TNG1216

King Tides..................................... PAGE 2 Elks Welcome Santa....................... PAGE 10

December 16, 2020

Serving Lincoln City Since 1927

County at extreme risk for virus this week

$1.50

A Whale of a Time...

MAX KIRKENDALL newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net

Lincoln County Public Health reported 131 new cases of COVID-19 between Nov. 29 and Dec. 10.

With a few days left in the two-week reporting period, the Lincoln County case rate had already surpassed the level to enter “extreme risk” of the Governor’s COVID-19 framework. As of December 18 Lincoln County joins most of the state in the extreme risk category.

During each two-week reporting period if Lincoln County has 97 confirmed and presumptive cases then the county will be in the extreme risk category. The extreme risk threshold is set at a rate of 200 cases per 100,000 people. In addition to the rise in cases, Lincoln County has also had six people in local hospitals last week with the virus.

Public Health is notifying the community before the official notice from the State of Oregon so that individuals and business can start to prepare now.

Some changes that will happen effective Friday, December 18 are: - Indoor dining is prohibited while outdoor capacity reduces to 50 people.

- Faith institutions and funeral homes reduce indoor capacity to 25 percent or 100 people total, whichever is smaller. Outdoor services limited to

Whale Watching Season Opening FILE PHOTO

Nearly 20,000 gray whales are making their way south from Alaska to the warm lagoons of Baja, Mexico in the next few months.

JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net

From mid-December to mid-January a tradition takes place along the Oregon Coast that has intrigued and fascinated thousands for years.

Nearly 20,000 gray whales make their migration south from Alaska to the warm lagoons of Baja, Mexico.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department usually sets up its annual Whale Watching Week, utilizing volun-

teers at several key viewing points along the Oregon Coast to help people spot and learn the whales. But this season, Whale Watching Spoken Here is cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the following conversation, The News Guard gains insight about the 2020 whale migration from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department spokesman Chris Havel.

The News Guard: Give us the background of this popular event.

Chris Havel: Gray whales migrate along the Oregon coast twice a year. In winter (December–January), they head south from the Gulf of Alaska headed for the Baja peninsula to mate and take advantage of the calving grounds. We can expect 20-25,000 to pass by, peaking at about 30 an hour. Headed south, they tend to be 3-5 miles offshore.

In spring (March-May, even into June), adults and their young head north to feed

Online shopping Helping Hands approved for additional project loan Now available!

See VIRUS, Page A7

MAX KIRKENDALL newsguardeditor@countrymedia. net

In January 2020, the Lincoln City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the conveyance of properties at 3454 NE Highway 101 and 2202 NE 34th Street to Helping Hands Re-Entry Outreach Centers (HHRC) to be used for transitional housing. The City Council also provided appropriation for a $350,000 loan to HHRC for renovation of the properties.

With the entire inside cleared out, Helping Hands discovered an issue with a retaining wall that’s going to cost a pretty penny.

At the Dec. 14 city council meeting, the city discussed

wall, Evans said fixing it would push the project to a point where underground utilities would also need to be redone, farthing increasing costs.

“This is a major issue,” Evans said. “We can work through small issues within the range of what we are ca-

p online with Mckay’s market to-go powered by rosie. us online @ mckaysmarket.com Or download the rosie app authorizing an additional $250,000 for the project to stabilize a leaning retaining wall that was lacking reinforced steel causing the building to shift 7-12 inches since it was originally built, according to Alan Evans of HHRC. “It kind of pushes us way outside of our budget to

See WHALE, Page A7

pable of doing. We don’t force anything else, but this issue needs to get fixed whether we do it or not because it’s a danger to the property next door.”

Councilor Riley Hoagland asked Evans if a building inspection had been done

prior to the purchase of the property. Evans stated that an environmental inspection was done, but a home inspection wasn’t.

“I don’t know how a 12 foot lean didn’t get noticed at

See HELPING, Page A3

zoom into winter.

make it happen,” Evans said.

“We have two other capitol projects going on at the same time… raising that money outside the capitol project is something that would make us compete with ourselves right now, and be almost impossible to pull off.”

Aside from the retaining

Check out our online-only community education schedule!

Cooking | Beer | Business | Photography | Astronomy & More

bit.ly/wintercatch or oregoncoast.edu/communityed

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INDEX Police Blotter.................8 Classifieds................. 4–5 Obituaries......................6

VOL. 93 NO. 51

Opinion...........................6 Community..................10

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December 16, 2020

State prepares for vaccine arrivals, urges patience MONIQUE MERRILL Staff Writer

As the first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines is expected to arrive in Oregon this week, Gov. Kate Brown urged residents across the state to continue to follow public health recommendations.

“As we wait for wide distribution of the vaccine, one of our most important challenges is to remind Oregonians to keep your guard up,” Brown said in a press conference Friday, Dec. 11. “We all need to keep wearing masks, limiting get together and maintaining social distance until we achieve community immunity.”

The question of when community immunity will be possible is still uncertain, and depends largely on how many additional doses of vaccines the state will receive after this month. What is known is that by the end of December, the state is slated to receive 147,000 doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

The first round of vaccine recipients will be certain hospital staff and long-term care facility staff and residents. There are around 360,000 healthcare workers who will need the vaccine and, as of today, no information from the federal government on future vaccine dose allocation.

The uncertainty makes it difficult to predict when all residents will have the opportunity to be vaccinated, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Director Pat Allen said.

“The challenge is we’ve been given no distribution schedule or any idea of how many doses to expect on any regular basis, so it’s really impossible for us to put a specific timeline on that,” said Allen.

About 70 percent of the state needs to be vaccinated to achieve community immunity, Brown said. To accomplish that, she said more than 10,000 residents will need to be vaccinated per day.

“It’s a tall order, and we can’t do it without federal resources to deliver the doses and support our distribution and outreach efforts,” she said.

