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Nurses and former patients outside Samaritan Community Hospital in Lebanon during an Oregon Nurses Association’s rallies to save the local birth centers.

(Courtesy photo from Kevin Mealy, Oregon Nurses Association)

Samaritan birth centers to remain open

emergency surgical services at all five of its hospitals, including in Lincoln City.

Samaritan Health Services has announced it will continue offering labor, delivery, and

In a statement, Samaritan said the decision follows more than

70 listening sessions with staff, clinicians and leaders across the system, and “they directly reflect the ideas shared during

See CENTERS, page A4

Trump administration plans to remove protections on national forest in Oregon

MIA MALDONADO

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Trump administration officials intend to remove protections and open to some development more than 58 million acres of national forests across 40 states, including 2 million acres of national forests in Oregon. Brooke Rollins, head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture formally announced the proposed

See FORESTS, page A4

Program provides arts access to rural children

JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader

As the new school year begins, Sitka’s K-8 Create program is expanding to meet growing demand for high-quality art education in coastal communities.

In 2025–2026, the program will reach more than 5 300 students across 20 Title I public schools in Lincoln, Tillamook and Clatsop Counties. New partner schools include Taft 7–12 Middle and High School, Newport Middle and Waldport Middle and High School.

The program is part of the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology’s youth program that provides arts and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) learning experiences, widely enhancing educational opportunities for rural and underserved children and expanding access for thousands of students.

Sitka Center for Art and Ecology Director of Communications and Outreach Shannon Carlson said the program serves a population of students who often have no access to arts in the schools due to funding or curriculum

See PROGRAM, page A4

The program is part of the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology’s youth program that provides arts and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) learning experiences, widely enhancing educational opportunities for rural and underserved children. (Courtesy photos)

Oregon’s black rockfish fishery ‘critical survey’ underway

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (ODFW) Marine Fisheries Research team is conducting a nearly 10-week at-sea survey to better understand the population status of black, blue, and deacon rockfish—three species that form the foundation of Oregon’s nearshore recreational, charter, and commercial fisheries.

This is the second coastwide, fishery-independent study of its kind. The first, conducted August-October 2021

filled longstanding data gaps and helped avoid dramatic reductions in black rockfish quotas during the most recent stock assessment (2023). While both commercial and recreational quotas of black rockfish decreased by 33 percent this year, ODFW’s lead marine researcher Leif Rasmuson said it could have been worse if not for the 2021 survey data being included in the

stock assessment.

“Black rockfish are incredibly important to our coastal identity and economy,” Rasmuson

See ROCKFISH, page A4

ODFW Marine Resources Program’s Alex Copeland monitors scientific fish finders on board the research vessel.

(Courtesy photo from the ODFW)

Commissioners send Veteran Services local option levy to voters

Lincoln County Commissioners have voted to place a five-year local option levy supporting services for veterans on the Nov. 2025 General Election ballot.

The proposed levy would collect $0 035 per $1 000 for five years, starting in 2026, if approved by voters in the Nov. 3, 2025, election. For property assessed at $300 000, that would translate to $10 50 a year.

The Veteran Services Office is currently funded out of the County’s General Fund and through Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs pass-through funding –$222 771 and $119 000 respectively. This pays for three full-time employees, including two accredited Veteran Services Officers and an administrative assistant. This investment sees a remarkable rate of return; every $1 spent by the County on veteran services generates $25 for the local economy.

If the levy passes, the increase would go towards veteran outreach programs. Under present funding, the Lincoln County Veteran Services Office conducts outreach as it is able, but these outreach efforts are less cohesive than ideal, and outreach events are conducted as extra duties in addition to routine, 9-5 office activity.

The Lincoln County Veteran Services Office is available to support approximately 5,200 military veterans and active-duty Coast Guard and NOAA members in obtaining federal, state and county benefits for which they are eligible due to their military service. The office also provides veterans outreach services and helps veterans’ families learn about and apply for survivor benefits.

A 2022 survey found that 48% of veterans don’t understand their disability benefit options, and four in 10 veterans felt they didn’t receive adequate guidance on benefits when leaving the military. And the U.S. Veterans Affairs Administration reports that only about 20% of veterans apply for and use VA services.

As other federal programs see a decrease in federal funding, enhanced capability to engage veterans in the community is essential to maintaining their quality and comfort of life, according to a release from Lincoln County.

The Lincoln County Commissioners referred the proposed local option levy to support veteran services to the Nov. 3 ballot during the commissioners’ public session Aug. 6

Annual Stuff A Bus to support local students

Lincoln City Outlets is proud to announce the return of its Stuff a Bus event from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Suite 112, conveniently located near Funtastic Arcade and Claw City, at rthe Outlets, 1500 SE East Devils Lake Road in Lincoln City. Beginning at 8 a.m. community members are invited to bring donations directly to the bus, which will be parked along SE East Devils Lake Road.

Parents and students from Lincoln County Schools

may begin picking up their backpacks—prefilled with school supplies specified by Lincoln City schools—starting at 10 a.m.

This initiative is made possible through Lincoln City Outlets’ long-standing partnership with Business for Excellence in Youth, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to ensuring students and families have the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

“We look forward to

For more information, call 541-996-5000

U.S. Senator Wyden to hold Town Halls in Lincoln, Tillamook counties

Oregon U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has announced he will hold open-to-all town halls next week in Tillamook and Lincoln counties.

Heading into these two town halls on Sept. 5-6, Wyden has held 1,134 open-to-all town halls in keeping his promise to hold at least one town hall each year in each of Oregon’s 36 counties.

“I’m very much looking forward to these two town halls on the Oregon Coast because these community meetings provide everybody an opportunity to voice opinions, ask questions and share their ideas,” Wyden said. “Face-to-face meetings like these in Oregonians’ communities are a must to represent every nook and cranny in our state at a time when our country faces significant challenges that demand common-sense solutions.”

The schedule for the upcoming town halls is as follows:

FRIDAY, SEPT. 5

4:30 p.m. Tillamook

Count shows shifting trends in tri-county homelessness

The housing crisis in Oregon continues to evolve, and the latest data from the 2025 Point in Time (PIT) Count offers a critical snapshot and trending data that helps shape the story of what homelessness looks like in our local communities, according to a release from the Community Services Consortium (CSC).

CSC is the Community Action Agency serving Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties It coordinated this year’s PIT Count in January, capturing data on sheltered and unsheltered individuals and families across the region.

The PIT Count is a federally mandated initiative by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), requiring counties nationwide to manually count individuals experiencing homelessness on a single day.

While the count is never exact—especially in rural areas like Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties—it remains a vital tool for guiding housing development, shelter funding, outreach efforts, and long-term planning, according to the CSC.

This year’s count revealed 1 502 individuals experiencing homelessness across the tri-county region, a modest increase from last year’s total, the release states. Notably, Linn and Benton Counties reported more sheltered individuals than unsheltered, a reversal from previous years. This shift is attributed to increased state investments in shelter funding and the presence of cold weather sheltering operations in Linn and Benton County during the January count,

which temporarily brought more people indoors just in time.

