LCL716

Local firefighter honored with award

C. RUARK

Central Coast Fire & Rescue

volunteer Charlie Lesiecki has been honored with the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Golden Sparky Award.

The award recognizes a fire service member or fire agency for outstanding achievement in fire prevention or public safety education for the people of Oregon.

In nominating the 9-year volunteer firefighter for the award, Central Coast Fire & Rescue Chief Jamie Mason said Lesiecki has provided selfless contribution to the safety and disaster prevention of the community.

Lesiecki independently operated the District’s smoke alarm inspection and installation program in partnership with the American red Cross, and over the past year he installed 24 sectors within the Central Coast and yachts fire protection district boundaries, according to Mason, who added that working in partnership with Oregon State

See AWARD, page A7

to volunteer firefighter Charlie Lesiecki, as Oregon State fire marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple applauds. (Courtesy photo)

‘Consequences to essential transportation services are imminent’

Kotek, ODOT announce budget impact

JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader

Hundreds of Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) workers have been laid off and the agency administers say services statewide will likely be scaled back.

The agency initiated 483 of an estimated 600 to 700 total layoffs Monday, July 7. A second wave of layoffs, pending any unpredictable winter weather, is currently planned for early 2026 absent legislative action to preserve Oregon’s transportation services. Both waves would constitute the largest layoff in the history of Oregon state government, according to a release from Gov. Tina Kotek’s office.

Following the

adjournment of the 2025 legislative session which concluded without passage of sufficient resources to fund ODOT’s budget, the Governor directed the state’s Chief Operating Officer, DAS Director Betsy Imholt, and the Chief Financial Officer, Kate Nass, to conduct a detailed review of ODOT’s reduction plan with ODOT Director Kris Strickler.

See ODOT, page A7

Chamber Director to retire

director.

JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader

You may have noticed that traffic speeds in Oregon have increased significantly.

Lincoln County

Sheriff’s Office Patrol

Lieutenant Karl Vetner said his agency is hearing from the public about the increasing traffic speeds and driver behavior.

“I believe the number of complaints is consistent,” he said. “We generally have a high volume

of driving complaints on the public highway in Lincoln County with Hwy 101 and Hwy 20 being the largest. Highway 18 is likely neck-and-neck with 20. Highway 34 is low volume as it’s a more remote highway with significantly less traffic. Vetner said the LCSO is concerned about aggressive drivers.

“Aggressive driving

remains a serious and preventable threat to public safety on our roads,” he said. “Behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, frequent lane changes, “road rage”, and disregarding traffic signals not only endanger the aggressive driver, but also every other road user. Statistics consistently show that aggressive driving

JEREMY

Kathy Crane has announced her retirement as the Toledo Chamber of Commerce executive director after serving eight years. She’ll leave office at the end of the year. Crane took on the position after she and her husband moved from California to Toledo. She had retired from executive positions in California and said she just wanted something to do rather than stay home.

Toledo Chamber of Commerce Director Kathy Crane will retire at the end of this year.

(Courtesy photo)

and

Crane said the chamber position has been challenging.

“It is really a big job,” she said. “When I took over the chamber, it was hardly in existence. The most challenging thing was putting on the events and brining people into Toledo. That’s been one of our goals. Bringing people in to shop at our stores and eat at our restaurants.

The Waterfront Market and the Classic Car Expo

LCPD K9 tracks down vehicle thief suspect

STAFF REPORT

Lincoln County Leader

With the assistance of Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) K9 Nix, a suspected car thief has been arrested after police followed a bloody trail in the pursuit.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance July 25 at a crash scene along Highway 18 near milepost 11. The Grand Ronde Tribal Police officers on scene as the vehicle involved had been reported stolen the previous day in their jurisdiction. Oregon State Police and Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office were also involved in this

investigation.

“One suspect was apprehended on scene hours prior, however, investigators were concerned by blood evidence found on scene and a trail of blood leading to the wood line nearby,” a LCPD Facebook post states. “Officers suspected a second suspect had been involved in the vehicle theft and subsequent crash and were concerned for his well-being.”

The LCPD was contacted to assist in locating the injured suspect, and K9 Nix was deployed.

With K9 Nix’s assistance, the second suspect, 48-year-old Brian Peoples of Gladstone, Oregon, was apprehended nearby with

the assistance of K9 Nix as seen in this body cam photo. (Courtesy photo from Lincoln City Police)

serious injuries. Following treatment at a local hospital, Peoples was taken to the Tillamook County Jail.

“During the

investigation, evidence of multiple felony property crimes was uncovered, including crimes within Lincoln City in the hours

preceding the crash,” the LCPD post states. Specific details about those crimes were not immediately available.

Corvallis man sentenced for raping sleeping woman at Don Davis Park in Newport

STAFF REPORT

Lincoln County Leader

A Corvallis man has been sentenced to prison following his conviction for raping a 43-year-old woman who had fallen asleep at Don Davis Park in Newport.

Lincoln County Circuit Court Presiding Judge, Sheryl Bachart sentenced 47-year-old Tucker Todd July 11, to 100 months in the Department of Corrections for raping the woman who had fallen asleep at Don Davis Park the afternoon of July 3, 2024, while visiting Newport for the holiday weekend.

Following a three-day trial June 27, a 12-person jury found Todd guilty of Rape in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, specifically finding that the victim was unable to consent due to her mental

incapacitation and physical helplessness. At trial, evidence demonstrated that Todd, an unhoused individual based out of Corvallis, had taken a bus to Newport, and was camping at Don Davis Park when he found the victim unconscious on the grassy area. According to a release from the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, at sentencing, the victim stated, “Any amount that could be added onto [his sentence] would be a great comfort, slowing his return to the streets. The fact that he showed no compunction in raping

me in broad daylight in a public place speaks volumes. He just doesn’t care. Maybe prison will change him, but I doubt it. I worry about the next time that he finds some other helpless female and what he might do to her.”

Prior to being sentenced, Todd stated that he could not remember the events of the day in question due to alcohol intoxication and did not agree with the verdict but apologized to the victim for what happened to her, the release states.

Judge Bachart sentenced Todd to a total of 100 months in the Department of

STAFF REPORT

Corrections pursuant to Oregon Ballot Measure 11, which requires mandatory minimum sentences for specific violent crimes including Rape in the First Degree. Todd will not be eligible for any reduction in sentence and will also be required to register as a sex offender upon release from custody. Todd has prior convictions out of Missouri for assault in the third degree, sexual misconduct in the third degree, and failure to register as a sex offender. The case was prosecuted by Lincoln County District Attorney Jenna Wallace.

Arrest following political protest Pedestrian killed in traffic crash

Oregon State Police (OSO) investigators report a Tangent resident has died following a vehicle pedestrian crash on Highway 34 OSP troopers responded to the crash on Highway 34, near milepost 6, in Linn County shortly after 4 a.m. July 6

The preliminary investigation indicated

pedestrian, 24-year-old Logan James Irwin of Tangent, entered the eastbound lane and was struck by an eastbound Subaru outback operated by Edward Thomas Peterson.

Irwin was declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital. The Subaru operator, Peterson, was reportedly uninjured and remained at the scene. The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office and the Oregon Department of Transportation assisted OSP at the scene.

Lincoln County Leader

On June 7 , 2025 , the Newport Police Department arrested Jacob Busch, 41 , after investigating an alleged assault in front of the Newport City Hall during a political protest.

Video footage of the incident showed Busch quickly exiting his parked car, running over to the protesters before using his chest to push a 74 -year-old Army veteran., according to a release from the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.

The male victim fell backwards, striking the back of his head against the concrete sidewalk

and was later transported to the hospital for injuries. Busch was arrested later that day on one count of Assault in the Fourth Degree (misdemeanor). Busch was initially held in custody with security set at $ 75 000

Given the extent of the victim’s injuries and Busch’s past criminal history, Lincoln County Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael

Thornicroft presented this case to the Lincoln County Grand Jury for additional charges. On July 1 , 2025 , Busch was indicted for Assault in the Second DegreeFelony (serious physical injury); Assault in the Fourth Degree – Felony (three prior convictions); and two counts of Disorderly Conduct in the Second Degree. Busch was force released by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on July 3 2025 , and was later arraigned out-of-custody on the indictment on July 7 2025 Busch remains out of on release and will return to court on August 25 , 2025 , for an early resolution conference.

ODOT moving ahead with $4.8M street improvements

JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has announced new details concerning a $4 844 331 project at Newport.

Crews have been working on curb ramps on a section of U.S. Highway 101 between Southeast 40th Street and Southeast 123rd Street. ODOT says it is preparing to pave.

“The pavement in this section of U.S. 101 is in poor condition and needs to be replaced,” ODOT states in a release.

The Newport ODOT Project includes:

• Repaving the road. The paving is designed to help reduce maintenance costs and give drivers a smoother ride.

• Installing new striping and rumble strips. Striping helps clearly define each travel lane. Rumble strips provide noise

and vibration to alert drivers when they’re leaving their lane, according to ODOT.

• Building ADA curb ramps at SE 40th Street. The ODOT release states that the ADA curb ramps make it easier for everyone to move between the curb and road, whether they are disable or not. Crews were expected to start nighttime work to pave following the July 4 holiday.

HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Crews working nightly, Sunday night through Friday morning from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

• Single lane closures as needed with flaggers helping direct traffic.

• Construction noise and debris.

• Work vehicles entering and leaving the work zone. The schedule may change. ODOT encourages drivers and pedestrians to use caution and watch for workers in the work zone area. Visit TripCheck for the most current traffic information.

Kotek declares drought emergency in Lincoln County

JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader

Following a request by the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners, Gov. Tina Kotek has issued and executive order declaring a drought in Lincoln County. Kotek has directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region impacted by the drought.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Lincoln County has been experiencing moderate drought since May 27 and severe drought since June 17

Drought metrics also indicate that drought conditions have been present in Lincoln County over the last three to six months. Additionally, below normal precipitation, above normal temperatures, streamflow, and soil moisture conditions further indicate persistent drought conditions in Lincoln County.

For much of the year, Lincoln County benefited from normal to above normal streamflow conditions. However, recent conditions have declined to well below normal levels with some stream gauges recording record low conditions. Declining streamflow conditions have persisted

despite precipitation that occurred during June. Streamflow conditions are likely to remain below normal without sustained precipitation.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Drought is likely to have a significant economic impact on the farm, ranch, recreation, tourism and natural resources sectors, as well as an impact on drinking water, fish and wildlife, and important minimum flows for public instream uses and other natural resources dependent on adequate precipitation, stored water, and streamflow in these areas, according to a release from Kotek’s office.

“Extreme conditions are expected to affect local growers and livestock, increase the potential for wildfire, shorten the growing season, and decrease water supplies,” the release states.

The drought declaration, issued June 11 unlocks a number of drought-related emergency tools, including assistance to local water users. Drought declarations also allow the Water Resources Department to expedite review processes and reduce fee schedules.

The Oregon Drought Readiness Council, a standing body composed

County streams and waterways, such as the Siletz River, remain low, triggering the drought declaration. (Courtesy photo from Lincoln County)

of natural resources, public health, and emergency response agencies, heard from the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners in June requesting the Governor’s drought declaration.

Streamflows on the Siletz, Alsea, and Yachats Rivers have been at or below historic lows, with the Siletz River reporting just 22% of its average flow by mid-June, a record low for that time of year. The Alsea River was at 40% of its average flow, while the Yachats River was at 49% of average. Streamflows are also notably lower in smaller streams.

Beaver Creek already has low streamflows typical of late August and

No immediate service cuts for local transit

Although several transit agencies in rural Oregon have announced cutbacks in service due to federal funding uncertainty, for now it’s business as usual for Lincoln County Transit, according to the agency administrators.

