Monday, March 25, 2024
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Community to salute stars and stripes at Gleneden Beach parade

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Vendors will sell crafts, food and specialty items, and the community will celebrate the nation’s birth at 1 p.m. Thursday in the 25th annual Gleneden Beach Independence Day Parade.

The Fourth of July festivities will begin at 8 a.m. with breakfast at the Gleneden Beach Community Club, 110 Azalea St. For details, visit www.glenedencommunityclub.org.

Vendor booths will be located in the parking lot adjacent to Eden Hall and in various locations along the parade route. The vendor fair runs from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Learn more at www.glenedenbeachparade.com.

Runners to mix sand and surf Saturday in annual Ocean’s Edge 5K/10K

Lincoln City’s annual family and pet-friendly Ocean’s Edge 5K/10K will be contested at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, July 6, at low tide on the Pacific Ocean beach sand behind Kyllo’s Seafood & Grill.

Glass floats will be awarded to the top overall male and female runners, and the first 150 participants to sign up will receive $20 off a $100 purchase from Nike Factory Store.

Register by Friday at https://runsignup.com/oceansedge

Oregon Coast Community College students receive senatorial sendoff

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US Senator Jeff Merkley
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley delivered the Commencement Address to OCCC’s graduates on June 14 at the Newport Performing Arts Center

On Friday, June 14, Oregon Coast Community College celebrated its 31st annual commencement with United States Senator Jeff Merkley delivering the address to a packed house at the Newport Performing Arts Center.

OCCC President Birgitte Ryslinge, Chief Academic Officer Dan Lara, Dean of Students Cindy Carlson, Board of Education Chair Debbie Kilduff and other College leaders conferred certificates and degrees to the graduates.

In summary, the Class of 2019 included the awarding of:

  • Nine Associate of General Studies degrees
  • 28 Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degrees – typically, these students will move on to a four-year Oregon university beginning in the fall, generally entering at junior status, with only two years remaining
  • Two Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer – Business degrees.
  • Four Certificates in Early Childhood Education (ECE). This was the inaugural year of OCCC’s new ECE Program. Check the ECE page on the College website for news about a new Early Childhood Education scholarship program, posted now for students interested in enrolling for the Fall.
  • Seven Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Aquarium Science
  • Two Aquarium Science Certificates
  • 17 Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Nursing
  • 19 Certified Medical Assistant Certificates
  • Eight General Education Development (GED) Awards

Friend of the College

Dr. Birgitte Ryslinge, left, presents OCCC’s Friend of the College award to Dr. Karen Gray, right.

During the Commencement, President Ryslinge presented the fifth annual “Friend of the College” award to the Lincoln County School District, and Superintendent Dr. Karen Gray, in recognition of the many ways in which Dr. Gray and the LCSD are partnering with OCCC to serve students and our communities. Examples include dual enrollment, allowing students to earn OCCC college credits while still enrolled in high school, as well as special projects like the upcoming welding classes to be taught at Taft 7-12, the Port of Toledo, and Waldport.

Aquarium Science

The College’s Aquarium Science Program (AQS) is the only one of its kind in the nation. It offers a two-year degree program as well as a one-year certificate. Almost all the students who pursue the certificate come to OCCC having already earned a four-year degree in biology or the natural sciences. These students come from Oregon as well as from around the country. Some find living space at the Hatfield Marine Science Center thanks to a partnership with Oregon State University.

AQS graduates are in high demand in the aquarium and zoo industries. Among this year’s graduates are Kate Stanley, who recently secured an internship with Walt Disney World Animal Programs. Robert Nowlan will be continuing his studies at the Exotic Animal Training and Management Program at Moorpark College in California, while Josh Young will be staying closer to OCCC, working as a Life Support Technician for the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Nursing

With this year’s graduation behind it, OCCC’s Nursing and Allied Health Program has now graduated more than 200 nurses – most of whom are at work today in Lincoln County, helping meet the increasing need for healthcare professionals right here at home.

