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Lincoln County receives more high ratings for social distancing

Justin Werner
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Lincoln County receives more high ratings for social distancing
COVID-19 Community Mobility Report for Oregon - March 29, 2020
COVID-19 Community Mobility Report for Oregon – March 29, 2020

 

Today, Google announced the release of its COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports that use data from their user’s smartphone location history, to compare how social distancing efforts are working.

Comparing all Oregon counties, Lincoln County (pop. 48,920) had the highest reduction (-59 percent) in user’s movements related to the workplace. Lincoln ranked second in park-related movement (-53 percent), fourth in “retail and recreation” movement (-62 percent) and fifth in “grocery & pharmacy” movement (-29 percent). Averaging these five categories, Lincoln County scored second overall with a -49 percent reduction. Clatsop County (pop. 39,182) received the top score with an average reduction of -51 percent.

Google compared movement from the past 48 to 72 hours, against a baseline from late January. Google said they are only using anonymized data from users who have turned on the Location History setting, which is off by default.

Other data mining companies are finding similar results. On Tuesday, Unacast gave Lincoln County an “A” rating for its social distancing efforts. While the rating slipped to “B” on Wednesday, it’s back to an “A” today. No other Oregon county currently has an “A” rating. Nationally, Unacast ranks Lincoln County 28th, beating out over 99 percent of the more than 3,000 counties in America.

“Data of this type has helped researchers look into predicting epidemics, plan urban and transit infrastructure, and understand people’s mobility and responses to conflict and natural disasters,” Google said.

Officers use deadly force in Lincoln City

Justin Werner
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Officers use deadly force in Lincoln City
Rite Aid Shooting
Lincoln City Police used deadly force Thursday night in front of Rite Aid

Lincoln City Police officers shot and killed a man late Thursday night who witnesses say was wielding a knife and “acting crazy.”

In a news release early Friday morning, Lincoln City Police said officers were involved in shooting a suspect who was rushed to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital where lifesaving efforts were performed, but the person died from their wounds. Police officials said no officers were injured during the shooting.

According to multiple eyewitness accounts, a male was observed “acting crazy” and brandishing a knife, prompting calls to 911. When officers confronted him in front of Rite Aid, sources said the man failed to comply with the officers commands and multiple officers opened fire.

Witnesses said there were multiple gunshots. Some of the shots broke windows at the Rite-Aid store setting off multiple alarms.

The officers were put on paid administrative leave following standard protocol and Oregon State Police were called in and are leading the investigation with help from the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.

Homepage has reached out to the Oregon State Police and received a response from Captain Timothy Fox stating a news release was being worked on and would possibly be out later this afternoon after approval from the district attorney.

This is a developing story.

Fourth Lincoln County resident tests positive for COVID-19

News Release
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Fourth Lincoln County resident tests positive for COVID-19

Covid-19 Lincoln County

Lincoln County Public Health announced today another positive case of COVID-19. The new case brings Lincoln County’s total to 4 confirmed cases.

This individual is in their 30s, had no known contact with a confirmed case, so the case is being investigated as a community-acquired case. The person is not hospitalized and is self-isolating per Public Health guidelines.

“We are receiving a lot of questions about why we are not releasing city specific information about cases and the main reason is for patient privacy. Beyond that, we realize there have been limitations with testing and that it is unlikely that everyone who has COVID-19 has been tested.” said Nicole Fields, Deputy Director of Public Health, “In order to best protect you and your loved ones, please ask yourself, ‘What would I do differently if I knew there was a case in my city?’  and then take those actions to keep yourself as safe as possible.”

The best way to protect yourself is to avoid exposure to the virus. This is why social distancing and staying at home as much as possible is crucial at this time. For the latest information, guidelines, and resources for those affected, go to Lincoln County’s website www.co.lincoln.or.us/covid or call 541-265-0621.

If you have symptoms and think you need testing, contact your doctor. Testing is done at providers’ discretion and does not require approval from public health. As more testing is done, we expect to find more cases in the community. You can find up-to-date numbers on cases of COVID-19 in Oregon at healthoregon.org/coronavirus .

Stay informed

Global Response: The World Health Organization guides the global response.

Carjacking in Otis: Three arrested, one ‘armed and dangerous’ still at large

Justin Werner
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Carjacking in Otis: Three arrested, one ‘armed and dangerous’ still at large

Otis robbery

UPDATE: Lunstedt has been captured.

A Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) investigation has led to the arrest of three individuals surrounding a carjacking in Otis Monday night and a fourth suspect remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.