Gov. Tina Kotek has declined to sign an updated master agreement with the Federal Transit Administration for rural transit grants called Program 5311. The new agreement requires recipients to comply with federal immigration enforcement actions. Oregon is one of 19 states that have joined a lawsuit against the US Department of Transportation challenging the withholding of federal transit funds. The situation for rural transit programs was also complicated by the failure of the transportation bill in the Oregon Legislature. The Oregon Department of Transportation is cutting staff as a result, including those who process funding to rural transit, according to a release from Lincoln County Transit.

Lincoln County Transit could use its reserves to avoid any short-term federal and state funding interruptions if necessary. (Courtesy photo from Lincoln County Transit)

Although several agencies in the state are making immediate, significant cuts, Lincoln County Transit Director Cynda Bruce said she’s taking a “wait-and-see” approach for the time being. Lincoln County Transit has a healthy enough reserve to deal with short-term revenue interruptions, although it’s unclear if service reductions will be necessary in the long-term if federal funds are ultimately withheld, according to Bruce.

Most Lincoln County Transit riders rely on public transportation as their only means of getting to work, school, medical appointments, and other destinations of necessity.

“We know how dependent on our services most of our riders are,” Bruce said. “We don’t want to make cuts unless it’s absolutely certain they’re necessary.”

For more information, contact Lincoln County Public Information Officer Kenneth Lipp at public_ affairs@co.lincoln.or.us or 541-265-4100

September.

In the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners drought declaration, the board asked the public to take measures to conserve water.

“The drought conditions are putting stress on our drinking water supplies, as well as the fish and wildlife that depend on water in our streams,” a release from Lincoln County stated.

Lincoln County Commissioner Walter Chuck told the Lincoln County Leader in a published report July 9, that because the county can’t depend on snowpack water runoff, it depends on Oregon’s rain systems.

“We are just trying to make people aware that we are seeing unusually low flows in our streams and rivers, where we get our water, and that they need to be conserving,”

Chuck said.

As state and local officials coordinate with

federal partners, conditions will be closely monitored by the state’s natural resource and public safety agencies, including the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM). On June 10, Kotek also declared a drought emergency in Baker County. The Oregon Water Resources Department maintains a drought website that provides the status of current water conditions and state drought declarations, as well as information on what people can do to use water wisely.

For more information visit www.oregon.gov/ OWRD/programs/climate/ droughtwatch.

Oregon Attorney General conducts Lincoln City town hall

JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader

Over 150 people attended a town hall in Lincoln City hosted by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. Those attending voiced their concerns that included federal funding cuts and local job loss along the coast, safeguarding public lands, and healthcare. The panelists covered questions that included public safety, protecting rural healthcare, Oregon’s status as a sanctuary state, and much more.

The public meeting conducted the Lincoln City Community Center Monday, July 7, was part of Rayfield’s statewide Federal Oversight Town Hall series.

Rayfield said the focus of his town hall meetings is to hear directly from Oregonians who have been affected by federal actions directed by President Donald Trump. “People are bringing serious and deeply personal concerns to these conversations — and many of them are scared and angry. We’re hearing about cuts to health care, education, and Medicaid,” Rayfield told the Lincoln County Leader. “People are worried about their access to reproductive care, their job security, and what it means when federal agencies are being gutted. ICE activity has also become a major concern in recent months, especially in communities that have historically felt

vulnerable.”

Rayfield said he is seeing regional patterns.

“In Bend, for example, we heard concerns about layoffs at the U.S. Forest Service — a big issue in a state that’s been devastated by wildfires. In Portland, folks from Planned Parenthood and LGBTQ+ community members spoke about losing access to care and feeling unsafe. On the coast, I expect we’ll hear about potential NOAA layoffs — and that matters to everyone, because NOAA provides tsunami monitoring and ocean data the Coast Guard relies on for search and rescue.”

The Oregon Attorney General’s office has joined 29 multistate lawsuits and filed or signed

onto dozens of amicus briefs supporting critical legal challenges in other states against the Trump administration’s actions. In most of these cases, Rayfield said the court efforts have been successful: courts have issued preliminary injunctions that stop the federal government from enforcing what he called harmful policies while the legal process plays out.

“To put it in perspective — those victories have helped protect roughly $3 5 billion in federal funding for Oregon,” he said. “That’s money for food assistance, public schools housing programs, medical research, and more. And in some of these lawsuits, you only get that protection if your state is involved. That’s why we show up — and

why we work closely with other attorneys general across the country.

Some states take the lead on certain lawsuits; we took point on the federal tariff lawsuit, which is a big one. We’ve already secured an initial injunction in that case, although the Trump administration got a stay. We go to court again on July 31st. The fight continues.”

aid his main fear and concern about the actions of President Trump’s policies impacting Oregon is the chaos.

“That’s what worries me the most — the deliberate dismantling of federal agencies and programs that Oregonians rely on,” he said. “When you freeze funding or gut a program with no warning, you don’t just hurt some abstract system — you hurt real people. We’re seeing that play

out all over the state.” Rayfield said Oregonians are speaking out about their concerns.

“We get hundreds of calls, emails, and letters from Oregonians every week. We take that input seriously. Our team tracks those messages and uses them to spot patterns and shape our priorities,” he said, adding that public engagement is important in making a difference.

He encourages people to connect with trusted community-based organizations.

“These groups are doing important, on-theground work, and they often have a direct line to policymakers. They help amplify individual voices and build coalitions that can push for change,” he said. “And if you want to see change in policy — pay attention to legislation. When bills come up around civil rights, public safety, or workers’ protections, reach out to your lawmakers. Testify. Email. Call. It really does make a difference. At the Oregon DOJ, we have two people whose job is to work with the legislature on our policy priorities — and that work is heavily informed by what we hear from the public.”

Lincoln City Mayor Susan Wahlke said she hoped such town hall meetings can strengthen the lines of communication between the Oregon Attorney General’s office and Lincoln City.

Oregon State Rep. David Gomberg, who also attended the event, had invited Rayfield to host the town hall in Lincoln City.

OPINION

VIEWPOINT

The road to transportation funding

RANDY STAPILUS

Oregon Capital Chronicle

The debate over paying for transportation needs in Oregon may have paused with the end of the legislative session, but it is far from over.

Don’t be surprised if a special session emerges in the next few months, because the need for an upgraded transportation funding structure is real and obvious. But it would be an exercise in futility if agreements on how to make it work aren’t reached first. And months of research and drafting and statewide outreach were poured into proposals during the regular session.

House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, D-Tigard, for example, said: “I believe that people will die because we are not going to fund the broader transportation safety measures that our system needs. My ‘yes’ vote tonight (for a much scaled-down proposal) is because a ‘no’ vote is a vote not to pay for paving, not to pay for fault line striping, not to pay for filling potholes, not to pay for snow plowing. We have to protect these services.” A no vote prevailed anyway.

He wasn’t wrong, but what can be done?

A few thoughts, not really new, but needing re-emphasis.

First, look at how other states do it. Yes, Oregon more than most states likes to plow its own furrows, but useful lessons can be learned from elsewhere. And every state has its own way of raising road money.

The most common funding principle is a “users pay/ users benefit” system, where drivers pay in relation to how much of the transportation system they use. Gas taxes and tolls would be examples, as would a fee-permile system.

The Tax Foundation said in one report, “When we think of road funding, we tend to think of the taxes we pay at the pump. Gas taxes are largely used to fund infrastructure maintenance and new projects, but the amount of state and local road spending covered by gas taxes, tolls, user fees, and user taxes varies widely among states.”

One 2022 study puts Oregon toward the middle, 29th of the 50s states, adhering to that idea.

But user-based approaches are not the only answer, and by themselves may not be best. When the first transportation framework proposal was published this spring, Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, remarked it, “represents multi-billion-dollar tax increases that will burden hardworking families, many of whom are already struggling with the rising costs of living. If this package had been introduced during last year’s transportation road show, we would have heard loud and clear from Oregonians across the state that they cannot afford these types of hikes.”

We need a serious and broad discussion about what revenue system would be best and fairest for Oregonians overall.

Second, consider if the rise in costs can be contained. Road construction has never been cheap, and costs have risen. Still, spending on road and bridge construction has had an extraordinary explosion.

Last fall the Federal Highway Administration reported that highway costs were rising at an annual rate of 9 6% — and that since the end of 2020, costs had risen by an incredible 71 5%. Oregon cannot be exempt from the trend, and the reasons are more than worth exploring.

Third, we need a broader, open review of ODOT. Skepticism on the part of Republicans about how the massive influx of money would have been spent was a key element in their opposition to the funding proposals from Democrats.

ODOT does not, to put it gently, have a large happy cheerleading section around the state, which Republican legislators have noted sharply. Rep. Bobby Levy, R-Echo, for example, warned in legislative testimony that, “we can’t just keep asking Oregonians — especially those who are already economically vulnerable — to pay more into a system that hasn’t proven it can manage the resources it has.”

The complaints about ODOT do not come exclusively from outsiders. In an agency report published last September, mid-level managers were surveyed about conditions and practices at the department described poor morale, a lack of communication and other problems.

A massive influx of money to the agency will prove a hard sell in some quarters. A serious and very public look at how the agency runs, and efforts to get it to run better, might generate some support.

Finally, bringing Republicans more centrally into the process would help. For much of this session, Republicans were heavily involved and Republican leadership expressed optimism about the outcome. But as the session wore on, that sentiment seemed to fade. Given the historical record of transportation funding plans rarely if ever passing without bipartisan support, that ought to be a priority. Democrats could even start by asking Republicans to put their preferred options on the table as a first step.

There’s no easy or snap answer here. But broader thought processes and legislating could go a long way.

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/07/03/ the-road-to-transportation-funding/

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.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

YOU HIDE YOUR EMAIL LETTERS SUBMISSION ADDRESS VERY WELL, CONGRATULATIONS!

Have you actually tried to access anything on your website? I mean, after you click to extinguish “Toenail Clippers for Seniors” and several other pop-ups?

One of the absolute worst websites i have ever encountered. Now, re the June 25 2025 edition: Gilbert Schramm gets a lot of space on your pages. I advise him to look outside once in a while. There is no “catastrophe.” The sun is (probably) shining.

The sky is not falling. Relax!

This edition also has a letter from KYAQ appealing for help. I listened to KYAQ during its first

couple start-up weeks. I learned that George Bush Sr. was actually on a secret intelligence mission while piloting his torpedo bomber; that CDs were a plot just to extract more money from us; and that, of course, JFK assassination was a huge secret plot. I thought, this is too crazy for me, and i will never listen again. So goodbye, KYAQ. I for one won’t miss you.

Why am i addressing this letter to you? Because your website does not work! There is no provision for reader feedback that i can find.

AM radio is gone now from Newport. Maybe print media is next to go. Sad, i think, but you can’t hold back change. Hue Miller Newport

THE LEADER’S STORY ABOUT PARKING TICKETS ON THE BAYFRONT (WED. JULY 9, 25) IS SAD. Newport’s city motto?.. “the friendliest.” The parking experiment should be halted.

We are not making “tourist points”. We are spending more money generating tourist interest, than on parking ticket fees. we have many quality restaurants and shops ready to serve tourists.

Try saying “Newport -the friendliest” to the tourist with a parking ticket or worse--the boot. Then its “bypass Newport”.

Sincerely,

Tanya Bond Newport

Snake Oil, PT Barnum and Postmortem for July 4

PAUL HAEDER Leader Guest Column

I remember telling my daughter, who never got to meet my old man, her grandfather, that I was diametrically opposed to his 32 years in the US military. I told her that I even ended up in Vietnam two years before she was born to work with a science team from England.

I visited all parts of Viet Nam, after doing intensive biodiversity studies along the Laotian border.

She has some of my large prints of kiddos on motorcycles piled high with live chickens. She has a photo I took of a female Buddhist monk near where a more famous monk self-immolated in protest of the US and French backed repressive South Vietnamese president.

