The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Monday, December 2, 2024
Oregon Beach Weather
Be Prepared for Winter Weather
A blanket of thick fog has descended over the Northwest as December weather seizes the country. A “Dense Fog Advisory” has been issued by the National Weather Service for much of Oregon.
“Air Stagnation Advisories” have also been issued across Oregon, Idaho and parts of Washington. “Stagnant air conditions over parts of the Pacific Northwest, leading to areas of dense fog and poor air quality,” the NWS said in a short range public discussion.
These atmospheric conditions may lead to “hazardous” conditions on the roads, with the NWS advising drivers to take care.
The NWS explains that a Dense Fog Advisory is put into place “when widespread fog is expected to reduce visibilities to 1/4 mile or less over a large area for an extended period of time (2 or more hours),” while an Air Stagnation Advisory is given when “major buildups of air pollution, smoke, dust, or industrial gases are expected near the ground for a period of time.”
As winter storms and extreme weather events impact communities, Oregon residents are reminded to be prepared for potential power outages, the Oregon Public Utility Commission says.
Heavy snow, ice, and high winds can damage power lines and disrupt electricity, sometimes leading to extended outages. Weather conditions in specific geographies may also cause electric utilities to adjust system settings, which can result in more frequent or longer outages.
Prepare your home and business in case a winter storm leads to a power outage: Be two weeks ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, and other essentials needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks.
Learn more about what supplies to consider. Charge your devices: Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation
of an outage. Consider a car charger for phones and other electronic devices. And, Use generators safely – Never operate a generator inside your home or garage, or near windows or vents, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. https://www.oregon.gov/oem/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx
Snow in Mountain Passes
Travelers should bring chains when headed over the Cascade, Willamette and Santiam Passes.
ODOT urges drivers to follow several key tips to stay safe:
- Turn on your windshield wipers and headlights
- Slow down and avoid cruise control
- Increase your stopping distance and steer clear of standing water
- Carry chains and check road conditions before traveling
using TripCheck.com or by calling 511. - Pack an emergency kit with a flashlight, phone charger, warm clothes, food, and water in case you get
stuck. - Be aware of the dangers of black ice, which can be even more hazardous than snow.
- Drivers should always be prepared for sudden weather changes—especially in higher elevations.
Multiple winter storm warnings have been issued across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, urging people to avoid travel due to heavy snow expected in these states. In Oregon, warnings cover various counties, including portions of highways 97, 58, 230, 138, 62, 140, and 66. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Medford and Portland emphasized the potential for very difficult driving conditions and advised extreme caution if travel is necessary.
Traveling on Forest Service Roads
Some winter driving tips: 
Bring a map. Don’t rely on your phone for navigation or communication as coverage may be unavailable. Drivers should exercise caution as Forest Roads may not be maintained for winter travel. Winter weather can quickly alter driving conditions. Turn around if conditions warrant or your vehicle is not equipped to continue. Stay safe out there!
Commercial Dungeness Crab Deason Delayed
| Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab season is delayed coastwide until at least Dec. 16, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced today. Pre-season testing shows Dungeness crabs are too low in meat yield in some ocean areas and have elevated domoic acid in crab viscera (guts) in two areas on the south coast. Targeted to open Dec. 1, Oregon’s ocean commercial Dungeness crab season can be delayed so consumers get a high-quality product and crabs are not wasted.The commercial bay crab fishery (currently open from Cape Blanco to the Washington border) closes at 12:01 a.m. Dec. 1 in conjunction with the delayed ocean commercial season. The commercial bay crab season runs through Dec. 31 but will only reopen in December if the ocean commercial season does so. The next round of crab meat yield and biotoxin testing will occur in the coming weeks. Results help determine if the season opens Dec. 16 or is further delayed or split into areas with different opening dates.ODFW tests crabs out of Oregon’s six major crabbing ports in partnership with the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, Oregon Department of Agriculture, and the commercial Dungeness crab industry.Weekly season opening updates are posted online until the decision to open the season is made. During the 2023-24 season, the commercial Dungeness crab season was delayed and opened in stages due to low meat yield. Commercial fishermen landed 24.7 million pounds of crab at an ex-vessel value of $93.6 million. A history of Oregon’s commercial crab landings is available online. The recreational ocean Dungeness crab season is slated to reopen Dec. 1 as scheduled in areas with no elevated biotoxins. Recreational crab harvesting in bays, estuaries, and on beaches, docks, piers, and jetties is currently open from Cape Blanco to the Washington border. Recreational crabbers should always call the Shellfish Hotline (800-448-2474) or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures webpage before crabbing. |
Man charged with assault and murder after he allegedly attacked another man at his home in Newport on Wednesday according to the Newport Police Department.
On November 27, 2024 at about 2051 hours, the Newport Police Department responded to 207 NW 15th Street in Newport regarding a disturbance. Newport Officers arrived on scene and contacted the persons present. Officers spoke with a tenant, Jeffrey Sutton. He relayed that Mark Rodgers was at his house and described him as intoxicated and belligerent. Sutton told Rodgers to leave his residence, and Rodgers began repeatedly punching Sutton in the head and body.
While Sutton spoke with Officers, he began to have a hard time breathing and showed signs of respiratory distress. Officers requested medics and rendered aid to Sutton.
Sutton became unresponsive as Officers spoke with him. Medics arrived on scene and began CPR. At 2133 hours, Sutton was pronounced deceased at the scene. Based on witness statements and evidence gathered at the scene, Officers learned Rodgers had struck Sutton repeatedly with a closed fist in the face and body.
Mark Rodgers, 68, was taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges:Murder 2nd DegreeAssault 2nd Degree
The Lincoln County Major Crime Team responded to assist with the investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, contact the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.
Police asked anyone with information about the case to contact them at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is 541-574-5455, Text-a-Tip to 541-270-1856 or email tipline@newportpolice.net.
Two events held in Lincoln City have been a holiday tradition for 25 years
The Festival of Trees will begin on Dec. 4 and conclude with the Angels Ball on December 7. Christmas trees spectacularly decorated by businesses, individuals and families that will be auctioned to raise funds for Angels Anonymous will be on display in the Convention Center of Chinook Winds Casino Dec. 4 through 7.
The whole family is welcome to the free public viewing on: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 4 through Dec. 6, noon – 8 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 am – 3 p.m.; Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive straight from the North Pole to make a pre-Christmas appearance for photos and Christmas requests on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5-8 p.m.
Entertainment will be provided by Hot Lava Polynesian Entertainment. To further add to the evening’s theme, feast on all the delicacies you would expect at a luau. Buffet style dining will provide the opportunity to sample the many tasty morsels available for your dining pleasure and to go back for seconds!
In addition to live entertainment and the fabulous Hawaiian style buffet, the evening will include the auction of wonderfully decorated Christmas trees, a 50/50 raffle, and holiday wreaths in a silent auction along with a wide variety of other items.
The Festival of Trees and Angels Ball raise funds to provide immediate and basic needs to residents of north Lincoln County, from Depoe Bay north to Rose Lodge.
Angels Ball started one year after the formation of Angels Anonymous. Angels Anonymous this year has marked 25 years of serving the residents of north Lincoln County with immediate and basic needs. To date, we have paid out over a million dollars in assistance to year-round residents. The ball began to raise the needed funds to provide the assistance so desperately needed. A number of local residents have decorated trees, which in turn we auction off on the first Saturday of each December. Tickets are on sale at the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce office or online.
Festival of Trees doors are open for viewing by all ages Dec. 4, 5, 6, noon to 8 p.m., Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Angel Ball starts at 5 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person for the ball. Viewing of the trees is free to the public. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the judging of the trees and wreathes. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will visit on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. Children of all ages are encouraged to bring their Christmas wishes to Santa.