LCSO received a report at 7:40 p.m. March, 30, of a fight in progress at the 1400 block of North Bank Road in Otis. LCSO Sgt. Karl Vertner, who was on patrol less than a mile away, was dispatched to the scene and arrived to find three young adults who said they had been forced out of their silver Toyota Camry at gunpoint. The group of young adults said there were four suspects in total and they left in a silver Dodge Challenger.

Vertner broadcasted a be on the lookout alert for the Camry and Challenger.

During the course of the investigation, law enforcement discovered all parties involved were acquainted and this was not a random act.

Twenty-two minutes later, Lincoln City Police located the stolen Camry travelling on SW Bard Road in Lincoln City. Officers performed a high-risk traffic stop and arrested Nicholas Allen Wright, 30, of Otis. A loaded .22 caliber rifle was located in the vehicle and matched the description of the weapon used in the crime.

Nicholas Allen Wright

Wright was taken to the Lincoln County Jail where he faces recklessly endangering, theft, menacing, felon in possession of a firearm, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and robbery charges. His bail is set at $100,000.

On March 31, at 3:41 p.m., LCSO Deputy Zach Dowty located the silver Challenger traveling south on Highway 101 near Cape Foulweather. Dowty made a high-risk stop and arrested 30-year-old Ruben Zamudio Jr., of Newport, and took him to Lincoln County Jail for his role in the robbery. Zamudio Jr. is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, theft, robbery and criminal conspiracy. His bail is set at $250,000.

Ruben Zamudio Jr.
Ruben Zamudio Jr.

At 9:30 a.m. April 1, deputies with the Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Grand Ronde Tribal Police, located and apprehended the third suspect, Kimmia Kay Whittlinger, 26, of Lincoln City. She was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on robbery, theft and criminal conspiracy charges. Her bail is set at $400,000.

Kimmia Kay Whittlinger
Kimmia Kay Whittlinger

The fourth outstanding suspect, Jacob Leeland Lunstedt, age 27, should be considered armed and dangerous. If you have any information regarding Jacob Lunstedt’s whereabouts, please call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-4277.

Jacob Leeland Lunstedt
Jacob Leeland Lunstedt (Photo by Oregon Crime News)

LCSO was assisted by the Lincoln City Police Department, Oregon State Police, Grand Ronde Tribal Police, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office and the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office.

CARES Act Offers Help for Investors, Small Businesses

Wendy Wilson
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CARES Act Offers Help for Investors, Small Businesses

Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored content provided by Edward Jones Financial Advisor Wendy Wilson and has factual information that affects the local population’s daily lives.

As we go through the coronavirus crisis, we are all, first and foremost, concerned about the health of our loved ones and communities. But the economic implications of the virus have also weighed heavily on our minds. However, if you’re an investor or a business owner, you just got some help from Washington – and it could make a big difference, at least in the short term, for your financial future.

Specifically, the passage of the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act offers, among other provisions, the following:

  • Expanded unemployment benefits – The CARES Act provides $250 billion for extended unemployment insurance, expands eligibility and provides workers with an additional $600 per week for four months, in addition to what state programs pay. The package will also cover the self-employed, independent contractors and “gig economy” workers. Obviously, if your employment has been affected, these benefits can be a lifeline. Furthermore, the benefits could help you avoid liquidating some long-term investments you’ve earmarked for retirement just to meet your daily cash flow needs.
  • Direct payments – Individuals will receive a one-time payment of up to $1,200; this amount is reduced for incomes over $75,000 and eliminated altogether at $99,000. Joint filers will receive up to $2,400, which will be reduced for incomes over $150,000 and eliminated at $198,000 for joint filers with no children. Plus, taxpayers with children will receive an extra $500 for each dependent child under the age of 17. If you don’t need this money for an immediate need, you might consider putting it into a low-risk, liquid account as part of an emergency fund.
  • No penalty on early withdrawals – Typically, you’d have to pay a 10% penalty on early withdrawals from IRAs, 401(k)s and similar retirement accounts. Under the CARES Act, this penalty will be waived for individuals who qualify for COVID-19 relief and/or in plans that allow COVID-19 distributions. Withdrawals will still be taxable, but the taxes can be spread out over three years. Still, you might want to avoid taking early withdrawals, as you’ll want to keep your retirement accounts intact as long as possible.
  • Suspension of required withdrawals – Once you turn 72, you’ll be required to take withdrawals from your traditional IRA and 401(k). The CARES Act waives these required minimum distributions for 2020. If you’re in this age group, but you don’t need the money, you can let your retirement accounts continue growing on a tax-deferred basis.
  • Increase of retirement plan loan limit – Retirement plan investors who qualify for COVID-19 relief can now borrow up to $100,000 from their accounts, up from $50,000, provided their plan allows loans. We recommend that you explore other options, such as the direct payments, to bridge the gap on current expenses and if you choose to take a plan loan work with your financial adviser to develop strategies to pay back these funds over time to reduce any long-term impact to your retirement goals.
  • Small-business loans – The CARES Act provides $349 billion to help small businesses – those with fewer than 500 employees – retain workers and avoid closing up shop. A significant part of this small business relief is the Paycheck Protection Program. This initiative provides federally guaranteed loans to small businesses who maintain payroll during this emergency. Significantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers use the loans for payroll and other essential business expenses (such as mortgage interest, rent and utilities) and maintain their payroll during the crisis.

