I5 bridge north to Washington (phot courtesy of Wikipedia)
Salem,OR- The Bi-State I-5 Bridge Committee and Oregon Joint Transportation Chairs today announced a federal investment from the United States Department of Transportation’s National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) grant. It brings the committee $600 million closer to completing the I-5 bridge replacement project.
The funding comes from the United States Department of Transportation’s National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega) grant program, established by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021
The award is the highest amount yet awarded through the program and will go to the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. Oregon and Washington jointly applied for the grant.
“A safe, seismically resilient, and multimodal transportation system means full, complete, connected communities,” said Representative Susan McLain (D-Hillsboro, Forest Grove and Cornelius), Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation.
This commitment from our federal partners demonstrates just how important the I-5 Bridge is to the infrastructure of the West Coast and the impact a healthy, functional Bridge has on the economy, the communities, and the industries that flourish on both sides of the river.”
Oregon State Parks will once again host Winter Whale Watch Week at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast Wednesday, December 27 to Sunday, December 31, 2023.
According to a Parks department news release, “Every year thousands of gray whales migrate south through Oregon’s waters at the end of December, and state parks invites visitors to the coast to see their journey. The Whale Watch Week sites are some of the best places to spot whales on the Oregon Coast. “
Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10a.m. to 1p.m. daily. Volunteer opportunities are still available along the north and south coast if you register by Dec. 11 at https://orwhalewatch.org/volunteer/
“We are excitedly waiting for the migration of the gray whales to come down from Alaska,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride. “We really enjoy sharing the experience with visitors,” It’s been a tradition at Oregon State Parks for more than 40 years.”
An estimated 14,500 gray whales swam past Oregon’s shores last winter, according to the most recent population estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The journey is part of their annual migration south to the calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico, and the end of December is the peak time to see their migration south.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10a.m. to 3p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about whales.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch23.
Newport Parks and Recreation has announced a new excursion coming up on January 11th and February 10th.
Two dates were chosen to coincide with the king tides in January and February.
Participants will meet at the Newport Recreation Center and ride in a van to Shore Acres State Park where they will have 2 hours to view waves and stroll through the gardens.
“We chose Shore Acres because it’s famous for those big wave splashes,” says Jenni Remillard, Recreation Program Specialist, “but it also has the gardens and some trails for us to explore in case the ocean isn’t cooperating to give us a big show.”
Remillard mentions that even though it will be a king tide, that’s not a guarantee of large waves-swell is also a factor.
Photo courtesy of Oregon State Parks department
Remillard continued, “Shore Acres has special underwater topography that can create huge waves if conditions are right so we are hopeful with it being winter and king tides, we’ll see some action.”
After taking in the sights at the park, the van will head to the food truck pod in Coos Bay for a late lunch before starting back to Newport. If there is time, there will also be a pit stop in Charleston at Chuck’s Seafood for a chance to purchase smoked fish and other goodies.
Remillard noted, “This trip has it all, beautiful ocean views and the chance to see big waves, lovely gardens, and delicious food, plus you don’t have to drive!
Remillard will be leading the trip and is well versed in sea life and the ocean so participants will have a chance to learn something new.
Former auto repair shop on SE 48th pl to become newest homeless shelter in Lincoln City?
*UPDATE* According to Lincoln County Public Information Officer Kenneth Lipp;
“…the property at 4794 SE Highway 101 will not be purchased for use as a winter shelter, and the Lincoln County Homeless Advisory Board was not involved with that potential acquisition. They were just being updated on an activity relevant to their homelessness response mission.”
The Lincoln County Homeless Advisory Board (LCHAB), chaired by Lincoln County commissioner Hall is believed to be in the process of buying property in the Taft district. The building may become an emergency homeless shelter with the possibility of converting it into a permanent shelter.
The building is the former Sports and Imports repair shop at 4794 SE highway 101. It has been for sale for some time and was recently sold and relisted for sale but never developed-until the LCHAB set it’s eyes on it.
Through multiple inquiries, the Homepage was told by Karen Rockwell, the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Lincoln County that,
“My Asset & Development Manager Dan Butler mentioned that you had reached out again regarding acquisition of property that the Housing Authority if pursuing in Lincoln City. As you know, the Housing Authority has been working in partnership with Lincoln County and Lincoln City to research many different options for sheltering in Lincoln City.
At this time there are no facilities that have been purchased. There are several properties that are being vetted and if we locate one that will work we will close on the purchase.”
So, in government speak that means “technically we haven’t purchased it but we have an accepted offer and it is proceeding toward closing.”
