Local July 4 celebrations need to end fireworks, go to drone shows

July 5, 2023

To the editor: I am writing to encourage all Lincoln County leaders, decision makers, and residents to support joining an increasing number of municipalities in switching from traditional fireworks to a drone show. The benefits are as many as they are obvious. Drone shows don’t cause noise trauma to people with PTSD, children or animals; they don’t use toxic materials;

After a sleepy start, Yachats celebrates a beautiful Fourth of July with breakfast, music, parade, party and fireworks finale

July 5, 2023

By GARRET JAROS/YachatsNews YACHATS – Yachats must have slept in on the Fourth. At least that was the unofficial official word from the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast at the Lions Hall. “We’ve completely run out of sausage,” said Phil Wells, who worked the grill in the parking lot while the line at the door continued to stack up. “We are

Oregon’s popular EV rebate program is out of money and won’t be funded until next March

July 3, 2023

By MONICA SAMAYOA/Oregon Public Broadcasting Oregon’s popular electric vehicle rebate program is out of money and will remain suspended for the rest of the year, potentially impacting EV sales and the state’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. That’s after lawmakers recently failed to pass essential legislation that would have provided an additional $30 million to restart the Oregon Department of

Waldport stages ceremonial groundbreaking at Louis Southworth Park with the hope to begin work by late summer

July 3, 2023

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews WALDPORT – More than 125 people and a slew of dignitaries turned out Monday for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the city’s new Louis Southworth Park, with the hope that work will start this summer on the $1 million project. Speakers reminded attendees of Southworth’s contributions to the community 140 years ago and how fitting it was

Fireworks regulations need stronger enforcement by all agencies

July 3, 2023

To the editor: Sunday evening’s fire south of Waldport caused by fireworks rekindled memories of the night of July 2, 2022, when aerial fireworks exploded over the beach a block from my home in the Bayshore community north of Waldport. A few minutes later, fire erupted behind a nearby house on Oceania Drive. I hurried to alert the young couple

Fireworks-caused beach fire closes Highway 101 for five hours Sunday, forces evacuation of homes between Waldport and Yachats Sunday evening

July 2, 2023

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews A large brush fire caused by fireworks on the beach closed a four-mile stretch U.S. Highway 101 between Waldport and Yachats for more than five hours Sunday as firefighters from seven agencies battled the stubborn, wind-whipped blaze. The fire was reported just before 3 p.m. drawing a massive response from five local departments and firefighters from

21st Yachats Celtic Music Festival announces November lineup with tickets going fast to main shows

July 2, 2023

By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews YACHATS — The premier event of the Yachats fall calendar is headed back for its 21st season, and Celtic music lovers are snapping up tickets. Just days after the entertainment line-up for the Nov. 10-12 Yachats Celtic Music Festival was announced, thousands of dollars’ worth of tickets had already been purchased. “I’d really urge people to

Banners again beautify downtown Yachats through the work of local nonprofit and 36 volunteer artists

July 2, 2023

By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews YACHATS — Art-spangled banners are yet again waving over downtown Yachats, thanks to the work of local artists and the sponsorship of nonprofit Polly Plumb Productions. For the sixth year, artist Michael Guerriero of Yachats is managing the project, which decorates 18 street light poles along U.S. Highway 101 downtown with original, colorful banners. Under the

The final week of YachatsNews’ local fundraising campaign: Can we make our goal? And answering some questions

June 29, 2023

YachatsNews is extending its month-long local fundraising campaign through July 4 in order to get closer to its goal of $50,000. As of Thursday, readers, businesses and local organizations had donated or pledged a total of almost $36,000. Coupled with a recent $5,000 grant from the Roundhouse Foundation of Sisters, Ore., that brings total donations and pledges in May and

Ready to try clamming? Just follow these intrepid coastal foragers to discover the mud, the fun — and the rewards

June 29, 2023

By GARRET JAROS/YachatsNews NEWPORT — With garden rakes and mesh bags in hand, the small band of foragers set off through the low-tide muck of Yaquina Bay. Meredith Howell of Yachats along with her son, Graham Shields, and friends Leni Ament and Roberta Porter, step gingerly to avoid slipping in the ooze that sucks at their shoes. They make