YachatsNews passes first benchmark in local fundraising effort; two weeks left in June campaign

June 20, 2024

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews The past two years when YachatsNews conducted its local fundraising campaign my wife, Kathi, asked if I’m embarrassed to seek donations from people. My answer has been “No, it’s simply a request, not a demand” and people are obviously free to choose whether to support us financially. Yes, it is always a bit awkward, but I

Owner of 40-acre site on south edge of Yachats wants to log it — or cut some kind of deal with city

June 20, 2024

By GARRET JAROS/YachatsNews YACHATS – Whether an eleventh-hour effort to stop a 40-acre clearcut on a swath of timber just across the Yachats River bridge in south Yachats will be successful is anybody’s guess. But one thing is certain – the clock is ticking. Logging could have started as early as Tuesday if not for a 30-day reprieve granted

Lincoln County district attorney-elect Jenna Wallace will be appointed to office Friday, begins work rebuilding office

June 20, 2024

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek will appoint Jenna Wallace as Lincoln County’s next district attorney on Friday as Lanee Danforth’s resignation takes effect six months before the end of her troubled four-year term. Wallace won the May primary to succeed Danforth after the incumbent decided weeks before the primary not to seek re-election. Wallace would normally have

Bridge replacement will close South Beaver Creek Road for four months

June 20, 2024

SEAL ROCK – Residents of the Beaver Creek area who use South Beaver Creek Road to head north or south will have to take a bit of a detour the next four months. On Monday, an Oregon Department of Transportation contractor will close a section of the road to begin replacing a 60-year-old wooden bridge as part of a $2.1

School district seeks Newport-area board member after resignation

June 20, 2024

The Lincoln County School District is seeking to fill a board vacancy created by the resignation of Mike Rawles of Newport, who is moving out of the district. Rawles was elected in May 2021 to the seat representing Zone 3 on the board, which comprises much of the Newport area. The board is accepting applications from people interested in serving

NOAA reports declining trend in the number of entangled whales off Oregon and West Coast

June 20, 2024

By DANA TIMS/YachatsNews After spiking to record numbers a decade ago, the reported instances of whales along the West Coast getting tangled in commercial and recreational fishing gear is continuing downward trend. That’s according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s latest report, which confirmed 27 entangled large whales last year off the coasts of Oregon, Washington and California.

How portions of Cape Foulweather will be returned to Siletz tribe is focus of Saturday talk

June 20, 2024

Cape Foulweather is familiar to residents and visitors as one of the most iconic viewpoints on the central Oregon coast. But the headland offers more than sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean. People can learn more about a collaboration to ensure longterm stewardship and protection of 27 acres of Cape Foulweather during a talk by Margaret Treadwell, central coast

Want to go fly a kite? See hundreds of flying objects this weekend in Lincoln City

June 20, 2024

Folks who enjoy the windy season on the Oregon coast will gather on the beach at the D River State Recreation Site for the annual Lincoln City Summer Kite Festival on Saturday and Sunday, June 22-23. Visitors and locals can experience two days of kite-flying activities like walking through the wind garden, enjoying the art kite display and making

5 Questions and a Secret: Kama Almasi finds her perfect job at Oregon Coast STEM Hub

June 19, 2024

By KATHLEEN O’CONNOR/YachatsNews How many of us have been lucky enough to be hired for the perfect job? The job that will use and require all the knowledge we’ve gained from all our previous jobs and provide us with continuous opportunities to contribute effectively and to grow personally? Kama Almasi started her perfect job in April as director of

No longer considered predators, Oregon beavers get new protections from state July 1

June 18, 2024

By ALEX BAUMHARDT/Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon’s state animal has for years been classified as a “predator” by the state fish and wildlife agency, and that’s meant that the North American Beaver has lived largely unprotected from private landowners who can kill them at will. That will change July 1 when new rules go into effect under House Bill 3464, the