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Christmas spirit

Volunteers wrap toys, assemble Christmas food baskets for the needy

olunteer Santa’s have been working for the past several weeks to assemble hundreds of Christmas food and gift baskets

Each year, donation buckets crop up around town, where people can donate new, unwrapped toys and nonperishable food items that will fill the holiday baskets delivered to families in need. This year’s community donations filled the baskets, which were scheduled to be delivered throughout the community Dec. 17 by a variety of the volunteers, including members of North Lincoln Fire & Rescue and employees from Les Schwab.

Lincoln City Eagles Christmas Charity Program Chair Alaina Jones has been involved with the charity project since 1986.

“It is something that makes me feel good,” she said. “This is the biggest charity event that we have all year, and it is dear to my heart.”

Jones said the one main challenge this year has been people waiting longer before they put in their application for the Christmas baskets.

“The earlier they put in their application, the easier it is for us, so the last few days have been pretty chaotic because of the latest of the applications,” she said. “It makes us work harder and struggle to find toys to fill, what the kids are asking for.”

Jones said the baskets will be distributed to approximately 300 families, with approximately 600 children. “Donations have been good this year and businesses have been generous,” she said. “That part has been Jones said over the years, the need for the food and gift baskets has grown.

LCSD superintendent retiring

Dr. Karen Gray

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

Lincoln County School District (LCSD) Superintendent Dr. Karen Gray has announced her retirement.

Gray will be leaving the district June 30, 2023 after service since her appointment by the Lincoln County School Board in March 2018.

In a one-on-one interview with Gray, The News Guard gains her insight about her time as superintendent and what challenges the district faces as it moves forward.

The News Guard: Why are you retiring now?

Dr. Karen Gray: I am retiring now because I have worked faithfully for the last five years for the LCSD and I just turned 65. I have been working in education since I was 21 and it is time for someone else to continue this fabulous work we have begun. I would like to get to know my family again.

Being a superintendent takes all your heart and soul and now I feel to turn that to something else while I am still healthy.

The News Guard: What has been the most challenging for you as superintendent at the LCSD?

Gray: Aligning our educational systems K-12 across the entire district. When I came here there were “islands of excellence”. Ev-

to leave office

eryone did what they thought was right and it was hit and miss. The district fell into correction. Now, because of the hard work and immense talent of the staff, administration and school board, we have successfully developed district-wide systems of excellence.

The News Guard: What has been the most rewarding for you as the LCSD superintendent?

Gray: The most rewarding part of my experience here has been the relationships I have developed and experiencing the quality of the people I have met here. The administrative team we have in LCSD is incredible. I am rewarded by observing and enjoying their accomplishments and the student outcomes I am seeing have been the most rewarding. I will never forget LCSD

June 30

and the wonderful people I have had the privilege and honor to serve and to serve with.

The News Guard: What challenges do you see facing the district as it most forward?

Gray: The challenge moving forward is Keeping The Train Moving on the Track we have Build! Stability of the work we have done and continuing to be critical of its outcomes while making constant improvements. Staying the course and not fainting.

The News Guard: What advice or recommendations would you have for the new superintendent to help overcome those challenges?

Gray: The advice I would give my successor is to aim straight and do not waiver. Talk to people and listen deeply. Communicate as much as you can while being kind and compassionate at all times. Take the high road. Listen to your guts because your guts will never do you wrong. And try to have some fun!

In a statement, the Lincoln County School Board complimented Gray for her work.

During her time in LCSD, she has led the district through a pandemic and also laid the strong groundwork

“We are trying to do more food this year,” she said, “because of the rising food price, so hopefully, families will be able to have a few more meals.”

A variety of food is packed into each basket, including cereals, soups, vegetables, meats, chile, tuna fish, peanut butter, and fruit snacks for children as well as toilet paper and other similar items.

Without these baskets, many of the families would not have meals,” Jones said. “We also still have families displaced from the Echo Mountain Wildfire that are in motels and don’t have cooking facilities, so we are giving gift cards to most of them to McKay’s Grocery store. We hope that we are helping.”

Shelley Shandra, with other members of the Sea Gals, a local women’s group, was busy wrapping toys for the Christmas baskets inside St. Peter’s Church in Lincoln City.

“I am a member of the Eagles, and of course we are all here to help out,” Shandra said. “This is important because there are so many families in need. This is a wonderful project. We are very grateful that we can help out, just a little bit.”

Whale Watching Week returns

C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

For the first time since 2019, Oregon State Parks will host Whale Watch Week in person along the Oregon Coast Dec. 28 – Jan. 1.

Previous Whale Watching events were cancelled during the pandemic.

Every year thousands of Gray whales migrate south through Oregon’s waters at the end of December, and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) invites visitors to the coast to see their journey.

Trained volunteers will be stationed at most of the 17 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast.

“We really enjoy getting folks out to the coast for Whale Watch Week,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

“It’s something that Oregon State Parks has been doing for more than 40 years now, and we’re really glad to be able to bring it back in person,” he said.

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https:// oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

An estimated 19,000 Gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon’s shores over the next several weeks as part of their annual migration south to the warm calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico. The end of December is the peak time for their migration; roughly 30

This is the biggest charity event that we have all year, and it is dear to my heart.

Alaina Jones, Lincoln City Eagles “

“

JEREMY

COURTESY PHOTO FROM THE OPRD

A whale emerges out of the ocean into the air along the Oregon shoreline.

Dr. Karen Gray

Local man arrested in construction site theft investigation

Man allegedly posed as a worker to gain access to site

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

A Lincoln City resident faces multiple criminal charges after a police investigation at a local construction site.

Lincoln City Police arrested 31-year-old Tegan M. Clark of Lincoln City, Tuesday, Dec. 13, on felony charges of Theft I and Burglary II after an investigation into a reported theft of tools from a construction site.

The owner of Lincoln City Builders reported the theft of construction tools from a construction site located in the 1800 block of SE Highway 101 Dec. 12.

During the investigation, officers learned that a male subject had gone into the business that was under construction and posed as one of the construction workers for Lincoln City Builders.

A short time after the male was escorted to the back of the business where the construction work is occurring, one of the business employees noticed a back door was open that is supposed to be kept closed.

Upon checking further, the employee contacted the male subject outside and began asking him questions.

The male subject’s answers to the questions did not seem correct and the employee became suspicious. The employee contacted the owner of the construction company and learned that the construction company did not

Ruling gives another pause to Ballot 114

have any workers scheduled to work at the site that day.

The subject was seen leaving the area in a blue Mini Cooper. The owner of the construction company responded to the location and determined several thousand dollars of worth of construction tools had been stolen from the site. Based on the investigation, which included surveillance video, Tegan Clark, who had been a former employee of Lincoln City Builders, was identified as a possible suspect.

On Dec. 13, officers responded to Clark’s residence and noted there was a blue Mini Copper parked at the location. Officers contacted Clark and noted he matched the description of the male in the surveillance video. In addition, Clark admitted to being at the involved business

The police blotter relates to the public record of incidents as reported by law enforcement agencies.

All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Information printed is preliminary and subject to change.

For specific details or concerns about cases listed, contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Lincoln City Police

December 4

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

There is now another pause on Oregon’s controversial Ballot Measure 114.

Harney County Circuit Court Judge Robert S. Raschio has ruled that the measure’s prohibition of the purchase and carrying of magazines holding 10-rounds or more of ammunition “unduly frustrate the right to bear arms” under Oregon’s Constitution, according to a report by Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB).

“Based upon the preliminary evidence, the result of BM 114 would be a near absolute prohibition on handguns and many other firearms with their magazines,” Raschio wrote, unconvinced by the state’s expert witnesses who testified the opposite was true, the OPB report states.

Raschio last week extended the temporary restraining order on permit-to-purchase in Ballot Measure 114. The

state had agreed to delay the permit-to-purchase portion of the law until Feb. 8 because of a lack of certified law enforcement to oversee the in-person gun handling training class that would be required.

The voter-approved measure was to take effect Thursday, Dec. 8. It would limit magazine capacity and requires permits to purchase firearms.

The measure has triggered a surge in gun sales across the state.

“Usually people were purchasing one firearm, but now we are seeing people buy 12 to 24 firearms at a time,” Lincoln City Electronic Super Store Operator Bruce Polvi told the News Guard earlier. “A lot of them are thinking that this is shutting it off and so it is a panic situation.”

