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Resistance to homeless busing plan leads to Newport shelter’s withdrawal

Justin Werner & Jim Fossum
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Resistance to homeless busing plan leads to Newport shelter’s withdrawal
homeless busing
Photo illustration by Justin Werner
Newport Mayor-elect Dean Sawyer
Newport Mayor-elect Dean Sawyer

Overwhelming opposition in political circles and on social media have caused Grace Wins Haven to withdraw from its arrangement to house Lincoln City’s homeless at its warming shelter in Newport.

Traci Flowers, who oversees the Newport shelter North County homeless would be bused to, said Newport Mayor-elect Dean Sawyer adamantly opposes Lincoln City City Manager Ron Chandler’s plan and doesn’t want to begin relationships with the new city government on a sour note.

“I’m not going to be a part of this unless the City is behind it,” Flowers said. “I don’t think it’s a great idea, but I’m not going to let people die.”

Efforts to reach Sawyer and Newport City Manager Spencer Nebel for comment have gone unanswered.

Lincoln City Warming Shelter President Patrick Alexander said busing his clients to Newport can only be considered “a short-term stopgap measure” while a local site is worked out.

Chandler has scheduled two meetings this week to discuss overnight housing in the Taft area – 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the Driftwood Public Library, and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at the North Lincoln County Historical Museum.

Announcement of the plan, first posted yesterday (Sunday, Nov. 18) on Homepage and shared on Facebook, has generated nearly 8,000 views, with the vast majority of users expressing disdain and condemning the plan.

Plans made to bus Lincoln City homeless to Newport for temporary shelter

Patrick Alexander and Ron Chandler

Oregon Strike Team 11 returning home from ‘Camp Fire’

Justin Werner
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Oregon Strike Team 11 returning home from ‘Camp Fire’
Oregon Strike Team 11
Oregon Strike Team 11

Oregon Strike Team 11 Leader Andy Parker reports in a North Lincoln Fire & Rescue Facebook post that his squad is returning from fighting the California “Camp Fire.”

The team was comprised of crews from Lincoln and Polk counties. Crew members from Newport, Toledo, Depoe Bay, Yachats, Lincoln City, Central Coast, Dallas and Polk County worked on dousing the fire.

“We were assigned structural protection, line construction and prep, triage and prep of homes, search and rescue operations in different areas of the fire,” Parker, Newport Fire Department engineer, said. “Everyone did a great job putting in long hours and a lot of hard work to help with the fire.”

North Lincoln Fire & Rescue firefighters Brian Nordyke, Eric Maestas, Jeff Cutler and Lt. Loren Nordyke are on their way home.

The death toll from the Camp Fire in Northern California increased to 76 Saturday, while the number of people unaccounted for increased to 1,276.

The blaze is 60 percent contained after consuming more than 149,500 acres.

Plans made to bus Lincoln City homeless to Newport for temporary shelter

Jim Fossum
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Plans made to bus Lincoln City homeless to Newport for temporary shelter

Lincoln City homeless

Arrangements have been made to transport Lincoln City’s homeless to Newport in cold-weather situations and temporarily house them at Grace Wins Haven at the County Fairgrounds.

Lincoln City City Manager Ron Chandler
Lincoln City City Manager Ron Chandler

According to a recent email obtained by Homepage, Lincoln City City Manager Ron Chandler has informed Lincoln City Warming Shelter President Patrick Alexander that those needing temporary overnight housing will be bused 30 miles south to Newport under an agreement to purchase vouchers from Lincoln County Transit.

“The Lincoln City Warming Shelter believes that busing can only be considered as a short-term stopgap measure while a local shelter site is worked out,” Alexander said.

Chandler has scheduled two “neighborhood meetings” this week to discuss overnight housing in the Taft area – 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, at the Driftwood Public Library, and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, at the North Lincoln County Historical Museum.

