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Lincoln City senior planner named Oregon’s Planner of the Year

Local News

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October 6, 2018

Lincoln City senior planner named Oregon’s Planner of the Year

The Oregon Chapter of the American Planning Association (OAPA) will honor Lincoln City Senior Planner Debra Nicholson with the “Distinguished Leadership Professional Planner Award” as the state’s planner of the year on Oct. 18 at the chapter’s annual conference in Bend.

“Public participation is one of Debra’s passions,” Lincoln City Planning Director Richard Townsend said. “And, she works doggedly to reach out and get the involvement of groups and individuals who often are absent from the city planning process.”

The Distinguished Leadership Professional Planner Award recognizes a professional planner in Oregon who has made an outstanding contribution to the field of planning and to his or her community.

The award criteria specify that the planner’s work must stand out and demonstrate exceptional practice, must amount to a significant contribution to the community, region, or state, and must have been effective in formulating and implementing plans and ideas is support of good planning.

Townsend cited Nicholson’s work on the city’s Transportation System Plan, Walking and Biking Plan, Parks and Recreation System Plan, Nelscott Gap Neighborhood Plan, as well as her involvement with the city’s ongoing planning efforts relating to the Imagine Lincoln City vision plan, the master plan for the Villages at Cascade Head property, and the city’s comprehensive plan.

“We are so proud that she got this recognition,” Townsend said. “She so richly deserves it. Lincoln City is a better place because of her planning efforts.”

OAPA is an independent, not-for-profit educational organization that provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in community planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change.

The American Planning Association is the professional association for the nation’s professional urban and regional planners. The American Planning Association provides leadership in community development by advocating excellence in planning, and promoting education and citizen empowerment.

Affordable housing issues confronted at Ridge Apartments ribbon cutting

Justin Werner

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October 5, 2018

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Affordable housing issues confronted at Ridge Apartments ribbon cutting

EDITOR’S NOTE: Updated with news release from Stiley at bottom of article.

Several big-name politicians and community leaders discussed affordable housing issues Friday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, where the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce congratulated Northwest Coastal Housing (NWCH) on its recent renovation of The Ridge Apartments.

Rep. David Gomberg and Lincoln County Commissioner Claire Elizabeth Hall spoke about affordable housing and the important role government plays in obtaining affordable housing resources.

Lincoln City Council member Dick Anderson joined Lincoln County Commissioner Doug Hunt, Family Promise of Lincoln County Executive Director Elizabeth Reyes and newly elected County Commissioner Kaety Jacobson.

“This is a celebration of the completion of the envelope of the 80 Unit Affordable Housing Property impacting 22 years of Lincoln County families,” NWCH Executive Director Sheila Stiley said.

Northwest Coastal Housing is a nonprofit corporation committed to developing affordable housing, and advocating and supporting community efforts that enhance affordable living options. Its mission is “to provide affordable, safe, decent and stable housing with compassion and integrity.”

Lori Arce-Torres represented the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce.

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The following is a news release from Stiley:

Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce Sponsored a Ribbon Cutting Event at the Ridge Apartments in Lincoln City celebrating a completed envelope construction rehab. The event was hosted by NW Coastal Housing (NWCH) on Friday, October 5, 2018 between 3:30 and 5:00 p.m. at 3340 SE Harbor Drive, Lincoln City in the newly remodeled Ridge Community Building/Office located in the center of the complex.

“This is a celebration of the completion of the envelope of the 80 Unit Affordable Housing Property impacting 22 years of Lincoln County families,” said Sheila Stiley, Executive Director at NWCH & Spyglass Ridge LP (SRLP). It is also celebrating the finality of a very lengthy project taking nearly 2 years, $2 million, and opening the door to the next project ahead, future development.

The property experienced 22 year old failed siding and windows, leaving residents paying out anywhere from $100 to over $400 monthly in electric bills. The back decks were dry rotting and becoming a hazard. The back door sill pans were allowing moisture to run down the back of the rim joist resulting in dry rot. Therefore, before future development could be focused on, priority was care of currently owned assets needing to be addressed. The Affordable Housing world obtains its funding through various sources, combining multiple layers in order to develop. When that occurs, restrictions (encumbrances) on the property generate future funding stream complications, as with The Ridge. Case and point, after attempting to apply for NOFA (Notice Of Funds Available) from OHCS (Oregon Housing Community Services) 3 times without success in order to rehab the dilapidating property, NWCH/SRLP sought other means in the form of a HUD Refinance, taking 15 months just to close. Prior to this occurring, NWCH/SRLP resorted to pulling funds out of their own reserves to replace the roofing and gutters in 2014/2015.

