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Business groups sue over BOLI funding law
Three major business groups sued the state this month over a new law that creates a dedicated funding stream for the Bureau of Labor and Industries, arguing the Legislature broke the Oregon Constitution by passing the bill without the required three-fifths supermajority in the House.
UPDATED: Sewer Spill Sends Nearly 5,000 Gallons Toward D River
LINCOLN CITY — A break in a main sewer line early Thursday released about 4,800 gallons of sewage at the corner of SE Inlet Avenue and SE 9th Street, according to a city press release.
Pacific Power Seeks $171 Million Rate Hike
SALEM — The Oregon Public Utility Commission is asking Pacific Power customers to weigh in on the company’s request for a $170.7 million rate increase, roughly 8.6 percent overall, as the utility continues to dig out from more than $2 billion in settlements tied to the deadly 2020 Labor Day wildfires.
Be Ready for Power Outages as Wildfires Threaten Oregon
Some power outages have already occurred across Oregon as wildfires and extreme weather raise the risk of longer disruptions.
‘PATS’ DELIVER PLUSHIES TO POLICE
LINCOLN CITY — What does it look like when patriotism and public safety meet in the sallyport of a police department? Think of stuffed teddy bears, unicorns, plush dogs, dinosaurs and bunnies!
Police
True Stories of the Oregon State Police
The following reports are taken directly from the Oregon State Police Logs. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Newport PD’s Bait Bikes Catch Thieves
NEWPORT — Newport Police Department is deploying specially equipped “bait bikes” in areas with histories of bicycle theft, a low-cost initiative that has produced multiple arrests since launching in June.
Sheriff’s Office gets high-water rescue truck via state grant
LINCOLN COUNTY — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a Monterra high-water rescue vehicle through the Oregon SPIRE grant program that will let responders reach flooded or debris-blocked areas standard trucks cannot.
Amity Man Gets 28 Months for Luring Minor
LINCOLN CITY — A Yamhill County man was sentenced last week to prison after a Lincoln County jury convicted him of luring a minor in a Lincoln City Police Department undercover investigation.
Lincoln City Police Address Online Harassment
Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) issued a statement Saturday addressing an online campaign targeting a local man over alleged animal care issues, warning against doxxing, harassment, and threats of violence.
Business
‘SAVE THE WHALE’ BILLBOARDS JOLT ORE. FISHERMEN
GLENEDEN BEACH, Ore. — A highway billboard in the middle of this historic fishing community on the Oregon coast hopes to convince tourists to “Save the Whales” — by not eating fish!
Pacific Power Seeks $171 Million Rate Hike
SALEM — The Oregon Public Utility Commission is asking Pacific Power customers to weigh in on the company’s request for a $170.7 million rate increase, roughly 8.6 percent overall, as the utility continues to dig out from more than $2 billion in settlements tied to the deadly 2020 Labor Day wildfires.
Still a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid
I still catch myself humming it sometimes: “I don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us kid…”
SPORT CRAB KICKOFF YIELDS 8-9 DUNGIES ON 5-HR. CHARTERS
DEPOE BAY — If you want to beat the high cost of store-bought Dungeness crab you’ll have to do it by boat from the world’s smallest navigable harbor.
GRACIE’S SEA HAG CLAIMS BEST CLAM CHOWDER RANKING
DEPOE BAY — With so many seafood joints claiming to be the greatest, only one chowder house actually holds the title: Gracie’s Sea Hag was declared “the best clam chowder at the Oregon coast” by Willamette Week, a leading Portland newspaper noted for its gastronomic judgment.
Outdoors
‘SAVE THE WHALE’ BILLBOARDS JOLT ORE. FISHERMEN
GLENEDEN BEACH, Ore. — A highway billboard in the middle of this historic fishing community on the Oregon coast hopes to convince tourists to “Save the Whales” — by not eating fish!
