North Coast
Citizen Serving North Tillamook County since 1996
NORTHCOASTCITIZEN.COM
OCTOBER 19, 2023
$1.50 VOLUME 30, NO. 21
Bonamici hosts Tillamook town hall WILL CHAPPELL Citizen Editor
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Congresswoman Bonamici shares an anecdote with constituents about her first call with then-President Barack Obama shortly after her inauguration following a special election. The congresswoman told the crowd that Obama’s first question had been whether she was a beaver or a duck. PHOTO BY LAUREN JIN.
ongresswoman Suzanne Bonamici hosted a town hall at Tillamook Bay Community College on October 7, welcoming constituents to ask her questions. Bonamici addressed a wide variety of topics, ranging from her support for continued military aid for Ukraine to the need for comprehensive immigration reform. “Your feedback really does inform what I do in Washington D.C.,” Bonamici told her constituents at the town hall. Bonamici started the meeting by thanking the attendees and addressing the recent ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Bonamici said that she had played a limited role as a Democrat but that the situation still concerned her. “I’m disappointed in the chaos and the uncertainty,” Bonamici said. She said that during the drama surrounding the speaker she had been working to build bipartisan support for bills and remained ready to work on legislation. “We’re ready to work with you, we’re happy to work SEE BONAMICI PAGE A3
Commissioner TEP monitors, candidates introduce conserves and repairs Tillamook’s waters themselves to Tillamook WILL CHAPPELL Citizen Editor
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ith its 30th anniversary approaching in 2024, Tillamook Estuaries Partnership continues in its mission of preserving and improving water quality and fish habitat in Tillamook County’s estuaries and educating the public about issues facing the waterways. The partnership collaborates with partners across the county to run a variety of programs and projects, ranging from a backyard planting program supported by a nursery with more than 100,000 plants to its annual, spring Clean Water Festival for fourth graders. “We look at clean water, healthy habitat, abundant wildlife and really just the quality of life we have here in Tillamook,” said Tillamook Estuaries Partnership Executive Director Kristi Foster. Tillamook Estuaries Partnership (TEP) was formed in 1994 with a focus on the Tillamook Bay watershed and the estuaries therein, but Foster said its mission quickly expanded to encompass all five watersheds in Tillamook County. From south to north those are the Nestucca Bay, Sand Lake, Netarts Bay,
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Tillamook Bay and Nehalem Bay watersheds. In its early years, the organization developed a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the watersheds and gained federal recognition and enrollment in the Association of National Estuary Programs. There are 28 estuary programs scattered across the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf Coasts of the continental United States and Puerto Rico, of which Tillamook is the smallest, or second smallest, depending on the metric. TEP and the other estuary programs receive federal funding each year from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), appropriated through the Clean Water Act. TEP receives around $1 million annually in funding from the EPA, which covers its office overhead and administrative staff costs. TEP’s staff works hard to supplement federal funding with grants from a variety of sources to pay for their projects and is highly successful, securing $5 to $6 million annually on top of their baseline funding. One of the biggest projects that TEP coordinates is the monitoring of water quality in streams, creeks and rivers across the county, which has been ongoing since 1997. Dedicated volunteers collect samples from an assigned route every two weeks for testing for bacterial contamination, with results posted online on an interactive map available to the public. Foster said that TEP’s monitoring efforts also extend to ocean acidification monitoring equipment at the
Port of Garibaldi, which they plan to duplicate in Netarts Bay soon. The partnership also has plans to install a tower in south county that will be able to monitor carbon sequestration in the area at some point in 2024. Conserving and restoring fish habitat, particularly for coho salmon, is another of the partnership’s three focus areas, consisting of several approaches including, large wood projects, and fish passage and riparian habitat improvements. Large wood projects help to restore spawning habitat for coho and other salmonids in the area’s streams by using timber to create new flow patterns, pools and gravel deposits that promote and protect spawning. TEP manages its own large wood projects and partners with the area’s watershed councils to help with funding and management on projects they are undertaking. Improving riparian habitats is also an important element of improving fish habitat, helping to prevent deposits of sediment and other materials in waterways. TEP works to improve riparian habitats by helping landowners install animal exclusion fencing and through its backyard planting program. The planting program is a particular point of pride for Foster and TEP. It offers landowners with water running through their property three years of free riparian zone management and rehabilitation. TEP removes existing invasive species in the riparian zone and replaces them with local SEE TEP PAGE A3
WILL CHAPPELL Citizen Editor
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he six finalists for appointment to replace retiring Tillamook County Commissioner David Yamamoto participated in a candidates’ forum hosted by the American Association of University Women on October 12. Doug Olson, Ken Henson, Jerry Keene, Paul Fournier, Paul Levesque and Matt Williams fielded questions submitted by voters and were scheduled to participate in a further interview session with the board of commissioners on October 16. Doug Olson Olson is a native Oregonian who has spent the last 30 years in Pacific City and described himself as independent. Olson has a business administration degree, and after starting his career in sales, moved into governmental work, holding positions at the Evergreen School District and later with Washington County schools. Currently, Olson serves as the Pacific City Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce’s treasurer. He has also served Tillamook residents by helping to prepare a road bond and serving on the transient lodging committee and Adventist Tillamook’s board. The three largest issues facing Tillamook County are securing financial stability, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) proposed biological opinion that would severely curtail development in the county’s floodplains
