obtaining Person Seizure Warrant. One person was taken into custody charged with Violation of Release Agreement. Subject was transported to jail.

4:28 p.m.

A traffic crash reported in the 100 block of SE Mast Avenue. Caller reported a possible Hit and Run. Officer Facilited information exchange.

4:39 P.M.

Caller in the 800 block of SW Highway 101 reported subject elbowed an employee in the face while trying to steel beer. Subject was taken into custody and transported to jail for Robbery III, Harassment, and Attempted Theft.

11:39 p.m.

Caller in the 1000 block of SW 51st Street reported physical disturbance coming from a neighboring room and a female trying to jump from the balcony. One subject transported to Samaritan north Lincoln Hospital.

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Police officers and a K9 capture the suspect at

Several diseased trees removed at Lincoln County Courthouse

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

Lincoln County facilities staff have cut down several trees from the Lincoln County

Courthouse lawn. “The trees were growing into the building and had rotting, diseased limbs, that potentially threatened people and property,” a release from

Lincoln County states. The five Leyland cypress trees were planted as part of a beautification effort during the 1980s. The Leyland cypress is a fast-growing hybrid

of the Monterey and Nootka cypresses. Lincoln County Facilities and Maintenance Manager Mike Copp said the trees’ limbs had begun to grow into the north face of the

courthouse, and some limbs were visibly splintering and splitting. “The trees were also leaning to the east and in peril of toppling,” he said. “When

workers used a lift to begin cutting them from the top down, they found extensive disease and rot.” The logs will be used by Lincoln County Parks.

Lincoln City to celebrate final new park design

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

Lincoln City Parks and Recreation (LCP&R) is hosting a Party in the Park to celebrate the reveal of the final design of the new Lincoln City park.

The event takes place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 at the new park site, a 6.71-acre site located in the Taft District, between SE 50th and 51st Street, at the former Taft Elementary School site.

This event launches the final design of the first new Lincoln City Community Park in more than 20 years.

Number one goal

The development and construction of this new community park is stated as the number one goal of the 2016 Lincoln City Parks System Plan and will address a recreation gap in the southern part of Lincoln City.

Since 2008, Lincoln City began talks with the Lincoln County School District (LCSD) to acquire the 6.71 acres, where the former Taft Elementary once stood, to build a community park. In

anticipation of the park, the Lincoln City Urban Renewal Agency built a public parking lot with 61 spaces directly to the west of the park area. The park will offer new amenities including sports facilities, covered event area, playground, picnic areas and other gathering spaces.

Community input has been received via online surveys, paper surveys, board and public meetings, and two open houses. At the open houses, the design-build team, led by K&E Excavating, DOWL, and Understory Landscape Architecture, along with Lincoln City Parks & Recreation staff, Lincoln City Public Works staff, and Lincoln City Parks and Rec Advisory Board, shared information on conceptual designs and choices that the public could make. Feedback was obtained from the public on the plans, which formulated the final park design.

“Park projects like this do not happen without input, support and sponsorship from the community. Utilizing the public feedback we received at our open houses, our public surveys, and our parks master plan, we now have a

final park design for the public to view, LCP&R Director Jeanne Sprague said.

The Party in the Park celebrates the extensive community involvement in developing the park design, as well as the unveiling of the final park plan.

A free hot dog dinner will be supplied by NW Natural, along with watermelon, ‘new park’ cookies, and lemonade. Stations will be set up across the park land, showing 3D-plan ‘you are here’ renderings of the park amenities, such as sports courts, sports fields, playground,

etc. Games will be stationed throughout the park, for youth to win prizes, along with crafts, face painting, photo booth and more. Taft HS Band will be providing music for the unveiling of the park design, along with attendance by Rep. David Gomberg, Sen. Dick Anderson, Lincoln City City Council, Lincoln City Parks and Recreation Board, and the brand new Friends of Lincoln City Parks & Recreation non-profit group. Other community partners that are hosting games and activities include: Driftwood Library,

LC Cultural Center, Oregon Coast Community Center, Taft HS Boosters, LC Pickleball Club, LC Kiwanis Club, LC Rotary Club, LC Playhouse and many others.

Name the Community Park

At the party, LCP&R will be kicking off the Name the New Community Park process, asking for public help to name the new Park.

All entries will be reviewed by the Lincoln City Parks and Recreation Board and Dept, City Management, with final decision from Lincoln City City Council. Winning name entry of this contest will receive one free annual membership to the Lincoln City Community Center. All entries must be received by Nov. 30.

Funding

As the park construction will be phased in accordance to available funding and budget, with plans to start in 2024, LCP&R is seeking alternative funding sources. A capital campaign kickoff will occur at the Park Party, with the newly formed Friends of

Lincoln City Parks and Recreation partnering on this park campaign.

In the meantime, LCP&R has started a ‘RoundUp for the New Park’ program at the Community Center, where patrons can round up their purchases to support park construction.

“We’ve reached some great funding milestones for park construction with the $1 million from State Bill 5202 due to support from Rep Gomberg and Sen. Anderson, the $750k from Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept, the $485k donation from the William Byrd Upjohn estate, and City Council funding. Every penny definitely makes a difference,” Spague said.

For continued updates about the new community park development in Lincoln City, see https://www. lincolncity.org/departments/ parks-recreation/new-community-park-taft.

Read a series of reports about the park property and follow developments at thenewsguard.com and in the Tuesday print editions of The News Guard.

Courtesy photos

Left: Crews removing the trees at the Lincoln County Courthouse. Center: The view of the courthouse following the removal of the trees. Right: The tree debris following the cutting operation has been removed from the courthouse lawn.

Courtesy from LCP&R

The event takes place at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29 at the new park site, a 6.71-acre site located in the Taft District, between SE 50th and 51st Street, at the former Taft Elementary School site.

Views

Fall webworm is on the prowl

CHIP BUBL News Guard Guest Column

Reports of the tell-tale webbing in deciduous trees of the fall webworm are coming in. There is a notion afoot that these are devastating insects, on par with the justly feared gypsy moth (which fortunately we don’t have yet). They aren’t. The webbing is unsightly, and the larvae can eat a lot of leaves.

as the remaining apples will grow bigger than they would with more competition unless you thin out a lot of fruit.

Another option is to remove some limbs before they remove themselves. Try to do so evenly around the tree. Finally, find some sturdy 2x4s or better, 4x4s to brace the limbs most at risk. If done soon and you should have fewer limbs toppling down.

Summer pruning

Chip Bubl

But it is amazing how fast the trees recover once the adults pupate.

The fall webworm, unlike the earlier (April - early June) Western tent caterpillar, has a long pupal stage. The cocoons go through the winter tucked into creases on the bark of the host tree or in the debris on the ground. The adult moths (white wings with black dots) emerge in early June through July. They mate, lay eggs, and the eggs hatch into the web-spinning larvae that start to munch on the leaves. After a rather short feeding cycle in August and September, they form pupae/cocoons and more or less disappear until next summer.

The volume of these caterpillars varies widely from one year to the next. Usually, a big year of them means they won’t be seen is much in the following years, though sometimes that is not the case. Do you need to control them? On young fruit trees, control is probably warranted. But you need to apply sprays prior to the webbing being formed. A strong stream of water on the webbing often does the trick. The bacterial insecticide “Bt” will do a good job on these caterpillars, as will more conventional insecticides. Don’t cut off limbs as a control unless you want those limbs gone. Rarely do tent caterpillars kill healthy trees. Again, timing is the key.

Natural control is provided by diseases, insect parasites, and sometimes birds.

Fruit trees loaded with fruit

After a terrible fruit crop last year due to wet weather and poor pollination, most trees have rebounded extremely well. Too well, really. As a result, I have already gotten calls about limbs that have broken away from the trunk. In one case, a very large, old plum tree split in two. You can provide emergency help to the trees in two major ways. First, you can thin lots of apples or pears. That may not totally solve the problem

Any shrub or tree can be pruned safely in the summer. It is an especially appropriate time to prune if the main reason for doing so is to keep down the size of the plant.

Unlike winter and early spring pruning, which tends to stimulate growth, summer pruning actually has a dwarfing effect. Removing leaves will slow carbohydrate storage and thus slow down growth the following spring and summer. Dwarf fruit trees, which seem to want to grow out of their assigned space, are especially good candidates for summer pruning. Besides keeping them small, summer pruning on fruit trees can allow more light into the canopy and ultimately help to produce better colored and better sugared fruits. That said, don’t prune just before a cycle of 90 degree plus weather or you will increase sunburn on your apples.

