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Annual county-wide test of emergency notification systems planned

News Release
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Annual county-wide test of emergency notification systems planned

Lincoln Alerts

The Emergency Management Division of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has scheduled an annual county-wide test of its emergency notification systems 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Monday, June 24.

County Emergency Management will test all components of the Lincoln Alerts emergency notification system in preparation for the seasonal wildfire conditions. A specific focus of the systems test will be on the Lincoln Alerts mobile app (powered by Everbridge) and the functionality of receiving information back from those who received the message.

Community members can participate in the county-wide test in the following ways:

  • Pre–test date:
    • Opt-in and create a Lincoln Alerts profile for each member of your household if you have not already done so.
    • Update your current opt-in profiles to make sure your contact information and addresses are up to date.
    • Download the mobile app and log-in (must have a Lincoln Alerts account first).
  • During the test:
    • Confirm the Lincoln Alerts test message on any of the devices in your profile or your residential or business landline phones.
    • Confirm the mobile app message and send back a photo through the mobile app to County Emergency Management confirming the ability to communicate to public safety officials during emergency events.
    • Monitor local media partner sites (radio, digital) during the test timeframe to confirm you received a notification through an alternative source.
  • Post test:
    • Complete the County Emergency Management on-line participant survey to provide feedback on the test.

County Emergency Management has several redundancies in place to push out emergency notification messages to those who may be in harm’s way due to emerging or imminent disaster situations. The county wide test allows County Emergency Management to test all features together just as it would be in a real disaster response situation. Those features include:

  • Emergency Alert System (EAS) – message over local public radio systems
  • Media release to local media partners
  • Lincoln Alerts to opt-in profiles
  • Lincoln Alerts to residential and business landline numbers
  • Lincoln Alerts message specifically for mobile app users
  • Lincoln Alerts message to community information Keyword subscribers
  • Posting of emergency notification banner on county website (test message)

“Having the ability to test all of our emergency notification features and receive feedback from those we communicate to is incredibly important to County Emergency Management, County Emergency Manager Jenny Demaris said. “It provides us a way to evaluate our systems, improve upon our processes and ensure we are ready when our communities need us.”

As part of the test, County Emergency Management is sponsoring a contest for users of the Everbridge mobile app. App users who respond with a photo from one of the categories below will be entered to win a NOAA Weather Alert Radio sponsored by the National Weather Service. Six individuals will be randomly selected as winners.  Winning photos will be shared on the Lincoln County Emergency Management Facebook page (@lcemergencymanagement).

  • Mobile Phone App Photo Categories
    • Disaster Go Bags
    • Disaster home/work caches
    • Your NOAA Radio
    • Any tsunami evacuation signage, maps, etc.
    • Pets
    • Family
    • Co-workers
    • Summer activity

Lincoln Alerts New User Guides Released

Lincoln County Emergency Management recently updated its Lincoln Alerts sign-up website page to include three easy-to-follow user guides. The guides are intended to outline the steps needed to sign-up for Lincoln Alerts, download the mobile app and sign-up for the community keyword text messages. The user guides can be found at the Lincoln Alerts page at www.co.lincoln.or.us/alerts.

Pacific Power takes steps to reduce wildfire risk, enhance response plans

News Release
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Pacific Power takes steps to reduce wildfire risk, enhance response plans

Pacific Power wildfire

Pacific Power issues the following statement from Scott Bolton, senior vice president, External Affairs and Customer Solutions:

As wildfires become more frequent and intense throughout the West, protecting the communities we serve from this increasing threat, while providing safe, reliable power, is our highest priority. We are building on our work over past years to strengthen our system and implement additional safety measures to reduce wildfire risks.

As part of this effort, we are working with area emergency services agencies, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and community leaders across Oregon to expand and enhance existing emergency response plans and work in coordination with our communities. This includes some new actions we’re planning for this fire season.

  • We are enhancing vegetation inspections and vegetation clearance around our power lines or poles, increasing facilities inspections, making investments to improve equipment resiliency and fire-proofing, installing local weather stations, and training and equipping our field crews for wildfire suppression.
  • For areas at a higher risk of fast-spreading wildfires, we are establishing a new fire prevention measure called a Public Safety Power Shutoff. A Public Safety Power Shutoff is a new measure designed to help keep people and communities in high-risk areas safe, by proactively shutting off power during extreme and dangerous weather conditions that can result in catastrophic wildfires. This measure would only be taken as a last resort to help ensure customer and community safety.
  • Pacific Power is working with local governments and emergency services agencies to update them on the conditions when this protocol would be used and seek their input on coordination should we need to deploy a Public Safety Power Shutoff.
  • Pacific Power is also launching a public wildfire education and outreach campaign starting June 24 to share wildfire safety and prevention tips and to inform customers of the company’s Public Safety Power Shutoff measure. This will include public information workshops for communities in high-risk areas.