President Ryslinge congratulates Nursing program graduate Willow Buswell. Jeff Ouderkirk, who has served on the OCCC Board of Education since the College’s founding 32 years ago, is in the background

Small Business Development Center

Also in June, 26 Small Business Management Program Certificates were awarded by the OCCC Small Business Development Center. Over the course of the program, participants learn about business law, changing payroll and human resources rules, innovated emerging marketing techniques, tax law changes, and much more. Any business owner in the county is invited to apply to this program, which features 10 months of workshops and classes plus monthly one-on-one business advising throughout the program. Applications for the 2019-20 year are available now at oregoncoastcc.org/sbdc.

Apply Now

Registration is open now for the Fall 2019 term at Oregon Coast Community College, serving students with facilities in Newport, Lincoln City, and Waldport. Explore the College’s new and improved website, at oregoncoastcc.org, to learn more.

The College and the LCSD continue to partner on the innovated “Grow Your Own Teacher” program, in which students can earn the bulk of a four-year teaching degree right here at home – excepting nine months at Western Oregon University – and enjoy job placement assistance and preferential hiring treatment here in Lincoln County upon completion. The College is also excited to grow its Early Childhood Education Certificate Program as it enters its second year this Fall, helping meet a profound need that is felt throughout Lincoln County while providing students with valuable skills for careers in that growing field.

Follow OCCC on Instagram or Facebook, @occcsharks, online at oregoncoastcc.org, or call the College at 541-867-8501.

Gomberg: Legislative wrap-up and town halls

The 2019 Legislative Session ended early Sunday evening, just a few hours before the constitutional deadline.

The news of late has focused on drama in the Senate. But I believe history will record that in 2019, the Legislature took bold and meaningful steps to address major issues facing Oregon. Here are a few examples:

Golden Man
The Golden Man atop the Capitol dome

Kids and Schools: A major effort was designed to improve school performance and support pre-school children’s programs. To pay for it, Oregon will tax our largest businesses half a percent on sales. Health care, fuel, and groceries will be excluded as will any company with less than a million dollars of activity.  I worked to make sure our smaller businesses, dairies, and fishermen were not taxed.

PERS: We sent new revenue from the Lottery and $100 million from the General Fund to the PERS Fund. We refinanced that fund. And we now will require public employees to contribute a small amount to that account. Without immediate action, we were told increasing pension costs would require service cuts and terminating 5000 teachers by 2025.

Family Leave: Starting in 2023, Oregonians will be able to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to help a new baby, sick child or spouse, or aging parent. The money will come from a fund similar to unemployment insurance. I worked to allow small employers to opt out or to provide reimbursements if they can’t find replacement workers.

Housing: The Committee I co-chair allocated new dollars to affordable housing. Apartments and duplexes will be allowed in residential neighborhoods for cities over 25,000. Rent control and changes in no-cause evictions were approved. I opposed the rent control bill believing most of our landlords are small “mom and pops”, not big companies, and this measure would cause many to stop renting or raise prices.That measure did pass both chambers.

Juvenile Justice: Measures were passed changing how some young offenders are classified as adults and sent to prison.

Diesel Emissions and Oil Trains: Safety standards for trains and limits for diesel trucks were adopted. The diesel measure only applies in Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington Counties and doesn’t require engine transitions until 2025.

Health Care: A task force was created to study health care reform and a single-payer system to reduce costs and encourage early treatment.

Election Reform: A measure was passed to restrict electronic petition sheets. I opposed it. A measure was also passed to provide free postage on election ballots envelopes. I thought the $3 million cost could be better spent on other projects and voted no.

Referrals: The legislature sent a proposal to Oregon voters to allow limits on campaign contributions. You will also be voting on a proposed increase in cigarette and vaping taxes. Money would be used to help avoid or reduce tobacco addictions. Our district suffers the highest rate of smoking in Oregon – particularly among pregnant women.  This effects our health and health care costs for everyone.

Additionally, the final budget bill passed each session funds special projects around the state. This year, that includes proposals supporting wildlife rehabilitation at Oregon Coast Aquarium, a new dam in Newport, emergency earthquake preparation in Neskowin, and improvements for the Lincoln City Cultural Center.

Sadly, this session will also be remembered for confrontation, walk-outs, and threats. Oregon was in the national and international news. And not in a good way.

