Saturday, June 21, 2025
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Former Newport Police officer pleads guilty to sex abuse charges

Former Newport Police Sgt. Bradley David Purdom will serve three years’ supervised probation and has surrendered his law enforcement license after pleading guilty to two counts of misdemeanor sexual abuse.

Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge Thomas O. Branford accepted the plea by Purdom, who admitted to engaging in unlawful sexual contact with a person who did not consent (a minor) on two occasions. The convictions are third-degree offenses, while one felony count was dismissed pursuant to negotiations.

Sentenced to 36 months of supervised probation, Purdom must register as a sex offender and undergo a psychosexual evaluation with treatment and additional conditions to be imposed based on recommendations.

Oregon State Police began investigating the sexual abuse allegations against Purdom in summer 2017. In August 2017, Lincoln County District Attorney Michelle Branam elected to use a special prosecutor to oversee the investigation and provide an objective analysis to determine whether sufficient evidence existed for prosecution.

Marion County Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy was assigned as the special prosecutor, and Purdom was indicted by a Lincoln County Grand Jury in April 2018.

Former Newport Police sergeant arrested on charges of sex abuse

Skateboarding ‘drops in’ Lincoln City for Rip Ride Rally

Lincoln City Skate Park

Lincoln City Skatepark is celebrating 20 years and treating some of the biggest names in skateboarding to an event named “Rip Ride Rally” this weekend, replete with live music, memorials for the fallen and some serious shredding.

Danyel Scott, co-founder of Dreamland Skateparks, carved out details for the three-day event, sponsored by Independent, that started Friday and continues Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m at 2205 NE 22nd Street.

“Today is the time trials, tomorrow is the main events and the third day is at our Dreamland Skateparks headquarters for professional skaters, family and the media,” Scott said.

“Twenty years ago, we built the original skate park. Second was The Cradle. The Bowl was No. 3. Snake Run is No. 4 and the Skate Track is No. 5. Because it was so popular, we added five pieces over the last 20 years,” she said.

“It’s amazing, everybody came from all over the world to be a part of this,” she said. “Not just skateboarders, but family members and people who are passionate about this sport.”

2017 Skateboarding Hall of Fame inductee Eric Dressen was on hand to watch some “hardcore skaters” and pay respects at three memorials to be unveiled at the park over the weekend.

Eric Dressen
Eric Dressen, middle wearing a hoodie, watches the big air competition

“NHS, who is sponsoring this event, is the biggest, oldest distributor of skateboards in the world and pays for a lot of these skaters to be here.

“With most skate events you just get to watch, and with this one, you get to watch and skate.

“In the 70s we had some skate parks, but now we have all the public cement parks and especially Oregon with so many of them. Lincoln City is a mecca for skateboarders.”

Hundreds of professional and amateur skaters were on deck for the high- air event, which saw myriad of hopefuls taking to the skies to execute their best tricks amid the announcer’s witty narration.

“Blue helmet! Get up there bro!” – Announcer

Legends of the skateboarding community have been honored with memorials at the park for skate park designer Roger Mark “Monk” Hubbard and Thrasher editor Jake Phelps.

The son of famed videographer Preston “P-Stone” Maigetter, Oscar Maigetter, was on hand for the unveiling of his dad’s memorial, which featured his picture and nickname tiled in.

“I love my dad,” he said.

Taft Elementary students learn art, writing with publication of storybook

Looking for Squatch 2019

Taft Elementary sixth-grade art and journalism classes worked collaboratively this year to create a visual and poetic story about a search for Sasquatch with Looking For Squatch.

“The book was so much fun to make, though it took some hard work too. I especially loved painting the paper.” Sasha H., a sixth-grade art student said.

Looking For Squatch is a hidden picture book where each image has Squatch visiting a new location along the coast, throughout Oregon, dipping into Washington and down to California.