SPORT CRAB KICKOFF YIELDS 8-9 DUNGIES ON 5-HR. CHARTERS
DEPOE BAY — If you want to beat the high cost of store-bought Dungeness crab you’ll have to do it by boat from the world’s smallest navigable harbor.
FROM THE BEACH TO THE JAWS
I recently headed out for a casual walking tour of Siletz Bay in Lincoln City, the spot where the Siletz River meets the Pacific Ocean in a powerful, swirling meeting point locals call the “Jaws.”
EASY HIKE REVEALS FORGOTTEN WORLD AT WILDLIFE REFUGE
KERNVILLE — At the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge two miles south of Lincoln City is a quiet trail that meanders along timeworn dykes to a vast tidal marsh teeming with wildlife and trophy-sized fish.
WHAT THE DEVIL IS SPRING LAKE?
LINCOLN CITY — Everyone has heard of Devils Lake, the 630-acre waterway beloved by boaters, water skiers and fishermen.
But what the devil is Spring Lake?
Beasley At Large
BEASLEY AT LARGE: INSIDE THE ARENA
There is a moment — quiet, usually private — when someone decides to run for public office. No crowd. No applause. Just a choice: step forward, or stay comfortable where opinions carry no consequence.
“I am essential”
I’m not afraid of Lincoln Co. Sheriff Curtis Landers, who warned this week that his deputies are on the prowl for “groups” of people flouting Governor Kate Brown’s lockdown order.
Top 10 extras for your Tsunami Kit
Congratulations. You’ve survived the Flood of ’99, the Windstorm of ’13 and the Election Year Wildfires. You’ve dodged the Wuhan Bat Virus and brought your stash of toilet paper back to pre-Covid levels.
Destinations
WHIMSICAL, WONDERFUL WALDPORT REVEALS ALL
WALDPORT, Ore. — At journey’s end, when all that’s left is the sand between your toes and a blizzard of bewildering memories, Waldport is what you make of it.
Reporter’s Notebook: Chinook Winds Revamps for 30th
Chinook Winds Casino Resort is buzzing with changes as it marks its 30th anniversary this year, blending fresh renovations with nods to its three decades on the Oregon coast.
HWY. 101 MILEPOST GUIDE
They flash by on the roadside like blurred monuments to our progress, but do we really notice and appreciate those innocuous Hwy. 101 mile posts that play an important role in our travels?
Joe the Sea Lion: Photo Star Hooks Beachgoers
On a bluff overlooking the Pacific, a bronze sea lion named Joe lounges eternally, beckoning visitors to snap selfies and ponder a slice of the Oregon coast from the Great Depression era.
The Horn Public House & Brewery
The Horn Public House & Brewery is perched over Depoe Bay with panoramic views of the “World’s Smallest Harbor” and the great outer bay itself.
Letters to the Editor
Restore Depoe Bay Audits and Oversight
I’m submitting this public comment as a resident of Depoe Bay — and as someone who previously served on this Council — because I believe the City’s financial situation deserves to be treated as a top governance priority, not a background issue to be managed quietly.
Remove Commissioner Claire Hall From Office
I am normally no fan of recalls; however, I feel there are ample reasons for removing Commissioner Hall from office at this time.
A Familiar Hand in Lincoln County’s Worrisome Audits
In light of the current recall effort, people want facts regarding Commissioner Hall's job performance. I have them.
Guest Columns
Melissa Bird for Congress
As we look forward to the May 19, 2026 primary election, affordability, economic anxiety, and lack of faith in government leadership appear to be on everyone’s minds.
Video
FROM THE BEACH TO THE JAWS
I recently headed out for a casual walking tour of Siletz Bay in Lincoln City, the spot where the Siletz River meets the Pacific Ocean in a powerful, swirling meeting point locals call the “Jaws.”
COASTAL REPORT: VISITORS CENTER FROM THE AIR
New Visitor Center in Lincoln City starts building with an expected finish date of January.