That is Ho Chi Minh City, called Saigon back then.

It was just before 10 in the morning on June 11 1963 when 300 monks and nuns marched down a busy Saigon street. This 73-year-old monk named Thich Quang Duc emerged from a car at this crowded intersection and sat down in the lotus position on a cushion. Two fellow monks poured gasoline from a five-gallon can. As the fuel was emptied over his head, Duc chanted, “Nam mo amita Buddha,” — “return to eternal Buddha.”

Sixty years later a similar event was repeated here in the USA, although in this intentionally amnesiac and superficial society, it seems like a distant memory. But my friend from Wisconsin talks of this hero much.

That distant memory occurred just over a year ago— February 25, 2024. Remember? Twenty-five-old Air Force serviceman Aaron Bushnell died after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington in an act of protest against the Gaza genocide.

Less than two years ago, and I have students who are afraid of calling “it” a genocide. I have fellow faculty in many parts of the country who are not just chastised for supporting innocent Palestinians but are fired.

Is this newspaper going to get the “hammer” or “ax” for republishing Aaron’s words before he set himself on fire?

“I am an active-duty member of the United States Air Force. And I will no longer be complicit in genocide. I am about to engage in an extreme act of protest. But compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonizers—it’s not extreme at all. This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal.”

The last words of his life were ‘Free Palestine.’

Recall my professional soldier -- CW4 -- father. He was a 19-year-old in the so-called Korean Conflict, wounded there. He was then made a chief warrant officer in the Army and took his family to Paris, France, and Hamburgh as part of his work.

He was shot in the chest in a Huey helicopter in Viet Nam with his blackbox of codes handcuffed to his wrist. He was 36 years old, and he survived.

I went to Viet Nam at age 36, leaving my home of El Paso behind. I visited villages near where my old man’s team set up communication towers and signal corps facilities.

I was against that illegal war when I was still in junior high school. My father was a smart guy with graduate degrees in history and education. He always wanted me to go to college, and he supported my journalism and science studies at the University of Arizona. He read my newspaper articles.

What he was for -- as a first generation American whose father was a WWI pilot in the Kaiser’s Navy -included expanded services for the poor, safety nets for the elderly, massive cheap public services to include health care for all, seven-day a week libraries, a post office that handled payroll and served as a credit union.

He wanted more state and national parks. He was a Republican, and I was a Ralph Nader independent who was deeply leftist. As left as the liberators of Vietnam under Ho Chi Minh.

Oh, if CW4 Marvin Haeder was alive today, man oh man. He knew European history and the history of the world, so having this perfume salesperson as his commander in chief would have chaffed him. Bone spur deferment from military service, Donald professed?

PT Barnum may have said: “There’s a sucker born every minute.” Trump is that purveyor and protector of rip-off artists. My old man supported expanded prosecution of grifters ripping off old people in all industries and services. He was for expanded consumer rights and expanded rights to unionize.

These were his Republican values, with his two bronze stars, purple hearts and 32 years in combined AF and Army service. He was once an airman too, as we lived on Terceira Island in the Azores outside 65th Air Base Wing at Lajes Field.

Now, POTUS is selling perfume. Trump’s perfume is called “Victory 45-47” because “they’re all about Winning, Strength, Success.” Everywhere in Lincoln County the silence - as I stated in a previous Op-Ed - is deafening. Active genocide of the Holocaust variety, and people just go on with their rahrah Fourth of July lives. We’ve been sold a bill of goods. Amnesia? Dis-education? Worse?

I recommend David Swanson’s website where you can peruse collected sources on how much snake oil we’ve consumed. You won’t like this last paragraph on David’s website, so try studying it:

“Since World War II, during a supposed golden age of peace, the United States military has killed or helped kill some 20 million people, overthrown at least 36 governments, interfered in at least 86 foreign elections, attempted to assassinate over 50 foreign leaders, and dropped bombs on people in over 30 countries. The United States is responsible for the deaths of 5 million people in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, and over 1 million just since 2003 in Iraq.”

Paul Haeder is a novelist, journalist, educator and author of “Wide Open Eyes: Surfacing from Vietnam,” Cirque Press.

contributes to a significant number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities each year. These actions escalate quickly, reducing a driver’s ability to respond to unexpected situations and increasing the severity of collisions.”

When asked if the LCSO is seeing an increase in aggressive driving, Vetner responded:

“Anecdotally I have not seen an increase. These behaviors are not uncommon in Lincoln County, and we may see an increase during summer and holiday seasons when our road congestion increases.,” he said, adding that the LCSO does work to hold traffic violators accountable.

“Our members conduct traffic enforcement as calls for service allow,” he said. “Meaning when our deputies are not taking in-progress calls for service or reactively responding to cold-calls for service, they conduct traffic enforcement for violation level offenses. Our members may issue traffic citations to hold drivers accountable. Warnings are also an avenue available to our deputies.”

Fines for speeding depend on how fast the violator is going and can range from $110 to $1 150

Anderson said, would be drivers cited for careless driving following a traffic crash, which carries a $440 fine, or the most common cause of lowspeed crashes, following too closely (tailgating), which carries a $265 fine.

Law enforcement officers in Oregon have a wide range of discretion when it comes to enforcement, but the ultimate goal is changing drivers’ behavior to create safer roadways, according to Anderson, who said LCPD officers use a mix of tools including driver education through frequent enforcement campaigns.

Anderson added the most common danger is simply inattentive or distracted drivers.

rely on our navigator, when possible, slow down, and enjoy the ride.”

STATE POLICE PERSPECTIVE

OSP Government and Media Relations Captain Kyle Kennedy said his agency is also concerned about driver behavior and traffic speeds.

“We have noticed that driver speeds along I-5 and most other state highways are increased over the past few years,” Kennedy said. “We have clocked average speeds between Cottage Grove and Portland along I-5 anywhere from 75 to 85 mph, and at some points even higher.

Kennedy said it is unclear specifically why speeds are up.

Violations for following to close, tailgating, can range from $265 to $525

drivers goes a long way in preventing unnecessary tragedies.”

Doubling the posted speed limit is evidence of reckless driving and can be charged as a criminal offense. Reckless Driving is punishable up to a year in jail and fines up to 6,250. Fines for failure to signal, improper lane change, can range from $115 to $225 Safe driving experts recommend that drivers anticipate traffic and stay alert. Vetner agrees.

“We urge all drivers to stay calm, focused, and courteous behind the wheel,” he said. “Patience, respect for traffic laws, and empathy for fellow

LINCOLN CITY POLICE

Lincoln City Police officers also are aware of driver behavior and how that impacts the safety of all citizens. LCPD officers have responded to escalating road rage incidents as well. One such road rage incident in 2018 in Lincoln City resulted in an arrest and conviction for attempted murder, according to LCPD Sgt. Erik Anderson.

“We certainly have had a few notable examples involving the brandishing of firearms over the past

couple years,” Anderson told The Leader in a published interview in Aug. 2024. “These arise for a number of reasons, usually a gross overreaction to what is often a simple mistake by another driver. What is much more common in our town are examples of drivers being inpatient and speeding or conducting dangerous lane changes trying to weave through traffic to get to their next destination. This behavior is not likely to dramatically decrease the travel time, but it greatly increases the likelihood and often the severity of traffic crashes.”

Much more common,

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“Those drivers are focusing on everything from mobile devices to eating meals, or in many of our cases, reaching back to hand the kids something they dropped when all of us should really be spending more time focusing on safely operating our 4000-pound metal machines hurtling towards each other,” he said. “As a community, we really need to bring back that ‘drive to arrive alive’ mentality and start teaching that to our young drivers early on. It is easy to get distracted and forget about the awesome responsibility driving a motor vehicle entails, but we need to stay vigilant,

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“I think vehicle comfort, distracted driving, and general disregard for speed limits are all at play,” he said. “The last two are fairly straight forward- folks are just losing track of their speed for whatever reason or just choosing to exceed the posted limit. What I mean by vehicle comfort is that a 97 F350 felt uncomfortable to travel at 85 mph versus a 2025 F350 that has better insulation and suspension. So, the comfort factor creates a false sense of safety at higher speeds. This isn’t a scientific explanation but seems to be a common response.”

In a visual survey of driving behaviors along I-5 over the past year, The Sentinel has noticed more aggressive driving. Many times, drivers will tailgate and then cross lanes, cutting other motorists off to get ahead of a slower moving vehicle. Often the aggressive drivers will not use their signals to alert other motorists.

“I think the development of hands-free devices has made it easier to report these incidents. I don’t know we’ve seen an increase in these incidents.

Generally, interstate or multilane highways see the increased complaints. These complaints fall into the “driving complaint’ category and that encompasses a variety of complaints,” Kennedy said. “Aggressive driving creates an unpredictable environment for all motorists. Quick unsignaled lane changes, abrupt breaking, and quick acceleration all make it difficult for other motorists to react appropriately to the aggressive vehicle. It can be the aggressive vehicle isn’t involved in a crash but causes another crash due to reaction to the hazardous driving behavior.”

Kenndey added that OSP troopers do work to hold unsafe drivers accountable.

“We attempt to locate these operators proactively and in response to complaints,” he said.

“Our High Visibility Enforcement Unit is dedicated to locating unsafe operators for enforcement purposes”

Kennedy said the OSP message is simple.

“Motorists play the most critical role in highway safety,” he said. “It is vehicle operators who make decisions everyday about how they will operate their vehicle. Following the posted speed, remaining distraction free, using appropriate safety devices, using your lane safely, and never driving impaired are paramount to keeping everybody safe. This is a partnership between motorists and public safety.”

Kotek asked for a plan focused on decreasing the immediate impact to basic services for Oregonians and balancing personnel costs with materials costs and anticipated needs heading into the summer and fall seasons.

“Consequences to essential transportation services are imminent across the state,” Kotek stated in the release. “This is not business as usual. These layoffs constitute an emergency in Oregon’s transportation system that will hurt every part of Oregon. While we sharpened our pencils to temper the pace of layoffs from one wave into two, there will not be enough workers to provide the level of response Oregonians rely on, whether it’s filling a pothole or clearing safe passage for evacuation when a fire strikes.

TOLEDO

From Page A1

have grown enormously.

That was my most challenging thing to make sure that all the events brought in people, so that was want I wanted to do.”

Crane acknowledged that the chamber position also requires much clerical work, including developing new chamber members.

“It’s not just putting on events,” she said. “It’s pretty much like running a business.”

There have been

AWARD

From Page A1

Deputy Fire Marshal Shannon Miller, Lesiecki has completed inspections of multiple commercial businesses in the area, including the Moose Lodge, Pioneer Communications facilities, school district, and the local medical clinics.

Mason also states in his letter of nomination, that Lesiecki conducts wildland defense space evaluation inspections to help property owners plan to build better defense stance for their property and structures.

“Charlie’s commitment to public education is invaluable,” Mason said. “As a volunteer firefighter, Charlie’s commitment to service is exceptional. His desire to serve even further

“This emergency was preventable, and we still have time to intervene. I have not and will not stop fighting for Oregonians who rely on us to keep our roads safe and people and products moving. Come winter, without a shared commitment to solve this crisis from partners and lawmakers, Oregonians will be left out in the cold – literally.”

Among other adjustments, the current reduction plan temporarily mitigates the impact to basic services by vastly reducing purchases of materials like sand and deicer, delaying the replacement of aging vehicles, maintaining senior staff to protect irreplaceable expertise, and closing fewer maintenance stations, according to the release.

THE IMPACT

As early as this summer, the release states that Oregonians will see noticeable impacts to road

rewards with the job, Crane said.

“Pride,” she said. “Pride that I was able to bring the chamber back and be successful with our programs.”

Crane has this recommendation for the next chamber director:

maintenance and safety services.

