NCC1216

Hoffman Show Treasure Page 4

Merry Christmas Happy New Year!

North Coast

Citizen Serving North Tillamook County since 1996

northcoastcitizen.com

$1.50

December 16, 2021

Volume 27, No. 24

CARE announces closing of Nehalem Bay House and Kilchis House in Feb. A

fter 25 years of providing care to seniors in Tillamook County, Nehalem Bay House and Kilchis House are closing their doors in February 2022.

According to CARE Executive Director Peter Starkey, the closure will happen on or around Feb. 11.

Residents and staff were informed of the planned closures earlier today. The closures will impact 29 residents at Kilchis House in Tillamook and 26 residents at the Nehalem Bay House. Nehalem Bay and Kilchis House are staples in the Tillamook community and some of the only options for low-income seniors to live and receive care in the area.

CARE, Inc., a non-profit organization that has managed Nehalem Bay House will close and residents will have to relocate on or before Feb. 11, 2022 the communities since 2012, according ot Peter Starkey Executive Director of CARE. Photo provided serves primarily low-income Oregonians. A majority of the cient Medicaid reimbursement based on residents’ needs and Health, will be overseeing placeresidents at these two buildings rates, and the need for expensive community availability. After the ments for each resident. They will are on Medicaid. CARE, Inc., temporary agency staff, our cash closure of Nehalem Bay House work in partnership with local cited the workforce shortage and reserves are drained, and we simand Kilchis house, there will only healthcare providers, case managexponential increases in wage and ply can’t afford to stay open much be two assisted facilitys in Tilers, the State Medicaid office, the labor costs due to the need to rely longer. I hope this doesn’t have lamook County: Prestige Senior State Long Term Care Ombudsupon temporary staffing agencies to happen to any other communiLiving Five Rivers, and Griffin man Office, Aging and Disability as the reason for the closures. ties.”

House.

Services, NW Senior and Dis“To say that we are devastated CARE, Inc. will now begin The mission of CARE is to ability Services, Adult Protective to have to close our doors is an working with each resident to sefoster changes that create healthServices, Oregon Department understatement. Our residents cure new placements, with a focus ier, more resilient communities Human Services, and the Oregon and staff were overwhelmingly on finding appropriate assisted throughout Tillamook County, Health Care Association (OHCA) sad when we shared the news of living communities in Tillamook and empower people as they work to ensure appropriate placement. the closures,” said Peter Starkey, County or close to residents’ to meet their immediate, basic Residents will have access to executive director for CARE, Inc. family members. Placements may needs. case managers and mental health “Unfortunately, due to significant also occur in the Portland Metro, Starkey, and Desiree Hansen, supports throughout the transition workforce shortages, insuffiSeaside, or Lincoln City areas Operations Specialist with Vanda process.

Earthquakes rumble off the Oregon Coast A conversation with OMI Geological Hazards Program Coordinator

A

Jeremy C. Ruark Country Media

swarm of undersea earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 3.2 to nearly 6 occurred hundreds of miles off the Oregon Coast over the past several days.

The quakes began Tuesday, Dec. 7 and as of Friday, Dec. 10 nearly 90 tremors were recorded approximately 200 to 300 miles west of the Newport-Coos Bay area and approximately 10 kilometers deep, according to the Office of Oregon Emergency Management (OMI).

In the following conversation, OMI Geological Hazards Program Coordinator Althea Rizzo gives us specific insight into the earthquakes and what they mean. This illustrates the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

Citizen: What is the significance of this latest swarm of area off the Southern Oregon attention is a great time to remind quakes, what is causing them and Coast is a frequent zone for folks that earthquakes can happen is it a warning of a massive quake earthquakes. Is it the Blanco Fault at any time. It’s important for famahead? zone and what is the difference ilies and households be prepared Althea Rizzo: This is an area between this zone and the larger to be on their own for a couple with a lot of earthquakes, even more violent zone that we have of weeks. Even just talking about more than the San Andreas fault. been told could lead to a massive possible hazards is a start to being The Pacific Plate is pushing past the earthquake?

Cascadia ready.

Juan de Fuca Plate and this causes Rizzo: Yes, this is the Blanco Citizen: What is your botfrequent fairly small earthquakes.

Fracture Zone. The Cascadia tom-line advice to folks about We are in a time of increased Subduction Zone is the one we being prepared? activity, but these earthquakes don’t worry about. Subduction zones, Rizzo: It doesn’t take a big pose a risk to Oregonians. The area where one plate dives underneath earthquake to need to be prepared; of seismicity is very far away from another, can cause very large Oregon also gets floods, fires, ice the Cascadia Subduction Zone, so earthquakes and tsunamis. storms and hurricane force winds. there is no increased risk from a Citizen: We have heard that Most people would love to be a litCascadia event. there is an active undersea volcano tle more prepared for emergencies Citizen: You have told us in the same area and that is what and disasters but haven’t made in previous interviews that the is causing the swarm of quakes. Is the time or don’t know where to that true? start. Often, just taking the first Rizzo: This area does have step toward getting prepared is the thermal vents, but there is no hardest part. The holidays can be specific volcano in the area. There a great time to introduce low-cost/ have been submarine volcanos on no-cost preparedness into the lives the western edge of the Juan de of friends and family. Some ideas Fuca plate several hundred miles include: away.

Make a Plan. The most imporCitizen: Do you find that tant first step to disaster prepareddespite these quakes and education ness is having a plan. FEMA campaigns to help get people be offers several free preparedness 7 29467 70001 8 prepared, the reality is that many products that can be downloaded are still not prepared? or ordered from its website.

Rizzo: Any time we have Stock an Emergency Kit. earthquakes that catch the public’s Emergency kits are critical when

COVID-19 update: Digital vaccine record being developed for Oregon Hilary Dorsey

T

Staff Writer

illamook County Health Department reported during a community update Tuesday, Dec. 7, 18 COVID-19 cases over the weekend from Dec. 3 to Dec. 5, 35 cases for the 7-day case count from Nov. 28 through Dec. 4, and 63 cases for the 14-day case count from Nov. 21 through Dec. 4. There was a total of 168 cases for the month of November.

There have been 47 deaths in the county, with 38 of those individuals unvaccinated, eight fully vaccinated and one with no vaccine record.

Ed Colson, emergency preparedness coordinator, reported two confirmed outbreaks in the county and 11 pending investigation.

