A1 March 5, 2014
Sports
Wrestling championship results. See Page A9
Correction
The panel corresponding with the Page B1 story on Operation Care Package misidentifies the location for the fundraiser. It will be held at the Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 N.E. Oar Place.
thenewsguard.com
Community Center prepares for spring break. See Page B1
Lincoln City, Oregon
Is Fred Meyer coming?
YOUR WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1927
YOUR ONLINE SOURCE FOR DAILY NEWS
A1
Climbing into spring
The News Guard
MARCH 5, 2014 | $1
Big-box store looks at move to Lincoln City
ONLINE POLL
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Will retailer Fred Meyer build a store at Lincoln City’s Lighthouse Square? Only time will tell, according to those involved in talks to attract Fred Meyer. A series of discussions between the owners of the Lighthouse Square shopping center in Lincoln City and Fred Meyer corporate officials have been ongoing for the past several weeks. “We did have a proposal from them,” said David Emami of Lighthouse Square L.L.C. the owners of the shopping center. “Unfortunately, we are too far off [from agreement].” According to Emami, the discussions between Fred Meyer and Lighthouse Square L.L.C lead to a Letter of Intent. “We believe it is a viable location,” Melinda Merrill, Fred Meyer spokesperson
This week How do you feel about Open Carrying of Firearms? q Favor q Oppose
POLL RESULTS Last week Do you approve of the direction of Lincoln City? YES 36% NO 64%
Vote online at thenewsguard.com – see how your opinion compares.
JEREMY C. RUARK/THE NEWS GUARD
Fred Meyer officials confirm they have had discussions about building a retail store at Lighthouse Square in Lincoln City. said. “Lincoln City has been on our radar for years, we just haven’t found the right spot.”
Merrill said the retailer would need room for a 160,000 to 180,000-squarefoot store. The Lighthouse
Square shopping center sits on approximately 15 acres between Logan Road and Highway 101.
But Emami said Lighthouse Square is asking for a lease agreement from Fred Meyer that would allow the Grocery Outlet store to remain open on site for the next seven years and have Fred Meyer locate at the Center after that lease expires. “We will have to keep the place empty until the lease with Grocery Outlet has expired,” Emami said. According to Merrill, Fred Meyer does not have any current projects in the works for Lincoln City. She said the retailer looks carefully at potential sites and bases building decisions on a complicated formula. “When we site stores, we take in consideration current traffic and the additional traffic the store would attract,” Merrill said. “We aren’t going to build a store that people can’t get into and out of easily and safely.” Merrill said it’s all about location. “It really depends on the land and the zoning,” she said. “That dictates the size and scope of the See FRED MEYER, Page A5
Set your clocks ahead one hour, Daylight Savings Time begins March 9
3-year-old cancer victim returns home, future uncertain
FORECAST
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
Wednesday Breezy, periods of rain High 54 / Low 47
age and bravery,” said Christiansen. “Daniel has been so brave and so strong, stronger than I will ever be. He is my hero. He is my champion.” The family has rented a home in Roads End to have enough room for relatives to gather over the next several days to be with Daniel. “We’ve been telling him we love him and telling him it’s OK if he wants to go,” said Christiansen. “We just want him to be out of pain and out of suffering.” Christiansen and his wife, Stephanie, said dealing with Daniel’s cancer has been a difficult struggle. “But we complement each other,” said
A 3-year-old Otis boy suffering from brain cancer returned home Feb. 28 after being treated at a Portland area hospital. But the immediate future for Daniel Christiansen is uncertain. “The cancer has spread to his brain,” said Duncan Christiansen, Daniel’s father. “The doctors have given him hours to a couple of weeks to live.” Friends, family and local firefighters welcomed the boy as he and his family returned Friday to Lincoln City. Christiansen called Daniel an inspiration. “He has helped me find my way back to God and he taught me the true meaning of cour-
Thursday Windy with rain High 52 / Low 45 Friday Mostly cloudy High 56 / Low 45 Saturday Cloudy, rain possible High 52 / Low 46 Sunday Periods of rain High 55 / Low 44 Monday Cloudy, showers High 56 / Low 42 Tuesday Mostly cloudy, a little rain High 52 / Low 41 See Sheridan Jones’ weather details Page A3
See CHRISTIANSEN, Page A5
JEREMY C. RUARK/THE NEWS GUARD
Duncan Christiansen keeps a close eye on his son, Daniel, as his wife, Stephanie, gives the boy water. The three sat on the step of a North Lincoln Fire & Rescue truck in Roads End Feb. 28 after bringing Daniel home from treatment for cancer at a Portland hospital.
Man with gun causes flurry of 911 calls
VOL. 87 | NO. 10
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
“Because I can”
It is pretty normal to see people walking along Highway 101 in Lincoln City with their dogs or their children, but it is rare to see someone walking along the busy roadway with their rifle. “I went for a nice walk on the beach and had some coffee, now I am going home,” said Dustin Harris of Lincoln City, who was carrying his rifle, “It is a little bit unusual for people to see, but it is within our rights and I hope to see more people out here doing
Dustin Harris says it’s his right to take his assault rifle with him on his walks in Lincoln City.
it someday.” Several people who spotted Harris, 26, as he headed up Highway 101 toward the Inn at Spanish Head called Lincoln City Police to voice their concerns. Officers were dispatched to check out the situation and reported that Harris was not causing any threat. Harris acknowledged the public reaction. “The reaction has been mostly positive,” he said. “Several people have given me thumbs up and honked their horns at me, so usually the reaction is good.” Harris said he carries his rifle for defense, but has never used it during the walks. “I am not afraid of being attacked, but I am not
JEREMY C. RUARK/THE NEWS GUARD
Open 8a-7p Mon-Fri, 8a-6p Sat
See GUN, Page A5
See POT, Page A5
541.994.4556
We Buy Cars!
Over 600 cars online: www.powerford.com GMC Sonoma All prices and financing on approved credit (O.A.C). All vehicles subject to prior sale. Prices do not include title, license, taxes. Photos for illustration purposes only.
2002
P88506
$11,995
Hundreds of applications are expected to be filed online this week as part of Oregon’s new state medical marijuana dispensary law that took effect Monday, March 3. Those interested in establishing retail sales outlets for medical pot are expected to apply for the dispensary registry established by the 2013 Oregon Legislature. However, last week the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved a temporary moratorium
P88664
$8,800
Ford Focus 2009
JEREMY C. RUARK jruark@countrymedia.net
We find the right car for you and have it delivered to Lincoln City P88788
P88756
Ford Focus 2007
Pot dispensaries put on hold in Lincoln County
Jeep Wrangler 2005
$17,878 For local news, photos$10,900 and events log onto www.thenewsguard.com
L52176