With fewer crews and limited resources, ODOT administrators said the agency will reduce or delay essential tasks like pothole repairs, pavement maintenance, and road striping. Vegetation management, including brush clearing and fire prevention work, will also be scaled back, increasing wildfire risk and reducing visibility along roads. Roadside litter pickup, striping and signage replacement, and graffiti and camp cleanups will occur less frequently, leading to a visible decline along state highways across the state. Planned and existing transportation and capital projects will be cancelled or delayed.

“As winter approaches, Oregonians can expect slower and less frequent snow and ice removal, particularly in rural and mountainous areas where

“Bring in a lot of energy and a lot of attention to detail” she said. “The person has to be personable and encouraging, and to be able to interact with the businesses, because mainly the chamber of commerce is promoting our businesses and getting people to come into our city.”

She said her next chapter is simple.

“I am going to enjoy my life,” Crane said. “My husband and I just brought another home and we plan on doing some traveling. I retired once and then I went back to work, so now I am retiring for a second time.”

NEXT STEPS

The Toledo Chamber Board will begin recruiting for a new director. The Board’s first preference is to recruit a new director from local talent, the Board states in a release. This is a part time,

Phyllis Mitchell

June 17, 1936 - June 12, 2025

Longtime Newport and Toledo, Oregon resident, Phyllis Iona (Kilmer) Mitchell, 88, passed away at her residence in Toledo on Thursday, June 12, 2025.

Phyllis was born June 17, 1936, to John & Lena (Ayers) Kilmer in Wheelerville, PA. She graduated from Cortland High School in Cortland, New York in 1956. She moved to Oregon in 1956 living in McMinnville, South Beach and Newport before making Toledo her home.

She married Gordon Alfred Mitchell on May 12, 1961, in McMinnville, Oregon.

She worked at General Telephone from the summer of 1956 to April 1962; KNPT Radio from 1973 to 1986; Grimstad & Associates from 1986 until she retired in 1999.

Phyllis was a partner in PT Quilters from 2009 to 2025. She was a member of the Newport Church of the Nazarene where she was head of the Newport Naz Christmas Bazaar, a past Missions President and went on several work and witness trips abroad. She

fewer staff will have to cover more miles of roadway. Deicing treatments will be scaled back, increasing the risk of icy roads and dangerous driving conditions. Drivers can expect longer and more frequent road closures. Some roads may close during storms if crews are not able to clear snow. With fewer staff, reopening those roads will take longer,” the Kotek release states.

“For the past two biennia, ODOT has been holding hundreds of positions vacant to manage available resources. In addition to the planned layoffs, these vacant positions will also now be permanently eliminated.”

Democrat State Rep. David Gomberg expressed disappointment about the legislature’s inability to address the ODOT funding issues.

“A central argument against raising transportation revenue was the

salaried position. The board is asking its members if they know of anyone who may be interested and suitable for this position to send letter of interest to Kathy Crane at director@toledooregon. org. The essential skills are organizational and maintaining relationships in the community. The executive director oversees organizing and managing the Toledo Thursday Market, the Toledo Classic Car Show and Swap Meet, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Parade, Trunk or Treat on Main

understanding that too many Oregonians already struggle with increasing costs for utilities and groceries or finding a place to live they can afford,” Gomberg writes in his latest newsletter. “Further increasing costs didn’t have the votes needed.

But when the weather changes this fall, attention will shift to roadway safety. Disappearing fog lines, potholes, dangerous driving in snow and ice, and slow response to landslides and accidents may become more important than charging electric vehicles using our roads or a modest increase in gas taxes.

“The economy in our part of Oregon depends on a reliable and safe transportation network to get people to work, take our products to market, and to bring visitors to our tourism communities.

“Much has been said about a special session to address transportation.

Street, and Valentine Hearts.

To carry out these jobs, the executive director maintains positive working relationships with the Port of Toledo and the City of Toledo, as well as all the Chamber’s businesses, donors, and volunteers.

“The Chamber Board wishes to thank all its volunteers. The executive director can’t do the job alone. It takes dedicated volunteers from the community such as individuals, Board members and the Toledo Active Group,” the release states.

Chamber volunteers

“To me any to, me, day or night, when the community is in need, I need to be there for them.”

Charlie Lesiecki, Volunteer firefighter

through fire prevention makes him an irreplaceable asset to our community.”

Lesiecki told the Lincoln County Leader the recognition was a surprise.

“What I do I don’t do for any recognition, I just do it because I see a need out in the community and I am just one of those people that gets up and does things when things need to be done,”

he said. “There was just a need for volunteering and helping the community out on better educating them on installing the smoke alarms and I just naturally picked it up and I have been doing it for quite a few years.”

Lesiecki said he gets enjoyment from the volunteering because he feels he is giving back to the community.

“I retired a littler earlier than I wanted,” he

That would require work on a compromise and consensus solution, and two-thirds of the members actually showing up. Without a special session, I expect transportation to be front and center when we reconvene in January.”

The Lincoln County Leader reached out to Republican State Sen. Dick Anderson, asking what he thought are the long-term solutions to the state’s transportation funding challenges.

“Cooperation between parties to strike the balance between road funding and oversight to an agency that has run amuck and lost the trust of Oregonians,” Anderson said.” I am looking forward to being part of the solution to our transportation discussions.”

Follow this developing story online at the Lincoln County Leader website and in the Wednesday print editions of The Leader.

construct, maintain and hang the Valentine’s Day Hearts. Chamber volunteers set up and take down at Chamber events like the Car Show, the Thursday Market, the Seafood & Wine Festival, the Christmas program and more.

“Please consider volunteering to help out your Toledo Chamber of Commerce,” the release states. The Toledo Chamber of Commerce office is located at 311 NE 1st Street in Toledo. To reach the office, call 541-336-3183

said, “so I just wanted to something to help out the community and the opportunity came up to volunteer with the combination of the sherif and fire departments, now I have just pretty much stuck with the fire department. To me any to, me, day or night, when the community is in need, I need to be there for them. I will do this as long as I am physically capable of doing it.”

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana RuizTemple and State Rep. David Gomber also attended the award presentation conducted in Waldport July 7

was also a member of the Oregon Coastal Quilters Guild and the local T.O.P.S. Phyllis enjoyed sewing, quilting, painting and knitting.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, John, Charlie, Neil, Joe, Jim, Bradley, Kathryn, Jean, Emma, Faye, Marie, Ellen and Veronica; son, Dustin Mitchell (Becky); and her husband. She is survived by her daughters; Tammy Sax (Mark) of Toledo, OR and Theresa Kessi (Vernon) of Toledo, OR; son, Shane Mitchell (Toshia) of Swisshome, OR; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00p.m. Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Newport Church of the Nazarene, 227 NW 12th St, in Newport. Pastor Eddie Brown will officiate. Her cremated remains will be laid to rest next to her husband, Gordon Mitchell at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, OR.

Funeral arrangements were provided by Bateman Funeral Home

Virginia Marilyn Fieber

Thompson, lovingly known as Ginger, was born on November 11, 1939, in Toledo, Oregon, at the home of her parents, Herman and Myrtle Fieber. On June 24, 2025, Ginger passed peacefully among her flowers at her home in Toledo.

Ginger is survived by her sons, Kenneth Thompson (Kimberly) of Toledo, OR, and Thomas Thompson of Toledo, OR; her daughter, Cynthia Pankey (Buster) of Waldport, OR; her grandchildren, Christina McCord, Kenneth Thompson, Katie Thomas, Ryan Pankey, Cassandra Thompson, and Jessica Thompson; as well as eight great-grandchildren.

She grew up in Toledo, attending Toledo High School, where she later met George Thompson. Virginia and George were married on April 27, 1957, and together they had three children before separating in 1971. On February 14, 1985, she married RL Quillen at the Toledo Olalla Golf Course, where they shared a loving life together until his passing.

Those who knew Ginger knew she had a gift—an eye for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Whether it was decorating, gardening, painting, or ceramics, she

brought beauty and creativity into everything she touched. Where others saw a table, she saw a canvas of imagination and potential. Her artistic spirit allowed others to witness the world through her vision of beauty.

Though she stood just 5’1”, Ginger had the presence of someone six feet tall. A determined and powerful woman, she never hesitated to speak her mind or stand her ground—especially when raising her lively children. Her toughness was matched only by her fierce love: for her children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, partners, family, and friends. She carried herself with quiet strength, but was a loud and loyal advocate when needed. Ginger worked hard her entire life, from growing up on a farm to roles as a receptionist, interior decorator, and at both GP and PUD. She passed doing what she loved most— surrounded by the flowers she so tenderly cared for.

“She made the ordinary beautiful, saw magic in the mundane, and loved with her whole heart.”

Critical fishery disaster funding urged for Oregon

STAFF REPORT

Lincoln County Leader

Oregon’s Democratic Congressional delegation is pressing the Trump Administration to release the $7,050,722 that was allocated to Oregon for the catastrophic regional fishery disaster.

The disaster declaration was declared for the Oregon Chinook salmon commercial ocean fisheries in the state for 2018 2019, and 2020

The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) resubmitted their spending plan for funds allocated by the U.S. Department of Commerce in October 2024, but the commission’s final revised application has gone without a response from the Trump Administration for the last several months, delaying much needed funding for Oregon’s fishermen, according to the delegation.

The Oregon lawmakers, led by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, include the Oregon Democratic delegation— Senator Ron Wyden and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter

(OR-03), and Janelle Bynum (OR-05), are urging Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to promptly review and act upon the PSMFC’s application without further delay to help the state’s ocean commercial fishermen and coastal economies recover from the significant toll of declining salmon populations.

“Oregon salmon and salmon fisheries are an invaluable cultural, economic, and ecological resource in our state,” the lawmakers write in a letter to Vought. “Salmon are highly valued by Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest for cultural, subsistence, and economic benefits.”

The impact salmon loss has on Oregon’s economy cannot be understated, as the state’s commercial fishing industry generates more than $640 million in economic activity each year, equivalent to 9 200 jobs, according to the lawmakers.

“Additionally, the commercial salmon industry is a significant economic driver for rural communities on the Oregon Coast, generating millions of dollars in economic output. Sadly, our salmon fisheries

Oregon Congressional lawmakers are pressing the

to unlock $7 million intended to help Oregon’s ocean

significant economic losses from declining salmon

have faced significant obstacles over the last decade which have resulted in significant fishery declines,” the lawmakers state in the letter.

As the Oregon delegation continues to hear from concerned constituents in Oregon’s coastal communities and fisheries, the members are requesting Director Vought provide

Department of State Lands gets new leader in scientist and lawyer Kaitlin Lovell

ALEX

BAUMHARDT Oregon Capital Chronicle

A lawyer, scientist and former manager at the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services will become the new director of the Department of State Lands.

Kaitlin Lovell of Colton, Oregon, begins her four-year term as the agency’s leader in early August. She’ll be in charge of managing more than 130 staff in Bend and Salem, a budget of more than $116 million, and roughly 680,000 acres of stateowned land. The Oregon State Land Board, which includes Gov. Tina Kotek, Secretary of State Tobias Read and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, unanimously appointed Lovell on July 9

“Kaitlin is a proven leader who understands how much healthy lands and waters contribute to a thriving Oregon,” Kotek said in a news release following the appointment. “Her long commitment to public service makes her well prepared to lead DSL at a time when stewardship and long-term sustainability must guide our work.

She replaces former director Vicki Walker, who served from 2018 until her June 30 retirement. The agency’s deputy director, Bill Ryan, is the current interim director. The agency is in charge of managing the state’s agricultural, industrial and residential lands for conservation, development and revenue generation for the benefit of Oregon’s public schools. The agency also administers mineral and energy rights on more than 768 500 acres

is the new director of the Oregon Department of State Lands. (Courtesy photo from the Department of State Lands)

statewide.

