Oregon Beach News, Monday 10/27 – Housing Project at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center In Newport Opens, Increased Sneaker Wave Threat & 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

Monday, October 27, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Winter is coming! Here’s the overview of our winter outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

Housing Project at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center In Newport Opens

After more than a year of construction, a 77-unit housing project to support students, employees, visiting scientists and others working and learning at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport is open and housing its first tenants.

Harborton Street Housing was created to address the problem of a workforce housing shortage in Newport and the surrounding community. Current vacancy rates in Lincoln County hover below 2%, and that lack of housing has been a constraint to recruiting students and scientists to Hatfield.

The $16.5 million, 34,000-square-foot housing project features 72 studio-style units and five two-bedroom units, and is located off Southeast 40th Street in South Newport, about three-quarters of a mile from the Hatfield campus.

Unlike the Corvallis campus, Hatfield’s busiest seasons are spring and summer, when most of the field-based research activities take place. So while current occupancy is fairly low, the residence hall will likely be near capacity during those peak months. Occupancy will vary between those needing short-term housing for brief projects, and those with ongoing work at Hatfield.

The new housing will serve a wide range of needs, including upper division and graduate students taking classes or participating in research projects at Hatfield; faculty researchers; instructors and teaching assistants; visiting researchers and other mission partners. The facility offers both long and short-term stays to be able to serve the needs of students and researchers who may only spend a short time at Hatfield or who are undertaking longer projects.

Use is not restricted to OSU researchers and students. Anyone enrolled at or employed in educational programs who is doing research related activities on the Oregon Coast can apply for housing, along with employees at partner agencies including the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and others.

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking input from local businesses on how recent demonstrations may have affected day-to-day operations.

Chamber officials say the goal is to accurately represent the community’s experience and provide informed feedback to local leaders and decision-makers.

Businesses are encouraged to complete a short, confidential survey, whether or not they’re Chamber members. Responses will help guide efforts to maintain a safe and thriving business environment in Florence. A link to the survey is available through the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

Officer Jaden Welsh and Sgt. Steve Hallmark attended Trunk or Treat at NewportNaz this weekend, greeting lots of kids and parents dressed in some great costumes!

Don’t forget to join us this Friday, Halloween, between 4 and 6 p.m. for a FREE spooky fun walk through the Newport city campus, starting at City Hall, then make your way through sea creatures and spooky haunts at the 60+ Activity Center and the Newport Recreation Center.

El oficial Jaden Welsh y el sargento Steve Hallmark asistieron al evento “Trunk or Treat” en Newport Naz este fin de semana, ¡saludando a muchos niños y padres con disfraces increíbles! No olvides unirte a nosotros este viernes, en Halloween, entre las 4 y las 6 p.m., para un recorrido espeluznante y divertido GRATIS por el campus de la ciudad de Newport. Comienza en el Ayuntamiento (City Hall) y luego continúa tu camino entre criaturas marinas y sustos aterradores en el Centro de Actividades 60+ y el Centro Recreativo de Newport.

Donor Offers $50K Reward in 40-Year-Old Case of Missing Oregon Coast Teen

Lincoln County authorities hope the recent offer from an anonymous donor of a $50,000 reward will lead to the remains of a 17-year-old Siletz girl who was last seen walking on U.S. 20 more than four decades ago.

An anonymous donor put up money hoping it will spur information that leads not only to Kelly Disney’s remains but also to the conviction of her killer, according to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.

The DA’s Office has confirmed that an anonymous donor offered the reward for any information leading to Disney’s remains and/or the conviction of her killer.

On March 9, 1984, authorities said 17-year-old Kelly Disney was reported missing after being last seen walking eastbound on Highway 20 near U.S. 101 in Newport.Atmospheric river bringing stormy conditions to Portland metro, Oregon Coast

In July 1994, over 10 years after her disappearance, Disney’s skull was found in an abandoned vehicle near Big Creek Reservoir outside of Newport. Her death was ruled a homicide after officials said, “It appeared her skull had recently been placed at that location.”

Disney, then a junior at Newport High School, vanished somewhere along Highway 20 in the early morning hours of March 9, 1984. She was living in an apartment with her boyfriend at the time in Newport; her parents and three younger siblings lived in Siletz.

