Hall, Miller should appoint interim-only commissioner to county seat

January 16, 2025

To the editor: I have written to Lincoln County commissioners Claire Hall and Casey Miller to express my concern regarding the upcoming appointment to fill the vacancy on the board of commissioners. Here is what I said: “This appointment carries significant weight, not only in its immediate impact but also in shaping the course of our county’s leadership for years

Oregon loses its chief forester (again) at pivotal moment for environmental, timber policies in the state

January 16, 2025

By APRIL ERHLICH/Oregon Public Broadcasting The resignation of Oregon’s top forestry executive last week comes at a pivotal moment for environmental policies in the state Lawmakers are a week away from convening a legislative session that’s expected to tackle Oregon’s critical wildfire funding issues. And forestry officials are scrambling to finalize two major overhauls to endangered species protections on public and

Application to fill seat on Lincoln County commission contains unusual, partisan and had at least one illegal question

January 15, 2025

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews Ever been sued by anyone over anything? Or cited for a breach of ethics, or been the subject of a complaint to any court, agency or professional organization? Have you ever been a part of any litigation – even as a witness — or a legislative proceeding? How about serving on a political committee or affiliated

Chance coffee shop meeting leads to starring role in Theatre West’s latest production

January 15, 2025

By GRETCHEN AMMERMAN/Oregon Coast TODAY The journey to the stage can take many paths. For Jason Kutchma, starring in Theatre West’s current production, “Dial M for Murder,” it was taking a break from home improvements. “I was at the Nauti Mermaid and was reading the Oregon Coast TODAY,” said Kutchma, clearly a person with great taste in reading materials.

Lane County hires former Lincoln County DA as its legal counsel

January 15, 2025

KLCC News EUGENE — Lane County Commissioners have voted to hire a former Lincoln County District Attorney as their legal counsel. As chief legal officer, Rob Bovett will lead the office that represents the county in legal matters, and advises the county’s top elected officials. He most recently served as senior assistant county counsel to Washington County, and previously served

Coastal wood carvers stage their annual show and workshops this weekend

January 15, 2025

By Oregon Coast TODAY This weekend will see woodcarvings of all kinds on display as the Coastal Carvers present their 31st annual Artistry in Wood show at Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City. This group of woodcarvers, made up of beginners to professionals from Lincoln City and surrounding areas, get together once a year to present a show

Leader of Lincoln County firefighters battling blazes in Los Angeles says it’s a “duty and an honor” to help

January 14, 2025

This story was updated Wednesday to include comments from COCF&R Capt. John Townley By GARRET JAROS/YachatsNews Despite rigorous 24-hour shifts and sleeping on cots, spirits are high among Lincoln County firefighters dispatched nearly a week ago to help battle the catastrophic fires in southern California. “We are doing well,” Depoe Bay fire chief Tom Jackson said in an interview with

5 Questions and a Secret: Waldport museum volunteer and bluegrass radio host Chip Russell

January 14, 2025

By KATHLEEN O’CONNOR/YachatsNews Chip Russell believes he and his partner, Nicole Frederickson, purchased the last home in Waldport that sold for less than $200,000 when they retired in 2017. They purchased it sight unseen, knowing it needed quite a lot of work. But it has proved to be the perfect retirement home for them. Upon arrival, Russell set out

Closure of Macy’s store in Salem will mean layoffs for its 56 employees

January 14, 2025

The SALEM REPORTER SALEM — Macy’s will lay off 56 Salem employees in March due to the permanent closure of its downtown store. In a Jan. 9 notification sent to the state as required by federal labor law, the company announced that all 56 job eliminations are permanent and will occur March 18-31. “Information about benefits will be made available to impacted

Biden administration awards $53 million to HP in Corvallis for semiconductor research

January 14, 2025

By LYNNE TERRY/Oregon Capital Chronicle Oregon’s high tech sector is about to grow even more, with a new multi-million dollar infusion of cash from the federal government. The Biden administration announced Monday that it will award up to $53 million to HP to support the expansion and modernization of its facility in Corvallis. The money comes from the CHIPS and