Yachats library finds its first paid administrator — a volunteer with a business background — literally right around the corner

September 15, 2022

By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews.com YACHATS — As of Thursday, Yachats’ venerable, all-volunteer library is still venerable but no longer staffed entirely by volunteers. Traci Miller-Altson of Yachats has been hired as the city’s new, part-time library administrator. The new administrator comes after a comprehensive study in 2020 that recommended hiring a part-time librarian, joining a statewide digital and a countywide

Despite LUBA decision, 15neighborhoods group says their STR fight will continue

September 15, 2022

To the editor: The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals struck down 15neighborhoods’ Ballot Measure 21-203 because it used three “land use” terms to amend Lincoln County’s short-term rental licensing code. County commissioners decided not to appeal the LUBA dismissal, and 15neighborhoods agreed. On Aug. 31, commissioners extended the county’s moratorium against new licensing for six months in certain residential

Oregon land-use staffer explains planning system Monday in Yachats

September 15, 2022

YACHATS – A fledgling community group in Yachats has organized an information session with a state land-use planning official to explain to local residents how Oregon’s land-use process works. Hui Rodomsky, south coast representative for the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, will talk about the basics of the land-use system during a public meeting at 3 p.m. Monday,

Two Lane County residents arrested for series of car clouts at Yachats motels

September 14, 2022

YACHATS – Two Lane County residents are in the Lincoln County jail after their arrest for a series of car clouts and a car theft at the Overleaf Lodge and Fireside Motel in Yachats in August and September. Abby M. Brooks, 24, of Eugene and McKenzie D. Harris, 30, of Springfield were arraigned Monday on 13 criminal charges ranging from

“Small but mighty” describes outreach by Yachats Community Presbyterian Church

September 14, 2022

To the editor: I have a spiral notebook where I jot down the number of people that come to Yachats Community Presbyterian Church for some form of assistance. It’s not a fancy system — just the first name or initials, a few words to remind me why there were here or what was provided — and a date. It’s pretty

Rent increases capped at 14.6% for most Oregonians next year, the highest since limits passed

September 14, 2022

By MEAGAN CUTHILL/Oregon Public Broadcasting In a state with one of the most challenging housing crunches in the country, Oregon renters could face the highest possible maximum increase since the Legislature enacted limits on rent hikes three years ago. Starting Jan. 1, 2023, landlords in Oregon may legally increase rents by up to 14.6%. This year, the cap is 9.9%

Oregon’s public defenders office requests $6 million as lawmakers consider major overhaul of imploding system

September 14, 2022

Members or a work group that’s been discussing public defense reforms include former legislators, public defenders, representatives of Gov. Kate Brown’s office and members of the state Judicial Department. (Getty Images) By GARRETT ANDREWS/Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon lawmakers are considering a major overhaul of the state’s beleaguered public defense system. Ideas have emerged in discussions in a work group that’s

Annual “Hands Across the Bridge” recovery event is Saturday in Waldport

September 14, 2022

WALDPORT – Waldport-area residents are expected to gather Saturday, Sept. 17 for the annual “Hands Across the Bridge” recovery event, part of a larger, countywide celebration of Recovery Month. The “Hands Across the Bridge” event begins at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center. Participants then walk to the bridge where they celebrate their recovery or support

Coast Guard rescues Newport-based fishermen 180 miles offshore over the weekend

September 13, 2022

NEWPORT – The Coast Guard rescued two fishermen from a Newport-based fishing vessel offshore Oregon on Sunday. The Coast Guard’s command center in Seattle received a report at 9:21 p.m. Friday that the 66-foot fishing vessel F/V Lodestar lost its propulsion and was stranded in a storm battling 8-to-12-foot waves and over 40-knot winds approximately 180 miles offshore Coos Bay.

Moody’s lowers credit rating for Yachats fire district bonds, citing weak governance and poor financial management

September 13, 2022

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews.com YACHATS – A worldwide financial services company has downgraded the Yachats Rural Fire Protection District’s bond credit rating, citing its weak governance and poor budget management. The downgraded rating by Moody’s Investors Service has no immediate effect on the fire district’s $7.4 million in bonds passed by voters in 2017 to build a new main