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ODOT to close Old McKenzie Pass west side for winter season

Don Williams
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ODOT to close Old McKenzie Pass west side for winter season



The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) today announced they are starting to close the Old McKenzie Pass Highway, OR 242, for the winter season.

They did emphasize that only the west side will be closing at this time.

A press release dated 10/27/23 states “On the morning of Monday, Oct. 30, crews will close the highway from the western gate at OR 126 to top of the pass at Dee Wright Observatory.

McKenzie pass roads

The east side of the highway from the observatory to Sisters will remain open until weather becomes too severe or until Nov. 9, whichever comes first. Weather on each side of the pass varies, and it’s not uncommon to close or open each side of the highway separately.

McKenzie Pass is a secondary, scenic highway. Weather, costs and logistics make it impractical to maintain for travel year-round. In the winter, we focus our staff and resources on main highways to keep them plowed, open and safe.

When the highway is closed, it is closed to all users and is not maintained. Travelers going past locked gates and closure signs could encounter hazards and working equipment on the road, and there are no services or cell coverage.”

Every year, McKenzie Pass opens and closes with the seasons. Dates vary depending on road and weather conditions.

McKenzie Pass became a seasonal scenic highway in 1962 with the completion of the Clear Lake-Belknap Springs section of Oregon 126.

Even during its time as the main route between the Willamette Valley and Central Oregon, the narrow, twisting roadway and high elevation (5,325 feet) made the highway too difficult to maintain and keep clear during the winter months.”

To see what routes are open over the mountains, and to view current road and weather conditions visit TripCheck.com or call 511.

More information on McKenzie Pass, OR 242, can be found on their website.

Important information for opening of OR 242 next year:

As a part of a federal grant, the east side of McKenzie Pass will be repaved in 2024. The timing of paving will depend on the weather, and crews will start as soon as they are able. This will mean that the west side of the highway is completely inaccessible until the paving is complete.

ODOT asks that travelers do not attempt to enter the construction zone next year while the highway is being repaved.

They add, “This can be dangerous for you and the crews and could also extend the time it takes to complete the work. We are looking forward to making this route smoother and safer for everyone.”

For more information, contact Kacey Davey, 541-280-2716

OSAA looking for officials

Don Williams
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OSAA looking for officials





WILSONVILLE (Oct. 20, 2023) – The Oregon Athletic Officials Association and the Oregon School Activities Association are recruiting officials for the high school winter sports seasons.

There is an immediate need for officials in basketball and wrestling.

Becoming a high school official has several benefits including staying involved in athletics, maintaining good physical condition and earning money, according to OAOA Executive Director Jack Folliard.

“Oregon has an urgent need for officials in all sports,” Folliard said. “Officials provide valuable service to high schools and students, make a positive impact in the community and build relationships.”

Those interested should visit www.newofficials.org. 

Or contact:

Executive Director Jack Folliard, 503-975-4488, [email protected]

Associate Executive Director Debi Hanson, 503-704-0121, [email protected]

Oregon Parks and Recreation to discuss drone rules and maps

Don Williams
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Oregon Parks and Recreation to discuss drone rules and maps
Drone usage on state lands to be discussed.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will livestream a virtual meeting Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. to present draft drone take-off and landing classification criteria to be used in future park drone use maps. The agency will then invite the public to share their views on the criteria from Oct. 23 through 5 p.m. on Dec. 29.

The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube for the public here.

Attendees who want to ask questions during the Q&A portion of the meeting must register beforehand here.

Although the formal rulemaking process for drone take-off and landing began in 2021, the agency temporarily stopped in April 2022 to form a work group and explore the matter in more detail.

The work group included various partners including conservation groups, drone users, state and federal agencies and met from June 2022 through the summer of 2023.

oregon state parksOPRD’s region resource and Geographic Information Services (GIS) staff, alongside park managers reviewed the draft criteria and applied them to three sample areas, one from each region of state parks.

