Toledo High blanked the Taft volleyball team 3-0 Tuesday night despite the contributions of sophomore setter Lily Hatton and freshman Natalie Gates.
“Our team really started to figure out how to play against a team with a very aggressive offense,” Taft coach Kelsey Hart said following the 25-21, 25-19, 25-18 defeat. “Our blocking got better, and our back row started to get more hands on balls.”
Lily HattonNatalie Gates
Hart, whose team was coming off its first victory of the season the night before against Waldport, said Hatton “did a great job adjusting to passes and getting balls to our hitters” and Gates “did a great job leading our team in digs.”
The Tigers fell to 1-4 with the loss, while the Boomers improved to 3-3.
“We came away with three sets quick and our girls worked together and didn’t let small mistakes upset them,” Toledo coach Crystal Taylor Hinds said. “I’m proud of how the girls are playing and the progress they are making. They are believing in the process for us to achieve their goal and I’m so proud of them.”
The Tigers return to the court at 5 p.m. Friday at Sutherlin.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Agate Beach, Beverly Beach and Seal Rock State Park Beach in Lincoln County.
People should avoid direct contact with the water in these areas until the advisory is lifted. Higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to illness from 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 the advisory is in effect at Agate Beach, Beverly Beach and Seal Rock State Park 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.
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).
Taft senior Sammy Halferty’s first-half goal stood up behind the defensive play of junior Delayna O’daniels and sophomore goalie Nicole Reyes on Tuesday in a 1-0 season-opening home girls soccer conference victory over Amity.
“The kids came out a bit nervous, made some early mistakes and were unable to get some early opportunities for scores,” said Taft coach Joey Arce-Torres, whose team hit the post four times in the opening half.
Applying constant pressure, Halferty was rewarded for her efforts in the first half when Amity’s goalie wasn’t able to clear and Halferty slammed an errant ball back into the net.
Arce-Torres said Taft enjoyed “some great minutes” on the defensive end of the field from O’daniels, a first-year player.
“She came in off the bench and had an immediate impact,” he said.
Nicole Reyes
New goalie Reyes came up with a big save late in the second half to preserve the win, Arce-Torres said.
“Amity had two very strong defensive backs that made our strikers work,” he said. “They were physical and big and created problems for our speedy strikers.”
The Class 3A Tigers return to Special District 2 action at 4:15 p.m. Thursday against Salem Academy at Voris Field.
“We learned many lessons from our matchup today,” he said. “We now know speed alone will not slay the dragon. We need better passing and more physicality to compete with the Valley teams.”
Overall, Arce-Torres said he was pleased with the winning effort.
“I am confident we will continue to find solutions to stay competitive and that the girls will push themselves to stay in the hunt to make the State playoffs,” he said.
Better yet, Arce-Torres broke the news that Taft will likely field its first junior varsity program this year.
“The numbers have been solid for five seasons and we need this to get sufficient playing time for those kids who put in so much time into their sport,” he said. “I am very thrilled for the opportunity to reward every athlete with playing time.”
Lucinda Taylor (Habitat for Humanity) and Sheila Stiley (NW Coastal Housing)
Each year Lincoln County acquires property as a result of tax foreclosures and this week, Lincoln County Commissioners will make a final motion to donate three tax foreclosed properties to two local nonprofit organizations: Habitat for Humanity and Northwest Coastal Housing.
The lots, located in Lincoln City, will eventually be built with single family residences.
Lincoln County’s Property Team reviews the inventory to determine best use for available lands. In an effort to make a small but meaningful contribution to the lack of affordable and workforce housing the team became optimistic when several recent properties were identified.
Property Manager, Amy Howard said, “We found properties in Garden Estate subdivision of Lincoln City… We took these properties in tax foreclosure from the developer, so this is best case scenario to get these properties developed.”
In previous years, the County has explored the possibilities of donating land suitable for single family residences.
Commissioner Kaety Jacobson
“Many of our tax foreclosed properties have no legal access, are not buildable, and have other complexities that create difficulty,” Commissioner Kaety Jacobson said. “These vacant lots in Lincoln City were build ready and in a good neighborhood. I thought they would meet the needs of our nonprofit housing partners.”
Jacobson continued, “It is a drop in the bucket of a huge housing issue. However, as organizations and as individuals we need to ask ourselves, what can we do? Even if it is a drop in the bucket. This will help families.”
Both Habitat for Humanity and Northwest Coastal Housing have agreed to keep the properties as affordable housing for thirty years. Lucinda Taylor, Habitat’s Executive Director, said “We’re looking into utilizing the Community Land Trust which would put the house into affordable housing in perpetuity. At the very least we can put deed restrictions that keep it in affordability through the thirty-year period.”
Commissioner Jacobson said, “As foreclosures come in in the future, I’ll certainly be checking to see what might be of interest to other partners, but many of our properties require a lot of clean up and work. Our goal is always to get those properties back out and being used for housing, whether that be through our traditional auctions and sales or through donations. And, that means they are going back on the tax roll.”
