From the council’s agenda packet: “Ordinance 2006-11 Section 13, subsection E, provides for regular proceedings to consider rate adjustments. It states, “If the franchisee’s annual report of operations submitted under subsection C of this section projects that the franchisee’s operating ratio for the current fiscal year will be less than 0.85 or greater than 0.91, then there shall be a rate review proceeding in accord with this subsection E.
logo courtesy of North Lincoln Sanitary Service website
The franchisee’s submitted rate review report projects that its operating ratio for FY2023 will be 93% without a rate increase. With a 4.5% rate increase, the projected operating ratio is 89%.
In July 2022, City Council adopted Resolution 2022-25 that increased NLSS rates by 17%. This set the standard residential rate to $32.93. This resolution will change the rate for standard residential service to $34.41″
Lionel Manners and Sarah Harris cited and released for alleged theft of artwork and vandalism at the former Sambos restaurant. (photo courtesy of Christopher Donner)
Saturday morning Chris Donner, the owner of the former Sambos restaurant, was alerted by his security system that an intruder was on the property.
Two people were spotted allegedly attempting to steal artwork from the exterior.
The artwork consisted of a hand painted tiger originally commissioned and installed by former owner Cary Moore.
Video still of suspect removing artwork. (photo courtesy of Christopher Donner)Shadow where artwork was removed.
Video footage shows Lionel Manners allegedly removing a wooden painting of a tiger carrying pancakes from the south exterior wall of the building.
Pair allegedly unable to fit the “historical ephemera” into a car. (photo courtesy of Christopher Donner)
Footage then shows Manners and Sarah Harris attempting to place the item into the back of his tiny vehicle.
Stashing artwork (photo courtesy of Christopher Donner)
At this point, says Donner, “…when it didn’t fit into their vehicle, they stashed it out back and came back later with 2 vehicles…We called the Lincoln City non emergency and I personally met with them (Lincoln City police) at the little Sambos property and we reviewed the footage.
The police then issued a warrant out for both Sarah and her accomplice.
The officer left, I left and then within about 30 min Sarah returned with another vehicle that her accomplice was driving and she drove her own vehicle as well back to the little Sambos property to recover the stashed piece of artwork.
Our on site security stood in front of Sarah’s accomplice’s vehicle blocking them from leaving while the police were on their way. At this time, I pulled in behind them and also immediately called 911.
“They were both cited and released with a pending court date. We’re pressing charges.” said Donner.
*(Note, Homepage has received notice that the pair were charged with the following: Theft 3 Trespass 2 and Criminal Mischief.)
He also added, “When confronted Sarah acted as if she had done nothing wrong claiming nobody was there so she figured it was OK.”
Bio of Harris from Oregon Historical Society Quarterly (courtesy Christopher Donner)
In an ironic twist, a search of Harris’ online profile shows that she is the Rose Tucker Fellow with the Oregon Historical Society Quarterly where on their bio of her they state, “In her free time, Sarah takes road trips to small towns across the Pacific Northwest to explore local history (and add to her ever growing collection of historical ephemera and tchotchkes).”
Donner added, “If they really wanted it legitimately my phone number was on the front door.”
Kids staring at phones (courtesy of monkeybusinessimages)
We’ve all seen the scene; groups of kids (or adults for that matter) huddle en masse, staring at their phones and never speaking with the person next to them.
Or perhaps we’ve seen that guy at a concert or show recording on his cell phone, blocking views and not really even watching the event that he paid for.
Not only do performers find cell phone use distracting, so do teachers.
The struggle to keep kids focused in class has always been a challenge but the introduction of cell phones into that arena makes the problem exponentially worse.
Taft 7-12 Principal Nick Lupo (Lincoln County School district photo)
Taft 7-12 principal Nick Lupo has observed the growth of cell phone use in the schools for years and is aware of how they have interfered with education. He was looking for a solution when inspiration hit.
Pre covid, while at a show in Portland that required attendees to place their cell phones into a Yonder bag for the duration of the show, he saw the potential it held for helping kids stay focused at school.
A typical Yondr bag and unlocking device
A Yondr bag is simply a cloth bag with a magnetic lock on the top flap.
Users power down their phones, place them in the pouch, seal the flap and keep the phone with them while attending the event. At the end of the event, users tap the lock on a deactivating device and the phone is returned to them.
Principal Lupo reached out to Yondr and began exploring its feasibility in school.
Taft 7-12 already has a no electronic device policy but that too was a distraction for the teachers, making them spend precious time policing the kids rather than instructing.
According to Lupo, “this takes the onus off of the teachers.”
Here’s how the program will roll out: At the beginning of the school year all kids with phones on campus will be issued a Yondr bag at no cost.
Upon arrival at school students will power off their phones, place their phones in the Yonder bag and secure the magnetic lock. Students will remain in possession of their phones at all times and will be able to take the pouches home.
After school or while at off campus lunch students may unlock the bag at a designated unlocking station.
The bag (while actually property of the school) will remain with the student and they may decorate it as they see fit (within school guidelines). Damage to bags or use of cell phones at school will be addressed individually with the student and possibly parents according to existing policies.
What started out as a deterrent for copyright violations at comedy clubs and concerts has found its way into schools as a means of redirecting kid’s attention where it belongs-on being educated.
Currently, according to Lupo, “Yondr has been implemented in over 2,000 schools and 16 countries to facilitate an engaged learning environment. Cell phones are great, but we want kids to be prepared for outside of school.”
Yondr is an American company founded by Graham Dugoni in 2014.
According to Wikipedia, “Yondr creates phone-free spaces, working with schools, entertainers, courthouses, organizations and individuals to eliminate the intrusion of technology and allow people to simply ‘be here now.’ Yondr makes mobile phone pouches which close with a magnetic lock, and a device for unlocking them.”
Faraday bag for phones
Unlike a Faraday bag popular with those seeking a little more privacy in a high tech world, the Yondr does not block cell signals to phones it only limits physical access to the phone.
Testimonial on Yondr’s website from educators and artists show an enthusiasm for the idea of refocusing attention;
“It’s an absolute game-changer. The climate and culture on our campus is so much more energetic and positive.”— Allison Silvestri, Principal.
“People actually watch the show, they’re in the moment, and they’re vastly more fun to speak to.”— Dave Chappelle.
For now, Taft 7-12 will be the only school in the district using the Yondr bags.
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.
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.”
