A Lincoln City resident died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound tonight at an apartment complex adjacent to Bi-Mart at 1220 SE Oar Ave.
Lincoln City Police, North Lincoln Fire Rescue and Pacific West Ambulance converged at approximately 7 o’clock tonight to tend to a suspected suicide attempt, police said. Law enforcement and rescue vehicles lined SE Oar Avenue as concerned residents looked on.
Lincoln City Police Sgt. Jeffrey Winn said a news release would not be issued and the investigation is ongoing.
Hot dogs were served, drones flew overhead and wide-eyed children got revved up over having contact with various law enforcement and construction vehicles Saturday at the annual Touch A Truck event at the Lincoln City Community Center.
Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Director Boone Marker was on hand to video, take pictures, fly a drone, organize the K9 5K Fun Run and cook hot dogs on an overcast day.
Boone Marker expertly flies a drone at Touch a Truck
“This is a good turnout. I love doing these,” Marker said.
The K9 5K was a race along West Devils Lake Road to Blue Heron Landing and back. Dogs were welcomed and encouraged. Parks and Rec asked for $10 donations to Lincoln City Police Department’s K9 Unit.
Dennis Knudson, also with NLFR, said he would don an expensive Bigfoot suit at the St. Clair event, and welcomed anyone who wants an autograph or photo with the missing-link-esque hominid.
NLFR brought some serious firepower to the parking lot with multiple vehicles, including a $750,000 ladder truck that had kids excited, and, of course, honking the horn.
The Lincoln City Police Department was in force with School Resource Officer Logan Smith and Officer Tim Delugach “citing and releasing” kids for climbing all over a Ford patrol cruiser and Polaris ATV.
Photo by Lincoln City Parks & Recreation
Lincoln City Public Works had a giant Vactor 2100 truck on display. The City’s new sewer cleaner is quieter than older trucks and features higher ground clearance than previous models.
The clock is ticking! Legislative leadership has announced that “Sine Die”, the last day of legislative session, is imminent. While we have a constitutional requirement to be adjourned by June 30, leadership in both the House and Senate have been working with a goal of wrapping things up by June 21. Of the thousands of bills introduced back in January, only a few are still making their way through the process. My next newsletter will focus on the big measures that made it across the finish line. For this update, I’d like to focus on some valuable state and county resources available to people like you in House District 10.
Oregon State Troopers
Many of us have witnessed situations that don’t rise to the level of a 911 call, but nevertheless could benefit from law enforcement involvement. But how many of us can remember the non-emergency police response phone number?
With a new program from Oregon State Police, there’s no need to memorize long numbers. By simply dialing *OSP, you will automatically be connected to the nearest non-emergency assistance – no matter where you are in Oregon.
Services like *OSP only work when we have enough first responders. For too long, the numbers of our State Troopers haven’t kept up with our growing population. That means dangerous wait times during emergencies, especially on our rural highways.
House Bill 2046 fixes that access problem by increasing OSP funding to provide for at least 15 patrol troopers for every 100,000 residents. The bill is making its way through the Joint Ways and Means Committee where I serve as Co-Vice-Chair. I expect to report soon that this funding priority has been approved.
Some of the hardworking OSP members keeping our roads safe. Thank you!
Free Smoke Alarm Installation
When was the last time you checked your smoke alarm batteries? Let this be your reminder to make sure your devices are working! A couple of minutes spent now could save a lot of despair later.
And for those of you without smoke alarms or in need of assistance with replacing them, the Oregon State Fire Marshall partnering with the American Red Cross has your back. Simply contact the Red Cross using one of the methods below and volunteers will assist you in making sure your home is properly equipped – at no cost!
Speaking of fires, on Tuesday I witnessed plumes of smoke emerging from south of Grand Ronde as I drove back home from Salem. While the Trojan Fire is now officially contained, it serves as a reminder that the 2019 wildfire season is officially upon us.
Thankfully, the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln County Public Health are partnering together to prepare our community members, business owners and visitors on our local wildfire threat and response procedures. Attend one of the following wildfire readiness events to learn more about how to be prepared for fire protection, evacuation, and health precautions.
Thursday, June 13, 6-8 pm, Siletz Fire Station
Saturday, June 15, 9-11 am, Toledo Fire Station
Tuesday, June 18, 6-8 pm, Lincoln City, St. Claire Station
Thursday, June 20, 6-8 pm, Yachats, Yachats Commons
Monday, June 24, 6-8 pm, Waldport City Hall
Tuesday, June 25, 6-8 pm, Gleneden Beach Fire Station
Wednesday, June 26, 6-8 pm, Newport OCCC
Tuesday, July 16, 6-8 pm, Otis Fire Station
Wednesday, July 17, 6-8 pm, Eddyville Community Church
Friday, July 19, 6-8 pm, Logsden Community Club, Siletz
Thursday, July 25, 6-8 pm, Seal Rock Fire Station
Students in the Capitol
Whenever I visit our schools, I’m stuck by the passion and knowledge of our younger Oregonians. Some of those students go even further by reaching out to me about getting involved at the state level. Recently, I was pleased to host an Honorary Page from House District 10.
At only 14 years old, Maia Joy Stout of Waldport Middle School already has an impressive political background. Maia is a member of student government, acting as the fundraising and events coordinator. She is also the founder of the school’s “Clean Beach Club.”
