Sunday, March 16, 2025
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Anti-Genocide protest on D River Bridge

Protestors gathered near the D River bridge Saturday

A small group gathered on the west side of Highway 101 near the bridge that straddles the D River to communicate their displeasure with The United States government’s involvement in what they characterized as “Genocide of the Palestinian people.”

During their advertised protest the group chanted slogans and danced to songs playing on their portable cd player. The songs seemed to be protest songs about Palestine and one song was “F#*@ the Police.”

Protestor at D River Saturday

A spokesperson named Rachel said the reason they were out today was to say “Our main message today is that the U.S. is complicit in sending billions of our dollars, tax dollars, to bomb something…they’re causing a genocide with our tax dollars. We’re the number one funder.”

Several drivers passing by shared their knowledge of curse words with the demonstrators. However, for the most part, the group was acknowledged with thumbs up and horn honks that seemed supportive rather than angry (if one can judge such things by horn blasts).

The group displayed modified and unaltered Palestinian flags and an inverted American flag with a message about America paying for genocide and red handprints on it.

A chant of “from the river to the sea, Palestine must be free!” was heard so I asked the group’s spokesperson what that meant and she said, “The original boundaries of Palestine were from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea so they’re (sic) just saying that Palestine should be free from the river to the sea.” 

Motioning behind her she added “We’re saying specifically ‘from the D River to the sea we’re with Palestine!'”

For the most part, the comments on the Facebook post of the event have been negative towards the group and Homepage for covering the demonstration:

From Charles Clark,

“Shame on you for allowing them to disrespect our flag and then posted live shame on you”

From Victoria Dye
“I follow this page to see coastal photos and such. Not politics.”
 
One commenter was just tired of news in general.
 
From Dallas Bolan
“Yup- and it’s garbage like this is why I try not to follow the news. Can’t stand seeing people disrespect the country they live in.”
 
 

 

 

Early morning fire destroys local business

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Early morning fire destroyed the interior

North Lincoln Fire and Rescue (NLFR) responded to a call at 3:30a.m. Friday morning.
Upon arriving they found Right Repairs 2654 SE Highway 101 engulfed in flames and multiple engines were called forth to fight the blaze.
At this time Homepage is still waiting to talk with the NLFR Public Information Officer (PIO) about details of the conflagration.
A brief view from the outside looks like the interior was totally involved but that is also waiting on confirmation from the PIO. Developing, like/subscribe to get updates.

Oregon Parks announces campground closures

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oregon state parksSeveral Oregon State Parks will close or partially close starting in September for construction work on many items from replacing aging infrastructure to adding bathrooms and showers.

According to a Parks Department spokesperson, “Some of the work was funded by GO (General Obligation)Bonds, approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021. The $50 million investment will help revitalize eight state parks and campgrounds with nine total projects.

We thank visitors for their patience and continued support as we work to repair aging infrastructure and improve facilities at several state parks. We’re grateful for the Legislature’s investment in GO Bonds. This commitment to our state park system will benefit future visitors and the economy,” said Director Lisa Sumption.

Construction closures and partial closures including some GO Bond work starting in 2024 (dates subject to change):

September 16, 2024: Milo McIver is scheduled to close its campground through March 2025 to refurbish a restroom building and do some repaving. The campground, group camps and hiker/biker area will be closed. The day-use areas will remain open.


September 16, 2024: Silver Falls State Park is scheduled to close its campground (except cabins 1-10) through June 30, 2025 to allow crews to replace the B-Loop restroom and repave A Loop. During the closure, all other park facilities will remain open, including all trails, trailheads, day-use areas and South Falls Lodge. Next year work will begin on adding a new campground and visitor center as part of the GO Bond work at the park.


September 16, 2024: Bullards Beach is scheduled to close its campground (except the horse camp) through March 17, 2025 for upgrades to the main sewer line and lift station to accommodate increased demand and reduce service disruptions. All campsites, overnight restroom facilities, yurts, meeting hall and dump station will be closed. The day-use area will remain open with limited disruptions.


November 1, 2024: Nehalem Bay State Park is scheduled to close the entire park including the campground and day-use areas through June 30, 2025 to install new water and electrical lines, add restroom and shower buildings, renovate nine campsites to improve accessibility and repave and add traffic calming improvements to the park entry road.