In order to close the loan, NWCH/SRLP had to make repairs on their own in order to qualify for the funds. Though some of the repairs qualified for reimbursement from the loan, only partial amounts were eligible. One such example was the requirement to change baseboard heaters in the units after taking a survey of all of them. Upon doing so, it was realized the property had baseboard heaters between two water sources in the bathrooms and all of then needed to be replaced. The reimbursement funds from the HUD Loan amounted to $4000.00 however, the cost to replace the heaters was $26,000.00. That did not include sheetrock repair in all 112 bathrooms totaling $16,000.00. NWCH received funds from Wells Fargo to help offset some of the cost.

The Ridge now has new roofing, gutters, hardi plank siding, new windows, and back doors. In addition, the Ridge also received the following list of repairs: vapor barrier and ground floor insulation, (14) new kitchen cabinet/counter replacements, (38 units) subfloor and flooring repair/replacement, eight new continuous run fan systems on all eight buildings, a new concrete ADA ramp, all new exterior lighting, securing of all ground floor level dryer ducts, new rip rap retainer wall (60 ft in length), new footings and electrical boxes on one building, erosion control stem walls, all new front door lever handled exterior hardware, new bathroom lighting, new signage on buildings and both entrances, a new piece of playground equipment and new paint.

In order to continue to provide adequate services to the residents and the community, the Ridge community room also received a rehab of new flooring, new commercial grade backdoors, a new enlarged kitchen with cabinets, countertops, & appliances (provided by grants including Lincoln County Economic Development Fund, City of Lincoln City, First Interstate Bank and Confederated Tribe of Siletz Indians), and a fresh coat of paint.

The Ridge Apartments is not simply apartments. It is equipped with Resident Services which is a half time on site paid position providing resources for residents to overcome their current barriers and increase their standard of living. In addition are programs, educational seminars, and afterschool program for youth. The Ridge provides a space for nonprofits to reach the greater Lincoln City populous with pertinent and relevant information and resources.

The Ridge Apartments also works with partner organizations to not only provide resources, but housing. This includes homeless families, victims of domestic violence, single parents, seniors, veterans, and low income families/individuals. Thanks to partner organizations, such as Family Promise of Lincoln County, My Sister’s Place, Community Services Consortium, Food Share of Lincoln County, OSU Extension Office and many more, residents receive supportive surrounding services and The Ridge has the pleasure of playing a role in stabilization of community.

The completion of the envelope construction rehab has been a great accomplishment for the organization and the residents. There is still work to be completed with the large complex, but this was a huge dent in the needs. Some of the following attendees included but were not limited to (Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce) Jill Woolsey, Chamber Board President, Josh Brainerd, Chamber Board Member, Jessica Barton, Chamber Office Manager and Lori Arce-Torres, Chamber Executive Director.

From the Lincoln County Commissioners Office were Commissioners Claire Hall, Doug Hunt and Kaety Jacobson. Representing District 10 was State Representative David Gomberg. Representing the City of Lincoln City were Councilman and Mayoral candidate Dick Anderson (also a former Director for NWCH and past President) and Urban Renewal Director Allison Robertson.

NW Legacy Contractor owners and Ridge project Contractors Monte & Hillary Pershall as well as Dustin Capri of Capri Architecture for the Ridge Apartment project were also present. Representing Guardian Property Management were Kelly Paine, Portfolio Manager and Glenna Brown, On-Site Community Manager for the Ridge Apartments.

Michelle Gaylor represented “My Sister’s Place” and City of Newport Councilman and Mayoral Candidate Dietmar Goebel of DH Goebel Architecture was present. Pastor Luke Frechette for the South Beach Church attended as did the following NWCH Board Directors: Jack Baldwin/Vice President, Nancy Mitchell/Secretary, Michael Smith/ Director and Elizabeth Reyes/ Director. NWCH staff members included Sheila Stiley/Executive Director, Robert Bare/Development Director/Grant Writer and Marnie Hudson/Resident Services Coordinator for the Ridge Apartments.