Maia’s advocacy for the environment reflects our coastal values. I will be following Maia’s career as I can already see a leader in the making.
Maia Joy Stout- a true leader in the making!
Simply Design Studios photography display
Longtime readers know that I feature a different artist each month as part of my Coastal Art and Artist showcase in Salem. This little gallery in my office has become a tradition and brings many visitors to the 4th floor! We’ve had paintings, ceramics, photographs, and textiles. For the final month of the 2019 session, I am pleased to feature photographs from Simply Design Studios in Newport and their wonderful images of commercial fishing boats, the Coast Guard, and our magnificent coastal landscape.
Coastal art is not just about culture. It is also about local jobs and a growing business sector. Simply Design Studios began in a garage in 2006 and now has a prime location on Highway 101 and five employees. I would like to extend a thank you to all the artists who showcased their work here in my Salem office this year.
Photo credit: Simply Design Studios
Once the legislative session is behind us, I hope to see you at one of the half dozen town halls we are planning, or in one of the many parades I’ll be marching in across Tillamook, Lincoln, and Yamhill Counties this summer. Until then, please feel free to reach out via email or stop by in person at the Capitol. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable start to your summer!
Our journey of obtaining knowledge is not over, for our lives have now been opened to great opportunities for years to come.”
Taft High Class of 2019 valedictorian Mad Scott
Hedo Zacarias
A sea of 94 students clad in black caps and gowns and orange-and-white stoles representing the Taft High 7-12 Class of 2019 marched triumphantly into the future Saturday at the school’s annual commencement ceremony.
Share your graduation pictures on this post in a special photo gallery by emailing to [email protected]
Cheers were shared and tears were shed as Taft Principal Nick Lupo, teacher and coach Jake Tolan and valedictorian Mad Scott addressed the graduates in the 2:19 p.m. ceremony to represent the year 2019.
Taft High seniors received the equivalent of more than $1 million in scholarships from colleges, the ‘Gear Up’ program, and local and foundation-based offerings.
At least eight students plan to enlist in the military, including salutatorian David Jin, who will attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Jin and fellow senior class President Maleah Smith also addressed those assembled in the crowded Taft gym.
Honored Taft High Seniors
Mikayla Allen
*Gear Up
Indian Ed Cord
Ivy Anderson
*Gear Up
CNA Program Recognition
4 yr music participation cord
Sam Anderson
*Gear Up
Eriq Aquino
*Gear Up
US Marine Corp Enlistment
Olivia Baker
*Gear Up
*Kiwanis
*Rotary
*Dave Bice Memorial
*Linfield College
*Oregon Promise
Autumn Barela
*Gear Up
Shaa Bayya
*Gear Up
*Siletz Studio
*Oregon Promise
Indian Ed Cord
Outstanding Math Achievement
Superintendent’s Award
CTE Cord
Honors Diploma
Steven Bellemore
*Gear Up
Principal’s Award
Jayden Ben
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Indian Ed Cord
Katia Betanzo-Ortiz
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
AVID Recognition
Earl Brockett
*Gear Up
*Charles Elroy, Jr Memorial
*Oregon Promise
William Brooks
*Gear Up
US Army Nat’l Guard Enlistment
AVID Recognition
Most Improved Math Student
Kayla Brown
*Gear Up
Outstanding Choreography in Drama
4 year music participation cord
Jared Bryan
*Gear Up
Christopher Byrum
*Gear Up
Principal’s Award
Mars Callihan
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Haley Callin
*Gear Up
*AAUW
*North Lincoln Eagles
*Sodexo Food Service
*Siletz Studio
*Oregon Promise
Emeli Canales-Martinez
*Gear Up
Victor Carrasco
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
US Army Nat’l Guard Enlistment
AVID Recognition
Outstanding Math Achievement
Kailee Christensen
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Heidi Cruz
*Gear up
Ray Darrington
4 year music participation cord
Melody Diggs
*Gear Up
*Siletz Studio
*Oregon Promise
Perseverance in Math
CTE Cord
Darian Drennan
*Gear Up
*AAUW
*Gleneden Beach Community Club
*Kiwanis
*Gene Bateman Memorial
*North Lincoln Eagles
*Rotary
*Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital Auxiliary
*Marcy Taylor Memorial
*OSEA
*Oregon Promise
Heather Farris
*Gear Up
Tyee Fisher
*Gear Up
Indian Ed Cord
Senior Class Representative
Genaro Flores
US Air Force Enlistment
Tania Fuentes
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
AVID Recognition
Oswaldo Garcia
*Gear Up
*Sodexo Janitorial
*Oregon Promise
AVID Recognition
Outstanding Math Student
Perla Garcia Madrigal
*Gear Up
Karla Gonzalez Moreno
*Gear Up
Cicily Harrington
*Gear Up
Erika Haun
*Gear Up
Commitment to Drama
Joram Hoff
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Social Studies Academic Excellence
Outstanding Math Achievement
Alyssa Horobin
*Gear Up
*College Cash
Charlotte Huppert
*Gear Up
* Oregon Promise
Senior Class Representative
4 year music participation cord
David Jin
*Gear Up
