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.”
Investigators have determined Gleneden Beach Christian Church was deliberately set on fire Sunday, Sept. 15 as the alleged arsonist turned himself in to authorities.
Jordan James Savariego
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Trenton Hall, Fco Ramos and JJ French scored touchdowns, but Taft High couldn’t stop Sutherlin from gaining a measure of revenge Friday from a narrow defeat last season in a 33-18 Class 3A nonconference road loss to the Bulldogs.
Trenton Hall scores Taft’s first TD
“Overall, we didn’t play as well as we did Week 1 [in a 14-6 home win] vs. Harrisburg,” Taft coach Jake Tolan said. “We turned the ball over four times, committed way too many penalties, and were missing some key starters on both the offensive line and defensive line.”
Sutherlin, which Taft defeated 14-13 for its only victory last year, scored first for a 7-0 lead before Hall made it 7-6 with the Tigers’ first touchdown on a 1-yard run.
Photos by Lon French
Taking advantage of numerous penalties and turnovers, Sutherlin scored twice more to make it 20-6 before junior quarterback Antonio Saurez hit Ramos for a 6-yard score and 20-12 deficit. A two-point conversion try failed.
Fco Ramos scores on pass from Antonio SaurezDown 33-12, French scored Taft’s final touchdown on a 17-yard run before another two-point conversion attempt failed.JJ French celebrates a late score
“Our defense also didn’t play as well, as we were unable to make the necessary adjustments to stop their running game,” Tolan said. “Our game plan going into the game was solid, but our execution was not there throughout the game.”
Senior Jacob Merrifield scored on runs of 3, 5 and 83 yards for the Bulldogs, while junior Josh Davis scored from 6 and 34 yards out.
“We had several drives tonight where we effectively moved the ball, but ended up turning the ball over,” Tolan said. “A lot of credit goes to Sutherlin, who played well and fought hard all night, but I feel like we beat ourselves tonight.”
The Tigers, 1-1 following a season-opening 14-6 home win over Harrisburg last week, return to action Friday, Sept. 20, in a 7:30 p.m. home game against Knappa. The Loggers (1-1) fell 22-12 Friday at home against fellow Class 2A member Toledo.
“We have to take care of the ball better and be more disciplined moving forward,” Tolan said. “We have another difficult opponent next week in Knappa and we need to focus on getting better this week.”
Ella Knott continued her return from a serious knee injury that cost the star athlete much of the 2018-19 sports season Friday by scoring Taft High’s only goal in the team’s first defeat of the young girls soccer season.
“We lost our first match of the season against a very talented Westside Christian team,” Taft coach Joey Arce-Torres said of the 3-1 Special District 2 road defeat. “They and that match will most definitely assist us in our long season. Nothing like learning from a defeat.”
With her left leg in a brace, Ella Knott drives downfield in action earlier this season
Knott, a star State javelin thrower, provided the Tigers’ only score following two one-goal league victories to start the season this week.
“She looked like her old self prior to her injury,” Arce-Torres said.
Westside scored from an early corner kick and on two lasers from long distance, Arce-Torres said.
“Our biggest area for improvement is communication,” he said. “We continually overworked without reward. Too many times we had three defenders on the ball and two open opponents. Westside played a possession-styled offense and we chased until we got tired.”
Taft senior striker Sammy Halferty failed to score for the first time, but pitched in big-time on the defensive end, Arce-Torres said.
“Sammy mainly played a defensive role today due to her sore legs and queasy stomach,” he said.
Olivia Coulter
He said Olivia Coulter gained some valuable minutes and is learning quickly while promising to be “a great asset to our program for years to come.”
Arce-Torres said new goalie Nicole Reyes consistently kicked 50-yard drop kicks.
“We just need a better percentage from our shots on goal,” he said. “I am confident that is in the near future.
“The final score was 3-1, but the kids licked their wounds and are already thinking about their next matchup.”
Taft returns to action Monday at Blanchet Catholic.
Seeing the progress she had hoped for, Taft High volleyball coach Kelsey Hart thinks her team is on pace and ready for the start of the league season later this week at home against Warrenton.
Maybe that explains all the smiles.
Natalie Ramirez
“I am really pleased by the attitudes of everyone on the team,” Hart said. “Volleyball is a hugely mental game and attitudes can torpedo a good team’s momentum and potential. This year, the girls aren’t having any attitude issues, and they’ve been playing much better because of that.”
Natalie Gates
Taft started strong with a first-set win Friday, but faded after that with three straight losses to fall 3-1 to host Sutherlin in Class 3A nonconference action.The Tigers fell to 1-5 with the 17-25, 25-15, 25-11, 25-14 defeat, while Sutherlin improved to 3-4.
Taft, which opened the week with a victory Monday against Waldport, was playing its third match in five days.
The Tigers return to play Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in its final nonleague match at Amity. Taft opens Coastal Range League play Thursday at 6 p.m. at home against Warrenton.
Addie GatesAleah Bailey
“I am constantly surprised by just how versatile my girls are this year,” Hart said. “There are so many players that can play so many positions. They surprise me everyday with something new.
Natalie Gates (No. 2) leads the charge
“The biggest thing we need to work on is our defense. We’ve finally got a group of players that are tall enough/have enough hops that we can get our block up on hitters more. And we have a great group in the back row. Right now we’re working on putting all the pieces together to have a truly effective defense.”
Coach Kelsey Hart and freshman Hailey Weaver
Hart said there have been several other pleasantries individually this season.
Corey Van Damme
“Freshman Aleah Bailey, one of our middle hitters, is currently leading our team in kills and aces. She’s a major asset in our front row,” she said. “Freshman Nat Gates, our libero, is a stud in the back row. She is constantly getting her hands on balls that look like they should have dropped. Sophomore Lily Hatton, our setter, has been doing a great job getting balls to our hitters. She’s also been a great leader on the court, especially for an underclassman.”
Lily Hatton
It’s the team aspect that has been most pleasing, however, she said.
“The attitudes of the girls this year are amazing,” she said. “We haven’t had the drama that teams have had in the past. It doesn’t feel like there are any cliques or groups like that. They are meshing together so well. It has really helped us get some sets off of really good teams. I can’t wait to see how it helps us once league play starts.”
Newport Police K9 Zoe was instrumental Wednesday in the discovery of a large amount of different drugs at a home in Newport.
William Canning
Newport Police officers, the Street Crimes Response Team and Officer Zoe, worked off the tip that a Longview, Wash., man, William Gene Canning, transported a large quantity of drugs into the city.
Canning was at a home known for drug activity, Newport Police said.
Zoe was deployed during the investigation and signaled officers of possible narcotics in Canning’s personal property. A search warrant for the home was issued and executed with approximately one pound of methamphetamine discovered, along with a commercial quantity of heroin/fentanyl mixture, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, suspected LSD and numerous pharmaceutical drugs.
Canning faces charges of delivery of heroin, manufacture of heroin, possession of heroin, delivery of methamphetamine, manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, delivery of cocaine, manufacture of cocaine and possession of cocaine. His bail was set at $500,000.
If you have any information regarding this case, contact Detective Humphreys or Officer Bales of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348.
The Newport Police Department encourages citizens to report suspicious activities to the Newport Police Tip Line at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip to 541-270-1856 or email [email protected].
The Oregon Health Authority today lifted public health advisories for contact with marine water at Beverly Beach, Agate Beach, and Seal Rock State Park Beach located in Lincoln County and Neskowin Beach and Rockaway Beach in Tillamook County. The health authority issued the advisories September 10 and 11 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.
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.
