Yachats council changes direction on charter revisions

February 7, 2019

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews.com The Yachats City Council tossed out hours of work fine-tuning changes to the city charter Wednesday when it took the advice of its attorney to instead simply use a “model” language from the League of Oregon Cities. The council will use model charter language on how to operate with a city manager-council form of government and simplify

New Newport hospital helps Samaritan continue medical improvements

January 31, 2019

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews.com Samaritan Health Services took a major step in the transformation of medical care in Lincoln County on Thursday when it opened its $63 million main hospital building in Newport. Moving patients and staff from the 31-year-old Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital into a modern three-story building signaled the stretch run in the medical makeover of the outdated facility.

Yachats Fire District asks voters to renew levy in May

January 31, 2019

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews.com Voters in the Yachats Rural Fire Protection District will be asked in May to approve a five-year operating levy for the district. The board voted 3-0 Thursday to ask district residents to renew the levy, which expires June 30. It is one of two levies and a tax base the district uses to fund day-to-day operations. The

Central Lincoln stays in house for new manager

January 31, 2019

Randy Grove, the director of engineering and operations for the Central Lincoln People’s Utility District, has been picked as its general manager. Grove replaces Debra Smith who left last year to become head of Seattle City Light. The PUD’s board selected Grove in a special meeting Jan. 23 after a national search. Central Lincoln PUD distributes electricity to 10 cities,

Valentine Day vow renewal offered twice this year

January 31, 2019

Valentine’s Day is always special at the Little Log Church in Yachats. This year doubly so. For the 24th year, independent minister Mary Crook will perform an annual ceremony of renewal and commitment Thursday, Feb. 14. But this year the group ceremony will be offered twice — at noon and 5:30 p.m. Hundreds of people have renewed their vows over

Whale-watching license plates go on sale Friday

January 30, 2019

Just in time for whale watching season, a new Oregon license plate with the image of a gray whale mother and her calf will be available at Department of Motor Vehicles offices beginning Friday, Feb. 1. DMV has ordered 10,000 of the specialized plates, the state has announced. The plate will cost $40 to order or renew – $35 of

Samaritan will end home health services

January 29, 2019

Samaritan Health Services announced Monday, Jan. 28 that it will discontinue its home health services in Lincoln County in March, transitioning patients to Signature Healthcare at Home of Wilsonville. Samaritan will continue to provide hospice services in Lincoln County. Currently the same Samaritan staff handle hospice and home health care. This will change March 1, when Samaritan Evergreen Hospice of

Friends, families gather at Yachats Lions Club annual crab feed

January 26, 2019

The first of three seatings at the annual Yachats Lions Club crab feed had a line out the door before its 12:30 p.m. Saturday start. But once inside the Yachats Commons, friends and families started making quick work of hundreds of pounds of crab. Among those eating — and some drinking their own wine — was a group of

Yachats looks to raise its lodging tax to 10 percent

January 25, 2019

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews.com The Yachats City Council is proposing to tack a percentage point onto the city’s lodging tax to capture more money from increased tourism to help pay for at least three projects and bolster the city’s general fund. The city’s lodging tax would rise to 10 percent from 9 percent. Together with another 1.75 percent levied by the

Does the Yachats Fire District need help?

January 24, 2019

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews.com Once or twice most days the fire engines or ambulance at the Yachats Fire District’s station in downtown Yachats roll out on a call, usually some medical problem, automobile accident or to help an elderly person who has fallen. The firefighters and paramedics — professional or volunteer — are there around the clock and trained to help.