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Oregon’s Credit Unions Deliver $2.2 Billion Boost to State Economy

Justin Werner
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Oregon’s Credit Unions Deliver $2.2 Billion Boost to State Economy

credit unionsOregon’s credit unions drove a positive, $2.2 billion impact on the state’s economy last year, according to a just-released, independent economic analysis performed by ECONorthwest. The 2016 Northwest Credit Unions’ Economic Impacts report measured jobs, economic output, and income supported by Northwest credit unions, as well as the direct benefits delivered to nearly two million Oregon credit union members.

What’s in it for the members? $159 million in direct benefits last year.
The key difference between local credit unions and other financial services providers, is credit unions’ not-for-profit, cooperative structure. Credit unions are owned and driven by the members who use their services. Unlike for-profit financial institutions that must pay stockholders, credit unions exist only to serve their member-owners’ financial needs, and are uniquely positioned to return direct benefits to them. Those benefits include value such as better interest rates, lower fees, and other services that hard-working Oregonians need.
The 2016 Northwest Credit Unions’ Economic Impacts report finds Oregon’s credit unions returned an average benefit of $81 to each member, or $159 million to members collectively. When members spent their benefits in local communities, that generated $161 million of economic impact in the state.

“The return to members is an impressive 50 percent higher than it was two years ago, when ECONorthwest performed a similar analysis,” said Troy Stang, President and CEO of the Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA). “Credit unions’ cooperative, not-for-profit structure holds them inherently accountable to the members who own them, which is why credit union membership is such a value for Main Street consumers.”

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
The ECONorthwest analysis documented that Oregon’s credit unions are providing family-wage jobs for 5,845 professionals, who earned a total compensation of $418 million.
“Every credit union job supports two others, meaning the state’s credit unions supported 16,600 jobs in the economy,” said Michael Wilkerson, PhD, Senior Economist for ECONorthwest.

Consumers’ Financial Lifeline
Nearly 50 percent of Oregon’s population belongs to a credit union.
Credit unions are financial service partners to consumers in 31 of Oregon’s 36 counties. Credit unions’ popularity is outpacing the population growth. Since 2014, 637,685 new members have joined a credit union in Oregon or Washington, representing 13 percent growth. The region’s population grew just 2.7 percent during the same period.

Loans, Loans, Loans
In addition to the economic impact documented by the 2016 Northwest Credit Unions’ Economic Impacts report, the National Credit Union Administration noted that as of September, 2016, Oregon’s credit unions had more than 950,000 active loans–an investment of $14.2 billion in members and communities.

“Credit union loans represent a significant investment in working-class Oregonians,” said Stang. “Those loans put members in their dream homes, help them buy the cars that get them to work, and help them start small businesses.”

Join a Credit Union and Make 2017 the Year You Take Control of Your Money
Nearly all Oregonians are eligible for credit union membership. Own your money. To find a credit union that’s convenient for you, please visit www.asmarterchoice.org.
Read the 2016 Northwest Credit Unions’ Economic Impacts report here: https://nwcua.org/credit-union-impact/

Beach Parking to Stay in Lincoln City

Justin Werner
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Beach Parking to Stay in Lincoln City

Concerns about beach parking access for elderly, disabled keep access point open to cars

State officials have decided to continue allowing parking on the beach from a controversial access point in Lincoln City.

beach parking

Strong opposition to a proposal banning vehicle access from N. 35th Court, on the north side of town, prompted the decision, officials said.

“Rather than taking the extreme measure of closing it down, we’re going to focus on what people said they were most worried about — safety,” OPRD spokesman Richard Walkoski said.

OPRD officials will make their recommendation to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission, which makes decisions, at a meeting on Feb. 8.

The entry point is one of only two places in Lincoln City where people can drive vehicles onto the beach and park. The more popular access point — and the one in better shape — is at N.W. 15th Street.

