Lincoln City Company Appeals DEQ Penalty

Central Coast Ready Mix of Lincoln City has appealed an $8,800 Department of Environmental Quality penalty for allegedly discharging waste into Baldy Creek. DEQ said the company dumped waste, including concrete wash water, from its concrete batch plant into the Creek and into a ditch that connects to the creek in Lincoln City. Baldy Creek is habitat for native cutthroat trout and other sensitive aquatic life. The alleged violation was seen by an inspector and an Oregon State Police officer on Sept. 1, 2011. The company was also cited but note fined for paperwork irregularities.

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Next Homeless Connect Planned for May 17

by Claire McGee

As part of the Lincoln County Ten Year Plan on Homelessness, Lincoln City Project Homeless Connect 2012 met Wednesday, January 25, at the Lincoln City Cultural Center, to organize plans for their upcoming event, “A Day To Connect.” It will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on May 17. A similar event is planned for October in Newport. Lincoln County Commissioner Bill Hall opened the discussion, followed by Americorp Vista Volunteer Elise Jordan, former nurse Pat Bauer, and Barbara Dougherty, Director of Lincoln County Commission on Children & Families.

Under discussion was the formation of committees to facilitate the planning and event logistics for May. Steering committees were formed for publicity, logistics, pet care, food (day of the event), clothing drive, medical and dental and LIEAHP — low income utility Program. Volunteers interested in planning or workong on the day of the event can contact Barbara Dougherty at the Lincoln County office.  She will connect you to the interest group of your choice or volunteer coordinator.

Homeless Connect was started in San Francisco and A Day to Connect was very successful last October in its debut here in Lincoln County. Portland makes these services available daily at the Bud Clark Commons. Here in Lincoln County, at the Lincoln City event, in May, the following services will be offered: haircuts, veterinarian services, bicycle repair, distribution of personal care items, free health screening and help finding housing. There is no ‘means testing’; anyone in need can come and receive services at “A Day To Connect” on May 17.

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One Year Later, Dodds Mending, Durham Still Sought

January 23 marks one year since Lincoln City (LCPD) Police Officer Steven Dodds was shot and seriously wounded during a late evening traffic stop. Dodds has worked to recover from life-threatening injuries and recently returned to his patrol duties. According to a release from Lincoln City Police Lieutenant Jerry Palmer, “His reactions that night, combined with the valiant and professional efforts of his Patrol Sergeant, the other on-duty LCPD members, and outstanding emergency medical personnel in Lincoln City and Portland not only saved his life ,but also paved the way for his recovery. Officer Dodds and LCPD remain ever grateful for those efforts,” Palmer wrote. Dodds has been recognized for his valor and courage by several organizations, including the awarding of a Purple Heart from the Oregon Peace Officers Association. When asked how he felt at the time, Dodds said, “I was a victim for thirty seconds and I have been a survivor since.” Palmer said Dodds has been very humbled by the overwhelming support of his community and fellow officers.

Dodds was shot by the driver of a vehicle he had stopped in Lincoln City for a speed violation. The shooter, who has been identified as David Durham, fled the scene, shooting at bystanders as he continued southbound on Highway 101. Durham led Newport Police and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies on a high speed chase through Newport, continuing to shoot at trailing police vehicles as he fled until his vehicle was disabled by spike strips deployed by an off-duty Lincoln County deputy near Waldport. Durham then ran off and allegedly shot at boaters on Alsea Bay as he tried to escape. An extensive manhunt was conducted with the help of numerous agencies, but Durham has never been found. LCPD, OSP and the FBI continue the investigation and all three agencies followed up on separate tips this past week, according to Palmer. The FBI has a $10,000 reward posted for information leading to Durham’s arrest. The local tip line is 541-949-3636.

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Homeless Connect Project Seeks Leaders

The Lincoln County Commission on Children and Families wants community leaders for the Lincoln City Project Homeless Connect (PHC) Steering Committee. The Call to Action event is Wednesday January 25 from noon- 1:30 p.m. at the Lincoln City Cultural Center (540 NE Hwy 101). PHC grew from the county’s ten-year plan to end homelessness. It is designed to welcome homeless residents into the life of the community, and changing the way resources are made available. “In order to continue the great work in Lincoln City, we need to recruit strong community partners, who are dedicated to connecting homeless with the community,” said Lincoln County Commissioner Bill Hall. He called PHC “a critical resource in our efforts to help those who face the most devastating barriers, with no place to call home.” Lincoln County has one of the highest rates of student homelessness in Oregon. The Lincoln County School District has identified 471 homeless students. Lincoln City’s 2012 Project Homeless Connect event is scheduled May 17 at St. Peter the Fisherman Lutheran Church.

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Flood Warnings and Roads Closed

A sinkhole on Highway 101 near milepost 144 has passage down to one lane. (Photo: OSP)

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Siletz River. At 4 pm today, Wednesday, January 18th the river level was at 14.9 feet and is expected to rise above flood stage (16 ft) by 7pm today and to crest at 17.2 ft by 10pm tonight. It is expected to remain above flood stage with additional rises possibly on Thursday the 19th. Citizens should expect minor lowland flooding and minor flooding of some structures and roads along the Siletz river at and above the 16ft mark.

A flood warning for the Alsea River near Tidewater is in effect through Friday evening, or until the warning is cancelled. At 4:00 p.m. Wednesday the river was at 16.9 feet. Flood stage is 18.0 feet. Minor flooding is forecast, with a flood crest near 20.0 feet around 10:00 p.m. Thursday. Expect minor flooding of low-lying pastureland, roads and structures along the river.

A Flood Watch remains in effect through Friday morning for the rest of the area.

The Oregon Department of Transportation reports Highway 18 between Lincoln City and Grand Ronde will be closed overnight (Wednesday into Thursday), with a closure between MP 6 and 6.5.

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