Follow this developing story at thenewsguard.com and in the Tuesday print editions of The News Guard.

12:09 p.m. Caller in the 4800 block of SE Inlet Avenue reports she bartered with a subject to do some work, generator now missing from location. Report taken

2:20 p.m.

DOA reported in the 2700 block of NW Jetty Avenue. Caller reported missing person was last seen Thursday. Found by caller. Body released to Pacific View Memorial Home.

December 5

1:13 p.m. Suspicious Activity reported in the 900 block of SE 32nd Avenue. Caller reports juvenile taking items from apartment to her room, throwing things. Juvenile received a courtesy transport to shelter, cited and released for Minor in Possession.

3:58 p.m.

A Disturbance reported in the 1600 block of NW 20th Street. Caller reports her ex-boyfriend broke her phone and tried to keep her from leaving during an argument. Report taken.

December 6

There were no entries made on the police log for December 6.

December 7

8:52 a.mn. Report of a Hit and Run in the 800 block of SW Highway 101. Caller reported damage to building wall. Incident occurred Nov. 29. Report taken.

7:17 p.m. Extra Patrols around a silver vehicle with tarp at SE Lee Avenue and SE 22nd Street. Vehicle Red

Tagged. Elderly neighbor says she doesn’t feel safe with it parked there and wants extra patrols.

December 8

6:09 a.m. Burglary reported in the 600m block of SE Highway 101. Employee arrived at location and reported from t door broken in. Report taken.

8:12 a.m. Theft reported in the 2100 block of NW Highway 101. Caller reports two tires stolen from bus vehicle overnight. Report taken.

8:26 a.m.

Officer responded to a custodial issue in the 3000 block of NE 28th Street. Report taken.

8:32 a.m. Theft reported

in the 2100 block of NW Mast Place. Caller reported Schwinn Discovery Bike stolen from lobby of apartment complex. Report taken.

5:43 p.m.

Hit and Run reported in the 1700 block of NW 21st Street.

Caller reported that a U-Haul truck hit her vehicle in the parking lot. Officer responded, took a report. One driver cited for No Insurance and Oregon License.

11:58 p.m. Warrant Service in the 1600 block of NE Highway 101. Officer initiated traffic stop. One subject was taken into custody and transported to to the county jail on a Lincoln County Misdemeanor Warrant charging Failure to Appear

the previous day, according to a release from the Lincoln City Police Department. tody and transported to the mains open and anyone who partment at 541-994-3636.

Information from business employees and surveillance video led to the arrest of the Lincoln City resident during the theft investigation.

JEREMY C. RUARK / COUNTRY MEDIA, INC.

Gun sales have soared at the Lincoln City Electronic Super Store since the passage of Ballot Measure 114.

‘Tis the season

Oregon trees help to celebrate the holiday, create jobs

BRIAN ROONEY News Guard Guest Article

‘Tis the season when Oregonians will shop on the internet, bake cookies, and buy or cut a Christmas tree grown in their home state.

In fact, across the U.S. and Mexico, people will be purchasing a tree grown in Oregon, helping to create jobs.

An Ancient Tradition

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the use of evergreen trees, wreaths and garlands to symbolize eternal life was a custom of the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Hebrews.

Tree worship was common among pagan Europeans such as the Vikings and Saxons and survived their conversion to Christianity in the Scandinavian tradition of decorating the house and barn with evergreens at the New Year and of setting up a tree for the birds at Christmastime. The pagan custom also survived in Germany by placing a Yule tree at the entrance or inside the house during midwinter holidays.

The modern Christmas tree is often traced to the “tree of paradise” used in a medieval European play about Adam and Eve given on December 24. These trees were decorated with apples to represent forbidden fruit and wafers that represent redemption.

By the renaissance, the apples were replaced by red balls and the wafers were replaced by various cookies. Lights in the form of candles were added in 16th century Germany. The Christmas tree tradition in the U.S. is attributed to early German immigrants.

An Important Commodity in Oregon

Oregon is the number one Christmas tree producing state in the nation, according to data from the Oregon Department of Agriculture, with roughly $106.9 million in sales in 2020.

There were 4.7 million trees harvested in 2017. Most of the harvested trees are either Noble fir (54 percent) or Douglas fir (32 percent).

About 92 percent of Pacific Northwest Christmas trees were exported out of the region with 45 percent headed to California and 16 percent headed to Mexico. The balance were sent to other regions of the U.S, especially the Southwest states.

Employment

A lot of work goes into getting Oregon Christmas trees to market as fresh and green as possible. It starts with growing the trees, which will take at least six years for a tree to reach six feet tall, depending on the species. Then there are wholesale sales followed by a tight harvest window. Harvest is usually done with a chain saw for wholesale trees.

Fresh cut trees are shaken, baled and then hauled out of the fields by trucks or helicopters. Finally, there is transportation to market and retail sales.

However, counting employment in Oregon’s Christmas tree industry is difficult since the production and selling are included in several broad industries with other commodities. These include the following:

Nursery and tree production – comprises companies engaged in nursery stock, shrubbery, bulbs, and woody trees with a growth and harvest cycle of 10 years or less.

Other miscellaneous nondurable goods merchant wholesalers – comprises companies involved in merchant wholesale distribution of nondurable goods from agricultural products to pet supplies to textile bags.

Other direct selling establishments – comprises establishments engaged in nonstore retail sales by means such as in-house sales, truck or wagon sales, and portable stalls.

Since Christmas tree growers are required to have a license from the Oregon Depart-

Oregon adds 8,500 jobs

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Oregon’s unemployment rate rose to 4.4 percent in November from 4.1 percent in October, according to the Oregon Employment Department.

The unemployment rate increased 0.9 percentage point over the past four months from its recent low of 3.5 percent in May, June, and July. The last time Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.4 percent or more was in October 2021 when the rate was 4.4 percent. In contrast, the U.S. unemployment rate has remained below 4 percent, as it was 3.7 percent in both October and November of 2022.

Job gains

In Oregon, nonfarm payroll employment rose by 8,500 jobs in November, following a gain of 5,500 jobs in October. The gains in November were largest in government (+2,900 jobs); health care and social assistance (+1,400); wholesale trade (+1,100); and leisure and hospitality (+1,000). None of the major industries cut a substantial number of jobs in November.

Sector growth

All major sectors of government grew. Federal government added 900 jobs in November, with several firms adding jobs when they normally would be shedding seasonal jobs heading into the winter slow period. State

government added 300 jobs, continuing its slow growth this year. Local government added 1,700 jobs, but remained 2,400 jobs below November 2019, prior to the pandemic recession.

Oregon’s private sector added 5,600 jobs in November, reaching another all-time high of 1,688,400. This was 16,700 jobs, or 1 percent, above the pre-recession peak in February 2020. Health care and social assistance continued its steady and rapid advances this year, adding 1,400 jobs in November, which was close to its average gain of 1,200 jobs per month this year. Social assistance grew the most, adding 5,100 jobs (+7.8 percent) in the past 12 months. Ambulatory health care services (+4,500 jobs, or 4.8 percent) and nursing and residential care facilities (+2,100 jobs, or 4.3 percent) also have expanded rapidly since November 2021.

Leisure and hospitality is still substantially below its pre-pandemic peak. But its revised gain of 2,000 jobs in October, coupled with its gain of 1,000 in November, put the industry back on its recent upward trajectory. In the past 12 months it added 15,700 jobs, accounting for nearly a quarter of Oregon’s private-sector job gains during that time.

Erik Knoder is a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department. He may be reached at 541-3515595

ment of Agriculture, we can get a rough idea of the magnitude of the industry. There were 335 licensed Christmas tree growers in Oregon in 2022, cultivating roughly 45,000 acres.

We can look at an annual trend of payroll employment in Christmas tree growing by matching company names from ODA licenses with records from the Oregon Employment Department’s Unemployment Insurance program. A search produced 54 matches.

In 2021, payroll employment at these companies held steady in the spring and summer and then spiked with the harvest in November at little less than 900 workers. Annual average payroll employment was 424 with a total payroll of $16.9 million. Due to the seasonal nature of employment, annual average pay is relatively low at $39,764.

