Betsy Johnson will resign her northwest Oregon senate seat to focus on run for governor

December 14, 2021

Betsy Johnson, Oregon state senator and candidate for governor, listens to speakers at a Portland business summit on Dec. 6, 2021. (Ron Cooper/Oregon Capital Chronicle) By JULIA SHUMWAY/Oregon Capital Chronicle SALEM — Betsy Johnson will end her 20-year career in the state Legislature on Wednesday to focus all her attention on her independent run for governor. Johnson, who left the

Oregon State Police/Newport activity log for Dec. 2-12

December 14, 2021

OREGON STATE POLICE DAILY MEDIA/DESK LOG SP21336640 12/02/2021 13:04 Officer #53134 KOLACZ, BRYAN Crash – Non-injury Location 34, Mile post 15.6 15.6 EB, LINCOLN OR USA Narrative Summary E-Crash: The driver had reported a late crash which occurred several days prior on Monday, November 29, 2021. The driver described herself as driving eastbound on SR-34 and near milepost 15.6 while negotiating a curve in

In first live play in two years, Newport Performing Arts Center hosts “The Christmas Show” Friday and Saturday

December 14, 2021

By Oregon ArtsWatch NEWPORT — The last time Red Octopus Theatre Company performed on stage at the Newport Performing Arts Center was Christmas of 2019 with its holiday tradition, “The Christmas Show.” Within months, the theater went dark and stayed that way. You know the story. But finally, the lights are up again, and you can bet there’s a fair

In one-day special session Monday, Oregon legislators extend eviction protection, approve $400 million for landlords, farmers

December 13, 2021

Rep. Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, encourages her colleagues to vote for a bill to extend Oregon’s safe harbor protections from eviction during a special legislative session on Dec. 13, 2021. (Julia Shumway/Oregon Capital Chronicle) By JULIA SHUMWAY/Oregon Capital Chronicle SALEM — Thousands of Oregon renters who faced the threat of receiving an eviction notice for Christmas are safe after the Legislature

First three cases of omicron varient of COVID-19 virus reported Monday in Oregon, health officials announce

December 13, 2021

By LYNNE TERRY/Oregon Capital Chronicle Omicron has come to Oregon. The Oregon Health Authority announced Monday evening that the highly infectious strain had been detected in three people in their 20s or 30s who have been fully vaccinated. The agency did not release any details about their identities, including their gender. The agency also said it does not yet have

Yachats “Black Lives Matter” demonstrators discuss future of Saturday protests and other ways to fight racism

December 13, 2021

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews.com YACHATS – Jonni Prince and Dave Cowden have been standing along U.S. Highway 101 in downtown Yachats each Saturday since May 30, 2020. That’s the Saturday after George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis, one of whom has been convicted of second-degree murder and manslaughter. Now, after 81 weeks, the group informally organized by Prince

Waldport wins state grant to help determine where and how to get more housing

December 13, 2021

WALDPORT – The city of Waldport has received state grants totaling $53,000 to help it determine its future housing needs and at the same time help update the city’s zoning codes and land-use map. The grants come from the state Land Conservation and Development Commission, which is offering dozens of such “housing needs assessments” to cities around Oregon. Much of

CEO of Samaritan hospitals in Lincoln County honored by national, rural health organization

December 13, 2021

NEWPORT – Dr. Lesley Ogden, chief executive officer of Samaritan Health Services two hospitals in Lincoln County, has been named a 2021 “community star” by a national rural health organization. Ogden is among 50 individuals, coalitions and organizations that showed resiliency and resolve this year, according to the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health. The organization takes

Oregon State University Board selects search firm to help it find next president

December 12, 2021

By MEERAH POWELL/Oregon Public Broadcasting CORVALLIS — Oregon’s largest university has taken its latest step toward finding a permanent leader to replace the president who left amid controversy earlier this year. A committee of Oregon State University’s Board of Trustees has selected the firm Isaacson, Miller to lead the search for the university’s next president. The hiring of Isaacson, Miller

A lack of affordable housing, child care is holding Oregon back, state business development agency says

December 12, 2021

By LYNNE TERRY/Oregon Capital Chronicle SALEM — Oregon’s latest economic forecast paints a rosy picture of the state’s recovery. Wages have grown and household spending is strong. In a year, employment is expected to be fully recovered. But not everyone is enjoying a robust recovery, which is something Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, aims to fix. This summer it