Oregon Beach News, Friday 8/15 – DOT Grants Advance Port of Coos Bay’s PCIP, New Sleep Study Center Opens in Gold Beach & 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

Friday, August 15, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Stay updated with the National Weather Service and NOAA for the latest information on evolving conditions.

DOT Grants Advance Port of Coos Bay’s PCIP

The Oregon Port of Coos Bay has executed two major federal grant agreements with the U.S. Department of Transportation, a pivotal milestone for the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port, or PCIP, and reinforcing the growing momentum behind the region’s significant infrastructure efforts.

The executed grants – awarded through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements, or CRISI; and Railroad Crossing Elimination (RCE) programs – unlock more than US$33 million in federal investment for early-phase work that will modernize rail infrastructure and improve public safety.

Combined with nearly US$21 million in matching funds, these commitments lay critical groundwork for construction and set the stage for development of the modern terminal on Oregon’s South Coast.

“This is a transformational moment, not just for our region, but for the way goods move across the country,” said Melissa Cribbins, executive director of the PCIP project. “With key federal approvals now in place, we are moving toward construction – reducing freight congestion, creating new career-path jobs, and unlocking a future of more efficient cargo movement.”

The PCIP is designed around what the project team calls the “three-legged stool”:

• Building a modern, greenfield container terminal on the North Spit of Coos Bay.

• Deepening and widening the Coos Bay Navigation Channel.

• Comprehensive upgrades to the Coos Bay Rail Line (CBRL), a 115-mile freight corridor linking the port to the Class I rail network in Eugene through the Union Pacific Railyard.

Together, these elements will establish a direct ship-to-rail connection – creating a resilient, low-emission route for containerized exports and imports and positioning Coos Bay as a key logistics gateway for rural and underserved markets across the western states.

The US$29.75 million CRISI grant will fund detailed planning, permitting and engineering for sweeping upgrades to the CBRL – including track replacement, tunnel heightening, bridge rehabilitation and new sidings – along with improvements at Union Pacific’s Eugene yard to support seamless Class I interchange. The US$4 million RCE grant will advance planning for a new overcrossing at OR 38 in Reedsport, which will eliminate a key at-grade crossing and significantly improve community safety and emergency response.

With federal commitments secured and project planning well underway, the Port and its private partner, North Point Development, begins permitting and design.

Chad Meyer, president of NorthPoint Development, said: “We’re committed to working alongside the port and the people of Oregon to deliver a new model for supply chain access – one that’s resilient, sustainable and rooted in this community.”

The PCIP previously secured federal support through the INFRA, CRISI and RCE programs. The port commission’s approval of these grant agreements at their July Commission meeting green lights pre-construction work in earnest– marking an inflection point in the project’s development. (SOURCE)

New Sleep Study Center Opens in Gold Beach

Curry Health Network is proud to announce the successful launch of the Curry Sleep Center at Curry General Hospital in Gold Beach, now open and already serving patients. After more than a year of preparation and collaboration, the Sleep Center welcomed its first patient on June 30th, bringing accredited, hospital-based sleep services to the community for the very first time.

The Curry Sleep Center (CSC) is fully accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the national leader in setting standards for sleep care. This accreditation confirms that CSC meets rigorous national criteria for clinical quality, patient safety, staff qualifications, and long-term outcomes.

The Sleep Center offers both overnight, in-lab sleep studies and Home Sleep Apnea Testing (HSAT), enabling the diagnosis of common and serious conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, parasomnias, and restless legs syndrome. Left untreated, sleep disorders can lead to serious health risks including high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and depression.

With the opening of this center, CHN continues to expand access to advanced care, because better sleep leads to better health. To learn more, visit CurryHealthNetwork.com or call: 541-247-3060 for more information.

U.S. Forest Service- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

·WILDFIRE UPDATE – 08.15.25 – 9:30 AM Resources are responding to a new fire reported on Gold Beach Ranger District. The Peavine Fire (#286) is approximately one mile south of Winchuck.

One Crew, one dozer, three engines, fixed wing Air Attack, one Type 1 helicopter and rappellers are enroute. Resources from Coos Forest Protective Association are also responding. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Scholfield Ridge Fire, 5 miles south of Reedsport in the Coast Range.

8/14 – UPDATE: Scholfield Ridge Fire #douglascounty#reedsportoregon51.7 ACRES – 10% contained The Scholfield Ridge Fire continues to see good progress. Fire fighters have completed hand line construction and installation of hose lays around the entire fire. Fire fighters will continue to extinguish heat and flames. The fire remains at 50 acres and 10% containment. Interior pockets will continue to burn for the next few days posing no concern to current fire lines. The smoke from these interior pockets can be visible to the public.

City of Florence, Oregon – Government   · Happening this Saturday, August 16! It’s the 2025 Black & White Recycling Event!

From from 10 am until 2 pm at Siuslaw Middle School, this special annual event is the chance for you to drop off: appliances, propane tanks, mattresses, tires, block foam, household goods, eye wear, hearing aids, unopened food, leftover paint, and building materials. Follow the link (https://www.ci.florence.or.us/…/2025-black-white…) to see everything that the City of Florence and the event sponsors can accept.

Thank you to the Environmental Management Advisory Committee (EMAC), County Transfer & Recycling, St. Vincent de Paul, Habitat for Humanity, Inspire Culinary Academy, and the Lions Club for participating!

🛍️ National Thrift Shopping Day: Florence Thrift Crawl

Saturday, August 16, 2025
Location: Florence – Multiple Thrift Shops

Celebrate National Thrift Shopping Day the Florence way—with a Thrift Crawl! 🛒✨

Whether you’re a seasoned “thrifter” or just love supporting local causes, an event coming Saturday August 16th, in Florence is made just for you.  It’s National Thrift Shopping Day and Janelle Brekstad with Florence Habitat for Humanity says four local thrift stores are celebrating with a “Thrift Crawl”.