Mrs. Buck and Mrs. Rivas were the teachers involved with the project and had this to say about the year-long process:

“The sixth-grade art and journalism club enjoyed the creative process of Looking For Squatch. The book depicts a young Squatch who feels it’s time to come out of hiding and share his story.

“The illustrations were created using painted paper and collaging different areas of the Pacific Northwest.

“Each location has a hidden Squatch. Journalism did research of the locations and met with the art club. Together we came up with a great finished project.”

The original paintings will be hung at the school.

From the back of the book:

The 6th grade art & journalism classes at Taft Elementary School in Lincoln City, Oregon, have put many hours into creating this delightful story about the Pacific Northwest’s famous character, Sasquatch, named Squatch in the book. You are taken on an entertaining journey through some of the most reportedly spotted locations, while you look for Squatch in the pictures. We hope you enjoy!

“It was fun… especially having to research each town/place was interesting.” – Lily S. (Journalism)

“The process was simply challenging, but fun.” – Rachel N. (Art)

“It was interesting writing about the locations.” – Maggie R. (Journalism)

Copies of the book can be purchased through the Taft Elementary Office for $17. Sales from the books support sixth-graders.

Students who contributed to the book are: Abigail (Abby) M, Abigail R, Alex H., Alex T., Alexandra H., Alexis (Lexi) M., Allison C.L., Alyson R., Aurora D., Avery D., Beverlyann S., Carley C., Chelsea R., Conner W., Evangel A., Emma T., Evan L., Gracie H, Haleah M., Ivan A., Janet G., Jayde R.C., Julia T., Knaudia T., Lily S., Magdalene (Maggie) M., Maggie R., Nitaya F., Quinn F., Rachel N., Ryley R., Sasha H., Seth S., Shayna R., Shyla P., Tesh F., Ximena S.L., Yadira F.C.

Sheriff’s Tip of the Week: Natural gas safety

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Natural gas powers a wide array of home and industrial appliances.  In urban areas, natural gas is piped directly into your home in much the same way water and electricity are.  As with any plumbing system, leaks can sometimes happen.

Because natural gas can displace the air in a confined space, it can cause headaches, nausea, or even lead to suffocation.  Natural gas is odorless, colorless, and extremely flammable.  It is due to these hazards that gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan (methanethiol) to make natural gas smell like rotten eggs.  If you hear or smell a natural gas leak, there are some steps you should take:

  • Do not use your cell phone, telephone, or other electronic devices.
  • Do not light matches, smoke cigarettes, or generate any sparks.
  • Do not operate any electrical switches (even turning lights off could create a spark inside the switch).
  • Evacuate everyone from the area.
  • Call 911 from a phone away from the leak.
  • Contact your natural gas provider.

If you smell natural gas, it’s always safest to leave the area immediately and call the gas company.  However, after a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, it could be several days before they are able to reach your home. DO NOT turn off your natural gas service unless you smell gas, hear the sound of gas escaping, or see other signs of a leak. ONLY turn off your gas if it is safe to do so.

Always have an emergency plan in place and ensure the members of your household are aware of it.  For additional safety information, contact your service provider or visit their website.

For more information and tips, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

On the prowl: Cougar sighted, shot at Monday in Cutler City

A cougar was sighted Monday near Cutler City Wetland Trailhead and warning signs detailing what to do in the event of an encounter have been posted.

According to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) officials, a cougar was spotted by a landowner killing domesticated geese. The man shot at the animal and might have wounded it, causing it to flee towards Cutler City Park.

ODFW did not find evidence the cougar was wounded and has not received notification of additional sightings or livestock losses in the area.

ODFW officials encourage the public to contact their office or Oregon State Police if a cougar is spotted.

ODFW: 503-947-6000

Oregon State Police: 800-442-0776

If you cross paths with a cougar:

Stop

Never approach a cougar at any time for any reason.

Stay calm

Face the cougar and do not turn your back towards it. Do not run. Running encourages it to chase.