Vaccine details Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses to be effective. The Pfizer vaccine doses need to be administered 21 days apart and the Moderna vaccines need to be administered 28 days apart.

The Pfizer vaccine requires ultra cold storage (-94 degrees) and is good for five days after thaw. Most of the facilities with capability to store vaccines at that temperature are located along the Interstate 5 corridor, but cold storage hubs will be set up across the state.

The Moderna vaccine will likely be used in more rural areas because it only requires standard freezing temperatures and is good for 30 days after thaw.

The initial number of doses each county will receive will depend on the number of hospital employees and long term care facility residents and staff are in the area, and more specific details will be released as the vaccines arrive to the state.

COVID-19 status COVID-19 case rates continue to climb across the state, said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, the state health officer and epidemiologist.

STOCK PHOTO

State health officials believe about 70 percent of the state needs to be vaccinated to achieve community immunity against COVID-19.

“Our situation remains precarious and concerning,” he said. Today 1,611 new cases were reported across the state, bringing the state total to 91,449.

Over 10,000 new cases were reported in the last week, Sidelinger said, and COVID-19 hospitalizations are on the rise as well. As of today, there are 576 pandemic-related hospitalizations and as of yesterday there were 127 people in intensive care units with COVID-19, he said. The number of people in the hospital with the virus is up 70 percent since midNovember.

Deaths have also risen, he said.

The current statewide death toll is 1,138.

“Each death marks the anguish end of a lost battle against the virus; each death leaves a hole in someone’s family,” he said. “Each death cuts short the love, laughter and memo-

King Tides Return

ries of families and friends.”

The efforts made by residents to limit transmission of the virus, and statewide restrictions, seem to be starting to make a small difference, Sidelinger said.

“There is good news: We haven’t observed a marked increase in cases following the Thanksgiving holiday,” Sidelinger said. “Our cases are still rising on average, but there’s evidence they’re not rising as steeply.”

Long lasting effects In her plea to residents, particularly those under 40, to continue to follow safety measures, Brown said there is no way to know what effect COVID-19 may have on someone until it is contracted, and that youth doesn’t guarantee health.

Darrah Isaacson, a 40-year-old Portland resident, contracted the vi-

Free COVID-19 testing events in Lincoln County THE NEWS GUARD

COURTESY PHOTO/FRANK CAVEZZA

The second round of King Tides this winter hit the Oregon Coast this week on Dec. 13-15. The abnormally high tides impact the coast in several ways, such as increasing erosion on the beaches, which can lead to decreased beach access (smaller beaches), vulnerable structures and infrastructure, and dangerous beach conditions. However, they do provide a good show for photographers and beachgoers.

Lincoln City’s largest and most trusted news source.

rus on her birthday in early March. In the nine and a half months that have followed, she said her symptoms have only worsened.

“I’m a COVID long hauler,” Isaacson said. “There’s thousands of us across the country. Many of those long haulers, like myself, were very active and healthy with no underlying health conditions.”

Instead of hiking, biking, canoeing or participating in the active outdoor events like she usually likes to do, Isaacson said she can barely walk around the block now.

“Some people think that this is just like the flu. I can tell you from personal and horrible experience that that way of thinking is extremely dangerous,” Isaacson said. “This is an unpredictable and terrifying disease.

It’s been almost 10 months since I contracted it. I’m still alive, but my life has been turned upside down.”

On her worst days, Isaacson said her muscle tremors and weakness prevent her from holding a computer mouse and she cannot stand up long enough to shower. She said the hardest part has been the effect it has had on her family and her 5-year-old daughter, who doesn’t understand why her mother can no longer play with her.

“I know it’s exhausting to be vigilant about mask wearing and keeping your distance, but I can tell you the alternative is way more exhausting,” she said. “This is not the time for blame or arguments, this is the time for sacrifice so we can come together and keep this virus from harming any more families like mine.”

Lincoln County Public Health is partnering with Medical Teams International and the Oregon Health Authority to offer free drivethrough and walk-up COVID-19 testing in the county.

The first two scheduled events will be December 23 in Lincoln City and December 30 in Newport. Community members are welcome to get tested at any of the sites regardless of where they live in Lincoln County. Services will be provided in English and Spanish, and other languages as needed.

Lincoln County community members that are 5 years and older are welcome to participate regardless of whether they have COVID-19 symptoms or not. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to use their judgement

and discretion in administering the test to young children.

Testing at these events will involve a pain-free, selfadministered nasal swab to detect COVID-19 infections; it does not offer the antibody test. Participants should receive results through their account on DoINeedACovid19Test.com within 3-5 days of their test date.

Registration for an appointment is required for this event, and each person will need their own appointment.

For example, if a car with four people need tests, four registrations will be needed. Onsite registration will also be available during the event for those unable to pre-register, but this may cause a delay.

To register: - Go to www.doineedacovid19test.com - Click on the blue “Register” button.

- Under “New Users Signup Here”, create an account by clicking “Register”.

- Complete account information and then click “Register”.

- Create a username and password.

- Read through and ac-

cept the Terms and Conditions.

- Under “COVID-19 Testing” select “Start Assessment”.

- Complete the assessment and click “Submit”. The information collected on this assessment does not affect your eligibility for testing.

- Select a testing location based on the options that are presented.

- Select a testing date.

- Select a testing time.

- Confirm your appointment.

- Email, print, or write down your voucher ID number.

- Bring this voucher ID number to your appointment.

- Repeat steps 1-14 for each household member that will be tested at the event.

Free COVID-19 Testing Events in Lincoln County: - Wednesday, December 23, 2020, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at St. Clair (Taft) fire station, 4520 SE Hwy 101, Lincoln City.

- Wednesday, December 30, 2020, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Lincoln County Fairgrounds, 633 NE 3rd St., Newport.

