Friday night was Homecoming for Taft 7-12 Football and the students and town celebrated everything tiger with the annual Noise parade on Highway 101.
Students decorated cars for the Noise Parade
At approximately 4p.m. students, parents, police and fire personnel gathered at Lighthouse Square to festoon their vehicles in pink ribbons and window markers in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness.
Pink was the color of the day
At 4:30p.m. the procession started heading south. Along the way cars pulled over, businesses stopped and people came out to celebrate their kids.
First responders led the way
The parade was led by an officer from the Lincoln City Police Department followed closely by an engine from North Lincoln Fire and Rescue. Their respective lights flashed and twirled and their sirens bellowed out a greeting to everyone along the parade route.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is increasing its camping, parking and reservation fees to keep pace with the rising cost of utilities, operations and maintenance.
Most of the increases range from $2 to $5 depending on the fee.
“The park system has experienced record visitation as well as the impacts of rising costs and inflation. Utility costs for example have increased by 28% over the last 4 years, but most fees have remained the same. Depending on the fee, the last increase was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago for base fees.
“We know that raising fees by any amount can be challenging for visitors, and we don’t make this decision lightly. We try to keep costs and fees as low as possible to minimize the impact while still fulfilling our commitment to stewardship and recreation,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.
OPRD will increase its base camping fees for the first time since 2017. The increase applies to all camping reservations for 2025. Starting on October 15, 2024, all reservations made for 2025 stays will include the fee increase.
Increases in base rate by site type:
$2 increase for misc. sites (includes teepees, meeting halls and other facilities) $3 increase for tent sites (includes horse tent sites, horse group sites, group tent) and primitive sites (includes overflow, fly-in and walk-to-sites) $4 increase for RV sites (includes full hookup, electrical, horse RV and group RV sites) $5 increase for cabins and yurts (includes rustic, mini, totem, and deluxe sites) (Seasonal rate increases were adopted in 2020. The seasonal adjustments will be added to the new base rates. As in previous years, summer rates are $2 more for tent sites, $3 more for RV sites and $5 more for cabins/yurts.)
Jan. 1, 2025:
OPRD will increase its reservation fee from $8 to $10 per site starting Jan. 1, 2025. This fee has not been increased since 2010. Daily parking permit fees will increase from $5 to $10 at the 25 parks that charge a fee for day-use parking. Parking permit fees were last increased in 2009. The annual parking permit and the two-year permit fees remain the same at $30 for the annual permit and $50 for the two-year permit. July 1, 2025:
OPRD will expand the 25% out-of-state surcharge for RV campsites (required by state law) to all site types for out-of-state campers. New camping rate ranges replace the existing ones. These ranges set the lowest and highest fees that OPRD can charge over time. It gives OPRD’s director the ability to change fees in the future as needed. The last rate range update was adopted in 2018. OPRD has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. OPRD is not funded by taxes.
OPRD does offer a few resources and programs to help increase access to Oregon State Parks.
Most Oregon State Parks offer free day-use parking. Current exceptions include this list of 25 parks online. We also have special access passes for free camping and day-use parking permits for: Oregon foster parents, guardians and parents who have adopted Oregon foster children. U.S. veterans with a service-connected disability. Active duty U.S. military on official leave. Next month, OPRD will open public comment on a proposal designed to give OPRD’s director more flexibility to decide which parks charge for day-use parking. The proposal would require day-use parking permits at all parks unless otherwise noted. The director would have the authority to waive the permit requirement as needed. There are no plans to charge at all parks, and OPRD would consider any changes carefully.
OPRD will continue to explore options in the future that reduce cost as a barrier while earning needed revenue to maintain our parks and manage congestion.
The Merriam Webster dictionary defines ‘Pwn’ as; “The sense of ‘own’ that means “to have power or mastery over (someone).” It has also been used to describe the act of gaining illegal access to something.