Twice, Republican members of the Senate left the building in order to deny a quorum and stop all business. In response, the Governor issued an order for the state police to locate the missing Senators and return them to the Capitol. The Senate President directed that missing Senators be fined $500 per day since they were being paid and receiving per diem while absent. One senator responded with threats of violence against the police if they attempted to apprehend him. Finally militia groups scheduled a rally at the Capitol. The Oregon State Police issued warnings of a credible threat and all business was cancelled. The Capitol was locked down.

The issue was opposition to a measure which would limit the emission of greenhouse gasses by businesses in Oregon.

Oregon farmland
I fought for changes to Cap and Trade to benefit our coastal communities

That is a simple explanation of a large and complex proposal. In recent newsletters, I have described in detail the Cap and Invest bill. I also outlined the steps I took to mitigate the effects the measures would have on small businesses, family farms, dairies, fishermen, our local mills, and most importantly, rural residents.

  • “Rep Gomberg made a number of important proposals to support our Dairy and Agricultural families. We look forward to working with him more during the 2020 short session.” Tammy Dennee, Oregon Dairy Farmers
  • “David engaged early and often to offer changes that helped rural and coastal communities.” Representative Karin Powers, Co-Chair, Joint Carbon Committee.

Early last week the Senate President announced that the Cap and Invest measure lacked enough Democrat votes to pass in the Senate and was “dead”.

Ultimately, the Senators returned and in the final two days, expedited the process to conclude most pending business and budgets. That’s the good news. But I worry that something important has been lost.

No matter how you feel about the issue, all of us should be concerned when your government is closed by threats of violence. Esquire magazine observed: “People with guns have involved themselves in a legislative dispute … and one session of a state legislature was cancelled because of it. Roll that around in your head for a while and see where you end up.”

When confrontation, ultimatums, and threats of violence replace conversation, negotiation, and principled compromise, all Oregonians lose.

The Oregonian Newspaper editorialized, “As a whole, the state voted in a Democratic supermajority and a governor who made no secret of their plan to push for a carbon bill several years in the making to address climate change.”  When one side wins an election, does the “minority party” have a duty to show up and argue their cause, or can they walk away and crash the entire governmental process?

I still believe that Democrats and Republicans can work together to benefit all parts of the state. It’s hard. But it is attainable. I believe in win-win scenarios. Some people may win more and others less. But I believe in outcomes where everyone wins something.

As I said before, ultimately the Cap and Invest measure failed for lack of Democratic votes and not because of a Republican walk-out.

I want to close by thanking the House Republicans for showing up each and every day. I know they too were frustrated. I know it was hard for them. But they continued to represent their constituents in the Capitol, seeking accommodations and amendments, or simply voting no. It wasn’t easy and they have earned both my gratitude and my respect.

Veterans budget carry
Carrying the Veterans Department budget on the House floor

Three Town Hall Events Coming to House District 10

I’m pleased to announce three town hall events in Lincoln and Tillamook Counties in July. The public is invited to this series of community forums to ask questions, share concerns, and review the recently concluded legislative session. Further town halls will be scheduled in Yamhill and Polk Counties later this summer.

I’ve worked hard to regularly visit every corner of our sprawling district. Interacting with people – listening to people – is the best part of my work as a local legislator. The 10th House District ranges from Tillamook and Cape Mears in the north, to Yachats in the south and inland to Sheridan and Grand Ronde. The schedule for the events is as follows:

Mid Lincoln County Town Hall

Sunday, July 7

Newport Library, McEntee Meeting Room

35 NW Nye St, Newport, OR 97365

1:30 – 2:30pm

 

Southern Tillamook County Town Hall

Monday, July 8

Kiawanda Community Center, Faye Jensen Hall

34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr, Pacific City, OR 97135

6:30 – 7:30pm

North Lincoln County Town Hall

Saturday, July 27

Driftwood Library Community Room

801 SW Hwy 101 Ste 201, Lincoln City, OR 97367

11:30am – 12:30pm

Those wishing to share their legislative concerns but unable to attend any of the events are encouraged to email me at [email protected]. I can also be reached in my Salem office at 503-986-1410.

Warm Regards,

Representative David Gomberg
House District 10

email: [email protected]

phone: 503-986-1410
address: 900 Court St NE, H-471, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/gomberg

Tips lead to Portland man’s arrest for Lincoln City bank robbery

Bank of the West Robbery

A 72-year-old Portland man was arrested by Lincoln City Police this morning in connection with a June 14 Bank of the West robbery following an outpouring of tips from the public.

