State Representative David Gomberg has filed for re-election in House District 10. The District stretches from Lincoln City to Junction City and from Philomath to Florence, encompassing all of Lincoln County and portions of Lane and Benton.
“I understand that people are hurting and that we face many challenges – rising prices, housing and childcare, climate and wildfires, healthcare, mental health and crime,” said Gomberg.
Gomberg added, “I am grateful every day that you have honored me with the responsibility of representing you in our state capitol. And I work every day to make that job meaningful, to be a voice for our part of Oregon, and to produce real results.”
Two popular coastal campgrounds will temporarily close through spring/summer 2024 due to construction.
Bullards Beach campground, two miles north of Bandon, closed earlier this year for about a month while construction preparation work was completed. The construction schedule changed, which allows the park to reopen temporarily for camping Nov. 13 through Jan. 1, 2024. The campground will close again Jan. 2 through May 22, 2024, to complete the project.
Beverly Beach, seven miles north of Newport, will be closed through July 1, 2024 for construction, which is an extension of the original project schedule.
Beverly Beach campgrounds will upgrade the park and campground power and water lines as part of the Go Bond projects, which include improvements at 11 parks around the state.
Bullards Beach campgrounds will upgrade its main sewer line. The park will be closed through May 22, 2024, which is an extension of the original closure. The extension will impact existing reservations from March 15 through May 22. Campers are being notified and provided with full refunds.
During the campground closure at Bullards Beach, there will be some areas of the park that visitors can still enjoy. The day use area, boat ramp, lighthouse and horse camp will remain open.
All facilities will be closed at Beverly Beach through July 1.
“While we’re disappointed to extend the construction period later into the season, we appreciate the support as we complete these important infrastructure improvements” said Bullards Beach Park Manager Nick Schoeppner.
“In the meantime, we are excited to welcome folks back to the campground at Bullards Beach this fall and winter season. It’s a great time to visit and enjoy less crowded beaches and trails and explore the community of Bandon and the surrounding area.”
With winter storms nearing in our area (and the inevitable power outages that come with them), Northwest Natural Gas issued some safety reminders for those with gas appliances.
Natural gas Fireplaces: Some natural gas fireplaces contain a backup battery module that can be used during a power outage to start the fireplace. Install the batteries when the power is out, then use the manual switch or remote to turn on the fireplace. While the fan will generally not operate with the battery backup, the fireplace will emit radiant heat and light. When the power comes back on, turn off the fireplace and allow it to cool, then remove and store the batteries.
Natural gas water heaters: Most conventional natural gas storage tank water heaters have a pilot light that continues functioning during a power outage. If the pilot light goes out, review the instruction manual for steps to relight it, or contact a technician. Tankless water heaters typically require electricity, but some can be equipped with a backup battery that operates automatically during a power outage.
Natural gas cooktops: Most natural gas cooktops can be used without the built-in electronic igniter. Simply use a wand style lighter to ignite the burner. When the lighter is lit, turn the gas on for the burner using the knob (and note that the clicking sound of the electronic igniter will not be present when the power is out). To be safe, always double check that the burner is turned off when finished cooking.
Instructional videos for how to operate natural gas appliances during a power outage are available online at nwnatural.com. Customers seeking more information on how to operate their natural gas appliances without electricity should check their appliance manual or contact an appliance dealer.
Biko tending the phones at Lincoln City Sporting Goods
When he’s not selling go-kits and “Prepper” supplies at Lincoln City Sporting Goods, famous survivalist Biko Wright, 33, is one of the most sought-after speakers at “skill gatherings” around the Northwest.
The survival workshops have become obligatory for many Americans worried about riots, tsunamis, wildfires and even WW III.
Wright returned from a recent gathering near Seattle where well-heeled tech workers and soccer moms in hiking boots paid up to $3,000 apiece to make fire, set a rabbit trap and create shelter from whatever was at hand.