Join four of our favorite local nonprofit thrift shops—Elks Share Shop, Goodwill, Florence Habitat ReStore, and the Oregon Coast Humane Society Thrift Store—for a fun-filled day of shopping, community connection, and feel-good giving.

✅ Pick up your Thrift Crawl Passport at any participating location.
🎉 Shop each store to enjoy exclusive deals, giveaways, and fun surprises.
🎁 Get stamped at all four stops and you’ll be entered to win a Fabulous Thrift Crawl Gift Basket!

Whether you’re a vintage hunter, DIYer, or just love a good deal that gives back, this crawl is your chance to support local nonprofits while scoring sustainable finds.

 “Great prizes at each of the stores, as well as an overall prize if you visit all four of our thrift stores.”

Each of the four participating locations support local programs.

 “Goodwill, Oregon Coast Humane Society, Elks Lodge Share Shop, and Florence Habitat, you’ll get a stamp at each store.  That’s your entry into the drawing for the big grand prize.”

Brekstad didn’t say what the grand prize will be, but you can be assured it will be in keeping with the philosophy of all four participants.

 “Our money stays local here in the community to help people of our community.  It’s good for the environment as well as supporting a good cause.”

Not only are thrift stores a great way to find unique items and save money, but they also help support local charities that would otherwise be unable to provide essential services.

💡 Shop smart. Shop local. Shop for a cause. Presented By:Florence Habitat for Humanity and RESTORE

Lantern Returns to Yaquina Bay Lighthouse as Part of Exterior Restoration

NEWPORT, Oregon— Crane operators carefully lifted the 11,000-pound lantern to the top of Yaquina Bay Lighthouse early this morning as part of the final stages of the historic building’s exterior restoration.

Dense fog surrounded the lighthouse, but there was no wind to impede the lantern’s progress to the top. The lift was postponed Monday due to high winds.

It took less than five minutes for the crane to place the lantern. Crews secured the lantern to the lighthouse — its final resting place after traveling to Alabama and back for restoration. Allen Architectural Metals in Alabama is nationally renowned for its expertise in cast metal restoration.

Soon the scaffolding and plastic will be removed from the lighthouse, and visitors will see the results of the $1.8 million complete exterior restoration. The work included repairs to the roof framing, chimney, brick foundation, lantern, siding, doors and windows as well as a new roof and exterior paint to protect the more than 150-year-old structure from the elements.

“In the next couple of weeks, we will finish up the remaining carpentry work on the exterior, touch up small areas with paint and remove the scaffolding. We’re excited to reopen the historic structure to visitors,” said Brian McBeth, historic architecture project manager. “This restoration will help protect the lighthouse for generations to come.”

The Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, built in 1871, is the only wooden lighthouse still intact on the Oregon Coast, and it’s the last example in the state of the combined lighthouse and living quarters

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) maintains hundreds of historic buildings across the state including four lighthouses: Cape Meares Lighthouse, Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Heceta Head Lighthouse and Coquille River Lighthouse.

OPRD’s mission includes maintaining historic structures like the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse for the enjoyment and education of current and future generations.

Each biennium, the department spends a portion of its project funds on historic restoration and maintenance. Another upcoming project is the Cape Foulweather Gift Shop at Otter Crest.  For updates on lighthouse hours, visit the park page.

Coast Guard Halts Search for Missing Fisherman After Boat With 4 Crew Capsizes

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing fisherman after a 40-foot vessel carrying four crew members capsized in rough seas off the Oregon coast. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. Sunday when the fishing boat Das Bug began taking on water while navigating through the Yaquina Bay Jetty.

According to officials, the boat overturned in 7-foot swells and strong winds, throwing all four aboard into the water. Three of the crew were pulled to safety by a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay and taken to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital, where they were treated for hypothermia.

Rescue teams, including crews from Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station North Bend, searched through the evening Sunday and again at first light Monday, covering 54 square miles over eight hours in challenging weather. Despite these efforts, the missing fisherman was not located, and the search was called off shortly afterward.

“Suspending a search without finding the person you have been looking for is always one of the most difficult decisions we have to make,” said Lt. Cdr. Jacqueline Hunnicutt, the search and rescue mission coordinator. “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”

Two crew members and the captain of the F/V Das Bug, Perry Bordeaux, were rescued, a Seattle-based Coast Guard information officer said, but rescuers ended their search at dark for the fourth crew member Sunday night. Family members said the search was to resume at 7 a.m. Monday. Other boat captains said the 40-foot Das Bug was returning with a load of crab and 20 crab pots before the official end of the Dungeness crab season Friday.

September Hwy 101 Closure

U.S. 101 will be closed between Bandon and Port Orford the weekend of September 19th through 21st for a culvert replacement at Bearhead Mountain Lane, about six miles south of Bandon. With no local roads around the site, drivers will face a lengthy detour via U.S. 199, I-5, and Oregon 42.

Crews will dig more than 20 feet to replace the failing pipe, with the location’s steep slope, wetlands, and stream making a bypass impractical. The full closure is expected to save over $1 million and cut months off the project. Single-lane closures will occur before and after the weekend shutdown.

The total construction window for this project will likely extend about 4-6 weeks, with about 2-3 weeks of single-lane closures before and after the weekend full closure of the highway.

Other events that may also cause delays in nearby Coos Bay that week include the Bay Area Fun Festival, the Prefontaine Memorial Run, and Cruz the Coos car show.

For more information, visit the project website (https://www.oregon.gov/…/pages/project-details.aspx…) or contact ODOT Public Information Office Dan Latham at 541-817-5200 or Dan.Latham@odot.oregon.gov.

The Clatsop County Animal Shelter is at capacity after dogs and cats seized in an animal neglect case arrived last week.

