City Attorney Richard Appicello was fired “without cause” last night at a city council special meeting. The vote was 4-1 in favor of terminating Appicello’s employment. The link to the meeting can be found here. (*note, the meeting begins and then recesses for an executive session then resumes near the end for the vote)
Councilor Riley Hoagland was the lone dissenter. When asked about his vote he said, “I am unable to elaborate and have no comment .”
Appicello was a controversial figure for many years among many citizens and had his fair share of detractors.
Said a council member who asked to remain anonymous, “It was time to pull the trigger. It wasn’t just one thing. It was a lot of little things. He just wasn’t a very good attorney.”
As this is a continuing story, follow Lincoln City Homepage for updates
Lincoln City Christian School now enrolling for 2023-24
October of 2023 will mark the 120th birthday of Lincoln City Christian School (formerly know as Lincoln City Seventh Day Adventist School).
When a school reaches a milestone like that it can be safely assumed that they are doing something right.
First opened in a home near Drift Creek, the school operated at two other locations before settling at 2126 NE Surf Ave-just east of the Lincoln City Community Center.
Classes are divided into 4 stand alone groups;
1. Kindergarten
2. First, second and third grades
3. Fourth, fifth and sixth grades
4. Seventh and eighth grades
I had the opportunity to sit down with school principal John McCombs and teachers Tanya McCombs and Eric Valdez along with board member Jim Hoover to learn more about the school.
My first meeting with principal McCombs was while he was applying a fresh coat of paint to some window trim
Principal McCombs getting the school ready for students while his wife (and a teacher) Tanya McCombs supervises
As we settled in to Mrs. McCombs classroom they talked about the school’s history, it’s strengths and the challenges it faces.
Mrs. McCombs classroom
“The Adventist school system is the second largest in the nation,” said Hoover. “The Catholic schools are first-but they started a few years before we did.”
He continued, “The current demographics of this school are approximately ninety-five percent non Adventists and fifty percent non Christians.”
“Mostly we are missionaries.” said Mrs. McCombs.
Principal McCombs noted, “there is no requirement to be Christian (to attend here) but everyone attending must be open to exploring a relationship with Jesus. We have Bible classes where we primarily teach the stories of the Bible. A lot of the students just don’t know the stories. they don’t know about Noah or Samson or David-never heard of them.”
When asked if those stories spur conversations he replied, “Great conversations! The kids want to know. They really want to know what is really true.”
Mr. Hoover interjected, “We’re trying to share the love of God within this community to a kid that might not find it any other way.”
The principal continued, “It’s really fun to talk with kids about how God knows us, loves us and accepts us. And they didn’t know that.”
“And how do we share those things we have in common? That’s the greatest challenge.” added Hoover.
Mission statement of Lincoln City Christian School
Principal McCombs mentioned that there is an opportunity to enroll approximately twenty more children for the new school year.
I asked why parents should consider sending their kids to Lincoln City Christian School.
“Quality education, smaller class sizes, a safe environment and a family connection.” was the unanimous reply.
Says Hoover, “We have teachers that share values, not just instruction. They share values like honesty, character, kindness and forgiveness along with striving for academic excellence.”
Principal McCombs added, “Because I attend end of day dismissals everyday I get to see all of the parents and say hi to them and try to touch base with all of them (about their kids).”
Mr. Valdez, who teaches grades four through six, and came to the school via Panama and Costa Rica said, “Getting an education transformed my life. It has given me opportunities I wouldn’t have had (without it). I try to transfer that to my students…we have to prepare them for this life and all its challenges.”
Mr. Valdez
He continued, “One pastor gave me a message that I carry with me to this day. He said, ‘Always remember that you are a teacher and have a great responsibility because others will be watching you’.
The impact we have as teachers will last a lifetime. It’s an honor and a privilege.”
Mrs. McCombs adds, “I get to know the parents because they want to and we become friends over time and I pray for them as much as I pray for their children.”
“Hand” made student art project.
As we toured the school principal McCombs pointed out many of the activities that go along with traditional studies at the school. Things like laser engraving, 3D printing (taught by principal McCombs) and culinary arts instruction, gardening, wood carving and sewing taught by volunteers) to name just a few.
