In 2023, the Tillamook County Pioneer told our story – a tale of a community standing strong, caring for our land, and coming together. Through storms and sunsets, in our streets and forests, we lived a year of helping hands and hearts joined. It’s the simple, beautiful story of us in Tillamook County.
Throughout 2023, the Tillamook County Pioneer captured a range of stories that reflected the spirit and challenges of its community. Early in the year, the community grappled with poignant losses, such as that of crab fisherman Bryson Fitch, tying into broader themes of loss and resilience. This was accompanied by reports on infrastructure maintenance, like the closure of Sandlake Road, and introspective pieces, including Jim Heffernan’s “Two Wolves” parable, which encouraged readers to nurture positive personal qualities. These early stories set the tone for a year of community reflection and adaptation (February 7, January 19, January 2).
The discovery of 17th-century ship timbers from the Santo Cristo de Burgos was a highlight in March, a significant find that brought history to life. This was paralleled by Heffernan’s call to revive the ethos of “niceness” in everyday life, inspired by the “Cowboy Code,” and the bizarre tale of Jericho Wolf Labonte, whose actions underscored the unpredictable nature of local events (March 25, February 20, February 4).
In April, Tillamook Bay was graced by the rare appearance of orcas, a spectacle captured by photographer Don Backman. The community also came together for the fin clipping event at Whiskey Creek Hatchery, highlighting local involvement in environmental conservation. Meanwhile, Astound Broadband’s new 100-mile fiber route project, in partnership with Amazon Web Services, promised to enhance regional internet connectivity, signifying progress in community infrastructure (April 11, March).
The latter part of May saw the Helping Hands Reentry Centers being spotlighted for their work with the homeless, alongside coverage of the Cape Meares Loop Road construction’s progress. Photographer Jaklyn Larsen captured orca whales hunting a gray whale calf, a reminder of the raw beauty and drama of nature. The Sunset Empire Transportation District’s introduction of new bus services marked a significant step in enhancing public transportation in the region, connecting key coastal communities and improving accessibility for all (May 30, May 22, May 11).
In June, investigative journalism challenged the claims of Adventist Ambulance Service, bringing to light issues of understaffing and service limitations. The Pioneer also covered Ashley Schahfer’s efforts in assessing accessibility in local parks and a fictional critique titled “5 Angry Councilors,” which metaphorically explored local governance challenges (June 30, June 16, June 26).
July brought a mix of cultural and community stories. Jason Aldean’s controversial song “Try That in a Small Town” sparked a heated debate, while the county’s thriving food cart scene was celebrated through a Pioneer series. The ongoing problems with Adventist Ambulance Service remained a concern, highlighting the need for effective emergency medical services (July 20, July 26).
August saw articles that focused on community preparedness and change. The closure of Tillamook Pharmacy after 56 years was a significant local event, reflecting broader trends in the pharmacy industry. In Manzanita, the debate over the Dorcas Lane Hotel construction highlighted the challenges of balancing development with community needs (August 25, August 23).
Oregon’s Measure 110, the astrological significance of a lunar eclipse, and the increased bag limit for hatchery coho salmon in Big Creek were additional topics of interest. These stories, ranging from policy changes to celestial events, showed the diverse interests and concerns of the Tillamook County community. The tragic loss of Adam Brecht in a house fire and a subsequent structure fire in Rockaway Beach brought the community together in mourning and solidarity, reflecting on the impact of such events on the local psyche (October 28, October 7, September 8).
The end of 2023 continued to showcase Tillamook County’s resilience and adaptability. An atmospheric river caused significant disruptions, but the community’s response demonstrated its ability to handle natural adversities. The opening of the Cape Meares Loop Road with it’s stunning views and then the Tillamook Road Department’s heroic efforts to rebuild a bridge on Miami Foley Road in less than 10 days. The Oregon Department of Forestry’s call for volunteer camp hosts for 2024 was a nod to the region’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The Hamlet Volunteer Fire Department’s response to a fallen Sitka Spruce on Highway 26, the discovery of a salmon shark at Cannon Beach, and a head-on collision involving a Tillamook ambulance all highlighted different aspects of community life and the natural environment. The Seaside Aquarium’s reminder about sea turtle season further emphasized environmental awareness (December 5, November 10, November 4).