Traffic Stop In Depoe Bay Leads To Drug And Firearm Seizure (Photo) - 08/22/25

On August 19, 2025, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a vehicle for expired registration when the driver, later identified as Randy Dean Manns, 56, of Alsea, attempted to evade them by pulling into a private parking space and exiting the vehicle. Manns was cited and his vehicle impounded.

During an inventory search, deputies discovered drug paraphernalia. Manns, who is on probation, was detained and a detainer was issued by his parole officer.

Following a search warrant, deputies found a loaded handgun, several ounces of methamphetamine, suspected additional illicit substances, and evidence of drug manufacturing and distribution.

Manns was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail and faces additional charges including Unlawful Possession and Manufacture of Methamphetamine (Commercial Drug Offense), and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

August 21, 2025, Tip Of The Week- Back To School (Photo) - 08/21/25

BACK TO SCHOOL

Many families find themselves getting ready for back to school. With many public and private schools throughout Lincoln County, motorists need to remember to slow down near neighborhoods and schools.

How do I know when the school zone speed limit is active?

A school speed zone is in effect each morning and afternoon when school is in session, when children are walking to and from school, and when there’s a chance they may be present. The speed limit is 20 mph in a posted school zone between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on schooldays. If the school zone is equipped with a flashing yellow light(s), the speed limit is in effect when flashing.

These speed limits help keep children safe. Many of our schools include students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. With varying ages, heights, and abilities, a parked car can obscure students’ view of traffic and your view of them. Students may be distracted while stepping onto the roadway or forget to look before crossing the street. Driving at 20 mph will give you more time to react and avoid a collision. The following chart reveals the distance required to stop at specific speeds.

Traffic crashes are one of the deadliest hazards our children face. Let's do our part when we pass schools by slowing down, watching, and expecting the unexpected. Everyone needs to do their part to ensure the safety of our children.

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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Ongoing Child Luring Investigation Results In Another Arrest - 08/18/25

In August 2025, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies conducting ongoing online child luring investigations posing as underage children on various social media platforms were contacted by 48-year-old Eric White of Corvallis, OR.

On 08/04/2025, Mr. White contacted an LCSO decoy account and engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange an in-person meeting for illegal sexual encounters.

Then on 08/15/2025, Mr. White contacted a second LCSO decoy account and engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange an in-person meeting for illegal sexual encounters.

On 08/18/2025, Lincoln County Deputies arrested Mr. White after he traveled to Newport, OR to meet with both decoy accounts in a hotel room. Mr. White is charged with three counts of Luring a Minor and three counts of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree and remains in custody at the Lincoln County Jail.

This arrest highlights the continued success of focused enforcement efforts aimed at identifying and stopping individuals who seek to exploit children online before any harm is done. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office remains deeply committed to safeguarding children and ensuring offenders are brought to justice.

We urge parents and guardians to stay actively involved in their children’s online lives and to foster open, ongoing conversations about the dangers of interacting with strangers on the internet. By combining education, awareness, and strong law enforcement, we can build a safer community for every child.

August 14, 2025, Tip Of The Week- ODOT Work Zones (Photo) - 08/14/25

ODOT WORK ZONES
 

As you gear up for that final summer road trip or just make your way home from work, you may run into roadwork and traffic delays. That may mean reduced speed limits and traffic delays in work zones. Did you know 4 out of 5 work zone crash victims are NOT the workers? It is actually the drivers and their passengers traveling through the work zone areas. Inattention and speed are the most common causes of work zone crashes.

Work zones are dangerous for everyone even when workers are not visible. That is why Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) lowers the speed limits in work zones. Exceeding work zone speed limits can be especially hazardous for numerous reasons:

• Traffic patterns may change day to day
• Roads may be rough, uneven or covered with debris
• Temporary lanes may be narrow with abrupt edges
• Roadside equipment may obstruct views

Commuters are often caught off guard by work zone hazards. Distracted driving and driving over the speed limit reduces the necessary reaction time to avoid a crash. When you see orange signs, cones, and barrels on the roadway, PAY EXTRA ATTENTION! Those are your clues to be prepared for unexpected obstacles and stopped or slowing cars. Slow down, stay alert, and avoid distractions.