Obviously, many growers are sole proprietors or family farms that have little or

no payroll employment and are not required to report to the UI program. Many of the growers tend the trees and then hire temporary workers for the harvest or contract out the harvest. With more than 280 growers not included in the payroll employment companies above, it is likely that hundreds, if not thousands more are employed growing Christmas trees over the year.

So, while you are decorating your tree, baking cookies or enjoying an eggnog this holiday season, remember the thousands of workers that hustle to get that Oregon Christmas tree to you as fresh and green as possible.

Brian Rooney is an Oregon Employment Department Regional Economist in Douglas and Lane counties. He may be reached at brian.t.rooney@employ.oregon.gov or at 541-359-9546.

NW Oregon wages increasing

Inflation continues to outpace wages

ERIK KNODER News Guard Guest Article

Oregon and the counties in Northwest Oregon saw increases in their annual average wages from 2020 to 2021.

Overall, the average wage for the entire state increased by $4,097 (6.8 percent) over the year. The increases in the average wages in the five counties of Northwest Oregon ranged from 5.8 percent in Tillamook County to 8.7 percent in Lincoln County.

Increases in wages of this much are unusual. From 2010 through 2020 wages increased by an average of 3.7 percent per year for all of Oregon. The average annual increases in Northwest Oregon ranged from 3 percent in Benton County to 3.7 percent in Tillamook County over the same time.

The wages are for workers covered by unemployment insurance, which excludes self-employed workers and a few others such as real estate brokers who are paid by commission.

Although wages were increasing in 2021, inflation also increased rapidly for many workers. The U.S. Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners rose by

1.9%

5.3 percent in 2021. This means that the increase in real wages (what workers can buy) increased by only the annual change minus the rate of inflation.

In 2022 the situation for workers is not looking as rosy. Data are available for only part of the year, but for the first half of 2022 wages were on trend to increase 1.9 percent over the year statewide. Unfortunately, inflation seems to be on a trend to increase between 7.5 percent and 8.0 percent for 2022. It seems likely that real wages are falling in Oregon in 2022.

Erik Knoder is a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department. He may be reached at 541-351-5595

Lincoln City’s largest and most trusted

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Residents across Oregon follow a tradition of cutting their own Christmas tree for the holiday.

COURTESY FROM THE OREGON EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT

The table below shows the 2021 annual average wage in Oregon and Northwest Oregon, and the change from 2020.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Data are available for only part of the year, but for the first half of 2022 wages were on trend to increase

over the year statewide.

On Sun., Nov. 20, 2022, Lola Magdelana Volk passed away peacefully at the age of 70. Lola was born Feb. 2, 1952 in Harvey, North Dakota, to parents Adam and Marcella Volk.

Lola moved to the Pacific Northwest in the late 70s where she raised her two sons. She spent over 20 years in the Lincoln City area where she worked at and retired from BiMart. She was an animal lover and adored her little dog, Lucy. Lola had many hobbies and interests but creating unique jewelery with beads and stones was by far her favorite. She was always offering her friends and family her beautiful creations.

Aug.

Nancy Ann Vickstrom, of Otis, Oregon, passed away on Sept. 9, 2022 at age 74.

Nancy was born on Aug. 9, 1948, in Lebanon, Oregon, to Wayne and Roberta Bryant. She was raised in Lebanon, and later moved to Taft and graduated from Taft High School in 1966.

In her early adult years, she worked at the Pixie Kitchen, and then at the Sprouse Reitz store. In later years, she loved to research antiques and collectibles, and she opened a booth at the Little Antique Mall in Lincoln City.

Nancy had been a member of Ocean Lake Christian Church in Lincoln City for many years, taking an active role in Bible study, and providing flower arrangements from her garden for church services. In recent years, Nancy was actively involved at Alvadore Christian Church in Junction City. Along with her sister and friends at the church, she used her time and talent to assist with the projects of the Piece-Makers’ Quilting Group. The group makes it their mission to provide comfort quilts to those who have cancer.

She excelled at sewing and various craft projects, spending countless hours creating gifts for others. Other interests included cooking, baking, and gardening. She

used her garden strawberries and raspberries to make delicious jam. Of the flowers in her garden, she especially enjoyed the dahlias.

Nancy was an avid reader. She also enjoyed watching movies, her favorites ranged from old classics to new Hallmark movies.

She truly loved her Boston Terriers, who were her constant companions.

Nancy was preceded in death by her father Wayne Bryant; brother Charles Bryant; and her sister Jane Rickard.

She is survived by her mother Roberta White; sisters, Judy Van Damme, and Sherry Rutledge and her husband Dale; sons, Troy Vickstrom, Travis Vickstrom, and Tyson Vickstrom and his wife Jessica; grandchildren, Travis J. Vickstrom, Cassidy Vickstrom, Kai Vickstrom, Jordan and Jonathan Jennings, Angellica Shasteen, and Victor Judd; and her great-grandchildren, Carter and Bentley.

Donations in her name can be made to: Alvadore Christian Church, 27373 8th Street, Junction City, OR 97448 for the Piece-Makers’ Quilting Group mission. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date at the church. A private family memorial will also be held at a later date.

Man rescued from snow in State Forest

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

With heavy snow in the higher elevations of Lincoln and Tillamook counties, first responders are warning of the travel dangers.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) Forest Deputy Scott Griffith responded to a report of a person trapped in a vehicle in deep snow in the Tillamook State Forest.

“We got a call that a 33-year-old male went up into the woods off of Highway 26 in a Volvo station wagon,” Griffith said. “Apparently, he had been up there since the day before. But we got the call at 11 a.m. on Saturday.”

Griffith made his way to the stranded vehicle’s location, but snow depth made it impossible for him to reach the man. Griffith called Dep-

uty Billy Cloud and requested he respond with TCSO’s side-by-side UTV, which is equipped with snow tracks.

As Griffith and Cloud headed up the steep forest road in the UTV they were able to reach and rescue the man.

“Luckily he did have blankets and food in the car, but that vehicle had no business being up there in that deep of snow,” Griffith said.

The man’s identity was not released by the TCSO.

“TCSO reminds everyone, that although it’s fun to head into our beautiful forests and play in the snow, fun times can turn tragic very quickly if you are not properly prepared.” A statement from TCSO reads.

Here is what you need to know before venturing up in the snow:

• Know the abilities and limitations of your vehicle

and the driver. Having FourWheel-Drive and All-Wheel Drive doesn’t mean you won’t get stuck in snow — it usually means you’ll just get further into the forest before you get stuck. The man in the story above was driving an AWD wagon.

• Let people know your itinerary (where you are going, who is with you, and your estimated return time) before you head out.

• Be sure the vehicle is in good repair and has a full tank of fuel and your cell phone is fully charged.

• Always carry an emergency kit, which should include blankets, water, food, flashlight and a means of starting a fire.

• Consider carrying tire chains, gloves and a shovel

More and more people that enjoy outdoor adventures are carrying satellite messaging/locators or personal

locator beacons. In fact, one of these devices most likely saved an injured hunter in the Tillamook Forest earlier this year.

“The TCSO asks that you be properly prepared for any outdoor adventure. Search and Rescue operations can cost thousands of dollars, and hundreds of volunteer/deputy hours” the TCSO stated in the release. “At a time when personnel is already stretched thin, every rescue that can be averted due to preparing properly, helps to ensure that first responders will be available to respond to actual emergencies.”

TCSO and the Tillamook County Search and Rescue Team are looking for people who seek the adventure and satisfaction of serving their community. Please visit tillamooksheriff.com to apply for a deputy position or to be a search and rescue volunteer.

Oregon’s 17 death row inmates’ sentences communted to life

executive

STAFF REPORT Country Media, Inc.

Using her executive clemency powers, Gov. Kate Brown has commuted the sentences of the 17 individuals on Oregon’s death row to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

“I have long believed that justice is not advanced by taking a life, and the state should not be in the business of executing people—even if a terrible crime placed them in prison.

“Since taking office in 2015, I have continued Oregon’s moratorium on executions because the death penalty is both dysfunctional and immoral. Today I am commuting Oregon’s death row so that we will no longer have anyone serving a

My hope is that this commutation will bring us a significant step closer to finality in their cases.

Kate Brown, Oregon Governor

sentence of death and facing execution in this state. This is a value that many Oregonians share.

