Pacific City
SUN
Construction contract awarded for Neskowin Emergency Egress....................2
Brewery collaboration to help fete Pelican’s silver anniversary
Commission established no parking zones in Neskowin, Winema..................... 4
6
Bridges across Nestucca River span area’s history..........................................9
Vol. 15, No. 363 • February 26, 2021 • FREE!
Futures Council hopes survey will reveal the community’s thoughts
Ready to Lead
Sari Tullis is taking over the reins at Neskowin Valley School as she begins her role as head of school on March 1 Tillamook County remains in ‘Lower Risk’ COVID-19 category For the third consecutive two-week period, Tillamook County will remain in the Lower Risk Category for COVID-19 restrictions. The county, which had a daily average of two cases per day over the most recent two-week period, will now remain in that category through at least March 11. As of Feb. 23, the Oregon Health Authority was reporting that the county had a cumulative total of 406 positive cases and two deaths. The Lower Risk category will allow the county’s many bars and restaurants to continue with dine-in service. Also of note to residents here is that both coastal counties on either side of Tillamook have now entered the Lower Risk category. Both Lincoln and Clatsop Counties moved to the lower designation from the High Risk designation. The news through much of the state is also
positive. Governor Kate Brown announced on Feb. 23 that 16 counties improved in risk level, with 10 of those improving from Extreme Risk. County risk levels under the state’s public health framework aim to reduce transmission and protect Oregonians from COVID-19. The framework uses four different risk levels for counties based on COVID-19 spread—Extreme Risk, High Risk, Moderate Risk, and Lower Risk—and assigns health and safety measures for each level. Effective Feb. 26 through March 11, there will be five counties in the Extreme Risk level, 11 at High Risk, 10 at Moderate Risk, and 10 at Lower Risk. “For the second time in a row, we are seeing great progress in stopping the spread of COVID-19 across Oregon and saving lives,” said Governor Brown. “Oregonians continue to
we are open!
step up and make smart choices. While these county movements are welcome news, we must continue to take seriously health and safety measures, especially as more businesses reopen and we start to get out more. As we see infection rates going down and vaccinations ramping up, now is not the time to let down our guard. Continue to wear your masks, keep physical distance, and avoid indoor gatherings.” The Oregon Health Authority will examine and publish county data weekly. County risk levels will be reassigned every two weeks. The first week’s data will provide a “warning week” to prepare counties for potential risk level changes. The next assignment of risk levels will be announced March 9 and take effect March 12. Updates to Warning Week data and county risk levels will be posted to coronavirus.oregon. gov.
Community members are being asked to shape the strategic direction of Tillamook County. The Tillamook County Futures Council, in partnership with Oregon State University, has launched a community survey to collect opinions from across the county to better understand what community members want Tillamook County to look and feel like in 20 years. An in-depth community visioning process will help inform the development of a community plan by exploring the positive aspects of the area’s communities and understanding areas where Tillamook County can do better. “We value your input and perspectives, and we encourage everyone’s participation in this important process,” said Jennifer Purcell, chair, Tillamook County Futures Council. The survey is now available online in both English and Spanish at TillamookSurvey.com and will be open through Feb. 28. The Tillamook County Commissioners have charged the Tillamook County Futures Council with updating the County’s Strategic Vision. Much has reportedly changed in Tillamook County since Tillamook County’s Vision 2020 was developed in the late 1990s. The Tillamook County Commissioners have said they want their priorities and decision-making to reflect citizens’ vision for the future. In order to do a good job of that, the Commissioners need to know what the community wants. The Futures Council says an update to the County’s Strategic Vision will provide a timely shared vision for the future. The Tillamook County Futures Council was established by the Board of County Commissioners in 1997 as an advisory committee to develop a citizen-based vision for Tillamook County. Today, the Futures Council serves as stewards of the County Vision, encouraging citizen engagement, promoting partnerships, monitoring progress, and updating the Vision through broad-based community input. Over the past 20 years, the Futures Council has heard about priorities in the areas of health and human services, youth and education, society and culture, the economy, growth and development, and the natural environment. Now, the organization wants to hear from residents. What is important to ensuring your vision for the future of Tillamook County is attainable? What are emerging as priorities today? Grounded in citizen engagement, The Futures Councils notes that the process to update the County’s Vision seeks to capture a diversity of points of view to ensure that the Vision represents all of Tillamook County. This strategic planning process began last fall with a series of interviews with community leaders throughout the county. The Futures Council and OSU have also been working with each of the county’s school districts to solicit student input and participation, ensuring the county’s youth have an active voice in the future of our communities. And, recently, OSU launched a community survey distributed to a random sample of Tillamook County households to help the Futures Council better understand what community members want their communities to look and feel like in 20 years, hence the aforementioned survey now open to county residents.
ALL THREE COASTAL BREWPUBS ARE OPEN FOR SEATED DINING
Pelican Brewing’s three coastal brewpubs – Pacific City, Tillamook, and Cannon Beach are open for Seated Indoor Dining and weather dependent Patio Seating. Fly over and enjoy a pint of one our three new year-round beers, Paddleback Oceanic Pale Ale, Pelican Pilsner, or Head Out Hefeweizen. Check out PelicanBrewing.com to stay up to date on all our current offerings, hours, and dining options. Cheers!