“Please note that this is not a City Council meeting nor is it a public hearing. It’s an opportunity for me to meet with the people that live and work in Taft and provide the Council with information,” Chandler said.

“We encourage anyone interested to attend and have their say,” Alexander said.

In the email, Chandler said the arrangements with Grace Wins Haven and Alexander’s desire to use the emergency powers of the City to use Taft Hall or First Baptist Church in Lincoln City won’t solve the shelter’s long-term problems.

“If you want to permanently remain in Taft Hall or permanently move to the First Baptist Church you should apply to the City to change the zoning ordinance to allow this use as a permitted or conditional use,” he said.

Meanwhile, volunteers will be needed to assist in the care and travel of Lincoln City patrons, Traci Flowers, of Grace Wins Haven, said. The last stop of the bus route is located across the street from the Fairgrounds.

Patrick Alexander and Ron Chandler
Patrick Alexander, foreground, and Ron Chandler

In email correspondence with the City Council prior to Chandler’s announcement, Alexander said the transportation plan would mark the first time he could recall in his 12 years in Lincoln City that officials have moved in favor of centralized services in Newport as opposed to locally provided services in North County.

“In speaking with the organizer of the Newport shelter, I have learned that while the fairgrounds has ample space for people to sleep, it does not have sufficient cots or volunteers to handle an increase of as many as 40 additional clients each night,” he said.

Alexander also warned that some volunteers might be able to make the trip to Newport, but that road conditions are likely to be poor and many might not feel safe making the trip. Questions have also been posed in regards to transporting clients’ belongings and possibly their pets.

Alexander also pointed out that the fairgrounds are unavailable as a shelter on Friday nights, when it moves to a smaller alternate site due to a standing booking.

“Whether that alternate premises could handle an influx of North County clients remains unclear,” he said.

Alexander also said the Newport shelter has a lower temperature trigger than the below 40-degree mark his operation utilizes and shared other concerns:

“The opening criteria could leave homeless clients unsheltered on nights as cold at 33 degrees,” he said. “Our group believes that is unacceptable, especially when there are suitable premises to provide a higher level of care right here in Lincoln City, complete with a dedicated pool of volunteers who have a proven track record of operating a shelter in a safe manner.

“Busing homeless people to Newport also has the side effect of making their already hectic lives even more stressful. It is a little-known fact that many of the people who stay overnight in our shelter have jobs to get to in the morning. Forcing them to commute back from Newport to get to work adds an unnecessary complication to their day. Even our clients who are unemployed have hectic lives as they try to get to appointments and fulfill personal obligations while relying on public transport and often carrying all their belongings with them.

“The city’s internal debate about what constitutes ‘Accessory Use’ presented our group with a moving target as we sought permission to operate this year. Our group worked in good faith in accordance with the guidance presented to us. Since that guidance changed in September, we have tried to adjust our strategy accordingly, presenting alternate premises for consideration as a shelter and trying without success to find a new home within a commercial or industrial zone in order to pursue a ‘Conditional Use’ permit.

“The failure of these efforts should not be used to justify a policy of busing, with all the associated shortcomings laid out above.

“Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, our group does not feel busing homeless people to Newport represents the community values of Lincoln City, especially in light of Council’s admirable actions in recent years to triple its funding for nonprofit groups that largely work to provide comfort to this vulnerable population.”

Dylan J. Givargiznia – March 26, 1999 – Nov. 16, 2018

Homepage Staff
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Dylan J. Givargiznia – March 26, 1999 – Nov. 16, 2018
Dylan J. Givargiznia
Dylan J. Givargiznia

Dylan J. Givargiznia, of Oshkosh, Wis., overcame his 14-year battle with cancer on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018. He was 19.

Born on March 26, 1999, in Modesto, Calif., Givargiznia graduated from Taft High 7-12 in 2017 as class valedictorian and student body president.

Dylan was a member of First Baptist Church in Newport. He was a humble example to others who were fighting battles much like his own. He kept his faith strong in God throughout his journey.