Lovell spent most of the last 18 years working for Portland’s environmental services and regulatory agency, and was most recently its Regulatory Strategy Manager, in charge of financial planning for its wastewater and stormwater management services.

In February she was also appointed to the board of the Elliott State Research Forest, which is in the process of becoming the only state forest in the West, and only the second nationwide, to be enrolled entirely in the voluntary carbon crediting market. The 83 000-acre forest will be managed for some logging, research and to store harmful greenhouse gas emissions in exchange for revenue-generating carbon credits.

Lovell holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, and a law degree from Cornell University in New York, and is considered an expert in the Endangered Species Act and the

Clean Water Act laws. Before working for the city of Portland, she spent seven years as a lawyer and salmon policy manager at the nonprofit fish conservation organization Trout Unlimited.

Lovell raises livestock on her farm and forestland in Colton, where her investment in preserving beaver habitat on the land likely helped it survive the 2020 Riverside Fire, she testified to the Legislature in 2023

In her application for the job, Lovell said these experiences make her particularly well equipped to manage the state’s lands.

“As a working farmer and steward of historic water rights, old growth stands, and beaver-created wetlands, I understand firsthand the challenges of balancing land use, conservation, and economic sustainability,” she wrote.

“Having personally experienced wildfires and floods that threaten our communities and my farm, I am committed to developing climate-resilient strategies that protect Oregon’s lands and waters for future generations.”

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/briefs/ department-of-statelands-gets-new-leaderin-scientist-and-lawyerkaitlin-lovell/ 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.

responses to the following questions by August 1 2025:

1. Does the Office of Management and Budget require additional information to process the application submitted by the PSMFC?

2. Will the Office of Management and Budget commit to promptly reviewing the application resubmitted by

PSMFC in a timely manner and to apportion and obligate funding to the designated amount of $7 050 722 for the declared disaster?

“We look forward to a timely disbursal of these critical funds to assist Oregon’s commercial salmon industry and await your response,” the lawmakers state in the letter closing.

Democrats meeting includes Immigrant rights guidance, platform policy

Submitted by THE LINCOLN COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

The rights of immigrants and all persons living in the U.S. and the county’s platform goals and proposals will be presented at the Lincoln County Democratic Party’s next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at the Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 NE Oar Place in Lincoln City.

In her “Know Your Rights” presentation, attorney Kate Sinkins will explain the constitutional rights held by all persons living in the U.S. regardless of immigration status and how those rights can be exercised. She’ll discuss how Oregon’s sanctuary state status works to protect Oregonians and what all residents can do to help protect themselves and their neighbors.

An associate with the Lincoln City-based Zantello Law Group, Sinkins has extensive experience in the field of immigration law and has represented both immigrant children and adults in private practice, worked for two faithbased nonprofit immigration organizations and worked as an asylum officer, a policy analyst and an immigration attorney for three federal agencies.

In advance of the Oregon Democratic Party’s August Platform

Convention, attendees will hear from Platform Committee Delegation Chair, Linda Perrine, about the platform proposals to be presented by the Lincoln County Democrats for consideration by the state organization. A discussion will follow the presentation.

The proposals fall into nine key areas: Economy and Labor, Education, Climate and Environment, Foreign and National Security, Human Rights, Health Care and Public Health, Energy and Infrastructure, Protecting Democracy and Science and Technology. Among the items included under those headings are support for an Oregon “right to a healthy environment” constitutional amendment, universal housing and healthcare, support for state energy independence, subsidized child care, preservation of Oregon farmland and tying federal minimum wage to the same cost of living (COLA) as it is currently applied to social security.

Finally, the attendees will hear a summary of recent public rallies and demonstration activity and will be informed of future opportunities for expressing their views in public forums.

“At this very dangerous period of our history, it’s important that we find a strategic balance between policy and action,” said

Mary Infante, Chair of the central committee of the Lincoln County Democratic Party. “By providing sound legal guidance to our most vulnerable neighbors, organizing to raise our voices as effectively as possible and clarifying our values and priorities, we’re demonstrating that we are not just the voice of opposition, but also the proponents of a sustainable, fair and equitable future.”

The Lincoln County Democratic Party holds monthly meetings rotating among northern, central, southern and eastern centers of the county with zoom options available for virtual attendance and participation. All are welcome.

The purpose of the Lincoln County Democratic Party and its executive committee is to promote the interests of the Democratic Party in Oregon and Lincoln County, to work for the election of Democratic candidates, adopt a party platform and work to ensure its principles are reflected in law, and to provide a link between Democratic voters, the Democratic Party, and the government.

The Lincoln County Democratic Party welcomes comments and questions, which can be addressed to: dems@lincolncountydemocratsoregon.com

Newport Art Seen Public Art July 24 at PAC

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts and the Newport Public Arts Advisory Committee are excited to announce the official launch of the Newport Art Seen public art initiative.

Community members and visitors are invited to celebrate at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at the Newport Performing Arts Center (PAC), at 777 W Olive Street in Newport.

The event will include outdoor remarks, weather permitting, from Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan and Newport City Councilor Cynthia Jacobi, followed by an indoor reception featuring light refreshments and music by the Lucky Gap String Band.

Newport Art Seen is a rotating outdoor gallery of sculptural artwork, meant to enhance the city’s beauty.

The first four works of art have now been installed - on pedestals in Nye Beach, on Olive Street between Beach and Cliff (just in front of the PAC). These include “Fossil II” by Lin McJunkin of Conway, Washington, “Welcome Dance” by Harold Linke of Lake Oswego, Oregon, “Spiritsafe #14” by John Zylstra of Bellingham, Washington, and “Campsong” by Paul Reimer of British Columbia, Canada.

“We’re excited to bring these works of art to Newport

Annual South Beach Sandcastle competition July 26

Lincoln County Outlets invites community members and visitors to participate in an engaging hands-on art experience in Suite 111, located next to Rack Room Shows through July 20

In partnership with Lincoln City Ceramics, a large-scale ceramic tile mosaic project is being launched, and the public is invited to participate in this artistic endeavor. This unique pop-up event

combines artistry and community involvement, as Lincoln City Ceramics provides over 300 individual ceramic tiles for participants to hand-paint. These tiles will collectively form a vibrant underwater mural, showcasing an array of ocean life, including whales, kelp, fish, and jellyfish. Upon completion, this stunning piece will be permanently

Community Bluegrass Picnic July 19

The Logsden Bluegrass Picnic is back for its fourth year. The family-friendly downhome community event is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 19. Admission will be $10 per family or $5 per individual and free to members of the Logsden Community Club.

Bring a lawn chair, a picnic lunch and munch away while listening to the blue grass sounds of Banjo Bobby Llewellyn and Friends. The band, made up of local bluegrass pickers, plays bluegrass and country music on traditional acoustic instruments, including stand-up doghouse bass, banjo, guitar, fiddle, mandolin and dobro.

Hot dogs, burgers, and soft drinks will be for sale on site. Games for the children, a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle will round out the day.

The Logsden Community Club is a non-profit organization made up of civic minded friends and neighbors who strive to enhance the quality of life in the area. The organization donates a portion of its’ profits back to the community including the Siletz Valley Fire District, Bright Horizons Therapeutic Riding Center, Food Share of Lincoln County and more. Club membership meets for monthly potlucks often featuring STAFF REPORT Lincoln County Leader

South Beach State Park will host its annual sandcastle competition from 10 a.m. to noon, July 26, in Newport.

Anyone can compete as an individual or as a team for a chance to win first, second or third place. Prizes include baskets with an assortment of beach-themed prizes with the first-place basket stocked with four tickets to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Visitors interested in competing can sign up in person starting at 9:30 a.m. July 26 on the beach next to the South Beach

Take a trip to the Great Oregon Steam-Up

Immerse yourself in a bygone era at The Great Oregon Steam-Up, a riveting spectacle where colossal steam-powered machines come alive, telling the untold tales of Oregon’s rich industrial past.

The Newport 60+ Activity Center Adventure Van will head to the Great Oregon Steam-Up in Brooks on Saturday, July 26. The group will leave the activity center at 8:30 a.m. and return by 5 p.m.

The Great Oregon Steam-Up is the year’s largest event at Powerland Heritage Park. This year will celebrate Pacific Northwest logging equipment.

One of the unique aspects of the event is that most of the equipment is still in operation.

The steam-powered sawmill operates twice a day, and the trolley tours the site perimeter daily. Learn about the early machinery that made Oregon work, and the innovators and manufacturers of the past. Machines include farm tractors and implements, early engines, crawlers, fire apparatus, vintage trucks and cars, logging gear, an early Oregon flour mill, and an authentic steam sawmill. Rides include a historic trolley and a miniature railroad.

There will also be machinery demos, sawmilling, flour milling, fire apparatus demos, harvesting, kids pedal tractor pulling, traditional tractor pulling, and a Big Parade! There are a lot of other attractions such as blacksmithing, a country store, models, early electricity exhibit, miniature farm display, flea market sales, music, and

Yaquina Art Gallery Artist Spotlight

Submitted by YAQUINA ART ASSOCIATION

Ilene Samowitz is a fine art photographer who focuses on the unseen and altered realities including infrared, long exposure, macro, and black/white photography. They believe that printmaking is an important part of the artistic process and prints their work in their studio using fine art papers. They loved to start out shooting landscapes and doing black and white processing in the 80s. They took a composition class in Art Wolf’s living room in 85. Ilene is a scientist, a musician, as well as an artist. Ilene blends all of these aspects of their life in their photography. They were a geophysicist/geologist where their love of waves of all sorts include seismic, sound, light, and ocean and their love of landscape extends to rocks,

crystals, and vintage lenses. Ilene is an avid birder and began digiscoping birds and continues to photograph birds as part of their artistic expression.

Ilene strongly believes that their photographic art also plays an important part in documenting

SANDCASTLE

From Page B1

day-use parking lot.

“It’s a great opportunity for visitors to share their sand sculpting skills and connect with park volunteers and rangers,” said Ranger Patrick Newhall. Last year, 20 teams with a total of 65 competitors vied for the top spots. And as many as 190 visitors watched the sandcastles

BIRD

From Page B1

Wildlife Refuge system protects nesting seabirds. Celebrate the recently designated Cape Foulweather Complex Marine Conservation Area. Look for seabirds and whales often seen along this stretch. As part of the Oregon Coast Trail, the quiet Otter Crest Drive offers eye-popping

take shape.

Situated next to the Yaquina Bay Bridge, South Beach State Park begins in south Newport and stretches several miles down the Oregon coast. This historic park offers access to miles of broad, sandy ocean beach and trails for walking and bicycling.

For more information, contact South Beach State Park at (541) 867-7451 Ext. 0

viewpoints and resplendent coastal forests. Experts will share their knowledge of the area. Kent Doughty, Seven Capes Coastal Conservation Coordinator, will talk about rocky habitat designations. Roy Lowe, retired Manager of the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, will discuss the history of the Refuge and help identify birds and other wildlife.

MOSIAC

From Page B1

displayed at Lincoln City Outlets.

The Kiwanis Club of Lincoln City is proud to support this initiative, coordinating a dedicated team of volunteers who will help bring the mural to fruition. These volunteers will aid in organizing the materials and guiding participants

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife staff with the Oregon Marine Reserve Program will relate ongoing research at the Otter Rock Marine Reserve. These experts include Nearshore Ecology Program Leader Dr. Maria Zapetis, who oversees the interdisciplinary work of the Marine Reserves and Marine Habitat teams; Marine Reserve Ecological Research Project Leader Dr. Moritz Schmid, who will describe

PICNIC

our too quickly changing landscapes, weather, flora and fauna. Whenever possible they choose to use recycled paper, recycled wood in frames, print on bamboo, and takes this philosophy into the field. Ilene has been showing their work for decades and has won numerous awards. May the light be with you!

Sheila Ping grew up in Coos Bay, with a mother who loved the arts and music and a father who loved nature. They melded together and brought both to our family.

