Adam Shanks declared his candidacy for Sheriff of Lincoln County today to succeed Sheriff Curtis Landers who will not be seeking re-election.
In a press release Shanks states, “I am excited to announce I am running for Lincoln County Sheriff. It has been my honor to have served our citizens and to have worked with an amazing team at the Sheriff’s Office throughout my career and I want to continue to serve as their Sheriff.”
He also notes, “I have been with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for over 27 years and have been a resident of Lincoln County since 1983 and am a Newport High School graduate.
I began my career with the Sheriff’s Office in 1995 as a seasonal marine cadet while furthering my education at Lane Community College where I earned an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice.”
In conclusion he states, “I look forward to connecting further with our community through this process. We have many diverse communities with different needs and desires in the law enforcement services they receive. I have been fortunate to build many community partnerships throughout Lincoln County and am committed to serving all of our residents and visitors in an equitable and respectful manner.”
For more information, please contact Adam Shanks at: [email protected]
Samaritan Evergreen Hospice is offering free Grief Support Group meetings in Lincoln City led by a trained medical social worker. All are welcome to attend these free sessions.
The Grief Support Group meetings will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month inside Building 5, just west of Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital.
According to a press release from Samaritan North Lincoln,
“Participants will connect with others who understand their loss so they can work together to move through their grief. The death being grieved may have taken place recently or a long time ago because there is no time limit to grief. Each session is led by a trained medical social worker and is a safe place to share your experiences.”
For information and to register, call Samaritan Evergreen Hospice in Newport at 541-574-1811.
Around 8p.m. Monday January 29 electrical service to the entirety of a large portion of the coast surrounding Lincoln City ceased. Every residence and business without emergency backup devices sat quiet and dark for approximately four minutes.
According to a source at Pacific Power there was a “Loss of a transmission line.” When pressed where the transmission line was the source was only able to say that the available report stated that the problem was centered at “Device 1, sub Station Devils Lake and that approximately 4633 customers were affected for just about four minutes.”
At this time Lincoln City Homepage is waiting for more details from Pacific Power’s media liaison.
In a letter to the Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Elizabeth Klein, Representative David Gomberg (D-House District 10) serving as Chairman of the Coastal Caucus and Senator Dick Anderson (R-Senate District 5) serving as Vice Chair outlined their group’s concern about the placement of energy production sites off of the Oregon coast. The thrust of the letter is to reiterate to the Director the overwhelming opposition that they have heard from nearly all constituents up and down the Oregon coast to the currently proposed projects.
In their letter they write, “Community concerns consolidated by the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development noted that coastal community members and individuals tied to the fishing industry have overwhelmingly spoken with great opposition towards offshore wind. These concerns have been echoed by marine scientists, engineers, environmentalists, tribes, and coastal municipalities. We cannot move forward with offshore wind in Oregon until the needs and concerns of these groups have been addressed….
We must emphasize that, of the 1,100 public comments submitted on Oregon’s Draft Wind Energy Areas (WEAs), most were in opposition to moving forward with the offshore wind process in Oregon. Even those in support emphasize the need for additional consideration of tribal, fishing, and coastal community voices.”
They continue, “Many expressed that the development of a new use of the ocean should not come at the cost of existing uses and resources that provide benefits to food security and the economies of Oregon coastal communities. A comprehensive discussion of community benefits and tradeoffs will likely be a necessary component in any future decision to allow development of offshore wind.”
In June of 2023, Jay Beck, an Otis resident and owner of Vivian’s Restaurant and Bill’s Barbeque (1115 SE 1st St) in Lincoln City, fell from a ladder while doing repairs on his home . The moment he hit the ground he knew something was terribly wrong. Assessing his situation he discovered that he could not move his body below his neck.
While he lay paralyzed in the grass and mud with a broken shoulder blade, broken elbow and, his doctors said, a fractured vertebrae and severe damage to his spinal cord, he struggled to gather his thoughts and tried to find the strength to call out for help.
His cell phone had fallen just three feet away from where he landed but it was of no use because he couldn’t move to pick it up.
In agonizing torment, until Jay could hear a friend come near, he didn’t have the energy to yell loud enough to be heard.
For three hours he had to wait, flat on his back, for the exact moment when his voice was strong enough to shout out to his friend that had just stopped by.
According to Jay’s sister Laurie Hall, “When the friend heard Jay calling he rushed over and asked how he could help. Jay asked him to pick up his cell phone and to call 911 and then to call his wife Ann.” Jay was Life Flighted to Salem where he was treated for his injuries.
Jay survived but is still suffering from that accident.
Hall continues, “He had surgery on his neck at an out of town hospital and stayed there for over three months. In that time he also developed a deep wound from a bed sore. That is interfering with his convalescence.
