Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 7/9 – Be Part of History at Salmonberry Trail Ground Building Event in Wheeler JULY 12th, Coos Bay Fire Department Upgrades Wildfire Equipment with Grant From Three Rivers Foundation & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com

Wednesday, July 9 , 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Be Part of History at Salmonberry Trail Ground Building Event in Wheeler JULY 12th

Join us on July 12th from 1 to 5 pm in Wheeler as we celebrate a major milestone — the launch of the first coastal segment of the Salmonberry Trail!

Be part of history in the making. Come celebrate the trail that’s set to transform coastal travel and adventure!
This initial half-mile section showcases trail design and sets the stage for community support and excitement.

This 82-mile rails-to-trails project, following the historic Tillamook Railroad, will soon link Wheeler to Tillamook off Highway 101 — offering hikers and bikers a safer, more scenic route through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the Oregon Coast.

Family-friendly fun 1-5pm, including:

• Live music
• Guided hikes
• Tales of the Trail” history talk
• Train rides
• A festive parade
• Kids’ activities
• Local vendors offering goods & services

Be part of this historic moment — where adventure, community, and the beauty of the coast come together. Let’s build the future, and ‘Connect the Coast’ one step at a time!

Salmonberry Trail Building event runs 1pm to 5 pm with a Craft making session “Salmon Hats and Hiking Sticks” hosted by Heart of Cartm, 395 Nehalem Blvd, from 1 to 2pm followed by a Parade to show off the creations!
Location; Wheeler Waterfront Park, 500 Marine Drive, Wheeler Oregon 97147

The first outdoor concert, features Kris Steward, sponsored by non-profit Communi-Tea all profits go to the artist. The first concert is the evening of July 12th 6-8pm at Waterfront Park just after the conclusion of the Salmonberry Trail event. Come spend the day and evening in Wheeler, along the beautiful Nehalem River!

The City of Wheeler is partnering with the Salmonberry Trail Foundation to make this trail possible. More on the trail at https://salmonberrytrail.org

Wheeler has a lot of activities to offer this summer, with the Salmonberry Trail event, a 4 concert series, and outdoor adventures. Come join us for some fun along the beautiful Nehalem River.

Coos Bay Fire Department Upgrades Wildfire Equipment with Grant From Three Rivers Foundation

The City of Coos Bay is proud to announce it has received a $13,500 grant from the Three Rivers Foundation to support the purchase of Wildland Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the Coos Bay Fire Department.

The Coos Bay Fire Department is upgrading decades-old equipment to keep them safer during wildfire season. This is possible due to a $13,500 grant from the Three Rivers Foundation. That money lets the department purchase new shirts, pants, boots, goggles and helmets.

The clothing materials are made of nomex which is a durable, flame-resistant fiber designed to keep firefighters safe in the environment.

Battalion Chief John Guenther says “Our shirts were basically what we had on hand so some of them were up to 10, 15, 20 years old and now everything is brand new and we have the ability to fit it to the right guy,” Chief Guenther notes he believes that with this grant the department has cleared their final hurdle in terms of preparation.

This funding will help equip our firefighters with NFPA 1977-compliant gear, enhancing safety during wildland fire response operations. We extend our sincere thanks to the Three Rivers Foundation for their continued investment in community resilience and public safety.

Pacific City Dory Days, happening July 18–20! This year, the festive twist is a “Christmas in July” theme

Celebrate the spirit of the sea and the season at Dory Days 2025, happening July 18–20 in Pacific City! This year’s theme, “Christmas in July,” brings a festive, family-friendly twist to this beloved Oregon Coast tradition. Whether you’re a longtime local or a curious visitor, this unforgettable weekend offers something for everyone—from fresh dory-caught fish to live music, dancing, and a whole lot of coastal holiday cheer.

Dory Days honors the iconic dory fishing fleet of Pacific City, a tradition recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Heritage Commission. It’s a chance to celebrate the brave dory community who launch their boats straight from the beach and return with stories (and fish!) for the whole community.

This year’s highlights include:

• A festive dory boat parade, complete with holiday themed floats and surprises (yes, Santa might make an appearance in a dory boat!)

• A local artisan market showcasing handcrafted goods and gifts

• An exhibit focused on historical highlights and other details about the Dory Fleet

• A storytelling event featuring members of the dory community

• Activities for children including a treasure dig, face painting, fish identification and more

• Live music and dancing throughout the weekend

• And of course, the annual fish fry with local dory-caught product

The event is proudly co-hosted by the Pacific City-Nestucca Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association, two organizations dedicated to preserving and celebrating this unique coastal culture.

Dory Days runs on the power of community. Volunteers are the heartbeat of this celebration—and we need your help to bring the magic to life! Whether it’s helping at the parade or supporting the fish fry, there’s a role for everyone. Sign up to volunteer today at https://pacificcitydorydays.com/volunteer/

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate a cherished Oregon Coast tradition—with a merry little twist. Join us for a weekend of dories, Pacific City and holiday cheer. MORE INFO: https://pacificcitydorydays.com/

South Beach to Host Annual Sandcastle Competition in Newport July 26

NEWPORT— South Beach State Park will host its annual sandcastle competition 10 a.m. to noon July 26 in Newport.

Anyone can compete as an individual or as a team for a chance to win first, second or third place. Prizes include baskets with an assortment of beach-themed prizes with the first-place basket stocked with four tickets to the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

Visitors interested in competing can sign up in person starting at 9:30 a.m. July 26 on the beach next to the South Beach day-use parking lot.

“It’s a great opportunity for visitors to share their sand sculpting skills and connect with park volunteers and rangers,” said Ranger Patrick Newhall.

Last year, 20 teams with a total of 65 competitors vied for the top spots. And as many as 190 visitors watched the sandcastles take shape. For more information, please contact South Beach State Park at (541) 867-7451 Ext. 0.

 Lincoln City Accepting Non Profit Grant Requests

The city of Lincoln City nonprofit grant program is now accepting applications from local nonprofit agencies. When preparing the city budget each year, the city considers the financial needs of nonprofit organizations that foster community wellness.

Lincoln City recognizes the essential role of nonprofits. They serve the most vulnerable populations and in return strengthen the community. It is through the Nonprofit Grant Request Program that the city is able to provide resources to these vital organizations.

The application can be found on the City’s website at www.lincolncity.org/government/nonprofit-grants

The submission deadline is July 31, at 5 p.m. For more information, contact, Michael Phillips, executive assistant to the city manager, at 541-996-1202 or mphillips@lincolncity.org

BLM to offer up to 54 million board feet of timber in western Oregon

The Bureau of Land Management will offer several timber sales in July, totalling about 54 million board feet to be harvested from nearly 1,900 public acres across Western Oregon. Timber produced by these sales will provide critical supplies for construction and other industries, and support jobs across local economies. 

