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Happy New Year!

North Coast

Citizen Serving North Tillamook County since 1996

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December 30, 2021

Volume 27, No. 25

King Tides arrive for New Year’s Day T

he North Oregon Coast is preparing for the third in this winter’s series of king tides, beginning on New Year’s Day and continuing through Jan. 3, 2022.

King tides are exceptionally high tides that occur each winter. On the North Coast, king tides can lead to coastal flooding as well as impacts to the natural and human-built environment. King tides provide valuable insight into future sea level rise due to climate change.

While celebrating the New Year’s holiday on the North Coast, please pay close attention to tide schedules, stay off the beach at high tide, and avoid driving through high water. For your safety, consider a First Day Hike or other alternative to a polar plunge. While enjoying coastal views, stay out of the surf, stay off drift logs, and stay away from jetties.

For more information about citizen science efforts to document king tides, visit the Oregon King Tides Project. For photos of king tides in Oregon, visit Oregon King Tides on Flickr. To learn more about king tides, view resources from NOAA and the EPA. For First Day Hikes free parking information, visit

Oregon State Parks.

North Coast Tourism Management Network The North Coast Tourism Management Network seeks to enhance healthy, collaborative, sustainable relationships between coastal visitors, residents, businesses, and the environment. We communicate the value of tourism for our communities while striving to minimize negative impacts of visitation and

help guests become excellent stewards of the coast we call home.

The network was formed in 2019 following the North Coast Destination Management Studio program developed and offered by Travel Oregon. NCTMN is a formalized network funded by grants and contributions from partner organizations and housed within a nonprofit 501(c)(6) sponsor, the Oregon Coast Visitors Association.

Community Writes invites you to ‘Go home and write’ M any years ago, Sinclair Lewis was badgered into conducting a guest lecture to a group of aspiring writers at Wesleyan College. There, he grumpily asked students to raise their hands if they someday hoped to be writers.

When the entire class raised their hands, Lewis is said to have offered this famous admonishment: “Well then, go home and write!” The author then abruptly left the podium and walked out the door.

When you think about it, Lewis has a point: If you want to write and be successful at it, you ought to stay home and well, write.

That’s where Community Writes comes in.

It’s gearing up for a big new year that will provide writers with strong ties to the north Oregon Coast more avenues to strengthen their writing muscle.

Last year, when the Hoffman Center for the Arts launched the program, it invited writers to submit short pieces of fiction, nonfiction or memoir, focusing on rotating topics each quarter.

This upcoming year, it’s taking it up a notch or two.

Community Writes will now be monthly instead, and poetry will also be included!

The program is open to all – whether you are a published writer or not – and contributions

will be published on a rolling basis on the Hoffman Center website, hoffmanarts.org. Contributors also will be offered an opportunity to read their work at periodic open mic events. There is a $5 fee per submission.

Here are the guidelines Beginning in January, fiction, nonfiction, essay, memoir – and poetry – will be accepted.

Submissions should not exceed 800 words, and should include an image, if possible.

The writing must be inspired by the prompt designated for each month, though the title does not need to include the prompt topic.

The prompts for 2022 are: January – Rain February – Presidents March – Wind April – The Cruelest Month

May – Lust June – Bursting Out July – I Love a Parade August – Wilting September – Renewal October – Spooked November – Thankful December – Celebrations Questions? Contact: Lynn Steinberg, 206-900-1798 or Ellis Conklin, 314-304-2821, Community Writes, co-leads.

Permanent mask proposal takes shape O

Zoe Gottilieb Country Media

regonians may soon face an indefinite indoor mask mandate.

As the expiration of the state’s temporary indoor mask rule draws near, a permanent replacement is under review by state health officials.

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) filed a proposed rule-

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making notice Dec. 10 with the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office, requesting changes to the current rule which expires Feb. 8, 2022.

The proposed permanent rule, if effected, would replace the current 180-day temporary rule with one of “indefinite” duration.

“This is necessary to control COVID-19, reduce hospitalizations and deaths, and provide general health protection to people in Oregon,” the proposed rule change states.

The rule generally applies to all businesses in Oregon. The OHA is also proposing a civil penalty of $500 per person per day for non-compliance with the rule.

In addition, the rule change would grant the Oregon State Public Health Director or the Oregon State Health Officer “the authority to rescind and reinstate all or parts of the rule,” according to the notice.

The rule can be repealed if “on the ground” conditions approve, which are currently not tied to any metrics, according to State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger.

Before the filing, an administrative rules advisory committee met Thursday, Dec. 2 to review the need for the OHA’s proposed rule and receive the input of small businesses and organizations, the notice states.

The proposal comes shortly after the Omicron variant’s arrival to the United States on Dec. 1, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Through Dec. 8, the OHA reported that 22 U.S. states had detected at least one COVID-19 case attributed to the Omicron variant. Among 43 cases with initial follow-up, one hospitalization and no deaths were reported.