Until recently, the N. 35th Court site was rarely used by vehicles. It includes a small parking area and sandy pathway to the beach, and was used mostly by pedestrians.

In the summer of 2015, however, a handful of people began using the access point to drive onto the beach.

Property owners nearby weren’t happy with the drive-in access. A petition to outlaw access was signed by 28 property owners, kick-starting a review by the state.

OPRD proposed a rule closing the beach to vehicle access. They took public comment and held a series of meetings in Lincoln City and Salem.

In public comments tallied by OPRD, 67 people were opposed to the closure while 22 were in favor.

Those who opposed the closure cited a lack of other places to drive onto the beach in Lincoln City, which imposed a hardship on the handicapped and elderly.

“My youngest son has mobility issues and uses a wheelchair,” wrote Amy Hunt in public comments. “It is not possible for (him) to hike down to the beach and wheelchairs cannot be pushed through sand. Denying cars beach access would literally take away the beach from my 10 year old who loves it.”

They also mentioned having the ability to load equipment such as kite boards and jet skis.

“This is a great beach to drive down and park on,” Eric Creighton of Otis wrote. “My family and I would like to come down to park and watch the casino fireworks and enjoy the sunsets. This is also a good spot for kite boarding and launching jet skis.”

Supporters of the closure said the access point is dangerous and creates congestion and problems in an area heavily used by families.

“Vehicle beach access at N 35th Court in Lincoln City has created an extreme safety risk for children and families using the beach and playing in the stream at this location,” wrote Shawn Engelberg of Lincoln City. “I have observed several hair-raising episodes between vehicles and pedestrians.”

Others mentioned the better beach access for cars at N.W. 15th Street.

“Cars really have no place on our beaches,” wrote Carrie Saucy-Bowersox. “They leak pollutants and encourage people to drive instead of walk. I understand that disabled access is an important part of our beach system and I want that access to continue. But we shouldn’t allow access in a place that is expensive to maintain. We have a nice access point on 15th St.”

The Hunt for Glass Hearts

Justin Werner
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The Hunt for Glass Hearts

glass heartA casual beach stroll is a classic romance activity…but in Lincoln City you might find a glass treasure during that stroll. On February 11th & 12th, Float Fairies are hiding 14 heart-shaped glass paperweights on our beach for lucky lovers. Visit the beach in Lincoln City and hunt for a glass hearts.

This is a special event within the Finders Keepers event that runs from mid-October through Memorial Day. Regular glass floats will still be up for grabs.

Daimh will be performing at the LCCC on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 7 pm.

Justin Werner
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Daimh will be performing at the LCCC on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 7 pm.

Daimh-Stags-bandLovers of guitar, pipes, whistle, mandola and Scottish Gaelic, get ready to take a “dive” at the Lincoln City Cultural Center. Why a “dive”? That’s how you pronounce the word “daimh” which translates into “kinship” and is the name of last year’s “Folk Band of the Year” at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. The five musicians of Daimh will be performing at the LCCC on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 7 pm. Tickets are on sale now at lincolncityculturalcenter.org.

Daimh calls itself a “Gaelic Supergroup” and they’re known as the unchallenged champions of straight-in-the-eye Highland music. They’re based around West Lochaber and the Isle of Skye, but they’ve taken their music to more than 20 countries, from Moscow to San Francisco. With a reputation as giants of the bagpipes and fiddle, Angus Mackenzie and Gabe McVarish lead the melodic powerhouse with fellow founder member Ross Martin underpinning the groove on the guitar. They’re joined by “new guy” Murdo “Yogi” Cameron, on mandola and accordion, to complete the instrumental lineup.

Daimh have always had the renown and notoriety of working with some of the finest Gaelic singers in Scotland and the current line up only serves to cement that distinction with the addition of the Gaelic firmament’s most rapidly rising star, Ellen MacDonald on vocals.

