Tip Of The Week - Protecting Pets In Winter Weather (Photo) - 12/04/25

PROTECTING PETS IN WINTER WEATHER

Winter weather can mean fun in the snow, but it is also a time we should pay close attention to the safety of our pets. Here are some safety tips to follow as the weather gets colder:
 

1. Monitor your pet’s food intake. Pets who live outdoors should be fed a bit more in the winter because they need the extra calories to stay warm. Indoor pets typically receive less exercise during cold weather and may require fewer calories.
2. Oregon law requires all companion animals be provided shelter from the elements. They should have fresh water put out a couple of times a day. Consider a special bowl that prevents the water from freezing.
3. In severe weather, allow outdoor pets in your house or garage.
4. If your pet goes outdoors, be aware of the temperature. Pets can get frostbite very easily on the ears, tail, and paws.
5. When walking your dog in freezing conditions, check their paws to make sure ice is not building up between toes and that salt or gravel is not irritating the skin.
6. If your dog is a swimmer, keep them on a leash around open water or unstable ice. Hypothermia can set in quickly and your dog may be unable to get out of the water.
7. Before you start your car, ensure no cats are napping in the warm place your car provides by honking the horn or banging on the hood.
8. If you are decorating for the holidays, keep ornaments out of the reach of your pets. Remember that poinsettias, holly, mistletoe, and other plants can be toxic if ingested.
9. Ingesting anti-freeze can be fatal for dogs and cats. It has a sweet taste and even a small amount can cause severe kidney damage or death. You can use a

pet-safe antifreeze, look for brands containing propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. If you spill anti-freeze, soak it up immediately. Clay cat litter

works well to absorb spills, discard the litter once the anti-freeze has been absorbed.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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Tip Of The Week - Driving Drowsy (Photo) - 11/27/25

DRIVING DROWSY

It is always important to stay alert while driving, especially during this time of year when weather conditions can rapidly become hazardous. Driving while drowsy or tired is especially dangerous. Sleepiness slows your reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs your judgment just like drugs or alcohol. People who are very sleepy behave in similar ways to people who are drunk. Below are several safety tips to keep in mind before hitting the road.

To remain alert and avoid drowsiness:

• Getting plenty of sleep the night before a long trip.
• If you are tired, find a safe place to stop and take a nap or have an alert passenger drive.
• Traveling at times when you are normally awake and staying overnight rather than driving straight through.
• Schedule a break every two hours or every 100 miles.
• Stop driving if you become sleepy. Someone who is tired could fall asleep at any time. Fatigue impacts reaction time, judgment, and vision, causing people who are very sleepy to behave in similar ways to those who are drunk.
• Avoid working all day and then driving all night.
• Drink a caffeinated beverage. Since it takes about 30 minutes for caffeine to enter the bloodstream, find a safe place to take a 20-30 minute nap while you’re waiting for the caffeine to take effect.
• Avoid sleepy times of day. Take a mid-afternoon nap and find a place to sleep between midnight and 6 a.m.
• Traveling with an awake passenger.

You are too tired to drive if you’re experiencing any of the following:

• Having trouble keeping your eyes open and focused.
• The inability to keep your head up.
• Daydreaming or having wandering, disconnected thoughts.
• Drifting from your lane or off the road or tailgating.
• Yawning frequently or rubbing your eyes repeatedly.
• Missing signs or driving past your intended exit.
• Feeling irritable and restless.
• Being unable to remember how far you have traveled or what you have recently passed.

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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Seal Rock Man Arrested Following Child Exploitation Investigation - 11/26/25

Seal Rock, OR — On November 25, 2025, 55-year-old Larry Clunette Boles Jr., of Seal Rock, Oregon, was arrested and booked into the Lincoln County Jail on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Boles faces charges under ORS 163.684 – Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree and ORS 163.686 – Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree.

This arrest follows the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation led by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit, in collaboration with the Lincoln City Police Department, Oregon State Police, Toledo Police Department, Newport Police Department, and the Oregon Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

The investigation was initiated after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip from an electronic service provider that had identified suspected CSAM being distributed on its platform. NCMEC subsequently referred the information to law enforcement.

As part of the investigation, detectives executed multiple subpoenas and search warrants, leading to the seizure and forensic examination of several electronic devices belonging to Mr. Boles. These devices contained evidence of both possession and distribution of CSAM.

“The distribution of images depicting the sexual abuse of children revictimizes individuals who have already endured significant trauma,” said Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Detective Anthony Bettencourt. “We are committed to thoroughly investigating these crimes and pursuing justice for the victims.”

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to all partner agencies for their collaboration and continued efforts to protect vulnerable members of our community.

Tip Of The Week - Holiday Shopping Safety (Photo) - 11/20/25

HOLIDAY SHOPPING SAFETY

With the holiday season beginning there are many things to keep in mind, including travel safety, winter weather preparation, and shopping security. Below are some tips to keep in mind as you shop this holiday season.  