As of Monday, Dec. 13, there were three confirmed cases of Omicron in Oregon.

At a virtual press conference held Friday, Dec. 17, Gov. Kate Brown reaffirmed the importance of responsible masking practices amid news of the new variant.

“As Omicron is spreading, more states are starting to follow Oregon’s lead in reinstating mask requirements,” she said. “Thank you to every Oregonian who continues to mask up. You are making a difference.”

“Science shows that masks work,” OHA Lead Communications Officer Jonathan Modie told The Chronicle. “They save lives. That’s why OHA issued the temporary rule requiring indoor mask use and why OHA plans to issue the permanent rule with this requirement.”

Modie said the OHA’s decision to move forward with the proposal was data-based.

“OHA reviewed several studies related to COVID-19

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Upcoming COVID-19 surge predicted Hilary Dorsey

T

Staff Writer

illamook County Health Department reported during a community update Tuesday, Dec. 21, 29 COVID-19 cases for the weekend case count from Dec. 17-19. The 7-day case count from Dec. 12-18 was 71. The 14day case count from Dec. 5-18 was 147.

“For the month to date through Dec. 19, we’ve had 160 cases,” Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Ed Colson said.

Tillamook County has seen 48 COVID-related deaths, as of Dec. 21.

Thirty-nine of those individuals were not vaccinated, eight were fully vaccinated and one had no vaccine record.

“We have three confirmed outbreaks, 14 pending investigation, for a total of 17 under monitoring,” Colson said.

Four cases of the omicron variant have been detected in Oregon, three of them being from Multnomah and Washington counties and one from Lane County, Colson said. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) reports Oregon has an estimated three weeks to prepare for a surge in cases due to omicron.

“There’s still much unknown about the omicron variant but it appears to be more easily spread than previous variants, being more transmissible and in addition to affecting those not yet vaccinated, can infect fully vaccinated individuals, especially those that have not yet received their booster shot,” Colson said.

Colson said we can prepare for the upcoming surge by increasing the number of people getting vaccinated, getting a booster shot if already vaccinated and wearing a mask in indoor public spaces.

“We must double down on following the measures,” Colson said. “That will help keep us as safe as possible.”

COVID-19 testing remains available through the health center at the acute care clinic, located at 2111 8th St. in Tillamook. Hours are 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, Rinehart Clinic and local pharmacies.

The health center’s walk-in vaccine clinic at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds Convention Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, from 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30.

“Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for your first, second, third and booster doses, as well as flu and pneumonia vaccines will be available there,” Colson said. “We do not have Johnson & Johnson available anymore at the walk-in clinic.”

Adventist Health, Rinehart Clinic and local pharmacies also have vaccines available.

Regarding holiday gatherings, the health department states one of the most important things you can do is ask everyone at your gathering to be fully vaccinated and receive a booster shot.

“In addition, Tillamook County Public Health recommends the following safety precautions: To limit exposure, keep your gatherings small, recommend to only gather with people in your household or try a virtual option to add in others. If you do choose to gather with the news of the predicted upcoming

n See COVID, Page 3

2 n December 30, 2021 n North Coast Citizen n Manzanita, Oregon

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Real estate professional Norma Mace joins her sister, Andrea Mace, at Realty One Group Prestige in Cannon Beach, Oregon Realty One Group Prestige in Cannon Beach now has its own Sister Act with Norma Mace joining her sister, Andrea Mace, as a newly licensed real estate professional in the state of Oregon.

Norma Mace returned to the North Coast in 2018 to raise her son in the same small town environment that she enjoyed as a child growing up on the beach. Currently, Norma resides in Manzanita and is working with her sister, Andrea Mace, as the newest addition to the Realty One Group Prestige team.

Andrea Mace joined Realty One Group Prestige, Cannon Beach, in the fall of 2020. “The actual office is just a really lovely space, it is a great place to meet clients,” Mace commented. Located right above the Wine Shack at 124 N. Hemlock Street in Suite 200, the office has become a part of Cannon Beach’s vibrant downtown.

“I love the beach, and have

been very lucky to have spent most of my life living at the beach,” Andrea explained.

“Real estate has been an amazing career path for myself and I am delighted to have my talented sister as my newest colleague.”

Andrea Mace has had a record breaking year with over $15 million in real estate sales and so the timing is perfect to bring another agent in on her business. “Norma and I are currently working on our first co-listing and I am confident that more exciting ventures will be quick to unfold in 2022.”

A longtime resident of Cannon Beach, Andrea Mace was the Executive Director of the Cannon Beach Arts Association before getting her real estate license in 2015.

Norma Mace pursued a career in dance after graduating from Seaside High School and university. Norma also continues to be a successful choreographer whose students

have excelled in the competitive arena of dance.