Customers can take steps now to prepare for emergencies by keeping vegetation around their homes trimmed and low and updating their emergency plans and supplies. Customers should also contact us to ensure their contact information is up-to-date, so we can keep provide updates about increased fire risk alerts, potential power outages and updates on power restoration.

For more information, customers may contact Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070 or visit pacificpower.net/wildfiresafety.

Lincoln City Police to stage active shooter response training drill

News Release
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Lincoln City Police to stage active shooter response training drill

Lincoln City police training

The Lincoln City Police Department, in partnership with the Lincoln County School District, will conduct active shooter response training Monday, June 24, and Tuesday, June 25, in and around Taft Elementary School.

The training, coordinated by the Lincoln City Police Department, will focus on emergency response to an active shooter incident will involve a simulation of the police department’s response plan and procedures to help ensure a coordinated, timely and effective response in event of a major incident at the school, 4040 SE High School Drive in Lincoln City, or elsewhere in the community.

Citizens should be aware that there will be law enforcement and emergency vehicles present during the exercise. In order to avoid any confusion, the public is being notified that this is only training and not an actual emergency.

Taft Elementary will be closed to students and the public. No students will participate in the training.

Access to the building for select school employees will be limited to those portions of the school not being used during the training. The south end of the school will be closed off to all non-participants or unapproved personnel for the duration of the training.

The Lincoln City Police Department would like to thank the Lincoln County School District for allowing us to use their facility and property for this very important training. The school district’s assistance and cooperation allows the Lincoln City Police Department to better train and prepare their officers for response to a critical incident such as this.

Lengthy investigation leads to arrest of two men on felony drug charges

Homepage Staff
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Lengthy investigation leads to arrest of two men on felony drug charges

A specialized drug response team and a canine played a key role last week in the arrest of two Newport men following the discovery of a large amount of drugs, money and a weapon.

Following months of compiling evidence regarding the buying and selling of illegal narcotics, the Lincoln County’s Street Crimes Response Team (SCRT) arrested Jason McNeely on Thursday, June 6.

A police report said the SCRT spotted McNeely driving and coordinated with the Newport Police K9 Team and conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle. Officers detained McNeely after finding a 9-millimeter pistol in his possession.

Newport Police Officer Hayden Randall and his canine partner, Nero, searched the vehicle and discovered methamphetamine, drug packaging materials, ammunition and a large amount of currency.

The SCRT took information from McNeely’s arrest and identified Jose Guadalupe Gonzalez of Newport as a person of interest, obtained a warrant and searched Gonzalez’s residence at about 11 p.m. on Saturday, June, 8.

During the search, officers found two pounds of methamphetamine, digital scales, packaging material and currency. Two minor children were also at home.

McNeely was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for delivery, possession and manufacturing of methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm and a restricted weapon. His bail was set at $500,000.

Gonzalez was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for delivery, possession and manufacturing of methamphetamine. His bail was set at $750,000. An investigation also continues into child neglect.

The SCRT is a newly developed team designed to augment the Patrol Division. It specializes in the handling of community impact crimes such as narcotics investigations.

The SCRT is made up of members of the Newport Police and the Lincoln City Police departments and often obtains assistance from the Toledo Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriffs Office.

The Newport Police Department encourages citizens to report any suspicious activity. The Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or [email protected].

Lincoln City youth pastor Conte indicted on nine sex charges

Justin Werner & Jim Fossum
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Lincoln City youth pastor Conte indicted on nine sex charges

Conte Lincoln City

A Lincoln County Grand Jury found sufficient evidence Tuesday to indict Lincoln City youth pastor Mitchell Conte on nine counts of sex-related charges, according to court documents.

Conte, 35, who faces seven felony charges, is accused of two counts of sexual abuse in the second degree, two counts of luring a minor, online sexual corruption of a child in the first degree, two counts of sodomy in the third degree, and two counts of contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor.

The State further alleges: The defendant reasonably believed the minor to be more than five years younger than the offender or under 16 years of age; and given the nature of the offense, the age of the minor and the person’s criminal history, designation of the offense as a sex crime is necessary for the safety of the community.

In a separately filed court document entitled: Notice of State’s Intent to Rely on Enhancement Factors:

— Criminal history score fails to capture extent of defendant’s criminality

— Vulnerable victim

— Violation of public trust

— In the interest of public safety considerations, more incarceration than what is available under the sentencing guidelines is necessary.

