Category: Uncategorized

For nearly six months, Lincoln County has operated with a vacant seat on the Board of Commissioners following the passing of Commissioner Claire Hall in January 2026. While two commissioners can legally conduct county business, the public deserves full representation and a fully functioning three-member Board. The purpose of filling a vacancy is not simply […]

Two of my favorite things… bikes and garage sales! The Great Garage Sale and Green Bike Co-op Annual Open House are happening Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, in Waldport. For many years, one of my primary garage sale obsessions was bicycles. In fact, as the years have passed, many of my bike finds […]

This week I had the opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting celebration for the new recycling improvements at Thompson’s Sanitary Service in Newport. Events like this matter because recycling is changing significantly across Oregon through the state’s new Recycling Modernization Act (RMA). The law represents one of the largest updates to Oregon’s recycling system in […]

This week I spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for Olalla Meadows in Toledo — a new 30-unit affordable housing development that represents years of planning, partnership, and community collaboration. Projects like this do not happen overnight. As Northwest Coastal Housing Executive Director Sheila Stiley explained during the event, this effort has been in development since […]

Community members from across Lincoln County gathered for the “Adventures Under the Sea” Gala supporting the Lincoln County Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC). The event was more than a celebration — it was a reminder that protecting children and supporting families requires an entire community working together. The Children’s Advocacy Center has quietly served Lincoln County […]

Over the past several months I have attended multiple Lincoln County COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) meetings. These conversations have reminded me of my former role serving as Public Information Officer for both the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners Office and the Emergency Operations Center during major emergencies and disaster response efforts. What is […]

26-27 Proposed Budget (Mobile Phone Optimized) – 5.19.26 – Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Book (Stories OPENGOV)– Fiscal Year End Audit 25 (Unavailable) – Finance and departmental staff are currently assisting the auditors to complete the audit for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The FY26–27 Proposed Budget Message outlines a county government attempting to balance rising operational costs, service demands, staffing pressures, and […]

Victor Jackson, an administrative health care professional with experience all over the world and in varied health care fields, on May 18 joined Lincoln County as Director of Health and Human Services. Jackson was born and raised in New Jersey, spending much of his time in Philadelphia. His first introduction to health care was his […]

Lincoln County’s economy depends on a strong network of partnerships, education, entrepreneurship, and community investment. The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners is proud to support both the Oregon Coast Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County (EDALC) through the Commissioners Economic Development Fund. Together, these organizations help […]

Elders Climate Action Oregon Chapter – Commissioner Candidate Meeting – 5.14.26 Elders Action Network broadly represents a growing movement of older Americans working to address the environmental, social, and governance challenges of our time. Elders Climate Action Oregon Chapter is a synthesis of the Elders Acton Network in our coastal communities to have discussions and […]

BUDGET LINK – FY 2026-27 BUDGET CALENDAR Community members are always encouraged to ask questions or provide feedback regarding the Siletz Area Enhanced Law Enforcement Service District> Contact – Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Patrol DivisionLieutenant Karl Vertner📞 541-265-4277 If you are in east Lincoln County, keep an eye out for Community Deputies Rigo Vera and […]

I spent many years serving Lincoln County as a Public Information Officer before becoming a commissioner. One of the greatest joys of that work was helping people — providing information, solving problems, and helping our community navigate government more effectively. When we show up from an authentic space – we strengthen trust itself. People sense […]

Spring is bringing communities together across Lincoln County! On May 16th, two incredible events are happening on the Central Oregon Coast celebrating healthy families, creativity, local businesses, and community connection. Spring Family FestHosted by Lincoln County Oregon Public Health📍 Yachats Commons🕐 1–4 PMFamilies can connect with local programs supporting children, parents, and caregivers while enjoying […]

Valuable insights and community-driven work highlighted at a recent Rotary Club of Newport meeting: McKenzie River Trust A nonprofit land trust founded in 1989, working to protect critical habitats and scenic lands—from the McKenzie River basin to coastal headlands, rivers, streams, and lakes stretching from Reedsport to Lincoln City. Their work is a strong reminder […]

It was truly a pleasure to be part of Newport’s Loyalty Days parade this year! Thank you to everyone who came out, shared kind words, and brought such positive energy. A big thank you to the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers who make this event possible every year. I was a little anxious going into it. […]

Commissioner Update: Federal Forest Lands and Lincoln County’s Role At the recent meeting of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOCC), counties from across Oregon discussed the future of federally managed forest lands, particularly those overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These conversations are important to Lincoln County, both now and in the years […]

I recently met with local workforce leaders from WorkSource Oregon and Northwest Oregon Works — including Katrina Sturgeon, Niki Price, Corey Habiger, and Jason Bradford — to stay connected to the systems that support both our workforce and our local businesses. These organizations play a critical role in our community: – WorkSource Oregon helps individuals […]

There were many wonderful moments last night at the Pearls of Wisdom fundraising event for Oregon Coast Community College. Every dollar raised helps OCCC expand scholarships, strengthen workforce training, and create opportunities for students to build careers right here at home in Lincoln County. I had the chance to reconnect with many people who have […]

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting for the Coast Vineyard Village tiny home project in Lincoln City. It was a gratifying moment for many reasons — not only because of the homes themselves, but because of what they represent for our community. Recovery can and does happen. But, it’s a […]

Lincoln County Animal Shelter: A Community Commitment Delivered It is an absolute pleasure to see the new Lincoln County Animal Shelter come together. Lincoln County works to protect animals, support pet owners, and partner with community organizations to ensure animals are treated humanely and have the opportunity to find safe homes. At the end of […]