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Lincoln County Leader -- The News Guard
Depoe Bay attempts to ban some political signs
All around Depoe Bay, residents are expressing their political beliefs with yard signs that proclaim: Black Lives Matter; Free Palestine; Claire Cares; Biden-Harris; Trump 2024. In an era of polarization and social media rants, campaign signs are a relatively benign reminder we still live in a vigorous democracy where people are free to openly express their opinions without fear of government retribution. So it came as a surprise to me,...
Operation Dry Water launched
The Oregon Marine Board, sheriff’s offices across the state and the Oregon State Police will be participating in Operation Dry Water July 4-6. The enforcement effort is part of a nationally coordinated effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities related to boating under the influence of intoxicants (BUII). Leading factor The U.S. Coast...
Court upholds homeless camping ban
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a homeless camping ordinance in Grants Pass, a ruling that could impact homelessness efforts by cities in Lincoln County as well as across Oregon and the nation. The court states in its ruling, “The enforcement of generally applicable laws regulating camping on public property does not constitute ‘cruel and unusual punishment’ prohibited by the Eighth Amendment.” The plaintiffs filed a punitive...
Celebrate safely this Fourth of July: Rethink the Drink, drive sober
As Oregonians gear up to celebrate the busy months of summer – from Fourth of July and barbecues to weddings and river outings – the Oregon Health Authority's (OHA) Excessive Alcohol Use Prevention Program and the Oregon Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) Impaired Driving Program are partnering to remind everyone about the importance of driving sober and drinking less. Excessive drinking impairs a person’s judgment, slows reaction times and increases the likelihood of making fatal decisions. This Fourth of July, OHA and ODOT are encouraging people...
Recommendations address teaching of reading and writing in elementary schools
Following a one-year review of Oregon’s early literacy education, a state council has released its final recommendations to strengthen educator preparation programs for teaching reading and writing in Oregon elementary schools. In January, the Early Literacy Educator Preparation Council released initial recommendations to revise educator and school administrator preparation program standards for literacy instruction. Members of educator prep programs and the general public were able to submit feedback to the recommendations. ...
Study illustrates how footwear options may increase risk of injury in youth runners
An abrupt switch to minimal shoes or barefoot running can put youth at greater risk for injury, according to a new study from researchers at Oregon State University – Cascades. While numerous clinical studies have focused on how footwear influences running mechanics in adults, few have looked at how different footwear affects running patterns in pre-adolescents and youth. “This is an important area for future research because, unlike in adults,...
U.S. Supreme Court sides with Oregon city, allows ban on homeless people sleeping outdoors
The U.S. Supreme Court Friday sided with a local ordinance in Oregon that effectively bans homeless people from sleeping outdoors, and local governments will be allowed to enforce those laws. In a 6-3 decision, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote in the opinion that the enforcement of those local laws that regulate camping on public property does not constitute the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. “Homelessness is complex. Its...
Gibson Farms donates to Siletz Valley Fire District
Gibson Farms, in Siletz, has donated $2,000 to the Siletz Valley Fire District (SVFD) in support of their emergency response, community services, disaster prevention and education programs. “We really hope we don’t need them, but when something goes unexpectedly wrong on the farm or in our community, these are often the folks who are going to show up to help first,” said Alan Fujishin, co-manager at Gibson Farms. “It’s important that they have the people, the tools, and the training to do their work well.” ...
Speed on Newport’s Oceanview Drive is topic of hearing
The Newport City Council on June 17 held a public hearing to accept testimony about a plan to reduce the speed limits on Oceanview Drive, a popular city street that provides access to the Agate Beach Wayside and also serves as a bypass to a section of Highway 101. At a meeting on April 15, the city council had approved a plan to implement a number of traffic control changes on that road, and this month’s public hearing was held specifically to consider an ordinance...
Fireworks issues beyond Independence Day
The use of fireworks, both legal and illegal, goes beyond celebrations during Independence Day. The fireworks are dangerous and have led to injuries and fires. Oregon law prohibits the possession, use or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit issued by the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM). Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon without a permit. ...