“What really got this started was Covid,” remarked Biko, a burly ex-construction worker who lives in rural Otis with his fiancé and twin daughters in a home he built.
“People realized how vulnerable they were to civilizational collapse. What do you do when the lights go out and the highway’s shut down?”
Biko credits his fame to the wildly-popular History Channel reality show, “Alone,” where he was among 10 contestants pitted against the brutal wilderness challenges of remote Chilko Lake, British Columbia during Season 8.
Contestants are dropped in the middle of a wilderness area with no food, the clothes on their backs and 10 items of their choosing to survive for as long as they can.
At stake for the last person standing was $500,000. Some contestants tapped-out amid hallucinations and tears as they struggled for food and warmth. Biko, however, grew up near rugged Topanga Canyon, Calif., where he honed his outdoor skills by camping, backpacking, hunting, snorkeling and spearfishing. He also had a secret strategy to win: “Starvation can kill you, so I packed on 50 pounds!”
Biko lasted 73 days before producers pulled him out because of severe weight loss. Though 91 pounds thinner, he outlasted all other contestants except the eventual winner, Clay Hayes of Milton, Florida. It was worth it, he asserted.
“For one thing, I have a lot more appreciation for everything in life I really didn’t have before,” he said of the simple things he grew to miss. “I learned to push myself a lot farther.”
Biko Wright demonstrates the advantages of this backpack.
Biko enjoys his celebrity status at the well-stocked Lincoln City Sporting Goods (800 SE Hwy. 101, next to Burger King) where he dispenses freeze-dried rations, solar-powered radios, firearms, ammo and good advice on how to survive doomsday.
The Oregon Department of Transportations (ODOT) has issued an advisory for this upcoming winter driving season.
“This year, with costs increasing, and fuels tax revenues trending down, we are forced to scale back maintenance and services around the state.
We won’t be able to clear roads during winter storms as quickly as in the past. There may be more snow and ice buildup, more chain requirements and longer delays and more frequent road closures.”
2022 snowfall in Lincoln City (Photo by Doug Wheldon)
They continue, “This change in average road conditions means we could all use a little sharpening of our winter driving skills.
If you have to head out in the snow or ice, here are some things to keep in mind:
Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition, with clean headlights, good brakes, working windshield wipers and good tires. Slow down when approaching off-ramps, bridges or shady spots. Snow and ice may linger there longer.
Never pass a snowplow or any winter maintenance truck on the right. It’s illegal and you may run into the wing plow that sticks way out on the right.
Allow extra stopping distance. There’s less traction on slick, snowy roads.
In bad visibility—heavy fog or snow flurries – being able to see is as important as being seen. Turn on your headlights to increase your visibility to others.
Practice before you need them. (photo by AAA)
Carry chains and know how to use them.
Slow down and allow extra time to get where you’re going.
It doesn’t work for everyone but stay off the roads if possible. That leaves more room for those who must travel to travel safely and for our trucks to clear the road. Take a snow day.”
For more information, contact Mindy McCartt, [email protected], 503-507-6045
**At approximately 5p.m. Wednesday police took the suspect into custody. No one was injured. Details are still coming in but best information is that the people originally deemed hostages were not hostages but rather were sheltering in place in the house until extracted by law enforcement. Afterward, police continued talking with the suspect until the situation was resolved.**
The area around a home on SE Keel has been surrounded by multiple branches of law enforcement as a possible hostage situation has unfolded. Local witness tells me the event began as early as 1:30, “I saw them arrive after I picked up my kid. The guy inside the house said he would kill them (potentially two hostages) if the cops were called.”
Area of hostage situation. Two officers can be seen talking in the doorway.
As the rain was falling, officers from state, county and city jurisdictions held their positions and cautioned lookers on to stay away from the scene.
No officers on scene would comment except to warn me that where I was standing (facing the blue house in the photo) was in direct line where someone in the house had been pointing a weapon.