The internet – where you can find cat videos, online shopping, and a never-ending stream of memes. But beware, folks! The web is also home to hackers, phishing scams, and other online threats that’ll make your head spin (and not in a good way). So, grab a snack, put on your thinking cap, and let’s dive into the world of online safety – minus the snooze-inducing bits.
Why Online Safety Matters (Besides Not Getting Hacked) Online safety is like wearing a seatbelt while driving – it’s a good idea, but you hope you never need to use it. In all seriousness, if your personal info or finances fall into the wrong hands, it can lead to some serious consequences, including identity theft, financial loss, and the occasional existential crisis.
Use Strong Passwords : Don’t be that guy who uses “ilovecats123” as your password. We know you love cats, but come on.
Password Tip: If you’re struggling to come up with strong passwords, try using a passphrase – a sequence of words that are easy for you to remember, but hard for others to guess. For example, “Ilovemypizza1987” might be a bit too obvious, but “GiraffesEatLeavesInJuly” is a great example of a passphrase that’s both memorable and secure!
Keep Software Up-to-Date : Regularly update your operating system, browser, and other software to ensure you have the latest security patches and features. Think of it like patching up a leaky roof – it’s good for everyone involved.
Be Cautious with Links and Attachments : Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening attachments from unknown sources, as they may contain malware or viruses. Trust us, that “amazing” new video game you’ve been waiting for isn’t really free.
Use Two-Factor Authentication : Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible to add an extra layer of security for sensitive transactions. It’s like having a bouncer at the club – only let the cool kids in.
Advanced Online Safety Measures (For the More Adventurous)
Use a VPN : Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect yourself from public Wi-Fi threats. Think of it like wearing a cloak of invisibility, but less dramatic.
Monitor Your Accounts : Regularly check your bank, credit card, and other online accounts for suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions. It’s like keeping an eye on your kid’s allowance – minus the parental guilt.
Use Anti-Virus Software : Install reputable anti-virus software on all devices to detect and remove malware and viruses. Don’t worry, it won’t turn your computer into a zombie apocalypse device.
Be Mindful of Public Wi-Fi : Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities, such as online banking or shopping. Think of it like sharing a secret recipe – don’t share it with just anyone.
Protecting Yourself from Social Engineering (Don’t Be Fooled)
Verify Sources : Be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails or messages, especially those asking for personal info or login credentials. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Use Two-Step Verification : Enable two-step verification for sensitive accounts to add an extra layer of security. It’s like having a secret handshake – only let the people you trust in.
Be Wary of Phishing Scams : Avoid falling victim to phishing scams by being aware of suspicious email or message content. Not sure if it’s a scam? Forward it to me and I’ll let you know: [email protected]. Or is that a scam? See? Now I got you thinking.
Teaching Online Safety to Children (Before They Figure It Out Themselves)
Educate Your Child : Teach your child about online safety, including the risks associated with sharing personal info and engaging in online activities.
Set Boundaries : Establish clear rules for online behavior, such as only interacting with known individuals and avoiding suspicious links or attachments. Think of it like setting house rules – minus the parental nagging.
Monitor Online Activity : Regularly monitor your child’s online activity to ensure they’re staying safe and within established boundaries. It’s like being a responsible parent (we know, we know).
Online safety is now firmly in your grasp. Remember to safeguard yourself daily by implementing these protective measures consistently, or as we like to call it, “not getting hacked”. With this knowledge, you’ll be well-equipped to face any emerging cyber risks head-on – and that’s truly empowering!
For more information about internet safety, website design and hosting or any high tech questions visit www.wernerhost.com
Commissioner Casey Hall stands alone after a recess was called
At the Lincoln County Commission meeting Wednesday September 18, Commissioner and Board Chair Casey Miller called into question if and why Commissioner Hall and Commissioner Jacobson had held a “serial” meeting along with county attorney Kristin Yuille.
