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Oregon seeks drug price impact stories

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prescription drug increases Oregon

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) wants to hear from the public about how increasing prescription drug prices are affecting Oregonians.

DCBS is hosting a public Zoom meeting 10 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, where Oregon legislators will listen to comment and serve as moderators. The department is wanting to know how the steady increases in prescription drugs has affected you and your family.

Members of the public can submit written testimony on the State of Oregon Division of Financial Regulation’s website or speak at the hearing via a Zoom link provided with the buttons below.

ATTEND ZOOM MEETING

SUBMIT YOUR STORY

READ OTHER’S STORIES

Topics at the hearing will cover insulin prices, pharmaceutical supply chain, and pharmacy benefit management rebate transparency. Panelists will include representatives from pharmacy benefit managers, prescription drug manufacturers, prescription drug wholesalers, and an independent pharmacy owner.

Each year DCBS holds a public hearing on prescription drug pricing. State legislators are present and get to hear the public’s concerns.

 

Samaritan earns Military Friendly Employer designation

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Military friendly Samaritan
Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital (Photo by Justin Werner)

Samaritan Health Services has earned the 2023 Military Friendly Employer designation, a designation it is proud to have received every year since 2017.

“We take a lot of pride in being an inclusive employer,” said Samaritan Health Services President and CEO Doug Boysen, JD, MHA. “Veterans are highly skilled and often find success working in health care as biomedical engineers, nurses, medical assistants and information systems developers and analysts.”

Institutions earning the Military Friendly Employer designation were evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over a thousand companies participated in the 2023 Military Friendly survey. Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly ® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey score with an assessment of the organization’s ability to meet thresholds for Applicant, New Hire Retention, Employee Turnover, and Promotion & Advancement of veterans and military employees.

“Companies earning the Military Friendly Employers designation elevate the standard for military programs globally; they have invested in substantive programs that promote positive outcomes for service members, military spouses, and veterans within their organizations,” said Kayla Lopez, director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly. “For these employers, hiring military is more than just the right thing to do; it’s a standard that makes good business sense.”

Samaritan Health Services will be showcased in the 2023 Military Friendly Employers in the December issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and on MilitaryFriendly.com. To learn more about careers at Samaritan, visit samhealth.org/Careers.

Alaskan storm prompts sneaker wave alert

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Sneaker Waves Lincoln City

National Weather Service Portland (NWS) issued a Beach Hazards Statement for possible sneaker waves that may occur Sunday into Monday.

An Alaskan storm with strong winds is pushing swells towards the Oregon Coast, causing NWS to issue the alert for Sunday morning through Monday morning.

“Beachgoers should be aware of the ocean and we’re trying to increase awareness about sneaker waves through things like issuing the Beach Hazards Statements,” NWS Meteorologist Lisa Kriederman said. “Take your time and watch the water for awhile and see what’s happening. The biggest thing is to not turn your back to the ocean.”

Sneaker waves can catch unsuspecting beachgoers and knock them off their feet as water can run up the beach significantly farther than normal. A person can be swept into the frigid ocean which may lead to injury and drowning. Sneaker waves can also move logs which can cause injury or death.

Staying out of the water is advised and staying off the beach is recommended.

Veteran’s Day Eagle flyover

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F-15 Lincoln City
An F-15D Eagle assigned to the 142nd Fighter Wing, Oregon Air National Guard Base, Ore., takes off during an afternoon sortie, Feb. 19, 2015. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Hughel, 142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs/Released)

F-15 Eagles with the Oregon Air National Guard 142nd Wing may fly over Lincoln City Friday as part of its Veteran’s Day flyovers.

“We appreciate the opportunity to honor those that have served before us,” 142nd Wing Commander, Colonel Todd Hofford, said. “The demonstration of air superiority on this day is a great reminder to us all how fortunate we are to be citizens of this country. These patriotic flyovers are courtesy of your Hometown Air Force.”

The fighters will be around 1,000 feet at 400 mph.

Homepage reached out to the 142nd Wing and asked them to flyover Lincoln City on their way to Tillamook. They have flown over Lincoln City before, so don’t be surprised if they make another appearance.