Summer pruning is best done from about mid-July to the latter part of August. Pruning earlier than this may stimulate a whole bunch of sprouts that will have to be removed. Pruning later than August can reduce the dwarfing effect you are trying to achieve.

Heat and herbicide impacts on plants

The very high temperatures we have experienced can lead to sunburned fruit (including peppers) found on the southwest side of the plants, mostly. Rhododendrons feel the heat most and large-leafed varieties are more likely to have sunburned leaves. Rhododendron leaves droop in response to moisture stress. Most recover, but some may wither if not watered soon enough. Newly planted trees and shrubs need particular attention.

If you have questions contact Chip Bubl, Oregon State University Extension office in St. Helens at 503-397-3462 or at chip.bubl@oregonstate. edu. To reach the Lincoln County OSU Extension Service Office, call 541-5746534.

ONLINE POLL

PEPFAR must be reauthorized

I was disappointed to see this recent KATU story about PEPFAR, an incredibly important global health program. PEPFAR isn’t a household name, and it should be - but not for the reasons highlighted in KATU’s story.

PEPFAR, the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, was founded in 2003 by President George W. Bush to stem the seemingly insurmountable tide of HIV/AIDS, largely on the African continent. 25 million lives saved later, PEPFAR is widely recognized as one of the most successful global health programs in history – a shining example of the power of bipartisan leadership.

This story misses the humanity of PEPFAR – 25 million mothers, fathers, children saved from a preventable, treatable disease. In addition, more than 5 million babies were born HIV-

free, even though their mother was positive. Thankfully, these babies don’t need a lifetime of medicine to survive.

It also diminishes the astounding contributions of our country – our communities – to ending HIV/AIDS. According to the ONE Campaign, Oregonians alone have helped PEPFAR save over 197,000 lives since 2003. That’s a legacy we should be proud of – and one that compels us to see the job through to the end.

To allow a program that is currently keeping millions of people alive to lapse would be a stunning abdication of moral leadership. I urge Representative Bonamici, Senator Merkley, Senator Wyden, and their fellow lawmakers to see the bigger picture and maintain this important US legacy – PEPFAR must be reauthorized this year!

Michael Kalkofen

Beaverton

the decision

MICHELLE PIERSON

YOUNG

News Guard Guest Column

When my oldest child, now a man, sizzled into teenagerhood, one of his regular quotes was, “I’ll decide!” Now that I know more about human development, this was a powerful and clear way of stating, I’m a fully grown human now, and I’ll be the one in charge of things.

time. He had been deciding for himself from the beginning, as we each do, but this was his moment of declaration. Whether we realize it or not, we’ve been deciding for ourselves all the way along.

the one gramma made. Maybe it looks absolutely nothing like you’d imagined. If you order a torta at one restaurant of life, you’ll get a sandwich, in another, you’ll get a piece of cake.

Michelle Young

Voyaging into the full range of human consequences as an adult is not as much fun as Hollywood led me to believe. By and large this son, as well as all three of my other brave adventuring children, have done a wonderful transition into adulthood, all things considered.

Starting out his journey declaring to the world, “I decide” was so much more powerful than I realized at the

We each decide what a person meant by a compliment, or if they meant it or not. We decide if we are “good” or “bad” students. While the world is more than willing to give its unvarnished “truth”, we decide which bits and pieces we’ll receive or not.

In my experience, one of the most dangerous ways of “deciding” in life is when we decide something isn’t what we expected, wanted or asked for. It’s easy to get distracted when the result we get is different than the one we imagined.

Let’s go to the Restaurant of Life for our example. We look at the menu, order the thing we think will be the most delicious, and then... we get what we get.

Maybe it looks like we thought but doesn’t taste like

What can one possibly decide about this? Is the sandwich good and the cake bad or vice versa? Or is it that they are what they are and you’ve simply had a difficult time making peace with them? And if ordering a snack can be this challenging, how can we possibly imagine life is going to turn out the way we thought? But we do, and then we decide all sorts of things about those results.

What we don’t necessarily understand is when we decide what something is not, we blind ourselves to what something is, or could be.

When I decide I don’t like my job because it’s boring, I’m not currently noticing how much I like paying my bills, or even better, asking myself what it would take for my job to fit me just right? “It’s not my dream job,” may be a fact,

but if we simply decide that’s true, we’re not exploring a possible ending for that sentence which could be, “right now”, and then, asking the question, what would it take to be my dream job? If you’ve decided this job simply isn’t it, and won’t ever be, then you’re free to explore and decide on something more suited to you. My son had it so right, “I’ll decide.” We are not victims of circumstances, we are quirky beings responding to a circus of delights we call life. How we decide to interpret it is entirely up to us. I’ve decided the Universe is conspiring in my favor. It’s my declaration that I’m choosing my life and responding to its outcomes. I’ve decided this foremost on the fact that when I do, I feel happy and hopeful, and suddenly the world responds on that same wavelength. Go on, I dare you, claim it, say it with me, “I decide,”

Michelle Pierson Young is a local life coach and may be reached at Michelleatplay. com.

Legislators with 10 unexcused absences will lose

LYNN TERRY

Oregon Capital Chronicle

News Guard Guest Article

eligibility to run in 2024 election

The Oregon Secretary of State said that Republican state senators who had at least 10 unexcused absences during this year’s session will not be eligible to run in 2024.

LaVonne Griffin-Valade, who was recently appointed secretary, said in a statement Aug. 8, she has directed her

office to implement an administrative rule making it clear to legislators that Measure 113 will prevent them from running for a subsequent term. The measure was passed by voters in 2022 intending to end the walkouts by minority parties that have dogged the Legislature for years.

“It is clear voters intended Measure 113 to disqualify legislators from running for reelection if they had 10 or

more unexcused absences in a legislative session,” said Griffin-Valade. “My decision honors the voters’ intent by enforcing the measure the way it was commonly understood when Oregonians added it to our state constitution.”

Background

Almost all of the 12 Republican senators and one Independent joined the walkout

over controversial bills, nearly stymying the session as it dragged on for six weeks.

Ten accumulated at least 10 absences: Sens. Tim Knopp, R-Bend; Lynn Findley, R-Vale; Bill Hansell, R-Athena; Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer; Art Robinson, R-Cave Junction; Suzanne Weber, R-Tillamook; Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles; Cedric See ABSENT, Page 10

I’m an adult so I’ll make

New laws signed to address Oregon’s behavioral health crisis

STAFF REPORT

Country Media, Inc.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek has signed six bills passed during the 2023 legislative session to address the behavioral health crisis in Oregon.

“As your Governor, I’m fighting for a behavioral health system that supports healing and recovery no matter where you live,” Kotek said. “And to the friends and family who have watched a loved one struggle with an untreated mental health issue or addiction, I recognize your suffering and am moved by your hope. Know that I am fo-

cused on improving outcomes across our state. “That’s why today is so important. The bills

I am signing mark progress towards building a behavioral health continuum of care that incorporates harm reduction, suicide prevention, stronger tools against substance abuse among youth and adults, and improvements to the implementation of Measure 110.”

Below is the list of bills

Governor Kotek signed: SB 238: Requires the Oregon Health Authority, State Board of Education, and Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to collaborate on developing curricula for school

To the friends and family who have watched a loved one struggle with an untreated mental health issue or addiction, I recognize your suffering and am moved by your hope. Know that I am focused on improving outcomes across our state

Tina Kotek, Oregon Governor

districts related to dangers of synthetic opioids.

SB 1043: Requires hospitals, sobering facilities, and detox facilities to provide two doses of opioid overdose reversal medication and necessary medical supplies to ad-

minister medication to specified patients upon discharge or release.

HB 2395: Expands access to emergency short-acting opioid overdose reversal medications, like Narcan and naloxone, including by allowing

law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical services providers, educators, school administrators and others to store and administer this life saving medication in the event of an overdose.

HB 2513: Strengthens Measure 110 by increasing staffing and improving application processes to speed up approval and get funds out the door, centralizing the support hotline to get people connected to services more efficiently, and improving program data collection and accuracy.