While the shelter still must respond to reports of animals at large and continues to work to connect stray animals with owners, it is not able to take pets being voluntarily surrendered by their owners — even as the shelter continues to field multiple such calls a day.

“We’re at an all stop right now,” said Justin Dersham, the Clatsop County animal control supervisor.

Typically there are 40 to 45 animals at the shelter and in foster care situations in the community, said Lily Tollefsen, executive director of Clatsop Animal Assistance, a nonprofit that works with the shelter to coordinate and fund care for animals brought to the shelter and awaiting adoption.

Now that number has more than doubled and Dersham says the shelter is running well over capacity. In some cases, dogs that are related to each other or get along well with each other are doubled up in a single kennel. Nine kennels the shelter usually reserves to strays are filled up by resident animals.

After a recent Clatsop Animal Assistance board meeting, several founding members told Tollefsen they could remember three cases of this magnitude in the last 25 years.

“So it’s significant,” Tollefsen said. “And it’s essentially the influx of intake in a very short amount of time with very little notice that’s kind of what just makes it so urgent.”

Last week, the nonprofit put out a community call asking for donations to help with the purchase of additional food and veterinary care, and for new volunteers and foster families. Tollefson said they have also reached out to other shelters to see if they are able to take on animals from Clatsop County. 

Dersham said the quickest way to free up space in the shelter now is through volunteer fosters and adoptions. The animals recently seized, however, are not up for adoption while the criminal case involving them is pending.

The animals’ owner, 35-year-old Sourav Chatterjee of Wahkiakum County, Wash., faces 17 counts of animal cruelty in the second degree. The investigation began when Chatterjee was living in Clatsop County. As of Sunday, he was no longer in custody. A court appearance is scheduled for this week.

The status of the case is one thing that makes the influx of pets extra complicated. They cannot be put up for adoption until there is a resolution. That means the Clatsop County shelter could be housing them for a while.

Dersham said that before being seized, the animals were being kept in conditions that were not acceptable under definitions of minimum care as described under the law. But, he added, if the case resolves in such a way that the animals are able to be put up for adoption, the dogs especially will be very desirable. Tollefsen described the dogs as very friendly and happy to receive attention from people.

To support essential police, dispatch, corrections, and municipal court operations, the City of Florence has introduced a new Public Safety Fee that began appearing on monthly utility bills in July 2025

City Manager Erin Reynolds explains: “If you live within the city limits and you pay a monthly city services bill, you will now see a $5.00 public safety fee.”

The fee applies to all developed residential and commercial properties and will increase gradually—$15 in January 2026 and $18 by July 2026. To ease the transition, the City is pausing utility rate hikes during the first year. Unlike utilities, public safety services don’t have a direct funding stream, and with state-imposed limits on property tax revenue and rising service costs, officials say the fee is necessary to preserve vital public safety resources.

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

·Sign up for our Neighborhood Radio class and learn how to communicate with your neighbors during an emergency.

The Neighborhood Radio class has been scheduled for Saturday, August 30, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Class is via zoom. Click the link below to learn more and register for the class.https://evcnb.org/events-and…/neighborhood-radio-08302025

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.

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.

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’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.:

• 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)

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 Food Bank Says Some Food Warehouses Closing

Food banks in Oregon report reduced programs and food availability, following policy changes by the Trump Administration, and local advocates worry issues will worsen as cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) take effect.

Oregon Food Bank President Andrea Williams says cuts to federal grant funding, the cancellation of farm contracts and impending changes to SNAP benefits have forced some partners to close food warehouses, “Stories we’re hearing on the ground in the nonprofit sector, especially in rural parts of the state. But also just the numbers we’re seeing in terms of the rise of people coming, and then less food,” she said Wednesday, “We’re hearing partners are having to even ration foods, hold back foods, so that they can provide free food throughout the week and not just during certain time periods. We are extremely worried about the food bank system in the state of Oregon even being able to respond to the increase in need that we will inevitably see.” Williams says 1,200 partners around Oregon saw a 31% increase in visits for food assistance in 2024, compared to the previous year.

David Wieland, with Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon, worries needs will increase as more changes from the OBBB are implemented, “We estimate that up to 100,000 Oregonians will see reduced or removed SNAP benefits if we can’t act. I mean, that’s like the entire population of Hillsboro or Bend.”

Wieland and Williams met Wednesday with two members of Oregon’s Congressional delegation at the Oregon Food Bank’s northeast Portland warehouse, to discuss what options they can pursue. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR1) admits parts of the GOP bill are unpopular, even with those who voted for it, “There’s at least one Republican who voted for the bill in the Senate who has introduced legislation to reverse the Medicaid cuts, because people are hearing from their constituents saying, ‘wait. We thought you were going to lower costs; we thought this was going to make our lives better. But now you’re cutting programs like Medicaid and SNAP.’” She believes rising food prices from tariffs will push more people toward food assistance in the coming months.

Oregon scrambles to address delays for Medicaid-funded rent assistance

Oregon Medicaid advisers, alarmed by the turbulent rollout of a new rent assistance benefit, pressed state health officials this week for answers over delays they acknowledged have left thousands of low-income Oregonians waiting for help.

Members of a state Medicaid advisory subcommittee heard during a meeting this week that officials deeply underestimated eligibility for the program and couldn’t say during the meeting how much money has already been spent.

Officials also had left regional Medicaid providers to determine for themselves how to administer the program, and their approach — and wait times — have varied widely. Advisory members said this patchwork approach makes it harder for applicants to navigate the process, especially in areas served by multiple health plans.

The concerns add to earlier reporting by The Oregonian/OregonLive, which found that of the 3,000 people approved for the benefit by one provider, CareOregon, as of mid-June, less than a third had received rent assistance payments. Since that reporting, state officials have more closely examined where delays were occurring, focusing on the role of coordinated care organizations and have launched investigations into whether they were meeting service standards.

