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11,000-pound lantern returns to Yaquina Bay Lighthouse

A $1 8 million dollar restoration project at the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is expected to be completed soon.

One of the major elements of the project included the removal, restoration, and the replacement of the lighthouse’s 11 000-pound lantern.

Crane operators carefully lifted the lantern to the top of Yaquina Bay Lighthouse early Tuesday morning, Aug. 12, as part of the final stages of the historic building’s exterior restoration.

Dense fog surrounded the lighthouse, but there was no wind to impede the lantern’s progress to the top. The lift was postponed Monday, Aug.

11, due to high winds, according to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) spokesperson Stefanie Knowlton.

“It took less than five minutes for the crane to place the lantern,” she said. “Crews secured the lantern to the lighthouse — its final resting place after traveling to

By TONY REED Country Media

The Port of Toledo stayed busy all weekend with perfect weather during the two day 20th annual wooden boat show August 16 and 17th. Along with several unique vendor booths and kids activities, the port hosted a variety of homemade and classic wooden boats. Guests were treated to a variety of live music performances from the Waterfront Park pavilion over the two-day event.

While younger kids enjoyed making their own little sailboat from mostly raw materials, somewhat older kids try their hand at firing a potato cannon. A small boat just offshore displayed a large bull’s-eye target with a hole in the center. Potatoes were crammed down the barrel of the air-powered cannons which were charged to about 70 psi- enough power to send some potatoes skipping across the water. However, the prime attraction was the Georgia Pacific Containerboard (cardboard) Boat Races, in which competitors competed in boats made

Siletz Mayor receives Leadership Award Alleged Newport robbery leads

The League of Oregon Cities and the Oregon Mayors Association have honored Siletz Mayor William Worman with the Mayors Leadership Award. The award recognizes exceptional municipal leadership in Oregon. It was established in 1993 to celebrate mayors who significantly contribute to their communities and serve as role models for others.

Worman said he was

Toledo mayor Rod Cross, left, presented the award to Siletz Mayor William Worman, right. (Courtesy photo from the City of Siletz)

Three Portland men face several criminal charges after being arrested following a robbery investigation that began in Newport and ended in Corvallis.

Newport Police Department (NPOD) officers responded to 617 SW Bay Boulevard on a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred at approximately 6:01 p.m. Aug. 15

Officers learned the victim was in the parking lot when he was approached by a Honda CRV occupied by four males wearing masks. One of the males in the vehicle displayed a firearm, pointed it at the victim, and ordered the victim to enter the vehicle. The victim entered the vehicle. The

Childhood conversation leads to 34-year police career

JEREMY C. RUARK

Lincoln County Leader

Long-time member of the Lincoln City Police Department, Lt. Jeffrey Winn, has retired from the force as of Aug. 4 Winn served the law enforcement agency for 34 years.

Winn said at age 6, his conversation with a Salem Police officer helped lead him to a career in law enforcement.

“The Salem police officer spoke of how being an officer allowed him to help people, emphasizing that one of the most important duties was keeping the community safe,” Winn said.

THE PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY

The conversation impacted him so deeply and stayed with him over the years, that in 1988 he joined the Keizer Police Department as a reserve officer.

In June of 1991, he was hired as a patrol officer by the LCPD In March 2003, Winn was promoted to patrol sergeant, acting as a shift supervisor and scheduling personnel. He embraced additional duties to enhance the agency, as the field training program coordinator, a Lincoln County Reserve Academy instructor, the LEDS/ CJIS representative, supervisor of the department’s dispatch center, the LCPD public information officer, and the grant writer and administrator for Traffic Safety Grants (DUII, Pedestrian Safety Enforcement and Distracted Driving).

In July of 2021, he was promoted to LCPD administrative lieutenant, overseeing several administrative functions for the department, which included obtaining over $130,350 00 in grant funding for the department over the years. Winn also

assisted Chief Broderick with general operations.

During his 34-year career, Winn was honored for his dedication and service, receiving the Lincoln City AM Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award in 1995, the county-wide Outstanding Achievement in Law Enforcement Award in 1997, and the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce Community Days Law Enforcement Person of the Year in 1997. He was also awarded a Medal of Valor in 2000 for his involvement in de-escalating a hostage situation involving an armed subject and was honored by the FBI for his life-saving efforts during a motor vehicle crash in 2004. Winn holds an associate’s degree, as well as a Management Certification from DPSST.

REFLECTIONS

Winn said law enforcement has always been a challenging profession, but he noted it is also a very honorable and rewarding profession. According to Winn, those that work in the law enforcement have a great opportunity to positively impact their community and its citizens in a way unlike any other profession.

“I know that in my time here with the Lincoln City Police Department I have had the opportunity to be a positive influence to our citizens and guests

Lincoln City seeks council applicants

The City of Lincoln City City Council is seeking applications to fill the vacant council position representing Ward I.

The vacancy follows the resignation of Councilor Mitch Parsons earlier this month. The individual appointed will serve the remainder of the current term, which expires on Dec. 31 2026

Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30

The Lincoln City Council will review submissions, conduct interviews, and make an appointment during its regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, according to a release from the city.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must be registered voters and residents of Ward I in Lincoln City for the

and also to the members of the department,” he said. “First and foremost, I thank God his oversite of my career and then my family, especially my wife Theresa for supporting me and helping me successfully navigate my career.”

Winn said he never had aspirations or was inspired to be the police chief and has enjoyed his position as the LCPD Administrate Lieutenant.

“I was a patrol sergeant for 18 years and I feel that is one of the most important and impactful positions in the department,” Winn said. “As a sergeant you are working directly with the officers and staff allowing you to be a positive role model, mentor and trainer to them while still working closely with command staff in fulfilling the department’s mission and goals. As far as my career, my greatest rewards are the people I have been able to help and who have later let me know that I positively impacted them and their lives.”

Winn offered the following advice to the person taking over his position:

“Have patience with themselves. I have been doing this for a long time and have a rhythm in how

I do it. It will take time for the new lieutenant to get their feet under them and will need to learn how to navigate the position how it best suits them” he advised.

Deciding to retire was not an easy decision, according to Winn.

“Because I love working with the men and women in this department,”: he said. “I am very proud of them and the work they continue to do, but after much consideration and discussion with my wife, I feel the time is right for me to transition into retirement.”

While he hasn’t any specific retirement plans, Winn noted that he’ll “relax a bit and get some things done around the house.”

“My wife and I also want to take some trips that we have wanted to do. After I have had some time to settle into retirement I do plan on doing some type of volunteer work in the community, I just don’t know what that will be yet,” he said.

Shortly after starting work in Lincoln City, Winn met his wife, Theresa. They were married in Sept. 1994 They have two daughters, 26-year-old Janelle, and 20-year-old Olivia.

DEPARTMENT REACTION

Randy Weaver has been promoted as the LCPD Administrative Lieutenant. Weaver has served within the Department for over three decades.

In a Facebook post, LCPD states that Winn “has been an integral part of helping to guide the direction of public safety in our community during his tenure. His technical competence as a police administrator over the last four years has been a steady guiding force during a time of transformation.”

The LCPD Facebook post also noted that Winn was the first LCPD officer to type his reports on a computer.

“Up through his retirement, he has pushed for innovation, using online tools for policy training and mobile applications to support officer wellness. Lieutenant Winn’s efforts helped the department become the model of professionalism it is today,” the post states.

Winn also served as a board member for Family Promise, and he has been a regular figure at Lincoln Kiwanis Club meetings and at various community events.

LCPD welcomes back Community Services Officer

previous 6-months.

Community members with an interest in public service and civic involvement are strongly encouraged to apply. Prior experience in public office is not required.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications can be sent to you by email or picked up at City Hall. Completed forms may be submitted by mail, in person, or by email to:

City Recorder

City of Lincoln City City Hall

801 SW Highway 101 Third Floor

Lincoln City, OR 97367

Phone: 541-996-1203

Email: cityrecorder @lincolncity.org

For more information about Ward I boundaries or the appointment process, visit www.lincolncity.org or contact the City Recorder’s Office.