Jack Palmer Van-EatonJack Palmer Van Eaton was identified as a suspect in the armed robbery after detectives received multiple tips from citizens, other law enforcement agencies and Chinook Winds Casino Resort.

Van Eaton’s four-door sedan was pulled over by police at 7:57 a.m at the 1900 block of NW 33rd Street in Lincoln City and taken into custody without incident.

Search warrants were served on Van Eaton, his vehicle and the Chinook Winds hotel room he was staying in, sources said.

Van Eaton was transported to the Lincoln City Police Department, where he was lodged for a short time before being delivered to the Lincoln County Jail and awaits a pretrial hearing on $380,000 bail.

Van Eaton is charged with first-degree aggravated theft, second-degree robbery and two counts of menacing.

Bank of the West officials said they were excited to hear of Van Eaton’s arrest but could not comment further as the investigation is ongoing. According to Lincoln City Police, Van Eaton made off with a “substantial amount of cash” during the robbery.

Chinook Winds officials were working on a comment but did not get it to Homepage in time.

Earlier coverage:

Suspect sought in bank robbery in south Lincoln City


Lincoln City Police Department report:

On the morning of 7-1-2019, 72-year-old Jack Palmer Van Eaton, last known as being from the Portland area, was arrested in connection with the robbery of the Lincoln City Bank of the West that occurred on 06-14-2019.

Through investigation and after receiving multiple tips from citizens and other law enforcement agencies, Lincoln City Police Department Detectives were able to identify Jack Palmer Van Eaton as a suspect in the Bank of the West robbery that occurred on 6-14-19.  On 07-01-19 at about 7:57 AM members of the Lincoln City Police Department, assisted by officers from other law enforcement agencies, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle Van Eaton was driving in the 1900 block of NW 33RD Street and took him into custody without incident. A search warrant was served on the vehicle Van Eaton was driving, and on a hotel room Van Eaton was staying in, as well as on Van Eaton himself.

Van Eaton was initially transported to the Lincoln City Police Department and held for a short time before being transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged there on charges of Robbery 2, Menacing, and Aggravated Theft 1.

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department would like to thank the Newport Police Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the Albany Police Department, the Astoria Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and the FBI for their assistance with this investigation and arrest. In addition, we would like to thank Chinook Winds Casino Security for their assistance with the investigation. While this investigation is still ongoing, we would also like to thank the community and the other law enforcement agencies for providing multiple tips that assisted us in solving this crime.

Submitted By:   Sergeant Jeffrey Winn

Lincoln City Pixiefest lowers ante, raises bar

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Pixiefest Lincoln City

The first day of Pixiefest at a new location, Taft High School’s Mesa, brought a Ferris wheel and horses to the more affordable event under a clear sky with temperatures approaching 70 degrees Saturday.

Pixiefest is organized by Kiwanis of Lincoln City and proceeds from ticket sales go towards supporting children’s charities, such as Backpacks for Kids, Lincoln City Food Pantry, Family Promise, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and more.

Boone Marker was Captain Barnacle again this year for Pixiefest and Lincoln City Councilor Mitch Parsons was involved with The Captain Barnacle Variety Show, which had kids taste testing things, such as “Flounder Hearts” and “Pirate’s Toes.” Some kids were grossed out but others were smiling, much to the chagrin of Barnacle.

Captain Barnacle Lincoln City

“Some of you are smiling and I just don’t get it,” he said, as they tasted the pickled artichoke (Flounder) hearts.

Games and prizes were had, Louie Foxx from America’s Got Talent put on a comedic magic show that had parents laughing and kids saying “how?” One highlight of Foxx’s show was when he caught a giant playing card in a mousetrap — matching his helper’s card — to the amazement of the crowd.

Louie Foxx Pixiefest
Louie Foxx made balls disappear and reappear at Pixiefest Saturday

The Ballistic swings, Ferris wheel and train ride were hot commodities at the festival attracting long lines at times with some riders going back for more.