*Kiwanis
*ELKS Most Valuable Student
*US Naval Academy
*University of Oregon
*George Fox
*Wheaton College
*Vanderbilt University
*Oregon Promise
Outstanding Math Student
National Honor Society
Al Barzee Citizenship Award
Senior Co-Class President
Superintendent’s Award
Honors Diploma
Salutatorian
Justice Kane
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Outstanding Math Achievement
Superintendent’s Award
Izaha Karn
*Gear Up
*Siletz Studio
CTE Cord
Sofia Kavadas
*Gear Up
*Calvin J Ritchey Inspirational Basketball Player
Nathaniel Kay
*Gear Up
Cora Kehr
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Outstanding Math Achievement
Superintendent’s Award
Honors Diploma
Kameron Kessler
*Gear Up
Oregon Air National Guard Enlistment
Clayton Kimberling
*Gear Up
*Bill & Jean Biggs Academic Athlete
*Oregon Promise
Kayci Klaar
*Gear Up
Cody Knott
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
*Corbin Athletic Scholarship
Bill & Jean Biggs Service to School
Tanner Landry
*Gear Up
Ehychka Logan
Indian Ed Cord
Miguel Lomeli
*Oregon Promise
Christopher Lopez-Ortiz
*Gear Up
*Portland State Ganas
Outstanding Math Achievement
Jacob Mayoral
*Gear Up
Angela Mazzari
Drama Rookie of the Year
Commitment to Excellence in Social Studies
4 year music participation cord
Superintendent’s Award
Sydney McCabe
*Gear Up
Grace McGowan
*Gear Up
Micah McLeish
*Gear Up
*Rotary
*Sodexo Food Service
*Zak A Kromer Memorial
*Edith A Modlin Memorial
*Oregon Promise
*Western Oregon University
Culinary Achievement CTE Cord
Outstanding Math Achievement
National Honor Society
Superintendent’s Award
Honors Diploma
Logan McLendon
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Oregon Opportunity & Pell Grants
Senior Class Representative
Spencer Miller
*Gear Up
*Siletz Studio
CTE Cord
Clay Nelson
US Marine Corp Enlistment
Lexy Neves
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Ana Ortiz-Reyes
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Violet Palermini
*Gear Up
*Calvin J Ritchey Memorial Music
4 year music participation cord
Benjamin Petersen
*Gear Up
*Mid Columbia Bus Company
Outstanding Math Achievement
National Honor Society
Key Club
Josslyn Powell
*Gear Up
Keith Pratt
*Gear Up
*North Lincoln Ministerial Assoc.
*Oregon Promise
Indian Ed Cord
Lydia Prins
*Gear Up
*Kiwanis
*North Lincoln Eagles
*Rotary
*Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital Auxiliary
*California Baptist University Presidential Merit
National Honor Society
Don Morris Service to Community Award
ASB Secretary
Senior Class Representative
Community Service Green Cord
Superintendent’s Award
CTE Cord
Key Club
Jazmyn Reyes-Cornejo
*Gear Up
*Sodexo Janitorial
*Oregon Promise
AVID Recognition
Sydney Riddle
*Gear Up
*Mid Columbia Bus
*BillyAnn Stempel
*Dr Bethany Grace Howe LGBTQ Empowerment
*Oregon Promise
Outstanding 4 year Commitment and Excellence in Drama
AVID Recognition
Franc Schaffer Most Inspirational Award
Cristian Rodriguez
*Gear Up
Caitlyn Rundstrom
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Savannah Russo
*Gear Up
*Siletz Studio
*Bill & Jean Biggs Academic Athlete
*Oregon Promise
National Honor Society
Senior Class Representative
Superintendent’s Award
Giovanni Salazar
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Lilly Salsbery
*Gear Up
Senior Class Representative
Noah Sanders
Superintendent’s Award
Mad Scott
*Gear Up
*Kiwanis
*Rotary
*JoAnn Hamilton Memorial
*Oregon State University
*Linfield College
National Honor Society
Superintendent’s Award
Honors Diploma
Valedictorian
Daenan Sellers
*Gear Up
US Army Enlistment
Maleah Smith
*Gear Up
CNA Program Recognition
Senior Co-Class President
Chandler Thomas
*Gear Up
*Kiwanis
*Oregon Promise
Outstanding Math Achievement
Superintendent’s Award
Amelia Valentine
*Gear Up
*ECMC
*Minna Lee Beene Memorial
*Oregon Opportunity
*Oregon Promise
Outstanding Math Achievement
Superintendent’s Award
Kyle VanDamme
*Gear Up
Isy Vick
*Gear Up
*Phyllis Cary Chessman Merit in the Arts
*Oregon Promise
Social Studies Academic Excellence
Superintendent’s Award
Adrianna Wagoner
*Gear Up
*Oregon Promise
Culinary Achievement CTE Cord
Commitment to Excellence in Social Studies
Superintendent’s Award
Jon Weaver
*Gear Up
US Marine Corp Enlistment
Brigido Zacarias
Indian Ed Cord
Logan Merry
*Gear Up
denotes scholarship
Valedictorian Mad Scott’s commencement speech:
“Good afternoon everyone! On behalf of the Class of 2019, I would like to welcome all of the families, faculty, alumni, friends and guests to this special ceremony. Today, I have the honor to stand here as valedictorian beside my fellow classmates in a time of celebration. We have made it through the past 13 years of schooling with a lot of us having many more to come.
Mad Scott
“The senior class of 2019 is now embarking on a new chapter in our lives with possibilities of future career paths and interests that we desire. The decisions we make from this point on will steer the direction of what our future will be one day. The relationships that this class has acquired with its fellow classmates and teachers is something that will always be remembered, and will be influential to our lives.