House deemed ‘Dangerous’ to be demolished

JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader

The City of Lincoln City is taking action to remove a house that has been declared as creating a dangerous public safety issue.

“It has been deemed a dangerous house. The building inspector has reported that it needs to be demolished. It wasn’t going to happen, so we stepped in,” City of Lincoln City Public Information Officer Kevin Mattias said.

The house sits above the SW 11th Drive beach

access, across the street from Canyon Drive Park.

“It’s house up on a hillside and it has stilts that hold it up and I’ve been told that the house and the stilts aren’t necessary connected any more. It seems like it has the potential to fall down,” Mattias said.

“All the windows are broken. It was not a safe place to be.”

The city has hired Staton Companies of Eugene to conduct the demolition. Mattias said it would cost $230 000 to take the house down.

During the demolition

process, the parking lot at the beach access will be closed.

Parking will still be available at Canyon Drive Park, with a safe pedestrian access route established to the beach. Traffic along SW 11th Drive and SW Coast Avenue will be subject to delays due to the project. Flaggers will be used to direct traffic through the project zone.

The public is urged to use caution when driving through that area.

Staton Companies will begin preparing the site beginning Monday, Aug.

25 by installing traffic control devices and placing pedestrian access and protection measures. The demolition project should be completed by Friday, Sept. 12. The contractor will not be working over the Labor Day weekend. Over many years, Lincoln City has received multiple complaints from the public about the condition of the house, according to Mattias. In 2015, Lincoln City’s Building Official issued a Notice Order of Dangerous and Unsafe Building. A mortgage foreclosure on the

house and the owner’s declaration of bankruptcy created legal issues that prevented any action on the house.

“Now that the owner’s bankruptcy has been resolved, the house is no longer under legal protection,” Mattias said. “In July of 2023, an additional Notice Order of Dangerous and Unsafe Building was sent to the homeowner with an explanation of the home’s structural deficiencies. The order gave the homeowner sixty days to obtain permits and either demolish or repair

the house. With no action taken, the Lincoln City Building Official issued an Order to Demolish 779 SW 11th Drive on September 26 2023

Mattias said the city worked with the mortgage foreclosure bank to begin the process to tear down the house.

“The bank instructed Lincoln City to go forward with the demolition,” he said. “The City of Lincoln City will put a lien on the property to recoup the cost of conducting the demolition. The first priority is to get repaid.”

Ongoing child luring investigation results in another arrest

LINCOLN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

In August 2025, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies conducting ongoing online child luring investigations posing as underage children on various social media platforms were contacted by 48-year-old Eric

White of Corvallis, OR.

On 08/04/2025, Mr. White contacted an LCSO decoy account and engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange an in-person meeting for illegal sexual encounters. Then on 08/15/2025

Mr. White contacted a second LCSO decoy

account and engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange an in-person meeting for illegal sexual encounters.

On 08/18/2025

Lincoln County Deputies arrested Mr. White after he traveled to Newport, OR to meet with both decoy accounts in a

Rising crime, overdoses reflect pre-pandemic trends

MIA MALDONADXO

Oregon Capital Chronicle

For years, critics have blamed Oregon’s 2020 ballot measure that decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs for the state’s rising crime and overdose rates. But a new study suggests otherwise.

Researchers from Portland State University’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice released their final report examining the impacts of years of major drug policy changes between 2008 and 2024 on crime and drug-related deaths. The report, created in partnership with the National Institute of Justice, finds little evidence to support claims that Oregon’s drug decriminalization policy caused higher crime and overdose deaths.

The report outlines a decade of Oregon’s drug policy reforms, starting in 2013 when Oregon enacted a law reducing mandatory minimum sentences for marijuana and diverted more drug offenses to probation. Then in 2017 lawmakers passed a law to reclassify moderate drug possession felony offenses to misdemeanors for Schedule 1 or 2 drugs, such as heroin and cocaine.

Finally, in November 2020, Oregon voters passed Measure 110 which decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs, such as methamphetamine and fentanyl. The policy took effect in 2021, downgrading misdemeanor charges to a violation punishable with a $100 fine. Researchers found no evidence linking the measure to increased crime or drug deaths. Instead, the study found the COVID19 pandemic and the emergence of fentanyl were the main drivers behind the rise in crime rates and drug-related deaths.

“Of all the events we examined, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the justice system the most, more so than any legislation,” Brian Renauer, a

Multnomah County Sheriff’s officials seized about $400,000 worth of fentanyl powder and pills on July 25, 2023, marking the agency’s largest such seizure at that time. (Courtesy photo from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office)

lead researcher and university professor, said in a news release.

Overdose deaths were rising before Oregon decriminalized drugs In 2020, there were 816 overdose deaths in Oregon — about 200 more than the previous year. That number more than doubled and peaked in 2023 at 1 833 overdose deaths.

Lawmakers anticipating a citizen-led initiative to repeal Measure 110 effectively ended the drug decriminalization experiment, when overdose deaths had already begun to decline. There were 1,480 recorded overdose deaths in 2024

Since the new law took effect in September, people caught with small amounts of drugs can once again be arrested and face criminal charges. But they can avoid charges by entering a deflection program and receiving treatment.

Christopher Campbell, a lead researcher and

associate professor at the university, said that while Measure 110 had its flaws and regional impacts, crime trends statewide were stable or declining by 2023

“What we observed was far from a causal connection to Measure 110,” Campbell said.

“Rather, we saw an unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and fentanyl on public health and safety outcomes.”

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/08/11/ rising-crime-overdoses-reflect-pre-pandemic-trendsnot-drug-decriminalization-psu-study-finds/

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.

hotel room. Mr. White is charged with three counts of Luring a Minor and three counts of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree and remains in custody at the Lincoln County Jail.

This arrest highlights the continued success of focused enforcement

efforts aimed at identifying and stopping individuals who seek to exploit children online before any harm is done. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office remains deeply committed to safeguarding children and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.

We urge parents and

guardians to stay actively involved in their children’s online lives and to foster open, ongoing conversations about the dangers of interacting with strangers on the internet. By combining education, awareness, and strong law enforcement, we can build a safer community for every child.

Weyerhaeuser grants strengthening rural communities’ wildfire preparedness

SUBMITTED

As wildfire seasons grow more intense, many of Oregon’s volunteer-run Rural Fire Protection Districts (RFPDs) are taking on larger roles in wildfire response and containment.

These critical first responders organize locally to protect rural communities around the state where residents may not have easy access to city fire department service, according to a release from Weyerhaeuser. These organizations, many of them volunteer-led, have received help from Weyerhaeuser’s Giving

Fund to respond more effectively. In small rural communities, many RFPDs operate with limited resources available for equipment purchases.

Over the past several years, Weyerhaeuser officials said the company has helped bridge these gaps by providing grants for tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) to help RFPDs keep first responders and their communities safe.

“As our wildfire seasons grow longer, we understand it’s critical to ensure wildland firefighters have access to the resources they need to carry out this important work,” Weyerhaeuser

Oregon Public Affairs Manager Betsy Earls said, adding that the impact of the grants can already be seen

across several Oregon communities. Earlier this year, Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue (COCFR)

in Waldport received a $10,000 grant to replace critical wildland firefighter PPE, allowing firefighters to more

safely fight wildfires that break out near Waldport.

“When a wildfire ignites in a rural area, the initial response often relies entirely on the resources we have at hand,” COCFR Shift

Captain John Townley said. “Thanks to this grant, our team’s safety has improved significantly, and we can respond with greater speed and effectiveness.”

Other fire districts that have received support through the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund include: Seal Rock Fire District received an $8,000 grant, which has been used to enhance wildland emergency response capabilities, including initial attack efforts on wildland fires.