Gusts to 50 mph Kick Off Tame King Tides in Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay, Ore. — South winds gusting to 50 mph battered Little Whale Cove's path Wednesday, kicking off Oregon's king tides as waves pummeled cliffs and sprayed mist high into the stormy sky.
Sneaker Waves Lurk on Oregon Coast
Under a brilliant autumn sun with barely a whisper of wind, locals and visitors gathered Tuesday along the Oregon coast to watch the Pacific's dramatic display at high tide.
Beacon Force One: Nelscott Beach Flight
A one-minute drone video showcasing the beauty of Nelscott Beach debuted on YouTube this week, highlighting kite flyers, beachgoers and the mighty Pacific on Oregon's Central Coast.
Health
Three Health Insurance Options Remain in Lincoln County
LINCOLN CITY — Lincoln County residents who buy their own health insurance will have three carriers to choose from in 2027 even as proposed rates rise and two insurers exit the individual market, state officials announced this week.
BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL BEGINS BOOSTING HEALTHCARE
SALEM — Oregon’s first slice of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding created by President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” is now moving to communities on the ground.
E-Bike & Scooter Injuries Surge Statewide
As e-scooters, e-bikes and other micromobility options continue to grow in popularity along the Oregon Coast, the Oregon Health Authority is urging riders in Lincoln County and across the state to take extra safety precautions.
Medicare Encourages Hospital Comparisons Ahead of Planned Care
LINCOLN CITY, Ore. — The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is reminding beneficiaries to use its free online tool to compare hospital quality if they anticipate surgery or hospital stays.
Oregon Lands $197.3M in Federal Rural Health Funds
Oregon has secured $197.3 million in initial federal funding for rural healthcare in 2026, placing it close to the national average in a $10 billion nationwide allocation that emphasizes equitable distribution across all 50 states.
Technology
AI CAMERAS SCAN OREGON WILDLANDS
As fire danger rises across the Pacific Northwest, the Bureau of Land Management is turning to AI-powered ALERTWest camera networks to detect new wildfires in real time, even as statewide restrictions remain in full effect on all BLM public lands in Oregon and Washington.
Beacon Launches Capitol Dashboard
Boiler Bay Beacon has launched an online tool to help Lincoln County residents follow Oregon legislation and contact their state representatives.
Beacon Launches Revamped Lincoln County Jail Roster
Lincoln County — I’m excited to announce that I’ve completely rebuilt and launched the new Lincoln County Jail Roster right here on Boiler Bay Beacon at https://boilerbaybeacon.com/jail-roster/.
Anthropic Offers Free Premium AI to K-12 Educators
San Francisco-based AI company Anthropic announced Tuesday it's giving verified K-12 teachers across the United States free access to Claude, its premium AI assistant, specifically tailored for classroom use.
Supersonic Flights Returning
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced Tuesday that supersonic passenger flights are coming back to American skies.
News
Business groups sue over BOLI funding law
Three major business groups sued the state this month over a new law that creates a dedicated funding stream for the Bureau of Labor and Industries, arguing the Legislature broke the Oregon Constitution by passing the bill without the required three-fifths supermajority in the House.
UPDATED: Sewer Spill Sends Nearly 5,000 Gallons Toward D River
LINCOLN CITY — A break in a main sewer line early Thursday released about 4,800 gallons of sewage at the corner of SE Inlet Avenue and SE 9th Street, according to a city press release.
Pacific Power Seeks $171 Million Rate Hike
SALEM — The Oregon Public Utility Commission is asking Pacific Power customers to weigh in on the company’s request for a $170.7 million rate increase, roughly 8.6 percent overall, as the utility continues to dig out from more than $2 billion in settlements tied to the deadly 2020 Labor Day wildfires.
Be Ready for Power Outages as Wildfires Threaten Oregon
Some power outages have already occurred across Oregon as wildfires and extreme weather raise the risk of longer disruptions.
‘PATS’ DELIVER PLUSHIES TO POLICE
LINCOLN CITY — What does it look like when patriotism and public safety meet in the sallyport of a police department? Think of stuffed teddy bears, unicorns, plush dogs, dinosaurs and bunnies!