NWCH is pursuing the next project of future development currently in the works.

www.nwcoastalhousing.org

Clatskanie 55, Taft 12

Jim Fossum

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October 5, 2018

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Clatskanie High made its homecoming celebration a joyous one Friday following four straight road games, rolling past visiting Taft 55-12 in a Class 3A Special District 1 West Division football game.

Trailing 27-12 at halftime, Taft failed to contain the rushing of Clatskanie senior quarterback Cooper Blodgett, his freshman backup, Andre Combs, and converted sophomore lineman Cedrix Heath in losing its fourth straight game by being outscored 28-0 in the second half.

Taft wideout JJ French, a hurdler and pole-vaulting specialist on the Tigers’ track and field team, tallied two first-half touchdowns by turning short passes from fellow sophomore Antonio Suarez into 56- and 16-yard scoring plays. Suarez was starting for the first time at the varsity level in place of injured senior starting quarterback David Jin.

Taft fell to 1-5 overall and 0-2 in league play with the loss, while Clatskanie improved to 4-2, 1-1. Clatskanie, which was missing four starters, has outscored its opponents 254-68 this season.

Taft plays fourth-ranked Willamina on the road at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, next week due to annual teacher conferences.

This post was filed live after each quarter and throughout the game

First Quarter

Taft took the opening kick at its own 29 before sophomore Antonio Suarez, starting in place of injured senior David Jin (ankle), was intercepted and the ball was returned for a touchdown and a 7-0 Clatskanie lead just seconds into the game.

Taft took the ensuing kick at its own 20 and was forced to surrender possession on downs on a three-and-out, punting to the Clatskanie 47.

Sophomore Cedrix Heath, a lineman moved to running back, ran several times for good yardage into Taft territory, and senior quarterback Cooper Blodgett gave Clatskanie a first-and-goal. Clatskanie, also nicknamed the Tigers, scored on a 1-yard run on third down to make it 14-0 midway through the period.

Taft assumed possession at its own 35 following the kick and was unable to move the ball on three downs before punting to the Clatskanie 40 at 3:46.

Taft held Clatskanie a yard short of a first down at midfield, but was unable to stop the host Tigers from converting a first down inside Taft territory. A completion on the game’s first pass gained 28 yards to the Taft 20. After Clatskanie had an apparent touchdown brought back by a penalty for an illegal receiver downfield as the first quarter clock expired.

Second Quarter

Clatskanie scored on the first play of the quarter on a 12-yard run up the middle to make it 21-0.

Taft took possession for the third time at recorded its first down on an 11-yard pass from Suarez to senior Tyee Fisher before sophomore JJ French broke one 56 yards down the sideline on a screen play to cut the deficit to 21-6.

Taft tried an onside kick that rolled out of bounds to give Clatskanie excellent field position to start its next possession. Blodgett broke several tackles for a first down on the first play to move inside Taft territory, but the Taft defense stiffened when junior lineman Tyrese Hellman broke through for a sack on third-and-7 to bring up fourth down.

French then gained 36 yards on a pass from Suarez to the Clatskanie 24. Taft failed to convert on fourth-and-8 on a pass from Suarez to Fisher in the end zone to turn the ball over at the 22.

Blodgett took the next snap 78 yards for a score, but the play was brought back by a blocking penalty and netted 51 yards. Blodgett then ran for a first down inside the Taft 10 before going 9 yards to make it 28-6.

Taft took possession with just over three minutes to play in the half and a reception by junior Trenton Hall left the visiting Tigers near midfield, where French gained a first down on third-and–short at the Clatskanie 43. French gained seven yards and Taft called its first timeout of the half at 1:19 before intermission.

Tyee Fisher caught his fourth pass of the game from Suarez for 31 yards to the Clatskanie 12. French then scored his second TD of the game from the 16 on a flare pass to make it 27-12 after the two-point conversion pass failed.