COVID-19 testing remains available at the health center’s acute care clinic, located at 2111 8th St. in Tillamook. The clinic is open 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are required. Call 503-842-3900 to schedule an appointment. Testing is also available at Adventist Health and Rinehart Clinic.

The health department’s walk-in clinic is still at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds convention center from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 1-5 p.m. Wednesdays.

“We ask that you continue to maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet from other individuals,” Colson said. “Masks are still required in all indoor public areas on public transit, K-12 schools and health care settings for all those two years old and older.”

Colson said a voluntary digital

n See COVID, Page 3

disaster strikes. Help your loved ones get started on theirs with a few essentials: Flashlights and extra batteries, portable phone chargers and manual can openers are all necessary items that make great stocking stuffers.

Include the Kids. OEM has published several Dark Horse Comics describing what to do during specific disasters. These can be obtained through County Emergency Management Offices, or you can download them on OEM’s website. Most kids would also find a battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio pretty cool.

Sign up for Emergency Notifications. Make sure your loved ones have signed up for OR-Alert.

Print out the website on a holiday card and add it to the stocking, or take a moment to sign them up when they come over for holiday celebrations.

Create community. Delivering cookies to your neighbors?

Use this time to chat about your emergency plans. This would also be an excellent time to offer to run essential errands for neighbors who are older, have mobility issues or are at increased risk for severe illness.

Nehalem Bay Health District Appoints New Board Member A

nupam Narayan of Manzanita has been appointed to the board of the Nehalem Bay Health District. Narayan replaces Tom Mock of Neahkahnie, a long-time board member who recently submitted his resignation.

Narayan has more than 35 year of business experience, including serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Red Lion Hotels Corporation, and as Senior Vice President for Global Strategy and Action CEO of Best Western International. In 2010, Narayan founded Rockwood Associates LLC, a global hospitality and business advisory firm.

Narayan is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur, India and received his MBA from the University of Florida.

“The Nehalem Bay Health District is extremely fortunate to have Anupam Narayan join our board,” said board president Marc C. Johnson. “He brings enormous financial and development experience at a time when the board is working to implement its long-term strategic plan, including improvements in the district’s skilled nursing facility, enhancement in local primary health care delivery and the exploration of work force housing options.”

n See BOARD, Page 3

2 n December 16, 2021 n North Coast Citizen n Manzanita, Oregon

2

www.NorthCoastCitizen.com

Omicron COVID variant now in Oregon Jeremy C. Ruark Country Media

The COVID-19 Omicron variant is now in Oregon, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA).

The OHA reported late Monday, Dec. 13, that a Multnomah County resident who was fully vaccinated tested positive for the variant Dec. 7. The individual traveled internationally to Canada prior to symptom onset. Additional details about the condition of the individual were not immediately available. According to the OHA, two Washington County residents tested on Dec. 9, who were fully vaccinated, also have contracted the Omicron variant.

Health officials have expressed concern about the new variant because it is highly transmissible.

“On Dec. 1, when the first case

was reported in the United States, we shared that it was a matter of ‘when,’ not ‘if,’ the Omicron variant of COVID-19 would be detected in Oregon,” Dean E. Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at Oregon Health Authority said.

“We recognize this news is concerning to many people. However, if history is our guide, we do know that even if a vaccine doesn’t target a specific variant, the strong immune response you get from being fully vaccinated can still be highly protective against severe disease from all COVID-19 variants,” he said.

Gov.Kate Brown said it was only a matter of time before the state identified the first case of the Omicron variant in Oregon, “As we continue to learn more

about this new variant, we know the measures that are most effective in helping to keep ourselves and our families safe from Omicron, Delta, and other COVID-19 variants: get vaccinated, get your booster, and wear a mask,” Brown said. “That’s the key to saving lives and keeping our businesses, schools, and communities open. If you aren’t yet vaccinated or need a booster dose, get an appointment or find a walk-in vaccine clinic in your area today.”

Sidelinger said OHA and its laboratory partners will continue to monitor the spread of Omicron in Oregon with robust individual-level and community-level variant surveillance.

“As part of Oregon Health & Science University’s ongoing SARS-CoV-2 testing efforts, OHSU genomic sequencing has confirmed

Oregon’s first three cases of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. OHSU PCR analysis initially flagged three samples as potential cases late last week after PCR analysis showed they had a feature known as the S-gene dropout,” Donna Hansel, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the OHSU Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine said.

OHSU detected the three variant cases.

“While not specific for the variant, the S-gene dropout is a potential indicator. Full genomic sequencing was completed this afternoon and confirmed the cases involve the Omicron variant,” Hansel said.

Oregon ranks 11th nationwide in the proportion of all specimens sequenced during the pandemic.

Those efforts include sequencing

of positive COVID-19 specimens at the Oregon State Public Health Laboratory, through academic laboratories, including those at OHSU and the University of Oregon, and at several commercial laboratories statewide; and sequencing of wastewater samples in more than 40 communities statewide through a collaboration with Oregon State University’s TRACE program.

“It can’t be emphasized enough that vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19 infection and transmission, including most circulating variants,” along with other protective measures, including wearing masks indoors and in crowded outdoor settings, physically distancing from others, washing hands regularly and staying home when sick,” Sidelinger said.

Oregon tenants waiting for state aid with past-due rent will remain safe from eviction until Sept. 30 Julia Shumway Oregon Capital Chronicle

State Rep. Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, encourages her colleagues to vote for a bill to extend Oregon’s safe harbor protections from eviction during a special legislative session on Dec. 13, 2021. (Julia Shumway/Oregon Capital Chronicle) Thousands of Oregon renters who faced the threat of receiving an eviction notice for Christmas are safe after the Legislature voted Monday to extend a safe harbor period and allocate another $215 million

toward stopping evictions.

Along with providing more money, the chairs of the House and Senate housing committees sent Secretary of State Shemia Fagan a letter Monday requesting her office’s Audits Division investigate the state agency responsible for handling the state’s rent assistance program.

Lawmakers assumed in the spring that a 60-day respite from eviction proceedings would provide enough time for tenants and their landlords to receive the aid they requested.

Instead, lawmakers returned to Salem on Monday with

Hal’s Emporium & General Store

Now in Garibaldi Holiday shopping at PRE-INFLATION Prices!

30% off already low food prices Entire month of December

Garibaldi Ave.

