Lincoln County gets $2 million to help with Echo Mountain fire housing

December 22, 2022

Lincoln County has received $2 million to speed recovery in areas impacted by the September 2020 wildfires with a focus on affordable housing for low- and medium-income survivors. An agreement with Oregon Housing and Community Services was on Lincoln County commissioners’ consent agenda Dec. 14, allocating money from more than $150 million authorized by the 2021 Oregon Legislature. House Bill

Congress allocates $60 million for Newport dam replacement

December 22, 2022

Both houses of the U.S. Congress have authorized $60 million in funding for Newport’s dam replacement project as part of an omnibus bill. The Senate passed the $858 billion National Defense Authorization Act last week, which included an amended 2023 Water Resources Development Act. Both the U.S. House and Senate passed versions of the Water Resources Development Act last July.

Yachats resident sues contractor for $2.5 million after crash that cost her three fingers, numerous other injuries

December 22, 2022

By KENNETH LIPP/YachatsNews A Yachats resident is suing an Otis excavation company for $2.5 million after she slid on ice into its parked trailer along U.S. Highway 101 near Wakonda Beach last year, piercing her vehicle “like a spear” with the trailer’s pointed end and amputating three of her fingers. According to a civil complaint filed in Lincoln County

County commissioners vote unanimously to name road east of Waldport after black homesteader, Louis Southworth

December 22, 2022

By KENNETH LIPP/YachatsNews A unanimous vote by Lincoln County commissioners to change the racist name of a road four miles east of Waldport brought applause from a handful of people in the audience at their meeting Wednesday, their second on the topic. Commissioners last week held a hearing on whether to change the name of the short U.S. Forest

Center director urges end-of-year giving to Oregon Cultural Trust

December 21, 2022

To the editor: A single piece of artwork – “Celebrate Oregon!” – honors and respects the diverse people and cultures of Oregon. It’s featured on the new cultural license plate and on murals that welcome passengers in airports across the state. Created by Liza Mana Burns of Eugene, it’s a vibrant tapestry of Oregon landscapes featuring 127 cultural symbols of our

Lincoln County jobless rate continues to increase, reaching 5.5 percent

December 21, 2022

Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to rise, reaching 5.5 percent in November – a full percentage point higher than the statewide rate and almost 2 points higher than the national rate. The county’s unemployment rate is up from 5 percent in September and 5.2 percent in October. A year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was 5.7 percent. The

New audit says commission in charge of Oregon’s 17 community colleges needs to improve student achievement and access

December 20, 2022

By ALEX BAUMHARDT/Oregon Capital Chronicle SALEM — The commission tasked with overseeing Oregon’s 17 community colleges must do more to increase student performance, achievement and access, according to an audit by the Secretary of State’s Office. In its report published Wednesday, auditors said the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, or HECC, had done a good job of helping to narrow equity gaps in

Second set of King Tides return this week just in time for Christmas

December 20, 2022

The second round of the highest tides of the winter – called king tides – occur again this week along the Oregon coast. In Oregon, king tides occur three months in the winter and three times during the summer when the Earth, moon and sun align to produce the highest tides of the year – ranging from 9 to

Oregon commission votes Monday to prohibit sale of new, gasoline-powered cars by 2035

December 19, 2022

By ALEX BAUMHARDT/Oregon Capital Chronicle All new cars sold in Oregon by 2035 must be considered zero-emissions vehicles. On Monday, Oregon’s Environmental Quality Commission voted unanimously to adopt the Advanced Clean Cars II Rule, requiring auto manufacturers to begin producing and delivering a growing number of zero-emission vehicles to Oregon beginning in 2026, so that they make up 100% of

Waldport city council takes first step in cleaning up codes regulating vehicle parking, drops garage requirement

December 19, 2022

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews WALDPORT – The city of Waldport thinks the town has some parking issues. Such as: Cars or other vehicles parked all over some front yards, or on the street right-of-way in front of the property; Signs outside businesses that incorrectly say parking spots are reserved for customers only; Or, just the opposite – large parking lots downtown