Sheriff calls death of 2-year-old Siletz boy “heartbreaking” but body’s recovery can begin bringing closure to family

March 13, 2025

By SHAYLA ESCUDERO/YachatsNews SILETZ — Two days after his body was found in the Siletz River, officials confirmed Thursday that 2-year-old Dane Paulsen died of drowning and had no other injuries. The boy was reported missing March 1 from the front yard of his family home that sits about 100 feet from the Siletz River, launching a vast search

Monday is the deadline for comments on revised Northwest Forest Plan

March 13, 2025

The deadline for public comment concerning changes to the Northwest Forest Plan is Monday, March 17. The plan provides management guidelines and sets policy for 17 national forests in the Northwest including the 630,00-acre Siuslaw. The plan was adopted in 1994 to establish guidelines for managing forests in the range of the northern spotted owl in western Oregon and Washington

Newport Performing Arts Center brings in bands and range of music the next four weeks

March 13, 2025

By Oregon Coast TODAY A well-curated playlist, feel-good bluegrass and musical tributes will keep the Newport Performing Arts Center lively with four new concerts set for the next four weeks. The concerts kick off at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16 with Marty Isenberg’s Wes Anderson Playlist. Described as a sonic storyboard and soundtrack to the wonder, loneliness and nostalgia

A mother’s request and a photo of her missing son spurs diver’s mission to find 2-year-old Dane Paulsen

March 12, 2025

By SHAYLA ESCUDERO/YachatsNews The cold bit through Juan Heredia’s wetsuit as he glided six feet below the surface of the Siletz River. There were branches and uneven ground along the river’s bottom, but the water was clear. Through his diving mask Heredia saw a pair of white bottomed shoes — blue with Velcro straps. As he came closer he

Theatre West continues 50th anniversary series with “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little”

March 12, 2025

By Oregon Coast TODAY Lincoln City’s Theatre West continues its special run of plays to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the troupe with “And Miss Reardon Drinks a Little,” opening Thursday, March 13 and running through April 5. A Broadway success authored by Paul Zindel, this biting, touching and often wildly funny play probes deeply into the tortured relationship

Corvallis woman killed Monday in Highway 34 accident

March 12, 2025

TIDEWATER – Amber Damm-Winningham, 42, of Corvallis died Monday afternoon when her car left Highway 34 and rolled 300 feet down a step bank just east of Yates Road. Oregon State Police said Damm-Winningham, who was believed to not be wearing a seat belt, was headed east when she lost control of her Honda Civic, rolled down the bank

Oregon Court of Appeals says voter-approved measure regulating firearms purchases is constitutional

March 12, 2025

By CONRAD WILSON and MICHELLE WILEY/Oregon Public Broadcasting In a unanimous ruling Wednesday, the Oregon Court of Appeals approved a measure that would further regulate the purchase of firearms and ammunition across the state. The opinion finds Ballot Measure 114 does not violate the state constitution. This overturns a 2023 decision from an Eastern Oregon judge. “We conclude that all

Samaritan offers class on how to deal with medical emergencies

March 12, 2025

NEWPORT — Do you have the confidence, skills and knowledge to handle a medical emergency? Samaritan Health Services is offering the American Heart Association Heartsaver course from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at the Samaritan Center for Health Education. Participants will learn how to provide basic first aid, perform adult, child and infant CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator.

City of Yachats exploring eight-acre site for big, new water reservoir and workforce housing development

March 11, 2025

By GARRET JAROS/YachatsNews YACHATS – When it comes to planning for the future of Yachats two issues always rise to the top – water sustainability and affordable housing. A project that could combine both objectives is currently in the works. But city officials caution there are a lot of unknowns as they assess a wooded property for its potential

Oregon Senate adds plastic utensils, some packaging and hotel toiletries to 2019’s plastic bag ban

March 11, 2025

By JULIA SHUMWAY/Oregon Capital Chronicle SALEM — Since the Oregon Legislature voted to ban single-use plastic grocery bags and limit plastic straws in 2019, most Oregonians have grown used to bringing their own bags to the store and asking for straws. Now, lawmakers looking to stop plastic from piling up on the state’s beaches are turning their attention to other