HB 2757: Establishes the 9-8-8 Trust Fund for improving the statewide coordinated

crisis system, including maintaining and improving 9-8-8 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis hotline.

HB 3610: Establishes the Task Force on Alcohol Pricing and Addiction Services to study and report on: alcohol addiction and prevention; distribution of resources for alcohol addiction treatment; overall funding for alcohol addiction treatment programs; cost of alcohol addiction to the state; and additional funding options for alcohol addiction treatment.

Kotek signed the bills during a ceremony at the state capital building Aug. 8.

Wyden, Hoyle defend support for shipping terminal

DAVID RUPKALVOIS

Country Media, Inc.

Beyond the tourism industry is Lincoln City, and the fishing industry at Newport, efforts are underway to enhance shipping development at Coos Bay to boost jobs and the overall coast economy.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle defended their support for a shipping terminal in Coos Bay during a town hall at Marshfield Junior High School Monday, Aug. 7.

While the two federal representatives talked about a variety of topics, the conversation consistently moved back to the proposed shipping terminal as several in the packed crowd opposed the plans.

Wyden was hosting his 1,061st town hall since he was first elected while Hoyle was hosting one of her first town halls since being elected last year.

Wyden said town halls have diminished around the nation, but he was determined to continue the tradition of visiting every county in the state yearly.

“I thought it was so important because today we can have some differences of opinion on political issues,” Wyden said. “We are now sitting 3,000 miles from Washington, D.C. It’s our job to shorten the distance.”

Wyden then restated his support for the shipping terminal proposed by the Port of Coos Bay and North Point Development.

“Make no mistake about it, we are going to bring this project home to the community,” he said to raucous cheers.

Wyden said he was also focusing on other issues in the Senate that will benefit Oregonians.

“Mental health is enormously important in the com-

munities across Oregon,”

Wyden said. “This Congress, we’re going to focus on mental health and addiction. It’s high time the federal government recognizes mental health and addiction can be two sides of the same coin.”

Hoyle then stood up for her first town hall in Coos Bay since being elected. She said her goal as a representative will be to fight to improve lives along the South Coast.

“People have said, how are you going to fill Peter DeFazio’s shoes,” Hoyle said. “I want to make it perfectly clear, I can’t. But I’m going to fight for the South Coast. I fight hard for the South Coast because I got elected to represent the entire district. This district was redrawn to be a coastal district because all the coast has similar issues.”

Hoyle said when the timber industry was cut back due to environmental regulations, her district lost 11,000 jobs. At the time, a promise was made to replace those jobs.

“We have not fulfilled that promise,” she said. “It mean a lot to me because I grew up with no money. There is dignity in working. There is dignity in being able to go to work.”

Hoyle said that is the primary reason she fully supports the proposed shipping terminal.

“What we need is jobs, and I am supporting investment in industry,” she said. “I support the project at the Port of Coos Bay. We will have a full process. We will have an environmental statement. We will have a full Tribal consultation. We will do this, but we will to it right.”

Hoyle said the shipping terminal will provide up to 8,000 jobs in her district. Most of them will be well-paying union jobs and

most will have apprenticeship programs, which she strongly supports.

“There will be investment in workforce housing,” she said. “We are working on a $4 million to North Bend to build out workforce housing. We have to be creative.”

Hoyle said she is also prioritizing wildfire control in the House.

“I’m working with Sen. Wyden so we can get more money up front to stop the fires before they start,” she said.

The representatives then took questions from the audience, with several voicing opposition to the shipping terminal, saying it would hurt the environment and specifically the South Slough Re-

serve. But Wyden and Hoyle said the project would only be built if it meets the environmental regulations. They also said it would benefit the environment as a whole.

“I think your point is spot on about global climate change,” Wyden said. “There’s no question there’s a lot more to do. We will not permit any fudging on the environmental laws. We’re going to have the community at the table every step of the way. Nobody on the South Coast is going to be left out of the effort to do this right.”

Hoyle said building the shipping terminal with goods moving via rail rather than

truck would be a huge benefit for the environment.

“We live in a word where there’s international trade,” she said. “We have people in Oregon who ship through the Panama Canal to the East Coast because it’s faster than going to California.

“This port will be a clean port. It will send product directly to rail, which means less diesel trucks on the road. Coos Bay could be part of the solution.”

Wyden said that might be the key to the whole project.

“When we talk about taking diesel belching trucks off the road that’s the best thing you can do for climate change,” he said.

David Rupkalvois / Country Media, Inc.

Oregon U.S. Congresswoman Val Hoyle addressing the Coos bay town hall audience.

Make no mistake about it, we are going to bring this project home to the community.

Ron Wyden, Oregon U.S. Senator

New insight into gray whales along Pacific Northwest Coast

MICHELLE KLAMPE

News Guard Guest Article

Gray whales that spend their summers feeding off the coast of Oregon are shorter than their counterparts who travel north to the Arctic for food, new research from Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute shows.

Both males and female gray whales in the subgroup known as the Pacific Coast Feeding Group are smaller than those in the larger group of Eastern North Pacific whales. The females average 3 feet (about 1 meter) shorter and males average 1.5 feet (half a meter) shorter, said the study’s lead author, K.C. Bierlich, a postdoctoral scholar in the institute’s Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna Laboratory.

“That is a significant difference in size. We also found that the Pacific Coast Feeding Group whales had slightly smaller skulls and flukes,” he said. “It’s a surprising finding – we have not thought about these whales being different in this way before.”

The findings, published today in the journal Biology Letters, raise new questions about the health, behavior and management of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group,

said study coauthor Leigh Torres, an associate professor at Oregon State who leads the GEMM Lab.

Most of the roughly 16,000 gray whales in the Eastern North Pacific population cruise past Oregon’s coast as they migrate south between October and December to their winter breeding grounds in Mexico and again in March as they return to feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi seas between Alaska and Russia, where they spend the summer.

But whales in the Pacific Coast Feeding Group, which number 212, spend their summer months feeding in coastal waters of Oregon, as well as northern California, Washington and southern Canada.

Since 2015, Torres and her research team have been studying the health and habits of the Pacific Coast Feeding Group, also known as Oregon’s “summer resident” gray whales, because of their unique ecology and elevated exposure to human activities in some locations, including boat traffic, noise and pollution.

The work includes using photographs to identify individuals, nets to capture fecal samples and drones to capture aerial images for measuring

the body size of individual whales. These methods provide researchers with a lot of information about the whales’ health and environment in a noninvasive manner.

“What is really unique about our data on the Pacific Coast Feeding Group is that we know these whales really well,” Bierlich said. “We see the same whales every year and can identify individuals based on unique markings, use sighting history from photo identification to estimate their age, collect fecal samples to determine their sex and use drone imagery to measure their length, skull and fluke size.”

“A big question our research group has been debating for a while is why these

whales come here instead of going farther north like the larger group,” he said.

Bierlich, whose research interests include using non-invasive tools such as drones to study whale health and behavior, saw an opportunity to compare the Pacific Coast Feeding Group and the Eastern North Pacific whales. He used a combination of historic whaling records, data from stranded animals, observations from airplanes and information collected through modern noninvasive techniques including drones and began to see differences between the two groups.

“When we look at the growth curves for the two populations, we see that they grow at the same rate, but

reach different final lengths,” he said.

“That raises some interesting questions: Is this size difference normal for this group of whales and they are a healthy population, but just differently shaped? Or is this difference a sign that they are stressed, unhealthy or not getting enough to eat?

Reduced size and length are common adaptations for animals when resources are limited, Bierlich noted, but the difference also could be attributed to an adaptation to the conditions of the region.

“These whales live in a very shallow environment, feeding in the kelp forest near shore, so the differences could be a reflection of their environment,” he said. “Their smaller body size and shorter skulls and flukes could potentially help them feed more effectively in this habitat compared to the deeper waters where the Eastern North Pacific whales feed.”

The findings may also have implications for future population management.

“Being smaller means these gray whales may have less energetic storage available to support reproduction or response to disturbance and injuries,” Torres said. “More research is needed to

understand what may be driving the size differences between the two populations.”

In the United States, the Pacific Coast Feeding Group is managed as part of the larger Eastern North Pacific Group. The differences in size could raise questions about whether the Pacific Coast whales should be managed separately.

“With only 212 Pacific Coast Feeding Group whales, these whales might require different management strategies compared to the 16,000 whales in the Eastern North Pacific,” Bierlich said.