and aging infrastructure, according to Olson. Olson said that he favored investigating alternative sources of revenue to supplement the county’s budget and mentioned the possibility of asking voters to approve a levy to support the sheriff’s department. Olson said that if appointed, he would not run in next year’s election to fill the position and would come in with the goal of expanding county services and stabilizing its finances. Ken Henson Henson has lived in Tillamook County for two decades and has a business background, currently overseeing a restaurant and lodging consulting business. After growing up in a small town in Ohio, Henson briefly attended university before dropping out and joining the military and returning to finish his studies subsequently. The father of two said that he believes in servant leadership and wanted to use the experience that he has gained in the private sector to help serve the county. Henson said that in his opinion the three biggest concerns for the county were the county’s financial stability, the lack of affordable housing and residents’ food security. While Henson granted that he does not have much public service experience, he said that he thought his experience in various business groups had prepared him for the position. Henson said that he only planned to run for election in 2024 if he was selected by the
commissioners to fill the vacancy. Henson said that, if selected, he would not bring an agenda to the position and would rely on experts to inform his decisions. He said that he would bring his passion for issues of food security to the board and emphasized his attachment and commitment to the country. Jerry Keene Keene is a native Oregonian and retired lawyer who has owned a house in Oceanside for 30 years and retired there with his partner 14 years ago. In addition to experience working with state agencies in his professional career, Olson has remained active in his retirement, serving on numerous boards and committees addressing issues in Oceanside, and recently participating as a member of the county’s short-term rental advisory committee. The budgetary crisis and implications of the Oregon Department of Forestry’s proposed habitat conservation plan, housing and emergency preparedness would be Keene’s top priorities as commissioner. Keene said that he would favor investigating the possibility of adding a surcharge to the county’s transient lodging tax to increase revenues in the short term and holding workshops to update the county’s strategic plan in the long term. Keene said that he did not plan to run for the position in 2024 but saw the SEE CANDIDATES PAGE A3
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October 19, 2023
NORTHCOASTCITIZEN.COM | NORTH COAST CITIZEN
Crime spree affects Air Museum, Sheriff’s Department and others LEFT PHOTO: Clean up begins on Sunday morning at the Tillamook Air Museum after a Mercury Sable crashed through the glass entryway in the middle of the night. TOP RIGHT PHOTO: The temporary solution installed by the air museum that allowed them to reopen to guests by October 10. BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO: Damage caused to a large screen monitor at the Tillamook Justice Center with a flagpole by one of the two suspects shortly before his apprehension by a corrections deputy. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE TILLAMOOK AIR MUSEUM AND TILLAMOOK SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT.
WILL CHAPPELL Citizen Editor
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n early morning crime spree on Sunday, October 8, caused tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of damage and ended with two suspects in custody after five hours spent rampaging through Tillamook. Ryan Woods and Taylor Hulbert were both arrested in relation to the crime spree and booked into the Tillamook County Jail by sheriff’s deputies. Hulbert was released on October 10,
while Woods is being held on charges of burglary, criminal mischief, possession of a stolen vehicle, larceny, theft and offensive littering with a $13,000 bail. The incident began at 1:13 a.m. on October 8, when two suspects broke into Burden’s Towing Lot in Downtown Tillamook, burglarizing several cars before stealing a silver Mercury Sable around 1:50 and leaving the lot. The duo dropped off the radar for an hour and a half, at which point they were spotted on security cameras
at the South Prairie Store trying to gain entry to a parked vehicle and leaving after failing shortly later. After leaving the South Prairie Store, the two drove to the Port of Tillamook Bay, where they stole a forklift from a business on Signal Street, using it to damage a car. The pair then returned to the stolen vehicle and set off towards Hangar B, stopping to try to gain entry to another business en route. In security footage that the air museum shared with the Herald, the suspects can be
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seen arriving at the museum around 4:45 a.m. The Sable can be seen driving into the exterior entranceway to the museum’s lobby before the car’s driver exits the vehicle shirtless. The driver examines the locked museum doors and appears to topple a trashcan offscreen before returning to the driver’s seat and driving the car through the museum’s plate-glass doors. Tillamook Air Museum Director Rita Welch estimated that it would cost between $20,000 and $30,000 to replace the doors and said that the museum would be filing an insurance claim. Once inside the lobby, the passenger can be seen exiting the car before rummaging around for a guitar in the vehicle’s backseat and wandering off camera holding it. Welch said that the suspects then proceeded to ransack the lobby, causing what she estimated as $2,000 of damage to trash cans, a coffee bar, framed artifacts, magazine racks and rugs. The pair can be seen on the security footage wandering away from the museum shortly after 5 a.m. At that point they walked to the nearby Stimson Lumber offices where they broke a large window to gain entry, before stealing an axe from a truck and using it to cause damage in the office. The pair also broke into trucks owned by Tillamook Bay Community College (TBCC) as part of its driver training program that were parked nearby. According to TBCC’s Community Education Coordinator JoAnn Critelli, who oversees the truck driving program, the trucks had not been damaged