With rain falling, Taft recovered an onside kick at the Clatskanie 29 with 17.6 seconds to play. Suarez ran out of bounds at the 25 to stop the clock with 11 seconds remaining. An incomplete pass in the corner of the end zone and another incompletion on third down came before the clock ticked down to halftime.

Third Quarter

Heath and Blodgett continued to move the ball on the ground for Clatskanie to start the second half following a lengthy homecoming celebration, marching the home team downfield, where Blodgett scored from the 5 and added a two-point conversion for a 35-12 lead.

French then busted into the clear for a first down on fourth down but had the ball stripped with possession switching hands to Clatskanie on the recovery.

Blodgett then hit Heath for a 20-yard TD on a screen to make it 41-12 halfway through the quarter.

Taft was forced to punt on the next possession and Clatskanie took possession at the 35. Blodgett was intercepted by junior Logan Gilleo following pressure from a blitzing French on the next play from there, but Taft went three-and-out and was forced to punt. Time then expired on the third quarter.

Assistant coach Tracey Taylor addresses the troops last week against Amity (File photo by Lon French)

Fourth Quarter

Clatskanie freshman backup quarterback Andre Combs then ran 20 yards for a score on the first play of the final period to make it 48-12 following the PAT at 11:14.

Taft failed to move the ball and punted the ball back to Clatskanie inside of 10 minutes to play. Combs broke into the clear again three plays later and went 57 yards to make it 55-12 following the extra-point.

After Tyee Fisher replaced Suarez at quarterback, French gained 21 yards on back-to-back carries at the quarter’s midway point. French then took the ball 28 yards to the Clatskanie 23, but couldn’t convert when French was stopped two yards short of a first down at the Clatskanie 12 with 3:18 left on the game clock.

Combs appeared headed for another long TD run, but the potential scoring play was called back by a penalty before Clatskanie punted the ball away and the clock ran out on the Tigers.

Taft Roster

No.	Name	Position	Grade	Height
2	Logan McLendon	WR/DB	Sr.	5-8
3	Kaden Hindman	WR/S	Fr.	5-9
4	Devon Lindquist	WR/S	Sr.	5-10
6	Zane Rowley	WR/DB	So.	5-4
7	Chris Lopez	WR/DB	Sr.	5-9
8	David Jin	QB/DB	Sr.	5-10
9	Kameron Kessler	WR/S	Sr.	6-1
11	Fco Ramos	WR/DB	So.	5-7
14	Tristan Beach	WR/DB	Jr.	5-10
15	Connor Bailey	WR/DB	Jr.	5-10
16	Darius Smith	WR/DB	So.	5-9
19	Antonio Suarez	QB/LB	So.	5-10
20	JJ French	RB/LB	So.	5-10
22	Tyee Fisher	WR/S	Sr.	6-5
23	Clay Nelson	WR/LB	Sr.	6-0
24	Trenton Hall	WR/LB	Jr.	5-9
25	Kaden White	WR/DB	Fr.	5-7
28	Logan Gilleo	RB/LB	Jr.	6-0
50	Dylan Rodriguez	OL/DL	Fr.	5-8
53	Micah Davis	OL/DE	Jr.	5-10
54	Eriq Aquino	OL/DL	Sr.	6-1
55	Elin Fitch	OL/DE	Jr.	6-3
56	Malachi LaFrenz	OL/DL	Sr.	6-2
57	Jace Phippen	OL/DL	Jr.	5-10
60	Chris Byrum	OL/DL	Sr.	5-8
61	Victor Carrasco	C/DE	Sr.	6-2
62	Brendan Welch	OL/DL	So.	5-9
66	Tyrese Hellman	OL/DL	Jr.	6-1
70	Josiah LaFrenz	OL/DL	So.	6-3
74	Sebastian Welch	OL/DL	So.	5-9
75	Dakota Steen	OL/DL	Fr.	6-0

