Local News Archives - KMUN https://kmun.org/category/local-news/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:55:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://kmun.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cropped-site-icon-600x600-01-32x32.png Local News Archives - KMUN https://kmun.org/category/local-news/ 32 32 Official results show McVey recall holds https://kmun.org/official-results-show-mcvey-recall-holds/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=official-results-show-mcvey-recall-holds Thu, 09 Apr 2026 20:18:34 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=59505 The Seaside City Council is down two councilors after one was recalled and another resigned. At a council meeting on March 23, City Councilor Heidi Hoffman announced she was resigning effective April 15 because she is moving to Astoria. “No, I am not resigning in protest of the recall vote,” she said, referring to the...

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]]> Mullin visits Coast Guard facilities on North Coast https://kmun.org/mullin-visits-coast-guard-facilities-on-north-coast/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mullin-visits-coast-guard-facilities-on-north-coast Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:29:10 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=59498 Amid an ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown and heightened tensions over immigration enforcement, newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin stopped in Astoria Wednesday and toured Coast Guard facilities at the mouth of the Columbia River. Mullin visited U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria in Oregon and the Cape Disappointment Motor Lifeboat...

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]]> Housing group proposes ’empty homes’ tax https://kmun.org/housing-group-proposes-empty-homes-tax/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=housing-group-proposes-empty-homes-tax Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:24:31 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=59487 4/13/26: This story has been updated to clarify the relationship between the Astoria Housing Alliance and the Astoria Housing Initiative. A group looking to address housing shortages in Astoria hopes to get a measure on the November ballot that would tax vacant houses. The group behind the Astoria Housing Initiative announced this week that it...

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]]> Former candidate for state office eyes county commission seat https://kmun.org/former-candidate-for-state-office-eyes-county-commission-seat/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=former-candidate-for-state-office-eyes-county-commission-seat Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:57:30 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=59483 A retired corrections officer who previously ran for state office is vying for a seat on the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners. Glenn Gaither is the second candidate to file for the District 5 seat held by Lianne Thompson. Thompson is not running for re-election, but Gaither will face an opponent in the May 19...

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]]> College considers cuts amid rising costs https://kmun.org/college-considers-cuts-amid-rising-costs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=college-considers-cuts-amid-rising-costs Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:12:00 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=59441 Clatsop Community College leadership laid off five full-time positions in March, moved other positions to part-time and has proposed suspending three programs going into the next academic year, citing low enrollment and a $700,000 budget deficit due to rising costs. The programs facing suspension include the automotive technology program, computer aided design and drafting, and...

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]]> Election officials prepare for primary in a ‘more active atmosphere’ https://kmun.org/election-officials-prepare-for-primary-in-a-more-active-atmosphere/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=election-officials-prepare-for-primary-in-a-more-active-atmosphere Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:03:08 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=59418 While recent efforts by President Donald Trump to limit voting ahead of the midterm elections likely won’t impact Oregon’s primary next month, election officials on the coast say they are seeing confusion among voters. Recently, Clatsop County Clerk Tracie Krevanko fielded calls from people who seem unsure about what efforts by the Trump administration have...

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]]> Hundreds turn out for ‘No Kings’ protest https://kmun.org/hundreds-turn-out-for-no-kings-protest/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hundreds-turn-out-for-no-kings-protest Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:57:50 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=59365 Hundred of people gathered on streets and sidewalks across Oregon’s North Coast and in Southwest Washington to protest the Trump administration Saturday, joining a nationwide turnout that organizers estimate was larger than previous “No Kings” protests. More than 900 people participated across two protests in Astoria Saturday. A protest in Seaside drew hundreds, according to...

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]]> Federal funding may return to Astoria hospital https://kmun.org/federal-funding-may-return-to-astoria-hospital/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=federal-funding-may-return-to-astoria-hospital Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:05:00 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=59288 Federal funding for a major hospital expansion project in Astoria was in jeopardy last year after the Trump administration abruptly announced it was shutting down the grant program that had awarded the money. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said the decision to halt the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities grant program, or BRIC, was part...

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]]> Latinx nonprofit lands state funds https://kmun.org/latinx-nonprofit-lands-state-funds/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=latinx-nonprofit-lands-state-funds Wed, 11 Mar 2026 17:05:16 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=59111 A nonprofit that serves the North Coast’s Latinx community has landed major funding, bringing it closer to its goal of establishing a cultural center in the region.  The Oregon Legislature approved $1.9 million in lottery revenue bonds for Consejo Hispano’s headquarters, Casa Mariposa, based out of a former Lutheran church in downtown Astoria. That translates...

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]]> Astoria shipyard faces lawsuits from tenants…part 2 https://kmun.org/astoria-shipyard-faces-lawsuits-from-tenants-part-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-shipyard-faces-lawsuits-from-tenants-part-2 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:26:38 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=59070 (Click here for PART ONE) State support Connect Oregon grant funds are intended for non-highway transportation projects: rail, aviation and marine capital infrastructure.  In April 2022, a final review committee looked at 49 applications for $46 million in available funding. Among the applications was Hyak’s boat lift. All of the projects had already gone through...

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]]> Astoria shipyard faces lawsuits from tenants… part one https://kmun.org/astoria-shipyard-faces-lawsuits-from-tenants/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-shipyard-faces-lawsuits-from-tenants Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:19:05 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=59067 ASTORIA, Ore. — When the tug and barge building company, Hyak Tongue Point, proposed an ambitious plan to develop a shipyard at long under-utilized industrial land east of Astoria, the North Coast was sold on the idea. With the closures of other small and medium-sized boatyards in the region, Hyak’s shipyard at North Tongue Point...

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]]> Another candidate vies for county’s District 3 seat https://kmun.org/another-candidate-vies-for-countys-district-3-seat/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=another-candidate-vies-for-countys-district-3-seat Tue, 24 Feb 2026 18:35:40 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58853 A new candidate in the race for a seat on the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners says she is running because she doesn’t believe her opponent is qualified for the job. Mitra Vazeen, a retired educator and former Job Corps center director, told KMUN she wants to continue giving back to Clatsop County. She was...

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]]> County officials talk 911 consolidation https://kmun.org/county-officials-talk-911-consolidation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=county-officials-talk-911-consolidation Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:58:48 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58812 In Clatsop County, some emergency responders rely on their cellphones to communicate during an emergency — not their radios. Local officials say this is just one example of how responders have found ways to work around a fractured emergency communications system spread across two separate dispatch centers and in need of upgrades. Now city and...