It is alleged that the two commissioners met with County Attorney Kristin Yuille to discuss a matter that was before the commission and was being discussed between a stakeholders group consisting of citizen activists, County Sheriff Curtis Landers, District Attorney Jenna Wallace and Circuit Court Judge Sheryl Bachart et al. And that they not only had a serial meeting but they came to a conclusion without including Commissioner Miller or holding a public meeting.
The matter at hand is a directive from the state legislature (HB4002) that was in response to the legislature overturning the voter initiative Measure 110 that all but legalized drug use in Oregon. Everyone with half a brain knew what would happen and sure enough it did. Crime ran rampant, drug use soared and neighborhoods were destroyed. The initiative was sold to voters who bought the lie that drug addicts would voluntarily seek treatment.
Well, it never happened. No one caught paid the $100 fine and hardly any addicts took advantage of treatment. They did what addicts do-they continued using.
The legislature tasked counties to form coalitions to best decide what to do with “Deflection” funds that were allocated to them. The deadline for submission of their plan is September 20, 2024. The amount in question is just over $381,000.
What Is “Deflection?”
“Deflection serves as a community-centered practice by which law enforcement or other first responders make…handoffs to community-based treatment and/or other services for people who have substance use or mental health disorders. Deflection presents an alternative to arresting people who might otherwise either enter the justice system or receive no assistance to address their needs.” — definition courtesy of the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network.
Oregon’s HB 4002, signed April 1, encourages law enforcement to engage in deflection, in coordination with a new system of local deflection programs. A $20MM grant program was established within the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to support the establishment of new deflection programs.
The stakeholder group that has been meeting for months to figure out a plan to help our community deal with the addicted class has formulated a plan-and this seems to be a problem for Hall and Jacobson. Why? Why would they try to derail a plan that has the full support of the community, the sheriff, a circuit court judge and the district attorney?
Apparently those two still have a latent beef with the DA’s office that would take too long to explain here. Hall and Jacobson want the program administrator to be part of the probation department under County Corrections – and no one knows why because they haven’t discussed the matter in public or with any member of the stakeholder’s group.
Judge Bachart admonishes Commissioners Hall and Jacobson
Judge Bachart, fresh out of surgery on her leg and needing a knee scooter to get around said she was forced to sign up to speak during public discussion time as this was her only chance to address the two sneaking commissioners. “(Speaking in particular to Hall and Jacobson), I’m here today because this is the only forum I have to speak with you. I have sent you (Hall and Jacobson) emails. I have tried to reach out to Administrator Johnson. I have heard absolutely no response. From the presiding Judge of Lincoln County I have tried to reach out to you (Hall and Jacobson) because I want to discuss the Deflection Program and the work that we’ve done on it. I’ve been completely ignored-not even a ‘thank you for your email.’ So, I’m here less than 24 hours after having surgery because it’s the only way I can reach you.”
It was at this point the judge was rudely interrupted by someone, off camera, from the board dais. It’s easy to imagine the fear at being called out for their unscrupulous behavior making them want to silence the judge. However, Commissioner Miller valiantly stuck to his role as Chair and allowed Judge Bachart to continue.
“Sitting at a table we have treatment providers, people in recovery, a defense attorney, we have the District Attorney (DA) and the Chair of the Board of Commissioners (BOC). As a group we came up with a plan.
If you don’t have the trust of the DA and law enforcement, there is no one to deflect to. If you don’t roll out this program as agreed upon by the people actually doing the work; this program will fail.”
Sheriff Curtis Landers questions why Counsel Yuille was involved with decisions
Next, begging for time before the high and mighty Board of Commissioners, came Sheriff Curtis Landers. “The Deflection partners have been meeting since April. I want to say I’m disappointed as your elected Sheriff that I have to present my concerns via a three minute public comment period and it was not placed on the agenda as requested by Chair Miller for an open and transparent discussion. I’m not even sure a decision has been made as I’ve heard conflicting accounts from Commissioners and County Counsel (Yuille). I’m also not sure why legal counsel is even involved at this point. I would like to point out that she (Yuille) has not participated in our discussions.”