“It has really felt like coming home to the North Coast after being gone for so many years. My son is a real beach kid and I love that!” Norma said.

“Real estate is an exciting new venture and I am thrilled to have joined Realty One Group Prestige as I am surrounded by top producing agents who really care about their clients, including my sister,” Norma added in closing. “It is a fabulous way to start the New Year.”

For more information about Realty One Group Prestige in Cannon Beach, or about the real estate market on the North Coast in general you can connect with Andrea Mace at 503-4404024 (https://andreamace. myrealtyonegroup.com) or Norma Mace at 503-960-9149 (https://normamace.myrealtyNorma and Andria Mace. Courtesy photo onegroup.com).

Sunflower Sea Star one step closer to Endangered Species Act protection Species faces extinction after 90% population decline from disease, warming ocean Following a petition by the Center for Biological Diversity, the National Marine Fisheries Service announced today that imperiled sunflower sea stars may warrant protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Since 2013, 90% of the Pacific population of these sea stars has been lost to the gruesome and disfiguring sea star wasting disease. The disease outbreak is being driven by climate change, with warmer oceans making the effects more severe and deadly.

“To see these spectacular creatures shriveled and disfigured paints a sad picture of how global warming is exacerbating disease and other harms in our oceans,” said Miyoko Sakashita,

ocean program director at the Center. “This is an important step toward protecting this beautiful species and the kelp forests it lives in.”

Sunflower sea stars — who have up to 24 arms, can be a meter wide, and come in a variety of bright colors — live along shorelines from Southern California to southern Alaska. They’re voracious predators whose consumption of sea urchins helps prevent the overgrazing of kelp forests, maintaining coastal ecosystems.

The sea star wasting disease outbreak is considered one of the largest marine epidemics, causing massive sea star mortality along the West Coast. The disease is a gruesome killer, causing le-

sions, contortions, lost limbs, disintegration and death.

Sunflower sea stars have never recovered from being wiped out by the disease and are now classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Ocean acidification is also a threat to the species.

Following today’s decision the government will open a public comment period on sunflower sea star protection.

The Endangered Species Act requires the National Marine Fisheries Service to decide whether to list the species by August 2022. A listing could trigger an additional review of shoreline armoring and other coastal development projects that might push the species toward extinction.

Tillamook man sentenced to federal prison for stealing 15 firearms from sporting goods store A Tillamook, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for stealing 15 firearms from a sporting goods store in Tillamook while on post-prison supervision.

Robert Jon Gilliam, 52, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Gilliam was

also ordered to pay $8,892 in restitution the insurance company who covered the sporting goods store’s losses.

According to court documents, in the early morning hours of May 8, 2020, Tillamook Police Department officers responded to a burglary at Tillamook Sporting Goods,

Now open

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

a federal firearm licensee. A male caller saw a male run from the store, get into a green Subaru driven by a female, and drive away. A short time later, the female drove back into the parking lot and parked, but the male passenger was not in the care. The caller then watched as the male ran from the front of the store, again jumped into the vehicle, and drove away.

On scene, police found the front glass doors of the store and several glass firearm display cases inside the store shattered. Officers

observed blood near the broken glass and collected it for analysis. The store’s surveillance video was not operable during the time of the burglary and the store’s alarm was not triggered until police were in the building.

On June 4, 2020, Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies recovered one of the stolen firearms while executing a search warrant.

Three days, later, on June 7, 2020, investigators executed a search warrant on Gilliam’s Tillamook residence.

Officers observed a green

Subaru parked outside with dried blood on the inside of the front passenger door and on the car’s exterior.

Investigators submitted the blood sample from the store to the Oregon State Police Crime Lab. Forensic scientists matched the sample to a known blood sample taken from Gilliam.

On October 6, 2020, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Gilliam with stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee and illegally possessing a

firearm as a convicted felon.

On July 2, 2021, Gilliam pleaded guilty to both charges.

Acting U.S. Attorney Scott Erik Asphaug of the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Tillamook Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leah K. Bolstad prosecuted the case.

Increased SNAP benefits will continue through January The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has announced that most Oregonian’s who receive increased emergency SNAP benefits will continue to receive them in January.

The ODHS said approximately 382,000 SNAP house-

holds will receive approximately $61 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to provide emergency benefits to most SNAP households in Oregon,” ODHS Self-Sufficiency Program Director Dan Haun

said. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”

The federal government

has approved emergency monthly allotments since March 2020, according to the ODHS. SNAP households will be able to collect the allotments on Jan. 11 while new households will have funds available at the end of the month.

Tidewater Contractors, Inc. is looking to hire a

Shop Supervisor to join its Brookings, Oregon crew.