For more information about work zone safety, go to ODOT's website at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Safety/Pages/Work-Zone.aspx  

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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LINCOLN COUNTY SEEKS ADDITIONAL PUBLIC INPUT ON UPDATE TO NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN - 08/07/25

Newport, Oregon ­–

Lincoln County is currently in the process of updating their existing Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP). This work is performed in cooperation with the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement - Oregon Partnership for Disaster Resilience and the Oregon Department of Emergency Management utilizing funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant Program. With re-adoption of the plan, Lincoln County will maintain its eligibility to apply for federal funding towards natural hazard mitigation projects.

This local planning process includes a wide range of representatives from city and county government, and emergency management personnel. Community feedback will be captured through outreach to members of the public through an electronic survey. This NHMP also affects:

• The cities of Depoe Bay, Lincoln City, Newport, Siletz, Toledo, Waldport, and Yachats
• Special districts of Beverly Beach Water District, Central Lincoln PUD, Central Oregon Coast Fire and Rescue District, Depoe Bay Fire District, Gleneden Beach Sanitary District, Kernville-Gleneden Beach-Lincoln Beach Water District, Lincoln County School District, North Lincoln Fire & Rescue District, Otter Rock Water District, Panther Creek Water District, Salishan Sanitary District, Seal Rock Water District, Siletz Valley Fire District, and SW Lincoln County Water PUD

A natural hazard mitigation plan provides communities with a set of goals, action items, and resources designed to reduce risk from future natural disaster events. Engaging in mitigation activities provides jurisdictions with many benefits, including reduced loss of life, property, essential services, critical facilities, and economic hardship; reduced short-term and long-term recovery and reconstruction costs; increased cooperation and communication within the community through the planning process; and increased potential for state and federal funding for recovery and reconstruction projects. 

An electronic version of the updated draft Lincoln County NHMP will be available for formal public comment beginning August 7, 2025. To view the draft please visit: https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/1227/NHMP-2025-Draft-Plan  

If you have any questions regarding the Lincoln County NHMP or the update process in general, please contact: Samantha Buckley, Lincoln County Emergency Manager at (541) 265-0657 or sbuckley@co.lincoln.or.us; or Michael Howard, Director for the Oregon Partnership for Disaster Resilience at mrhoward@uoregon.edu.

August 7, 2025, Tip Of The Week- Summer Scam Reminder (Photo) - 08/07/25

Summer can be a time for relaxation, adventure, reconnecting with loved ones, and time for taking those anticipated summer vacations. Even with the nice weather, scammers aren’t taking time off. This means you have to be aware and cautious throughout the year. Here are some common summer scams to watch for and tips on how to avoid them:
 

1. Law Enforcement Scams:

• Scammers pose as law enforcement agencies and claim you missed jury duty, owe fees, or someone needs bail money. They urge you to pay the “fees” quickly to avoid serious consequences and accept bitcoin, gift cards, or other non-traditional payment forms.
• Scammers pose as animal shelters or rescue organizations and claim they can reunite you with your lost pet for a large fee.
• Prevent these by scams by
  • Verifying information is coming from an official source. When in doubt, hang up, look up the agency’s contact information and call or stop by their office to verify someone is trying to contact you.
  • Save our contact information to quickly verify information is coming from the Sheriff’s Office:
    • LCSO Website: lincolncountysheriff.net/
    • LCSO Main Office: 541-265-4277
    • LCSO Animal Shelter: 541-265-6610

1. Vacation Rental Scams:
   • Scammers post vacation rentals online at enticing prices.
   • They ask for advance payment via wire transfer, but the rental either doesn’t exist or is not available.
   • Prevent this by using reputable rental platforms or companies.
      
2. Home Improvement Scams:
   • Contractors offer very low-cost services such as driveway repaving, house painting, etc.
   • Contractors claim repairs are urgently needed and encourage you to act quickly to avoid further damage or before prices increase.
   • They may take your money without completing the work, work without proper permits, or do low quality work.
   • Prevent this by avoiding unsolicited offers, getting multiple referrals or bids, and researching companies and contractors.
      
3. Employment Scams:
   • Scammers exploit job seekers by offering fake summer jobs.
   • Scammers post opportunities that promise high pay for minimal effort.
   • Prevent this by verifying job postings, researching organizations, and avoid sharing personal information until you have verified the company and posting is legitimate.
      