Pixiefest Lincoln City

Green Acres Beach and Trail Rides brought horses to the Mesa and the line for them was the biggest at the event with some children getting their wish to ride a pony.

Green Acres Pixiefest

“I want to ride the ponies right now,” one small child said.

A bouncy house entertained the smaller children and corn dogs “as big as your arm” were for sale in the food court. Face painting was also in high demand, and many children were sporting the handiwork of the artist throughout the day.

Cute Face

A tent dedicated to the old Pixie Kitchen and Pixieland allowed event-goers to take a trip to the past by viewing memories from the era.

Pixiefest 2019
Mermaid Madyson Valencia greets newcomers at the “Memories” tent

South Beach resident “Grizz” remembers going to Pixie Kitchen and eating their “Great food,” and riding the rides at Pixieland just north of Lincoln City in Otis.

“Riding the rides was the whole reason for going,” he said. Pixiefest staff gave a menu and cookbook commemorating the historic Pixie Kitchen to Grizz after hearing his story.

Grizz PixiefestThe train ride took passengers on a trip through the back of Taft High School’s parking lot, and the conductor swerved back and forth to the amusement of children and parents alike.

Pixiefest trainThe turnout for this years Pixiefest is a marked improvement over last years attendance that failed to meet expectations. With the new location and lower prices it appears more people are coming to the event.

Pixiefest continues Sunday at noon and will feature Presto the Magician and more Captain Barnacle Variety Show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for kids six and up.

Winning million-dollar lottery ticket nearly gone with the wind

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Jose Martinez’s wife scrambled to pick up several Oregon Lottery Mega Millions tickets that almost blew out the window when she pulled down the sun visor in the couple’s car, not knowing one of those unsigned tickets was worth $1 million.

“I went on a business trip and left the tickets between the sun visor and the roof of my car,” Martinez said. “If the ticket would have flown out the window, we wouldn’t have won $1 million.”

Martinez, who lives in Beaverton and works in Hillsboro, said he regularly stops by the S&S Market near his work. He gets something to eat and then picks up his Lottery tickets. Then puts them away in the sun visor of his car.

“She told me to check the tickets in the car,” he said. “I used the Lottery’s app and the first ticket I scanned was the $1 million ticket. I really like the app now.”

Martinez said he scanned the ticket three times, then downloaded the app onto his wife’s phone and scanned it to prove to her he really won. Martinez said the couple was going to use the winnings to pay off their home. After taxes, Martinez and his wife took home $680,000.

Martinez purchased the ticket May 14, the day of the drawing. The winning Mega Million numbers were 11-59-66-67-68 and Mega Ball 18. Martinez’s ticket matched five of the six numbers.

The owners of the S&S Market in Hillsboro will receive a 1 percent selling bonus of $10,000 for selling the winning ticket. Bobby Singh, owner of the market, said he hasn’t sold a ticket like that in his 17 years of owning the store.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “We are going to put the bonus back into our business. It’s very shocking and we are happy that one of our regular customers won.”

Lori Mingus from Springfield was the last large Mega Millions winner from Oregon when she won $3 million in November 2018. The Oregon Lottery has offered Mega Millions since 2010.

Mega Millions is one of two multi-state lottery games the Oregon Lottery offers. You can play Mega Millions in 44 states plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each play costs $2 to play. Jackpots start at $40 million, and the jackpot for the next drawing on Friday, June 28 at 8 p.m. is $71 million.

Lottery officials recommend that you always sign the back of your tickets with each Oregon Lottery game you play, to ensure you can claim any prize you may win. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Prize winners of more than $50,000 should contact the Lottery office to schedule an appointment to claim their prize.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $12 billion for economic development, public education, state parks, veterans services and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org

Lincoln County Sheriff offers safety tips for Fourth of July celebrations

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The Fourth of July is just a few days away, which means fireworks and celebration. Here are some important tips to remember from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to ensure a safe holiday celebration.

It is extremely important to know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device. Illegal items in Oregon include firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, bombs, rockets, wheels, colored fires, fountains, mines, serpents or any other article of similar construction or any article containing any explosive or inflammable compound.

Any tablets or other device containing any explosive substances or inflammable compound are also not legal in Oregon without a permit. Items such as M-80s, M-100s and blockbusters are not fireworks, they are federally banned explosives. They can cause serious injury or even death. Stay away from anything that isn’t clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer’s name and instructions for proper use.

