Toledo Police Begins Scouting Program

The Toledo Police Department is accepting applications for its Explorer Program. According to a press release, “This is a unique opportunity for young adults between the ages of 14 and 21 to learn the fascinating field of law enforcement. The Explorer Program will provide career orientation experiences, leadership opportunities, and community service activities.” The primary goals of the Explorer Program is to help young adults choose a career path within law enforcement and to challenge them to become responsible citizens of their communities and the nation, it said. To apply, pick up an application form at the Toledo Police Department (250 W. Business 20) or attend an informational meeting at the Toledo Police Department on January 11 at 6:00 p.m. For more information please contact Officer Michael Pace at 541-336-5555.

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Mrs. Claus and Elves Deliver Again

Some of the hundreds of gifts for area children wrapped up and ready to go

Who could say no to Mrs. Claus?

Lincoln County’s Mrs. Claus and her elves delivered surprise Christmas gifts to 150 area families December 23, packing the sleighs a little tighter than in 2010. Generous friends, neighbors and local businesses donated roughly 150 gifts to about 100 families in 2010. The number of families on Mrs. C’s gift list this year was close to 150. Volunteers tried to ensure each child received at least two gifts and stocking stuffers. In addition, newly-recruited elf, “Mike the Bike Man” took in 46 donated bicycles and got them into running condition.

Mrs. Claus is ready to take donations of unopened, unwrapped toys and used bicycles for 2012. Mike the Bike Man said he can get bikes into shape in very little time, provided it has no major problems. “A little wax or paint…if the bearings need tightening, I’ll do that,” he said. “I’ll make sure the bicycle is safe.” Mrs. Claus is carrying on a Lincoln County tradition started many years ago by Dorothy Grover of Newport. To sign up as an elf, or get more information, call 541-336-2088. Delivery runs last week were made by employees of M&K Bark and volunteers from Toledo Fire and Rescue. Much of the gift wrapping was done at Oregon Coast Bank.

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Finals Set For Student Talent Contest

20 acts will take the stage December 3 for the second auditions of the “Lincoln County’s Got Talent!” 44 acts totaling 50 students faced. The 29 students chosen for the next round were: Vocalists Saoirse Crone, 13 and Michaela Lee, 13; and dancer Kaden Parker, 7 (Crestview Heights); DISPARITY, comprised of Gage Pursifull, 15, Leland Loomis, 16, Fulton Miller, 16, and Corie McBride, 17 (Eddyville); Vocalist Sydnie Oleman, 14; Duet: Victoria Kidman, 14 and Joycie Reid, 15; ROOM TEMPERATURE comprised of Casey Rilatos, 17, Savanna Rilatos, 14 and Tirzah Rilatos, 14, (Toledo JR/SR) and Raydar Taylor, 12 (Siletz Charter School);

Vocalists Kyle Bertness, 14, and Marlene Williams, 15, Pianist Cherry Shen, 17 and FLANNELWOLF, comprised of Ethan Bear, 18, Grayson Bear, 15, Connor Price, 14 (Newport HS); dancer Tryston Wolfe, 10 (Newport Middle School); Vocalist Laura McCrum, 13 (Isaac Newton MS); Vocalists Samantha Raines, 15, Tristan Smith, 14, and Faith Wood, 13 (Taft HS); vocalist Lillian Salsbery, 10 (Taft Elementary); musician Jason Mickel 18, (OCCC); Vocalist Ethan Church, 17 (Lincoln City)

The “Lincoln County’s Got Talent!” Finale is Saturday, February 4, 2012, 7:00 p.m. at the Newport Performing Arts Center. The top five performers receive prizes. Proceeds from Finale ticket sales and contributions collected from Top Ten Concerts and other local youth performances are used to provide housing assistance for homeless youth and their families, through the Homeless Youth Alliance of Lincoln County. The Alliance’s mission is to help families move into permanent, sustainable housing. For information, or to become a sponsor or volunteer, call 541-765-4558 or send an email. You can also find the group on Facebook.

Judges were Fred Schmale, Mary VanderMeiden, Howard Lackey, JJ Hendricks, Vickie Steen and Mary Ann Gerke.

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Hwy 20 Project May Stretch Into 2014

Joe Squire, Project Manager for the Pioneer Mountain-Eddyville project on U.S. 20 confirms it will take two more construction seasons to finish the project that began in 2005. Squire gave an update to the Toledo City Council Wednesday night, including a slide show providing a ‘virtual road trip’ along the uncompleted 5.5 mile stretch. Squire said “I know for sure it will take two construction seasons to finish the work. The obvious question is ‘when’s the first construction season?’” Squire said everyone is working hard to make sure the next construction season is 2012, but he couldn’t guarantee the work would not take until 2014. Meetings continue among the contractor, ODOT engineers and consultants, as they work to find solutions for shifting ground along the project route. He said “ODOT remains very committed to get this thing done. It will save 10-15 minutes of driving time and open up (Lincoln County) to large commercial trucks. He estimated the new road will save G-P Toledo “$50 to $100 per truckload,” making the mill much more competitive.

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Nashville Road Closed This Week

Construction on a replacement railway crossing will close Oregon 180 (Nashville-Summit Hwy)Thursday and Friday at milepost 6.8. Work begins at 7:00 a.m. Thursday, October 27 and continues until 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 28. The Oregon Department of Transportation said the Portland and Western Railroad will be rebuilding a rail crossing at that location. People whose destination is east of milepost 6.8 will need to approach from the Blodgett side of the highway until the work is done.

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