Highway 229 Closure Due To Landslide (Photo) - 12/12/25

Siletz, Ore. December 12, 2025, 1:00 pm
 

There is a highway closure at Milepost 14 of Highway 229 due to landslide, The highway will be closed for an undetermined amount of time. Please use an alternate route. The landslide has impacted roughly a 0.2 mile stretch of road.
 

We are asking the public to please stay out of the impacted area.
 

The impacted area includes up to five residential properties, including substantial impact to at least three residential structures. All known occupants in the impacted area have been accounted for and have been safely evacuated.
 

The slide, including earth debris, structural debris, and possibly vehicle debris has entered the Siletz River. The slide originally occurred on property owned by Weyerhaeuser above Highway 229 and continued down to the properties below the highway and the Siletz River. Their representatives have been notified of the situation and are evaluating their property. Two of the evacuated residents have been connected to the American Red Cross for services.
 

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation, Siletz Valley Rural Fire Department, North Lincoln Fire and Rescue responded to the scene.
 

Lincoln County Emergency Management has activated the Emergency Operations Center to assist in response to the slide. State agencies have been notified regarding the river impacts.
 

As always, review www.tripcheck.com before you travel for the most up to date information.

12.12.25 - Burglary Investigation Leads To Vehicle Pursuit And Arrest - 12/12/25

BURGLARY INVESTIGATION LEADS TO VEHICLE PURSUIT AND ARREST
 

December 11, 2025 – Waldport, OR
 

On December 11, 2025, at approximately 9:00 AM, Deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a report of a burglary that occurred in Waldport. Surveillance video showed a red Dodge Ram pull up to the business, the male driver then got out of the truck and spray painted over two of the three working cameras, and then proceed to force entry into the business. The male stole an electronic bike and an undisclosed amount of cash before leaving. Deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office worked with Coos Bay Sheriff’s Office, Coos Bay Police, and North Bend Police and learned the registered owner of the truck sold the vehicle earlier that morning in the Coos Bay area.
 

At approximately 11:45 AM, Officers with Newport Police Department (NPD) located the red Dodge truck in the Fred Meyer Parking lot in Newport. After attempting to contact the driver of the truck, the driver fled the scene in the vehicle. Newport Police pursued the vehicle North on Highway 101. NPD was assisted by the Oregon State Police, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and Lincoln City Police in deploying stop sticks on the vehicle. The truck continued North on Highway 101 until it crashed near SE 51^st and Highway 101. The suspect then attempted to run on foot before quickly being subdued by onlookers at the crash site and taken into custody by officers without further incident. The suspect was identified as 33-year-old Tyler Mullen. Mullen was lodged at Lincoln County Jail on charges of Parole Warrant, Attempt to Elude (Vehicle), Attempt to Elude (Foot), Reckless Driving, two counts of Reckless Endangering, two counts of Criminal Mischief II, two counts of Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver, Burglary II, Theft I, and Criminal Mischief II.
 

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all its partnering agencies in this apprehension.
 

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Tip Of The Week - Using GPS During Winter (Photo) - 12/11/25

USING GPS IN WINTER

Winter officially begins on December 21^st and comes with an important reminder to drive with extra care. The Oregon Department of Transportation has some excellent tips to keep in mind when using GPS to navigate this winter:

Most navigation tools don't take current road or weather conditions into consideration. They may direct you onto remote roads that are neither maintained or passible in all weather conditions. Because of this, here are a few tips to consider:

What you can do:

• Be aware that the app on your phone or in your GPS device might not have the latest information. Don't follow it blindly!
• Use TripCheck.com (available online and on your phone) before you go to get the latest on state road conditions. You can also call 511.
• Remember, in winter conditions (or in summer's fire season), roads can be impassable, so use common sense.
• If you are not familiar with an area and current road conditions, stay on state roads and don't attempt detours onto roads you don't know.
• Alter your travel plans. If you are not sure of the route and conditions your device directs you to, ask local folks for information and consult a map. It is better to stay the night in town rather than be stuck on a remote road in the middle of nowhere.

What ODOT will do:

• ODOT crews work continually to keep state highways safe, but during certain conditions, such as blowing snow and freezing temperatures, you may want to avoid travel altogether.
• ODOT will issue media flash alerts if roads are closed. These will be updated continually on TripCheck.com​.

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 - 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