I have been driving Highway 101 for almost 40 years and have recently observed a lot of drivers using their cell phones while driving, with no concern for others. They must know it is against the law.
This spiked my concerns enough that I requested, through a ‘public records request’, the number of citations that were issued by the Lincoln City Police Department in 2017 for illegal use of cell phone while driving. The report showed that 16 citations were issued for that entire year. This averages out to 1.3 citations per month.
The police department has 26 officers on the streets and a $4 million budget.
What do you think?
The National Safety Council reports that:
. cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year
. nearly 330,000 injuries occur every year from accidents caused by texting while driving
. 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the U.S. is caused by texting and driving
Children say the darndest things sometimes, and when they said “where do the police live?” a chuckle escaped me. “The police station,” I replied. After a moment of silence, I heard from the backseat: “can we see where the police live?”
We visited our local police station and were welcomed by Officers Greg Hirch and Cody Snidow, who gave us a private tour. My kids, Alaina and Skyler, ages three and four, were in heaven. They toured the jail cells and really enjoyed seeing the breathalyzer machine. I think they understand not to drink and drive now.
Next stop was the evidence room where they made a friend with Molly, who wouldn’t let them in, not even with their Junior Police Officer sticker badges. The officers said that they didn’t get to go in there either, so the kids didn’t take it personally. Molly explained how the evidence process works and told the kids about her own little girl.
The kids received official Lincoln City Police wristbands from a pair of detectives, who seemed to enjoy the distraction as they smiled and watched the kids exploring their office.
The kids got to see the garage where police cars pull in and offload bad guys. Officer Hirch said they “close the door so they can’t get away.” The kids liked Officer Hirch very much because he explained everything the entire time.
Officer Snidow told us he had a young boy the same age as mine, and had a smile on his face as the kids inspected a police car outside. He seemed to be genuinely enjoying this impromptu visit. Cody Snidow is brand new to the force having been sworn in just two days ago. Our conversation was interrupted by lights and siren, to which the kids froze with shocked looks, turning into big smiles as they ran around the car pretending to be mini-police officers.
It was an amazing unplanned visit that was both educational and fun. Most kids pine for the zoo. My kids yearn to visit a police station. They certainly found the trip an arresting one!
The budget for the new Lincoln City Police Department headquarters was recently approved by the city council, and is still in the planning phase. Construction should start in the fall.
Outgoing Police Chief Keith Kilian is retiring on April 5th. A retirement celebration will be held at 4 p.m. on April 5th in the Lincoln City Council Chambers at City Hall.
UPDATE: Adam Wagner and Gabe Smith fined $195 each by City of Lincoln City for violating special events permit law.
John Forse surfs Nelscott Reef
Lincoln City, Oregon – John Forse, founder and organizer of the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic, issued a press release today announcing the closing of its 13th season. Forse, a native of Lincoln City, said the event didn’t run this year due to interference by an unpermitted outside group, who used a strikingly similar name, and website, thereby confusing sponsors into giving money to the rogue group.
“There are people getting rolled over by this log. had I not made it up the hill I would have died.” – Headstand Photography’s Jon Monroe
On November 29, 2017, a contestable swell was forecasted and a group calling themselves the similar sounding Nelscott Reef Big Wave Pro-Am, had surfers in the water, according to Forse. In Dec. 2017, we reported that tourists were almost crushed by a huge rolling log in the surf because no safety monitors were established. Our publisher, Justin Werner, testified at the December 11, 2017 City Council meeting about the safety concerns surrounding the group’s unsanctioned activities:
Following the meeting, Forse appeared before the council four more times and pleaded with the city to cite the unlicensed operators. After the fourth meeting, City Manager Ron Chandler told Forse the City found the rogue event organizers in violation.
Organizers of the bootleg event were then cited by Lincoln City Police Chief Keith Kilian for failure to obtain the proper permits and licenses. Gabe Smith and Adam Wagner, both from Portland, are required to appear in Lincoln City Municipal Court on April 12th at 9:00am. Failure to appear is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a year in jail, and a $6,250 fine.