Requirements:

• At least 3 years supervision experience • At least 5 years work experience in a heavy equipment/truck repair role

Apply with resume: Tidewater Contractors, Inc. 16156 Hwy. 101 S., PO Box 1956 Office: 541-469-5341 • Fax: 541-469-5543 Email: info@TWContractors.com

Tidewater Contractors is an

EOE Employer

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Manzanita, Oregon n North Coast Citizen n December 30, 2021 n 3

Top stories of 2021 as clicked on the northcoastcitizen.com Number One Aug. 16

Gov. Brown announces deployment of Oregon National Guard members Gov. Kate Brown announced Friday, Aug. 13, she will be deploying up to 1,500 Oregon National Guard members to support frontline health care workers as Oregon hospitals face a surge of hospitalizations due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant.

Beginning Aug. 20, an initial 500 Guard members will be deployed to hospitals around the state to provide logistical support as materials handlers and equipment runners, as well as assisting with COVID-19 testing and other necessary services to support hospital operations. The Oregon National Guard is prepared to provide logistical support for more than 20 hospitals across the state.

“This morning I received the grim news that there are 733 Oregonians hospitalized with severe cases of COVID-19, including 185 in intensive care units,” said Brown. “I cannot emphasize enough the seriousness of this crisis for all Oregonians, especially those needing emergency and intensive care. When our hospitals are full with COVID-19 patients, there may not be room for someone needing care after a car crash, a heart attack, or other emergency situation.”

“I know this is not the summer many of us envisioned, with over 2.5 million Oregonians vaccinated against COVID-19. The harsh, and frustrating reality is that the Delta variant has changed everything. Delta is highly contagious, and we must take action now.”

Number Two May 6, 2021 Federal changes increase emergency SNAP benefits for many households Most Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments in May. The federal

government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020, to give SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are two important federal changes to the SNAP Emergency Allotments in May 2021. Households that are already receiving the maximum SNAP benefits for their household size will now receive an additional $95 in emergency allotments in May. This increase will impact approximately 284,000 households (67 percent of Oregon SNAP households) and will have an impact of $28 million in additional benefits for households in Oregon. Households who are eligible for $0 in regular SNAP benefits will not receive the May emergency allotments.

This change is because the federal government clarified households must receive regular SNAP to be eligible for emergency allotments. This change does not impact other SNAP benefits and services these households may receive, such as employment and training services. This change will impact approximately 4,300 households. Those impacted by this change are encouraged to report any changes that may impact their regular SNAP amount, such as loss of income or increase in shelter expenses.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to increase emergency benefits available to some SNAP households in Oregon,” said Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Director Fariborz Pakseresht. “We also know that for those 4,300 households who will no longer receive the emergency allotments, that this change can be significant and difficult. We encourage them, and all Oregonians who are struggling to meet their basic needs to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank.”

Number Three March 10, 2021 Traffic stop leads to drug bust Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office Detective Andrew

Christopherson conducted a traffic stop Monday, March 8, with a Honda Civic for speeding near the area of Hwy 101 / Old Mill Road. During the stop, Christopherson determined the vehicle had switched plates from another vehicle.

According to the sheriff’s office, the driver was identified as Rachel Makus, formerly of Tillamook. Makus had an outstanding Oregon State Parole Board felony warrant.

During a consent search of the vehicle, deputies found suspected heroin, suspected methamphetamine, drug packaging material, drug paraphernalia and several thousand dollars in cash.

Makus was transported and lodged at the Tillamook County Jail and booked on charges of Unlawful Possession and Delivery of Heroin and the Parole Board warrant.

Number Four Nov. 10, 2021

OSP responds to rollover crash on Hwy 101 Oregon State Police (OSP) responded to a rollover crash around 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 9, on Hwy 101 and Kenton Drive.

According to OSP, a silver Toyota XB, driven by Diana Willner of Seaside, was southbound negotiating a left curve.

The vehicle strick and bounced off the southbound guardrail, went across both lanes, struck and drove up a dirt embankment. The vehicle rolled on its side, where it came to an uncontrolled rest facing south in the northbound lane. “[Willner] was not wearing a seatbelt and had significant injuries,” the OSP reported. “[Willner] was transported by ambulance to Tillamook Hospital.”

Willner was cited for driving while suspended and no insurance, OSP stated.

Number Five Nov. 4, 2021 Man dies after getting sucked into current Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) Deputy Chris Barnett and Detective Andy

Christopherson responded to a reported water rescue at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, on the Wilson River. Witnesses reported that a person was floating down the river.

“A 41 year old man from Hillsboro was fishing with two friends along the Wilson River, just below Mills Bridge,” said Barnett. “He decided to cross the river to fish from the other side. As he made his way across, he stumbled and fell but was able to recover and make it to the other side to fish.”

According to the sheriff’s office, the man fished from the other side for a while and then made his way back across the river toward his friends.