December 16, 2020

3

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Grant connects Lincoln County residents to extra help

THE NEWS GUARD

It’s no wonder that, with a oncein-a-century pandemic and a season of destructive wildfires, some Lincoln County residents find themselves unnerved and struggling to cope.

Those who have historically navigated stress and anxiety are discovering that the economic and social concerns presented by the unforeseen events of 2020 could overpower them without help. That’s where the CORE team comes in.

Thanks to a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Lincoln Community Health Center’s Behavioral Health Program has formed a Community Outreach and Recovery Education (CORE) team.

Shelby Houston, a mental health outreach worker, is leading the newly-formed response team that will help residents navigate the mental health impacts of both COVID-19 and wildfires.

“We are finding that there are people in need of help, but not everybody wants or needs ongoing support. We are here to help them get through this unusual situation with short-term mental health assistance so they can build their own resilience,” she explained.

For the duration of the FEMA grant, Houston and four of her fellow mental health staff members are committed to connecting people to community resources and strengthening natural support systems.

“We are seeing our community needs change,” Houston said. “This CORE team is made up of community members who know the resources, and the people, and what it means to

Helping

live here during these times.”

Jodie Pereira is the perfect example. A member of the CORE team, Jodie is also a parent who knows first-hand of the extra challenges presented by the pandemic.

“We are trying to provide some validation to those who are struggling. Even as a parent myself, trying to navigate working and making sure that my kids are handling schoolwork involves a lot more responsibility than it used to. It is stressful and difficult to balance it all,” she commented.

One of the ways in which the team is hoping to help is by providing weekly group sessions via Go To Meeting video conferencing. Starting in January, adults can attend sessions on developing coping strategies, how to lessen anxiety, healthy forms of distraction and self-care, creating connections, and other helpful skills.

Groups are scheduled to begin in English on Jan. 7 and in Spanish on Jan. 8.

These programs will be free of charge, requiring no payment nor insurance information. Depending upon the participant’s preferences, CORE may collect very little personal information from the individual, other than an email address to which they can send the meeting link.

“For those who might be nervous about group environments, people can always call in to listen and participate as well or they can turn off their camera,” Houston explained.

For those unfamiliar with online meetings, the team can also provide one-on-one training to prepare participants for the sessions.

“If you want to do the group, but you don’t know how to manage the technology, we will arrange to have an outreach worker call you and work

Lincoln County CORE Team COURTESY PHOTO

The five-member Community Outreach and Recovery Education (CORE) team for Lincoln County will help residents handle the stress, anxiety and other concerns that have been brought on in this eventful year. through the process by doing a practice one-on-one video,” she noted.

Wildfire survivors have an additional opportunity to speak with a CORE member weekdays (except Wednesdays) from 12-3pm at the Salmon River Grange Hall.

In addition to these organized activities, CORE can also respond to individual questions or needs.

“We are encouraging people to reach out to us if they are struggling with uncomfortable emotions or are feeling overwhelmed or just need help figuring out what their options are,” Houston said. “We are really trying to be a central point for those who don’t

know where to get help or who are struggling.”

Individuals are invited to call 541265-0403 and leave a voicemail message. Callers can expect a response within one business day. Emailing the team is another option. Mention “CORE Team” in the subject line when sending a request via LincolnCoCallCenter@co.lincoln.or.us and a response can be expected within two business days.

“It is important to understand that we aren’t a crisis hotline. If someone has an emergency, we encourage them to call 911 or, for a mental health crisis, call 866-266-0288. But to

get help finding resources or making a local connection, we can help,” Houston said.

For Pereira, who will focus on outreach involving kids, working with other interested parties is a big part of what will make the program successful.

“I think what will make this helpful is our community partners coming together and helping to get the word out that we are here, and we are a free service. We hope to connect with kids and families through the schools and through groups like Neighbors for Kids, the Olalla Center, and other community partners.”

From page A1

all… and now, however many months it’s been, now it’s coming up. I find that to be a big problem,” Hoagland said.

All councilors acknowledged that a mistake was made by not having an inspection, but councilor Rick

Mark felt that the city had no choice but to approve the loan considering the amount of commitment already made to the project. Hoagland disagreed.

“We put that trust in him,” Hoagland said of Evans. “I

BEAT THE NEW YEAR’S RUSH!

don’t feel we as the city have to give any more money to him in order for (the repair) to be accomplished. He inspected it, he told us it was good, he told us the building would work and that’s where it stops.”

Mayor Dick Anderson reminded council that the properties would likely become the city’s responsiblitity if the project falls through, so repairs would need to be made regardless. Anderson also believes the cost to the

city would exceed $250,000.

“I think the evaluation here is do we still have the need?” Anderson said of transitional housing in Lincoln City. “Do we want to fill that need? If not, what are you going to do with that asset (the

city) purchased.”

The council made a motion to approve the additional $250,000 loan that will include a monthly payment of $1,991.17 over the next 25.11 years. The motion passed 5-1.

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Accounts Receivable Utility Billing Specialist Part-Time with Benefits--AFSCME Union, Grade 7 $19.61 - $25.04 per hour Closing Date: December 22, 2020

Lincoln City has a great opportunity with the Finance Department! The Accounts Receivable Utility Billing Specialist performs various accounting and clerical tasks including posting and depositing payments, collection activities, and providing excellent customer service to the public. Providing customer service on the phone is a primary duty of this position. The Specialist reports to the Accounts Receivable Manager and is scheduled for 30 hours per week.

TO APPLY: Complete the City’s online application at

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OPINION/OBITUARIES ONLINE POLL Vol. 93 No. 51 USPS 388-100 Published Weekly by Country Media Inc. 1818 NE 21st Street Lincoln City, Oregon 97367-0848

Phone: (541) 994-2178 Fax: (541) 994-7613 www.thenewsguard.com

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IN MEMORY

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Submission deadline for Obituaries is 12 p.m. on the Friday before publication.