Health authority issues measles advisory
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and county public health officials are investigating two cases of measles in a single Clackamas County household. One household member, an unvaccinated adult, was confirmed to have measles Friday, June 14. The individual developed a rash June 11. While the time range of the exposure is believed to be between May 19 and June 4, the specific location of the exposure, which occurred in Marion County, is unknown, suggesting there may be other, unreported measles cases in Oregon, according to...
New public art in Newport
“Pegasus by the Sea” is the name of the latest installment of public art that was dedicated Saturday outside the Newport Performing Arts Center. The sculpture was designed and manufactured by artist Jesse Swickard (third from the right), who is pictured with members of the Newport Public Arts Commission. Cutting the ribbon is Newport City Councilor Cynthia Jacobi. (Photo by Steve Card)
This Week in History
25 years ago (1999) State races to avert catastrophe at Beverly Beach The potential exists for what the state called a catastrophe failure of the Spencer Creek Bridge north of Newport, the Oregon Department of Transportation said Thursday. And if the bridge fails, few alternative routes exist for vehicles traveling Highway 101 across the bridge...
Combatting the ‘dirtiest beach day of the year’
A major volunteer effort to address the aftermath of Fourth of July festivities, which annually results in the “dirtiest beach day of the year,” is gearing up on the central coast. For years, the Newport Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation has led the charge in post-Fourth of July beach cleanups, rallying volunteers to restore the beauty of the coastlines. This year, Surfrider Oregon is expanding its efforts through the Freedom from Marine Debris Project, thanks to support from the NOAA Marine Debris Program. With the...
Community projects receive nearly $71,000 in funding
Explore Lincoln City has awarded $70,908 to six Community Partnership Fund recipients during the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The grant cycle prioritized applicants with tourism-facing projects that emphasized stewardship, accessibility and diversity, according to a release from Explore Lincoln City. Since 2009, Explore Lincoln City has delivered $1,300,000 in grants and community partnership funding to support hundreds of projects and events in Lincoln City. ...
Lincoln County School Board announces vacancy for zone 3
The Lincoln County School District Board of Directors declared Zone 3 vacant during a special session on June 18, following the resignation of board member Mike Rawles. The board is now accepting applications from those interested in serving as an interim board member from the time of appointment through June 30, 2025. The board will hold a special session to interview candidates on July 23 and then will vote on, and swear in the interim board member at its regular meeting on Aug. 13. ...
Raising awareness about Big Creek Dam Project
Plans have been in the works for quite some time on a project to replace two earthen dams at Newport’s Big Creek Reservoir with one new concrete dam. Because of the likelihood that these existing dams would fail in the event of a coastal seismic event, the sense of urgency regarding this project goes far beyond Newport, with support coming from the state and even federal levels. As things continue to more forward, an outreach effort is underway to raise awareness and educate people both...
A conversation with a friend
A few weeks ago, while waiting for a table at one of Newport’s fine restaurants, I ran into a friend who was just leaving. My friend is a long-time Republican. Knowing my politics, he asked, “What do you think about Hunter Biden’s legal problems?” I think he was disappointed when I replied something like, “I don’t care if Hunter Biden is an ax murderer — he’s not the president.” Then he asked about the Biden family and the $6 million they have garnered. That kind...
New pharmacy coming to Siletz
A new building is under contraction near the intersection of South Gaither Street (Highway 229) and East Logsden Road in Siletz that will become the new home of the Siletz Community Health Clinic Pharmacy. Pharmacy services currently offered to Siletz tribal members and other federally recognized tribal members will continue at this new location, and in addition, they will begin offering pharmacy services to all community members. The new pharmacy will also have a drive-thru for the convenience of patients. The building is expected to be finished by September. (Photo by Steve Card)
Bridge replacement begins on South Beaver Creek Road
The Oregon Department of Transportation announced that work has begun this week on the replacement of South Fork Beaver Creek Bridge. The bridge is located near milepost 1 on South Beaver Creek Road. “When construction starts, we will fully close South Beaver Creek Road — use caution and follow signed detours,” ODOT stated in its announcement. Properties located south of the construction area will still be able to be accessed from the south end of South Beaver Creek Road. ...
Lincoln County Leader -- The News Guard
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The News Guard covers local news in the Lincoln County area of Oregon. We focus on local breaking news, general news, community news, sports, and opinions.
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