The Oregon Senate has confirmed Gov. Kate Brown’s appointment of Steve Strode as Real Estate Commissioner. Strode officially started his duties Feb. 25.
Strode brings more than 18 years of real estate expertise to the position. He was first licensed in Wisconsin in 2001, then in Oregon in 2008. Prior to real estate, he worked in the banking industry for over a decade in the Midwest.
Strode’s extensive management and leadership experience includes managing a real estate brokerage and serving as 2018 President of the Oregon Association of Realtors. He is a recognized industry leader nationally, serving as chair on various committees for the National Association of Realtors.
The confirmation filled the vacancy created by the retirement of Gene Bentley on July 7, 2018.
The Real Estate Commissioner provides leadership and policy direction to the Oregon Real Estate Agency. The agency is responsible for the licensing and regulation of real estate brokers, property managers, real estate marketing organizations and escrow agents. It also registers subdivisions, condominiums, timeshares and membership campgrounds.
The Oregon Department of Revenue is providing relief for some taxpayers by waiving underpayment interest for taxpayers whose 2018 Oregon withholding and estimated tax payments were impacted by the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
This waiver is available to taxpayers:
Who owe at least $1,000 in tax, and
Whose total Oregon withholding and estimated payments made on or before January 15, 2019 covered at least 85 percent of their 2018 net tax.
The usual threshold is 90 percent to avoid underpayment interest.
If a taxpayer paid less than 85 percent of their tax liability, they are not eligible for the waiver. Those taxpayers who did not pay at least 85 percent of their tax liability will be subject to the underpayment interest. Taxpayers who owe less than $1,000 are not charged underpayment interest.
Are you eligible for a waiver?
Complete Part A of Form OR-10 (www.oregon.gov/dor/forms). If the form shows that you owe overpayment interest, follow these steps:
Combine your total estimated tax payments made by January 15, 2019 with the amount of withholding entered on line 6 of the form.
Multiply the net tax amount on line 4 by 0.85.
If the amount from step 2 is less than step 1, request a waiver. If not, complete the rest of Form OR-10 to calculate the underpayment interest you owe.
Requesting a waiver (paper and electronic filers):
Enter “4” in the exception box on Form OR-10, line 1.
Also enter “4” in box 40a on your 2018 Form OR-40, which is your personal income tax return (box 65a on part-year returns or 66a on nonresident returns). If you’ve already filed your 2018 return, you can mail the Form OR-10 to DOR or submit it electronically through your Revenue Online account.
Attach a statement to your Form OR-10 with the label “Form OR-10 attachment” and the statement “85% waiver.”
File your Form OR-10 and attachment with your 2018 tax return.
DOR urges Oregonians to do a paycheck checkup to ensure they’re withholding enough from their wages for 2019. Oregon’s new Form OR-W-4 and online withholding calculator allow taxpayers to more accurately determine the appropriate amount to withhold for Oregon. Both the Form OR-W-4 and the calculator are available at the department’s website at www.oregon.gov/dor.
Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments, call (800) 356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or (503) 378-4988 or email [email protected]. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), call 1 (800) 886-7204. Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times.
Inspired by real-life stories of Tarahumara runners, “¡Corre! ¡Corre!” shares the story of a young girl and her coach, who sees her potential as an Olympic competitor. It’s a story told in English and Spanish, using mythical imagery, dance movement and poetic narrative to showcase a cultural perspective that inspires athleticism and perseverance – and it’s coming to Lincoln City.
The community is invited to enjoy a free performance of Teatro Milagro’s “¡Corre! ¡Corre! A Race Against Time,” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, 540 NE Highway. 101. Seating is first- come, first-served, with the doors to open at 6 p.m. Tickets are not required.
Renowned for their incredible long distance running ability, the Tarahumara are the indigenous people who live in the northwestern region of Mexico. Inspired by the real life stories of Raramuri runners, Teatro Milagro’s newest bilingual play shares the story of Estrella, a young village girl, who becomes an Olympic competitor. Estrella, and her family, like most Raramuri, live in extreme poverty. Training for the Olympics means becoming “Chabochi” and giving in to modern ways, but not joining the team means not helping her people.
Winning a race could mean a cash prize that would be greater than a month’s wages. Already her older brother Rahui has been forced into working for the drug cartel and the villagers are contemplating inviting tourism. With the help of her trainer and strength from the wisdom of Rayenari the sun god and Metzaka the moon goddess, she will run to win and run to save her village.
“¡Corre! ¡Corre!” was written by seasoned Milagro lead teaching artist and resident playwright, Ajai Terrazas Tripathi. Teatro Milagro’s new team of touring artists includes Cindy Angel in the lead role of Estrella, Marissa Sanchez as her sister Alma and Metzaka the moon and Eduardo Vasquez as the brother Rahui and the moth. Terrazas Tripathi also performs in the roles of Carlos the trainer, Rayenari the sun and Gano the rock giant. Costumes were created by Joeanally Gonzalez, music by Lawrence Siulagi and Teatro Milagro’s signature mural by Tomas Rivero.