in the break ins. Critelli said that the trucks’ glove boxes had been rummaged through and that a fire extinguisher from one of the trucks was discharged. After vandalizing Stimson and breaking into the trucks, the duo started to head north on foot. One of the duo ran out of steam along Blimp Boulevard where he was apprehended sleeping shirtless near the scene of the forklift incident at 6:02 a.m. The man was identified as Taylor Hulbert and transported to Adventist Health Tillamook Hospital for medical evaluation before being transferred to the jail. The other marauder was not finished for the evening though and proceeded to the Tillamook County Justice Center on Long Prairie Road, a short distance away. The man entered the public lobby of the facility shortly after it opened for the morning at 6 a.m., used a flagpole to pierce a television screen and broke several framed photographs and awards before fleeing. A Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy gave chase and apprehended the man, who was arrested by a Tillamook Police Officer who responded to the scene. The man was identified as Ryan Woods and immediately booked into the jail. Following the spree, the affected business owners were left to clean up the aftermath as deputies continued to investigate the suspect’s activities. Welch said that the museum would be reopened by October 10, after cleaning up the debris and securing the
entrance, but added that she worried it would be several months before they could repair the damage to the entry. A representative from the sheriff’s office told the Herald that the deputy investigating the case is still working to piece together the rest of the pair’s evening and believes more crimes have been committed. Anybody who has relevant information or believes they may have been impacted should call Deputy Ben Berger at (503) 8153392. The sheriff’s representative also told the Herald that wi investigators believed the her two suspects had been using “w a Slim Jim or other similar ou device to gain entry to vehicles, because of the lack and of smashed windows. rea Re On October 9, Woods po was arraigned on a slew wh of charges including, one nex count of burglary, one wo count of possession of a ext stolen vehicle, two counts of criminal mischief related to vandalism, one count of too iss pickpocket theft and one count of larceny relating to add the unauthorized use of the say motor vehicle. Woods was on held on a combined $13,000 bond. Hulbert was released without charges on Monday. Tillamook District Attorney Aubrey Olson told the pla Herald that probable cause bef declarations filed by the and arresting officers did not wo provide enough information to support charges against con Hulbert. Olson said that pro her office was waiting on Po final investigative reports to is a decide whether to file charges TE against him. to op
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October 19, 2023
NORTH COAST CITIZEN | NORTHCOASTCITIZEN.COM
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Housing commission hears from regional solutions task force WILL CHAPPELL Citizen Editor
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illamook County’s Housing Commission heard updates from members of the regional solutions task force about housing developments at the various agencies that make up the group at their meeting on October 4. The commission also announced that applications for the county’s multifamily housing grant are due by November 9, and that $400,000 will be available in forgivable loans in the program’s second year. The regional task force is one of 11 that was created by Governor Tina Kotek to address regional issues acorss Oregon and includes
members from various state departments and Business Oregon. Two officials from the Department of Housing and Community Services (ODHCS) discussed the programs that ODHCS has been working on to address the housing shortage in the state. The agency received its largest budget during the most recent biennial funding cycle and has $1.14 billion per annum over the next two years. Those funds are primarily devoted to addressing homelessness across the state and helping to develop low0income housing. The agencyhas several programs which could be beneficial to Tillamook
County that the officials detailed, including a $10 million program for agricultural workers and a $20 million program aimed at promoting modular housing. In recent years, the department has been working to streamline the application processes for its various programs, and Tillamook County Commissioner Erin Skaar remarked that she had noticed a marked, positive improvement over the last decade. Those efforts will continue as the department works to develop a list of prequalified developers for its programs, allowing more efficient disbursement of funds. Melanie Olson from Business Oregon shared
about the programs that her group offers that can help to facilitate housing development. While Olson was careful to say that none of their programs allocated funds to building houses as such, several could help to lay the groundwork for housing. Business Oregon’s special public works funds can help cities to expand their water infrastructure to service new developments. The group’s Brownfield redevelopment program helps property owners remediate toxic waste concerns on their properties and can be used by housing developers. Tillamook’s new Housing Coordinator Parker Sammons then gave an update on the work he’s been doing since
his arrival in the county and the work of the commission’s committees. Sammons said that the development committee has set its sights on defining and addressing the issue of zombie properties in Tillamook County. Zombie properties are those that for various reasons have fallen into a state of neglect and disuse because of foreclosures or other adverse financial situations, with ownership often falling to financial institutions. Sammons said that after the list is compiled, he wants to take steps to address the existing properties and help prevent their proliferation. Sammons mentioned that Astoria has a derelict building ordinance that
he plans to examine and potentially use as a model for an ordinance in Tillamook County. Another priority for Sammons is developing a list of properties in the county that could be targeted for the development of affordable housing. Finally, Skaar gave a brief update on other housing developments taking place in the county. Those include receiving $750,000 of funding from the state to address homelessness and the completion of the purchase of a 46-acre property in Tillamook’s urban growth boundary, which commissioners hope to prepare for development with the addition of utility infrastructure.