He adored his family, and, even through long doctor visits and treatments, his selfless acts motivated others to do good in the world.

Dylan was known to his family as a silent warrior and never let his pain show through his inspiring smile.

Dylan was a student at George Fox University and dreamed of working in the criminal justice system.

Dylan will be deeply missed by his loving parents, Stephanie and Michael Lyon; sister, Kayla Schipper; and brothers, Peyton, Ryder, Coltyn and Elyjah Lyon. He is further survived by grandmother, Valerie Bentley.

A private graveside service was held at Riverside Cemetery in Oshkosh.

Special thanks to Children’s Hospital of Milwaukee, Wis., Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in Portland, Ore., Seattle Children’s Hospital and University of California-San Francisco.

“To the many doctors, nurses, and staff that gave our son and family exceptional care for 14 years, we thank you. We are forever grateful for your love.”

Lincoln City Swim Club Pumpkin Sprint Meet goes off swimmingly

Justin Werner & Jim Fossum
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Lincoln City Swim Club Pumpkin Sprint Meet goes off swimmingly

Swimmers weren’t the only ones to make a splash Saturday during the first day of the Lincoln City Swim Club Pumpkin Sprint Meet at the Lincoln City Community Center.

A booth was set up when visitors arrived to the event showcasing glass pumpkin floats donated by Kelly Howard and the Lincoln Glass Center and numerous other fundraising prizes.

“We’re trying to raise money for the team to assist swimmers who can’t afford the monthly dues.” Lincoln City Swim Club (LCSC) parent Joan Prins said.

The Pumpkin Sprint Relay had swimmers pushing pumpkins in their lane to waiting teammates who used a variety of swimming techniques to get the pumpkins down the pool. Some pushed it with their chests while others kept it at the tip of their hands. One swimmer used his head to push the pumpkin along.

“Kids come from all over the state to swim in our pool and I know that’s great for tourism,” Community Center Director Boone Marker said. “The kids get to enjoy a fun event like the Pumpkin Sprint Relay and enjoy some hip-hop music.”

“A lot of our kids have been swimming with us year-round since they were young,” LCSC Coach Lissa Parker said. “We have 182 kids on 12 teams here today and 26 of those are Lincoln City kids.”

The two-day event resumes at approximately 9 a.m. Sunday at the Lincoln City Community Center pool.

 

Lincoln City Police Crime Log Nov. 9-15

Justin Werner
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Lincoln City Police Crime Log Nov. 9-15

Crime Lincoln City

The Lincoln City Police Dispatch Daily Desk Log is a public record of police calls. Homepage will run the log every Friday. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Friday, Nov. 9

Suspicious Activity – 10:46 a.m. – Taft Elementary School – Office staff reported a female trying to visit her grandson and take him out of class without permission from parent.

Sexual Assault – 12:15 p.m. – Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital – Michael J Ellis (6/29/64) taken into custody on probable cause for possession of methamphetamine, sexual abuse I, sodomy I and harassment. Transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Burglary – 10:18 p.m. – 304 SE Highway 101 – Owner found building had been broken into and items taken.

Theft – 11:33 p.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Report of stolen iPhone 7+ and pink case worth $1,000.

Saturday, Nov. 10 

Suspicious Vehicle – 2:25 a.m. – N Highway 101 & N 20th St. – Officer witnessed driver who is suspended driving. Officer contacting subject later. (SEE BELOW)

Escape – 2:46 a.m. – 2150 NE Oar Pl. – Subject ran from vehicle during traffic stop. Subject had felony warrant.

Suspicious Vehicle – 3:28 p.m. – 145 NW Inlet Ave. – Report of a suspicious vehicle in Sea Gypsy parking lot. Vehicle stopped entering D River Wayside. Driver cited for driving while suspended and no insurance.