“Unlike previous com-

mutations I’ve granted to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary growth and rehabilitation, this commutation is not

based on any rehabilitative efforts by the individuals on death row. Instead, it reflects the recognition that the death penalty is immoral. It is an irreversible punishment that does not allow for correction; is wasteful of taxpayer dollars; does not make communities safer; and cannot be and never has been administered fairly and equitably. My action today is consistent with the near abolition of the death penalty that has been achieved through SB 1013.

“I also recognize the pain and uncertainty victims experience as they wait for decades while individuals sit on death row — especially in states with moratoriums on executions — without resolution. My hope is that this commutation will bring us a significant step closer to finality in these cases.”

Read Brown’s full order with this story at thenewsguard.com.

She is survived by her sons, Scott and Sam; and her grandchildren, McKenzie, Bradley, Lola, and Simon. A private service will be held.

Lola Magdelana Volk Feb. 2, 1952 — Nov. 20, 2022

Nancy Ann Vickstrom

9, 1948 — Sept. 9, 2022

COURTESY PHOTO FROM TCSO

This vehicle became stuck in the snow in the Tillamook State Forest Friday, Dec. 9.

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GUEST COLUMN

Taft Baseball seeks 2023 season sponsors

DUSTIN HANKINS News Guard Guest Column

I want to thank you for your consideration of becoming a sponsor of Taft Baseball. As you may or may not be aware, a small-town community consistently is in the need of financial sponsors. These sponsors are the backbone of the programs that are here to help the youth of our community. As a coach I take tremendous pride in the ability to be able to help mold these young men and shape their future through the sport of baseball.

In today’s world it is ever more difficult to be able to fund public school activities. Without the generos-

ity of wonderful sponsors like yourself these young individuals may not get the opportunities that can change their lives forever. I remember fundraising for a spring break trip several years ago and one of my most favorite memories was the first time an 18-year-old senior student got to leave the state for the first time in his life. It may seem like a silly story but to that kid it was the greatest trip of his life. I have had many students say they have never been out of the state and most likely never would have ever been able to have that experience if it were not for a trip with his baseball team.

Not only do we use

donated funds for trips, but we must fundraise for our uniforms, bats, balls, training tools, etc. We have a great coaching staff that donates countless hours of their time towards the betterment of these young men. We are trying to raise money most currently for two larger items. One is I would like to take the team to Arizona this season, for an opportunity to play during spring training on professional fields. Not only will it be an amazing baseball experience but a tremendous culture and an outside of our small-town experience. The second larger goal is for a facility upgrade. We would like to add lighting to our field so we can play past dark

during our limited season. Playing our season March to May, most of the time we do not get a full junior varsity game in because of lack of light issues.

I want to sincerely thank you for your attention and giving our program the opportunity to have your ear for a moment. We have some current fundraising in place including our $/per run club (money pledged for every run scored during home varsity games). We sell reserved seating for the season including chairs and tables. We also have a cornhole tourney in December. This money helps for our year to year expenses. But we must look outside of the box for some of the ad-

ditional expenses associated with trying to make baseball extra special for these athletes.

We at Taft baseball want to thank you for considering being one of our great sponsors! Please let us know if you can help us out with a flat monetary donation, an annual donation and or if you have any other ideas. All donations are Tax deductible.

Please make checks out to Taft Boosters and put baseball in the memo line.

Dustin Hankins is the head baseball coach at Taft High School. He may be reached at 541-992-3614 or at Dustinhankins.dh@gmail.com.

Community Calendar

December 20 Community Services Consortium Meeting

The Community Services Consortium Governing Board meeting from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thi is an electronic meeting. Email Info@CommunityServices.us for agenda and meeting connection information.

December 22 Parks & Rec Meeting

The Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Board will meet at 2:30pm at the Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 NE Oar Place. The public is invited to attend and listen to this meeting at the Community Center. The agenda and packet for the meeting is available on the city website at www.lincolncity.org under “Agenda, Packets and Video.”

Lincoln City Senior Center Events

Weekly walk on LCCC track. No charge or membership required. 10:30 a.m. Mondays.

Tai Chi 9 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. No membership required. Donation to instructor suggested.

Chair Yoga 11:30 a.m. Mondays. No membership required. Donation to instructor suggested.

Ahead in 2023

January 14,15 Coastal Carvers Artistry in Wood Show and Sale

Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Chinook Winds Casino Resort Convention Center, 1777 N.W. 44th Street in Lincoln City.

On Going

Free Meal For Veterans Homemade soup and sandwiches every third Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lincoln City B.P.O Elks #1886 at 1350 SE Oar Avenue in Lincoln City.

If you have a community event coming up, send brief details with the date, time, location and contact phone/email to jruark@ countrymedia.net

ONLINE POLL

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Would you like to see a white Christmas this year?

Yes 57.4% No 42.6%

Vote online at thenewsguard.com see how your opinion compares.

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Admin@CountryMedia.net TheNewsGuard.com/opinion

What are you doing to ease holiday stress?

It’s just a blank page until words tell your story. For 95 years, we have filled these pages capturing generations of spirit and growth, celebrating community success and heartbreak. We’ve also been here to report those scratch your head events that become celebrated family stories and historic footprint. We are your local newspaper dedicated to our community and you.

Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season filled with health and happiness

Appraised. 1964 Chrevrolet Impala SS. V8 327 engine, coupe, automatic transmission, custom paint job, quality upgrades. many original parts. Owners manual. Kept protected. Very well maintained. $33,000. Contact leenb@ me.com

Public Notices 999

NG22-391 TS No. OR08000115- 19-3 APN R477342 TO No 220533322-OR- MSO TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, HERBERT R JOHNSON, UNMARRIED as Grantor to FIRST AMERICAN TITLE as Trustee, in favor of MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. (“MERS”), as designated nominee for FIRST FRANKLIN A DIVISION OF NATIONAL CITY BANK, Beneficiary of the security instrument, its successors and assigns, dated as of October 26, 2006 and recorded on November 13, 2006 as Instrument No. 200617260 and the beneficial interest was assigned to ** CORRECTIVE MERS AOM** and recorded May 17, 2021 as Instrument Number 2021-06386 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Lincoln County, Oregon to-wit: APN: R477342 LOT 2, BLOCK 36, PHELPS ADDITION TO NEWPORT, IN THE CITY OF NEWPORT, COUNTY OF LINCOLN AND STATE OF OREGON Commonly known as: 413 N E 10TH CT, NEWPORT, OR 97365 Both the Beneficiary, U.S. Bank National Association as Trustee in trust for registered Holders of First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006FF18, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.735(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay payments which became due Monthly Payment(s): 10 Monthly Payment(s) from 03/01/2022 to 12/30/2022 at $1,217.16 Monthly Late Charge(s): Late Charge(s) 84.76 By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, towit: The sum of $136,438.92 together with interest thereon at the rate of 3.00000% per annum from February 1, 2022 until paid; plus all accrued late charges thereon; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on April 26, 2023 at the hour of 10:00 AM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, at the Olive Street entrance to the Lincoln County Courthouse, 225 W Olive, Newport, OR 97365 County of Lincoln, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.753 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceed-

ing dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Defau lt by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale.