At the LCHAB meeting on December 13 it was announced that “the property we are interested in will close either Friday the 15th or Monday the 18th of this month.”
Homepage first became aware of the situation through Mike Jipp, the owner of Lincoln City Surf Shop. Jipp’s business abuts the proposed site. He said he had spoken with Dan Butler of Lincoln City Housing Authority who began telling Jipp about the upgrades that would be needed to make the building suitable for a homeless shelter.
In an email communication Butler wrote, “Hey Mike, Yes, we are moving forward on it. We’ve had a commercial property inspection completed and we will be opening the wall for a door and some exploration as needed.”
When questioned by Lincoln City Homepage how a homeless shelter could be sited in the Taft Village Core Zoning when a shelter previously opened next door (and owned by the author of this story) had been rejected by the Lincoln City city council she responded, “… a few years ago there were significant changes to code to allow for an increase in siting shelters. I imagine the process you went through previously is much different than what is currently allowed. See below for that information: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB3395″
HB3395 basically tells local governments (and that means citizens) that they have no say in where homeless shelters can be opened.
Section 7 reads; “Section 3, chapter 18, Oregon Laws 2021, is amended to read: Sec. 2 (1) A local government shall approve an application for the development or use of land for an emergency shelter (our italics), as defined in [section 2 of the 2021 act], on any property, notwithstanding this chapter or ORS chapter 195…or any statewide land use planning goal, rule of the Land Conservation and Development Commission or local land use regulation, zoning ordinance, regional framework plan, functional plan or comprehensive plan, if the emergency shelter..” and it goes on to list what is required within the shelter and the types of organizations that can operate it.
What is concerning citizens that Homepage asked about this is that there were “no hearings, no notifications to neighbors and another piece of property off the tax roles.”
This property sits kitty corner from a liquor store, across the street from Shuckers Bar and Grill and a few doors south of the mini mart that sells fortified wines and beers. It is one of the busiest corners in Lincoln City with visibility issues from 48th pl to Hwy 101. It is also a secondary road to Taft elementary school and Taft 7-12.
This is list of participants from the meeting minutes of November 8. Homepage was unable to ascertain attendees in yesterday’s meeting.
Attendees: City of Depoe Bay, Kathy Short, Mayor City of Depoe Bay, Sandi HollenBeck* City of Lincoln City, Judy Casper, Council President City of Newport, Jan Kaplan, Mayor City of Newport, Cynthia Jacobi, Councilor* City of Siletz, Susan Trachsel, Council President City of Toledo, Rod Cross, Mayor City of Waldport, Dan Cutter, City Manager* City of Yachats, Catherine Whitten-Carey, Councilor* Community Services Consortium, Pegge McGuire, Executive Director Community Services Consortium, Dina Eldridge, Housing Services Manager* Lincoln County, Claire Hall, Commissioner
Lincoln City Parks and Recreation department announced that Travel Oregon has awarded a $100k grant to build a new accessible playground in the newly created park in the Taft district. According to the Parks and Recreation department the accessible playground will be the first of its kind on the Oregon Coast, and provide independent play to persons of all abilities and ages.
The Newport Parks and Recreation Department announced the official opening of its all-terrain mobility track chair program that can be checked out for use at Don and Ann Davis Park.
The purpose of the program is to provide beach access for people facing mobility challenges. Anyone with mobility impairments including needing assistance with wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, canes, or crutches can use the chair free of charge.
“We have been working on this project for several months now, Newport Parks and Recreation Director Mike Cavanaugh said. We are excited to work with David’s Chair, our local community, and our wonderful volunteers that are helping facilitate the use of this new program.”
David’s Chair is an organization founded to help communities provide mobility access solutions.
The Newport chair is currently available for use Friday through Sunday with several scheduled time slots of use on each day. The City hopes to expand the service during the summer months. All reservations must be made through David’s Chair online reservation system at https://davidschair.org.
Guided First Day Hikes led by rangers and volunteers are set for 31 Oregon State Parks on New Year’s Day Monday, January 1 2024.
Hikes are free and the $5 day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.
America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.
“I’m excited that we can offer 34 guided hikes in 31 state parks this year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of OPRD. “When more parks offer hikes, Oregonians have more options to hike near their homes or explore a new park and trail. Plus, this year we’re including more trail accessibility information in our online hike descriptions and are offering reasonable accommodations so visitors of all abilities can join us.”
Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration.
Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikes or tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
A U.S. Coast Guard 47-ft. surf boat from Station Depoe Bay rescued two rescuers Friday afternoon, picking up two members of an elite water rescue team and towing their defective Jet Ski 25 miles from Pacific City to Depoe Bay.
