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Oregon Air National Guard promotes first woman to general officer

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brigadier general
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown (left) administers the oath of office to newly promoted Brig. Gen. Donna Prigmore (right) as her father Mr. Gerard Houde (center) holds the family bible during her formal promotion ceremony, Aug. 5, 2018, at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon. With the promotion to brigadier general, Prigmore became the first woman promoted as a general officer in the Oregon Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

Oregon Air National Guard Col. Donna M. Prigmore was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in a ceremony, August 5, 2018, at the Portland Air National Guard Base in Portland.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown officiated the oath of office, as Prigmore became the first woman in the Oregon Air National Guard to be promoted to the rank of brigadier general and the first female in the Oregon National Guard to become a general officer as a traditional, part-time Guardsman.

Prigmore follows in the footsteps of Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Gen. Julie A. Bentz, who was the first woman in the Oregon National Guard to become a general officer. Bentz is currently serving on active duty as vice director of the Joint Improvised-threat Defeat Organization (JIDO).

With the promotion to general officer, Prigmore will serve as the Oregon National Guard’s Assistant Adjutant General – Air, which commands and ensures the readiness for both of Oregon’s flying F-15 Eagle units located in Portland and Klamath Falls.

brigadier general
Oregon Air National Guard Col. Prigmore has her new brigadier general stars donned to her uniform by her sons, Nathan and Brian Prigmore.

She most recently served as Director of Strategic Plans and Programs for the Oregon Air National Guard. She has more than 35 years of military service since beginning her Air Force career in 1982 on active duty before transitioning to the Air National Guard four years later. She served as the vice commander for both the142nd and 173rd Fighter Wings, and has more than 12 years of command level experience. In previous assignments, she was the 142nd Fighter Wing Mission Support commander and deputy commander, services flight commander, wing inspector general, cost analysis officer, chief of public affairs and the division chief of Strategic Vision and Communications at the Pentagon. She also served one year as the executive officer for the vice chief of staff National Guard Bureau, Washington, D.C. In her civilian career, she is the senior manager, Passenger Terminal Experience at the Port of Portland.

In addition to graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, Prigmore has earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from Oklahoma State University. She has completed military training at the Academy of Military Science, McGhee Tyson Air Base, in Tennessee, and the Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College and Air War College through the distance learning programs at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

‘Onyx’s Great Adventure’ is the perfect fundraising storm

Onyx

Ron Storms, Meghan Shreiner and a black lab named Onyx, plan to travel by bike and cart, March 1, 2019, from Lincoln City to Pennsylvania to raise money for Canine Partners for Life, who provide service dogs to those who can’t afford one. The trio’s journey, called Onyx’s Great Adventure, will be live streamed and documented on their Facebook page and website.

“We are incredibly honored Ron chose Canine Partners for Life as the beneficiary of this extraordinary fundraiser!” Janie Cramer, Executive Director at Canine Partners for Life said.  “Ron’s generosity will enable us to continue to place service dogs with individuals who have disabilities, providing them with a more independent and fulfilled life. Along with the financial support, the increased exposure this fundraiser will bring to our mission is priceless. We have already began to spread the word about Ron and Onyx and are eager to cheer these two on.”

Ron Storms and OnyxWhile exploring the dock at Taft Bay, Homepage observed a dog jumping into the water and bringing back a very large plank to its master. After noticing the dog’s owner wearing a bright yellow t-shirt with “Team Ronyx” emblazoned on it, further investigation was required.

Team Ronyx

In talking with Storms it was revealed that he is a construction contractor that has been preparing for and promoting a cross-country fundraiser using his own money.

Storms will be peddling his hybrid road bike with an attached dog cart nearly 3,000 miles to raise awareness for service dogs who provide support and assistance to their owners. Shreiner will be driving within 30 miles of the bike and cart, in a truck with a custom camper box that will provide sleeping accommodations, haul their gear, merchandise and other necessities.

Canine Partners for Life

It costs approximately $30,000 dollars and 3 years to acquire, train, feed, foster and prepare a service dog for the job of assisting owners in their day to day lives. If Onyx’s Great Adventure pays for just one service animal to be placed with a new owner then their goal will be met.

Onyx’s Great Adventure is challenging each state collectively, to donate $10,000 or more and for the next state to donate more than the previous state.

Supporters of Team Ronyx can pledge a donation to the “A Penny a Mile” campaign where for a $30 donation, supporters can sponsor Storms and Onyx to cycle from Lincoln City, Oregon to Cochranville, Pennsylvania.