Commissioners approve pharmacy agreement WILL CHAPPELL Citizen Editor
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illamook’s Board of County Commissioners approved a contract with Genoa Healthcare LLC for the establishment of a pharmacy on October 11. The move comes in response to the recent closure of the Tillamook Pharmacy, which left many patients in the county scrambling to find reliable pharmacy services. Tillamook County’s
Health and Human Services Administrator Marlene Putman delineated the specifics of the agreement for the commissioners at the meeting. Putman said that when Tillamook Pharmacy closed abruptly in early September, it put an added strain on the Safeway and Fred Meyer pharmacies, as well as patients. Now that the agreement is signed, Genoa will work to identify a suitable location for their pharmacy and then carry out the work necessary
to construct or configure the chosen site. Putman estimated that this process would take between six and eight months, a muchexpedited timeframe because of Genoa’s existing licenses. In addition to the physical pharmacy, Genoa will offer mail-delivery service for their prescriptions and the company will offer customers the ability to have their prescriptions filled predivided in a pill organizer by pharmacy staff. The commissioners
thanked Putman for her work on the agreement, commending her for having it prepared so quickly in the wake of the closure. Commissioners also approved a lease agreement with Anduril Industries Inc., which will place a marine sentry tower on county property at Tillamook Bay’s north jetty. Anduril Industries, a California-based company, partnered with Near Space Corporation on the application and Near Space
will be responsible for the ongoing monitoring and maintenance of the tower. The tower will be equipped with a new, experimental radar array capable of identifying targets and using advanced cameras to offer the Coast Guard a live look at identified vessels. The tower will be located just to the west of the existing Coast Guard tower at the jetty and will be used to test the technology. Commissioners also approved a $250,000 grant
from transient lodging tax revenues to the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum. Similar grants have been awarded in past years. The majority of the grant, $190,000, will be dedicated to covering staff salaries, with the remainder going to program supplies, building expenses and covering insurance premiums. The museum plans to hire a collections manager shortly, with the position currently being advertised.
Oregon. Another bill sponsored by Bonamici aims to address the childcare and housing issues simultaneously by encouraging the colocation of childcare services at new housing developments receiving government support. Bonamici said that collocating services streamlined access for residents of the developments and that numerous studies had shown that investments in childcare paid off several times over in later savings. Bonamici then began fielding constituent
questions, with one of the first being about military and financial aid to Ukraine, which the questioner felt came without sufficient accountability. “I do support funding for Ukraine and I respectfully disagree that there is a lack of accountability,” Bonamici said, telling the questioner that the pentagon was monitoring aid. She said that she supported the aid because she believed that if Russia was not defeated in Ukraine President Vladimir Putin would attack other countries in the region, with the
potential to draw the United States into a war to defend a NATO ally. In response to a question about immigration, Bonamici told the crowd that she supported immigration reform. She also said that there was a need for more judges to adjudicate asylum cases and that addressing the issues forcing so many to flee countries in Central and South America would be critical to reducing the number of asylum seekers. Bonamici took her Republican colleagues to task over their preoccupation
with increasing the deficit, noting that the $2 trillion annual budget shortfall conspicuously matched the revenue lost in tax cuts passed during the Trump administration. Bonamici also encouraged those at the meeting to avail themselves of her office’s constituent services if they had any issues with federal programs such as Medicare or Social Security.
“They get ready to become true contributing members of our society and it’s so impactful,” Foster said. The partnership’s educational mission is achieved through a wide variety of events throughout the calendar year that give Tillamook residents the chance to get out in, interact with and learn about their
estuaries. The headlining event of the educational calendar is the springtime Clean Water Festival for all fourth graders from across the county, hosted at Twin Rocks Friend Camp in Rockaway Beach. Organizations from across the county attend to educate the kids about clean water, water safety and career
opportunities on and around the water. “The coast guard will come and put life jackets on them and the hospital will come and tell about water in the body,” Foster said, “you know, all different kinds of stuff.” Currently, TEP is working on the development of a new website, which will
be operational shortly. The group is also in the initial stages of a project to address issues at Sitka Sledge State Natural Area, with TEP planning to replace a failed floodgate and do other improvements to the levee, while the county plans to improve roads in the area.
appointed, his top priorities would be addressing the biological opinion issue to ensure the continued viability of development in the floodplain and working to add housing. Fournier said that he was applying for the vacancy and running because he continued to have a true willingness and desire to serve Tillamook County.
gained invaluable experience that would help him as a commissioner, mentioning his extensive experience on statewide boards and dealing with state agencies. For Levesque, affordable housing, FEMA’s proposed biological opinion and the Oregon Department of Forestry’s habitat conservation plans would be top concerns as commissioner. Levesque said he would look at creating side streams for revenue to address short-term concerns and look at strategic budgeting approaches in the long term. Levesque would not run for reelection and mentioned that he would prioritize supporting Tillamook Lightwave’s mission of expanding broadband access to all county residents.