“I currently live in Waldport, but love to travel, near or far,” Ping said. “There are never

throughout the painting process. Most importantly, they will outline the mural’s overall design on the tiles, establishing a visual framework for the community to fill with color.

“This project is a celebration of creativity, volunteerism, and the spirit of our community,” Lincoln City Outlets

General Manager Sharyn Jasmer said. “We extend our sincere gratitude to

oceanographic changes affecting marine reserves and nearshore habitats; and Communications and Engagement Specialist Katie Darr, who will share her work in fostering exchange between communities, scientists, and decision-makers.

This leisurely walk is two miles out and back with 500 feet elevation gain. Sturdy walking shoes and appropriate dress for the weather are recommended. This event is free, but registration is required at www.

ending photo opportunities and experiences every day. Photography was a hobby in film medium. I started with 35mm Pentax and it has evolved from there. Now retired from my telephony career, I am able to pursue photography. While I am mainly a nature photographer, I really enjoy the patterns in nature and showing them off as abstracts or thru ICM-intentional camera movement. I continue to learn and broaden my horizons. There is always something new to see and new to learn. I hope you enjoy what this wonderful gallery of Lincoln County artists displays.”

The artwork by Irene

Lincoln City Ceramics and the Kiwanis Club for their invaluable contributions to making this project a reality. Participation is open to individuals of all ages and artistic skill levels.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor enjoying the Oregon coast.

“This is an exceptional opportunity to leave your mark on a lasting piece of public art,” Jasmer said.

sevencapes.org/events. The meeting location will be provided upon registration.

All Seven Capes Bird Alliance outings are free, family-friendly, easy to moderately easy, and open to the public. Binoculars and guidebooks are provided. Outings are held rain or shine; dress appropriately for coastal weather and muddy trails. Be sure to carry water. Look for the Seven Capes sign at the meeting site. For details and any cancellations, check

Samowitz and Sheila Ping is on display through August 1 at the association’s gallery, in Nye Beach.

ABOUT THE YAQUNIA ART ASSOCIATION THE YAA has been serving over 130 local artists for over 77 years. The Yaquina Art Association Gallery is a 501c3 located at 789 NW Beach Drive in Nye Beach. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Yaquina Art Association can call 541-265-5133. The association offers free classes. Visit the association’s gallery in Nye Beach for more.

Event Details:

Location: Lincoln City Outlets, 1500 SE East Devils Lake Road, Suite 111in Lincoln City.

Dates:

our website (sevencapes. org) or Facebook (@ sevencapesbirds). Seven Capes Bird Alliance was founded as Audubon Society of Lincoln City in 2005. A nonprofit membership organization and chapter of the National Audubon Society, Seven Capes is active in education and advocacy for protection of birds, other wildlife, and their habitats in Lincoln and Tillamook Counties. For more information, email info@sevencapes. org

Park Road, the Community Club is situated on a historic site where the local school once sat. Today’s facility, built in the 1980s, is available to rent for local gatherings including weddings, birthdays, classes, family reunions and other events. The cost is nominal, and members of the club qualify for a reduced rate. Cost for club membership is $25 per year for those living in the greater Logsden area. We invite you to join us to celebrate the beauty of a July summer day with family and friends! For further information visit the Logsden Community Club Facebook Page, or contact Guy Faust at logsden1@ gmail.com.

New exhibitions from two artists open August 1 in Nye Beach

Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is excited to announce new exhibitions featuring the work of David Fish and Jane Luana Stauffer coming to Nye Beach on Aug. 1

At the Runyan Gallery, inside Newport Visual Arts Center, Jane Luana Stauffer’s “A Lifetime of Painting” will be on display Aug. 1-Sept. 27

Stauffer’s atmospheric images are celebrated for their glowing color, masterful light effects on water and land, and her signature sunset skies and clouds, all emphasized by open, simplified compositions.

The exhibition will feature her distinctive landscapes rendered in soft pastels, as well as captivating large-scale sky and cloud paintings in oil, and a recent series of smallscale coastal landscapes created with oil and oil/ cold wax medium.

In addition to her renowned landscape work, Stauffer will unveil “Paintings from the Journey to Self”—a compelling collection of seventeen large, intuitive works on canvas.

These pieces narrate an emotional journey undertaken during her years in Hawaii, in response to a mysterious health crisis.

“We are honored to celebrate 45 years of art in the making by Jane Luana Stauffer,” VAC Director Chasse Davison said. “We’re thrilled to welcome her back to her old stomping grounds at the VAC for her retrospective show.”

A special two-part exhibition, “David Fish: in Retrospect,” will also open August 1, bringing well-deserved attention to the Newport-based artist (1948-1995), whose work was well-recognized in western Oregon through the 1970s and 1980s and has continued to be appreciated since his passing.

In the COVAS Showcase, at Newport Visual Arts Center, “Incised Images: Selected Works in Scrimshaw” (Aug. 1-Sept. 27) will feature Fish’s varied approach to working in scrimshaw, evident in the black-ink incised images skillfully aligned to the scale and material nature

SUBMITTED BY THEATRE WEST

First time director, but longtime volunteer, Patrick Kiernan, directs for our final show of this, our 50th anniversary season.

“Moon Over Buffalo” was last performed at Theatre West in December 2010, directed by Stina Seeger-Gibson, a long time Theatre West stalwart.

THE STORY

This backstage farce centers on a not very famous acting couple who are on tour in Buffalo in 1953 with a repertory consisting of Cyrano de Bergerac and Noel Coward’s Private Lives.

Fate has given these thespians one more shot at starring roles in The Scarlet Pimpernel epic. Famed director Frank Capra, himself, is enroute to Buffalo to catch their matinee performance. Will Charlotte Hay

appear or run off with their agent? Will George Hay be sober enough to emote? Will Capra see Cyrano, Private Lives or a disturbing mixture of the two? Hilarious misunderstandings pile on madcap misadventures, all of which are magnified by Charlotte’s deaf mother, who manages the theater.

THE CAST

George Hay: Jason Kutchma

Charlotte Hay: Mary Griffith

Ethel: Jane Calkins

Rosalind: Taylor

Parker

Howard: Gavin Suckow

Eileen: supporting:

of an individual ivory bone surface—whether modest-size pendants and other use-objects, similarly inset, or the extended length and visual impact of a full walrus tusk.

Such graphic, darklight contrast brings focus to Fish’s selection of singular botanical or wildlife subjects, his re-presentations of Indigenous American portraiture, and his hybrid coastal views—where waves break below ‘stippled’ clouds, adjacent to fragmented geometric patterns.

Just a few blocks away, at Olive Street Gallery (inside Newport Performing Arts Center), Fish’s “Pacific Views” will be on display Aug. 1 through Sept. 28, presenting an overview of the

artist’s drawings (ink, or ink with watercolor).

Well-recognized for his keenly observed renderings of Oregon’s coastal terrain, the linear and tonal range of Fish’s work invites us to a closer look; at times, the modest paper seems to surge to near-capacity: Fish pauses at a tumble of sand-crusted rocks and polished shells; elsewhere, hatched lines acknowledge salt-weathered buildings along Yaquina Bay’s dockside.

“David Fish’s work was created when the local art scene’s roots were beginning to take hold,” Davidson said. “Through this exhibit, we honor David Fish’s contribution to the rich artistic history of Newport and glimpse the diverse media that artists delved into, as they explored ways to generate

incomes from creative pursuits.”

An opening reception for Stauffer’s “A Lifetime of Painting” and Fish’s “Incised Images: Selected Works in Scrimshaw” will take place on Friday, August 1, from 5 p.m.–7 p.m. at Newport Visual Arts Center. A reception celebrating the opening of Fish’s “Pacific Views” will take place August 2nd from 1 p.m.–3 p.m. at Newport Performing Arts Center. All are welcome, and admission is free. Newport Visual Arts Center galleries

Nye Beach health

advisory issued

Anna Gabler

Paul: Brandon Batson

Richard: Michael

Murphy

PERFORMANCE DATES

Thu/Fri/Sat, Jul 31stSept 6

Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

Two matinees – Sunday, Aug 17 and 31 at 2 p.m.

For Reservations online go to: TheatreWest.com or call 541-994-5663

Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

Tickets are $20 00 for adults. $18 for seniors (60 and over) and students.

Theatre West is located at 3536 SE Highway 101 in Lincoln City.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory July 2, for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Nye Beach in Lincoln County.

People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system

visitors

ART From Page B1

for the enjoyment of residents and visitors,” Public Arts Committee

Administrator Rachel Browning said. “These

should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria, according to the OHA advisory. Visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Levels of fecal bacteria tend to be higher in these types of water sources.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including: Stormwater runoff Sewer overflows

Failing septic systems Animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife

Even if there is no advisory in effect, avoid swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm,

the OHA cautioned. Ocean waters will be re-tested after an advisory is issued. Once bacteria levels are at a safe level, OHA will notify the public that the advisory is lifted. While this advisory is in effect at Nye Beach, state officials continue to encourage other recreational activities including, flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory.

This is a developing story. For updates monitor the Lincoln County Leader website. For the most recent information about advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www. healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877290-6767 (toll-free).

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500 EMPLOYMENT

OFFICE

ADMINISTRATOR

The Siletz Valley Fire District is accepting applications for the position of Office Administrator. This is not an entry level position. Applicants must have a thorough understanding of office processes including filing,

accounts receivable & payable, customer service, and be somewhat familiar with fire and medical terminology. Interacting with the District’s accountant and bookkeeper in a timely manner are critical components of this position. This position also functions as the recording secretary for the Board of Directors at their monthly meetings. This is a part-time position, generally 8 hours a week or less. For a full job description and application visit our website www. siletzfire.com or contact the District Office at 541-444-2043. The Siletz Valley Fire District is an equal opportunity employer.

MAKAI

COMMUNITY

YARD SALE

July 19th 8am - 1pm off of Estate Drive in Seal Rock. MULTI-FAMILY

SALE

3564 NE Quay Ave. Lincoln City 7/1920/25 10am to 4pm

800 RENTALS

SURFWOOD MANOR HUD

amount claimed below, pursuant to ORS87.152, for the reasonable and agreed charges for labor and materials, storage or services provided at the request of the owner or lawful possessor of the following described personal property: Personal property: Albatross; Official number: 980072;

Do Not File Claims at This Time. No claims may be submitted until a claims process is first established by the Receiver. Unsecured creditors will receive further notice of a claims filing deadline and instructions how to file a claim once the Receiver fixes such claims process. The Name and Address of the Owner is: Barbara J.M. Wheeler-Hotchkins, 510 SE Beech St., Toledo, OR 97391. Barbara J.M. Wheeler-Hotchins, c/o Transformations Wellness Center, 3647 Highway 39, Klamath Falls, OR 97603. Keith Wheeler, 12913 Delamar Avenue, Murphy, ID 83639. The Name and Address of the Receiver is: Kenneth S. Eiler, 515 NW Saltzman Road, PMB 810, Portland, Oregon 97229, Email: ken-

neth.eiler7@gmail.com The Name and Address of the Receiver’s Attorney is: Ballard Spahr LLP, Attn: David W. Criswell / Andrew J. Geppert, 601 SW 2nd Avenue, Suite 2100, Portland, Oregon 97204, Email: criswelld@ ballardspahr.com, gepperta@ballardspahr.com Procedures for Notifying Receiver for Notice Recipients Represented by Counsel. If you are a creditor or interested party who is represented by counsel, you must notify the Receiver and the Receiver’s attorney of such representation and provide contact information for your counsel. Such notifications may be sent to the Receiver and the Receiver’s attorney by first class mail and/or by email using the contact information and addresses shown above in Section D. Parties Requesting Special Notice. If you desire further information regarding the receivership, or wish to receive special notice of actions taken or proposed in the receivership, you must provide your name, contact information

by Safe & Sound Storage 833 NE 3rd Street Newport OR 97365 for unit A26-Rebekah Reid LCL25-0335 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN Probate Department Case No. 25PB04662 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS In the Matter of the Estate of AQUA TILLMAN, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Titus Dewitt has been appointed as the personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them to the undersigned attorney for the personal representative at 9600 NE Cascades Pkwy., Ste. 300, Portland, OR 97220, within four months after the date of publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and published July 16, 2025. Titus Dewitt , Personal Representative. George A. McCoy, OSB No. 101256, Warren Allen LLP , Attorney for Personal Representative, 9600 NE Cascades Pkwy., Ste. 300, Portland, OR 97220, Tel: (503) 255-8795, Fax: (502) 255-8836, Email: mccoy@warrenallen.com LCL25-0335 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN Case No. 24CV48017 NOTICE OF RECEIVERSHIP BRENDA KINDRED, Plaintiff, v. BARBARA J.M. WHEELER-HOTCHINS and KEITH WHEELER, Defendants. To: All Creditors of Barbara J.M. Wheeler-Hotchins and Keith Wheeler (referred to herein as “Owner”). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on June 3, 2025, the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for Lincoln County entered an Order Granting Motion for Appointment of Receiver (the “Order”) in the above-captioned case. This Notice is provided

- Rich Rouske, F28 - Sherry Wyatt, H15FGary Batchelder, J09F - Rodrick Travis, Q05Kathryn Lemmon, R10Jazlin Soto, S22 - Sherry Wyatt. Sale Subject to Cancellation. Safe-Lock Storage reserves the Right to refuse any and all bids.

