Academy Hires Principal
Whitmore Classical Academy has named Dr. Angelina McKinsey as its new Instructional Principal as the charter school prepares to open in Fall 2026. An Instructional Principal serves as the academic leader of the school, overseeing curriculum, teacher development, and classroom performance. In addition to hiring and coaching staff, the role includes regularly observing classrooms, monitoring student outcomes, and helping implement the school’s classical education model. The position also includes direct classroom involvement, with the principal expected to teach and substitute periodically. Dr. McKinsey holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California and brings experience as a teacher, assistant principal, district coordinator, and elementary school principal.
Yachats Bird City
Bird City Yachats, part of a national network recognizing communities committed to bird and wildlife conservation, will officially launch Saturday, March 1 at 1:30 p.m. at the Yachats Lions Hall. Yachats was named Oregon’s first Bird City on the Pacific Coast in Fall 2025, a designation that highlights local efforts to protect habitat, reduce threats like window strikes, and promote bird education and tourism. During the launch event, Bird City Oregon will present the designation to the Mayor of Yachats, followed by a talk titled “Taking Refuge on the Oregon Coast,” focusing on the region’s coastal wildlife refuges. Bird City Yachats is sponsored by the Yachats Lions Club.
State House on TLT Bills
Two bills that would change how Oregon’s transient lodging tax is used saw no new movement Tuesday in the Legislature. House Bill 4134 remains on the House floor after moving out of committee. The measure would increase the statewide lodging tax and redirect a portion of new revenue away from tourism development. A vote has not yet been scheduled. House Bill 4148 held a public hearing February 18 and remains in the House Revenue Committee. That bill would allow local governments to reallocate existing lodging tax revenue away from tourism and economic development uses.
School Delays and Closings
Both Mapleton and Siuslaw are on two hour delays this morning due to icy conditions on the roadways. Yesterday’s inclement weather forced the closing of Mapleton Schools. the decision came late morning yesterday. the result of the closing cancelled all activities for the school including the evening basketball game.