East Lincoln County Emergency Response was awarded $10 000 in 2024 to purchase wildland fire suppression tools and PPE. The gear is helping crews quickly contain fires while improving safety in the field.

Falls City Fire Department utilized a $10,000 grant from Weyerhaeuser last year to outfit a brush truck with vegetation management equipment and emergency lighting. The funds were also used to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) for emergency medical calls.

Hubbard Fire District was awarded $5,300 to purchase wildland firefighter PPE for its volunteers, replacing worn gear and improving protection during wildfire response. Weyerhaeuser officials said the company’s support for wildfire response reflects its broader commitment of investing in the health and resilience of its operating communities.

Towley of COCFR echoed the fact that the grants are essential to Oregon’s rural communities.

“Every improvement we make, whether it’s to gear, training or equipment, adds up to a stronger, more prepared community,” he said. “We’re building resilience, not just for Lincoln County, but for everyone around the state threatened by wildfires. COCFR, like most fire districts, is often called upon to fight wildfires around Oregon.”

While Weyerhaeuser’s Giving Fund supports a variety of nonprofits and local projects each year, grants focused on wildfire containment remain a central part of the Oregon Giving Fund approach. Rural fire districts and other nonprofit organizations located within Weyerhaeuser’s Oregon operating communities are invited to apply for a Giving Fund grant by Sept. 30, 2025 Organizations can learn more and submit applications online.

OPINION

Jeremy Ruark, Opinion Page Editor

STAND AGAINST CRUELTY / STAND UP FOR COMPASSION RALLY

The level of cruelty coming from the Trump Administration seemingly knows no bounds, and the time is now to push back.

On Saturday, Aug. 30, from 12-2 p.m., Indivisible Lincoln City will hold a rally protesting federal policies that hurt our country’s vulnerable and disenfranchised.

Stand Against Cruelty is part of the nationwide Labor Day Resistance movement supporting compassion over punishment, fairness over injustice, and charity over greed.

We will peacefully gather in front of the Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Highway. 101, fanning out to the north and south, armed with signs, bells, streamers, bubbles, kazoos, and good spirits.

The Cultural Center’s South Plaza will be used for respite, with sign-making materials, postcard writing, educational materials, snacks, and water.

The rally is intended to strengthen protesters’ sense of community and solidarity. Those driving by are welcome to honk in support of the various messages displayed on our signs, which will range from the number of children starving in Gaza, and the percentage of Oregonians losing heath care, to the growing numbers of ICE arrests.

By standing up in public to call out federally sanctioned cruelties inflicted on our country’s most vulnerable, we hope to show others in our community that there is an alternative to feeling alone, fearful, helpless, and depressed.

Those who should attend are those who are angered by the current administration’s policies and believe it is wrong for citizens to be abducted and placed in concentration camps, for children to go hungry, for individuals and families to lose healthcare or live without shelter, and for those living with disability or those in recovery to lose lifesaving

LETTERS

services.

People should join us who think that our country should stand for protection of the vulnerable. Bring signs, streamers, bubbles, bells, flags, kazoos and positive energy.

In line with the theme of compassion, not cruelty, we are collecting cash donations for Backpacks for Kids based in Lincoln City.

As their website stays, “The backpack program discreetly provides nutritious, child-friendly, easy-to-prepare food to chronically hungry children.”

Please RSVP: https:// www.mobilize.us/ indivisible/event/820374/

For more information, email to indivisiblelcor@gmail.com

Shar Walbaum Indivisible Lincoln City Organizer

OPEN LETTER TO LINCOLN COUNTY FROM COMMISSIONER WALTER CHUCK

I was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners

six months ago and am grateful to Commissioners Hall and Miller for choosing me to serve with them.

During this time, I have participated in 11 Commission meetings, and during those meetings I have seen both of my fellow commissioners be the subject of very strong and pointed comments during our public comment period.

The public is well within their right to voice their displeasure with us as elected officials. But I have not enjoyed seeing either one of them go through that. As a long-serving Commissioner for the Port of Newport, I experienced being the focus of the public’s ire and displeasure, and I realized that’s just part of the job.

One of the common subjects in many of the comments directed at my colleagues is the Sept. 18, 2024, Commission meeting. I will say that I have not and probably never will watch the recording of that meeting, for two reasons:

One, it was the

cumulation of many events and discussions, involving many people, that I was not privy to nor part of; therefore, I have found that it is virtually impossible to retrace all the steps and incidents that led to this event.

Two, I have learned that forming opinions and making judgements based on a single event is never a good idea, especially in a role of responsibility and authority. In my six months in office, the different perspectives and points of view that have been shared with me is vast.

I will spend my time and energy on getting out into the community and personally engaging with all of you.

Unfortunately, over the past 3-4 years, people have become tiles on computer screens and rarely engage with each other in person, and the quality of engagement and discussion has suffered. You will see me at community events and meetings of other local governments to get a firsthand perspective

A Healthy Start to the School Year

from members of the public and our local and state officials.

Lincoln County is in the process of finding qualified candidates to fill the vacant position of County administrator. This duty is one of the most important that the Commissioners currently have on our plate. My focus will be showing prospective candidates for this important position that they will be supported and given a chance to succeed. I look forward to continuing my work for the residents of Lincoln County. You’ll see me around.

THANK YOU!

Thank you for the wonderful article in this week’s edition.

I know you have many choices and a limited space.

Have a great day.

DR. KRISTINA PETSAS Leader Guest Column

Kids across Oregon are getting ready to return to the classroom.

While many families may be trying to squeeze in the last of summer activities, gather supplies and begin school year routines, it’s also a great time to check in on children’s mental and physical well-being.

Here are a few things parents can consider to help support their children’s well-being: IT’S OK TO TALK ABOUT

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health challenges are on the rise among young people, driven by factors like academic pressures, relationships, social media, and broader social and economic inequalities. Age, race, and gender also shape how these issues manifest and affect young people. According to a 2024

CLARIFICATION

In the story, Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow in the Aug. 13 Leader, the second reference to Dolores Pigsley was incorrectly spelled. We are happy to set the record straight.

ONLINE POLL

Previous Poll: Do you plan a last-ofsummer vacation?

New Poll: Do you plan to attend the Oregon State Fair in Salem?

America’s Health Rankings report from United Health Foundation, Oregon ranked among the top 15 states in children’s clinical care, yet the state is considered 45th in access to mental health treatment for children.

While it’s beneficial for parents to discuss health matters with their children throughout the year, an opportune time arises during the annual backto-school exam, also known as a well-child visit. This scheduled check-up can serve as a timely platform for addressing various health concerns, including mental health, ensuring that kids are supported holistically as they prepare to return to school.

Additional data from UnitedHealthcare found that 60% of college students reported encountering behavioral or mental health concerns in the past year. So, even as children grow older and

head off to college, be sure to check in on them emotionally, encourage open conversations, and remind your student that help is available.

No matter the age, checking in on your child’s mental health before the school year begins and throughout can help lay the foundation for a more successful and balanced year ahead.

BRUSH UP ON DENTAL CARE FOR HEALTHY SMILES

Cavities are preventable, yet they are the most common chronic disease among children and teens in the U.S. If left untreated, cavities can cause pain that leads to problems learning and speaking, as well as contribute to other long-term health issues. Cavities can also make eating uncomfortable and can affect nutrition and development.

Children, teens and adults should visit a dentist every six months for routine preventive

dental care. Dental plans usually cover preventive care, which means you may pay $0 out of pocket for certain covered preventive services if you go to a network provider.

It’s important to know that about 1 in 3 people in the United States have a fear of dental treatment. If you believe your child may experience dental fear or anxiety, speak with their dentist or primary care doctor for support.