For those not able to attend the ball but who wish to bid on one of the trees, there will be a buy-it-now price on the tree.
The Angels Ball and Festival of Trees are held at the Chinook Winds Casino, located at 1501 NW 40th Place in Lincoln City. Visit the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce at 4039 NW Logan Road or visit Angels-Anonymous-LC.org for tickets.
Seaside Art Walk for December
Seaside’s art walk takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month in the historic Gilbert District, with free, dedicated parking at Holladay Drive and Oceanway Street. Meet local artists and discover their latest collections.
Enjoy A Festive Holiday Experience Aboard the Candy Cane Express!
Nov 29-Dec 23 — Take in the views of the beautiful Oregon coastline aboard the historic train at Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad! Beautifully decorated both inside and out, this steam-powered train ride is complete with complementary hot cocoa and cookies. Write letters to Santa while awaiting a visit from the man in the red suit himself! This round-trip excursion departs Garibaldi and runs to Rockaway Beach for a one hour round trip ride. https://oregoncoastscenic.org/train-rides/candy-cane-express/
Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Newport City Hall – Scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6
The City of Newport will hold its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6, on the City Hall front lawn beginning at 5:30 pm. Following the tree lighting, a brief reception will be held inside City Hall featuring hot chocolate, cider and cookies. The ceremony and reception are open to all members of the community.
This year’s city tree is a 25-foot tall noble fir that was generously donated by Starker Forests in Philomath, which donates holiday trees to several communities throughout Oregon.
Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan and City Manager Nina Vetter will assist with the tree lighting, which will feature for the first time a lighted three-foot crab as the tree topper, created by Newport Signs in partnership with the Newport Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of the commercial crabbing industry that has played an important role in Newport’s history and the community. The Oregon Coast Chorus chapter of Sweet Adelines, a women’s barbershop chorus, will add their special brand of cheer through song.
“The holiday season in Newport is a magical time of year, and I’m excited to share the tree lighting ceremony with the community. We wanted to do something special this year, and we felt it was a perfect opportunity to pay tribute to an industry that is such an important part of the Newport community,” Vetter said. “I invite all community members to join us at City Hall for this ceremony and to ring in the festive season.”
The Port of Newport hosts the largest commercial fishing fleet on the Oregon coast, a large amount of which is dedicated to crabbing. Much of the commercially harvested crab is processed in Newport, available locally, and shipped around the world, helping to establish the city as the Dungeness Crab Capital of the World.
For more information on the tree lighting ceremony and reception, contact City of Newport Communications Specialist John Fuller at 541-574-0649.What: City of Newport Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and ReceptionWhen: Friday, Dec. 6, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.Where: Newport City Hall, 169 SW Coast Hwy, NewportOpen To: All
Rules amended to prohibit camping on ocean shore in Brookings
—The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission adopted proposed rule changes to add Brookings to the list of cities where overnight camping is prohibited along the ocean shore within the city limits.
The proposed rule change was requested through a petition from residents living near Mill Beach in Brookings. Residents identified concerns over public health, risks to public safety and impacts on the marine ecosystem along the ocean shore as reasons for proposing the closure of camping on the ocean shore within the city limits.
Public comment received by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) strongly favored adding restrictions to camping. Over 90% of the more than 90 comments received by the agency expressed support for the change.
Brookings will join the cities of Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Rockaway Beach, Lincoln City, Newport, Bandon and Gold Beach where camping is currently prohibited along the ocean shore within the city limits. Camping is also prohibited on portions of the ocean shore in Clatsop and Tillamook counties, under different rules within OPRD’s division 30. The last time a new area was added to this list was in 2000 when sections of the Tillamook County area were included.
Signage and other materials will begin communicating changes to visitors as soon as December 1, 2024. Rangers will continue to focus on visitor education to reduce the impact to natural resources and gain rule compliance.
Annual Holiday Lights at Shore Acres
The event will include a speech by Mayor Sean Fitzpatrick, costumed carolers from the upcoming show “Decked!” which opens Dec. 6 at the Ten Fifteen Theater and a guest musical appearance by Blind Pilot.
Holiday Lights are set to sparkle again on Oregon’s Adventure Coast this season at Shore Acres State Park. Perched on the rugged cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Shore Acres State Park is famous for its beautiful 7-acre botanical gardens and Japanese lily pond. Visitors get a chance to stroll through this holiday tradition every night from 4:30pm to 9:00pm, Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve – including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It has become a real holiday tradition for the whole family. Admission is always free! However, parking at Shore Acres any time of the year is $5. — BOOK PARKING PASS NOW
Celebrate the Season at Sea of Lights
Our Sea of Lights holiday event begins this Friday, December 6! See lights, drink hot chocolate, meet Santa, and be merry!
Celebrate the season at Sea of Lights: one of the coast’s most unique holiday light displays! Sea of Lights takes place at the Oregon Coast Aquarium from 5-8 p.m. on the first three Friday and Saturday evenings this December, with each weekend featuring a different attraction.
Chart a course for an unforgettable, family-friendly holiday experience. Find a full schedule of events, updates, and tickets online at aquarium.org/sea-of-lights
Join the Fun at Florence Winter on the Waterfront!
Lighted Vehicle Cruise Parade 
Saturday, Dec. 7th
Get your creativity rolling and your vehicles glowing! Decorate your car, truck, or van with lights and holiday cheer, and cruise down Bay Street with us!
Prizes for Judges’ Favorite:
Best Commercial Entry
Best Non-Commercial Entry
Line-Up Begins at 3:00 PM
Parade Starts at 4:00 PM
FREE Registration is Now Open! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this festive holiday tradition.
Contact: Mitzi Hathaway, Director of Tourism Development
events@florencechamber.com
541-997-3128 x2
Let’s light up Florence together! Tag your friends and get ready to spread some holiday magic. Check out all the day’s events here: https://bit.ly/2024FlorenceHolidayFest
Officials are releasing the names of St. Helens High School teachers and staff members who are under investigation for sexual abuse or negligent misconduct.
Mark Collins and Eric Stearns are being investigated for alleged sexual abuse. Katy Wagner and Scot Stockwell are being investigated for alleged neglect due to failure to report child safety concerns. The chair of the St. Helens School District Board has resigned, and the high school principal was placed on administrative leave after the sex abuse allegations surfaced. School Board members said they knew since September, and one teacher was allowed to continue working.
Students have returned to school after a week of protests after a current and former teacher were charged with sexually abusing multiple students for several years.
One of the teachers, Eric Stearns, taught choir at the school up until his arrest last Tuesday, even though police had notified the district he was under investigation nearly two months prior. Students walked out of class Thursday morning with anger and outrage over how the district handled the police investigation.
St. Helens High School closed Thursday, Friday and Monday amid the student-led protests on campus that included both parents and community members. In response, the school district placed Superintendent Scot Stockwell and St. Helens High School Principal Katy Wagner on paid administrative leave on Friday. The chair of the school board also resigned that same day.
The case is still being investigated, police said, but they wouldn’t reveal if more victims had come forward in the wake of the announcement of the two arrests. (SOURCE)
St. Helens school officials for years sat on multiple reports of sexual abuse, police say
Top law enforcement officials in Columbia County say the St. Helens School District received allegations that two high school teachers sexually abused students over a period of several years and failed to share that information with authorities.
St. Helens Acting Police Chief Joseph Hogue said Friday that his department subpoenaed the district in October and found historical reports made by students detailing allegations that the district had not previously disclosed. A police investigation led to the arrests this week of choir teacher Eric Stearns and recently retired math teacher Mark Collins, who are charged with sexual abuse of multiple students from 2015 through last year.