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]]> Candidates line up for county commissioner races https://kmun.org/candidates-line-up-for-county-commissioner-races/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=candidates-line-up-for-county-commissioner-races Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:29:09 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58785 The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners could see several new faces depending on the results of two upcoming elections.  Three candidates are vying for separate seats on the five-member board in the May primary. Only one of them — current Board Chair Mark Kujala, trying for a third term — is an incumbent. Current District...

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]]> Candidate emerges in Astoria mayor race https://kmun.org/candidate-emerges-in-astoria-mayor-race/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=candidate-emerges-in-astoria-mayor-race Fri, 13 Feb 2026 14:50:23 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58734 Three seats will be up for election on the Astoria City Council in November, including the position of mayor. Filing has yet to open, but one Astoria man has already decided he wants to run for that particular post. Sean Davis is a combat veteran and the co-founder and host of Rogue Cell, a program...

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]]> Seaside City Council appoints new member https://kmun.org/seaside-city-council-appoints-new-member/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=seaside-city-council-appoints-new-member Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:09:08 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58525 The Seaside City Council has filled the empty Ward 4 seat after a tumultuous two weeks of community debate, online and offline, about one of the candidates. The Ward 4 seat has been vacant since the end of December after former City Councilor David Posalski moved away from the area. He championed regional hotel manager...

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]]> Debate over empty Seaside City Council seat rages online ahead of meeting https://kmun.org/debate-over-empty-seaside-city-council-seat-rages-online-ahead-of-meeting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=debate-over-empty-seaside-city-council-seat-rages-online-ahead-of-meeting Fri, 23 Jan 2026 15:34:23 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58434 A debate about a candidate for an open seat on the Seaside City Council has continued to rage online after leaders were split on who to appoint last week. Brandon Kraft, a regional manager for a hotel management company, is one of two candidates vying for a temporary appointment to the Ward 4 seat. That...

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]]> Seat still open on Seaside City Council after allegations https://kmun.org/seat-still-open-on-seaside-city-council-after-allegations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=seat-still-open-on-seaside-city-council-after-allegations Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:18:36 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58306 UPDATED 1/17/26: Since publication of this story, R.J. Marx has provided KMUN with a transcript of his interview with Brandon Kraft. Aspects of the Q&A-style interview Marx published on Substack were altered for publication — Marx appears to have consolidated some back and forth leading up to a question about a statement of support by...

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]]> Manzanita continues local emergency declaration over slide concerns https://kmun.org/manzanita-continues-local-emergency-declaration-over-slide-concerns/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=manzanita-continues-local-emergency-declaration-over-slide-concerns Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:16:51 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58234 A declaration of a local state of emergency in Manzanita will continue through early February because of a slope on city-owned property that was destabilized by erosion and wet conditions in mid-December. The Manzanita City Council has opted to continue the declaration through Feb.4 out of an abundance of caution. Mitigation work has been done...

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]]> North Coast rallies in response to Minneapolis, Portland shootings https://kmun.org/north-coast-rallies-in-response-to-minneapolis-portland-shootings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=north-coast-rallies-in-response-to-minneapolis-portland-shootings Mon, 12 Jan 2026 14:56:10 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58226 At the end of a vigil in Astoria on Saturday held in part to remember people who died while being detained by federal immigration officers or while in their custody, someone accidentally knocked over a glass candle holder that had been placed at the center of the event space. It shattered loudly. “That actually feels...

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]]> St.Helens man arrested, faces charges related to Sunset Beach explosive https://kmun.org/st-helens-man-arrested-faces-charges-related-to-sunset-beach-explosive/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=st-helens-man-arrested-faces-charges-related-to-sunset-beach-explosive Thu, 08 Jan 2026 23:59:18 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58214 Police have arrested a man in connection with an explosive device discovered at a public restroom on Oregon’s North Coast last September. Oregon State Police arrested James Mason Liggett, 52, of St. Helens in Grants Pass on Sunday. Liggett was wanted on charges of attempted murder, attempted assault in the first and second degree, first...

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]]> Two vie for Seaside City Council seat https://kmun.org/two-vie-for-seaside-city-council-seat/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=two-vie-for-seaside-city-council-seat Thu, 08 Jan 2026 23:58:15 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58211 Two candidates are vying for an open seat on the Seaside City Council. City Councilor David Posalski resigned in November because he was moving outside of city limits and would no longer be eligible to serve on the council representing Ward 4. His resignation was effective Dec.20. At a candidates forum Wednesday night, Padraic Ansbro...

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]]> High winds knock out power on Oregon’s North Coast, Southwest Washington https://kmun.org/high-winds-knock-out-power-on-oregons-north-coast-southwest-washington/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=high-winds-knock-out-power-on-oregons-north-coast-southwest-washington Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:44:58 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58040 Crews are working to restore power across Oregon’s North Coast and Southwest Washington following a windstorm late Tuesday night and early Tuesday morning. The National Weather Service issued a high wind warning for the coast on Tuesday. That warning expired earlier Tuesday morning.  In Clatsop County, Ore., power has been restored in parts of Astoria...

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]]> ICE officers detain people in downtown Astoria, Seaside https://kmun.org/ice-officers-detain-people-in-downtown-astoria/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ice-officers-detain-people-in-downtown-astoria Fri, 12 Dec 2025 19:26:19 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=58002 Federal immigration officers detained at least one person  in Seaside and two people in downtown Astoria Friday morning. In Astoria, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers chased one man down 15th Street. Employees at Blue Scorcher Bakery on the corner of 15th and Duane Street witnessed his arrest. Videos and photos of the incident show officers...

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]]> Tongue Point welcomes back students https://kmun.org/tongue-point-welcomes-back-students/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tongue-point-welcomes-back-students Wed, 03 Dec 2025 22:13:28 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57882 Not too long ago, Mac McGoldrick, the director of Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria, was figuring out where around 20 students and more than a dozen staff were going to live if the center closed. The center faced the threat of an immediate shutdown in May after the Trump administration abruptly announced it...

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]]> ICE detains a person at Home Depot https://kmun.org/ice-detains-a-person-at-home-depot/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ice-detains-a-person-at-home-depot Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:48:55 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57877 At least one person was detained by federal immigration officers in Warrenton Wednesday morning. No information has been released about the person or why they were detained. Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested the person at the Home Depot in Warrenton. This comes after two other people in Clatsop County were detained on...