Clatskanie Roster

No.	Name	Position	Grade	Height	Weight
	Kaden Burch		10
	Demario Pearsall		9
1/1	J’kari Combs	WR/DB	11	5-11	165
2/2	Cooper Blodgett	QB/DB	12	5-11	185
3/3	Kees Tjaarda	RB/DB	12	6-02	180
4/4	Kyler Tjaarda	RB/LB	10	5-07	140
5/5	Crew Blodgett	WR/DB	12	5-11	185
6/6	Alek Heath	WR/DB	9	5-01	120
7/7	Jack Boothe	QB/DB	11	5-07	135
8/8	Sam Shockley	RB/LB	11	5-06	180
9/9	Jake Bruce	WR/DB	12	6-01	175
10/10	Justice Osborne	TE/LB	12	5-09	155
11/11	Andre Combs	QB/DB	9	5-11	160
12/12	Chase Baker	TE/DL	11	6-01	170
14/14	Kameryn Gressett	RB/LB	11	5-07	160
17/17	Grant Carleton	WR/DB	11	5-11	165
23/23	Noah Patterson	WR/DB	11	6-00	170
25/25	James Helmen	RB/LB	11	5-09	190
28/28	Kade Tjaarda	RB/LB	9	5-05	130
31/31	Keegan Holsey	RB/LB	9	5-08	155
32/32	Tony Cueto	RB/LB	9	5-10	165
34/34	Luke Roth	WR/DB	12	6-01	170
43/43	Connor Esola	OL/DL	10	5-10	155
50/50	Cedrix Heath	OL/DL	10	5-11	175
51/51	Cade Warren	OL/DL	11	6-00	205
52/52	Edward Puls	OL/DL	10	6-02	225
53/53	Johnathan Morris	OL/DL	10	5-11	200
54/54	Timber Zea	OL/DL	11	6-01	180
55/55	Mitchell Hopstad	OL/DL	11	5-11	225
56/56	Bryce Puckett	OL/DL	12	6-03	190
60/60	Hunter Makinson	OL/DL	10	5-05	210
66/66	Caleb Ramsey	OL/DL	10	6-01	210
67/67	Malachi Heath	OL/DL	9	5-07	220
68/68	Cristofer McWhorter	OL/DL	11	5-07	205
69/69	Sterling Bruce	OL/DL	10	6-00	235
74/74	Ian Davidson	OL/DL	11	5-11	165
77/77	Nick Calliham	OL/DL	11
79/79	Tony Christen	OL/DL	11	6-02	330

Lincoln City lifts water warning on Schooner Creek, Siletz Bay sewage spill

Local News

Justin Werner

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October 5, 2018

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Lincoln City is no longer warning citizens to avoid water contact at Schooner Creek and Siletz bay as fecal coliform levels have dropped to acceptable levels.

According to a news release from the City of Lincoln City, testing has been ongoing daily since Sept. 21, and Sept. 28-Oct. 4 tests have dropped below the requirements. The City is removing signs put in place warning about contaminated water.

The testing was the result of a 2.1 million gallon sewage spill from a 24-foot pipe that ran under Schooner Creek. The leak was discovered on Friday, Sept. 21, at which time the pipe was taken offline and new 14-inch bypass lines were used. Wastewater flow to the Wastewater Treatment Plant has been running through the new lines since Sept. 21.

Lincoln City Police Crime Log Sept. 28 – Oct. 4

Justin Werner

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October 5, 2018

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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, Sept. 28

Disturbance – 7:15 a.m. – 3510 NE Highway 101 Room 14. Caller reported Robert Arnold (12/09/66) tried to break into hotel room. Arnold was located and cited for criminal mischief II.

Theft – 9:40 a.m. – 1014 NE Highway 101. Caller reported his backpack with a Samsung Galaxy Note 5 was stolen on 9/27. Phone was pinged to NE 11th ST & NE Keel AVE.

Theft – 10:08 a.m. – Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, 3043 NE 28th ST. Report of theft.

Assault – 10:19 a.m. – 2306 NE 34th ST. Report of a cold assault.

Hit and Run – 3:36 p.m. – Taft High School, 3780 SE Spyglass Ridge DR. Caller reported a tall white vehicle struck vehicle while parked.

Hit and Run – 7:35 p.m. – 1700 Block NW Highway 101. White van struck side mirror of parked pickup and fled.

Saturday, Sept. 29

Assault – 3:21 a.m. – Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, 3043 NE 28th ST. Emergency room staff reported a patient that came in injured from an assault.

DOA – 3:55 a.m. – 426 Jetty AVE. Responded to CPR in progress. Deceased taken by Pacific View Memorial.