COMPREHENSIVE EYE

EXAMS CAN HELP

KIDS SEE BETTER

More than 1 in 3 schoolage kids in the U.S. are nearsighted. Also known as myopia, nearsightedness can cause issues seeing things in the distance, like the front of the classroom, which may contribute to problems learning. Possible signs of vision issues in kids include frequent eye rubbing or blinking, headaches, or struggling to remember what they have read.

It’s recommended kids get annual comprehensive eye exams throughout their school years. Yet, only 40 3% of Washington children have recently seen an eye doctor. School-based vision screenings are valuable, but they’re not a replacement for comprehensive eye exams that can detect more complex issues. Vision plans also usually cover preventive care, including comprehensive eye exams. A vision plan may also provide an allowance to purchase glasses or contacts.

Consider talking with your children’s doctor and scheduling any care visits before school starts. Check with your health plan to see what benefits are available to your family.

Dr. Kristina Pests is Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare of Oregon.

BOAT SHOW

From Page A1

From Page A1

Alabama and back for restoration.”

Allen Architectural

Metals in Alabama conducted the lantern work. The company is nationally renowned for its expertise in cast metal restoration.

LANTERN RESTORATION

The entire lantern assembly was lifted off of the lighthouse by crane in mid-January, and the lantern was transported to Alabama for the

MAYOR

From Page A1

surprised when presented with the recognition during the Siletz City Council meeting July 28

“My close family and friends entered the building, and no one ever shows up at the council meetings, so I knew something was up,” he said.

Toledo Mayor Rod Cross, representing the League and Mayors Association, presented the award to Worman.

The Leadership Award recognizes Worman’s outstanding leadership qualities and his invaluable contributions to the community and to the city. According to Worman, his engagement and that of others are making positive changes in Siletz.

“The look of the city

ROBBERY

From Page A1

other males inside of the vehicle were also wearing masks and displayed firearms to the victim, according to a release from NPD.

“The suspect males ordered the victim to give them all of his money. The victim complied and gave them a large sum of cash. The victim was able to exit the vehicle and take a picture of the vehicle as It drove away,” the release states.

Officers searched for the vehicle but were not able to locate it at that time.

The suspect vehicle was located a short time later by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Philomath Boulevard in Corvallis. The deputies contacted and detained three suspects who were in the vehicle.

Newport officers responded to Corvallis and completed a search warrant for the vehicle

restoration project. “The lantern assembly was found to have more damage than originally observed,” OPRD

Historic Architecture

Project Manager Brian McBeth. “Once the coatings were removed, there were many more cracks and damage to repair. If you’ve ever used cast iron cookware, you might be familiar with the fragility of the material and difficulty in fixing it. Fractures in a pan usually mean it gets thrown in the recycling bin and you buy a new one. Well, no one sells replacement lighthouses or parts for

is changing,” he said. We’ve added playgrounds and ball fields in trying to clean the city up, make it pretty, and find outdoor activities for our community to engage in. That’s never really been the focus out here. It’s been keep chaos from happening rather than moving forward. Now we are moving forward.”

Worman said he believes the most significant element of moving the city forward has been developing what he describes as a “good” relationship with the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

“When I first became mayor, one of the first things I asked was how do we fix this relationship? I got kind of a blueprint from some of my Tribal friends and now we have put projects together and have

and suspects. Officers recovered evidence of the crime of robbery, including clothing, weapons and the victim’s stolen money.

The following subjects were arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for the following crimes: Jonathan Olvera Duran, 18, (Portland)

• Robbery in the First Degree

• Theft in the First Degree

• Unlawful Use of Weapon

• Coercion

• Menacing

• Manuel Felipe, 18, (Portland) Robbery in the First Degree

• Theft in the First Degree

• Unlawful Use of Weapon

• Coercion

• Menacing

• Miguel Interian Sosa, 18, (Portland) Robbery in the First Degree

• Theft in the First Degree

• Unlawful Use of Weapon

them, so we go through the difficult task of working with what we have.” A lot of parts had to be refabricated.”

NEXT STEPS

McBeth said the scaffolding and plastic will soon be removed from the lighthouse, and visitors will see the results of the $1 8 million complete exterior restoration. The work included repairs to the roof framing, chimney, brick foundation, lantern, siding, doors and windows, as well as a new roof and exterior paint to protect the more than 150-year-old

been working as a team,” he said. “It’s important because we all live in this tiny mile-by-mile little place and I don’t believe in having a divide between people. We are all living in this city together and we need to all move forward together.”

Worman added that Siletz had also been struggling to find the $ 11 million needed to retrofit the city’s sewer plant but now grants, government funding, and city water/ sewer fees are helping reach the funding goal.

“We’re hoping to get started in the spring and I am hoping by June or July we will be done with the first phase of the project,” he said.

“We basically are rehabbing the plant and putting updated equipment there. Our plant was built as a 20 -year facility, and it has been there for 35

Coercion

• Menacing

The Newport Police Department would like to thank the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the Philomath Police Department for their assistance.

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, contact Officer Werner of the Newport Police Department at 541574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-2701856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.

structure from the elements.

“In the next couple of weeks, we will finish up the remaining carpentry work on the exterior, touch up small areas with paint and remove the scaffolding. We’re excited to reopen the historic structure to visitors,” McBeth said. “This restoration will help protect the lighthouse for generations to come.”

BACKGROUND

The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse was built in 1871. It is the only wooden lighthouse still intact on the Oregon

years. It is in badly need of a complete rehab.”

Worman has lived in Siletz his entire life. He has been a high school coach for 30 years and served as a school board member. Worman also worked at Georgia Pacific for nearly 30 years. He became engaged in changing his city through a neighborhood watch effort.

“I got fed up with the dirtiness and things I was seeing in Siletz, so a group of my friends and I created a neighborhood watch to get drugs out of our town,” he said.

“We got aggressive and got some get success. We worked with teams to find help to get people treatment that they needed to just make this a better place.”

A few years into Worman’s neighborhood watch project the former Siletz mayor decided

Coast, and it’s the last example in the state of the combined lighthouse and living quarters, according to McBeth.

OPRD maintains hundreds of historic buildings across the state including four lighthouses: Cape Meares Lighthouse, Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Heceta Head Lighthouse, and Coquille River Lighthouse.

OPRD’s mission includes maintaining historic structures like the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse for the enjoyment and education of current and future generations. Each biennium, the department

not to run for re-election and convinced Worman to enter the race for city mayor.

“I just wasn’t remotely interested in political office, but he convinced me. I talked with my family and decided I’d give it a try,” he said.

“It’s been seven years now and I enjoy the work that we are doing.

I enjoy the people in my community and seeing things grow and prosperous. I will continue to run as long as I feel like I am doing a good job, people are happy, and I see progress.’

ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP AWARD

According to the League of Oregon Cities, honorees are selected based on outstanding leadership impacting not just their own city but the broader Oregon municipal community.

spends a portion of its project funds on historic restoration and maintenance. Another upcoming project is the Cape Foulweather Gift Shop at Otter Crest.

RESOURCES

The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is located on the north side of Yaquina Bay at Newport. To reach the lighthouse, call 541265-5679. For more information about the lighthouse and any updates to closures, visit the park page at https://tinyurl.com/ Yaquina-Bay-Lighthouse

It’s one of the highest honors a mayor can receive in the state. The award criteria include demonstrated involvement in civic affairs, strong intergovernmental relations, fostering productive relationships with city councils and staff, and supporting fellow mayors’ leadership growth. The award criteria include demonstrated involvement in civic affairs, strong intergovernmental relations, fostering productive relationships with city councils and staff, and supporting fellow mayors’ leadership growth Nominations may come from any community member—not only fellow mayors—and reflect genuine admiration for a mayor’s positive impact and mentorship.

Donna Helms

Donna Helms (Thissell), a hardworking and dedicated mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was born on April 26, 1959, in Newport, Oregon, to Laurence J. Thissell and Vivienne M. Olsen Thissell. Donna graduated from Waldport High School in 1977 and was a lifelong resident of the area.