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]]> Officials wrestle with how to respond to ICE operations https://kmun.org/officials-wrestle-with-how-to-respond-to-ice-operations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=officials-wrestle-with-how-to-respond-to-ice-operations Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:07:41 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57848 After six people were detained by federal immigration officers in Seaside on Oregon’s North Coast in early November, some city officials jumped to respond, looking to craft resolutions decrying what they saw as secretive and aggressive tactics.  Others held back. A number of resolutions and statements ended up being released, finalized or passed just ahead...

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]]> Immigration officers detain two people in Warrenton https://kmun.org/immigration-officers-detain-two-people-in-warrenton/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=immigration-officers-detain-two-people-in-warrenton Tue, 02 Dec 2025 07:34:50 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57828 Federal immigration officers detained two people outside of Walmart in Warrenton late Monday morning. The arrests come just weeks after Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained at least six people in the Seaside area. Norma Hernandez with Consejo Hispano, an Astoria-based nonprofit that provides a variety of resources to the Latine community, said the people...

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]]> Astoria City Council appoints Conklin to Ward 4 https://kmun.org/astoria-city-council-appoints-conklin-to-ward-4/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-city-council-appoints-conklin-to-ward-4 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:37:37 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57819 The eastern side of Astoria has a new representative. On Monday, the Astoria City Council unanimously appointed Joshua Conklin to take over the Ward 4 seat, which became vacant on Nov.1 following the resignation of former City Councilor Vance Lump. Lump announced in early October that he was resigning because he had to move from...

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]]> Shelter pushes at county funding approach https://kmun.org/shelter-pushes-at-county-funding-approach/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shelter-pushes-at-county-funding-approach Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:02:07 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57726 A low-barrier shelter in downtown Astoria is pushing back at how Clatsop County distributed state money meant to fund beds for unhoused people.  LiFEBoat operates the lowest barrier shelter in Clatsop County. Guests can’t use drugs or alcohol while inside the 22-bed shelter, but LiFEBoat does not require them to commit to sobriety and does...

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]]> State, community partners provide resources for Rogue workers https://kmun.org/state-community-partners-provide-resources-for-rogue-workers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=state-community-partners-provide-resources-for-rogue-workers Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:51:11 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57711 With the sudden closure of Rogue Ales and Spirits last week, workforce development groups, community partners and the state have activated a rapid response system to support affected workers. Rogue closed pubs and shut down operations in Newport, Astoria, Salem and Portland. According to the state, around 60 employees total have been impacted. Rogue has...

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]]> Local law enforcement shifts stance after ICE detains people in Seaside https://kmun.org/local-law-enforcement-shifts-stance-after-ice-detains-people-in-seaside/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=local-law-enforcement-shifts-stance-after-ice-detains-people-in-seaside Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:58:04 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57672 Law enforcement agencies on Oregon’s North Coast are changing their approach after federal immigration enforcement officers detained at least 6 people in Seaside earlier this month. Before, Astoria Police Chief Stacy Kelly said the stance adopted by police departments and the sheriff’s office in Clatsop County was that if officers saw ICE, they should go...

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]]> Astoria officials consider new actions after ICE enforcement https://kmun.org/astoria-officials-consider-new-actions-after-ice-enforcement/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-officials-consider-new-actions-after-ice-enforcement Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:40:24 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57670 Last week, city officials in Newport told the community they had reason to believe the federal government hoped to site an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility at the Newport airport. The future of that facility is now in question after the defense contractor behind it withdrew a letter of intent. While Oregon Coast communities...

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]]> Rogue Brewery closes at Pier 39, other locations https://kmun.org/rogue-brewery-closes-at-pier-39-and-other-locations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rogue-brewery-closes-at-pier-39-and-other-locations Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:13:07 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57653 Oregon brewery Rogue Ales and Spirits abruptly ceased operations at all of its facilities Friday morning.  Employees learned about the closure that same morning. The company operates pubs in Astoria, Newport, Portland and Salem. In Newport, Rogue maintained a large production brewery on land it leased from the Port of Newport. The Lincoln Chronicle reported...

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]]> UPDATED: ICE detains people in Seaside area over weekend https://kmun.org/updated-ice-detains-people-in-seaside-area-over-weekend/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=updated-ice-detains-people-in-seaside-area-over-weekend Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:01:09 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57580 At least six people were detained by federal immigration enforcement officers in Clatsop County over the weekend. One of those people has since been allowed to return home, but community members say they do not know the whereabouts of the other five people. It is the first major raid on Oregon’s North Coast since the...

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]]> ICE agents detain five people in Seaside https://kmun.org/ice-agents-detain-five-people-in-seaside/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ice-agents-detain-five-people-in-seaside Sat, 08 Nov 2025 22:07:19 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57568 At least five people have been detained by federal immigration enforcement officers in Seaside as of early Saturday afternoon. According to people familiar with the situation, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were reportedly running people’s license plates then pulling them over and taking them into custody. The stops started around 8 a.m. Saturday...

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]]> Food bank celebrates 50 years amid food stamp uncertainty https://kmun.org/food-bank-celebrates-50-years-amid-food-stamp-uncertainty/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=food-bank-celebrates-50-years-amid-food-stamp-uncertainty Thu, 06 Nov 2025 22:44:07 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57549 Judy Mattson was late because of peanut butter. In her defense, it was on sale at Fred Meyer and she was able to layer her senior discount on top of the sale price. Then there was cereal on a top shelf in the clearance aisle that she had to grab. “Everything I want is either...

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]]> Two apply for vacant city council seat https://kmun.org/two-apply-for-vacant-city-council-seat/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=two-apply-for-vacant-city-council-seat Wed, 05 Nov 2025 20:04:04 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57519 Two people have officially applied to represent the eastern side of Astoria on the Astoria City Council. Joshua Conklin, who ran unsuccessfully for City Council in 2020, and retired Costco executive Mike Brosius are both looking to land the Ward 4 seat previously occupied by Vance Lump. Lump was elected in 2024. He campaigned on...