Feedback will be reviewed by agency staff and the work group as part of a final report to the OPRD Director Lisa Sumption, who will then decide whether to direct staff to resume public administrative rulemaking or do more work on the proposals.

Individuals who require special accommodations to view the meetings should contact Jo Niehaus at least three days in advance of the meeting at 503-580-9210 or [email protected] .

Be sure to subscribe (free) to Lincoln City Homepage to receive story updates as they happen!

Local Heading to Israel to Help seeks help

Don Williams
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Local Heading to Israel to Help seeks help
Graham Scrutton (left)

Graham Scrutton, son of Lincoln City residents James and Lynn Scrutton will be flying to Israel in early November to assist the Israeli Defense Force as a civilian volunteer.

Graham is a Wildland Fire Fighter currently stationed in Sacramento, California.  He recently sent out a letter to his friends and family saying,

“Hey all, for anyone who knows me… throughout my life I have given almost a year of my time as a civilian volunteer for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Most of you are likely now aware of the war that has started against the terrorist organization Hamas due to the inhumane attack they launched against Israeli civilians. I’m not going to say anything about the politics or history, just the facts of the current situation.

This attack came as a surprise and with that, the IDF has called up in a matter of days over 360,000 reserve soldiers, many of those being in the infantry and  armor corps. Currently, the army does not have what it needs to equip everyone with modern body armor or helmets or personal trauma kits.

Due to the threats from the Iranian government and it’s proxies most of the IDFs defense budget goes towards the air force and intelligence branches leaving the infantry using a mix of equipment that is either outdated or ineffective against modern weapons.

Scrutton receiving an award from a base commander.

I’m working with my military contacts in Israel who are connected to these frontline units directly to help secure this equipment or the funds to purchase more. I’m asking anyone who supports Israel and it’s right to self determination to partner with me in funding my ability to acquire this much needed equipment”

When asked about his relationship to Israel he said, ” Back in 2013 Hamas attacked some Israelis and there was quite a bit of anti Semitism going on in the world.  And as an American  I didn’t think that was right. I made my way over there to enlist in their military but, not being a citizen I was not allowed to, so I joined as a civilian volunteer with the military through a separate organization. 

I’ve done that repeatedly since. Then, in case there ever was a war, I would have all of my paperwork done and be able to provide assistance.

I’ll be delivering it personally as well as purchasing what I can with my own finances. I am flying to Israel November 16, 2023 to deliver the equipment and volunteer my service once again as a civilian to the IDF so I have about five weeks to get this done.”

When asked about relations he has with Israelis he admits that this matter has become personal.  “I’m a little more connected now.  A little more personal; because I have friends who have been called up (for military service).  I also have a girlfriend in Israel-who is in a protected place there.  I know many people who know many people that have been killed.”

I asked him for his thoughts on why Hamas decided to strike when they did.

“Because Hamas is a proxy of the Iranian regime and Israel is working toward a peace treaty with Saudi Arabia, that poses a threat to the Iranian regime. Hamas’s (incursion) was a way to stop any peace treaty from going through and any normalization from happening.

By starting this conflict, that has worked.  Currently normalization is on hold indefinitely according to Saudi Arabia government-from what I understand.”

He continued, “This has been years in the making.”

Scrutton (fourth from left) with military friends.

When asked what his Israeli friends are thinking at this time, he replied, “They just want to have peace, they want to have a family. A lot of people in the world just don’t understand what is going on.”

In conclusion to his letter Graham added, “If anyone is willing to donate money to help me purchase gear or donate gear I’ll personally ensure it’s delivered and your assistance will be used and distributed to those who are at the greatest risk in this war. 

Representation of gear needed.

A full personal trauma kit costs $150 for me to build and full body armor more than $350. If anyone has used body armor, vests, ballistic helmets, or sealed trauma medical supplies to donate I can pay for shipping to myself to repack it and deliver it. Everything I do will be itemized, recorded, and accounted for.