Disturbance – 4:52 p.m. – 1441 NW 17th St. – Juvenile reports her mother is going crazy and throwing things at her. Report taken.

Welfare Check – 5:45 p.m. – 2457 NW Jetty Ave. -Requested check on a female who said she doesn’t want to live anymore. Transported to SNLH on peace officer hold.

7:26 p.m. – Driver officer witnessed earlier cited and released for driving while revoked. (FROM ABOVE)

Warrant Arrest – 9:13 p.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Casino security advises that wanted subject currently playing pool in tournament. Milo J Thomas (1/28/88) located and taken into custody on outstanding felony warrant out of Marion County for Assault II x 2. Transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Sunday, Nov. 11

DUII – 1:58 a.m. – 1410 SE Highway 101 – Call of suspicious activity in parking lot. Julia K. Wallensack (1/9/54) cited and released for DUII.

Trespass – 8:47 a.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Jacqueline McLeod (4/17/84) was cited and released for trespass II after creating a disturbance.

Fraud – 11:18 a.m. – 4438 SE 51st St. – Caller reported fraudulent transactions on bank account.

Theft – 11:21 a.m. – Caller reports while staying at Comfort Inn he lost a small blue Cabella’s bag containing a Keltac PF9 with two full magazines holding seven rounds apiece, Benchmade folding knife, SOG straight blade knife and his company ID card for DH Global.

Assisting Other Agency – 4:12 p.m. – NW 15th St. Beach Access – Caller reported several vehicles driving erratically on the beach past the no driving signs.Officer contacted drivers of vehicles. Robert E. Oar (6/15/77) had a statewide felony warrant for failure to appear on an assault IV charge and was cited for driving while suspended. Amanda G Howser (11/7/74) had a misdemeanor warrant for probation violation for contempt of court and a municipal warrant for theft III. Both were taken into custody and transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Burglary – 4:20 p.m. – 351 SE Port Ave. – Caller reports she arrived and found a window damaged and a bed moved.

Theft – 5:09 p.m. – US Market – Victim reports he lost his wallet while in an unauthorized taxi. Now they won’t return it. Report taken.

Monday, Nov. 12 

Found Property – 11:22 a.m. – Capt. Jack Sparrow turned in a shoulder holster, a Pierce County badge and ammunition. Items taken for safekeeping.

Hit and Run – 12:27 p.m. – 4101 NW Logan Rd. – Caller reported her vehicle was struck while she was sitting in it. Caller was able to get a plate but was not able to catch up and make contact.

Theft – 2:57 p.m. – 4910 SE Highway 101 – Report of red/white mountain bike with camera mount and disc brakes stolen from back of pickup at Ace Hardware.

Crash – 2:57 p.m. – 825 NW Highway 101 – Three car crash with injury. One car towed.

Theft – 3:28 p.m. – 1905 NW Jetty Ave. –  Theft of kids shoes and headlamps from front porch of residence. Suspect female wearing white hoodie with two males. Left the area on foot northbound from location towards the Nordic Hotel.

Recovered Stolen Vehicle – 11:23 p.m. – NW 34th St. & NW Port Ct. – Callers reported a black utility trailer parked in the road/traffic hazard. Trailer is stolen out of Portland. Recovered and towed.

Domestic – 11:43 p.m. – 2034 NE Port Ave. – Caller reports intoxicated husband hit her. She is bleeding from head injury. Mathew F. Hayhurst (3/2/72) taken into custody for assault IV domestic and transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Tuesday, Nov. 13

Found Property – 12:31 p.m. – Found bicycle in the woods.

Hit and Run – 3:23 p.m. – 2224 NE Highway 101 – Caller reports her vehicle was struck, male Hispanic driver said he just bought his car, didn’t have insurance and left northbound on Highway 101. Victim had vehicle towed by AAA.

Welfare Check – 8:10 p.m. – Caller requested a welfare check on her mother. Officer responded and advised the subject inside. Officer forced entry. Subject transported to SNLH.