Shopping In-Stores:

• Be alert and aware. Be attentive to your surroundings.
• Don’t carry more cash or valuables than necessary.
• Take extra precautions with your wallet or purse. Carry your purse with the opening flap next to your body and the strap hung over your shoulder.
• Review shopping safety with children and always know where they are. Before going shopping, decide where to meet if you become separated.
• Always lock your car doors and remember where you park.
• Be sure to place valuables out of sight. Place them in the trunk or take them with you.
• Never hide spare keys in or on your car. If you need spare keys, keep them in your wallet or purse.
• Be alert to suspicious persons or circumstances. Avoid parking where you see someone sitting in their vehicle for no apparent reason.
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a situation, report it to security immediately.
• When walking in any parking lot, store, airport, shopping center, etc., walk confidently with your head up, make eye contact, and have your keys or phone ready.
• Use appropriate marked driving lanes and obey all traffic signs.
• Drive defensively and courteously.
• Remember, parking lots will be more crowded and checkout lanes will be busier, please be patient and plan to spend more time commuting and shopping.
   

Shopping Online:

• Use trusted and reputable websites with secure payment systems and be cautious with personal information.
• Before entering any sensitive information, make sure the website has a secure connection. Look for a padlock symbol and "https://" in the website URL.
• Use strong and unique passwords for your online accounts.
• Keep your devices, operating systems, and security software up to date to protect your device and information.
• Be aware of deals that seem too good to be true. Scammers use enticing offers to trick shoppers.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off about a website or a product, trust your gut and consider shopping elsewhere.
• Help prevent packages from being stolen:
  • Schedule deliveries to arrive when you will be home or have them delivered to your office.
  • Have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up your packages if you won’t be home.
  • Install a security camera on your property.
  • Have packages delivered to a shipping store. If you hold a post office box, use USPS for shipping and take advantage of their package lockers to receive your items. Some post offices allow boxholders to use it’s street address, with the customer’s box number as the “unit” number for deliveries from other carriers.
     

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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SANDBAGGING STATIONS IN LINCOLN COUNTY | ESTACIONES DE EMBOLSAMIENTO DE ARENA EN EL CONDADO DE LINCOLN (Photo) - 11/13/25

Traducción al español a continuación.

Lincoln County residents have access to three self-serve, public sandbagging stations located in Yachats, Newport, and Lincoln City.

Sandbagging is one simple, effective way to prevent or reduce flood water damage. Although sandbags do not guarantee a watertight seal, they can help prevent costly water damage.

Sandbags have been used to:

• Redirect storm water runoff to storm drains
• Redirect overflowing storm runoff drains from personal property
• Reduce leakage at closure structures
• Prevent overtopping of levees
• Direct a river's current flow to specific areas

Lincoln County Self-Serve Public Sandbagging Stations:

Hours:  Mid-October through mid-April

You can access sand any time of day or night.

If you plan on using the self-serve sandbagging station, remember to bring a shovel. Community members may gather up to 10 sandbags per household, per season. Those in need of more than 10 sandbags at a time are encouraged to reach out to local hardware stores and purchase them in advance. Protection of private property is the property owners’ responsibility and begins prior to storm events.

If you have a water run off hazard or a structure in flood plain, you should:

• Assess your property in advance. Waiting until the water is at your doorstep is too late; there won’t be enough time or resources to effectively mitigate the water or debris run off. 
• Consider flood insurance. Visit the National Flood Insurance Program or DFR – Flood Insurance.
• Educate yourself regarding sandbag quantities, flood fighting and sandbag placement techniques, and the help you might need to accomplish the task.
• If you know your property often floods, please evacuate when flood warnings are issued. Lincoln County Emergency Management cannot help you with food or evacuations once flood has surrounded or entered your home.

Additional information about sandbagging and floods can be found on the Emergency Management Hazards – Flooding & River Levels page.

Sheriff Adam D. Shanks

Samantha Buckley
Emergency Manager

ESTACIONES DE EMBOLSAMIENTO DE ARENA EN EL CONDADO DE LINCOLN

Los residentes del condado de Lincoln tienen acceso a tres estaciones públicas de autoservicio de bolsas de arena ubicadas en Yachats, Newport y Lincoln City.

Los sacos de arena son una forma sencilla y eficaz de prevenir o reducir los daños causados por las inundaciones. Aunque los sacos de arena no garantizan un cierre hermético, pueden ayudar a prevenir costosos daños causados por el agua.

Los sacos de arena se han utilizado para:

• Redirigir la escorrentía de aguas pluviales a los desagües pluviales.
• Redirigir los desagües de aguas pluviales desbordados de la propiedad privada.
• Reducir las fugas en las estructuras de cierre.
• Evitar el desbordamiento de diques.
• Dirigir el caudal de un río a zonas específicas.

Estaciones públicas de autoabastecimiento de sacos de arena del condado de Lincoln.

Horario:  De mediados de octubre a mediados de abril.
Puede acceder a la arena a cualquier hora del día o de la noche.

