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.
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.
OPRD’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] .
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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
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.”
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.
DLWID’s lone grass harvesterA 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 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:
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.
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.
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.
In 1976 a movie called “Murder by Death” debuted. Written by Neil Simon, the story revolved around a group of mystery writer’s characters being brought to a secluded mansion where they became participants in a live murder mystery. Their host, Lionel Twain, played by the perfectly cast novelist Truman Capote gathered the group in a room and lambasted their creators through them:
“You’ve tricked and fooled your readers for years. You’ve tortured us all with surprise endings that made no sense. You’ve introduced characters in the last five pages that were never in the book before. You’ve withheld clues and information that made it impossible for us to guess who did it. But now, the tables are turned. Millions of angry mystery readers are now getting their revenge. When the world learns I’ve outsmarted you, they’ll be selling your $1.95 books for twelve cents.”
I’ve never been an Agatha Christie fan for the reasons expressed by Capote’s character, but I am a Kenneth Branagh fan. I thought his first foray as inspector Hercule Poirot in “Murder on the Orient Express was a well done effort into the difficult arena of Poirot portrayals. Death on the Nile was annoying and flimsy and I hoped that “A Haunting in Venice” would prove a stronger entry into the Poirot legacy. Nope.
Whereas Death on the Nile was beautifully filmed featuring lush cinematography in an exotic land, “A Haunting in Venice” looks more like a film school class assignment crammed into an abandoned Victorian house.
Striving to create a foreboding and claustrophobic atmosphere by filming actors in tiny rooms and darkened doorways, Branagh rather created a nauseating cluster of scenes filmed with the largest array of wide angle and fisheye lenses one could shoehorn into a movie.
The plot of the film revolves around the suicide of a young woman living with her mother Kelly Reilly. I think.
Reilly, like Gal Gadot in the last Poirot film, is the femme du jour fresh off her Yellowstone success. Neither were particularly interesting.
Woven throughout the story is a subplot of Poirot as a world-weary man who has seen so much death that he has retreated to Venice to hide himself from its stain. Sigh.
Enter the spunky, snappy 1940’s done to death trope mystery novel writer Ariande Oliver played by the bland and unusable Tina Fey who appears out of nowhere to drag Poirot back into crime solving to restore his “purpose in life.”
Nowhere are we given any insight into this condition except for a scene of his bodyguard fending off desperate people asking for his help. I assumed he was being protective of his privacy because of his celebrity. Nope.
Honestly, by the end of the movie I saw no reason for Fey to have been in the movie.
Her contributions were mainly reaction shots when Poirot would speak to someone else. Poirot would speak and Fey would shift her eyes back and forth like one of those kitschy Japanese cat clocks. All that was missing was a pendulum tail.
Combined with her patented Saturday Night Live smirks that she did during Weekend Update stories about Sarah Palin-she gave all she had to give.
Poirot is invited to a séance on Halloween by Fey because, despite being a hard as nails (did I mention she’s spunky?) New York woman with a jaunty fedora, she’s convinced that a psychic medium played by Michelle Yeoh can explain what happened the night the young woman committed suicide.
Again, another character that was so unnecessary. Yeoh was capable and interesting but her character did nothing to further the story. Exposed early on by Poirot as a fraud, she remained in the film being looked upon by Reilly’s character as an authority to be trusted to communicate with her dead daughter. Huh?
Yeoh meanders through her role doing her best to flesh out a very thin character. Despite opportunities to scream at the camera that I would guess was just two inches away from her face, combined with wildly spinning furniture during her failed and exposed séance she just wasn’t interesting. Or needed.
Yeoh’s character arrives
Except for a brief moment, to set up what pretended to be a plot twist, when Yeoh slipped a mask and cowl over Poirot’s head from behind. This was the biggest head scratcher. Poirot is famously fastidious. There is no way that character would ever wear a mask or cowl that had been on someone else’s head and face. Yet he didn’t flinch or even question what had happened.
The scene made no sense except until the very end, when it had to, because it needed it for Poirot to explain everything. This is what brought Murder by Death to mind.
Lastly, what Branagh keeps missing with his Poirot films is…Poirot. Watch David Suchet’s Poirot episodes. He is the reason to watch the show, not the fluff around him.
Poirot is one of literature’s most famous characters because he himself has been made interesting through quirks and ticks and unflinching constancy.
Overall, if you enjoy going out and eating theatre popcorn it’s not a huge waste of time. But, if you go to be entertained and enjoy a quality production, this isn’t the one for you.
While crowds begin to gather at the D River Wayside, semi depressed kites are waiting on the sandy ground like puppies waiting for the kids to come home. Heads bob and tails wag but without the requisite wind they sit and hope.
Some kites were able to launch despite the lack of strong wind
Lighter, more traditional, kites were airborne needing nothing more than a breath of wind to get aloft.
Viewer reserving energy for the launch of the kite festival
Alas, even some in the viewing gallery weren’t able to muster the energy to rise yet.
Festival volunteer eagerly awaiting guests
The table is set, the volunteers are cheerfully assisting people, the vendors are readying their booths and all are praying that the expected rain won’t be too heavy.
Windsocks dancing in the light breezes
Welcome to the Lincoln City fall 2023 Kite Festival! The festival runs from 9a.m. until 3p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visit Explore Lincoln City for more information.
OPRD’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. 
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). 
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.