4/26/1959 - 7/26/2025

For 30 years, Donna worked in the seafood processing industry in Newport, Oregon.

When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed spending time by the riverbank, camping, painting her house, and gardening. In her later years, she volunteered at the community center with Meals on Wheels and loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events.

Donna’s laughter and inspiration touched the

Sudoku answers

Karen Lee (Kiwi Bird)

Christiansen-Schleiger

October 20, 1953 - June 8, 2025

Karen Lee (Kiwi Bird) Christiansen-Schleiger, 71, passed on June 8, 2025 at 10:20 p.m. Her birthday was October 20, 1953 which speaks to her lovely and clever sense of humor. She is survived by her beloved children, Ahndine Tobi Mason and Chris Schleiger (both of Portland, Oregon) and Rose West and beloved grandchildren, Gabe, Nathan, and David of (Concord, CA). Kiwi was born and raised in Newport, OR with her sister, Sue Christiansen-Capri (her beloved home of mama ocean). She lived in Tigard, OR during her last years at Avamere Park

Place, and was thriving in her studio apartment home for 15 months, where she was scooped up immediately by the “Cool Club” because she was so fun to be around. She has many lifelong friends (The Girls) who live in the Newport area, and was known for her interior decorating passion. She was married to her beloved husband, Ron Schleiger for 42 years, and retired from her nursing career of 40 years. Her memorial will be at the Hallmark Resort at 1:00 p.m. in Newport on September 7, 2025. She will be missed by many. Any donations can be made to the American Heart Association.

lives of her family.

As the mother of three and grandmother of five, she was the heart of her family. Her kitchen served as the gathering place for family dinners and holiday celebrations, always stocked with cake and cookies. She had a sweet tooth and was famous for making the best cookies. If you ever needed a piece of cake, she would have some in her freezer, ready for a snack.

Donna is survived by her husband, Rodney Helms; her children, Kameron Cummins, Chasati Ritchey, and Brendi Hoch; and her grandchildren, Cayden, Lexie, Kendi, Raelyn, and Kailey. She is also survived by her siblings, Kathleen Woosley and Irene Adair.

A celebration of Donna’s life will take place on Sunday, August 31st at 2 pm on the riverbank at 12110 E Alsea Hwy, Tidewater, OR

Michael George Steere

October 15, 1952 - August 2, 2025

Michael George Steere, 72, of Lincoln City, passed away on August 2, 2025.

Born on October 15, 1952 to George and Charolotte Steere. Michael grew up on the Siletz River with his 3 younger brothers. Michael was a proud Oregonian who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a logger- work he approached with strength, dedication, and deep respect for the land.

Michael was a man who lived life fully and simply. He found joy in white water rafting, casting a line while fishing, and spending time

with family and friends.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Manuela Steere; his children, Michelle Sandoval and

OBITUARY POLICY

Adam Steere; and his beloved grandchildren: Raiden, Nahayla, Kyra, Aeris and Gage. Each of them carries forward his legacy of adventure, resilience, and heart.

In Michael’s own words: “It is what it is.” His family and friends will remember him for his honesty, his quiet strength, and the calm he brought to life’s wild rivers. With calloused hands and heart of gold he laid in silent rest. No chainsaw roar, no water splash, just a fading breath. A great man gone- but not erased.

Country Media offers several options for submitting obituaries, each catering to different needs and preferences:

The issues are many and complex and pose an existential threat to our coast. All require disciplined, thoughtful, sustained, innovative, aggressive, science-based approaches to understanding and tackling them. Sound science is foundational to informing sound policy, according to the Oregon and California Ocean Science Trusts. To track progress implementing the Action Agenda, visit https://www.oceanscienceagenda.org. (Courtesy photo)

Advisory committee to advance West Coast Ocean Initiative

Administrators of the nation’s two national ocean science trusts said they have taken a key next step in the development of the West Coast Ocean Science Action Agenda by announcing initial appointments to an advisory committee.

The committee will provide strategic oversight and validation of coastwide agenda implementation, emphasizing fairness, representation, and balance of voices needed to deliver on ocean science priorities for the coming decade.

As the U.S. West Coast faces the impacts of a changing climate - including heatwaves, coastal storms, changing ocean chemistry, and sea-level riseadvancing scientific knowledge and solutions is critical. The agenda will identify shared science priorities and co-create science funding structures that can deliver on these needs.

Laura Anderson, Chair of the Oregon Ocean Science Trust, expressed support for the agenda and advisory committee members that will contribute to its success.

“Ocean science protects lives, fuels innovation, and strengthens coastal economies,” Anderson said. “We’re excited to welcome advisory committee members to this region-wide initiative to bring to the table unique voices and perspectives that will help us deliver a robust agenda.”

The trusts are partnering with the West Coast Ocean Alliance and the West Coast Ocean Tribal Caucus to authentically listen to Tribal science priorities and lift those into the shared priorities identified in the agenda.

“The West Coast Ocean Alliance, including its membership of tribal and state governments from throughout the region, is very much looking forward to the opportunity to share their ocean science priorities,” West Coast Ocean Alliance Executive Director John Hansen said. “The advisory committee will play an essential role in providing accountability to inclusively listening and learning and demonstrating how all government partners

can be heard in a meaningful way.”

As the trusts expand partnerships in Washington, additional members will be welcomed to the Advisory Committee to ensure appropriate consideration of shared science priorities from the breadth of the U.S. West Coast.

“It is an honor to partner with the members of the advisory committee,” California Ocean Science Trust Executive Director Liz Whiteman said. “They bring an incredible diversity of perspectives and experience in the science-to-policy sector. I look forward to learning from their expertise to collectively realize the vision of the agenda.”

Advisory committee appointments:

• Becky Smyth, recently with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

• Dr. Clarissa Anderson, Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System

• Dominique Kone, Blue Convergence Fund

• Kate Wing, Intertidal Agency

Dr. Jan Newton, University

of Washington and Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing System

• Dr. Matthew Gribble, University of California, San Francisco

Dr. Priya Shukla, Strategic Earth Consulting

• Dr. Rod Fujita, Ocean Innovations Consulting

• Dr. Roxanne Beltran, University of California, Santa Cruz

• Sabrina Lopez, PhD Student, Coastal Climate Resilience Fellow

Dr. Will White, Oregon State University

As part of the application process, advisory committee members shared perspectives on their diverse interests associated with U.S. West Coast Ocean and coastal research needs. Ensuring historically underrepresented voices are included in agenda strategies, considering strategies that address both threats and opportunities facing the U.S. West Coast, developing strategies that lead to actionable science, and leveraging funding across federal, state, and philanthropic

sources, were a few of the concepts expressed by potential members.

For example, Becky Smyth, recently with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and selected for the advisory committee, emphasized the urgency of the effort.

“The advancement of this West Coast Ocean Science Action Agenda comes at a critical time,” Smyth said. “With the dual challenges of rapidly changing ocean conditions due to climate change and other pressures and the decrease in funding for research and science, this science action agenda can help us envision the needs and opportunities for important research to understand and sustain our valuable West Coast ocean resources.”

To view information about each advisory committee member, visit https://www. oceanscienceagenda.org/ advisory-committee.

To track progress implementing the Action Agenda, visit https://www.oceanscienceagenda.org.

Oregon ditches farm stand regulations after public outcry

CLAIRE CARLSON

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon’s countryside comes alive during farm season. Tulips in the spring, berry-picking in the summer and pumpkin patches in the fall attract visitors to the bucolic farm stands that dot the Willamette Valley and beyond.

But as crowds have gotten denser, with reports of hourslong traffic on single-lane roads at the most popular farms, some legislators are seeking solutions to mitigate the effect of agritourism in agricultural zones. A recent rulemaking process from the Department of Land and Conservation Development could have limited what can be sold at farm stands, but an outsized public response to the potential rules put the process on an indefinite pause.