Ron Storms

Storms has raised dogs all his life and has always has a special place in his heart for those with special needs. He grew up with a close relationship with his mentally handicapped Aunt and always felt compassionate about those with special needs. He is ready to take this journey to help others.

Onyx is a unique dog who carries many personalities but always aims to please and have fun. He loves swimming, fetching and playing. He can bee found on the beach fetching his special boards, sticks and balls and enjoys hiking in the woods. He is excited to jump off ledges, bridges and other obstacles to fetch logs, sticks or rocks. He can be seen riding around Lincoln City in his orange dog cart.

Meghan Shreiner

Shreiner met Storms and Onyx in 2015 and heard about his idea for a fundraiser and said she wanted to be involved in some way. Shreiner is now behind the scenes building websites, taking photos and managing social media to help promote Onyx’s Great Adventure. She has always had a passion to help others in need.

“If one person receives one service dog out of all this then I will consider it a success,” Storms said. “Its already a success because we’ve raised money and awareness and we haven’t even left yet.”

Expected Departure Date: March 9, 2019

 

 

ONYX’S GREAT ADVENTURE

CANINE PARTNERS FOR LIFE

Whale Trail sign dedication and community celebration

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acs oregon chapter

We invite all residents and visitors of Newport and Lincoln County to a Community Celebration at Don Davis Park, 840 W. Olive Street in Newport on Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 10 am to 1 pm.

This community celebration is being held by the American Cetacean Society – Oregon Chapter along with a Whale Trail Interpretive Sign Dedication. The event is free outside in the park so please dress accordingly.

This is a standing event, wheelchairs can be accommodated on the sidewalk.

Refreshments will be served following the speakers. The Newport Performing Arts Center has donated use of their parking lot which is across the street from Don Davis Park.

Several years ago the American Cetacean Society (ACS) – Oregon Chapter partnered with the Oregon Marine Reserves Partnership and it’s other nonprofit members to bring The Whale Trail to Oregon. The Whale Trail has over 90 sites along the west coast where people can observe whales and other marine mammals from shore.

Five sites in Oregon were added to existing sites in British Columbia, Washington and California. In addition to Don Davis Park in Newport, the other sites are Cape Falcon Marine Reserve and Protected Area, Cape Perpetua, Sea Lion Caves and Battle Rock Wayside Park in Port Orford.

american cetacean society

The first official Whale Trail Interpretive Sign is being installed at the Don Davis Park site. We invite the community to come out and celebrate the sign dedication with us. Goals of this project are to increase awareness of the area as a place to view whales and other wildlife, complement the existing whale art sculpture, build community and educate park visitors.

The Whale Trail network of viewing sites helps to inspire appreciation and stewardship of whales and the marine environment. It encourages intentional travel while also connecting with the casual passerby.

Sponsors of the Don Davis Park Whale Trail interpretive sign are the City of Newport, American Cetacean Society-Oregon Chapter, Hallmark Resort Newport, Point Blue Conservation Science, and The Whale Trail.

Sponsors of the Community Celebration include Anchor Pier Lodge, Fred Meyer Newport, JC Thriftway Newport, Marine Discovery Tours, and Safeway Newport.

Speakers at the celebration include Dr. Bruce Mate, Director of the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center, Dr. James Sumich and Dr. Leigh Torres also of the Marine Mammal Institute, Charlie Plybon of Surfrider Foundation and the Oregon Marine Reserves Partnership, Donna Sandstrom, Executive Director of the Whale Trail, Colleen Weiler of Whale and Dolphin Conservation, Kaety Jacobson, incoming Lincoln County Commissioner, and Joy Primrose, American Cetacean Society-Oregon Chapter President.

“The Only Thing That Is Certain Is Change” (Heraclitus, 500 BC). And so it is with the natural world and our interactions with it. We are the keystone species on this planet that influences every living thing, including their futures. We must live responsibly, which means embracing all parts of the earth’s ecosystems with respect, even those that we do not yet understand. “The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you choose, what you think and what you do is who you become.” (Heraclitus, again) and collectively our choices also become the earth’s fate and our destiny. – Bruce Mate, Director, Marine Mammal Institute

 The Whale Trail is a Seattle based nonprofit conservation group founded in 2008 to promote recovery of the endangered southern resident killer whales through public education and awareness. Since then, its mission has expanded to inspire stewardship of all marine mammals. For more information, check out the Whale Trail at http://thewhaletrail.org .