“Though a small town can have its flaws, Lincoln city possesses a community that shares relationships with our students and has the ability to make a positive difference in our students’ lives. The relationships that I have built at Taft High School with the passionate and hard-working teachers have helped me acquire the knowledge I wish to apply in my future career path of business. The teachers at our school are individuals who have expressive teaching styles and are willing to find what a student has an affinity to do when they get older. We are truly blessed to be able to go to a school where new innovations and technologies are at our fingertips every couple of years.
“The hard work of Noah Lambie does not go unrecognized by myself or many others. He has sparked the flame in many young gifted individuals to chase their ambitions, expand their creativity and thoughts by introducing new opportunities in graphic designing, art, robotics and physics. During my first year of high school, I took robotics and I had no previous knowledge about the design process or how to work the various softwares used in the class, such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
“Over the past three years with the Lambie’s help, I have accomplished projects that involved the use of many advanced software programs and have been designing my own shirts, stickers, laser engraved pieces, skateboards and 3-D printed designs. From learning different techniques on how to become a graphic designer, physicist and even artist, Lambie has sparked the flame in many young lives, including myself, to challenge one’s efforts in obtaining relevant knowledge that is beneficial to their future.
“Mr. Bass is another teacher I would like to address for being the first teacher that has made a large impact on the way our students at our school view the business world. Bass has helped myself and many others learn to overcome their fear of public speaking and advised them on how to effectively and efficiently communicate to capture the audience’s interests.
“There are many other teachers at this school that have been positive figures in my life and the Class of 2019 that I have not listed, but I want to acknowledge these individuals for their excellence at our school, as well as inspiring the young minds of our generation. The teachers of our school are not credited as much as they should be for the extra hours they have worked and the readiness they express everyday in order to deal with hundreds of provocative and some so-called savage kids (especially some of our middle-schoolers).
“I would next like to give praise to the parents and guardians of the Class of 2019, for you guys are the devoted support system to our students and are attentive to our needs when we need a helping hand to understand something better. The bond that we share with our parents or our guardians is one that shows appreciation and friendship with one another.
“My parents are truly an inspiration to me by being some of the most hardworking individuals I have ever met. Their encouragement for me to excel in school and participate in sports is what has made me the person that I am today. Their acknowledgement towards what I’m passionate about is shown in many ways — one of them being my parents’ attendance at my every game and track meet. With the highest level of appreciation this is the devotion and care I respect and I wish to portray to my children one day.
“It is important that we recognize our parents today and we thank them for all that they have done for us. Our parents will always be there for us as we continue our journeys, whether it is close to home or far away. The bond of love will never be separated by distance and will always kept by one another.
“Our journey of obtaining knowledge is not over, for our lives have now been opened to great opportunities for years to come after graduating today. We are now just on the cusp of possibilities that are given to us in today’s ever-changing society. In front of us are years of life we have yet to live; years of experience and knowledge that we have yet to know. The years up until this one our path has been laid out for us, and, for the most part, ordered. Our schooling is chosen for us and our purpose and way of life is defined by those in charge and around us. Now, today, we stand here where we get to decide our own futures and our own paths. We have an endless amount of potential and freedom to go off and to make our own lives.
“From this day on I ask that my fellow classmates strive for their goals. To achieve success in any measure or fashion depending on a person’s goals, one must strive everyday to move forward. Success is something that is not always obtained right away. But this does not matter because not obtaining success is only fatal when you let it get in the way of perceiving your goals. Our goals are constantly changing and it is important that we learn from our mistakes and use the knowledge from failing to do better the next time.
“Within our generation our society comes up with many stereotypes about people that aren’t true for the sole reason that they like to dwell on these negative ideas. These stereotypes include allegations about what one likes to do, their race, hobbies, and even religion. And, today I stand proudly here on the stage breaking stereotypes by representing our Class of 2019 as a skateboarder who attends school regularly and excels in his classes. All of our backgrounds vary greatly from one another in our occupations, religions and hobbies. But in hindsight this difference has no hindrance of what we can achieve when we put our minds towards obtaining our goals.
“To expand on this idea, I would like to share a piece of advice from one of my favorite motivational speakers and the true Prince of Bel Air, Will Smith: “Greatness is not this wonderful, esoteric, exclusive, God-like feature that only the special among us will ever taste. It’s something that truly exists in all of us. This is what I believe, and, I’m willing to die for it. Period. It’s that simple.”
“One way to achieve greatness and success is to look back on life with no regrets. It’s the mindset of not dwelling on the things you could’ve done differently, but rather learning from your mistakes and moving on to achieve your future goals. The importance of not living with regret is also tied into the idea of not taking the hours, months or even days of life for granted. You should always live in the moment and enjoy your experiences for a certain time can only happen once.
“Ahead of us stand new relationships we shall build and places we shall go. We may make our dreams come true and even create new families. During these times we must do the things we love and participate in what makes us the individuals we are. High school is usually a one-round go of four years of experience that has impacted many of our lives in positive ways.
“For this reason, today should be a celebration of the Class of 2019, with our family and peers, for our students to start a new chapter in our lives. I wish each and everyone one of my fellow students strive to be the best versions of themselves in order to achieve success. Congratulations Class of 2019!”
Otis resident William Borges, 21, was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release for distributing child pornography.
