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Body of missing railroad engineer found in Rose Lodge

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September 18, 2019

Body of missing railroad engineer found in Rose Lodge

Note from the publisher: We have redacted the name and address of the property owner who found the body believed to be that of missing person Cameron Shelden on her property. The story has been changed to reflect a need for privacy and to minimize harm.

Shelden was found in dense vegetation, not buried, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff Office’s news release.

The body of Seattle-area railroad engineer Cameron Shelden, missing from Rose Lodge for over two weeks, was found Tuesday by the property owner on her property.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the property owner Tuesday advising a deceased subject was located on the property.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives responded to the property and were directed to a location outside of the area previously searched with the excavation equipment.

Detectives located the remains of a highly decomposed subject in dense vegetation. The body was preemptively identified as missing person Cameron Shelden.

LCSO Search and Rescue was activated Monday, Sept. 2, after Shelden was reported missing a day earlier and performed several search operations over multiple days with ground search volunteers, specially trained K9s and drones.

Sheriff’s deputies returned to the home Saturday, Sept. 14, with search and rescue, cadaver dogs, volunteers and three detectives. They also hired a contractor to dig with an excavator.

Cameron Shelden Body — This slope on the property is where neighbors said authorities were digging and searching

Deputies and detectives left the property after the second search and said they “had very little to go on,” but were “continuing the investigation and following up on leads.”

“I loved him. He was my best friend,” the property owner said in a phone interview with Homepage Monday night.

She said she was interviewed multiple times by detectives and said she was “ruled out as a suspect.” She said she gave authorities permission to search her property and “cooperated fully” with detectives.

“There was no fight that morning,” she told Homepage, “The last time I saw him, he was walking down my driveway with his bag on his shoulder.”

Friends and family of Shelden searched for him in the woods around the property on multiple occasions and started a GoFundMe page to hire a private investigator.

The Lincoln County Sheriff requested the Oregon State Police Forensics Services Division respond for scene processing.

More forensics analysis will be conducted.

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According to a Lincoln County Sheriff news release:

On September 14, 2019 the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, along with members of Lincoln County Search and Rescue, and the Lincoln City Police Department, resumed searching a property on Widow Creek Road for missing person Cameron Shelden. Searchers utilized drone technology and dogs trained to detect human remains and excavation assistance from the Lincoln County Road Department. The search was done with the consent of the property owner. The team searched extensively in the large area of difficult terrain and heavy brush, but Mr. Shelden was not located.

On the morning of September 17, 2019, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a call from the property owner advising a deceased subject was located on the property. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives responded to the property and were directed to a location outside of the area previously searched with the excavation equipment. Detectives located the remains of a highly decomposed subject in dense vegetation. The subject was presumptively identified as missing person Cameron Shelden.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s requested the Oregon State Police Forensics Services Division respond for scene processing. More forensics analysis will be conducted. The case remains as an open death investigation.

Previous Coverage:

Search for missing Seattle-area man intensifies in Rose Lodge

Seattle railroad engineer goes missing from Rose Lodge

Yard debris burning allowed starting Sept. 19 for Lincoln County

Homepage Staff

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September 17, 2019

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The Lincoln County Fire Defense Board and nine fire protection agencies are opening burn season Thursday, September 19 due to recent rain and precipitation in the forecast.

“The risk of fire spread has decreased and is expected to remain at a low level,” Newport Fire Department Fire Chief and Lincoln County Fire Defense Board Chief Robert Murphy said in a news release. “This summer’s weather was not as dry as the previous two summers and this kept fuel moisture levels higher and moderated fire danger throughout our region.”

Many Lincoln County fire agencies require a permit to burn yard debris — also known as open burning and we encourage the public to contact their local fire agency for specific regulations regarding burning of yard debris. Below is contact information for all Lincoln County Fire Agencies:

North Lincoln Fire & Rescue – 541-996-2233
Depoe Bay Fire District – 541-764-2202
Newport Fire – 541-265-9416
Seal Rock Fire – 541-563-4441
Central OR Coast Fire – 541-563-3121
Siletz Valley Fire – 541-444-2043
Toledo Fire – 541-336-3311

“We thank the public for adhering to the burn regulations this summer,” Murphy said. “Their cooperation, along with the quick response of all of our Lincoln County firefighters helped keep wildfires to a minimum.”