The school district never informed law enforcement or state officials about the reports of sexual abuse, which is required by state law, Hogue said.
“There were multiple historical reports made to high school administration from 2019 to 2023 and this also corroborated the victim statements that (detectives) had previously received,” Hogue said. Teachers and school administrators in Oregon are required to report allegations of sexual abuse.
Columbia County District Attorney Joshua Pond said Friday his office is investigating whether the district broke any laws by not forwarding the reports to law enforcement. Court documents filed by prosecutors on Nov. 8 indicate at least six student victims.
Hogue said the investigation began with a tip from a TikTok user who is a St. Helens alum. That led to detectives identifying an alleged victim in the comments of one of the videos. From there, detectives found and interviewed additional victims and witnesses.
“These comments began naming Eric Stearns, a current teacher at the St Helens High School,” Hogue said. “During the course of these interviews, a second teacher who was now retired, but that name came up as well.
Many students and parents, however, have said it is not enough to make up for years of instances of kids feeling uncomfortable in class.
“If anybody reports this stuff it was made to feel like it’s not that big a deal, like we just want it to go away,” said Brandon Hogan, a parent in St. Helens School District.
Tips from a TikTok creator and St. Helens High School graduate in part lead to the investigation, alleging “historic sexual abuse” at the school. Now, Stearns faces seven counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of third-degree sexual abuse. And, former teacher Mark Collins faces similar charges for sexual abuse.
In March, the district also paid $3.5 million to settle a former students’ civil right suit against a former St. Helens track coach. The lawsuit alleged the district was aware for over a decade of predatory behavior by a teacher and track coach but did nothing.
“They let people with multiple strikes against them, multiple harassment claims still teach,” said Robert Schaffer, a student at St. Helens High School. “And it’s sickening.”
Police arrested Stearns and Collins on Tuesday, quickly sparking citywide outrage over the alleged abuse. It came to a head at a very contentious school board meeting Wednesday night.
In response to student-led protests, the high school was closed on Thursday, and all district schools were closed on Friday.
Siletz Tribe Regains Section of Cape Foulweather on Oregon Coast
In Oregon, a coastal piece of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians’ ancestral territory has been restored. Monday’s announcement coincides with the 47th anniversary of the tribe regaining federal recognition.
Claire Fiegener, Steve Smith Photography / Courtesy of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
The 27-acre section of Cape Foulweather, on the Oregon Coast between Newport and Lincoln City, has been reacquired by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, or CTSI. The tribe purchased the land from the McKenzie River Trust last month, with a $2.01 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Other partners include Lincoln County, the Nature Conservancy in Oregon, and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. A major focus for this collaborative effort is to conserve and tend to ecologically significant areas of the Oregon coastline.
“It really is an amazing opportunity for us to become stewards again,” Angela Sondenaa, director of the CTSI’s Natural Resources Department, told KLCC. She hopes to reintroduce cultural burning to the coastal prairie section, to rejuvenate its ecosystem.
“The Cape Foulweather area is an incredibly diverse and sensitive ecological area,” she said. ”It’s been a cultural gathering site for millennia for our people.”
In a release issued by the CTSI, Tribal Council Member Robert Kentta said, “Before settlement, this land was home to our families, who fished from the rocks and canoed in the ocean, and gathered mussels from the rocky shore. Now we will have the opportunity to reinvigorate our connections to traditional lifeways.”
In the same release, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said that the return of Cape Foulweather to the CTSI “is of monumental historic significance. I want to express my gratitude to the local government partners and community-based organizations that came together to protect a beautiful place and support the efforts to return ancestral land to the tribe.”
Sondenaa added that it’s been a good year for the Siletz. Last December, President Joe Biden signed a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle of Oregon restoring gathering, fishing and hunting rights to the tribe on their ancestral lands.
“And it will provide direct opportunity for tribal members to gather and resume subsistence harvest in the rocky coastline there,” Sondenaa said.
The Siletz reservation was established in 1855 by Congress and President Franklin Pierce. It was further diminished through land cessions.
Then, in the 1950s, Congress began eliminating many tribes’ federal status through legislation. This included the Western Oregon Indian Termination Act of 1954, which authorized ending the government-to-government relationship with the CTSI, as well as the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde.
On Nov. 18, 1977, after years of land loss and economic disruption, the CTSI regained its federal status. This event is marked by a “Restoration Pow-Wow” every year.
This story comes to you from the Northwest News Network, a collaboration between public media organizations in Oregon and Washington. (SOURCE)
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family of James Lorin Tavel, a Brookings resident who was fatally struck by a vehicle early Sunday. Tavel, 38, was hit around 1 a.m. near milepost 358.
The funds raised will cover Tavel’s cremation, a celebration of life, and future support for his two children. Organizers described Tavel as a beloved father, fisherman, and friend, urging the community to come together in his memory.
The funds raised will cover Tavel’s cremation, a celebration of life, and future support for his two children. Organizers described Tavel as a beloved father, fisherman, and friend, urging the community to come together in his memory.
The crash that killed Tavel led to a six-hour closure of the highway as Oregon State Police conducted an on-scene investigation. The driver, identified as Tiffany Lyne Camp, 34, of Brookings, allegedly fled the scene unharmed but was later apprehended.
Original Post —————– On Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 1:00 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 358, in Curry County.
The preliminary investigation indicated pedestrian, James Lorin Tavel (39) of Brookings, was struck in the northbound lane by Honda CRV, operated by Tiffany Lyne Camp (34) of Brookings. The Honda operator fled the scene and was arrested later by law enforcement.
The pedestrian (Tavel) was declared deceased at the scene.
The Honda operator (Camp) and passenger, Julia Pettigrew (37) of Brookings, were not injured.
The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The crash is under criminal investigation at this time.
OSP was assisted by the Brookings Fire Department, Brookings Police Department, and ODOT.
# # # About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU)
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.
Sandbagging Stations in Lincoln County
Lincoln County residents have access to three self-serve, public sandbagging stations located in Yachats, Newport, and Lincoln City.
If you plan on using the self-serve sandbagging station, remember to bring a shovel. Hours: Mid-October through mid-April. You can access sand any time of day or night. Community members may gather up to 10 sandbags per household, per season. Full news releases, flyers, and social posts in English and Spanish are attached.
The 32nd Annual Bay Area Economic Outlook Forum will be held on Friday, December 13th, starting at 6:45 am at The Mill Casino, utilizing, once again, an in-house face to face format.
This event is a joint project of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and Banner Bank. The schedule for our 2024 program is very similar to previous years, with the continued use of an introductory speaker, this time focused on the challenge of housing issues and opportunities we have faced on the southwestern Oregon coast. After the introductory piece, our Oregon Employment Department economist, Guy Tauer, appears on the agenda. Areas of local update focus are focused on Housing & Development this year which will include different developers and Key Housing experts. The popular feature “Home Grown Business Successes” will highlight two operations that worked through the challenges of the past two years and are part of our local success. Tim Novotny, Communications Manager for the Coquille Indian Tribe, will be our emcee for the program.
Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Looking For Suspect in Sandstone Cliff Vandalism
Officials with the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge are asking for the community’s help identifying the person or persons responsible for vandalizing a rock face recently.
According to the refuge, the names ‘Luke’ and ‘Niko’ were carved deep into a sandstone headland, which is located on public land. The refuge says the rock that was vandalized is on a section of beach between the cities of Gold Beach and Brookings.
Vandalism on public lands is illegal, and penalties include fines and jail time. Anyone with information or
knows who is responsible, is asked to contact the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge by emailing oregoncoast@fws.gov.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium New Tufted Puffin Oregon License Plates on Sale
One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.