We’ll be in a challenging economic environment for some time, but the CARES Act should give us a positive jolt – and brighten our outlook.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Edward Jones Financial Advisor Wendy Wilson.

Edward Jones. Member SIPC.

Researcher’s projections suggest social distancing working, should last until May

News Release
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Researcher’s projections suggest social distancing working, should last until May

COVID-19

The most recent data suggests that current social distancing measures could cut transmission rates between 50-70 percent if Oregonians maintain limitations on virus-spreading interactions into early May.

Updated projections from health researchers show there is “strong evidence that measures currently in place in Oregon are reducing transmission,” according to the latest models.

If Oregonians can maintain current social distancing efforts and the current projections hold true, the state could likely meet demand for hospital beds under current strategies.

According to the latest report, researchers estimate that Oregon has slightly higher numbers of current infections than previously assessed, based on an increase in reported cases from earlier time points.

  • COVID-19 infections: Under current social distancing conditions with the cooperation of most Oregonians to Stay Home, Save Lives, it is estimated that in early May Oregon would have over 4,000 cumulative infections and 200-1,200 active infections. However, if the state were to reopen non-essential businesses (while keeping schools closed), the number of new infections would spike to as many as 3,500 active infections by early May.
  • Hospital beds needed: Researchers found “expected demand for hospital beds is predicted to remain relatively constant before decreasing, assuming current or strengthened interventions and continued high compliance.
  • Uncertainty: Researchers highlighted that the projections remain uncertain. In coming weeks, state public health officials and researchers will get a better picture of current actual infections and how they affect the projections, as well as more data on the public’s continued adherence to social distancing measures.

The models state health officials released today were prepared by the Institute for Disease Modeling, based in Washington.

Oregon’s emergency response continues to focus on strengthening the health care system’s ability to meet the coming surge. State health officials are working with hospitals and other health care partners to mobilize the health care workforce and keep workers safe, expand bed capacity and secure more ventilators. However, the public’s ability to maintain social distancing will be the most important factor in determining whether Oregon prevents local hospitals from becoming overwhelmed by COVID-19 admissions.

Dr. Dean Sidelinger, state health officer at OHA, said: “We know coronavirus has brought painful disruption and distress for Oregonians. However, these numbers tell us that what we’re doing can work. We know social distancing is tough and comes with incredible sacrifices. But steps we’re all taking to maintain social distancing could save the lives of people we know and people who are important to us. As Oregonians, we all must continue to put Stay Home, Save Lives into practice.”

Oregon reports 1 new COVID-19 death, 47 new cases

Oregon Health Authority reported 47 new cases of COVID-19 as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 1. The new COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (1), Clackamas (6), Deschutes (3), Douglas (1), Jackson (1), Lane (2), Lincoln (1), Marion (10), Multnomah (18), Washington (3), and Yamhill (1).

One case previously reported in Hood River County was identified as a resident of another state; thus, today’s statewide case count is 736. Oregon Health Authority reports new cases once a day on its website: www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus.

Oregon’s nineteenth COVID-19 death is a 70-year-old woman in Multnomah County, who tested positive on March 27, 2020, and died on March 29, 2020 at her residence. She had underlying medical conditions.

Lincoln County receives social distancing “A” rating

Justin Werner
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Lincoln County receives social distancing “A” rating

Unacast, a data company that provides cellphone location data and analysis, recently revealed a product called the Social Distancing Scoreboard. The scoreboard provides letter grades for every county and state in America based on how residents are practicing social distancing. 

According to Unacast, Lincoln County received an “A” rating and is one of only two of Oregon’s 36 counties who received this rating, the other being Clatsop County to the north. 

Nationally, Lincoln County is listed just 44th out of more than 3,000 counties in the United States.

This data indicates residents in Lincoln County are ahead of over 98 percent of the nation in terms of cutting down non-essential travel and average mobility overall. Non-essential visits are down almost 90 percent and mobility has dropped by over half according to the data.  

