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FESTIVAL OF ILLUSIONS RETURNS
PACKED HOUSE AT LINCOLN COUNTY ECONOMIC SUMMIT
Coast Life
Business
Philly Cheese Steak Omelet
PAGE B1
PAGE A8
w/ Toast and Choice of Potatoes
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
$2
Lincoln County, Oregon
Body of missing Siletz child recovered from river STEVE CARD Lincoln County Leader
The body of a missing 2-year-old-boy was recovered from the Siletz River on March 11, 10 days after he first went missing. The cause of death was determined to be drowning. Dane Paulsen disappeared on the afternoon of Saturday, March 1, while playing in the yard of his residence located near milepost 21 on Highway 229, north of Siletz. Immediately after being notified, emergency personnel
began searching the residential property and surrounding areas. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and partnering agencies had watercraft searching the river beginning the morning of Sunday, March 2, through March 11, when Dane was recovered. Divers began searching the river on Monday, March 3, and remained active through Tuesday, March 4. In addition to official agencies and their volunteer groups, community volunteers showed up in mass to help search See MISSING, page A6
Lincoln County Sheriff Adam Shanks addresses members of the media on Thursday, March 14, regarding details of the search for 2-year-old Dane Paulsen, whose body was found in the Siletz River on March 11. (Photo by Steve Card)
A great place to experience nature
Kotek introduces bill to boost student outcomes, support schools JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
After going around and around on this issue for quite some time, trying to balance neighborhood livability with the rights of property owners to operate STRs, the county commission settled on a plan to break the county into seven regions, with each region being allowed a certain number of STRs, based on a variety of factors. That concept was approved in early 2023. These regions do not include any property within city limits. Regions one and two, which are in north county, are divided by the Depoe Bay Bridge. The western and eastern regions are divided by Highway 101. Regions two and three are divided by the Yaquina Bay Bridge, regions three and four are divided by the Beaver Creek Bridge, regions four and five are divided by Alsea Bay Bridge and regions six
Gov. Tina Kotek is outlining the legislative lynchpin of her 2025 Education Initiative, a plan to renew Oregon’s education accountability system and make sure state education investments translate into high-quality instruction for every student across the state. The governor introduces this legislation as she proposes a historic $11.36 billion State School Fund (SSF) investment and legislation to provide school districts with more financial predictability for future budget cycles. In a release, Kotek said she believes the state has a responsibility to make sure increased funding is used in ways that deliver the best education for every Oregon student. “Getting public education right is one of the biggest promises we make to Oregonians. Students and families want a quality public education that works for them,” Kotek said. “When schools aren’t delivering for students, we all have to step up. It’s time to be clear-eyed about our numbers and change how the state and districts work together on improving student outcomes.” “Pairing additional resources with strong accountability measures will help support our schools as we all work together to improve educational outcomes for our students,” Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) said. “To secure Oregon’s future economic strength, we must prioritize educating our students today.” “We need to be clear-eyed about the challenges facing Oregon’s K-12 system and treat
See STR, page A7
See KOTEK, page A7
The Beaver Creek State Natural Area, located a little over a mile east of Ona Beach and Highway 101 on North Beaver Creek Road, is a great place to see nature up close. Whether you hike through upland forest or paddle through the lush marsh, signs of life are everywhere. This observation dock and paddle craft launch site can be found at a small park located just east of the Beaver Creek Interpretive Center. (Photo by Steve Card)
County commissioners discuss short-term rental moratorium STEVE CARD Lincoln County Leader
Gun magazines that can hold more than 10 bullets are banned under Oregon’s new law. (Photo by Connor Radnovich/Oregon Capital Chronicle)
Oregon appeals court rules in favor of voter-approved gun control law Measure 114 JULIA SHUMWAY Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon’s second-highest court affirmed Wednesday that the voter-approved gun control law Measure 114 is constitutional, potentially clearing the way for the law to take effect after being on hold for years because of a Harney County judge’s ruling.
Voters in 2022 narrowly approved Measure 114 to limit sales of some ammunition magazines and require a permit and completed background check before purchasing a gun. Two See GUN CONTROL, page A6
The moratorium on approving new short-term rentals (STRs) in unincorporated areas of Lincoln County is set to expire on March 31, and the county commissioners discussed earlier this month whether or not to let that moratorium expire. The moratorium was put in place quite some time ago to put a halt on any new STRs while the county commissioners tried to address issues that had arisen from STRs already in existence. There had been numerous complaints made to the county by people who live near STRs who said STRs were having serious impacts on their quality of life — everything from traffic impacts and overcrowding in small neighborhoods, to late-night noise, to garbage strewn around and more.
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