The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the
aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins.
Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut
: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke
Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.
The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s
rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with
hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium
Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay
Missing Oregon Hiker Found Dead. Estranged Husband Arrested For Murder
UPDATE (December 1, 2024): Two dogs believed to be Susan Lane-Fournier’s found deceased
Date12/1/2024 CCSO Case #24-024698 — On Saturday, November 30, 2024, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office recovered two deceased dogs believed to be Susan Lane-Fournier’s. The dogs have been transferred to the custody of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, where investigators are working to confirm their identities.
This case remains an active homicide investigation. Detectives continue to request information from anyone who saw Michel Fournier in the days leading up to Susan’s disappearance or has knowledge of his activities and whereabouts since then.
Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online form at: www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip Please reference CCSO Case #24-024698
EARLIER (November 30, 2024): Suspect arrested; deceased person found in Welches area identified as Susan Lane-Fournier
CCSO Case #24-024698 Today, Saturday, November 30, 2024, the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office conducted an autopsy of the deceased person found on November 29, 2024, near East Highway 26 and East Miller Road in unincorporated Clackamas County. The Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as missing person Susan Lane-Fournier and the manner of death as a homicide.
On Friday, November 29, 2024, shortly after the discovery of a deceased person in the Welches area, now identified as Susan Lane-Fournier, detectives contacted Michel Fournier, 71 of Brightwood. Detectives arrested Michel Fournier and he was booked into the Clackamas County Jail where he is currently being held without bail on a charge of second-degree murder.
Susan Lane-Fournier was first reported missing on Friday, November 22, 2024, after failing to arrive at her workplace. On Saturday, November 23, 2024, a community member reported seeing Lane-Fournier’s white 1992 Ford F-250 parked near East Salmon River Road and the Green Canyon Way Trail south of Welches. This led to a multi-day search and rescue operation by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team, while detectives continued their investigation.
Susan Lane-Fournier’s two dogs have not been located. Investigators are looking to speak with anyone who may have seen Michel Fournier in the days before her disappearance or who has information about his activity and whereabouts since then.
We are releasing Michel Fournier’s booking photo from this incident. The release of the booking photo is for law enforcement purposes and is in accordance with Oregon House Bill 3273 for the identification of additional criminal activity.
Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online form at: www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip
Please reference CCSO Case #24-024698
EARLIER (Friday, November 29, 2024): Investigation underway after person found deceased in Welches Area
Around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a deceased person found near East Highway 26 and East Miller Road in unincorporated Clackamas County.
When deputies arrived, they located a deceased individual. Investigators are now working to identify the person and determine the circumstances surrounding their death.
This is an active investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office will provide updates when more information becomes available.
Anyone with information about this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line by phone at 503-723-4949 or by using the online form at: www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip
The information in this story came from a Facebook post posted by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon.
Oregon State Parks Offering Discounted Parking Passes – Give the gift of the outdoors and save this season with the Oregon State Parks 12-month parking permit sale during December.
Shoppers can buy the annual parking permits for only $25 (regularly $30) from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. The permit is good for 12 months starting in the month of purchase at the 25 parks that currently charge for parking.
The annual permit is an even better option for frequent park visitors in 2025 when day-use parking fees will increase from $5 to $10 on Jan. 2, 2025.
Purchasing permits is easy. Visitors can buy them online at Oregon State Parks store. They’re also available at select park stores operated by friends’ groups, park visitor centers and local businesses throughout the state. For a complete list, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.
The daily parking fee is required at the 25 parks that charge for day-use parking unless visitors have a 12-month or 24-month parking permit or a same-day camping receipt. The parking fee does not apply to those who hike, bike or use public transportation.
The 24-month permit is $50 and is also available at OregonStateParkStore. The cost for the 12-month and 24-month permits is not currently increasing. The permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle.
Oregon Receives $750,000 to Fund Monarch Butterfly Conservation
Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., announced $750,000 in new funding for two projects. The Pollinator Partnership works with private landowners to conserve butterfly habitat. The other project is a habitat kit program for both public and private land. Here is the full announcement from the senators:
Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden announced today a total of $758,810 in funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)’s Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund (Pollinator Fund) for two projects that will increase and improve western monarch butterfly and pollinator habitats in Oregon.
“We’ve all experienced the moment of excitement when we spot a monarch butterfly fluttering through the air. If we allow the iconic western monarch butterfly to go extinct, we will not only lose this beautiful species, but a critical pollinator forever,” said Merkley, who secured the federal funding as Chair of the Senate Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, where he continuously boosts conservation efforts for monarch and other pollinators. “Groups and communities across Oregon and across the West are stepping up to find sustainable solutions, from planting pollinator-friendly gardens in their yards to providing resources and habitats for them. This funding, which includes the federal funding I secured, will further fuel our collective efforts to save this species before time runs out.”
“Monarch butterflies are crucial pollinators on the West Coast, where much of America’s food is grown,” Wyden said. “This investment will support a vital component of our food ecosystem while also helping to preserve a species that symbolizes the rebirth and resiliency Oregonians are known for.”
Today’s investments are part of $5.2 million in grants recently awarded by the NFWF’s Pollinator Fund for projects to conserve monarch butterflies and other insect pollinators in 24 states. Details of the projects in Oregon are as follows:
- $458,810 for the Pollinator Partnership to support Partner Biologists in planning climate-smart voluntary conservation efforts for private working lands that benefit the monarch butterfly and other pollinators across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. The project is expected to restore 100 acres, improve 500 acres, develop 80 conservation plans, reach 720 people, and host 30 events.
- $300,000 for The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to sustain their Monarch and Pollinator Habitat Kit Program that supports monarch butterfly and other pollinators on public and private lands in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregions, eastern Washington, and California. The project is expected to improve 500 acres, reach 200 people, and host 16 events.
These efforts are critically needed, as the western monarch population has declined over 95%, from as many as 10 million in the 1980s, to just over 233,000 counted last winter. These low populations are dangerous for humans, as 75 percent of the world’s flowering plants, and about 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce.
Ensuring pollinator survival means ensuring our own survival. That’s why Merkley has led a series of actions to revive the populations of western monarch and other pollinators, like honeybees. His efforts include hosting Monarch Butterfly Summits in partnership with the Department of the Interior, the first of which announced a $1 million investment in the NFWF Pollinator Fund and established a Pollinator Conservation Center at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Merkley also introduced and passed the bipartisan Monarch and Pollinator Highway Act and he introduced the Pollinator Power Act, which would incentivize pollinator habitats surrounding new solar projects carried out through the Rural Energy for America Program. Merkley is also behind the MONARCH Act and the Pollinator-Friendly Plant Labeling Act, both of which are cosponsored by Wyden.
OSFM expands defensible space incentive program to more Oregon communities
The Oregon State Fire Marshal is extending its incentive program to help Oregonians pay for defensible space projects in more communities in Oregon. The 2024 wildfire season comes as a reminder of the importance of defensible space and completing projects at home and at the community level to be better protected.
While supplies last, home and property owners in select wildfire-vulnerable communities may be eligible to receive a $250 payment following a defensible space assessment by the agency or a participating fire agency. The assessments are free and can be easily scheduled online at oregondefensiblespace.org.
“On the heels of a record-breaking wildfire season, we know that now is the time to prepare our homes for next season,” said State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “We strongly encourage home and property owners to schedule an assessment. Taking this first step can make a significant difference in protecting your home and neighborhood from wildfire risks.”
Defensible space is the area around your home and buildings managed to keep embers from having a place to land and catch fire. Creating and maintaining defensible space is one of the most effective ways to protect a home during a wildfire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal understands that money may be a barrier to complete these projects and the incentive is designed to encourage people to implement the recommendations received during their assessment.