Appear large

Make yourself look large. Do not bend over or crouch down. Raise your hands. Hold your coat open. Hold small children.

Fight back

Fight back if attacked.

Make noise

Make noise while hiking to reduce the chance of surprising a cougar.

Keep children close

Always keep children close by and in sight.

Avoid walking alone

 

State fire marshal calls on Bigfoot to promote wildfire prevention

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A Pacific Northwest legend is joining fire prevention activities statewide, particularly in the wildland urban interface and communities at greatest risk of wildfires and property loss.

Starting in June, the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal will be promoting wildfire safety education with its partners using images of Bigfoot and the hashtag#BelieveInFireSafety.

“Wildfires can easily be ignited by backyard burning, an unattended campfire, a hot car on tall, dry grass, or from dragging tow chains, and they spread fast,” State Fire Marshal Jim Walker said.

“We hope our Bigfoot campaign will draw attention and create a bigger ‘footprint’ of wildfire prevention efforts around the state,” Walker said. “We want people to believe in fire safety, whether you are camping, visiting Oregon, or recreating. We’ve created images and education materials showing Bigfoot outdoors, protecting his wilderness ‘home.’ By preventing wildfires in Bigfoot’s home, we can help residents protect their homes and our communities.”

Images showing Bigfoot recreating and enjoying Oregon can be found on the OSFM’s web site. Organizations promoting wildfire safety and anyone from the public can download a free colorful Bigfoot poster, mobile phone and desktop wallpaper images, a full suite of colorful social media images, and even an iconic shirt design.

The images show Bigfoot hiking, fly fishing, four-wheeling, and putting out campfires responsibly. Each Bigfoot image promotes a wildfire safety message, and all make for perfect materials to share on social media and other platforms as we head into summer and the 2019 wildfire season.

BEACH FIRES SAFETY REMINDER

North Lincoln Fire & Rescue reminds people to extinguish beach fires with water, not sand. See whether a fire ban is in effect due to weather conditons.

Oregon State Parks campfire safety practices state:

“Beach campfires should be started on open sand, away from driftwood or vegetation. Use water to extinguish your beach fire, not sand. Covering the fire with sand will insulate the coals, keeping them hot enough to burn unsuspecting beachgoers hours or even days later.”

Oregon fire service partners, emergency planners, and other groups who promote wildfire prevention and who work to make their communities safer from wildfire are encouraged to print the materials and share them at events and on their social media pages.

A first batch of messaging Bigfoot coasters and stickers have already been sent to fire service agencies statewide. Based on the overwhelmingly popular response to Bigfoot materials to date, the OSFM anticipates many Oregonians will soon be sharing the message to “believe in fire safety.”

During the summer, the OSFM will hold a social media contest for a Bigfoot T-shirt giveaway and highlight different Bigfoot images each week. Also keep your eyes open later this summer for Bigfoot’s image on highway billboards on popular travel routes in Oregon.

OCCC chorus class to stage final concert June 11

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Oregon Coast Community College’s chorus class will present its final concert of the Spring term at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, at the Central County Campus in Newport.

The class, under the direction of Music Instructor Dr. Mary Lee Scoville, will present a variety of musical selections including “Will There Really Be a Morning,” based on a poem by Emily Dickinson, and written by Victor C. Johnson; “Bohemian Rhapsody,” by Freddie Mercury, and arranged for choir by Mark Brymer; “Scales and Arpeggios,” from Walt Disney’s ‘Aristocrats’;  a novelty number, “Peter Piper Fantasy,” arranged by Douglas E Wagner; and “A Concert Celebration,”  a medley of Broadway selections by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

OCCC offers two-year transfer and associate degrees, as well as numerous one-year certificate programs, and serves Lincoln County through locations in Newport, Waldport, and Lincoln City.

For more information about the free event, call 541-867-8501, visit the college’s website at oregoncoastcc.org, or follow OCCC on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter – @occcsharks.