According to court documents, investigators identified Borges in September 2016 as part of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office into the use of Dropbox, a cloud-based file sharing application, to distribute media depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
A federal search warrant issued to Dropbox produced the email address Borges used to create a Dropbox account identified by investigators as containing child pornography. Investigators later matched three video uploads to Dropbox depicting the sexual abuse of young children to the IP address of Borges’ home in Otis. During a search of Borges’ home, he admitted to possessing child pornography and trading images and videos using Kik Messenger and Dropbox.
Borges pleaded guilty to one count of distributing child pornography on Nov. 13, 2018.
The FBI Sacramento Child Exploitation Task Force (CETF) and FBI Salem Resident Agency investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Amy Potter, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The FBI’s CETF conducts sexual exploitation investigations — many undercover — in coordination with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The CETF is committed to locating and arresting those who prey on children as well as recovering underage victims of sex trafficking and child exploitation.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at (503) 224-4181 or submit a tip online at www.fbi.gov/tips.
Like a baserunner stretching a single into a double, Taft High juniors Hailee Danneker and Emma Coulter have been named second-team Class 3A All-State softball players after recently being named to the All-District first team.
It marked the second straight year the Taft battery has been honored on the all-Oregon team. Danneker made the first team as a catcher and Coulter the second team as a pitcher as 15-year-old sophomores last season.
Coulter and Danneker led Taft to third place in Special District 1 at 7-5 with a ranking of sixth in the state this season. The Tigers reached the quarterfinals of the Claas 3A OSAA Softball Championships before finishing their season 18-9.
Work continues Monday on the new Lincoln City Police Department
The Lincoln City Police Dispatch Daily Desk Log is a public record of police calls. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Friday, May 24
Fight – 12:57 a.m. – North Shell – Caller reported two males fighting with an employee. Juvenile cited for minor in possession.
Harassment – 1 p.m. – Kenny’s IGA North – Caller reported a male subject went behind the customer service counter, grabbed the clerk’s face and licked her cheek. Suspect located at his home and cited for harassment.
Crash – 5:08 p.m. – N Highway 101 & NE West Devils Lake Rd. – Single vehicle off the road with no injuries. Driver said he went off the road after swatting at a bee.
Burglary – 7:16 p.m. – 3623 SW Anchor Ave. – Matthew R. Wonser (10/17/83) taken into custody after locating him in an unoccupied house on criminal trespass and attempted burglary charges.
Assisting Outside Agency – 8:42 p.m. – 4810 SW 48th Ct. – Corvallis PD requested a courtesy report be taken for a child who returned home with bruises after a custodial visit.
Saturday, May 25
Probation Violation – 1:42 a.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Jack Eldon Thompson (8/28/82) taken into custody for probation violation after reports of a fight. Thompson was transported to the Lincoln County Jail.
Custody Dispute – 4:16 p.m. – 1724 NW 37th St. – Caller reports a woman is suicidal and he is worried about her and their children. Contacted mother and children and they are fine and want no contact with caller as he is harassing them.
Theft – 4:26 p.m. Lincoln City Plaza parking lot – Prescription medication stolen from vehicle.
Burglary – 7:30 p.m. – 1244 SW 62nd St. – Broken window and cash stolen from a home.
Theft – 9:41 p.m. – North Shell – Subject drove off with $57 worth of gas. Was supposed to come back after getting his wallet but never returned.
Animal – 8:43 p.m. – Found brown/white pit bull mix dog. Dog transported to LCPD. Dog released to owner Sunday, May 26.
Stolen Vehicle – 10:30 p.m. – 3270 NW Oar Pl. – 2010 Silver Toyota with Washington plates was stolen after the location it was parked at was burglarized. BOLO entered for vehicle reported to have driver side rear panel damage and missing rear hubcap.
Assault – 10:45 p.m. – 675 SE Keel Ave. – SNLH called reporting domestic assault victim at emergency room.
Sunday, May 26
Domestic – 7:54 a.m. – 675 SE Keel Ave. – Shawn D. Tallman (7/28/70) arrested for domestic assault, harassment and transported to Lincoln County Jail.
Drug – 12:13 p.m. – 3733 SW Highway 101 – White substance found in a bag while cleaning unit. Caller said there were multiple complaints of noise from the unit last night.
Criminal Mischief – 2:36 p.m. – 1590 SE 19th St. – Caller reported her neighbor repeatedly hit her car with his car door. Neighbor cited for criminal mischief.
Harassment – 5 p.m. – Under Armour – Bent A. Erickson (7/24/84) reportedly stole items from store and was held on the ground by two men until officers arrived and took him into custody on theft charges.
Overdose – 11:36 p.m. – 4545 SW Highway 101 – Possible male overdose. Not receptive to police presence. Report taken.
Monday, May 27
Trespass – 12:41 a.m. – South Shell – Seiji M. Button (7/15/96) arrested and released for trespass.
Found Property – 10:14 a.m. – NW 17th St. public restroom – Found cell phone turned into LCPD.
Animal – 1:48 p.m. – 861 SW 51st St. – Brown/white Lhasa Apso type dog found. Dog taken for safekeeping. NOTE: Dog is in sally port and will need fed and let out until animal control can pick up.
Assault – 2:55 p.m. – 560 N. Deerlane – Lisa Hawley (4/15/71) called to report she was hit by a female. Hawley arrested for assault and harassment.
Found Property – 6:02 p.m. – 2004 NW 36th St. – Debit card found at location. Card taken for safekeeping.