The OSFM’s defensible space program is a crucial step toward building more fire-adapted communities in the face of increasing wildfire risks. By empowering Oregonians to take proactive measures, we will reduce the impact of wildfires on lives, property, and the environment.
Eligible communities were chosen based on their vulnerability to wildfire to get money to those who need it the most. After the assessment is complete, those who qualify will receive the payment in the mail. For a full list of communities and eligibility requirements, click here.
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) releases inaugural State of the State’s Housing Report for Oregon
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) unveiled the first State of the State’s Housing Report for Oregon, providing an in-depth analysis of housing availability and affordability across the state. Drawing from comprehensive data on housing markets, economic trends, and demographic shifts, the report highlights the challenges Oregon residents face in affording high-quality housing.
“Being attentive to the things that add meaning to people’s lives requires reliable data,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Data enables us to identify where our efforts are making an impact and where improvements are needed to make life better in ways that all people can feel and that we can measure. These data will aid in our collective efforts to deliver housing progress that communities deserve and demand.”
Oregon’s population grew by more than 753,000 residents, representing a 21% increase between 2004 and 2023. Housing construction was insufficient to keep pace with a rapidly increasing population. Oregon must add more than 500,000 housing units over the next two decades to begin addressing supply issues.
Home prices have far outpaced wage gains over the past decade in the for-sale market. For every dollar Oregonians earned in wage increases between 2013 and 2022, the median sales price of a home increased by $7.10. Communities of color continue to face significantly lower homeownership rates (49%) compared to their white counterparts (66%).
More than half of all renters in Oregon and a third of homeowners experience a housing cost burden, meaning that they spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. Approximately 242,000 households fall into the extremely low-income or very low-income categories. Oregon only offers approximately 113,000 housing units that are both affordable and available to them, resulting in a deficit of 128,000 units for these households.
“OHCS cannot solve the deeply entrenched issues facing the people of Oregon on its own,” said Megan Bolton, assistant director of research at OHCS. “There are factors beyond housing that impact the ability of individuals to thrive in today’s economy, and it will take coordination and collaboration with our federal partners, other state agencies, and cities, both large and small, to find ways to ensure housing stability for all Oregonians.”
OHCS expects to release a State of the State’s Housing Report every two years, with additional localized analyses in the years between each release. Reliable data enables the agency to identify where efforts are making an impact and where improvements are needed.
About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) – OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.
Hunger Rates in Oregon on the Upswing
Hunger rates plummeted in Oregon in the years leading up to the pandemic, but then COVID hit and during the following two years, the number of Oregonians struggling to put food on the table rose, a recently released Oregon State University study found.
People lost their jobs and their sources of income shrank, creating thousands more malnourished Oregonians.
In 2023, nearly 13% of state residents — about 530,000 individuals — suffered from “food insecurity” in Oregon, according to a just-released Oregon State University analysis that looks at people’s inability to get enough food on the table in a predictable manner. That rate is lower than in the years following the Great Recession, but about two points higher than 2020, marking an increase of about 65,000 more people facing food insecurity during 2021 to 2023.
Renters, people who live alone, those with a lower education, rural residents and minority communities along with adults up to age 64 are more likely to face food insecurity.
With persistent food insecurity issues in Oregon, dozens of organizations like the Oregon Food Bank have stepped up their efforts to tackle the problem, partly in Washington D.C. More than 40 groups recently sent a letter to Oregon’s U.S. senators and representatives, urging them to oppose any reduction in food aid.
The groups are worried about the farm bill, a five-year program that covers agricultural subsidies, crop insurance and food aid like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP helps 680,000 Oregonians a year buy food to feed their families. The five-year farm bill expired last September and Congress has still not passed a new bill.
“Many Oregonians need these resources now more than ever,” Sarah Weber-Ogden, co-executive director of Partners for a Hunger-free Oregon, told the Capital Chronicle. “We need Congress to understand that these programs can’t withstand any reduction in funding or reach — they’re too essential.”
The Agriculture Committee in the Republican-controlled House passed a farm bill that would cut $30 billion from nutritional programs while a version introduced in the U.S. Senate would protect food aid. Neither is likely to make it to the finish line before the next Republican-dominated Congress is in session.
Historically high rates
Advocates say a cut in SNAP benefits, which are paid by the federal government, would particularly hurt Oregon.
Historically, Oregon has often had higher food insecurity rates than the rest of the country, something that has puzzled researchers, said Mark Edwards, an Oregon State University professor and lead researcher on the study. He pointed to the 1990s when the economy was booming, a time when presumably rates would be down.
But they weren’t, soaring above the U.S. average.
Edwards said the state experienced a big influx of people at the time and that prices rose, creating wider disparities among various groups of people.
“The fraction of people who were struggling in terms of paying rent was high in Oregon compared to a lot of states,” Edwards said. “So from early on, we’ve been thinking a lot about the role of housing and housing costs.”
Renters, who are subject to the whims of the marketplace, are the most at risk. Oregon law limits year-over-year rent increases to the lesser of 10% or 7% plus inflation, but that law doesn’t apply to buildings constructed in the past 15 years.
During the 2021 to 2023 period covered by the analysis, researchers found that nearly 23% of renters experienced food insecurity compared with nearly 7% of homeowners. Renters generally face higher poverty rates than homeowners and have traditionally had higher rates of food insecurity, the analysis shows. Edwards said he wasn’t surprised by that high rate, saying it could have been even higher without pandemic-era eviction protections and expanded federal food benefits.
“The safety net during COVID really did keep the problem from getting as bad as it could have been,” Edwards said.
But those protections are now gone.
The analysis says it remains to be seen how the priority put on building more housing, especially affordable homes, by Gov. Tina Kotek and the Legislature, with its allocation this year of nearly $380 million for housing, will affect food insecurity rates. Edwards said there’s no magic bullet for reducing hunger in a significant way, especially in a short period of time.
“It’s a hard thing to do to address in one budget,” Edwards said.
It will take months and maybe years for the money to make an impact, and the high cost of housing is not the only factor at play in food insecurity. The analysis shows that people without a high school education face the highest rates of food insecurity and that they’re going up, with nearly one-third of those without a diploma facing hunger from 2021 to 2023 compared to 17% for those with an associate’s degree and more than 6% for those with a bachelor’s.
Those who live alone — both men and women — experience higher rates of food insecurity than couples, but single mothers face the highest rates when looking at household composition: 28% in 2021 to 2023 compared with 15% for single women or 17% for single men.
High rates in rural Oregon
The analysis also found that rural residents experience higher rates of food insecurity than their urban counterparts — 21% compared with 12%. Although many people in the countryside have gardens and grow their own food, the vast majority of rural residents shop at grocery stores, Edwards said.
He doesn’t know exactly why rural folks in Oregon have faced a higher risk of food insecurity, but said it could be a combination of factors. They might not have easy access to state and federal benefits or might not have wanted to use them out of fear of being seen to need SNAP benefits, for example, or experiencing a stigma of going to a church food pantry.
Also during the pandemic, people were told to stay at home, which might have kept them away from food pantries, Edwards said.
But the curious thing is that Oregon is an outlier in having higher food insecurity rates in rural areas.
“It didn’t happen all over the country,” Edwards said. “We’re still trying to figure out if there was something really unique about Oregon’s rural places that made it especially vulnerable.”
With the next legislative session around the corner, Oregon’s Hunger Task Force, which includes lawmakers, agency staff, advocates and people who’ve struggled with hunger, is working on a “roadmap” to address the state’s high food insecurity rates. The document, which is still in the works, will be presented to lawmakers during their three days of meetings next month, said Jacki Ward Kehrwald, the communications lead for the nonprofit Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon.