Laser engraved instruments made in class at Lincoln City Christian
It’s clear that this group of educators are excited about the upcoming school year.
So, with the last coat of paint going on the walls and classrooms neat and tidy, they want to invite everyone to their 120th anniversary get together on October 6 from six to eight p.m. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church facility at 2335 NE 22nd St Lincoln City, OR 97367.
For more information about the celebration or enrollment for the 2023-24 school year contact the school at 541-994-5181
As of August 4 Oregonians will be free to pump their own fuel.
New Jersey, you’re on your own.
For the first time in 72 years, as of August 4, Oregon will lift the ban on self-service gas, leaving New Jersey as the only state in the nation to continue the ban.
Oregon governor, Tina Kotek, announced on Friday that HB 2426 has not been included on the list of bills she plans to veto by the deadline of Friday, August, 4.
The new law will give Oregon drivers the choice to pump their own gas or receive service from a gas station attendant.
Under the new law, at least 50 percent of each station’s pumps must still offer attended service for elderly, disabled, or preference-driven customers.
“I don’t mind doing it myself”, says Otis resident Ben Baker, “and I think it’s good to know how to do it, but it’s good for people to have an attendant there (if they need it). So I think the new system is a win-win for everyone.”
Oregon’s bill will prevent stations from charging more for a full-service pump than a self service.
Gina Baete, a lifelong Oregonian, is ready for the change. She says,”…it seems that the people who pump their own(gas) are in and out much quicker. It has really made me want to figure out how to do it.”
While Oregonians have always felt strongly on both sides of this topic, recently a KATU poll showed two-thirds of Oregonians are ready to pump it for themselves.
It seems the time is now to make the change. Whether or not you’re pumped up about it, the law takes effect August 4.
Van Morrison, in his song “Moondance,” wrote “Well it’s a marvelous night for a moondance with the stars up above in your eyes. A fantabulous night to make romance ‘neath the cover of October skies.”
With a bit of good luck we shouldn’t need to wait until October for some quality time with the moon.
The first of two supermoons in August is set to appear starting Tuesday night.
Because the moon orbits the Earth in an ellipse, there are times when it appears closer than usual. When the moon is at its closest to Earth, or its “perigee,” and it is simultaneously a full moon, it’s known as a supermoon.
On Tuesday night, August 1, the Moon will be 226,000 miles nearer to Earth. This means that the moon will appear 10% percent bigger and 16% percent brighter than an average full moon
“High tides and low tides will be more extreme with a perigean full supermoon and more so for an extreme perigean full moon,” according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as explained on its website.
“The extremes are greater due to the difference in the gravitational pull of the Moon across Earth’s diameter.”
So, setting the science aside for a moment, do you want to enjoy a full supermoon on the Oregon coast?
Find a high vantage point like Cape Foulweather, Heceta Head, or Cape Perpetua (or anywhere that overlooks the ocean) and look south. Devils Lake should offer a pleasing view also.
If the sky is clear the moon’s reflection on the ocean or lake should be amazing.
But wait, there’s more! When two full moons happen within a month, as they will in August, the second full moon is known as a “blue” moon.
August 30th will be the only blue moon of 2023. It will also be a supermoon. And it will be even closer to earth and possibly even more impressive than the one on Tuesday.
The last time two supermoons shone in a single month was in 2018. The phenomenon won’t happen again until 2037.
And hopefully if, as Morrison wrote, “…the night’s magic seems to whisper and hush,” you will have a chance to enjoy a Moondance of your own.
It’s baaaaaack! The high flying colorful sheets of nylon will once again decorate the skies of the D River wayside for the semi annual Lincoln City Kite Festival Saturday and Sunday June 24 and 25.
For residents, it can be a mixed bag of fun and turmoil as the traffic on hwy 101 can become a nightmare.
For visitors, once the nearby parking spaces are taken, there is a shuttle available.
Parking is available at the Lincoln City Community Center (2150 NE Oar Pl) and Lincoln City Outlets (1500 SE East Devils Lake Rd). Free shuttle service is available at both locations and runs continuously from 9:30 am to 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday. Download a copy of our parking guide here.
The one bit of advice that all need to heed is to be patient.
