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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.”

Lincoln City Parks & Rec to host several summertime events

Justin Werner
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Lincoln City Parks & Rec to host several summertime events

Motion pictures, a foot race and a police-sponsored nighttime community rally are among the events planned this summer by the Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Department.

Parks & Rec Supervisor Boone Marker shared information on this  summer’s special events, including Movies in the Park, Ocean’s Edge 5K & 10K and National Night Out.

Movies in the Park is sponsored by Coldwell Banker and features the movies How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Incredibles 2 and Mary Poppins Returns. The movies will be shown on a large inflatable screen at dusk on June 15, July 13 and Aug. 10, respectively. Viewers are encouraged to bring blankets and enjoy popcorn provided by Bijou Theatre.

The annual Ocean’s Edge 5K and 10K run/walk event will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, July 6, at low tide and is family and pet-friendly, Marker said. The race starts and ends on the sand behind Kyllo’s Seafood & Grill and glass floats will be awarded to the first overall male and female participants. Interested runners/walkers can sign up online at runsignup.com.

National Night Out will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 6, and brings the Lincoln City community and Lincoln City Police Department together for a night of free food, live music, raffle prizes, a dunk tank, bounce houses and more at Kirtsis Park.

Local amateur radio club to dial in for national Field Day in Toledo

News Release
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Local amateur radio club to dial in for national Field Day in Toledo
Toledo’s Waterfront Park will be the site June 22-23 for Amateur Radio Field Day

Since 1933, ham radio operators across North America have established temporary ham radio stations in public locations during Amateur Radio Field Day to showcase the science and skill of amateur radio.

Members of the Lincoln County Amateur Radio Club will participate in the national Field Day’s 24-hour exercise beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Port of Toledo Waterfront Park next to the Toledo Post Office.

For more than 100 years, amateur radio — sometimes called ham radio — has allowed people from all walks of life to experiment with electronics and communications techniques, as well as provide a free public service to their communities during a disaster, all without needing a cell phone or the Internet. Field Day demonstrates ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent communications network.

Field Day is a showcase to show the public how amateur radio works reliably under any conditions from almost any location to create an independent communications network.

“Ham radio functions completely independent of the Internet or cell phone infrastructure, can interface with tablets or smartphones, and can be set up almost anywhere in minutes,” said David Isgur, N1RSN, communications manager for ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio®, (www.arrl.org), which represents amateur (or “ham”) radio operators across the country. “That’s the beauty of amateur radio during a communications outage.

“In today’s electronic do-it-yourself (DIY) environment, ham radio remains one of the best ways for people to learn about electronics, physics, meteorology, and numerous other scientific disciplines, and is a huge asset to any community during disasters or emergencies if the standard communication infrastructure goes down.”

Anyone can become a licensed amateur radio operator. There are more than 725,000 licensed hams in the United States, as young as 9 and as old as 100.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office sponsors the Auxiliary Communications Service Volunteer Group, 70-plus amateur radio operators specifically supporting local government emergency response.

For more information:

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