The document maps out three main principles — ensuring that food is affordable, easily accessible and culturally appropriate — and details a path forward that would bring together all facets related to hunger that need to work together to bring down food insecurity rates, said Weber-Ogden of Partners for a Hunger-free Oregon. (SOURCE)
OHSU study sheds light on the role housing and other needs play in health care
A national survey of low-income households that receive Medicaid finds improved health outcomes when housing and food needs are met in clinic visits
Housing and food insecurity sharply increased in Oregon among Medicaid and Medicare recipients during the COVID-19 pandemic, even amid a moratorium on evictions and increased government support for nutrition.
The basic needs of Oregonians remained in peril from the start of the pandemic in March 2020 until at least the end of 2021, according to the findings of a study led by Oregon Health & Science University researchers published Monday in the Annals of Family Medicine.
The study sheds light on the role that social determinants of health like adequate housing and food can play in a person’s overall well-being. This month, the Oregon Health Authority launched a new program to help people on Medicaid with their rent costs when a medical crisis hurts their ability to pay.
The Oregon study surveyed and followed about 21,000 people who received Medicare or Medicaid benefits for their health care coverage, starting in 2019 and continuing through the end of 2021. Researchers found a 17.7-percentage point increase overall in health-related social challenges such as housing instability and adequate food in March 2020, which coincided with the nation’s shutdown during the pandemic. That increase did not significantly decline through the end of 2021.
In Oregon, more than 1.4 million residents rely upon the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program that provides health care, dental and behavioral health services to low-income people. More than 930,000 Oregonians are on Medicare, which is available for people who are at least 65 years old or receive Social Security disability benefits.
The study was part of a broader national effort that surveyed 1.1 million people in the U.S. in a similar situation. The nationwide survey, overseen by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, found that people who had their basic needs like housing, food, transportation and utilities addressed during a health care visit enjoyed better overall health compared to people who did not receive assistance.
“Together, these findings drive home the point that health care organizations need to think about the social care of their patients,” said senior author Anne King, an OHSU adjunct faculty member and Oregon state director of Comagine Health, a nonprofit health care quality improvement firm. “It actually improves their health and it reduces costs for taxpayers.”
Work started before the pandemic
In 2019, researchers in OHSU’s Oregon Rural Practice-based Research Network enlisted the help of 50 clinics across Oregon to connect them to people. The participants spanned a swath of Oregon from the Portland metro area to rural communities in 15 counties.
With that timing, the study started just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The rise in housing and food needs continued, even as government benefits like unemployment payments and eviction moratoriums increased.
Oregon’s new rental assistance program comes through its Medicaid waiver, which is a five-year plan that the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved. States can receive waivers as a tool to try new Medicaid programs and spend money in ways it otherwise could not.
During this period, Oregon has nearly $1 billion available for the rental assistance programs and other new programs within the Medicaid plan for air conditioners, air filters and food benefits. Most of the money — $904 million — is federal funding, with a state match of $71 million.
“This study lends credence to the importance of having this activity happen in conjunction with health care,” King said in an interview. “In allowing a waiver, CMS is recognizing that meeting people’s social needs and addressing them in the clinical setting, is actually beneficial, both to the patient and also to just the healthcare system nationally, at large.”
Oregon’s current Medicaid waiver is in effect from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2027.
The rise in needs also raises questions about how much bleaker the picture would have been without increased benefits.
“What if we hadn’t done anything?” said lead author Jean Hiebert Larson, an OHSU finance analyst. “Would this have been much worse?”
The study recommends more research into what potential policies and changes can best address health-related social needs.
But Oregon researchers also say the state’s new program to provide short-term rental assistance to people on Medicaid is a step in the right direction. The rental assistance program can cover rental and utility costs for up to six months, including past-due amounts. People also can receive medically necessary home improvements, including wheelchair ramps, pest control and heavy-duty cleaning.
“Oregon is ahead of the nation,” King said. “We’re at the forefront of the nation in understanding the relationship between stable housing and effective delivery of health care.” (SOURCE)
New Oregon economic forecaster predicts higher revenue, higher kicker
Oregon’s new chief state economist estimates the state will have about $37.8 billion available to spend in the next two-year budget cycle after reworking how the state calculates its economic forecast.
The state’s also on track to pay out a $1.8 billion kicker to taxpayers in 2026. But new chief economist Carl Riccadonna, a former Wall Street analyst hired in September, is changing the way Oregon models its expected revenue with an eye toward more accurate forecasts that reduce the amount returned to taxpayers through Oregon’s unique kicker law.
Riccadonna and senior economist Michael Kennedy presented their first quarterly forecast to lawmakers Wednesday and previewed some of their findings on a call with reporters Tuesday evening. Under the new forecast, lawmakers could have nearly $6 billion more to spend in the upcoming 2025-27 budget cycle compared to the last one.
Riccadonna’s hiring followed years of record kicker payouts. Oregon’s unique tax credit kicks in whenever income tax payments in a two-year budget cycle are at least 2% higher than budgeted, sending the excess back to taxpayers when they file state income taxes the following year.
The state has sent kicker payments every two years since 2016, including a jaw-dropping $5.6 billion to taxpayers who filed in 2024. The latest forecast estimates a 2026 kicker of $1.79 billion, up from $1 billion in the September forecast.
“My mandate joining DAS back in September was to really get to the bottom of what’s happening here, and so what my team has done is kind of deconstruct and reconstruct a lot of the forecast models to figure out what was happening,” Riccadonna said.
Riccadonna and Kennedy attributed the high kickers — and corresponding decrease in funds available to lawmakers — to flaws in former state economist Mark McMullen’s economic model. It was too pessimistic and didn’t treat the kicker as a tax liability, they said.
“If you look back, as the kicker gets bigger and that difference gets bigger, the errors get bigger,” Kennedy said. “You get this recursive effect where the errors are just going to get bigger and bigger as the kicker gets bigger, unless you go back to a world where liability in the model is really the real liability, and you don’t have this difference.”
Kennedy said the state’s prior revenue forecast model was also more pessimistic than necessary, including taking a national forecast provided by a vendor and adjusting it downward. That’s on top of what Riccadonna described as “pervasive pessimism” among economists that the post-pandemic economic boom would end in a recession, while he said it’s looking increasingly likely that Oregon and the country will instead have a soft landing — a gradual shift from high growth to a flatter economy.
Legislative leaders, governor react – The forecast estimates lawmakers will be able to spend up to $37.8 billion in the 2025-27 budget, well above the $31.9 billion general fund budget they approved in 2023. Gov. Tina Kotek is working on her budget proposal for lawmakers, who will spend the first six months of 2025 negotiating in public and private to pass a spending plan.
Democratic legislative leaders and Kotek welcomed the new forecast, saying it proved the state’s economy remains strong and resilient. But they also noted that the state still faces a difficult budget cycle, without the federal COVID relief money that provided a buffer in recent years and with a transportation funding deficit and uncertainty at the federal level.
“While this positive economic forecast is welcome news and makes the start of the legislative budgeting process a little easier, we are still entering into a very tight budget cycle,” said Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego. “Current critical services must be maintained and legislators will need to make smart choices about how to sustain prior one-time investments to address the important needs facing every corner of Oregon.”
During a press conference with tribal leaders Wednesday, Kotek said changes to how the state models revenue will help with stability in future years.
“I think the truing up of the calculation of the new chief economist is really going to be helpful to provide stability when we’re trying to do budgeting every two years, and I think his assumptions around the recalculations made a lot of sense to me,” she said.