Animal – 6:03 p.m. – 2211 SE 15th St. – Chocolate lab or pit mix, large and friendly has Oceanlake Vet rabies tag. UPDATE: Owner claimed dog “Bailey” at LCPD.
Tuesday, May 28
Crash – 12:33 p.m. – 1815 NW Highway 101 – Vehicle into building at Caldwell banker. Driver and passenger transported to SNLH.
Crash – 2:15 p.m. – 2147 NW Highway 101 – A vehicle struck two parked vehicles.
Trespass – 2:49 p.m. – City Hall, 801 SW Highway 101 – EDP male at library reporting he has drank leprosy from a soda can. Cited and released for trespass, then transported to SNLH.
Disturbance – 1:40 a.m. – NW 15th St. beach access – Two juvenile females detained for fighting on the beach and cited for minor in possession of alcohol.
Theft – 11:26 a.m. – 3780 SE Spyglass Dr. – Juvenile reports $400 was stolen between 3rd and 4th period.
Theft – 10:49 p.m. – NW 15th St. & NW Harbor Ave. – Phone taken from car while parked last night. Phone tracked to Keizer where victim lives.
Thursday, May 30
Suspicious Activity – 6:56 a.m. – 701 SW 26th St. – Caller has video of a man peering in the door window. There was another subject standing near the porch.
Theft – 9:04 a.m. – Garage Door Sales, 1603 SE East Devils Lake Rd. – Theft of a gas tank from a truck at location overnight. Gas tank was unbolted and cut from truck.
Theft – 9:48 a.m. – 1340 NW 15th St. – Theft of an iPod touch, watch, collectible quarters and a metal detector.
Burglary – 11:12 a.m. – 6446 NE Neptune Dr. – Lock box removed from house, TV taken, lock box keys left in house.
Drug – 11:59 a.m. – Taft High School – Juvenile exchanged marijuana for edibles with another student. Ongoing investigation.
Disturbance – 6:12 p.m. – 145 NW Inlet – 911 call of hysterical female who hang up. Traced phone and got room number registered to female. Jonathan Flesey (3/31/82) arrested on domestic menacing and attempted assault. Transported to Lincoln County Jail.
Theft – 6:06 p.m. – 3517 NW Highway 101 – Vehicle broken into while parked at Motel 6.
Elude – 10:09 p.m. – Stolen vehicle confirmed out of Lebanon. Officers in pursuit from South Shell. Vehicle crashed at NE 22nd St. & Highway 101 by Dairy Queen. Driver fled on foot. Lincoln County Sheriff K9 assisting. Timothy Jay Burris (9/18/87) taken into custody for eluding, felony hit and run, criminal mischief and reckless driving. Passenger John Daniel Maham (6/6/95) cited and released for failure to appear on forgery charge municipal warrant.
Friday, May 31
Warrant Arrest – 1:45 a.m. – 2800 NE Highway 101 – Solinna M. Butler (4/23/91 taken into custody on Lincoln County warrant for probation violation for theft. Transported to Lincoln County Jail.
DUII – 4:02 a.m. – NW East Devils Lake Rd. & N Highway 101 – David Albert Delain (10/19/57) taken into custody for DUII and transported to Lincoln County Jail.
Found Property – 11:03 a.m. – Driftwood Public Library – Backpack found overnight.
Theft – 2:24 p.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Theft of $200 in jacket left on top of vehicle.
Overdose – 10:14 p.m. – 1144 SE Galley Ct. – Caller reported her mother took an unknown amount of pills. Subject transported to SNLH.
Crash – 11:23 p.m. – 1631 NW Highway 101 – Three vehicle crash blocking traffic with no injuries.
Saturday, June 1
Drug – 4:52 a.m. – 3321 NW Highway 101 – Drug paraphernalia found in back of taxi.
EDP – Caller reported a juvenile is out of control and had attempted to cut her wrists.
Disturbance – 2:57 p.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Report of an intoxicated female causing a disturbance in parking lot. Heidi E. Manriquez (11/19/71) taken into custody on warrant and no-contact agreement violation. Manriquez transported to SNLH for behaving erratically.
Found Property – 5:50 p.m. – 5900 NE Voyage Ave. – Officer found a wallet.
Crash – 11:10 p.m. – 3517 NW Highway 101 – Two vehicle, non-injury crash. Jeep into a power pole. Pacific Power notified. One driver cited for driving while suspended, criminal mischief, driving uninsured and failure to perform duties of a driver.
Sunday, June 2
Assault – 1:11 a.m. – Snug Harbor – 911 report a male had been assaulted in the area and came to the bar for medics and was transported to SNLH.
DUII – 1:15 a.m. – North Shell – Mary Ann Goodhue (10/25/79) taken into custody for DUII.
Warrant Arrest – 3:56 a.m. – NW 26th St. beach access – Julia Amanda Garcia (9/28/70) taken into custody for Salem Municipal warrant for failure to appear on traffic offense. Garcia was transported to Lincoln County jail.
Shoplifting – 4:40 a.m. – North Shell – Theft of a 12-pack. Suspect left westbound on NW 40th St. on a skateboard.
Disturbance – 12:46 p.m. – 4101 NW Logan Rd. – Jordan Bradley (8/30/80) cited and released for disorderly conduct after a road rage incident where he got out of car and held up traffic.