Numerous local businesses unwittingly gave money to Smith and Wagner, who told them they would be featured on banners and in a live webcast for a contest that never materialized. These businesses included 10 Barrel Brewing Co., Inn at Lincoln City, Roby’s Furniture and Appliance, Oregon Coast Bank, The Coho, Coldwell Banker, JKI Realty, D Sands Motel, Meredith Lodging, Dive N’ Surf, Salmon River Contractors, Olivia Beach, A Vista d’ Mar, Yaquina Cab, Naked Winery, Anchor Storage, Zuhg Surf Shop, Henkels Law, and many others. They are welcome to attend the court hearing to voice their concerns and demand their money be returned.
Fortunately, the Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic will return next fall for the 14th annual event with a $10,000 purse and webcast. For more event info visit: https://nelscottreef.com.
The Nelscott Reef Big Wave Classic is a one day event that is held between October and March. The event is called on three days notice of optimal conditions. Surfers come to Lincoln City from around the world to ride the biggest wave on the Oregon Coast: our own Nelscott Reef.
Taft High scored four runs in the top of the seventh inning Saturday to overcome a one-run deficit and defeat the host Buffalos 15-12 in the Madras Baseball Tournament.
“We found a way to win the game,” Taft Coach Matt Higers said. “It was good to see us battle back and come out on top. Hopefully, we can carry this momentum into next week.”
Caleb King collected four hits and Josh Salsbery and Tyee Fisher three each to pace a 17-hit attack for the Tigers, who scored 11 runs in the first three innings, before falling behind 12-11 following a nine-run fourth by Madras.
“We had a bit of a mental lapse through the middle innings and let our lead get away,” Hilgers said.
Class 3A Taft (8-2, 1-0 West Valley) finished with back-to-back wins in the three-day tournament after dropping Thursday’s opener 18-9 to Class 4A Crook County. The Tigers defeated 4A Tillamook 8-2 on Friday.
Kam Kessler drove in three runs for the Tigers, while Eli DeMello, Fisher and King knocked in two each.
Senior leadoff hitter Salsbery scored four times for Taft, while Cody Knott, DeMello and King scored twice each. Kessler, Fisher and King all doubled for Taft.
Salsbery got the win over the 4A White Buffalos (4-3) in 3 1/3 innings of relief of starter Bleiz Kimbrough and Caleb Jones.
The Tigers return to action at home Tuesday, April 3, in a West Valley League game against Horizon Christian-Tualatin (5-2, 0-0).
Taft 15, Madras 12
TAFT AB R H BI
Josh Salsbery 5 4 3 1
Eli DeMello 5 2 1 2
Caleb King 5 2 4 2
Jack Stempel 4 1 1 0
Cody Knott 4 2 1 1
Kam Kessler 4 1 1 3
Tyee Fisher 5 1 3 2
Bleiz Kimbrough 3 0 1 1
Caleb Jones 1 1 1 0
Trenton Fisher 4 1 1 0 TOTALS 40 15 17 12
MADRAS AB R H BI
Tyler Lockey 5 1 2 2
Jordan Mitchell 5 1 1 0
Kody Zemke 5 1 2 4
Cameron Rodriguez 5 1 1 0
White 4 2 3 1
Jarred Holliday 2 1 0 0
Collon 3 1 1 2
Mitchell 1 2 0 1
Nathan Stout 2 2 1 2 TOTALS 32 12 11 12
Taft High’s spring break softball tournament proved to be no break at all as the Lady Tigers took on five bigger out-of-state schools in preparation for Class 3A West Valley League play that begins Friday, April 6, at home against Amity.
“Today, we came out a little more confident,” Taft Coach Sandy Stuart said. “We played much better defense overall and had better communication.”
The Lady Tigers lost 5-0 and 3-0 Saturday to California representatives Bishop O’Doud and Franklin, respectively, to conclude the five-game Napa Softball Tournament without a victory after winning their first six games of the season.
“We still struggled a little at the plate and were unable to score,” Stuart said. “We did leave runners in scoring position a few times, which was frustrating.”