Ian crowned ‘King’ of the Cage at Chinook Winds Casino Resort

Ian King
Ian King (Photos by Justin Werner)

Mixed martial arts competitors shook Chinook Winds Casino Resort on Saturday with a fight card billed “King of the Cage: Resurgence.”

More than a thousand spectators watched 10 fights in the cage at the casino’s convention center, where multiple flat screens lined the walls and red, white and blue lights danced over the crowd.

Of the 20 fighters, four were named Brandon, including Paradise, Calif.’s Brandon Waltz, who was in the main event.

“I love Lincoln City,” Waltz said. “I absolutely love the beach and the small-town community because Paradise is a small town, as well.”

Paradise was recently subject to the Camp wildfire devastation in which roughly 14,000 homes were destroyed and the town suffered $8 billion in damage.

“My heart goes out to my town right now. They are a strong community that is trying to rebuild, and they will,” he said.

Ian King, from Roseburg, defeated Waltz in the title bout by forcing him to tap out with an arm hold.

Brandon Waltz
Brandon Waltz kicks King

Taft High graduate and former State high school wrestling champion David “Kid Kryptonite” Converse, from Otis, won his fight in the flyweight division over Alex Casteneda.

Traffic moving along Highway 101 in Lincoln City

Traffic is moving briskly on Highway 101 in Lincoln City Sunday afternoon with no major incidents to report.

Video taken at major intersections on Highway 101 from 3-4 p.m. shows a good amount of traffic on the road, but no major bottlenecks or slow downs persisting.

Lincoln City Police were observed patrolling the highway and no traffic stops were witnessed in the 3-4 p.m. period.

Eagles’ late-inning outburst ousts Tigers from State baseball playoffs

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The Tigers make a plate appearance Friday in State quarterfinal play (Photo by Eric DeMello)

Santiam Christian broke open a 6-6 tie late in the game Friday to defeat Taft High 12-6 in the quarterfinals of the Class 3A OSAA State Baseball Championships.

Senior starter Tyee Fisher

In a showdown of State semifinalists from a year ago, the third-seeded Eagles scored six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning on their home field to improve to 22-6 and end the 11th-seeded Tigers’ season at 17-11.

“We knew going into the game that we needed to make the routine plays to give ourselves a chance at the end,” Taft coach Matt Hilgers said. “We made a few blunders early on that led to some of their runs. We just didn’t play a really sound game on defense.”

Junior leadoff hitter Trenton Fisher had four hits in four plate appearances for the Tigers, while scoring twice and driving in two runs. Sophomore Darius Smith had three hits, while senior Cody Knott had two RBIs.

(Photo by Robert W. Smith)

Taft took a 6-0 lead into the bottom of the second before four errors and eight walks by four pitchers allowed the Eagles back in the game.

Photo galleries by Robert W. Smith

“As coaches, we were proud of the showing we made today,” Hilgers said. “We battled our butts off all game. It was a very competitive game, and we showed up to compete. We just couldn’t hold on and get over that hump.”

Santiam Christian also won both regular-season games between the two teams, 11-10 at home on March 18 and 11-7 at Taft on April 4.

Jordan Hall  (Photo by Eric DeMello)

The Eagles will host No. 7 Warrenton (18-6, 12-3 Special District 2) in the semifinals Tuesday. The Warriors defeated No. 2 Brookings Harbor (26-3, 15-0 Special District 4) 3-2 Wednesday to advance.

Defending State champion La Pine, seeded fourth, defeated No. 5 Rainier 4-1 Friday and will meet top-seeded Pleasant Hill, a 7-1 winner over No. 9 Joseph/Enterprise/Wallowa/Elgin in Tuesday’s other semifinal.

The State champion will be determined Friday, May 31, at Salem-Keizer Volcanoe Stadium.