4. Travel Scams:
   • Beware of unsolicited travel deals or sweepstakes claiming you’ve won a free vacation.
   • Prevent this by verifying offers and information before sharing your personal information or payment.

1. Ticket and Event Scams:
   • Scammers sell counterfeit tickets to concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other activities.
   • Prevent this by purchasing tickets from authorized sellers and verifying websites or vendors before purchasing.

Staying informed, being cautious, and helping family and friends learn how to spot scams can help protect everyone throughout the year.

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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Continued Proactive Child Luring Investigation Leads To Two More Arrests - 08/06/25

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies conducting ongoing online child luring investigations posing as underage children on various social media platforms were contacted by two adult males who engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange in-person meetings for illegal sexual encounters.

On July 31st, 2025, a Lincoln County Detective traveled to Albany, Oregon, and arrested Gary Stitzel, 75, of Albany, on charges of Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree.

On August 5th, 2025, Jason Martin, 45, of Seal Rock, Oregon, traveled to meet with a decoy persona and was subsequently arrested. He was charged with Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree.

These arrests again underscore the effectiveness of proactive, targeted enforcement strategies designed to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit children online before harm can occur. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its mission to protect children and hold offenders accountable.

Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to monitor their children’s online activity and maintain open, ongoing conversations about the risks of communicating with strangers on the internet. Through community awareness, education, and enforcement, we can work together to ensure a safer environment for all children.

July 31, 2025, Tip Of The Week- Fire Safety (Photo) - 07/31/25

Fire season is in full swing and has reminded us to stay vigilant and cautious. Fire season is the time of year where wildfires are more likely to occur. There are precautions we can all take to reduce the risk of becoming the victim of a fire.

Many resources and status updates can be found at Wildfire.Oregon.gov or KeepOregonGreen.org. This week we want to share the following tips that can help keep you and your family safe.

Preventing Fires and Fire Damage

Protect your home

Embers are the leading cause of home loss during a wildfire. They can travel up to three miles ahead of the main flame front. Creating a 30-foot defensible space around your home can increase its chance of surviving a wildfire. To start:

• Remove combustible materials like dried pine needles and leaves from gutters, eaves, and around your chimney.
• Limb trees several feet off the ground to help prevent fire from reaching the tree crowns.
• Keep patios clear of dry, combustible materials.
• Remove flammable items like outdoor furniture cushions.
• Get a free defensible space assessment and learn more from your local fire agency or by visiting https://oregondefensiblespace.org/.

Campfires

First, call or check with your local forestry office or fire district to learn if there are any current campfire restrictions. Only light campfires when it’s safe and permitted.

When safely having a campfire:

• Select a flat, open location away from flammable materials such as logs, brush or decaying leaves and needles. 
• Scrape away grass, leaves and needles down to the mineral soil.  
• Cut wood in short lengths, pile it within the cleared area and then light the fire. 
• Stay with your fire.
• Extinguish it completely before leaving.​​

When using equipment

Before you start: 

• Check with your local fire agency for equipment use restrictions. 
• Make sure gas-powered equipment has spark arrestors. 

Always: 

• Use gas-powered equipment early in the day when the fire risk is lower. 
• Avoid starting equipment near dry grass and plants. 
• Avoid rocks and other solid objects that could cause a spark if a metal blade strikes them.  
• Keep a fire extinguisher or hose nearby in case of a fire. 
• Wear eye/ear protection and gloves. 
• Use caution when welding or grinding metal, be aware of your surroundings. 

When traveling

While you are packing and preparing to explore Oregon, it’s important to stay up to date on road closures with Tripcheck.com and have emergency supplies in case you get stranded. 

• Check out the resources at Car Safety | Ready.gov/Car
• Extinguish all smoking materials completely and never in dry grass.  Don’t toss it out your window.
• Carry a shovel, bucket and a fire extinguisher in your vehicle to put out fires.
• Avoid parking or driving on dry grass; your vehicle can start a wildfire. Park on gravel surfaces or developed roadside pull-outs to avoid a vehicle's hot exhaust system touching dry grass.
• Ensure all parts of your vehicle, from mufflers to chains, are secure and not dragging.
• Check tire pressure, wheel bearing lubrication, and the possible metal-on-metal contact of worn-out brakes.
• Maintain and clean exhaust systems and spark arrestors.
• ATVs are required to be inspected when in use on public lands. Operate ATVs only on established roads and trails on public lands.