Taft was outscored 42-4 and suffered three shutouts in 80-plus degree weather, but improved with each outing throughout the two-day tournament.
Sophomore starting pitcher Emma Coulter and freshman Kayla Lininger collected hits for the Lady Tigers in Saturday’s opener against Bishop O’Doud of Oakland, Calif.
Sophomore Hailee Dannecker and freshmen Kayla Lininger and Kyla Knott all singled for the Lady Tigers in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Franklin.
Coulter struck out six in six innings for Taft.
“Emma pitched two great games,” Stuart said. ”She was doing her job moving the ball around and pitching with spin to create more pop-ups and ground balls.”
Taft entered the tournament undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the state in the Class 3A ranks.
“We are still just young and working on getting our freshmen working hard on defense,” Stuart said. “It was nice to be in he sunshine together playing ball. We know what we need to focus on this week to prepare for league play on Friday.”
BISHOP O’DOUD IP H R ER BB SO HR
Lizzy Avery 7.00 2 0 0 2 10 0 TAFT
Emma Coulter 7.00 6 5 1 2 6 0 PB–Frankie Hammonde (3), Hailee Dannecker (2). BB–Marissa Petty, Bianca Pahler, Kayla Lininger, Hailee Dannecker.
Franklin 3, Taft 0 FRANKLIN AB R H BI
C Moore 3 2 2 1
N Gonzalez 2 0 1 0
C Jack 1 0 0 1
T Keinath 3 0 2 0
H Morgan-Voyce 2 0 1 1
B Barbato 3 0 0 0
K Knapp 2 0 0 0
A Villalpanolo 3 0 0 0
H Pratt 3 1 1 0
McKenzie Evenson 1 0 0 0
Lilly Salsbery 1 0 0 0 TOTALS 22 3 7 3
LOB–FRANKLIN 6, TAFT 5. ERR–H Caldwell, C Jack. 2B–T Keinath, C Moore (2), Kayla Lininger, Hailee Dannecker. SACF–H Morgan-Voyce, C Jack. SACB–N Gonzalez. FRANKLIN IP H R ER BB SO HR
H Caldwell 6.00 3 0 0 0 3 0 TAFT
Emma Coulter 6.00 7 3 3 2 6 0 PB–Hailee Dannecker. BB–C Jack, K Knapp.
Senior Caleb King drove home five runs, while junior starter Kam Kessler and sophomore reliever Eli DeMello combined to limit Tillamook to four hits Friday for an 8-2 victory in the Madras Spring Break Baseball Tournament.
“We bounced back tonight and put a tally on the right side of the win-loss column,” Taft Coach Matt Hilgers said. “We still need to clean up some things on the defensive side of the ball. We are not fundamentally sound yet.”
Josh Salsbery
Senior infielder Josh Salsbery had three hits to pace the Tigers, while Kessler and DeMello collected two each as Taft took advantage of a four-run third inning against the Class 4A Cheesemakers (2-3, 0-0 Cowapa).
Caleb Jones slides safely back to first
Junior Cody Knott and sophomore Caleb Jones joined Salsbery by driving in runs for Class 3A Taft (7-2, 0-0 West Valley), which rebounded from a nine-error, nine-walk 18-9 loss to 4A Crook County on Thursday. Kessler doubled, while Salsbery and King tripled for Taft.
“We were able to overcome walks and errors today with some key defensive plays,” Hilgers said. “We had a better mindset today, and we had a much different approach to the game than we have the last couple games.”