Recent accolades include last year’s award for the “Best Folk Band in Europe” at the prestigious Folkherbst competition in Germany and most recently winner of “Folk Band of the Year” at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards. From pyrotechnic jigs and reels to achingly poignant ballads, Daimh runs the full expressive gamut of folk music. Although they’re renowned for their live shows, they’ve released five studio albums including the most recent, Tuneship.

The Lincoln City Cultural Center show will begin at 7 pm. Doors to the auditorium, inside the historic Delake School at 540 NE Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City, will open at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $25 in advance, and $27 at the door, $10 for youth ages 18 and under, with a $2 discount for current LCCC members. Reserve online on the center’s website, lincolncityculturalcenter.org, or call 541-994-9994.

QUOTES and BAND BIOS

“This is a great Gaelic band and definitely worthy of the title Gaelic Supergroup.”

Bright Young Folk

“Daimh have carved a reputation from the bedrock of Gaelic culture … authentic Gaelic music with a modern edge and a magnificent range of expression. This could be one of the best Scottish releases of 2014.”

Folkworld

“Love, life, loss and Lochaber: ‘Tuneship’ displays the growing maturity of a group whose work screams of place but which is rooted firmly in the present.”

Sunday Herald


Angus MacKenzie: Highland Pipes/Border Pipes/Whistles
A Gaelic-speaking piper from Mabou, Cape Breton Island on Canada’s East Coast residing for the past 17 years on the Isle of Skye. His piping style draws on his strong South Uist roots along with the dance-influenced rhythms of Cape Breton music. 2012 saw Angus, along with his brother Kenneth nominated for Roots Traditional Recording of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards for their album, Pìob is Fidheall.

Gabe McVarish: Fiddle
Hailing from Northern California, where his family settled after emigrating from Morar, Lochaber via Prince Edward Island. At the age of 17 Gabe travelled to his ancestral homeland of the Scottish Highlands where he spent a year studying music under the tutelage of fiddler and tradition bearer Angus Grant Sr. After completing a degree in Scottish music Gabe released solo album Eclection, a culmination of fiddle styles and repertoire from both sides of the Atlantic.

 

Ellen MacDonald: Gaelic Song
Widely tipped as the most exciting thing to happen to Gaelic song since the invention of the Ceilidh, Ellen MacDonald is fast finding a flock of fans and followers with her natural, smoky voice and individual interpretation of songs covering the full emotional spectrum of the Gael. Born and raised in Inverness with strong maternal ties to the language and songs of North Uist and Scalpay, Ellen studied at Scotland’s only dedicated Gaelic language college, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig on the the Isle of Skye. Ellen’s acting skills have seen her nominated for ‘Best Performance’ at the FilmG awards for her role in a Gaelic short film ‘Briste’ and landing a key role in the BBC’s new Gaelic drama “Bannan”.

Murdo Cameron: Mandola/Mandolin/Accordion
Murdo comes from a long line of traditional Gaelic singers and was immersed in music growing up Glenelg, a wee village a stones throw across from the Isle of Skye, famous for being twinned with Mars. A member of the Mountain Rescue, Murdo started out as an accordion player and piper, who in the last few years has been a busy guitar accompanist and stringed things enthusiast.


Ross Martin: Guitar
From Arisaig though now lives in neighboring Morar. A fisherman from early teens until his twenties and now an active member of the Coastguard, Ross has gone on to tour Europe and the U.S. with Irish singer Karan Casey. Ross’ unique style of guitar accompaniment has him in demand for numerous projects including Dual, a collaborative exploration of traditional Gaelic music of Scotland and Ireland by Danù singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoimh and Brave singing sensation, Julie Fowlis.

KALEIDOSCOPE: Patterns of Land, Ocean, Sun, and Sky

Justin Werner
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KALEIDOSCOPE: Patterns of Land, Ocean, Sun, and Sky

KaleidoscopeThis joint exhibit, “Kaleidoscope: Patterns of Land, Ocean, Sun, and Sky” features collage/ mixed media artist Ron Bunch and glass artist Bob Heath. It will open at the Chessman Gallery on Friday, February 10th with an artists’ reception from 5 to 7 pm. Wine and appetizers will be on offer. This exhibit will be on display until Monday, March 10th.

