Everyone is invited to leave their mark on the replacement Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital by signing well wishes on the final support beam before it is put in place during a topping-out ceremony. This construction milestone will happen Friday, Jan. 25, unless there are high winds or icy conditions.
During the week leading up to the topping-out ceremony, the beam will be available to sign at the southwest construction entrance off 28th Street, next to the hospital’s south entrance. Dates and times that it will be available are Monday, Jan. 21, through Thursday, Jan. 24, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, Jan. 25, 7 to 11 a.m.
At 11 a.m. on Jan. 25, the Skanska USA Building team will host a meet-and-greet with refreshments in the hospital’s Education Conference Room. Shortly before noon, the group will move to the south entrance to watch the final beam be put in place. While it is difficult to pin down the exact beginnings of this construction tradition, most agree that it symbolizes good luck for future occupants, continued growth and a safe workplace.
For questions, contact Mary Jo Kerlin, Marketing & PR coordinator, at 541-557-6208 or [email protected].
Eleven of 19 Taft High wrestlers placed fifth or better Saturday, led by seniors Cody Knott and DeVon Lindquist, who defeated State-level competitors from Class 6A Grants Pass for individual titles in the Alsea Bay Classic at Waldport.
“Taft wrestling may have pulled off one of our best performances at a tournament in modern school history,” Coach Robb Ellis said.
The Class 3A Tigers placed third among 14 teams overall with senior Jace Fosveit, junior Jace Phippen and sophomore Jose Flores taking second.
Senior Autumn Barela went 4-1 and claimed second in the girls bracket.
Senior Biz Byrum placed third, senior Jacob Mayoral and junior Elin Fitch fourth and senior David Jin and sophomore Willam Calderon fifth.
“We’re pretty amazed as coaches right now,” Ellis said. “The vibe on the team is family-like, and we are just sitting back and watching these kids wrestle well. It is a blast.”
The Tigers will wrestle in a series of dual matches, including competition at Taft on Thursday, Jan. 31, in preparation for the District and State tournaments.
“I think a big thing for the team has been how, as a head coach, I have shifted my focus a lot on improvement.” Ellis said. “I constantly tell the team, “Don’t focus on if you won or loss, focus on how good your opponent was and how well you wrestled him.
“For some wrestlers, if they are a new wrestler and facing a State tournament-placer from last year, and they make it into the third round without getting pinned, that is amazing. I like to tell the wrestlers that sometimes the best match they ever wrestle, they still lose. I would prefer that they lose some of their matches if it was tough competition.
“If you win all your matches because you drew wrestlers that weren’t talented in your bracket, that may make your record look impressive, but when you get to the District tournament and spent the whole season never facing solid opponents, it will hurt you.
“I think this focus of mine, and the focus on getting just as excited when our newer guys when as our experienced guys, is really helping the whole team vibe. We are really building a family atmosphere and it will help us continue to wrestle well.”
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a special statement Saturday alerting the Oregon and Washington coasts of an increased risk of sneaker waves today and hardly anyone on the beach knows it.
An investigation Sunday at D River Wayside revealed most visitors had no idea there was a sneaker-wave danger. Interview upon interview of people walking the beach showed that about one in 15 knew about the advisory.
Steve and Joanne, visiting for the day from Portland, said they were unaware of the warning.
“We just like coming to enjoy the sights. Rarely do we go down on the beach,” Steve said.
A McMinnville couple knew about the warning, adding, “We never turn our backs on the ocean.”
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Camas, Wash., visitors, who had been playing on the rocks, said they were unaware of the warning.
“The City should put a sign up,” they said. “We saw the high surf sign, but not one for sneaker waves.”
College students from Monmouth welcomed being notified of the warning and said they would “stay vigilant.”
Krista Heiden looks for rocks Sunday during an outgoing tide
When asked if knowing about a greater chance of sneaker waves would change their beach behavior, most people said they would stay further away from the ocean and be a bit more cautious.