County Highlights LINCOLN COUNTY

• Total homeless count:

498

Sheltered: 247 | Unsheltered: 251

• Homeless youth (0–24 years old): 149 (29 9%)

• Youth count surge: The rate of unhoused youth has more than doubled since the 2024 count.

This is due to Lincoln County School District and McKinney Vento making a concerted effort to ensure a comprehensive count of unhoused youth, to prioritize getting the resources needed to address the local youth housing crisis.

• Domestic violence survivors: 33 (6 6%)

• Chronically homeless: 101 (20 3%)

Serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder: 96 (19 3%)

• Veterans: 14 (2 8%)

• People who identify as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, or other Person of Color: 136, or 27 3% of the unhoused population, which is overrepresented in comparison to the total county population ratio by about 8%

• Different from Linn and Benton Counties, there is a near even split between men and women experiencing homelessness in Lincoln County

BENTON COUNTY

• Total homeless count: 550

• Sheltered: 289 |

Unsheltered: 261

• Homeless youth (0–24 years old): 92 (16 7%)

• Domestic violence survivors: 82 (14 9%) Chronically homeless: 151 (27 5%)

• Serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder: 148 (26 9%)

• Veterans: 17 (3%)

• People who identify as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, or other Person of Color: 129, or 23% of the unhoused population, which generally reflects the total county population ratio

• Men continue to experience homelessness at significantly higher rates than women, representing nearly 60% of the unhoused population in Benton County

LINN COUNTY

• Total homeless count: 454

• Sheltered: 240 | Unsheltered: 214

Homeless youth (0–24 years old): 88 (19 4%)

• Domestic violence survivors: 41 (9%)

• Chronically homeless: 178 (39 2%)

• Serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder: 105 (23 1%)

• Veterans: 27 (5 9%)

People who identify as Black, Indigenous, Hispanic, or other Person of Color: 83, or 18% of the unhoused population, which generally reflects

Holmes Road Park Boat Ramp Closed

Work started on Tuesday, August 26 on the upgrade of the Holmes Road Sewer Pump Station, located at Holmes Road Park, 3598 NE Yacht Avenue. During the construction project, the boat ramp will be closed to the public entirely until the end of November. The parking lot, restrooms and the fishing pier will be available for the public to use.

Lincoln City continues to upgrade the 30

different sewer pump stations across the city to ensure that they meet Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality standards. Lincoln City just completed the Ester Lee Pump Station upgrade in Nelscott earlier this year and completed the Spyglass Pump Station upgrade in Taft in 2024

There are two other boat ramps available for the public to use to access Devils Lake. The Regatta Park boat ramp, located

at 2700 NE 14th Street and the East Devils Lake State Recreation Area boat ramp, located at 205 NE East Devils Lake Road.

the total county population ratio

• Men continue to experience homelessness at significantly higher rates than women, representing 61 7% of the unhoused population in Linn County

Across all three counties, the highest represented populations include youth, defined as 0-24 year olds; chronically homeless, defined as someone with a disability who has been homeless for at least 12 months, or has experienced at least four episodes of homelessness within the past three years; individuals with serious mental illness

and/or substance use disorder; and, generally the disparity of men experiencing homelessness.

The above areas have had a disproportionately high increase since 2024 compared to the minimal increase in overall homelessness illustrating two factors.

Investments made by the state of Oregon in funding to quickly identify and rehouse those living on the streets, known as rapid rehousing, made an impact, particularly on those who were able to work and maintain their housing. Without which, these counts would have

likely been higher, the CSC said. The second factor is that the emerging needs are much more complex and nuanced, which require far more collaborative, innovative, and larger scale response to address, the release states.

“We’ve seen firsthand how much impact local investments in the PIT count have on the accuracy and outcome of the results,” CSC Housing Senior Operations Manager Dina Eldridge said. “The data from these counts truly can, and has, represented millions of state and federal housing dollars that can make or break initiatives within local communities. It remains imperative that we obtain comprehensive counts for every corner of our region, which requires investment from our community members and partners, as well as the cities and counties. In order to get the outputs we desperately need, we need the right input. And the PIT count is the place to start” For more information or to get involved in next year’s count, contact pitcount@communityservices. us.

CENTERS

From Page A1

those conversations.”

“Our teams and communities have been clear that they want to sustain essential services close to home, while finding new ways to collaborate and strengthen our financial sustainability,” Samaritan President and Chief Executive Officer Marty Cahill said. “We are proud of how people across Samaritan have worked together to bring

FORESTS

From Page A1

termination of a 2001 Forest Service rule known as the “Roadless Rule” in a news release Wednesday, setting off a 21-day public comment period that opens Friday and runs through Sept. 19

The Roadless Rule prohibits road construction, logging and mining on about 30% of Forest Service managed lands, intending to protect wildlife, animal migration corridors, watersheds and old-growth from human development and the environmental degradation that often follows.

Rollins said that rescinding the rule would remove “burdensome, outdated, one-size-fits-all regulations” and boost economic growth. Trump earlier this year signed two executive orders to increase logging in national forests and other

ROCKFISH

From Page A1

said. “Without the survey data, quotas would have been further reduced causing even more negative economic impacts to coastal communities.”

Historically, fish population estimates were based on commercial and recreational fisheries catch

forward solutions that protect access to care while also making our system stronger for the future.”

According to the release, Samaritan intends to move forward with the following modified proposal for Women & Children’s services:

• Continue delivering babies at all five Samaritan hospitals

• Establish a coordinated, systemwide OB/ GYN practice to improve collaboration so that care is provided seamlessly

federal lands. U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, who previously worked for one of the country’s largest lumber producers in Idaho, said the Roadless Rule has frustrated land managers for years, and served as a barrier to commercial logging, and logging in the name of wildfire prevention, by prohibiting road construction.

“The forests we know today are not the same as the forests of 2001,” he said in a statement. “They are dangerously overstocked and increasingly threatened by drought, mortality, insect-borne disease, and wildfire. It’s time to return land management decisions where they belong — with local Forest Service experts who best understand their forests and communities.”

Research from Oregon State University Professor Chris Dunn, a forest ecologist and wildfire expert, and his colleagues, found

data. These data were the only data used in the stock assessment (a model that uses fishery and survey information to create a population estimate) to inform quotas in both fisheries.

But the fishing community, managers, and scientists alike have pushed for including fishery-independent data into the stock assessments. In response,

Isaac Fortner

across Samaritan hospitals.

• Continue developing creative solutions — such as cross-training staff and partnering with community resources — to support safe and sustainable care and reduce the use of temporary agency providers.

• Regularly review progress toward sustainability, with a full reassessment in the summer/fall of 2026 to ensure services remain viable and responsive to community needs.

“Our care teams are committed to driving

most wildfires in Western national forests between 1984 and 2018 started near roads, showing an increased likelihood of wildfires where roads exist, because the number one cause of wildfires is people.

The news Wednesday angered Oregon environmental advocates, who are urging the public to submit comments to the USDA in opposition to the proposed rollback.