¡Corre! ¡Corre! opened in July, performing for summer school programs in Hillsboro Beaverton and Cornelius, and reaching 852 audience members. “I really enjoyed the incorporation of Spanish and English, the folklore, the acting, and the whole concept,” said one reviewer from Metro Arts. An audience member from Vose Elementary wrote: “I liked the message of the story, the inspiration to go out and reach for your goals. It was informative, educational, and culturally relevant.”
In addition to the free community performance on March 12, “¡Corre! ¡Corre!” will also be performed during the school day for fifth and sixth grade classes from Taft Elementary School (315 students in all). Limited tickets for those morning shows may be available, for details call Niki Price at 541-994-9994.
The Lincoln City performance of “¡Corre! ¡Corre!” is sponsored by grants from the Sponenburgh Memorial Trust and the Oneatta Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation, along with a generous lodging sponsorship by Surftides Lincoln City. The project is also supported by Family Promise of Lincoln County, the Lincoln County School District and the team from new nonprofit, Music Is Instrumental.
To learn more or join the LCCC, head lincolncityculturalcenter.org or drop by the LCCC Information Center, open from 9 am to 5 pm Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). For more information, call 541-994-9994.
Spanish Translation
Inspirado por las historias de la vida real de los corredores tarahumaras, “¡Corre! ¡Corre!” Comparte la historia de una joven y su entrenador/a, que ve su potencial como competidora Olímpica. Reconocida por su increíble capacidad para correr a larga distancia, los Tarahumaras son los indígenas de la región noroeste de México. ¡Corre! ¡Corre !, de Ajai Terrasa Tripathi, utiliza imágenes míticas, movimientos de danza y narraciones poéticas para mostrar una perspectiva cultural que inspira el atletismo y la perseverancia.
El espectáculo se ofrecerá en dos presentaciones durante el día para alumnos de 5º y 6º grado de la Elemental de Taft, seguido de una presentación gratuita por la comunidad a las 6:30 pm. Las puertas se abrirán a las 6 pm.
Doug Force tells stories at a previous Story Time at the Museum session
Kids of all ages are invited to “Story Time at the Museum” with storyteller Doug Force from 2-3 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at the North Lincoln County Historical Museum.
This month’s Story Time at the Museum’s theme will be “Water of Life.” Join Forceon a journey through “Water of Life” themed books.
Force, who has decades of teaching, educational and storytelling experience, will share his tales in the Mildred and Marie Children’s Room of the museum at 4907 SW Highway 101 in Lincoln City.
The Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Department’s 11th annual Half-Marathon & 10K is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 3, at Taft High 7-12.
The out-and-back course is on scenic, two-lane rural roads, with rolling hills and a gravel portion at the second turnaround. Walkers are also invited to participate beginning at 8 a.m.
For more information, visit OregonCoast.org or call Recreation Coordinator Raleigh Bartholomew at 541-921-2768.
Deputy Secretary of State Leslie Cummings released the following statement:
On Tuesday, February 26, at approximately 9 p.m., Oregon Secretary of State Dennis Richardson’s courageous battle with cancer came to a close. Dennis passed away at his home surrounded by family and friends.
From his service in Vietnam as a combat helicopter pilot to his 30-year legal career and 19 years in public service, this father of nine and grandfather of 31 found great joy in serving and taking care of others.
As Secretary of State, Dennis was fiercely dedicated to accomplishing the work the people of Oregon elected him to do. Upon taking the reins of this office in January 2017, Dennis’ visionary leadership built on the strengths of the 227 Secretary of State staff members. Together, Dennis and this dedicated team of public servants improved the program business practices of Audits, Elections, Archives, Corporations and Small Business, and the three Administrative Services Divisions of the agency. He also brought many professional and personal gifts and experience to this office. Dennis’ focus on transparency, accountability, and integrity coupled with his uncompromising work ethic inspired staff to “up their games” to move mountains.
If you spent time with Dennis, it wouldn’t be long before he shared with you his personal motto of “Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus,” which means: Having been given much, what will you give in return? This philosophy influenced every aspect of Dennis’ life and became the hallmark by which many knew him. His challenge to us in the Secretary of State’s office is to give our very best to each other and to Oregon each and every day.
Dennis leaves a legacy of always aiming high, expecting excellence, moving fast, and doing what is right for the people. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with such an incredible leader and wonderful friend. He will be greatly missed.
Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce Director Lori Arce-Tores and Lincoln City Mayor Dick Anderson
Lincoln City Mayor Dick Anderson spoke before a crowd of local business owners, managers and city officials for his State of the City address Tuesday at the Lincoln City Cultural Center sponsored by the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce.
The speech outlined what was accomplished over the last year, as well as the future of Lincoln City. Anderson spoke about affordable housing, leadership and how he has been able to conduct City Council meetings lasting up to four hours without taking any “potty breaks.”
Roger Robertson with All Ways Traveling, who sponsored Anderson’s address and sold the mayor on two river cruises, announced a Panama Canal package for charity that benefits kids with cancer.