Arthur Allen Tooze

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Art Tooze knew no stranger. Whether it was on the Otis mail route, serving on the Devils Lake Fire Department, or playing golf at Salishan, he was surrounded by friends.

Art, and his wife Ruth, made their home in Lincoln City for over 50 years before moving to the Portland area to be closer to their children.

The coast is where his heart was.

His parents, Chet and Luella (Caulkins) Tooze homesteaded on Salmon River in the early 1900s before moving to Sherwood. Art and Ruth

moved back to the coast in 1957.

Art served his country in WWII on the aircraft carrier, The Fanshaw Bay. After the war, he made his home in Sherwood, delivering mail. He met his wife Ruth met at a dance in 1950 and they danced together for 65 years.

Art Tooze is survived by his children; David

they moved to Silverton, Oregon. She worked at the Marion County Treasury for 13 years, then transferred to Lincoln County Assessor’s office in Newport Oregon until her retirement in 2002.

Barbara has been a resident of Gleneden Beach, Oregon for 31 years. She passed unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 in Lincoln City.

Barbara was an active member of the Eastern Star in Indiana, and a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was active in her community, volunteering at Gleneden Beach Community Cen-

ter, a member of Unity By the Sea Church, and involved in the Gleneden Beach Road District.

Barbara enjoyed her family, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed playing bingo at Chinook Winds Casino with her friends. She was an avid supporter of the Make A Wish Foundation.

Barbara was preceded in death by her sisters Marcia and Pat Hensley, Her father Robert Hensley, mother Frances Hensley and husband Gerald Phillip Lounsbury.

She is survived by her brothers Keith Hensley

(Linda), Florida, and Richard Hensley, Oregon, her sister Carolyn Oren (Rodney), Indiana, daughter Kathleen McClaskey (Bill), son Gerald Phillip Lounsbury Jr., son Chad Lounsbury ( Jill), grandchildren William McClaskey (Kimmy), Robert McClaskey, Mckensy Graetzer ( Joey), Claire Lounsbury, and great granddaughter Bryndle Graetzer, Oregon.

There will be a graveside service at Miller Cemetery on Hwy 213 in Silverton on Saturday, December 12 at 2pm. In honor of Barbara, dona-

1925-2020

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Barbara Kay Lounsbury (Hensley) May 23,1943 December 8, 2020 Barbara was born to Frances and Robert Hensley in Muncie Indiana, graduated high school from Monroe Central High School in Farmland, Indiana. She married Gerald Phillip Lounsbury in 1964.

While Phil was in the Navy, they lived in Long Beach California, but relocated back to Indiana in 1967. In 1977

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Assisting the family is Unger Funeral Chapel Silverton, Oregon.

and sold a single-family beach home.

When we come home to Seal Rock, our family savors the joys of reunions, holiday breaks and long weekends spent combing the beaches for agates and eating and shopping in all the cherished locally owned businesses.

In the mornings, we grab our coffee and croissants at the Seal Rock Espresso & Bakery. Our children love exploring the Hatfield Marine Science Center and touching the sea stars and anemones at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

We love scoring burgers and fries at the Newport Cafe, and our children usually win when they beg for homemade fudge

treats from Indulge Sweets of Seal Rock. On one of our rare “dates,” my husband Gary and I have blown glass floats together at Ocean Beaches Glass, and Gary has several of his woodworking pieces for sale in the gallery.

In short, our family loves and invests in Lincoln County.

In the care and upkeep of our home, we’ve employed local contractors, plumbers, electricians and septic experts.

We’ve purchased nails, copper piping and lumber from Barrelhead Building Supply in Newport, and we’ve worked with local green thumbs at Thompson’s Nursery in Waldport to landscape our yard with hardy Pacific Northwest

plants that can withstand the salty winds off the ocean.

We pay Lincoln County property taxes, and as property owners we should have the right to use our property as we see fit.

Not every rental home in Lincoln County is a nuisance or “problem” property. And not every property owner who doesn’t live year-round in Lincoln County is a problem.

We respect our Seal Rock neighbors, both those living year-round and those whose properties are rented out to short-term visitors. Certainly, problem rentals should be addressed by local law enforcement, but “solving” the perceived problems of a few

short-term rentals by denying all homeowners the right to rent their property is overkill and shortsighted and hurts community members like our family who love this beachside community, too.

Please protect our shortterm rental rights and ensure that Lincoln County thrives through the commerce of tourist dollars and the care of generations of Oregonians like our family. Nothing would make us happier than to see our grandchildren and great grandchildren fall in love with the beach communities of Lincoln County, too.

Helyn and Gary Bradley, Seal Rock

Gomberg: Counties enter extreme risk

placed on The News Guard’s website at no cost.

S.W. 14th & Highway 101 541-994-8793 stpeterlc@yahoo.com www.stpeterthefishermanlcms.org

Tooze (Minden), Janice Polly (Tim), Barbara Carter (Charlie), and Tami Howard (David); eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his brother Richard (Dick) Tooze of Portland.

A celebration of life for Art will be held when friends and family can gather.

VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY

All obituary announcements are

St. Peter the Fisherman Lutheran Church

OREGON YOUTHLINE

877-968-8491 | Text “teen2teen” to 839863

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remembered Pearl Harbor.

It was a day that changed America. Over 2,400 soldiers and sailors lost their lives. Every day this week, across the United States, more than 2,400 people died from COVID. The pandemic, and how we respond and recover, will

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also affect life as we know it.

Last week I wrote about how constant rule changes were making life more difficult and confusing. No sooner had I hit “send” on the newsletter when the rules changed again. Counties ranked as Low Risk

Kristofer J. Womack

shifted to Moderate, and Moderate Risk counties elevated to the High Risk category. More changes may be announced next week. Eventually, Oregon counties that reduce their COVID-19 risk level will be able to incrementally move to lower assessment levels.