The Tigers will conclude tournament play against host Madras at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
Eli DeMello pitchingKameron Kessler
Taft 8, Tillamook 2
TAFT AB R H BI
Josh Salsbery 4 2 3 1
Eli DeMello 4 2 2 0
Caleb King 3 1 1 5
Jack Stempel 4 0 1 0
Cody Knott 3 0 0 1
Kam Kessler 4 1 2 0
Tyee Fisher 4 0 0 0
Caleb Jones 3 1 1 1
Trenton Fisher 1 1 0 0 TOTALS 30 8 10 8
TILLAMOOK AB R H BI
Chase Wagner 4 0 1 0
Justin Harmon 4 1 1 0
Tanner Richardson 0 0 0 0
Jeff Witthoft 4 0 1 0
Tyson Wilkes 3 1 0 0
Danny Weber 2 0 0 1
Max Brown 3 0 0 1
Corbin Brown 4 0 1 0
Josh Smith 3 0 0 0 TOTALS 27 2 4 2
TAFT 104 012 0 — 8 TILLAMOOK 100 010 0 — 2
LOB–TAFT 5, TILLAMOOK 12. ERR–Josh Salsbery (2),Kam Kessler, Eli DeMello, Cody Knott, Corbin Brown, Justin Harmon. 2B–Kam Kessler, Chase Wagner. 3B—Josh Salsbery, Caleb King. HBP–Trenton Fisher, Max Brown, Tanner
Richardson (3), Tyson Wilkes, Danny Weber (2). SACF—Caleb King. SB–Josh Salsbery, Eli DeMello (2), Caleb Jones, Corbin Brown (2), Tyson Wilkes, Chase Wagner, Danny Weber.
TAFT IP H R ER BB SO HR
Kam Kessler (W) 4.00 3 2 1 1 3 0
Eli DeMello 3.00 1 0 0 0 1 0 TILLAMOOK
Jeff Witthoft (L) 6.00 9 8 8 1 3 0
Tyson Wilkes 1.00 1 0 0 1 0 0 BB–Trenton Fisher, Cody Knott, Tanner Richardson.
No. 1-ranked Taft High increased its hit total by one in each of its games Friday in a softball tripleheader . . .
Now, the bad:
The Lady Tigers managed just one hit in the opener, two in the second game and three in the nightcap to turn a six-game winning streak to start the season into a three-game losing streak in a matter of mere hours.
“We played some very tough, big-hitting teams this morning.” said Taft coach Sandy Stuart, whose top-rated team battled two bigger California schools and another from Nevada in 80-degree weather. “We knew that we were coming down to face some tough competition, and our goals were to compete and learn from these games.”
Senior centerfielder Alyssa Tanksley managed Taft’s only hit in the opening game; sophomore catcher Hailee Dannecker collected both hits in the second; and senior third baseman Naomi Rini, Tanksley and Dannecker one each in the third in the Napa Softball Tournament.
Taft lost the opener 12-0 to host Petaluma, Calif.; the second 11-3 to Rancho Cotate, Calif.; and the third 11-1 to Douglas, Nev.
“The competition is very strong, and we are a young team,” Stuart said. “We struggled to push past some big hits and some costly errors, but we are getting there.”
Sophomore Emma Coulter walked just one, but suffered the opening-game loss for the Tigers as Petaluma jumped to a 3-0 first-inning lead.
“We were nervous and didn’t show the offensive strength we have had so far this preseason,” Stuart said, “They hit the ball well and their pitcher kept us on our toes the entire game.”
Kyla Knott scored twice for Taft, and fellow freshman Kayla Lininger once in the second game. Dannecker drove in two runs and freshman Claira Tolan one for the Tigers.
“We came out a little more relaxed and were able to put some runs on the board,” Stuart said. “We left some runners on base, which was disappointing, but we are here to learn and get better.”
Dannecker scored Taft’s only run in the night game
Taft (6-3, 0-0 Class 3A West Valley League) is scheduled to play Bishop O’ Doud of Oakland, Calif., at 8 a.m. Saturday, followed by a game against Franklin, Calif., High at 9:30 a.m.
“Going forward we need to remember to build on our strengths and work on our weaknesses,” Stuart said. “We are trying to get all of our younger players learning what it takes to win ball games and be competitive. As we grow together and mature we are going to be a strong team.”
Lincoln City, Oregon is home to seven miles of sandy coastline. We’ve gone through the list of beaches and provided, from our view at least, the best beaches Lincoln City has to offer. While this list is short, it’s comprehensive, but leave a comment if we’ve missed something.
