Saddle Mountain State Natural Area near Seaside will close October 14-18 for a hazard tree removal and tree thinning project to support public safety and forest health.
The work will take place throughout the park, including along the main roadway, prompting a park closure to maintain public safety. Both the Grindy Creek (lower) and Lewis & Clark (upper) gates on Saddle Mountain Road will be locked.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) rangers and instructors will perform the work as part of an OPRD training for rangers who want to expand their skills.
The park might reopen as early as Friday, October 18. Please check the park webpage for updates.
Firefighter in full gear participated in a 9/11 Tribute Climb
Sponsored by North Lincoln Professional Firefighters local 5169 over a dozen firefighters trudged up and down a flight of wooden stairs near the North beach entrance at Chinook Winds Casino and Resort to participate in a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. Because, in their words, “…we climb (these) stairs in tribute to the brave first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. This event honors their heroism and commemorates the lives lost 23 years ago.”
The event began with a dedication ceremony followed by presentation of colors by Scout troop 47 who also made a ceremonial climb on the steps.
Then the pros began the repetitive movements up and down, up and down, up and down the steps from the asphalt walkway to the sandy beach below.
The humidity from the early morning rains mixed with a warm breeze coming from the Pacific was an extra burden for these heroes to bear.
Ready to attack the steps challenge
Some wore partial gear, some wore street clothes and more than one firefighter donned full gear including oxygen tank. No one was being paid. This wasn’t a required training exercise This was a labor of love and respect for those comrades that had fallen, not fallen because they couldn’t hack the climb, but because two entire skyscrapers collapsed upon their heads and claimed their lives.
The men and women participating in the Tribute Climb know that they could be called at any time to similar circumstances and it’s clear from their dedication to this moment that they too would not hesitate.
According to a post on the Local’s Facebook page, “Climb all or part of the 2200 steps -110 floors (those) responders climbed. We’ll be there with you the whole time! Challenge yourself to climb all or some of the flights of stairs (those) responders climbed to rescue and provide aid to the victims trapped in the towers.”
Having witnessed two major fires in our small town in the last few weeks I believe we can all offer a thank you to our firefighters and other first responders.
21st Annual Celebration of Honor at Chinook Winds (previous year’s display) (Photo Don Williams)
According to their website, “For more than 20 years, Chinook Winds Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, has spearheaded the Annual Celebration of Honor, a public event that honors active-duty personnel, military veterans, and their families. Chinook Winds Casino Resort is proud to continue the tradition of honoring our men and women who have served, and are serving, our country. Explore Lincoln City is doing a special float drop to help honor our veterans and active-duty men and women. The Veteran Services tent is back this year on Friday, September 13th from 10am to 4pm and Saturday, September 14th from 10am to 1pm.
On Wednesday, September 11, Veterans and active-duty personnel can stop by the Winners Circle to register and show proof of military service (DD-214 or other Military ID), to receive a free dining voucher valid through September 15, 2024. Winners Circle membership is required to pick up a voucher.
We are excited to bring back the veteran services tent this year on Friday, September 13th from 10am to 4pm and Saturday, September 14th from 10am to 1pm. Interested veteran service providers and organizations may join us at no cost. Please call 541-996-5766 for more information.
Previous year’s display (Photo Don Williams)
The celebration includes vintage and current day military vehicles, displayed and provided by the American Infantry Soldier Group, as well as military flags on display for public outdoor viewing.
Celebration of Honor Vietnam wall (Photo Don Williams)
This year The Vietnam Veterans of America 805 Oregon Veteran wall will be on display as well.
Chinook Winds is sponsoring Veterans and Active-Duty movie tickets and popcorn at the Historic Bijou Theatre September 12-19. Just show your military ID for this additional thank you for your service.
Parade of Flags sponsored by the Kiwanis (Photo Don Williams)
Saturday, September 14th, the Lincoln City Kiwanis Parade of Flags will line the streets of Lincoln City with flags to celebrate the week-long dedication.
At 2pm, the Re-dedication of the Desert Storm memorial will take place in front of the casino to honor those men and women who lost their lives serving our country.
Sign welcoming the new flag to the Lincoln City Cultural Center
Sometimes we all see something that just doesn’t look right. Perhaps it’s a person that seems out of place at an event; like a guy at a formal party wearing swimming trunks, or maybe a traffic light in a forest.
Well, to the eyes of Marie McFarland and the Hilltop Patriots, something didn’t look right about the Lincoln City Cultural Center (LCCC) front lawn. It wasn’t the newly installed landscaping or the elegant walking path. It was the tall flag pole with no flag.
McFarland relates that it just didn’t seem right to not have a flag there. “We approached the Cultural Center to ask about donating an American flag. While they were receptive to the idea they weren’t ready for a new flag while construction was underway. So in the meantime the Hilltop Patriots began fundraising to buy some flags for the Cultural Center. “We have several veterans in our group and we wanted to honor the flag.” she said.