“Gutting the Roadless Rule — which has protected our forests for 25 years — would be the single largest rollback of conservation protections in our nation’s history,” said Tracy StoneManning, president of the Washington D.C.-based conservation nonprofit Wilderness Society, in a statement. “Americans cherish their public lands and deserve leaders who protect them for future generations, not give them away to corporations that

ODFW researchers developed a survey approach using scientific fish finders and underwater video cameras to count fish in nearshore waters. This survey method, reviewed and validated by international experts, generates credible data that is expected to increase the accuracy of the next black rockfish stock assessment. Future

June 23, 1926 – August 5, 2025

In Loving Memory of Isaac William (Ike) Fortner, Age 99 · Newport, OR Isaac William (Ike) Fortner, age 99, of Newport, OR, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on August 5, 2025.

Dad was born on June 23, 1926, at Waitts Lake, WA. He was the middle of nine children born to Clarence James and Evelyn May Fortner. While he was still a toddler, the family moved to the Jim Creek Valley near Arlington, WA, where he grew up. Dad graduated from Arlington High School in 1944.

He was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served over seven years. While in Korea, he was a mechanic responsible for maintaining and repairing all kinds of wheeled and tracked vehicles. A few years ago, during a visit to a museum, Dad saw an Army dump truck from the Korean War and joked that he “hadn’t made its acquaintance” while he was there.

After leaving the Army, Dad began his career as a diesel mechanic, working on truck fleets for P.I.E. and Lucky Stores. In 1956, Dad married Ruth Louise (Ruthie) Smith. Their first home was in Buena Park, CA, where their family was completed with four children.

In 1966, Ike and Ruth moved their family to Chattaroy, WA. Dad embraced “homesteading” their 5½ acres with an orchard, berry patches, and a large garden. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts and was a dedicated supporter at his children’s school sports events. Dad worked at Williams Equipment Company in Spokane until his retirement in 1988.

Nearly every morning, Dad got up early to make his family a hot, home-cooked breakfast. He was an excellent cook, with his buttermilk biscuits a special favorite for all—a tradition he continued until just a couple of years ago.

After retiring, Dad built his “dream woodshop,” where he spent many happy

innovative change to sustain delivery sites across the system,” Samaritan’s Coastal Hospitals Chief Executive Officer Lesley Ogden said. “Though these innovations may not get us to 100% of the estimated financial benefit of the previous proposals, we are hoping the changes will make enough of a difference to make these services viable in each of our communities.”

ONA REACTION

The Oregon Nurses

exploit them.”

From the Willamette to the Ochoco National Forest, Oregon groups express urgency Areas in Oregon protected under the roadless rule include Iron Mountain in the Willamette National Forest, Joseph Canyon in Wallowa County, Tumalo Mountain in central Oregon and Lookout Mountain in the Ochoco National Forest.

“These forests are some of Oregon’s most treasured landscapes, from the flower-studded meadows of Echo Mountain to the headwaters of Tumalo Creek, which provides Bend’s drinking water,” Oregon Wild’s central Oregon field coordinator, Sami Godlove, said in a statement. “Oregonians value these places deeply, and now is the time to raise our voices to ensure they remain protected for future generations.”

Oregon’s U.S. Rep.

fishery-independent surveys will be funded in part by the Ocean Endorsement (OE) fee for recreational ocean fishing that begins Jan. 1, 2026. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will permanently establish the OE at their Sept. 12 meeting

The 2025 Oregon State Legislature approved HB2342 that included this endorsement to specifically fund future rockfish surveys in Oregon’s state waters. More nearshore

hours making a profusion of tables, chairs, clocks, cradles, step stools, rolling pins, rocking horses, and other toys for his siblings, children, and grandchildren.

Dad moved to Lebanon, OR a couple years after Ruthie died in 2012. His sister Dorothy lived with him there for a couple of years. He then lived with daughter Sandy and son-in-law Alan for seven years. Dad spent the last year living at OceanView Senior Living in Newport, OR.

Ike was always friendly and is fondly remembered by many neighbors and staff— even from long ago. He loved telling stories from his childhood, often sprinkling in sayings passed down from his father, along with a few of his own greatest hits. Among his favorites: “There are only two kinds of pie I like: hot and cold,” and when a meal didn’t quite meet his standards, “That was a crop failure.”

Ike is survived by his children: Freda Hoskins of Deer Park, WA, Patrick (Sara) Fortner of Beaverton, OR, Sandy (Alan) Cobb of Newport, OR, Don Fortner of Spokane, WA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-grandchildren; his twin sister Doris Price, sister Judy Begeman, and brother David Fortner.

He was preceded in death by Ruthie, his beloved wife of 56 years; his grandson Adam Guffin; son-in-law Bob Hoskins; brothers Ted Fortner and George Fortner; and sisters Joyce Smith, Dorothy Larsen, and Ellen Brasfield.

A man of quiet strength, warm humor, and generous hands, Ike will be fondly remembered and deeply missed. He will be interred at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery, beside his wife, Ruthie. The Fortner family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate team at OceanView Senior Living, who cared for him with dignity and warmth. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to St. Jude’s Children Hospital in Ike’s name.

Association said in a statement that Samaritan’s decision to preserve the critical healthcare services comes after a months-long campaign by ONA nurses, doctors, patients, community members and elected leaders to save family birth centers and surgical services at risk of closing at Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital and Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital.

“From the beginning, nurses and families made it clear these birthplaces

Andrea Salinas, a Democrat representing the state’s 6th Congressional District, said she is outraged by the Trump administration’s attacks on the rule.

In June, Salinas introduced the Roadless Area Conservation Act to make the Roadless Rule a federal law. Nearly 50 House colleagues, including Reps. Maxine Dexter and Suzanne Bonamici, Oregon Democrats, have cosponsored the bill, and she said she is working to get more. Oregon’s two other Democratic U.S. Reps. Janelle Bynum and Val Hoyle, and Oregon’s lone Republican Rep. Cliff Bentz, have not signed on as sponsors.

“These pristine, undeveloped forest lands represent some of our most important tools in the fight against climate change,” Salinas said in a webinar on Tuesday hosted by the Oregon Sierra Club. Erik Fernandez, the

fish population surveys are important because they give scientists assessing populations more confidence in their models.

This ultimately benefits anglers when better data informs management decisions.

For those who intend to fish in the ocean, an annual OE will cost $9 and a daily OE will cost $4 for both residents and non-residents. Those who fish for salmon and steelhead in the ocean do not need an OE unless another

PROGRAM

From Page A1

decisions.

“Access to the arts is something that opens access to so many different avenues of learning,” she said, adding that the arts help children develop their creativity and imagination.

“Creativity is profoundly impactful among our students and our young people, and the arts are a necessary part of fostering that,” she said.

The current K-8 Create program started out as a smaller program in Tillamook County, called the Community Arts Project. That project developed funding challenges during the COVID pandemic, according to Carlson.

“Sita was able to partner with that program and not only acquire the program and shepherd it forward but also expand it to serve more than 5 000

are irreplaceable and must be saved,” the ONA said.

“Generations of families got their start here, and generations fought together to make sure future families have access to safe, local healthcare. This is a victory for our entire community—especially our patients. We are deeply grateful to everyone who wrote letters, signed petitions, attended rallies and marched with us. Your voices made the difference.”

wilderness program manager for Oregon Wild, said eliminating the Roadless Rule would be a disaster for Oregon’s forests and communities.