Legislators are still deliberating over how to move forward with the rulemaking — or if they should at all, considering the controversy it caused.

One of the groups at the center of the debate was 1000 Friends of Oregon, a nonprofit organization that advocates for land use planning. They participated in the rulemaking advisory committee that was meant to inform legislators on a number of agritourism issues, not just farm stand policies.

The group said the pause was the result of a misunderstanding about what the rulemaking was intended to do.

“It’s not about saying no to things like agritourism,” said Anna Kemper, membership experience manager of 1000 Friends of Oregon. “It’s about managing impact, making sure that one farm’s business model doesn’t negatively impact others.”

From March to July, the rulemaking advisory committee convened monthly to discuss one or two agritourism issues and then make a recommendation to the Land Conservation and Development Commission, which implements state land use rules.

But in recent months, the discussion focused primarily on farm stand regulations after one of the members of the committee — the Oregon Property Owners Association — sponsored a bill that would have expanded what’s sold at farm stands.

The group’s goal was to address “longstanding confusion” over farm stand policies, like a rule that says three-quarters of a farm stand’s products must be sourced from the farm, but is unclear on what exactly counts under that rule.

But one Yamhill County farmer said the group’s goal to expand farm stand allowances would have “blown out the sideboards on farm stands.”

That’s according to Sid Friedman, a hay farmer and

board member of the land use planning and policy organization Friends of Yamhill County. He served on a legislative working group that eventually led to the rulemaking process on farm stands.

Friedman was worried about the cumulative impact of using farm stands to sell not just farm products but other activities like weddings, concerts, and farm-to-table dinners in Oregon’s farmland.

“The cumulative impacts of all these commercial uses, which aren’t farming in the exclusive farm-use zone, is driving up the price of farmland here in Yamhill County and around the state,” Friedman said. “Somebody who just wants to farm can’t compete with what people who want to put in a commercial venue can pay for the land.”

These concerns led to the most recent feedback from the rulemaking advisory committee, which toned down the farm stand rules the Oregon Property Owners Association was pushing for. Notably, the

feedback recommended an impact assessment on neighboring properties of any farm stand wanting to pursue agritourism activities.

DLCD was expected to release a draft rule to follow this feedback on Sept. 1. But in late July, several farms around Oregon rang alarm bells on social media about the potential rules, spurring more than 2,300 emails and phone calls from the public.

Two of the most vocal farmers against the rulemaking were Jim Abeles and Kat Topaz, owners of Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island. They were worried that the potential rules would harm people trying to start an agritourism business.

“It would be stricter and more expensive and more difficult for anybody who wants to get into agritourism,” Abeles said.

Topaz Farm, founded in 2020, serves as one of the main farm destinations for Portlanders. Beyond selling produce, it has a petting zoo, offers farm-to-table dinners and hosts a live music series in the summer.

The farm’s owners posted their concerns on social media about what the rules might do to farms like theirs, with one video surpassing a million views on Instagram.

They pointed to a decrease in the number of farms nationwide as one reason the rulemaking could further harm small and mid-size farm operations.

“We want more farms, we want more competition because we think that it’s good for agriculture, it’s good for the public, and it’s important while farms are being lost everywhere,” Abeles said.

Shortly after the public

backlash about the rules, Gov. Tina Kotek ordered a temporary pause on the rulemaking process.

“I want to reassure farmers who have been anxious and frustrated about how proposed changes to existing rules regarding farm stand operations may affect their businesses that I hear you and am paying attention,” Kotek said in a public statement. “I have directed DLCD to pause the rulemaking process to allow for more conversations with all interested parties and the public on this really important agri-tourism issue.”

1000 Friends of Oregon is fine if the rulemaking process ends completely.

“I think if it just went away, we would be fine as far as farm stands are concerned,” said Jim Johnson, the organization’s working lands policy director. He’s more interested in working on other agritourism issues prioritized by the Land Conservation and Development Commission, like urban growth planning and the rezoning of agricultural land.

“We can get to work on more important issues that relate to protecting Oregon’s valuable farmland,” he said.

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/08/14/oregon-ditches-farm-stand-regulations-after-public-outcry/

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.

Coastal Voices invites new singers to

Coastal Voices (CV), the largest mixed chorus on the central Oregon coast, is pleased to announce that signups are now open for Vocal Introductions (VIs) in preparation for the upcoming Fall season.

Individuals interested in contributing their voice to a vibrant choral community are warmly invited to participate. For the first time, youth aged 14–17 are also welcome to audition through CV’s newly established Youth Internship Program (YIP). This initiative offers young singers an immersive experience in ensemble singing, rehearsal processes, and performance preparation. Internship positions are limited; contact the choir for more information. Vocal Introductions will be held Saturday, Aug. 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and

Fall 2025 Season

Local students place artwork on sanitary service trucks

Siletz Bay Music Festival to honor Niki Price

The Siletz Bay Music Festival will present its annual Dick Hyman Award to Lincoln City Cultural Center Executive Director Niki Price at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22 during the festival’s fundraising event at Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

For the first time, the Festival has engaged a local artist to create the award, commissioning glass artist Kelly Howard, co-owner of the Lincoln City Glass Center, to devise a commemorative sculpture in Price’s honor.

The Dick Hyman Award, aka The Dick Hyman For the Love of Music Award, is presented annually to a festival supporter who personifies the love, enthusiasm and exuberance for music and

service that Dick Hyman has consistently brought to his music over his legendary, 80-year career. A National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master fellow and an Emmy and ASCAP Award-winning pianist, composer and arranger, Dick Hyman, now age 98, was a mainstay of the Siletz Bay Music Festival from its beginnings until his retirement in 2018

The Aug. 22 event will feature an ample buffet of hot appetizers and delectable desserts and cool jazz by Portland’s Randy Porter Trio featuring Kenny Washington on vocals. A Grammy nominee, Randy Porter has collaborated with many jazz greats, including Freddy Hubbard, Art

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501c3 is located in Nye Beach at 789 NW Beach Drive. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Interested in becoming a member of the Yaquina Art Association? We offer free classes, too. Please visit our gallery in Nye Beach for more. YAA has been serving over 135 local artists for over 77 years. For more information, visit www.yaquinaart.org

ARTWORK

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and our admin team sat down to brainstorm parameters for the project…we wanted it to represent our community.”

Lincoln County School District administrators thought such a project was a great idea and connected Thompson’s Sanitary with the instructor of the NHS Commercial Art class, Casey McEneny.

McEneny said he was immediately on board and said it would be an

amazing way for students to get real-world experience. The prize would be $500 each to two students who would create a graphic for each side of the truck.

“This project is an amazing collaboration giving students the opportunity to work through the business process of creating art for a client,” McEneny said. “They learned how to present their ideas, interpret feedback, and work through their designs to deliver an end-product the client would be happy with.”

Farmer, Benny Golson and Charles McPherson.

He has performed at Washington’s Kennedy Center, at New York’s Lincoln Center, at many of the world’s most

prestigious jazz festivals and on stages throughout the U.S. and Europe. Porter currently teaches jazz piano and jazz theory at Portland’s Lewis and Clark College.

Niki Price has led the Lincoln City Cultural Center since its early days and, over the last 14 years, has been singularly instrumental in transforming the decommissioned schoolhouse into a vibrant year-round arts center and venue that is at the heart of most Lincoln City cultural activity.

A longtime resident of Lincoln City, Price has also advocated for the arts across the state, as the chair of the Oregon Cultural Trust board of directors, and locally, as the chair of both the Lincoln City Public Arts Committee and the Lincoln County Cultural Coalition. In 2005, she and her husband founded the Oregon Coast Today Newspaper. She was

involved with Siletz Bay Music Festival as a venue sponsor from its early years, serving on its board from 2015 until 2017 and as stage manager until 2016

The Aug. 22 event is billed as a “low-key fundraiser.” Although donations will be gratefully accepted, there’ll be no silent auction, no paddle raise, no pressure.