BONAMICI CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 with you,” Bonamici said to her Republican colleagues, “we can’t just keep spinning our wheels.” Bonamici said that she and other democrats were ready to collaborate with Republicans on crafting policies and that she hoped whoever was selected as the next speaker of the house would stop “catering to the extreme.” The congresswoman also took time to discuss the issues that she is working to address through legislation, saying that she felt the ongoing fentanyl epidemic
and affordable housing and childcare crises were some of the most pressing issues facing the country. In response to the fentanyl crisis, Bonamici is working on the Fentanyl Awareness for Children and Teens in School Act to help educate kids about the risk street drugs pose in the current climate. Bonamici said that the bill is modeled after a program implemented in the Beaverton School District after the overdose death of a former student that has proven highly successful and is being expanded across
TEP CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 plants grown in their nursery before monitoring the results and completing additional work as necessary. The nursery that contributes plants to the program is located at the Port of Tillamook Bay and is another highlight of the TEP’s operations, according to Foster. The nursery operates in partnership with
more than 20 area groups and fosters more than 120,000 native plants that are cared for by juveniles in the custody of the neighboring Oregon Youth Authority. Foster said this partnership was a win-win, helping the nursery to succeed and giving the teenagers at the facility a chance to develop job skills for the future.
CANDIDATES CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1 temporary appointment as an opportunity to lend his experience to the community and noted that he was a known quantity to the commissioners. Keene said that if appointed he would prioritize opening land to development to bring new businesses to the county. Paul Fournier A native Bostonian, Fournier moved to Tillamook County in 1994 and has extensive experience in various public safety agencies across the county. Fournier worked as a volunteer firefighter and EMT at the NetartsOceanside Fire District before stints at Adventist and the Headlight Herald eventually led to 18 years with the sheriff’s department,
where he still works part time since his retirement in 2018. Fournier said that he considers the county’s housing shortage, dearth of affordable childcare options and strained public safety services the most pressing challenges. Fournier, who is running in 2024, said that after perennial projections of financial cliffs during his time in the county it is time for commissioners to develop a new revenue model. Fournier questioned the alarm over the new habitat conservation plan, noting that Tillamook’s timber revenues are actually forecast to remain steady for the next several decades, but said that he still favored finding creative ways to bring in more revenue. Fournier said that if
Paul Levesque Levesque has a long history in Tillamook County, having lived here for 51 years and serving in the county government for 42 years. In that time, Levesque held a variety of positions before retiring as the county’s chief of staff. In his decades of county service, Levesque said he had
Matt Williams Williams has lived in south Tillamook County for a dozen years and owns a family business in Pacific City. He has served as the board president of the Lake Merwin Campers Hideaway in Clark County, Washington, for the past five years, he told the audience, giving him valuable experience in participating on a board. Williams said that the top three issues facing the county were budget limitations, the housing shortage, and challenges imposed by federal and state mandates. Williams said that as a commissioner he would listen to the expertise of his fellow commissioners and not take votes personally. Williams plans to run for commissioner if appointed in
this process. He said that he would like to look at identifying new revenue streams for the county and mentioned leveraging recent shifts in employment trends in the county’s favor. The candidates were scheduled for a three-hour public interview with the board of commissioners on Monday, October 16, after which the commissioners will deliberate and Commissioners Mary Faith Bell and Erin Skaar will make a selection. The appointee will shadow Yamamoto during the month of December, before assuming the position at the beginning of 2024.