Additional coauthors include Oregon State’s Ally Kane, Lisa Hildebrand, Clara Bird, Alejandro Fernández Ajó, Josh Stewart, Ines Hildebrand and James Sumich and Duke University’s Joshua Hewitt. The Marine Mammal Institute is part of Oregon State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and is based at Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.

Michelle Klampe is a writer-news researcher at Oregon State University Relations and Marketing. She may be reached at michelle. klampe@oregonstate.edu or at 541-737-0784.

Billions spent on hatcheries, habitat fails to help native salmon

ALEX BAUMHARDT

Oregon Capital Chronicle

News Guard Guest Article

Decades of data show that despite billions in taxpayer investment, salmon and steelhead hatchery programs and restoration projects in the Columbia River Basin have failed to support or boost na-

tive fish populations and in fact are contributing to their decline.

Oregon State University economics professor William Jaeger and Mark Scheuerell, a biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Washington, looked at 50 years of native and hatchery salmon and

steelhead return data from the Bonneville Dam near Cascade Locks.

The Bonneville Dam is the last of 14 dams on the Columbia River before it empties into the Pacific Ocean, and it is where many salmon and steelhead — both those born in hatcheries and in the wild — return to deposit their

eggs after one to seven years in the ocean. The two also reviewed decades of spending on habitat restoration and hatcheries programs in the river basin, meant to save the species from extinction.

aeger and Scheuerell found that while the number of salmon and steelhead born in hatcheries that return as adults has grown slightly, wild populations of salmon and steelhead have not, and in some cases they’re being hurt by the hatchery fish.

The growth in hatchery fish populations has in some cases resulted in the spread of disease and increasing competition for food with native fish, Jaeger noted. Scientists have even found that some hatchery fish prey on wild

fish.

The study was published July 28 in the journal PLOS One.

“The actual impact of all of these efforts has always been poorly understood,” Jaeger said in a news release.

There are about 200 salmon hatchery programs in the Columbia River Basin, and 80% of all salmon and steelhead that return to the Columbia River as adults started their lives in hatcheries, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration fisheries division.

The cost to taxpayers to maintain these hatcheries during the last 40 years has been about $9 billion when adjusted for inflation, according to Jaeger. This does

not include any of the money spent by local governments or nonprofits and nongovernment agencies.

“We found no evidence in the data that the restoration spending is associated with a net increase in wild fish abundance,” Jaeger said.

David Moskowitz, executive director of the nonprofit Conservation Angler which works to protect wild salmon and steelhead, said $9 billion dollars in the last four decades is probably a low figure.

“That doesn’t even take into account the costs of all the management that goes on,” he said.

‘Failed promise’ Steelhead, chinook, coho and sockeye numbers have been declining in the Columbia River Basin for more than 150 years, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Overfishing and damming of the river for hydropower have played the largest role. Other factors hurting the fish include farming pollution and the loss of water to irrigation, climate change, as well as habitat loss due to logging and mining.

The growth of hatcheries during the last century was a response to the growth of dams. State and federal governments made a promise to

See SALMON, Page 14

Courtesy photo from OSU

Both males and female gray whales in the subgroup known as the Pacific Coast Feeding Group are smaller than those in the larger group of Eastern North Pacific whales.

New game store in town hopes to be a hang out place for all

SARAH KELLY Country Media, Inc.

Gamers rejoice, a “happy place to play” is up and running in Lincoln City.

Lock & Key Adventurer’s Guild, located at 3026 NE Highway 101 #4 in Lincoln City, is operated by husbandand-wife duo, Josh Meyer and Myranda Kelly. The couple first started their business in Veneta, where they operated it for around two years before moving to Lincoln City.

The couple said they had outgrown their 300-squarefoot space in Veneta which they shared with a friend’s coffee shop. At first, they had first looked in Newport for a store location, while they lived in Lincoln City, however they were able to acquire a 1,500-square-foot space in Lincoln City and purchase a home in Otis.

Store description

The couple describes the game store as a one-stop shop for those who love tabletop games. They sell everything from board games and trading card games, like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon, to hobby supplies and specialty dice.

“We do a lot of war games like Warhammer and Shatterpoint, that’s a Star Wars game, which included tons of modeling and painting,” Meyer said.

While at the store, you can also sign up to take some art classes with Myranda Kelly where she will walk you through all the basics, or more advanced techniques, for painting miniatures.

Kelly commission paints Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) miniatures and Warhammer miniatures, teaches people typically from the junior high level all the way up to adults how to paint the small pieces.

The store offers a library of games and gaming supplies for people to use and the space for to play them. The store also has Dungeons & Dragons reference books, scenery, maps, and so much more.

“We have a huge play space where people can come

in and we host different game nights for trading card games, role-playing games, and board games night where we just open up different board games and just play,” Meyer said. Day-play is offered at the store for a small fee, or membership, for those looking to play there more long-term.

“We charge five dollars a day for people to come in and play or we sell memberships where all the play space is free and you get discounts in the store,” Meyer said, adding that the store has a clear division between its retail side and the play space provided to their customers and people are free to bring in their own games and play should they wish to do so.

The couple said they do their best to offer customers whatever they want for their Dungeons & Dragons sessions, including the option to play the game with just pen, paper and a map, with a screen table so they can manipulate the electronic map or to play using miniatures and 3-dimensional scenery, like Dwarven Forge. The couple is currently running four game campaigns and have two different Dungeon Masters (DMs) doing one-shots every week. A one-shot is a game which is only meant to run the length of one session, typically a few hours long as opposed to a campaign which runs over multiple sessions. Who can play

Meyer and Kelly said It is important to them to gear all games and groups appropriately according to age. If they have younger people come in who would like to play, they welcome them, but do ask to speak with a parent in order to make sure everyone is on the same page before starting a campaign.

Meyers and Kelly said want their store to be viewed as a safe and fun space for the community to come in and have a good time. They want their customers to feel like the space is theirs.

“We do run events and occasionally do tournaments and things like that but we re-

ally try to encourage the community to use it as their space. We want them to build their own groups and feel like this is a place that they can meet,” Meyer said.

The couple said they love to help the community and be as active as possible. They have an area of their store where local artists can put up work. Meyers said that they want to help promote them.

“We encourage anybody in the area that does wizardy, D&D, mushroom and gnomes and that kind of artwork [to get in touch],” Meyers said.

The couple is also offering looking at sponsoring local sports teams and have been involved with Samaritan in order to help sponsor the organization with the substance abuse facility that is being built.

“We really want to be part of the community here,” Meyer said.

Meyers said that his wife and him are working hard to build up their business and to become that one place where everyone in the community wants to go to. The two said they want their business to be a safe space, where no matter who you are, you are welcomed because there’s no room for anything but kindness and friendship.

Much joy

Lock & Key open last December. Meyers said that he knows it’s a risk to open up a new business.

“I’ve definitely failed before ... but you know I wasn’t afraid to do that again,” he said. “I was more interested in being happy.”

Meyers said operating the store in Lincoln City with his wife has brought him “so much joy and it’s all been worth it.”

“Here the community has been so loving and kind and good. It just makes us so happy. I’m glad we’ve found our nice little happy place,” he said.

For more information, visit LockAndKeyGuild.com. To reach the store, call 541300-8495.

Courtesy photo from Lock & Key Adventurer’s Guild Tabletop gaming supplies in use inside the store’s play space, created for their customer’s use.

Courtesy from Lock & Key Adventurer’s Guild The hobby shop is filled with customers’ painting and gaming in the store’s large open play space.

Courtesy from Lock & Key Adventurer’s Guild Lock & Key Adventurer’s Guild owners Josh Meyer and Myranda Kelly in an epic fantasy style image.