Scrutton (right) atop military tank.

I know this is a lot to ask, but I just don’t want anymore of my friends, their families, their friends, or civilians to be killed so I’m more than happy to put myself in harm’s way and to do whatever I can to hopefully prevent any more than has already happened.”

Graham estimates that he will need to raise approximately 8,300 dollars to secure the gear he needs.  You can reach him at: [email protected] or 971-312-2941 

Donations can be made to his Venmo account.

Or via PayPal .

A spaghetti dinner fundraiser is being scheduled.  Follow, like and subscribe for further updates.

Emergency Winter Shelter to open in Lincoln City

Don Williams
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Emergency Winter Shelter to open in Lincoln City
Representative image.  Not actual tent proposed.

According to a press release from the Lincoln County Commissioner’s office, a temporary emergency warming shelter, in cooperation with the Lincoln City City Council, is to be erected in Lincoln City.

Starting in November a “Military grade tent with floors and heat” will be set up behind a house at 4225 N Hwy 101 across from the Wildflower Grill.

According to Lincoln City city manager Daphnee Legarza “This (sic) city does not own this property. I believe Lincoln County is in the process of acquiring this property.

At the September 25th Council meeting, Council discussed and funded the proposed county-wide winter shelter program.”

When asked if neighboring property owners or businesses had been notified about this matter, Legarza replied,  “It is my understanding that Lincoln County is providing information to the public in regards to their emergency warming sheltering program.”

Mayor Susan Wahlke said that according to her conversations with county commissioner Kaety Jacobson, there was doubt that the sale of the property would be completed as planned.

Commissioners (left to right) Miller, Jacobson, Hall

A call to the commissioner’s office was responded to by public information officer Kenneth Lipp who said, ‘That’s news to me.”  He proceeded to check with the involved parties and called back to assure that the sale was going forward and the shelter would be erected.

As to the shelter, Lipp confirmed that the tent was an “emergency” shelter and would be replaced by a permanent building.

But, the building will not remain a warming shelter.  Rather it would be turned into  “Housing for mental health.”

When pressed as to what “Housing for mental health” meant Lipp replied, “It’s housing for people who need support. It’s not going to be a treatment facility.  It will be a 28 unit apartment complex, a project that’s being undertaken with the Housing Authorities of Oregon. 

It’s (for) people with serious mental illness but can still function independently.  They would probably be clients of the county but not receiving help there from the county.”

When asked if the occupants would in any way have involvement with the criminal justice system he replied, “I wouldn’t be surprised if there was some intersection there.  They wouldn’t be referrals from probation.”

 

 

Lincoln County flu shot updates

Don Williams
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Lincoln County flu shot updates

Lincoln County Health and Human Service has released their fall 2023 flu shot schedule. click here for details

The Tragedy of Devils Lake

Don Williams
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The Tragedy of Devils Lake
Waterfowl struggle to paddle through thick non-native grasses

The above picture is a screenshot from video I shot Tuesday October 3.

Footage shows the area just outside of the state campground east of the D River (I’m new to editing and it is a little jumpy in spots).  Follow this link to the video at The Lincoln City Homepage YouTube channel.

I live on the shore of Devils Lake.  I’ve watched daily as the mats of grass have grown.  I’ve watched the soaring Peregrine falcons, that used to find fish daily beneath the surface of the lake, leave and not come back because the fish are no longer visible to them.

I’ve seen boats and jet skis become stalled because the vegetation clogs their engine water intakes. 

I’ve rescued about half a dozen people including a young girl on a round float that got high centered on a patch of weeds and was too terrified to climb into the water because of the horrifying fingers of thick vegetation that surrounded her.

All summer long the Devils Lake Water Improvement District (DLWID) has been fighting a battle against the grasses and weeds that have clogged much of the lake.

 

Grass carp getting ready for their new home.

Grass eating carp have been introduced but their effectiveness won’t be apparent for years. 