“Just be aware of your surroundings,” Krista Heidan, from Battleground, Wash., said. “Don’t get lost in the moment.”
Taft senior Tyee Fisher drives to the hoop in a recent road game (File photo by Heather Hatton)
The Taft High boys basketball team snapped a five-game losing streak Saturday with its first Class 3A Coastal Range League victory, 46-25 over visiting Warrenton.
“The real key to the game was the Tigers’ defensive intensity,” first-year Taft Coach Andy Morgan said.
The Taft girls lost to the Warriors, 61-19.
The boys improved to 6-9 overall and 1-4 in league play, while the girls fell to 0-5, 2-13.
Details from the girls game were not reported.
Score by Quarters
Taft 15 8 11 12 — 46
Warrenton 13 0 4 8 — 25
Taft leading offensive performers
Ray Darrington 15 points 16 rebounds 3 blocks
Tyee Fisher 10 points 9 rebounds 1 steal
Jordan Hall 9 points 6 rebounds 5 assists
Taft leading defensive performers
Graden Kehr and Fco Ramos
Taft Boys Basketball Coach Andy Morgan’s Comments
“After a disappointing first quarter, Taft was able to lock down on the visiting team. Sophomore Graden Kehr, earning another varsity start, was assigned to Warrenton’s leading threat, Dalton Knight, who lit up the Tigers for 30 points in Taft’s defeat by a single bucket last Saturday. Kehr took it personally and set out to change the ending to this week’s episode. Knight broke free for nine points in the opening frame, but Kehr shut him down in the second quarter, holding both Knight, and the entire Warrenton team, to no points.
“The home Tigers were quiet in the second period, scoring only eight, to take a lead a 23-13 lead at the half. Senior post Ray Darrington led all scorers with 11 in the first half. Jordan Hall, coming off the bench, hit a critical 3-pointer, sparking the team and inspiring the defense to lock down on the visitors. Rounding out the first half scoring for the Tigers was an early, deep shot for 3 from Kehr and two buckets from senior Tyee Fisher, including a dominant, closely contested breakaway flush by the Taft senior.
“The Tigers came out after halftime with the same defensive intensity. The man defense was really good— often inciting elbows and pushing from the frustrated Warrenton offense. Fco Ramos provided a break for Kehr on the defensive end. As Kehr went to the bench, Ramos continued to frustrate Knight on the Warrenton side of the hardwood. Ramos moves his feet extremely well and has remarkably quick hands. It is a luxury for Taft to have two sophomores who can stifle a potent adversary as they were able to do with Knight. The youth movement, including freshman Kaden Hindman, has really lifted the Tigers, who are struggling with the absence of top defenders such as Eli DeMello and Lucas Hindman, who are recovering from early season injuries.
“Younger brother Kaden Hindman opened the final quarter with a 3-pointer from the corner, showing the visitors the full strength of the Tiger bench. Also adding to the Tigers’ scoring in the fourth quarter were Ramos, Hall, Darrington, Tyee Fisher and senior captain Clay Nelson. Nelson is somewhat of a utility player, usually playing on opposing post players, and as a wing and post on offense. Nelson has yet to miss a minute of practice or game this season. He’s one of the hardest workers in practice, and one of the peskiest defenders. Not considered a top threat, Nelson gets his work done in the shadows while making everyone on the roster better.
Aside from seven made free throws, the visiting team only scored two buckets in the second half — the Tigers holding them to 12 points. Finishing the game 46-25 accomplished all of Taft’s pre-game goals.
“As the Tigers look to continue improving defensively, the team recognizes the need to produce more on the offensive end. Ball movement has often been a challenge as the Tigers search for answers. The five assists by Hall were a really good sign for the Tigers. As a scoring leader, Hall has struggled to find balance with some of his teammates — often creating opportunities for defenders. Hall did a nice job of balancing out his attack and finding his teammates in scoring opportunities. Leadership has been a challenge for the Tigers, with so many injuries and time missed by players.