Right now he is able to move his left knee and has some movement in is toes. His arms work but he has limited use of his hands The doctor says there is a good chance that he could walk again-at least with a walker.”
So, this story leads us to today and a request for help from Jay’s family. Because of the mounting costs associated with his recovery and the subsequent temporary closure of his restaurant Jay has begun selling the antiques and collectibles he has cherished for years to raise some money.
On Saturday January 27, at Vivian’s Restaurant and Bill’s Barbeque from 10a.m. until 2p.m., Jay’s collection is available to purchase. Hall notes that they will have a “Make offer and bag sale.”
They hope to reopen for business next week and start serving guests on Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 9a.m.until 2p.m. “There will be just myself serving as waitress and one cook until we get enough business back to re-staff says Hall.”
When a young entrepreneur opens a small fitness studio inside a small strip mall in the middle of a small town one could be excused for thinking his business would stay small. Not so much. Not with Aaron Williams
You see, Aaron eats and breathes fitness. Not the usual run-on-the-treadmill-and-lift-heavy weights kind of fitness, but a fitness that aims to improve his client’s bodies and understanding of how they function.
That devotion to not just doing a motion but understanding why one exercise would be more or less beneficial than another bears out in the name he chose for his business.
Asked how “Zealous Fitness Lab” differs from a typical “gym” he said,
“I chose ‘Zealous’ from a portion of Psalm 69:9, ‘…zeal for your house will consume me..’ and ‘Fitness Lab’ because I want help my clients and members do exercises while knowing why and more importantly, how to execute a move for the maximum gain.”
And because of his dedication to his clients and their needs, his business has grown.
Grown so much, in fact, that he needed to move to a larger area but he didn’t want to leave Lincoln City-the small town he loves. After much searching, he finally found a place that was perfect for his growing business. But, that will have to wait until the end of the story.
“Since my days as a high school athlete,” said Williams, “I’ve been fascinated by how the human body works. An ankle injury during basketball season sidelined me for a week or two and during that time off I began studying the different aspects of the injury and the healing process that goes along with rebuilding an injured area.”
Later, while in college at Warner Pacific in Portland, he studied anatomy, physiology and kinesiology-which, according to Wikipedia is, ” The scientific study of human body movement. Kinesiology addresses physiological, anatomical, biomechanical, pathological, neuropsychological principles and mechanisms of movement.”
Williams continued, “I became fascinated with learning and zealous about sharing how exercises done in a controlled, correct motion can speed up healing and increase overall fitness and muscle strength.”
After working for different mega-gyms in the Portland area, Williams moved to Lincoln City, married his wife Becky and together they brought 3 children into this world. If all that wasn’t enough, he then opened Zealous Fitness Lab in a tiny section of a strip mall on NW Hwy 101. And, as mentioned before, Zealous Fitness Lab’s client base began to grow to a point where it became clear he need to move to a larger facility.
And now as promised earlier…Williams is pleased to announce, “After more than a year of searching I found a great space beneath the Beach Club and Event Center at 2020 NE 22nd street. It’s over four thousand square feet and includes men’s and women’s showers with locker rooms.
“We have a full range of exercise devices from stacked weights where one does a series of isolated motions, free weights, full cardio-including treadmills, elliptical, stair steppers and stationary bikes. We also have a studio where we can offer different classes like cycling and full body workouts. And, of course, we have many traditional workout devices.”
For a more unconventional workout Williams himself will be leading a “Slam” class which involves manipulation of 20 foot long ‘Battle ropes’ and ‘Slam balls’ where members do a continuous cycle of movements for about 20 minutes. “It’s a great strength and cardio workout,” Williams added.
“Asked about his resume, Williams answered, I’m a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certified trainer. I’ve coached junior high boys basketball at 2 different schools. I’ve also coached, cross country, high school soccer, and track and field with an emphasis on relay and jumping.”
He has also personally trained several Taft district athletes. “I’ve been able to help 3 sophomores and 2 seniors working on vertical jumps and strength training. It was a real pleasure to help one student to be able increase his vertical leap enough for him to slam dunk a basketball.”
Sounds like a slam dunk all the way around.
For more information contact Aaron at www.zealoustraininglabs.com or
The Lincoln County Assessor and Tax Collector wish to make property owners aware of potential adjustments to property tax bills as a result of damage from the January winter storm. Property owners who experienced damage or destruction resulting in a loss of real market value can apply to have their property reassessed, which may result in an adjustment to property taxes owed or already paid.
Property owners are encouraged to contact the Assessor’s Office and/or the Tax Collector’s Office for more information.