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]]> Incumbents lag in Pacific County elections https://kmun.org/incumbents-lag-in-pacific-county-elections/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=incumbents-lag-in-pacific-county-elections Wed, 05 Nov 2025 19:47:18 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57515 Incumbents faltered in key elections in Pacific County, Wash., Tuesday night. Preliminary unofficial results for the mayoral race in the small city of Ilwaco show 24-year-old challenger Eddie Hillard with more than 70 percent of the vote, well ahead of incumbent Mike Cassinelli, who was seeking a fourth term.  Hillard is the owner and operator...

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]]> Local food bank says SNAP suspension could cause major issues https://kmun.org/local-food-bank-says-snap-suspension-could-cause-major-issues/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=local-food-bank-says-snap-suspension-could-cause-major-issues Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:55:11 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57404 Thousands of people on Oregon’s North Coast are poised to lose access to food stamps beginning Nov.1 and local food banks say they won’t be able to fill the gap.  The Trump administration has refused to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, during the ongoing government shutdown. If nothing changes, the program will...

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]]> County settles with two employees as workplace investigation continues https://kmun.org/county-settles-with-two-employees-as-workplace-investigation-continues/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=county-settles-with-two-employees-as-workplace-investigation-continues Mon, 27 Oct 2025 19:05:49 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57380 Clatsop County has settled with two former employees from the district attorney’s office for more than $114,000 amid an ongoing investigation into workplace conduct issues. The county confirmed the settlements had happened, but declined to comment on them or on any aspects of the investigation.  In the settlement documents, the county does not mention the...

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]]> Hundreds gather for No Kings protests on Oregon’s North Coast https://kmun.org/hundreds-gather-for-no-kings-protests-on-oregons-north-coast/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hundreds-gather-for-no-kings-protests-on-oregons-north-coast Mon, 20 Oct 2025 16:25:49 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57301 ASTORIA, Ore. — Hundreds of people turned out for No Kings protests on Oregon’s North Coast, joining massive nationwide protests against the Trump administration and its policies on Saturday. In Astoria, an estimated 1,600 to 1,800 participants gathered along city blocks from 15th Street to 23rd Street, with clumps of protesters also near Safeway, on...

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]]> Leaders say new health care center adds capacity, services at key time https://kmun.org/leaders-say-new-health-care-center-adds-capacity-services-at-key-time/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=leaders-say-new-health-care-center-adds-capacity-services-at-key-time Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:18:59 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57211 A new healthcare clinic in the small city of Wheeler increases capacity and services in northern Tillamook County at a time when local leaders expect to see a growing need for care under certain Trump administration policies. The Nehalem Bay Health Center & Pharmacy opened for patients this week. The new facility is nearly three...

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]]> City approves pilot program to help with water, sewer bills https://kmun.org/city-approves-pilot-program-to-help-with-water-sewer-bills/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=city-approves-pilot-program-to-help-with-water-sewer-bills Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:20:54 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57208 A new program to help people in Astoria pay their utility bills is officially accepting applications. At a meeting this week, the Astoria City Council approved the six month pilot program which will be administered in partnership with Clatsop Community Action.  Over the next six months, the city hopes to collect more information about who...

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]]> Firefighting efforts continue at Knob Point fire https://kmun.org/firefighting-efforts-continue-at-knob-point-fire/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=firefighting-efforts-continue-at-knob-point-fire Wed, 08 Oct 2025 22:50:04 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57166 A wildfire in the Clatsop State Forest is still burning but partially contained as of Wednesday afternoon.  The Knob Point fire began early Monday morning at a site about nine miles southeast of Knappa on private timberland. It has burned an estimated 100 acres. Ami Kreider, wildland fire supervisor with the Oregon Department of Forestry’s...

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]]> City councilor to resign because of housing https://kmun.org/city-councilor-to-resign-because-of-housing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=city-councilor-to-resign-because-of-housing Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:56:59 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57113 An Astoria city councilor who made housing his top priority says he will need to resign because he can’t afford to continue living in the district he represents. At a meeting on Monday, Vance Lump declined to reveal personal details about his situation but told the Astoria City Council he is in a situation where...

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]]> Bonamici urges civic engagement at town hall https://kmun.org/bonamici-urges-civic-engagement-at-town-hall/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bonamici-urges-civic-engagement-at-town-hall Mon, 06 Oct 2025 21:53:26 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=57103 At a town hall in Seaside on Saturday, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici spoke about the government shutdown and healthcare costs and fielded questions about actions by immigration officials and concerns about humanitarian aid to Gaza. Then Troy Bowers from Manzanita asked an unanswerable question. He had attended public events with Bonamici months earlier where she...

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]]> As hospital construction continues, federal money still in question https://kmun.org/as-hospital-construction-continues-federal-money-still-in-question/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=as-hospital-construction-continues-federal-money-still-in-question Fri, 26 Sep 2025 18:14:44 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56861 Columbia Memorial Hospital is about to jump into the next phase of construction for a major expansion project at its Astoria campus even though federal funding for key parts of that work remains in limbo. Hospital leaders aren’t sure if the push forward will jeopardize access to that money in the future, but they say...

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]]> Javadi announces switch to Democratic Party https://kmun.org/javadi-announces-switch-to-democrat/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=javadi-announces-switch-to-democrat Fri, 05 Sep 2025 19:14:20 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56633 State Representative Cyrus Javadi has announced he will seek reelection as a Democrat. The former Tillamook Republican switched his registration ahead of a Sept 4 deadline in order to run as a Democrat in next year’s election. Javadi made the announcement in a Facebook post Friday morning, writing that, “I didn’t run for office to...

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]]> Local arborists help save historic Oregon tree https://kmun.org/local-arborists-help-save-historic-oregon-tree/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=local-arborists-help-save-historic-oregon-tree Tue, 02 Sep 2025 20:23:08 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56579 The cause of a fire at one of the tallest coastal Douglas fir trees in the world is still under investigation. The Doerner Fir Tree in Oregon’s Southern Coast Range is black from its bottom to its top following a mysterious fire first reported in its canopy in mid-August. Investigators ruled out lightning strikes. Now,...

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]]> Shelter at capacity with arrival of neglect cases https://kmun.org/shelter-at-capacity-with-arrival-of-neglect-cases/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shelter-at-capacity-with-arrival-of-neglect-cases Mon, 11 Aug 2025 01:03:54 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56388 The Clatsop County Animal Shelter is at capacity after dogs and cats seized in an animal neglect case arrived last week. While the shelter still must respond to reports of animals at large and continues to work to connect stray animals with owners, it is not able to take pets being voluntarily surrendered by their...