This will bring with it more relaxed rules and guidelines.

Most of Oregon is currently under the “Extreme Risk” category: Indoor restaurant dining is prohibited Retail stores will be limited to 50% of capacity Indoor faith gatherings are restricted to 25% capacity or 100 total Social gatherings are restricted to 6 people, with a recommended limit of 2

households I know the changes are hard to keep track of, but as public health experts, scientists, and medical professionals continue to learn more about how this virus spreads. Their recommendations evolve so that we can better protect ourselves and our communities. Please continue to wash your hands, wear a mask and practice physical distancing. Each of us has a stake in reducing our local rankings.

Rep. David Gomberg House District 10 Read Rep. Gomberg’s full report at thenewsguard.com.

December 16, 2020

7

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Whale From page A1

in the Gulf of Alaska. They tend to travel a little closer to shore as they head north.

We have ~200-400 whales that more or less stay off the Oregon coast around yearround.

The News Guard: What changes have been made to this popular winter activity due to the pandemic and why?

Chris Havel: Whale Watch in Oregon usually involves 24 stations along the coast staffed by a big crew of volunteers guided by a few state park staff. We would set up spotting scopes and share binoculars, and manage one visitor center in Depoe Bay to help people enjoy our marine friends. To reduce the risk of

transmission between visitors and from visitors to staff and volunteers, the whale watch season is DIY this year: no staff, volunteers, shared equipment, or indoor whale watch center.

The News Guard: Describe locations where folks should go, safely, and following social distancing requirements, to get a good view of the whale migration?

Havel: First, travel only with a group of people who live with you in your household. Travel the shortest distance necessary to reach a good viewing spot (more on that below). If there are other people from outside your household at the viewpoint, wear a mask if you can’t keep

6’ away from them. Check the weather and road conditions before you leave. Bring the food/drink, weather-appropriate clothing, and personal cleaning supplies with you so you are as self-contained as possible.

If it’s sunny, the best viewing is before mid-day so you’re not staring into the sun. Wide binoculars or a spotting scope are useful, but you can also just go with your eyeballs. Most people who spot a whale are just looking around without magnification, they spot a plume, and then they use binoculars or a scope to zoom in. Higher is better, so look for parking areas and viewpoints that are elevated, rather than down

on the beach.

The News Guard: What should we look for as the whales swim by?

Havel: The first this most people see is the cloud-like puff from a whale’s blow-hole as they surface and take a deep breath. It kind of looks like an old steam-engine train, except it just happens once or twice.

This time of year, you’ll see that plume, and then the whale dives again and keeps heading south, so start looking to the left for the beastie to emerge and take its next breath a couple minutes later. If you’re really lucky, the whale will jump out of the water, but seeing its breath is way more common.

The News Guard: From your insight, why is whale watching such a popular event in Oregon?

Havel: Most people are drawn to the wildlife they don’t get to see every day.

When you see a wild animal that isn’t part of your daily routine, you feel like you’re traveling to a new, exciting world. It transports you out of your own, well-known routine life and into that exciting, dramatic and unknown existence.

Your imagination can kick into high gear. It’s wild and unpredictable and novel and you feel connected somehow to the greater whole. There’s a second, deeper level when we talk about whales. When

we’re talking about 30 tons full-grown, you can’t help but lose yourself in awe.

The other way to answer that question is, why do people like to see whales IN OREGON? Our public ocean shore makes it one of the best places on the planet to pick your front-row seat. You don’t need to get the key to a gate, or buy a ticket on a cruise (those can be fun if you have the means). You need yourself and some patience.

The same whales pass by Washington and California.

They have some mighty nice stretches of coast there. Nothing rivals the ease-of-access to 363 miles of the Oregon coast. In our humble opinion, of course.

Virus From page A1

150 people.

- Indoor entertainment, recreation, and fitness is prohibited.

- Long-Term Care facilities may have outside visitation only.

- Offices must require remote work if able and offices close to the public.

- Outdoor recreation & fitness facilities are limited to 50 people.

- Outdoor social and at-home gatherings are reduced to a maximum of 6 people. Indoor social gatherings remain at 6 people.

Case investigators in Lincoln County have been completing detailed investigative interviews with all positive cases. Public Health is keeping up on investigations and contact tracing but are asking the public to help by being proactive in notifications.

The community can help public health during this surge by doing the following: - If someone knows for a fact that they are a close contact of a confirmed COVID case, Public Health asks that they start their quarantine immediately and not wait to be called.

- If someone learns they are positive, make a list of the people they have been around for the 48 hours prior to symptoms or the 48 hours prior to the tests, whichever is earlier. The information Public Health needs is name, date of birth, and phone number for each contact. This will help speed up the contact tracing process. If comfortable, notify these contacts on your own so they know to quarantine.

“We expected to see an increase in cases this fall and winter, and right now it is increasing at a rate where it is becoming difficult to keep up with all of the contacts” said Public Health Deputy Director Florence Pourtal.

Case investigators have begun prioritizing outbreaks, specifically in high-risk settings such as long-term care facilities and other congregate spaces.

In addition to the positive cases, there are 150 contacts being monitored daily. This is a substantial increase in cases for Lincoln County.

While public health is keeping up, they are having to pull staff in from other programs to keep up with the cases.

An ”after the test” guide is available that explains the steps to take after a COVID test, while waiting for results, and then if you test positive. It includes information on isolation and quarantine, and when and how to tell close contacts and employers.

“We have hit our limit,” Pourtal said. “Now we’re asking everyone to be a partner in the work with us.”

For more information on the state’s response to the pandemic, please go to coronavirus.oregon.gov.

Lincoln City’s largest and most trusted news source.