McFarland continued, “We first noticed that there was no flag there when (Senator) Wyden visited so that was our first time approaching LCCC. We had volunteered then to put up a flag but the answer was “no” until construction was finished but that they hoped to have a flag flying by Flag Day June 4, 2024.
According to McFarland the Hilltop Patriots were able to purchase several new flags so they would always have one ready in case the first became too tattered to fly.
Executive Director Niki Price assists veteran Monte Wolverton and others to raise the newly donated American flag above the Lincoln City Cultural Center
Executive Director of the Center, Niki Price accepted the donated flag and in a ceremony on Wednesday September 4, 2024 a beautiful, crisp and shiny American flag was hoisted into position by military veteran Monte Wolverton et all. The LCCC electronic reader board alongside Highway 101 announced the event.
Upon reaching its home atop the pole those gathered recited the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a stirring rendition of “You’re a Grand Old Flag.” It was clear how much the ceremony meant to the group as many openly shed a tear during the song.
“There was so much pride and unity in feeling and expression in what the flag stands for.” said McFarland. “The old flag was so small and was just printed on fabric. This is a real flag.”
A small portion of the membership of Hilltop Patriots at flag raising
The Hilltop Patriots were formed in Lincoln City in April of 2023 to create a group of like minded people of all political persuasions to find out how, in McFarland’s words, “they could make things better in our town and county. We have 90 members now with some from as far away as Yachats.” They meet every three weeks at Taft Hall at 1206 SE 48th place from 12:00p.m. until 2p.m.
If you would like to know more about the Hilltop Patriots you can contact them at 425-785-8333 or email at [email protected]
On September 28 from 9a.m. until 2 p.m. at Knight Park 2341 North 3 Rocks Road Otis, OR 97368 members of the public will be hosted by the MidCoast Watersheds Council (MWC) and partners for a day on the water removing trash during the Annual Salmon River Cleanup.
According to the MWC, “This is a family-friendly event, with opportunities for trash pickup both by boat and by foot to support the health of this special river system.
There will be free food and good times as we do our part to keep the beautiful Salmon River clean. North Lincoln Sanitary Service has donated their disposal services to make this event possible.”
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For more information or if you would like to use your boat in the clean up, please contact Natalie Dulansky at [email protected]
Blue green algae is toxic to humans and pets (phot DLWID)
According to a press release from Devils Lake Water Improvement District (DLWID):
“A report of blue-green algae has been reported in the Indian Shores cove. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) visited Devils Lake on 8/28 and determined microcystin blooms throughout the Lake and collected water samples.
In coordination with Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a precautionary advisory for Devils Lake. The Lake will remain in a precautionary advisory until additional water samples can be administered in the coming weeks.”
According to Boone Marker Devils Lake Water District (DLWID) manger people and animals should avoid ingesting water from the lake until notified.
“Should the bloom get worse then OHA could issue an official ‘Advisory’ and close all access to the lake.”
According to information from the DEQ, “Cyanotoxins are produced and contained within the cyanobacterial cells (intracellular).
The release of these toxins in an algal bloom into the surrounding water occurs mostly during cell death and lysis (i.e., cell rupture) as opposed to continuous excretion from the cyanobacterial cells.
Although important to a variety of organisms and to the food webs they support, excessive growth of cyanobacteria can lead to “blooms” that can cause ecological and human health concerns. Cyanobacteria and green algae blooms are often confused, since both can produce dense surface and water column growths that can impede recreation (swimming, boating and fishing), cause unwanted odor issues (especially in drinking water and fish tissue), and contribute to oxygen depletion. However, unlike cyanobacteria, green algae are not generally known to produce toxins. In contrast, some cyanobacteria are able to produce highly potent toxins, known as cyanotoxins, that can lead to a variety of health problems for both human and aquatic species (e.g., abdominal, neurological, and skin issues).
Once these toxins are released, they can cause numerous health effects ranging from minimal (i.e., diarrhea, headaches, and skin irritation) to life threatening (i.e., death). (our bold type)
Kitchen fire at Mo’s Seafood and Chowder Wednesday afternoon (photo Facebook post)
At approximately 4:30 p.m. Wednesday August 28 fire erupted in the kitchen area of local popular eatery Mo’s Seafood and chowder at 860 SW 51st St in Lincoln City.
Upon arrival, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue (NLFR) found the initial fire had been extinguished but upon further investigation found that the fire was still active within a walled area nearby requiring NLFR to open up the wall to finally extinguish the fire.
Mo’s Lincoln City (photo Trip Advisor)
According to Public Information Officer (PIO) Cody Heidt no injuries occurred to Mo’s staff, customers or firefighters.