Demand for the Medicaid housing benefit has been huge. In the program’s first six months, more than 10,600 Oregon Health Plan members statewide applied for rent or utility help, according to the state health authority. Another 7,000 in the Portland area were screened through the 211 social services helpline but not yet referred to Medicaid health plans.

As of April — the most recent statewide numbers available — about 2,700 statewide had received rent support. But thousands more have not, even as some face eviction proceedings in court.

The volume quickly exposed capacity limits. “The need is substantial,” Jessi Wilson, the agency’s director of strategic operations for the Medicaid waiver, said during Monday’s meeting. “We are certainly finding lessons in early implementation to improve services for members.”

Ellen Pinney, an Oregon Health Authority ombudsperson serving as an independent advocate for Medicaid members, pointed to a July report showing that complaints about the housing benefit began appearing soon after rollout.

State health officials said Monday that high demand and limited staffing had compounded administrative delays. The Oregon Health Authority has started pushing out $6.3 million in emergency funds to speed things along.

The agency also began investigations of some CCOs, demanding they prove they are meeting service delivery standards.

The state is also considering narrowing the eligibility for rent assistance, standardizing the application process and requiring certain documents upfront to cut down on delays. (SOURCE)

Governor Kotek Announces Effects of Trump Budget Cuts to Oregon$15 billion to be lost from Medicaid, food benefits, other programs

Governor Tina Kotek announced that the budget reconciliation bill backed by the Trump Administration and passed by Republicans in Congress is projected to cut $15 billion in federal funding from Oregon for health insurance coverage, food benefits, and other programs.

The announcement is the result of a preliminary analysis by the State of Oregon’s Chief Financial Officer in coordination with state agencies upon the passage of President Trump’s budget early in July. The analysis may change pending detailed federal guidelines to implement the bill.
In response, Governor Kotek stated:

“The Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress have betrayed American children and families, who will become sicker, hungrier, and less prosperous because of President Trump’s budget bill. Oregonians will see less of their federal tax dollars coming back to our state for things they count on. Furthermore, President Trump and Congress knew that state governments cannot pay for this substantial gap in services but went ahead and did it anyway.

“I am going to work with Oregon lawmakers and community partners to do all that we can to stand up for Oregonians and get through this needless, callous hardship. I will continue to hold the line and push back as Oregon values are under threat. I hope Oregonians will stand with me as we fight this together.”
Additional preliminary analyses of impacts to Oregon state agencies can be found here.

The Governor will convene state lawmakers and key stakeholders who work with or represent populations most at risk from the Trump Administration’s budget cuts to consider possible strategies to reduce impact to people, and her office will continue to communicate impacts as they come into focus through implementation.

Oregon to install ‘executive’ SNAP error watchdogs after new federal aid restrictions

The state’s human services department anticipates that the largest chunk of federal cuts estimated to impact the agency will come from new federal cost-sharing measures for food stamps

Oregon’s Department of Human Services is reining in how often the state miscalculates the amount of food stamps enrollees should receive, aiming to comply with new federal restrictions and avert what could be the worst financial strain on the state’s largest agency.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek shared details surrounding the effort in a Monday analysis of the federal GOP megalaw from the Department of Administrative Services that also accompanied initial reviews of its impact on different agencies and programs. The more than 740,000 Oregonians using the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, “will see some changes to their benefits,” according to the report. It implores the state to take action in the 2026 legislative session to mitigate the cuts.

“Reductions at this level mean the current levels of support to community providers serving existing SNAP clients will be insufficient to meet needs once SNAP benefits are reduced or eliminated for a portion of the current caseload,” the analysis reads. “The exemption of certain individuals from SNAP benefits will likely place additional pressure on the food bank system as well as other systems of social support throughout Oregon.”

The findings detail how Oregon faces an overall $15 billion shortfall in federal funding due to reductions in not only SNAP benefits, but also Medicaid funding, education services and transportation projects. The state’s analysis proposes “immediate executive level oversight” to reduce how often SNAP offices across the state either over or underpay benefits to enrolled Oregonians, noting that the human services department is in the midst of assembling a team to do so.

Oregon’s 2024 SNAP administrative error rate of 14.06% ranks as the eighth highest in the nation, but it must come down to below 6% to avoid increased costs paid to the federal government, according to the analysis. Without that, Oregon would have to pay 75% of administrative costs for running SNAP in the state — about $500 million every two years.

“Oregon will need to assess its options for meeting the new 75% administrative cost-share requirements during 2026. The absence of legislatively authorized funding during 2026 may result in program reductions,” the state’s report reads. “Program reductions will mean more Oregonians will experience hunger or reduced access to foods.”

The federal government historically covered half of those administrative costs. But the Trump administration and congressional Republicans claim that a shift to state funding is necessary because the program is rife with overuse and fraud. Anti-hunger advocates have pushed back, saying administrative error should not be conflated with fraud or abuse of the system.

They point to a carveout extending time for cost-sharing requirements until 2029 in states like Oregon and Alaska with particularly high error rates. U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski, an Alaska Republican whose state leads the nation with a 2024 error rate of 24.66%, proposed the exemption.

The new changes enacted by Congress and the Trump administration increase work requirements, remove eligibility for SNAP for some immigrant communities and slash benefits for energy assistance. Advocates warn the cuts will lead to additional strain on the state’s food banks.

“H.R. 1 will strip hundreds of millions in food assistance from Oregonians forcing more families into lines at food assistance sites just to get by,” said Oregon Food Bank President Andrea Williams in a statement. “Oregon Food Bank is doing everything we can to meet the need, but food banking can’t replace the scale of federal programs like SNAP.”

The human services department estimates that 310,000 Oregonians will need to meet the new 80-hour-a-month work requirements implemented by the federal government. The new requirements apply to adults ages 18 to 65 without children under the age of 14. The requirements also now include former foster youth and veterans.

