A bicycle crashed into a car pulling onto Highway 101 in Newport around noon today, ejecting a ferret from a pet carrier and sending the domesticated weasel under the car.
The cyclist, who was traveling northbound on the east side of Highway 101, could be seen reaching under the Volkswagen Tiguan to retrieve the ferret.
The driver of the Volkswagen called Newport Police and handed the cyclist the door to the pet carrier.
The bicyclist appeared to sustain injuries to his right leg as he was observed limping.
The driver of the Volkswagen — or ferret — did not appear to be injured.
The Culinary Center in Lincoln City invites you to take a trip back in time — a time when the Pixie Kitchen, a beloved long-lost restaurant, delighted kids and families with its signature menu. Learn the secret behind one of their most popular items from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Pixie Kitchen Secret Recipe Demo.
The Culinary Center, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Lincoln City, will recreate delicious items, including authentic Pixie Kitchen Cole Slaw, angel food cake (courtesy of My Petite Sweet) and their legendary Cod Balls. Served with Wheat Thins, the secret recipe for the Cod Balls will be unveiled for lucky participants of this demo class.
“The Cod Balls were a popular item on the Pixie Kitchen menu,” Culinary Center Manager Donna Riani said. “Over the past few years, I have gotten many requests on how to make them. Well, here is your chance to learn the recipe! We will show you how to make this delicious dish. Step back in time and enjoy a great meal with us.”
The Kiwanis Club of Lincoln City promises that this will be no ordinary demo class. Authentic Pixie Kitchen memorabilia such as cookbooks, cut out displays, fun house mirrors, and maybe even a Pixie or two will grace the Culinary Center stage. Milt Johnson, Chairperson of the Kiwanis Club Pixiefest Committee, is grateful for the opportunity to showcase the Pixie Kitchen.
“The Culinary Center of Lincoln City has been a major partner in bringing Pixie Kitchen and Pixieland back from the past,” Milt Johnson said. “Donna literally recreated the taste of Pixie Kitchen through her diligent research, interviews with family members and talks with former employees. We are grateful to her for hosting this culinary event and sharing some of the secrets of Pixie Kitchen.”
Tickets are $40 per person, which includes the meal and Willamette Valley Vineyards wine. Seats are limited and can be purchased online at CulinaryCenterLincolnCity.com.
The demo class serves as an appetizer for Pixiefest, June 29-30. Held on the athletic field at Taft High School, the family-friendly event returns to Lincoln City with new and improved prices, entertainment and more.
On June 1, Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital launched an orthopedic surgery program in partnership with Synergy Surgicalists, a nationwide company focused on expanding general and orthopedic surgery services in rural communities.
Designed to increase access to quality orthopedic care close to home, a team of three orthopedic surgeons will provide care out of Samaritan Coastal Clinic and the hospital, ensuring care for patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We are so pleased to once again offer complete orthopedic care at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital,” SNLH Chief Executive Officer Lesley Ogden said. “The advantage of working with a team of orthopedic surgeons, rather than an individual surgeon, is continuous coverage for orthopedic medical appointments, consultations, planned surgeries and emergency surgeries at our hospital. This partnership allows us to bring three talented surgeons, each with different clinical strengths, into our community.”
Daniel Robertson
Daniel Robertson, MD, began June 1, providing care to general orthopedic patients of all ages.
Robertson earned a medical degree from University of Texas Medical School, Texas Medical Center. He completed residency training in orthopedic surgery at University of Texas – Houston Medical School, and a knee and sports medicine research fellowship at University of California, Kaiser Permanente.
Robert Blake
Robertson will be joined later this month by Robert Blake, MD, who earned a medical degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed residency training in orthopedic surgery at University of Texas Health Science Center, and a fellowship in hand and microsurgery at Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand and Microsurgery.
Darren Herzog
Later this summer, Darren Herzog, MD, will complete the three-surgeon team. He earned a medical degree from University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, completed residency training in orthopedic surgery at Detroit Medical Center/Wayne State University and completed an adult reconstruction fellowship at University of California.
For more information about the comprehensive orthopedic services now available in Lincoln City, call Samaritan Coastal Clinic at 541-557-6477.