The American Cetacean Society protects whales, dolphins, porpoises, and their habitats. The non-profit organization was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in San Pedro, CA. Information on the ACS can be found on the website: www.acsonline.org. You can also find us on Facebook at American Cetacean Society-Oregon Chapter

Contact Joy Primrose, ACS Oregon Chapter President at [email protected] or (541) 517-8754 for more information. 

Bring Your Family to the Siletz Pow-Wow

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Siletz Pow-Wow

The annual Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow, held by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, will take place Aug. 10-12 in Siletz. The public is invited to attend this free family-friendly event, a tradition for the Siletz people and other American Indians.

All events, except the parade, take place at the Pauline Ricks Memorial Pow-Wow Grounds on Government Hill in Siletz.

“Everyone is invited to experience our pow-wow and learn about American Indian culture and dance,” said Buddy Lane, Tribal cultural education director and Pow-Wow coordinator. “Come join us at our annual celebration.”

The celebration will start with the crowning of the 2018-2019 Siletz Royalty on Friday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. Participants dressed in all dance styles will enter the arena at 7 p.m. during the first Grand Entry, followed by preliminary rounds of competition for youth and teens.

A parade winds through downtown Siletz at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11. This hometown event includes Tribal royalty, drummers, dancers, equestrian units, vintage cars and floats.

Pre-registration is available by accessing a registration form on the Tribe’s website – ctsi.nsn.us; picking one up at the Tribal administration building, 201 SE Swan Ave. in Siletz; or by contacting Lane at 541-444-8230 or
800-922-1399, ext. 1230.

Registration also is available the morning of the parade at 8 a.m. at the Tribal administration building. If you are not registered by 9 a.m., you cannot take part in the judging, which starts at 9 a.m. You can, however, still participate in the parade.

Allivea Hernandez
Allivea Hernandez at 2017 Pow-Wow

The parade is followed by a Grand Entry at 1 p.m. at the Pow-Wow grounds. Competition dancing for youth and teens continues in the afternoon. Competition dancing after the 7 p.m. Grand Entry continues with Golden Age and adult categories and the finals for youth and teens.

On Sunday, Aug. 12, the final day of the pow-wow, a Grand Entry takes place at noon. This session will end with awards for the Golden Age, adult, teen and youth category winners. Prizes range from $25 to $600.

A variety of food and Native arts and crafts and jewelry will be offered for sale by more than 50 vendors on the pow-wow grounds.

“Come and see the variety of vendors at our annual summer pow-wow. Many facets of indigenous America are represented both in craft and food,” said Lane. “There’s a lot to look at and experience, there’s something for everyone here.”

A free shuttle will be available from various parking lots in Siletz to the pow-wow on Government Hill. Signs will be posted. Parking is extremely limited at the pow-wow grounds, so the shuttle is the best way to get there.

This is an alcohol- and drug-free event. Listen carefully to the pow-wow announcer, who will tell you when you can and when you should not take photos. The announcer also will explain the significance of the events taking place in the dance arena throughout the pow-wow.

Pow-Wow Schedule

 

Friday, Aug. 10

6 p.m. – Royalty Crowning

7 p.m. – Grand Entry

Saturday, Aug. 11

10 a.m. – Parade

1 p.m. and 7 p.m. – Grand Entry

Sunday, Aug. 12

Noon – Grand Entry

Siletz man arrested after high-speed pursuit in Lincoln City

jackson

Lincoln City Police have arrested Nelson Leonard Jackson, 33, from Siletz, for Felony Attempt to Elude, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment, Driving While Suspended and a Felony Warrant for Probation Violation (theft in the first degree).

Lincoln City Police Chief Jerry Palmer was in the parking lot of City Hall when he observed Jackson driving a black 2000 Chevrolet S10 pickup displaying a license plate with expired tags from 2015.

A traffic stop was initiated as Jackson exited the parking lot onto SW Harbor, but Jackson failed to yield and accelerated away in an attempt to elude Palmer. Jackson traveled along side streets from SW 10th to SW 17th, then proceeded at high speed southbound on Hwy 101.

Due to heavy traffic, Palmer had responding officers discontinue active pursuit.

Jackson was then observed turning onto SE 32nd Street, where he continued to drive recklessly.

