Race for mayor of Yachats pits first-term incumbent seeking to finish his work opposed by council member who often questions process, challenges decisions

October 22, 2020

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews.com John Moore is seeking re-election as Yachats mayor because he wants to complete projects that the city has under way. Leslie Vaaler thinks many of those projects need a closer look. That’s why over the past two years Moore and Vaaler have often been on opposite sides of 3-2 votes on everything from the city

Oregon Geographic Names Board will wrestle with two race-based name changes when it meets Saturday

October 22, 2020

By KEVIN HARDEN/Oregon Capital Bureau It started as a comedian’s global online challenge. Fifteen months later, proposals to rename two Southern Oregon mountains inch closer to approval. Margo Schembre of Wilsoneville wants to change the name of Negro Ben Mountain in Jackson County. Her proposal is expected to get a green light Saturday afternoon, when Oregon’s Geographic Names Board meets

Oregon Health Authority’s coronavirus report for Thursday, Oct. 22

October 22, 2020

COVID-19 is more deadly than the flu The data is clear and decisive: COVID-19 is more deadly than seasonal influenza. Respiratory viruses also tend to be more severe in older adults, and COVID-19 is particularly so. Another key difference is that there is a vaccine for the flu. The flu vaccine is very effective, even when it isn’t a perfect

In crowded, 5-way race for Yachats City Council, lines are clear on candidates’ view of how city is doing — and where it might go

October 22, 2020

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews.com The lines are clearly drawn in the five-person race for two seats on the Yachats City Council – three candidates unhappy with how the council and city are operating versus two incumbents who say there can be improvements, but the city is functioning well. The results of the council election – along with a vote on

Lincoln County sheriff deputies arrest Otis man for making threats against officers, county courthouse

October 22, 2020

On October 15th, 2020, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a subject making threats against public employees and buildings. Sources indicated 44-year-old Otis resident Daniel Scott Kessler was in possession of firearms and was preparing to harm specific law enforcement officers and the Lincoln County Courthouse. A prior court order prohibited Kessler from lawfully possessing firearms. Detectives

Waldport mayoral hopefuls target money, tourism, housing; three City Council seats up for grabs in Nov. 3 election

October 22, 2020

By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews.com WALDPORT — In addition to running for mayor, the two candidates for the Waldport post have something in common — they both see city finances as a major challenge for the next few years. Council president Greg Holland and council member Karun Virtue are vying for the top local slot, and both in interviews with YachatsNews.com

Oregon Health Authority’s coronavirus report for Wednesday, Oct. 21

October 21, 2020

Oregon reports 331 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 2 new deaths PORTLAND — COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 635, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. Oregon Health Authority reported 331 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday bringing the state total to

Florence resident supports Mukumoto for Oregon House District 9

October 21, 2020

To the editor: I voted for Cal Mukumoto of Coos Bay for Oregon House District 9 after reading both candidates’ priority statements. Cal Mukumoto understands forestry as an insider with over 30 years experience in the timber industry. He wants to keep the forest products businesses of Oregon running using stewardship and holistic approaches that encompass fish, wildlife, tourism, and

Oregon’s Medicaid enrollment hits record high as workers who lost jobs enroll in state health plan

October 21, 2020

By CHRISTIAN WITHOL/The Lund Report Oregon’s Medicaid program has topped the 1.2-million member mark, as the COVID-19-induced economic slump persists in the state. The Oregon Health Plan’s membership hit 1.202 million earlier this month, up 123,200 members from when the state declared a state of emergency on March 8. Each additional member costs the state about $6,000 a year. The

With COVID-19 cases on the rise, Oregon expands requirements on face coverings

October 21, 2020

With COVID-19 cases on the rise, the Oregon Health Authority has expanded state requirements on face masks. The authority now says face coverings should be worn at all public and private workplaces, including classrooms, offices, meeting rooms and workspaces regardless of the social distancing situation. The only exception is when someone is on their own in an office or private workspace,