Runaway – 9:16 p.m. – A juvenile left house on foot with an unknown destination. Runaway report taken.
Monday, June 3
Found Property – 3:26 a.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Drug paraphernalia found in taxi.
Found Property – 1:24 p.m. – 1914 NW 36th St. – Found black Samsung smartphone.
Runaway – 4:15 p.m. – Juvenile reported as a runaway by her father.
Suspicious Activity – 8:06 p.m. – Sports Cards 101, 1534 SE Highway 101 – Ex making threats to burn the shop down and is visibly intoxicated.
Runaway – 9:29 p.m. – Newly placed foster child trying to leave and making threats. Juvenile jumped off 2nd story and left on foot. Juvenile located and brought back to foster parent. Juvenile ran away again after being left at residence.
Tuesday, June 4
Disturbance – 9:06 a.m. – 630 SE Quay Ave. – Responded to a disagreement between neighbors. Margaret E. Hughes (10/7/48) taken into custody for disorderly conduct.
Assault – 9:28 a.m. – 1503 SE East Devils Lake Rd. – Adin B. Kimball (3/15/92) started to fight in LCPD lobby after being presented with charges from a previous incident. Kimball transported to Lincoln County Jail, charged with failure to perform duties of a driver, resisting arrest and assaulting a peace officer.
Assisting Outside Agency – 2:32 p.m. – 4101 NW Logan Rd. – Eric J. Senteney Shrapa (1/27/91) taken into custody on warrant out of Lincoln County and transported to Lincoln County jail.
Assault – 6:16 p.m. – Bus Barn – Juvenile victim reports he was assaulted by four males. Victim went to SNLH.
Probation Violation – 10:05 p.m. – Super Oscars, 2048 NE Highway 101 – Jose Damien Beltran (8/15/89) taken into custody for probation violation for being intoxicated.
Disturbance – 10:27 p.m. – Super Oscars, 2048 NE Highway 101 – Gabriella E. Garza (10/16/97) taken into custody on warrant out of Marion County for criminal mischief. Cited and released.
Wednesday, June 5
Found Property – 7:41 a.m. – 660 SE Highway 101 – Wallet found.
Assault – 11:54 a.m. – 950 SE 32nd St. – 911 call that girlfriend had strangled him and he left on foot. Chrissy Opperud (8/12/96) arrested for domestic assault, strangulation, harassment and criminal mischief. Transported to Lincoln County Jail,
Fraud – 11:58 a.m. – 2897 NE 47th – Possible fraud by opening accounts in another’s name.
Missing Person – 3:50 p.m. – 2439 NE 29th St. – Report of son not coming home from school. Entered as missing person. Located at work. Canceled missing person.
Reckless Driving – 7:16 p.m. – N Highway 101 & N 22 St. – Caller reported that a female in a blue school bus was trying to run her off the road. Stephanie N. Solano (11/24/84) was taken into custody for reckless driving and transported to Lincoln County Jail.
Warrant – 10:34 p.m. – 4101 NE Logan Rd. – Female contacted at bottle return. Warrant confirmed out of Lincoln County for theft. Cited and released.
DUII – 11:23 p.m. – S Highway 101 & S 29th – Sonny Ray Preston Holter (7/2/87) taken into custody for DUII, no license, failure to yield and speeding.
Thursday, June 6
Criminal Mischief – 8:30 a.m. – Taft High School – Report of multiple vehicles vandalized last night.
Follow Up– 8:56 a.m. – Taft High School – Juvenile taken into custody for assault and transported to juvenile detention.
Theft – 12:39 p.m. – 1452 NE 6th Dr. – Reported theft of items from RV.
Found property – 1:35 p.m. – NW 15th St. beach access – Cell phone found on the beach.
Suspicious Activity – Taft High School – Graffiti in women’s locker room. No known suspects.
Theft – 3:58 p.m. – Chinook Winds Casino – Chinook Winds Security reported theft of $0 ticket from slot machine in Elite Room.
Fraud – 4:29 p.m. – 3109 NE 26th St. – Caller reports someone ordered an Apple Watch in his name and had it shipped to his address.
They say if you see something, say something, so two local teenage boys did something this week that led to Thursday’s arrest of a Lincoln City youth pastor on suspicion of felony sex abuse of a minor.
Lincoln City Police arrested 35-year-old Mitchell Houston Conte, a pastor at Life Change Church, on multiple charges, including two counts of contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor, online sexual corruption of a child, luring a minor, sexual abuse and sodomy.
In an exclusive sit-down interview with Homepage, the teenagers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, described how they became aware of the possible sexual transgressions against a 15-year-old girl through social media; shared knowledge of confessional conversations among their peers; and admitted to their own personal infighting before coming to the realization that only the truth could serve the greater good.
In excerpts captured from an hour-long redacted interview to protect potential privacy issues — and supported by social media and sourced information obtained by Homepage — the Taft High 7-12 students, one a brother of the alleged victim, described the events that led to the volunteer youth pastor’s arrest.
Homepage: Tell us about how you got to know Mitch, how well you know him, and your impressions of him:
Boy 1: I started to get to know Mitch through church events and stuff, I didn’t know him too well, but my parents knew him more than I did and I thought he was kind of cool. At a family potluck, I started talking to him. He started helping out at my church and I started to get to know him better. I went to hockey games with him and rode with him for church stuff. I did youth group with him every week, and then he started coming to my house. I thought, “This guy is pretty cool and I trust him.”
