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2026 LAWS PASSED BY THE OREGON LEGISLATURE WILL TAKE EFFECT
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Lincoln County, Oregon
2 dead, 1 injured in Newport shooting, stabbing incident STAFF REPORT Lincoln County Leader
The investigation began in the 1500 block of NW Grove Street Jan. 2. (Jeremy C. Ruark / Lincoln County Leader)
The Lincoln County Major Crime Team has launched an investigation into a double stabbing and single shooting that has left two people dead, and one person injured. According to Newport Police, the incident occurred at approximately 12:58 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2, in the
1500 block of NW Grove Street. Newport Police officers responded to a call about a disturbance and when they arrived, they discovered one adult male deceased from a gunshot wound and another adult male suffering from multiple stab wounds. “Investigators determined that 42-year-old Matthew Wonser, of Newport, was shot by
the resident of the home after Wonser continued to stab 33-year-old Shawn Knuckey, also of Newport, on the resident’s front porch. Wonser died at the scene from a single gunshot wound,” a release from Newport Police states. Knuckey was transported by air ambulance to a Portland-area hospital, where he remained See CRIME, page A4
Commissioner Claire Hall passes away JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
Commissioner Claire Hall passed away late Sunday evening, January 4, 2026, at Providence Hospital in Portland after a brief illness, according to a release from Lincoln County. “Commissioner Hall lived a life defined by service to her community and the causes she was passionate about,” the release states. “She served as a Lincoln County Commissioner for over twenty years. During her tenure, she expanded healthcare services with the creation of federally qualified health centers, increased access and services for veterans, and was a tireless advocate for affordable housing. Claire prioritized others before herself, led with kindness, and created countless services to improve the lives of community members. Her strength, grace, and compassion left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the kindness she gave so freely, and the legacy she leaves in Lincoln County.” “I was saddened to learn of the passing of Chair Claire Hall,” Lincoln County Commissioner Casey Miller said. “Chair Hall devoted many years
of her life to public service in Lincoln County, and her work reflected a deep commitment to the community she served. Regardless of differences that may arise in public life, the loss of a colleague and community member is a moment for reflection, compassion, and respect. My thoughts are with her family, loved ones, and all those who worked alongside her during her years of service to Lincoln County.” State Rep. David Gomberg also issued a statement. “I have known Claire for many years, and I was always heartened by our conversations and interactions. She had deep convictions and a dedication to helping those less fortunate in our county. She will be dearly missed,” Gomberg wrote in his weekly newsletter. Hall was the subject of a recall election during the past several weeks. Lincoln County Clerk Amy Southwell said Hall’s passing means the recall is now void. As of Monday, Jan. 5, Southwell said she was waiting to get more information from the Oregon Secretary of State. “We are locking the ballot boxes, See HALL, page A2
Lincoln County Commissioner Claire Hall passed away Jan. 4 at a Portland hospital. (Courtesy from Friends of Claire Hall)
Democrats consider repealing unpopular gas tax hike
This is a view from the July 4, 2025, Lincoln City Drone Show over Siletz Bay. (Courtesy photo)
No Tax Oregon delivered nearly 194,000 signatures—wrapped like Christmas presents and delivered by horse-drawn wagons—to Secretary of State Tobias Read’s office. (Courtesy photo) NIGEL JAQUISS Oregon Journalism Project
At politically oriented
holiday parties all over the state, the hot topic is what Democrats will do in the face of a remarkably successful Republican effort to refer a gas tax increase to the November 2026 ballot that lawmakers passed in September. The option that’s getting the most
serious consideration, according to numerous Democrats speaking on background: repealing all or parts of House Bill 3991 in the New Year’s legislative session. “My recommendation has been to just take the pain early and repeal it See TAX, page A4
Town hall set to discuss Lincoln City’s July 4th celebrations JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
Lincoln City residents and others will have the opportunity to tell city officials if fireworks should be returned as the main feature of the city’s annual Fourth of July Independence Day
celebrations. A town hall meeting is schedule for 6 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Lincoln City Community Center, 2150 NE Oar Place in Lincoln City. BACKGROUND In 2025, Lincoln City replaced its annual
fireworks display with a drone show over Siletz Bay, following mounting environmental and safety concerns. In June 2025, Lincoln City officials announced that the city was turning away from its annual See JULY 4, page A2