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Public Notices

NG23-519 TRUSTEE’S

NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-23-960448-BB Reference is made to that certain deed made by, STEVEN WILLIAM BURLETSON AND ELIZABETH ANNE BURLETSON, HUSBAND AND WIFE as Grantor to WESTERN TITLE & ESCROW COMPANY, as trustee, in favor of BOKF, N.A. DBA HOMEDIRECT MORTGAGE, as Beneficiary, dated 8/18/2017, recorded 8/18/2017, in official records of LINCOLN County, Oregon in as fee/file/ instrument/microfilm/reception number 2017-08029 and subsequently assigned or transferred by operation of law to BOKF, N.A. covering the following described real property situated in said County, and State. APN: R345504 08-11- 21-AB06400-00 LOT 214, BLOCK 12, CORONADO SHORES DIVISION NO. 2, COUNTY OF LINCOLN AND STATE OF OREGON. Commonly known as: 5655 PALISADES DR, GLENEDEN BEACH, OR 97388-4531

The undersigned hereby certifies that based upon business records there are no known written assignments of the trust deed by the trustee or by the beneficiary, except as recorded in the records of the county or counties in which the above described real property is situated. Further, no action has been instituted to recover the debt, or any part thereof, now remaining secured by the trust deed, or, if such action has been instituted, such action has been dismissed except as permitted by ORS 86.752(7). Both the beneficiary and the trustee 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. There is a default by grantor or other person owing an obligation, performance of which is secured by the trust deed, or by the successor in interest, with respect to provisions therein which authorize sale in the event of such provision. The default for which foreclosure is made is grantor’s failure to pay when due the following sum: TOTAL REQUIRED TO REINSTATE: $17,702.21 TOTAL REQUIRED TO PAYOFF: $249,181.49 Because of interest, late charges, and other charges that may vary from day-to-day, the amount due on the day you pay may be greater. It will be necessary for you to contact the Trustee before the time you tender reinstatement or the payoff amount so that you may be advised of the exact amount you will be required to pay. By reason of the default, the beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation secured by the trust deed immediately due and payable, those sums being the following, to-wit: The installments of

principal and interest which became due on 12/1/2022, and all subsequent installments of principal and interest through the date of this Notice, plus amounts that are due for late charges, delinquent property taxes, insurance premiums, advances made on senior liens, taxes and/or insurance, trustee’s fees, and any attorney fees and court costs arising from or associated with the beneficiaries efforts to protect and preserve its security, all of which must be paid as a condition of reinstatement, including all sums that shall accrue through reinstatement or pay-off. Nothing in this notice shall be construed as a waiver of any fees owing to the Beneficiary under the Deed of Trust pursuant to the terms of the loan documents. Whereof, notice hereby is given that QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION, the undersigned trustee will on 11/16/2023 at the hour of 10:00 AM, Standard of Time, as established by section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, At the front entrance to the Lincoln County Courthouse located at 225 West Olive, in the City of Newport, OR 97365 County of LINCOLN, State of Oregon, 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 and 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. Other than as shown of record, neither the beneficiary nor the trustee has any actual notice of

any person having or claiming to have any lien upon or interest in the real property hereinabove described subsequent to the interest of the trustee in the trust deed, or of any successor in interest to grantor or of any lessee or other person in possession of or occupying the property, except: Name and Last Known Address and Nature of Right, Lien or Interest ELIZABETH BURLETSON 5655 PALISADES DR GLENEDEN BEACH, OR 97388 Original Borrower STEVEN BURLETSON 5655 PALISADES DR GLENEDEN BEACH, OR 97388 Original Borrower For Sale Information Call:

1-866- 539-4173 or Login to: www.Servicelinkauction. com In construing this notice, the singular includes the plural, the word “grantor” includes any successor in interest to this grantor as well as any other person owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by the trust deed, and the words “trustee” and “beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Pursuant to Oregon Law, this sale will not be deemed final until the Trustee’s deed has been issued by QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION. If any irregularities are discovered within 10 days of the date of this sale, the trustee will rescind the sale, return the buyer’s money and take further action as necessary. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bank-

ruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit report agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations. 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. NOTICE TO TENANTS: TENANTS OF THE SUBJECT REAL PROPERTY HAVE CERTAIN PROTECTIONS AFFFORDED TO THEM UNDER ORS 86.782 AND POSSIBLY UNDER FEDERAL LAW. ATTACHED TO THIS NOTICE OF SALE, AND INCORPORATED HEREIN, IS A NOTICE TO TENANTS THAT SETS FORTH SOME OF THE PROTECTIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO A TENANT OF THE SUBJECT REAL PROPERTY AND WHICH SETS FORTH CERTAIN REQUIRMENTS THAT MUST BE COMPLIED WITH BY ANY TENANT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE AFFORDED PROTECTION, AS REQUIRED UNDER ORS 86.771. TS No: OR-23960448-BB Dated: 7/7/2023 Quality Loan Service Corporation, as Trustee Signature By: Robert W. McDonald, Esq., Vice President Trustee’s Mailing Address: QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION 108 1 st

Ave South, Suite 450, Seattle, WA 98104 Toll Free: (866) 925-0241 Trustee’s Physical Address: Quality Loan Service Corporation 2763 Camino Del Rio South San Diego, CA 92108 Toll Free: (866) 925-0241 IDSPub #0187017 8/15/2023 8/ 22/2023 8/29/2023 9/5/2023

NG23-526 NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF THE NELSCOTT URBAN RENEWAL (TAX INCREMENT FINANCE) PLAN The City Council of the City of Lincoln City has adopted Ordinance No. 2023-18 on August 14, 2023 approving the Nelscott Urban Renewal (Tax Increment Finance) Plan. The Plan has been adopted in conformance with the applicable legal requirements and shall be conclusively presumed valid for all purposes 90 days after the adoption of the ordinance. No direct or collateral attack on the action may thereafter be commenced.

NG23-520 TRUSTEE’S

NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR-23-955656- RM Reference is made to that certain deed made by, JEAN A INGLIS as Grantor to COMMONWEALTH TITLE, as trustee, in favor of BANK OF THE WEST, as Beneficiary, dated 9/11/2015, recorded 10/13/2015, in official records of LINCOLN County, Oregon in book/ reel/volume No. and/or as fee/file/instrument/microfilm/reception number

2015-10286 and subsequently assigned or transferred by operation of law to BMO Harris Bank N.A., successor by merger to Bank of the West covering the following described real property situated in said County, and State. APN: R232693 A

TRACT OF LAND LYING IN US LOT 4 OF SECTION 18, TOWNSHIP 10 SOUTH, RANGE 9 WEST OF THE WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN IN LINCOLN COUNTY, OREGON, MORE PARTICU-

LARLY DESCRIBED AS:

BEGINNING AT THE

SOUTHEAST CORNER OF US LOT 4; THENCE

NORTH 0° 23’ 04” WEST

ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 4, 577.70

FEET TO AN IRON ROD;

THENCE NORTH 82° 29’

21” WEST, 141.04 FEET TO AN IRON ROD;

THENCE NORTH 56° 20’

42” WEST, 217.20 FEET TO AN IRON ROD;

THENCE SOUTH 88° 48’

03” WEST, 67.08 FEET TO AN IRON ROD; THENCE

SOUTH 72° 44’ 45” WEST, 91.16 FEET TO AN IRON ROD; THENCE SOUTH 46°03’ 59” WEST, 221.05

FEET TO AN IRON ROD; THENCE NORTH 62° 56’

02” WEST, 52.73 FEET TO AN IRON ROD; THENCE

NORTH 5° 10’ 51” WEST, 204.01 FEET TO AN IRON ROD; THENCE NORTH 19° 33’ 44” EAST, 124.11

FEET TO AN IRON ROD;

THENCE NORTH 52° 45’

46” WEST, 61.82 FEET TO

Continued from Page 5 Hayden, R-Fall Creek; Dennis Linthicum, R-Klamath Falls; and Brian Boquist, I-Dallas.

The Republicans ended their protest after Democrats agreed to water down bills on gender-affirming care and guns and refer a measure to the ballot to allow the Legislature to impeach statewide elected officials.

If those whose terms are ending are excluded from running next year, it would likely shift the makeup at least in the state Senate, potentially bringing in neophytes without much experience writing and negotiating bills and maneuvering in the Legislature. It also could widen the majority of Democrats, who fell short in both chambers this year of having a supermajority that would allow them to pass new taxes without Republican support.