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December 16, 2020

Chinook Winds to remain closed until 2021 MAX KIRKENDALL newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net

After closing down the Chinook Winds Casino, hotel and golf course on Dec. 1 due to the rising cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus), the Siletz Tribal Council and the Chinook Winds Senior Executive team decided to extend the closure through the end of 2020.

With an original goal of

reopening December 18, Chinook Winds staff said “it is clear the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic requires Chinook Winds Casino Resort to remain closed through the end of the year.”

“We know this is a challenging time for everyone and are proud to continue to pay our team members through the end of the year,” said General Manager Michael S. Fisher. “We look forward to welcoming our

guests and team members back as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

Chinook Winds staff said they will continue to monitor developments and the advice of local, national and world health organizations.

On Dec. 2, Lincoln County Public Health reported three workplace outbreaks in the county, including 10 confirmed cases at Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

COURTESY PHOTO

The closure at Chinook Winds was originally expected to last two weeks, but has been extended.

Pedestrian injured after Newport Santa Claus with being hit on Highway 101 BB gun assaults police officer THE NEWS GUARD

On Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at about 5:19 p.m., Lincoln City Police Officers were dispatched to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Highway 101 and NW 15th Street in Lincoln City.

Lincoln City Police Officers arrived to find a female lying in the roadway near the intersection.

An off-duty firefighter rendered aid until medics arrived on scene.

The female, identified as 40-year-old Shannon Hogan of Lincoln City sustained multiple fractures and internal injuries was transported by ambulance to Legacy Emmanuel Hospital. She is expected to survive her injuries.

During the subsequent crash investigation it was learned that the female had been crossing Highway 101 in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by a vehicle traveling south. The impact caused the female to be

thrown into northbound traffic and she was struck by an additional vehicle traveling north. The drivers of both of the involved vehicles remained on scene and were cooperative with the investigation.

At the time of the crash the road surface was wet and it was dark, but there were functioning street lights in the area. The female was wearing moderately bright clothing at the time she was hit.

Due to the nature of this incident, the Lincoln County Major Crash Team was activated and requested to respond and assisted with the investigation. Assistance

at the crash scene was provided by members of the crash team from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department, the Oregon State Police, the Lincoln City Police Department, and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.

Additional assistance was provided by North Lincoln Fire & Rescue personnel and from the ODOT Incident Response team. The southbound and northbound lanes of Hwy 101 were closed for several hours while the crash was being investigated, with traffic being diverted around the scene on area side streets.

There is no indication at this time that speed or alcohol impairment were factors in this incident and no citations were issued. The investigation is open and anyone with information should contact the Lincoln City Police Department at 541-994-3636.

Information submitted by Sergeant Jeffrey G. Winn and assisted by Sergeant Eric Henderson.

THE NEWS GUARD

On Thursday Dec. 10, at approximately 4:19 p.m., Newport Police Officers were alerted to a male subject, who was described as wearing a red Santa Claus suit, walking south on Highway 101 with a handgun in his hand.

Dispatch received multiple calls regarding the man with the gun.

Newport officers quickly located the male, later identified as 25-year-old Jeffrey Owen Stamps. Officers contacted Stamps and while attempting to pat Stamps down for weapons, Stamps began resisting and attempted to draw a handgun from his waistband.

Officers deployed a TASER which only had a limited effect. Stamps then began to physically assault one of the Officers. Stamps then ran across Highway 101.

While crossing the Highway Stamps dropped the handgun and it was re-

covered from the middle of the highway. The handgun was later found to be an all-black, replica, CO2 powered BB gun.

Stamps eventually surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident. Stamps was uninjured and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges: Assaulting a Public Safety Officer (Class C Felony)

Menacing (Class A Misdemeanor) Resisting Arrest (Class A Misdemeanor) Interfering with a Peace Officer (Class A Misdemeanor) Disorderly Conduct II (Class B Misdemeanor) One Officer was treated and released from Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital for the injuries he received during the altercation.

Death Investigation THE NEWS GUARD

On Thursday, December 10, Oregon State Police Major Crimes Detectives responded to the H.B. Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor for a death investigation.

The area is a heavily wooded state park in Lincoln County, Oregon.

Due to the terrain OSP Detectives were assisted by Lincoln County

SAR members.

At this time the deceased has yet to be positively identified.

No further information regarding this individual is available for release until identity is established and next of kin can be notified.

An investigation into the circumstances of this incident is active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time.

Police Blotter The police blotter relates the public record of incidents as reported by the Lincoln City Police. All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

LINCOLN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT MONDAY, DEC. 7 6:51 a.m. Disturbance, 801 SW Hwy 101, McKays.

Report of a male trying to steal an item and had alter-

cation with an employee.

Thomas G. Tischler, born 6/20/92, cited and released for Criminal Mischief III. 4:54 p.m. Follow Up, 1585 SE 19th St. Report of $1,000 in Direct TV fraud.

10:15 p.m. Trespass, 2166 NE Hwy 101. Caller reported a person sleeping under a counter. Barbara Stevens, born 4/12/70, cited and released for Trespass.

TUESDAY, DEC. 8 5:35 a.m. EDP, 801 SW Hwy 101, City Hall. Report of a male screaming in the parking garage.

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10:33 a.m. Burglary, 3769 SW Anchor Ct. Caller reported burglary at location.

Broken main floor window near kitchen, miscellaneous property stolen.

1:03 p.m. Car Clout, 1520 NW 22nd St. Caller reported vehicle broken into while parked at location. Approximately $600 of personal property stolen. Caller requested additional night shift patrol.

2:28 p.m. Car Clout, 1911 NE 18th St. Caller reported vehicle broken into while parked at location. Black Dewalt tool bag, impact drill, drill 20 volt battery, charger, Ryobi charger, black Nautica jacket with red inside and Ray Bans sunglasses taken.