LCL25-0323 ON JULY 29TH , 2025 AT 2:00 PM, A PUBLIC SALE WILL BE HELD AT IDEAL STORAGE . 235 SW Dahl Ave. Waldport, OR 97394: Khai Terwillegar - WB015 & WC018 . On July 31st , 2025 at 2:00 PM, a public sale will be held at Ideal Storage. 5441 W. Hwy 20, Toledo, OR 97391: Shelly Macrae - T012 . Minimum bid $50.00

made by, RACHEL MARIE MARRIOTT, MICHAEL DANE PALMER as Grantor to WESTERN TITLE & ESCROW COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as designated nominee for EVERGREEN MONEYSOURCE MORTGAGE COMPANY, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of August 31, 2020 and recorded on September 3, 2020 as Instrument No. 2020-09063 and re-recorded on September 4, 2020 as Instrument No. 2020-09168 and the beneficial interest was assigned to Evergreen Moneysource Mortgage Company DBA Evergreen Home Loans and recorded March 26, 2025 as Instrument Number 2025-01860 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Lincoln County, Oregon to-wit: APN: R322969 THE EAST ONE-HALF OF LOT 5, BLOCK 26, RAYMOND, IN THE CITY OF LINCOLN CITY, COUNTY OF LINCOLN AND STATE OF OREGON, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT THEREOF RECORDED SEPTEMBER 3, 1924 IN PLAT BOOK 7, PAGE 2, PLAT RECORDS. Commonly known as: 1523 NE 12TH ST, LINCOLN CITY, OR 97367 Both the Beneficiary,

1, Partition Plat 21-1996, recorded April 10, 1996, Partition Plat Records of Lincoln County, Oregon Commonly known as: 215 N Deer Dr, Otis, OR 97368 The current beneficiary is Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC pursuant to assignment

house, 225 West Olive Street Newport 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 the sale. In construing this, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the successor in interest to the grantor as well as any other person owing obligation, the performance of which is secured by said trust deed; 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 Prime Recon LLC. 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. Also, please be advised that pursuant to the terms stated on the Deed of Trust and Note, the beneficiary is allowed to conduct property inspections while there is a default. This shall serve as notice that the beneficiary shall be conducting property inspections on the referenced property. 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 RESIDENTIAL TENANTS The property in which you are living is in foreclosure. A foreclosure sale is scheduled for 10/28/2025 (date). The date of this sale may be postponed. Unless the lender that is foreclosing on this property is paid before the sale date, the foreclosure will go through and someone new will own this property. After the sale, the new owner is required to provide you with contact information and notice that the sale took place. The following information applies to you only if you are a

Calendar of EVENTS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 Lincoln City Cribbage Club

The Lincoln City Cribbage Club meets at 4 p.m. every Wednesday at Pioneer Joe Coffee Co. in the Marketplace at Salishan, 7755 Highway 101 , Gleneden Beach. $ 9 entry, six games. Forget the rest, come play with the best. Info: Jack Shumate, 541 - 574 - 7668

Live music by Box and Bucket Box and Bucket, featuring renowned Nashville guitarist Porter McClister and electric washtub bass player Barbara LePine, performs from 5 : 30 p.m. to close every Wednesday at Luna Sea Fish House, 10111 Pacific Coast Highway 101 , Seal Rock. Info: www. lunaseafishhouse.com

Trivia Night

Enjoy Trivia Night from 6 to 7 : 30 p.m. at Beachcrest Brewing, located in suite E 5 at the Salishan Marketplace, 7755 Highway 101 , Gleneden Beach. Free. Show off your knowledge for the chance to win prizes. Teams of up to six allowed.

Clay Target/Trap Shooting at VFW Range Open to the public. Clay Target/Trap Shooting at VFW Post, 268 Pioneer Mountain Loop, Toledo. 9 am-Noon. $ 8 /game. Shotguns and ammo available for rent/purchase. For more information, voicemail/ text 702 - 816 - 8331 or 541 - 270 - 5811

THURSDAY, JULY 17

Toledo Waterfront Market

Find craft vendors, fresh produce and a food court at the weekly Toledo Waterfront Market. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 311 NE First St. Big Band Dance

Enjoy the sounds of the Big Band era with the Lincoln Pops from 7 to 9 : 30 p.m. at the Gleneden Beach Community Club, 110 Azalea St., Gleneden Beach. Admission: $ 10 at the door. Refreshments available. Info: 503 - 949 - 8222 or on Facebook.

FRIDAY, JULY 18

Artisan Faire at Salishan

The Artisan Faire at Salishan, 7755 Highway 101 in Gleneden Beach, features a large assortment of vendors offering fresh produce, self-care products, and quality handmade crafts including housewares, decor, and jewelry. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: www. artisanfaireatsalishan.com

SATURDAY, JULY 19

Newport Farmers Market

The Newport Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. across from Newport City Hall, on the corner of Highway 101 and Angle Street. Learn more at www.newportfarmersmarket.org or find them on Facebook.

Clay Target/Trap Shooting at VFW Range Open to the public. Clay Target/Trap Shooting at VFW Post, 268 Pioneer Mountain Loop, Toledo. 9 am-Noon. $ 8 /game. Shotguns and ammo available for rent/purchase. For more information, voicemail/ text 702 - 816 - 8331 or 541 - 270 - 5811

Artisan Faire at Salishan

The Artisan Faire at Salishan, 7755 Highway 101 in Gleneden Beach, features a large assortment of vendors offering fresh produce, self-care products, and quality handmade crafts including housewares, decor, and jewelry. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: www. artisanfaireatsalishan.com

Author PRO-TIPS series at Cafe’ Chill Café’ Chill, 540 NE Commercial St., Waldport, presents a series by author Alexandra Mason called PRO-TIPS. Each third Saturday at 2 p.m., Mason will discuss the writing process for one of her books, giving professional advice on all aspects of prose and poetry authorship.

SUNDAY, JULY 20

Yachats Farmers Market

The Yachats Sunday Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through October at West Fourth Street just off U.S. Highway 101 . Produce, plants, meats, cheeses, arts and crafts and more.

Lincoln City Sunday Market

Located at Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Highway 101 . Get fresh produce, grab a bit to eat, shop for one-of-a-kind treasures. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: www.lincolncityfarmersmarket.org.

Drop-in Figure Drawing

Practice figure drawing with a live model (in fitted clothing) at the Newport Visual Arts Center, 777 NW Beach Drive. 2 to 4 p.m. Easels, paper, and charcoal provided, or bring your own materials. All skill levels welcome. Free ($ 5 -$ 10 donation suggested). Info: coastalartsguild@gmail.com

Argentine Tango

Learn Argentine Tango at Newport Tango’s weekly Sunday lesson and practice. 5 to 8 p.m., South Beach Community Center, 3024 SE Ferry Slip Road.  Info: www.newportdancestango.com or newportdancestango@gmail.com

MONDAY, JULY 21

Live music at the Drift Inn

Caveman Dave performs from 6 : 30 to 8 : 30 p.m. at The Drift Inn, located at 124 Highway 101 N in Yachats. For information, call 541 - 547 - 4477

TUESDAY, JULY 22

Siletz Grange Market

The Siletz Valley Grange hosts its Tuesday Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the grange, 224 Gaither St. Plant starts, garden products, glassware, pottery, handmade items, baked goods, jams and more.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

Lincoln City Cribbage Club

The Lincoln City Cribbage Club meets at 4 p.m. every Wednesday at Pioneer Joe Coffee Co. in the Marketplace at Salishan, 7755 Highway 101 , Gleneden Beach. $ 9 entry, six games. Forget the rest, come play with the best. Info: Jack Shumate, 541 - 574 - 7668

Clay Target/Trap Shooting at VFW Range

Open to the public. Clay Target/Trap Shooting at VFW Post, 268 Pioneer Mountain Loop, Toledo. 9 am-Noon. $ 8 /game. Shotguns and ammo available for rent/purchase. For more information, voicemail/ text 702 - 816 - 8331 or 541 - 270 - 5811

Live music by Box and Bucket

Box and Bucket, featuring renowned Nashville guitarist Porter McClister and electric washtub bass player Barbara LePine, performs from 5 : 30 p.m. to close every Wednesday at Luna Sea Fish House, 10111 Pacific Coast Highway 101 , Seal Rock. Info: www. lunaseafishhouse.com

Trivia Night

Enjoy Trivia Night from 6 to 7 : 30 p.m. at Beachcrest Brewing, located in suite E 5 at the Salishan Marketplace, 7755 Highway 101 Gleneden Beach. Free. Show off your knowledge for the chance to win prizes. Teams of up to six allowed.

THURSDAY, JULY 24

FRIDAY, JULY 25

Artisan Faire at Salishan

The Artisan Faire at Salishan, 7755 Highway 101 in Gleneden Beach, features a large assortment of vendors offering fresh produce, self-care products, and quality handmade crafts including housewares, decor, and jewelry. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: www. artisanfaireatsalishan.com

SATURDAY, JULY 26

Newport Farmers Market

The Newport Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. across from Newport City Hall, on the corner of Highway 101 and Angle Street. Learn more at www.newportfarmersmarket.org or find them on Facebook.

Driftwood Art Day

10 a.m.-noon. Make a birdhouse or other sculpture from local driftwood. Skilled artisans on-site to help with tools and design ideas. All supplies provided or you can bring your own driftwood. $ 7 per person. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Snacks served. Gleneden Beach Community Hall, 110 Azalea St. FMI, visit glenedenbeach.org.

Artisan Faire at Salishan

The Artisan Faire at Salishan, 7755 Highway 101 in Gleneden Beach, features a large assortment of vendors offering fresh produce, self-care products, and quality handmade crafts including housewares, decor, and jewelry. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: www. artisanfaireatsalishan.com

Clay Target/Trap Shooting at VFW Range Open to the public. Clay Target/Trap Shooting at VFW Post, 268 Pioneer Mountain Loop, Toledo. 9 am-Noon. $ 8 /game. Shotguns and ammo available for rent/purchase. For more information, voicemail/ text 702 - 816 - 8331 or 541 - 270 - 5811

NHS Class of ‘72 Summer Picnic

The Newport High School Class of ‘ 72 will hold its annual Summertime Picnic, Saturday, July 26 , 2025 , Agate Beach Wayside, Newport. The potluck gathering will begin at 10 a.m. All members of the Class and those adjacent, are welcome to attend. For more information call Matt Jarvis ( 541 ) 290 - 9365 or Vicki Daniels ( 541 ) 270 - 3344

SUNDAY, JULY 27

Yachats Farmers Market

The Yachats Sunday Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through October at West Fourth Street just off U.S. Highway 101. Produce, plants, meats, cheeses, arts and crafts and more. Lincoln City Sunday Market

Located at Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Highway 101 . Get fresh produce, grab a bit to eat, shop for one-of-a-kind treasures. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Info: www.lincolncityfarmersmarket.org.