Tickets for this year’s benefit party are $90 and are available, along with all other festival events, at siletzbaymusic.org. $50 of the event ticket fee is tax deductible as allowed by law. The Chinook Winds Casino Resort is located at 1777 NW 44th Street in Lincoln City. t

Heaven’s Gate Waldport revisited 50 years later

Three early followers of ‘The Two’, get together to tell their stories, in the same room where they first met ‘The Two’.

Before being called Heaven’s Gate, the founders, Applewhite and Nettles were known as ‘The Two.’

Be there to hear these three, as they discuss their experiences with ‘The Two’.

There have been movies, documentaries, podcasts, books, HBO shows, countless articles in print media including cover of Time Magazine, The New York Times, Newport NewsTimes, television shows, Walter Cronkite, Diane Sawyer, Rolanda…… Just Google “Heaven’s Gate”

This story has had in depth coverage internationally; however these stories were never told like this.

Three early followers of

While the Thompson’s Sanitary team was presented with many amazing sketches, they could only choose two.

The design winners chosen were Newport High School junior Cruise Beckstead and senior Jasmine Lytwyn. McEneny and the students then worked with Ken Spencer from Newport Signs to digitize the artwork and create decals of the artwork for the truck. Spencer, a longtime sign professional, installed the decals along with the student’s names to recognize

‘The Two’, now in their 70’s get together to speak about their personal experiences before during and after, plus whatever anyone wants. Questions OK! First time publicly speaking

together. Aaron Greenberg, Rudy Draco, and Robert Rubin. Back in the room where it all started for them. Why they went! What they did! Very limited seating.

Tuesday, Aug. 26, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located at SW 9th and Hurbert Streets in Newport.

Each person who

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their work.

“We are just thrilled with this project,” Thompson’s Collections

signs up will meet for a 30-minute session with CV’s Artistic Director, Rhodd Caldwell.

“This is not an audition,” Caldwell explained “I call our audition process a ‘vocal introduction’ because it’s exactly that: a relaxed and easy opportunity for me to

smiles on their faces when they saw their art installed on our truck was priceless. This truck will be rolling through their hometown for years to come,”

learn more about a prospective singer’s musical background, and for them to understand how I approach singing and choral music.” Neither previous choral singing experience nor the ability to read music is required.

Every new singer is welcomed with a structured and encouraging environment, including optional Music 101 instruction and a mentor system to ensure a smooth transition into the ensemble.

Beyond the concert season, CV is planning a variety of community-focused events this year, including SingAlongs in September and December.

For over 25 years, Coastal Voices has remained dedicated to fostering a sustainable and inclusive organization that celebrates, promotes, and advances the choral arts. CV is a non-religious and apolitical ensemble, welcoming singers of all backgrounds and beliefs. Those interested in participating may visit coastal-voices.org and click on “Auditions” to schedule a Vocal Introduction. For further information, please contact CVinfo@coastal-voices.org or call 541-283-6295

“We have a strong support system in place for new singers,” CV Board Member and Music 101 Instructor.Margaret Mortimer said. Weekly rehearsals will begin Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 227 NE 12th Street in Newport. The theme of this season’s December concert series is “Tidings of Comfort and Joy,” which is a multicultural celebration of music for Kwanzaa, Chanukkah, Solstice, and Christmas. In addition to English, there will be works in Latin, Swahili, Italian, and Spanish.

Celebrating with sparkling wine

Christina and I decided to celebrate the Fourth of July with sparkling wine. Note that I said, “sparkling wine,” not Champagne, because only the wine with bubbles that is made in that geographical region of France north of Paris should be called Champagne. For our nation’s birthday we wanted wine made in America. (Save the Champagne for Bastille Day on July 14.)

What is Champagne? It is a wine, usually a blend of Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier to which yeast is added to the bottle thus creating the carbon dioxide bubbles that sparkle on your tongue. Much credit is, rightfully, given to a 17th century Benedictine monk whose name, Dom Perignon, graces the prestige cuvée of Moët & Chandon today. The Dom—his title, not his name—was influential and made significant developments that led to the effervescent wine we know today. He did not invent Champagne, nor did he call out to his brother monks, “Come

quickly, I am tasting the stars!”. Those became key parts of the myth of marketing created centuries after Dom Perignon’s death in 1715 So, what method Champenoise, or Champagne method sparkling wine did we patriotically choose?

There are many American wineries that have quite successfully perfected the techniques, so to honor our Founding Fathers, we decided to go to that hotbed of Yankee winemaking—New Mexico. Yes, New Mexico. On a 1983 trip to America’s southwest from his native Champagne, Gilbert Gruet paused his trek through high desert and mountains 170 miles south of Albuquerque and said, “Here I will make the same kind of wine that my family has made since 1952 in Champagne.” By the time of his death at 68 in 1999, one million bottles of Gruet had been sold. Gilbert’s son and daughter, Laurent and Nathalie, relocated to New Mexico and continued the tradition of quality French-American sparklers. In 2011 the Gruet NV Blanc de Noir made

the prestigious Wine Spectator Magazine’s Top 100 Wines (#43). On the Fourth, with a dinner of Christina’s baked salmon in lingonberry sauce, we opened a bottle of Gruet Sweet Jolie American Sparkling Wine. The mildly sweet apple and berry flavors matched nicely with the salmon’s lingonberry sauce. The bottle was an Eric Vaughn Grocery Outlet selection and cost only $7 99, easily half of what it was worth.

In my nearly thirty years as a wine merchant, I enjoyed staging winemaker dinners at the Champagne Patio Restaurant. Our chef would put together a 4- or 5-course menu and we would bring in a winemaker to pour a different one of his or her wines with each course. Not all dinners included a winemaker but there was always a theme. It was a learning experience and good fun.

Earlier this month

Bethel Heights Vineyard offered a 6-course dinner where winemaker/ Ben Casteel matched a different one of his very well-made wines with

each course. I would have loved to have attended but the cost was $195 per person. That would have been just under $400 for Christina and I. Still tethered to the past, I impulsively reached into The Champagne Patio archives and pulled out a menu at random and came up with one from May 2005. This was a 4-course, 5-wine look at Northwest wines. And the cost was $50 per

person. Coincidentally, one of the wines was Bethel Heights 2002 Estate Chardonnay.

On the last Saturday in June, I joined many of my Lincoln County neighbors at the Newport Yacht Club to wish this paper’s editor Steve Card bon voyage as he sets sail into retirement.

I feel Steve did a very credible job of journalism during these tumultuous

times in news-papering, climate change and political chaos. I will long remember the piece he wrote several years ago about his family picnic’s surprise visitor: home from the Middle East, his military- serving son. This was a father writing, not just a journalist.

Cheers!

Joseph Swafford

jcswaff56@gmail.com

Cultural Center announces nine-concert lineup for 2025-26 Celtic Music Series

Starting on Sept. 28 the Lincoln City Cultural Center’s Celtic Music Series will be abloom with voluminous and verdant variety, styles and performers from around the world. Now in its 8th year, the series will present nine concerts of Irish, Scottish, Quebecois and Celtic-influenced folk music, one per month through May 2026. Subscriptions were scheduled to go on sale to the public Aug. 13, with single tickets available starting on Aug. 19

The schedule will include the Lincoln City debut of Solas, which a Boston Globe reviewer called “The finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced,” touring the country in their celebratory 30th anniversary tour. Formed in New York City in 1995, Solas became a revolutionary force in Irish-American music. They’ve released 12 critically acclaimed albums and have forged a reputation for dynamic, emotionally charged live performances.

When the band performs at the Cultural Center, on March 25 2026, they’ll include founding members Seamus Egan (flute, tenor banjo, nylon guitar, whistles, mandolin), Winifred Hogan (fiddle) and John Williams (button accordion, concertina) along with Alan Murray on guitar and Nuala Kennedy on vocals, flute and whistles.