Si piensa utilizar la estación de autoservicio de sacos de arena, recuerde traer una pala. Los miembros de la comunidad pueden recoger hasta 10 sacos de arena por hogar y temporada. Aquellos que necesiten más de 10 sacos de arena a la vez pueden dirigirse a las ferreterías locales y comprarlos con antelación. La protección de la propiedad privada es responsabilidad de los propietarios y comienza antes de las tormentas.

Si tiene un riesgo de escorrentía de agua o una estructura en una llanura inundable, debe hacerlo:

• Evalúe su propiedad con anticipación. Esperar hasta que el agua llegue a su puerta es demasiado tarde; no habrá tiempo ni recursos suficientes para mitigar eficazmente el agua o los escombros. Considere contratar un seguro contra inundaciones. Visite el Programa Nacional de Seguros contra Inundaciones o DFR – Seguros contra Inundaciones.
• Infórmese sobre las cantidades de sacos de arena, las técnicas de lucha contra las inundaciones, y la colocación de sacos de arena, y la ayuda que podría necesitar para llevar a cabo la tarea.
• Si sabe que su propiedad se inunda con frecuencia, evacúe cuando se emitan alertas de inundación. La Oficina de Gestión de Emergencias del Condado de Lincoln no puede ayudarle con alimentos o evacuaciones una vez que la inundación haya rodeado o entrado en su casa.

Encontrará más información sobre los sacos de arena y las inundaciones en la página Riesgos de gestión de emergencias: inundaciones y niveles fluviales.

Sheriff Adam D. Shanks

Samantha Buckley
Manejo de Emergencias

Investigation Leads To Arrest For Toledo Junior/Senior High School Coach - 11/12/25

Successful Search And Rescue Mission Near Tidewater, OR - 11/10/25

Tidewater, OR — On November 6, 2025, at approximately 11:30 PM, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing hunter in the Harris Ranch area, just off Highway 34 near Tidewater, OR. The individual had contacted family members to report that he was lost and in need of assistance.

A patrol sergeant from the Sheriff’s Office responded to the area and met with the hunter’s family and friends near the location where the hunter’s vehicle was found. Initial efforts to pinpoint the hunter’s location indicated he was in a steep drainage area with dense brush and limited visibility. Due to the challenging terrain and heavy undergrowth, the decision was made to deploy the Lincoln County Search and Rescue (SAR) team.

SAR personnel arrived on scene and began their search in the area where the hunter was believed to be. They located several personal items that confirmed the hunter’s earlier presence and tracked a trail of belongings further down the drainage. A second SAR team approached from the bottom of the drainage and successfully located the hunter, who was found wet and cold but otherwise uninjured.

After a medical evaluation, it was determined the hunter was able to walk out on his own. He was escorted to waiting vehicles and reunited with his family and friends.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all outdoor enthusiasts to be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in remote wilderness areas. When venturing out in rainy or windy weather, wear clothing that is water-resistant and windproof. Avoid cotton garments, as they retain moisture and can rapidly draw heat from the body, increasing the risk of hypothermia.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and always let someone know your plans before heading into the wilderness

November 6, 2025, Tip Of The Week- VISOR Notification System (Photo) - 11/06/25

VISOR NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

Victims can sign up to receive automatic notifications regarding the transfer or release of adults in custody (AIC). In 2023, Victim Information System in Oregon (VISOR) was the notification system that replaced the VINE notification system. Below is more information about VISOR and how it can help keep you informed.

VISOR is a free, computer-based service that allows you to check on an offender’s custody status either in a county or state facility. It also allows you to register to receive automatic notification when an adult in custody (AIC) is released or transferred.

How do I use VISOR?

• Register online at: Home (oregon.gov)
• Email VISOR: visor@doc.oregon.gov
• Leave a voicemail for VISOR: 888-749-8080

You may locate an AIC using basic information such as the name or offender number to search for the AIC you want to register for.

• VISOR will give you the AIC’s custody information and invite you to register for free notification by phone call, email, or text if the status changes of the AIC
• Click in the “search bar” where you can conduct a statewide search of offenders and register to receive notifications of a change in custody status of the offender: Home (oregon.gov)
   

How do I register with VISOR?

You will need to provide:

1. A telephone number or email
2. Search for the AIC you want to register for
3. Choose a preferred notification delivery method

You may create an account in VISOR if you wish. Creating an account will allow you to choose how and when you receive notifications, it will allow you to view recent notifications that were sent to you, allow you to change your personal information, and allow you to unregister.

You also have the option to remain anonymous when registering instead of creating an account.

Important VISOR Facts

• VISOR will send you a notification when the AIC you registered for is released, transferred, escapes, or is deceased.
• All registrations and personal information with VISOR are, and will remain, confidential.
• You may register more than one phone number or email.

NOTE: Do not depend on the VISOR service as your only protection. If you feel you may be at risk, take precautions as if the offender has already been released.
 

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

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