Fully suited law enforcement getting ready to approachOfficer donning gear.
From Cutler City to Voyage Avenue the sidewalks were filled with children (of all ages) seeking sweet treats and displaying their costume making skills.
The weather was perfect for strolling neighborhoods and businesses while wearing sometimes unwieldly costumes.
Inflatable costumes were out in force
Many local businesses opened their doors to share in what seemed like a deep breath of freedom after covid restrictions essentially derailed all merriment.
Offices of Taylor and Taylor realtyTaylor and Taylor Realty Co.
Voyage Avenue was like a Hollywood movie version of Halloween revelry.
Kids and parents walked safely through the welcoming neighborhood. Beyond the candy gathering, I saw so many neighbors visiting each other, all smiling and looking very happy. There truly seemed to be a sense of saying “hello” to old friends after being quarantined from each other for so long.
Homeowners welcomed hundred of children tonight
Some adults found time to dress up and entertain kids and each other.
Admittedly, the nose did scare a few kids.Captain Debbie behind the fishing game at Taylor and Taylor.
Many took to social media to also point out how well behaved teenage trick or treaters behaved.
Jodi Smith-Howells on Facebook noted, “But what stuck out to me is how sweet and kind all the teens were! They were helping the little kids and were so polite. I talked to several neighbors and they thought the same thing.”
An inflated T-Rex helped corral kids.
Whether or not Halloween is your bag, I believe it can be said (to paraphrase Dickens) that Lincoln City knows how to keep Halloween well.
Today marks the beginning of open enrollment for 2024 private health insurance, a crucial opportunity for Oregonians to secure the coverage they need. Open enrollment, the exclusive time of year when individuals can explore and sign up for private health insurance, runs from now through January 16, 2024.
Oregonians who enroll by December 15, 2023, will receive coverage starting on January 1, 2024. Those who enroll by January 16, 2024, will receive coverage starting on February 1, 2024.
“We understand that health insurance can be confusing, but we’re here to help you every step of the way. We work with partners across the state to provide in-person and virtual support to help you find the plan that meets your and your family’s needs,” says Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace.
“This open enrollment period, we are able to offer more financial assistance than ever before and our partners can help Oregonians determine what assistance they qualify for.”
The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov. For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov.
Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers announced a ribbon cutting ceremony for invited guests and members of the press at its Lincoln City Hope Center on November 1, 2023 at 10a.m. The property is at 3454 NE Hwy 101.
Behind the subdued exterior of the building lies a myriad of beds, offices and services to help raise people out of homelessness.
In a Lincoln City Homepage exclusive interview, Facility Director Ashley Cushing spoke to me about the facility and gave me a private early tour.
According to Cushing, “The men’s and women’s emergency shelters will be ‘low barrier’ meaning there will be no Urinalysis (UA)/drug testing. They can come in and be here anywhere from one night to thirty days. We can extend that if it makes sense. Maybe someone will be waiting on a treatment bed or relocation or an apartment.”
She continued, “If they join our program we are putting them up in our top building (for women) and men would stay in this building.
Resident’s beds
Men’s re-entry is all in the same building. They can stay six to twelve months but we’re not asking them to leave if they are taking steps toward self sufficiency. That could be pushing two years-if it really took that long.
Before we ask anyone to leave we want to really ask ourselves, ‘is this going to make someone homeless?'”
The facility was bright and clean sporting fresh paint jobs and all new equipment with Cushing continually apologizing for the “mess” of renovation while they were getting ready for the grand opening. Her excitement and enthusiasm for the program was as obvious as the bright yellow exterior paint job
Common dining area
There is a communal kitchen and dining room for residents to cook their own meals. Currently, all foods on site have been donated by Food Share.
Kitchen area for meal preparation.
The facility also has clothes washers and dryer for clients to clean their clothing. And multiple showers for personal hygiene.
Laundry room.