The new federal law also removes historical protections for refugees and asylum seekers who typically had access to SNAP benefits in comparison to immigrants without permanent legal status, who have never been eligible for the program. The department estimates that 2,957 lawfully present Oregonians without citizenship will lose their benefits under this rule, though Cuban and Haitian entrants admitted to the United States under specialized refugee programs are not barred from access.

Additionally, extra SNAP benefits that were typically allotted to households receiving assistance for utility payments will cease for about 17,000 Oregon households, according to the human services department. The new law requires such households to have a resident with a disability or that is 60 or older, leading to an estimated loss of $58 in benefits per household under the new regulations.

In a statement announcing the analysis, Kotek said Republicans and the Trump administration were betraying American children and families. She vowed to work with lawmakers and community partners to “get through this needless, callous hardship.”

“I will continue to hold the line and push back as Oregon values are under threat,” she said. “I hope Oregonians will stand with me as we fight this together.”

Sara Campos, a spokesperson for the state’s human services department, said the department shared Kotek’s concerns.

“The federal budget shifts unsustainable costs to the state and will take food off the table of Oregonians,” Campos wrote in a statement.  “These cuts directly undermine the health and stability of our communities.” (SOURCE)

Support Oregon Wildfire Relief with BottleDrop

Donate through BottleDrop to support nonprofits providing wildfire relief for those impacted by recent, ongoing, and future wildfires in Oregon. We’ll match all donations made via BottleDrop through Oct. 7 (up to $20k!) and then split the total donations between the Red Cross Cascades Region, United Way of the Columbia Gorge, and the Oregon Chapter of the WFF.

You can donate in-person by bringing your redeemable beverage containers into any full-service BottleDrop Redemption Center or donate online with funds from your Green Bag account: https://bottledrop.com/…/obrc-emergency-fund-online…/ Learn more: BottleDrop.com/Wildfire

8/15 – #OregonFires

21 Oregon Wildfires – many are silent fires between 1 to 3 acres. These silent fires can quickly turn into dangerous fires. Please stay alert and ready. One Fire  (Level 1 evacuation ) This could change very quickly, so please stay alert  and safe. WILDFIRE MAP:  https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/portfolio/index.html…

Nearly 80% of all fires this season have been attributed to human or undetermined causes; the rest were determined to be started by lightning. A large fire is considered any wildfire that burns more than 100 acres in timber or 300 acres of grassland and brush. As always, for the latest fire information visit the NWCC fire website.

WILDFIRE MAP: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/instant/portfolio/index.html…

If you see a fire call 911.  Also if you are a witness to the start of a fire and can provide information, eye-witness statements, video, photos or any other data, you can assist investigators by emailing them to etips@odf.oregon.gov“>odf.firetips@odf.oregon.gov. This information helps our investigators in creating a full picture of what happened and identify a responsible party if there is one.

 Sign up for emergency alerts  Follow evacuation orders immediately  Don’t park on dry grass

 Keep 30 feet of defensible space around your home  No outdoor burning or fireworks

Fire Season INFO to Know

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/

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. For more information on how you can help prevent wildfires, visit keeporegongreen.org.

Disability Rights Lawsuit Leads to Homeless Camping Settlement in Grants Pass

The city of Grants Pass has agreed to provide accessible camping space for at least 150 homeless people for at least one year.

The city also will pay $60,000 in a one-time grant by the end of December 2026 to a nonprofit agency to provide support services for homeless people who are disabled. The terms are part of a settlement agreement reached between the city and Disability Rights Oregon and the Oregon Law Center, which sued Grants Pass in January.

(A photo of the 7th Street permitted camping site for homeless people in Grants Pass, which was restricted to overnight hours. Disability Rights Oregon)

The city also must ensure the camping sites have water for drinking and washing and provide “reasonable accommodation” for people with disabilities who are unable to follow certain city regulations governing the use of city park space.

The settlement followed an order in March by Josephine County Circuit Judge Sarah E. McGlaughlin that barred Grants Pass from enforcing its municipal orders on homeless camping until it made its campsites accessible to people with disabilities and increased available tent spaces to at least 150.

Then in May, McGlaughlin exempted seven different parks from her order, allowing the city to enforce municipal laws there.

”This settlement represents a significant step forward in ensuring people with disabilities experiencing homelessness have places to rest, basic necessities like drinking water, and real opportunity to stabilize their lives,” Jake Cornett, executive director and chief executive officer of Disability Rights Oregon, said in a statement.

City attorney Stephanie Nuttall told city council members on Aug. 6 that the city can contract with others to manage the camping spaces. The camping spaces must be on city-owned property but can be operated by a third-party that contracts with the city, the settlement says.

In a presentation to the council, she also noted that the city does not admit any liability as part of the pact, and the settlement resolves a case with “minimal financial impact.” The city, though, also has to pay Disability Rights Oregon $85,000 as part of the settlement in lieu of attorney fees and costs, according to the settlement.

The suit was filed on behalf of five people, ranging in age from 47 to 66, who are disabled and homeless and who were hampered by city restrictions at its homeless camping sites.

Last year, the city prohibited all camping on city property at all times and in all places, except as permitted by the City Council, after it won afavorable decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Between August 2024 and January of this year, the city provided two camping sites. One on J Street provided room for about 120 tents, while a second location on Sixth Street had room for about 60 tents. People could camp at either site for up to seven days.

The city then made a series of decisions in early January that reduced camping availability and opened unpaved sites that were particularly hard for some disabled homeless to access who use wheelchairs or having difficulty walking.

Disability Rights Oregon, on behalf of five people who are homeless and have disabilities, sued the city after the council in early January restricted camping to one much-smaller unpaved site and only during overnight hours, from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Leaving the one site on Seventh Street with 30 spaces marked a “sharp decrease” from the 150-bed capacity previously allowed by the two original sites, the judge said.