If There is a Fire or Threat of Fire

Power Outages

In certain cases, utilities may implement public safety power shutoffs (PSPS). A PSPS is a safety measure designed to help protect people and communities in high fire-risk areas by proactively shutting off electricity during extreme and dangerous weather conditions that might result in wildfires. Utilities may also need to deenergize lines to protect equipment from nearby fires, or to protect personnel fighting fires. What you can do:

• Contact your electricity provider or log in to your account and make sure all contact information is current so you receive alerts and messages.
• For individuals with a medical condition that requires power, contact your electricity service provider in advance of an outage to register a Medical Certificate. This certification provides added benefits and helps the utility ensure they meet your needs in the event of an outage.

Natural gas tips

• If required to evacuate, no need to shut off natural gas.
• If natural gas appliances do not operate properly once electricity is restored, call your natural gas service provider.
• If natural gas service is shut off, do not turn on yourself. Call your natural gas service provider to restore service.
• If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately and call 911.

In case of evacuation

Make, practice, and review your housefire and wildfire evacuation plans with your household. Help children learn the fire exits in each room of the house, where to go, and how to get help if you are not home. Remember to include pets and livestock.

Know the evacuation levels and what to do.
 

Level 1 (Green) – Be Ready for potential evacuation.

Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor your devices and telephones, local media sources, and Sheriff’s Office website to receive updated information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property, pets, and livestock. If conditions worsen, public safety will issue an upgrade to a level 2 or 3 for this area.
 

Level 2 (Yellow) – Be Set to evacuate.

You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger in your area, and residents should either voluntarily evacuate now to a shelter or to a family/friend’s home outside of the affected area. If choosing to remain, residents need to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items but doing so is at their own risk.

This may be the only notice you receive.
 

Level 3 (Red) – GO NOW! Evacuate now.

Leave immediately! Danger in your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this notice, you must understand that Public Safety Officials may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home.

This may be the last notice you receive until the notice is cancelled or downgraded.

Visit https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/708/Emergency-Management to sign up for or update your existing Lincoln Alerts profile, find active wildfires, or see recent emergency alerts. 

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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Save The Date - Shred Day - 2025 (Photo) - 07/31/25

SAVE THE DATE - On Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office will be hosting a "Shred Day" at the Lincoln County Courthouse parking lot located at 225 W. Olive Street, Newport, OR 97365. The event is being held in an effort to combat identity theft and financial fraud for our citizens and assist them in protecting their personal privacy. 

Shred Day is a free event open to the public. This event is not intended for significant amounts of shredding for private businesses or other government entities. 

Feel free to bring your paper documents, files, canceled checks, or any other document that contains your personal or sensitive information. We also accept CDs and DVDs that contain personal or sensitive information. The shredding is 100% secure and will be conducted by an iSecure truck on site. 

There is no limit to the amount of shredding that you may bring; however, once the truck is full, we will not be able to accept any more documents.   

Shredding is one of the most important things you can do to prevent identity theft. Below are just a few examples of items you should shred and not place in your trash can. 

- Expired or unused credit and debit cards 
- Credit card statements 
- Pre-approved credit card offers and applications 
- Checking and savings account statements 
- Canceled checks 
- Investment account statements 
- Pension account statements 
- Paycheck stubs 
- Phone and utility bills 
- Tax returns and statements 
- Medical records or bills 
- Insurance policy or claim information (auto, health, life) 
- Expired identification documents (driver licenses and passports) 

Questions? Call 541-265-4912 

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Submitted by: 
Lisa Combs, Support Services Director 
ecombs@co.lincoln.or.us 
Ph: 541-265-4912

07.30.25 - Distant Tsunami Advisory Cancelled - 07/30/25

07/30/2025 Distant Tsunami Talking Points (Photo) - 07/30/25

07/30/2025 Distant Tsunami Talking Points

What Caused the Tsunami Advisory?

The evening of July 29^th, the National Weather Service issued a tsunami watch which included the Oregon Coast due to an earthquake about 80 miles off the coast of Russia. The watch was then upgraded to a tsunami advisory.
 