Detective Bud Lane, left, and 911 Dispatcher Mark Hopkins
Lincoln City Police Chief Jerry Palmer honored Detective Bud Lane for 30 years of service and police sergeant-turned-911-dispatcher Mark Hopkins for 35 years at Monday’s City Council meeting.
“Bud does anything that is asked of him over and above stuff that he does away from work,” Palmer said. “He’s lead on our Major Crimes Team, he works closely with our federal and state partners. He’s a remarkable employee that makes my job easier.”
Lane earned an Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice from Portland Community College in 1988. Lane joined the LCPD in 1989 and graduated the police academy in 1990. In 1991, Lane took on added responsibilities as evidence officer. Lane was promoted to detective in 1992.
“Detectives make our agency shine everyday,” Palmer said.
Hopkins, who retired from the department as a patrol sergeant in 2007, was also honored by Palmer for coming back in 2011 as a 911 dispatcher and hitting 35 years of service.
“Bud is one of those guys who I’m not sure we can retrain, and Mark is one of those examples that shows we can,” Palmer said.
Mayor Dick Anderson asked Lane to share the biggest difference he saw in his 30 years serving Lincoln City.
“I’ve seen a lot of improvement in the city itself, housing and our department in 30 years. It’s been really remarkable to see,” Lane said. “If anyone was here 30 years ago and you drove down Highway 101, you saw a lot of vacant buildings, a lot of depleted buildings — business and industry has been a major change.
“Our caseloads have changed. When I started out as a detective, I did bad check cases because there was not a lot to do. Those days are gone. I have not done a bad check case in 20 years. It’s person crimes now. It’s been an amazing change.”
Anderson asked Hopkins to share any thoughts on going from officer to dispatch.
“Its an unusual way for the career to go. More often it’s from dispatch into patrol,” Hopkins said. “This is a less complex role for me, but a different set of complexities in the 911 center. My colleagues are truly amazing, you guys are lucky to have them. Keep them. They’ll keep you all safe.”
Hopkins joined LCPD as an officer in 1980 after serving for three years as an officer in California. Hopkins was promoted to patrol sergeant in 1997 and retired in 2007. He successfully applied for 911 dispatcher in 2011.
A Lincoln City resident died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound tonight at an apartment complex adjacent to Bi-Mart at 1220 SE Oar Ave.
Lincoln City Police, North Lincoln Fire Rescue and Pacific West Ambulance converged at approximately 7 o’clock tonight to tend to a suspected suicide attempt, police said. Law enforcement and rescue vehicles lined SE Oar Avenue as concerned residents looked on.
Lincoln City Police Sgt. Jeffrey Winn said a news release would not be issued and the investigation is ongoing.
Hot dogs were served, drones flew overhead and wide-eyed children got revved up over having contact with various law enforcement and construction vehicles Saturday at the annual Touch A Truck event at the Lincoln City Community Center.
Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Director Boone Marker was on hand to video, take pictures, fly a drone, organize the K9 5K Fun Run and cook hot dogs on an overcast day.
Boone Marker expertly flies a drone at Touch a Truck
“This is a good turnout. I love doing these,” Marker said.
The K9 5K was a race along West Devils Lake Road to Blue Heron Landing and back. Dogs were welcomed and encouraged. Parks and Rec asked for $10 donations to Lincoln City Police Department’s K9 Unit.
Dennis Knudson, also with NLFR, said he would don an expensive Bigfoot suit at the St. Clair event, and welcomed anyone who wants an autograph or photo with the missing-link-esque hominid.
NLFR brought some serious firepower to the parking lot with multiple vehicles, including a $750,000 ladder truck that had kids excited, and, of course, honking the horn.
The Lincoln City Police Department was in force with School Resource Officer Logan Smith and Officer Tim Delugach “citing and releasing” kids for climbing all over a Ford patrol cruiser and Polaris ATV.
Photo by Lincoln City Parks & Recreation
Lincoln City Public Works had a giant Vactor 2100 truck on display. The City’s new sewer cleaner is quieter than older trucks and features higher ground clearance than previous models.