Janine Harris, 57, one of the plaintiffs in the case who suffers from arthritis in her hips and knees as well as asthma, had been forced by the city to leave the J Street lot and collect her belongings in a wagon.

“I often need a cane when I walk to make sure I don’t fall … If there’s no place where I can be, what am I supposed to do?” she wrote in a sworn declaration to the court.

“Requiring people to ‘move along’ everyday doesn’t get people into housing, it just makes life harder and more dangerous,” said Allison Nasson, staff attorney at Oregon Law Center. “When you have been forced to live outside, you still need water, a bathroom, and a place to rest.” (SOURCE)

OSP confirms 5 killed in murder-suicide was man, woman, and their 3 children in Josephine County

According to Oregon State Police, a man killed the mother of his children as well as their three children before turning the gun on himself inside a home near Grants Pass Monday. Now investigators are trying to put the pieces together to learn what lead up to the crime.

It was Josephine County Sheriff’s Office who arrived on the scene at Hussey Lane calling in Oregon State Police after discovering the bodies of the two adults and three children between the ages of seven and 11 — dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

Inside, deputies found five people who had been shot and killed, including 42-year-old Hannah Marie Behee, 40-year-old Chad Scott Behee, and three children, ages 11, 9 and 7.

Oregon State Police said Chad Scott Behee is the suspect in the murder-suicide.

The Sheriff’s Office says they were responding to a welfare check after a woman in the home didn’t show up for work Monday. It’s a scene Sheriff Daniel says his deputies are struggling to come to terms with.

“I’m not going to take away from the family and the friends of the deceased. I feel for them, our hearts go out for them. But there’s also collateral damage here. And my focus right now is to take care of our people. You see it obviously on the world news, you know, national news every day. Unfortunately, it just came to a theater near us,” Daniel said.

The Sheriff’s Office is now taking a collaborative approach with Oregon State Police leading the investigation, with assistance from the Grants Pass Police Department. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Oregon State Police at 800-442-0776 or OSP (677) and reference case number SP25-366471.

Governor Kotek Announces Funding Solution to Address Transportation System Crisis

Thursday, Governor Tina Kotek unveiled the details of a funding solution to preserve critical transportation and maintenance services for Oregonians, protect the jobs of hundreds of essential workers across the state, and preserve transit services.

The proposal would deliver adequate funding for the State Highway Trust Fund in the 2025-27 biennium, while maintaining Oregon’s emergency funds for urgent needs, such as wildfire suppression.

“In the weeks since the adjournment of the legislative session, my team and I have worked every day with legislators, local partners, and key stakeholders to zero-in on a focused solution for the immediate crisis in our transportation system,” Governor Kotek said. “I am confident that lawmakers will step up this month to avert these layoffs and I appreciate their partnership in getting to the other side of this crisis.”

“The Governor’s proposal is a targeted, near-term, and necessary fix to a statewide crisis. We must protect the jobs of ODOT employees whom we rely on to keep our roads and bridges safe,” Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) said. “For decades, Oregon has underinvested in the safety and maintenance of our roads, bridges, and transit options. This proposal doesn’t solve all the funding challenges facing our statewide transportation system, but we have an opportunity with this legislation to keep Oregon on a path toward a fair and stable funding system that puts safety first.”

“This proposal is about keeping Oregonians safe; making sure that every community – urban and rural – has functioning roads and transit; and holding ODOT accountable to Oregon taxpayers,” House Speaker Julie Fahey (D-Eugene) said. “We’ve heard from mayors, county commissioners, and transit leaders across the state who have been clear that the stakes are real and the timeline is urgent. We need to take action before harmful cuts to transportation services take effect.”

If additional revenues for the State Highway Fund are not secured during a special session, a first wave of layoffs will go into effect on September 15, and a second wave is slated for January 2026.

Public comment sought on updates to two Medicaid-funded aging and disability services

The Oregon Department of Human Services’ (ODHS) seeks public comment on proposed changes to two Medicaid-funded services.

These amendments will allow ODHS to implement an Agency with Choice service option for in-home consumers and will update the Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) rate methodology for Adult Foster Homes and Residential Care Facilities. These amendments are proposed with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2026.

More information, including the public notice, amendment summary and available drafts of the proposed amendments, are posted on the APD website.

How to comment:

To submit feedback and comments, the public may take one of the following actions:

1. Send an email to Beth.Jackson3@odhs.oregon.gov
2. Send written comments addressed to Oregon Department of Human Services, Attn: Beth Jackson, 500 Summer Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.
3. Send a fax to 503-947-4245, Attn: Beth Jackson

Deadline: To be considered, feedback must be received by Sept. 1, 2025.

About the amendments

• APD was directed by House Bill 4129 (2024) to create an Agency with Choice (AwC) service model for in-home service options. This model will be added to APD’s in-home service options in Jan. 2026. The detailed requirements for AwC will be in Oregon Administrative Rules. The 1915(k) language will be amended to reference those rules. The 1915(k) will also include a description of how the AwC rates will be developed. Because HB 4129 limits the number of AwC providers to two, APD will specify that limit in the 1915(k). APD will also add AwC to APD’s 1915(b)(4) for case management services.
• APD is also proposing a new way to calculate rates for APD Adult Foster Homes and Residential Care Facilities. The rate methodology for these providers was created in the 1980s and no longer captures the complexity of individuals served in these settings. The new rate methodology will more accurately account for individuals’ needs. The 1915(k) will define the methodology and provider requirements.

BLM seeks input on proposed Grassy Mountain gold mine

VALE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposed gold mine and processing facility in Malheur County. This is the first draft analysis to adhere to the newly streamlined Department of the Interior National Environmental Policy Act procedures. While publications of a draft or final environmental analysis in the Federal Register are no longer required, information for these projects will be available on project websites.

“This Administration is committed to leveraging every available authority to expedite domestic mineral development,” said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy. “Our agency is instrumental in driving national economic growth and fostering local employment opportunities.”