All fireworks are prohibited in all state parks and on ocean beaches.

Possession of illegal fireworks in Oregon is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or six months in jail. If you are aware of anyone selling such devices, contact your local law enforcement agency.

Fireworks are not toys. NEVER give fireworks to young children. Close adult supervision of all fireworks activities is mandatory. Even sparklers can be unsafe if used improperly.

Read and follow all warnings and instructions on fireworks. Be sure that people maintain a safe distance from where fireworks are ignited. Never light and throw any fireworks. Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials. Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.

For more information and tips, visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and Like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

Frozen treats make a comeback Saturday in Lincoln City

Lincoln City Dairy Queen

Lincoln City’s Dairy Queen will be open 10:30 a.m. this Saturday according to the owner, and the frozen-treat chain store’s kitchen and dining area have been remodeled.

“We’ll be open 10:30 a.m. Saturday,” Dairy Queen owner Gordon Snyder said Thursday morning. “We haven’t had enough applications turned in so we will be having some employees from our McMinnville store help out at first.”

Snyder said he’s had the application box in front of the store, 2224 NE Hwy 101, since mid-May and needs potential employees to pick up, fill out applications and drop them off in the box to be interviewed.

The kitchen and floors have been completed and a Sysco truck was loading thousands of dollars worth of goods into the restaurant Thursday morning.

Lincoln City Dairy Queen

The drive thru sign was moved from the north side of the building to the east, and contractors had to acquire three permits from Lincoln County to dig a five foot by two foot hole to conform to sign regulations.Lincoln City Dairy Queen

The trash has been moved from the side of the building to the northeast corner of the parking lot.

Originally scheduled to open May 1, remodel efforts have been slowed by discoveries that required extra work to ‘get the job done right.’ Syder said he was disappointed to miss crowds from the Lincoln City Kite Festival and Rip Ride Rally earlier this summer.

Lincoln City will be able to enjoy their favorite kind of Blizzard in a ‘brand new’ Dairy Queen this weekend.

New Dairy Queen owners aim to rekindle iconic restaurant’s flame

Revamped Dairy Queen on track for May 31 grand opening

UPDATED: Health advisory issued for bacteria in Agate Beach, Seal Rock waters

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Health advisory for water contact at Agate Beach, Seal Rock State Park Beach and Harris Beach lifted July 1

Testing shows fecal bacteria levels have subsided

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) today lifted a public health advisory for contact with marine water at Agate Beach and Seal Rock State Park Beach, both in Lincoln County, and Harris Beach, in Curry County. The health authority issued the advisories June 26 and 27 after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters.

Results from later samples taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk. However, officials recommend staying out of large pools on the beach that are frequented by birds, and runoff from those pools, because the water may contain increased bacteria from fecal matter.

State officials continue to encourage other recreational activities at all Oregon beaches, suggesting only that water contact be avoided when advisories are in effect.

Since 2003, state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state agencies participating in this program are OHA, DEQ and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0440, or call the OHA toll-free information line at 877-290-6767.


Earlier coverage:

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Agate Beach and Seal Rock State Park Beach in Lincoln County.

Water samples indicate higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to waterborne bacteria.

Increased pathogen and fecal bacteria levels in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources such as stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

While this advisory is in effect at Agate Beach, visitors should avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water, and stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean. Even if there is no advisory in effect, officials recommend avoiding swimming in the ocean within 48 hours after a rainstorm.

Although state officials advise against water contact, they continue to encourage other recreational activities (flying kites, picnicking, playing on the beach, walking, etc.) on this beach because they pose no health risk even during an advisory. Neighboring beaches are not affected by this advisory.

The status of water contact advisories at beaches is subject to change. For the most recent information on advisories, visit the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program website at http://www.healthoregon.org/beach or call 971-673-0482, or 877-290-6767 (toll-free).

Since 2003 state officials have used a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant to monitor popular Oregon beaches and make timely reports to the public about elevated levels of fecal bacteria. Oregon state organizations participating in this program are the OHA, Department of Environmental Quality, and Parks and Recreation Department.