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]]> Community asks for changes to warning signs after death at waterfall https://kmun.org/community-asks-for-changes-to-warning-signs-after-death-at-waterfall/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=community-asks-for-changes-to-warning-signs-after-death-at-waterfall Wed, 06 Aug 2025 03:41:49 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56343 A small red and white sign bolted to a metal post warns: “Danger. Do not jump from rocks.” Above it, a larger brown sign tells people not to camp or park overnight.  The signs are posted in the gravel parking lot for the popular Youngs River Falls recreational site outside of Astoria and they are...

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]]> Prepare and practice: emergency managers say distant tsunami event holds lessons for the coast https://kmun.org/prepare-and-practice-emergency-managers-say-distant-tsunami-event-holds-lessons-for-the-coast/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=prepare-and-practice-emergency-managers-say-distant-tsunami-event-holds-lessons-for-the-coast Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:44:22 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56320 Last week, an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia produced a tsunami that spread across the Pacific Ocean and triggered a tsunami advisory on the West Coast. For communities on Oregon’s North Coast and in Southwest Washington, it didn’t amount to much. Emergency managers said they saw tsunami wave heights of about half...

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]]> Astoria City Council plans new look at camping ordinance https://kmun.org/astoria-city-council-plans-new-look-at-camping-ordinance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-city-council-plans-new-look-at-camping-ordinance Thu, 31 Jul 2025 22:02:36 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56312 Still struggling with how to address issues tied to homelessness in downtown Astoria, city leaders say they plan to take another look at Astoria’s camping ordinances. This comes on the heels of the failure of another ordinance that would have temporarily banned people from downtown Astoria for up to 90 days if they committed certain...

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]]> Investigation continues into workplace conduct issues at district attorney’s office https://kmun.org/investigation-continues-into-workplace-conduct-issues-at-district-attorneys-office/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=investigation-continues-into-workplace-conduct-issues-at-district-attorneys-office Wed, 30 Jul 2025 21:57:24 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56290 An investigation into workplace conduct issues at the Clatsop County District Attorney’s Office is ongoing, but several current and former employees attended a Clatsop County Board of Commissioner’s meeting last week to draw further attention to the matter. During a public comment period, Kaelee Kinney, a trial assistant, said district attorney staff have been bringing...

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]]> Tsunami advisory cancelled for Oregon, Washington https://kmun.org/tsunami-advisory-cancelled-for-oregon-washington/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tsunami-advisory-cancelled-for-oregon-washington Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:50:19 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56297 A tsunami advisory has been cancelled for the coastal areas of Oregon and Washington state following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake Tuesday off the coast of Russia. Earlier Wednesday morning the Pacific County Emergency Management Agency confirmed they were seeing wave heights that were well below a foot.

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]]> Tsunami advisory remains in effect this morning https://kmun.org/tsunami-advisory-remains-in-effect-this-morning/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tsunami-advisory-remains-in-effect-this-morning Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:40:16 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56272 A tsunami advisory remains in effect this morning for the coastal areas of Oregon and Washington state following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake yesterday off the coast of Russia. While this does not mean massive flooding or a full tsunami for the area, local emergency management agencies warn we could continue to see higher than normal...

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]]> Tsunami advisory in effect for West Coast https://kmun.org/tsunami-advisory-in-effect-for-west-coast/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tsunami-advisory-in-effect-for-west-coast Wed, 30 Jul 2025 01:50:21 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56269 A tsunami watch for the coastal areas of California, Oregon and Washington state as well as British Columbia and Alaska has been upgraded to a tsunami advisory.  Tsunami waves can be expected between 11:40 and 11:55 p.m. Wave heights on Long Beach, Wash., are expected to be less than a foot, according to the National...

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]]> Federal funding cuts to impact local radio station https://kmun.org/federal-funding-cuts-to-impact-local-radio-station/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=federal-funding-cuts-to-impact-local-radio-station Thu, 24 Jul 2025 00:55:41 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56209 It started with bagpipes. John Goff, a volunteer programmer with KMUN, wandered Exchange Street between 14th and 15th streets, pipes under his arm, to open the community radio station’s block party on Saturday. Along the block, nonprofits set up tents and tables and were prepared to talk to all-comers about their organization and engage them...

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]]> Astoria officials talk safety concerns on Irving, reveal more details about fatal hit-and-run https://kmun.org/astoria-officials-talk-safety-concerns-on-irving-reveal-more-details-about-fatal-hit-and-run/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-officials-talk-safety-concerns-on-irving-reveal-more-details-about-fatal-hit-and-run Wed, 23 Jul 2025 16:24:32 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56181 In the weeks after a tragic hit-and-run accident in Astoria, there have been calls for city leaders to address safety issues along a tricky and dangerous stretch of Irving Avenue. On Tuesday, the Astoria Planning Commission, acting as the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, promised to follow up with city staff on ways to ease problem...

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]]> New program aims for clear guidelines for urban renewal funding https://kmun.org/new-program-aims-for-clear-guidelines-for-urban-renewal-funding/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-program-aims-for-clear-guidelines-for-urban-renewal-funding Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:12:20 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56166 City leaders have approved a new program meant to provide clearer guidance on how people might be able to land grant funding and loans through Astoria’s urban renewal districts. In the past requesting funds through the districts was a fairly informal process: a group or individual would come to the Astoria City Council, acting as...

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]]> Workplace conduct investigation underway at district attorney office https://kmun.org/workplace-conduct-investigation-underway-at-district-attorney-office/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=workplace-conduct-investigation-underway-at-district-attorney-office Sat, 12 Jul 2025 20:49:20 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56080 An investigation into workplace conduct issues at the Clatsop County District Attorney’s office has left the office short-staffed, causing confusion and consternation for those dealing with the fallout. Two employees were placed on indefinite leave at the end of June, tied to an ongoing investigation ordered by the county, according to people familiar with the...

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]]> National park hosts new citizens ahead of Fourth of July holiday https://kmun.org/national-park-hosts-new-citizens-ahead-of-fourth-of-july-holiday/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=national-park-hosts-new-citizens-ahead-of-fourth-of-july-holiday Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:48:38 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=56000 Local groups rallied to bring a crowd to a naturalization ceremony on Oregon’s North Coast after hearing some families were nervous about attending.  Thirty people from 17 countries became American citizens ahead of the Fourth of July holiday at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park in Warrenton — and the crowd watching the ceremony was...