Eight witnesses testified and certified reports and affidavits were presented Tuesday at the Grand Jury hearing at the Lincoln County Courthouse in Newport.

Conte’s next scheduled court appearance is 8:30 a.m. Monday, June 17.

Lincoln County Deputy District Attorney Christine Herrman was assisted by Legal Assistant Teresa Canfield and Victim’s Advocate Marcia Thompson.

Lincoln City pastor arrested on charges of sex abuse of minor

Local teens play key role in pastor’s arrest on sex charges

Accreditation: Hospital focuses on geriatric emergency care

Mary Jo Kerlin
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Accreditation: Hospital focuses on geriatric emergency care
Some Emergency Department staff members gather to celebrate the geriatric accreditation, including department manager Rick Rhoton (back row, left); Megan Fender, RN (holding certificate); and Dr. Erling Oksenholt (back row, second from right).

As the Baby Boomer generation is getting older and living longer, it’s important that health care systems provide appropriate care to older adults.

Knowing this, the Emergency Department staff at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital underwent a rigorous process to earn the bronze standard — Level 3 Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation, also called GEDA. To date, SNLH is the only ED in the entire Pacific Northwest to earn this geriatric certification.

“Older people visit emergency departments at a comparatively higher rate than others,” Rick Rhoton, RN, Emergency Department manager at the Lincoln City hospital said. “They often present with multiple chronic conditions, may use multiple prescribed medications, and can suffer from complex social and physical challenges. So, we decided to embrace the idea of becoming a ‘geriatric emergency department,’ with our staff learning and demonstrating specialized skills and understanding of seniors’ special health care needs.”

The accreditation effort was led by an interdisciplinary team, including Erling Oksenholt, DO, and Megan Fender, RN.

A bronze standard emergency department, such as the one at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital, must incorporate many of these best practices, along with providing interdisciplinary geriatric education, creating comprehensive new policies, and having geriatric appropriate equipment and supplies available.

The GEDA program was launched by the American College of Emergency Physicians to ensure that older patients receive well-coordinated, quality care at the appropriate level at every emergency department encounter. Several professional medical societies worked together to develop geriatric ED guidelines, recommending measures ranging from adding geriatric-friendly equipment to specialized staff to more routine screening for delirium, dementia, and fall risk, among other vulnerabilities.

The voluntary GEDA program, which includes three levels similar to trauma center designations, provides specific criteria and goals for emergency clinicians and administrators to target. The accreditation process provides more than two dozen best practices for geriatric care and the level of GEDA accreditation achieved depends upon how many of these best practices an emergency department can meet.

Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital to expand ultrasound hours

Mary Jo Kerlin
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Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital to expand ultrasound hours
Ultrasound tech Ashley Thorne prepares to perform an ultrasound test on a patient.

Beginning June 24, the Diagnostic Imaging Department at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital will offer expanded hours for ultrasound: 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with emergency on-call service available at all other times.

Previously, ultrasound services have been available from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays only, with emergency on-call.

“We are excited to offer expanded hours,” said Trindee Coleman, department manager. “It’s difficult for patients to take time off from work for a medical appointment so we hope these new hours will provide more flexibility for scheduling.”

“Imaging is an important tool in diagnosing and treating injury and illnesses,” Coleman continued. “Also, with the addition of another Interventional radiologist, we will also be able to offer image-guided needle biopsies and an assortment of other interventional procedures every week in the near future.”

With an image-guided needle biopsy, clinicians can obtain a small sample of cells from inside a patient’s body, for example, the liver or the breast, for analysis.

Coleman said expanded hours are possible because of the addition of another staff member to the ultrasound team.

Diagnostic Imaging services offered at Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital include bone density testing/DEXA, CT scan, 3-D digital mammography, echocardiography, MRI, PET scan, digital X-ray and ultrasound with 3-D capability.

For more information about Diagnostic Imaging Services, call 541-996-7145.

Connectivity issue interrupts local Verizon telephone service

Justin Werner & Jim Fossum
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Connectivity issue interrupts local Verizon telephone service

Verizon Lincoln City

A connectivity issue caused an interruption in Verizon telephone service in parts of Lincoln and Tillamook counties, Verizon West Area Consumer Media Relations Coordinator Heidi Flato said late Wednesday night.

“Our engineers are aware of this issue and are working with our vendor partners to quickly resolve this issue,” Flato said via email in response to a Homepage inquiry.

Flato said the connectivity issue could involve CenturyLink’s fiber connectivity.

“There was a cut in their line that impacted our service,” Flato said.

Reports of outages began at approximately 4 p.m. and are ongoing.

Excerpts from numerous Facebook posts from several hours ago:

“Anyone else experiencing problems with cell service in Otis? I have Verizon and was in the middle of a call, line went dead and now I am showing ‘no service’ status on my phone.”