But Solas isn’t the only

PERCH

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4 p.m. Live music is offered every Wednesday from 5–7 p.m.—come for the birds, stay for the tunes!

Salishan Coastal Lodge is easily accessible at 7760 Highway 101 in Gleneden Beach. Join us

highlight in the 2025/2026 season. There will be two returning bands: a fan favorite from Canada, Kalos, and an energetic quartet from Italy that embraces the Celtic sound, Gadan. Gadan will be joined by a remarkable banjo player, Enda Scahill of We Banjo Three. Fans of the joyful FrenchCanadian style of Celtic folk music will be in for a treat in November, when Elisabeth Moquin, Thierry Clouqette, and Elisabeth Giroux (otherwise known as E.T.E.) are featured in the series.

There will be bands from the U.K., Gnoss and Dallahan, as well as two bands from the Northwest. The 2025/26 lineup will be celebrating local talent, featuring Gallowglass from Bellingham, Wash., and a hot new band based out of Otis, Oregon: The AML Trio. An all female, all strings quartet from Boston, Scottish Fish, will complete this year’s exciting potpourri of Celtic and “Celtic adjacent” ensembles

Concerts will take place in the cozy, woodlined auditorium of the Cultural Center, inside the historic Delake School at 540 NE Highway 101 in Lincoln City. Volunteers serve Northwest beer, wine and cider, along with fresh baked cookies and concessions. Table seating will be available for all nine concerts. All seats are reserved. Doors open one half hour before showtime. Parking

to share your latest bird sightings and stories. Seven Capes Bird Alliance (sevencapes.org) was founded as Audubon Society of Lincoln City in 2005. A nonprofit membership organization and chapter of the National Audubon Society, SCBA is active in education and advocacy for protection of birds, other wildlife, and

is free and handicapped accessible.

Reserved ticket prices range from $34 to $48, with discounts for seniors, students and youth under the age of 18. Cultural Center member discounts and complimentary tickets are welcomed with all single ticket sales. Series producers are offering season packages, with savings up to 25%, available for public sales on Aug. 13

“We offer two different ways to subscribe,” said LCCC Executive Director and Celtic series planner Niki Price. “Purchase all nine shows, and you’ll receive a 25% discount, which depending on your choice of seat can be less than $30 per show. Or, you can choose your own subscription -- five concerts or more -- and receive 15% off. Either way, you’ll be getting the best seats at the best price.”

To learn more, subscribe or purchase single

their habitats in Lincoln and Tillamook Counties. With over 200 acres of all-season activity, Salishan Coastal Lodge (salishan.com) invites visitors and coastal residents alike to recalibrate among hospitality, holistic wellness, coast-to-table dining, and empowering eco-adventures infused with nature.

tickets after Aug. 19, head to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org, or call 541-994-9994

LCCC’s 2025-26 Celtic Music Series

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7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 Dallahan

7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 Gadan featuring Enda Scahill (of We Banjo Three)

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2025 Booster Bash rescheduled, fun still on

Due to a rainy forecast, the 2025 Newport Booster Bash Golf Tournament planned for Aug. 15, has been rescheduled, but golfers will have a chance to tee off in the annual fundraiser on Sept. 6

Event organizers said start times will remain the same, and you’ll also have the opportunity to play an extra 9 holes if you’d like.

This year marks the 24th annual Booster Bash, according to Newport Booster Club Treasurer Jon Zagel. For many years, the tournament was held at Ollala Golf Course in Toledo, but it has since been hosted at Salishan Golf Links.

“The event began as a way to kick off and celebrate the new school year, bringing the community together in support of Newport High School athletics and activities,” Zagel said.

The tournament is a four-person scramble and will include fun skill competitions such as a hole-in-one contest, closestto-the-pin, and longest-drive challenges. Golfers not only get a chance to support local high school athletics, but will also have a chance to show their mettle on the course. There’s plenty to look forward to.

“This year’s event will feature nine holes of golf, a souvenir golf towel, and a delicious BBQ meal. Golfers also have the option to play a full 18 holes for an additional $25,” Zagel said. “Historically, the

event raises between $10,000 and $15 000, and this year, three Newport High School athletic teams will also benefit by earning funds for helping run the event.”

The Newport Booster Club supports a wide range of projects that benefit Newport High School, with a particular focus on the athletic programs. The club helps cover the expenses for teams competing in the state playoffs, as well as the cost of the HUDL camera system. HUDL is a platform where footage from games and practices can be uploaded and live-streamed, allowing coaches to analyze matches and fans to tune in when they can’t attend in person. And it’s made possible through the Booster Club’s efforts.

“We have also invested in multiple scoreboards, purchased bleachers for the new Yaquina View Gym, built and funded a new softball team room, contributed to the construction of the new entryway at Morrow Field, and helped repair the retaining wall on Eads Street,” Zagel said. “These are just a few examples of the many ways the Newport Booster Club works to enhance athletic programs and facilities for our students.”

Along with helping support the programs and facilities, the Booster Club has also been instrumental in hiring the new full-time athletic trainer at Newport High School. It was a long-standing goal for the club, and Zagel called it

one of their most significant accomplishments.

“This year, we are proud to make it a reality with the hiring of Dylan Borden,” Zagel said. “The cost to provide this essential service will be approximately $100 000 annually.”

If you are interested in supporting the Newport Booster Club and Newport High School athletics, there are many ways to get involved. Some Zagel mentioned are:

Joining the Booster Club. They meet every Friday morning at 7 a.m. at the Newport

Elks Lodge, where NHS coaches share team updates and the club recognizes outstanding student-athletes each week.

Participate in annual fundraisers. The Booster Club hosts four major fundraising events each year, and over 95% of the proceeds go directly to support Newport High School athletics and activities. You can attend, volunteer, or make a contribution to help make these events a success. Make a donation.

Contributions of any size help the club continue its mission

of supporting Newport High students.

“Your involvement—whether through time, participation, or financial support—makes a direct and lasting impact on our student-athletes and school community,” Zagel said.

Tee off time is noon, Sept. 6, for the 2025 Newport Booster Club Tournament at Salishan Golf Links, located at 7760 North Highway 101 in Gleneden Beach.

For more information, see the Newport Booster Club Facebook.

Toledo and Waldport High Schools 2025 Football Schedules

If you’re excited about Boomer and Irish football, you don’t have to wait much longer before they’re back on the field!

Log these dates in your calendar, or keep an eye on the OSAA website to make sure you don’t miss changes to the schedule, though we’ll do our best to keep the most recent information posted.

TOLEDO VARSITY FOOTBALL

Aug. 29 6 p.m. – Jamboree game away against Nestucca

Sept. 5 7 p.m. – Nonleague game away against Nestucca

Sept. 12, 7 p.m. – Nonleague game away against Myrtle Point

Sept. 19, 7 p.m. – First league game of the season, home against Monroe

Sept. 26, 7 p.m. – Away league game against Lowell

Oct. 3, 7 p.m. – Non-league home game against St. Paul

Oct. 10, 7 p.m. – Away league game against Central Linn (Homecoming)

Oct. 17, 7 p.m. – Away league game against Waldport

Oct. 24, 7 p.m. – Home league game against Oakridge

Oct. 31, 7 p.m. – Home league game against Harrisburg

WALDPORT VARSITY FOOTBALL

Aug. 29 6 p.m. – Jamboree game away against Nestucca Sept. 5, 7 p.m. – Non-league home game against Reedsport

Sept. 12, 7 p.m. – Nonleague game away against Glide

Sept. 19 7 p.m. – First league game of the season, home against Harrisburg Sept. 26 7 p.m. – Nonleague home game against Myrtle Point Oct. 3, 7 p.m. – Home league game against Monroe Oct. 10, 7