DIY FRUIT FLY TRAP
CYCLES OF NATURE ART EXHIBIT IN NEWPORT
NEW PHARMACY COMING TO SILETZ
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Wednesday, June 26, 2024
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Lincoln County, Oregon
Fireworks issues beyond Independence Day Raising awareness about Big Creek Dam Project JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
STEVE CARD Lincoln County Leader
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,
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
See FIREWORKS, page A8
These are the illegal fireworks seized by Lincoln City Police just before, during, and just after previous July Fourth celebrations. (File photo)
See DAM, page A6
Tours were conducted last week to educate community members about the plan to replace two earthen dams at Newport’s Big Creek Reservoir with a single concrete dam. Extensive information about the project can be found online at SaveOurSupplyNewport.com (Photo by Steve Card)
Discovery Park groundbreaking
Community projects receive nearly $71,000 in funding JEREMY C. RUARK Lincoln County Leader
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)
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. “As the face of tourism in Lincoln City, it is important to Explore Lincoln City that we support our community partners in providing meaningful, innovative experiences and attractions for visitors,” Explore Lincoln City Director Kim Cooper Findling said. “These fund awards amplify the great work being done by many organizations that serve visitors in Lincoln City.”
PROJECT RECIPIENTS
Speed on Newport’s Oceanview Drive is topic of hearing STEVE CARD Lincoln County Leader
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 implementing new designated speeds for Oceanview.
The Newport City Council had recommended lowering the speed on this section of Oceanview Drive from 35 to 30 mph, but as a result of an issue regarding state law that recently came to light, it may now need to be dropped to 25 mph, which had been the posted speed here until about 10 years ago. (Photo by Steve Card)
• Cascade Head Biosphere Collaborative received $21,408 to fund a series of events emphasizing stewardship and natural history education around Oregon’s only biosphere region. Family friendly, educational events included Natural Arts and Sciences on Tap, Art on the Beach, a Sand Art Contest and voluntourism on Lincoln City beaches as part of the “Wrack Line” project, and studying climate change. Cascade Head Scenic-Research Area is celebrating the 50th anniversary of helping to ensure a balanced blend of cultural, environmental, scientific and recreational activities with a special event honoring those milestones. • Foamie Frenzie Surf Competition received $5,000 for a surf competition. This event is built on an inclusive culture with a philosophy of protecting and learning about See PROJECTS, page A4
See SPEED, page A7
1422 N Coast Hwy 101 • Newport • 541-265-7731
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