H64480

Now open

Use front door entrance Friday 4-9 • Saturday 12-9 Sunday 12-9 • Monday 4-9 Baby Back Rib Night

about 8,000 Oregon households in danger of eviction because the state hasn’t yet processed their applications. Legislators provided a bipartisan rescue, adding more money to the state’s rental assistance fund and barring evictions again for those waiting for that state help.

“We are here in the special session today because we think that no one should lose their homes while they’re waiting for rental assistance and help is on the way,” said state Rep. Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, and the chair of the House’s housing committee.

During the special session Monday, the Legislature also approved about $200 million in additional funding for drought relief, refugee resettlement and money to help county sheriffs in southern Oregon combat illegal marijuana farms owned by cartels.

Housing aid For tenants at risk of being evicted, the crux of the Legislature’s action Monday was extending the safe harbor period from 60 days – 90 in Multnomah County and parts of Washington County – to as long as it takes to process applications to the state for help. Tenants could apply for assistance until next June 30, but all protections against eviction would end Sept. 30.

The Legislature approved $215 million to prevent evictions, including $100 million in direct assistance to landlords and tenants and $100 million to local eviction prevention programs. This kickstarts a transition back to dealing with housing instability as a standing problem, rather than a short-term emergency caused by Covid.

Lawmakers also gave the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department, the agency managing eviction relief, $5 million to beef up staffing and get money out the door more quickly. And

they added $10 million to a fund meant to reimburse landlords for lost rent while their tenants are protected against eviction.

Applications for the most recent round of relief closed Dec. 1. Margaret Salazar, Housing and Community Services Department director, said she anticipated reopening the applications, with slight tweaks to make it easier, in about a month.

State Sen. Tim Knopp, RBend and the Senate minority leader, was one of a few Republicans who voted for the safe harbor bill. He said he shared colleagues’ concern that a lack of housing supply isOregon’s overarching problem. But Knopp said the relief act was a way to reimburse landlords and then return by June 30 to a status quo in which tenants must pay rent or risk eviction.

“We have a problem,” Knopp said. “We do have the possibility of people being evicted. We have landlords who need to be made whole.”

Accountability As the Legislature prepared to give more money to the Housing and Community Services Department, some legislators questioned whether the department was suited to handle the rental program.

Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale, said he was surprised to hear Salazar brag Saturday about the program’s success during a legislative hearing “I’ve heard it called a lot of things, but I’ve never heard it called successful until Saturday,” he said.

The program was among the fastest in the country at disbursing federal rental assistance funds. Oregon stands to receive even more federal money next spring, after the U.S. Treasury claws back funds from states that didn’t spend their share and reallocates the money to states that have spent more.

But despite the department’s overall speed in allocating

2017 and 2008 Grammy Award Winners –

The Pacifica Quartet

Who: What:

PACIFICA QUARTET Will perform a concert at NCRD Performing Arts Center in Nehalem When: Saturday, January 8, at 7:00 pm Where: NCRD Performing Arts Center, 36155 9th St. Nehalem, Oregon Tickets: $30 - $35.

Tickets available at tickettomato.com or call NCRD at 971-308-0309.

Recognized for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and often-daring repertory choices, over the past two decades the Pacifica Quartet has achieved international recognition as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today. Named the quartet-in-residence at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music in March 2012, the Pacifica was previously the quartet-in-residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and received a Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance. In 2017, the Pacifica Quartet was appointed to lead the Center for Advanced Quartet Studies at the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Formed in 1994, the Pacifica Quartet quickly won chamber music’s top competitions, including the 1998 Naumburg Chamber Music Award. In 2002 the ensemble was honored with Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award and the appointment to Lincoln Center’s CMS Two, and in 2006 was awarded a prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant. Also in 2006 the Quartet was featured on the cover of Gramophone and heralded as one of “five new quartets you should know about,” the only American quartet to make the list. And in 2009, the Quartet was named “Ensemble of the Year” by Musical America.

The Pacifica Quartet has carved a niche for itself as the preeminent interpreter of string quartet cycles, harnessing the group’s singular focus and incredible stamina to portray each composer’s evolution, often over the course of just a few days.

The Quartet has been widely praised for these cycles, with critics calling the concerts “brilliant,” “astonishing,” “gripping,” and “breathtaking.”

The Pacifica Quartet will be performing at the NCRD Performing Arts Center in Nehalem on Saturday January 8 at 7 pm.

This will be their second appearance at NCRD.

H64556

money, thousands of Oregonians who need aid have been waiting months to receive it.

At least 8,000 households that applied for rental assistance months ago are at risk of eviction because their applications weren’t processed before their protection against being forced out expired.

These families don’t care if somebody’s head rolls. They’re still going to be homeless.

– Rep. Mark Meek, D-Gladstone Salazar told lawmakers her agency was working on getting money out faster.

“We have been laser-focused on application processing,” she said. “We have doubled the amount of dollars out the door since we were before a legislative committee two months ago.”

Republican lawmakers, and Rep. Brad Witt, D-Clatskanie, questioned why Salazar still had her job. Rep. Suzanne Weber, R-Tillamook, said she could have been convinced to vote for the relief if Gov. Kate Brown fired Salazar. She compared the circumstance to Brown’s decision to fire the head of the Oregon Employment Department in May 2020 after that department failed in the early days of the pandemic to get unemployment checks to tens of thousands of Oregonians who lost their jobs.

Instead, Weber said, Brown called lawmakers back on Monday to toss money at a problem her administration started.

Lawmakers will celebrate their “historic investment” in rent assistance while people continue to struggle, she said.

“It’s as if this body has either no self-awareness or no shame,” Weber said.

Rep. Mark Meek, D-Gladstone, said a focus on holding the department accountable won’t help Oregonians who could be evicted.

“These families don’t care if somebody’s head rolls,” he said. “They’re still going to be homeless.”

The two chief architects of the rent rescue plan wrote Monday to Secretary of State Shemia Fagan about the state agency. Fahey and Sen. Kayse Jama, D-Portland, wrote that they were deeply troubled by the department’s handling of the rent assistance program, including technical difficulties with software, and communication issues.

“For thousands of Oregonians across the state, they have instead received delay after delay,” they wrote. “No matter the reason, this is unacceptable for the thousands living in fear they could lose their housing despite applying to the state for help.”

I’ve heard it called a lot of things, but I’ve never heard it called successful until Saturday.

– Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale They requested a formal audit in the next year. Other legislators pushed to make the audit part of the legislation approved Monday, but Fahey said she and Jama were focused on the immediate assistance.

Fagan spokeswoman Carla Axtman said the office will weigh Fahey’s and Jama’s request along with other audits under consideration. The office will release

its plan for state audits in 2022 on Feb. 1.

Other issues Less contentious were two issues Republicans pushed to include as the cost of their participation in the special session.

The Legislature created a forgivable loan program for farmers and ranchers affected by the drought with $40 million, as well as $20 million for grants to local law enforcement agencies tackling illegal marijuana farms in southern Oregon.

The drought loans are a piece of a larger drought package that will also provide $12 million for wells and irrigation in the Klamath Basin, $10 million for farmworkers who missed work because of heat or smoke, $9.7 million for drought relief for Klamath Tribes, $6 million for deeper wells and $5 million to eradicate crickets and grasshoppers.

Rural lawmakers said the drought relief was a start.

House Minority Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson, whose family owns a Prineville ranch, said she sold many of her cows this year because she couldn’t get hay to feed them – and drought and fire will remain issues affecting the people who grow Oregon’s food.

The grants to help police illegal marijuana farms are also just a start, lawmakers said.

They expect to spend time during the next legislative session in February debating policy.

The Oregon Farm Bureau was quick to praise the relief package, which will involve loans to farmers and producers that will be forgiven if they can show revenues impaired by Oregon’s recent disasters.

“Relief to producers impacted by this year’s natural disasters cannot come soon enough, and we look forward to working with the Oregon Department of Agriculture to get the direct assistance program up and running,” said Mary Anne Cooper of the Farm Bureau. “We particularly want to thank the governor for her diligent pursuit of this natural disaster package, and our advocates in the legislature for being such strong advocates for its passage.”

The session also saw another chapter in the yearlong standoff between Courtney and Sen. Dallas Heard, the Roseburg Republican who also chairs the Oregon Republican Party. Heard, a vocal opponent of Oregon’s mask mandates, grabbed headlines last December when he dramatically ripped off his mask on the Senate floor.

On Monday, he didn’t bring a mask with him at all. Heard stayed outside of the Senate chamber, popping in to flash a thumbs up or thumbs down on each vote, until the Senate had wrapped up its business and was preparing to adjourn.

Then, he walked in and sat at his desk on the Senate floor.

Before the full Senate, Courtney asked him to put on a mask or leave, and Heard declined. Courtney’s last move before adjourning the Senate was sending the Senate sergeant-at-arms to escort Heard out, with orders not to return to the Capitol unless he wore a mask.

Manzanita, Oregon n North Coast Citizen n December 16, 2021 n 3

www.NorthCoastCitizen.com

Dozens of candidates running for Oregon governor David Rupkalvis Country Media

Voters in Oregon will have some big decisions to make in the coming months.

With a new congressional district added to the state and Congressman Peter DeFazio announcing he is retiring after 36 years in office, voters will choose at least two new members of Congress.

But perhaps the biggest race on the ballot will be for governor. With incumbent Gov. Kate Brown ineligible to run for another term due to term limits, there has been a free for all as candidates have announced their intent to run.

At least 28 candidates have either filed paperwork with the secretary of state or have formed exploratory committees to run for the governor’s seat, with both major parties equally represented in the number of challengers.

Republican: Bud Pierce – Pierce is a doctor from Salem who won the Republican nomination and ran against Brown in 2016. In that race, he received 43.5% of the vote, losing by seven points. Pierce has not held elected office.

Stan Pulliam – Pulliam is the current mayor of Sandy and currently works as an insurance executive. Pulliam has been busy touring the state for his campaign, stopping in Coos Bay two times. He claims to be the top fundraiser in the GOP race so far.

Jessica Gomez – A business owner, Gomez says her experience in business sets her apart in the GOP race.

She spent several days in Coos County earlier this year

making campaign stops.

Paul Romero – Romero is from Roseburg and served 10 years in the Navy.

Bridget Barton – Barton is an editor and publisher who lives in West Linn.

John Fosdick III – Fostick served in the National Guard and has not run for office before.

Kerry McQuisten – McQuisten is the mayor of Baker City and is also a business owner, owning a publishing company.

Amber Richardson – Richardson lives in White City and works as a massage therapist at a chiropractic clinic in Medford.

Marc Thielman – Thielman is the superintendent of the Alsea School District.

Jim Huggins – Huggins lives in Salem and is the CEO of New Shepherd Films.

Nick Hess – Hess is from Togard and is the owner and

CEO of SureTech.

Brandon Merritt – Merritt lives in Bend and is self emplyed.

David Burch – Burch lives in Salem and is unemployed.

Democrat: Michael David – David lives in Ashland and works as the dean of admissions at New World University in Grants Pass.

Tina Kotek – Probably the best-known Democrat, Kotek is the current Oregon House speaker and is the state representative for District 44. She lives in Portland.

Casey Kulla – Kulla is a Yamhill County Commissioner, farmer and small business owner.

Patrick Starnes – Starnes is a self-employed home restorer who lives in Brownsville. He ran as an Independent for governor in 2018.

Tobias Read – Read is the current Oregon State Trea-

surer and lives in Portland.

He previously served in the Oregon House of Representatives.

Michael Trimble – Trimble lives in Portland and is a customer service representative for CareOregon.

Nicholas Kristof – Kristof is a journalist, author and farmer who grew up in Yamhill. Kristof worked for decades as a columnist for the New York Times, leaving the paper when he announced his run.

Wilson Bright – Bright lives in Portland and is currently retired who previously owned his own business.

Keisha Lanell Merchant – Merchant is an artist who lives in Albany.

Dave Lavinsky – Lavinsky lives in Bend and works for Growthink.

Peter Hall – Hall is a city council member in Haines and is a director on the board of the League of Oregon.

Michael Cross – Cross is a software designer and commercial driver who lives in Salem Independent: Tim Harrold – Harrold is an operations manager and lives in Dundee.

Betsy Johnson – The bestknown Independent candidate, Johnson is a current Oregon state senator for District 16 and lives in Scappoose. She currently serves in the Senate as a Democrat but is running for governor as an Independent.

Kevin Levy – Levy is a real estate broker who lives in Portland.

Voters will cast ballots in each party during the May primary, with a runoff likely to decide the candidates for at least the Republican and Democrat parties. The next Oregon governor will be chosen in November.

