State’s ethics commission takes up a pair of Waldport city issues

July 17, 2025

The turmoil at Waldport city hall has reached Salem and the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. On Friday, the commission took up complaints that the city’s notice to Mayor Heide Lambert and City Manager Dann Cutter prior to two April 3 executive (closed) sessions and one special meeting did not meet state open meetings law requirements explaining rules or options for

Lincoln City council terminates its temporary city manager

July 15, 2025

LINCOLN CITY – The Lincoln City council has terminated their pro-tem city manager after a month on the job. The city council hired David Benson of Tillamook to be its temporary manager in May after Daphnee Legarza resigned after three years in the job. Benson had more than 30 years of local government experience under his belt including the role

Newport’s airport awarded $650,000 for new weather data system

July 15, 2025

More than $5 million in federal funds are coming to airports across Oregon, including Newport’s city-run airport. On Monday, Oregon senators and representatives announced $5.15 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration would be divided between airports in Newport, Aurora, Portland, Salem, John Day, and Brookings. Newport will receive $650,000 for a new automated weather observing system that provides

Yes, there is a free lunch (and breakfast) at four school locations this summer

July 14, 2025

Lincoln County School District is again offering free breakfasts and lunches this summer for any child 18 years and under. Four locations in the county will serve the grab-and-go meals – Sam Case Elementary in Newport, Toledo Elementary, Oceanlake Elementary in Lincoln City and DaNoble House in Waldport. The program began Monday and will run every weekday until Aug. 15

With federal funds uncertain, Lincoln County says bus services OK — for now

July 14, 2025

Although uncertainties with federal funding have caused some transit agencies in rural Oregon to limit services, that won’t be the case in Lincoln County – yet. New revisions to an agreement between rural transit agencies and the federal Transportation Administration requires compliance with federal immigration enforcement action, which contradicts Oregon’s sanctuary law. The new requirement caused federal transit funds to

Avelos Airlines announces end of flights to and from Eugene, Salem

July 14, 2025

The low-cost Avelo Airlines will cease serving four Oregon cities in December as it closes its operations based in Burbank, Calif, and discontinue its West Coast flights, the company announced Monday. Avelo’s closure of its West Coast operations will affect weekly or twice-weekly service to Eugene, Salem, Redmond, and Medford. Redmond and Medford are served by other airlines, but Avelo’s

Warrant issued for driver involved in Yachats hit-and-runs July 8

July 14, 2025

A Lincoln County judge has issued an arrest warrant for a southern Oregon man who was involved in a series of hit-and-run vehicle accidents in downtown Yachats on July 8 and arrested hours later in Coos County. But Jason W. Rountree of Kerby, Ore. was released from jail July 9 and failed to appear as promised at his arraignment the

Highway 101 paving project south of Newport kicks into high gear

July 13, 2025

Night owls and early morning commuters entering or leaving Newport from the south could face delays beginning this week as a $4.84 million U.S. Highway 101 paving project shifts into gear Sunday nights through Friday mornings. Crews on the Oregon Department of Transportation project have already begun work on intersections and curbs between Southeast 40th and Southeast 123rd streets.

Have a canning question? OSU Extension hotline is taking your calls

July 11, 2025

Canning season is underway which means the food safety and preservation helpline from Oregon State University Extension Service has started taking calls. The toll-free helpline, 800-354-7319, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. The helpline will be staffed by certified Master Food Preserver volunteers until Oct. 10. In 2024, the volunteers fielded 723 calls. “Preserving the

Man sentenced to 8 years in prison for 2024 rape in Newport park

July 11, 2025

NEWPORT – A homeless man from Corvallis was sentenced Friday to more than eight years in prison after being convicted last month of rape and sex abuse in the attack of a woman almost a year ago in Don Davis Park. Lincoln County Circuit Court presiding Judge Sheryl Bachart sentenced Tucker Todd, 47, after a jury found him guilty June