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]]> Astoria hospital lands state funding https://kmun.org/astoria-hospital-lands-state-funding/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-hospital-lands-state-funding Tue, 01 Jul 2025 23:39:16 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55949 Columbia Memorial Hospital is set to receive $6 million from the state of Oregon for a major expansion project at its Astoria campus. Oregon’s House and Senate passed House Bill 5006 on Friday. The bill included the budget allocation for the hospital as well as $700,000 for the Columbia River Maritime Museum’s Mariners Hall Exhibition...

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]]> New rule bans driving on Manzanita beach https://kmun.org/new-rule-bans-driving-on-manzanita-beach/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-rule-bans-driving-on-manzanita-beach Fri, 27 Jun 2025 15:51:06 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55894 A new rule will ban driving on a popular beach near Manzanita, but one somewhat unexpected group is relieved they won’t lose access: dorymen.  At a recent meeting, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission voted unanimously to ban vehicles on a stretch of beach that runs from an area known as Neahkahnie Beach, just north...

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]]> Injunction halts Job Corps closures https://kmun.org/federal-injunction-halts-job-corps-closures/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=federal-injunction-halts-job-corps-closures Wed, 25 Jun 2025 22:48:09 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55878 A federal judge has granted a national preliminary injunction that will halt the closure of Job Corps campuses for now.  The decision, issued Wednesday, prevents the Department of Labor from shutting down the Job Corps program while a lawsuit against the closure is still in motion. It follows an extension of a temporary restraining order...

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]]> Astoria City Council rejects exclusion zone ordinance https://kmun.org/astoria-city-council-rejects-exclusion-zone-ordinance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-city-council-rejects-exclusion-zone-ordinance Tue, 24 Jun 2025 20:54:49 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55834 With differing opinions over the intent of a proposed ordinance versus its possible real world impacts, the Astoria City Council voted 3-2 at a Monday night to reject an ordinance that would have temporarily banned people from downtown Astoria if they broke certain laws. The ordinance would have created enhanced enforcement zones in downtown Astoria...

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]]> Ahead of city council vote on exclusion ban, Exchange Street campers in the crossfire https://kmun.org/ahead-of-city-council-vote-on-exclusion-ban-exchange-street-campers-in-the-crossfire/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ahead-of-city-council-vote-on-exclusion-ban-exchange-street-campers-in-the-crossfire Fri, 20 Jun 2025 15:35:50 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55810 The sidewalk along part of Exchange Street in downtown Astoria is about the right size: Just wide enough to legally camp on, said Timathy Bachteler.  Or as legally as he can under the city’s camping ordinance. When he’s all set up, ideally there is still the minimum six feet of “clear, continuous width” for pedestrians...

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]]> Sewer, water rates set to increase https://kmun.org/sewer-water-rates-set-to-increase/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sewer-water-rates-set-to-increase Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:46:01 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55753 With looming infrastructure needs and rising costs, water, sewer and garbage rates are going up for Astorians. At a meeting Monday night, the Astoria City Council approved a 6% increase to water and sewer rates.  The average residential user could see an increase of around $10 per month, though City Manager Scott Spence noted that...

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]]> Astoria leaders weigh exclusion zone ordinance, hold off on vote https://kmun.org/astoria-leaders-weigh-exclusion-zone-ordinance-hold-off-on-vote/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-leaders-weigh-exclusion-zone-ordinance-hold-off-on-vote Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:14:40 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55749 An ordinance that would temporarily exclude people who are charged with committing certain offenses from parts of Astoria is on hold until next week. After listening to nearly two hours of testimony at a public hearing Monday night, the Astoria City Council opted to continue the meeting to next Monday. They said they wanted more...

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]]> Protests draw hundreds over the weekend https://kmun.org/protests-draw-hundreds-over-the-weekend/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=protests-draw-hundreds-over-the-weekend Mon, 16 Jun 2025 19:08:20 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55738 Hundreds of people turned out on Oregon’s North Coast to protest President Donald Trump and his policies on Saturday. In Astoria, organizers with Indivisible North Coast Oregon estimate around 1,400 and perhaps as many as 1,800 people assembled along one mile of Marine Drive. In Seaside, between 300 and 400 people attended. Similar protests were...

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]]> Court order buys time for Job Corps center on Oregon Coast https://kmun.org/court-order-buys-time-for-job-corps-center-on-oregon-coast/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=court-order-buys-time-for-job-corps-center-on-oregon-coast Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:25:18 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55612 ASTORIA, Ore — A federal judge has temporarily blocked the closing of Job Corps centers across the nation, days after the Trump administration announced it was shutting down the job training program. The restraining order buys extra time for staff and students at the Tongue Point Job Corps center in Astoria. Some of them faced...

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]]> Astoria City Council passes vacation license program https://kmun.org/astoria-city-council-passes-vacation-license-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-city-council-passes-vacation-license-program Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:14:30 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55454 Vacation rentals in Astoria now come with a licensing requirement and a cap on the total number allowed in the city. On Monday, the Astoria City Council voted 4-1 to approve an ordinance establishing a vacation-rental license program and capping the number of rentals at 50. Astoria currently has 43 vacation rentals.  Councilors Andy Davis,...

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]]> Some Tongue Point students, instructors set to lose housing this week https://kmun.org/some-tongue-point-students-instructors-set-to-lose-housing-this-week/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=some-tongue-point-students-instructors-set-to-lose-housing-this-week Wed, 04 Jun 2025 01:15:21 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55439 Astoria city leaders will hold community meeting to discuss issues as local Job Corps center prepares to close ASTORIA, Ore. — An estimated 20 students at the Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria and 18 staff members and their families could lose their housing by the end of the week.  The center is due...

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]]> Police identify victim in fatal hit and run https://kmun.org/police-identify-victim-in-fatal-hit-and-run/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=police-identify-victim-in-fatal-hit-and-run Mon, 02 Jun 2025 17:52:27 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55412 Police have identified the victim in a fatal hit and run in Astoria on Sunday. Patricia Harrison, 77, of Astoria died after being hit by a vehicle near 16th Street and Irving Avenue. The suspect allegedly fled the scene and struck another car farther up in the neighborhood then continued on 17th Street. Officers with...