“More than 20% of BLM-managed lands are forest and woodland ecosystems. The BLM ensures the health and resilience of these public forest lands as well as the availability of traditional forest products, such as timber,” said BLM OR/WA State Director Barry Bushue. “Timber sales help to improve, maintain, and restore forest health, water quality, and fish and wildlife habitat and to reduce wildfire risk.” 

The Coos Bay District will offer the Blue Elk timber sale (14.6 million board feet, 423 public acres) near Scottsburg in Coos County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on July 25, at the Coos Bay District Office, 1300 Airport Ln, North Bend. 

The Northwest Oregon District  in Springfield will offer two sales in Lane County, the Creat-Panther timber sale (6.3 million board feet, 219 public acres) near Veneta; and the Linebacker timber sale (six million board feet across, 191 public acres) near Marcola. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on July 24, at the Northwest Oregon District Office, 3106 Pierce Pkwy E, Springfield. 

The Roseburg District will offer two sales near Oakland in Douglas County, the Mean Mustard timber sale (2.2 million board feet, 132 public acres); and the Sternbreaker timber sale 6.9 million board feet, 247 public acres). The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 10 a.m. on July 22, at the Roseburg District Office, 777 NW Garden Valley Blvd, Roseburg. 

The Northwest Oregon District in Salem will offer the Mary Ellen timber sale (12.7 million board feet, 284 public acres) near Molalla in Marion County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on July 23, at the Northwest Oregon District Office, 1717 Fabry Rd SE, Salem. 

The Medford District will offer the Big Dog timber sale (5.3 million board feet, 396 public acres) near Butte Falls in Jackson County. The BLM will accept written and oral bids at 9 a.m. on July 24, at the Medford District Office, 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford. 

In western Oregon, the BLM manages 2.4 million acres of some of the most productive forests in the world, and is committed to supplying a reliable, secure, and resilient domestic supply of timber. BLM forestry supports economic security, reduces risks from wildfire, conserves fish and wildlife habitat, and decreases costs of energy production. Local communities rely on jobs that come from BLM forests, and timber from public land feeds local industry. 

Each year, the BLM Oregon-Washington forestry program sales support approximately 2,000 local jobs and generate more than $1 billion for local economies. Revenue from timber sold on O&C lands is shared between the U.S. Treasury and 18 western Oregon counties. This funding provides local communities with the means to construct new county buildings; develop fairgrounds and museums; support libraries, schools, and jails; and build flood-control dams and reservoirs. 

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 

The 2025 Florence Visitors Guide and Chamber Directory is now available

The publication includes updated business listings, local attractions, and travel information for the Florence area. Free copies are available at the Florence Area Visitors Center. Local businesses can also request display stands and additional copies to distribute to customers. The guide is produced annually to provide resources for visitors and highlight points of interest throughout Oregon’s Coastal Playground.

The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office announced a man accused of assaulting an Army veteran during a political protest in Newport is facing a felony charge.

The indictment comes after Newport police arrested 41-year-old Jacob Busch after an investigation into an alleged assault in front of Newport City Hall during a political protest, Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office said.

Officials said video footage of the incident showed Busch quickly getting out of his parked car and running towards protesters before using his chest to push a 74-year-old Army veteran to the ground. According to the District Attorney’s Office, the man fell backward, hitting his head against the concrete sidewalk, and was later taken to the hospital for his injuries.

Later that day, Busch was arrested for misdemeanor fourth-degree assault, and was initially held in custody with bail set at $75,000.

Officials said based on the extent of the victim’s injuries, and Busch’s criminal record, Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Thornicroft presented the case to a grand jury with additional charges.On July 1, Busch was indicted for second-degree assault (serious physical injury), fourth-degree assault – felony (three prior convictions) and two counts of disorderly conduct.

Officials noted Busch was released by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on July 3 and later arraigned out-of-custody on the July indictment. Busch is out on release and will return to court on August 25 for an early resolution conference, the District Attorney’s Office said.

Oregon Lawmakers Send $100 Million for Coos Bay Channel Dredging in Preparation for Shipping Terminal

The $2.3 billion Port of Coos Bay and NorthPoint Development project will create an international cargo ship and rail terminal on the south coast.

Overall, the $2.3 billion project will create a deep-water terminal large enough for cargo ships to deliver massive shipping containers. Once the containers land at the Port of Coos Bay terminal, they’ll be loaded onto rail cars heading to cities like Eugene and shipped onward to local stores or to other parts of the country. Containers full of animal feed, wood products and other Oregon and U.S. exports will leave Coos Bay on cargo ships sailing to other countries.

The project could create as many as 2,500 permanent jobs and another 2,500 temporary construction positions.

Advocates hope the terminal will encourage a surge of economic development in the region, offering relief to an area that never fully recovered from the timber industry’s exit.

Opponents of the project point to negative environmental effects from dredging and question the need for such a service.

However, the state and federal government have signaled support for the development.

While more funding is needed to complete the international shipping terminal, Cribbins said it’s scored three federal grants in the last nine months. Together they total nearly $60 million, which will go toward designs for the rail terminal, upgrades to Coos Bay’s rail line and changes to a rail crossing on Highway 38 in Reedsport.

The project is expected to go through two more years of engineering and planning, Cribbins said. She hopes construction will start in time for the terminal to open in 2030.

“These early large investments are very important to make that happen,” she said. “It signals to the carriers and the shippers that this project is moving forward, and that it will be an option for moving goods in just 5 years, which is not actually that far away.” (SOURCE)

Wildlife Center of the North Coast  ·  Habitat Upgrade in Progress!

Our large pelican flight enclosure will soon get a much-needed pool remodel! This enclosure plays a vital role in the recovery of coastal birds, and at 150 feet long is the only space on the Oregon Coast specifically suited for rehabilitating Brown Pelicans, whose long migratory journeys demand strong flight muscles.

Because pelicans also need a “runway” to take off (running along the ground or water surface to gain lift) this extra-long space allows them ample room to fully extend their wings, build muscles, and practice sustained flight.

The enclosure also provides room to swim and practice natural behaviors in a safe, low-stress environment before they’re ready for release.The enclosure’s current pools have served hundreds of seabirds over the years, but heavy use and coastal weather have taken a toll. Soon, they’ll be replaced to better serve the needs of the birds in our care.

Stay tuned as we share more about the remodel and the seabirds who will benefit from it. We can’t wait to show you the upgraded space! Want to support projects like this? Visit CoastWildlife.org/donate to contribute to seabird care on Oregon’s North Coast.

The Lincoln County Assessor’s Office will be conducting a reappraisal of all accounts in and around Yachats.

Specific areas include (but are not limited to) the city of Yachats and surrounding area, including San Marine and Wakonda Beach. Appraisal staff will be driving county vehicles and carrying assessor’s office identification.

Physical reappraisals are routinely conducted to update the Lincoln County assessment records and maintain equitable assessments. Newly reappraised values in these areas will be reflected on the 2025-26 tax statements, which will be mailed in late October. Appraisal questions may be directed to appraisal staff by calling 541-265-4102.