Both artists are exhibiting works inspired by the natural world. Bunch and Heath fragment these visual influences and reorganize them into abstracted works that still evoke the brilliance of the original natural phenomena.

The works exhibited in “Kaleidoscope” echo our unique coastal landscape. Such inspiring land and seascapes create emotional responses that are reiterated within the gallery walls through this collection of work. As Bunch deconstructs and recreates visions through the layering of colors and transparencies in his collages, he pushes the boundaries of light and form in their relationship to ocean, earth, and sky. These ideas are complimented visually with the fused glasswork of Bob Heath. While translucency is inherently important to works of glass, Heath skillfully patterns colors, layers, and forms merging light with solid in his pieces drawing inspiration from beams of sunlight and topographical images alike. Bunch and Heath’s playful abstractions place viewers into a fantastic kaleidoscope where the natural world’s beauty is only illuminated.Kaleidoscope

Ron Bunch‘s background in landscape architecture informs his work, he is primarily a self-taught artist, having created art for decades. Bunch is strongly influenced by the landscapes associated with his upbringing in rural Oregon. He often creates from memory alone and finds his recollections transform the landscapes. His collage/mixed media work is made from his own painted papers mounted on canvas and  board. Upon retirement Bunch is able to work full time in his own studio at Radius Studios in Portland, Oregon. www.rbbunch-art.com

Bob Heath’s 35 years as an engineer had given him the appreciation for detail and design that is evident in his glass forms. Heath has studied with a wide range of glass artists and experimented with just about everything one can do with glass, but is always eager to learn and explore new techniques. Heath was selected as a finalist in the 2014 Bullseye Emerging Artists bi-annual art-glass competition. He is an active member of the Oregon Glass Guild, having served as its president for two years. www.candlelightglass.com

For more information about this show or any of the many events going on at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, call 541-994-9994, head to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org, or become a friend on Facebook.

Youth marijuana use prevention campaign

Justin Werner
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Youth marijuana use prevention campaign

youth marijuana
An Oregon Health Authority media campaign aimed at youth and young adults is raising awareness among its target audience of the risks associated with marijuana use, an independent evaluation has found.

“Stay True to You,” the OHA’s youth marijuana use prevention campaign, was launched in July 2016 in two pilot communities–the Portland metro area (Washington, Multnomah and Clackamas counties) and Southern Oregon (Josephine and Jackson counties). RMC Research Corp., contracted by OHA to evaluate the campaign, found that, at mid-campaign, a statistically significant higher proportion of youth and young adults in the pilot areas correctly identified that only one in five Oregon high school juniors use marijuana.

The evaluation also showed that a significantly higher proportion of youth and young adults in the pilot areas also correctly identified that possession of marijuana by persons under age 21 can result in a steep fine, community service, or court-ordered drug treatment.

Social norms, intent to use and perceived risk of use are known predictors of substance use behavior.

“Our focus group research showed youth and young adults wanted more information on marijuana use and its effects,” said Kati Moseley, OHA policy specialist at the OHA Public Health Division. “This campaign provided those facts and our research shows the audience was receptive to them.”

The mid-campaign evaluation was contained in a report OHA submitted this month to the Oregon Legislature. The full report is available at http://healthoregon.org/marijuana under “Publications.”

The ability to measure long-term effects of the youth marijuana use prevention pilot campaign is limited given the short five-month duration between campaign launch and mid-campaign assessment. However, the campaign is reaching its intended youth and young adult audience, the evaluation concluded.