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]]> Pedestrian dies after hit and run near downtown Astoria; suspect arrested https://kmun.org/pedestrian-dies-after-hit-and-run-near-downtown-astoria/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pedestrian-dies-after-hit-and-run-near-downtown-astoria Sun, 01 Jun 2025 19:39:04 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55401 Updated Sunday, June 1, 9:45 p.m. An elderly woman is dead following an alleged hit and run Sunday morning near downtown Astoria. The Astoria Police and Fire Departments responded to a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian crash near 16th Street and Irving Avenue around 9:18 a.m. The 77-year-old pedestrian died at the scene. The...

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]]> Astoria looks to aid lower-income housing project https://kmun.org/astoria-looks-to-aid-lower-income-housing-project/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-looks-to-aid-lower-income-housing-project Fri, 30 May 2025 16:08:06 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55392 Astoria city leaders are considering ways to help close a funding gap for a lower-income housing project downtown.  Copeland Commons, a former historic hotel on Marine Drive, would add up to 68 units to a city that has long felt a lack of affordable and workforce-priced housing. The Copeland Commons project has been in the...

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]]> Astoria plans for major Goonies celebration https://kmun.org/astoria-plans-for-major-goonies-celebration/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-plans-for-major-goonies-celebration Thu, 29 May 2025 21:59:32 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55377   There were two types of people outside of the Goonies House one recent afternoon: Capital “F” fans of the classic 80s film “The Goonies,” who couldn’t believe they were actually here — in front of the house from the movie — and the bemused family members and friends indulging them. Minnesota resident Cynthia Ballman...

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]]> KMUN station closed for Memorial Day holiday https://kmun.org/kmun-station-closed-for-memorial-day-holiday/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kmun-station-closed-for-memorial-day-holiday Mon, 26 May 2025 15:54:00 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55324 The KMUN station will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday. To give our news department the day off, NPR will play over the usual local and regional news inserts (and The Ship Report!) on Monday and Tuesday. We’ll be back working as usual on Tuesday, gathering news for your ears on Wednesday. 

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]]> Oregon Special Election results https://kmun.org/oregon-special-election-results/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=oregon-special-election-results Wed, 21 May 2025 13:26:23 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55259 Oregon’s Special Election was last night and preliminary unofficial results are now available. KMUN covers three counties in Oregon: Clatsop and Tillamook Counties and a portion of Columbia County. We started covering results of races in Clatsop County on Wednesday morning. If you missed that story when it aired, you can listen to it on...

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]]> Astoria passes vacation rental licensing program https://kmun.org/astoria-passes-vacation-rental-licensing-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-passes-vacation-rental-licensing-program Wed, 21 May 2025 13:15:49 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55257 A new licensing program for vacation rentals in Astoria, including a cap on the number allowed in the city, is moving forward. At a meeting Monday, a majority of the Astoria City Council approved the first reading of an amended version of the ordinance. They said it is an attempt to get ahead of a...

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]]> Uncertainty for refuge after leadership change, shifting federal landscape https://kmun.org/uncertainty-for-refuge-after-leadership-change-shifting-federal-landscape/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=uncertainty-for-refuge-after-leadership-change-shifting-federal-landscape Wed, 07 May 2025 18:20:18 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55097 At a recent rally on Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula, retired attorney Cathy Cruikshank painted a picture of what she is worried will happen at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge if plans by the Trump administration to open public lands to private use and alter the Endangered Species Act move forward here. Among her concerns were the...

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]]> Astoria daycare looks to expand https://kmun.org/astoria-daycare-looks-to-expand/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-daycare-looks-to-expand Wed, 07 May 2025 18:15:28 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=55095 One of Clatsop County’s largest child care providers is looking to expand. On Monday, Angie Jannusch, co-owner of the Astoria-based day care Bumble, told Astoria city councilors the business has applied for a grant through Business Oregon that, if successful, would allow Bumble to purchase a house near its location to use for infant care....

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]]> Astoria City Council prepares to consider exclusion zones again https://kmun.org/astoria-city-council-prepares-to-consider-exclusion-zones-again/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-city-council-prepares-to-consider-exclusion-zones-again Wed, 30 Apr 2025 18:10:34 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54994 A majority of Astoria City Councilors still question whether an ordinance that would temporarily ban people from the downtown area will be effective at curbing unwanted behaviors, but they say they’re ready to move forward — with certain guardrails in place. The City Council held off on voting on a proposed exclusion zone ordinance at...

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]]> Oregon moves forward on roadmap for offshore wind energy https://kmun.org/oregon-moves-forward-on-roadmap-for-offshore-wind-energy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=oregon-moves-forward-on-roadmap-for-offshore-wind-energy Tue, 29 Apr 2025 22:02:50 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54974 A roadmap for how Oregon would handle offshore wind energy development is still in the works even as the Trump administration looks to stop future projects. In January, one of President Donald Trump’s early executive orders halted permits for onshore wind projects and withdrew all of the outer continental shelf in federal waters from future...

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]]> Hospital, leaders continue push for federal funding https://kmun.org/hospital-leaders-continue-push-for-federal-funding/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hospital-leaders-continue-push-for-federal-funding Sun, 27 Apr 2025 20:34:45 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54942 While millions of dollars in federal funding for a major hospital expansion project on Oregon’s North Coast remain uncertain, U.S. Representative Suzanne Bonamici told local leaders she’s not giving up. On Friday, the Oregon Democrat told Clatsop County and Astoria leaders there is a relatively new bi-partisan call to reverse the Trump administration’s decision earlier...

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]]> Port Commission candidates prioritize Pier 2 https://kmun.org/port-commission-candidates-prioritize-pier-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=port-commission-candidates-prioritize-pier-2 Fri, 18 Apr 2025 23:04:16 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54807 Uncertainty was its own theme at a candidates forum in Astoria this week. Candidates vying for special district seats in Oregon’s upcoming May election wrestled with variations of the question: How would they help grow and maintain stability amid uncertainty? The forum, hosted by the Astoria branch of the American Association of University Women, included...

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]]> Astoria School District candidates talk budget concerns https://kmun.org/astoria-school-district-candidates-talk-budget-concerns/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-school-district-candidates-talk-budget-concerns Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:01:30 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54800 Candidates running for the Position 4 seat on the Astoria School Board in Oregon’s May 20 regular district election emphasized a student-first approach at a forum this week. But they also said the district also faces some very big challenges. Near the top of the list: the budget. The candidates forum, hosted by the Astoria...