Access to assessor’s office maps and property records continue to be available on the assessor’s web page at www.co.lincoln.or.us/assessor.

New e-Bike Rules Begin at Oregon State Parks and Ocean Shore

E-bikes are now permitted on most Oregon state park trails and wet sand areas of beaches, with some exceptions. Specifically, e-bikes can be used on wet sand, but not dry sand or dune areas, and not in designated snowy plover nesting areas. This change in policy went into effect on July 1, 2025. 

Electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) are now allowed on trails where other bicycles are allowed unless specifically prohibited at Oregon State Parks. 

E-bikes are also allowed on the ocean shore on wet sand except where specifically restricted.

Previously, e-bikes were only allowed on trails that were at least 8 feet wide. Signs will be posted on trails and areas where e-bikes are not allowed, and the trails and areas will be listed on the Oregon State Parks website.  

Where e-bikes are not allowed:

• On the dry sand along the ocean shore, including soft sand, dunes and everything above the natural high-tide line
• On the wet sand below the natural high-tide line in snowy plover habitat on the ocean shore during nesting season (March 15 to Sept. 15).
• Elijah Bristow State Park (all trails)
• Willamette Mission State Park (all equestrian trails and the Vision Trail)
• Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site (Riverside Trail)
• Emigrant Springs State Natural Area (Lewis and Clark Trail)

The updated rules also include stronger and clearer language on safety, particularly operation around other visitors, pets, children and equestrians.  

“We ask that all riders ride responsibly, stay on designated trails and yield to others at Oregon State Parks and the ocean shore. Please keep operating speeds low as people might not be aware that riders are approaching. These are multi-use pathways where they will share the trail with many other users,” said Aaron Raines, park manager at Stub Stewart State Park.  

The rules apply to Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes as defined by the Oregon State Legislature. Anything not included in those e-bike classifications is considered a motor vehicle and is not allowed on trails.  

E-bike classification: 

• Class 1: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph. 
• Class 2: May be propelled by its motor without a rider pedaling and ceases to provide assistance once the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph. 
• Class 3: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph, and is equipped with a speedometer. 

While education remains the primary focus for rule enforcement at Oregon State Parks, enforcement rangers do have the authority to issue citations, which carry fines starting at $100 for significant or repeated violations of park rules.  

Safety tips for sharing the path:  

• Yield to pedestrians, horses and slower users  
• Announce yourself when passing (“On your left”)  
• Ride at a safe, controlled speed, especially on corners or in high-use areas  
• Slow down near pets, children and equestrians  
• Stay on designated trails: do not ride off-trail  
• Be prepared to stop: e-bikes are heavier and often faster than regular bikes so increase your following distance to allow for more time to stop and slow down. 

For more information and a list of trails where e-bikes are prohibited, visit Oregon State Parks website at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.page&id=131

Yachats Lions Speaker Series in July

Yachats, OR – The Yachats Lions announces its speaker series for July. 

In 2024, the Yachats Lions Club launched a 14 date annual Speaker Series that is free to our community. Please join us! 

• Location, Yachats Lions Hall, 344 4th St, Yachats, Oregon.
• Doors open at 1:30pm and start time is at 2:00pm.

For more information about the July 13th speaker please visit this link and see the attached flyers.

 SOLVE Launches Summer with SOLVE Campaign to Take Action and Preserve Outdoor Spaces 

– Summer is here, and with it comes more opportunities to enjoy the PNW’s beaches, parks, and rivers. However, the increased outdoor activity also leads to more litter and strain on the environment. To combat this, SOLVE is launching its Summer with SOLVE campaign, designed to take action, connect communities, and celebrate the beauty of our region through environmental action.

“Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s also a time to ensure these spaces remain clean and sustainable for future generations,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “Together, we can create cleaner, more inviting spaces that reflect our pride in our region and our commitment to caring for the environment. By working together, we can make a significant impact and inspire others to join in the effort to protect our natural spaces that we love to enjoy, especially during summer.”

SOLVE kicked off summer with Pick It Up, Portland!, a citywide celebration on World Environment Day, June 5. The event focused on four different locations across Portland: Market Street Downtown, Holladay Park, Sellwood Riverfront Park, and Eastbank Esplanade. This was the first of many volunteer opportunities offered by SOLVE this summer, with more projects planned throughout the season, including the ongoing Waterway Cleanup Series, protecting the health of local rivers, streams and creeks.

What You’ll See This Summer

As outdoor recreation increases, SOLVE volunteers will:

• Remove litter from parks, neighborhoods, beaches, and riverbanks
• Maintain recreation sites and public green spaces
• Mulch around native trees and shrubs
• Remove invasive plant species that thrive in summer months like Japanese knotweed, Himalayan blackberry, and Scotch broom

Key Summer Events:

• Afterglow: Post-4th Cleanups (July 5-6): Volunteers will tackle the debris left behind from holiday celebrations to help restore outdoor spaces and shorelines.
• Willamette River Cleanup (August 9): A focused cleanup of the Willamette River, combating litter both on the water and along the riverbanks.
• Waterway Cleanup Series (ongoing through September): A series of cleanup efforts dedicated to preserving Oregon’s rivers and streams during the peak outdoor season.
• Monthly Detrash Portland Events: Community cleanups in Portland’s business districts, focusing on revitalizing key areas in the city.

Looking ahead, SOLVE is also preparing for its annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 20-28, part of the global International Coastal Cleanup, World Rivers Day and National Public Lands Day initiatives.

Join Summer with SOLVE

This summer, SOLVE invites you to take part in protecting and preserving the natural spaces that make our region special. Whether you’re volunteering at a cleanup event, leading your own group, or taking on a DIY project, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.

Try the Trash Bag Challenge—pick up a bag of litter, then challenge friends or coworkers to do the same. Pass the bag, spread the impact, and inspire others to take action.

Every effort counts. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods, parks, and waterways clean and beautiful for generations to come.

For more information about Summer with SOLVE and how to get involved, visit solveoregon.org/seasons or follow us on social media.

About SOLVE

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.

North Bend Gets $150K Grant for Downtown Rest Area Park Renovation

The City of North Bend is preparing to transform a highly visible but underutilized space into a vibrant, inclusive hub for both travelers and the local community, the City said in a media release. This is at the corner of California and Sherman Avenues.

Thanks to a $150,000 grant from Travel Oregon’s 2024-25 Competitive Grants Program, North Bend will move forward with construction of “The Hub Rest Area: Convenient, Accessible, and Inclusive Stop for Oregon Coast Travelers—a project that City leaders say will set a new standard for welcoming public infrastructure.”

The Hub is part of a multi-year vision to reshape the downtown pocket park located in front of the North Bend Visitor Information Center into a central gathering place and springboard for tourism, community events, and economic development.