AOA – 1:11 p.m. – 95 SW Highway 101. Caller reported a male approached her children and asked them to go with him when they were coming up from the beach. Joseph B. Landry (01/01/94) was contacted and had two felony warrants for UUMV and FTA-UUMV out of Multnomah and Clackamas counties. Landry was taken into custody and transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Theft – 3:50 p.m. – 3327 NW Highway 101. Caller reported a theft of wallet from US Market sometime last night.

False Information – 7:17 p.m. – Fabian Elizondo cited to appear for false information and items seized for return.

Warrant Arrest – 8:16 p.m. – Oceanlake Laundry, 2164 NE Highway 101. Austin J. Wiley (05/07/90) was taken into custody for felony warrant out of Lincoln County Jail for parole violation. Wiley also cited for driving while suspended violation. Transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Found Dog – 11:24 p.m. – D River Wayside. Dog found running loose. Dog transported to LCPD.

Sunday, Sept. 30

Intoxicated – 12:19 a.m. – OLD Oregon, 1604 NE Highway 101. Report of an intoxicated female throwing things in bar. Deborah Filipetti (05/11/85) contacted outside Cruise Inn. Cited and released for disorderly conduct II.

DUII – 3:00 a.m. – Taco Bell, 3910 NE Highway 101. Adrian Ochoa (2/23/81) was cited and released for DUII after being observed drinking in the drive-thru.

Found Property – 11:14 a.m. – 95 SW Highway 101. Caller brought a found debit card to PD lobby. Card seized for safekeeping.

Monday, Oct. 1

Trespass – 1:41 p.m. – Chinook Winds Casino, 1777 NW 44th ST. Casino security reported Leonard Francis Salet (09/12/59) on gaming floor after previously trespassed. Salet taken into custody for trespass and transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Domestic – 9:29 p.m. – 1750 NW 25th ST. Caller reported her juvenile son assaulted her.

Tuesday, Oct. 2

Extra Patrol – 3:49 p.m. – Mid Columbia Bus Company is requesting extra patrol at NE Surf ST & NE Devils Point DR where it loops behind Oceanlake between 1530 & 1600. Clear out cars that are parked in the no parking because bus can’t get through.

Hit and Run – 9:42 p.m. – Safeway, 4101 NW Logan Road. Vehicle struck while in the store.

Wednesday, Oct. 3

Warrant Arrest – 11:57 a.m. – NE 11th ST & NE Keel AVE. Bailey Lauren Bates (07/12/94) was contacted in a van. Misdemeanor warrant confirmed out of Lincoln County for failure to appear for fraud x 2 and a DUII. Bates taken into custody and transported to Lincoln County Jail.

AOA – 11:08 p.m. – 1000 Block S Highway 101. Officer assisted Tillamook County Sheriff with a pursuit. 2009 Chevy pickup was spike stripped. Tillamook County Sheriff took Steven Ryan Przybylowski (01/02/84) into custody.

Thursday, Oct. 4

Found Property – 1:59 p.m. – Caller brought fireworks to PD for destruction.

Warrant Arrest – 1:55 p.m. – 1100 SW 51 ST. Subject ran from officer in area of SW 51 ST. Felony warrant confirmed out of Lincoln County for failure to appear for forgery, possession of a forged instrument I and Theft III. Gary Duane Hutchinson Jr. taken into custody and transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Warrant Arrest – 5:31 p.m. – NW 39th ST & NW Jetty AVE. Felony stop initiated on vehicle after Clackamas and Tillamook counties reported subject was in the area. Felony warrant confirmed for Marcus Harley Moore (04/09/88) out of Tillamook County for commercial sex/child in a sex display. Moore was taken into custody and transported to Lincoln County Jail.

Theft – 6:09 p.m. – Shell, 4031 NW Highway 101. Victim reported her Samsung Galaxy S& phone was taken out of her vehicle.

9-1-1 Hang Up – 2830 NE 36th DR. Officers responded to a 9-1-1 hang up. Female accidentally cut herself.

OLDER POLICE LOGS

Homepage staff spends approx. two hours converting the desk-log into an article

Tigers claw way to first league volleyball victory since 2015

Jim Fossum

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October 4, 2018

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Photos by Lon French

As victories go, some are more memorable than most. Others can last a lifetime.

