State senate passes civics requirement for high school graduation in Oregon

April 8, 2021

By PETER WONG/Oregon Capital Bureau Democrats and Republicans in the Oregon Senate are divided on many issues — but not on the importance of teaching how democratic government works. A 25-3 vote by the Senate on Wednesday, April 7, approved Senate Bill 513, which would require high school students to complete one semester (one-half credit) of civics before graduation starting

Oregon Senate sends three budget bills to governor for education, wildfire recovery and local governments

April 8, 2021

By PETER WONG/Oregon Capital Bureau Money for summer educational and recreational programs, wildfire recovery and other purposes is included in budget bills on their way to Gov. Kate Brown. The Oregon Senate voted Thursday to pass three bills to rebalance the current state budget. The House passed them April 1. One of the bills adds $250 million for summer educational

Oregon coronavirus report for Thursday, April 8: 678 new cases, 8 in Lincoln County; 50,429 vaccinations, 5 deaths

April 8, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Cases in Oregon Oregon Health Authority has identified 168 COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases—when vaccinated individuals test positive for the virus—through April 2, including three deaths. OHA public health officials say it’s a reminder that while the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are all highly effective at preventing severe COVID-19 illness and death, no vaccine

Yachats Library reactivates its online reservation system and reopens two days a week for book and video pickup

April 8, 2021

The lessening of COVID-19 fears and the vaccinations of volunteers is leading to the partial reopening of the city of Yachats’ library on Wednesday. The facility has been closed to in-person visits since the pandemic began last year. It was open for reservations only for a few months this winter, then closed when coronavirus numbers in Lincoln County increased.

Oregon Health official: Feeling we’re at pandemic ‘finish line’ driving increase in COVID-19 cases

April 8, 2021

By GARY A. WARNER/Oregon Capital Bureau COVID-19 infection rates are rising again in Oregon, but the growing number of vaccinated residents will likely blunt the severity far short of last year’s spikes, state health officials said Wednesday. The forecast came during an appearance by Oregon Health Authority Director Pat Allen and State Health Director Dean Sidelinger on a virtual hearing

Not unexpected — applicants for help outpace Oregon commercial rent relief by $15 million

April 8, 2021

By ZANE SPARLING/Oregon Capital Bureau Hundreds of commercial landlords and tenants who applied for state funding to cover unpaid rent went away empty handed last month — a disappointment worth approximately $15.5 million. Oregon’s Commercial Rent Relief program is set to hand out $49.9 million to property owners after the first round of grant funding closed on March 22. Applications

Oregon coronavirus report for Wednesday, April 7: 481 new cases, 3 in Lincoln County; 36,104 vaccinations, 7 more deaths

April 8, 2021

Oregon reports 481 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 7 new deaths PORTLAND — There are seven new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,434, the Oregon Health Authority reported at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday. Oregon Health Authority reported 481 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, bringing the state total

YYFAP board names Patricia Hettinger as its new executive director

April 8, 2021

Patricia Hettinger, who has been assistant director of the Yachats Youth and Family Activities program, has been named its new executive director. She replaces Alice Beck, who retired April 1 after 10 years as the head of Yachats’ only organization offering pre- and after-school children’s programs, summer camps, and other family activities. “Patricia has been leading our pre-school program for

Oregon State Police/Newport activity log for April 6

April 7, 2021

OREGON STATE POLICE DAILY MEDIA/DESK LOG SP21088583 04/06/2021 11:06 Officer #41617 ESKRIDGE, BRIAN Rape SP21088609 04/06/2021 11:41 Officer #44704 KATSIKIS, KELLY Found Property Location LINCOLN OR USA Narrative Summary A person brought a lost cellphone to the Newport Office of State Police on 3/15/21 at 3:30 pm. The person stated they found the cellphone at Seal Rock State Park in Lincoln County. The cellphone did not have

Increasing COVID-19 cases push Lincoln County into another higher risk category — and tighter restrictions — Friday

April 7, 2021

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews.com and GARY A. WARNER/Oregon Capital Bureau A month-long rise in COVID-19 cases is moving Lincoln County into the state’s “high” risk category Friday, tightening social and business restrictions that only four weeks ago were one of the loosest in Oregon. Lincoln County is one of five across Oregon moving from “moderate” to “high” Friday as the