Congressional Delegation push for ports funding Oregon’s congressional delegation is pushing for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to include funding for Oregon’s port infrastructure as the agency implements the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA).

The request includes $62 million for Tillamook Bay

and Bar South Jetty head and trunk repairs to support the Port of Garibaldi and prevent additional loss of life events.

U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04), the Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, along with Senator Ron Wyden and Represen-

tatives Earl Blumenauer (OR03), Kurt Schrader (OR-05), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), and Cliff Bentz (OR-02), have sent a letter to the Army Corps and the Office of Management and Budget, requesting allocated funds be set aside to ensure federally authorized waterways and navigation infrastructure

Boosters now available for 16-years and older

t

n

The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup completed its review of the federal process Thursday, Dec. 9, and recommends expanding booster dose eligibility to 16- and 17-year-olds at least six months after they have completed their primary vaccination series.

The Oregon Health Authority is informing health care providers that the administration of booster doses for individuals 16 and older can begin.

“It’s great news that now even more Oregonian adolescents are eligible for booster shots,” Governor Kate Brown said. “We know the measures that are effective in protecting against COVID-19 and variants: vaccinations, boosters, and masks. These measures are key to ending the pandemic and keeping our

n Board Continued from Page 1 Mock submitted his resignation in November with, as he said, “a twinge of guilt because I support the direction the Health District is pursuing 120%. However, to achieve the goals that the Health District has established means

n COVID Continued from Page 1

vaccine record is planned.

Oregon Health Authority is developing a voluntary vaccination verification tool.

“The digital vaccine record called OR Verified will provide people vaccinated in Oregon with an electronic way to access their own

o

Here is a brief look at the candidates who have announced the intend to run so far.

friends and loved ones safe.”

Earlier on Dec. 9, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized expanding booster shot eligibility for 16- and 17-year olds, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirmed that decision. The Workgroup reviewed and affirmed that federal decision.

Oregon, Washington, and Nevada joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup in October of last year. The workgroup, made up of nationally-acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health, has concurrently and independently reviewed the FDA’s actions related to COVID-19 vaccines. It will continue to evaluate other COVID-19 vaccines as they go through the federal process.

finding new board members on occasion with skill sets that can enhance your chances of achieving those goals. I’ve totally enjoyed the last several years with the district and my twinge of guilt has vanished since I believe you’ve found a replacement that can contribute greatly to the course the district is on.”

Johnson said the entire board appreciates Mock’s service: “Tom has always

been a great colleague and a very engaged board member.

We will miss him but are extremely thankful for his service and for his pledge to keep engaged as we move forward.”

The health district operates the Nehalem Valley Care Center, owns the building occupied by the Rinehart Clinic and also houses the North County Food Bank facility.

personal COVID-19 vaccination record and then share that vaccination status with businesses that ask for proof for verification,” Colson said.

“Many businesses and venues now require proof of vaccination for entry so this tool will give people a convenient option rather than using their paper record.”

Oregon is currently testing its verification tool with communities that are disproportionately impacted by

COVID-19 and are gathering consumer feedback to ensure the tool is accessible and convenient for everyone in Oregon, Colson added.

“Oregon Health Authority anticipates making its voluntary tool available for free for anyone in Oregon who chooses to use it in the spring of 2022,” Colson said.

Send comments to: headlightreporter@countrymedia. net

in the State of Oregon are properly maintained, which is especially critical to Oregon’s small ports.“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit rural communities and small, commercial ports with multiple economic losses from higher safety and sanitation costs, shelter-in-place orders, tenants seeking lease deferral, a severe downturn of the commercial fishing markets, and ports were not eligible to receive much of the relief funds,” the lawmakers wrote. “These ports are a source of jobs, recreation, and tax benefit to the state and local community

and additional operations and maintenance funding is critical for the federal channels and structures that serve these communities.”Oregon is home to export gateways, inland barging terminals, and small commercial and recreational fishing ports, all 23 of which play a significant role in Oregon’s economy. The IIJA is a landmark piece of legislation that will invest in land and water infrastructure, the labor force, broadband infrastructure, and the economy. It’s critical that as this legislation is implemented, Oregon’s small ports—many of which

have years of deferred maintenance needs—are able to access and benefit from the funding made available by IIJA, the Oregon congressional delegation states in a release.The letter includes funding requests for elements, such dredging, maintenance of jetties and canal locks, fish passages, and other infrastructure needed to maintain navigation via Oregon’s rivers and ports. Merkley and DeFazio said that every lock and dam on the Columbia River have long-overdue additional maintenance needs.

4 n December 16, 2021

4 Opinion

n North Coast Citizen n Manzanita, Oregon

www.NorthCoastCitizen.com

Oregon unemployment nears historic low Staff Report

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.2% in November, down from 4.4% in October.

The unemployment rate has declined rapidly over the past six months, according to the Oregon Employment Department. It was close to 6% throughout the first half of the year. Now the rate is close to the state’s histor-

ically low unemployment rates, which averaged 3.9% during 2017 through 2019, the three calendar years at the end of the prior economic expansion.

Nonfarm payroll employment in Oregon rose by 10,000 in November, following a revised gain of 6,400 jobs in October. In November, gains were largest in leisure and hospitality (+4,100 jobs), construction (+1,800),

professional and business services (+1,600), and retail trade (+1,100). These gains were partially offset by a loss of 1,100 jobs in health care and social assistance.

Several industries added enough jobs to reach all-time highs. Construction employed 113,800 in November, which was 500 jobs above its prior record reached in February 2020 during the peak of Oregon’s

Letter to the Editor This is the season of giving Somebody just told me it is December so am putting the asking in high gear. Asking people, who are able to help others. First on the list would be the CHILD Program run through the Methodist Church in Nehalem. This is the time of year the Church organizes a giving program providing toys and clothing for children in our community. Gift tags are labeled so you know if you have a boy or girl, the child’s age, and what they want for Christmas. Each child has two tags, one with clothing,

sizes, and favorite color-and the other with toys they would like. It is not necessary to get everything the child asks forjust what you think you can afford. Currently you can find these tags at the Garibaldi Bay Market, Grumpy’s in Rockaway Beach, Bayway Tavern in Nehalem, Mohler Co-Op in Mohler, Manzanita Grocery & Deli, US Bank and Columbia Bank-both located in Manzanita. If you are not able to get out to get a tag you can call Patty at 503-368-6081-leave a message-and we will get a tag to you. If you are not able to get out to shop but want to contribute you can send a check to CHILD, PO Box

156, Nehalem, Or. 97131. Be sure to write CHILD Program somewhere on the check. Other Agencies in North Tillamook County needing a little extra help this time of year would be the North County Food Bank located in Wheeler. Please remember our Food Bank also has a clothing bank. Warm clothing, jackets, shirts, and pants are always needed for both adults and children.