United Way Report Shows Half of Households In Florence Area Earn Below Livable Income

Half, 50%, one in two households in and around Florence, from Mapleton to Dunes City, earn below a livable wage. It is an antiseptic way of describing how many families struggle each month to pay for a place to live, and for food, clothes, medicine, gas for their cars, and childcare for their kids.

The number comes from the United Way’s most recent ALICE report, using data from 2023 (the most recent complete data set available). By comparison, 42% of Oregon households and American households nationally earn below a sustainable income, according to the report. (READ MORE)

**The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annual point in time count, conducted in January 2024, found 22,875 of Oregon’s roughly 4.2 million residents experienced homelessness. About 62% of those individuals lacked shelter.

First Step Florence focuses on helping families in the Florence, Oregon  area  who are  in  need of safe, stable, transitional housing.  We offer the only transitional housing program in the Florence region. https://firststepflorence.org/

Supporters of Job Corps are asking the community to contact their congress members and urge them to help save the program.

While some students at the Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria are rushing to finish their courses, others are scrambling to figure out what comes next.

As the U.S. Department of Labor plans to shut down nearly 100 Job Corps Centers nationwide, including the Astoria facility, many of the students feel their futures are being threatened as the situation remains in limbo.

The closure will mean the elimination of 168 jobs, including instructors, admissions counselors and advisers, according to a new filing with Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission, which is required when mass layoffs occur.

Job Corps is a free vocational training program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for people ages 16 to 24. The Labor Department said last month it would “pause” the program.

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer — who for one term represented Oregon’s 5th Congressional District — said the program “is no longer achieving the intended outcomes that students deserve.”

The contract for the Astoria center was “terminated” as of June 30, according to the state filing. A new operator is not expected to be named.

“The U.S. Department of Labor ordered Tongue Point to send all students home by June 6th,” Oregon U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley said in a May statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive.

“This sudden shutdown of programs at the three Job Corps sites in Oregon is a devastating blow to the hundreds of youth striving to learn a craft and stand on their own feet,” Merkley added. “I’ll do what I can to reverse this brutal decision.” ——— Tongue Point Job Corp Center: https://tonguepoint.jobcorps.gov/

Southern Oregon Coast Pride   ·  We’re Hiring!

Southern Oregon Coast Pride is looking for a passionate, organized, and community-rooted leader to join our team as a Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator! Semi-Remote | Based in Coos, Curry, or Del Norte Counties Full-Time | $55K–$58K + benefits Flexible schedule with evenings/weekends as needed Travel required within Coos & Curry Counties (mileage reimbursed)

You’ll lead event planning for Pride in the Park, support our Gender Affirmation Closet, organize volunteers, and help foster joy and resilience in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Center equity. Build relationships. Uplift community. Review the job description: http://bit.ly/40gCrI2 and send your resume + cover letter to Laura Erceg at pride@unitedwayswo.org.

Cannon Beach Gallery   · Calling all Artists!

Our 2026 submission window is now open. Any interested artists can submit a proposal online to be featured in our main gallery space. All applications should include digital images of artwork and a written description of what the artist is proposing to exhibit, along with any other materials that may help the Gallery Committee make selections.

The Committee reviews artist’s packets during the Month of August. Deadline: July 31, 2025.Link to Application:https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdk4S5X7N8…/viewform…

Friends of Haystack Rock  · We have puffins!

Check out our website, Friendsofhaystackrock.org to see them live! We have our webcam zoomed in on a couple active burrows. Your best chance to see them is in the morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Brooking’s Capella by the Sea Seeks Volunteers

The City of Brookings is calling for volunteers to help keep the Capella by the Sea open to the public beginning May 1st. The chapel was built in 2008 and donated in 2009 by Oscar-winning film producer Elmo Williams as a memorial to his late wife, Lorraine.

Michelle Robidoux is the Public Works and Development Services Administrative Assistant for the City of Brookings. “We like to keep the Capella open to the public May through October, and again during Nature’s Coastal Holiday,” Robidoux said. “But to do that, we rely on volunteers.”

Due to previous volunteers aging out, the city is now facing a shortage and hopes to recruit new faces. Volunteers work two-hour shifts, simply welcoming visitors and enjoying the calm space. “It’s a great way to meet people, build your resume, and give back to the community,” Robidoux said.

The Capella is typically open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, though hours may vary based on volunteer availability. To get involved, contact Michelle Robidoux at 541-469-1103. — https://www.brookings.or.us/facilities/facility/details/capellabythesea-2

Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission New License Plate To Help Support Oregon’s Dungeness Crab Industry

Oregon’s Dungeness crab fuels families, $68M a year industry — According to the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, Dungeness crab fishing typically brings in more money than every other type of fishing in the state.

Right now, the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission is working on a license plate that would help support Oregon’s Dungeness crab industry.

Celebrate Oregon’s coastal heritage and show your support for one of the state’s most iconic industries with the new Oregon Dungeness Crab license plate! This eye-catching design features a bold, bright orange Oregon Dungeness crab against a light blue sea background, inspired by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission logo.

By purchasing this specialty plate, you’re not only adding a unique touch to your vehicle but also supporting vital programs that sustain and promote Oregon’s Dungeness crab fishery.”Get your License Plate Here – https://oregondungeness.org/new-licence-plate/ —- Learn More with Our FAQs

The first round of 2025 Cape Perpetua Collaborative Tidepool Ambassador Tours are just on the horizon! Do you have your spots reserved?Join Jamie, Amber, and Liz during the lowest tides of the season, for educational tours around the marine reserve! Meet a wide variety of local flora and fauna, learn about Oregons Marine Reserves, and discover how you can be a vital steward for protecting these sensitive environments.Swim on over to our site at capeperpetuacollaborative.org and scroll down to our events calendar, or directly on our eventbrite-https://www.eventbrite.com/…/cape-perpetua…

Oregon’s Shore Acres State Park Volunteer Days – Chance to Give Back

Shore Acres State Park will host Garden Volunteer Days once a month April through September to give visitors a chance to volunteer in the garden.

Volunteers can learn how to prune a rose or maintain a 100-year-old-lily pond as they work alongside rangers in caring for the beautiful gardens at 89526 Cape Arago Highway, Coos Bay.

Garden Volunteer Days run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

• July 18: Garden cleanup including weeding, trimming, mowing, mulching, planting, rose pruning and pulling invasive plants. Ages 14 and older.
• Aug. 15: English Ivy pull to help remove this invasive species from the garden. For ages 14 and older.
• Sept. 19: Garden cleanup including weeding, trimming, mowing, mulching, planting, rose pruning and pulling invasive plants. Ages 14 and older.

Participants should be prepared to travel a short distance on uneven ground at the service site. Service will take place outdoors, and volunteers should be comfortable wearing work gloves and using hand tools. Gloves, hand tools and morning snacks are provided. Bring a lunch.

Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. Please contact Park Ranger Jess Hayward with any questions at Jess.hayward@oprd.oregon.gov or 541-888-3732.

