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Wednesday, February 11, 2026
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Lincoln County, Oregon
Lincoln County to receive $5M for community projects STAFF REPORT Lincoln County Leader
Rep. Val Hoyle (OR04) has secured more than $16.6 million in federal funding for community projects in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District. These funds will support 15 projects in Benton, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane and Lincoln Counties.
For Fiscal Year 2026, each Member of Congress could request federal funding for up to 15 community projects on behalf of their district. Last spring kicked off months of work between the Congresswoman’s office and local governments, first responders, schools, ports and other organizations to identify, vet and advance community priority projects,
according to a release from Hoyle’s office. Hoyle said she advocated for her colleagues to invest in these projects. She also partnered with Senators Merkley and Wyden to move an even broader set of Oregon priorities through the process. “These project requests came from communities across six counties, and for months I’ve worked
with my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee and our Senators to help carry them forward — from public safety and affordable housing to workforce training to cutting-edge research,” Hoyle said. “I’m looking forward to communities starting to see real investments on the ground — from shovels in the dirt to programs getting underway.”
This federal funding will allow communities to make long-overdue investments in fire and police services, water infrastructure, workforce training and affordable housing. A full list of funded projects can be found below. Since entering Congress, Rep. Hoyle has leveraged the federal appropriations process to bring more than $33.3
million back to Oregon’s 4th Congressional District. LINCOLN COUNTY • $1.015 million for Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue District #7 to make necessary upgrades for its emergency services headquarters • $2 million for Lincoln City to support the
See PROJECTS, page A7
‘Iconic’ Newport Seafood and Wine Festival returns JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
The Newport Seafood and Wine Festival returns February 19-22, with coastal seafood, Oregon wines, and a full weekend of festivities. Tickets are on sale now, and event details are available. The festival will be staged at the South Beach Marina. Newport Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Wayne Patterson said the 49th annual festival is an iconic economy stabilizer for the area. “It brings people to the area at one of the slowest times of the season,” he said. “It effects all the businesses. Restaurants fill up. Hotels fill up. Shopping fills up. It gives our business community a shot in the arm of revenue.” Patterson adds that the festival creates unknown benefits as well. “We pay everybody who volunteers and participates in the festival, so we are the See FESTIVAL, page A6
A massive 50,000 square foot tent is erected at the South Marina Port of Newport property to showcase the festival and its vendors and displays. (Courtesy photo)
LCSD to receive $305,092 in tutoring funds Influenza cases rising, vaccinations decreasing STAFF REPORT Lincoln County Leader
With additional funding from the legislature to support statewide early literacy efforts, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has awarded 48 school districts a total of $12 million in 2025-27 high-dosage tutoring (HDT) supplement funds. The Lincoln County School District is to receive $305,092.32 in the 2025-27 allocation, according to the Oregon Department of Education. ODE allocated funds based on districts’ English language arts (ELA) proficiency, as well as their number of English language learners, students experiencing disabilities, and students experiencing poverty.
JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
High-dosage tutoring is an evidence-based support, provided in addition to core literacy instruction, that allows students extra time and assistance to practice foundational literacy skills in small groups or one-on-one with a highly-trained tutor. (Courtesy photo) “This investment is about meeting students where they are and giving them the support they need to thrive,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “Highdosage tutoring allows us to focus resources on the learners who need it most, accelerate progress, and make sure every dollar is driving better outcomes for students.” High-dosage tutoring
is an evidence-based support, provided in addition to core literacy instruction, that allows students extra time and assistance to practice foundational literacy skills in small groups or one-on-one with a highly-trained tutor. “This investment is about ensuring students See FUNDS, page A7
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory tract infection caused by influenza viruses. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death, according to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). BY THE NUMBERS “During most influenza seasons, which typically run from November to April, between 10 percent and 20 percent of the population is infected with influenza See FLU, page A7
There is an adequate supply of flu vaccine available in Lincoln County. People can get vaccinated through healthcare providers, pharmacies, Lincoln County Public Health, or Coastal Healthcare. Metro Creative Connection