What do you need to know now?
As of this morning, July 30, 2025, the advisory remains in effect. This means you need to stay out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets. Our team continues to monitor information from the National Weather Service (NWS) and tsunami.gov, but you also want to continue to be alert and watch for updates.

What is the difference between a watch, advisory, and warning?
A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or another event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain. This is why the NWS originally issued a distant tsunami watch. It is intended to provide enough time for people in the potentially impacted areas to set their plans in motion. A watch means hazardous weather is possible. People should have a plan of action in case the situation develops further and they should listen for updated information and possible warnings.

An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or another event is occurring, imminent or likely. Advisories are used for less serious conditions than warnings, but still cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property. This is why we were upgraded to an advisory last night, there was and still are dangerous conditions on our beaches, marinas, harbors, bays, and inlets.

A warning is when hazardous weather or events are occurring, imminent, or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property. People in the affected area need to take protective action when a warning is issued. For a tsunami warning, which is not active for the Oregon Coast as of 7am on July 30, 2025, this means moving to higher ground and out of the tsunami inundation zones.

What is the difference between a distant tsunami and a local tsunami?

A distant tsunami, such as this one, is caused by an earthquake or other event that is not in our area. This means there is time for responders to get information, assess the situation, and get information out to impacted areas, including information on if they need to evacuate.

A local tsunami is caused by a local earthquake or event. With a local tsunami, the earthquake is the notification that you need to evacuate to higher ground. There is not time for local responders to get information out to the affected areas. If you are ever on the Oregon Coast and feel the ground shake, evacuate to higher ground.
 

How do I know if I am in the tsunami inundation zone?

Nanoos.org has an interactive map where you can enter any address and see what areas are in the known distant and local tsunami inundation zones. That’s nvs.nanoos.org/TsunamiEvac

What did the response look like last night?

Our small Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team was activated at about 5:20pm yesterday, July 29, 2025. We quickly called back some team members that had left at the end of their shift and put additional staff on standby in case the situation escalated quickly. We continued to monitor developing information and put together public information and information for Lincoln County Cooperators. Traditionally, during local events and disaster response, the Lincoln County communities do an incredible job coming together. One piece of this puzzle is making sure responders and similar organizations have information about the situation, are communicating with each other, and have a good grasp on the action plan or activities already in motion. Another really important piece of this puzzle is our community members doing one of the things they do best, which is helping keep each other informed and prepared for any action that may be needed such as evacuations. Our team and partners work very hard to get information out in a timely manner, but some of our community members don’t have access to some forms of communication; this is one area community members make a big impact by checking on neighbors, friends, and vulnerable populations.  
 

Our team continued to monitor the situation through the night and continues to do so this morning.

During those initial phases of activation there are a lot of moving pieces. Team members are working on assessing developing information -which can change quickly, managing public information and notifications, making plans for evacuations and shelters or assembly points, and so much more. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and cooperators are incredibly dedicated to our communities’ safety and wellbeing and reflect that in our coordinated responses to events.

What is the Sheriff’s Office currently doing?

Continuing to monitor the situation and sending relevant updates to our community.

What about expected impacts?

The National Weather Service has information on anticipated impacts. In one of their messages they shared the following:

Impacts will vary at different locations in the warning and in the advisory areas.

If you are in a tsunami warning area:

• A tsunami with damaging waves and powerful currents is possible.
• Repeated coastal flooding is possible as waves arrive onshore, move inland, and drain back into the ocean.
• Strong and unusual waves, currents and inland flooding can drown or injure people and weaken or destroy structures on land and in water.
• Water filled with floating or submerged debris that can injure or kill people and weaken or destroy buildings and bridges is possible.
• Strong and unusual currents and waves in harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets may be especially destructive.

If you are in a tsunami advisory area:

• A tsunami with strong waves and currents is possible.
• Waves and currents can drown or injure people who are in the water.
• Currents at beaches and in harbors, marinas, bays, and inlets may be especially dangerous.
   