Oregonians will finally be able to pump their own gas
SALEM, Ore – On Wednesday, June 21 the Oregon Senate passed House Bill 2426 with overwhelming bipartisan support. The new law gives Oregon drivers the choice to pump their own gas or receive service from a gas station attendant.
Under the new law, at least 50 percent of the pumps must still offer attended service for elderly, disabled, or preference-driven customers.
In 2015, legislators allowed self-serve gas during nighttime hours in rural and coastal counties to help fuel retailers and drivers.
In 2017, they extended this allowance to all hours in rural counties.
Additionally, in 2020, 2021, and 2022, Oregon’s fire marshal temporarily lifted the self-service ban statewide during emergencies like wildfires and heatwaves.
Until today, only two states would not allow citizens to dispense their own fuel; Oregon and New Jersey.
Oregon’s ban on self-serve gas has been on the books since 1951.
Motorcyclists have been able to pump their own gas since 2002. But only if they’re “handed a discharge nozzle” by a station attendant.
Owners of diesel vehicles have always been able to pump their own gas, as the 1951 ban never extended to diesel.
According to Oregon Administrative Law Oregon police can’t arrest or ticket you for pumping your own gas. State and local police are not authorized to enforce the law. Only the Oregon Fire Marshall can, and only the gas station can be slapped with a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars.
Oregon State Senator Dick Anderson (R-district five)
Oregon Senator Dick Anderson (R- district five) said, “HB 2426 is not official until signed by the governor. I voted for this bill. It provides options for my constituents. I like options”
As of today, Governor Kotek has declined to say if she will sign the bill into law.
From the Devils Lake Neighborhood Association (DLNA),
“The Devils Lake Neighborhood Association board has decided to once again proceed with our annual fireworks display on Devils Lake.
The location of the display will be similar to the last two years as it maximized the viewing available from shore, details can be found in our Fireworks Safety Plan.
Please note that the display will not be visible from Regatta Park, but Brown Bear State Park and Sandpoint Park should prove to be good locations to enjoy the show.
This is the time of year we ask for donations to fund our show. This year we need to raise $18,000, follow this donation link,
It’s never too early to help us meet our goal. The safe and sane way to enjoy the Independence Day holiday is to enjoy the best fireworks show in town on Devils Lake.”
The Lincoln City branch of TLC Credit Union was robbed at gunpoint today.
According to Lieutenant Henderson of the Lincoln City police department a lone male brandishing a weapon robbed the branch of an undisclosed amount of money.
Henderson said that the Lincoln City police are cooperating with the FBI and details cannot be released at this time.
He added that no one was hurt during the incident.
Like, follow and subscribe to receive updates as they occur
Javier and Caitlyn Rivas, co-owners of Professional Tire
Sometimes things just align.
One day a business closes, one that met a steady demand in Lincoln City. Then, pow! In the same place a new company moves in to provide the same services without missing a beat.
That is the story of Professional Tire acquiring Gerber Tire’s former building at 1605 SE Hwy 101 and setting up shop so quickly that there was hardly time to blink.
Javier and Caitlyn Rivas, along with another partner, own a successful tire and auto repair shop in McMinnville and were looking to expand. When they learned that Perry Gerber had retired (no pun intended) and Gerber Tire had closed they leapt at the opportunity.
And opportunity leapt back.
While setting up shop and not actually open for business, a car pulled onto their lot needing tire service. Javier looked around, found the tools he needed (with a little help from the local NAPA store), and took care of his first customer in Lincoln City.
Service bays filling with customer’s vehicles.
And things have not slowed down since. By 10 a.m. today two bays were filled and more cars and trucks waited in the parking lot.
This business is a true family affair for the Rivas’. While commuting from Lafayette and working at the shops family members watch over their two children.
In addition, another family has joined the crew; former Gerber employee Chris and his son Nick (who had been running his own mobile mechanic business in town).
Professional Tire will continue offering most of what Gerber Tire did including oil changes, alignments, front end work, brake services and tires. There are no plans to sell utility trailers.
And like Gerber tire they plan to be involved with our community. Thursday July 6 there will be an Open House featuring cake from My Petite Sweets. Friday July 7 is the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting. Friday will feature hot dogs with all the trimmings. Exact times of the Open House will follow.