Roger Robertson with All Ways Traveling speaks at the event
Anderson gave praise to the Lincoln City Cultural Center, which hosted the event, for being great for locals and tourists alike, saying, “I don’t know what we’d do without this kind of a mainstay in Lincoln City.”
Mayor Anderson mentioned how the Lincoln City Cultural Center will be making capital improvements that will enhance the exterior grounds and welcomed citizens to become members and contribute to “… paving the way for a great vision.”
Anderson thanked the voters of Lincoln City for allowing him to be mayor for the next four years. “I’m excited to do it again,” He said. “More than half of citizens have an appreciation for their local government. Twice that –surprise, surprise– of the Federal Government. So I just want you to know I feel your love.”
Anderson said the Driftwood Public Library has become a hub in the community and gave recognition to Outreach Services Coordinator Star Kahn for being one of six individuals from across the country who was awarded the Association for Library Service to Children’s Equity Fellowship Award.
Anderson also talked about how the Library did away with overdue fines.
“It’s amazing to me how many people utilize this library,” he said.
Star Kahn and Library Director Kirsten Brodbeck-Kenney
Lincoln City Police Chief Jerry Palmer was recognized by Anderson, who thanked him for his leadership in getting a “futuristic police station” and the police department at full staff. Anderson said he attended the Citizen’s Police Academy and recommends it for all Lincoln City residents.
“It is an eye-opening opportunity to better understand what our officers live with and are confronted with on a daily basis,” he said.
Due to action by the City Council, treated water usage was less in 2018 than in 2017, Anderson said.
“Conservation comes in all different forms,” he said, thanking Lincoln City Public Works.
Anderson thanked Lincoln City Manager Ronald Chandler and his staff for leadership in 2018.
“Thank you all for what you do,” he said. “It’s seldom recognized, but it’s felt everyday.”
City Manager Ron Chandler
Anderson said he is often asked what Lincoln City is doing to drive positive economic development and increase the median family income of the citizens.
“It’s a great question and very appropriate.” he said. “I believe we have to first make sure that our community is attractive to new business. And quite frankly, we are not.
“I have five areas of evaluating our readiness and they are: an ample supply of housing at all levels; the perception of our schools; managing the expectations about the level of medical services; transportation, including buses, roads and access to airports; properly zoned land with appropriate utilities available.”
“There is a great deal of concern about the lack of housing in our area,” he said. “Rightfully so, but progress is being made. In 2018, there were 62 single-family and duplex building permits issued, plus the 30-unit apartment project on West Devils Lake. That is 90-plus units added in one year. I know there is still a need, but progress is being made.”
Local businesses saw expansion and improvements over the course of 2018 with Roby’s Furniture and Starfish Manor adding space. The new Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, Crab Pot rebuild in Cutler City, the recently completed St. James Santiago School and the new Lincoln City Police Department were highlighted.
“The hospital is a major economic engine for the city and North County,” he said. “A new facility only enhances this importance. I might point out that we, the citizens, are not paying any more for this new hospital than what we have always paid to the North Lincoln Health District.”
“Our schools are rated average in the State of Oregon,” Anderson said. “But average does not cut it when decisions are being made to relocate businesses or families. Our community needs to get behind our schools.”
That’s a huge list of accomplishments in just a single year,” he said. “That certainly reflects our growing community and positions us well with the future.”
Anderson recognized members of the crowd, including Cultural Center staff, board members and volunteers while having the audience give appreciation to the individuals responsible for contributing to the city’s success.
“This council is no longer just the ‘good ‘ole boys’,'” he said. “Especially with three women and some younger folks now serving. This group appears to be committed to a healthy growing community.”
Anderson said there has been outstanding participation from citizens around the Imagine Lincoln City project that lays out what we want the city to look like in 20 years.
“We have a pleasant, safe, healthy and prosperous town where everyone enjoys a high quality of life,” he said. “I am encouraged for the future of Lincoln City.
“We are in the unique position of planting seeds today for our own grandchildren’s benefit. I ask you all to work with me, the City Council and all City staff to make this vision a reality.”
We’ve heard from multiple citizens who have received phone calls or voicemail messages from someone claiming to be Deputy/Sergeant/Lieutenant “Todd Hughes” with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
He tells them that he needs to speak to them about an urgent court matter and gives a phone number of 541-264-5397. The number leads to a voicemail box claiming to belong to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.
The public needs to be alerted that this individual is not associated with our agency and is most likely trying to obtain personal information or money.
If you receive a call like this, be advised to not disclose any personal or financial information and do not agree to meet in person at any location.
Lincoln County Public Health is seeking community input for the next Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP).
CHIP sets the priority work areas of the Health Department and community partners. A new plan is created every five years. (CHA and CHIP)
Lincoln County Public Health will be holding public listening sessions in early 2019. During these sessions, Health Department staff will discuss the current state of health in Lincoln County.
Members of the community can help select priority or focus areas for the next five years by providing input at these meetings.
A Listening Session is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Driftwood Public Library.