Flight schedule:

10:45 a.m. Tillamook Air Museum, Tillamook, Ore.
10:57 a.m. Albany Veterans Day Parade, Albany, Ore.
11:11 a.m. University of Portland, Portland, Ore.
11:32 a.m. The Dalles Area Chamber, The Dalles, Ore.
12:07 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park, Klamath Falls, Ore.
12:22 p.m. Douglas County Veterans Day Parade, Roseburg, Ore.

Flights could be canceled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational
contingencies. There will also be a funeral flyover at 11:20 a.m. in Mollala, Ore.

The Portland Air National Guard Base employs 1,500 Airmen who provide an economic impact of nearly $500 million to the region. The 142nd Wing defends our homeland with F-15 Eagle fighter jets, guarding the Pacific Northwest skies from northern California to the Canadian border through their Aerospace Control Alert mission as part of Air Combat Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Their mission is to provide unequalled, mission-ready units to sustain combat aerospace superiority and peacetime tasking any time, any place in service to our nation, state and community.

For more information, contact 142nd Wing Public Affairs at [email protected]

Lincoln County Election Results

Election 2022

Approximately 99 percent of the votes for Lincoln County have been processed, with 66.33 percent voter turnout. Here are the 2022 Lincoln County General Election results:

United States Senator
  • Jo Rae Perkins – Republican
  • Dan Pulju – Pacific Green
  • Ron Wyden – Democrat
  • Chris Henry – Progressive
  • 9891
  • 326
  • 15144
  • 474
United States Representative in Congress, 4th District
  • Alek Skarlatos – Republican
  • Mike Beilstein – Pacific Green
  • Levi Leatherberry – Independent
  • Val Hoyle – Democrat
  • Jim Howard – Constitution
  • 10174
  • 462
  • 765
  • 13757
  • 339
Governor
  • Tina Kotek – Democrat
  • Donice Noelle Smith – Constitution
  • R Leon Noble – Libertarian
  • Betsy Johnson – Nonaffiliated
  • Christine Drazan – Republican
  • 12844
  • 148
  • 123
  • 2618
  • 10241
State Representative, 10th District
  • David Gomberg – Democrat
  • Celeste McEntee – Republican
  • 15464
  • 10154
Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries
  • Christina E Stephenson
  • Cheri Helt
  • 13275
  • 7197
Judge of the Court of Appeals, Position 10
  • Kristina Hellman – Incumbent
  • 15877
Judge of the Court of Appeals, Position 11
  • Anna M Joyce – Incumbent
  • 15050
Judge of the Circuit Court, 17th District, Position 3
  • Amanda Benjamin – Incumbent
  • 15664
Lincoln County Commissioner, Position 1
  • Carter McEntee
  • Casey L Miller
  • 8883
  • 13379
Lincoln County Clerk
  • Amy A Southwell
  • 16254
Lincoln County Treasurer
  • Jayne Welch
  • 16077
City of Depoe Bay Mayor
  • Jerome Grant
  • Kathy Short
  • 373
  • 536
City of Depoe Bay Council Member, Position 4
  • Rick Beasley
  • 541
City of Depoe Bay Council Member, Position 5
  • No Candidate Filed
  • 0
City of Depoe Bay Council Member, Position 6
  • Fran Recht
  • 580
City of Lincoln City Mayor
  • Susan Wahlke
  • Riley Hoagland
  • 2489
  • 1638
City of Lincoln City Council Member, Ward I
  • Mitch Parsons
  • 971
City of Lincoln City Council Member, Ward II
  • Sydney Kasner
  • Carolyn Nguyen
  • 830
  • 547
City of Lincoln City Council Member, Ward III
  • Rick Mark
  • Mellissa Sumner
  • 723
  • 483
City of Newport Mayor
  • Dean Sawyer
  • 3051
City of Newport Council Members (vote for three)
  • Jan Kaplan
  • Ryan M Parker
  • CM Hall
  • 2611
  • 2825
  • 2642
City of Siletz Mayor
  • William K Worman
  • 331
City of Siletz Council Member, Position 1
  • Tina Retasket
  • 323
City of Siletz Council Member, Position 4
  • Jasmine Whitehead
  • 311
City of Toledo Mayor
  • Rod Cross
  • 1051
City of Toledo Council Members (vote for three)
  • Wade Carey
  • Betty Kamikawa
  • Kim Bush
  • Ryan J Dokter