“Building new roads in these wild places opens the door to invasive species and habitat fragmentation,” he said. “Once these areas are cut apart, we lose the clean water, wildlife, and solitude they provide forever.”

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/08/28/ trump-officials-plan-toremove-protections-on-2million-acres-of-nationalforests-in-oregon/ 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.

marine finfish is retained (such as rockfish, lingcod, tuna, etc.). An OE is not required for shellfishing. The Marine Fisheries Research team departed from Newport Aug. 1 to begin the survey. The survey includes all of Oregon coast’s rocky reef nearshore habitat. When the survey is completed, researchers will begin finalizing the data, after which, the team will present the data at a free online webinar that is open to the public.

students,” she said. This year, through a $50 000 challenge grant from the Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, gifts to K-8 Create will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $2 500 per gift— for the next two years until the $50,000 goal is reached. That means giving can go twice as far to support free, high-quality arts education, multiplying the program’s impact.

Sitka Center for Art and Ecology Executive Director Alison Dennis said she is passionate about growing the program to meet increasing community need.

“We’re investing in the next generation of Oregonians by bringing the arts into classrooms that have gone without for too long. Creativity should never be limited by geography,” Dennis said. “Partnering with local schools, we’re able to reach thousands of rural students who might not otherwise have access to the arts.”

In Sitka’s rural coastal community, all public schools are Title I and have limited or no arts education, according to Dennis.

“Sitka created K-8 Create to fill that gap, bringing high-quality art and ecology programming to local youth. 95% of participating students

come from low- income families, qualifying for free or reduced school meals under federal guidelines,” Dennis said. The seventeen Title 1 schools participating in the program stretch from Astoria in the north to Waldport in the south. All nine school districts across the region participate, including Astoria, Warrenton-Hammond, Jewell, Knappa, Seaside, Neah Kah Nie, Tillamook, Nestucca Valley, and Lincoln County school districts.

ABOUT K-8 CREATE The Sitka Youth Program’s K-8 Create provides arts and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education for Oregon Pre-K through 8th grade students, with limited or no access to art programs. By partnering directly with schools and educators to address barriers to arts education unique to rural Oregon, the Sitka Center and K-8 Create are on a mission to close arts education access gaps across the coast and state. The Sitka Center for Art and Ecology is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to expanding the relationships between art, nature and humanity. To learn more, visit www.sitkacenter.org

BUSINESS

Oregon economy slows, will take hit from Trump budget

ALEX BAUMHARDT

Oregon Capital Chronicle

Oregon will see a two-year budget with a positive $472 million balance evaporate and turn into a $373 million deficit under the Trump administration’s tax and spending policies, economists told state lawmakers.

At the end of the Oregon legislative session in July, lawmakers set aside $472 million from the state’s general fund to help buffer against expected tax revenue losses in the next biennium caused by the Republican tax and spending cut law that President Donald Trump deemed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

That will cover just over half of the $888 million in revenue losses state economists expect that Oregon will endure in the next two years from the bill.

Oregon’s chief economist, Carl Riccadonna, and senior economist, Michael Kennedy, presented the news and the state’s quarterly economic forecast Wednesday to House and Senate revenue committees, and previewed some of their findings on a call with reporters Tuesday evening.

Those include a slightly increased risk of recession in the next 12 months and slowing economic growth from Trump’s tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners that have impacted the state and national labor market. The last time the two met with lawmakers was in May to present a quarterly revenue forecast facing uncertainty over Trump’s tariff policies, which were changing by the day.

“Last time I was here saying, ‘Well, we’ve created 25 000 jobs over the last year.’ Now I have to share the unfortunate news that we’ve lost 25,000 jobs over the last year,” Riccadonna said. “The situation is worse for manufacturing, trade, transportation, professional and business services, construction, categories that you would expect to bear the brunt of an escalating trade tension situation.”

Oregon faces an overall $15 billion shortfall in federal funding in the next several years due to the Republican budget cuts to government-sponsored health insurance, food assistance and education programs, and other services, according

to an analysis from Gov. Tina Kotek’s Office.

“With President Trump and Congressional Republicans cutting $15 billion dollars from essential services over the next six years, and being responsible for reducing state funding right now by an additional $888 million, the damage is here,” Kotek said in a statement. “More Oregon families are experiencing tougher financial situations — not by chance, but because of the economic uncertainty coming straight from the Trump Administration.”

Senate Minority Leader Daniel Bonham, R-The Dalles, disagreed with the economists findings that federal policies are the cause of Oregon’s bleak revenue forecast.

“Instead of focusing on Oregon’s problems, today’s forecast spent more time on tariffs and Washington politics,” he said in a statement.

“But the truth is, our challenges are not D.C.-grown –they’re Oregon-grown. We are losing ground because of decisions made right here at home. Failed housing policy, hostile business regulations, struggling schools, and rising crime have all driven families and employers away. Tina Kotek and the Democrat supermajority have done this, one policy decision at a time.”

THE “ROLLING RECONNECT” PROBLEM

Oregon’s state tax revenues

are particularly sensitive to federal tax changes because Oregon’s tax code automatically replicates the federal code under a “rolling reconnect” policy. This means all of the Trump cuts on federal income and corporate taxes will apply to state income and corporate taxes, unless the state Legislature intervenes.

The biggest hits to Oregon’s revenues because of this policy would come from new federal rules removing taxes on some overtime hours and tips, and allowing businesses to deduct from their taxes some or all of the costs of qualifying machinery, equipment, property and other “depreciating assets” as well as research and development costs, Kennedy said.

The revenue forecast presented Wednesday is less affected by tariffs, which settled into a somewhat predictable state when they went into effect Aug. 7 for most of the U.S.’s trading partners, Riccadonna said. The average effective tariff rate in May was expected to be about 28%, and is now closer to 18% or 19% on most goods coming into the U.S. Court cases, including one led by Oregon’s Attorney General Dan Rayfield, could upend them.

The tariffs — a de facto tax on American businesses and consumers — will continue to slow the state’s labor market through 2025, Riccadonna said,

and as a result, the amount of income tax the state collects.

“We’ve had a loss of momentum in the labor market nationally. We’ve also seen that here in Oregon,” Riccadonna told reporters.

ECONOMY SLOWING EVERYWHERE

The national economy is slowing and will continue to slow through the rest of the year, according to Riccadonna. At the end of 2024, the national economy was growing at about 2 5%. It has since slowed to about 2%, and forecasters project that it will drop to about 1% in the next year, sparking recession fears.

“Anytime I see the economy getting close to 1% on GDP growth terms, I become very nervous, and so we will be closely tracking the evolution,” Riccadonna told lawmakers.

National economists forecast a 35% likelihood of a recession in the next year, down from 40% in March, he said. In Oregon, he’s projected a 27% likelihood of a recession in the next 12 months, up from 25% in May. In a typical year, the risk is 10% to 15%.

“Oregon, while underperforming the national economy in recent quarters, has shown some resilience,” he said, saying the state’s economy has not slowed as quickly as some other states and nationally.