“Everyone played a great game, including the lone Tiger to not find the scorebook — Trenton Fisher. The “Little Fish” as he is known, has returned from an extended absence due to illness. The coaching staff has limited his minutes as Trenton has returned to health. The Warrenton contest has been the biggest test for Fisher—he played in all four quarters, and was a potent ball handler, and defender. A key to the success of the Tigers, court leadership by ‘little fish” and Hall will be very important.
“The Tigers’ next matchup is Tuesday, a home game against Rainier, which embarrassed the Tigers two weeks ago in Rainier. The Tigers will work hard to respond and continue the march toward the top of the standings. In a bit of a hole at this point, the Tigers are coming together, hopefully, to be ready for the challenge.”
Taft takes on Willamina in an earlier road game (File photo by Heather Hatton)
National Weather Service (NWS) Portland has issued a sneaker wave warning for Sunday along Oregon and Washington coasts.
According to NWS, a building powerful swell will provide the potential for dangerous sneaker waves. Water might rise farther up beaches than observed and easily sweep unsuspecting beach-goers into the frigid Pacific Ocean.
Sunny skies in the forecast could see a rise in tourists visiting Lincoln City and bring an increased risk for incident.
The cities of Astoria, Cannon Beach, Tillamook, Netarts, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Newport, Cape Foulweather, Yachats, Florence, Raymond, Long Beach, Ocean Park, Naselle, Cathlamet and Cape Disappointment are mentioned in the warning.
Numerous sneaker wave events and fatalities have occurred under similar scenarios and NWS urges caution and to stay off jetties if planning to head to the beach.
A pickup truck struck a woman and baby girl in a stroller in a crosswalk in Lincoln City on Saturday, prompting an ambulance trip to the hospital.
“I just didn’t see her.” said Shawn A. Miller, 40, of Otis, who was making a right turn from NW 14th Street onto Highway 101 in his dark gray Dodge Ram. “It was an accident. I feel terrible for the mom. She was so scared.”
The 18-month-old child sustained some injuries to her face and was transported with her mother, Anayely Barbonio-Gutierrez, 21, of Lincoln City, by Pacific West Ambulance to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital for treatment, Lincoln City Police said.
Police determined Miller was not impaired. He was issued a citation for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
North Lincoln Fire and Rescue also assisted in the handling of the accident, which occurred at approximately 1 p.m.
The U.S. Coast Guard remained busy in perilous waters up and down the Oregon Coast on Saturday, rescuing two surfers in distress north of Cannon Beach, just three days after responding to the capsizing of a boat that killed three fishermen near Newport.
An aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Sector Columbia River safely completed two hoists at Indian Beach and transported the surfers to Warrenton, where they declined medical care and were released.
Watchstanders at the Sector Columbia River Command Center received the distress notification from Seaside 911 dispatch at 11:47 a.m., and immediately directed the launch of the aircrew and a boat crew from Station Cape Disappointment.
Both surfers were pushed by the surf into a nearby cliff-side cove. The aircrew arrived on scene at around 12:15 p.m. and conducted 150-foot hoists to get the surfers to safety. The hoists were completed at 12:35 p.m. and dropped the surfers off at about 12:45.
A Station Cape Disappointment boat crew returned to base before arriving on scene.
U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist Petty Officer First Class Levi Read said the Coast Guard has been affected by the federal government shutdown, but continues to focus on port security and search-and-rescue operations such as the one Wednesday at Yaquina Bay.
“We will continue to assist mariners and carry out our essential missions,” he said.
Calling it a landmark night for Taft High wrestling, second-year Taft Coach Robb Ellis’ upstart squad defeated defending Class 3A State champion Willamina in its own gym 39-37 in a dual match Thursday.
While saying it doesn’t mean the Tigers have a shot at the State title because dual matches play out differently than individually bracketed tournaments such as State, “it is still a pretty cool milestone for Taft wrestling.”