The 10 senators who are potentially barred from running represent one-third of the 30-member Senate. Several Republican sen-

AN IRON ROD; THENCE NORTH 89° 63’ 30” WEST 115.52 FEET TO AN IRON ROD; THENCE SOUTH 66°37’ 42” WEST, 72.58 FEET TO AN IRON ROD; THENCE SOUTH 85° 21’ 50” WEST 75.79 FEET TO SAMS CREEK COUNTY ROAD; THENCE FOLLOWING SAMS CREEK COUNTY ROAD SOUTHERLY AND WESTERLY TO THE SOUTHERN LINE OF US LOT 4; THENCE NORTH 87° 51’ 31” EAST, 1131.74 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. Commonly known as: 2495 Sams Creek Rd, Logsden, OR 97357 The undersigned hereby certifies that based upon business records there are no known written assignments of the trust deed by the trustee or by the beneficiary, except as recorded in the records of the county or counties in which the above described real property is situated. Further, no action has been instituted to recover the debt, or any part thereof, now remaining secured by the trust deed, or, if such action has been instituted, such action has been dismissed except as permitted by ORS 86.752(7). Both the beneficiary and the trustee 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. There is a default by grantor or other person owing an obligation, performance of which is secured by the trust deed, or by the successor in interest, with respect to provisions therein which authorize sale in the event of such provision. The default for which foreclosure is made is grantor’s failure to pay when due the following sum: TOTAL REQUIRED TO REINSTATE:

$14,825.78 TOTAL REQUIRED TO PAYOFF:

$215,080.30 Because of interest, late charges, and other charges that may vary from day-to-day, the amount due on the day you pay may be greater. It will be necessary for you to contact the Trustee before the time you tender reinstatement or the payoff amount so that you may be advised of the exact amount you will be required to pay. By reason of the default, the beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation secured by the trust deed immediately due and payable, those sums being the following, to-wit: The installments of principal and interest which became due on 10/16/2022, and all subsequent installments of principal and interest through the date of this Notice, plus amounts that are due for late charges, delinquent property taxes, insurance premiums, advances made on senior liens, taxes and/or insurance, trustee’s fees, and any attorney fees and court costs arising from or associated with the beneficiaries efforts to protect and preserve its security, all of which must

ators, including Knopp and Sen. Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, have called the measure poorly worded and threatened to sue.

The measure states that 10 or more unexcused absences “shall disqualify the member from holding office as a senator or representative for the term following the election after the member’s current term is completed.”

Republicans have quibbled with the timeline on when they would be disqualified. They say they’d be excluded from running the term after the next one. That interpretation would mean that those up for a new term in 2024 could run next year but not in 2028.

Importance of intent

be paid as a condition of reinstatement, including all sums that shall accrue through reinstatement or pay-off. Nothing in this notice shall be construed as a waiver of any fees owing to the Beneficiary under the Deed of Trust pursuant to the terms of the loan documents. Whereof, notice hereby is given that QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION, the undersigned trustee will on 11/21/2023 at the hour of 10:00 AM, Standard of Time, as established by section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, At the south entrance to the Lincoln County Courthouse, located at 225 W Olive Street, Newport, OR 97365 County of LINCOLN, State of Oregon, 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 and 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. Other than as shown of record, neither the beneficiary nor the trustee has any actual notice of any person having or claiming to have any lien upon or interest in the real property hereinabove described subsequent to the interest of the trustee in the trust deed, or of any successor in interest to grantor or of any lessee or other person in possession of or occupying the property, except: Name and Last Known Address and Nature of Right, Lien or Interest Jean Inglis 2495 Sams Creek Rd Logsden, OR 97357 Original Borrower For Sale Information Call: 916- 939-0772 or Login to: www.nationwideposting.com In construing this notice, the singular includes the plural, the word “grantor” includes any successor in interest to this grantor as well as any other person owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by the trust deed, and the words “trustee” and “beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Pursuant to

Oregon Law, this sale will not be deemed final until the Trustee’s deed has been issued by QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION. If any irregularities are discovered within 10 days of the date of this sale, the trustee will rescind the sale, return the buyer’s money and take further action as necessary. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit report agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations. 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. NOTICE TO TENANTS: TENANTS OF THE SUBJECT REAL PROPERTY HAVE CERTAIN PROTECTIONS AFFFORDED TO THEM UNDER ORS 86.782 AND POSSIBLY UNDER FEDERAL LAW. ATTACHED TO THIS NOTICE OF SALE, AND INCORPORATED HEREIN, IS A NOTICE TO TENANTS THAT SETS FORTH SOME OF THE PROTECTIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO A TENANT OF THE SUBJECT REAL PROPERTY AND WHICH SETS FORTH CERTAIN REQUIRMENTS THAT MUST BE COMPLIED WITH BY ANY TENANT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE AFFORDED PROTECTION, AS REQUIRED UNDER ORS 86.771. TS No: OR-23955656-RM Dated:

7/6/2023 Quality Loan Service Corporation, as Trustee Signature By: Jeff Stenman, President Trustee’s Mailing Address: QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION 108 1 st Ave South, Suite 450, Seattle, WA 98104 Toll Free: (866) 925- 0241 Trustee’s Physical Address: Quality Loan Service Corporation 2763 Camino Del Rio South San Diego, CA 92108 Toll Free:

(866) 925-0241 IDSPub #0187080

8/15/2023

8/29/2023

But Griffin-Valade said the explanatory statement in the voters guide on Measure 113, court documents and even news stories back her interpretation. When interpreting ballot measures, the courts have looked at the intent, she said.

A secretary of state lawyer, who advised Griffin-Valade on the measure’s language, said in a memo obtained by the Capital Chronicle that “once a chamber has determined that a member has the requisite number of unexcused absences during a legislative session, the provision operates to disqualify that

member from the following term of office. Accordingly, the secretary may use her preexisting statutory authority to reject candidacy filings from those persons.”

But Knopp disagreed. In a statement Tuesday, he attacked Griffin-Valade’s decision, saying she was quashing “the free speech of the mi-

8/8/2023

8/22/2023

NG23-524 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN In the Matter of the Estate of SHYRLENE PEARL MASON, Deceased. Case No. 23PB04875 LIMITED JUDGMENT FOR ADMINISTRATION OF INTESTATE ESTATE AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE The Court accepts the Petition of RICHARD CHARLES NORRIS for the administration of the estate of the above- named decedent and finds the allegations of the Petition to be true. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED AND ADJUDGED: 1. The estate is admitted to administration; 2. RICHARD CHARLES NORRIS is appointed as personal representative of the estate; 3. Letters of Administration for Petitioner, RICHARD CHARLES NORRIS, shall be issued forthwith in the manner provided by law;

4. The requirement of bond is waived, and any and all personal property and real property of the decedent within the State of Oregon is restricted, to be transferred, sold, encumbered, or hypothecated only upon prior order of the Court;

5. Within thirty (30) days of entry of this Limited Judgment, the Personal Representative is required to record in the records of Lincoln County, Oregon, a Notice of Pendency of an Action against any and all real property of the decedent subject to probate in Oregon. Sales proceeds from any real property of the decedent will be placed in a restricted account for the estate, subject to withdrawal only upon prior order of the Court.

Circuit Court Judge Marcia Buckley. Margot D. Seitz, OSB #075982, Attorneys for Personal Representative. PETITIONER AND PROPOSED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Richard Charles Norris, PO Box 12087, Portland, OR 97212, Phone: 971-5709779, Email: oasrick@ gmail.com. ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER AND PROPOSED PERSONAL REPRESENTAIVE Margot D. Seitz, OSB #075982, FARLEIGH WADA WITT, 121 SW Morrison Street, Suite 600, Portland, OR 972014, Phone: 503- 2286044, Email: mseitz@fwwlaw.com

NG23-525 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS CITYINITIATED ZONING CODE AMENDMENT ZOA 202304 The Lincoln City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider ZOA 2023-04 on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The Lincoln City City Council will hold a public hearing to consider ZOA

nority.”

Knopp also lashed out at Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, saying his response to the walkout was “unlawful and unconstitutional” and that Wagner retaliated against Republicans by refusing to accept excuses for absences. The Senate president decides whether an excuse is legitimate.

“Wagner was quick to impose unexcused absences on members who challenged his failed leadership,” Knopp said.

A spokesman for Wagner declined to comment on Knopp’s statement and referred a reporter to the party’s Senate Democratic Leadership Fund, saying it’s an election matter.

That organization also declined to comment.