If you are in a tsunami warning or advisory area:

• Some impacts may continue for many hours to days after arrival of the first wave.
• The first wave may not be the largest so later waves may be larger.
• Each wave may last 5 to 45 minutes as a wave encroaches and recedes.
• Coasts facing all directions are threatened because the waves can wrap around islands and headlands and into bays.
• Strong shaking or rolling of the ground indicates an earthquake has occurred and a tsunami may be imminent.
• A rapidly receding or receded shoreline, unusual waves and sounds, and strong currents are signs of a tsunami.
• The tsunami may appear as water moving rapidly out to sea, a gentle rising tide like flood with no breaking wave, as a series of breaking waves, or a frothy wall of water.

What can I do to prepare for future events or disasters?

• Stay updated with current information and alerts:
  • National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/
  • Tsunami.gov: tsunami.gov/
  • Lincoln County Emergency Alerts and Information - Lincoln Alerts
    • Sign up for or update your existing account to receive messages directly: member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/new
    • View sent messages and local alerts: member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/notif
  • Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Media Releases - FlashAlert: flashalert.net/id/LCSO
• Make an Emergency Plan
  • Review NVS Tsunami Evacuation Zones
    • Learn what tsunami evacuation zones your home, work, school, and other areas you frequent are in.
    • Learn the Tsunami Message definitions and appropriate actions.
  • Talk with family and friends about what you will do, including if you’re not together during an emergency.
  • Practice your plan at different times and on different days. What will you do if you are at home, work, school, or another location?
  • Plan to check on your neighbors or vulnerable community members and offer assistance if possible.
  • Build an Emergency Kit
    • Create an emergency kit or update your existing one.
    • Some supplies include:
      • at least 4 weeks supply of food and water for each person and any pets. Remember to include water for drinking, sanitation, and preparing meals
      • battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
      • flashlight
      • first aid kit
      • extra batteries
      • whistle (to signal for help)
      • dust mask (to help filter contaminated air) and face coverings
      • plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
      • moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
      • wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
      • manual can opener (for food)
      • local maps
      • cell phone with chargers and power banks

Our Public Information Officer is working through media requests this morning. Additional questions and requests can be sent to LCSheriff@co.lincoln.or.us

07/30/25 - 7:50am - Distant Tsunami Remains In Effect - 07/30/25

DISTANT TSUNAMI ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT
Updated at 5:50am on 7/30/25

The Tsunami Advisory remains in effect from the National Weather Service.

What to do now in Lincoln County:
- Stay out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets.
- Be alert to and follow instructions from your local emergency officials.
- If you feel a strong earthquake or extended ground rolling take immediate protective actions such as moving inland and/or uphill preferably by foot.

Continue to monitor for updates:
- National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/
- Tsunami.gov: tsunami.gov/
- Lincoln Alerts: member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/notif
- Lincoln County Sheriff's Office FlashAlert: flashalert.net/id/LCSO

We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops or the tsunami advisory is downgraded.

Distant Tsunami Advisory In Effect – Update 02 - 07/29/25 - 07/29/25

07/29/25 - DISTANT TSUNAMI WATCH IN EFFECT - From National Weather Service (Photo) - 07/29/25

Proactive Online Child Luring Investigation Leads To Two Arrests - 07/29/25

In July, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office conducted online child luring investigations using decoy social media accounts as part of its ongoing commitment to proactive policing and the protection of vulnerable community members—especially children.

As part of the operation, deputies posed as underage children on various social media platforms. During the investigation, they were contacted by adult males who engaged in sexually explicit conversations and attempted to arrange in-person meetings for illegal sexual encounters.

On July 28, 2025, a Lincoln County detective traveled to Albany, Oregon, and arrested Jimmy Smith, 45, of Albany, on charges of Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree.

While enroute back to Lincoln County with Mr. Smith in custody, deputies operating decoy accounts were contacted by Kyle Carter, 34, of Sweet Home, Oregon. Based on the nature of the interaction, probable cause was established for Mr. Carter’s arrest.

On July 29, 2025, Mr. Carter traveled to Lincoln County to meet with the decoy persona and was subsequently arrested. He was charged with Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the First Degree.

These arrests underscore the effectiveness of proactive, targeted enforcement strategies designed to identify and apprehend individuals seeking to exploit children online—before harm can occur. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its mission to protect children and hold offenders accountable.

Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to monitor their children’s online activity and maintain open, ongoing conversations about the risks of communicating with strangers on the internet. Through community awareness, education, and enforcement, we can work together to ensure a safer environment for all children.