  • 620
  • 838
  • 723
  • 421
City of Waldport Mayor
  • Michael L Gatens
  • Greg Holland
  • 515
  • 646
City of Waldport Council Members (vote for three)
  • Michael Flaming
  • Michelle Severson
  • Rick Booth
  • Sue Woodruff
  • Jerry Townsend
  • 376
  • 609
  • 649
  • 651
  • 451
City of Waldport Council Member (unexpired term-vote for one)
  • Melaia McKinley Kilduff
  • 835
City of Yachats Mayor
  • Ann Stott
  • Craig Berdie
  • 267
  • 372
City of Yachats Council Members (vote for two)
  • Mary Ellen O’Shaughnessey
  • Anthony J Muirhead
  • Catherine Ann Whitten-Carey
  • 377
  • 344
  • 375
Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation District, Zone 1
  • Kyle O’Neill
  • 15558
Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation District, Zone 2
  • Alan Fujishin
  • 15427
Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation District, Zone 3
  • No Candidate Filed
  • 0
Lincoln County Soil and Water Conservation District, At Large
  • No Candidate Filed
  • 0
Central Lincoln People’s Utility District, Subdivision 1
  • Paul Davies
  • 3031
Central Lincoln People’s Utility District, Subdivision 2
  • Alma Baxter
  • 3164
Southwest Lincoln County Water People’s Utility District, Subdivision 2
  • Bill Turner
  • 160
Southwest Lincoln County Water People’s Utility District, Subdivision 3
  • Larry Anthony
  • 121
Southwest Lincoln County Water People’s Utility District, Subdivision 5
  • Donald Tucker
  • 142
Measure 111 – Amends Constitution: State must ensure affordable healthcare access, balanced against requirement to fund schools, other essential services
  • Yes
  • No
  • 14006
  • 10795
Measure 112 – Amends Constitution: Removes language allowing slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime
  • Yes
  • No
  • 14081
  • 10814
Measure 113 – Amends Constitution: Legislators with ten unexcused absences from floor sessions disqualified from holding next term of office
  • Yes
  • No
  • 18732
  • 6382
Measure 114 – Requires permit to acquire firearms; police maintain permit/firearm database; criminally prohibits certain ammunition magazines
  • Yes
  • No
  • 13097
  • 12284
Measure 21-210 – City of Toledo – Prohibits psilocybin-related businesses within Toledo for two years.
  • Yes
  • No
  • 739
  • 640
Measure 21-211 – Lake Point Special Road District – Lake Point Special Road District Local Option Tax Measure
  • Yes
  • No
  • 63
  • 66
Measure 21-212 – Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue District – Local Option Tax For Central Coast Fire & Rescue
  • Yes
  • No
  • 1111
  • 972
Measure 21-213 – Devils Lake Water Improvement District – 5-year local option tax for operations
  • Yes
  • No
  • 1712
  • 2879
Measure 21-214 – Yachats Rural Fire Protection District – Fire, Rescue and EMS Services Local Option Tax (LOT)
  • Yes
  • No
  • 951
  • 689
Measure 21-215 – City of Lincoln City – Amends Charter to increase lodging tax from 9.5% to 12%.
  • Yes
  • No
  • 2613
  • 1823

 

Beginning in 2022, ballots mailed on or before election day (with postmarks) will still be counted if they arrive up to 7 days after the election.  Because of this, Election Results will be posted once on election night and updated the following days until complete:

1st Report of Election Results November 8, 2022 at 8:00pm
2nd Report of Election Results November 9, 2022 at 5:00pm
3rd Report of Election Results November 10, 2022 at 5:00pm
4th Report of Election Results November 15, 2022 at 5:00pm
Final Report of Unofficial Election Results November 29, 2022 at 5:00pm
Final Report of Official Election Results December 2, 2022 at 5:00pm

An idea falls by the wayside

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Former mayor of Lincoln City Don Williams

Shortly after being elected mayor of Lincoln City in 2014, I walked the length of the city from Lighthouse Square to Taft.