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]]> Transportation district hires new director https://kmun.org/transportation-district-hires-new-director/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=transportation-district-hires-new-director Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:01:13 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54788 A transportation district on Oregon’s North Coast that survived a recent financial collapse hopes a new executive director will keep them moving toward stability. On Wednesday, the Sunset Empire Transportation District announced the hiring of David Carr to replace former executive director Craig Johnston. Johnston announced he was stepping down late last year. He was...

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]]> FEMA grant canceled for North Coast hospital https://kmun.org/fema-grant-canceled-for-north-coast-hospital/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fema-grant-canceled-for-north-coast-hospital Fri, 11 Apr 2025 18:04:08 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54715 ASTORIA, Ore. — Important funding for a North Coast hospital has been canceled after the Trump administration ended a grant program intended to help communities prepare for disasters including earthquakes and tsunamis. The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced it was ending the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program last week. The program had been started...

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]]> City Council wants more time on downtown exclusion rules https://kmun.org/city-council-wants-more-time-on-downtown-exclusion-rules/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=city-council-wants-more-time-on-downtown-exclusion-rules Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:44:23 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54674 ASTORIA, Ore. — Astoria leaders are holding off on an ordinance that would have temporarily banned people from a large part of downtown if they were cited or arrested for certain crimes in that area.  At a hearing Monday night, City Councilors Andy Davis, Andrea Mazzarella, Elisabeth Adams and Vance Lump said they wanted more...

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]]> Astoria to consider ‘exclusion zones’ downtown https://kmun.org/astoria-to-consider-exclusion-zones-downtown/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-to-consider-exclusion-zones-downtown Mon, 07 Apr 2025 16:56:01 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54645 ASTORIA, Ore. — The Astoria City Council will consider a new ordinance tonight that would temporarily ban people from downtown Astoria and is intended to address an uptick in what police consider “quality of life” crimes. But critics argue the ordinance will not provide lasting solutions. Astoria has explored the idea of exclusion zones in...

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]]> Downtown protest draws hundreds https://kmun.org/downtown-protest-draws-hundreds/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=downtown-protest-draws-hundreds Mon, 07 Apr 2025 16:43:53 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54642 ASTORIA, Ore. — Thousands of people turned out for rallies across Oregon and on Oregon’s North Coast on Saturday, joining nationwide protests of the Trump administration’s actions since coming into office. The rallies were held days after President Donald Trump rolled out new tariffs on nearly all U.S. trading partners and followed whirlwind weeks of...

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]]> Community meetings set to discuss federal funding freeze https://kmun.org/community-meetings-set-to-discuss-federal-funding-freeze/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=community-meetings-set-to-discuss-federal-funding-freeze Sat, 08 Mar 2025 00:13:42 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54336 Oregon’s North Coast is trying to figure out where the impacts of a federal funding freeze hit home. Mike Brosius, a retired Costco executive, is spearheading an effort to gather together people who represent governments, agencies and organizations across Clatsop County. He wants to talk to them — and have them talk to each other...

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]]> Council shows support for cap on vacation rentals https://kmun.org/council-shows-support-for-cap-on-vacation-rentals/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=council-shows-support-for-cap-on-vacation-rentals Fri, 07 Mar 2025 23:49:56 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54334 The Astoria City Council is again discussing the possibility of regulating vacation rentals in the city. And — with two new councilors in place after the November election — a cap on the number of vacation rentals allowed in the city also seems to have council support. The previous council was split on several aspects...

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]]> Uncertainty around federal funding, Medicaid complicates outlook for Astoria hospital https://kmun.org/uncertainty-around-federal-funding-medicaid-complicates-outlook-for-astoria-hospital/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=uncertainty-around-federal-funding-medicaid-complicates-outlook-for-astoria-hospital Wed, 05 Mar 2025 21:35:05 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54307 A continued freeze on federal funds and uncertainty about the future of Medicaid have put a North Coast hospital in a wait-and-see situation. Columbia Memorial Hospital, or CMH, is in the middle of a massive expansion and renovation project at its Astoria campus. The hospital is due to receive a $20 million resiliency grant through...

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]]> Fishery managers worry about effects of NOAA cuts https://kmun.org/fishery-managers-worry-about-effects-of-noaa-cuts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fishery-managers-worry-about-effects-of-noaa-cuts Sun, 02 Mar 2025 01:08:38 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54259 Updated 3/2/25, 3 p.m. The long term impacts of recent staff cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are still unknown, but fishery managers on the West Coast called the situation troubling.  On Thursday, NOAA laid off more than 800 workers as the Trump administration continues its push to reduce the federal workforce. West...

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]]> Lawmakers hear growing frustration at town halls https://kmun.org/lawmakers-hear-growing-frustration-at-town-halls/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lawmakers-hear-growing-frustration-at-town-halls Mon, 24 Feb 2025 02:37:42 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54190 ASTORIA, Ore. — Elias Hess wanted to stir things up.  On Saturday, more than 700 people attended a town hall event with U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici and Sen. Jeff Merkley at Clatsop Community College, but only a few of them got the chance to ask the lawmakers a question.  People asked how the Democrats planned...

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]]> City will cover cost of development fee for nonprofit https://kmun.org/city-will-cover-cost-of-development-fee-for-nonprofit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=city-will-cover-cost-of-development-fee-for-nonprofit Fri, 21 Feb 2025 22:15:03 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54178 ASTORIA, Ore. — Astoria leaders have agreed to cover a major city fee for a nonprofit looking to move into a former church downtown. Jenny Pool Radway, executive director of Consejo Hispano, said the decision is a huge relief. Consejo Hispano serves Latinx communities on Oregon’s North Coast and is on track to close on...

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]]> Astoria City Council approves major public works project https://kmun.org/astoria-city-council-approves-major-public-works-project/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=astoria-city-council-approves-major-public-works-project Thu, 20 Feb 2025 21:20:47 +0000 https://kmun.org/?p=54154 ASTORIA, Ore. — It’s a good day when you can flush the toilet without a second thought. An upcoming Astoria Public Works project hopes to keep it that way on a citywide scale.  At a recent meeting, the Astoria City Council signed off on a number of items related to upcoming major maintenance work on...

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