State rests case in Oregon gun laws trial; judge expected to rule within 60 days but appeals are likely

September 25, 2023

By JONATHAN LEVINSON/Oregon Public Broadcasting A six-day trial over the constitutionality of recently approved Oregon gun laws ended Monday after lawyers for the state Department of Justice ended three days of tense testimony. Witnesses for the state faced direct scrutiny from Harney County Circuit Court Judge Robert Raschio, who will decide if the voter-approved Measure 114 is legal under Oregon

New analysis using NASA satellite data shows impact of forestry operations on coastal watersheds

September 25, 2023

By ALEX BAUMHARDT/Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon’s coastal communities that rely on drinking water from forested rivers and creeks have lost substantial tree cover during the last 20 years, a recent NASA analysis found. That can be not-so-good news for residents and the environment. Forests not only improve the quality of surface waters, but also the quantity. They prevent erosion, and

Newport’s Nye Beach prepares to welcome a new ‘Ambassador’ Saturday as the city expands its public art offerings

September 25, 2023

By Oregon Arts Watch It’s not exactly a secret that Newport’s Nye Beach is home to nearly 20 pieces of public art, some as obvious as a park bench, others almost hidden in grassy nooks – all accessible and open to touch.The pieces — created by artists renowned for their work in wood, glass, bronze, concrete, and mixed media

Central Coast fire board defends chief, calls out critics — and asks for public support following investigation of July 2 incident

September 24, 2023

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews WALDPORT – The board of the Central Coast Fire & Rescue District has issued a strong statement of support for its chief after receiving an investigator’s report about an on-duty dispute during a July 2 traffic accident involving his wife. The board’s statement also admonished a small group of residents using social media “indulging in inflammatory,

Port of Alsea board will interview 5 candidates for upcoming vacancy

September 22, 2023

WALDPORT – The Port of Alsea board will interview all five people who applied for a soon-to-be vacant board seat during a special meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5. Longtime board chair Rob Bishop, who was re-elected in May, is resigning effective Oct. 19. Following the interviews, the five-member board could select someone at its Oct. 5 meeting or

Chamber director, a current city manager and Washington state employee are finalists for Yachats manager job

September 22, 2023

By GARRET JAROS/YachatsNews YACHATS – The executive director of the Yachats Chamber of Commerce, the administrator of a small but growing Eastern Oregon community, and a Washington state government employee are the finalists for Yachats’ city manager position. The city and the recruiting firm Jensen Strategies announced the finalists Friday after meeting in executive (closed) session Tuesday to discuss eight

Nonprofit tries to rally community, county and state officials to help buy and restore 950-acre Yachats ridge property

September 21, 2023

By GARRET JAROS/YachatsNews YACHATS – Putting a price on a view is no simple thing but one Yachats non-profit is willing to give it a go. And they are not going anywhere as they wait for the price to be right. View the Future has been looking at the ridge view southeast of Yachats for 20 years with an

Newport and Lincoln City hospitals sign agreement with Life Flight for patient ambulance transport into valley

September 21, 2023

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews The two hospitals in Lincoln County have apparently found a solution to the problem of transporting patients in need of a higher-level care to and from the Willamette Valley. After 18 months of searching, the Samaritan Health Services-affiliated hospitals announced an agreement this week with Life Flight Network to provide ground ambulance transport for patients. The

Waldport couple opens sweet store along Highway 101 that carries a special name and meaning

September 21, 2023

By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews WALDPORT — A tiny Waldport shop is ready to satisfy big cravings for sweets, thanks to a local couple’s new venture. “JillyBeanz” is the name of the cozy, bright blue store scheduled to open Friday in the former home of Mark’s Caramel popcorn, right next to Fresh Mexican restaurant on U.S. Highway 101. With its menu

Yachats council OKs $4,473 for county’s winter shelter effort, but still wrestling with camping ordinance for city

September 21, 2023

By GARRET JAROS/YachatsNews YACHATS – With a nod to the money it receives from Lincoln County to care for the homeless, the Yachats city council Wednesday unanimously approved chipping in $4,473 to support regional emergency winter shelters. County officials asked Yachats and other cities for a contribution of $4.50 per person based on its population in the 2020 Census