Survey on coronavirus concerns show younger Oregonians more worried than older folks

April 2, 2020

By DICK HUGHES/Oregon Capital Bureau Younger Oregonians are quite concerned about coronavirus compared with older Oregonians, according to new research. The data released by DHM Research in Portland undercut the narrative prominent in national media that young people as blasé about COVID-19 and feeling invulnerable. “If you look at these numbers, younger people are more concerned about being infected. They

Police look for remaining suspect in Otis armed robbery

April 2, 2020

On March 30, 2020 at approximately 7:40 PM the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a fight in progress near the 1400 block of North Bank Rd in Otis. The caller who was not involved in the fight reported 4-6 subjects fighting on the side of the road. The caller reported that there appeared to be two silver

Oregon’s change in self-service gasoline doesn’t mean you have to pump your own

April 1, 2020

Feeling a bit confused about Oregon’s new gas pump pronouncement? You’re not alone, apparently. After the State Fire Marshal on Sunday announced new rules allowing self-service at gas stations across the state, the Oregon Department of Energy on Monday politely cleared its throat and asked for a bit of attention. “This temporary suspension does not make self-service mandatory,” ODE said. “The

Have a coronavirus question? Lincoln County call center has answers

April 1, 2020

Lincoln County and Samaritan Health Systems have two call centers open to help answer questions and give advice to people with questions about the coronavirus pandemic. The county’s call center number is 541-265-0621 and is staffed by a registered nurse, counselor and volunteers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. Also, people can email LincolnCoCallCenter@co.lincoln.or.us between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

March rainfall in Yachats is third-lowest in past 11 years

April 1, 2020

Yachats received 4.09 inches of rain in March, the third-lowest rainfall amount for the month in the past 11 years and less than half the usual monthly average. But the total rainfall so far in 2020 is 25.90 – just an inch below the three-year average as measured at the city of Yachats’ wastewater treatment plant. The average rainfall amount

Florence cancels annual Rhododendron Festival for first time since WWII

April 1, 2020

For the first time since World War II, Florence’s annual Rhododendron Festival has been cancelled by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce because of the coronavirus pandemic. The festival, May 13-17, was to celebrate its 113th year. The chamber board approved the cancellation Monday. “Based on the most current facts, government guidelines, and trending information, we must cancel Rhody Fest

Lincoln County jobless claims show them increasing eight-fold in March

April 1, 2020

The number of unemployment claims the state received in late March because of business closures from coronavirus restrictions in Lincoln County were nearly eight times normal. Although regular employment estimates for late March are not yet available, the Oregon Employment Department said Tuesday that during the week of March 15-21 it received about 300 new claims for unemployment insurance from

Siuslaw National Forest joins state and Lincoln County in closing all recreation sites

March 31, 2020

After monitoring use at Siuslaw National Forest recreation sites the past 10 days, agency officials announced Tuesday they are tightening restrictions by closing all developed Forest Service recreation sites in support of state and local directives asking that people stay home during the coronavirus pandemic. The directive follows similar closures of Lincoln County and Oregon State campgrounds, parks and boat

Yachats church doubles its displaced worker help, city starts matching program for local businesses

March 31, 2020

Because of a surge in community donations, Yachats Community Presbyterian Church is doubling the amount of cash assistance it is giving to displaced workers in the Yachats area. So far the church has given $100 in cash to 76 workers, who need to show identification and a note from their employer that they were laid off because of the

Employees tell of working without coronavirus protections; state emergency manager says long ways to go

March 30, 2020

By DICK HUGHES/Oregon Capital Bureau Health-care and retail workers told harrowing tales Monday of working without adequate protections against sick patients and customers. Meanwhile, the state’s emergency manager warned that Oregon was only in the first mile of what could be a marathon to defeat the coronavirus here. Andrew Phelps said that assessment was based on the experiences in other