 

Coach Hilgers’ thoughts on the season:

“This was a very rewarding season for as as coaches. We started the season with some holes to fill and many questions that needed to be answered. We took some time finding those answers.

“No matter who we played, we always managed to find a way to give ourselves a chance to win it in the later innings.

“We made leaps and bounds this year. We are looking forward to next year and committing to get better and compete every day.”

Coach Hilgers’ thoughts on his seniors:

Bleiz Kimbrough – “I have had him on my team since he was a freshman. He has made tremendous growth since that first year. He really stepped up this year on the mound for us. He was lights-out in his final pitching performance.”

 

Tyee Fisher – “I have had Tyee on one of my teams since his seventh-grade year in football. I’m going to miss seeing the big guy next year. His passion for the game and competitiveness really shined this year. He set an example for the younger guys to follow.”

 

Cody Knott – “He is one of the hardest workers I have seen. He’s what I call a ‘foxhole guy.’ If I’m in battle, I want him in the foxhole with me. He’s one heck of a competitor and I am excited to see what he does next year at Corban University when he focuses solely on wrestling.”

“I know all three will be around at different points next year to cheer us on, but I really appreciate the dedication and hard work they have put into our program we will miss them all.”

CLASS 3A BASEBALL BRACKET

Santiam Christian 12, Taft 6

TAFT              AB  R  H BI  SANTIAM CHRISTIAN  AB  R  H BI
Trenton Fisher     4  2  4  2  Ely Kennel          2  1  1  1  
Eli DeMello        3  0  2  0  Ben Galceron        3  0  1  0  
Cody Knott         4  0  2  2  Mason Wirth         1  0  1  1  
Tyee Fisher        4  0  0  0  Patrick Otis        1  1  0  0  
Bleiz Kimbrough    4  0  1  0  Sean Riley          4  1  1  3  
FcoO Ramos         4  0  0  0  Devin Premsingh     3  1  0  0  
Darius Smith       4  1  3  0  Vandon Haugen       1  2  0  0  
Kaden Hindman      4  0  1  0  Rylan Kutsch        4  1  1  2  
Lucas Hindman      2  2  1  1  Josh Verdeyen       3  2  1  0  
*Ethan Thomas      0  1  0  0  *Jackson Risinger   0  2  0  0  
                               *Kalen Brawn        0  1  0  0  
TOTALS            33  6 14  5  TOTALS             22 12  6  7

TAFT                   130 200 0 --  6  
SANTIAM CHRISTIAN      042 006 x -- 12 

LOB--TAFT 8, SANTIAM CHRISTIAN 6. E--Fco Ramos,
Jordan Hall (2), Cody Knott, Sean Riley (2). 2B--Trenton
Fisher, Cody Knott, Rylan Kutsch. HBP--Mason Wirth (3).
SACF--Ely Kennel. SACB--Eli DeMello, Ely Kennel. SB--Lucas
Hindman, Ethan Thomas, Darius Smith, Ely Kennel, Vandon
Haugen, Rylan Kutsch.

 TAFT                       IP    H    R   ER   BB   SO   HR
Tyee Fisher               1.00    0    1    0    3    0    0
Jordan Hall               2.00    3    5    2    2    2    0
Trenton Fisher (L)        2.33    2    3    3    2    0    0
Cody Knott                0.67    1    3    3    2    0    0
 SANTIAM CHRISTIAN     
Mason Wirth               1.33    5    4    3    0    1    0
Nolan Black               3.67    7    2    2    1    2    0
Konner Boshart (W)        2.00    2    0    0    0    2    0

WP--Cody Knott, Nolan Black. BALK--Nolan Black. SO--Tyee
Fisher (2), Bleiz Kimbrough, Fco Ramos (2), Josh Verdeyen,
Rylan Kutsch. BB--Lucas Hindman, Ben Galceron, Devin
Premsingh, Josh Verdeyen, Vandon Haugen (3), Patrick Otis
(3).
(Photo by Robert W. Smith)