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Coast Life PAGE B1
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Wednesday, March 4, 2026
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Lincoln County, Oregon
College, school district partner to expand college services in East County STAFF REPORT Lincoln County Leader
Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) and Lincoln County School District (LCSD) officials have announced a partnership that will expand college services in East Lincoln County through the use of the former Arcadia School building, located at 1811 NE Arcadia Drive in Toledo. The collaboration will allow OCCC to use space in the building to deliver a variety of programming closer to where residents live, according to OCCC
President Dr. Marshall Mease Roache. “This partnership marks a meaningful step forward in OCCC’s service to East Lincoln County,” Roache said. “In my first full year as president, I’ve been asked repeatedly how the College plans to expand its presence in East County. This collaboration with LCSD reflects our shared commitment to educational access and community development.” OCCC has offered welding instruction at the Port of Toledo since 2020. Roache said
the availability of the Arcadia site will allow the college to broaden its offerings in the area. This spring, the college’s Small Business Development Center will deliver workshops on entrepreneurship and marketing, while the See COLLEGE, page A6
The expansion will occur in East Lincoln County through the use of the former Arcadia School building, located at 1811 NE Arcadia Drive in Toledo. (Courtesy photo)
Community dedicates new Yachats library JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
Community members and dignitaries helped dedicate Yachats Public Library, at 560 W. Seventh Street, during an open house Saturday, February 28. The new 3,400-square-foot building replaces the city’s original library, built in 1973 at the same location. Funding for the $1.35 million building was generated through grants, bequests, and fundraising efforts. BUILT FOR THE FUTURE Yachats Library Administrator Traci Altson said the new building is built for the future. “Now we have a library that will allow us to grow,” she said. “We have a collection of just under 13,000 items, so The new public library is located at 560 W. Seventh Street in Yachats. (Courtesy photo)
See LIBRARY, page A7
SNAP recipients affected by federal work rules
Abandoned vessels in Port of Newport. (Courtesy from the Port of Newport)
BOLI reverses derelict vessel removal ruling NIGEL JAQUISS Oregon Journalism Project
The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries has reversed an earlier finding that the Port of Newport should
pay prevailing wages for the removal and disposal of derelict boats from port waters. “On December 11, 2025, BOLI issued a determination that the prevailing wage rate (PWR) laws would apply to the project. The purpose of this letter is to notify you that BOLI has amended its determination,” Oregon Labor Commissioner Christina Stephenson wrote in a Feb. 19 letter to the port’s contractor. “Upon further review of the project, BOLI has determined
the project is not subject to Oregon’s prevailing wage rate laws.” The reversal is notable for a couple of reasons. First, it will save the Port of Newport a “significant” amount of money on vessel removal, which is budgeted at $360,000, says Paula Miranda, executive director of the port. That savings will extend statewide in the future. The Oregon Department of See VESSEL, page A7
Federal changes mean more people in Oregon who receive SNAP food benefits must now show they are working, looking for work or participating in training to continue receiving aid. WorkSource Oregon centers offer free employment and training services to help people meet the requirement and stay eligible. The Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Employment Department, both WorkSource Oregon partners, are encouraging people who receive SNAP food benefits to take advantage of free job search and training at one of the 37 centers across the state. Recent federal changes mean some adults who receive SNAP must now meet work requirements to keep getting benefits for longer than three months. These changes apply to more people than in the past, including some adults up to age 64 and some households with older children. To help people meet these requirements, the state is
connecting SNAP participants with free employment and training services that can build skills, support job searches and create new career opportunities. Many people may already meet the requirement through work, volunteering or other activities they are doing now. “Through case management and employment and training services, we work with each person to create a plan based on their interests, strengths, and abilities. This helps them meet requirements while moving toward a career path that fits their goals,” Oregon Department of Human Services SNAP Director Jessica Amya Hoffman said. Staff from both agencies are available to help participants understand their options and stay eligible for benefits while working toward employment goals. Services include: • Personalized support to develop a case plan that identifies all available options for meeting work requirements See SNAP, page A7