Late fall/early winter 2024: Fort Stevens is scheduled to close campground loops L, M, N, O and C as well as cabins and yurts and the South Lake restroom through 2025 for wastewater upgrades, electrical upgrades, paving work, water system upgrades and a new restroom building. All other campsites and day-use areas will remain open. The historic Guardhouse will be a part of the work and include roof restoration, exterior cleaning and repair and upgrades to basic utilities.

Several parks have scheduled closures or partial closures starting in 2025 for construction including the campground at Clyde Holliday; the campground at Collier and the campground and day-use area at Cape Lookout.

Visit individual park webpages for more information as the construction projects get closer to their start dates. Learn more about the GO Bond projects on our website.

An old fashioned political debate

Saturday August 17 found Homepage presenting the Live Streaming of a debate between Claire Hall and Rick Beasley both candidates for the Lincoln County Commissioner position.

Hall is the incumbent with Beasley the challenger. Beasley is currently serving as a city councilor for the City of Depoe Bay, Oregon.

Presented by the Lincoln County Republican Party at the Depoe Bay Community Center the two candidates met cordially with a handshake before the event and took their respective seats. Choice to begin was decided by a coin toss with Beasley winning and opting to go second.

According to a press release from the Republican Central Committee each candidate was asked to submit 6 questions to the committee (with three from each being selected to be asked) and the committee would generate further questions.
The debate lasted for approximately one and a half hours starting at 2p.m.
Questions were posed by moderator Bill Klein.

An enthusiastic crowd filled the Depoe Bay Community Center

Subjects from the committee and the audience ranged from county crime, finances and short term rentals to Newport’s aging dam, Highway 101 road failures and illegal immigration’s impact on housing in the county.
Most answers were moderate and rarely raised the ire of an evenly divided audience (judging by the volume of handclaps after each speaker finished).

Hall and Beasley pose for parting photo

Perhaps the only shocking moment was when Councilor Beasley read an endorsement by Lincoln County Sheriff Curtis Landers for his candidacy. After Beasley read the endorsement to the crowd it was clear that Hall was caught off guard. The commissioner responded saying, “Uh, I’ll say congratulations to Rick on the sheriff’s endorsement. I’m a little disappointed; I felt like we’ve, the sheriff and I, have had a good working relationship through a number of years.”

The entire debate (minus a 4 minute error with the sound and camera angle at the beginning) can be seen here.

 

A busy Saturday in the area

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Whew! What a Saturday!

The morning began with glorious thunder and lightening displays throughout the heavens above Lincoln City follow by some welcome rain (at least my lawn and garden appreciated it).

The rain just enhanced the beauty of this classic car

Raindrops highlighted the beauty of classic design elements

First stop while the rain poured was to the Chinook Winds Casino and Resort Surf City Car Show.  Assembled there was an amazing display of classic vehicles and the rain made the cars sparkle even more than their lustrous paint jobs.

Sound systems take center stage Sunday

Sunday the attention will turn to the sound systems that fill many newer cars as the Surf City Soundoff.

Toledo Wooden Boat Show

After the car show Homepage hurried south to Toledo to take in some nautical fun at the Toledo Wooden Boat Show.

From sailboats to converted tugs the display of love for the building and preservation of maritime craftmanship was evident.

This tiny boat drew a lot of attention

Then, as quickly as we arrived, we had to leave to stop in Depoe Bay for an old fashioned political debate sponsored by the Lincoln County Republican Party between County Commissioner candidates featuring the challenger, Depoe Bay City Councilor Rick Beasley and incumbent County Commissioner Claire Hall.

Rick Beasley, a Depoe Bay City Councilor makes his case for being elected to county commissioner

Incumbent Commissioner Hall makes case for staying in office

The two discussed, before a standing room only crowd at the Depoe Bay Community Center, issues submitted by each other and the audience.  They touched on local finances, short term rentals, unemployment and even immigration and its impact on local housing. The crowd seemed evenly divided but respectful-cheering enthusiastically after their favorite had spoken.  Both candidates thanked the other, shook hands at the end of the event and waded into the crowd of well wishers.  Homepage provided live streaming on Facebook (not without a few technical hiccups).

Also in town was a Porsche show at the Cultural Center and a Mush ball tournament at Kirtsis park.  What a great way to spend a day (we’re just sorry that we couldn’t get to it all!).

