Well, here we go in Salem for a 35 day “short session”. I won’t bore you with the background on why we do these during election years, but only to reiterate the focus should be on key fixes and some budgeting.
I have been the lead Republican on housing negotiations and fixes as I am the Vice Chair of Housing in the Senate. We have been working through thoughts, ideas and budgeting items to find the best solutions to get “sticks in the air” from affordable housing to market rate housing.
Marine Corps veteran and local business owner Don Gomez announced his campaign for Lincoln County Commissioner, Position 2 on Friday, February 6.
Gomez, a Newport resident, is the founder of a locally based independent press called Sterncastle Publishing.
In his press release he states, “He styles his bid for office ‘The 4H Campaign,’ shorthand for housing, healthcare, highways, and habitat, a nod to his stated priorities of increasing affordable housing stock, ensuring quality healthcare access, expanding and maintaining local infrastructure including roads, and protecting and conserving our environment.”
Prior experience, according to the release is, “a stint as the Communications Director for National Veterans Group, a legislative advocacy nonprofit and as the Digital Media Manager for the Veterans Writing Group, a separate nonprofit, which helps military families heal through the writing process.”
I don’t often share personal information here but I went through an experience that I thought some might find interesting or, at least, informative.
On Friday, February 2 at approximately 3p.m. while at home alone, I began to feel an unease in my chest. The unease began to grow into deep pain. My first thought, of course, was “I hope I’m not having a heart attack.” As I analyzed the symptoms I was crossing off everything I could to avoid the truth of the situation. “No crushing pain. More like a cramping and pinching. No numbness on my left side. Whew! Not a heart attack.”
Like any normal moron I tried to ignore the symptoms-fully assuring myself that the trouble would pass and I could resume my day. Wrong. The pain got worse and began spreading down my left arm and into the left side of my jaw.
As I involuntarily doubled over onto my kitchen counter I began uttering the deep gasps that come out while one is in agony. I think the only words I uttered (through gritted teeth) were “No! Lord no!”
Perhaps 30 seconds elapsed before I had to confront the truth. This was bad. And I needed help.
(Note-bad choices ahead-do not do this at home, seek professional guidance).
Did I reach for my phone to dial 911 and summon help? Of course not; like I said earlier, I’m a moron.
Continuing with my poor choices I poured some dry kibble into a dog bowl, said goodbye to my three very confused and hyper-attentive dogs and struggled through the front door of the house, got into my truck and began the drive to the hospital. I live within a 5 minute drive of Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital and my faulty reasoning assured me I could get there faster than an ambulance could get to me. On the way I called my wife to let her know what I was doing. I could barely get the words out without crying because I knew it was going to hurt her so badly.
Here’s where more weird thoughts crept in during the ordeal: I know I’m in trouble and I’m a bit frightened but when I arrived at the hospital I was actually happy that I could park in the emergency parking area and didn’t have to park with others just 20 feet away.
I did a sort of cramping, doubled-over shuffle to the emergency room (ER) entrance. I approached the admission window and stood hunched over, bracing myself on the counter with one arm. The young lady behind the glass with a hole in it asked, “How can we help you today? With my free hand I tapped on my chest and said only, “Chest pain.”
Within, what I would guess was less than half an hour (I wasn’t really paying attention too much as my heart was busy trying to kill me.), I was being prepped for a trip on a Life Flight helicopter ride to Corvallis. I was being surrounded by professionals doing the work they have sacrificed and trained for and though I was in tremendous pain I felt a sense of freedom in giving up control of what was going to happen with and to me from that moment forward.
I remember joking with a Life Flight attendant as she and others in the ER placed me in what I think was some sort of plastic sheet, “A little early for the body bag isn’t it?” I asked. It was comforting to hear her laugh.
I was wheeled out to the hospital heliport and loaded into the rear of a helicopter via its cargo bay. And whether through blatant obtuseness or just plain old block-headedness I thought not about dying or my poor wife who was frantically driving to meet me in Corvallis but about how cool it was to be riding in a helicopter for the first time and how disappointed I was that the flight crew would not take a selfie with me while we were flying.
