Discussion and possible vote on roles, rules for Yachats’ commissions put off until new members join city council in January

December 5, 2022

By QUINTON SMITH/YachatsNews YACHATS – A city council discussion – and at least one proposal – to change how three city commissions operate stalled last week when one member said it was inappropriate for the lame duck council to decide the issue this month. The five-member council is getting two new members in January – both of whom have

Clogged or damaged pipe shuts Waldport’s public RV dump station

December 4, 2022

WALDPORT – The city of Waldport this week hopes to diagnose the problem and repair whatever has clogged the pipe at its public RV dump station on Southwest Starr Street. The city had to close off the dump station last week after something clogged or damaged the pipe connecting it to the sewage treatment system, said city manager Dann

Popular south coast light display now needs entry permit to view

December 4, 2022

COOS BAY — One of Oregon’s most unique holiday lights displays has returned after a two-year hiatus, but there are some big changes, including the need to get a timed entry permit to visit. Shore Acres State Park has once again turned its formal gardens above the ocean outside Coos Bay into a wonderland of lights between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.

Federal agency that manages 13 Willamette Valley dams and reservoirs considering big changes

December 4, 2022

By ZACH URNESS/Salem Statesman-Journal The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is considering emptying Cougar Reservoir, scaling back hydropower and changing how it stores 500 trillion gallons of water in a new blueprint for managing 13 dams and reservoirs in the Willamette River Basin. In a 2,200-page document released late last month, the federal agency laid out seven alternatives for improving conditions for

Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble performs holiday concert Saturday in Yachats

December 4, 2022

The Pacific Coast Wind Ensemble has scheduled its annual seasonal celebration concert for 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 in the Yachats Commons. Proceeds from the Yachats concert will benefit South Lincoln Resources and Yachats Food Pantry. The program will draw heavily on favorites of a season celebrated by Christian, Jewish, Solstice and Kwanzaa traditions. There will also be opportunity for

Federal judge says she will decide early next week whether to temporarily halt Measure 114 from going into effect Dec. 8

December 2, 2022

Union County Sheriff Cody Bowen speaks to reporters outside the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse after a hearing on Dec. 2, 2022, on a lawsuit to block Oregon Measure 114, a firearms law, from taking effect. Bowen and several other sheriffs say the voter-approved measure is unenforceable. By BEN BOTKIN/Oregon Capital Chronicle A federal judge will decide early next week

Some Oregon gun shops selling weapons to customers who might fail a background check

December 2, 2022

Assault style weapons are used in many mass shootings. (Connor Radnovich/Oregon Capital Chronicle) By GRANT STRINGER/Oregon Capital Chronicle As Oregonians scramble to purchase firearms before the state’s new gun regulations go into effect, some gun shops are using a loophole to potentially bypass background checks and sell firearms to anyone, including to people who might not qualify to legally own

Eckman Lake neighbors critical of information, ideas to improve its water quality, so Port of Alsea may suggest they buy it

December 1, 2022

By JORDAN ESSOE/YachatsNews.com WALDPORT – The first Port of Alsea meeting seeking solution for Eckman Lake’s problems with pollution and harmful algal blooms was met with some public opposition Tuesday. But on Wednesday, the Port suggested a new, potential path forward that might entice frustrated lakeside homeowners – allowing them to take ownership of the lake and manage it

Holiday season kicks off in big way this weekend with Santa’s visit, craft fairs, greens show and candlelight bridge walk

December 1, 2022

The holiday season starts crackling like a Yule log this weekend. From Yachats to Seal Rock to Waldport, local events — free to enjoy and all family-friendly — begin Saturday. One of the more traditional attractions is “Breakfast with Santa,” returning to the Yachats Lions Club Hall for the first time since 2019. The free pancake breakfast (although donations are

“Secret Santas” looking for local senior citizens to visit Christmas Eve

December 1, 2022

Do you know — or are you — a senior citizen in south Lincoln County who may be lonely this holiday season? If so, you can help someone else or yourself receive a free bag of gift goodies delivered to your door Christmas Eve. But don’t dawdle – the signup ends Dec. 11 and recipients are first-come, first-served as a