OHA launched the pilot campaign last summer in the midst of increased marijuana advertising and access to retail marijuana–recent changes that may promote underage marijuana use. Although the magnitude of marijuana advertising in Oregon is unknown, marijuana retail locations are almost twice as common as Starbucks or McDonald’s. In eight of the 12 youth and parent focus groups conducted in pilot campaign areas, participants reported an increase in the visibility of dispensaries, marijuana advertising, and marijuana-related products in the past year.

Youth and young adult attitudes–including intent to delay marijuana use until age 21–have held steady in this environment. Despite that, the mid-campaign evaluation results indicate that a standalone media campaign may not be sufficient by itself to counteract Oregon’s growing advertising of and access to retail marijuana. Because media campaigns are most effective when implemented in the context of community-wide support for youth, parents and families, this campaign’s effects on youth marijuana use will grow with increased collaboration among the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division, counties, tribes and schools in Oregon.

Background on Stay True to You Campaign and evaluation

After the legalization and ongoing rollout of recreational marijuana, the Oregon Legislature passed HB 4014 and SB 1597, which provided OHA with $3.97 million to develop, pilot and evaluate a youth marijuana use prevention campaign in a rural and urban area of the state. Legislative intent guided OHA in choosing the Portland metro area and southern Oregon as the locations for the pilot campaign.

OHA developed the campaign using extensive audience research and focus groups. OHA conducted 28 focus groups in Portland, Bend, Medford and Pendleton featuring 260 youth and young adults ages 14 through 20. Participants from the African American, Asian and Pacific Islander, white, American Indian/Alaska native and Latino communities were included. RMC Research Corporation conducted groups in English and Spanish between October 2015 and March 2016.

Beach Safety

Justin Werner
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Beach Safety

BEACH SAFETY

When visiting the scenic Oregon coast and participating in recreational activities, safety should be a prime concern. Tragic water accidents can happen quickly and we recommend the following safety tips:

  • Follow posted regulations.
  • The ocean in this area is normally 55 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. In these temperatures, it takes just minutes for hypothermia to set in.
  • Supervise children closely.
  • Stay clear of coastal bluffs. They can collapse and cause injury.
  • Never turn your back to the ocean. You may be swept off coastal bluffs, beaches or tide pool areas and into the water by “sneaker” waves that can come without warning.
    Be aware of sneaker waves, even on the calmest days. They’re called sneaker waves because they appear without warning, often surging high up on the beach with deadly force, and are impossible to predict. Don’t turn your back on the ocean and keep your eye on the surf.
  • Have your beach access available to you at all times. A big wave can come right up to a seawall, leaving you no path for safety.
  • Do not climb up onto logs on the beach. While they look heavy and sturdy when climbing on them, the smallest wave will roll it over you or a child. Killer logs are real.
  • Stay on accessible high ground when storm-agitated surf is on the beach. Oregon State Parks maintains dozens of safe roadside parks and campground access points right along Highway 101 where you can get great photos of dramatic winter surf without endangering yourself.
  • If you are in trouble, call or wave for help.
  • Dress for the weather. Layer your clothes to provide you warmth and comfort. And carry along your rain gear to keep you dry when it does drizzle.
  • No beach fires except in designated areas.
  • Tides and waves can sweep over rocks, jetties and headlands, knocking you off and carrying you out to sea.
  • Incoming tides isolate rocks from headlands and the shore. Avoid the temptation of strolling out to an interesting rock without knowing when the tide rolls back in. Free tide tables are readily available at state park offices, information centers and many shops and motels. You can also find this information by visiting the tide table website from the Hatfield Marine Science Center.
  • Take care around high, steep cliffs
  • Assume that all cliff edges are unstable. Wet trails or soft sand and earth can make for unstable footing. Rocks can be slippery even when it isn’t raining. Make sure you wear proper footwear, and stick to the trails. Stay behind guard fences and railings and don’t get too close to the edge.
  • Standing at the base of an ocean side cliff can be dangerous, especially if it has an overhang. In some places, winter storms and high waves have eroded the shoreline, increasing the chance of collapsing land forms and slides. Beware of falling rocks, and don’t climb on bluffs and eroding hillsides. Don’t walk along the base of cliffs unless absolutely necessary.