“I have zero cell service right now. Verizon service.”

“The company line when I called about the decrease in cell signal is, ‘upgrading towers to be ready for 5G.'”

“I got online with Verizon, and the guy said Veneta is down. Veneta is a main Verizon hub, so that brought down a lot of towers that rely on Veneta. We’re part of that.”

“Same for Depoe Bay”

“Gleneden out. I can’t call in my hour of need. I have a big foot wrestling an Alien in my back yard, with the Loch Ness monster looking on and I can’t call the police! Where were you Verizon when I needed you most?!! haha”

“I honestly hope nobody really needs fire or police during this outage!”

“Verizon service has been restored,” Flato said at 1:32 p.m.

 

Step inside for sneak preview of NLFR’s newest addition — Heavy Rescue 1639

Justin Werner
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Step inside for sneak preview of NLFR’s newest addition — Heavy Rescue 1639

Lincoln City Heavy Rescue

Heavy Rescue 1639, a technical rescue operations vehicle, could be considered the flagship for the North Lincoln Fire & Rescue fleet. It has much in common with a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, in that it carries more firepower than any other vehicle available for deployment.

Fireman Dennis Knudson led a tour of Lincoln City’s newest addition to the NLFR fleet Wednesday night, showing the capabilities of the vehicle that was purchased and modified for around $200,000 — a steal by any standard considering a comparable vehicle outfitted with the same equipment would cost the agency upwards of $600,000.

Modifications include dual flat-screen displays that fold up when stored; a bell with the engraving, “Dedicated to the citizens from the volunteers of North Lincoln Fire & Rescue;” and winches on all four sides. A drone can also be piloted from the dual screens inside the vehicle.

NLFR Division Chief of Training Jamie Mason was responsible for ordering the modifications and overall vision of the project.

The vehicle was used previously by Virginia Beach, Va., volunteer firefighters, and was a dark forest green. The truck was painted and decals and new tires added.

The Heavy Rescue can handle virtually any task required. Ropes allow first responders to repel up to 600 feet. An inflatable wash station can be deployed in minutes and with an existing trailer, HAZMAT capabilities are possible.  Multiple separators, Jaws of Life, saws-alls, air tools, confined space tools, axes, air bags — you name it — are loaded onto the vehicle and easy to access to handle technically complicated accidents.

Heavy Rescue 1639 serves as a mobile headquarters, replete with green lights that signify the vehicle as the hub during a major event. A camera gives command a 360 degree view of the area.

The “Bug Grinder” as Knudson so delicately puts it, is the virtual sound cannon attached to the front of the vehicle, aptly named for how it sounds when it “grinds bugs” while the vehicle plows through town. It is also one of the loudest things you’ll hear as it rivals the town’s tsunami warning horn.

NLFR’s Heavy Rescue 1639 will be on display for all to see at Saturday’s Life Safety event at St. Clair Station, 4520 SE Highway 101.

NLFR firefighter Blacketer retires after 15 years of volunteer service

Justin Werner
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NLFR firefighter Blacketer retires after 15 years of volunteer service

George Blacketer

Not everyone can claim they have enjoyed working at a job for over 15 years, but longtime volunteer firefighter Lt. George Blacketer can — and did during the public comment portion at the end of Wednesday night’s NLFR Board of Directors meeting.

Blacketer announced his retirement after congratulating three members of the board he ran against for NLFR Board Directors in the May 21 special election.

“Up until today I had a long, drawn-out speech planned, but I’m going to keep it short and simple,” Blacketer said. “After 15 years of service, I would like to announce my retirement effective immediately.”

Blacketer

“One thing I would like to ask as a small token is to keep my red helmet,” he said. “I think everybody in this room could agree that I worked pretty hard to get that. That’s all I’m asking.”

Interim Fire Chief Rob Dahlman said he would try to accommodate the request.

Blacketer said he joined NLFR in 1998 after a good friend talked him into it. He resigned three years later. He rejoined in 2007, and graduated from the academy as Firefighter 1. Blacketer spent two years in Depoe Bay before transferring back to NLFR after returning to Lincoln City.

Among Blacketer’s achievements during his 15-year career:

Firefighter 2
Emergency Medical Responder
Wildland Firefighter
HAZMAT Responder
Category 3 Driver
Rope Rescue Training
Rank of Lieutenant

“I’m going to spend time with the family,” Blacketer said after the meeting. “That’s what is behind this. I was missing out on family things.

“It was a hard decision to make. It’s taken a couple of weeks to really consider. In the end, my family has supported me over the last 15 years and it’s time to return the favor.”

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