The Assessor’s Office can be reached by phone at (541) 265-4102 or via email at [email protected]. The Tax Collector’s Office can be reached by phone at (541) 265-4139 or via email at
From the “I bet you didn’t even know that this was a thing department….
According to a news release from Oregon State Park Department, The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet via online meeting on February 2 at 1:00 p.m. The agenda includes discussion of historic cemetery records and future workplan items. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Follow this link to register for meeting access information.
State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities or to attend in person, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting. For more historic cemetery resources or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.
Hazardous winter driving weather is far from done in Oregon as freezing rain, heavy snow and high winds continued in several area of the state.
The expected Wednesday thaw never quite materialized as roads in western Oregon remained slick in many areas. Ice covered trees and branches brought down power lines while highway crews continued their battle with the elements.
The National Weather Service forecast for Thursday and Friday call for continued freezing rain in the Coast Range, the Columbia River Gorge, Portland area and the Cascades.
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), “Maintenance crews crews continued to work12-hour shifts as they have been since the start of the storm.
Approximately 400 snowplows have been clearing roads around the state. And as of Wednesday, in the ODOT region that encompasses most of the Willamette Valley and the North Coast, we’ve used 1.7 million pounds of salt since the storm began, the most we’ve ever used in the region.”
ODOT asks travelers to consider delaying their travels until their roads are safe. Those who must use the roads should consult Tripcheck.com and check conditions on their route.
Tripcheck.com provides live cameras showing road conditions around the state along with other information that can help travel planning like altitude and temperature. ODOT noted that some Tripcheck.com cameras are offline because of the storm.
Interstate 84 through the Columbia River Gorge late Wednesday after a closure of nearly 31 hours. Conditions remained precarious Thursday with ice, snow and chain restrictions. ODOT was monitoring the highway condition and will close the highway if the road becomes unsafe.
Interstate 5 just south of Eugene will have rolling slowdowns Thursday to assist utility crews in restoring seven downed lines over both directions of the interstate.
Freezing rain was hitting central Oregon hard Thursday from Redmond north. U.S. 26 was closed west of Warm Springs at one point by semis that jackknifed in freezing rain.
OR 126W and OR 36 remain closed in the Coast Range due to down trees.
In eastern Oregon, OR 244 is closed, with local freight and passenger vehicles only allowed and no I-84 access for commercial vehicles. Most highways in the region remain covered with snow and ice or both with temperatures below or just above freezing. Slight warming may come by Thursday afternoon but temperatures may fall back below freezing by night. Mixed precipitation — snow and freezing rain — throughout eastern Oregon will continue Thursday into Friday, making travel difficult.
News release from Oregon State parks Department… At least nine Oregon State Parks have closed or partially closed due to ice, snow and downed trees along the North Coast and valley. Visitors are encouraged to check park pages on the state park website before visiting as well as local forecasts and TripCheck for road conditions.
The current closures include: Saddle Mountain State Natural Area, Ecola State Park, Elijah Bristow State Park, Jasper State Recreation Site, Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site, Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint, the day-use area at Nehalem Bay State Park, the Vista House and the campground at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park (for incoming reservations that have not checked in) and the Buxton Trailhead. Several restrooms have also closed, mostly along the Columbia Gorge.
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is closed through Friday to incoming reservations that have not already checked in. The day-use area at the park remains open, but the Buxton Trailhead along the Banks to Vernonia State trail is closed. The park is recommending chains or traction tires for all travel. Park officials closed the day-use area at Nehalem Bay to focus on keeping the campground open. Crews are working to clear downed trees and limbs. “We’re clearing dozens of downed trees and hundreds of broken tree limbs and downed branches at Nehalem Bay. In addition, we have broken water lines and standpipes and many busted hose bibbs. Several of our yurts were impacted by downed trees and branches, but initial inspections indicate no serious damage,” said Park Manager Ben Cox.
Ecola Park Road remains icy, and there are several downed trees at the park, which could reopen as early as Wednesday morning depending on the weather and clean up. Saddle Mountain was closed Friday due to the snow and ice and will likely remain closed until the end of the week. The road is unsafe for driving, Cox said, starting just below the
Lewis & Clark Mainline timber road. The main gate at the bottom of the road, near US 26, remains locked.
Elijah Bristow State Park and Jasper State Recreation Site are closed due to extensive downed trees and icy road conditions.
Thompson’s Mills State Heritage Site is closed due to a power outage and icy parking area
Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint is closed due to ice and snow.
The Vista House is closed due to a power outage. Crown Point Remains open.
In addition, three Willamette River Greenway access points have closed including Pengra, Cloverdale and Lynx Hollow
For updates about these parks and other Oregon State Parks, check https://stateparks.oregon.gov/ or call the park information line at (800) 551-6949.