Officers lost sight of Jackson’s vehicle, but started encountering citizens pointing them in the direction Jackson was going.

Jackson’s vehicle was observed heading southbound on High School Drive and Officer Zachary Rigg managed to position his patrol vehicle near High School Drive and SE 48th Street in an attempt to block Jackson’s vehicle. Jackson swerved past Rigg’s vehicle and turned east on SE 48th, prolonging the pursuit on Schooner Creek Road at speeds in excess of 70 mph.

Jackson finally yielded to Rigg on Schooner Creek road.

Additional LCPD officers arrived on scene and Jackson was taken into custody without further incident, He was lodged in the Lincoln County Jail, where he is awaiting arraignment.

Jackson’s bail was set at $130,000.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office enters Lip Sync Challenge

Police departments nationwide are challenging each other to lip-sync battles, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office just entered the fray.

Police departments are determining who has the best routine, and the offering from the Lincoln County Sheriff might win the award for best cinematography. The video portrays the sheriff department acting out parts of Coolio’s Gangsta’s Paradise, where drive-by water-balloonings are an every day part of life.

The Lip Sync Challenge began in Texas, where Bexar County Sheriff’s Office shared deputy Alexander Mena’s singing of “Fuiste Mala” by the Kumbia Kings on June 19.

Social media managers for that department posted Mena’s video, saying he had “a mean lip sync not many can beat.” That prompted other agencies to take on the challenge.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon #lipsyncchallenge2018 Original song performed by Coolio (feat. L.V.) – Gangsta’s Paradise from the album Coolio. Also on the soundtrack of 1995 film Dangerous Minds.

Lincoln City Mayor Williams: ‘It’s been a privilege’

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Lincoln City Mayor don williams
Lincoln City Mayor Don Williams coaching his Gray Wolves T-ball team

Lincoln City Mayor Don Williams will not run for re-election this November due to health concerns for his wife, Debbie.

“It’s a rare honor to be a mayor. Lincoln City is where I have always wanted to be and where I will end my days,” Williams said. “It has been a privilege.”

debbie Williams
Debbie Williams

In a Facebook post citing Rick Beasley’s Newport News Times article, Williams explained his decision to not seek any office this year. Williams’ wife underwent emergency surgery to repair a serious internal issue and Williams will be providing care for her. Subjecting Mrs. Williams to the rigors of a political campaign would not be right, Williams said.

Williams said he will declare support for candidates in the future and will work diligently to support their election.

Williams said he plans to stay involved in local and state politics and looks forward to possibly serving again.

Don Williams

 

 

Red Cross ‘Camp Prepare!’ for Cascadia earthquake

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Emergencies happen when we least expect it. Could you live on only the contents of your disaster preparedness kit for two weeks? What if you couldn’t access the necessities after a 9.0 Cascadia earthquake or other major disaster? Test your preparedness kit and your readiness by camping out in your own backyard on the night of Saturday, August 4, for Camp Prepare!

The Red Cross Camp Prepare! event is a regional coordinated camping experience the whole family can participate in – at a campground or in your own back yard. It’s a chance to prepare your emergency kit and take it on a trial run before the ‘Big One’.

camp prepare

Common items used for camping such as water, canned food, flashlights, extra batteries and first aid supplies are just a few of the items that should be in a disaster preparedness kit. The Red Cross recommends at least a three-day supply of food and water in case of a disaster. Larger disasters, like a Cascadia earthquake, may require supplies for several weeks.

Red Cross Regional Communications Program Manager Amelia Holmes said, “The Red Cross recommends to be ‘two-weeks ready.’ Make sure everyone has two weeks of supplies because we anticipate it will be two weeks before outside support will arrive in a Cascadia event.”

Holmes also said you should have one gallon of water per family member per day. That’s 14 gallons of water for each member in a household to be covered for two weeks.

The Red Cross wants to remind families to check their emergency supplies every six months and replace expired items and change water supply.

Need a kit list? The Red Cross has you covered. Visit redcross.org/PrepareGuide for a full supply list.

How to participate in the Camp Prepare contest:

Camp out and take a photo to document your preparedness. Show your campsite, campers and supplies.

Share your Camp Prepare! experience. Tell us if you needed additional supplies or share if you were completely ready. Take a photo/selfie and tag us:

Facebook: RedCrossCascades

Instagram: @RedCrossCascades

Twitter: @RedCrossCasc

Ten winners will be chosen based on their level of preparedness and the quality of their photo. Prize packs will contain items such as a Leatherman tool, Mountain House freeze-dried food and Red Cross personal protection kits. Red Cross kits include first aid, breathing masks, tissues and sanitizer.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/Cascades or find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/RedCrossCascades, Twitter at @RedCrossCasc and find us on Instagram at @RedCrossCascades.

