Lincoln County unemployment rate stays at 4.7 percent in August

September 24, 2024

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Lincoln County leveled off in August, but is still significantly higher than the Oregon or national rates, according to the latest report Tuesday from the Oregon Employment Department. Lincoln County’s unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in August, unchanged from the rate in July – but higher than the 4.2 percent from August 2023, regional

Samaritan offering emergency preparedness doubleheader Thursday

September 23, 2024

NEWPORT — Disaster can strike unexpectedly and in different ways – flooding, wind damage, earthquake and fire, to name a few. Are you prepared to survive an emergency? A free seminar this week will show how to be ready for the worst. The seminar, Emergency Preparedness: Are You Ready, will be held Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Samaritan Center for

Newport woman killed in head-on crash Saturday east of Reedsport

September 23, 2024

A 78-year-old Newport woman was killed Saturday on Oregon Highway 138 about 12 miles east of Reedsport when she tried to avoid a large truck passing other cars but instead collided head-on with the vehicle. Oregon State Police said Shelley Sue McLaughlin died at the scene of the crash about 12:15 p.m. Saturday. Police said their preliminary investigation indicated a

State health warnings spreads from Eckman Lake to Alsea Bay estuary

September 18, 2024

WALDPORT – The Oregon Health Authority issued a recreational-use health advisory Tuesday for Eckman Lake due to a cyanobacteria bloom and cyanotoxins. The agency said Tuesday that the bacteria and toxins pose a danger to human and animal health and that people should avoid swimming and other water activities where blooms are present. Risk of illness is most often caused by

Samaritan confirms cuts of 80 positions from its five-hospital system

September 15, 2024

Samaritan Health Services reduced its workforce by about 80 positions, the organization confirmed Friday. The layoffs had occurred earlier in the week. Samaritan, a nonprofit regional health system, operates hospitals in Newport, Lincoln City, Corvallis, Albany and Lebanon along with several regional clinics. According to its website, the organization has more than 6,000 employees. A Samaritan spokeswoman in Lincoln County

Port of Alsea’s manager-in-waiting begins work Wednesday

September 15, 2024

WALDPORT — The Port of Alsea board selected Signe Reese as the probationary candidate for port manager during a special meeting Aug. 27. Reese will start work Wednesday and work six hours a day, four days a week as she trains to take over as port manager at the end of October for Roxie Cuellar who is retiring after nine

Waldport awards $302,000 in final contracts for Crestline sidewalks

September 15, 2024

WALDPORT – The city of Waldport has awarded Jesse Rodriguez Construction of Silverton the contract to do the final two phases of the Crestline Drive sidewalk project. Rodriguez submitted the lowest bids for both phase two — paving at $193,000, and phase three – curbs and lighted crosswalks at $109,000. Phase one, clearing trees and brush along the approximately mile-long

“Hands Across Bridge” recovery event is Saturday in Waldport

September 15, 2024

WALDPORT — September marks the 35th anniversary of National Recovery Month and the occasion will be marked with a special, free event Saturday in Waldport. Recovery and Wellbriety month will be celebrated with a bridge crossing Saturday during the 16th annual “Lincoln County Hands Across the Bridge” event, followed by a free lunch, speakers and activities. The observance is sponsored

Head-on fatality Saturday near Siletz results in homicide charges

September 3, 2024

SILETZ – A 62-year-old Siletz man was killed and a 35-year-old Logsden man arrested on accusations of criminally negligent homicide after a head-on collision early Saturday just east of Siletz. In a news release Tuesday, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office said Rustin Johnson, 62, was killed in the collision about 7:40 a.m. Saturday on Logdsen Road about two miles east

Rail work closes road between Blodgett and Eddyville 3 times this month

September 3, 2024

BLODGETT — Travelers who use Oregon Highway 180 between Blodgett and Eddyville should expect three different three-day closures of the highway this month. The Portland and Western Railroad is making repairs to three railroad crossings on the highway and is closing it to traffic for three days, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. During closures travelers will need to