Along the walk I thought about the Brooks Report which was commissioned years prior to help our city see some areas for improvement. Not just for tourism, but also livability for citizens.

When I reached the D River Wayside I saw a shabby, rundown parking lot with a worn out, unkept State of Oregon visitor’s kiosk that stood out like an octagonal shaped sore thumb.  I saw weeds and chipped paint.  I saw no landscaping.

As mayor I thought it was a poor representation of our city.  As an entrepreneur I thought of what a waste of a opportunity it was.  I knew we could do better.

Upon research,  I discovered the wayside was owned by the State of Oregon and Lincoln City had no say in its use or maintenance.

Later that week I attended a conference at the Salishan Coastal Lodge, where I met many representatives from various departments within the State of Oregon government.  As I made the rounds I asked each: “Would the state be interested in transferring the land to the city,” and “Wouldn’t it be better for the state if Lincoln City took over the ownership and expense of upkeep of the D River Wayside?”  Every person I asked said the same thing: “I think that’s a good Idea.”

After the meeting I approached Lincoln City City Manager Ron Chandler with my idea.  He agreed to look into it and began making calls. The response was positive and we began discussing taking over ownership of the wayside.  Shortly after, a group of city councilors joined me and members of the city’s public works department as we tore down the eyesore kiosk with a backhoe.

From there on things slowed and the proposal from the state changed from selling to leasing the site to the city.  Not what I had hoped for, but still, progress.

Beyond beautification and easing access, I wanted the city to take ownership of the property to bypass state rules concerning vending in the park.  I saw the opportunity for small businesses and non-profits to bring food carts and various goods to the wayside. State rules prohibited that activity or severely limited it.

This brings us to the present day.  The City of Lincoln City is asking for an increase in the Transient Room Tax to help fund the construction of a “state of the art visitor’s center” at the wayside.  I do not support the construction of such a facility.

What I envisioned was simply to improve the appearance of the area and to make it more comfortable to visit.

I’ve heard it said that the wayside is our “living room.”

We don’t need a million+, 2000 square foot, horizontal obelisk obstructing the view out our front window.

We don’t need to further burden our parks department.  We can’t afford the expense of extra personnel to maintain the visitors center and we sure shouldn’t ask our guests to pay an extra two percent tax for the privilege of coming to look at the ocean.

My original vision was this:

  • Improve the restrooms.
  • Increase foot washing stations and drinking spots for pets.
  • Improve landscaping.
  • Reduce parking and increase sidewalk space for more access to handicap and non- handicapped access.
  • Encourage temporary vending such as beach bikes and food on the north edge by Kyllos.
  • Increase seating to enjoy the view.
  • Add QR code stations throughout to educate visitors about the ocean, the coast and Lincoln City.

I also believe we should examine the further need for Explore Lincoln City or the Visitors and Convention Bureau (VCB). When voters created the VCB there was no internet, no cable, no satellite TV.  Today, any business owner with a cell phone or website can reach thousands of potential visitors.   Do we still need a government bureau to bring more tourists to our town? I don’t think so.

I would support an initiative to take a majority of the tax money now going to promoting tourism and redirect it to public transportation and improvement of walking and biking options throughout Lincoln City.  Businesses struggle to get employees to work and our roads are continually clogged with cars because we have never made public transportation a priority.

I won’t tell people how to vote, but I will say that what the city is proposing is not what I had in mind.

Don Williams

Former mayor, Lincoln City

NWS clarifies Hydrologic Outlook for Lincoln City

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Lincoln City Flooding

National Weather Service Portland (NWS) issued a number of warnings for Lincoln County Friday morning, with only the Hydrologic Outlook applying to Lincoln City.

The grab bag of weather related alerts calls for high winds, heavy rains, high seas and the possibility of low-level snow for the Cascade Range and valley Friday and Saturday.

A meteorologist with NWS said Lincoln City would be largely unaffected by winds as it is at sea level. He was concerned with possible flooding in urban areas, creeks and maybe the Siletz River. NWS said they would be keeping a close eye on the situation and would issue another alert if things escalated.