The next few hours was simply a blur of ceiling tiles and fluorescent lights. While strapped to a gurney that was all I could see. Person after person asked my for my name and date of birth and I’m sure were explaining to me what was going on but I really didn’t care. I was helpless to aid myself and as said before, I simply surrendered to the process.
Long story short, I had a fully blocked artery at the bottom of my heart. The team of doctors and nurses of Samaritan hospital were spectacular in addressing the problem and saving my life. I give my deepest thanks to my Lord for and to them.
I am now the proud owner a shiny new stent in an artery and the blood is again flowing properly to my heart. The doctors were slightly shocked (but none the less pleased) to report that I had little to no damage to my heart and I should expect a full recovery.
Lessons learned? Yes, don’t be an idiot. If there is pain, see a doctor. If it’s real bad call an ambulance. Pay attention to your diet and do all those things your mother told you to do to be healthy.
So that’s it. Heart attack on Friday, back home Monday, off to work on Tuesday.
God is good and I am so grateful to look upon my loved ones once again. Thank you to all my friends and well wishers who prayed for me and comforted my wife Debbie during this ordeal. Hugs, kisses and smiles seem to mean a lot more today than they did on Friday.
According to a press release from Oregon Senate Republican Caucus spokesperson Ashley Kuenzi,
“The Oregon Supreme Court has officially sided with Democrats on Measure 113, effectively ending the service of 10 Republican senators – one-third of the Oregon Senate.”
“We obviously disagree with the Supreme Court’s ruling. But more importantly, we are deeply disturbed by the chilling impact this decision will have to crush dissent,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend).
“I’m disappointed but can’t say I’m surprised that a court of judges appointed solely by Governor Brown and Governor Kotek would rule in favor of political rhetoric rather than their own precedent.”
“The only winners in this case are Democrat politicians and their union backers,” said Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook). “Every legal mind I’ve heard from regardless of political leanings has affirmed that when there is only one interpretation for the plain language of the law, that is final. The language incorporated into the Oregon Constitution was clear and yet the Supreme Court ruled that voter intent, which cannot be determined by any metric, supersedes the Constitution.”
“There is no justice in a political court,” said Senator Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles).
This is a developing story. Like, follow and subscribe to Lincoln City Homepage for updates
Adam Shanks files to run for vacated sheriff’s seat
Adam Shanks declared his candidacy for Sheriff of Lincoln County today to succeed Sheriff Curtis Landers who will not be seeking re-election.
In a press release Shanks states, “I am excited to announce I am running for Lincoln County Sheriff. It has been my honor to have served our citizens and to have worked with an amazing team at the Sheriff’s Office throughout my career and I want to continue to serve as their Sheriff.”
He also notes, “I have been with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for over 27 years and have been a resident of Lincoln County since 1983 and am a Newport High School graduate.
I began my career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1995 as a seasonal marine cadet while furthering my education at Lane Community College where I earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice.”
In conclusion he states, “I look forward to connecting further with our community through this process. We have many diverse communities with different needs and desires in the law enforcement services they receive. I have been fortunate to build many community partnerships throughout Lincoln County and am committed to serving all of our residents and visitors in an equitable and respectful manner.”
For more information, please contact Adam Shanks at: [email protected]
Samaritan Evergreen Hospice is offering free Grief Support Group meetings in Lincoln City led by a trained medical social worker. All are welcome to attend these free sessions.
The Grief Support Group meetings will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month inside Building 5, just west of Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital.
According to a press release from Samaritan North Lincoln,
“Participants will connect with others who understand their loss so they can work together to move through their grief. The death being grieved may have taken place recently or a long time ago because there is no time limit to grief. Each session is led by a trained medical social worker and is a safe place to share your experiences.”
For information and to register, call Samaritan Evergreen Hospice in Newport at 541-574-1811.
Around 8p.m. Monday January 29 electrical service to the entirety of a large portion of the coast surrounding Lincoln City ceased. Every residence and business without emergency backup devices sat quiet and dark for approximately four minutes.
