Lincoln County Commissioners

Cristen Don and Joe Steere face off for an open Lincoln County commission seat, offering contrasting views on county oversight, trust, and meeting rules.

Cathie Rigby and incumbent Casey Miller face off for a Lincoln County commission seat as voters weigh financial leads, past governance dysfunction, and plans to rebuild public trust.

Lincoln County commissioners broke several public meeting laws when they privately cast votes on hiring freeze exemptions in 2025, according to findings by Oregon Government Ethics Commission investigators.

Lincoln County Commissioner Claire Hall died suddenly on Jan. 4. In compliance with Oregon law, the remaining two commissioners met virtually Wednesday to discuss the process of selecting a replacement.

In a statement issued Monday morning, the county said Hall passed away late Sunday night at Providence Hospital in Portland after a brief illness.

Opponents of Lincoln County Commissioner Claire Hall officially have the green light for a recall election, as backers of the effort to recall the six-term commissioner have collected enough valid signatures to hold an election – if Hall does not resign first.

The petition to recall Hall passed preliminary requirements Tuesday. It's the second recent recall effort in Lincoln County.

Months of back-and-forth public conflict between Lincoln County’s district attorney, a commissioner and the county’s attorney has hit a new level with accusations of corruption by one side and calls for a state investigation by the other.

Three candidates to fill an open seat on the Lincoln County commission answered questions for two hours Wednesday as they vie to fill the remaining 22 months in a vacant four-year term.

Tim Johnson, who had served as Lincoln County’s first administrator for nearly three years, resigned Friday after apparent dissatisfaction by commissioners with his work.

Lincoln County Commissioner Casey Miller violated personnel rules by publicly disclosing confidential issues concerning the county’s top administrator but did not bully or harass staff with a statement or questions during September and October public meetings, outside investigators have found.

An attempt by Lincoln County commissioners to conduct their first evaluation of administrator Tim Johnson in 2½ years went awry Wednesday when Johnson didn’t show up to participate.