Ruth R. Mock of Yachats — “Fiddlin Ruth”

October 24, 2025

Ruth R. Mock, a world traveler and a guitar and violin music publisher and instructor who delighted the Yachats community as “Fiddlin Ruth” for 10 wonderful years, passed away July 16, 2025, in Albuquerque, N.M. surrounded by music and visits from her children and grandchildren.

Former Oregon governor lends his name to new ballot initiative pushing for open primaries

October 24, 2025

Two newly filed ballot initiatives would open Oregon’s primary elections, which currently exclude voters not registered with the parties holding the nominating contests.

Thousands of federal workers in Oregon brace for first missed paycheck as shutdown continues

October 24, 2025

Around 10,000 federal workers in Oregon could miss their first full paycheck on Friday due to the ongoing government shutdown. It’s a relatively small number of the state’s overall workforce of nearly two million people, but state economists say the effects could be especially felt in rural areas.

Social Security payments will go up by 2.8 percent in 2026 as cost-of-living increase kicks in

October 24, 2025

Millions of Social Security recipients will see a 2.8 percent cost-of-living increase in their monthly checks next year, the agency said Friday.

Samaritan Health Services agrees to merge with large Tacoma-area hospital system, but operate under its own name

October 23, 2025

Samaritan Health Services of Corvallis will jump into the arms of the much larger MultiCare Health System of Tacoma, the two nonprofit organizations announced Wednesday. The two organizations expect the deal to be completed next spring or summer. While they call the deal “an affiliation,” Samaritan will become a part of MultiCare.

Lincoln County asking voters for small property tax increase to solely fund its Veterans Service office

October 23, 2025

Ballots making their way to Lincoln County mailboxes have exactly one question – should voters approve a five-year local option levy to support veterans services. If it passes, the levy would be the first levy to solely fund a Lincoln County department.

Work progressing quickly on Yachats’ new library and it could open in early January — with a little help from volunteers

October 23, 2025

It’s been discussed for over 20 years. It’s been under construction for eight months. And work is progressing fast enough that the new, bigger Yachats Public Library is expected to re-open for business in early January.

Angell Job Corps students help build Habitat for Humanity home in Waldport

October 23, 2025

Angell Job Corps student Brandon Biltoft of Payette, Idaho works off a ladder and Cedar Flagg of LaGrande help finish framing this week on the first of two Lincoln County Habitat for Humanity homes in Waldport. Construction of the two homes on Northwest Fayette Street in downtown Waldport began in May. Click on the photo or headline for more details.

Skateboarder killed Tuesday trying to cross Highway 101 near Salishan

October 23, 2025

A Depoe Bay skateboarder was killed Tuesday, Oct. 21, when he was struck by a commercial truck as he attempted to cross U.S. Highway 101 just north of Salishan, Oregon State Police said Thursday.

Lincoln County ballot measure is a commitment to our veterans

October 23, 2025

To the editor: Our Lincoln County November special election ballot contains just one item — Measure 21-235 that asks all of us to examine our commitment to the veterans among our neighbors whose service has helped our country to remain safe. There are over 5,200 veterans in Lincoln County, many of whom rely on the Veterans Service Office for access