Initial cause of the blaze is being laid on a faulty gas line but no definitive verdict has been reached yet.
This is the third commercial fire this month in Lincoln City and some on the Lincoln City Homepage Community page on Facebook have questioned whether or not the fires are somehow linked.
I asked PIO Heidt that question and his answer was a definitive “No, the fires are completely unrelated.”
He did caution that as we move toward cooler weather that everyone should be aware of the dangers of improper extension cord usage in homes or businesses.
The skies of Lincoln City are set to dazzle once again with the return of the highly anticipated Fall Kite Festival held from September 7-8th. This beloved annual event invites kite enthusiasts, families, and visitors of all ages to experience the magic of kites soaring against the picturesque backdrop of the Oregon coast.
The Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival, known for its kaleidoscope of colors and intricate designs, will take place at the D River State Recreation Site. The festival promises a weekend filled with breathtaking kite displays, professional kite flying demonstrations, delicious food vendors, and hands-on activities including a kite making workshop.
“Lincoln City’s Fall Kite Festival is a cherished tradition that brings together our community and visitors for a weekend of joy and creativity,” says Stephanie Hull, event and outreach coordinator for Explore Lincoln City. “This year’s event will also host international fliers coming in from Canada, Australia and Germany so it’s sure to be an extra-special weekend filled with vibrant colors and incredible kite displays.”
The Fall Kite Festival is a free event open to the public. While attendees are allowed to bring their own kite, they will need to be flown at locations away from the festival up or down the beach to allow the professional flyers to display their talents! The event is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends on a leash to enjoy the festivities.
Parking will be available at the Lincoln City Community Center and Lincoln City Outlets. A free shuttle service will operate continuously, transporting visitors between these locations and the festival site.
Event Schedule:
Saturday:
10:00 am: Announcements – Festival Opening Performance
10:00 am – 2 pm: FREE Kite Making Workshop. Donations to benefit Family Promise of Lincoln County.
10:00 am – 4 pm: Performances by Featured Fliers
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Tours of the Big Kite Field
4:00 pm – Festival Closes
Sunday:
11:00 am – 11:20 am: Kite Flier Memorial
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Mega Fly! Enjoy watching all the fliers on the field together!
1:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Performances by Featured Fliers
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Tours of the Big Kite Field
4:00 pm – Festival Closes
ALL DAY: Pixie Fest Carnival Games, proceeds going to Kiwanis Club of Lincoln City
ALL DAY: Walk through the Wind Gardens
ALL DAY: BIG show kites fill the Lincoln City festival sky with color!
As a retired president of Oregon Coast Community College, I support the reelection of Commissioner Claire Hall.
Commissioner Hall has had extensive experience with responsible county budgeting and handling the complexities of monitoring operations and communicating with the public about important issues. For over twenty years, she has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of living in Lincoln County. Her priorities include addressing homelessness and the housing crisis, protecting our natural assets, supporting veterans’ services, expanding Head Start and other early childhood education programs, increasing senior services, championing small businesses and growing Lincoln County’s transit system. In addition to her commissioner duties, she has volunteered her time working at several local non-profit organizations, including Samaritan House Homeless Shelter, My Sisters’ Place Domestic Violence Shelter & Services and Lincoln County Food Share.
I have known Commissioner Hall for over three decades as a journalist, editor and county commissioner. She has impressed me with her intelligence, sense of fairness and willingness to listen. Her ability to work for long term solutions rather than “temporary quick fixes” is the hallmark of her public contributions. Her support for our local educational and training organizations, including the Lincoln County School District, the Hatfield Marine Science Center and Oregon Coast Community College, has helped broaden our local economy.
Please join me in supporting Commissioner Claire Hall. We benefit from her past accomplishments and positive vision for the future of our county.
Halie Loren to perform August 31 (Photo by Bob Williams)
On Saturday, August 31, the Lincoln City Cultural Center will present jazz/pop singer-songwriter Halie Loren. She’ll perform an evening of genre-crossing music ranging from originals to iconic standards, including original songs in celebration of her new album “Dreams Lost and Found.” Showtime is 7 pm at the Cultural Center, 540 NE Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City.
Her band includes long-time collaborators pianist Matt Treder, bassist Rob Kohler, and drummer Charlie Doggett, playing songs like “Dance Me to the End of Love”, “It Might as Well Be Spring”, “For All We Know”, “Sabor a Mi”, and many other beloved audience favorites from her new album and past releases.
Reserved tickets for this Cultural Center performance – her first Lincoln City show in three years – are on sale now. The concert will take place in the 150-seat LCCC Auditorium, with Northwest beers and wines, soft drinks and freshly baked cookies available for purchase inside. To reserve your seats or learn more, call the Cultural Center at 541-994-9994, or buy online at http://bit.ly/3AvsQDf.