In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any. Dated: 12/07/2022 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949- 252-8300 Order Number 87839, Pub Dates: 12/20/2022, 12/27/2022, 1/3/2023, 1/10/2023, THE NEWS GUARD

NG22-390 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FORMATION OF LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR DELAKE HEIGHTS LID LINCOLN CITY, OREGON Notice is hereby given that the City Council of Lincoln City will hold a public hearing to consider formation of a Local Improvement District (LID) to construct sewer and roadway improvements to properties on SE Port Dr and SE Quay Pl from SE 14th St

Notices 999

to SE 20th St, SE Oar Ave, SE 15th St, and the 1400 to 1800 blocks of SE Oar Dr, all within the boundaries of the City of Lincoln City. Improvement Description: The proposed LID improvements consist of a sanitary sewer and roadway improvements. Gravity sanitary sewer will be provided to SE Oar Ave, SE Oar Dr, to SE Port Dr, SE 15th St, and the majority of SE Quay Pl. Low pressure sewer will be provided to the 5 lots on the south end of SE Quay Pl not able to be served by gravity sewer. Roadway improvements will include roadway paving, drainage improvements, and partial sidewalk improvements on one side of each roadway. District Boundaries: The boundary of the proposed district is generally between SE 14th St and SE 20th St, from SE Oar Dr to SE Quay Pl; The 1800 - 2000 blocks of SE Oar Dr are served by sewer utilities and improved roadways and are not included. This boundary includes 56 tax lots. Estimated Cost to Be Assessed: The estimated cost of the project is $1,982,000. The construction and engineering costs are proposed to be paid by assessments to property owners within the proposed district. Estimated assessments are based on potential for lot subdivision and the subsequent number of proposed sanitary connections according to Lincoln City Municipal code 17.16. Project Information: “Delake Heights Local Improvement District”, dated October 2022 and prepared by city staff, may be viewed under the Public Works page on Lincoln City’s website. (http:// www.lincolncity.org/departments/public-works/projects-in-progress) Copies of the report may also be obtained by contacting Lincoln City Public works at (541)-996-2154. Public Hearing Information Date: Monday, January 23, 2023 Time: *City Council Meeting, 6:00 PM Place: **City Council Chambers, 801 SW Highway 101, 3rd Floor, Lincoln City, Oregon. *(This is a regularly scheduled City Council meeting, and the public hearing will not be the first item on the agenda.) Comments must be submitted in writing by Noon on January 20, 2023 to be included in the City Council packet. Written comments received after January 20, 2023

will be provided to City Council at the hearing. Any person may provide oral or written comments to the City Council at the January 23, 2023 hearing. Public comments can be submitted to publiccomment@ lincolncity.org, by attending the City Council meeting, or by Zoom invitation. Citizens requesting to give public comment via Zoom should email publiccomment@lincolncity. org no later than 12pm on the meeting day. The request must include the person’s name, subject the person wishes to address, and Zoom screen name intended for use during the meeting.

NG22-388 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of CHRISTA ANN SWAN, also known as CHRISTA BAX SWAN, also known as 11 CHRISTA ANN MILL-

HOUSE SWAN, Deceased. No. 22PB08359 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to the undersigned personal representative, John E. Carey, at 8080 McMullen Circle, Boise, Idaho 83 709, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the lawyers for the personal representative, Joshua C.P. Reams. Dated and first published on December 20, 2022. John E. Carey, Personal Representative. Personal Representative: John E. Carey, 8080 McMullen Circle, Boise, Idaho 83709, 208-869- 3382. Attorney for

Proposed Representative: Joshua C. P. Reams, OSB No. 165358, 250 South Fifth Street, Suite 660, Boise, Idaho 83702, P.O. Box 9500, Boise, Idaho 83707-9500, 208-3870729, 208- 639-7788 FAX, jreams@adlawgroup.com.

NG22-377 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE T.S. No.: OR22-945047- SW Reference is made to that certain deed made by, THE W. SCOTT SERRILL REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST DATED 6/23/11 AND W. SCOTT SERRILL as Grantor to FIRST AMERICAN TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY OF OREGON, as trustee, in favor of KEYBANK NATIOANAL ASSOCIATION, as Beneficiary, dated 8/11/2015, recorded 9/1/2015, in official records of LINCOLN County, Oregon in book/reel/volume No. and/or as fee/file/instrument/microfilm/reception number 2015-08896 and subsequently assigned or transferred

by operation of law to KeyBank, NA covering the following described real property situated in said County, and State. APN: R221863 111116DC00101 SITUATED IN LINCOLN COUNTY STATE OF OREGON TO WIT: A PARCEL OF LAND IN GOVERNMENT LOT 1, SECTION 16, TOWNSHIP 11 SOUTH, RANGE 11 WEST, WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN, IN LINCOLN COUNTY, OREGON, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A 3/4 INCH IRON PIPE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE TRACT CONVEYED TO GLORIA BLODGETTE BY DEED RECORDED JANUARY 3, 1964 IN BOOK 241, PAGE 149, DEED RECORDS AND LOCATED 995.58 FEET NORTH AND 650.32 FEET EAST OF THE QUARTER CORNER TO SECTIONS 16 AND 21, TOWNSHIP 11 SOUTH, RANGE 11 WEST, WILLAMETTE MERIDIAN; THENCE NORTH 36 DEG. 11’ WEST, 103.47 FEET TO A 3/4 INCH IRON PIPE AT THE MOST NORTHERLY CORNER OF THE EAST FISH TRACT DESCRIBED IN DEED RECORDED NOVEMBER 7, 1962 IN BOOK 229, PAGE 592, DEED RECORDS; THENCE NORTH 46 DEG. 08’ 30’! EAST, 75 FEET TO A 3/4 INCH IRON PIPE; THENCE SOUTH 36 DEG. 11’ EAST, 103.47 FEET TO A 3/4 INCH IRON PIPE ON THE NORTHWESTERLY BOUNDARY OF THE AFORESAID BLODGETTE PROPERTY; THENCE ALONG SAID BOUNDARY SOUTH 46 DEG. 08’ 30’’ WEST, 75 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. SUBJECT TO ALL EASEMENTS, COVENANTS, CONDITIONS, RESERVATIONS, LEASES AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD, ALL LEGAL HIGHWAYS, ALL RIGHTS OF WAY, ALL ZONING, BUILDING AND OTHER LAWS, ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS, ALL RIGHTS OF TENANTS IN POSSESSION, AND ALL REAL ESTATE TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS NOT YET DUE AND PAYABLE. BEING THE SAME PROPERTY CONVEYED BY DEED RECORDED IN VOLUME 2011, PAGE 08208, OF THE LINCOLN COUNTY, OREGON RECORDS. Commonly known as: 3755 SE LEEKS DR, SOUTH BEACH, OR 97366 The undersigned hereby certifies that based upon business records there are no known written assignments of the trust deed by the trustee or by the beneficiary, except as recorded in the records of the county or counties in which the above described real property is situated. Further, no action has been instituted to recover the debt, or any part thereof, now remaining secured by the trust deed, or, if such action has been instituted, such action has been dismissed except as permitted by ORS 86.752(7). Both the beneficiary and the trustee have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured by said trust deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.752(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. There is a default by grantor or other person owing an obligation, performance of which is secured by the trust deed, or by the successor in interest, with respect to provisions therein which authorize sale in the event of such provision. The default for which foreclosure is made is grantor’s failure to pay when due the following sum:

TOTAL REQUIRED TO REINSTATE: $2,750.49 TOTAL REQUIRED TO PAYOFF: $19,300.25 Because of inter-

est, late charges, and other charges that may vary from day-to-day, the amount due on the day you pay may be greater. It will be necessary for you to contact the Trustee before the time you tender reinstatement or the payoff amount so that you may be advised of the exact amount you will be required to pay. By reason of the default, the beneficiary has declared all sums owing on the obligation secured by the trust deed immediately due and payable, those sums being the following, to- wit: The installments of principal and interest which became due on 5/12/2022, and all subsequent installments of principal and interest through the date of this Notice, plus amounts that are due for late charges, delinquent property taxes, insurance premiums, advances made on senior liens, taxes and/or insurance, trustee’s fees, and any attorney fees and court costs arising from or associated with the beneficiaries efforts to protect and preserve its security, all of which must be paid as a condition of reinstatement, including all sums that shall accrue through reinstatement or pay- off. Nothing in this notice shall be construed as a waiver of any fees owing to the Beneficiary under the Deed of Trust pursuant to the terms of the loan documents. Whereof, notice hereby is given that QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION OF WASHINGTON, the undersigned trustee will on 3/22/2023 at the hour of 10:00 AM, Standard of Time, as established by section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, At the south entrance to the Lincoln County Courthouse, located at 225 W Olive Street, Newport, OR 97365 County of LINCOLN, State of Oregon, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said trust deed, together with any interest which the grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said trust deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.778 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the trust deed reinstated by payment to the beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, trustee’s and attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or trust deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Other than as shown of record, neither the beneficiary nor the trustee has any actual notice of any person having or claiming to have any lien upon or interest in the real property hereinabove described subsequent to the interest of the trustee in the trust deed, or of any successor in interest to grantor or of any lessee or other person in possession of or occupying the property, except: Name and Last Known Address and Nature of Right, Lien or Interest W SERRILL 3755 SE LEEKS DR SOUTH BEACH, OR 97366 Original Borrower For Sale Information Call: 916939-0772 or Login to: www. nationwideposting.com In construing this notice, the singular includes the plural, the word