DLWID’s lone grass harvester
A small percentage of the daily harvesting of elodea

A waterborne grass harvester is also being used with some success but against the total square footage of the lake it can only make a superficial impact.

And while the desire and the knowledge of what needs to be done is available, what appears to not be available is the ability of the various government agencies with their respective fingers in the Devils lake pie to cooperate to save the lake and the creatures that depend upon it for life.

To explain all the aggravating infighting would take too long for this piece.

DLWID is tasked with maintaining the lake’s health but without the cooperation of the State of Oregon’s various agencies that have a say in how that health is achieved, and the much needed money to fund what needs to be done, this lake is never going to recover.

Senator Anderson and Representative Gomberg are both well versed in the struggles going on with the lake and have been helpful but it seems that this might best be a job for Governor Kotek to organize a get together of every agency that has a say in the lake’s maintenance

It’s time for all stake holder government agencies to set aside their egos and work to repair and protect this treasure in Lincoln City.

 

Oregon Parks and Rec seeks public comment on proposed rules for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks

Don Williams
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Oregon Parks and Rec seeks public comment on proposed rules for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting public comment on proposed updates to the rules for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks who commit violations, including endangering the safety of visitors and staff (OAR 736-010-0020 and 736-021-0040).

The Exclusion Rule Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from the mental health community, attorneys, agency safety staff and park hosts, developed a set of recommendations to update the exclusion rules during a series of three public meetings.

The proposed updates will clarify the process for excluding individuals from Oregon State Parks who commit rule violations that endanger the safety of visitors, staff or park resources; provide clear information on how excluded individuals may request an appeal and how the appeals will be processed.

OPRD is accepting comments until 5 p.m. Nov. 3, 2023, and they can be made online, at a public hearing, in writing or via email:

Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx

Mail: OPRD Department, Attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301

Email: [email protected]

Virtual Public Hearing: 2 p.m. Oct. 30. Must register in advance to receive conference link. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_eWNdOpNMSlqyK1hWS2RExg

Individuals who require special accommodations for the meeting should contact Helena Kesch at least three days in advance of the meeting at [email protected] or 503-881-4637.

Oregon Right to Life gathers outside City Hall

Don Williams
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Oregon Right to Life gathers outside City Hall
Adoption advocate outside of Lincoln City City Hall

“We just want to give people hope.” said one participant in the annual Right to Life Life Chain event.

Held every year on the first Sunday of October a diverse group of men, women and children gathered to share their opinion in the abortion debate. 

Both Newport and Lincoln City City Halls were the stage from which the groups held placards and returned waves to passing supporters or quick prayers for those that chose vulgar expressions to share their thoughts on the gathering.

Life Chain members outside City Hall in Lincoln City.

The demonstrators there were from a mix of local churches.  Asked why she was there a one lady said, “We’re just here to serve the Lord.  To share a message that all life is precious.”

Said another, “We’re trying to protect life, new life, unborn life.”

The demonstrations are always silent with no confrontations or literature.  The reaction from most drivers passing by seemed supportive with honks, waves and thumbs up outnumbering those sharing other digits.

According to OHSU Center for Women’s Health; “Abortion is legal in Oregon at all stages of pregnancy.” This includes up to the date of delivery.

While the subject is still being debated throughout the nation because of the overturning of Roe v. Wade the debate has been returned to the individual states to decide.

Oregon Right to Life’s website can be seen here.

 

A Reminder About Sea Lions on the Beach

Don Williams
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A Reminder About Sea Lions on the Beach

 

Sea Lion on Oregon beach (courtesy ODFW website)

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a reminder about sea lions on Oregon’s beaches.  Click here.

As many of our readers on Lincoln City Homepage’s Community page on Facebook have seen, there have been sightings of sea lions on our beaches.

While hugely fascinating to see and tempting to approach, be reminded that these animals are both wild and possibly sick with a disease that can be fatal to dogs.

If you have concerns about a stranded or sick sea lion click here for more information from the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

 

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