USF&WS will once again try to determine if rare coastal beetle deserves federal protection as endangered

June 1, 2023

The Siuslaw hairy-necked tiger beetle used to thrive on beaches in Oregon, California and Washington. By LYNNE TERRY/Oregon Capital Chronicle In 2020, a nonprofit environmental group petitioned federal authorities to protect a bug-eyed beetle that used to thrive on West Coast beaches but now only exists in certain sites, mainly in Oregon. In 2021, officials at the U.S. Fish and

Lincoln County resident asks Senator Anderson to help end GOP walkout

June 1, 2023

To the editor: This is an open letter to Sen. Dick Anderson, R-Lincoln City. Thank you for your prompt reply to my email about your attendance at work during the walkout by your colleagues. I am glad you have had only one unexcused absence this session. Yet your constituents need you to do more. Merely deciding not to walk out

Judge agrees Thursday to let youth climate activists continue their 2015 lawsuit against federal government

June 1, 2023

Lawyers and youth plaintiffs line up behind a banner after a July 18, 2018, federal court hearing in Eugene. By ALANNA MADDEN/Courthouse News PORTLAND — A federal judge agreed Thursday to let youth climate activists continue a 2015 suit that accuses the government of subjecting them and future generations to the devastating effects of climate change. The plaintiffs — led by

Reknown Missoula Children’s Theatre coming to Lincoln County and looking for performers for June 24 shows

June 1, 2023

By Oregon Coast TODAY The Missoula Children’s Theatre is calling all student actors for its annual visit to Lincoln City. The musical theater workshop will take place from Monday to Friday, June 19-23. As the grounds of the Lincoln City Cultural Center are under heavy construction, the auditions, rehearsals and performance will all be taking place this year in

Two local groups present “Dances from the Heart” this weekend during benefit performances at Newport PAC

June 1, 2023

By Oregon Coast TODAY NEWPORT — Pacific Dance Ensemble and the Newport School of Artistic Movement present the 36th annual “Dances from the Heart: A Celebration of Spring and Benefit Auction” at the Newport Performing Arts Center this weekend. This year’s performances will feature works by ensemble and school alumni Amber Star Merkens and Livanna Maislen. Guest musician Alex Llumiquinga

Yachats city hall employee and former temporary worker file federal lawsuit against city alleging discrimination, retaliation

May 31, 2023

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews YACHATS – The city of Yachats’ deputy city recorder and a former temporary employee have filed suit in U.S. District Court against the city, seeking unspecified damages for what they claim is racial discrimination, retaliation and discriminatory pay practices. An attorney for deputy city recorder Kimmie Jackson of Yachats and former administrative assistant Anita Sites of

Kotek ends her attempts at negotiations as Oregon Senate GOP walkout hits fourth week

May 31, 2023

The desks of Republican senators are vacant Wednesday as the GOP-led walkout prevents the Senate from conducting business for the 19th day. By JULIA SHUMWAY/Oregon Capital Chronicle SALEM — Gov. Tina Kotek is done negotiating with Senate Republicans as their quorum-denying walkout stalls the chamber for a fourth week, she told the Capital Chronicle on Wednesday. Kotek has spent the

Popular seal lion docks could return to Newport in mid-summer

May 31, 2023

Last winter’s storms damaged the famed sea lion docks in Newport. But when the barking and blubbery mammals return around August, they’ll encounter a long-awaited gift. Janell Goplen of the Newport Sea Lion Docks Foundation said things haven’t been the same for locals or tourists over the past five months. “We had so many people come to the docks and

Anderson, Gomberg scheduled to appear in online “town hall” Friday

May 31, 2023

Two Oregon lawmakers from Lincoln County embroiled in the stalled session of the 2023 Legislature will appear in an online forum from 8-9 a.m. Friday sponsored by Oregon Coast Community College. For the past eight years the community college has hosted live video town hall meetings between Lincoln County residents and their elected officials. Friday’s event will feature Sen. Dick

Yachats Trails Team — now 60 members strong — works year-round to help make the city walkable for locals and visitors

May 31, 2023

By GARRET JAROS/YachatsNews YACHATS – A symphony of wetland-loving birds punctuated by the occasional frog in full throat was all the accompaniment the Yachats Trails Team needed as they tackled yet another restoration project. What began 18 years ago with a handful of volunteers determined to maintain local trails and beautify public spaces in Yachats, has grown to 60