Republicans, meanwhile, expressed concerns about lower kicker payments if the state more accurately models revenue.
“The kicker is the people’s money, and it should remain so,” said Sen. Lynn Findley, R-Vale and a member of the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee. “While this biennium’s kicker appears secure, changes to the revenue model could lead to smaller refunds in the future, and we need to ensure taxpayers are treated fairly.”
House Speaker Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, said state economists have an obligation to accurately estimate revenue levels.
“Although the current forecast is strong and our reserves are healthy, potential changes at the federal level create uncertainty,” she said. “Oregonians should know that even if there is instability at the federal level, here in Oregon there are responsible, focused leaders who will be steady hands at the wheel. We are prepared to use available resources to deliver on what Oregonians need most.”
And incoming House Minority Leader Christine Drazan, D-Canby, said while the state budget might be doing well, family budgets are still stretched thin from years of inflation.
“Besides plenty of general fund revenues to pay for critical services, the state has deep reserves and an ending balance of over $2.7 billion,” she said. “This is a lot of money from Oregonians, for government to use wisely, to meet its duty to Oregonians themselves. It’s time for government to do its part by improving efficiency, strengthening transparency and providing excellent service. This is not the time for politicians to ignore agency failures, and then push new fees or increased taxes.” (SOURCE)
Oregon DMV now offers 8 language options for online driver’s license test
Oregon’s DMV has expanded its online driver’s license test to include six more languages, coinciding with the digital option’s one-year anniversary.
The online test, which is for non-commercial driver’s licenses, was created in October 2023. Initially available in English and Spanish, the test can now be taken in Arabic, Chinese (simplified Mandarin), Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Vietnamese.
In its first year, 22,642 customers successfully passed the knowledge test online, while 66,195 passed at DMV offices.
The DMV says the online option offers the convenience of taking the test at home, with no difference in fees compared to in-office testing.
“ODOT and DMV are committed to delivering great customer service to all Oregonians,” said DMV Administrator Amy Joyce in a press release. “We’ve continued to modernize our services by adding six languages to our online knowledge testing, allowing more Oregonians to take the test in the comfort of their own home and in their preferred language.”
To take the test online, a desktop or laptop computer with a mouse, keyboard, and functioning webcam is required. Touchscreen devices like phones or tablets are not supported. Additionally, teens under 18 must have an adult 21 years or older supervise their test. Passing the test online allows individuals to know their results before visiting a DMV office, potentially saving multiple trips if they do not pass initially.
After passing the online test, individuals must visit a DMV office with identity documents and pass a vision screening to receive a permit or schedule a drive test, depending on their age. More information on the online test can be found on the DMV’s WEBSITE.
Pacific Power warns customers about billing scams
– Heading into the holiday season, Pacific Power is reminding customers to be vigilant about fraudulent communications from scammers posing as utility representatives. This activity tends to increase during this time of year.
Customers can protect themselves from these types of schemes by being aware of the following facts:
- Scammers will often tell you that your service is scheduled to be interrupted in the next 30-60 minutes.
Fact: Pacific Power will not contact any customer demanding immediate payment to avoid disconnection of service the same day.
- Fraudsters may ask you to purchase a prepaid card and tell them the card information over the phone.
Fact: Pacific Power does not ask customers to make payments by purchasing a prepaid card. You and other customers can always choose how you would like to make your payments.
- Be suspicious of anyone who approaches you by phone, email, text or in person and demanding on-the-spot payment.
Fact: Pacific Power will not demand immediate payment for damaged or broken electrical equipment or any other service.
- If you receive one of these calls, ask the caller to state your account number and compare it with the number listed on your bill.
Fact: Pacific Power customer service employees will always have your correct account number.
- Scammers increasingly have used text messages as a means of targeting victims.
Fact: Pacific Power will not demand payment via text message. Pacific Power encourages customers to set up their online billing profile at Pay My Bill (pacificpower.net) where they can pay bills and review statements.
Scammers may use a sophisticated deceptive tactic that makes it appear to caller ID systems that the call is coming from Pacific Power when it is not. Hang up and call Customer Service directly.
Remember, if you still have concerns about the legitimacy of a call, you can always call our published customer service number, 1-888-221-7070. Pacific Power is asking customers to report information about any scam calls received, including the phone number the person is calling from and any information that may help to track down the fraudsters.
About Pacific Power – Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.
Looking for a place with skiing, windsurfing and small town charm? The Matador Network just released its list of 11 Best Small Mountain Towns in The US to visit in 2025, and only one Oregon town made the cut: Hood River.
Hood River is about an hour’s drive east of Portland along Interstate 84, situated along the Columbia River and with the towering Mount Hood visible (on clear days at least) on the horizon. TheSan Francisco-based digital media company covers travel, culture and the outdoors. Matador Network editors who compiled the list focused on towns with fewer than 10,000 residents and lots of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Hood River, with a population of about 8,300 people, was honored as the “epicenter of adventure in the Columbia River Gorge.” Mt. Shasta, California also made the list of mountain towns listed within our region.
Money is coming from the American Rescue Plan Act to expand broadband access in Oregon.
Nick Batz, Director of the Oregon Broadband Office, said there are more proposals than the money will cover.
“We received 63 applications totaling $440 million. So, highly competitive, over-subscribed grant program for the $157 million dollars that was available.”
Batz noted 16 projects in 17 counties will share $133 million.
“The feds allowed for other technologies, but all 16 of the awards are for fiber optic programs. Which is great because fiber is the most future-proof technology that is readily available to us.”
The companies expanding their networks now have to decide if they want to accept the money, which in some cases, is less than they asked for. The work needs to be completed and the systems in operation by the end of 2026.
Reward of up to $25,000 Offered in Ballot Box Fire Case
The FBI’s Seattle Field Office is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible setting incendiary fires at two ballot boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and one in Portland, Oregon. The FBI’s Seeking Information poster can be found here: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/ballot-box-fires
On October 8, 2024, between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m., an unknown individual placed an improvised incendiary device on a ballot drop box in Vancouver, Washington. Subsequently, on October 28, 2024, between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m., improvised incendiary devices were placed on ballot drop boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon.
A surveillance camera captured images of an early 2003 to 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan, dark in color, with dark wheels and a light-colored interior, driven by the suspect believed to responsible for these crimes. The vehicle does not have a Volvo logo on the front grill. At the time of the October 28, 2024, incidents, the vehicle also displayed a fraudulent temporary Washington license plate on the rear and no front license plate. The plate, which is not associated with a Volvo, may no longer be on the vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle is described as a White male, approximately 30 to 40 years old with thinning hair. It is believed that he may have some experience with metal work and welding.
Anyone with information is asked to call your nearest FBI office, provide information online at tips.fbi.gov, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). FBI – Oregon
Holiday Express Steams Up – Rides run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.
The countdown is on! The first day of the highly anticipated Holiday Express is almost here, and it’s your chance to ride a train pulled by a historic steam locomotive—an unforgettable experience like no other.
Santa’s nearly ready—list checked, elves prepped, lights sparkling, and candy canes in hand. The only thing missing is YOU!
Get your tickets now for this beloved annual tradition. Create lasting memories with friends and family aboard the Holiday Express. Rides begin Nov. 29 and run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.
Special Offer: Get 10% off select rides from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8! But don’t wait, tickets are selling fast.
Be part of the magic this holiday season. Reserve your seat today! Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Triple your impact: Pacific Power will match your contribution to Oregon Energy Fund 2-for-1
Pacific Power is making it simple to make a difference in communities by helping struggling neighbors stay warm this winter. For every dollar that you donate, Pacific Power will match your donation to the Oregon Energy Fund with $2 more.
Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail will find they include an Oregon Energy Fund contribution envelope in November. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program. To enroll in the fixed donation program, customers can call Pacific Power toll-free at 1-888-221-7070 or Donate to Energy Assistance (pacificpower.net).
This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power.
Donations may be tax-deductible and are forwarded directly to the Oregon Energy Fund, which verifies eligibility and allocates funds to those in need. All funds donated are used to assist families in need within the same county in which the donor resides.
“Pacific Power’s commitment to supporting household stability is bolstered by compassion, collaboration and innovation,” said Brian Allbritton, executive director of the Oregon Energy Fund.
“Studies have shown that more than a quarter of Oregonians struggle to pay their bills each year,” said Albritton. “From Oregon Energy Fund’s start in 1989, Pacific Power has been an important partner in bringing emergency bill payment assistance to thousands of vulnerable Oregonians, helping make them healthy and safe while keeping their lights on.”
Last year, donations from Pacific Power’s customers, employees and the company helped 2,995 individuals in need throughout Oregon, including 1,482 adults, 503 seniors, 464 people with disabilities and 1,010 children. This year, Pacific Power will match up to $144,000 in donations.
Customers who need bill assistance can speak with Pacific Power representatives at 1-888-221-7070 who can help with payment plans that work for their individual needs, while directing them to agencies that may be able to help. https://www.pacificpower.net/about/newsroom/news-releases/2024-Oregon-Energy-Fund.html#:~:text=PORTLAND%2C%20Ore.,Energy%20Fund%20with%20%242%20more.
Bureau of Land Management recreation managers are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to fill host positions at six unique locations for the 2025 summer recreation season.
Volunteer hosts play a critical role at BLM recreation sites. They are the primary, daily connection between public land users and BLM staff. Hosts also assist BLM staff to open and close sites each day, manage campground and shelter reservations, answer visitor questions, encourage visitor rule adherence, and generally maintain the sites.
A paved RV pad is provided at each site for host volunteers. Sites have varying degrees of amenities from full electric, water, and sewer hook-ups to completely primitive sites with only public potable water access. The selected volunteer(s) must provide their own trailer, motorhome, RV, or tent set-up.
Each host will receive a modest daily stipend to off-set some living costs and incidental expenses. Hosts are expected to live on site during the region’s busiest recreation season, typically from April through September. (The start date for the selected host at Sharps Creek will likely be earlier in the year.)
For more information and to apply for these volunteer opportunities, please visit Volunteer.gov. If you have further questions, contact Kendra Barat at kbarat@blm.gov or (720) 591-68
Oregon Aging and People with Disabilities offers free help for Medicare Open Enrollment
(Salem) — Medicare Open Enrollment for the 2025 plan year remains open through Dec. 7, 2024. Medicare beneficiaries seeking to compare or change their existing Medicare plan can receive free help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS).
During the Medicare Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can make changes to their health plan or prescription drug plan, pick a Medicare Advantage plan or choose Original Medicare. The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities’ (APD) Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is available to help Oregonians understand their Medicare options and benefits, provide enrollment guidance and help people detect and avoid Medicare scams. Additionally, there are some key changes coming to Medicare in 2025 that APD’s SHIBA program counselors can assist people in understanding including:
- The new Manufacturer Discount Program which addresses the coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole;”
- The lower maximum to pay for covered drugs. The maximum amount for 2025 will be $2,000;
- Coverage for weight loss drugs when doctors prescribe them for people who meet certain conditions;
- Expanded coverage for family caregiver services through the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model; and
- Increased access to mental health services by allowing more providers to bill Medicare for services.
“Our APD SHIBA team is devoted to helping people prepare for open enrollment and understand changes,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as APD Deputy Director of Policy.
Oregonians who need help navigating Medicare open enrollment are encouraged to call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free) or learn more by visiting the SHIBA website at SHIBA.Oregon.gov. The 2025 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans will be available on the SHIBA website in the coming days and will be translated to multiple languages.
SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. According to the Senior Medicare Patrol, common scams include promising free durable medical equipment, such as knee braces and catheters, or offers of free genetic testing. The ultimate goal for the scammer is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. “SHIBA counselors are committed to ensuring Oregonians have the information they need to avoid becoming victims of fraud and report scams or suspected Medicare fraud,” said APD Director Dr. Nakeshia Knight-Coyle.
Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments. Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website such as Medicare frequently asked questions, an agent locator tool, a list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations and videos to help people understand their Medicare options. People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.
About the Oregon Department of Human Services – The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program – The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.
Media contest invites Oregon high school students to promote young worker safety; entries due Feb. 21, 2025
Salem – High school students across Oregon are encouraged to put their video or graphic design skills on display by competing for cash prizes as part of a larger cause: increasing awareness about workplace safety and health for young workers.
The 2025 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, calls on participants to create an ad – through a compelling graphic design or video – that grabs their peers’ attention and convinces them to take the Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.
Participants get to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believe will go furthest in capturing their audience and moving it to act. The target audience? Teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time. The contest is now open for submissions. To compete, participants may submit either a graphic design or a video that is no more than 90 seconds in length.
Participants are expected to choose their key message, theme, or tagline in a wise and positive manner, including constructive and effective messages and language.
The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school, club, or organization will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.
While they carry out their projects, participants must ensure the health and safety of their team. No one should be endangered while creating their video or graphic design project.
The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.
Participants are encouraged to submit entries online. Submissions may also be mailed on a USB thumb drive or delivered in person.
For more information about the entry form and rules, contest expectations, and resources – including previous contest winners – visit the O[yes] online contest page.
The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the Oregon Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Alliance.
### About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
About the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]): (O[yes]) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.
Lend Your Voice to Shape the Future of Emergency Management in Oregon!
SALEM, OR – November 19, 2024 – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites all Oregonians to participate in shaping the future of emergency management across the state. On February 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., OEM is hosting its second annual town hall where community members and partners from all backgrounds can provide input and feedback on the agency’s 2023–2025 Strategic Plan and the OEM Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) plan.
The Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for OEM’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service and building resilience within Oregon’s communities. The IDEA plan guides emergency management practices that address the needs of all communities, fostering equitable outcomes and inclusive resilience statewide. Feedback from this town hall will help guide OEM’s efforts to improve emergency preparedness, response and recovery in ways that serve every community across the state—before, during and after a disaster.
The town hall is open to everyone, and no prior emergency management experience is required. Closed captioning will be available, and a video and audio transcript of the event will be accessible upon request after the event.
Event Details:
Event: Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s second annual strategic planning and IDEA town hall
Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meeting will be virtual; link will be sent as event nears.
Your feedback is critical in helping OEM serve Oregon’s diverse communities better and to foster an inclusive approach to emergency preparedness and resilience. We look forward to hearing from you at this important event.
For more information or questions, please contact Bobbi McAllister at obbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov“>bobbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov.
Tips To Purchase a Permit to Cut Your Christmas Tree From an Oregon National Forest
The holiday season is upon us, which means the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree is on. For those looking to bring home a real tree, permits are available now for all Oregon national forests.
Christmas tree permits are available for purchase online at recreation.gov (with an added $2.50 processing fee charged by the website) and at local U.S. Forest Service offices or from local vendors.
Permits are $5 each, and each permit allows the cutting of one Christmas tree. Households can purchase a maximum of five permits.
For downloadable maps of tree-cutting areas and a list of local vendors selling tree permits, go to bit.ly/WNFtree .
Fourth-grade students can receive a free tree permit by getting their Every Kid Outdoors pass and entering the voucher or pass number when prompted on Recreation.gov or by visiting a Forest Service office.
https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
Oregon’s Missing Persons
Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.
In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.
Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced
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