The clock is ticking! Legislative leadership has announced that “Sine Die”, the last day of legislative session, is imminent. While we have a constitutional requirement to be adjourned by June 30, leadership in both the House and Senate have been working with a goal of wrapping things up by June 21. Of the thousands of bills introduced back in January, only a few are still making their way through the process. My next newsletter will focus on the big measures that made it across the finish line. For this update, I’d like to focus on some valuable state and county resources available to people like you in House District 10.
Oregon State Troopers
Many of us have witnessed situations that don’t rise to the level of a 911 call, but nevertheless could benefit from law enforcement involvement. But how many of us can remember the non-emergency police response phone number?
With a new program from Oregon State Police, there’s no need to memorize long numbers. By simply dialing *OSP, you will automatically be connected to the nearest non-emergency assistance – no matter where you are in Oregon.
Services like *OSP only work when we have enough first responders. For too long, the numbers of our State Troopers haven’t kept up with our growing population. That means dangerous wait times during emergencies, especially on our rural highways.
House Bill 2046 fixes that access problem by increasing OSP funding to provide for at least 15 patrol troopers for every 100,000 residents. The bill is making its way through the Joint Ways and Means Committee where I serve as Co-Vice-Chair. I expect to report soon that this funding priority has been approved.
Some of the hardworking OSP members keeping our roads safe. Thank you!
Free Smoke Alarm Installation
When was the last time you checked your smoke alarm batteries? Let this be your reminder to make sure your devices are working! A couple of minutes spent now could save a lot of despair later.
And for those of you without smoke alarms or in need of assistance with replacing them, the Oregon State Fire Marshall partnering with the American Red Cross has your back. Simply contact the Red Cross using one of the methods below and volunteers will assist you in making sure your home is properly equipped – at no cost!
Speaking of fires, on Tuesday I witnessed plumes of smoke emerging from south of Grand Ronde as I drove back home from Salem. While the Trojan Fire is now officially contained, it serves as a reminder that the 2019 wildfire season is officially upon us.
Thankfully, the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln County Public Health are partnering together to prepare our community members, business owners and visitors on our local wildfire threat and response procedures. Attend one of the following wildfire readiness events to learn more about how to be prepared for fire protection, evacuation, and health precautions.
Thursday, June 13, 6-8 pm, Siletz Fire Station
Saturday, June 15, 9-11 am, Toledo Fire Station
Tuesday, June 18, 6-8 pm, Lincoln City, St. Claire Station
Thursday, June 20, 6-8 pm, Yachats, Yachats Commons
Monday, June 24, 6-8 pm, Waldport City Hall
Tuesday, June 25, 6-8 pm, Gleneden Beach Fire Station
Wednesday, June 26, 6-8 pm, Newport OCCC
Tuesday, July 16, 6-8 pm, Otis Fire Station
Wednesday, July 17, 6-8 pm, Eddyville Community Church
Friday, July 19, 6-8 pm, Logsden Community Club, Siletz
Thursday, July 25, 6-8 pm, Seal Rock Fire Station
Students in the Capitol
Whenever I visit our schools, I’m stuck by the passion and knowledge of our younger Oregonians. Some of those students go even further by reaching out to me about getting involved at the state level. Recently, I was pleased to host an Honorary Page from House District 10.
At only 14 years old, Maia Joy Stout of Waldport Middle School already has an impressive political background. Maia is a member of student government, acting as the fundraising and events coordinator. She is also the founder of the school’s “Clean Beach Club.”
Maia’s advocacy for the environment reflects our coastal values. I will be following Maia’s career as I can already see a leader in the making.
Maia Joy Stout- a true leader in the making!
Simply Design Studios photography display
Longtime readers know that I feature a different artist each month as part of my Coastal Art and Artist showcase in Salem. This little gallery in my office has become a tradition and brings many visitors to the 4th floor! We’ve had paintings, ceramics, photographs, and textiles. For the final month of the 2019 session, I am pleased to feature photographs from Simply Design Studios in Newport and their wonderful images of commercial fishing boats, the Coast Guard, and our magnificent coastal landscape.
