The news out of Waldport last weekend was disturbing and tragic. Mark Campbell, a City Council member and former chamber president, lost his life in what has been reported as an apparent early-morning break-in.
The Yachats News reported that Lincoln County deputies on Thursday arrested a 52-year-old Waldport man on charges related to three break-ins at apartments in the vicinity of the Crestview Golf Course.
Campbell, a part-owner of the golf course, lived in one of the apartments with his wife. He apparently interrupted a break-in at a vacant apartment a few doors down and was stabbed to death at around 3:35 a.m. on Dec. 6.
The man deputies arrested, Jack Sigler, was living in a garage a few blocks north of the golf course and according to the Yachats News, denied that he had anything to do with Campbell’s death.
Waldport City Council member Greg Holland told the Newport News Times, “Well, basically we’re all, I think, in a state of shock. Right now, I think the community is just remembering what a good man that Mark was. He was just so very caring toward this entire community, always the first to help out or volunteer for a project, host a fundraiser or come to someone’s aid, no matter who was in need.”
This story hits close to home with Waldport located in Philomath’s region just an hour up Highway 34.
Mayor Eric Niemann reached out to Waldport Mayor Pro Tem Susan Woodruff with condolences on behalf of our city.
“He was clearly an honorable man, a dedicated elected official and a rock solid member of your community,” Niemann wrote. “Our heart breaks with Waldport in the wake of this terrible news. We stand ready as your neighbor to assist you during this period of painful grief. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can do. We are here for you.”
Woodruff thanked Niemann for the letter.
“We knew Mark most as a respected councilor and friend, but now seeing through the outpouring of grief and support for the family the many different ways that Mark touched and enriched the lives of so many in our community, we realize even more clearly how large a void his absence will mean,” Woodruff wrote. “As all small rural towns must, we will survive this and continue on to improve our community, remembering by Mark’s example all the ways that we can make a difference.”
(Daily Scoop is a blog published by the Philomath News. This blog often contains news items but also could include opinions of Brad Fuqua, publisher/editor).