“He was crossing the river when he reached a deep point, fell over and got sucked down the river,” said Barnett. “His friends witnessed the incident and said that he was trying to get back to shore. In that part of the river, the current is actually pushing you away from shore.”

Number Six Oct. 4, 2021 Two found dead after boat capsizes near Nedonna Beach Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported capsized sailboat at 8:20 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, north of Rockaway, near Nedonna Beach, just south of the south Nehalem Jetty. Rockaway Fire-Rescue, Garibaldi Fire-Rescue, Nehalem Bay Fire-Rescue, Tillamook Ambulance and the US Coast Guard responded as well.

According to the sheriff’s office, fire personnel located an unconscious/not breathing woman on the beach and CPR was initiated. Unfortunately, the woman could not be resuscitated. U.S. Coast Guard crews continued searching the area for survivors with two motor lifeboats.

The capsized sailboat, registered out of Astoria, became partially beached and coast guard personnel were able to gain access to the vessel and located a deceased man, the sheriff’s office reported.

The two victims, husband

and wife, were believed to be the only people on board the vessel at the time of the incident. Thanks to the efforts of Tillamook 911 Dispatchers, the victims were identified and immediate family has been notified.

Number Seven Oct. 6, 2021

Sheriff’s office addresses brushing scams Recently, some of you have might have received packages containing items that you did not order. Many of you have called Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) to report this. While on some occasions this could simply be a mistake on the shippers part, unfortunately, it could also be part of yet another scam that you should be aware of.

“It’s called a ‘brushing’ scam, “ said TCSO Detective Andy Christopherson. “The package is a low cost item that the person didn’t order, yet it was addressed to the correct address and resident that lives there.”

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a brushing scam allows the seller/shipper to give themselves a great review in your name. More than just annoying, it could mean that the scammers have created an account in your name, or taken over your account on online retail sites. Also, the scammers could have created new accounts (maybe lots of them) in other names tied to your address. Which allows them to post seemingly real reviews.

TCSO suggests you to monitor your online shopping accounts for any activity or purchases that aren’t yours. If you find anything odd, contact the retailer and change your account password immediately.

Number Eight Oct. 18, 2021 Sheriff’s office details serious recent car crashes, fatalities There have been several serious motor vehicle crashes this past week, a few of which

resulted in fatalities, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) reported.

“Unfortunately, it has been a busy and very tragic week [in] Tillamook County,” said Sheriff Joshua Brown. “The real tragedy is that most motor vehicle crashes are avoidable, especially when reckless driving, excessive speed, or impaired and distracted driving are involved.”

TCSO deputies responded at 12:07 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, to Kilchis Forest Road near milepost 4, for a reported motor vehicle crash.

“A 17-year-old male from Tillamook, was learning to drive his truck with friends,” said TCSO Forest Deputy Evan Wallace.

Number Nine Feb. 9, 2021 Three-vehicle crash occurs on Hwy 6 Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a three-vehicle crash Monday, Feb. 8, on Hwy 6, milepost 15. The crash resulted in injuries, and one vehicle was spun off the road.

Oregon State Police reported a silver Toyota Highlander, operated by Robert Little of Bay City, was eastbound, taking a curve, and went into the westbound lane. A second vehicle, a white Toyota Highlander, operated by Kinnari Patel of Rockaway Beach, drove onto the shoulder to avoid impact.

The second vehicle bounced off the guardrail, spinning, when it was struck by the silver Highlander.

It was reported the white Highlander spun 180 degrees and went over the westbound shoulder, down a dirt slope and rolled onto its left side, where it came to an uncontrolled rest. The silver Highlander struck the westbound guardrail and bounced off into the lane, striking a third vehicle, a Volkswagon Jetta, head on. The Jetta was operated by Cheryl Hallowell of Tillamook.

Both the silver Highlander and Jetta came to an uncontrolled rest in the westbound lane.

n Mask Continued from Page 1

n COVID Continued from Page 1 surge, please be extra mindful of your choices. Consider avoiding contact with others outside your household, five to seven days prior to your gathering.”

Colson said at-home COVID-19 tests may be a good idea to use before traveling or gathering with others.

Try to avoid sharing utensils,

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This six-page proposed rule change would make Oregon’s indoor mask mandate indefinite. getting worse or relax the current precautions we have in place because the disease rate has gone down significantly,” he said. “We want hospitals to be at a point where they are able to handle the volume of patients they see from COVID-19 and other conditions without needing the tremendous additional staffing they have in order to provide that quality of care to all Oregonians.”

Members of the public

will have the opportunity to comment on the proposal, according to Modie.

The OHA is accepting comments on the proposed rule until Jan. 24, and a public hearing will be conducted Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to noon.

The location of that meeting was pending at press time.