According to the latest weather forecast, winds could reach 28 mph in Lincoln City.

NWS is predicting rain totals to be 1-3 inches for low-lying areas, such as Lincoln City.

Pedestrian struck, DUII suspect arrested

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Pedestrian struck lincoln city
Image from Google Maps

Lincoln City Police arrested a local man Wednesday for striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk at NE 14th Street and Highway 101 and driving under the influence.

Officers responded to the scene at 4:59 p.m., where a 48-year-old Lincoln City resident was found injured on the ground. Police and North Lincoln Fire & Rescue units provided medical aid until a Pacific West Ambulance arrived.

According to police, an investigation revealed 71-year-old Robert Wolfe, of Lincoln City, was turning left to head south on highway 101 from NE 14th Street when he struck the pedestrian walking in a marked crosswalk. Further investigation determined Wolfe was under the influence of intoxicants.

Traffic jam caused by the incident (Photo by LCPD)

The pedestrian was transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital where he was treated for injuries and a broken arm.

Wolfe was taken into custody and charged with DUII, reckless driving, recklessly endangering and assault. he was also issued a traffic citation for failure to stop and remain stopped for a pedestrian. Wolfe was lodged in the Lincoln County Jail.

The tiger says goodbye

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Lil’ Sambos to close by end of 2022
A Lincoln City landmark since 1957, Lil’ Sambos restaurant at 3262 NW Highway 101 will be closing its doors one last time at the end of 2022.
“Sambos has always been a family business,” Cary Moore, manager of the family owned business said. “My father passed away in 2020 and my mother is 94. Both my kids have grown and moved on so this feels like it’s time for a new chapter for me and my family. This place has allowed me to work alongside my son and daughter. They were essentially raised at Sambos.” The Moore family has owned Sambos since 1995, rebuilding from the ground up after a devastating fire destroyed the building in 2003. It has been a destination for tens of thousands of travelers and locals over the years. “The best feeling has been when people tell me Sambos has been their favorite place to visit at the coast for years and years. I have especially enjoyed watching people have their pictures taken next to the wooden characters I’ve created.” Moore said. The restaurant has gone through many changes but two things have never changed; their homemade pancake recipe and the fact they have never sold alcohol. Owner George Moore and his wife Ruth knew that there was more money to be made in alcohol sales but stuck to their Christian principles that alcohol was not going to be part of their business model. Another constant at the restaurant were the student employees. “It’s a place where so many high school kids got their first jobs.”  Moore said. Restaurant staff has been told, and while there is no firm date set for closing, it will occur by the end of 2022. Final closing will depend on staffing and supply levels. The Moores are inviting everyone to stop by to take pictures and share memories. For questions concerning the property you can call Debbie Williams at 503-544-1190.
Bigfoot was too overcome with emotion to comment.
Bigfoot was too overcome with emotion to comment.

Spectacular turnout for ‘Spooky’ Halloween

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Spooky Spectacular

Half of Lincoln City turned out for Spooky Spectacular at the Lincoln City Outlets Monday night, getting candy and compliments on their rain spattered costumes.

The event was put on by Kiwanis and many of Lincoln City’s smaller citizens were moving around the parking garage gazing in awe at animated decorations. Almost everyone dressed up as evidenced by soldiers, ninjas, fairies and LED suit people roaming the structure.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lori Arce-Torres said it was nice to have people walking through after two consecutive years of drive-thru events.

Spooky Spectacular 2

Most people witnessed by this reporter were smiling or eating candy, with the occasional family saying hi to each other. More than a few mentioned how nice it was to be in-person for Halloween this year. A few smaller kids were terrified of a couple costumes and exhibits, but that was rare.

Some children were obviously suffering from sugar highs as they were speaking rapidly, pulling things apart, and going from standing to running in less than a second.

It was a packed house, but orderly lines formed and moved semi-briskly.

One third grader, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal from ghosts, said she had an excellent time and would be coming back next year. She also promised not to eat all her candy in one sitting.

“I have school tomorrow,” she said. “I’ll eat the rest after school tomorrow.”