As to what is asked of the residents in order to continue living at Hope, Cushing said,
“When they join the ‘program’ we need to get a clean UA. We have program requirements so case management can create an individualized re-entry program plan. We help them get documentation they might need like a Social Security card, driver’s license, birth certificate, etc…to help them start applying for housing.
We also help everyone here get a food handlers card. We have workshops that are required, self improvement classes. We will host things here on site and we will have outside agencies come in to teach classes from recovery to financial empowerment to parenting-it could even be an art class. We want to keep people busy.”
I asked if the residents will be asked to contribute anything to their upkeep. Cushing said,
“When they join the program they pay a ‘Due.’ A ‘Due’ is two hundred and fifty dollars per month. We don’t turn anyone away if they don’t have it; we have scholarships.”
She continued, “We have other funding streams we can look at like OHP (Oregon Health Plan) Flex funding, outside agencies will help support or they (the client) can help fund their own stay.
It’s really so that people are invested in themselves, are having on-time’ payments again. That gives us the ability to give a rental reference.
We don’t want to create barriers to entering the program.”
I asked if there were any other requirements of the clients while staying on site;
“There are volunteer hours. If they are not employed or only working part time-it’s ten hours. If they work full time-it’s five hours. They can get their hours here or at an outside non-profit-their choice.”
According to Communications Manager Bethany Verrett,
“This facility seeks to provide navigation services, low-barrier emergency shelter, and a long-term Re-entry Program for the people in the community experiencing homelessness.”
Cushing said, “I’m so excited to be opening up the doors to the Lincoln City Hope Center.
There can be many challenges living in a rural community but having a safe place to sleep should not be one of them. We plan to offer services that are targeted to the population that we serve; by partnerships with several local programs that will be able to refer individuals and families to our emergency shelter.
I want to personally thank everyone who believes in our mission. We are so thankful for past, present, and future support!”
Communications Manager Bethany Verrett continued,
“Helping Hands first opened a facility in Lincoln County in 2006, opening up a men’s shelter and later a women’s shelter. In 2019, the opportunity to partner with the community in a closer way presented itself when the City of Lincoln City identified homelessness as a critical priority and offered to purchase a facility to donate to Helping Hands.
The property was transferred to Helping Hands in 2020.
After extensive renovations, the newest Hope Center is open and ready to bring care for the individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Lincoln City and the surrounding communities.
A sign for encouragement at the entry
CEO Mike Davis offered, “This has been a long and difficult project to finish because of many unanticipated needs that had to be addressed, The community partnership has been a key part of getting us to this day.
Thank you to The City of Lincoln City, The Roundhouse Foundation, Project Turnkey 2.0, and the Oregon Community Foundation; your support allowed us to make the necessary renovations.”
Verrett said, “There will be a Grand Opening for community partners and stakeholders before the end of November, and then the Hope Center will begin accepting referrals, processing intakes, and providing services.
For more information about Helping Hands Reentry Outreach Centers, you can visit our website at www.helpinghandsreentry.org.
To learn more about becoming a referral partner for the Lincoln City Hope Center, please email [email protected]
State Representative David Gomberg has filed for re-election in House District 10. The District stretches from Lincoln City to Junction City and from Philomath to Florence, encompassing all of Lincoln County and portions of Lane and Benton.
Two popular coastal campgrounds will temporarily close through spring/summer 2024 due to construction. 
With winter storms nearing in our area (and the inevitable power outages that come with them), Northwest Natural Gas issued some safety reminders for those with gas appliances.
As of Tuesday night at 8p.m. here are the results of the county and city special election.
The Oregon Department of Transportations (ODOT) has issued an advisory for this upcoming winter driving season.
Today marks the beginning of open enrollment for 2024 private health insurance, a crucial opportunity for Oregonians to secure the coverage they need. Open enrollment, the exclusive time of year when individuals can explore and sign up for private health insurance, runs from now through January 16, 2024.