2:57 p.m. Theft, 1503 SE East Devils Lake Rd. Subject at LCPD reported computer stolen.

3:04 p.m. Crash, 2140 NE Hwy 101. Report of a motor vehicle crash with airbag deployment and injuries. Pacwest Ambulance and North Lincoln Fire responded.

Lincoln City Towing towed silver 2015 Kia due to heavy front end damage.

Extra Patrol, 432 SE Port Ave. Caller requested additional patrol at night.

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3:03 p.m. Missing Property, 3170 NE Cascara Ct. Caller reported she is missing

her purse. Missing property included Coach wallet, credit cards and ID. 6:39 p.m. Trespass, 4845 SW Hwy 101, IGA. Employee reported that a male had returned to the store after being trespassed.

7:50 p.m. Theft, 4101 NW Logan Rd., Safeway. Report of a male leaving with a cart full of groceries. Tanner L. Henson, born 2/28/96, cited for Theft and released.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 9 2:15 a.m. EDP, 5142 SE Hwy 101. Caller reported that 50 cars had followed him from McMinnville to Lincoln City and were following him around town. His son called later to say he was outside with a gun chasing people.

Officer responded, gun taken for safekeeping.

4:49 a.m. Suspicious Activity, 1503 SE East Devils Lake Rd., LCPD. Female located in parking lot crying.

Officer followed her to Ceder Crest Apartments where she was having trouble with a male she allowed to stay.

6:02 a.m. Theft, 3430 NE Hwy 101, Ashley Inn. Tools stolen from inside the canopy including Dewalt hand tools and chargers all engraved with ‘HER.’ 1:57 p.m. Domestic Disturbance, 3043 NE 28th St. Caller reported a male and female were in an argument and male tried to back over

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female.

THURSDAY, DEC. 10 7:55 a.m. Trespass, 4667 NW Picnic Ct. Caller reported subject in the wooded area picking mushrooms. Location is private gated community with ongoing trespass issues. Jason W. Guffey, born 3/30/74, cited and released on Lincoln County felony warrant charging Dangerous Drugs. Guffey also advised he is trespassed from all Lincoln Shore Star Resort property.

11:42 a.m. Theft, 3327 NW Hwy 101. Caller reported Tyson L. Franck, born 7/13/81, threw her backpack in the mud when she refused to sell him a cigarette. Franck had also stolen a beer that had been purchased. Franck cited and released for Theft III. 1:39 p.m. Trespass, 2166 NE Hwy 101, Oceanlake Coin Laundry. Caller reported Tyson L. Franck, born 7/13/81, was on the property after having been trespassed.

Franck cited and released for Trespass.

2:29 p.m. Theft, 208 SE Oar Ave. Caller reported theft of 16 bags of cans from his yard. Theft occurred overnight and someone went around the fence to get to the cans.

4:18 p.m. Suspicious Activity, 660 SE Hwy 101, Posh Wash. Caller reported a male was standing behind other customers and pulled out a baton. Male then left northbound on Hwy 101 in a silver Mercedes.

4:50 p.m. Hit and Run, 1500 SE East Devils Lake Rd., Outlet Mall. Caller reported that a tan pickup, possibly a Chevrolet, backed into his vehicle and drove off.

FRIDAY, DEC. 11 1:42 p.m. Burglary, 1345 NW Harbor Ave. Caller reported someone entered

the residence and stole a flat screen TV. 6:35 p.m. Crash, 2733 NW Hwy 101. Report of a three vehicle crash at location. Driver taken to hospital, vehicle towed by Car Care Towing.

10:32 p.m. Trespass, 1631 NW Hwy 101, Maxwell’s. Roger Decarlo, born 3/19/60, taken into custody after report of subject creating a disturbance and refusing to leave. Charged with Assault IV and Disorderly Conduct, Harassment, Criminal Mischief I and Trespass. Decarlo transported to LCPD where he was cited and released.

SATURDAY, DEC. 12 6:10 a.m. Domestic Disturbance, 2530 NE 31st St., Lincoln Village Apartments. Anonymous caller reported female came to her apartment to report her ex boyfriend had a bat and was in her apartment threatening her. Shawn M. Harris, born 3/10/92, arrested for Domestic Menacing and transported to Lincoln County Jail.

7:20 a.m. Fight, 3517 NW Hwy 101, Motel 6. Caller reported physical fight between two male subjects. Victim reported Issac R. Brown, born 6/7/01, had forced his way into his room and was not a guest. Brown fought with officers when they arrived on scene. Brown taken into custody on charges of Burglary I, Attempted Assault I, Assault IV, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct and Criminal Mischief II. Brown was transported to LCPD and later to Lincoln County Jail.

10:12 a.m. Shoplift, 2159 NW Hwy 101, Imagine That.

Report of theft of adult products.

11:53 a.m. Crash, 3452 NW Jetty Ave. Caller reported vehicle crashed into a cinderblock fence. Vehicle was partially in yard and partially blocking the street.

December 16, 2020

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Let’s keep the coast clear.

WE ALL HAVE A PART TO KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE. WEAR A MASK Wearing a mask spreads kindness. It isn’t just for you, it’s for all of us.

MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCE If you want to be social, you’ve got to maintain distance.

Six feet!

WASH YOUR HANDS

20 seconds of hand washing prevents 2+ weeks of being sick. Clean hands help

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December 16, 2020

COMMUNITY

Habitat announces $20,000 grant for fire debris cleanup THE NEWS GUARD

Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County (HFHLC) recently received a $20,000 emergency response grant from Habitat for Humanity International to help expedite fire debris removal from the Echo Mountain Fire complex in Lincoln City. This funding will be used in partnership with “Quarters for Corners,” a grassroots volunteer effort currently working on site.

