Update: According to Lincoln City Police Nicholas Mumma has been arrested and according to the jail roster he faces charges of Animal Abuse. Public comment during the Lincoln City Council meetng drew sharp criticism of police conduct, rising utility costs, and city financial priorities. After approving liquor licenses and minutes without debate, the council opened the floor to public comment, where four speakers raised concerns that ranged from public safety and animal abuse

A comprehensive guide for evaluating, planning, and managing the development of Offshore Wind Energy in the state of Oregon was submitted to the legislature on July 24, 2026. House Bill 4080 (2024) directed the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to develop an Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap (Roadmap) that defines standards to be considered in the process related to developing and approving offshore wind energy in Oregon. DLCD published the completed Offshore

Toledo’s Arts, Oysters and Brews festival is coming back to Main Street with more vendors, family activities and a bigger budget, organizers told the Toledo City Council at its recent meeting. The two-day street festival will close a section of Main Street and run until 5 p.m. each day. Music and food trucks will be set up in the city parking lot with a kids zone across the street in a dedicated family area. Stacey Keating appeared on behalf of the Economic Development Allian

The Oregon Department of State Lands has awarded more than $208,000 through the Submerged Lands Enhancement Fund to support five projects that will restore fish habitat, address invasive aquatic plants, and improve public access to Oregon’s waterways. "The Submerged Lands Enhancement Fund reflects our commitment to reinvesting in Oregon's public waterways,” said Director Kaitlin Lovell. “By supporting projects led by local partners, we're helping ensure these shared resourc

The Newport Police Department is committed to protecting the community and reducing property crime. As part of that commitment, the department has recently been utilizing specially equipped "bait bikes" in areas where bicycle thefts have historically occurred. The Newport Police Department “Bait Bike” Program was started by Officer Jack Grippin after he realized that traditional investigative methods were not having an impact. He developed a low to no cost method to start t

Lincoln County Sheriff's Office Awarded High-Water Rescue Vehicle through Oregon SPIRE Grant. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a new high‑water rescue vehicle funded through the Oregon State Preparedness Infrastructure Resource Equipment (SPIRE) grant program. This specialized vehicle enhances emergency responders’ ability to respond to flooding, severe weather, and other emergencies. Designed for challenging environments, this vehicle can safely access ar

Oregon Coast Community College is strengthening its Aquarium Science program with the hire of not one, but two new leaders at the helm. Steve Vogel brings decades of hands-on aquarium facilities experience from top aquariums around the country. Dr. Carla Schubiger brings depth as a veterinarian and academic instructor, ready to ensure the continued growth and advancement of the college’s robust program. The OCCC Aquarium Science program is a highly competitive, unmatched

On March 13, 2026, 63-year old Richard Brotherton, of Amity, was arrested after initiating a sexually graphic conversation with an undercover officer posing as a minor. Brotherton was arrested and booked into the Lincoln County Jail for Luring a Minor. Deputy District Attorney Madeleine Boyle, of the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, argued the case on behalf of the State. On July 1, 2026, following testimony by the Lincoln City Police Department, a Lincoln County

The Toledo City Council has appointed longtime resident and former councilor Stu Strom to fill a vacant seat through the end of the year. Council noted his experience and institutional memory that would benefit the current council. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Council President Sylvia. The seat is one of three council positions up for election this November, meaning Strom will serve roughly five and a half months before voters decide who holds the seat long-t

The morning of July 16th the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board fulfilled a resource request from the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office by mobilizing Strike Team 7 in support of the East Evans Creek Road Fire, located approximately 14 miles northeast of Rogue River in Jackson County, Oregon. Strike Team #7 is comprised of units from Lincoln, Linn & Tillamook Counties with the following resources. The deployment is being led by Strike Team Leader Mark Bernt of the City of Al

Kathleen Dugan shows the world that retirement is no time to slow down.

As technology evolves, so does the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). ODF continues to adapt and integrate technological advancements into their work. During fire season, the agency uses several different types of tech for early detection, prevention, data collection and to support suppression efforts. Wildfire Detection Cameras ODF’s wildfire detection cameras play an integral role in the state’s early detection and response on fires. These cameras monitor thousands of acr

All six Waldport City Councilors will keep their seats. With 95% of the votes counted and a 37% voter turnout the recall of the six city councilors has failed. Tony Thimakis the recall organizer, said he was very disapointed in the voter turnout. On June 2, 2026, the Lincoln County Clerk, Amy Southwell, confirmed that the recall petitions against all six Waldport City Councilors. Ballots were due in by 8pm Monday July 13. The second unofficial count will be done by Tuesday Ju

Razor clamming on Clatsop beaches is closed beginning 12:01 a.m., July 15. The last day to harvest is July 14. The annual closure conserves young razor clams, giving them time to get established on these beaches so they can grow and be harvested in future years. This helps ensure population growth on Oregon’s most productive beaches for razor clams. Razor clam harvesting on Clatsop beaches resume October 1 pending biotoxin results. Alternative harvesting areas during the clo

The Lincoln City Police Department will be conducting a Pedestrian Safety Operation on Monday, July 13th, 2026 in the area of the South 900 block of Highway 101, in the vicinity of McKay’s Market and the City Hall building. With the use of a decoy pedestrian, the Lincoln City Police Department hopes to raise awareness of drivers and pedestrians through education and enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws. The operation will be conducted between the hours of 1:00 and 4:00

The green area shows where the problem pipe is and the square shows where the break is Lincoln County commissioners convened an emergency meeting on July 2 to authorize immediate septic repairs at the Lincoln County Courthouse, after a sewer line problem forced the shutdown of water service to much of the building and raised concerns about public health and access to essential court functions. The meeting, was called specifically to approve emergency procurement for the septi

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is awarding about $97.1 million in additional federal funding to improve the health and well-being of Oregon’s rural communities this year. The grants will collectively support 136 new projects across all counties in the state. With this announcement, Oregon has so far awarded about $175.3 million total to support health in rural communities this year. Lincoln County will receive 12 grants. “Overwhelming interest in this program demonstrates the

Lincoln City officials say the city’s aging City Hall and library complex is facing serious water damage, high operating costs, and growing safety and accessibility concerns, raising questions about how long the building can continue to function in its current state. Lincoln City residents got a chance to hear about the future of their aging City Hall and library building, during recent Town Hall meetings. Citizens got an opportunity to hear about three multi‑million‑dollar

Lincoln County commissioners adopted a package of year-end budget amendments during a special meeting June 30, while clashing briefly over public access and to commissioners access to backup documents and hearing sharp criticism from a citizen during public comment. Finance Director Lennon Pierce walked the board through a series of adjustments across multiple funds, including about $486,000 in increased materials and services for roads and highways, $125,000 for new motor ve

The Newport City Council approved a construction contract for the long-planned Safe Route to School project on Harney Street, clearing the way for major street and sidewalk upgrades ahead of the coming school year. Some of the work is underway and there are one lane closures between 3rd street and Highway 20 along Harney street. The council voted to award the Moore Harney U.S. 20 intersection and street improvement project to Road and Driveway Company in the amount of $1,919,