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

Justin Werner

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July 1, 2019

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 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

Local News

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June 29, 2019

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Lincoln City Pixiefest lowers ante, raises bar

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.

“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.

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.

“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.

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.

The 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.

The 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.

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Winning million-dollar lottery ticket nearly gone with the wind

Local News

News Release

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June 27, 2019

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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

Archives

News Release

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June 27, 2019

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Lincoln County Sheriff offers safety tips for Fourth of July celebrations

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

Justin Werner

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June 27, 2019

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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.

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.

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

Local News

News Release

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June 26, 2019

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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.

Public takes big bite out of LCPD’s bark for K-9 program donations

Homepage Staff

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June 25, 2019

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The Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) reports that approximately two-thirds of the necessary $75,000 has been donated by citizens and organizations toward its implementation of a K-9 program.

“The response and support thus far from the public [$50,000] has been phenomenal,” LCPD said Tuesday in a news release.

The police dog program is intended to collar criminals and provide safety and security for area residents. K-9’s duties include searching for drugs and explosives, locating missing people, finding crime scene evidence and attacking targets of law enforcement.

The LCPD intends to acquire its dogs through a certified training program designed for police and public safety work. Both the K9 officer and their dog will receive extensive schooling in order for the public to feel safe and interact with the animal.

Police dogs must remember numerous verbal cues and hand gestures. The most commonly used breeds are the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, Bloodhound and Dutch Shepherd.

The program will utilize social media to notify the public of activities of the K9 teams in their law enforcement capacities and when they participate in educational demonstrations with civic organizations or community-oriented events.

It will share links to non-affiliated K9 team pages, recognize canines that serve in other aspects of public safety and the military, share helpful tips to educate the public on the care of their own dogs and more.

Donations can be made through a Go Fund Me account at https://www.gofundme.com/lincoln-city-k9-program-fund, or at www.lincolncityk9.com, or mailed to the Lincoln City Police Department, Attention K-9 Fund, 1503 SE East Devils Lake Road, Lincoln City, OR, 97367.

Call 541-994-3636 or by email at [email protected] for further information.

Lincoln City man rescues self in kayak mishap 100 yards off shore

Local News

Justin Werner

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June 24, 2019

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Lincoln City's John Duncan shows his kayak at Canyon Drive Park — Lincoln City’s John Duncan shows his kayak at Canyon Drive Park

Lincoln City resident John Duncan rescued himself this afternoon after his kayak flipped over “bow to stern,” tossing him into the Pacific without a life jacket.

Heading out to go fishing at about 2:30 p.m., Duncan made it 100 yards off Canyon Drive Park, SW 11th and Coast Avenue, past the breakers.

“I flipped right over,” Duncan said. “I got back to the kayak, but the waves kept tearing it out of my hands.

“I kept swimming after the kayak. I was able to get far enough in that the secondary waves weren’t breaking anymore, and I swam in with the waves.

Duncan said he was able to get back to shore thanks to his time spent as a lifeguard and Boy Scout and being a good swimmer.

“I knew I just had to keep calm,” he said,” … think about what’s going on.”

Duncan said he was in the water for 10-15 minutes and made it to shore before rescue units arrived.

“Keep cool, relax, breathe,” Duncan said he told himself as he swam for shore — a single wire attached to his depth-finder, the only thing keeping him and the kayak together.

“When I got to the beach, I sat down. I saw the Coast Guard helicopter coming over and I waved at him, and he probably radioed down to the ambulance and everyone, letting them know I was fine.” Duncan said.

North Lincoln Fire & Rescue assisted Duncan to a Pacific West ambulance, where he was evaluated and released. NLFR personnel carried his kayak to his vehicle at Canyon Drive Park.

“He wasn’t wearing a life jacket and he’s lucky he didn’t die,” Nick Kirchoff, an Olympia Harbor Patrol search & rescue volunteer who called 911, said. “I save people all the time, and we encounter people who choose not to wear life jackets. This was a very serious place.”

“I saw him go in, break a few waves and he was doing alright,” Kirchoff said. “It was obvious he was in trouble when he was not in the boat anymore. I saw him at the crest of a wave and noticed he didn’t have a paddle anymore. That’s when I called 911.”

Kirchoff said he checked Duncan on the beach for signs of hypothermia, but he didn’t appear to have it.

“No quivering lower lip,” he said.

Duncan had a personal flotation device under his kayak’s seat. When asked why he wasn’t wearing it, he said: “Wear a life preserver, and don’t do what I do.”

Chinook Winds celebrates 24th anniversary with a bang

Justin Werner

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June 23, 2019

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Chinook Winds celebrates 24th anniversary with a bang

Hundreds turned out for the 24th anniversary celebration of Chinook Winds Casino Resort Saturday night to watch fireworks on the beach in Lincoln City.

Families gathered around beach fires and drones were in the air for a steady pounding that started shortly after 10 p.m. and culminated in a finale that left the crowd cheering.

Traffic was snarled leaving the event, but the smiles and laughter of citizens walking to their cars was indicative that everyone enjoyed the show.

Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival ‘Zooms’ to new heights

Justin Werner

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June 22, 2019

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A massive turnout for Explore Lincoln City’s Zoom Summer Kite Festival took place Saturday with spectators watching kites soar over the beach at D River Wayside under near perfect weather.

Hundreds of watchers lined the seawall as the emcee called out events and kite flyers expertly showed off their talents with choreographed piloting as the clouds burned off and the wind picked up mid-day.

“People are Zooming their way to the D River Wayside right now,” Explore Lincoln City Public Relations Coordinator Eric Johnson said. “We have professional kite fliers demonstrating their latest tricks today and tomorrow.”

Kite flying pro Phil Burks flew “Dino the Baby Dragon” for the first time in public Saturday and Burks’ story is an interesting one.

“Last year we saved a family from a rogue wave at this very kite festival,” Burks said. “I was waist-deep when I grabbed the baby… as a firefighter, I knew what to do.”

An announcement advising event-goers to watch the ocean was heard over the PA system shortly after hearing Burks’ story about the water rescue.

Burks said he suffered a brain injury while firefighting and kite flying was part of the therapy to fully recovering after 2 1/2 years.

“Flying kites is good for you every day and this is my spot in the world,” he said.

Taft High’s Tiger Boosters were at the event selling hot dogs, hamburgers and other refreshments to raise money for middle school programs. Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Supervisor Boone Marker was helping out on the grill.

“I’m melting my hands,” Marker said. “The trick here is not only adding the seasoning but most importantly — is the sweet & savory mix.” Marker said, referring to the secret sauce added to the hamburgers.

The beach was full of families, the skills of professional kite fliers were witnessed and it’s safe to say the first day of the 2019 Summer Kite Festival was a success.

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