“grantor” includes any successor in interest to this grantor as well as any other person owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by the trust deed, and the words “trustee” and “beneficiary” include their respective successors in interest, if any. Pursuant to Oregon Law, this sale will not be deemed final until the Trustee’s deed has been issued by QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION OF WASHINGTON. If any irregularities are discovered within 10 days of the date of this sale, the trustee will rescind the sale, return the buyer’s money and take further action as necessary. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit report agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations. Without limiting the trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the trustee’s sale. NOTICE TO TENANTS: TENANTS OF THE SUBJECT REAL PROPERTY HAVE CERTAIN PROTECTIONS AFFFORDED TO THEM UNDER ORS 86.782 AND POSSIBLY UNDER FEDERAL LAW. ATTACHED TO THIS NOTICE OF SALE, AND INCORPORATED HEREIN, IS A NOTICE TO TENANTS THAT SETS FORTH SOME OF THE PROTECTIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO A TENANT OF THE SUBJECT REAL PROPERTY AND WHICH SETS FORTH CERTAIN REQUIRMENTS THAT MUST BE COMPLIED WITH BY ANY TENANT IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE AFFORDED PROTECTION, AS REQUIRED UNDER ORS 86.771. TS No: OR-22945047-SW Dated: 11/14/2022 Quality Loan Service Corporation of Washington, as Trustee

Signature By: Jeff Stenman, President Trustee’s Mailing Address: Quality Loan Service Corp. of Washington 108 1 st Ave South, Suite 450, Seattle, WA 98104 Toll Free: (866) 925-0241 Trustee’s Physical Address: Quality Loan Service Corp. of Washington 108 1 st Ave South, Suite 450, Seattle, WA 98104 Toll Free: (866) 925-0241 IDSPub #0182228 12/20/2022 12/27/2022 1/3/2023 1/10/2023

NG22-387 Lincoln City Storage, 3796 SE Hwy 101, Lincoln City, Or. 97367, 541-9963555. The following unit will be sold at Public Auction. Starting 1/03/2023 at 9:00am Ending 1/10/2022 at 9:00am for nonpayment of rent and other

fees. Auction to be pursuant to Auction Rules and Procedures for Truax Holdings. Rules are available at the facility office. All bidding will take place ONLINE at bid13.com. Unit#D505 Jenny Lupinacci, Unit#D521 Rhonda Pedersen, Unit#LB71 Melody Norwood, Unit#LG33 Carl Davidson.

NG22-385 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN In the Matter of the Estate of: DONNA LEE KYLE, Deceased. Case No. 22PB10563 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that ALAN OXLEY has been appointed personal representative. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present them, with vouchers attached, to Personal Representative, ALAN OXLEY, at the address below, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the court, the personal representative, or the attorneys for the personal representative.

ADDRESS FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: c/o Attorney Joshua D. Zantello, OSB #121562, Zantello Law Group, 2941 NW Highway 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367. DATED and first published December 13, 2022. JOSHUA D. ZANTELLO, Attorney for Personal Representative.

NG22-383 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN PROBATE DEPARTMENT In the Matter of the Estate of: PAMELIA JEAN BALEY, Deceased. No. 22PB07711 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the estate. All persons having claims against the estate are hereby required to present their claims, with proper vouchers, within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice, to the Personal Representative at the address below, or the claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings in this estate may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the Personal Representative, or the attorney for the Personal Representative. DATED and first published: December 13, 2022. ERICA LYNN ADAMS, Personal Representative c/o KULLA, RONNAU, SCHAUB & CHAMBERS, P.C., SCOTT J. SCHAUB, OSB #893572, 2210 NE 22nd St., Lincoln City, OR 97367. ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE: KULLA, RONNAU, SCHAUB & CHAMBERS, P.C., SCOTT J. SCHAUB, OSB #893572 2210 NE 22nd St. Lincoln City, OR 97367, Phone: (541) 996-2195, Fax: (541) 996-2770, E-mail: krsc@ embarqmail.com.

NG22-382 Estate of Wilbur G. Garrison Notice to Interested Persons (Case No.: 22PB10021) In the Circuit Court of the State of Oregon for the County of Lincoln, Probate Department. In the Matter of the Estate of Wilbur G. Garrison, Deceased. Notice is hereby given that Rodney R. Garrison has been appointed as personal representative of the above named estate. All

persons having claims against the estate are required to present them in the care of the undersigned attorney at: Yates Marshall, PLLC, 10000 NE 7th Avenue, Suite 200, Vancouver WA 98685, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, as stated below, or such claims may be barred. All persons whose rights may be affected by the proceeding in the estate may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published December 13, 2022. Rodney R. Garrison, 8137 NW 89th Court, Terrebonne, OR, 97760. Matthew Yates, OSB #065600, Yates Marshall, PLLC, 10000 NE 7th Avenue, Suite 200, Vancouver WA 98685.

NG22-381 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON FOR THE COUNTY OF LINCOLN CASE NO. 22PB10460 NOTICE TO INTERESTED PERSONS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JO ANN ERICKSON, deceased NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Chris Hickey has been appointed as the personal representative of the above estate. All persons having a claim against the estate are required to present them to the undersigned attorney for the personal representative at: 121 SW Morrison St., Suite 600, Portland, OR 97204, within four months after the date of first publication of this notice, or the claims may be barred. All those persons whose rights may be affected by the proceedings may obtain additional information from the records of the Court, the personal representative, or the attorney for the personal representative. Dated and first published on: December 6, 2022. Chris Hickey, Personal Representative. Margot D. Seitz, OSB #075982, Melissa E. Chapman, OSB #092857

FARLEIGH WADA WITT Attorneys for Personal Representative, 121 SW Morrison St., Suite 600, Portland, OR 97204. Phone: (503) 228-6044 Fax: (503) 228-1741 Email: mseitz@fwwlaw.com, mchapman@fwwlaw.com.

NG22-380 TS No. OR07000129-19-1S APN R240816 TO No 220033644-OR-MSO TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE Reference is made to that certain Trust Deed made by, MELVIN J. STOUT, TRUSTEE OF THE MELVIN J & DOROTHY M STOUT JOINT LIVING TRUST DATED 9/10/04 as Grantor to WESTERN TITLE AND ESCROW COMPANY as Trustee, in favor of JAMES B. NUTTER & COMPANY as Beneficiary dated as of May 15, 2012 and recorded on May 23, 2012 as Instrument No. 2012-04840 and the beneficial interest was assigned to Mortgage Assets Management, LLC and recorded December 22, 2021 as Instrument Number 202116021 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Lincoln County, Oregon to-wit: APN: R240816 LOT 47 AND 48, BLOCK 1, LAKEWOOD, IN THE CITY OF LINCOLN CITY, COUNTY OF LINCOLN AND STATE OF OREGON. Commonly known as: 428 SE INLET AVE, LINCOLN CITY, OR 97367 Both the Beneficiary, Mortgage Assets Management, LLC, and the Trustee, Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112, have elected to sell the said real property to satisfy the obligations secured

by said Trust Deed and notice has been recorded pursuant to Section 86.735(3) of Oregon Revised Statutes. The default for which the foreclosure is made is the Grantor’s failure to pay: Failed to pay the principal balance which became all due and payable based upon the death of all mortgagors, pursuant to paragraph 6 under the Note, and pursuant to paragraph 9 of the Deed of Trust. By this reason of said default the Beneficiary has declared all obligations secured by said Trust Deed immediately due and payable, said sums being the following, to- wit: The sum of $167,444.61 together with interest thereon from May 27, 2019 until paid; and all Trustee’s fees, foreclosure costs and any sums advanced by the Beneficiary pursuant to the terms of said Trust Deed. Wherefore, notice is hereby given that, the undersigned Trustee will on April 4, 2023 at the hour of 10:00 AM, Standard of Time, as established by Section 187.110, Oregon Revised Statues, at the Olive Street entrance to the Lincoln County Courthouse, 225 W Olive, Newport, OR 97365