According to a source at Pacific Power there was a “Loss of a transmission line.” When pressed where the transmission line was the source was only able to say that the available report stated that the problem was centered at “Device 1, sub Station Devils Lake and that approximately 4633 customers were affected for just about four minutes.”
At this time Lincoln City Homepage is waiting for more details from Pacific Power’s media liaison.
In a letter to the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Elizabeth Klein, Representative David Gomberg (D-House District 10) serving as Chairman of the Coastal Caucus and Senator Dick Anderson (R-Senate District 5) serving as Vice Chair outlined their group’s concern about the placement of energy production sites off of the Oregon coast. The thrust of the letter is to reiterate to the Director the overwhelming opposition that they have heard from nearly all constituents up and down the Oregon coast to the currently proposed projects.
Representative David GombergSenator Dick Anderson
In their letter they write, “Community concerns consolidated by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development noted that coastal community members and individuals tied to the fishing industry have overwhelmingly spoken with great opposition towards offshore wind. These concerns have been echoed by marine scientists, engineers, environmentalists, tribes, and coastal municipalities. We cannot move forward with offshore wind in Oregon until the needs and concerns of these groups have been addressed….
We must emphasize that, of the 1,100 public comments submitted on Oregon’s Draft Wind Energy Areas (WEAs), most were in opposition to moving forward with the offshore wind process in Oregon. Even those in support emphasize the need for additional consideration of tribal, fishing, and coastal community voices.”
They continue, “Many expressed that the development of a new use of the ocean should not come at the cost of existing uses and resources that provide benefits to food security and the economies of Oregon coastal communities. A comprehensive discussion of community benefits and tradeoffs will likely be a necessary component in any future decision to allow development of offshore wind.”
In June of 2023, Jay Beck, an Otis resident and owner of Vivian’s Restaurant and Bill’s Barbeque (1115 SE 1st St) in Lincoln City, fell from a ladder while doing repairs on his home . The moment he hit the ground he knew something was terribly wrong. Assessing his situation he discovered that he could not move his body below his neck.
While he lay paralyzed in the grass and mud with a broken shoulder blade, broken elbow and, his doctors said, a fractured vertebrae and severe damage to his spinal cord, he struggled to gather his thoughts and tried to find the strength to call out for help.
His cell phone had fallen just three feet away from where he landed but it was of no use because he couldn’t move to pick it up.
In agonizing torment, until Jay could hear a friend come near, he didn’t have the energy to yell loud enough to be heard.
For three hours he had to wait, flat on his back, for the exact moment when his voice was strong enough to shout out to his friend that had just stopped by.
According to Jay’s sister Laurie Hall, “When the friend heard Jay calling he rushed over and asked how he could help. Jay asked him to pick up his cell phone and to call 911 and then to call his wife Ann.” Jay was Life Flighted to Salem where he was treated for his injuries.
Jay survived but is still suffering from that accident.
Hall continues, “He had surgery on his neck at an out of town hospital and stayed there for over three months. In that time he also developed a deep wound from a bed sore. That is interfering with his convalescence.
Right now he is able to move his left knee and has some movement in is toes. His arms work but he has limited use of his hands The doctor says there is a good chance that he could walk again-at least with a walker.”
Vivian and Bill’s on the D River
So, this story leads us to today and a request for help from Jay’s family. Because of the mounting costs associated with his recovery and the subsequent temporary closure of his restaurant Jay has begun selling the antiques and collectibles he has cherished for years to raise some money.
On Saturday January 27, at Vivian’s Restaurant and Bill’s Barbeque from 10a.m. until 2p.m., Jay’s collection is available to purchase. Hall notes that they will have a “Make offer and bag sale.”
They hope to reopen for business next week and start serving guests on Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 9a.m.until 2p.m. “There will be just myself serving as waitress and one cook until we get enough business back to re-staff says Hall.”
Aaron Williams welcomes you to Zealous Training Lab
When a young entrepreneur opens a small fitness studio inside a small strip mall in the middle of a small town one could be excused for thinking his business would stay small. Not so much. Not with Aaron Williams
You see, Aaron eats and breathes fitness. Not the usual run-on-the-treadmill-and-lift-heavy weights kind of fitness, but a fitness that aims to improve his client’s bodies and understanding of how they function.