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October 19, 2023
NORTHCOASTCITIZEN.COM | NORTH COAST CITIZEN
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sustain a community asset
Definitely voting yes for NCRD
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rom my first visit, I felt welcomed, included, and supported! Members, staff, and variety of programs have kept me coming. Fitness and yoga instructors are top notch, and classes offered are inclusive of all abilities, whether you’re young or wizened. I’ve attended a number of fund raising and social events there. One of the attractions that draws me down the hall, is the art that adorns the walls. The art is by local artists, and some or all of the proceeds benefit local programs, so it’s a win win. Another program that impressed me, and that I volunteer at, is the before and after school program, Playcare. Angie and her team, as-
sure a safe, well-supervised, stimulating environment, for the children attending. This program is offered at a fair price and there are scholarships available as well. And then there are Aquatics programs and many other services and programs offered at NCRD. I’m proud to be a member of this organization that provides so much to the community! Connection, Community, and Inclusivity are at the heart of this center. Vote Yes for NCRD. No increase in taxes to you, and none of this goes to the funding of the new pool! This levy will assure that all programs, services, and operational costs can be covered! How has NCRD been part of your life and those around you? Let’s keep it going. Debbie Curley Manzanita
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n November 7th the residents of Tillamook County will be asked for the 4th time to renew the fiveyear tax levy to support the daily operations for programs and services of North County Recreation District in Nehalem. This is not a new tax, but a continuation of what our community has supported for the past 15 years. I have been involved with Friends of NCRD, which is the non-profit partner of NCRD, since I retired from teaching and moved here in 2010. I believe in the Friends’ mission which is to support and promote the
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Vote yes for NCRD
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ello Community members. I’m writing you today to share my wholehearted support for the NCRD’s November renewal of our 5-year operational levy. I know firsthand the impact the NCRD has had on our community. If anyone followed my campaign, you’d know I learned to swim at the pool, my children learned to swim in the pool. Now my children participate at the NCRD sponsored sports programs, my husband and I are fitness members and our youngest daughter is finishing out her last year at New Discoveries Preschool. To say the NCRD plays a big part in my family life would honestly be an understatement. The NCRD provides
e strongly support a “Yes for NCRD” vote for renewal of the current five-year option tax for General Operations. This measure renews the current local option tax with no change in current taxation. We think the summary on the ballot describes it best: “North County Recreation District will use the tax revenue from this measure to
operate the district at its present level of service. Property taxes pay for recreation and health program services in aquatics, fitness, youth, and activities for adults, and operating costs such as the existing swimming pool operation, utilities, general administration, and minor maintenance. Major capital expenditures are paid using timber tax and other non-property tax sources of income. Savings for these major capital costs, which include a fund for a
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accommodate the community in a major emergency? This is different from Warming centers that are available through local churches. Did you know that NCRD has an agreement with Nehalem Bay Health Clinic (formerly Rinehart Clinic) for NCRD to provide physical exercise opportunities for their patients dealing with health related issues. Did you know that the “Learn to Swim” program offered at NCRD is certified by the Red Cross? There are so many good things happening at NCRD that I’m definitely voting “Yes for NCRD”. Linda Makohon President, Friends of NCRD
replacement swimming pool, do not come from property taxes.” NCRD belongs to our community. It’s ours, it belongs to all of us, and it has consistently demonstrated its value. Whether taking a fitness class, attending a play, viewing artwork on display, or swimming in the pool— and these are just some of the offerings— there are abundant opportunities to develop and enjoy a sense of community. If there happened to be a national competition for rural
community recreation organizations, we think NCRD would come out the top. We absolutely need to continue this operational support bond by voting “Yes”. NCRD is a vital hub of fundamental importance to the community. NCRD supports us; we need to support NCRD. Please keep it intact by voting yes. Robert and Sharen Borgford Manzanita
Habitat for Humanity purchases building
North Coast
Editor Will Chappell, email headlighteditor@countrymedia.net Advertising Katherine Mace, email headlightads@countrymedia.net Classifieds & Legals Siah J. Kennedy, Office Manager email classifieds@orcoastnews.com Ad Production Steph Baumgart PHONE 503-842-7535 • FAX 503-842-8842 EMAIL editor@northcoastcitizen.com WEBSITE northcoastcitizen.com
seen NCRD continue to survive through the pandemic, providing day care for first responder’s children, keeping close contact with health services for the benefit of all, providing covid test kits and appropriate precautions when opening back up. While many businesses and organizations dissolved, NCRD stayed vital for the community. And now, fitness classes and youth sports offerings have increased resulting in increased patronage. Here are some other great things you may not know about NCRD. Did you know that NCRD is an official Red Cross emergency shelter site complete with cots and emergency power and supplies ready to
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Support our community hub
countless programs for us, from much needed childcare to overall health and wellness. Our beautiful theater offers us entertainment and resources for the arts! All offered at subsidized rates, with additional scholarships to anyone in need to fill in the gaps! Voting yes for the NCRD would not increase taxes. Voting yes gives critical funding for ongoing services and programs. Voting yes does not fund the new pool. 5 years ago, the levy passed with overwhelming strong support! 72.9% voted YES! We collectively created the NCRD and continue to support and grow in the spirit that first saved the pool! Join me in voting yes for the NCRD Warmest regards, Erin Laskey-Wilson
programs and services of the North County Recreation District because I believe in its mission to provide health and well-being services to all ages in North Tillamook County. In particular, I am proud that Friends of NCRD has always had the priority to raise funds for scholarships so that everyone is included and has access to the programs and services at NCRD. This year alone we have given $15,000 in scholarship assistance, the bulk of which went for youth access to child care and youth sports. I have seen NCRD go through many changes and growth in services while keeping steadfast maintenance of the aging elementary school building. I have
A message from Executive Director Briar Smith
T
illamook County Habitat for Humanity is excited to celebrate the official acquisition of our ReStore and affiliate office building securing a location for our ReStore to continue to operate. The ReStore is a blessing to the community, providing goods at affordable costs with profits going towards our affordable homes and critical repair programs.
