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News
PARKS & REC PONDERS GREENER SALMON BAKE
DEPOE BAY — Citing fire danger and overfishing, Parks & Rec — not the comedy TV show but a real-life city board — wants to bring back a greener, more eco-friendly Annual Salmon Bake.
Oregon enters fire season statewide
SALEM, Ore. — All Oregon Department of Forestry districts have entered fire season as of June 15, raising the possibility of fire restrictions in areas where people live or plan to visit this summer.
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.
BULLS AND BRONCS TO BUCK COWBOYS AT CO. FAIR JULY 3-4
NEWPORT — Drenched in chaps, spurs and patriotic themes, rodeo returns to the Lincoln County Fair with explosive cowboy action during America’s 250th anniversary celebration, July 3-4, 2026.
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.
Police
Grand Ronde Man Dies in Head-On Crash on Highway 18
Lincoln County — A 35-year-old Grand Ronde man died Thursday morning in a head-on crash on Highway 18 near milepost 1.
Enhanced BUII Patrols July 3-5
Lincoln County boaters heading out for the Independence Day holiday weekend are being warned: marine law enforcement will be out in force looking for impaired operators.
OSP: River Otter Killed, Tips Sought
LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. — Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division troopers are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying who is responsible for the unlawful shooting of a river otter at Thissel Pond
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.
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.
Business
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.
State Economic Outlook Cloudy
Lincoln County on Oregon's central coast is contending with economic headwinds as declines in its longstanding timber and commercial fishing sectors contribute to elevated unemployment and sluggish job growth, recent state data shows.
INSIDE THE NEW 1st CHOICE FRESH MARKET
Welcome to 1st Choice Fresh Market, 25,000 square feet of garden-to-store produce, locally-caught seafood and sushi, Oregon-grown beef, a bakery, a sit-down deli and the biggest, coldest walk-in beer cooler at the coast — aptly named the “Beer Cave!”
Outdoors
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?
Buggy Thrills and Vanishing Dunes
I screamed as our giant blue dune buggy plunged down a towering sand dune in Florence yesterday, risking life and limb to report the wild heart of the Oregon coast.
Driftwood Windfall Buries Taft Beach
LINCOLN CITY — Massive piles of driftwood have washed ashore at Taft’s Siletz Bay turning the beach into a natural lumberyard of twisted logs, bleached branches and whole tree trunks.
Sports
Hydroplanes to Chase Records at Devil’s Lake Time Trials
High-octane hydroplanes are primed to carve through the calm waters of Devil's Lake this weekend, chasing world straightaway speed records in a tradition-fueled showdown of speed and precision.
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
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
Supersonic Flights Returning
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced Tuesday that supersonic passenger flights are coming back to American skies.
Lincoln County Broadband Monopoly
Limited competition among internet providers leaves most of Lincoln County dependent on one or two options, as high infrastructure costs in sparse, rugged coastal terrain block new entrants and sustain uneven service.
Oregon Guard’s Strap Saves Lives Army-Wide
Sharp-eyed aircrews from the Oregon Army National Guard spotted a snag with new rescue tech on the Salem flight line. They fixed it themselves. Now every MEDEVAC unit in the Army uses their redesigned strap.
Hidden Hazards in High-Tech Vapes
As disposable electronic cigarettes evolve into pocket-sized tech hubs, with Bluetooth syncing, customizable alerts and high-capacity batteries promising thousands of puffs — a fresh wave of scrutiny reveals overlooked perils beyond the familiar youth marketing alarms.
Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin—oh my! Cryptocurrency is the talk of the tech world, but for coastal communities like ours, is it a treasure chest or a shipwreck waiting to happen?
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.
News
PARKS & REC PONDERS GREENER SALMON BAKE
DEPOE BAY — Citing fire danger and overfishing, Parks & Rec — not the comedy TV show but a real-life city board — wants to bring back a greener, more eco-friendly Annual Salmon Bake.
Oregon enters fire season statewide
SALEM, Ore. — All Oregon Department of Forestry districts have entered fire season as of June 15, raising the possibility of fire restrictions in areas where people live or plan to visit this summer.
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.
BULLS AND BRONCS TO BUCK COWBOYS AT CO. FAIR JULY 3-4
NEWPORT — Drenched in chaps, spurs and patriotic themes, rodeo returns to the Lincoln County Fair with explosive cowboy action during America’s 250th anniversary celebration, July 3-4, 2026.
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.
Police
Grand Ronde Man Dies in Head-On Crash on Highway 18
Lincoln County — A 35-year-old Grand Ronde man died Thursday morning in a head-on crash on Highway 18 near milepost 1.
Enhanced BUII Patrols July 3-5
Lincoln County boaters heading out for the Independence Day holiday weekend are being warned: marine law enforcement will be out in force looking for impaired operators.
OSP: River Otter Killed, Tips Sought
LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. — Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division troopers are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying who is responsible for the unlawful shooting of a river otter at Thissel Pond
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.
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.
Business
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.
State Economic Outlook Cloudy
Lincoln County on Oregon's central coast is contending with economic headwinds as declines in its longstanding timber and commercial fishing sectors contribute to elevated unemployment and sluggish job growth, recent state data shows.
INSIDE THE NEW 1st CHOICE FRESH MARKET
Welcome to 1st Choice Fresh Market, 25,000 square feet of garden-to-store produce, locally-caught seafood and sushi, Oregon-grown beef, a bakery, a sit-down deli and the biggest, coldest walk-in beer cooler at the coast — aptly named the “Beer Cave!”
Outdoors
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?
Buggy Thrills and Vanishing Dunes
I screamed as our giant blue dune buggy plunged down a towering sand dune in Florence yesterday, risking life and limb to report the wild heart of the Oregon coast.
Driftwood Windfall Buries Taft Beach
LINCOLN CITY — Massive piles of driftwood have washed ashore at Taft’s Siletz Bay turning the beach into a natural lumberyard of twisted logs, bleached branches and whole tree trunks.
Sports
Hydroplanes to Chase Records at Devil’s Lake Time Trials
High-octane hydroplanes are primed to carve through the calm waters of Devil's Lake this weekend, chasing world straightaway speed records in a tradition-fueled showdown of speed and precision.
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
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
Supersonic Flights Returning
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced Tuesday that supersonic passenger flights are coming back to American skies.
Lincoln County Broadband Monopoly
Limited competition among internet providers leaves most of Lincoln County dependent on one or two options, as high infrastructure costs in sparse, rugged coastal terrain block new entrants and sustain uneven service.
Oregon Guard’s Strap Saves Lives Army-Wide
Sharp-eyed aircrews from the Oregon Army National Guard spotted a snag with new rescue tech on the Salem flight line. They fixed it themselves. Now every MEDEVAC unit in the Army uses their redesigned strap.
Hidden Hazards in High-Tech Vapes
As disposable electronic cigarettes evolve into pocket-sized tech hubs, with Bluetooth syncing, customizable alerts and high-capacity batteries promising thousands of puffs — a fresh wave of scrutiny reveals overlooked perils beyond the familiar youth marketing alarms.
Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin—oh my! Cryptocurrency is the talk of the tech world, but for coastal communities like ours, is it a treasure chest or a shipwreck waiting to happen?
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.
About us
Boiler Bay Beacon, an independent news organization aimed at delivering factual reporting to coastal communities and the state of Oregon at large.
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.
Letters
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.
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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