The final resolution to approve the property transfer will appear on the Board of Commissioners Agenda under Decision/Action (Sept. 11). Commissioner Meetings take place each week at 9:30 a.m., Lincoln County Courthouse, 225 West Olive Street, Room #108, Newport.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies, friends and family are continuing a search in the woods near Rose Lodge, where 37-year-old Seattle-area resident and longtime BNSF railroad engineer Cameron Shelden went missing Sept. 1.
“We are working diligently to find Cameron and bring him home,” coworker and friend Zack Houston said. ” People don’t just vanish into thin air, and there are a lot of people who care and love Cameron so our efforts won’t be in vain.”
The lead Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputy for the case said, “We have a lot of people working on this,” and, “It’s an ongoing investigation and we are working on some possible actionable evidence.”
According to friends and family members, including his wife, April, Shelden was visiting a Rose Lodge resident at her home on North Widow Creek Road.
“They had a fight and Lisa said he went walking into the woods,” April Shelden said. Cameron left the house without his wallet, keys or cell phone, his wife said.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue was activated Sept. 2 and said it performed several search operations over multiple days, utilizing ground search volunteers, specially trained K-9s and unmanned aerial systems.
Family, friends and coworkers came to Oregon to join a search effort that covered 20 miles of heavily forested land and reported finding bear scat along the search routes.
On Tuesday, friends searching for Shelden posted an update on Facebook saying they came within 100 feet of a black bear and not to come alone or unarmed.
The family has established a GoFundMe page to raise money that has already reached half of its goal of $15,000. Funds will be used to hire a private investigator and private search parties, including dogs, drones and people on foot.
On behalf of Cameron, Cameron’s family and friends we have decided to move forward with a Private Investigator and private search parties (dogs, aerial, foot) to continue the search for Cameron Shelden who has been reported missing since Sept 2nd, 2019 from Otis, Oregon. Cameron was reported to have left on foot, leaving his brand new truck, keys, wallet and cell phone at a residence on Widow Creek after an alleged dispute. We have exhausted options with local Sheriff/Police departments and feel this is the next step in locating him. Thank you SO much for any amount you are able to donate.
They are using the hashtag #BringCameronHome on social media.
Cameron Shelden
Houston said he’s reached out to the Oregon State Police and federal authorities in an attempt to have them work with local law enforcement for search efforts and other duties.
Houston is seeking local drone enthusiasts to help in the search Wednesday and Thursday. He can be reached at 253-249-4894.
Anyone with information pertaining to Shelden’s whereabouts are encouraged to call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at (541) 265-0669 or Lincoln County Sheriff at 541-265-0777.
“We will find Cameron and the truth of his disappearance will come to light,” Houston said.
Taft High boys soccer coach Ryan Ulicni believes in first things first. After that, the sky’s the limit.
“Our first team goals will be to make sure that we win enough games to secure a home-field playoff run,” he said, “. . . then it’s on to the championship!”
The Class 3A Tigers went 9-5-4 overall and 6-4-4 for sixth place in Special District 2 play last season while outscoring opponents 47-20. Ulicni said he believes improvement will be on the horizon when the Tigers take the field for their season opener at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday against Delphian at Voris Field.
“Coming into this season, I believe we have an even more balanced team than last year,” he said. “What you can look forward to from our team will be the fast play that they will accomplish. We have a very good group of our core returning from last year.”
Seniors Edson Fuentes and Estib Hernandez will be the team leaders, Ulicni said.
“They both possess leadership abilities and dedication to the team,” he said. “Edson will lead the charge as our primary striker, while Estib will provide the necessary defending to secure the game.”
Ulicni said the Tigers will also rely heavily on his midfielders to control the pace of play.
“William Calderon and Jose Flores will be in our midfield making the plays and adjustments to move our team where we need to be,” he said. “Having both of them in the middle, their hard work is something that the team has come to trust and appreciate.”
William Calderon
Sophomore Sam Cortes will be the Tigers’ primary goalkeeper, filling the shoes of our departing star William Brooks.
“He has shown the want and work it takes to be leading our defense from the posts,” Ulicni said.
Sophomore Adrian Moreno will also be a player to watch, Ulicni said.
“His presence on the ball and ability to see the field is a great asset to have on the team,” he said.
Ulicni said he expects the Tigers’ toughest opposition to come from Gervais and Dayton.
“Every game will show a different aspect on which the team needs to fix,” he said. “These young men will show the resilience and adaptability to improve with each match.”
Freshman Aleah Bailey led Taft High in aces and kills as the Tigers turned the tables on visiting Waldport to win 3-2 Monday night, less than a week after losing by the same score to the Irish on the road.
“It was a great serving night for the Tigers,” Taft coach Kelsey Hart said. The girls were ecstatic last night to get their first win of the season so early on. Last year, we only won one of our games, so it’s a major accomplishment to have tied that record already this year. We have a young team, but a very talented team.”
Bailey had a team-leading nine aces and six kills for Taft.
Waldport was coming off a 3-2 season-opening defeat of the Tigers on Thursday.
“The girls made me so proud in how hard they fought throughout the entire five sets,” Waldport coach Anna Kelley said following last week’s win. “Our girls really stepped up to the plate when they needed to and showed the unity we have been seeking on and off the court.”