Among the data points the economists use to weigh the likelihood of recession

for the state is “weight-mile tax” figures from the Oregon Department of Transportation, which gives them a sense of container truck traffic through the state. Riccadonna said that data does not indicate truck traffic has slowed.

They also look at the number of people filing for unemployment, which currently is not much higher than it has been in the last few years.

“So that’s not giving us a red flashing light,” Riccadonna said.

SOME LOSSES OFFSET FROM CAPITAL GAINS

Kennedy said that once the economy moves on from the “shock of tariffs,” and begins responding to tax and interest rate cuts that take effect in 2026, it’s possible things could look up.

For now, some losses to income and corporate revenue are being offset by capital gains taxes paid by wealthy Americans selling stocks, bonds, real estate and other assets at record valuations, Kennedy said.

Financial markets are so far not reflecting the level of economic insecurity and instability around tariffs that the labor market is experiencing, and the S&P 500 today is at an all time high.

Instead, traders are encouraged by the likelihood of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell cutting interest rates in September and later this year, Riccadonna said.

“I always caution that the stock market is not the economy. Nonetheless, it’s an important barometer of the economy, and with financial markets showing this robust performance, I think it’s an encouraging signal that we are not in a recession or on the cusp of recession,” Riccadonna told lawmakers.

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/08/27/oregoneconomy-slows-will-take-888million-revenue-hit-in-nexttwo-years-from-trump-budget/ 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.

Lincoln County, Oregon see employment decrease in July

STAFF REPORT

Lincoln County Leader

Seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 130 in July to 18 340 jobs in Lincoln County, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

Seasonally adjusted figures compare expected changes with actual changes. A gain of 190 jobs was expected for the month. The county’s total nonfarm employment actually increased by 60, with a gain of 260 jobs in the private sector, and government employment decreased by 200. Leisure and hospitality added 220 jobs. Professional and business services added 30 jobs. Local education employment decreased by 210 July’s total nonfarm employment numbers were down 200 jobs over the year, a decrease of 1%. The largest gains occurred in

accommodation which rose by 80 jobs over the year in July. Professional and business services lost 110 jobs. Indian tribal lost 70 jobs. Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5 6% in July, up from 5 5% in June. It edged up from 5 1% the year before.

STATEWIDE

Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 2 700 jobs in July, following a revised loss of 8 600 jobs in June, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

The monthly unemployment reports are a key indicator of the state’s economy.

LOSSES July’s losses were largest in financial activities (-2 700 jobs); professional and business services (-1 400); and health care and social assistance (-1,100). Gains were largest in construction (+2,900

The monthly unemployment reports are a key economic indicator of Lincoln County and the state. (Courtesy photo Metro Creative Connection)

jobs) and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (+800). Construction employed 112,700 in July, rebounding from its relatively weak prior two months, but landing well below its average level of 117,500 jobs during the prior two years.

Professional and business services has been on a declining trend since early 2023

Accounting for 254,100 jobs in July, it is down 14 800 jobs, or 5 5%, since its peak employment in March 2023

Each of its three component industries dropped by a similar percentage

during that period. Newly revised numbers for this year show lower employment levels than previously estimated for most industries.

CLOSER LOOK Since July 2024, Oregon’s total nonfarm payroll employment dropped 24 600 jobs, or -1 2%. Manufacturing lost 9 400 jobs, or 5 0%. Each of these industries cut between 3% and 4%: information, private education, wholesale trade, financial activities, and construction. In that time, only two major industries expanded: health care and social assistance (+9,800 jobs, or 3 2%) and leisure and hospitality (+2 000 jobs, or 1 0%). The Oregon Employment Department reports 2 114 205 employed and 121 181 unemployed in July. Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5 0% in July and 4 9% in June, after rising gradually over the past year from 4 2% in July 2024 Oregon’s 5 0% unemployment rate was 1 4 percentage points higher than the recent low of 3 6% during spring 2023

The U.S. unemployment rate was 4 1% in June and 4 2% in July.

INHOUSE Jazz 2025 in Siletz Perch & Pour Birding Happy Hour at Salishan Coastal Lodge

INHOUSE Jazz will continue the 2025 Season with a concert hosted by vocalist Annie Averre, presenting The Gordon Lee and Michelle Alany duo Sept. 7 in Siletz.

All INHOUSE Concerts in Lincoln County are offered from 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoons once each month from spring to fall.

GORDON LEE

With his unique experience in jazz, classical, world music and their blending, as composer, pianist and conductor,

Seven Capes Bird Alliance has teamed up with Salishan Coastal Lodge to host “Perch & Pour” Wednesday, Sept. 17

This bird-oriented happy hour starts at 3 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every month in The Attic. Salishan opens The Attic an hour early for birders of all

Beach Bike and Blues Festival 2025

The largest blues music festival on the Oregon Coast returns to Waldport featuring 6 hours of live blues music, great local food, Rogue beer, bike activities, a vendor fair, and gift shop.

The setting is along the Alsea Bay Bridge Visitor Center & Museum located at 320 NW Hwy. 101 at the south end of the Alsea Bay Bridge.

The Festival runs from noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 13 and the venue is ADA accessible.

Our headline blues music act features the return of Cascade Blues Association “Muddy Award” winners Sonny Hess, Lisa Mann and Kelly Pierce. Pepsi products, wine and hard seltzer are available along with four varieties of Rogue beer. Local food includes fish & chips from Fishing Rock Eatery and sweet treats from Chubby Lil’ Mermaid.

Bike activities for all ages includes an obstacle course, kids safety course, speed biking competition and pedi-cab rides from Green Bike Co-Op.

Inside the Alsea Bay Bridge Visitor Center & Museum you’ll find Beach, Bike & Blues merchandise, locally crafted gifts, free area information, and historical displays featuring artifacts and photos recognizing our Native American heritage and Waldport’s early days. The Center also features murals and information of every bridge that spans the 363-mile Oregon coastal rivers and bays.

New to Waldport is ADA beach access featuring

Thank you to every reader, family, and volunteer who helped make it happen! We’re excited to welcome back some of our most beloved programs this fall, along with ongoing favorites that keep our library chalk full of fun all year long. On Tuesdays, join us for Toddler Time storytime at 10:30 a.m. Our littlest library friends will love gentle stories, songs, and wiggle-friendly fun—a perfect way to start the week with laughter, learning, and togetherness. And on the first Friday of every month from 2:30–4:30 p.m., Family LEGO Fun invites builders of all ages to drop in and see where their imaginations take them. Whether it’s castles, spaceships, or wild inventions, there’s no limit to what you can create.

Spanish, followed by a hands-on craft. This allyear program celebrates language, culture, and connection.

Beginning Wednesday,

Sept. 3, Preschool Storytime returns at 10:30 AM. Preschoolers and their grown-ups can enjoy lively stories followed by a themed craft in a weekly tradition full of imagination and creativity that lasts all school year.