Coastal art is not just about culture. It is also about local jobs and a growing business sector. Simply Design Studios began in a garage in 2006 and now has a prime location on Highway 101 and five employees. I would like to extend a thank you to all the artists who showcased their work here in my Salem office this year.
Photo credit: Simply Design Studios
Once the legislative session is behind us, I hope to see you at one of the half dozen town halls we are planning, or in one of the many parades I’ll be marching in across Tillamook, Lincoln, and Yamhill Counties this summer. Until then, please feel free to reach out via email or stop by in person at the Capitol. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable start to your summer!
Our journey of obtaining knowledge is not over, for our lives have now been opened to great opportunities for years to come.”
Taft High Class of 2019 valedictorian Mad Scott
Hedo Zacarias
A sea of 94 students clad in black caps and gowns and orange-and-white stoles representing the Taft High 7-12 Class of 2019 marched triumphantly into the future Saturday at the school’s annual commencement ceremony.
Share your graduation pictures on this post in a special photo gallery by emailing to [email protected]
Cheers were shared and tears were shed as Taft Principal Nick Lupo, teacher and coach Jake Tolan and valedictorian Mad Scott addressed the graduates in the 2:19 p.m. ceremony to represent the year 2019.
Taft High seniors received the equivalent of more than $1 million in scholarships from colleges, the ‘Gear Up’ program, and local and foundation-based offerings.
At least eight students plan to enlist in the military, including salutatorian David Jin, who will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Jin and fellow senior class President Maleah Smith also addressed those assembled in the crowded Taft gym.
Honored Taft High Seniors
Mikayla Allen
*Gear Up
Indian Ed Cord
Ivy Anderson
*Gear Up
CNA Program Recognition
4 yr music participation cord
Sam Anderson
*Gear Up
Eriq Aquino
*Gear Up
US Marine Corp Enlistment
Olivia Baker
*Gear Up
*Kiwanis
*Rotary
*Dave Bice Memorial
*Linfield College
*Oregon Promise
Autumn Barela
*Gear Up
Shaa Bayya
*Gear Up
*Siletz Studio
*Oregon Promise
Indian Ed Cord
Outstanding Math Achievement
Superintendent’s Award
CTE Cord
Honors Diploma
Steven Bellemore
*Gear Up
Principal’s Award
Jayden Ben
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Indian Ed Cord
Katia Betanzo-Ortiz
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
AVID Recognition
Earl Brockett
*Gear Up
*Charles Elroy, Jr Memorial
*Oregon Promise
William Brooks
*Gear Up
US Army Nat’l Guard Enlistment
AVID Recognition
Most Improved Math Student
Kayla Brown
*Gear Up
Outstanding Choreography in Drama
4 year music participation cord
Jared Bryan
*Gear Up
Christopher Byrum
*Gear Up
Principal’s Award
Mars Callihan
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Haley Callin
*Gear Up
*AAUW
*North Lincoln Eagles
*Sodexo Food Service
*Siletz Studio
*Oregon Promise
Emeli Canales-Martinez
*Gear Up
Victor Carrasco
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
US Army Nat’l Guard Enlistment
AVID Recognition
Outstanding Math Achievement
Kailee Christensen
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Heidi Cruz
*Gear up
Ray Darrington