That devotion to not just doing a motion but understanding why one exercise would be more or less beneficial than another bears out in the name he chose for his business.
Asked how “Zealous Fitness Lab” differs from a typical “gym” he said,
“I chose ‘Zealous’ from a portion of Psalm 69:9, ‘…zeal for your house will consume me..’ and ‘Fitness Lab’ because I want help my clients and members do exercises while knowing why and more importantly, how to execute a move for the maximum gain.”
And because of his dedication to his clients and their needs, his business has grown.
Grown so much, in fact, that he needed to move to a larger area but he didn’t want to leave Lincoln City-the small town he loves. After much searching, he finally found a place that was perfect for his growing business. But, that will have to wait until the end of the story.
“Since my days as a high school athlete,” said Williams, “I’ve been fascinated by how the human body works. An ankle injury during basketball season sidelined me for a week or two and during that time off I began studying the different aspects of the injury and the healing process that goes along with rebuilding an injured area.”
Later, while in college at Warner Pacific in Portland, he studied anatomy, physiology and kinesiology-which, according to Wikipedia is, ” The scientific study of human body movement. Kinesiology addresses physiological, anatomical, biomechanical, pathological, neuropsychological principles and mechanisms of movement.”
Williams continued, “I became fascinated with learning and zealous about sharing how exercises done in a controlled, correct motion can speed up healing and increase overall fitness and muscle strength.”
Aaron’s son getting a good cardio workout before naptime
After working for different mega-gyms in the Portland area, Williams moved to Lincoln City, married his wife Becky and together they brought 3 children into this world. If all that wasn’t enough, he then opened Zealous Fitness Lab in a tiny section of a strip mall on NW Hwy 101. And, as mentioned before, Zealous Fitness Lab’s client base began to grow to a point where it became clear he need to move to a larger facility.
And now as promised earlier…Williams is pleased to announce, “After more than a year of searching I found a great space beneath the Beach Club and Event Center at 2020 NE 22nd street. It’s over four thousand square feet and includes men’s and women’s showers with locker rooms.
“We have a full range of exercise devices from stacked weights where one does a series of isolated motions, free weights, full cardio-including treadmills, elliptical, stair steppers and stationary bikes. We also have a studio where we can offer different classes like cycling and full body workouts. And, of course, we have many traditional workout devices.”
Battle ropes and Slam ballsClub member (and Aaron’s mom) Debbie Williams powers through a Battle ropes session
For a more unconventional workout Williams himself will be leading a “Slam” class which involves manipulation of 20 foot long ‘Battle ropes’ and ‘Slam balls’ where members do a continuous cycle of movements for about 20 minutes. “It’s a great strength and cardio workout,” Williams added.
“Asked about his resume, Williams answered, I’m a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified trainer. I’ve coached junior high boys basketball at 2 different schools. I’ve also coached, cross country, high school soccer, and track and field with an emphasis on relay and jumping.”
He has also personally trained several Taft district athletes. “I’ve been able to help 3 sophomores and 2 seniors working on vertical jumps and strength training. It was a real pleasure to help one student to be able increase his vertical leap enough for him to slam dunk a basketball.”
Sounds like a slam dunk all the way around.
For more information contact Aaron at www.zealoustraininglabs.com or
Marine Corps veteran and local business owner Don Gomez announced his campaign for Lincoln County Commissioner, Position 2 on Friday, February 6.
According to a press release from Oregon Senate Republican Caucus spokesperson Ashley Kuenzi,
According to a source at Pacific Power there was a “Loss of a transmission line.” When pressed where the transmission line was the source was only able to say that the available report stated that the problem was centered at “Device 1, sub Station Devils Lake and that approximately 4633 customers were affected for just about four minutes.”
On Saturday January 27, at Vivian’s Restaurant and Bill’s Barbeque from 10a.m. until 2p.m., Jay’s collection is available to purchase. Hall notes that they will have a “Make offer and bag sale.”