Taft returns to the court Tuesday and Friday for nonleague games at Toledo and Sutherlin.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) issued a public health advisory today for higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at D River Beach in Lincoln County and Rockaway Beach in Tillamook County.
People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. Higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. This applies especially to children and the elderly, who may be more vulnerable to illness from 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 Rockaway Beach and D River 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.
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).
With what amounts to two exhibitions under their heels, the Taft High cross country team opens with its first true competition of the fall season Tuesday at the Amity Invite.
“Our strengths are experience and passion,” coach Eva Ahumada said of her team’s strengths with the 5,000-meter event scheduled Tuesday afternoon at Keeler Estate Vineyards. “Every person on this team is here because they want to be here and is excited to see what we can achieve. It is a fairly new team, but we have already made so much progress and are starting to come together as a family.”
Hunter Lundstedt and Lucas Hindman are expected to be the heads of the family on the boys side, while fellow senior Autumn Ellis will serve as statesman for the girls.
Lucas Hindman, left, Hunter Lundstedt and Finnish foreign exchange student Matias Vesma
“Hunter and Lucas have been in cross country for four years now and will be leading the boys team, both in speed and training,” Ahumada said. “Autumn is our leading girl and has been a powerful force in revamping the girls cross country team.”
New faces will also be prominent in any success the Tigers enjoy this season, Ahumada said.
“All of our freshmen boys are coming into the team with a lot of talent and drive,” she said.
The freshmen boys led the way in taking the top three positions for the Tigers in the opening 2-mile Trial at Cottage Grove and last Saturday’s Ultimook Race near Tillamook, which can be better described as a human mud bog.
Ahumada said she also likes what she’s seen from junior newcomer Rafael Perez.
“He ran long distance for track last season and so far has proven to be a very promising runner,” she said.
Team-wise, aiming for representation at State is the primary objective.
“The ultimate goal is to make it to State,” Ahumada said. “I am hoping to have the boys team make it to State again this year. Autumn has really been pushing it this season. I would really like to see her make it to State.”
Conditioning will be key in achieving a boys team invite or any individual qualifiers to State.
“Endurance is the area where we need the most work,” Ahumada said. “We have a lot of natural talent, and we have a lot of speed, but cross country is a mind race. Training the athletes to overcome this mind block so they can race to their fullest potential will definitely be the focus of this season.”
Ahumada said she expects Harrisburg to be her team’s toughest competition this season.
“They have a lot of returning seniors that make up their varsity team,” she said. “They took first at the District meet last year, and our boys will really have to work hard this season if they way to reclaim that title this year. I am excited to work with this team and to see what we can accomplish together.”
Gaudy goals such as becoming the first Taft High girls soccer team to make a State playoff run are among coach Joey Arce-Torres’ lofty aspirations for his team this season, but excelling in the classroom is also high on his list.
“Getting the highest GPA of all fall sports at Taft and the sportsmanship trophy for our conference,” Arce-Torres said of his squad’s priorities as the team prepares to open its season Tuesday at home with a tough first assignment against Amity.
He’ll certainly have the numbers to draw from to accomplish several firsts this season, beginning at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday on the pitch at Voris Field.
“We are extremely fortunate to be bringing back a large group this season,” Arce-Torres said.
Expected to lead a squad of nearly 25 girls is senior Sammy Halferty, the team’s leading scorer from last year.
Sammy Halferty
“She has looked very sharp during summer workouts and has increased her conditioning level and accuracy,” Arce-Torres said. “I expect her to carry much of the responsibility of our vertically attacking offense.”
Sophomore Jaelyn Olmeda will join Halferty with scoring responsibilities this season, Arce-Torres said.
“Her increased knowledge of the game and overall speed has been very noticeable from the previous season,” he said.
Junior Avery Nightingale is likely to anchor the Taft defense despite seeing limited practice because of a summer exchange program.
“We expect to see her develop into a possible all-league candidate this season,” Arce-Torres said.
Sophomore Nicole Reyes will shift from midfielder to goalie this season.
“We are very excited by her move,” he said.
Senior Ella Knott, who also stars in track and field, will return to the team following a devastating knee injury last year.
“She is one of the fastest athletes in the state and appears very confident in her scoring ability this year,” Arce-Torres said.
Taft will welcome the addition of sophomore Ryan Sue, who Arce-Torres said has shown great promise.
“She, too, has a good understanding of space and no fear in gaining possession of 50/50 balls,” he said. “She also has a very accurate shot.”
Senior Autumn Ellis, who played as freshman but supported the cross country program over the last two seasons, is rejoining the team and “has shown amazing conditioning and leadership,” he said.
Nightingale and Ellis
Team depth and speed leading a potent offensive attack best characterizes the Tigers this season, Arce-Torres said..
“We will also score more goals as a team than any previous season, but our defense will be the area that requires a few games to get comfortable for a solid opportunity to make a State run,” he said. “We will be starting a new goalie and have many new starters. They have the athleticism to compete — just lacking in experience.”
Arce-Torres said he looks for Blanchet Catholic, Yamhill Carlton and Amity to pose the Tigers’ toughest competition, “but most of the teams within our large conference will be very competitive.”