4 year music participation cord
Melody Diggs
*Gear Up
*Siletz Studio
*Oregon Promise
Perseverance in Math
CTE Cord
Darian Drennan
*Gear Up
*AAUW
*Gleneden Beach Community Club
*Kiwanis
*Gene Bateman Memorial
*North Lincoln Eagles
*Rotary
*Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital Auxiliary
*Marcy Taylor Memorial
*OSEA
*Oregon Promise
Heather Farris
*Gear Up
Tyee Fisher
*Gear Up
Indian Ed Cord
Senior Class Representative
Genaro Flores
US Air Force Enlistment
Tania Fuentes
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
AVID Recognition
Oswaldo Garcia
*Gear Up
*Sodexo Janitorial
*Oregon Promise
AVID Recognition
Outstanding Math Student
Perla Garcia Madrigal
*Gear Up
Karla Gonzalez Moreno
*Gear Up
Cicily Harrington
*Gear Up
Erika Haun
*Gear Up
Commitment to Drama
Joram Hoff
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Social Studies Academic Excellence
Outstanding Math Achievement
Alyssa Horobin
*Gear Up
*College Cash
Charlotte Huppert
*Gear Up
* Oregon Promise
Senior Class Representative
4 year music participation cord
David Jin
*Gear Up
*Kiwanis
*ELKS Most Valuable Student
*US Naval Academy
*University of Oregon
*George Fox
*Wheaton College
*Vanderbilt University
*Oregon Promise
Outstanding Math Student
National Honor Society
Al Barzee Citizenship Award
Senior Co-Class President
Superintendent’s Award
Honors Diploma
Salutatorian
Justice Kane
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Outstanding Math Achievement
Superintendent’s Award
Izaha Karn
*Gear Up
*Siletz Studio
CTE Cord
Sofia Kavadas
*Gear Up
*Calvin J Ritchey Inspirational Basketball Player
Nathaniel Kay
*Gear Up
Cora Kehr
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Outstanding Math Achievement
Superintendent’s Award
Honors Diploma
Kameron Kessler
*Gear Up
Oregon Air National Guard Enlistment
Clayton Kimberling
*Gear Up
*Bill & Jean Biggs Academic Athlete
*Oregon Promise
Kayci Klaar
*Gear Up
Cody Knott
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
*Corbin Athletic Scholarship
Bill & Jean Biggs Service to School
Tanner Landry
*Gear Up
Ehychka Logan
Indian Ed Cord
Miguel Lomeli
*Oregon Promise
Christopher Lopez-Ortiz
*Gear Up
*Portland State Ganas
Outstanding Math Achievement
Jacob Mayoral
*Gear Up
Angela Mazzari
Drama Rookie of the Year
Commitment to Excellence in Social Studies
4 year music participation cord
Superintendent’s Award
Sydney McCabe
*Gear Up
Grace McGowan
*Gear Up
Micah McLeish
*Gear Up
*Rotary
*Sodexo Food Service
*Zak A Kromer Memorial
*Edith A Modlin Memorial
*Oregon Promise
*Western Oregon University
Culinary Achievement CTE Cord
Outstanding Math Achievement
National Honor Society
Superintendent’s Award
Honors Diploma
Logan McLendon
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Oregon Opportunity & Pell Grants
Senior Class Representative
Spencer Miller
*Gear Up
*Siletz Studio
CTE Cord
Clay Nelson
US Marine Corp Enlistment
Lexy Neves
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Ana Ortiz-Reyes
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Violet Palermini
*Gear Up
*Calvin J Ritchey Memorial Music
4 year music participation cord
Benjamin Petersen
*Gear Up
*Mid Columbia Bus Company
Outstanding Math Achievement
National Honor Society
Key Club
Josslyn Powell
*Gear Up
Keith Pratt
*Gear Up
*North Lincoln Ministerial Assoc.