For more information and tips, visit our web site at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office — Oregon.

Tapping TRT to finance a multi-million dollar cop-shop

LCH Reader
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Tapping TRT to finance a multi-million dollar cop-shop

Is it really a necessary need for the citizens to have a new police facility? I personally am not convinced.

Transient Room tax (TRT) was originally passed with the understanding that the income produced was to be used to offset the cost to residents the tourism industry creates: police, fire, streets, water and sewer infrastructure. To date there is very little evidence of the intended use of the TRT.

TRT bought the current city hall property. The move from the old city hall (now the local museum in Taft) was some upgrade at the expense to funds to police, fire, streets, water and sewer infrastructure. The building which houses the cop shop now serves the public well.

R.D.

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Dropped to 4.6 Percent in December

Justin Werner
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Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Dropped to 4.6 Percent in December

Oregon’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.6 percent in December, from 5.0 percent in November. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in December, down from 5.3 percent in December 2015. Oregon’s unemployment rate and its decline over the year are comparable with the U.S.

In December, nonfarm payroll employment rose by 5,000, which was more than the average monthly gain of 4,400 experienced over the prior 12 months. This followed a strong November gain of 5,200 jobs, as revised. December gains were strongest in professional and business services (+1,200 jobs) and government (+1,100). Three other industries added close to 700 jobs: financial activities (+700); health care and social assistance (+700); and construction (+600). Only one major industry had a substantial monthly job loss, as transportation, warehousing and utilities cut 500 jobs.

Over-the-year growth in Oregon continued at a robust pace as payroll employment grew by 2.9 percent since December 2015, nearly double the U.S. growth rate of 1.5 percent. In Oregon, industries growing the fastest during 2016 were construction (+7,000 jobs, or 8.1%); other services (+3,000 jobs, or 4.8%); professional and business services (+10,600 jobs, or 4.5%); and health care and social assistance (+10,200 jobs, or 4.5%). No industry declined over the past 12 months, but manufacturing (+1,200 jobs, or 0.6%) and retail trade (+1,200 jobs, or 0.6%) each expanded by less than 1 percent.

OSP Urging Safe Travels After Responding to Over 750 Traffic Incidents In 36 Hours

Justin Werner
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OSP Urging Safe Travels After Responding to Over 750 Traffic Incidents In 36 Hours

In the past 36 hours we have had responded to over 750 traffic incidents statewide. These include 91 road hazards, 266 disabled vehicles, and 394 reported crashes. Most were weather related. Fortunately no lives were lost but we are still urging motorists safe travels during this storm.

If traveling is not necessary, please don’t. If it is necessary please “Know Before You Go” by going to www.tripcheck.com to see travel conditions and chain requirements.

Take your time and slow down when poor driving conditions are present. Please know chain/traction tire requirements when traveling. Failure to follow the requirements could result in a $160 fine and being turned around.

If your vehicle becomes disabled or cannot travel any further, do NOT stop in the roadway. Please try to get it off the plowed section of the roadway or it could be towed. Leave a note with the vehicle explaining when you intend on removing it. Under state law, an abandoned vehicle which is a hazard can be towed immediately. If not a hazard it can be towed 24 hours after tagged by law enforcement.

Be prepared in the event you become stuck during your travels- Carry water, food, and blankets in the event you are stuck in your vehicle during your trip

Put the distractions away. Pull over to use that handheld electronic device, ask as passenger to help or wait to arrive at your destination to use them.

Get rested before you travel. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Be patient and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.

Wear your safety belt. Ensure your passengers and children are properly restrained too. We see too many crashes were people would have walked away with minor in any injuries.

These simple tips are your way to support our mission of transportation safety during storms such as these.

A few images from traffic incidents: https://youtu.be/578lAcTMYCw

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