District Attorney Wallace wonders why Hall and Jacobson won’t talk with her (Judge Bachart in background)
Next to plead for an audience with Hall and Jacobson, et al was Lincoln County’s District Attorney Jenna Wallace. “I have never seen the level of cooperation as I’ve seen in this Deflection Workgroup.” She said, “I was really saddened to hear Miss Yuille had indicated that Commissioners Hall and Jacobson had already made the decision to place the position (Deflection Coordinator) in Probation (County Corrections office).
At this point DA Wallace made a point to say, “Commissioner Hall, you’re shaking your head. That’s what Counsel Yuille indicated multiple times in the meeting. I asked her (Yuille) ‘Have you met with each Commissioner separately and they have said that the position is going to the Department of Probation and she said ‘Yes’.”
Lincoln County Commission and Counsel hear from constituents
Between the stunned silence of Yuille and Jacobson and the rapid, repetitive glances from Hall to Yuille as if the Commissioner was seeking a lifeline on “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” the audience either shook their heads in utter disbelief that three elected officials entrusted by the voters of Lincoln County with law enforcement and justice had to grovel for a few minutes of Commissioner Hall and Jacobson’s taxpayer funded time or else they applauded the three and their impassioned desire to help those struggling with addiction to reenter society.
According to County Commission Candidate Rick Beasley, who also attended the meeting, “If this is an example of how “Claire Cares”-then I don’t know how Lincoln County voters can trust her.”
At the end of the meeting Commissioner Hall (who couldn’t seem to flee the room fast enough) collided with the wall adjacent to the exit door which barely missed hitting the Commissioner on the behind on the Commissioner’s way out the door.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a recreational use health advisory for Eckman Lake in Waldport due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure.
Laboratory tests have also found high levels of saxitoxins at Eckman Lake. Saxitoxins cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. Since Eckman Lake feeds directly into the Alsea Bay estuary,
Lincoln County Public Health recommends that people refrain from harvesting or consuming softshell clams from the area.
This guidance is made in coordination with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and will remain in effect until further notice. Softshell clams from Alsea Bay will be tested for biotoxins and results are expected next week.
What is paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP)?
Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is the most common and most severe form of shellfish poisoning. Symptoms usually start 30–60 minutes after eating the shellfish and can include:
Numbness and tingling of the face, lips, tongue, arms, and legs.
Diarrhea and vomiting, headache, and nausea.
What to do if someone gets PSP?
Call Oregon Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.
If someone who ate shellfish is having trouble breathing call 911. Severe cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning might require being placed on a respirator.
How can I prevent PSP?
Avoid eating potentially contaminated shellfish.
Avoid harvesting seafood from beaches with biotoxin closures.
What to do with the soft shells clams you’ve collected?
Throw away any softshell clams harvested after September 9, 2024, even if they were frozen. Cooking or freezing does not make them safe.
Other important information about PSP
Cooking or freezing shellfish does not remove toxins. Shellfish containing toxins may not look, smell, or taste any different than uncontaminated shellfish.
Crabs feed on shellfish and may carry the toxin.
Keep pets and service animals away from potentially toxic shellfish. They should not eat anything that looks like an algae mat, even if it is on dry ground. Algal matter can still have harmful toxins that are not safe for pets.
Though lacking an opponent on the fall ballot for Lincoln County Sheriff, Lt. Adam Shanks told a group of staunch conservatives Tuesday, Sept. 10, he’s “campaigning like it’s a tight race.”
Shanks was the featured speaker among four candidates appearing before the 70-strong Hilltop Patriots in the Old Taft Fire Hall meeting center.
The Patriots, genuine flag-wavers who consider themselves local government watchdogs and supporters of conservative issues, heard the remarkable autobiography of a lawman who has served Lincoln County his entire adult life.
