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,

The Oregon State Marine Board, in partnership with marine law enforcement across the state, will be participating in Operation Dry Water, July 3rd through July 5th, as part of a nationally coordinated effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence of intoxicants (BUII). BUII includes consumption of prescription drugs, alcohol, inhalants, marijuana, or any combination impairing a person’s ability to operate a boat safely. The e

Tony Thimakis, organizer of the recall of the 6 Waldport Council members, has submitted a formal complaint to the Secretary of State's office alleging that the city, through the City Manager Dann Cutter, misled the public regarding the recall election. Thimakis said a statement that was made on the city of Waldport's website could mislead voters. In the statement, Cutter states he is responding to questions regarding how the city government will be run if all council members

Oregon Coast Community College held its 38th Annual Commencement Ceremony Friday, June 12, at the Newport Performing Arts Center, honoring graduates who together earned more than 200 degrees and certificates this year. Those credentials spanned the fields of healthcare, transfer education, skilled trades, and more. OCCC President Dr. Marshall Mease Roache and Board Chair Debbie Kilduff welcomed graduates, families, faculty, and community members to the ceremony. Graduate Kara

Vacant Seat Remains Unfilled NEWPORT - Lincoln County’s two remaining commissioners remain divided over how to fill the vacant Position 2 seat on the Board of Commissioners, leaving the three-member board with only two voting members. The seat has been vacant since the death of Commissioner Claire Hall in January. At the Board’s June 24 meeting, Commissioner Casey Miller and Commissioner Walter Chuck again reviewed their differing views on how to complete the appointment (wat

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners formally recognized the work of local probation, parole and community supervision officers, proclaiming July 19–25, 2026 as Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week in Lincoln County. Commissioner Casey Miller read the proclamation at the start of the board’s meeting, noting that juvenile and adult community supervision is “an essential part of the criminal justice and public safety system.” The proclamation stated that Lincol

Statewide fire restrictions remain in effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Oregon and Washington, and many local regions have additional restrictions in place. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of all active restrictions and closures as warmer weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest. “Every individual's choices directly impact community safety,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington Acting State Director. “Just one spark can start

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in each of the first five months of 2026. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.3% in March, April, and May. Although nonfarm payroll employment rose by a total of 4,200 jobs during April and May, this broad measure of Oregon’s employment was still 9,100 jobs, or 0.5%, below its May 2025 level. Over the past 12 months, nine of the major industries have cut jobs, while only five industries have added jobs. At 1,977,100, Oregon nonfarm payroll emp

NEWPORT — Lincoln County commissioners adopted the county’s 2026-27 budget after a process that raised questions about draft changes, audit findings, financial-system access and the public’s ability to review a 330-page spending plan before final approval. The dispute was not only about how much the county plans to spend. It was also about which version of the budget was being adopted, what changed between drafts and whether commissioners and residents had enough information

EUGENE - A federal judge has ordered Lincoln County to restore Commissioner Casey Miller to “the enjoyment of the regular rights and prerogatives” of his elected office, while leaving unresolved a broader dispute over how Board of Commissioners agenda items are set. During a June 16 hearing in Miller v. Lincoln County, U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken granted Miller’s request for a preliminary injunction in part. Her oral order requires the county to restore Miller’s former cour

The Waldport City Council’s discussion of a long-delayed financial audit turned contentious when the mayor walked out of the meeting, saying she believed it was “unethical” to proceed without more time and direct input from the auditor. The council was reviewing a draft of the city’s FY2021 audit. City Manager Dann Cutter told the council the audit, involved finances handled at the time by the Cascade West Council of Governments (COG). The 80-page draft was included in the c

The central coast has experienced the first high‑temperature event of the season expected to continue today Monday June 15th The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) is urging Oregonians on the west side of the Cascades to take precautions. Because our bodies are not yet acclimated to hot weather early in the year, people may be more sensitive to higher temperatures and at greater risk of heat‑related illness. While heat can affect anyone, it poses greater dange

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on June 12th lifted a public health advisory for contact with ocean water at Nye Beach, located in Lincoln County. The health authority issued the advisory June 9, after water samples showed higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters. Results from follow-up tests taken by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) showed lower bacteria levels. Contact with the ocean water no longer poses a higher-than-normal risk. Offic

Lincoln County Personnel Rules (July 17, 2024), p. 46, Article 11, “Leaves of Absences.” Lincoln County District Attorney Jenna Wallace is questioning Human Resources Director David Collier’s handling of Debbie Howard’s paid leave and possible firing. Howard works in the District Attorney’s Office as a senior legal secretary. She is a 19-year county employee, union president and union steward. DA Questions Leave Approval In a June 8 email (below) to Commissioners Walter Chuck

Toledo Council, Mayor Mix, City Manager Huebner and Lt. Dell'Olio The Toledo City Council approved a new contract with the Salvation Army to double the annual assistance available through the city’s H2O program, increasing the maximum benefit from $100 to $200 per eligible recipient. The council voted 5–0 at its June 3 meeting to authorize the city manager to sign the updated agreement, following an earlier presentation from the Salvation Army in late April on how the program

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is issuing a public health advisory today for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters at Nye Beach in Newport. People should avoid direct contact with the water in this area until the advisory is lifted. Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vuln

The Oregon Coast Aquarium opened “Amazon Basin: An Adventure for the Senses” on Saturday, May 23, immersing visitors in one of Earth’s most biodiverse ecosystems through sight, sound, smell and touch. The changing exhibit, running through Jan. 2, 2028, features the largest collection of animals in a temporary exhibit at the Aquarium in decades. Entry is included with general admission. True to its name, the exhibit is designed to be felt as much as seen. An interactive smell

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners addressed multiple agenda items on June 3 but deferred final action on two matters: filling the vacant Position 2 seat and approving unapproved meeting minutes. Position 2 Vacancy Appointment The board did not reach a consensus on how to fill the Position 2 vacancy, which was created by the passing of Chair Claire Hall in January. Following an initial pool of 24 applicants, the county interviewed two finalists in March: Cristen Don of