Police
True Stories of the Oregon State Police
The following reports are taken directly from the Oregon State Police Logs. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Newport PD’s Bait Bikes Catch Thieves
NEWPORT — Newport Police Department is deploying specially equipped “bait bikes” in areas with histories of bicycle theft, a low-cost initiative that has produced multiple arrests since launching in June.
Sheriff’s Office gets high-water rescue truck via state grant
LINCOLN COUNTY — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a Monterra high-water rescue vehicle through the Oregon SPIRE grant program that will let responders reach flooded or debris-blocked areas standard trucks cannot.
Amity Man Gets 28 Months for Luring Minor
LINCOLN CITY — A Yamhill County man was sentenced last week to prison after a Lincoln County jury convicted him of luring a minor in a Lincoln City Police Department undercover investigation.
Lincoln City Police Address Online Harassment
Lincoln City Police Department (LCPD) issued a statement Saturday addressing an online campaign targeting a local man over alleged animal care issues, warning against doxxing, harassment, and threats of violence.
Business
‘SAVE THE WHALE’ BILLBOARDS JOLT ORE. FISHERMEN
GLENEDEN BEACH, Ore. — A highway billboard in the middle of this historic fishing community on the Oregon coast hopes to convince tourists to “Save the Whales” — by not eating fish!
Pacific Power Seeks $171 Million Rate Hike
SALEM — The Oregon Public Utility Commission is asking Pacific Power customers to weigh in on the company’s request for a $170.7 million rate increase, roughly 8.6 percent overall, as the utility continues to dig out from more than $2 billion in settlements tied to the deadly 2020 Labor Day wildfires.
Still a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid
I still catch myself humming it sometimes: “I don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us kid…”
SPORT CRAB KICKOFF YIELDS 8-9 DUNGIES ON 5-HR. CHARTERS
DEPOE BAY — If you want to beat the high cost of store-bought Dungeness crab you’ll have to do it by boat from the world’s smallest navigable harbor.
GRACIE’S SEA HAG CLAIMS BEST CLAM CHOWDER RANKING
DEPOE BAY — With so many seafood joints claiming to be the greatest, only one chowder house actually holds the title: Gracie’s Sea Hag was declared “the best clam chowder at the Oregon coast” by Willamette Week, a leading Portland newspaper noted for its gastronomic judgment.
Outdoors
‘SAVE THE WHALE’ BILLBOARDS JOLT ORE. FISHERMEN
GLENEDEN BEACH, Ore. — A highway billboard in the middle of this historic fishing community on the Oregon coast hopes to convince tourists to “Save the Whales” — by not eating fish!
SPORT CRAB KICKOFF YIELDS 8-9 DUNGIES ON 5-HR. CHARTERS
DEPOE BAY — If you want to beat the high cost of store-bought Dungeness crab you’ll have to do it by boat from the world’s smallest navigable harbor.
FROM THE BEACH TO THE JAWS
I recently headed out for a casual walking tour of Siletz Bay in Lincoln City, the spot where the Siletz River meets the Pacific Ocean in a powerful, swirling meeting point locals call the “Jaws.”
EASY HIKE REVEALS FORGOTTEN WORLD AT WILDLIFE REFUGE
KERNVILLE — At the Siletz Bay National Wildlife Refuge two miles south of Lincoln City is a quiet trail that meanders along timeworn dykes to a vast tidal marsh teeming with wildlife and trophy-sized fish.
WHAT THE DEVIL IS SPRING LAKE?
LINCOLN CITY — Everyone has heard of Devils Lake, the 630-acre waterway beloved by boaters, water skiers and fishermen.
But what the devil is Spring Lake?
Beasley At Large
BEASLEY AT LARGE: INSIDE THE ARENA
There is a moment — quiet, usually private — when someone decides to run for public office. No crowd. No applause. Just a choice: step forward, or stay comfortable where opinions carry no consequence.