A graduate of Newport H.S., Shanks earned a degree in criminal science at Lane Community College. His first job was part time, as a reserve police officer in Waldport, but he soon found opportunity in 1997 with the Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy.
Promoted to sergeant in 2007 and later to administrative lieutenant, his wide-ranging assignments to the 161 bed jail, search and rescue , animal shelter, emergency management, and support divisions did much to prepare him for the top job.
Shanks will take the reins January 1, 2025, from retiring Sheriff Curtis Landers, who bequeaths a highly respected department but one that is understrength and underfunded. The LCSO is struggling to fill four deputy jobs and five corrections slots, vacant positions with real consequences for Lincoln County residents.
“We used to get 75 to 80 applications for an opening but we’re now lucky to get 15,” he said. Explaining a new recruiting effort to find qualified candidates residing in Lincoln County, Lt. Shanks said “walk-on” written and physical tryouts are held quarterly and are open to all interested citizens.
With personnel and budgets stretched thin, the LCSO has cancelled its nine-month citizens academy and retired the volunteer Sheriff’s Reserve. What the county needs more than anything, said Shanks, is a “stabilization center” where people with a mental crisis can cool-off instead of going to jail.
Some people debated the role of the Sheriff in enforcing “unconstitutional” mandates, such as edicts against public gatherings during the Covid crisis. But Shanks displayed his bonafides by speaking to the recent U.S. Supreme Court “Chevron” decision, promising “to balance Constitutional rights with my duty to uphold the laws.” Shanks was warmly applauded as people gathered to shake his hand and congratulate him on his forthcoming promotion.
Other candidates who spoke to the group included Cindi Ciuffo, running for mayor of Depoe Bay on an open-government platform; Tammy Sanford, who seeks the Lincoln City Ward 3 council spot; and Rick Beasley, running for county commissioner.
The annual Celebration of Honor continues at Chinook Winds Casino and Resort in Lincoln City through September 14.
Amid the splendor of fluttering flags freely are displays of not just military equipment but also a replica of the Vietnam memorial as well as a Wall of Honor to showcase the humanity involved in serving our country.
Wall of honor
It is difficult to not be humbled by the displays. Yes, they can be seen as tragic reminders of loss and pain but they can also evoke an emotion of gratitude and awe. Gratitude for those that served to protect the freedoms that can be so easily lost and awe at how simple, ordinary people can rise to perform extraordinarily brave (and many times costly) tasks when everything inside themselves must have screamed “save yourself!”
But it’s not just the static displays that can instruct at this celebration. Veterans are manning the displays to answer questions and sometimes offer comfort to those needing support as only those who have served can offer one another.
The Celebration of Honor continues September 14 until 1pm.
Polaris Dawn crew successfully completed the world’s first spacewalk (photo @Polaris program)
Press release- Early Thursday morning at 7:58 a.m. ET, the Polaris Dawn crew successfully completed the world’s first spacewalk – also known as an extravehicular activity (EVA) – from Dragon at 732.2 km above Earth.
Shortly after arriving in space on Tuesday, the crew began a two-day pre-breathe process, designed to prevent decompression sickness while also preparing the crew for the environment inside the EVA suits by gradually lowering Dragon’s cabin pressure and increasing the oxygen concentration.
Then on Thursday, the crew donned their suits and initiated Dragon seat rotation, suit tare, and the heads-up display and helmet camera checkouts. The 106-minute spacewalk officially began at 6:12 a.m. ET when suit pressurization started, the nitrogen purge was initiated, and pure oxygen (O2) was flowing into the suits. A secondary flow of oxygen primarily helped provide cooling to the suits, which would come in handy during the spacewalk.
Once suit leak checks were complete, the crew and ground teams gave the go for Dragon to initiate venting, which took the cabin’s pressure down from ~8 psi to below 1 psi – nearly to the vacuum of space. Simultaneously, Dragon repositioned its trunk to face the sun ahead of the hatch opening.