*Oregon Promise
Indian Ed Cord
Lydia Prins
*Gear Up
*Kiwanis
*North Lincoln Eagles
*Rotary
*Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital Auxiliary
*California Baptist University Presidential Merit
National Honor Society
Don Morris Service to Community Award
ASB Secretary
Senior Class Representative
Community Service Green Cord
Superintendent’s Award
CTE Cord
Key Club
Jazmyn Reyes-Cornejo
*Gear Up
*Sodexo Janitorial
*Oregon Promise
AVID Recognition
Sydney Riddle
*Gear Up
*Mid Columbia Bus
*BillyAnn Stempel
*Dr Bethany Grace Howe LGBTQ Empowerment
*Oregon Promise
Outstanding 4 year Commitment and Excellence in Drama
AVID Recognition
Franc Schaffer Most Inspirational Award
Cristian Rodriguez
*Gear Up
Caitlyn Rundstrom
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Savannah Russo
*Gear Up
*Siletz Studio
*Bill & Jean Biggs Academic Athlete
*Oregon Promise
National Honor Society
Senior Class Representative
Superintendent’s Award
Giovanni Salazar
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Lilly Salsbery
*Gear Up
Senior Class Representative
Noah Sanders
Superintendent’s Award
Mad Scott
*Gear Up
*Kiwanis
*Rotary
*JoAnn Hamilton Memorial
*Oregon State University
*Linfield College
National Honor Society
Superintendent’s Award
Honors Diploma
Valedictorian
Daenan Sellers
*Gear Up
US Army Enlistment
Maleah Smith
*Gear Up
CNA Program Recognition
Senior Co-Class President
Chandler Thomas
*Gear Up
*Kiwanis
*Oregon Promise
Outstanding Math Achievement
Superintendent’s Award
Amelia Valentine
*Gear Up
*ECMC
*Minna Lee Beene Memorial
*Oregon Opportunity
*Oregon Promise
Outstanding Math Achievement
Superintendent’s Award
Kyle VanDamme
*Gear Up
Isy Vick
*Gear Up
*Phyllis Cary Chessman Merit in the Arts
*Oregon Promise
Social Studies Academic Excellence
Superintendent’s Award
Adrianna Wagoner
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Culinary Achievement CTE Cord
Commitment to Excellence in Social Studies
Superintendent’s Award
Jon Weaver
*Gear Up
US Marine Corp Enlistment
Brigido Zacarias
Indian Ed Cord
Logan Merry
*Gear Up
denotes scholarship
Valedictorian Mad Scott’s commencement speech:
“Good afternoon everyone! On behalf of the Class of 2019, I would like to welcome all of the families, faculty, alumni, friends and guests to this special ceremony. Today, I have the honor to stand here as valedictorian beside my fellow classmates in a time of celebration. We have made it through the past 13 years of schooling with a lot of us having many more to come.
Mad Scott
“The senior class of 2019 is now embarking on a new chapter in our lives with possibilities of future career paths and interests that we desire. The decisions we make from this point on will steer the direction of what our future will be one day. The relationships that this class has acquired with its fellow classmates and teachers is something that will always be remembered, and will be influential to our lives.
“Though a small town can have its flaws, Lincoln city possesses a community that shares relationships with our students and has the ability to make a positive difference in our students’ lives. The relationships that I have built at Taft High School with the passionate and hard-working teachers have helped me acquire the knowledge I wish to apply in my future career path of business. The teachers at our school are individuals who have expressive teaching styles and are willing to find what a student has an affinity to do when they get older. We are truly blessed to be able to go to a school where new innovations and technologies are at our fingertips every couple of years.
“The hard work of Noah Lambie does not go unrecognized by myself or many others. He has sparked the flame in many young gifted individuals to chase their ambitions, expand their creativity and thoughts by introducing new opportunities in graphic designing, art, robotics and physics. During my first year of high school, I took robotics and I had no previous knowledge about the design process or how to work the various softwares used in the class, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
“Over the past three years with the Lambie’s help, I have accomplished projects that involved the use of many advanced software programs and have been designing my own shirts, stickers, laser engraved pieces, skateboards and 3-D printed designs. From learning different techniques on how to become a graphic designer, physicist and even artist, Lambie has sparked the flame in many young lives, including myself, to challenge one’s efforts in obtaining relevant knowledge that is beneficial to their future.
“Mr. Bass is another teacher I would like to address for being the first teacher that has made a large impact on the way our students at our school view the business world. Bass has helped myself and many others learn to overcome their fear of public speaking and advised them on how to effectively and efficiently communicate to capture the audience’s interests.
“There are many other teachers at this school that have been positive figures in my life and the Class of 2019 that I have not listed, but I want to acknowledge these individuals for their excellence at our school, as well as inspiring the young minds of our generation. The teachers of our school are not credited as much as they should be for the extra hours they have worked and the readiness they express everyday in order to deal with hundreds of provocative and some so-called savage kids (especially some of our middle-schoolers).
“I would next like to give praise to the parents and guardians of the Class of 2019, for you guys are the devoted support system to our students and are attentive to our needs when we need a helping hand to understand something better. The bond that we share with our parents or our guardians is one that shows appreciation and friendship with one another.