“I am essential”
I’m not afraid of Lincoln Co. Sheriff Curtis Landers, who warned this week that his deputies are on the prowl for “groups” of people flouting Governor Kate Brown’s lockdown order.
Top 10 extras for your Tsunami Kit
Congratulations. You’ve survived the Flood of ’99, the Windstorm of ’13 and the Election Year Wildfires. You’ve dodged the Wuhan Bat Virus and brought your stash of toilet paper back to pre-Covid levels.
Destinations
WHIMSICAL, WONDERFUL WALDPORT REVEALS ALL
WALDPORT, Ore. — At journey’s end, when all that’s left is the sand between your toes and a blizzard of bewildering memories, Waldport is what you make of it.
Reporter’s Notebook: Chinook Winds Revamps for 30th
Chinook Winds Casino Resort is buzzing with changes as it marks its 30th anniversary this year, blending fresh renovations with nods to its three decades on the Oregon coast.
HWY. 101 MILEPOST GUIDE
They flash by on the roadside like blurred monuments to our progress, but do we really notice and appreciate those innocuous Hwy. 101 mile posts that play an important role in our travels?
Joe the Sea Lion: Photo Star Hooks Beachgoers
On a bluff overlooking the Pacific, a bronze sea lion named Joe lounges eternally, beckoning visitors to snap selfies and ponder a slice of the Oregon coast from the Great Depression era.
The Horn Public House & Brewery
The Horn Public House & Brewery is perched over Depoe Bay with panoramic views of the “World’s Smallest Harbor” and the great outer bay itself.
Letters to the Editor
Restore Depoe Bay Audits and Oversight
I’m submitting this public comment as a resident of Depoe Bay — and as someone who previously served on this Council — because I believe the City’s financial situation deserves to be treated as a top governance priority, not a background issue to be managed quietly.
Remove Commissioner Claire Hall From Office
I am normally no fan of recalls; however, I feel there are ample reasons for removing Commissioner Hall from office at this time.
A Familiar Hand in Lincoln County’s Worrisome Audits
In light of the current recall effort, people want facts regarding Commissioner Hall's job performance. I have them.
Guest Columns
Melissa Bird for Congress
As we look forward to the May 19, 2026 primary election, affordability, economic anxiety, and lack of faith in government leadership appear to be on everyone’s minds.
Video
FROM THE BEACH TO THE JAWS
I recently headed out for a casual walking tour of Siletz Bay in Lincoln City, the spot where the Siletz River meets the Pacific Ocean in a powerful, swirling meeting point locals call the “Jaws.”
COASTAL REPORT: VISITORS CENTER FROM THE AIR
New Visitor Center in Lincoln City starts building with an expected finish date of January.
Gusts to 50 mph Kick Off Tame King Tides in Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay, Ore. — South winds gusting to 50 mph battered Little Whale Cove's path Wednesday, kicking off Oregon's king tides as waves pummeled cliffs and sprayed mist high into the stormy sky.
Sneaker Waves Lurk on Oregon Coast
Under a brilliant autumn sun with barely a whisper of wind, locals and visitors gathered Tuesday along the Oregon coast to watch the Pacific's dramatic display at high tide.
Beacon Force One: Nelscott Beach Flight
A one-minute drone video showcasing the beauty of Nelscott Beach debuted on YouTube this week, highlighting kite flyers, beachgoers and the mighty Pacific on Oregon's Central Coast.
Health
Three Health Insurance Options Remain in Lincoln County
LINCOLN CITY — Lincoln County residents who buy their own health insurance will have three carriers to choose from in 2027 even as proposed rates rise and two insurers exit the individual market, state officials announced this week.
BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL BEGINS BOOSTING HEALTHCARE
SALEM — Oregon’s first slice of the federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding created by President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” is now moving to communities on the ground.