Taft also defeated Clatskanie 24-6 Thursday, but lost 34-24 to Dayton, another 3A power that should finish near the top at State this season.
Senior Jacob Mayoral (Photo by Lon French)
The highlight of the night, Ellis said, was senior Jacob Mayoral’s 145-pound win over the defending District champion from Willamina. Down by a point with a second remaining, Mayoral managed to get behind his opponent and score two points for the victory.
“Jacob doesn’t get some of the press that some other wrestlers do, but over the last two years he has one of the highest winning percentages on the team,” Ellis said, “Jacob was looking in good shape to go to State last year and then ran into a very tough 145-pound bracket at the District tournament.”
Mayoral was unable to make it in to the top three to qualify for State, joining another wrestler from Rainier who also did not qualify after reaching State the previous year.
“Some people do get easier draws at Districts, and that can help them get into State,” Ellis said. “With the way Jacob is wrestling, he has a very good shot to go to State, but he may have to cut down to the 138-bracket at Districts. While he will be a little hungry and have less energy, the 138 bracket may be shaping up nicely for him to get third place or even higher this year. Jacob has worked hard and deserves the spotlight.”
Meanwhile, senior Cody Knott continued to dominate by going 3-0 and improving to 18-1 this season.
“He put on a display by stacking a State qualifier from Willamina,” Ellis said. “We were able to see some of how we will fare at the District tournament and secure some seeding in the brackets with some key wins.
“I am feeling very positive that our goal of breaking the Taft record by taking six wrestlers to State this year is well within reach.”
Taft is competing today at the Alsea Bay Classic in Waldport.
City staff will recommend approval of beer and wine sales at the Bijou Theatre in Lincoln City at Monday’s first City Council meeting of 2019.
Owners Keith and Elizabeth “Betsy” Altomare have requested the Council to recommend to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission approval for a limited on-premises liquor sales license at their movie theater at 1624 NE Highway 101.
In addition, staff will recommend Momiji Express, a Japanese and Chinese restaurant at 1500 SE E. Devils Lake Road #305, be approved for a full on-premises commercial liquor sales license.
The requests follow a review by Lincoln City Police Chief Jerry Palmer.
In other action, staff will recommend that Council direct Parks & Recreation to list Lincoln City in the Oregon Heritage Tree Program and recognize trees of significance such as the giant Sitka spruce at Regatta Park; conduct a public hearing on proposed ordinances to create standards for four-plex dwellings and tiny house (400 square feet or less) developments; and consider amending a zoning code to reduce or eliminate existing requirements for off-street parking in Taft and Oceanlake.
An Oath of Office ceremony will also be conducted for incoming Mayor Dick Anderson and new City Councilors Mitch Parsons (Ward I), Diane Kusz (Ward II) and Rick Mark (Ward III).
A reception will be held for outgoing Mayor Don Williams and Councilor Susan Wahlke following Monday’s meeting.
Judith Larrett, 81, of Lincoln City, was pronounced dead at the scene Thursday morning following a head-on traffic collision near Seal Rock.
Oregon State Police said Larrett was a passenger in a gold 2008 Toyota van driven by Richard Larrett, 85, of Lincoln City, when a blue 2001 Lexus SUV, operated by Patricia Norenberg, 55, of Waldport, drifted into the northbound lane and struck the Larrett’s vehicle.
At approximately 8:45 pm, OSP troopers and emergency personnel responded to the report of the two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 101 near Milepost 152, just south of Seal Rock.
Norenberg and Richard Larrett were transported by ambulance to Newport’s Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital. Their conditions have not been released.
The Waldport Fire Department, Seal Rock Fire Department, Newport Fire Department, ODOT Incident Response/Maintenance, Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department and Newport Police Department assisted OSP.
A pickup truck struck a woman and baby girl in a stroller in a crosswalk in Lincoln City on Saturday, prompting an ambulance trip to the hospital.