Starting Thursday, Sept. 4, Bilingual Storytime returns at 5:30 p.m. Families can enjoy stories told in both English and

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 1:30–4 p.m. Family Crafting is back. Our craft tables will be overflowing with supplies for this drop-in, all-ages event where you can explore, create, and take home your masterpieces—no two projects are ever the same! Join us this fall for stories, crafts, and creative adventures—because the library isn’t just about books. We can’t wait to see you at the library! For more information, call 541-265-2153 or visit www.newportlibrary.org

The Samaritan Center for Health Education is hosting a free wellness seminar, Why Love Heals, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 740 SW Ninth Street in Newport. The seminar will be facilitated by Dean Shrock, PhD, who specializes in mind-bodyspirit medicine. Shrock’s research with cancer concluded that patients live longer when they feel listened to and supported. Nationally known physician and

Seven Capes Bird Alliance Celebrates 20 Years

Working Together for Birds and Nature

At its annual members meeting on Saturday Sept. 20, Seven Capes Bird Alliance will celebrate its 20th anniversary.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished in the last 20 years,” President Dawn Villaescusa said. “staying true to our roots as a dedicated group of birders who care deeply about wildlife and their habitats in Lincoln and Tillamook Counties.”

The organization began in 2005, when a small group of volunteers founded what was then Audubon Society of Lincoln City, Oregon’s first new Audubon chapter in 22 years. They articulated their mission and defined focus areas of education, conservation, and community science. As a fledgling organization, these volunteers knew that the best way to foster community interest in birding and wildlife

PERCH

was obvious–get folks outside.

The group’s monthly bird walks, still an iconic program and major touchstone for community engagement, began in 2006

Seven Capes’ first in-school education program began in 2008 with “Audubon Adventures” in classrooms at Oceanlake and Taft elementary schools. Education efforts expanded to classrooms in Tillamook, Newport, Toledo, and Siletz in

From Page B1

levels—both Salishan guests and the public—to gather in conversation and sip on a craft cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage in a cozy setting. As we note the upcoming start of fall,

BEACH

From Page B1

Mobi-Mats that are safe and easy surfaces for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers and other mobility devices. Access is off Oceania Drive in the Bayshore community at Beach Access 66. Waldport also boasts a championship disc golf course, skate park, Crestview Golf Club and miles of beach access. Visit these websites for lodging, things to do, places to eat,

JAZZ

From Page B1

Lee blazes new paths. Gordon is best known for his jazz performances and compositions, but is also active in many styles of music with commissions to compose for Oregon Symphony members, the Amadei String Quartet, and big bands. He has performed with the Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra and the Oregon Symphony and was a

2011

The group’s wellknown “Birding Basics” adult education program began at Oregon Coast Community College in 2012. After 13 years of success, in 2025 the Birding Basics was offered as a pilot program at Tillamook Bay Community College as well, marking an uninterrupted and ever-expanding education effort that is entirely volunteer run.

“We know that building appreciation for the

this month we’ll share stories of the seasonal change of bird life in our area and report on results of this summer’s Osprey nests. In addition to beverages, The Attic presents a farm-to-fork dinner menu crafted from sustainably sourced ingredients. Perch & Pour participants are welcome to stay when The

natural world is the first step in creating the desire to protect it,” Education Chair Nora Sherwood said. “And our education classes–whether for children or adults–have been incredibly effective in igniting that initial spark.”

After education plants the seed, Seven Capes’ community science programs offer the opportunity to get directly involved. In 2013, Seven Capes participated in National Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count for the first time, and in their first Great Backyard Bird Count in 2014

Both counts have become an annual tradition, and now Seven Capes has developed its very own community science project, starting the Osprey Awareness Initiative in 2023. For three seasons, enthusiastic volunteers have tracked local nests as part of a greater effort to bring attention to the Ospreys that grace our communities every summer, and the first Lincoln City Osprey Day was part of

Attic opens to the public at 4 p.m. And don’t miss out on live music every Wednesday from 5–7 p.m.—come for the birds, stay for the tunes!

Salishan Coastal Lodge is easily accessible at 7760 US-101 in Gleneden Beach. Join us to share your latest bird sightings and stories!

shopping, hiking trails, attractions and partner information: findyourselfinwaldport.com/ resources/ https://findyourselfinwaldport. com/stay/ https://findyourselfinwaldport. com/shop/ https://findyourselfinwaldport. com/eat/ https://findyourselfinwaldport. com/play/ https://pioneer.net/ https://www.rogue.com/ https://greenbikeco-op.org/

guest lecturer and performer in China in 2007, 2015 and 2016

MICHELLE ALANY

Michelle Alany is an internationally touring violinist and vocalist, a dynamic performer and ambassador of world folk traditions.

She specializes in soulful Sephardic, Mediterranean & Eastern European-inspired music, as well as original music, drawing on rich folk and classical traditions.

Together Lee and Alany

that effort this past July.

At the heart of Seven Capes’ programs is the drive to foster community care for the wildlife and habitats that surround us. From the beginning, conservation advocacy has been a key component of the organization, and in 2018 the Board of Directors decided to prioritize this effort with unprecedented energy.

In 2020, they took on their greatest conservation challenge so far by proposing Marine Conservation Areas at Cape Lookout and Cape Foulweather Complex. Three years and many meetings later, the Department of Land Conservation and Development approved these proposals in 2023, solidifying Seven Capes’ reputation of leadership, effectiveness, and collaboration.

“Achieving Marine Conservation Area designation was just the first step,” Conservation Chair Steve Griffiths said. “Now we’re moving forward to design and implement

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 their habitats in Lincoln and

https://www.fishingrockeatery. com/ https://www.facebook.com/ chubbylilmermaid/ https://www.waldportoregon.gov/ https://caringplaces.com/ communities/south-beach-manor/ https://findyourselfinwaldport. com/chamber-members/ https://cascadeblues.org/ Waldport: Where The Forest Meets The Sea. For sponsorship information, please contact Tom Fullmer director@waldportchamber.org

took the stage locally Aug. 21 Chinook Winds as a part of the Siletz Bay Music Festival in a Jim Pepper Tribute: Gordon Lee lead an ensemble performing highlights from Pepper’s unique musical legacy celebrated at the “Welcome to the Club” jazz night concert The INHOUSE Jazz atmosphere is informal; providing an opportunity for audiences to enjoy an intimate concert, free from the noise and distractions often associated with a restaurant or bar.

education and stewardship programs to ensure that these magnificent habitats and their wildlife remain healthy for future generations.”

The growth that Seven Capes has seen over the last 20 years has required and produced significant changes. The organization is now supported by four part-time staff members, increased membership, and major grant funding. However, their founding mission is stronger than ever: to encourage residents and visitors to protect and enjoy the native birds, other wildlife, and habitats found on Oregon’s coast through conservation, education, and community science. 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.

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.

SEMINAR

From Page B1

health advocate Dean Ornish, MD, conducted similar research with heart patients and also concluded that no factor in medicine affects one’s health, and quality and length of life, more than feeling loved and cared for.

At this wellness

There is no charge for these sessions, but a donation of $15 - $30 is suggested to compensate musicians. Any funds collected beyond expenses are donated in support of local arts and education. The audience is encouraged to bring their own beverages and potluck treats.