Wagner denied requests by Sen. Cedric Hayden, R-Fall City, asking to be excused from Senate floor sessions for religious services and to take care of his disabled daughter. He has filed complaints with the Bureau of Labor and Industries and

2023-04 on Monday, September 25, 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 concerning the project. ZOA 2023-04 proposes amending Lincoln City Municipal Code (LCMC) Title 17 to revise 17.80.170, adding an exception to allow for one cooking unit separate from the mobile food unit; and to revise 17.72.100 to clarify allowed attached sign area. The applicable criteria are: Lincoln City Municipal Code (LCMC) Chapter 17.76 Procedures and Section 17.77.130 Text Amendment. A copy of the staff report 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, then Zoning Code Ordinances, and then ZOA 2023-04. The application, all 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. or- g 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. All information for these meetings is available on the City of Lincoln City website at www. lincolncity.org. This meeting will be rebroadcast on Charter Channel 4 Lincoln City at various times. This meeting will also be available for viewing at www. lincolncity.org the day after the meeting. 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 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.

the Legislative Equity Office against Wagner, saying his denials violated his religious freedom.

Hayden has asked the Oregon Government Ethics Commission for advice on how to legally solicit funds to cover attorney costs without violating ethics laws for a potential lawsuit.

Reporter Ben Botkin contributed to this story.

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/08/08/ secretary-of-state-will-disqualify-legislators-with-10-unexcused-absences-from-running-in-2024

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.

Follow developments at thenewsguard.com and in the Tuesday print editions of The News Guard.

Courtesy photo from Ben Botkin/Oregon Capital Chronicle Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, R-Bend, said Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023 he will sue over the secretary of state’s decision to exclude most Republican state senators from running for a new term.

Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, R-Bend, said Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023 he will sue over the secretary of state’s decision to exclude most Republican state senators from running for a new term.

Oregon prisons lack oversight, critics say

BEN BOTKIN

Oregon Capital Chronicle

News Guard Guest Article

Inside the secure walls of Oregon’s state prisons, officials keep a mountain of records on the health and safety of the 12,000-inmate system.

Prison security staffers are required to complete a report each time they administer naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication. Reports also are filed when prisons go on lockdown. And when inmates submit grievances and complaints about correctional officers, paperwork is required.

But the Oregon Department of Corrections, with a budget over $1 billion a year, is not tracking the scope of the problems within prisons or able to provide the public and families of inmates meaningful information about some prison conditions, a Capital Chronicle investigation has found.

Corrections officials say they do not have information on the number of complaints filed against corrections staffers, how often a prison goes on lockdown or how often inmates suffer opioid overdoses. In email exchanges over the past two weeks, the agency’s communications staff said it does not track data for those areas.

Asked about the agency’s opaqueness, Elisabeth Shepard, a spokeswoman for Gov. Tina Kotek’s office said: “The governor believes DOC needs more transparency.”

The corrections agency’s inability or unwillingness to track that information is a symptom of a bigger problem: a lack of accountability and meaningful oversight, said Bobbin Singh, executive director of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.

“You basically have an agency that has really no oversight at the state level, meaningful oversight, and the conditions are not good,” he said in an interview. “There are staff shortages. There’s resource shortages that are occurring, and that all trickles out to, unfortunately, harm and lack of care for people in custody.”

Women at Coffee Creek detail mistreatment

The nonprofit center recently published a report based upon the accounts of women incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, who say they have been neglected and mistreated. Lifers in the Wilsonville prison, Oregon’s only one for women, say the conditions are the worst they’ve seen, according to the 43-page report about the state’s only female prison in the Oregon Department of Corrections system. The 508,000-square-foot facility, located on 108 acres, cur-

rently has about 870 female inmates.

Staff with the center’s

Women’s Justice Project, which works with women in the prison and advocates on their behalf, documented their stories and spoke to them directly in 2022. In their entirety, the accounts paint a picture of a harsh institution with frequent lockdowns, seemingly arbitrary punishments for minor infractions and women surviving day-today surrounded by chaos. The details also show grim conditions even after the fade of the COVID-19 pandemic, which put prisons on lockdowns to slow the spread of the virus.

“I was closer to killing myself this last summer than during the 20 years that I’ve been here,” one woman incarcerated at the prison said in the report.

Another woman told advocates that self-harm is the most common type of emergency that causes lockdowns.

“There’s a lot of overdoses, at least one every other week,” one inmate said.

In a statement to the Capital Chronicle, Oregon Department of Corrections acting Director Heidi Steward said she is reviewing the report and that there is always room for improvement.

“We are committed to making prisons safe and secure while humanizing our environment and providing quality treatment and programming,” Steward said.

Steward said employees at the agency work tirelessly.

“We will continue to work towards positive outcomes for all those who live and work in our institutions,” Steward said.

Shepard, Kotek’s spokeswoman, said the governor’s office will work with the Department of Corrections after the state completes an assessment that looks at policies, procedures and conditions at Coffee Creek. In 2022, state lawmakers allocated $500,000 for the project.

“Our office will be collaborating closely with DOC to implement those recommendations,” Shepard said. Director unwilling to share

Steward was appointed the agency’s acting director in August 2022, when former director Colette Peters left to head up the federal Bureau of Prisons.

An agency employee since 1996, Steward became a deputy director in 2019. That same year, Steward declined to provide a state lawmaker with data in response to a question, according to allegations in a whistleblower lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed in 2021 against the agency by agency employees Gina Raney-Eatherly and Merilee Nowak, alleged they faced retaliation when they raised concerns about the use of grant money and the accuracy of legislative testimony. A Marion County jury found their case credible and awarded them $2.4 million in April.

In one account in the lawsuit, Steward and Peters testified to a legislative committee in March 2019 about the agency’s operations, including treatment programs for inmates. One lawmaker – the late Sen. Jackie Winters – asked whether adults who successfully completed treatment programs stayed out of prison or reoffended and returned. Winters, R-Salem, died of lung cancer two months later in May 2019.

Steward told Winters the agency lacks researchers to provide that data, the lawsuit said. But the next day, Raney-Eatherly, who headed up the agency’s research unit, told Steward they could fulfill Winters’ request, but Steward wasn’t interested, the lawsuit said.

“Ms. Steward stated that she did not want this data provided to Senator Winters, and instead planned to provide a written response describing DOC’s lack of sufficient resources to comply with the request,” the lawsuit said.

A few days later, the department sent lawmakers on the committee, including Winters, a letter that said exactly that, public legislative records show.

“Due to the lack of sufficient resources within our

research unit, it has not been possible to conduct an indepth analysis of our treatment programs to determine program effectiveness,” the letter said, adding that the agency is working on a monitoring tool that eventually would have high-level data.

In a statement to the Capital Chronicle, Steward said: “I stand behind my answer to the Legislature and reject any allegations of misleading the late Senator Jackie Winters.”

Advocates: More accountability and oversight needed

The Oregon Department of Corrections needs more accountability and legislative oversight that digs deeply into the agency, Singh said. The center has pushed unsuccessfully in the past for a legislative subcommittee to focus on corrections.

Singh said the lack of oversight and accountability translates into a lack of meaningful data. His organization put in a public records request to get information about lockdowns after hearing about random and arbitrary incidents.

The agency’s response, he said, was that reports for lockdowns are usually written or paper documents and there’s no way to track them.

“When you talk about lack of oversight, how is it that you can have a situation in which people are being locked in their cells, effectively experiencing solitary confinement, and there’s no way to track how often that’s happening or there’s not even a curiosity by the Department of Corrections to actually want to know that information?” he said. “I think that’s problematic.”

The Oregon Department of Corrections gave a similar reply when the Capital Chronicle asked about the three longest lockdowns at Coffee Creek for May and June.

“That would take an extensive manual search of our files,” Betty Bernt, the agency’s communications manager, wrote in an email.

The agency also didn’t provide a total figure for lockdowns.

“This information comes from different sources and (is) not tracked comprehensively,” Bernt said in an email.

Women report rise in overdoses

Women at the prison have reported increases in drug use, self-harm, discipline and attempts at suicide and other mental health crises, the report said.

“There is a heavy sense that the lows reached during the pandemic have become the new norm,” the report said, adding that the women

See PRISON, Page 14

Courtesy from Ron Cooper / Oregon Capital Chronicle

The Oregon Department of Corrections needs more transparency, say advocates and the office of Gov. Tina Kotek.

Annual Cruisin’ for Alzheimer’s Car Show is Aug. 19

SARAH KELLY Country Media, Inc.

