Salem-News.com Newport articles

3 in 10 Oregon Surfers Admit to Surfing During Health Advisories

Surfers ingest 10 times more ocean water than swimmers, about 170 milliliters a day, or half a can of soda, researchers said.

(NEWPORT, Ore. ) - Health warnings issued by state officials when beaches have high levels of bacteria do not keep many surfers out of the water, according to a new study by Oregon State University.

Nearly three in 10 surfers admit they knowingly surf during health advisories – nearly the same amount that chooses not to surf during periods of elevated bacteria.

Two Oregon Lighthouses to Offer Rare After Hours Tours

Both tours celebrate the colorful local history of these grand constructs, providing an unique opportunity to experience them up close.

(NEWPORT, Ore. ) - The two lighthouses that call Newport, Oregon home, will feature rare after-hours tours in August.

The first happens August 7, part of National Lighthouse Day, spotlighting the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. The first happens August 7, part of National Lighthouse Day, spotlighting the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse. The second happens on August 20 at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, in honor of the landmark's 141st birthday.

Purple Sails Washing Ashore Along Oregon Coast After 10 Year Absence

Purple Sails have a clear 'sail' that catches the wind and pushes them across the ocean’s surface.

(SEASIDE, Ore. ) - Something that hasn't been seen for a while on Oregon beaches has returned – almost as mysteriously as it disappeared ten years ago.

The Purple Sails are back, cast up on the beaches in various areas and getting ready to wear out their initially lovely little welcome as they start to rot and stink.

Kayaker Pulled Out of Pacific Ocean Near Cascade Head

Both kayakers were wearing survival gear, including dry suits, life jackets and survival vests.

(NEWPORT, Ore. ) - A Coast Guard Aircrew from Air Facility Newport rescued a male kayaker in the Pacific Ocean near Cascade Head, Oregon, Saturday morning.

The Coast Guard aircrew was conducting a harbor patrol at 11:45 a.m., when they saw two kayakers, one capsized and in the water, struggling to regain control of his paddlecraft.

Starfish Along Oregon Coast Headed for Extinction

Today, an estimated 30-50 percent of the Oregon populations of this sea star species in the intertidal zone have the disease.

(NEWPORT, Ore. ) - Just in the past two weeks, the incidence of sea star wasting syndrome has exploded along the Oregon Coast and created an epidemic of historic magnitude, one that threatens to decimate the entire population of purple ochre sea stars.

The ochre sea star, which is the species most heavily affected by the disease in the intertidal zone, may be headed toward localized extinction in Oregon, according to researchers at Oregon State University who have been monitoring the outbreak. As a “keystone” predator, its loss could disrupt the entire marine intertidal ecosystem.

Oregon Surfrider Chapters Celebrate International Surfing Day With Otter Rock N` Roll

Otter Rock N' Roll Surf Contest registration now available

(PORTLAND) - The Surfrider Foundation’s Newport, Siuslaw, and Portland Chapters have announced they will be hosting the 6th annual Otter Rock N’ Roll Youth Surf Contest and Beach Cleanup Challenge in celebration of International Surfing Day.

Observed globally, International Surfing Day celebrates the sport of surfing and helps raise awareness about issues facing our oceans, waves, and beaches.

Newport Lighted Boat Parade, December 7

“It’s a feel good event for the boating community, as we help raise funds for our local charities, along with filling up shops and restaurants along the Bayfront” - Fran Mathews, co-owner of Marine Discovery Tours

(NEWPORT, OR) - On December 7th, Newport's Yaquina Bay will light up like a Christmas tree – except this one floats on the water. The 20th annual Light Boat Parade takes to the bay, guaranteed to put anyone in the holiday spirit.

Thousands and thousands of lights adorn dozens of boats, which make a large loop around the bay, from the Coast Guard Station to the Embarcadero Resort and back, showing off a variety of colorful designs.

Oregon State Police Arrests Department`s Newport Office Evidence Technician Following Alleged Theft of Cash From Evidence Room

OSP started an investigation Wednesday morning after a sworn employee discovered the Newport Area Command office evidence room in a disheveled state including opened evidence packaging.

(NEWPORT) - Oregon State Police (OSP) arrested one of their evidence technicians Wednesday following the alleged theft of money from the Department's evidence room at the Newport Area Command office.

The non-sworn employee arrested has been lodged in jail and placed on unpaid administrative leave pending an ongoing criminal investigation.

Newport, Oregon to Hold Tsunami Evacuation Drill Oct. 11

The challenge of safely escorting several hundred people across the Oregon Coast’s busiest highway has become a community-wide effort.

(NEWPORT, OR) - Growing awareness of the potential dangers of a major earthquake and tsunami has prompted Oregon State University and community leaders in the coastal town of Newport to expand the scope of their annual tsunami evacuation drill.

OSU, City of Newport Plan for Exhibit Featuring Piece of Tsunami Dock

“The exhibit will be a reminder that the tragedy in Japan could just as easily happen here” - Newport Mayor Mark McConnell

(NEWPORT, OR) - A section from a huge dock that ripped loose from its moorings in the northern Japanese city of Misawa during the massive earthquake and tsunami in March of 2011 will become part of an exhibit in Newport, Ore.

A piece of the huge structure has been saved and will be on display at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center by early next year.