Unacast’s scores haven’t been reviewed by public health officials, according to the Washington Post.

Unacast isn’t the only tech company mining data for the public good. Facebook uses anonymized data from its users to power its Disease Prevention Maps, Kinsa Health’s data from its smart thermometers is used to detect illness levels for its US Health Weather Map.

Some privacy advocates, such as the Electronic Freedom Foundation, have expressed concern about how civil liberties are being eroded during this crisis, but public health officials contend the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks, as it allows them to fine-tune their efforts at informing the public.

Trip goes to hail

Ross Smith II
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Trip goes to hail

Oregon State Police 2

True Stories of the Oregon State Police!

On April 1 at 11:05 a.m. a northbound vehicle near milepost 152 of US highway 101 slid on hail during a sudden hailstorm.

OSP Trooper Scott Severson reported the vehicle driven by Luis Ricardo Garcia, 45, rotated and left the roadway on the southbound shoulder. The Vehicle collided with a utility pole and came to an uncontrolled rest facing southwest.

The driver reported no injuries. Construction workers nearby arranged for a tow through Rowley’s Towing.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene.

Third Lincoln County resident tests positive for COVID-19

News Release
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Third Lincoln County resident tests positive for COVID-19

Covid-19 Lincoln County

Lincoln County Public Health announced today another positive case of COVID-19. The new case brings Lincoln County’s total to 3 confirmed cases.

This individual is in the “over 80” age range and had contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19.  The person is not hospitalized and is self-isolating per Public Health guidelines.

“Whenever we get a new positive COVID-19 case, Lincoln County Public Health interviews the patient who tested positive. This helps us determine who they had contact with that might be at risk of getting COVID-19.” said Nicole Fields, Deputy Director of Public Health, “When we identify someone who might be at risk, Public Health will call them and explain the circumstances. This happens within a few hours.”

Public Health then asks the person at risk to self-quarantine for 14 days after their last contact with the person that tested positive. During this time they monitor themselves for any potential symptoms while staying at home and avoiding contact with others. If they develop symptoms, they will work with providers to determine if they should be tested.

“Public health consistently investigates disease outbreaks and will continue to do so, but what is important during this pandemic is that we all stay home and stay safe.”

The best way to protect yourself is to avoid exposure to the virus. For the latest information, guidelines, and resources for those affected, go to Lincoln County’s website www.co.lincoln.or.us/covid or call 541-265-0621.

If you have symptoms and think you need testing, contact your doctor. Testing is done at providers’ discretion and does not require approval from public health. As more testing is done, we expect to find more cases in the community. You can find up-to-date numbers on cases of COVID-19 in Oregon at  healthoregon.org/coronavirus .

Stay informed

Second Lincoln County resident tests positive for COVID-19

News Release
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0
Second Lincoln County resident tests positive for COVID-19

 

COVID-19 Lincoln County

Lincoln County Public Health announced today Lincoln County’s second positive case of COVID-19, bringing Lincoln County’s total to two confirmed cases.

Lincoln County is in close coordination with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) about these cases. Test results are now coming from multiple laboratories and are delivered electronically to providers, counties and OHA throughout the day. As a result, some counties may release county data sooner than it is reported on the Oregon Health Authority website.  www.healthoregon.org/coronavirus .

This individual is in their 20s and had contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19.  The person is not hospitalized and is self-isolating per public health guidelines.

“As a public health department, we are prepared to start seeing more positives and to take action to help keep people safe,” Deputy Director of Public Health Nicole Fields said. “However, that certainly doesn’t make the news of another positive case any easier to hear. We’re a small community, and these are our friends and neighbors. Please, stay home and stay safe.”

Health officials continue to urge all Oregonians to take steps to protect those who are most vulnerable to complications from COVID-19.

Slowing the spread helps protect our most vulnerable community members and will help keep our health system working when we need it most. These measures are intended to help us “flatten the curve” or slow the number of people who are ill at any given time to ensure our health systems continue to function well when we need them most.

The best way to protect yourself is to avoid exposure to the virus. There are easy steps you can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and many types of illness – including the flu – especially to older adults and those with underlying chronic diseases:

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
  • Try to maintain space between yourself and others.
  • Follow the governor’s orders on social distancing.
  • Follow CDC’s travel guidance.

A growing number of commercial labs offer COVID-19 testing. If you have symptoms and think you need testing, contact your doctor. Testing through commercial labs is at providers’ discretion and does not require approval from public health. As more testing is done, we expect to find more cases in the community. You can find up-to-date numbers on cases of COVID-19 in Oregon at healthoregon.org/coronavirus .

Stay informed

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