Email publichealth.rules@ dhsoha.state.or.us to be added to the interested parties list and to submit a comment.

plate and glasses, and continue to wear a mask.

“Traveling by car with members of your own household is the safest method [of travel],” Colson said. “If you do go by air or public transit, please remember to always

wear a proper-fitting mask and avoid eating or drinking, especially in crowded situations.”

Send comments to: headlightreporter@countrymedia. net

SATURDAY JANUARY 8 7:00 PM NCRD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 36155 9TH ST. NEHALEM OREGON 855-444-6273 WWW.NCRD.ORG

nceled the e, NCRD has ca rg su 9 -1 id ov C 2022 ected d for January 8, le Due to the exp u ed h sc rt ce t con Pacifica Quarte H64582

transmission and masking, including national data on the effectiveness of masks in preventing the transmission of the virus,” Modie said. “OHA continues to monitor scientific data with regard to masking and control of COVID-19.”

Data from the CDC shows a 1-2% reduction in COVID case growth and death rates associated with state-issued mask mandates in a study of 2,313 U.S. counties up to 81-100 days after implementation.

Oregon is one of eight states to retain a mask mandate nearly two years into the pandemic, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP).

Modie said the OHA’s approach is to continue to look at the impact of the virus on Oregonians and Oregon’s health care system.

“And make recommendations based on what we see on the ground, and either increase control of the pandemic because things are

Wellness exams for ages 3 and up • NO COST to you (insurance will be billed) • $15 Gift card for ages 3 to 6 years (mailed after visit) • $25 Gift card for ages 7 and up (mailed after visit) Offer good from July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021

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To schedule your appointment

503-842-3938 • 800-528-2938 • TTY 711 Se habla español

801 Pacific Avenue • Tillamook

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4 n December 30, 2021

4 Opinion

n North Coast Citizen n Manzanita, Oregon

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Letter to the Editor Dear Tillamook County Democrats

This is something that should make clear to every thinking Oregonian why the job of a Precinct Committeeperson (PCP) is important.

Democratic PCPs who live in Senate District 16 will soon be nominating between three and five replacements for Senator Betsy Johnson, who resigned on Wednesday. County Commissioners in SD16 will then appoint a replacement for Senator Johnson from among those nominees and no others, which gives an extraordinary amount of power to PCPs. The state-level Democratic Party of Oregon is completely directing the participation of our PCPs in the candidate-nomination process, but

Tillamook County Democrats are responsible, as always, for getting good Democrats into those PCP positions. We have 31 empty PCP positions in SD16, and appointed PCPs are eligible to vote if we can get them certified with the county early next week. To do that, we will be appointing new PCPs via Zoom this coming Monday, December 20th, at 6:00 p.m.

Are you interested in becoming one of them? All you have to do is reply to this email. Just tell us your name and where you live (so we can verify your eligibility) and how to get in touch with you.

We will take it from there.

If not, or if you live outside SD16 (basically the north half of the county), would you forward this email to some good Democrat who might be

interested and eligible?

On a different but related topic, we are also interested in finding people who would fill Betsy Johnson’s seat. Do you know someone who should be nominated? This appointment will position someone as the incumbent and presumptive winner of the next election for her seat. The future of our county and our state is at stake. It is crucial that this seat be filled with someone who will keep it blue.

Cole Brecheen chair@tillcodems.org Mary McGinnis vicechair1@tillcodems.org 573-280-2160

We need to do better for our elderly

Today I took my 94 year old mother to see her next home in Seaside. After losing my Dad a year ago, she was just settling in to Nehalem Bay House, getting to know a few people, and feeling comfortable there. We had a conversation about moving to another home when the level of care started to decline, but she didn’t want to make such a big transition.

Two weeks later I got a call from NBH announcing that they would be closing. Now we have to move her, and gratefully, I found her a room in Seaside. When we visited today, in spite of the kindness of the staff at the new place, my Mom left feeling fearful: fearful of the change, fearful of the bigger facility, fearful oF getting to know new people.

If CARE has known since, when was it, October or before? That they were in financial trouble why were the families of residents not informed until December, only two weeks before Christmas?

A gradual transition would have been so much more compassionate and professional.

I talked to one resident about his search for a new place. He said he might end up “back in the woods, where I was before I came here.”

Another resident who has lived in NBH for 16 years has to go to Forest Grove, far from her family.

I am appalled at the way CARE has handled this, putting unwarranted stress on the families and elderly who have trusted them. As I investigate, these suggestions from Peter

Starkey stand out as needing immediate action1. A stimulus program to reimburse long term care facilities for expenses incurred due to the pandemic and staffing.

2. A dramatic (!) increase in Medicaid reimbursement that allows for facilities like CARE to offer competitive wages and benefits.

3. Regulation of medical staffing agencies that have driven up prices to take advantage of the pandemic for financial gain.