Shore Acres features a formal garden with plants and flowers from all over the world. It includes a Japanese-style garden with lily pond and two curated rose gardens that include All-American Rose Selections. Something is in bloom almost every day of the year: the first spring bulbs pop up in late February; rhododendrons and azaleas soon follow; roses bloom through the summer; and dahlias appear August through mid-October.

Respect Nesting Areas to Protect Threatened Snowy Plover on the Oregon Coast Through Sept. 15

 – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Siuslaw National Forest remind visitors to the Oregon coast that it is plover nesting season ­— beachgoers can help recovery efforts for the threatened western snowy plover March 15 to Sept. 15.

Sensitive plover nesting areas are identified on maps for the northern Oregon Coast and southern Oregon Coast. Signs may be present at trailheads with additional rules and limits, such as staying on the wet sand and no dogs even on a leash, to help protect the small shorebirds and their exposed nests during this crucial period. Visitors may also see rope fencing in dry sand areas; this fencing delineates some, but not all, of the critical plover habitat that should be avoided.

Reminders for recreation on designated plover beaches March 15-Sept. 15:

• The following are not permitted: dogs (even on a leash), driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, operating electric-assisted bicycles, camping, burning wood, flying kites or operating drones.
• Foot and equestrian traffic are permitted below the high-tide line on hard packed sand.
• Respect signs and barriers to protect nesting habitat.

“With the support of the public and improvements to plover habitat, we’re making great strides in reversing the decline of this species,” said Cindy Burns, Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist. “Keep doing your part to understand nesting season rules and to share the beach this spring and summer.”

More information on the snowy plover, including detailed maps of nesting sites, can be found on the Oregon State Parks website (oregon.gov/plovers) and on the Siuslaw National Forest website (https://t.ly/AKPAN). Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area can review Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) maps to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand.

Volunteers are being sought to help prepare and serve lunch three times a week at the Florence Senior and Activity Center.  

They serve lunch Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. Both programs, the in-house dining known as Cafe 60, and Meals on Wheels, are very important in helping promote socialization and nutrition for older adults in Lane County.  Volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels use their own vehicles, but they can be reimbursed for their mileage.  The Lane Council of Governments operates the Senior and Disabled Services in Lane County.  Alisa Andrion encourages potential volunteers to give her a call at L-COG, 541-682-1366.

Coos Bay Police Department –  WE’RE HIRING 9-1-1 DISPATCHERS

$4684 – $5972/Month DOQ — We offer:•A dynamic team environment •Alternative schedule benefiting work/life balance •Up to 5 weeks paid time off per year after the first year •The opportunity to serve your community

Our team members have come from a variety of work fields- no experience necessary! For additional information from the North Coos 9-1-1 Recruitment Team or to schedule a ride-along please email: join911@coosbayor.govhttps://www.coosbayor.gov/…/Compon…/JobPosts/Job/126/107

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

Look what’s coming up soon at the Club… (sign up at glenedenbeach.org)

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

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

OHA 2025 Oregon Beach Monitoring Season

Agency lists monitored beaches for May-September

—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is kicking off the 2025 season by announcing the coastal recreation areas it will be keeping an eye on for bacteria during summer and early fall.

The OBMP, based at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division, monitors some of the most frequently visited beaches in the state.

The list includes beaches where the program has found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution.

• To see a video about Oregon’s beach monitoring effort, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82GVixgeGsM

The following beaches are being monitored this season, including name, and the city and county in which they are located:

• Seaside Beach – Seaside, Clatsop County
• Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Tolovana Beach State Park– Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park) – Arch Cape, Tillamook County
• Manzanita Beach – Manzanita, Tillamook County
• Rockaway Beach – Rockaway, Tillamook County
• Twin Rocks Beach – Twin Rocks, Tillamook County
• Oceanside Beach – Oceanside, Tillamook County
• Cape Kiwanda Beach – Pacific City, Tillamook County
• Neskowin Beach – Neskowin, Tillamook County
• D River Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Siletz Bay Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Beverly Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Agate Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Nye Beach – Newport, Lincoln City
• Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln City
• Seal Rock Beach – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Heceta Beach – Florence, Lane County
• Bastendorff Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Sunset Bay State Park Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Hubbard Creek Beach – Port Orford, Curry County
• Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, Curry County
• Mill Beach – Brookings, Curry County
• Crissey Fields State Recreation Site – Brookings, Curry County

The OBMP season runs from mid-May to mid-September.  Advisories are issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within this sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in upcoming seasons.

The OBMP works with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to determine beaches that need monitoring based on several criteria. These criteria include pollution hazards present; previous monitoring data that identify water quality concerns; type and amount of beach use; and public input.

As part of an adaptive sampling plan, beaches and sampling locations are routinely re-evaluated to ensure available resources best protect public health. A copy of DEQ’s beach evaluation is available upon request.

For more information and current beach monitoring conditions please visit: www.healthoregon.org/beach — https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/healthyenvironments/recreation/beachwaterquality/pages/status.aspx

Oregon Department of Forestry deploys incident management team to Southwest Oregon

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has deployed Incident Management Team 3 (IMT 3) to the ODF Southwest Oregon District to assist district personnel following last night’s lightning.

Over the last 24 hours the ODF Southwest Oregon District has confirmed over 72 known fires across Jackson and Josephine counties and been actively engaged across the board, straining all resources in the district.  ODF IMT 3 will support the district by relieving the local resources and allowing them to focus on suppressing smaller fires and initial attack on new fires.

“Our firefighters have been working around the clock to keep these fires as small as we can, but resources are becoming limited, especially with other incidents across Oregon and the country competing for the same emergency response professionals,” ODF Southwest Oregon District Forester Dan Quinones said. “Bringing in ODF IMT 3 will allow us to regain our strength locally, handing some of these fires off to firefighters who hold the same drive to take them off the map as quickly as possible. Protecting our communities and putting out fires remain our top priorities.”

ODF resources continue to work with federal partners at the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as well as local and county structural fire departments. This teamwork is a direct reflection of the complete and coordinated fire response system in southern Oregon.

The team will in brief at 12 p.m., July 9, and take command of the complex at 6 p.m.

High fire danger is currently in effect on ODF-protected land in Jackson and Josephine counties. As firefighters work to extinguish these natural fire starts, help prevent new human-caused fires from sparking by following all regulations currently in place: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/. Click or tap if you trust this link.”>https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/.

For current fire information, please follow ODF Southwest Oregon’s Facebook page.

Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizing task forces to Southern Oregon

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing two structural task forces from Benton and Lane counties to the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon through Immediate Response. The agency is surging capacity as local structural and wildland firefighters have been busy responding to wildfires on Tuesday. The request for additional aid was made by the Rogue Valley Fire Defense Board Chief.  

“Much of Oregon is being challenged by recent heat, Red Flag Warnings, and more lightning in the forecast,” Chief Deputy Travis Medema said. “The local fire agencies in Southern Oregon are stretched, and we are using the power of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to bring in extra help.” 