Pledge by hospital CEO inspires large gifts for hospital project

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When the top executive at the two Samaritan hospitals in Lincoln County announced that she would make a large financial donation toward her hospitals’ fundraising campaigns, she hoped the gift would plant the seed for further giving by others.

Her hopes are being realized.

As a direct result of the $125,000 gift by CEO Lesley Ogden, MD, and her husband, William Arens, others have stepped forward to make substantial pledges, too, including $100,000 by an anonymous donor; $25,000 from a local physician and his wife; $25,000 from a local couple; and $10,000 from a Samaritan employee.

“Inspiration is a powerful tool! Soon after William and Lesley announced their gift publicly, I began hearing from others who also wanted to contribute on a large scale,” said Cathy Sandoval, executive director of the North Lincoln Hospital Foundation.

“Our community is blessed with so many men and women who are filled with the giving spirit,” Sandoval added. “They give back to our community by serving on boards, by volunteering time and expertise on important projects, and by making much appreciated financial contributions.”

Chuck Feist, left, and Mark Sanders
Chuck Feist, left, and Mark Sanders

In explaining the motivation behind their $25,000 gift, Mark Sanders and Chuck Feist of Gleneden Beach commented that they both “feel strongly that everyone in our community should give to the extent that they can. It’s our hospital and we will all need it at one time or another.”

Samaritan Health Services, which is a not-for-profit network of hospitals, clinics and medical services, is funding the replacement of the 50-year-old Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital building, while the North Lincoln Hospital Foundation has the task of raising $7 million toward fixtures, furnishings and equipment for the new hospital. To date, the total raised toward the goal is just over $5 million.

Visit samhealth.org/NewHospitalLincolnCity for more information about the new hospital project.

LCSD letter allows Homepage to resume coverage of Taft High

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Lincoln City Homepage will resume its coverage of Taft High 7-12 following receipt Friday of a letter from the Lincoln County School District acknowledging a communications breakdown and clearing the way for correspondence between the media outlet and school employees.

Homepage’s comprehensive reporting on Taft’s academic and athletic programs will resume, effective immediately, following a June 18 mandate to North County teachers and coaches to cease interaction with the multimedia site.

In the email received Friday by Homepage following a Wednesday meeting between Homepage and new School Improvement and Secondary Curriculum Administrator Majalise Tolan, LCSD Superintendent Dr. Karen Gray wrote:

“After reviewing the events that have transpired, beginning with the matter of our spring sports programs, I believe that there was a series of circumstances that caused a breakdown in communication between the school district and the Lincoln City Homepage. Today, we will reaffirm our commitment to pursuing a positive relationship with you and, as we always strive to do, we will adhere to our established school district policies and protocols of communication set in Board policy and district practice. I believe that in doing this, we will minimize any future misunderstandings.

“We acknowledge the comprehensive coverage from Homepage and would like to recognize and thank you for your goal of supporting the school district, our student athletes and coaches. As with all of our media friends, we would like to encourage the community to support Homepage as one of the media outlets striving to positively promote and recognize our wonderful students. Our students deserve all the positive exposure we can give them and media coverage can have many positive impacts.

“Thank you for having the conversation with us recently and thank you for being our community partner.”

A June 18 email from then-Taft Principal Tolan to LCSD teachers and coaches instructing them not to communicate with Homepage, read:

“Due to the nature of athletic issues this spring, concerns over graduation, and the most recent article featuring [incoming Taft High Principal] Nick Lupo, LCSD North Area Schools will no longer respond to communication requests or emails from Lincoln City Homepage.”

Homepage Publisher/Editor Justin Werner said his company accepts the District’s acknowledgment of communication mishaps and looks forward to resuming its coverage of Taft High and its many outstanding students and their sports and scholastic achievements.

“Our only intent is to give the best possible coverage to the kids and this resolves a situation that would have prevented it,“ he said. “We look forward to continuing to be the most credible news source in Lincoln City and we welcome the opportunity to resume coverage of schools in our area.”

Taft High history teacher and varsity baseball coach Matt Hilgers also attended Wednesday’s meeting as part of his administrative training.