Found Property – 10:59 p.m. – SW 51st St. Public Restrooms – TCB security found an ID card, red Bi-Mart plastic sleeve and Bank of the West credit card.

Wednesday, Nov. 14

Found Property – 4:33 p.m. – A woman turned in ring she found. Ring taken for safekeeping.

Burglary – 7:18 p.m. – 1605 NW 26th St. – Caller reports vacation rental was broken into while tenants were out. Sound bar and computer accessories were missing.

Counterfeit – 6:42 p.m. – Inn at Spanish Head – Counterfeit $100 discovered.

Thursday, Nov. 15

Elude – 1:38 a.m. – Nelscott Strip – Nicholas L. Wirkkala (5/14/82) attempted to flee scene of wrecked vehicle. Transported to Lincoln County Jail on multiple warrants.

Theft – 3:36 a.m. – City Center Motel – Reporting item stolen.

Burglary – 11:27 a.m. – 1726 NW 25th St. – Caller reports two TV’s stolen from vacation rental. No suspects.

Assault – 4:07 p.m. – City Center Motel – Caller reported a fight in the parking lot. Victim was transported by ambulance to SNLH.

Criminal Mischief – 6:15 p.m. – 1040 SW 62nd St. – Caller reported her ex-boyfriend drove by her house and his passenger threw pizza boxes and ranch dressing at her car. Report taken.

OLDER LOGS

Update: Local fire crews battling California ‘Camp Fire’

Homepage Staff
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Update: Local fire crews battling California ‘Camp Fire’
Firefighters work to control the Camp Fire north of Oroville, Calif. (SCOTT CLAUSE, The Advertiser)

It has been one week since fire crews departed Oregon headed south to Paradise, Calif.

“Our people are doing OK,” Strike Team 11 Leader Andy Parker said. “It is hard to imagine the scale of damage and destruction done by this fire.”

Oregon crews are working 24-hour shifts, prepping structures near Oroville, Calif., as the “Camp Fire” burns south of Paradise, which was completely devastated.

The task now is to prepare structures that might be threatened tomorrow, when the fire is expected to push through. The teams are cutting low limbs from trees and clearing areas of brush as bulldozers cut fire lines.

The 26-member Strike Team 11, comprised of personnel and equipment from Yachats Rural Fire Protection Distict, Central Oregon Coast Fire Rescue District, Newport Fire Department, Depoe Bay Fire District, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Toledo Fire Department, Polk County Fire District, and Dallas/SW Polk Fire, joined 16 teams of 290 Oregon firefighters and nearly 50 engines to work the worst fire in California history.

“CAL FIRE really appreciates our being here.”  Assistant Chief Deputy at the Oregon Office of the State Fire Marshal Claire McGrew reported this morning during a state-wide conference call.

McGrew and Deputy Chief Scott Magers of the Hillsboro Fire Department shared information about fire conditions and fire crews. McGrew and Magers are with Oregon crews as part of the effort coordinating the teams that are a part of 5,596 firefighters from several states battling fires in Butte County.

McGrew said fire crews would most likely be working in Butte County for another week through Thanksgiving and could be returning next Friday.

“It may be sooner, but CAL FIRE requested us for that long.” he said.

The “Camp Fire” has consumed 142,000 acres and is now 45 percent contained. Approximately 9700 homes, 144 multi-residential structures, and 336 businesses have been destroyed by the blaze. The death toll has risen to 63, with 631 civilians missing.

“Please keep our crews, and the folks of Butte County in your thoughts and prayers.”  Newport Chief Rob Murphy said.

Lincoln City Police Employees Association ‘Blue Christmas’ event Dec. 8 2018

Justin Werner
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Lincoln City Police Employees Association ‘Blue Christmas’ event Dec. 8 2018

Lincoln City Police Employees Association’s “Blue Christmas” brings the community and police together with their second-annual family-friendly event 1-4 p.m., Dec. 8 at the Lincoln City Community Center.

Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 NE Oar Pl. (CLICK FOR DIRECTIONS)

“This is the second year we have held this event, so we are looking forward to increasing our participation from last year,” said Police Administrator Tammi Williams.

“Craft with a Cop” will feature three make & take stations where citizens and police personnel will create items together.

Two “Reindeer Games” stations will offer Lincoln City Police Department swag prizes, such as:

  • Cups
  • Magnets
  • Stress balls
  • Bracelets
  • Pens/pencils
  • Coloring books

Each participating child will receive a passport to be stamped at all five stations and completed passports will be entered into a drawing where the winner will get a “police escort” to school on the Friday before Christmas break, complete with donuts and goodies for the entire class.

A big draw returning from last year is “Photo-op with a Cop,” where families can pose for pictures with officers and utilize holiday props for extra festive fun.

Local businesses are sponsoring a free raffle for which each attendee will receive one ticket upon entering the event. As of the writing of this article the following businesses have donated for the raffle:

  • Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant
  • Papa Murphy’s
  • Lincoln City Cinemas
  • Pacific Grind Café
  • Wildflower Grill
  • Lincoln City Glass Center
  • Lincoln City Community Center

Cookies, cocoa, coffee will make up the refreshments.

Blue Christmas Lincoln City Police

 

 

 

Local economy to get boost from Lincoln City Swim Club event

Homepage Staff
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Local economy to get boost from Lincoln City Swim Club event

The Lincoln City Swim Club’s annual Pumpkin Sprint meet promises to make a big splash on the local economy this weekend when 10 teams from throughout the state converge at the Lincoln City Community Center pool.

Events will be held Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m., with “pumpkin relays” scheduled for approximately noon Saturday.

Pig n’ Pancake strawberry waffles, breakfast items and Mexican food will be served, and a raffle for floats by Kelly Howard with Lincoln City Glass Center conducted.

Lincoln City pulls together to pull stuck visitor free from beach, rising tide

Justin Werner
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Lincoln City pulls together to pull stuck visitor free from beach, rising tide

Heidi Krause stuck in sand

Dogs in car
Three dogs on board

Heidi Krause didn’t think she and her three dogs would get perilously stuck in the sand 35 feet from the approaching Pacific Ocean in her Toyota FJ Cruiser south of Taft on Thursday.

Krause was visiting longtime friend David Elton from Lake Oswego on a trip to possibly donate money to the Lincoln City Resource Center and Warming Shelter.

Krause and Elton went to Les Schwab Tires and got new tires for her vehicle and they wanted to test them on the beach. They saw a sign, but it was unclear to them that it stood for “No Motor Vehicles.” Seeing three sets of tire tracks on the beach, Elton went for it.

He drove onto the beach and the car quickly sunk into the sand.

“Oh no, we are totally stuck,” he said.

“I turned around and looked at the ocean and my eyes about popped out of their sockets. I knew we were in a bad pinch,” said Krause.

Realizing they had to act fast, the couple called a tow company, which said it would cost $300 to pull the SUV to safety. Not wanting to pay the charge, they enlisted the help of Lincoln City and Gleneden Beach locals to help them free the stricken FJ Cruiser.

Stuck in sand

A team of six locals used two trucks and three tow lines in multiple attempts to pull Krause’s vehicle free, but the Toyota had sunk too deep and it took Tillamook company Zwald Transport Inc. to save the day.

“It was a heartwarming day renewing our sense of community,” Elton said.

As the vehicle pulled away from the beach, water struck the tires twice before Zwald could tow it to safety.

“It was close,” Elton said of the rising tide. “At the very end, the water bashed up against the car as if the ocean was giving it one last college try.”

Krause and Elton said they wish to thank everyone involved and say they will pay attention to the universal symbol of “No Motor Vehicles” in the future.

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