County of Lincoln, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash the interest in the said described real property which the Grantor had or had power to convey at the time of the execution by him of the said Trust Deed, together with any interest which the Grantor or his successors in interest acquired after the execution of said Trust Deed, to satisfy the foregoing obligations thereby secured and the costs and expenses of sale, including a reasonable charge by the Trustee. Notice is further given that any person named in Section 86.753 of Oregon Revised Statutes has the right to have the foreclosure proceeding dismissed and the Trust Deed reinstated by payment to the Beneficiary of the entire amount then due (other than such portion of said principal as would not then be due had no default occurred), together with the costs, Trustee’s or attorney’s fees and curing any other default complained of in the Notice of Default by tendering the performance required under the obligation or Trust Deed, at any time prior to five days before the date last set for sale. Without limiting the Trustee’s disclaimer of representations or warranties, Oregon law requires the Trustee to state in this notice that some residential property sold at a Trustee’s sale may have been used in manufacturing methamphetamines, the chemical components of which are known to be toxic. Prospective purchasers of residential property should be aware of this potential danger before deciding to place a bid for this property at the Trustee’s sale. In construing this notice, the masculine gender includes the feminine and the neuter, the singular includes plural, the word “Grantor” includes any successor in interest to the Grantor as well as any other persons owing an obligation, the performance of which is secured by said Trust Deed, the words “Trustee” and “Beneficiary” includes their respective successors in interest, if any. Dated: November 17,2022 By: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 Successor Trustee Malcolm & Cisneros, A Law Corporation Attention: Nathan F. Smith, Esq., OSB #120112 c/o TRUSTEE

CORPS 17100 Gillette Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300

Order Number 87430, Pub Dates: 12/6/2022, 12/13/2022, 12/20/2022, 12/27/2022, THE NEWS GUARD

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Tillamook, Columbia, Washington counties get $30.5M from state forest

STAFF REPORT Country Media,

Inc.

Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties have gained $30.5 million in forest funding.

The Oregon Department of Forestry’s (ODF) latest report from the Tillamook State Forest highlights social, economic and environmental accomplishments in fiscal year 2022, including distributing $30.5 million to Tillamook, Washington and Columbia counties along with local service providers.

At over 357,000 acres, the Tillamook State Forest is Oregon’s largest state forest. Tillamook County and local

taxing districts with state forestland received $14.9 million in fiscal year 2022, while Washington County and local districts received $13.3 million.

Additionally, a portion of state forestland in Columbia County managed out of ODF’s Forest Grove District generated $2.2 million for the county. In addition to county governments, some revenue flows to local service providers such as schools, rural fire districts, recreation and transportation districts, and other public agencies Oregonians use and value.

ODF recently released its Council of Forest Trust Land Counties annual report, which highlights the array of social, economic and environmental contributions from approximately 729,000 acres of actively managed state forestland. It includes a recap of timber sales and revenue distribution, conservation and forest health activities, and recreation use, including popularity and number of visitors, among other statistics.

Statewide, counties and local governments received revenues of $61.8 million in fiscal year 2022, collected from timber sales on stateowned forests. Revenues are distributed based on timber sales within a particular jurisdiction. Other highlights include replanting more than 3.6 million trees, hosting more than 26,000 campers at ODF campgrounds, and maintaining hundreds of miles of motorized and non-motorized trails.

Counties and local service providers receive approximately 64 percent of net revenues from timber harvests on state forests. The remaining revenues finance most aspects of state for-

est management, including ODF’s recreational offerings, environmental enhancement projects, replanting after timber harvest, and forest road maintenance.

The state’s share of revenue was approximately $35.5 million in fiscal year 2022. The agency also receives a portion of all-terrain vehicle operating permit fees.

“Oregonians have a lot to be proud of when it comes to their state forestlands,” State Forester Cal Mukumoto said. “These working lands provide so much to so many, including funding for vital local services, places to connect with nature, clean water, and habitat for some of Oregon’s most rare and sensitive species.”

On the Tillamook State Forest, one environmental highlight included replacing a failing culvert on Whitney Creek with a bridge. The new bridge reinforces the connection to the Kilchis River, restoring fish passage and reconnected natural stream sediment transport processes.

State forests managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry are distributed across 15 counties, with the largest being the Clatsop and Tillamook state forests on the north coast, the Santiam State Forest in the northern Cascade Range, and the Gilchrist and Sun Pass state forests in Klamath County.

Other scattered tracts can be found throughout western Oregon. Many State Forests employees also are part of Oregon’s complete and coordinated fire protection system, providing critical resources and expertise during fire season.

The ODF report now goes to the state forest trust land counties.

Lincoln City’s largest and most trusted news source

Oregonians have a lot to be proud of when it comes to their state forest lands.

Cal Mukumoto, State Forester

COURTESY FROM ODF

The ODF’s report outlines $30.5 million distributed to Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties.

AAA: Top 10 Christmas, New Year’s regional destinations include Lincoln City, Newport

JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects 112.7 million Americans, 33.8 percent of the population, will travel for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

This is up 3.3 percent from 2021 and closing in on pre-pandemic numbers. About 1.6 million Oregonians will pack their sleighs for a holiday trip. 2022 is expected to be the third-busiest year for holiday travel since AAA began tracking in 2000, only trailing 2019 and 2018.

Lincoln City and Newport are two of the top regional holiday destinations, according to the AAA.

While about 90 percent of travelers will drive to their holiday destinations, air travel is seeing a jump this year, up 14 percent compared to 2021. The holiday travel period is defined as Friday, Dec. 23 through Monday, January.

“With Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling on Sundays, many are taking long weekends to celebrate the holidays,” AAA Oregon/ Idaho Senior Vice President of Travel Doreen Loofburrow said. “And with hybrid work schedules, we’re seeing more flexibility with the days people are traveling because they can work remotely at their destinations.”

“Despite roller coaster gas prices and a bumpy year for flights, people are ready to wrap up the year with a holiday trip,” AAA Oregon/ Idho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said. “This will be one of the busiest times for holiday travel in the last two decades. Travelers should expect busy roads and crowded airports this holiday season.”

Most will travel by car

AAA projects nearly 102 million Americans (90.4 percent of travelers) will drive to their holiday destination. This is up 2 percent compared to 2021. Travel by car this year

is on par with 2018 but shy of 2019 when 108 million Americans drove out of town for the holidays, the highest year on record.

In Oregon, roughly 1.4 million will drive.

Air travel increases despite higher ticket prices

Holiday air travel will rise by 14 percent this year with nearly 7.2 million Americans flying to their holiday destinations. AAA expects the number of people taking holiday flights this year will come close to matching 2019 when 7.3 million Americans traveled by air.

Approximately 151,000 Oregonians will travel by air.

In all, 6.4 percent of holiday travelers will fly to their destinations.

Air travel costs more this holiday season. AAA finds that the average lowest airfare during the week of Christmas is 6 percent more than last year coming in at $163 for major U.S. destinations.

Those wanting to book last-minute travel may find good fares, but availability will be limited.

Travel by bus, train and cruise rebound

Travel by other modes, including buses, trains, and cruises, will rise to nearly 3.7 million, an increase of 23 percent from 2021. This is nearly 94 percent of the volume in 2019. In all, about 3.2 percent of all travelers will go by these modes.

Roughly 47,000 Oregonians will travel by these modes this year.

AAA has advice for air travelers:

Book the first flight of the day or early morning flights if you can. They are less likely to be cancelled or delayed.

Try not to book tight connecting flights – you’ll want enough time to change flights in case your originating flight is late.

If possible, avoid airports for connecting flights where winter weather can lead to

delays, including Chicago O’Hare, Newark Liberty, LaGuardia, Denver, and JFK.

If you really need to be at your destination on a certain day, book flights a day or two early so that you have a buffer.

Download the airline’s app on your phone and set it up for push notifications so that you’ll be notified about departure and arrival information as well as any flight changes, delays or cancellations. FlightAware and other sites let you track your incoming flight so you can find other options if that flight is late or cancelled.

Get to the airport early –at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours

before international flights. The increase in travelers along with potential staffing shortages can make for long wait times to get through security.

If you need to park at the airport, book a parking spot in advance or at least check on availability before you go. Better yet, take transit, use a ride sharing service, or get a ride from a friend to the airport.

Carry your bags on your flight instead of checking them. If you do need to check bags, bring medications, a change of clothes, comfortable shoes, and any other necessary items in your carry on bag. Make sure your bags have name tags, and also put

your name and contact info inside each bag.