We recently finished critical repairs for a veteran that included installation of a new roof, deck and gutter repairs, and leveling and replacing the front door. These repairs have increased the veteran’s quality of life and will help him be able to age in place. We are in the process of building two affordable homes, one in Bay City and one in Garibaldi. The homes will be sold at an affordable for price, which we all know in this market is a miracle and blessing. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to several
individuals and entities who played pivotal roles in turning our dream of owning the ReStore property into reality: Firstly, we want to express our appreciation to Stumpy and Cara, the previous owners, for their patience and dedication throughout this process. Valerie Schumann, our exceptional real estate agent, also deserves special recognition for her unwavering commitment to making this purchase a success. Our dedicated TCHFH staff members, Linda and Dave, have put in countless hours to navigate the demands of USDA requirements, their dedication has been invaluable. Russell and Tony, along with our dedicated volunteers Chuck and Calvin who have passionately engaged in our mission of building affordable homes, deserve our wholehearted thanks. Melissa has been instrumental in raising funds to support our mission through the profits generated by the ReStore. And our remarkable ReStore staff for their exceptional care of our customers, ensuring a positive experience for all.
Further thanks to our Board for helping guide Habitat to success and Cami Aufdermauer who started this process 2 years ago. To Suzanne Weber, without whom we wouldn’t be celebrating today, thank you for stepping up for TCHFH, without you I don’t think USDA would have finally closed on our loan. I personally want to thank my family for being patient and supportive of the endless hours USDA required, and for supporting Habitat whole heartedly. Last, but certainly not least, we extend our sincere gratitude to our generous sponsors who have stood by us throughout this journey: Tillamook Farmers Coop, Hampton Lumber, Tillamook Creamery, Tillamook County Veterans Service, TLC Fibre Credit Union, Adventist Health, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Rob Trost Real Estate and Tillamook PUD. Their support has been instrumental in making our vision a reality, and we are deeply thankful for their commitment to our mission of providing affordable housing.
NW Natural customers in Columbia, Clatsop & Tillamook counties may be eligible for free heating & insulation upgrades National Energy Awareness Month highlights opportunities to use less energy, live more comfortably ORTLAND, Ore. — There’s no better time than National Energy
P
Awareness Month to use less energy, save money and live more comfortably. NW Natural customers in Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook counties with qualifying incomes may be eligible for
Upcoming Holiday Event? Halloween • Thanksgiving Christmas • New Years
We’re here to help get the word out with affordable print and online marketing packages. Call 503-842-7535 or email Katherine Mace at headlightads@countrymedia.net 1906 Second St., Tillamook, OR 97141
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Citizen North Coast
free weatherization services through a partnership between NW Natural and Community Action Team. With the arrival of cooler weather, updating to highefficiency gas appliances and improving home insulation can make homes more comfortable, save energy and lower bills. Potential upgrades include home insulation, new gas furnaces or hot water heaters, and sealing air leaks. The average program participant typically receives several thousand dollars’ worth of free products and services. To qualify, monthly gross income for households cannot exceed the following: • One person: $2,430/mo • Two people: $3,286.66/mo • Three people: $4,143.33/mo • Four people: $5,000/mo For each additional household member, add $857 per person.
“Taking steps to better weatherize your home can save you money, make your home more comfortable and reduce overall energy use,” said Mary Moerlins, Director of Environmental Policy and Corporate Responsibility at NW Natural. “Through our partners at Community Action Team, we’re proud to be able to help customers take steps to lower bills and improve home comfort.” To learn more or sign up, visit Community Action Team’s website at https://catteam.org/weatherization or call 503-410-5833. About NW Natural NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides natural gas service to approximately 2.5 million people in more than 140 communities through more than 795,000 SEE NW NATURAL PAGE A5
October 19, 2023
NORTH COAST CITIZEN | NORTHCOASTCITIZEN.COM
CLASSIFIEDS
A5
PUZZLES Files bulging this fall? Give us a call!
Licensed Practical Nurse [LPN] Part time position (24 hours weekly) w/excellent benefits. Compensation: $29 - $39 Hourly, DOE
SIGHT UNSEEN SHREDDING, LLC
Tillamook Family Counseling Center (TFCC) seeks a Licensed Practical Nurse [Part Time 24 Hours per Week] as a health provider for its Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT). The LPN provides health care coordination, client support, and triage in home and community settings to adults presenting with severe and persistent mental illness.
sightunseenshredding@gmail.com We provide
Tillamook Family Counseling Center is a drug free workplace and equal opportunity employer.
PUZZLES
License #20-480
H22713
(503) 457-3089
CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT SHREDDING for home or business
H22117
Locally Owned, Member of Tillamook Chamber of Commerce
If you are interested in this position, please apply online at http://tfcc.bamboohr.com/jobs. Be sure to submit an online application and upload your resume. Any questions, please visit us online at http://tfcc.org.