LCSD, OCCC boards gather for joint work session

Homepage Staff

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September 17, 2019

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LCSD, OCCC boards gather for joint work session

The public is invited to attend Oregon Coast Community College Board of Education and Lincoln County School District’s Board of Directors joint work session Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Teaching and Learning Center in Newport.

“Lincoln County School District and Oregon Coast Community College have a long history of partnering for the benefit of our mutual students,” Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) President Birgitte Ryslinge said. “To a large extent, that can be credited to the leadership of the respective elected boards. Having the boards periodically hold a joint meeting allows for coordinated planning and the opportunity to make significant strategic advances for education in Lincoln County. I’m really looking forward to this upcoming meeting.”

The meeting takes place from 5:15-7:15 p.m. at 1212 NE Fogarty Street in Newport.

Thanks to cooperation between the school district and the college, Lincoln County School District (LCSD) students can earn college credit while still in high school by choosing from a wide variety of dual credit courses. Available courses this year include Biology 101, 102 and 103, a variety of math and writing courses, plus classes in early childhood education, communications and more.

The school district and college are also working closely together on the Teacher Education Pathway program, funded last year by a grant from the Meyer Memorial Trust. The program allows LCSD students to begin studying towards an eventual four-year degree in teaching while they are still in high school. Later, they will transition to OCCC for two years of study, then transfer to Western Oregon University for one academic year, to return to Lincoln County for the fourth and final year of the program, including student teaching assignments. Graduates of the program will receive preferential treatment when applying for teaching positions in the School District.

The district and college area also working with the Port of Toledo and other partners to bring welding instruction to Lincoln County, a program set to welcome its first students in February.

Learn more about the Lincoln County School District at lincoln.k12.or.us. Find Oregon Coast Community College online at oregoncoastcc.org.

Missing Event Data

Jin scores first goal but visiting Tigers fall to Blanchet Catholic

Justin Werner

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September 16, 2019

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Jin scores first goal but visiting Tigers fall to Blanchet Catholic

Taft’s junior midfielder Veronica Jin scored her first high school goal Monday off a pass from Senior Autumn Ellis in a 1-4 league loss at 16th ranked Blanchet Catholic.

Blanchet Catholic scored three of four goals on routine corner kicks, Coach Joey Arce-Torres said, prompting him to focus the next practice on defending against them.

Arce-Torres said sophomore Jaelyn Olmeda, who normally plays striker and wing, will anchor the defense going forward as she effectively stopped any further scoring after Blanchet Catholic’s fourth goal.

“Claira [Tolan] had her strongest performance year to date and appears to be finding her stride,” Arce-Torres said. “She anticipated passes and was able to drive the ball deep when needed. She played with tenacity and confidence — exactly what I’m needing right now.”

Arce-Torres said he would be showing a different lineup for Thursday’s home game against Yamhill-Carlton.

“One that will represent the passion of our program, not those who have more experience.”

Confession: Gleneden Beach Christian Church set on fire

Justin Werner

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September 16, 2019

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Confession: Gleneden Beach Christian Church set on fire

Investigators have determined Gleneden Beach Christian Church was deliberately set on fire Sunday, Sept. 15 as the alleged arsonist turned himself in to authorities.

Deputies, with the assistance of the Toledo Police Department, contacted the suspect in the case, Jordan James Savariego age 29, who is transient. Mr. Savariego was subsequently taken into custody without incident.

Savariego reportedly confessed to setting the fire. He is lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges of criminal trespassing, criminal mischief, burglary and arson with bail set at $357, 500.