The clothing bank has no way to launder clothing-please bring only clean clothes. The clothes do not need to be new but do need to be wearable.

The North County Food Bank is open on Tuesdays for you to bring clothing, food, and checks. The Food and Clothing Banks located across the parking lot from the Rinehart Clinic are open on Tuesdays from 11 AM-3PM. Senior Meals are provided by two different organizations in both Rockaway Beach and Nehalem. The Rockaway Beach program is run through the kitchen located at St. Mary’s Church. This program does lunches Monday, Wednesday, and Friday throughout the year. They also do home deliveries. The address you use to support this program is Meals for Seniors, Inc., PO Box 852, Rockaway Beach, Oregon 97136. The Methodist Church in Nehalem uses their kitchen to prepare lunches for Seniors on Tuesday and Thursday-with the Thursday meal also providing

prior economic expansion.

Similarly, wholesale trade, which added 400 jobs in November, reached 77,400, enough to boost it to a record high for the first time since February 2020. Professional and business services rose to 257,500 jobs in November, which was 100 jobs above its pre-COVID record.

Leisure and hospitality added 4,100 jobs in November, following a gain of

3,600 in October. Despite these gains, leisure and hospitality still accounts for a large share of Oregon’s jobs not recovered since early 2020, with 25,400 jobs left to recover to reach the prior peak month of February 2020. The industry has regained 77% of jobs lost early in the pandemic.

Education and health services was 16,000 jobs — or 5% — below its pre-re-

cession peak. Within this broad industry, nursing and residential care facilities was 6,900 jobs below its pre-recession peak, and private educational services was down 3,900. Employment in hospitals was down 2,700 jobs, and ambulatory health care services was down 1,200.

The U.S. unemployment rate was also 4.2% in November.

Hoffman Gallery presents Annual Community Show — TREASURE The Hoffman Center’s Annual Community Show features a wide variety of art forms created by our community of North Coast Artists from Astoria to Tillamook.

This show includes ceramics, collage, drawing, fiber, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. More

than 50 artists participate in this celebration of art with the theme “Treasure.”

To learn more about Community Show and the Hoffman Center’s other programs, visit https://hoffmanarts. org/events/january-february-2022-gallery/

Hoffman Gallery Show January 1 through February 27, 2022 Open Friday through Sunday | 1 a.m.-4 p.m.

Free and open to the public Face masks required Hoffman Center for the Arts | 594 Laneda Avenue | Manzanita

(Top left) Tara Spires work, (Bottom left) Susan Walsh, painting by Bonnie Kost.

Photos provided by Hoffman Center for the Arts. an extra one for the weekend.

Both programs have a minimal charge for their meals-but also do not deny anyone meals if they can’t afford them. The address you would use to support this program would be Nehalem Senior Lunches, PO Box

156, Nehalem, Oregon, 97131.

And don’t forget the Rockaway Beach Lions-what a job they do! Serving School District 56 they provide both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to families. The Christmas meal is a little bigger as school is out and the Free Breakfast and Lunches kids get at school are not available to them. Address for this group is-Rockaway Beach

Lions, PO Box 611, Rockaway Beach, Oregon 97136. Thank you all for your generous giving at Thanksgiving. Call if you have questions, Patty at 503-368-6081-leave a message and I will get back to you.

Patty Rinehart Manzanita

5

Manzanita, Oregon n North Coast Citizen n December 16, 2021 n 5

m www.NorthCoastCitizen.com

w

Citizen North Coast

CLASSIFIEDS

To place an ad

Deadlines

Call 503-842-7535 headlightads@countrymedia.net www.northcoastcitizen.com

Classified Ads: 3 p.m. Monday before publication date

www.northcoastcitizen.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

NCC21-112

!

Fulltime Position

Director of Human Resources $59,442-$66,903/annual ($29.84-$33.58 per hour) (Full employer paid PERS)

Details and application packet available at:

https://tillamookbaycc.edu/about-tbcc/human-resources/

H64533

Contact Pat Ryan (503) 842-8222, ext.1022 patryan@tillamookbaycc.edu

TBCC is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

!

Fulltime Position

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CLATSOP COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION / COUNTYWIDE CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Clatsop County Planning Commission and Comprehensive Plan Update Countywide Citizen Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, via GoTo Meeting. The committee will be discussing the following Statewide Planning Goals: • Goal 5 – Open Spaces, Scenic and Historic Areas, and Natural Resources

at reasonable cost. The full agenda packet is posted at: https://www.co.clatsop.or.us/ calendar.

If you have questions about this matter or need more information, please contact the Planning Division at (503) 325-8611 or at comdev@ co.clatsop.or.us.

Publication dates: Cannon Beach Gazette: December 10, 2021, North Coast Citizen: December 16, 2021, Clatskanie Chief: December 17, 2021

from

$59,442-$66,903 annual ($29.84-$33.58 per hour) (Full employer paid PERS)

SIGHT UNSEEN SHREDDING, LLC

Contact Briar Smith (503) 842-8222, ext.1022 briarsmith@tillamookbaycc.edu

CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT SHREDDING

(503) 457-3089 Recycling bin rentals

Locally owned and operated Member - Tillamook Chamber of Commerce License #20-480

H64516

H64538

Details and application packet available at:

TBCC is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

866 899 4679 United States: +1 (669) 224-3317 Access Code: 836-196-197 An agenda will be posted seven days prior to the hearing at: https://www.co.clatsop.or.us/calendar.

All documents are available for inspection at the Clatsop County Planning Division at 800 Exchange St, Suite 100, during normal business hours (M-F 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) at no cost. Paper copies may also be obtained

Merry Christmas

Dean of General Education and Transfer

https://tillamookbaycc.edu/about-tbcc/human-resources/

• Goal 7 – Natural Hazards • Goal 9 – Economic Development • Goal 13 – Energy Conservation Other Goals and policies related to these goals may also be discussed.

To join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://global.gotomeeting. com/join/836196197 You can also dial in using your phone.

