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May 30, 2023
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AWOL: Oregon Republican Senators walkout Oregon Senate Republicans on Tuesday, May 23, declared they’re willing to return to the floor to pass bipartisan legislation and budget bills on June 25, the final day of the session. Gov. Tina Kotek spent about two hours listening to Republican and Democratic senators in separate closeddoor meetings in the Capitol building Monday, May 22, as the GOP-led walkout that started May 3 continued to
stall the Senate. Kotek entered the Senate majority office to visit with Democrats at noon, on the heels of a meeting she had with Senate Republicans shortly after 11 a.m. Applause rang out from inside the room. But Republican senators were less enthusiastic about meeting the Democratic governor. Just one, Dick Anderson of Lincoln City, turned up in person while the others joined through Zoom, a choice that clearly rankled Kotek. “I think that says a lot about who’s interested in
Safety first
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This walkout must end. The people of Oregon desire it. Democracy demands it.
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BEN BOTKIN Oregon Capital Chronicle News Guard Guest Article
Rob Wagner, Senate President
resolving the crisis,” Kotek later told the Capital Chronicle and another reporter. “It’s very difficult when the Senate Republicans don’t show up in a room.”
She called their refusal to attend the meeting in person “very disrespectful.” She said she didn’t talk to the Republicans about whether they’d return on Tuesday,
and didn’t indicate whether she was trying to strike a deal. “We were just listening today,” Kotek said. “We were not negotiating.” Ten senators are now ineligible to serve for another term because they have 10 or more unexcused absences. The only Republican senators on the floor Monday morning were Anderson and Sen. David Brock Smith of Port Orford. The chamber needs 20 senators to do business and 18 were present. It’s unclear how fruitful any negotiations might be. Senate President Rob Wag-
ner, D-Lake Oswego, declined to comment after the Senate floor session ended. Wagner and Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, R-Bend, were unavailable for comment after their meetings with Kotek. Deputy Minority Leader Daniel Bonham of The Dalles told the Capitol Chronicle he doesn’t trust Kotek because of his experiences with her when she was House speaker. As one example, he said, she backed out of a deal to give See MISSING, Page 14
Pay attention, be prepared JEREMY C. RUARK Country Media, Inc.
As summer arrives, people are flocking to local waterways and the Pacific Ocean to enjoy Oregon’s incredible boating opportunities. Regardless of what’s calling you to the water and the type of boat you’re in, be aware of your surroundings, be prepared, and make good decisions, the Oregon Marine Board advises. Rivers and the Pacific Ocean (even the surf zone) are the most inherently dangerous, according to the Oregon Marine Board. It’s important to always scout ahead, mind the tide, decide on the safest route and expect the unexpected, the Oregon Marine Board states on its website, adding that most accidents and fatalities are due to falling overboard, collisions, and operator error/ misjudgment, and reckless behavior. “Inexperience and solo operation continue to be a growing trend of boating fatalities in Oregon,” Oregon Marine Board Boating Safety Program manager Brian Paulsen said. “Planning ahead, boating with others, always keeping a sharp lookout, and wearing a properly fitted life jacket for your boating activity should be at the top of all boaters’ focus.
The Oregon State Marine Board advises boaters to plan ahead and check out the Marine Board’s interactive boating access map. The map displays public boat ramps and local rules for boat operations. Also, check the weather forecast, water levels, and tides. See if there are any reported obstructions and have the right gear for your boating activity. Boaters can also check the Marine Board’s website to find out what equipment is required based on the size and type of boat. The Marine Board reminds boaters: • Boat Sober. Abstain from consuming marijuana, drugs, or alcohol, which impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination and cause dehydration. Boating demands sharp situational awareness. • All children 12 and under are required to wear a life jacket when underway on all boats (motorized and nonmotorized). All boaters on Class III whitewater rivers are required to wear a life jacket. • Be courteous to other boaters and share the waterway. Stage your gear in the parking lot or staging area regardless of your boat type. This makes launching faster and everyone around you happier. • In Oregon, all boaters
Courtesy photo from the Oregon Marine Board Most accidents and fatalities on Oregon’s waterways are due to falling overboard, collisions, and operator error/misjudgSee SAFETY, Page 3 ment, and reckless behavior, according to the Oregon Marine Board.
DLWID $1.1M budget reveals new projects DLWID names Marker RYAN HOOVER Country Media, Inc. Fiscal Year 2024 is set to be a big year for Devils Lake Water Improvement District (DLWID). At least that’s what the board’s FY24 budget predicts. The special district board has approved its FY24 budget that reveals a generous payment from Lincoln City, ambitious plans for Blue Heron Landing facility, and a vegetation management plan that includes grass carp for the first time since the ‘90s. The budget, which was initially released on April 13 and had a revised version approved by the DLWID budget committee on May 11, is currently awaiting a public hearing on June 8. After the public hearing, the budget will be adopted. Because DLWID is
Courtesy photo Devils Lake in Lincoln City is a 1/3 of a mile wide and approximately up to 21 feet deep. considered a special district, or a governmental unit separate but related to the City of Lincoln City, the adopted budget will then be sent to the County Clerk for review. After the initial draft of the budget was released and before the second draft was approved, DLWID terminated its previous lake manager, Josh Brainerd, on April
28. Board Chair Tina French said she could not state why Brainerd was terminated. He will be replaced by Boone Marker as the new lake manager as of June 1. By the numbers THE FY24 budget for Devils Lake Water Improvement District totaled $1.14
million, down from $1.22 million the previous year. DLWID’s budget is broken down into three separate funds: • The improvement fund • General fund • Transportation fund DLWID states that its improvement fund is financed through “fund transfers, grants, and other outside funding sources.” These funds are primarily used to support shoreline erosion control, fish habitat enhancement, water quality monitoring, invasive species control, and other environmental restoration efforts. The ending balance of the improvement fund for the FY24 budget was $82, 817. DLWID’s general fund is financed through working capital, levied taxes, and other See WATER, Page 13
as new lake director SUBMITTED BY DLWID ability to think critically and The Devils Lake Water Improvement District (DLWID) announces the appointment of Boone Marker as its new District Manager. With an impressive background in community development and a passion for water resource management, Marker brings a wealth of experience and a fresh Boone perspective to Marker the role. M a r k er’s career is defined by a goal-oriented approach, complemented by exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. His proven
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strategically, coupled with a strong work ethic, has consistently delivered successful outcomes in both team and individual settings. With a focus on program development, planning, and execution, Marker’s strengths align perfectly with the objectives of Devils Lake Water Improvement District. Having served as a Recreation Supervisor for the City of Lincoln City Parks & Recreation, Marker possesses extensive experience in overseeing various programs and activities. This includes budgeting, staff scheduling, grant writing, program development, and social media marketing. His expertise in website design and special
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