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Lincoln County Public Health recommends people avoid harvesting and eating softshell clams Eckman Lake/Alsea Bay

News Release
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Lincoln County Public Health recommends people avoid harvesting and eating softshell clams Eckman Lake/Alsea Bay
OHA InsuranceNews release-Friday, September 29,2024
 
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued a recreational use health advisory for Eckman Lake in Waldport due to the presence of a cyanobacteria bloom and cyanotoxins above recreational use values for human exposure.
Laboratory tests have also found high levels of saxitoxins at Eckman Lake. Saxitoxins cause paralytic shellfish poisoning. Since Eckman Lake feeds directly into the Alsea Bay estuary,
 
Lincoln County Public Health recommends that people refrain from harvesting or consuming softshell clams from the area.
 
This guidance is made in coordination with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and will remain in effect until further notice. Softshell clams from Alsea Bay will be tested for biotoxins and results are expected next week.
 
What is paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP)?
Paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) is the most common and most severe form of shellfish poisoning. Symptoms usually start 30–60 minutes after eating the shellfish and can include:
  • Numbness and tingling of the face, lips, tongue, arms, and legs.
  • Diarrhea and vomiting, headache, and nausea.
What to do if someone gets PSP?
  • Call Oregon Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance.
  • If someone who ate shellfish is having trouble breathing call 911. Severe cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning might require being placed on a respirator.
How can I prevent PSP?
  • Avoid eating potentially contaminated shellfish.
  • Avoid harvesting seafood from beaches with biotoxin closures.
What to do with the soft shells clams you’ve collected?
Throw away any softshell clams harvested after September 9, 2024, even if they were frozen. Cooking or freezing does not make them safe.
Other important information about PSP
  • Cooking or freezing shellfish does not remove toxins. Shellfish containing toxins may not look, smell, or taste any different than uncontaminated shellfish.
  • Crabs feed on shellfish and may carry the toxin.
  • Keep pets and service animals away from potentially toxic shellfish. They should not eat anything that looks like an algae mat, even if it is on dry ground. Algal matter can still have harmful toxins that are not safe for pets.

Sheriff candidate not running as a shoo-in

Ross Smith II
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Sheriff candidate not running as a shoo-in
Candidate Shanks meets local patriots

Though lacking an opponent on the fall ballot for Lincoln County Sheriff, Lt. Adam Shanks told a group of staunch conservatives Tuesday, Sept. 10, he’s “campaigning like it’s a tight race.”

Shanks was the featured speaker among four candidates appearing before the 70-strong Hilltop Patriots in the Old Taft Fire Hall meeting center.

The Patriots, genuine flag-wavers who consider themselves local government watchdogs and supporters of conservative issues, heard the remarkable autobiography of a lawman who has served Lincoln County his entire adult life.

A graduate of Newport H.S., Shanks earned a degree in criminal science at Lane Community College. His first job was part time, as a reserve police officer in Waldport, but he soon found opportunity in 1997 with the Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy.

Promoted to sergeant in 2007 and later to administrative lieutenant, his wide-ranging assignments to the 161 bed jail, search and rescue , animal shelter, emergency management, and support divisions did much to prepare him for the top job.

Shanks will take the reins January 1, 2025, from retiring Sheriff Curtis Landers, who bequeaths a highly respected department but one that is understrength and underfunded. The LCSO is struggling to fill four deputy jobs and five corrections slots, vacant positions with real consequences for Lincoln County residents.

“We used to get 75 to 80 applications for an opening but we’re now lucky to get 15,” he said. Explaining a new recruiting effort to find qualified candidates residing in Lincoln County, Lt. Shanks said “walk-on” written and physical tryouts are held quarterly and are open to all interested citizens.

With personnel and budgets stretched thin, the LCSO has cancelled its nine-month citizens
academy and retired the volunteer Sheriff’s Reserve. What the county needs more than
anything, said Shanks, is a “stabilization center” where people with a mental crisis can cool-off instead of going to jail.

Some people debated the role of the Sheriff in enforcing “unconstitutional” mandates, such as edicts against public gatherings during the Covid crisis. But Shanks displayed his bonafides by speaking to the recent U.S. Supreme Court “Chevron” decision, promising “to balance Constitutional rights with my duty to uphold the laws.” Shanks was warmly applauded as people gathered to shake his hand and congratulate him on his forthcoming promotion.

Other candidates who spoke to the group included Cindi Ciuffo, running for mayor of Depoe
Bay on an open-government platform; Tammy Sanford, who seeks the Lincoln City Ward 3
council spot; and Rick Beasley, running for county commissioner.

Celebration of Honor continues at casino

Don Williams
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Celebration of Honor continues at casino
Celebration of Honor

The annual Celebration of Honor continues at Chinook Winds Casino and Resort in Lincoln City through September 14.