United States (Toll Free): 1

Would you like to be part of a family of mission-focused healthcare professionals?

Join our team at Adventist Health Tillamook which includes positions at our medical offices in Manzanita, Tillamook, Pacific City and Lincoln City.

We have a rare opening for a full time

We offer competitive pay and benefits as well as a sign-on bonus for some positions.

Dietary/cook Assistant in our kitchen.

We are seeking positive attitudes, and the ability to cross train in all areas of the kitchen.

Job openings include: • Patient Scheduling

• RN, all specialties

Come work with one of the best Chef’s around.

• Medical Assistant

No experience required; on-thejob training

• Certified Nursing Assistant

No experience required; on-thejob training

• Radiologic Technician • And more!

• EMT/Paramedic

Visit careers.adventisthealth.org for more information.

Adventist Health is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds to apply for any position(s) of interest.

We offer; starting wages of $18.00 an hour $1500 sign on bonus Uniforms provided Insurance for all full-time employee’s Located in Wheeler Oregon Apply on Indeed or at www.nehalemvalleycarecenter.com

Church Services by the Sea H64523

• • • • • •

Nehalem

Cannon Beach to Nehalem

Nehalem Bay United Methodist Church 36050 10th Street • PO Box 156 Nehalem 97131-0156 503-368-5612 nehalembayumc@gmail.com The Reverend Steve Wolff Worship Service: Sunday 11:00 Adult Sunday School: 9:30 A.M. Sunday

Nehalem Senior Lunches: Noon Tuesday & Thursday Nursery Available ADA Accessible

To feature your spiritual organization on this panel:

Contact Katherine at (503) 842-7535, headlightads@countrymedia.net.

Manzanita

Calvary Bible Church 560 Laneda Avenue, PO Box 308 Manzanita, OR 503-368-5202 calvarymanzanita@gmail.com Pastor Ryan Holloway Worship Service: 9:00 A.M. Sunday Nursery Available ADA Accessible

6 n December 16, 2021

6 CLASSIFIEDS

n North Coast Citizen n Manzanita, Oregon

www.NorthCoastCitizen.com

Obituaries

Report from the Manzanita STR Workshop

Kurt John Luft

O

n Monday, October 18, 2021, Kurt “Air” John Luft passed away peacefully at home. He is survived by his wife Wanti Luft, five step-children, four grandchildren, his sisters (Lorelai, Judy and Lisa), and his brothers (Karl and Mark).

Born July 28, 1956, in Fresno, California, Kurt was a loving husband, brother, brother-in-law, stepfather, uncle, great-uncle, and friend in his 65 years. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Fresno State University and worked as a manager at Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

Kurt had a passion for hang gliding that started at a very young age, giving him a spectacular view from above.

He once flew his hang glider in Yosemite, along the Eastern Sierras from Bishop California to Mount Whitney, landing south of Lone Pine and flying over 60 miles. He enjoyed hang gliding over

Richard “Dick” Diller

the coast and mountains of California.

Kurt loved adventurous traveling to many different countries; tasting different foods, meeting different people and exploring these places with a deep appreciation of them. He complimented people for the beautiful, clever or delicious things they offer in this world.

An animal lover, Kurt raised chickens as pets while also enjoying the eggs and always was a dog lover. He was passionate about EVERYTHING outdoors: the beach, gardening, bicycling, crabbing, sightseeing, and hiking. Nature is the reason he and his wife moved to beautiful Netarts, Oregon, where they enjoyed the forest and the beach surrounding their home.

Kurt’s kindness will be remembered by his wife, step-children, friends, and family. He was generous with his time, words of wisdom, and help. Kurt was an adventurer and a trailblazer, and very brave; he was not afraid of anything (as was evident by his marrying a woman with five children).

Kurt was always seeking better health, between eating a good diet and getting out of the house to be active and have fun. Kurt was strong minded, yet open to new ideas; always finding something positive to say. He loved making people smile.

R

ichard “Dick” Diller passed away in his sleep, while recuperating in the hospital after a fall.

He was born in Morrowville, Kansas, the oldest of three, and after he moved with his family to California he

David Rupkalvis Country Media Sen. Jeff Merkley has made it a personal mission to lower prescription drug prices in the United States.

As the Senate debates Pres.

Joe Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Merkley said that plan could be the answer he has been looking for.

During a press conference last week, Merkley said something must be done to lower what Americans pay for prescription medication.

“Here is America, we pay more than folks in other developed countries,” Merkley said.

“We should get the best prices in drugs, but that’s not the way it works because our laws are weak. This is a real tragedy for American people who have to decide if they want to pay the rent or get their drugs.”

Merely said the average American spends $1,200 a year on prescription medication, far more than anywhere else in the world. He said he hears from concerned Oregonians frequently, telling the story of an elderly woman who pays more

Sat. April 30 & Sun. May 1, 2022

Saturday 9 am to 4 pm Sunday 11 am to 4 pm at the

Tillamook County Fairgrounds Free parking Free admission

We are now Bee Day 2018 booking vendors 10 am to 5 pm

Sunday, April 8 11 am to 4 pm

FREE ADMISSION

Tillamook Beekeepers Association is Presenting

at Tillamook County Fairgrounds

us Jointhe at w! sho

•

Contact us now to reserve your space!

Tillamook Beekeepers Association is Presenting

Bee Day 2022 Featuring demonstrations, observation hive, raffle for hand-crafted beehive, local honey for sale and more!

Now Taking Reservations Booth Space

Find out how to become a Sponsor

Call 503-842-7535 or email headlightads@countrymedia.net 1906 Second St., Tillamook, OR 97141

Headlight Herald

www.tillamookheadlightherald.com

Citizen North Coast

www.northcoastcitizen.com

Cindy Kenne Manzanita Short-Term Rental Workgroup

responses. In-depth discussion of the results were held in Zoom meetings. Analyzing the return data and drawing conclusions formed the basis for recommended changes to the ordinance.

To date, the Manzanita City Council has accepted the STR workgroup revisions concerning: • Inspection Checklist • Agent Registration Forms • Emergency Postings inside STRs • Evacuation Maps • Related Definitions • Identification Sign Posting • Parking Regulations and Submittal Requirements • Local Agent definition and duties • Garbage Storage and Removal • Occupancy Capacity Standards • Exterior Lighting • Noise The sign posting requirement will ensure there is a readily accessible number to call if needed. Parking regulations will help keep our streets open for car and pedestrian traffic. Local agent protocols require that a person be available at all times to respond to issues.