The Grassy Mountain gold mine project would be sited on public and private lands approximately 22 miles south of Vale. Construction and processing would occur over 10 years followed by four years of reclamation and 20 years of monitoring.

If approved, Paramount Gold Nevada could develop an underground mine, dedicated mill, and associated storage on approximately 469 acres of BLM-administered land. Additionally, some existing roads would be upgraded to access the operation.

The BLM will hold a public meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. MT Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Vale District Office, 100 Oregon St., Vale. A virtual attendance option is available. Please contact Larisa Bogardus at ogardus@blm.gov“>lbogardus@blm.gov for details.

Additional information, including the draft environmental impact statement, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register, where comments may be submitted through the ‘Participate Now’ option (preferred). Comments may also be delivered to Attn: Grassy Mountain Gold Mine Project c/o Malheur Field Office, 100 Oregon St., Vale, OR 97918, or submitted to lm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov“>blm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov. The 30-day comment period will close Sept. 8, 2025.

For more information, please call the Vale District Office at 541-473-3144 or email lm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov“>blm_or_vl_grassymtn@blm.gov.

Oregon awards $1.8 million in grants to help people enroll in private insurance

Nearly $1.8 million in grants are coming to 37 community-based organizations and licensed insurance agents across Oregon to offer free, expert help to people enrolling in health coverage through OregonHealthCare.gov.

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, the state agency responsible for helping Oregonians understand their private health coverage, is awarding these grants throughout 2025-27 to organizations and insurance agents who focus on reaching diverse populations, including many who offer support in multiple languages. The grantees will help Oregonians understand their health insurance and financial assistance options, transition from the Oregon Health Plan to private coverage and enroll during the next enrollment period beginning Nov. 1 to Jan. 15.

The grants are especially meant to help people who don’t qualify for job-based coverage, the Oregon Health Plan or Medicare.  “This support is critical to ensuring all Oregonians — regardless of income, location, or language — have access to the coverage and care they need,” marketplace director Chiqui Flowers said in a news release. To connect with a local Marketplace partner or insurance agent, visit OregonHealthCare.gov/gethelp.  (SOURCE)

Keep Oregon Green Association – Statewide Billboard Poster Contest

Keep Oregon Green is turning 85 next year. To celebrate, the Association is asking Oregonians of all ages to create and submit artwork for a statewide billboard poster contest. Learn more about it here: https://keeporegongreen.org/kog-billboard-contest/

SOME PARKS TO SEE UPDATES TO PARKING FEES AND SEASONAL CAMPING RATES

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is updating some visitor fees at select parks as part of a broader, proactive effort to build a more resilient financial future for Oregon State Parks.

Starting Oct. 1, 2025, Oregon State Parks will no longer waive the parking fee at 21 additional day-use parks. The parking fee is currently $10 for in-state visitors and $12 out-of-state visitors.  

The parking fee does not apply to visitors who walk, bike, use public transportation, have a valid hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a 12 or 24-month parking permit. Currently, OPRD charges for parking at 25 parks and waives parking fees at over 225 parks across the state.

The 21 additional parks include some of the busiest parks in the system such as Harris Beach State Park, which experienced an estimated 2 million day-use visits last year. Visitor fees help pay for maintenance and operation.

Some overnight camping rates will also see updates for visits beginning May 1, 2026:

• Overnight rates at our 29 busiest parks will increase to the top of the current rate range from May 1 through September 30. This increase will apply year round on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (Top rate is $29 for tents and $52 for full hook-up RV)

• At all parks:  
• Cabin and yurt prices will increase to the top of the rate range year round. (Top rates vary from $72 for rustic yurts to $129 for deluxe cabins/yurts)
• Boat moorage fees will increase from $15 to $20.
• Overnight parking, overflow camping and primitive camping fees will increase from about $10 to at least $15 per night.

The park system faces a projected 14% budget shortfall due to increasing costs, impacts from record visitation and a reduction in lottery funds for operations. These targeted fee adjustments, along with internal efforts to reduce costs, modernize procurement and explore new revenue, will help maintain current service levels and ensure the system remains strong and accessible now and in the future.

“State parks are some of the most beloved spaces in Oregon, but we have struggled as a state to sustainably fund them. We’re working to reimagine the future of Oregon State Parks as financially resilient system that will serve generations to come,” said Director Lisa Sumption.

State parks has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. It is not funded by general fund taxes.

For visitors looking to save on parking, there are annual and 24-month parking permits available for Oregon State Parks. The 12-month parking permit costs $30 and the 24-month permit costs $50. You can buy them online.  

Oregon State Parks is also collecting feedback to help guide its effort to reimagine a stronger resilient park system. The survey includes priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options.

New survey gathers feedback to help build a more sustainable future for parks

— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) wants to better understand the public’s values and priorities for the future of state parks through a new survey as it launches a strategic initiative to reimagine how parks are funded, operated and supported.

OPRD faces a potential 14% budget shortfall for park operations by 2027 even with recent fee increases. The gap is due to increasing costs, the impact of higher visitation and changes in lottery funds. The strategic initiative will work to address that shortfall before 2027.

“For more than a century, Oregon’s parks have been a source of pride, joy, and connection for communities across the state,” said Lisa Sumption, OPRD Director. “But the way we fund the system has not kept up with how Oregonians use and value it today. We’re not waiting for the crisis—we’re planning ahead to build a more resilient and relevant park system.”

OPRD launched an online survey this month to collect feedback from visitors and potential visitors about their priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options.

The survey is open to everyone and will help inform decisions about the future of state parks. Those who complete the survey have the option of entering a drawing for a free Oregon State Parks annual parking permit.

Oregon State Parks continues to experience record visitation with more than 56.6 million estimated visits in 2024. It is one of the most visited park systems in the country.