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is continuing to monitor the situation and adjust aid as needed. Immediate Response allows the agency to send resources without having the Emergency Conflagration Act invoked. The goal of this response tool is to surge resources to keep fires small and away from communities, preventing costly wildfires. 

With the forecast calling for more lightning and hot temperatures in the extended forecast, the Oregon State Fire Marshal is asking all Oregonians to do their part in preventing human-caused wildfires. Oregonians can find wildfire prevention and preparedness information and resources at https://preventwildfires.oregon.gov.  

About the Oregon State Fire Marshal   
The Oregon State Fire Marshal became an independent state agency in July 2023. The agency is dedicated to protecting people, property, and the environment from fire and hazardous materials. The OSFM works with local fire agencies, communities, and other partners to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness, and response statewide. Please note: the Oregon State Fire Marshal is no longer an office.   

7/9 – 4 am – 21 FIRES  Southern Oregon Fires  due to lightning strikes

CHECK YOUR AREA FOR EVACUATION: https://protect.genasys.com/fullscreenMap…

1. HINKLEY GULCH FIRE  2. JIM ME PEAK FIRE  3. PALMER PEAK FIRE  4. KENNY FIRE  5. BALDY FIRE  6. GRAYBACK FIRE  7. ASH FLATS FIRE  8. SUMMIT FIRE  9. DEADMAN FIRE  10. WATERS GULCH FIRE  11. SULPHER SPRINGS FIRE  12. LITTLE LICK CREEK FIRE  13. VEGETATION FIRE  14. DEADMAN FIRE  15. LOWER FIRE  16. LATGAWA FIRE  17. POOLE FIRE  18. HEPPSIE MOUNTAIN FIRE  19. DEMING GULCH FIRE  20. NEIL CREEK FIRE  21. RIVER FIRE 

Fire Season INFO

As of July 1, all Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts are in fire season. This means that to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, fire restrictions may be in place where you live or at a destination you plan to visit or recreate. 

Here are some links regarding fire info for mainly Oregon.These links are very important and are updated daily.

* Northwest Coordination Centerhttps://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/fire_info.php…

* Central Oregon Fire Info Bloghttps://centraloregonfire.org/

* Lane County/Oregon Fire Updates – FB Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/650665385833845

* Oregon Fires 2025 FB pagehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1481912815460351

* South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership – SCOFMPhttps://www.facebook.com/SCOFMPFIREINFO

* US Forest Service – Deschuteshttps://www.facebook.com/deschutesnationalforest

* Rouge Weather – THE DAILY WILDLAND FIRE BRIEFINGhttps://www.facebook.com/RogueWeatherNow…

* Wildfire Trackerhttps://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map

* Watch Duty websitehttps://www.watchduty.org/

* Watch Duty FB Page –https://www.facebook.com/watchdutyapp

* Pacific Aerial Firefighting Aircrafthttps://www.facebook.com/groups/344050713692737/

“We have already experienced several large fires in the state this year and anticipate fire behavior to be progressively more volatile. RIGHT NOW is the time to practice fire prevention and preparedness,” said Michael Curran, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Protection Division Chief. 

As we move into the Fourth of July and the holiday weekend, it’s important to remember that forests and fireworks DO NOT MIX. Private use of fireworks is not allowed on forest land, which includes all private lands protected by ODF and all other state and federal forest lands in Oregon. Remember to check any additional city and county firework restrictions as well.  

Curran said, “Prevention is our number one tool to reduce property loss, firefighting costs, and risk to the lives of our firefighters. We can’t prevent lightning fires, but we can prevent human-caused fires.”

Now is the time to brush up on your wildfire prevention knowledge. Tips include:

• Know before you go. Campfires may be banned or only allowed in approved campgrounds.
• Make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before going to sleep or leaving your site. Don’t forget to Drown, Stir, Repeat. 
• Backyard debris burning either requires a burn permit during fire season or is prohibited altogether. If you burned earlier this spring, go back and check on your debris burn site to make sure nothing reignites due to the heat.
• Don’t flick a cigarette onto the ground. It may be just enough to start a fire.
• Don’t park or idle over dried grass.
• Don’t drag tow chains.
• Check local restrictions and fire danger levels.

ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state, and federal land in Oregon from wildfire. Fire season is declared at the local level when conditions reach a point where the risk of a fire starting and spreading becomes clear. This year, the Southwest Oregon district was the first to declare on June 1, and the North Cascade District was the last to declare on July 1. For more information on how you can help prevent wildfires, visit keeporegongreen.org. 

Lawsuit Aims to Protect Oregon’s Crater Lake Newt From Extinction

The Center for Biological Diversity sued the Trump administration today for delaying critically needed Endangered Species Act protections for the Crater Lake newt. The newts live only in Oregon’s Crater Lake, and their population has crashed to as few as 13 animals in recent years because of the introduction of signal crayfish and warming lake temperatures from climate change.

“Crater Lake newts are on the brink of extinction and if the government waits any longer to protect them it’ll be really tough for these imperiled amphibians to recover,” said Chelsea Stewart-Fusek, an endangered species attorney at the Center. “These tiny newts are part of what makes Crater Lake so special to Oregonians and the hundreds of thousands of people who visit every year. They’re absolutely worth protecting.”

Following a Center legal petition in 2023, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the Crater Lake newt may qualify for protection under the Endangered Species Act. But the Service has yet to enact any protections for the species, and the Trump administration’s cuts to federal agencies will make it harder to recover imperiled wildlife and maintain Crater Lake National Park’s ecosystems.

Crater Lake newts, also known as Mazama newts, are a subspecies of the more widely distributed rough-skinned newt. While the rough-skinned newt produces a potent neurotoxin to deter predators, the Crater Lake newt is adapted to being at the top of the lake’s aquatic food chain and lacks any predator defense mechanisms. (READ MORE) The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.8 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

Sheriff’s Office Releases Incident Details on Medford Police Officer-Involved Shooting

MPD Case 25-11269 — MEDFORD, Ore. – Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit (MADIU) detectives are investigating the Medford Police Department (MPD) officer-involved shooting that occurred Friday, July 4 in Hawthorne Park. As part of the MADIU investigation, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO)and Oregon State Police detectives arrived on scene shortly after the incident. JCSO has taken the lead in the investigation. It is standard protocol for an outside agency to take the lead in officer-involved shooting investigations. 

Approximately 8 AM on Friday, July 4, an MPD officer encountered a suspect with a felony warrant along the Bear Creek Greenway in Hawthorne Park. The suspect, Salvador Alex Sanchez, 55, a Medford area transient, was wanted for two counts of unlawful use of a weapon for an incident that occurred earlier this year. The MPD officer called for backup when Sanchez became uncooperative and armed himself with a large, fixed-bladed knife.