 

 

Early morning break in leads to chase and arrest

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Courtesy Chocolate Frog Facebook post
Courtesy Chocolate Frog Facebook post

At approximately 3 a.m. Wednesday August14th,according to the owners via a Facebook post, “We had two guys smash the glass on our front door and steel (sic) our safe.” This occurred at the Chocolate Frog Candy Shop on Highway 101. According to a witness who ultimately identified the thieves’ vehicle which led to an arrest at a local hotel, “The thieves removed the safe and hid it in the woods behind the property. While we were boarding up the damage to the door, the thieves returned and picked up the safe.”

Dan Clanton, owner of The Grill/Nokturnal( a local eatery and bar) was on site helping with the repair when he decided to check his own cameras that surveille Hwy 101 in the Oceanlake district. He was able to identify the vehicle used in the theft and ultimately lead to the arrest of Oscar John McCrae Jr. Also allegedly involved but not arrested was Romelia Ramone.

LCPD surround suspect vehicle

According to Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) desk log, “911 report of suspect in burglary located Maroon Escalade at the Starfish Manor-2735 NW Inlet. Officers responded to the area. Subject(s) retreated into hotel and then on to the beach. K9 deployed for tracking (without success-editorial add). Unmarked (police) vehicle  remained in the area. Subject (McCrae) returned at 12:54 hours and was taken at gunpoint into custody. A felony warrant was confirmed for out of state parole board for PV Burglary and Felony warrant confirmed out of Marion County. McCrae has been charged with Theft 2, Escape 3 and outstanding warrants with possible additional charges pending.”

Courtesy Chocolate Frog Facebook post

While obviously stressed the chocolate Frog owners took to Facebook to lighten the mood a bit; “Another chocolate lover couldn’t resist temptation for a late night treat! Please visit us during business hours for the best experience next time!” placed under the photos of the suspect(s).

They continued with thanks,

“Unfortunately at 3:30 am we had two guys smash (sic) the glass on our front door and steel (sic) our safe. Lucky Dan Clanton a local business owner of The Grill brought me the wood to board up our front door. Dan actually found the suspect vehicle at a local hotel and assisted police in the arrest of one of the two suspects. Dan’s a great example of communicating (and) looking out for each other.
We are so blessed that it was only a few thousand dollars in damages. Things have been so hard over the last 10 months and this was the last thing we needed. That being said Team Frog will keep up the fight!”
 
Photo Explore Lincoln City
Dan Clanton, for his part, succinctly expressed his frustration on The Lincoln City Homepage Community Facebook page stating, “Sick of these dirtbags doing dirt in my town.” 
 
A sentiment that was expressed with equal vigor throughout the comment section.

City council discusses flavored Vape ban

Vaping “pen” (photo UK NHS)

At the Monday August 12 City of Lincoln City City Council meeting the council heard from Richard Burke, Executive Director of the 21+ Tobacco and Vapor Retail Association of Oregon. He asked the council to consider not passing a resolution to ask the Oregon State Legislature to declare a statewide “flavor” ban. 

He said, “This is ostensibly to help kids, to keep age restricted products out of the hands of minors-and we agree that that needs to be done. But the idea of a ban-it seems attractive- (if) something is not good then let’s ban it and it will be gone and everything will be ok. It’s attractive but not the way it works.”

Burke continued, “It’s been tried in other places, they come with lots of unintended consequences and we would like you to work with us to come up with an alternative resolution asking the legislature to pass alternative measures that would actually work and not have the unintended negative consequences of a ban and one that could actually pass the legislature.”

He listed some of the unintended consequences 

Black market alternatives that already exist that are laced with Fentanyl or Methamphetamines.

Burke cautioned that if a ban were to be put in place that Black market cartels would have a monopoly over those products.

“What we have seen in Massachusetts where they tried a flavor ban they (the cartels) make money, they sell more product, the ban doesn’t work and… you’re giving monopolies to killers and social predators.”

“We’re not saying these products (flavored vapes) are safe.  But they are less dangerous than traditional tobacco. They have nicotine…but they don’t have the damage (sic) that tobacco does because they don’t have tar… “He went on to cite the National Health Service of Great Britain is no trading vape pens for cigarettes relinquished by citizens…For adults it’s an important smoking cessation tool.”

Click this link to NHS website about vaping.

Tony Aiello Jr. a civil attorney from Canby, Oregon listed ways to strengthen Oregon laws without enacting an outright ban.

1. Require scanned age verification similar to liquor purchases

2. Amend Oregon’s tobacco retail license requirement that employees be over 21 to sell vape products

3. Create fines and training for store employees that knowingly sell to minors

4. Tighten Oregon’s ban on online selling.

Aiello concluded by saying that a resolution could be drafted for the council within 30 days if it so chose to work with his team.