The STR noise standards have been adopted city-wide for all properties. This includes quiet hours from 10:00 pm through 7:00 am daily.

The newly revised and approved Ordinance 10-3 can be found on the City website at https://ci.manzanita.or.us/ wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ Ordinance-10-03-STR-regulations-revised-09.08.2021.pdf.

The STR workgroup is moving forward and hopes to work for the benefit of all the citizens of Manzanita and the STR industry. Density is still an issue in the community. It is no secret that most of the STRs are located in the first few blocks from the beach.

We are researching and learning from other communities how they have managed this issue. We are committed to maintaining our way of life and our community values, while honoring the fact that STR taxes provides us with the revenues our city relies upon.

Clarity and language is always an issue when dealing with big ideas and change.

It is a benefit, once again, to have other ears and eyes upon us. We continue to tweak our language and word choices in order to be clearly understood.

We are always striving to listen to the concerns of STR owners and citizens.

Finding solutions is not an easy task. We are constantly reminded that visitors like to come to Manzanita because they love the small-town experience. A continuing goal of our workgroup is to share our town and still maintain a livable and healthy community.

Short-Term Rental Workgroup: Cindy Kenne, Jo Newhouse, Lee Hiltenbrand, Amy VanDyke, Danielle Johnson and City representative Judy Wilson.

Over the past two years, you may have heard the buzz about a group of citizens that meet regularly on Zoom to discuss the short-term rentals in Manzanita. That would be us, the Short-Term Rental (STR) Workgroup, made up of citizens appointed by Mayor Scott over two years ago.

We have accomplished much during this time and want to spread the word on how the process worked, and how to look at the improvements that have been made. We believe our work, along with City enforcement, will help ensure that residents (both part and full time) and visitors can all enjoy this community.

Originally, we met at city than half her fixed income on hall and meetings were open medications each month. to the public. The COVID “These are the reasons situation soon moved us I introduced the End Price into meeting on Zoom. We Gouging for Medications Act,” adapted and found that our Merkley said. “But the drug meetings had even stronger lobby is very powerful, and I attendance using this format. haven’t had the opportunity to This was pivotal as we were move this in the Senate.” committed to gathering as But the Build Back Betmuch information as possible ter proposal has some key about people who owned elements Merkley supports.

STRs, people who lived near One would cap at $2,000 what STRs, and the impact of the seniors will have to pay out of STRs on our community. Bepocket annually. The second, ing able to listen to concerns would limit the charge for and answer questions helped insulin to no more than $35 a in our decision making. month. A third, would allow Our goals and directives Medicare to start negotiating were simple: drug prices with providers.

1. Evaluate the current “This is the first step, the short-term rental regulations. first foot in the door to have 2. Provide strategies to America lower the price of address community livability prescription drugs,” Merkley related to STRs. said.

3. Present reports and One person who would be recommendations to the City thrilled if the legislation passed Council. is Jessica Schockmel, an OreIn our first three months gonian and a mom with type-1 we reviewed Ordinance 10-3, diabetes. She said affording which governs STRs. Updather medication, which simply ing and revising this was a keeps her alive, has been a con- priority. We wanted to know stant struggle. the community perception of “Until a cure is found, STRs and what was working insulin is the only treatment for and not working in our city. type-1 diabetes,” Schockmel The concept of creating a said. “It is as vital to me as survey was high on the list, water is to others.” but was put on hold when Schockmel has lived with Covid-19 caused closure of insulin since she was 10, and the STRs and public gatheradmits there have been times ings. buying her medication has The Covid-19 closure required her family to miss presented challenges for out elsewhere. She has also re-opening the STRs while cut back on her medication keeping our citizens and at times, used expired medi- visitors safe and healthy. cation and taken other steps These concerns include to save money. support for the work force of “We had a hard time the STR industry. With advice eating rather than buying from professionals in health, a bottle of insulin that was hygiene and epidemiology, only for me,” she said. the STR committee devel“Through the years, I have oped a set of protocols to begged, borrowed, used keep renters and workers safe expired insulin and reused during the pandemic. These materials.” protocols were used by other Schockmel said in Janucommunities up and down ary, a three-month supply of the coast. The guidelines are insulin cost her $1,600. available here: https://ci.man“I’m a real person who zanita.or.us/wp-content/uphas struggled for years not loads/2020/05/11-STR-Cleanonly with an illness, but ing-Guidelines-1.pdf struggled to raise a family,” The STR workgroup deSchockmel said. “This isn’t veloped the survey to gather a political issue, this is an information on the impact issue for America. Diabetes of STRs in the community. doesn’t care which side of There were close to 500 aisle you’re on.”

Gil Muñoz, CEO of Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, also said the steps in Build Back Better would make a big difference.

“The new legislation would ensure no one has to choose between buying medicine, putting food on the table or paying rent,” he said.

Yvonne Smith, full-time faculty in gerontology at The North Coast Citizen is Clackamas Community College and a member of available on your the AARP Oregon Execusmartphone and tablet. tive Council, said the move would especially benefit seniors, who often have the hardest time paying for expensive medicine.

Subscribe and claim “I’ve seen families go bankrupt trying to cover the your cost of medicine,” Smith said. “It’s important we keep online access the prescription drug deal in the Build Back Better Act.” Merkley closed the conference by saying something must be done.

“People are not a profit margin,” Merkley said.

“They are human beings. We have the answer, we have the bill. All the cases of people not taking drugs, cutting drugs, they wouldn’t have Go to www.northcoastcitizen.com to do if they were in a fair country.” or call 1-800-275-7799

Merkley: Medicine provisions in BBB need to pass

Headlight Herald

Saturday, April 7

pursued a career in the ministry, later psychology so that he could focus on pastoral care.

He loved singing throughout his life, and was a dedicated member of a number of choirs until his final years.

He is survived by two sisters (Kay and Estelle), two nieces (Trisha and Denise), three children (Alison, Chrissie, and Mark), four step-children (Sara, David, Ann, and Scott), and six grandchildren (Adrian, Collin, Travis, Brandon, Katrina, and Amy).

A memorial service is scheduled to be held at 3 p.m. on January 29 at Nehalem Bay Methodist Church in Nehalem, OR.

The Who, What, When, Where and Why

No time to finish reading that newspaper article?

Take it with you!

FREE