DEPOE BAY — A U.S. Coast Guard surf boat from Station Depoe Bay rescued two rescuers Friday afternoon when their Kawasaki Jet Ski, operated by North Lincoln Fire and Rescue (NLF&R) Water Rescue Team, lost power and left its two-man crew adrift in the Pacific Ocean.
Firefighters Sam Hockett, left, and Eric Maestas, members of NLF&R’s elite Water Rescue team, lost power on their Kawasaki Jet Ski about noon as they attempted to reach a group of people who appeared stranded on famous Haystack Rock near Pacific City. (Photos by Rick Beasley, Beacon Media)
Firefighters Sam Hockett and Eric Maestas, members of NLF&R’s elite Water Rescue team, lost power on their Kawasaki Jet Ski about noon as they attempted to reach a group of people who appeared stranded on famous Haystack Rock near Pacific City. Unable to develop enough power to make it past the breakers and back to the beach, they radioed for help to an oncoming 47-foot USCG vessel.
Firefighters Sam Hockett and Eric Maestas, members of NLF&R’s elite Water Rescue team, lost power on their Kawasaki Jet Ski about noon as they attempted to reach a group of people who appeared stranded on famous Haystack Rock near Pacific City. Unable to develop enough power to make it past the breakers and back to the beach, they radioed for help to an oncoming 47-foot USCG vessel.
Contrary to the excited 911 call, it was determined the people on Haystack Rock were in fact skilled free divers, and in no danger.
“…sometimes you just have to make the decision to go in based on the information you’ve got.” reflected firefighter Eric Maestas.
The Water Rescue Team is slated to get a new Yamaha personal watercraft this year to replace the defective 2016 Kawasaki.
The NLF&R Water Rescue squad responds to more than a dozen calls each year and has saved multiple lives of people swept helplessly into Oregon’s unforgiving surf. USCG Station Depoe Bay has a remarkable record as well, including a number of nighttime rescues of boat crews going down in stormy seas.
But this may be the first time one rescued the other.
According to the Oregon Department of Health and Human Services (ODHS), “People can now securely manage their medical, food, cash and child care benefits through the State of Oregon from the convenience of their mobile devices using the new Oregon ONE Mobile app. People first will need to apply for benefits online, in person at a local office or over the phone.” The app is available for free in the Apple and Android app stores. It is an official State of Oregon app created by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). The app’s development was partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Also according to ODHS “People can now manage their benefits in-person, by mail, by fax, by telephone, online and on their mobile phone using the Oregon ONE Mobile app, which is available in English and Spanish.”
Contact: Deb Curran, [email protected], 503-798-3125 for more information.
Photo by Libby Salazar on Homepage Facebook Community Page
As many loyal Lincoln City Homepage Facebook Community members already know there have been multiple reports of grass carp washing ashore on the beaches of Lincoln City.
The reports are true. The carp in question have flushed out of their home in Devils Lake where they were just recently planted to fight the wave of Elodia grass currently choking the life out of the lake.
Just how the fresh water fish got into the Pacific is still in question. Many speculate that the carp were pushed out the D river by the torrent we all experienced on Wednesday. Some believe that the fish found their way to the ocean where the lake flooded over West Devils Lake road.
Carp washed ashore on ocean beach (Photo by Libby Salazar on Homepage Facebook Community Page)Photo by Libby Salazar on Homepage Facebook Community Page
The first indication of the fish having escaped came via a post on Lincoln City Homepage Facebook Community page by Libby Salazar. She said, “Don’t know what these fish are but hundreds vid them on beach from Roads end to at least the casino , fresh looking maybe less than a day washed up . Seagulls are having a buffet.” and included a few photos of the poor little things.
According to Devils Lake Water Improvement District (DLWID) Lake Manager Boone Marker, “I counted 125 yesterday (12/7/23) with the help of staff from Lincoln City Parks and Recreation. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) counted as well and found 120.”
The fish, a non native species whos use in lakes is heavily regulated by different government agencies require identification chips in the fish which help them ascertain if the fish were legally introduced into a body of water.
According to Marker, “I’m meeting with ODFW in Newport today to check out tags. I’ll be able to give more information later.”
For now, the birds and crabs have hit the jackpot and will eat well this week.
Authorities suggest that beachcombers leave the dead fish alone and let nature do the cleanup.
Lincoln City Homepage is grateful to everyone that has contributed photos and information. Like, follow and subscribe to stay up to date.