A volunteer from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network spoke in favor of the resolution.

Ultimately the council voted unanimously (minus counselors Parsons and Hoagland who were absent) to direct city staff to provide more information concerning “unintended consequences” of an outright ban.

 

 

Sandcastle Contest 2024

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2024 Sandcastle Contest

Under a welcomed overcast sky thousands of locals and visitors descended upon the shores of Siletz Bay for the 2024 Sandcastle Contest.

Armed with buckets, pails, shovels and a vision participants were given a theme to direct their skills and a plot of beach to bring them to fruition.

The following businesses sponsored the theme categories:

Mo’s – Best Clam Creation
Kenny’s IGA – Themed Pirate Ship
Prehistoric – Dinosaur
Ace Hardware – Best Fantasy Animal
Looking Glass Inn – Octopus
All Ways Traveling – Cruise Ship

Only sand, water, shells and other natural beach materials found on the beach that day were allowed to  be used for construction. Forms could be used in the construction process but should not support the final structure. Hand tools were allowed, but not power tools. The organizer like to remind everyone that this is an amateur competition offering a chance for family fun.
Winner of the Pirate Ship category
One family has made this event the centerpiece of their vacations for the last ten years.
 
Utah couple joined in the fun
We met a family from Utah that extended their stay by an extra day to participate in the fun.
 
Once again the incomparable one man band Bret Lucich (accompanied by the always suave Roger Robertson) served as musical director and Emcee of the event.  Bret played the tunes and sang original takes on popular songs (always being sure to throw a plug in for Lincoln City) while Roger and his ever familiar voice made everyone feel welcome.
 
Lucich and Robertson toss candy to the kids below the dock
And while the building of the sand art projects was a hit, the biggest thrill of the day (as always) was when Lucich and Robertson, standing on the recently rebuilt dock, began throwing handfuls of saltwater taffy to waiting children (and not a few adults) below.
 
 

Toledo Boast Show full steam ahead

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Full Steam Ahead at the 19th Annual Port of Toledo Wooden Boat Show on August 17 and 18, 2024. The Port of Toledo Wooden Boat Show is a free, family event, in Toledo, Oregon, celebrating Toledo’s maritime heritage. This year’s show features steamboats from the Northwest Steam Society. There is something for everyone: boat building, live music, kids’ activities, food, boat rides, vendors and lots more. The Georgia Pacific Containerboard Boat Races are on Saturday at 1PM. The festival is located at the Port’s Marina and Waterfront Park at 127 NW A Street, Toledo. Hours are Saturday, August 17, from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday, August 18, 10 am to 4 pm.

Driftwood Library now offers day-use parking passes for Oregon State Parks.

Thanks to a partnership with Oregon State Parks, Driftwood Public Library now offers day-use parking passes for Oregon State Parks. These passes can be checked out by Driftwood Public Library cardholders for two weeks, and allow for free parking at any Oregon State Park that charges a parking fee. Currently, there are four passes available to the public.



Oregon State Parks do not charge admission for use of the park, and the majority offer free parking. However, there are 25 State Parks that charge a parking fee, and many of these parks are situated on the Oregon Coast and in the Willamette Valley. Parks where a fee is required include Heceta Head State Scenic Viewpoint, Jessie M. Honeyman State Park, Cape Lookout State Park, Nehalem Bay State Park, Ecola State Park, Fort Stevens State Park, Willamette Mission State Park, and others. For a full list of parks where a pass is necessary, please visit stateparks.oregon.gov.



Individuals interested in checking out a pass will need a Driftwood Public Library card. Getting a card is a fast, simple process, and all Lincoln County residents are eligible to receive a library card. Simply visit the library at 801 SW Highway 101 on the second floor and fill out an application. You will also need photo ID and, if your Lincoln County address is not reflected on your ID, proof that you reside in Lincoln County. This can be as simple as a utility bill, rental agreement, property tax statement, or even first-class mail addressed to your local street address. Not sure if you qualify? Give us a call, and we’ll talk you through it!



The library is located on the second floor of the City Hall building at 801 SW Hwy 101 in Lincoln City, just across the street from Burger King and adjacent to McKay’s Market grocery store. The library is open from 10 AM-6 PM Monday- Saturday, and from 1-5 PM on Sundays. For further information about Oregon State Parks passes or other library services, contact the library at 541-996-2277 or at [email protected]. Visit Driftwood’s website at www.driftwoodlib.org.