The Taft High volleyball team experienced a win for the memory banks Thursday, defeating Clatskanie 3-1 at home in a Class 3A Coastal Range League match that marked the Tigers’ first conference volleyball victory in almost three years to the day.

The 25-21, 25-11, 19-25, 25-20 win was Taft’s first of the season and its first league victory following 37 straight defeats since a 3-1 home win over Horizon Christian-Tualatin on Oct. 5, 2015.

“It was a huge team effort, and I don’t think we could have done it without the contributions of everyone on our team,” Taft Coach Kelsey Hart said. “I am so proud of our team, and so thankful for everyone that came out to support us tonight. The energy in the gym tonight was just what we needed.”

The Tigers went 1-17 overall and 0-14 in league play last season, and 0-17, 0-14 in 2016. Taft had lost 29 straight matches overall.

“I honestly can’t speak to any one or two players that excelled,” Hart said. “Every player tonight helped propel our team to victory. Everyone played their hearts out.”

Taft improved to 1-12, 1-5 with Thursday’s victory, while Clatskanie fell to 1-10, 1-5.

“Setters Lilly Salsbery and Lily Hatton were flying around the court, getting balls to our hitters,” Hart said. “Savannah Russo, Charlotte Huppert, Keeara Harmon and Shelline Nerup did a great job as our offense. They moved balls around the court and kept the other team on their toes. Corey Van Damme, Jordyn Ramsey, Addie Gates and Logan Jack had great contributions from the back row.”

Clatskanie defeated Taft 3-1 at home on Sept 18.

Hart’s media press quotes:

“This was our first win in years and it felt so good! Our students, staff, families and fans did a tremendous job coming out to support us. The gym was loud and energetic, which helped keep our players pumped throughout the match.

“I’m so proud of all of my players, everyone of which contributed to our win. While I wish we’d had more wins earlier in the season, it was great for our first win to be at home with all the support we had. The girls felt like rock stars.”

Sophomore Suarez to start at QB for Taft in league road game

Jim Fossum

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October 4, 2018

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Sophomore Antonio Saurez will start at QB Friday night for Taft

Photos by Lon French

Some noticeable changes will be apparent in the starting lineup Friday when the Taft Tigers travel to Clatskanie for a Class 3A Special District 1 West Division high school football game.

“Clatskanie has very good skill players that will be difficult for us to match up with, but we feel confident we can do so,” Taft coach Jake Tolan said. “We will be down a few players this week, which will require some younger players to step up and fill the voids.”

Antonio Suarez will replace injured senior David Jin (ankle) at quarterback, and fellow sophomore JJ French will step in for junior Logan Gilleo at running back, with Gilleo moving to the line to help provide Suarez with better protection up front in his first varsity start.

Taft should benefit from the return of injured defensive stalwarts Darius Smith, a sophomore defensive back, and Tyrese Hellman, a junior lineman, who sat out last week’s 48-7 home loss to No. 1-ranked Amity under concussion protocol rules.

Clatskanie enters the game 3-2 overall and 0-1 in league play following a 36-20 defeat at Rainier. Clatskanie, which is returning home after four straight road games, has lost two straight following three wins to open the season.

Taft is looking to reverse a three-game losing skid.

“We expect to travel to Clatakanie and compete for a win,” Tolan said.

Taft softball program moves closer to practice facility construction

Jim Fossum

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October 3, 2018

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taft practice facility — Funding is being sought for an indoor practice/batting cage facility that will be constructed off the third-base-dugout

The Taft High softball program has reached second base in its plans to build an expansive $110,000 indoor practice/batting cage facility on its playing field on the school campus.

“It is a much-needed project that we have talked about for years and are now working to make a reality,” said longtime Taft softball Coach Sandy Stuart, who said the goal is to complete construction by the start of next season in March.

Groundbreaking for the 34-foot-by-100-foot building that connects to the existing third-base dugout is likely in the very near future, Stuart said.

“This building will have a positive impact on generations of softball players to come,” Stuart said. “It will give our program an edge and give us the tools needed to develop some amazing athletes.”