Depoe Bay Fire, North Lincoln Fire & Rescue and Newport Fire responded to heavy smoke and flames coming from the church Sunday and doused the blaze after a three hour battle.

No injuries were reported as the building was unoccupied.

Lincoln County Sheriff deputies, Pacific West Ambulance and the Oregon State Police also responded.

“The mutual aid training we have done these past months has paid off,” Depoe Bay Fire Chief Bill Johnson said. “Crews were able to operate smoothly and minimize damage to the structure.”

According to sources, the church, 7185 Church Ave., Gleneden Beach, had recently had a new roof installed and the fire took place in an older part of the building, leaving much of the newer part intact.

The Lincoln County Fire Investigation Team, comprised of members from the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue, Newport Fire Department, Toledo Fire Department, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office were activated and through the course of the investigation, it was determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Game Over Arcade master keys stolen, police seek public’s help

Justin Werner

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September 16, 2019

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Lincoln City Police are looking for a man wanted in connection with the Sept. 11 theft of Game Over Arcade’s master keys and approximately $15 in quarters from a pinball machine.

“This doesn’t make sense,” Game Over Arcade owner Christopher Donner said. “I was raised if it’s not yours don’t touch it.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, Donner noticed his master keys were missing and went to check his surveillance system to see where they went. Donner saw a man enter the arcade and take money from his Family Guy pinball machine on video.

“He grabs the keys while nobody is looking,” Donner said. “He opens a pinball machine, takes the money and leaves with the money and the keys.”

The man can be seen getting into and driving away in a white Honda Ridgeline truck, but the license plates could not be made out on the video. Donner believes the man was possibly on a lunch break from a job site as the man can be seen wearing work boots and pants and it was just after 1pm.

The cost to replace all of the locks at the arcade, 2821 NE Highway 101, is upwards of $3,000 Donner said. Labor and time to install them not included.

Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect and anyone with information is encouraged to call 541-994-3636.

Potent early season fronts to bring heavy rain, thunderstorms, wind

Justin Werner

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September 16, 2019

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Rain Oregon — (Photo by Mother Nature Network)

National Weather Service Portland has issued a Special Weather Statement Sunday night for the Oregon Coast concerning isolated thunderstorms, significant rainfall and gusty conditions Monday and Tuesday.

With heavy rainfall (one inch) affecting the Pacific Northwest and southwest Washington Sunday, more is on the way as two cold fronts are moving across the region bringing the possibility for thunderstorms and more heavy showers Monday.

Thunder and lightning could be heard and seen in Lincoln City Monday morning around 3 a.m.

Calling it an “early season front” and “potent,” the NWS Special Statement states Tuesday will see gusty south winds along the coast and inland. Gusts could reach 50 mph along beaches and headlands, making this the first significant windy cold front of the season.

Those planning to spend time in the Cascades should be prepared
for an extended period of autumn-like weather that will last
through at least Wednesday. Snow levels are expected to lower to
6000-7000 feet with the passage of the cold front Tuesday and
Tuesday night. Even if it is not cold enough to snow, those in the
Cascades should be prepared for more cold, wet weather
through at least Wednesday.

For more information on this ongoing damp and chilly weather,
visit www.weather.gov/portland.

Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement…RESENT
National Weather Service Portland OR
948 PM PDT Sun Sep 15 2019