Boy 2: I knew him from friends. He was a little touchy sometimes.
Homepage: Tell us how this whole incident started, in other words, what caused you to start thinking something might be wrong here and deserves looking into:
Me and my sister used to share this tablet, and one night when [Boy 2] was at my house, we went to go use it and we saw strange social media messages on it, sexual messages between Mitch and my sister. We saw “I like the way it felt,” and I said, “This is weird.” I started to look through the messages with [Boy 2] and it says “————— —-REDACTED,” and we were like, “This is super weird,” so we scrolled up and saw “I like the way it felt —-REDACTED—-,” and it was just gross. My sister came in and was like, ‘Give me that,” and she took it, and we left to go on a walk. We saw some friends and my sister started texting them: “Did they see?” They were like, “What were they not supposed to see?” My sister told her all about it.
Homepage: What happened at that point and after that to make you suspicious there might be a more serious problem?
Later that night, we were sleeping in a tent, and we came out and my sister’s window was open and her light was on and we’re like, ‘Oh, I wonder where she is?” So, we went in her room and found the tablet. It had messages with her and Mitch Conte like, “Come out to the road, I want to snuggle and stuff.” And I didn’t see her leave, so we waited until like 4:30 a.m. just waiting for her to come home, but she never did and we fell asleep.
Homepage: Did you confront her about where she had been and, if so, how did she react?
She was confused that I knew. It was just wrong. I asked where she went with Mitch last night and she was like, “Um, how do you know?” I told her that I was a wizard and she said,”We went to the beach.”
Homepage:So, what happened next?
Boy 1: We told a couple friends about it.
Boy 2: I told my dad about it a day later.
Boy 1: We wanted to talk to Taft High [School Resource] Officer [Logan] Smith about it, but he wasn’t there.
Homepage: Did you speak to anyone else about it? What was their reaction?
Boy 1: They were very surprised. They said we should turn him in and stuff.
Homepage: Did you guys argue about what to do?
Boy 1: No, not really.
Boy 2: Once I found out who it was, I was like, ‘That’s gross, I don’t like him [anymore] and I don’t want to be involved with him.
Homepage: Are you aware of any other kids who might have been approached or have you heard of any other instances or problems?
Boy 1: No, not really.
Boy 2: I haven’t heard anything.
Homepage:How does your sister feel about you now?
Boy 1: She’s really mad at me.
Boy 2: She walked up to me and said, ‘Thank you for what you did.”
Homepage: Did you get the impression she was afraid of what was going on?
Boy 1: Yeah, for sure.
Homepage:How do you feel about getting to the truth?
Boy 1: I feel pretty good about it.
Homepage: Are you guys comfortable with people knowing who you are eventually?
Boys 1and 2: Yeah.
Homepage: Your dads obviously feel very proud of you for coming forth. How do you feel about that? What was the overlying reason you came forward?
Boy 1: Because It was wrong and she’s my sister and I don’t want that to happen to anybody else. She was crying at school all the time. We knew this was wrong and it could happen to other people.”
Boy 2: “It felt right. There’s a reason why we have laws.”
Homepage:What would you say to someone in the situation you found yourselves in?
Boy 1 and Boy 2: Report them.
Boy 1: This could have been way worse. We’re glad we did what we did.
For the first time in Oregon history, Gov. Kate Brown has declared Wednesday, June 12, as Women Veterans Day.
The date also marks the 71st anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, which acknowledged the great contributions made by women in the military and finally enabled them to serve as regular members of the United States Armed Forces and Reserves.
“As a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, this historic proclamation is something that is obviously very personal for me,” Kelly Fitzpatrick, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, said. “I am proud that here at ODVA, women veterans are represented at every level of our agency, including the very top.
“We are proud of all women veterans in the state of Oregon. You are a vital part of the Oregon veteran community, and we will continue to work to anticipate your needs and help you thrive in our state. Thank you for your service to our country.”
Women have served in our nation’s wars and conflicts since the American Revolution, traditionally serving as nurses, cooks, spies and in administrative support roles. During World War I, women were allowed to enlist as yeomen in the Navy and reservists in the Marine Corps, filling in for men who were deployed to the battlefields of Europe.
Special units were formed in World War II, such as the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES), Women’s Army Corps (WACs), Coast Guard Women’s Reserve (SPARs), Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs), and the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve (WRs), allowing women to begin serving in positions previously reserved for men.
Today, women comprise more than 16 percent of the country’s military forces, with more than 25,000 women veterans currently living in Oregon. They are also the fastest growing segment of the veteran population.
Oregon joins three other states — California, New York and Texas — that have officially designated June 12 as Women Veterans Day.
Lincoln City Police arrested local pastor Mitchell Houston Conte on Thursday on multiple charges stemming from an investigation into sexual abuse of a minor.
Conte, 35, of Lincoln City, formerly a pastor at Oceanlake Christian Church, was charged with two counts of contributing to the sexual delinquency of a minor, online sexual corruption of a child, luring a minor, sexual abuse and sodomy.
Conte started as a pastor at Oceanlake church in the beginning of 2018 and left in November. Conte was instrumental in running the Spooky Spectacular at Taft Elementary on Halloween in 2018.
Conte was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail, where he awaits a court date set for June 14, with bail set at $200,000.
If you have any information pertaining to this investigation, please contact the Lincoln City Police Department at 541-994-3636.