All interested in attending should RSVP to Annie Averre 360-606-7136 prior to each concert.

INHOUSE jazz is a proud member of The Folk Alliance International.

seminar, Shrock will go beyond the importance of lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise and stress management. He will show how love is a healing energy that nurtures the soul, “and when you heal the soul, the body follows,” he said. To reserve your seat for the wellness seminar, email Amy Conner at aconner@samhealth.org or call 541-574-4952

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999 PUBLIC NOTICES LCL25-3386 INVITATION TO SUBMIT PROPOSAL/BID CITY OF LINCOLN CITY. Wastewater Treatment Plant Roof Replacement. Proposals Due: 2:00 PM, October 30, 2025. The City of Lincoln City is requesting proposals for the installation of a new roof over the administration and shop building at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project is located at 5000 SE Port Ave. in Lincoln City, Oregon. City is requesting proposals and bid through a proposal review process to select a Contractor with the best value for the City. The selection process will

Certificate of Residency” and bidder’s name. BID DOCUMENTS - Proposal/Bid documents shall be obtained by emailing Amanda Sawyer at asawyer@lincolncity.org .The official Planholder’s list will be kept by the City and any addenda will issued by the City. PRE-BID MEETINGThere will not be a prebid meeting or site visit conducted by the City. Bidders are required to conduct a field review of the building on their own to acquaint themselves with pertinent conditions prior to preparing and submitting their bid proposal. Contact the city’s facilities manager Sven Lorenz at 541-9213724 or email slorenz@ lincolncity.org for access to the buildings. QUESTIONS - All questions or requests for clarification shall be directed in writing to the Terry Chamberlin, Project Manager, via email: tchamberlin@ lincolncily.org , All writ-

Disclosure Form. Submittal of proposal/bid shall be in a sealed envelope with identification plainly marked on the outside including project name, bid date, and time, “Bid Proposal, Bid Bond and

(Assessor’s Account Number R514366), area south of Coolidge Lane. 7. Lincoln County Assessor’s Map 14-12-27-AC Tax Lot 05300 (Assessor’s Account Number R513902), area west of Ocean View Drive. 8. Lincoln County Assessor’s Map 14-12-34-AC Tax Lot 06001 (Assessor’s Account Number R248035), area west of Surfside Drive. Full legal descriptions of the properties are available from Lincoln County Surveyor’s Office, 880 NE 7th Street, Newport Oregon 97365. In accordance with law, the County may transfer some or all of these properties with conditions, restrictions, reversions, or reservation of certain rights. LCL25-0377 TS NO. OR05000069-24-1 APN R346301 TO NO 240481836-OR-MSI TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, KEYTEN CHASE MCKUHN AND LAURISSA MARIE MCKUHN, AS TENANTS BY THE ENTIRETY as Grantor to WESTERN TITLE & ESCROW COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., as designated nominee for FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of September 15, 2021 and recorded on September 16, 2021 as Instrument No. 202111880 and the beneficial interest was assigned to Nationstar Mortgage LLC and recorded September 19, 2024 as Instrument Number 2024-06537 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Lincoln County, Oregon to-wit: APN: R346301 PARCEL 3, PARTITION PLAT NO. 2021-16, 16A, IN LINCOLN COUNTY, OREGON, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED JUNE 30, 2021 IN LINCOLN COUNTY PLAT RECORDS. Commonly known as: 224 PIONEER MOUNTAIN LOOP, TOLEDO, OR 97391 Both the Beneficiary, Nationstar

and

charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any. Dated: 07/17/2025 By: Nathan F. Smith, OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 NPP0476910 To: LINCOLN COUNTY LEADER 08/20/2025, 08/27/2025, 09/03/2025, 09/10/2025 LCL25-03434 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE TS NO.: 131976-OR LOAN NO.: ***8733 Reference is made to that certain trust deed (the “Deed of Trust”) executed by JERALDINE ALICE PISHVAI, A MARRIED WOMAN, as Grantor, to FIRST AMERICAN TITLE COMPANY, as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS DESIGNATED NOMINEE FOR HOME POINT FINANCIAL CORPORATION, BENEFICIARY OF THE SECURITY INSTRUMENT, ITS SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, as Beneficiary, dated 8/26/2015, recorded 8/31/2015, as Instrument No. 2015-08832, in the Official Records of Lincoln County, Oregon, which covers the following described real property situated in Lincoln County, Oregon: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF SPRUCE PRODUCTION RAILROAD RIGHT-OFWAY THAT IS 12 FEET WEST OF THE SECTION LINE BETWEEN SECTIONS 26 AND 27, TOWNSHIP 11 SOUTH, RANGE 11 WEST, WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, RUNNING THENCE WEST ALONG SAID SOUTH BOUNDARY OF SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY 150 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE TRACT HEREIN DESCRIBED; THENCE WEST ALONG SAID SOUTH BOUNDARY OF SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY 68 FEET, MORE OR LESS, TO A POINT THAT IS 230 FEET WEST OF SAID SECTION LINE BETWEEN SECTIONS 26 AND 27; THENCE SOUTH TO THE MEANDER LINE OF YAQUINA BAY; THENCE EAST ALONG SAID MEANDER LINE TO A POINT SOUTH OF THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING, ALL IN SAID SECTION 27, IN LINCOLN COUNTY, OREGON. EXCEPTING THEREFROM ALL EXISTING HIGHWAY RIGHTS OF WAY AND ANY PORTION FALLING BELOW THE MEAN HIGH TIDE LINE OF THE YAQUINA RIVER. ALSO, BEGINNING AT A POINT ON SOUTH SIDE OF SPRUCE PRODUCTION RAILROAD RIGHT-OFWAY THAT IS 12 FEET WEST OF THE SEC-

TION LINE BETWEEN SECTIONS 26 AND 27, TOWNSHIP 11 SOUTH, RANGE 11 WEST, WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN; RUNNING THENCE WEST ALONG SOUTH BOUNDARY OF SAID RIGHT-OF-WAY 150 FEET, THENCE SOUTH TO THE MEANDER LINE OF YAQUINA BAY; THENCE EAST ALONG SAID MEANDER LINE TO A POINT SOUTH OF THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, ALL IN SAID SECTION 27, LINCOLN COUNTY, STATE OF OREGON. EXCEPTING THEREFROM ALL EXISTING HIGHWAY RIGHTS OF WAY AND ANY PORTION FALLING BELOW THE MEAN HIGH TIDE LINE OF THE YAQUINA RIVER APN: R96817 / 11-1127-00-02001-00 Commonly known as: 6336 YAQUINA

Birdie’s perfect pitching immortalized in the Hall of Fame

WILL LOHRE Lincoln County Leader

If you were lucky enough to watch a Taft High School softball game from 2002-2005, you probably remember seeing Ashley “Birdie” Birdsong atop the mound, striking out batters with the precision of a laser cutter.

You may have made the trek to Corvallis to watch Birdsong and the Tigers win Taft’s first and only softball championship, when she capped a decorated high school career with an eight-strikeout, 6-0 win against Cascade.

