Still no ruling on Lincoln County’s vacation rental regulations; commissioners halt applications

August 24, 2023

While they wait for a judge’s ruling on vacation rental regulations, Lincoln County commissioners took the pre-emptive step last week of putting a 1-year moratorium on issuing new licenses in case the judge tosses out the contested rules. Circuit pro-tem judge Joseph Allison said at the end of a five-hour hearing Aug. 16 that he intended to rule on the

Plan to protect threatened and endangered species in Western Oregon’s state-owned forests could face new delay

August 24, 2023

The Tillamook State Forest as seen from the summit of King’s Mountain. The forest provides critical habitat for several threatened and endangered species, but logging revenues from the forest also provide funding for critical human services in Tillamook County. By ALEX BAUMHARDT/Oregon Capital Chronicle A long-delayed plan to protect threatened and endangered species from logging in Western state forests could

Lincoln County awarded $388,800 grant for fish passage work

August 24, 2023

Lincoln County is among eight government entities and tribes getting $19.3 million from the federal government for culvert replacement projects to help salmon and steelhead passage in streams and estuaries. The grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation were announced Thursday by Oregon Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. Lincoln County is getting $388,800 for the design and replacement of

New shop in Old Town Waldport attracting locals with wine, beer and food tastings, music and games

August 24, 2023

By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews WALDPORT — For months, the two red Adirondack chairs in front of a Waldport shop teased passers-by with the promise of a wine bar “opening soon.” With her July grand opening behind her, owner Shauna Flynn is finding that her Bayside Cellars business has uncorked some pent-up demand. “This is just what Waldport has needed,” Flynn

Oregon Gov. Kotek begins closed-door meetings meant to come up with a plan to save Portland

August 23, 2023

By JULIA SHUMWAY/Oregon Capital Chronicle In a closed-door meeting with more than 40 business leaders, community advocates and local, state and federal elected officials on Tuesday, Gov. Tina Kotek laid out a challenge: Within the next three months, the group will come up with a plan to save downtown Portland. Portland’s problems, particularly since the COVID pandemic began, have been

There will be cars, cars and more cars (and motorcycles and trucks) at Surf City show Saturday at Chinook Winds

August 23, 2023

By Oregon Coast TODAY The first U.S. auto show happened so long ago that contemporary advertisements for cars often touted reduction in horse manure on city streets as a selling point. Well, more than a century later, car shows like Surf City at Chinook Winds Casino Resort fill the summer months as enthusiasts gather to display classic cars, alternative

11th annual Siletz Bay Music Festival begins 10-day run with performances in Lincoln City and Newport

August 23, 2023

By Oregon Coast TODAY Presenting a sonic rainbow of adventurous musical offerings in classical and contemporary chamber and symphonic music, Latin jazz and Native American motifs, the Siletz Bay Music Festival returns for its 11th season beginning Friday, Aug. 25. The ambitious, 10-day series features more than 50 virtuoso musicians performing 11 concerts at five locations in Lincoln City

Lincoln County unemployment rate continues its slow decline

August 23, 2023

Lincoln County’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues its slow decline, but remains above the jobless rate for Oregon and the U.S. The Oregon Employment Department reported Tuesday that the county’s unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in July. The rate was 4.3 percent in June and 5.2 percent the year before. The statewide unemployment rate was 3.4 percent in July, and

Registration open for 3rd annual CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer

August 23, 2023

Early registration for the CoastBusters Walk for Breast Cancer is closing Thursday, Aug. 31 for the third annual walk Saturday, Sept. 30 at Newport High School. Early registration is $25 through Aug. 31 and guarantees a t-shirt, pink ribbon pin, and swag bag. Registration from Sept. 1-24 is $35, and onsite registration Sept. 30 is $45. The registration fee includes

PeaceHealth plans to close emergency, other services at University District hospital in Eugene

August 22, 2023

PeaceHealth is moving services from its hospital in Eugene to Springfield. By LYNNE TERRY/Oregon Capital Chronicle In the latest potential shakeup of Oregon hospitals, PeaceHealth announced plans to close its emergency department and end other services at its University District hospital in Eugene. The Catholic hospital group, based in Vancouver, Wash. said Tuesday it intends to move emergency care, inpatient