ORZ001>008-010>013-015-WAZ019>022-039-040-045-161700-
North Oregon Coast-Central Oregon Coast-
Coast Range of Northwest Oregon-
Central Coast Range of Western Oregon-Lower Columbia-
Greater Portland Metro Area-Central Willamette Valley-
South Willamette Valley-Northern Oregon Cascade Foothills-
Northern Oregon Cascades-Cascade Foothills in Lane County-
Cascades in Lane County-Western Columbia River Gorge-
South Washington Cascades-Willapa Hills-South Washington Coast-I-
5 Corridor in Cowlitz County-Greater Vancouver Area-
South Washington Cascade Foothills-
Including the cities of Astoria, Cannon Beach, Tillamook,
Netarts, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Newport, Cape Foulweather,
Yachats, Florence, Vernonia, Jewell, Sunset Summit, Lees Camp,
Trask, Grande Ronde, Burnt Woods, Tidewater, Swisshome, Veneta,
St. Helens, Clatskanie, Hillsboro, Portland, Wilsonville,
Oregon City, Gresham, Troutdale, Salem, McMinnville, Woodburn,
Stayton, Dallas, Eugene, Springfield, Corvallis, Albany, Lebanon,
Sandy, Estacada, Silver Falls State Park, Sweet Home,
Government Camp, Detroit, Santiam Pass, Vida, Jasper, Lowell,
Cottage Grove, McKenzie Pass, McKenzie Bridge, Oakridge,
Willamette Pass, Corbett, Rooster Rock, Multnomah Falls,
Cascade Locks, Coldwater Ridge Visitors Center, Mount St. Helens,
Wind River Valley, Willapa, Frances, Elk Mountain, Ryderwood,
Raymond, Long Beach, Ocean Park, Naselle, Cathlamet,
Cape Disappointment, Longview, Kelso, Castle Rock, Vancouver,
Battle Ground, Ridgefield, Washougal, Yacolt, Amboy, Toutle,
Ariel, Lake Merwin, Yale Lake, Cougar, North Bonneville,
and Stevenson
948 PM PDT Sun Sep 15 2019

…ANOTHER POTENT EARLY SEASON FRONT TO BRING MORE RAIN AND GUSTY
WINDS LATE MONDAY NIGHT INTO TUESDAY…

Significant rainfall affected southwest Washington and northwest
Oregon Sunday, as the first in a series of early season moved
across the region. Most locations received one-half to three-
quarters of an inch of rain, while coastal and higher terrain
locations locally received an inch or more.

After post-frontal showers and isolated thunderstorms Monday, the
next frontal system will be quick on its heels, spreading rain
onshore into southern Washington by sunrise Tuesday. This system
is expected to bring another round of significant rainfall to the
region Tuesday. Expected rainfall totals from the system Tuesday
appear to be similar, if not slightly higher than Sunday`s front.

Gusty south winds can be expected Tuesday, both along the coast
and inland. Gusts along the coast may approach 50 mph along the
beaches and headlands, making this the first significantly windy
cold front of the season. Inland areas, including the Willamette
Valley, may experience gusts as high as 35 mph Tuesday.

Those planning to spend time in the Cascades should be prepared
for an extended period of autumn-like weather that will last
through at least Wednesday. Snow levels are expected to lower to
6000 to 7000 feet with the passage of the cold front Tuesday and
Tuesday night. Even if it is not cold enough to snow, those in the
Cascades should be prepared for more cold, raw, wet weather
through at least Wednesday.

For more information on this ongoing damp and chilly weather,
visit our website at www.weather.gov/portland, or stay tuned to
your favorite source of weather information.

Four Tigers take top finishes into Cape Kiwanda Challenge

Homepage Staff

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September 15, 2019

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Four Tigers take top finishes into Cape Kiwanda Challenge

Four Taft High athletes will be coming off top-10 performances when the Tigers return to cross country action Thursday at the Nestucca Cape Kiwanda Challenge.

Seniors Hunter Lundstedt and Lucas Hindman shared sixth place last week to lead the boys team Tuesday at the Amity Invite Keeler Estate Vineyards cross country meet, while senior classmates Brooke Orendorff and Alani Cabal finished fourth and 10th, respectively, for the girls.

Competing along with Taft and host Nestucca on Thursday will be Delphian, Jefferson, Riverdale, Sheridan, Vernonia, Waldport, West Albany and Willamina.

The Tigers are scheduled to join 20 teams Saturday for the annual Prefontaine Memorial Run in Coos Bay.

5,000 meters varsity

Team Scores

1.	Knappa	30
2.	Rainier (OR)	38
3.	Taft	60

1.

12

Robert Pina-Morton