This level of use significantly increases wear and tear on aging park infrastructure, driving up maintenance needs and long-term operational costs.

Parks’ funding comes from three main sources. A little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from the agency’s share of recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. Oregon State Park operations is not funded by general fund taxes.

“We already operate leanly, but we’re also taking a hard look at costs and spending decisions as we plan the future. We’re building new partnerships with Oregon businesses and growing opportunities for visitors to experience state parks in new and innovative ways,” Sumption said.

In addition to operating more than 250 state parks and maintaining hundreds of historic structures, the agency also manages the ocean shore, the State Historic Preservation Office, ATV safety programs and permits as well as multiple grant programs for trails, ATVs, historic structures and local government projects.

For more information about the survey or to learn about ways to support parks, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/ or take the survey at bit.ly/stateparksurvey.

The Oregon State Fair is set to commence on August 22nd. This year, there will be a total of 11 concerts. Featured artists include the All American Rejects, Wynonna Judd, Cheap Trick, and the Beach Boys.

Attendance to the concerts is complimentary with general admission to the fair; however, reserved seating and VIP Plus Suite Seats can be purchased. Tickets are available for purchase on the Oregon State Fair’s official website. The fair will take place from August 22nd until September 1st. — Buy tickets and learn more at: https://oregonstatefair.org/

Registration Now Open for 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference

Registration is now open for the 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference, the state’s largest gathering dedicated to honoring and supporting women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The biennial event, hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will bring together women veterans from across Oregon for a weekend of connection, resources and recognition.

The event is free and open to all women veterans, but registration is required. The 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference is being held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, which was the planned location of the 2020 event that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together: Community and Connection,’ reflects the heart of what this conference is all about,” said Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Women veterans have long served with distinction, strength and resilience — often in the face of tremendous challenges and barriers.

“This conference is an opportunity to honor our service, share our stories, and ensure every woman who has worn the uniform feels seen, valued and supported. We are stronger when we stand together, and united, we will continue to drive the ODVA mission forward.”

The Oregon Women Veterans Conference began nearly 30 years ago as a grassroots effort by a small group of women veterans seeking connection, support, and resources. Since the first event in 1998, the conference has grown into a unique statewide gathering that brings together women veterans from across Oregon to access benefits, build meaningful connections, and amplify their voices.

The 2025 conference will continue that legacy with inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops, fantastic networking opportunities and assistance for women veterans connecting to the full range of benefits and resources they have earned. It is a supportive space where women who have served can connect, grow, and thrive beyond their military service.

This year’s keynote speaker is Erin McMahon, director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, attorney and combat veteran. During her 24-year career in the U.S. Army, McMahon served as the principal deputy general counsel for the National Guard Bureau, advising senior leaders through a wide variety of domestic disaster responses and serving as the first female Army National Guard general officer in the Office of the General Counsel.

Registration is free and may be completed online at www.eventbrite.com/e/odva-women-veterans-conference-tickets-1407725487829. Community sponsors and donors are the primary sources of funding for this event and help ensure all women veterans can attend the conference free of charge.

Registration for the Women Veterans Conference covers the event only; attendees are expected to make their own lodging and travel arrangements. More information about the Women Veterans Conference, including local lodging, donations and sponsorship opportunities, can be found online at wvc.oregondva.com.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

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.

August is National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon

SALEM, Ore. – Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed August 2025 as National Emergency Management Awareness Month in Oregon, recognizing the vital work of emergency managers and the role they play in helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.

The proclamation supports a national campaign spearheaded by the International Association of Emergency Managers to increase public awareness and appreciation for the emergency management profession.

In Oregon, the campaign is being led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), in partnership with local, Tribal, regional, and state emergency management agencies.
“Emergency management is often invisible until something goes wrong—then it becomes essential,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “We’re proud to spotlight the field of emergency management and the dedicated professionals who work every day to protect lives, strengthen community resilience, and coordinate help when it’s needed most.”

OEM’s Role in Supporting Emergency Management Statewide

OEM plays a key leadership role in supporting and strengthening emergency management across the state. Through its Regional Emergency Management Coordinators Program, OEM employs specialized field staff to support all 36 counties and Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribes. These coordinators provide on-the-ground guidance and technical assistance across all phases of emergency management—from preparedness to long-term recovery.
Additionally, OEM’s Tribal Liaison works closely with Tribal Nations to coordinate emergency management initiatives and ensure Tribal needs are represented in state planning and response efforts. The OEM Public Private Partnership Program Manager coordinates and collaborates with business and industry stakeholders across emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations, serving as a liaison between the private sector and local and state agencies. This collaboration is further reinforced by the Private Sector Security and Resilience Seminar Series; a recurring program of educational sessions designed to inform and engage private sector participants and better equip them to navigate crises effectively and recover swiftly.

OEM also manages the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC), which is activated during large-scale or multi-jurisdictional emergencies. The ECC serves as a central hub for coordination and communication among state agencies and emergency support partners, ensuring that local needs are met efficiently and effectively.

With responsibility for coordinating Oregon’s 18 Emergency Support Functions and supporting more than 50 local and Tribal emergency management offices, OEM is dedicated to building a resilient and well-coordinated emergency services system.

How to Celebrate Emergency Management Awareness Month

There are many simple ways Oregonians can show support for emergency managers and become more prepared:

• Find out who your local emergency manager is—reach out to learn how your community prepares for disasters.
• Say thank you to your emergency management staff, volunteers, or CERT team members.
• Get prepared: Make or update your emergency kit, sign up for local alerts at ORAlert.gov, review your household emergency plan, and take the next step by becoming Be 2 Weeks Ready.
• Share your story: Use social media to highlight how you or your community prepares and tag #EMAwarenessMonth.

Follow OEM throughout August for resources to help celebrate and share the value of emergency management.
### It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) to lead collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters regardless of cause. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem. You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711. 

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com