At the south end of Lincoln City, Siletz Bay is a great place to enjoy the beach. Mo’s famous clam chowder is within walking distance so there’s none of that “I’m hungry and tired” while you’re in the car looking for a place to eat. Siletz Bay is where tourists and locals go to watch seals and you can almost always see a bonfire going. The lack of wind makes this spot an ideal location to bring the family to play in the sand and collect great driftwood pieces. Across from Mo’s, Eleanor’s Undertow offers premium Umpqua ice cream and over twenty different types of toffee. Eleanor’s also has fishing/crabbing licenses and gear for rent. They rent or sell the Crab Max which works great in shallow water.
Public restrooms. Parking available dawn to dusk.
D River Wayside
Home to the shortest river in the world, D River runs under Highway 101 and into the ocean. This is probably the most well known beach access point in Lincoln City but with limited parking and ongoing construction it now ranks as the second best beach in town. Because it’s so windy the world famous Kite Festival comes in June and October and we suggest you check ‘em out.
Public restrooms. Available dawn to dusk.
Roads End State Park
At low-tide you can get to a secret beach around Roads End Point but don’t get trapped when the tide comes back in. This spot made our number one because of how quiet it is. While most people choose the other two beaches on our list, very few make it to this one, so it remains a hidden gem. Wind is not bad and this beach is perfect for a picnic.
Restrooms are clean and well maintained. Open dawn to dusk.
We hope you have enjoyed our best beaches Lincoln City article and like we say around here, “It’s better at the beach!”
EDITOR’S NOTE: We noticed in the footer of this press release from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office that Kathy Manning, Administrative Assistant, is retiring. She put: “Submitted respectfully for the last time by: Kathy Manning, Retiring Administrative Assistant.” We would like to wish her a happy retirement.
BOATING SAFETY – OUR BUSINESS AND YOURS
Summer will be here before we know it and in the coming weeks more people will be pulling out their boats from winter storage in preparation for launch in the waters of this state. Below are suggestions which can contribute to your safety and add to your boating pleasure.
Know the legal requirements for your size vessel. Safety equipment must be accessible and in working condition.
Wear your life jackets!! 85% of the boating fatalities could be avoided by wearing a personal flotation device. Stow them in a readily accessible place. It won’t save your life if you don’t wear it.
Have children and non-swimmers wear a personal flotation device. Each device should be of suitable size for the intended wearer and fit securely. 90% of those who die in boating accidents drown.
Be prepared and carry extra equipment such as a bailer (bucket), anchor, first aid kit, visual distress signal, tool kit, flashlight with extra batteries, and a cell phone.
Don’t over load your boat. Follow the recommendations on the capacity plate of your boat.
Capsizing, sinking, and falling overboard account for 70% of boating fatalities.
If your boat should capsize, your best chance for survival and rescue is to stay with the boat. Pull as much of your body out of the water as possible to preserve body warmth.
Hypothermia can be a killer; keep your body as dry and warm as possible.
It is illegal to operate any boat while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Use the designated driver concept; a sober skipper is a must.
Stressors such as exposure to sun, wind, cold water, vibration, noise, and alcohol all affect your ability to react.
Don’t run out of fuel. Practice the 1/3 rule: 1/3 for trip, 1/3 for return, and 1/3 for spare.
Fuel vapors are heavier then air and collect in the bilge. Never fill gasoline cans in the boat.
When anchoring, use a line that is several times longer than the depth of the water and never anchor by the stern.
File a float plan. Let someone know where you’re boating and when you’ll be back.
You’re responsible for damage or injury caused by your wake. Exercise caution around other boaters and docks.
As of January 2009, all persons operating a motor boat greater than 10 horsepower are required to carry a Boater Education Card. The card shows that the operator has passed an approved boater education course or equivalency exam.
For further information on Boating in Oregon, visit the Oregon State Marine Board web site: www.boatoregon.com
Sophomore catcher Eli DeMello and pitcher Jack Stempel have a talk at the mound – Photos by Eric DeMello
Crook County overcame 12 errors by taking advantage of nine by Taft to erase a five-run deficit and defeat the Tigers 18-9 Thursday on the opening day of the Madras Spring Break Baseball Tournament.