(photo @Polaris program)
Mission Commander Jared Isaacman opened the hatch and for the first time, four astronauts were simultaneously exposed to the vacuum of space. Jared and Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis separately exited the spacecraft and individually performed a series of suit mobility demonstrations to test the performance of the spacesuit in the vacuum environment of space. Mission Pilot Kidd Poteet and Mission Specialist Anna Menon remained seated, managing suit umbilicals and monitoring vital support systems and telemetry on Dragon’s displays.
Upon completion of their individual EVAs, the hatch was closed, Dragon re-pressurized to 14 psi, cabin oxygen and pressure levels confirmed, officially completing the suit testing alongside the first commercial spacewalk and the first EVA from a Dragon spacecraft.
Throughout the EVA, stunning visuals were afforded by Dragon’s cameras and the spacesuits helmet cameras as the crew orbited between 184.9 and 732.2 km (114 and 454 miles) above Earth.
Following the spacewalk, the crew took time to rest and recuperate, enjoying a well-deserved meal before posting from space for the first time on X using Starlink high-speed internet. The crew concluded the day by connecting with their families and settling in for their sleep period ahead of Flight Day 4.
Editor’s note: while we do try to remain a hyper local publication about the Lincoln City area sometimes it’s fun to share something that is just amazingly cool.
Saddle Mountain State Natural Area near Seaside will close October 14-18 for a hazard tree removal and tree thinning project to support public safety and forest health.
The work will take place throughout the park, including along the main roadway, prompting a park closure to maintain public safety. Both the Grindy Creek (lower) and Lewis & Clark (upper) gates on Saddle Mountain Road will be locked.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) rangers and instructors will perform the work as part of an OPRD training for rangers who want to expand their skills.
The park might reopen as early as Friday, October 18. Please check the park webpage for updates.
Firefighter in full gear participated in a 9/11 Tribute Climb
Sponsored by North Lincoln Professional Firefighters local 5169 over a dozen firefighters trudged up and down a flight of wooden stairs near the North beach entrance at Chinook Winds Casino and Resort to participate in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Because, in their words, “…we climb (these) stairs in tribute to the brave first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. This event honors their heroism and commemorates the lives lost 23 years ago.”
The event began with a dedication ceremony followed by presentation of colors by Scout troop 47 who also made a ceremonial climb on the steps.
Then the pros began the repetitive movements up and down, up and down, up and down the steps from the asphalt walkway to the sandy beach below.
The humidity from the early morning rains mixed with a warm breeze coming from the Pacific was an extra burden for these heroes to bear.
Ready to attack the steps challenge
Some wore partial gear, some wore street clothes and more than one firefighter donned full gear including oxygen tank. No one was being paid. This wasn’t a required training exercise This was a labor of love and respect for those comrades that had fallen, not fallen because they couldn’t hack the climb, but because two entire skyscrapers collapsed upon their heads and claimed their lives.
The men and women participating in the Tribute Climb know that they could be called at any time to similar circumstances and it’s clear from their dedication to this moment that they too would not hesitate.
According to a post on the Local’s Facebook page, “Climb all or part of the 2200 steps -110 floors (those) responders climbed. We’ll be there with you the whole time! Challenge yourself to climb all or some of the flights of stairs (those) responders climbed to rescue and provide aid to the victims trapped in the towers.”
Having witnessed two major fires in our small town in the last few weeks I believe we can all offer a thank you to our firefighters and other first responders.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is increasing its camping, parking and reservation fees to keep pace with the rising cost of utilities, operations and maintenance.
News release-Friday, September 29,2024
Amid the splendor of fluttering flags freely are displays of not just military equipment but also a replica of the Vietnam memorial as well as a Wall of Honor to showcase the humanity involved in serving our country. 
The men and women participating in the Tribute Climb know that they could be called at any time to similar circumstances and it’s clear from their dedication to this moment that they too would not hesitate.