And if you tracked her collegiate career at Bradley University, where she pitched from 2005-2009, you’d have seen her start in the circle for all four years, graduating as the all-time strikeout leader with 870. She was named to the Bradley Hall of Fame in 2020 Now, as a result of her exceptional play on the softball field and for her contributions off of it, Birdsong has been inducted into the NAFA Softball Hall of Fame. For Birdsong, it was an amazing achievement, presented to her at a ceremony in Salem on Aug. 3

“Just like it says on the Hall of Fame plaque itself, it is the highest honor, and it really is! I am so grateful, and I feel so blessed to still be playing a game that is so dear to my heart,” Birdsong said. “What an amazing and special experience to have Benjie Hedgecock, NAFAs Executive Director, MC the ceremony, as I have played in many tournaments of his and he watched me grow up playing ball. I was also really thankful to have my mom Diane, my high school Coach Tom, his wife Lois, my best friend Ashlea, and her family there to be supportive, as they always have been.”

Family fast pitch

Birdsong’s love of pitching is rooted in family history. Birdsong learned to pitch from her grandfather, a pitcher and competitor who owned a pitching school in Southern California called Birdie’s School of Fastpitch. When he retired, he moved up to the Oregon coast, and Birdsong became his star pupil. He would play catcher, and Birdsong would hone her craft. In high school, Birdsong made a name for herself as one of the stingiest pitchers in 3A. In each of her four seasons at Taft, she earned First Team All-State plaudits. She was twice named the Gatorade State Player of the Year. Her win-loss record - an impressive 77-14 - is somehow made mortal by her mindboggling strikeout record. She struck out an incredible 1,306 batters while walking only 16(!).

Birdsong proved almost impossible to pin down. After pitching a perfect game as a freshman, she set the Oregon single-season record for perfect games in a season, tossing eight. For her career, she racked up 15 flawless fixtures, another state record. And as if

to show that she could one-up perfection, she also registered two games in which she struck out all 21 batters over seven innings.

The crown jewel of her pitching career at Taft was the state title Birdsong brought home to Lincoln City her senior year.

Birdsong’s favorite memories from that time, though?

“My fondest memories pitching at Taft and at Bradley are the lifelong friendships and memories that were created with my teammates, as well as the support that I received from my family,” Birdsong said. “My grandpa taught me how to pitch, and my grandparents were at every game. My mom made it to as many games as she could, balancing work and being a single mom. She has and continues to be so supportive of me in every aspect of my life! Also, I have to give a huge thank you and shout out to my high school coach, Tom Trunt, who spent countless hours sitting on a bucket catching me, not only through high school but through college too! Thank you, Tom! I would not be the pitcher I am today without you!”

At Bradley, Birdsong continued to excel. And she also made her fair share of program history along the way.

When she was inducted into the Bradley Hall of Fame, she held program career marks for pitching starts (108), innings (794 2), strikeouts (870), and complete games (97), and was second in school history in wins (65) and shutouts (25). She was the only pitcher in program history to lead the team in strikeouts in four consecutive seasons and owned four of the top six single-season strikeout records.

Birdsong said it was surreal to earn a spot in the Bradley’s Hall of Fame.

“What an honor to join some amazing fellow student athletes in receiving the highest honor from the university, that will

The Newport Swim Team will conduct Fall Swim Tryouts

The Newport Swim Team

coaching staff will conduct Fall Swim Tryouts from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 15 and 16, at the Newport Aquatic Center, located at 225 SE Avery Street in Newport.

The Newport Swim Team is a competitive club that is a year-round swim program offering an experienced coaching staff for ages 6-18 Organizers said the goal of

team is to provide every member an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at the swimmer’s own ability.

For more information, or to schedule a tryout on a different date, contact Gavin Santiago, Head Coach at, coach.gavinsantiago@gmail. com

www.newportswimteam. net

always hold a special place in my heart and I am so grateful to my teammates and coaches, Buddy Foster, Amy Hays and Renee Gass for making that a possibility because honestly, I wouldn’t have been given the opportunities that I was without them. Thank you,” Birdsong said.

As in high school, her senior year brought tremendous individual success, and she was named First-Team All-Missouri Valley Conference and FirstTeam National Fastpitch Coaches Association AllMideast Region pick.

Birdsong’s most remarkable feat of the season was earning MVC Tournament MVP. She pitched all 29 innings of the tournament for Bradley, going 4-0 with a 1 45 ERA, including a two-hit shutout in the championship game versus regular-season champion Creighton.

When she looks back at her time at Taft and Bradley, though, it isn’t the individual accolades that resonate; it’s the team success.

“Both senior years were special. My senior year of high school, we won the state championship for the first time in Taft history. My senior year in college, we won the conference tournament for the first time in Bradley history,” Birdsong said. “Both experiences were indescribable and something that I will never forget!”

While her grandpa was an exceptional pitching coach, he was also a great roommate. Birdsong lived in an apartment by herself during her junior and senior years, and her grandpa came out to Peoria, Illinois, to stay with her during the seasons so he could attend her games.

“A fond memory was having my grandpa as my college roommate,” Birdsong said. “I definitely look back and treasure those times!”

Though her grandfather has passed away, his legacy lives on through her. Birdsong lives in Galt, a town about 30 miles outside of Sacramento, California. She still plays softball, mostly in men’s fastpitch league’s which she said is “super fun and competitive,” but she’s also passing down the skills she got from her grandpa.

“Before he passed away, I promised him that I would carry on his pitching school, Birdie’s School of Fastpitch,

and I kept that promise! I love doing lessons and teaching, and passing along the love and knowledge of the game,” Birdsong said. “I am so proud of all of my students! I love watching them learn, grow, and build confidence through their hard work!”

Love for Lincoln City

Despite migrating to California, Birdsong still has deep ties to Lincoln City. Her mom, Diane, and her siblings still live in the area, and she comes back to visit as often as she can. She said she still feels the support from the community, like when she was pitching at Taft.

“I always love coming back home,” Birdsong said. “My mom is always telling me that someone said hi or asked how I was doing, and it is fun running into people when I am back in town. I have always felt so much love and support from my hometown. I love Lincoln City and the community there!”

Thinking about some of the lessons softball has taught her over the years, Birdsong said that softball is “so much more than a sport.” It has taught (and continues to) her so many things that extend beyond the outfield or the dugout.

She’s learned the value of hard work and perseverance. She’s learned that things aren’t always going to go how she wants, and that it’s not about what’s gone wrong, but how she reacts. Birdsong said, “You can’t control a lot of things in softball or in life, but you can control your attitude, your effort, and how you respond.” When asked what message she would have for current and future Tigers who take up softball, Birdsong said, “Have fun! Time goes by so fast, so enjoy your time playing because it goes by faster than you think!”

“My grandpa told me to always be kind, respectful, courteous and a good role model. He told me you never know who is watching you, or listening and there are little girls who might look up to you, so set a good example for them. Be a good example on and off the field,” Birdsong said. “Lastly, be a good teammate. Pick your teammates up when they are struggling, give them those words of encouragement, tell them they’ll get it next time! Be excited for them when they succeed! Have each other’s back no matter what on that field because at the end of the day, teamwork is what makes the dream work!”