Sanchez ignored several requests to drop the knife and advanced at an officer on scene. The officer fired their handgun, striking Sanchez. Officers quickly provided aid to Sanchez and a Mercy Flights ambulance arrived in less than five minutes. Sanchez was transported to a local hospital where he remains in custody in the intensive care unit in stable condition.

On Monday, July 7, the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Sanchez for attempted first-degree assault, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon, resisting arrest, and attempted second-degree escape related to this incident. A Jackson County Grand Jury is scheduled to convene to consider those charges and to decide whether the use of deadly force against him was justified under Oregon law. The two officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, pending that Grand Jury determination, which is standard protocol in Jackson County.

More information will come from the District Attorney’s Office following Grand Jury. There is no further information available for release at this time.

Oregon leaders, anti-hunger advocates warn of ‘deeply alarming’ SNAP cuts in GOP megabill 

State agency in charge of food benefit payments still currently assessing any potential changes

Oregon will see rising rates of hunger and costly administrative backlogs due to the recently passed GOP megabill that cuts federal food aid to states, according to Oregon leaders and advocates aiming to blunt the fallout of what one Oregon Congresswoman called the “single largest rollback of food aid in American history.”

The GOP tax and spending bill, which Trump signed into law on Friday, slashes over $186 billion in spending over the next decade on the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP. The federal SNAP program helps more than 700,000 Oregonians afford groceries, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and it has been around as a permanent program since the mid-1960s when then-President Lyndon Johnson signed it into law as part of his declared “war on poverty.” 

Gov. Tina Kotek on Thursday slammed the Republican bill as a tax giveaway to the richest Americans, directing state agencies to assess any policy changes necessary to ameliorate the loss of federal support for aid to low-income Oregonians. The state Department of Human Services, which helps administer the SNAP program in Oregon, estimates that the reduction in SNAP funding from the federal government will cost the agency an additional $425 million per year, which could potentially lead to layoffs and scaled back services at SNAP offices across the state.

“The federal budget shifts unsustainable costs to the state and will take food off the table of Oregonians,” department spokesman Jake Sunderland said in an emailed statement. “These cuts directly undermine the health and stability of our communities.”

The White House argues that the bill protects SNAP by combating alledged fraud and encouraging “able bodied adults” to work and earn more income, saving the program for what it says are “the truly needy.” The Republican legislation makes more than half a dozen changes to major benefits in the existing SNAP programs based on factors like immigration and work status.

“We know that SNAP benefits typically last an average family less than about three weeks out of the month. That’s why we see people who need both SNAP and our food pantries,” said Matt Newell-Ching, a lobbyist and policy manager for the Oregon Food Bank. “This is going to be a real challenge for our network to absorb.”

Ritz cracker sandwiches recalled over packaging error that could cause life-threatening allergic reactions to peanuts

Some Ritz cracker sandwiches are being pulled from store shelves nationwide after a labeling mix-up that could pose a serious and even life-threatening risk to people with peanut allergies.

Mondelēz Global LLC, the manufacturer behind the snack brand, has issued a voluntary recall of several varieties of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches. 

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, some individually wrapped packages inside may be incorrectly labeled as the cheese variety, despite actually containing peanut butter crackers. 

While the outer boxes are correctly labeled and include allergen information stating the product contains peanuts, the individual wrappers inside do not.

“People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to peanuts may risk serious or life-threatening allergic reactions by consuming this product,” the FDA said in its recall alert.

The affected products were sold nationwide and include specific 8-count, 20-count, and 40-count cartons of Ritz Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches, along with the 20-count RITZ Filled Cracker Sandwich Variety Pack. 

The recalled items have “Best When used By” dates ranging from Nov. 1-9, 2025 and Jan. 2-22, 2026. Recalled products include:

• RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches (8-count, 11.4 oz.): Best by: Nov. 1–9, 2025, Plant code: AE
• RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches (20-count, 27.6 oz.): Best by: Nov. 1–9, 2025 and Jan. 2–22, 2026, Plant code: AE
• RITZ Peanut Butter Cracker Sandwiches (40-count, 55.2 oz.): Best by: Nov. 1–9, 2025 and Jan. 2–22, 2026, Plant code: AM
•  RITZ Filled Cracker Sandwich Variety Pack (20-count, 27.3 oz.): Best by: Nov. 2–9, 2025, Plant code: RJ

The recalled Ritz cracker sandwiches were sold at Walmart stores in all 50 states, at Target and at other national retailers. 

There have been no reported illnesses or injuries, as of now, according to the recall. 

The manufacturer said it had discovered “that film packaging rolls used to package individually wrapped products containing peanut butter may contain defects due to a supplier error.”

Customers with peanut allergies are advised not to eat the affected products and to throw them away. More information is available at www.mondelezinternational.com or by calling 1-844-366-1171.

Cold Case Homicide Solved in Josephine County

Teresa Peroni

RELEASE DATE: June 30, 2025
INCIDENT: Homicide- Cold Case

INCIDENT DATE: July 1983

REPORTING DEPUTY: Detective Sergeant Henrich

ARRESTED: 72-year-old, Mark Sanfratello

DETAILS: In February of 2024, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Oregon Department of Justice, Josephine County District Attorney’s Office and the Chico California Police Department, re-opened the investigation regarding the 1983 disappearance and murder of Teresa Peroni.

At the time,Teresa was 27 years old and was known to be in a relationship with Mark Sanfratello who was 29. On or around July 4th, 1983, Teresa was last seen with Sanfratello walking into a wooded area while attending a party in the 1000 block of Illinois River Road.

After a short time, the family of Peroni reported her missing and an investigation took place. During this initial investigation, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office found the disappearance to be suspicious in nature. However, after the investigation with the Josephine County District Attorney’s Office, in was determined that there was not enough probable cause to move forward with criminal prosecution.

In 1997, a human skull was located by individuals on a nearby property and a search took place with the use of a cadaver dog and search personnel. No other human remains were located and the skull was sent for examination and DNA testing through the University of North Texas (UNT).

In 2024, the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office re-opened the investigation. The Sheriff’s Office started by looking for any known individuals still alive that had some type of involvement with the cold case and knew details of the initial Peroni investigation. Additional DNA was collected and submitted to UNT. With the additional DNA, UNT was able to confirm the skull located in 1997 was that of Peroni.

On June 27th, 2025, after locating multiple individuals associated with Peroni, DNA results and the original case/investigation, a Josephine County Grand Jury indicted Sanfratello on the charge of Murder.

On June 28th, 2025, with the assistance of The Chico Police Department, Sanfratello was located and taken into custody without incident. Subsequently, he was questioned regarding his involvement with the disappearance and murder of Peroni.

Sanfratello remains in custody in California and will be extradited back to Josephine County. Next of kin has been notified of the status of this case.  —  At the time of this press release, no further information is being released.

Webinar series to honor 35 years of disability civil rights each week of July

— The public is invited to a series of free webinars featuring conversations with disabilities advocates, experts and influencers who will share the latest information on educational and employment access, challenging perceptions about disabilities, as well as how to remove barriers.