On Monday, June 12, City council will meet as the Urban renewal Agency to discuss taxing options for a proposed Nelscott Urban Renewal plan.After adjournment council will gather as City Council to hold a public hearing on setting water and sewer rates.
A resolution will be discussed if to hold a special election on November 7, to fill the council ward 2 seat soon to be vacated by Sydney Kasner.
Joint City Council and Urban Renewal Agency Work Session Regular Meeting Monday 6/12/2023 5:00 PM Council Chambers 801 SW Highway 101 – 3rd Floor Lincoln City, OR 97367
PUBLIC HEARINGS/PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Public Hearing: Resolution UR2023-02 Adopt FY2023-24 Supplemental Budget 2. Public Hearing: Resolution UR 2023-03 Adopt Budget
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 1. Proposed Nelscott Urban Renewal (Tax Increment Finance) Plan 2. Permission for Land Use Application for Agency & City-Owned Properties
RESOLUTIONS 1. Resolution UR 2023-02 A Resolution Adopting the Supplemental Budget of the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Lincoln City, Oregon for the Fiscal Year 2022-2023, as Approve by the Agency, and Making Appropriations. 2. Resolution UR 2023-03 Adopting the Budget 3. Resolution UR 2023-04: A Resolution of the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Lincoln City, Oregon Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City of Lincoln City for Phase 1 Design and Engineering of the NE 44th to 47th Street Connector in the Roads End / Villages at Cascade Head Plan
CITY OF LINCOLN CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MONDAY JUNE 12, 2023, 6:00 PM
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Oregon Liquor Control Commission New Outlet On-Premises Commercial for Grill 1646 2. Authorization for City Manager to enter into lease agreements with Cascade Head Biosphere Reserve and Audubon Society of Lincoln City non-profits for Suite A on the first floor of Lincoln Square Building
PRESENTATIONS
Lincoln County Commissioner Kaety Jacobson Quarterly Presentation
PUBLIC HEARINGS / PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Public Comment: Resolution 2023-14 Setting Water/Sewer Rates 2. Public Hearing: Resolution 2023-15 State Shared Revenues 3. Public Hearing: Resolution 2023-12 Supplemental Budget 4. Public Hearing: Resolution 2023-16 Adopt Budget
ORDINANCES 5. ORDINANCE NO. 2023-12 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LINCOLN CITY AMENDING THE LINCOLN CITY MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 5. (BUSINESS TAXES, LICENSES AND REGULATIONS), CHAPTER 5.28 (STREET VENDORS), SECTION 5.28.040 (INSPECTION AND PERMITS) TO CORRECT THE REQUIRED PUSHCART INSPECTIONS.
K. RESOLUTIONS 6. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF LINCOLN CITY, CALLING FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 7, 2023 TO FILL THE VACANT COUNCIL WARD 2 POSITION ON THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF LINCOLN CITY 7. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-14 A RESOLUTION SETTING FORTH WATER/SEWER RATES 8. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-15 A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE CITY’S ELECTION TO RECEIVE STATE REVENUES
9. RESOLUTION 2023-12 A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET OF THE CITY OF LINCOLN CITY, OREGON, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023, AS APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS 10. RESOLUTION 2023-13 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING BUDGET TRANSFERS FOR THE CITY OF LINCOLN CITY, OREGON IN THE 2022-2023 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET 11. RESOLUTION NO. 2023-16 ADOPTING THE BUDGET
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS 12. Design Contract Award – NE 44th to 47th Connector Road 13. Intergovernmental Agreement: ODOT Delivered Federal Project on Behalf of Lincoln City US 101: 39th Street to Holmes Avenue Sidewalk Infill Key Number: 2343
Van Morrison, in his song “Moondance,” wrote “Well it’s a marvelous night for a moondance with the stars up above in your eyes. A fantabulous night to make romance ‘neath the cover of October skies.”
On Monday, June 12, City council will meet as the Urban renewal Agency to discuss taxing options for a proposed Nelscott Urban Renewal plan. After adjournment council will gather as City Council to hold a public hearing on setting water and sewer rates.