Three months after the Echo Mountain Complex fire destroyed more than 300 homes in the town of Otis, nearly 200 people are still living in hotels as the holidays approach. Hundreds more are living with family, sleeping in outbuildings like garages and sheds, or camping nearby. Unable to return to their home sites until FEMA is done cleaning up, possibly as late as summer 2021, many want to go home now.

Local residents, anxious for normalcy, began returning to their lots and, with the help of volunteers, have begun the arduous job of clean up themselves. At no cost to owners, the “Quarters for

COURTESY PHOTO

The Echo Mountain Complex fire destroyed hundreds of homes, leaving piles of debris behind.

Corners” project is getting landowners out of hotels and back on their properties much sooner than they would have been able to otherwise. By initially working with contractors who had worked with FEMA in previous burn areas, the volunteers have learned and followed every DEQ protocol.

The debris removal project, originally slated for just one week, is now going on its second month.

Funded initially by the homeowners themselves, Lincoln County

Commissioner Claire Hall successfully lobbied for a $7,000 challenge grant from the county and invited other community partners to help support the volunteer efforts on Echo Mountain. HFHLC leveraged this Lincoln County funding in their successful grant application to Habitat International.

“The County is thrilled at the results of our challenge grant,” says Commissioner Hall. “This generous funding from Habitat for Humanity is just the kind of thing

we had in mind when we allocated the initial funding.”

Grant funds are dedicated to equipment rental and operation, disposal of debris materials, volunteer coordination, supplies, and extending Olalla Center Resource Navigation services through the end of December 2020. The cost of equipment rental and waste disposal alone totals approximately $6,000 a month. Ground FX Landscape Management and Coast Tree Service have donated trucks and

crews every Saturday while other costs, such as administration and feeding volunteers three meals a day, have been taken on by others, namely the Salmon River Grange and the Echo Mountain Relief Fund.

Melynda Small, project manager of Quarters for Corners, sees the $20,000 grant from Habitat for Humanity as enabling the completion of two goals. First, it will ensure the project’s “continued efforts in helping our community rebuild and return.”

Small, who also lost her home in the fire, believes the grant will serve a second, and larger, purpose — making friends out of strangers.

“I’m getting to know my neighbors on a more personal level,” she said. “Honestly I only knew a handful of these amazing people before the cleanup started. I’m so happy I get to call them friends now.”

For more information or to help support the HFHLC mission, please contact Lucinda Taylor at director@habitatlincoln.org or 541.351.8078.

Lincoln City KOA Journey wins two major awards MAX KIRKENDALL newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net

Kampgrounds of America (KOA), the world’s largest family of familyfriendly, open-to-the-public campgrounds, recently announced that the Lincoln City KOA Journey has earned the 2021 KOA President’s Award and KOA Founder’s Award.

These awards were presented Tuesday, November 17 at KOA’s Annual International Convention.

The KOA Founder’s Award, named in honor of Dave Drum, who founded KOA on the banks of the Yellowstone River in Billings,

Montana in 1962, is KOA’s highest service award. It is awarded exclusively to those KOA campground owners and managers who attain world-class scores in both customer service and the KOA Quality Review.

The KOA President’s Award is presented to those campgrounds meeting exceptional quality standards and who receive high customer service scores from their camping guests.

KOA surveys hundreds of thousands of campers each year regarding their KOA camping experience.

“Our campground owners and their staffs work so hard to ensure each and every guest has a truly excep-

tional camping experience so it’s a pleasure to recognize this work,” said KOA President and CEO Toby O’Rourke. “Our President’s and Founder’s Awards are driven by camper feedback and, especially this year, it really points to the work that’s been done to ensure each camper has the best outdoor experience. These KOA owners have made the right investments in their campgrounds to make them the very best in North America.”

KOA is celebrating its 58th anniversary in 2020.

To find out more about this KOA, or any of the other 515 KOAs in the U.S. or Canada, go to www.KOA.com.

Lincoln City KOA Journey is one of the top campgrounds on the Oregon Coast. Recently, the local park received the KOA President’s Award and KOA Founder’s Award, the most prestigious awards given to the KOA camps.

through/walk through event.

On Dec. 20, between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. the Elks are inviting the public to drive through their lodge parking lot at 1350 SE Oar Ave. in Lincoln City to say hello to Santa Claus and collect a kids goodie bag.

Santa’s elves will be in attendance to hand out bags filled with candy and other stocking stuffers to all kids ages eight and

under while supplies last.

And of course, Santa will be perched in his chair waving to all the boys and girls.

“A lot of things are being cut out this year because of COVID,” said Gail Hogan, the Elks secretary. “If we can find a safe way of doing things then we should still try to do it.”

Traditionally, the Elks Lodge of Lincoln City

would host a Christmas event each year that often drew a strong turnout.

“In the old lodge, the kids would come in and for a couple hours we’d have a big party,” Ed said.

“We used to take our grand kids there and foster kids there. Right now, we’re really just trying to get our name out there again and show we are doing things in the community.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Elks Lodge to host drive-through holiday event MAX KIRKENDALL newsguardeditor@countrymedia.net

“The elks are a community service fraternity.

It’s what our main purpose is, to give back to the community,” says Lincoln City Elks Lodge 1886 Exalted Ruler Ed Hogan.

And this holiday season, the local Elks Lodge is giving back in a unique way by hosting a drive

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Since being re-established last year, the Elks have been hard at work in the community. This year they’ve been able to hand out three charitable grants including a donation to the Lincoln City Food Pantry and helping with the annual Christmas Basket program with North Lincoln Fire and Rescue and the Eagles Lodge. In the future, the Elks are planning for

more community events and more holiday fun.

“Santa will always be on our list to have,” Gail said. “Last year, Christmas seemed to sneak up on us. We were instituted in May and we were busy getting up and running.

But this year we are getting more prepared and we’ll use this as a way to get prepared for next year.”

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