Amid the splendor of fluttering flags freely are displays of not just military equipment but also a replica of the Vietnam memorial as well as a Wall of Honor to showcase the humanity involved in serving our country. 

Wall of honor

It is difficult to not be humbled by the displays.  Yes, they can be seen as tragic reminders of loss and pain but they can also evoke an emotion of gratitude and awe. Gratitude for those that served to protect the freedoms that can be so easily lost and awe at how simple, ordinary people can rise to perform extraordinarily brave (and many times costly) tasks when everything inside themselves must have screamed “save yourself!”

But it’s not just the static displays that can instruct at this celebration.  Veterans are manning the displays to answer questions and sometimes offer comfort to those needing support as only those who have served can offer one another.

The Celebration of Honor continues September 14 until 1pm.

Please visit our Youtube video at here

Polaris Dawn Flight Day 3 Update

News Release
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Polaris Dawn Flight Day 3 Update
Polaris Dawn crew successfully completed the world’s first spacewalk (photo @Polaris program)

Press release- Early Thursday morning at 7:58 a.m. ET, the Polaris Dawn crew successfully completed the world’s first spacewalk – also known as an extravehicular activity (EVA) – from Dragon at 732.2 km above Earth.

Shortly after arriving in space on Tuesday, the crew began a two-day pre-breathe process, designed to prevent decompression sickness while also preparing the crew for the environment inside the EVA suits by gradually lowering Dragon’s cabin pressure and increasing the oxygen concentration.

Then on Thursday, the crew donned their suits and initiated Dragon seat rotation, suit tare, and the heads-up display and helmet camera checkouts. The 106-minute spacewalk officially began at 6:12 a.m. ET when suit pressurization started, the nitrogen purge was initiated, and pure oxygen (O2) was flowing into the suits. A secondary flow of oxygen primarily helped provide cooling to the suits, which would come in handy during the spacewalk.

Once suit leak checks were complete, the crew and ground teams gave the go for Dragon to initiate venting, which took the cabin’s pressure down from ~8 psi to below 1 psi – nearly to the vacuum of space. Simultaneously, Dragon repositioned its trunk to face the sun ahead of the hatch opening.

(photo @Polaris program)

Mission Commander Jared Isaacman opened the hatch and for the first time, four astronauts were simultaneously exposed to the vacuum of space. Jared and Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis separately exited the spacecraft and individually performed a series of suit mobility demonstrations to test the performance of the spacesuit in the vacuum environment of space. Mission Pilot Kidd Poteet and Mission Specialist Anna Menon remained seated, managing suit umbilicals and monitoring vital support systems and telemetry on Dragon’s displays.

Upon completion of their individual EVAs, the hatch was closed, Dragon re-pressurized to 14 psi, cabin oxygen and pressure levels confirmed, officially completing the suit testing alongside the first commercial spacewalk and the first EVA from a Dragon spacecraft.

Throughout the EVA, stunning visuals were afforded by Dragon’s cameras and the spacesuits helmet cameras as the crew orbited between 184.9 and 732.2 km (114 and 454 miles) above Earth.

Following the spacewalk, the crew took time to rest and recuperate, enjoying a well-deserved meal before posting from space for the first time on X using Starlink high-speed internet. The crew concluded the day by connecting with their families and settling in for their sleep period ahead of Flight Day 4.

Editor’s note: while we do try to remain a hyper local publication about the Lincoln City area sometimes it’s fun to share something that is just amazingly cool.

Saddle Mountain to close temporarily for hazard tree removal

Don Williams
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Saddle Mountain to close temporarily for hazard tree removal
Saddled Mountain in Clatsop county

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. 

9/11 Tribute climb at Chinook Winds today

Don Williams
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9/11 Tribute climb at Chinook Winds today
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.

Celebration of Honor returns

Don Williams
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Celebration of Honor returns

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.

Local patriots donate flag to fly above the Cultural Center

Don Williams
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Local patriots donate flag to fly above the Cultural Center

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]

Salmon River Cleanup

Don Williams
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Salmon River Cleanup

photo MidCoast Watersheds Council

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.”

“

For more information or if you would like to use your boat in the clean up, please contact Natalie Dulansky at [email protected]

  • Dress in layers and waterproof boots

  • Boats and kayaks welcomed!

  • Free donuts and coffee in the morning

  • Raffle and BBQ in afternoon

Event Registration:

https://volunteer.solveoregon.org/opportunity/a0CVL00000rZCfy2AG/salmon-river-cleanup

Devils Lake Algae bloom draws DEQ advisory notice

Don Williams
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Devils Lake Algae bloom draws DEQ advisory notice
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)
 
 
More information on HABs can be found here: https://weedersdigest.com/types-of-algae/ For a list of all active cyanotoxin advisories visit the OHA website. If you’re unsure, use this photo guide from OHA.
 
 
You can also follow our official Facebook account and www.dlwid.org for meeting agendas, updates on district projects, events, and other matters.
 
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