Letter to the Editor from Debby Miller

I have lived in Lincoln County for more than 15 years. Bill Hall was one of the very first people I met when the Lincoln County School District hired me to be Communications Coordinator. Bill was a radio reporter and I was “the voice” for LCSD.

Bill’s reporting was fair to all sides, honest, and he always wanted me to explain things in terms so that his listeners could understand the complexities of the issues. He was proud of the work he produced on behalf of his employer.

As County Commissioner, Bill Hall is still fair to all sides, honest, and strives to help his constituents understand the complexities of government issues. He should be proud of the work he produces on behalf of his employer (the citizens of Lincoln County.)

He has represented Lincoln County at the state and federal levels seeking better support for battered women, our animal shelter, education (from elementary to OCCC), and most recently for those rebuilding their lives after the recent storms.

Bill Hall knows Lincoln County. He knows the struggles of getting the attention of state and federal agencies to help our rural communities. Bill Hall has developed an understanding about government that takes years to grasp. He uses that knowledge to help our county every single day. He has earned the right to continue representing all of Lincoln County.

We can’t let his knowledge and integrity slip away. I voted for Bill Hall in 2004 and 2008. Please join me in voting for Bill Hall in 2012.

Debby Miller, Newport

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County Habitat Project Receives Elk Foundation Funding

A project to rejuvenate decadent meadows used by foraging elk and other wildlife in Lincoln County is one of a long list of restoration projects receiving funds from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. The RMEF funding of $165,500 supports projects statewide. “Oregon’s native grasslands are slowly shrinking because of fire suppression, encroaching conifers and noxious weed infestations. The projects that we’re funding this year will help restore some of those areas to a more natural condition,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “Our grants also will help to develop springs and guzzlers, remove old fencing and support important research across the state.” In Lincoln County portions of the Siuslaw National Forest, meadow habitat will be improved by removing encroaching conifers, treating weeds and seeding native forage plants.

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County Democrats Hold Fundraiser

The Lincoln County Democratic Central Committee holds a fundraiser April 21 featuring former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts. Also speaking at the 6:30 p.m. event is State Representative Jean Cowan, Newport. Roberts served as Governor from 1991 to 1995, after holding other offices, including Secretary of State. Cowan is retiring after serving the Central Coast as State Representative for District 10 since 2006 and serving 15 years as Lincoln County Commissioner. One of the main purposes of the Democratic Party is to assist Democratic candidates seeking public office, according to party member Daniel Beck. There will be a silent auction at the dinner, held at Eden Hall and the Side Door Cafe (6645 Gleneden Beach Loop), just west of 101 between Lincoln Beach and Salishan. Tickets are $30, and will be available at the door but attendees are asked to RSVP by April 17 if possible. Call 541-994-4694 or Sharon Cannon 541-614-0429.

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Lack of Storm Assistance Detailed

Lincoln County Emergency Manager Jenny Demaris told Lincoln County Commissioners this week (April 10) why county residents were not approved for Individual Assistance for January 2012 storm damage after a federal disaster declaration. In her presentation, she ran through the chain of events that left money available for governments and certain non-profits but left individuals to fend for themselves. Demaris and other county and local officials told Representative Kurt Schrader at a meeting Friday (April 12) additional assistance from the Federal government is paramount.

Oregon’s request for Public Assistance for government and certain non-profits’ infrastructure damage was approved March 2, while the Individual Assistance request for Lincoln and four other counties went under review and was then denied. Governor Kitzhaber appealed FEMA’s decision but review and final determination isn’t complete, according to Demaris. Some loan assistance for select organizations was approved through the Small Business Administration.

Lincoln County continues to work with Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (ORVOAD) and other organizations to match groups and businesses willing to donate time, materials and other assistance to victims of the January 17-21, 2012 storm. A Long-Term Recovery Line remains open at 541-265-0656, or by email.

Report on Federal Disaster Relief courtesy Lincoln County from via Vimeo.

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Lincoln County Moves Up in National Health Ranking

Lincoln County has improved from 27th to 23rd in a health ranking of Oregon’s 33 counties. The University of Wisconsin Health Institute report assesses “health outcomes,” which measures how long residents live, and their level of general health. Although the county has improved overall, a measurement of impediments to improving health remained unchanged. The largest areas where Lincoln County lags are adult cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse and the number of children in poverty. 27% of county adults smoke, compared to 18% statewide and a national benchmark of 14%. The number of adults in the county who engage in excessive alcohol consumption is 20% compared to 16% statewide. Lincoln County has a child poverty rate of 30%, compared to a statewide figure of 22%. The national benchmark is 13%. 27% of county residents are considered obese, compared to a statewide figure of 25%. The figures are based on data taken from various sources between 2002-2010.

Lincoln County has a declining rate of what are termed premature deaths, defined as ”years of potential life lost before age 75.” This year’s figure of 7,845 is down from a three-year average of more than 9,000 just ten years ago. 22% of county residents are uninsured, compared to a statewide figure of 19%. Work has already begun to address many of the issues that contribute to poor health in the county, according to Joell Archibald, director of the Lincoln County Public Health Division. “I applaud the community’s ongoing commitment to decreasing tobacco use and obesity,” said Archibald. “As this work continues, it is important to promote new and better ways to improve the community’s overall health.”

Archibald said the Public Health Division will be meeting this year with broadly representative groups of community members to expand on work that has been done in recent years to create a thorough community health assessment. The work will include setting specific goals and action plans aimed at improving the health and quality of life for Lincoln County residents.

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