I would add one of my own, communicate clearly and support our elders and their families.

Glenna Gray Nehalem

Oregon adopts new rules to reduce polluting emissions from truck engines Diesel pollution fouls the air and contributes to climate warming, but the road forward in Oregon will be cleaner with the adoption of rules that will help reduce toxic emissions from big rigs, school buses and delivery vans.

The Oregon Environmental Quality Commission on Wednesday, Nov. 17, adopted the Advanced Clean Truck and Heavy-Duty Omnibus rules. Together, the rules will cut harmful nitrogen oxide and particulate matter pollution by requiring the production of more medium- and heavy-duty trucks powered by electricity and all new diesel-burning engines to meet stricter emission standards beginning in 2024.

The decision comes two days after President Biden signed the infrastructure bill that will deliver more

than $50 million over the next five years to Oregon for expansion of its electric vehicle charging network.

“From the Coast Range to the high desert, Oregonians can breathe a bit easier with the adoption of these new clean truck

rules,” said Sam Wilson, senior vehicles analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS). “Increasing the availability of zero-emission trucks and delivery vans will help to reduce climate warming and toxic air pollution from Oregon’s

roads and highways.”

Oregon follows California in adopting these rules, with five other states – Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Washington – now considering taking similar action.

Obituary Calvin Roy “Cal” Getty April 12, 1934 - Nov. 26, 2021

C

alvin Roy “Cal” Getty was born in Shelton WA to John David Getty and Violet Mae (Johnston) Getty.

He was one of the 3 “Getty boys”. Cal was pre-deceased by his parents, and two brothers Patrick and John II. Cal graduated from Irene S. Reed High School in Shelton in 1952. He enlisted in the US Naval Reserve while still in high school. He served a total of seven years, including five in the reserves and two on active duty. He served on board the aircraft carrier USS Shangri-La in the western Pacific.

He later earned Bachelor’s degrees in Education and Economics from Western Washington College of Education in 1961 and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Portland in 1967. He spent a 34 year career in education as a teacher in Sedro Wooley, WA and an elementary school principal in Evergreen School District, Vancouver WA. Cal and his wife, Dianne Kennedy, met 53 years ago.

They later married in 1994 and

spent their 27 years together, after retirement, in Manzanita, Oregon. They quickly became active volunteers and for their community service were named Manzanita’s Citizens of the Year in 2014.

Cal’s personal honors over the years included Distinguished Principal Award and a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do Karate at 53 years old.

His family was with him as he recovered from a recent medical issue at Adventist Tillamook Hospital. He expressed his appreciation for the compassionate care he received from the medical staff there. His wife, Dianne and Cal’s children; Michael Patrick Getty , Daniel Calvin Getty, Aaron Semro, and Elia Surbert and their families, as well as community friends are saddened by this loss, but grateful for what we all had with Cal. Cal supported charities known for their work with the health, education and support of children: North County Food Bank, Mudd-Nick Foundation and the Schriners’ Hospital for Children in Portland.

5

Manzanita, Oregon n North Coast Citizen n December 30, 2021 n 5

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Omicron puts state’s efforts in overdrive Zoe Gottlieb Country Media

A press conference with Oregon Gov. Kate Brown carried with it a sense of urgency, as public health experts described the imminent threat of another COVID-19 surge following the arrival of the Omicron variant in Oregon.

Brown was joined by public health experts Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen, OHSU Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Renee Edwards, State Epidemiologist Dr. Dean Sidelinger, and OHSU Lead Data Scientist Peter Graven in discussing the latest COVID-19 projections and next steps for the state.

“While we are all still learning about this new variant, it is clear from the experiences of the United Kingdom and other countries that we have only weeks to prepare before Omicron hits our communities and health care systems in full force,” Brown said.

The data of concern comes from a Dec. 17 forecast published by Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU), which indicates immunity, whether natural or acquired through the vaccine, is less effective against Omicron than the Delta variant.

“Today’s forecast is a warning we can’t ignore,” Oregon Health Authority Director Patrick Allen said.

The Omicron variant was first detected in Africa in November and has since traveled to various U.S. states.

As of Monday, Dec. 13, three cases of Omicron were identified in Oregon.

Omicron appears to have a higher rate of transmission coupled with a decreased hospitalization rate, studies show.

In addressing the media, the governor shared what she believes to be the next logical course of action.

“Today I am calling on one million Oregonians to step up and get their booster dose by the end of January,” she said. “Boosters are our best protection against Omicron.

The state will be taking important steps to make sure our most vulnerable Oregonians have access to booster shots and to make sure we are ready to support our hospital systems for another surge.”

“If you aren’t yet vaccinated, now is the time,” she said. “This is a matter of life and death.”

Brown also emphasized the importance of Oregonians uniting to slow the spread of

the virus.