E-Bike & Scooter Injuries Surge Statewide
As e-scooters, e-bikes and other micromobility options continue to grow in popularity along the Oregon Coast, the Oregon Health Authority is urging riders in Lincoln County and across the state to take extra safety precautions.
Medicare Encourages Hospital Comparisons Ahead of Planned Care
LINCOLN CITY, Ore. — The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is reminding beneficiaries to use its free online tool to compare hospital quality if they anticipate surgery or hospital stays.
Oregon Lands $197.3M in Federal Rural Health Funds
Oregon has secured $197.3 million in initial federal funding for rural healthcare in 2026, placing it close to the national average in a $10 billion nationwide allocation that emphasizes equitable distribution across all 50 states.
Technology
AI CAMERAS SCAN OREGON WILDLANDS
As fire danger rises across the Pacific Northwest, the Bureau of Land Management is turning to AI-powered ALERTWest camera networks to detect new wildfires in real time, even as statewide restrictions remain in full effect on all BLM public lands in Oregon and Washington.
Beacon Launches Capitol Dashboard
Boiler Bay Beacon has launched an online tool to help Lincoln County residents follow Oregon legislation and contact their state representatives.
Beacon Launches Revamped Lincoln County Jail Roster
Lincoln County — I’m excited to announce that I’ve completely rebuilt and launched the new Lincoln County Jail Roster right here on Boiler Bay Beacon at https://boilerbaybeacon.com/jail-roster/.
Anthropic Offers Free Premium AI to K-12 Educators
San Francisco-based AI company Anthropic announced Tuesday it's giving verified K-12 teachers across the United States free access to Claude, its premium AI assistant, specifically tailored for classroom use.
Supersonic Flights Returning
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced Tuesday that supersonic passenger flights are coming back to American skies.
About us
Boiler Bay Beacon is an independent news organization delivering factual reporting to coastal communities and the state of Oregon at large.
DESTINATIONS
WHIMSICAL, WONDERFUL WALDPORT REVEALS ALL
WALDPORT, Ore. — At journey’s end, when all that’s left is the sand between your toes and a blizzard of bewildering memories, Waldport is what you make of it.
Reporter’s Notebook: Chinook Winds Revamps for 30th
Chinook Winds Casino Resort is buzzing with changes as it marks its 30th anniversary this year, blending fresh renovations with nods to its three decades on the Oregon coast.
HWY. 101 MILEPOST GUIDE
They flash by on the roadside like blurred monuments to our progress, but do we really notice and appreciate those innocuous Hwy. 101 mile posts that play an important role in our travels?
TECHNOLOGY
AI CAMERAS SCAN OREGON WILDLANDS
As fire danger rises across the Pacific Northwest, the Bureau of Land Management is turning to AI-powered ALERTWest camera networks to detect new wildfires in real time, even as statewide restrictions remain in full effect on all BLM public lands in Oregon and Washington.
Beacon Launches Capitol Dashboard
Boiler Bay Beacon has launched an online tool to help Lincoln County residents follow Oregon legislation and contact their state representatives.
Beacon Launches Revamped Lincoln County Jail Roster
Lincoln County — I’m excited to announce that I’ve completely rebuilt and launched the new Lincoln County Jail Roster right here on Boiler Bay Beacon at https://boilerbaybeacon.com/jail-roster/.
Popular Videos
FROM THE BEACH TO THE JAWS
I recently headed out for a casual walking tour of Siletz Bay in Lincoln City, the spot where the Siletz River meets the Pacific Ocean in a powerful, swirling meeting point locals call the “Jaws.”
COASTAL REPORT: VISITORS CENTER FROM THE AIR
New Visitor Center in Lincoln City starts building with an expected finish date of January.
Gusts to 50 mph Kick Off Tame King Tides in Depoe Bay
Depoe Bay, Ore. — South winds gusting to 50 mph battered Little Whale Cove's path Wednesday, kicking off Oregon's king tides as waves pummeled cliffs and sprayed mist high into the stormy sky.
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