H22702
280 Rowe Street, Wheeler Oregon 97147 Are you hard working, friendly, and reliable? 280 Rowe Street, Wheeler Oregon 97141 Perfect! Join us and get involved! We are looking for the following positions: CNA – Full time & Part time Are you hard working, friendly, and reliable? Certified Aide – Full time & Part time Perfect! JoinMedication us and get involved! Charge Nurse (LPN or RN) – Full time & Part time We are looking for the following positions: Sign-on Nursing Assistant – Full time & Part time RN or LPN: Part-time bonus Forabout details, 541-275-8593, CNA: Full or Part time (Ask ourcall sign on email lbaertlein@nvcarecenter.org bonus!) or apply online at https://nehalemcarecenter.com/careers/ For details, call 503-368-5171 ext 3115, or apply online at https://nehalemcarecenter.com/careers/ Walk – Ins welcome!
Are you DOWNSIZING, organizing an ESTATE SALE, GARAGE SALE or FUNDRAISER?
If so, use our classifieds to get the word out! 503-842-7535
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join Us for First Responders Weekend at Jetty Fishery!
Date: Sunday, October 21st, and Monday, October 22nd Location: Jetty Fishery
In appreciation of our dedicated First Responders, Jetty Fishery is hosting an weekend of gratitude and fun! Join us on Sunday, October 21st, or Monday, October 22nd, for a special event exclusively for active EMTs, law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency response. What’s in Store for You: 2-Hour Crabbing Package Boat Rental: Take to the water and enjoy a relaxing day of crabbing on us! We’re offering complimentary 2-hour boat rentals to all active First Responders (first come first serve, while supplies last). Don’t miss this chance to celebrate and honor our brave
NW NATURAL meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural owns and operates 21 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon. NW
First Responders. Mark your calendars for October 21st or 22nd and make memories at Jetty Fishery! Please bring valid identification as proof of your First Responder status. Jetty Fishery is proud to support those who protect and serve our community. We can’t wait to see you there! For more information, call us at 503-368-5746. Offer valid while supplies last, first come first serve. Jetty Fishery 27550 HWY 101 N Rockaway Beach OR 97136 503-368-5746 www.jettyfishery.com Nehalem
CONTINUED FROM PAGE A4
Natural, a part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and has been doing business for more than 160 years. NW Holdings
owns NW Natural, NW Natural Renewables Holdings (NW Natural Renewables), NW Natural Water Company (NW Natural Water), and other business interests. We have a longstanding commit-
ment to safety, environmental stewardship, and taking care of our employees and communities. Learn more in our latest ESG Report.
Highlight of the Week
Nehalem Bay Ready Mix Mohler Sand & Gravel, LLC
H40843
503-368-5157
Call in advance for Saturday delivery • CCB #160326
• Hot Water • Prompt Delivery • Crushed Rock • Fill Material • Rip Rap • Decorative Bounders 20890 Foss Road, Nehalem
503-368-5157
Call in advance for Saturday delivery • CCB #160326
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Astro & Odie
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To feature your spiritual organization on this panel:
Floor Covering
H40843
Sand & Gravel
March - October 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. November - February noon to 4 p.m. Nehalem Senior Lunches Tuesday & Thursday served at noon email: nbumcnsl2020@gmail.com
To advertise contact Katherine Mace at 503-842-7535 or Email headlightads@countrymedia.net
Nehalem Bay Ready Mix Mohler Sand & Gravel, LLC
20890 Foss Road, Nehalem
Cannon Beach to Nehalem
Nehalem Bay United Methodist Church 36050 10th Street, Nehalem, OR (503) 368-5612 Pastor Celeste Deveney + Sunday service 11 a.m. Food Pantry Open Friday, Saturday & Monday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday
Business& Service Directory Landscaping
Church Services by the Sea
503-801-6016
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October 19, 2023
NORTHCOASTCITIZEN.COM | NORTH COAST CITIZEN
It’s all about the view! Actual ocean views from 6 active listings within 70 miles of Portland
OCEANSIDE, THE CAPES 2bdrm + den, 3 full baths, vaulted ceiling, located 20 yds from beach trail. Oceanview decks on 2 levels. $842,900 RMLS 23675370
OCEANSIDE, THE CAPES 2bdrm + den, 3 full baths, vaulted ceiling, located 300 ft above sea level. Oceanview decks on 2 levels. $849,000 RMLS 23481434
OCEANFRONT in Oceanside, 3bdrm + sauna room, 2.5 baths, vaulted ceiling, granite kitchen, jetted oceanview tub, private setting. $975,000 RMLS 23503853
OCEANSIDE VILLAGE just 2 blocks to beach & restaurants. 5275 sq ft, 3.5 baths, elevator, mahogany floor, possible accessible ADU. $1,850,000 RMLS 23341961
NEAR CAPE MEARES LIGHTHOUSE 2bdrm + den, 1.5 baths, transferrable short term rental license, located 50 yds from beach trail. $750,000 RMLS 23169147
GARIBALDI high on hill, 180 panorama includes ocean, bay, marina. Exquisite NW contemporary with lavish use of natural stone & hardwoods throughout. Elevator. $2,500,000 RMLS 21003436
Contact Pam Zielinski, Principal Broker Berkshire Hathaway Home Services NW Real Estate Netarts Cell: 503-880-8034
H22762
PamZielinski.com H22762