Governor, Legislature want to pause action on Oregon wildfire hazard map to quell public frustration

February 17, 2025

By ALEX BAUMHARDT/Oregon Capital Chronicle SALEM — Amid mounting criticism from the public and lawmakers from both parties, Gov. Tina Kotek has paused any further agency action on the state’s new Wildfire Hazard Map until the Legislature decides what to do with it. Kotek on Monday directed the Oregon Department of Forestry to continue accepting appeals from Oregonians who disagree

Waldport man jailed Sunday after 2-hour downtown standoff with police

February 17, 2025

WALDPORT – A 43-year-old Waldport man is in the Lincoln County jail following a more than two-hour standoff with police following a call to a suicide prevention hotline and report of gunshots. Timothy R. Swander is being held for unlawful use of a weapon and recklessly endangering others. In a news release Monday, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s office said they

School board puts $73 million building bond on May ballot that would replace expiring one

February 17, 2025

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews The Lincoln County School District will ask voters in May to approve a $73 million building bond that replaces one set to expire next year. The district’s five-member board voted 4-0 last week to put the measure on the May ballot after a year of seeking community thoughts on its buildings, conferring with staff, hiring outside

ODFW commission takes action to hammer kelp-eating sea urchins in three coastal test areas

February 16, 2025

By DANA TIMS/YachatsNews Just a few administrative details need to be worked out before kelp-killing purple sea urchins start getting hammered off the Oregon coast. And, no, this is not some new salt water-based drinking game. Instead, under regulatory changes adopted Friday by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, targeted culling of the spiny, fist-sized creatures will get underway

Threatening emails to public officials could lead to jail time under proposed Oregon legislation

February 16, 2025

By DIRK VANDERHART/Oregon Public Broadcasting SALEM — Holding public office in these politically fractured times often comes with an ugly reality — an email inbox containing threats of violence. A recent tally by the city of Eugene detailed more than 1,200 threatening messages that had been sent to a wide variety of public officials in recent years – including 56 to the

Siletz Tribal fund distributes grants to 15 Lincoln County organizations

February 15, 2025

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund distributed $198,441 to 36 organizations in its 11 county service area this month as part of its quarterly donations to nonprofit groups. In Lincoln County, grants went to: Siletz, Eddyville, Toledo Baseball & Softball Association to help fund the 2025 baseball/softball year; $5,203; Panther Creek Senior and Community Center, Otis, to replace flooring in

Yachats fire board appoints new member, says so long to other

February 15, 2025

YACHATS – Stan Wagaman was appointed to the Yachats Rural Fire Protection District board at its Monday, Feb. 10 meeting. Wagaman was the lone applicant for an opening on the five-member board after the resignation of Don Tucker who stepped aside at the close of the meeting. Tucker had been on the board since 2019. Tucker, who also serves on

With Oregon’s largest federal climate grants on hold — for now — state agencies are left at a standstill

February 15, 2025

By MONICA SAMAYOA/Oregon Public Broadcasting A nearly $200 million federal grant aimed at boosting climate action throughout Oregon is currently frozen — for now. It’s causing uncertainty throughout state agencies that worked together to help win the competitive award and say they are unsure if and when the federal funds would become accessible. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality said

100-year-old Yachats resident’s advice for loving life? Walk on the beach. Work hard. Be kind.

February 13, 2025

By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews YACHATS — In 1925, the Roaring 20s were in full swing across America. Mount Rushmore in South Dakota was dedicated. In London, the first television picture was generated. And Carol J. (Crinklaw) Dorning of Yachats was born in Montesano, Wash. One hundred years later, the centenarian looks back on her life with gratitude and a positive

Two Lincoln County commissioners scheduled to vote Wednesday on finalist to fill third seat

February 13, 2025

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews Three candidates to fill an open seat on the Lincoln County commission answered questions for two hours Wednesday as they vie to fill the remaining 22 months in a vacant four-year term. Until Wednesday morning there were four finalists, but John Heath of Gleneden Beach withdrew from consideration citing health issues that would prevent him from