Staff and resident at Hillside Place Assisted Living and Memory Care of Lincoln City will host the facilities second annual Hot August Night Cruisin’ for Alzheimer’s Car Show from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19. The event will be held in the Hilltop Inn Restaurant parking lot, 910 SE Highway 101 in Lincoln City, adjacent to the care facility. The car show is being sponsored by Summit Racing Equipment. All proceeds from the event will be going to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The event

A variety of cars, mostly classics, will be parked for visitors of the event to admire and appreciate. The car show will be bringing people from all over who wish to show

Prison

Continued from Page 12

“share their stories with a sense of urgency and hope that by speaking out, their plight will escape the darkness of prison and somehow spur change.”

The frequency of overdoses resembles a rise of drug addiction in Oregon’s city streets. Oregon public health officials track opioid overdoses, including visits to hospital emergency rooms and clinics for treatment. That information is available: The public can view the number of overdose hospital visits and deaths.

In prisons, it’s a different picture

School

off their vehicles, making it a must attend event for any car lover.

Viewing amazing cars won’t be the only thing to enjoy at this fundraiser. Hillside Place Administrator Tanya Weaver said there will be barbecuing, a live band, beer garden, vendor booths, drawings, parking lot poker and raffles. The facility will also have their own booth set up where their Alzheimer’s representative will be handing out information on the disease. There is no entry fee for vendors to set up booths and Weaver encourages anyone who would like to have a booth at the event to reach out to her. Having been held up on their fundraisers the last couple of years due to COVID, Weaver said she is excited to be able to hold them once again. This fundraiser is one of many that the facility does in order to help

The Oregon Department of Corrections uses naloxone nasal spray to reverse overdoses. An agency policy since 2019 requires workers who use naloxone spray to complete a report with details that include the data and time, circumstances that led to the overdose and other details.

When the Capital Chronicle asked about overdose figures at Coffee Creek, the agency said: “We don’t have specific data on (the) number of overdoses.”

Officials also did not say how many times staff have completed the agency’s required reports for overdose treatments.

“While each instance of deploying naloxone is record-

raise money for the neurodegenerative disease. On Sept. 6 Weaver said her team will be doing a walk to raise money for Alzheimer’s. The walk will be taking place in Salem. In September, Hillside will also be holding caregiver support meetings, which are meant to help people better navigate through the process of caring for loved ones with the Alzheimer’s disease.

ed and reported, we do not have a data tracking system,” Bernt said in an email.

Bernt said data is difficult to produce because the agency doesn’t have electronic health records, but is modernizing its system and expects to be done by mid-2025. A workgroup on corrections health care costs recommended that project.

Senate Bill 843 established that workgroup. That bill passed in 2013 – a decade ago.

Complaints about correctional officers

Women in custody gave accounts of how correctional officers and staff allegedly mistreated them.

Continued from Page 1

The News Guard: What projects will district crews be working on into the new school year?

Belloni: We will be finishing Crestview, Taft High School bathrooms, landscape clean up, fencing projects, and other standard maintenance. We’ll start out cleaning catch basins roof drains getting ready for the rain.

About the LCSD

The LVSD serves about 5,435 students from kindergarten through 12th grade in 11 regular schools, one online school k-12, and three public charter schools, with a total of approximately 600 employees.

According to the LCSD website, the district serves students from all areas in the county, which occupies

Salmon

Continued from Page 7 Columbia Basin tribes and to the public that any salmon or steelhead lost to dams would be replaced.

“The hatchery promise was made without any idea if it would work. It was a failed promise,” Moskowitz said.

Prior to damming, an estimated 16 million salmon and steelhead returned to the Columbia River in the area above what is now Bonneville Dam each year. But by the 1970s, less than 1 million were returning.

By 1991, 12 runs of Columbia River salmon and steelhead were listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act, leading to a boom in restoration and hatchery spending, the researchers found.

An investigation by Oregon Public Broadcasting and ProPublica last year found that several federally-subsidized hatcheries on the Columbia River — responsible for 80% of all the salmon in the Columbia River — spent between $250 to $650 for every hatchery salmon that returned.

Efforts to increase the salmon and steelhead population in the Columbia to 5 million by 2025 are not on target, Jaeger found. Annual adult returns at the dam averaged about 1.5 million in the previous decade, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “We’ve lost so much,”

Moskowitz said. “It is a death by a thousand cuts, but we’re just whacking ourselves in the back of the head, too, by spending so much on hatchery fish.”

State officials will look at that. The recently passed Senate Bill 5509, which Gov. Tina Kotek signed on Monday, includes $1 million for a third-party assessment of hatchery programs in the state, including analysis of their costs versus benefits.

https://oregoncapital -

Understanding Alzheimer’s Understanding what Alzheimer’s is and what it does to a person’s mind is essential according to Weaver.

“It’s about quality of life for the people that are living in it and the families that are basically living in it,” she said. Bringing awareness and understanding will help others to, not only better care for

Those include:

Women reported officers pressured them into sex for preferential treatment and intimidated those who reported harassment and inappropriate behavior.

Officers ridiculed a woman and said she was just trying to get attention when she was upset about the suicide of another person in custody.

An officer humiliated one woman and ordered her to “eat it all right now” when she put both cream cheese and jelly on her bagel.

Like overdoses and lockdowns, the agency did not provide any figures.

When the Capital Chronicle asked for the number of grievances and complaints

a 55-mile strip of the central Oregon coast beginning at Cascade Head, south to Cape Perpetua. East-West distances averages about 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean to inland areas. The county’s total area of about 1,000 square miles makes it comparable in size to Rhode Island.

The county’s 48,820 resi-

those suffering from it, but may help progress important research into the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder of the brain that, over time damages and destroys people’s memory and thinking skills. It will eventually make it difficult for them to even carry out seemingly simple tasks. According to the National Institute on Aging, experts estimate that more than six million Americans have Alzheimer’s. Most who have the disease tend to be over the age of 65.

Hillside Place is an assisted living and memory care facility which has been around for several years, however it’s only been under the management of Caring Places since June of 2020. According to Weaver, the facility has a capacity of 33 residents. Currently the facility has 30 people. Hillside Place has eight beds dedicated to just memory care and the other 25 beds

filed against correctional officers at the prison, Bernt said:

“There is not a comprehensive tracking system of these files.”

Singh, with the nonprofit, said the agency’s lack of transparency is a symptom of its culture – one that has long avoided the necessary oversight and accountability from state leaders.

“That is the culture that they expect,” he said. “They don’t expect to be transparent with their information. They don’t expect to have to share or have to be held accountable for the information about what’s going on in their prison system. And that’s just a cultural phenomenon. That’s an expectation that we’ve al-

dents cluster around the coastal communities of Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport and Yachats, and around inland communities of Toledo, Siletz, and Eddyville. Each area of our district is unique, with different perspectives and cultures.

LCSD contracts with Sodexo for custodial and food

are for assisted living. Weaver stated that the facility was voted 2022 Best of the Beach under the healthcare category. Engaging residents

Weaver said the facility staff loves to have fun and frequently holds cooking competitions and cook offs for their residents.

“We cook a lot there,” she said. “We have a lot of cooks in house. Our last one was a cupcake contest. We do a lot of live events.”

Weaver has been the administrator at Hillside Place for over two years. Her background and experience includes 34 years in the care industry. She oversees all of the facility’s day-to-day operations and comes up with the ideas for all their fundraisers. Once an idea for a fundraiser has been decided, her whole team is eager to help get involved, she said.

lowed to occur.”

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/08/08/ oregon-prisons-lack-oversight-critics-say-as-agencyfails-to-release-overarchingdata/ 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.

Follow developments at thenewsguard.com and in the Tuesday print editions of The News Guard.

services, and with First Student, Inc. for transportation services.

Follow developments at thenewsguard.com and in the Tuesday print editions of The News Guard. For information about the school projects, call the individual schools, or LCSD at 541-265-9211.

chronicle.com/2023/08/04/

study-finds-billions-spent-onhatcheries-habitat-failed-tohelp-native-salmon-in-thecolumbia-river/ 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.

Courtesy photo from the LCSD New handicapped parking is part of the upgrades and improvement projects underway this summer and fall at the Lincoln County School District.

Courtesy photo from Tanya Weaver Hillside Place conducted a cupcake cooking competition with residents competing against each other.