Argentine Tango

Learn Argentine Tango at Newport Tango’s weekly Sunday lesson and practice. 5 to 8 p.m., South Beach Community Center, 3024 SE Ferry Slip Road.  Info: www.newportdancestango.com or newportdancestango@gmail.com

MONDAY, JULY 28

Performing at the Drift Inn Chris Baron performs live music in a variety of styles from 6 : 30 to 8 : 30 p.m. at The Drift Inn, located at 124 Highway 101 N in Yachats. For information, call 541 - 547 - 4477

Taking care on the coast

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

The Oregon Coast has no shortage of beautiful hiking trails and sprawling beaches ready to be explored. Still, there are some crucial considerations people should keep in mind when heading out to the coast for an adventure, both in terms of conservation and safety.

Finding a way to enjoy Oregon’s plentiful wilderness while respecting the trail and staying safe is the name of the game. Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Public Information Officer Stefanie Knowlton said that many of Oregon’s most beautiful landscapes, including the coast, include inherent risks and hazards, such as cliffs and drop-offs.

Based on camping and dayuse estimates, Oregon Parks and Rec estimates that about 34 million people visited Oregon State Parks on the coast in 2024 Whether you’re hiking God’s Thumb in Lincoln County or hitting the Hobbit Beach Trail in Florence, there are important things to keep in mind.

“Leaving marked trails or ignoring safety signs and barriers can increase the risk of injury or fatal falls,” Knowlton said. “We encourage visitors to stay on trail and respect signs and barriers to recreate safely.”

Social trails or unmarked trails may lead to safety hazards, such as steep drop-offs, where visitors could fall and sustain injuries. It isn’t just people who can feel the impacts, though. Stepping away from official trails can cause erosion and further damage areas that

are meant to be preserved.

Every time someone follows a social trail, it continues to wear that path into the landscape, possibly reinforcing a pathway that leads to hazardous conditions, Knowlton said. It could also impact sensitive habitats and wildlife.

“We also encourage packing the 10 essentials, including food, water, and sun protection,” Knowlton said. THE “10 ESSENTIALS,” (APTLY NAMED) INCLUDE:

Navigation – Map, compass, and GPS

Sun protection – Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat

Insulation – Jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell, and thermal underwear

Illumination – Flashlight, lanterns, and headlamp

First-aid supplies – First Aid Kit

Fire – Matches, lighters, and fire starters

Repair kit and tools – Duct tape, knife, screwdriver, and scissors

Nutrition - Food

Hydration – Water and water treatment supplies Emergency Shelter – Tent,

space blanket, tarp, and bivy

In addition to hikes in the coastal range, it’s no secret that the beach itself is an obvious draw to the coast. Like many things in the Northwest, it’s rugged, unpredictable, and formidable. While there are certain areas suitable for swimming and lazing about with your favorite beach chair, there are important things to remember when getting out near the waves.

A few Oregon Parks and Rec tips that are unique to the coast include:

Knowing the tide schedule. Some beaches and access points can disappear during high tide, so don’t get stuck without a way back.

Never turn your back on the ocean. Sneaker waves have the power to sweep you off your feet, so always keep your eyes on the water when you’re near the surf.

Stay clear of beach logs, which can weigh anywhere from a few hundred pounds to several tons. They become buoyant in the surf and can knock you over and even pin you down.

As far as conservation efforts

go, many of the same principles apply to both the trails and the beaches. Oregon Parks and Rec advocates for a “Leave No Trace” approach.

“It essentially means leaving an area as good as, or better than, you found it,” Knowlton said. “One example of that is disposing of your trash responsibly. If you leave it behind, wildlife might ingest potentially toxic items.”

Trash can also impact the ecological health of the shoreline. Knowlton also emphasized the importance of respecting wildlife. Stay a safe distance away from seals, sea lions, and other marine life. And leave plants and creatures where you find them.

It’s also a good idea to check what conservation specifics may apply to the beach you plan to visit. Snowy Plover nesting season is upon us, and respecting rules protecting them is another way to protect the health of shorebirds. Knowlton asks that people follow the signs to learn what restrictions are in place Mar. 15- Sept.15 along about 40 miles of coastline.

During nesting season on

those beaches, no dogs (even on a leash) are allowed. Additionally, driving vehicles, riding bicycles, operating electric-assisted bicycles, camping, burning wood, flying kites, or operating drones are all prohibited.

Recently, some communities have even begun to restrict driving on beaches in the interest of maintaining and preserving their beaches natural settings. One example comes out of Manzanita, where the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission voted to ban driving on beaches in Manzanita due to safety concerns. The concerns were brought to the commission by the Mnazanita City Council.

Knowlton provided more insight into why Manzanita and other communities have taken such measures.

“Several communities have reached out to state parks to restrict driving on the ocean shore in the past due to concerns about safety and habitat protection,” Knowlton said. “As visitation increases, these beaches have lots of foot traffic combined with vehicle traffic, and sometimes they don’t mix safely. We work with communities to balance their needs with recreation, safety, and habitat protection. We work on developing rules through a public process.”

So, if you’re planning on trailblazing or a beach outing, make sure you’ve checked what rules apply to your next stop, and try to stay safe. The coast can be wonderous, but it’s also full of surprises to be aware of.

For more information, contact the OPRD at 800-551-6949

Eight states, 2,500 miles down and 1500 to go

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

It’s been about a month and a half since Thomas Knott set out from Newport on a coast-tocoast bike ride across the United States. In that time, Knott has biked more than 2,500 miles, passed through eight states, and enjoyed the wonderous, wide-open spaces of the American West.

Now halfway into his journey, Knott has found a familiar roadway, though in a place he’s never been before. It was a road he recognized from his time as a resident of Lincoln County. While Highway 20 may end in Newport, Knott reunited with the thoroughfare while biking in Iowa more than 2 000 miles away.

Biking about 60-100 miles each day, Knott said he was happy with how the travel has progressed. Being on just his bike, planning is critical, especially in the wide open areas of the US, where food and water stops are few and far between. Through the first half of the journey, Knott’s experiences have lived up to the expectations he had.

Surprisingly, some of the best places to meet folks have been at gas stations, in the remote places along the road.

“They are the center point,” Knott said. “When you come with a car, you come, fill your car, and go on. You don’t really pick this up. But when you come with a bike, they start talking to you. Everybody starts talking to you when they know

you’re going from the west to the east-coast.”

In one small town, Knott met up with a local bike enthusiast who even rode with him for a part of one of the legs of the journey. Knott has also ridden along rail trails with two members of a group whose goal is to traverse the United States along a network of rail trails. The common passion for the cross-country ride was kindling for a “quick connection.”

“You have an automatic entry ticket to talk to them, a bond. I was riding with these guys for two or three days, and we had a jolly good time,” Knott said. “They were talking about their job, their retirement, politics, everything. When you’re eight hours next to each other, you just talk.”

Knott split ways with them when he biked to Sioux City, Iowa, and they biked down to Omaha, Nebraska, but they met up again in Cedar Falls.

ABOUT THE ROUTE, AND A SNOWY DETOUR

After hitting the road in Oregon, Knott has

traversed half of the country. Following the first few days pedaling through Oregon, Knott entered Washington en route to Idaho. Knott traversed the rustic Idaho landscape into Montana. The track to Montana was a visit with friends and a ride through Yellowstone.

Despite planning on trekking through the national park, the weather and accommodations made for some difficulty. It also cut the Wyoming leg of his journey short.

“A big challenge was Yellowstone Park. My target was to ride through the park from west to east and do some camping. For the first night, I stayed in the Old Faithful Inn. Further nights, the hotel was fully booked. The days before, I was watching the weather forecast, and it predicted snow! The temperatures were to drop below freezing,” Knott said. “Not pleasant for camping! In winter conditions, I did not want to stay in the park. But I had booked the hotel for the first night. So I stayed in the hotel and tried to

change my planning. But the hotel did not have Wifi, and there was also no network reception. I had to go to another hotel, caught a hotspot, and made a plan: instead of going east through the park 100 miles, I went back to the city of West Yellowstone. Where, instead of camping, I stayed in a hotel and enjoyed the snow.”

A HELPING HAND

The result was an augmented route that saw Knott traverse Montana into South Dakota, which wasn’t part of the original plan. What came of this new route were some of the biggest highlights of Knott’s trip so far.

“My perhaps greatest experience I had on my trip from West Yellowstone to Big Sky to Bozeman,” Knott said.

But it wasn’t a spectacular view, or a satisfying stretch of ride, it was an act of kindness from a stranger on the road. Rather than taking a 60-mile detour suggested by his GPS between Big Sky and Bozeman, Knott took a direct route that saw him needing to ride through a narrow stretch of road in a canyon.

There was no shoulder, and Knott rode on the side of the road, with trucks passing by, honking their horns. It felt dangerous. At a pull-out bay along the road, a friendly face appeared.

“Suddenly, there was this lady standing there. She said, ‘You can’t do this. You’ll kill yourself. This is dangerous. Put your bike into my car, and I’ll drive you down

there,’” Knott said. “This was so friendly and so nice and so considerate, I was totally touched.”

Knott happily put his bike in her car and took the lift. She had passed him earlier on, turned around, and came back to rescue him from the situation.

“What a wonderful, considerate, friendly lady,” Knott said. “I am thinking about how to show her my appreciation at the end of my trip.”

While she offered him a ride all the way to Bozeman, Knott respectfully refused, as it was against the goal of his to make the cross-country journey on the wheels of his bicycle.

A SPECIAL PLACE FOR THE FOURTH

After biking through Montana (even sometimes along I-90, which was a more comfortable ride than you may expect), Knott went down into South Dakota, which was a pleasant surprise.

“I never had South Dakota on my list. And South Dakota’s Black Hills are really nice. Fantastic,” Knott said. “As is Mount Rushmore for me. It was interesting because I was there on the Fourth of July. It was an incredible feeling. You know how meaningful this place is for this country, even for me as a German.”

Seeing what the place meant to other visitors of the monument was powerful for Knott. He also visited Crazy Horse, which was another significant moment. Visiting some of the monuments

to America’s history and culture was a grounding moment amid hundreds of miles of transit.

After the sights of South Dakota, Knott’s path took him along the fields of Nebraska, and then on to Iowa. It was in Sioux City that Knott had his best meal: a “huge” rack of ribs after a blistering 125mile day of riding. Even more than a month into his journey, Knott is still pushing himself. His most recent feat was a 220-mile ride (a personal best) from Sioux City to Cedar Falls. There he did meet back up with his riding companions, hitting the road with them and two additional riders on a leg from Cedar Falls to Cedar Rapids. About halfway through, Knott said that he is getting the thrill he wanted from the experience.

“It seems to be an American dream: this going through the country. A lot of people have this dream, some can not do it because of jobs, or [other obligations], so there is a lot of appreciation for what I’m doing,” Knott said. “I was asking myself: why am I so keen on doing this? I have a craving for the US. It’s so huge, so massive. It’s a free, big country. I like it.” Knott’s charted course will take him to Chicago next, then on to Pittsburgh and Washington, DC. Because he’s been making good time, Knott said he will also try to make it up to New York City.

Mile by mile, Knott will near his destination, and the fulfillment of his American Dream.