Stuart said the facility will provide an open layout with batting cage nets, “so that we can use the entire indoor space for all practice needs when the weather is poor. Currently, we use the school’s small gym for batting cages and the school’s large gym for defensive work when the rain prevents us from being outside.”

Stuart said construction of the facility will free up gym room for other spring sports that also require indoor practice space.

“We will utilize the cages and storage capacity on a daily basis during the season, but also plan to use it year-round for clinics and individual workouts,” she said. “This means it will be available in the offseason for softball players of all ages, which will only make our softball program stronger in Lincoln City as a whole.”

Cost of the building is estimated at $110,000, with materials and labor, she said.

“In addition, we would like to try to raise $20,000 for properly outfitting the inside of the building — installing indoor turf to provide realistic practice conditions, protect our equipment, and keep noise levels down; and for upgrading our very outdated equipment,” Stuart said. “Our pitching machine is over a decade old and can’t be counted on to work consistently. We also need to replace nets, tees, protective gear and balls.”

Clinton Gates of Groth Gates Heating and Sheet Metal in Lincoln City and Newport is the project manager and has obtained the necessary plans and permits, arranged donor and parent meetings, and secured donations from several local construction companies.

“This project wouldn’t have gotten off the ground without his hard work,” Stuart said. “Last week, we met with the City for the Site Plan review and all went well. They seem just as excited about this as we are.”

Stuart said Taft High Principal Nick Lupo and Athletic Director Aaron Longo have been supportive, as well.

“We have plans on the way and are eager to begin the next steps as soon as we can secure the required funds,” she said. “That’s why every donation is so important.”

In order to break ground on the project, we need to have all the pledged donations of goods, services and funds in hand,” she said. “That is what we are working on now.

“We are asking the community to come alongside us and support us – to donate funds no matter what the size because we believe those donations can add up to be a huge contribution in the end. We will be creating signs and plaques to hang at our beautiful new facility to thank each of you who helps out.

Taft High, the Lincoln County School District, Huddleston Excavation and Knottworks Construction (labor) have already donated to the facility’s construction, Stuart said. Mailers are being sent to the community seeking additional help, she said.

Any person or business interested in contributing can contact Stuart at 541-992-4616 or Ryan Gates at 541-992-6868 for more information.

Blanchet Catholic shuts out Taft boys, girls in prep soccer play

Jim Fossum

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October 3, 2018

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Blanchet Catholic shuts out Taft boys, girls in prep soccer play

William Brooks (File photo by Lon French)

The scoreboard declared Blanchet Catholic a 2-0 boys soccer winner Thursday over Taft, but Tigers Coach Ryan Ulicni would beg to differ.

He preferred to shoulder the blame for the loss.

“We didn’t lose this game, we were beaten by a better prepared team,” the first-year Taft coach said. “It’s now up to me to get these boys ready for what’s coming.”

Despite solid goalkeeping from senior tri-captain William Brooks, the Tigers fell to 6-3-2 overall and 5-3-1 in Class 3A/2A/1A Special District 2 play. The Taft girls were also shut out by Blanchet Catholic on Wednesday, 5-0.

“Blanchet was a very well prepared team that outhustled us to the ball,” Ulicni said. “The first part of the game was firmly in our control, only allowing them a few shots, along with our strikers hitting the ball a lot. It seemed after a bit, we dropped off and Blanchet picked up the game and took it to a goal right before the end of the half. We never did regain control of the game, but we never quit.”

Taft returns to play Tuesday at home in league play against Dayton.

This post will be updated

Nestucca Bobcats tackle Tigers in middle-school football opener

Justin Werner

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October 3, 2018

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The Nestucca Bobcats defeated the Taft Tigers 20-6 Tuesday in the middle-school football season opener at Nestucca.

Taft quarterback Gavin Koceja threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver Armando Fajardo in the first quarter to give Coach Brian Grove’s Tigers a 6-0 lead. The Bobcats answered with three touchdowns and converted a two-point conversion.

“Football is a game that provides opportunities to unlock players potential to become better people,” Grove said.

“Players are only limited by how hard they work and push themselves to be great. We have a great group of young men that have the drive and desire to help each other.”

Koceja suffered an arm injury in the fourth quarter and will return to the lineup for the next game.

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