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Lincoln County Leader -- The News Guard
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...
Column: 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. ...
Operation Dry Water to be launched through July 4th holiday
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 US Coast...
Merkley Monthly: Tackling the housing affordability crisis
June is National Homeownership Month, but the housing affordability crisis is putting home ownership farther and farther out of reach for too many working families in Oregon and across America. When I was growing up, my parents, like many of their generation, were able to save enough money to buy a modest home for our family in Oregon. I still live in that same blue-collar neighborhood. But it’s a different story for my children’s generation. As prices to rent and buy skyrocket, young people are...
Discovery Park groundbreaking
An official groundbreaking ceremony was held in Lincoln City on Thursday, June 20, to celebrate the start of construction on Schooner Creek Discovery Park, the city’s first new community park in more than 20 years. It is being built on a 6.71-acre site that was the former location of Taft Elementary School. Phase one of construction is for the city’s first inclusive and accessible playground, which is expected to be complete later this year. Those gathered for last week’s ceremony also had an opportunity to meet Ollie the Octopus, the new mascot for Lincoln City Parks and Recreation. (Photos by Steve Card)
Newport girls swim to state
The 2024 Howard Jones Open swim meet was held at the Mt Hood Community College Aquatic Center June 20-23. This outdoor 50-meter facility hosted 18 Oregon swim teams, and over 670 swimmers participated. Lake Oswego Swim Club won both the boys’ and girls’ team titles, while 5 Newport girls took part and finished in 11th place in the girls’ and qualifying times for State Champs next month and team scores. Individually, each of the local ladies showed off their abilities with multiple personal best times,...
WIC is coming to Newport, Lincoln City farmers markets
Lincoln County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) staff will be at farmers markets in Newport and Lincoln City at the end of this month to distribute Farm Direct Nutrition Program (FDNP) vouchers to WIC participants. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, they will be at the Newport Farmers Market, located at the corner of Highway 101 and Angle St. And the following day, Sunday, June 30, also from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., they will be at the Lincoln City Cultural...
County commissioners announce grants for water, sewer and drainage districts
Lincoln County has allocated $398,000 of its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to invest in local water, sewer and drainage districts serving unincorporated Lincoln County. The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law in March of 2021 and provided states, cities, and counties with federal money to support pandemic recovery efforts and economic stimulus. One allowed use for ARPA dollars is to support public water, sewer and drainage projects. ...
Lincoln County Leader -- The News Guard
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