Bring a refillable water bottle and snacks since some airports and flights still have reduced meal and beverage service. Many airlines allow you to pre-order food up to 24 hours before your flight. The TSA allows solid foods through screening but liquids or gels (such as yogurt) must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

Consider signing up for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry and/or CLEAR to expedite the security screening process. Do make sure the airports you use offer CLEAR as it’s not available at all airports.

If your flight is canceled by the airline or there are significant delays, they will try to accommodate you on a later flight; however, you are entitled to a full refund under federal law.

Gas Prices Similar to Last Year

Those who hit the road for the holidays will find gas prices within about 20 cents

a gallon of last year’s prices.

The current (as of Dec. 14) national average for regular unleaded is $3.21 and the Oregon average is $3.93. Find current prices at https:// gasprices.aaa.com/

Peak traffic expected Dec. 23, 27, 28 and Jan. 2

Travelers can expect the busiest roads on Dec. 23, 27 and 28 and on Jan. 2. Delays will be the longest in the afternoons and evenings, especially in urban areas, as travelers mix with commuters. Some metro areas across the U.S. could see more than double the delays versus typical drive times, and larger urban areas could experience three times the normal delays.

“Knowing the busiest drive times can help you avoid the stress of being stuck in stop-and-go traffic,” Dodds said.

Top holiday destinations

These are the trending destinations for domestic and international travel for members of AAA Oregon/ Idaho based on bookings by our AAA travel agents and at AAA.com.

Maui, HI Anaheim, CA Oahu, HI Las Vegas, NV Phoenix, AZ Cabo San Lucas, Mexico San Diego, CA Orlando, FL Fort Lauderdale, FL Cancun, Mexico

The top regional destinations for members of AAA Oregon/Idaho based on bookings by our AAA travel agents and on AAA.com Bend, OR Seattle, WA Lincoln City, OR Medford/Ashland/Central Point, OR Redding, CA

San Francisco, CA Boise, ID

Sacramento, CA Newport, OR Salt Lake City, UT

This will be one of the busiest times for holiday travel in the last two decades.

Marie Dodds, AAA “

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Lincoln City and Newport are among the top 10 regional destinations for travelers this Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Continued from Front Page

whales pass by per hour.

In a previous interview with Country Media, OPRD spokesman Chris Havel said people are fascinated by the whales for good reason.

“People are clever and good at inventing and building ways to survive and thrive, and wildlife, like whales, do the same thing through sheer awesome power,” he said.

“There’s still some mystery about their lives, and seeing them in action is a thrill.

Seeing them in real life is also a reminder of how we affect all marine life, and have a responsibility to eliminate pollution and be careful stewards of the planet’s resources.”

Havel adds that people are naturally attracted to the whales’ beauty, mystery, and power.

“But we also appreciate being reminded of our place in these natural systems,” and it makes us all feel part of the family,” he said.

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

The Whale Watching Cen-

ter in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided.

Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast. com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

The OPRD urges beach visitors to take additional precautions along the shoreline due to the winter conditions.

Take care to stay well back of cliff edges. There are fences in some places, and respect them, but not everywhere. Be your own best safety coach and be careful. After rain and windstorms, cliff edges are unstable and can give way without warning.

Check the weather and bring the right clothing to stay warm and dry.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.

Continued from Front Page for an aligned K-12 school district through the development of effective curriculum, instruction and assessment systems, the district’s statement reads.

“She has seen to completion many facility and construction efforts that will benefit our students and community for many years to come,” the board said. “Finally, Dr. Gray has developed a

Graywonderful leadership team of administrators and staff and we as the Board have enjoyed working with her very much as our District leader.”

The statement by the board also described the next step for the district.

“The Board of Directors of the Lincoln County School District will be discussing the path forward to hiring the next great superintendent for our school district,” the board said.

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COURTESY FROM THE OPRD

The OPRD suggests looking for the spray to find the migrating whales off the shoreline.

COURTESY FROM THE OPRD

Trained volunteers will be stationed at most of the 17 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily.

Taft swimming season marks a growing year

WILL LOHRE Country Media, Inc.

December marked the beginning of the winter sports season, and Taft High School girls’ and boys’ swimming have competed in two meets this month. In the first event in Astoria, Dec. 3, Taft girls narrowly placed fourth, and the boys placed third.

In their meet at Newport on Dec. 10, Taft High School boys placed fifth, and the girls’ program again missed fourth place by just one point. Strong performances from freshman Yireth Fuentes and junior Erick Moreno headlined the day for Taft.

Fuentes placed second in the girls’ butterfly, and Moreno placed second in the boys’ 500 freestyle. Moreno also joined junior Brandon Murphy, senior Cooper Fitch, and junior Noah Serrato to finish second in the boys’ 400-freestyle relay.

This season marks a growing year for Taft’s swimming program. The school lost nine seniors last

year. While they have lost some big pieces, the program has also increased participation. Head Coach Lissa Parker coaches both the girls’ and boys’ programs and has coached at Taft for 28 years.

“This is a good group this year. They’re pretty positive, and there are several of them that are novices, but they are excited to be here,” Parker said. “They’re a little apprehensive, but I think the more they go to some meets, the better they will feel.”

Coming out of COVID, the Taft swimming program is still bouncing back after the disruptions of the pandemic. The Lincoln City pool was shut down for 13 months starting in 2020. While the high school program is beginning to pick back up, Lincoln City Swim Club is still trying to recover its participation numbers to build a feeder program for Taft High School.

“It’s taken a while for the program to pick back up. The Lincoln City pool was totally shut down for thirteen months. And the first year of

the pandemic, when Taft had a high school team, it was sort of off-season. And the experienced and seasoned kids were able to swim, and they did fairly well,” Parker said. “And then, of course, in 2022, later in the year, we had regular swimming, and we sent quite a few kids to state. So it didn’t hold them back too much, but it’s taking quite a while for us to rebuild our age group program because of that.”

While the Covid induced break did take a toll on the swimming program, it is a young team that will compete and use the season to grow. Only five of the 23 swimmers in the program are seniors.

Like any high school sport, not all of the success is outcome-based. Coach Parker is committed to a more holistic approach and helping the athletes in and out of the pool.

“It’s more of a complete approach because you’re helping mold a well-rounded individual,” Parker said. “With high school sports, you know, these kids need to

learn how to balance scholastics, extra-curricular activities, supporting each other in a team setting, and managing

their time. So, all of those things are very important qualities.”

Taft’s swimmers compete in the 3A PacWest Conference. Follow meet results at the osaa.org.

Recreational crabbing reopens

STAFF REPORT

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) and ODFW reopens all recreational crabbing, including ocean, bays, and estuaries from Cape Blanco to the California border.

Two consecutive tests show domoic acid levels are under the closure threshold.

However, all recreational crabbing from Cape Blanco to eight miles north of Winchester Bay (43 degrees 47’ at Tahkenitch Creek) remains closed with elevated domoic acid levels.

All recreational crabbing remains open from eight

miles north of Winchester Bay to the Washington border. A map of the open and closed areas is available online. Recreational bay clam and mussel harvesting also remain open along the entire Oregon coast. However, razor clamming is still closed coastwide.

ODA tests for shellfish toxins twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit.

Domoic acid is produced by algae and originates in the ocean.

It is recommended that

Information, please

• ODA’s shellfish biotoxin safety hotline (800)448-2474

• Food Safety Division (503) 986-4720

• Visit www.oregon. gov/oda/programs/foodsafety/shellfish/pages/ shellfishclosures.aspx

recreational crab harvesters always eviscerate crab before cooking. This includes removing and discarding the viscera, internal organs and gills.

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gunes-Rodrigues, Makaia Kessenger, Katelynne Schwab, Alexa Hernandez, Ileyana Islas-Moreno, and Allison Lua. In the back are Isaiah Wilson, Brandon Murphy, Yireth Fuentes, Cooper Fitch, Noah Serrato, Anthony Collins, and Isai Fuentes. Missing are Elijah Fingerson, Eli Jones, Logan Meyer, Angel Sakran, Nozomi Umenishi, and Brenden Wilso.

COURTESY PHOTO

Recreational crabbing has reopened from Cape Blanco to the California border.