Topics by date are:

• July 8: Striving for educational access and equity for students with disabilities
• July 15: Working toward equal access employment for people with disabilities
• July 22: Hannah and Shane Burcaw, who host YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs on changing perceptions about disabilities
• July 29: Oregon’s journey to accessibility: removing barriers

The free weekly webinar series is being hosted by Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC), Oregon Department of Human Services, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon in recognition and celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“The Americans with Disabilities Act was a landmark victory in the fight for civil rights, laying the foundation for greater equity and independence. The anniversary of the Act is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible Oregon for people with disabilities,” said Mark King, Chair of ODC. “We are grateful to our co-hosts for their partnership in presenting the upcoming webinar series. Their collaboration helps ensure we continue to educate, engage and advocate in ways that honor the spirit and impact of the ADA.”

The series will take place every Tuesday throughout July, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time, beginning July 8. The sessions are open to the public, and registration is now available through the event web page on Zoom.

The series will be accessible to people with disabilities and will be translated into Spanish. Captioning and American Sign Language interpretation will also be provided. For questions about accessibility for the webinar series, or to request an accommodation, contact egonDisabilities.Commission@odhsoha.oregon.gov“>OregonDisabilities.Commission@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

More information about the series, including presenter biographies and shareable flyers, will be shared on the Oregon Department of Human Services ADA event web page.

About the Oregon Disabilities Commission: The Oregon Disabilities Commission is charged by state statute to advise the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving the full economic, social, legal and political equity of individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

Kyron Horman disappearance investigation continues 15 years later as police digitize case files

Law enforcement is scanning and documenting thousands of pages of reports, photos and evidence to be digitized, 15 years after Kyron’s disappearance.

As the 15th anniversary of Kyron Horman’s disappearance approaches, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) says its investigation into his disappearance remains ongoing, announcing that case files will be digitized.

The MCSO and Gresham Police detectives are scanning and documenting thousands of pages of reports, photos and evidence to be digitized. When the case is digitized, the file will be reexamined by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, laying out the foundation “for a fresh and comprehensive review of the entire investigation,” according to MCSO.

MCSO detectives in the coming months will meet with Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez and his team to further evaluate.

Kyron was last seen on the morning of June 4, 2010, at a science fair at Skyline Elementary School in Portland.

A $50,000 reward remains available for information leading to the resolution of Kyron’s disappearance. Anyone with information is asked to call MCSO’s tipline at 503-988-0560, email tips@mcso.us or reach out to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) via 1-800-THE-LOST or online at the NCMEC CyberTipLine. (SOURCE)

Summer EBT for school-aged children returns for second year

Need to know:

• Oregon Summer EBT is a federal benefits program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer.
• Oregon expects to provide up to 370,000 school-aged children with around $40 million in Summer EBT food benefits this year.
• Each eligible child receives a one-time payment of $120 in food benefits.
• About 341,500 eligible children received Summer EBT automatically on May 22, 2025 but some families need to apply.

(Salem, OR) – Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) is a food benefits program that helps shrink the hunger gap when children are on summer break and don’t have easy access to healthy meals at school. Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible child to buy food.

This is the second year of Oregon’s Summer EBT program. On May 22, 2025, about 336,000 children got the benefit on an Oregon EBT card. Families should check their EBT card balance at www.ebtedge.com to confirm receipt.

Families who didn’t automatically get Summer EBT on May 22, 2025 should check program requirements before applying. Families can check requirements at sebt.oregon.gov or by contacting the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328. The Call Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., PDT. Apply online in English and Spanish or with a paper application in multiple languages at sebt.oregon.gov.

“When school doors close for the summer, the need for regular, healthy meals doesn’t disappear. Last year, the summer EBT program bridged a critical gap for thousands of Oregon families, helping to replace those essential 10 meals per child, per week, that they receive when school is in session,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). “We are proud to continue this partnership with ODHS to not only feed children, but to nurture their potential during crucial developmental months. Our continued commitment ensures that summer can be a season of growth and opportunity for all children, regardless of their economic circumstances.”

In 2024, about 362,000 children participated and received $43 million in Summer EBT food benefits their families spent in their local grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places.

“Summer EBT is one more way we can prevent kids from going hungry when school is out. Summer EBT is an evidence-based program proven to reduce child hunger and support healthier diets,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director. “Child hunger can have lasting impacts on health and academic achievement. Getting every eligible child connected to Summer EBT will help Oregon’s children thrive year-round and as they grow up.”

Who is eligible for Summer EBT food benefits? Families can find details about Summer EBT at sebt.oregon.gov.

Your school-age child may be automatically eligible if:

• Your family received Summer EBT benefits through an approved application in 2024.
• Your family gets SNAP, TANF or Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) and meets income rules.
• Your child gets free or reduced-price school meals and meets income rules.
• Your child is in foster care, in migrant education, in a qualified Head Start, experiencing homelessness, or part of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).

Children who are automatically eligible received Summer EBT on May 22, 2025.

Your school-age child may be eligible by application if:

• Your family meets the federal income requirements for free or reduced-price meals at school, and
• Your child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Families must apply by Sept. 3, 2025.

Receiving Summer EBT does not impact participation in other summer meal programs.

Summer EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test and are available to children regardless of immigration status.

How will families receive Summer EBT food benefits?

The benefits will be placed on an Oregon EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and more.

Families that need a new card should call 855-328-6715, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT).

Families that think their children may be eligible and didn’t get benefits on May 22 must apply by September 3. If approved, they will receive an Oregon EBT card by mail.

Stolen Summer EBT benefits can’t be replaced.

You can protect your Oregon EBT card and benefits from electronic theft by following a few simple tips.

Where can families get more information? To learn more, or to apply, visit sebt.oregon.gov.

Call the Oregon Summer EBT Call Center at 1-833-673-7328 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT) on weekdays. All relay calls accepted.

More about Summer EBT – Summer EBT became a permanent program for states and certain Indian Tribal Organizations through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Most states began providing Summer EBT in June 2024. Oregon’s participation was made possible through an investment from the Oregon State Legislature of $12 million. That investment will draw $83 million in federal funding to Oregon, mostly in the form of food benefits families will spend in their communities.

Additional resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
• Find summer meal sites:  https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or https://www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
• Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: https://www.caporegon.org/find-help

OHA to issue algae warnings when dog deaths reported 

As summer approaches, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reminds people heading outdoors to enjoy the state’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs to be on the look-out for potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms.

To help, OHA is adding a tool reporting the possible presence of cyanobacteria in freshwater lakes and rivers statewide. Starting immediately, OHA will issue pre-emptive public warnings following reports of dog illnesses or deaths possibly resulting from cyanotoxin exposure.

OHA advises recreational visitors to always be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms in the water and in mats attached to the ground or rocks. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab. 

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com