“A big part of that plan will depend on each and every one of you,” she said.

The news appears to conflict with OHSU findings published a little over two weeks earlier, projecting that COVID-19 hospitalizations would fall below 200 around Feb. 1.

82% of Oregonians either have immunity to the COVID-19 virus, and 85% is the threshold where Delta is less likely to spread readily among the population, according to Graven.

At the press conference, Graven had a different message to deliver.

“I’d hoped to be able to

share better news today, but today’s forecast is going to anticipate another surge of severe illness in Oregon,” Graven said. “While the severity is less, it is not low enough to prevent us from seeing hospitalizations.”

A reporter asked Brown about how we might deal with a variant with risks

that surpass both Delta and Omicron.

“All options are on the table,” she said.

Brown concluded her speech with a key message for her constituents.

“If you take one thing away from this press conference, let it be this: Get your booster shot,” she said.

Free parking for First Day Hikes Jan. 1, 2022 Guided 2022 First Day Hikes are set for several state parks on Jan. 1, 2022 and the normal $5 day-use parking fee is waived for the 25 parks that normally require a parking permit.

“Whatever your choice—a guided hike, exploring a park trail on your own, or enjoying everything a state park offers—starting out the year in the outdoors can begin a new tradition or keep a long-

standing family tradition alive,” said Lisa Sumption, director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “January 1 also marks the beginning of the yearlong Oregon State Parks centennial commemoration.”

A list of guided hikes, including times and meeting locations, is online at the Oregon State Parks event calendar. Visitors should check the calendar in the days

leading up to Jan. 1 for additional guided hikes. Some parks not hosting guided hikes may display posters that include recommended hikes and ranger favorites.

Late December is prime time to look for migrating gray whales as they head south to the warm lagoons of Baja Mexico. Although trained volunteers and staff will not be available this winter at whale watching sites, most view-

ing sites managed by Oregon State Parks remain open to visitors. The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay is closed, but the viewing deck on the exterior of the building is open.

“The peak of the winter whale watching season lasts from late December through mid-January, said Park Ranger Luke Parsons, Beverly Beach Management Unit.

“Watch the weather forecast for

calm weather and clear skies near your favorite coastal destination, then come on over!”

Parsons added that the whales can be several miles from shore during the winter migration so bring binoculars to help scan for whale spouts. Mornings, when the sun is at your back, is also a better time than afternoons to look for whales.

RECYCLE YOUR HOLIDAY TREE FREE!

Headlight Herald

At your local Transfer Station Thru January 23, 2022

Tillamook County Fairgrounds Free parking Free admission

BARE TREES ONLY: ������ ������ ��� ����� ������ � ����������� ����

Pacific City Transfer Station 38255 Brooten Road, Pacific City (503) (503)354-4383 965-6898 9am – 4pm / Fri - Sat. & Mon. Closed Jan. 1st & 17th

Tillamook Transfer Station

10 am to 5 pm

Sunday, April 8 11 am to 4 pm

Tillamook Beekeepers Association is Presenting

at Tillamook County Fairgrounds

Contact us now to reserve your space!

34995 Necarney Rd., Manzanita (503) 368-7764 10am – 4pm / Thur - Sun Closed Jan. 1st

Tillamook County Solid Waste, 503 Marolf Loop, Tillamook ���.�o.�llamook.or.us�Solid‐Waste, 503.815.3975

Tillamook Beekeepers Association is Presenting

Bee Day 2022

Household Hazardous Waste collection dates in 2022

*CEG/Business event day prior. Registration Required

FREE ADMISSION

us Jointhe at w! sho

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Manzanita Transfer Station

Jan.—none Feb. 5th March 5th* Apr.—none May 7th June 4th* July 9th Aug. 6th Sept. 10th Oct. 1st* Nov.—none Dec. 3rd

We are now Bee Day 2018 booking vendors

Saturday, April 7

1315 Ekloff Road, Tillamook (503) 842-2431 8am – 4pm / Every day Closed Jan. 1st

PLEASE separate Hazardous Waste from other items in your vehicle prior to arriving at the event.

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

With this coupon

Limit 2 trees per coupon

Sat. April 30 & Sun. May 1, 2022

Convenient collection for the SAFE AND PROPER DISPOSAL of common household hazardous items.

(See our website for a list of items.)

at the Tillamook Transfer Station 1315 Ekloff Road, Tillamook

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

Now Taking Reservations Booth Space

9:00am to 1:00pm

This facility DOES NOT ACCEPT Ammunition, Explosives, or Medical waste Tillamook County Solid Waste Department 503 Marolf Loop, Tillamook, OR 97141 Phone: 503-815-3975 ● Fax: 503-842-6473 E-mail: recycle@co.tillamook.or.us www.co.tillamook.or.us/solid-waste H64575

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