“You are not going to win very many games when you have as many errors and walks as we did today,” Taft Coach Matt Hilgers said. “We have to get back to the basics in all aspects of baseball.”
The Class 4A Cowboys (2-3. 0-0 4A Tri-Valley) snapped a three-game losing streak by handing the Class 3A Tigers (6-2, 1-0 4A West Valley) their second straight loss after six wins to open the season.
Crook County scored all of its runs in the final five innings off four Taft pitchers, who walked nine batters.
Sophomore Brody Connell drove in six runs and senior leadoff hitter Josh Norris collected four of Crook County’s 11 hits off Taft senior starter Jack Stempel and three relief pitchers.
Junior infielder Cody Knott and sophomore catcher Eli DeMello led Taft with three hits each, while senior infielder Josh Salsbery added two.
Salsbery scored three runs and Stempel two for the Tigers, while senior Caleb King and DeMello drove in two runs each.
DeMello guns down a runner at second
Taft plays Tillamook at 2:30 p.m. Friday in the three-day tournament. The Cheesemakers (2-2, 0-0 4A Cowapa) lost 10-0 in six innings to Madras (4-1, 0-0 4A Tri-Valley) in Thursday’s opener.
NOTES: The No. 1 –ranked Taft softball team will open action Friday with a tripleheader in the Napa Spring Break Tournament in Petaluma, Calif. The Lady Tigers (6-0, 0-0 Class 3A West Valley) will open against host Petaluma at 9:30 a.m., then meet Rancho Cotate (Calif.) at 11 a.m. and Douglas (Nev.) at 5 p.m.
Crook County 18, Taft 9
CROOK COUNTY AB R H BI
Josh Norris 6 2 4 2
Heath Pickhardt 3 3 1 1
Carson Smith 5 2 0 1
Brody Connell 5 2 3 6
Combee 4 0 0 0
Garett Bernard 0 1 0 0
Devin Wilson 5 2 2 2
Hunter Bishop 3 2 0 0
Payton Faust 3 1 0 0
Diego Smith 3 3 1 0
TOTALS 37 18 11 12
TAFT AB R H BI
Josh Salsbery 5 3 2 1
Eli DeMello 5 1 3 2
Caleb King 4 0 1 2
Jack Stempel 2 2 0 0
Cody Knott 4 0 3 1
Kam Kessler 4 1 0 1
Tyee Fisher 4 1 0 0
Bleiz Kimbrough 1 0 0 1
Caleb Jones 1 0 0 0
Trenton Fisher 3 1 0 0
TOTALS 33 9 9 8
CROOK COUNTY 004 361 4 — 18
TAFT 050 003 1 — 9
LOB–CROOK COUNTY 10, TAFT 10. ERR– Combee, Brody Connell (4), Carson Smith (3), Payton Faust, Diego Smith (2), Kyle Knudtson, Josh Salsbery (3), Tyee Fisher, Kam Kessler, Eli DeMello, Cody Knott (2), Caleb Jones. 2B–Brody Connell, Josh Norris, Devin Wilson, Eli DeMello, Cody Knott. HBP–Combee, Hunter Bishop, Payton Faust. SACF–Caleb King. SACB–Trenton Fisher. SB–Hunter Bishop,Josh Norris, Tyee Fisher.
CROOK COUNTY IP H R ER BB SO HR
Kyle Knudtson (W) 5.33 7 8 3 5 5 0
Augustus Williams 1.67 2 1 1 0 2 0
TAFT
Jack Stempel (L) 4.00 7 7 3 2 3 0
Bleiz Kimbrough 0.33 1 6 3 3 0 0
Tyee Fisher 1.67 2 4 3 2 1 0
Josh Salsbery 1.00 1 1 1 2 2 0
WP–Tyee Fisher, Jack Stempel. BB–Brody Connell, arson Smith,Hunter Bishop, Payton Faust, Diego Smith (2), Heath Pickhardt (3), Bleiz Kimbrough, Jack Stempel (3), Caleb Jones.