“My parents are truly an inspiration to me by being some of the most hardworking individuals I have ever met. Their encouragement for me to excel in school and participate in sports is what has made me the person that I am today. Their acknowledgement towards what I’m passionate about is shown in many ways — one of them being my parents’ attendance at my every game and track meet. With the highest level of appreciation this is the devotion and care I respect and I wish to portray to my children one day.
“It is important that we recognize our parents today and we thank them for all that they have done for us. Our parents will always be there for us as we continue our journeys, whether it is close to home or far away. The bond of love will never be separated by distance and will always kept by one another.
“Our journey of obtaining knowledge is not over, for our lives have now been opened to great opportunities for years to come after graduating today. We are now just on the cusp of possibilities that are given to us in today’s ever-changing society. In front of us are years of life we have yet to live; years of experience and knowledge that we have yet to know. The years up until this one our path has been laid out for us, and, for the most part, ordered. Our schooling is chosen for us and our purpose and way of life is defined by those in charge and around us. Now, today, we stand here where we get to decide our own futures and our own paths. We have an endless amount of potential and freedom to go off and to make our own lives.
“From this day on I ask that my fellow classmates strive for their goals. To achieve success in any measure or fashion depending on a person’s goals, one must strive everyday to move forward. Success is something that is not always obtained right away. But this does not matter because not obtaining success is only fatal when you let it get in the way of perceiving your goals. Our goals are constantly changing and it is important that we learn from our mistakes and use the knowledge from failing to do better the next time.
“Within our generation our society comes up with many stereotypes about people that aren’t true for the sole reason that they like to dwell on these negative ideas. These stereotypes include allegations about what one likes to do, their race, hobbies, and even religion. And, today I stand proudly here on the stage breaking stereotypes by representing our Class of 2019 as a skateboarder who attends school regularly and excels in his classes. All of our backgrounds vary greatly from one another in our occupations, religions and hobbies. But in hindsight this difference has no hindrance of what we can achieve when we put our minds towards obtaining our goals.
“To expand on this idea, I would like to share a piece of advice from one of my favorite motivational speakers and the true Prince of Bel Air, Will Smith: “Greatness is not this wonderful, esoteric, exclusive, God-like feature that only the special among us will ever taste. It’s something that truly exists in all of us. This is what I believe, and, I’m willing to die for it. Period. It’s that simple.”
“One way to achieve greatness and success is to look back on life with no regrets. It’s the mindset of not dwelling on the things you could’ve done differently, but rather learning from your mistakes and moving on to achieve your future goals. The importance of not living with regret is also tied into the idea of not taking the hours, months or even days of life for granted. You should always live in the moment and enjoy your experiences for a certain time can only happen once.
“Ahead of us stand new relationships we shall build and places we shall go. We may make our dreams come true and even create new families. During these times we must do the things we love and participate in what makes us the individuals we are. High school is usually a one-round go of four years of experience that has impacted many of our lives in positive ways.
“For this reason, today should be a celebration of the Class of 2019, with our family and peers, for our students to start a new chapter in our lives. I wish each and everyone one of my fellow students strive to be the best versions of themselves in order to achieve success. Congratulations Class of 2019!”
Otis resident William Borges, 21, was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for distributing child pornography.
According to court documents, investigators identified Borges in September 2016 as part of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office into the use of Dropbox, a cloud-based file sharing application, to distribute media depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
A federal search warrant issued to Dropbox produced the email address Borges used to create a Dropbox account identified by investigators as containing child pornography. Investigators later matched three video uploads to Dropbox depicting the sexual abuse of young children to the IP address of Borges’ home in Otis. During a search of Borges’ home, he admitted to possessing child pornography and trading images and videos using Kik Messenger and Dropbox.
Borges pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography on Nov. 13, 2018.
The FBI Sacramento Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) and FBI Salem Resident Agency investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Amy Potter, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The FBI’s CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations — many undercover — in coordination with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering underage victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at www.fbi.gov/tips.
“The Cod Balls were a popular item on the Pixie Kitchen menu,” Culinary Center Manager Donna Riani said. “Over the past few years, I have gotten many requests on how to make them. Well, here is your chance to learn the recipe! We will show you how to make this delicious dish. Step back in time and enjoy a great meal with us.”