At some point in the late hours of March 8, Disney and her boyfriend argued and she took off, heading out of Newport on Highway 20 by foot. She was spotted by a pair of janitorial workers driving into Newport for an early shift; they stopped to ask if she needed help, but Disney declined.

A Lincoln County sheriff’s deputy also saw the teen walking along the highway going east; she told him she was headed a short distance away and didn’t need help. The following day, her family reported her missing after realizing she never showed up at home or for work at a Newport pizza parlor.

Newport police at first treated Disney as a runaway, though cold case investigator Linda Snow said authorities and family members did organize searches early on.

Ten years later, in 1994, two men found an abandoned car near Big Creek Reservoir. Inside, under a carpet remnant, they found a human skull.

Snow said the discovery led to a strange series of events: One of the men took the skull home, washed it with Dawn dish detergent and then, at a friend’s urging, tried to turn it into Oregon State Police, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Newport police. But because it was a Saturday night, he was told by each agency to return on Monday.

He eventually managed to turn in the skull, which was later identified as Disney’s, Snow said. That led to a flurry of investigative activity by Newport police that ultimately went nowhere, Snow said.

The case was reopened again in 2000 but stalled out again. Snow, a volunteer investigator at the DA’s office, became involved in the case in 2009. The FBI’s behavioral analysis unit began working on the case in 2023, Snow said.

She said the collective memory of Disney’s disappearance has lingered in Newport and many of the teen’s associates are still around. “I believe that $50,000 is enough to get somebody who’s been keeping quiet on it to come forward,” she said.

The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office previously stated they had reason to believe members of the community have information in the investigation and are encouraging them to come forward.

Disney’s sister, Angela Dodds, 54, lives in Prineville, and recalled this week one of her last memories of her sister. She said after Disney got one of her first paychecks, she borrowed their parents’ car and took Angela into Newport for a shopping trip. Dodds recalled her sister bought her lip gloss and the two went out for pizza. “That was the last time I remember being with her,” Dodds said.

Information can be submitted anonymously at 541-265-0669 or online at FindKellyDisney@co.lincoln.or.us

READ MORE on CASE: https://lincolnchronicle.org/15597-2/

Crave the Coast Month 2025 through 10/31

—presented by Visit Tillamook Coast—invites you to savor the flavors, sights, and community spirit of the Northern Oregon Coast from October 1-31. From Astoria to Neskowin, discover coastal bounty at its source through an immersive culinary journey featuring special “Crave Dishes” and foodie events. Follow us on social media and check back here for more updates.

Instead of a single-day festival, Crave the Coast now runs the entire month of October. Local restaurants and food providers will offer signature “Crave Dishes” inspired by the region’s seasonal ingredients — from just-caught seafood and artisan cheeses to farm-fresh produce and handcrafted desserts.

Every dish enjoyed and event attended gets you closer to weekly prize drawings — plus entry into the grand prize giveaway: a two-night stay at Two Capes Lookout, a new glamping retreat, along with dining gift cards from participating North Coast Food Trail businesses.

This year, Crave the Coast is a month-long event instead of a single day or weekend because it’s more feasible for restaurants and food providers to participate when visitors come to them. It’s also more experiential and immersive for attendees, allowing them to enjoy the coast in a way that feels organic and memorable.

Plan Your Crave Adventure >>> Use Explore Seeker, an interactive mobile-friendly platform with check-ins, scavenger hunts, photo challenges, and rewards. You don’t need to download an app — just save Explore Seeker to your phone’s home screen and start exploring. MORE INFO: https://northcoastfoodtrail.com/crave-the-coast/

A skateboarder is dead after being struck by Mack commercial vehicle last week.

According to a release from the Oregon State Police, the incident occurred on Tuesday night, October 21 at 11:29 p.m. That is when the Oregon State Police (OSP) says it responded to a vehicle versus skateboarder crash on Highway 101, near milepost 121, in Lincoln County.

OSP says the preliminary investigation indicated a skateboarder, Joseph Wesley Tallman, 35, of Depoe Bay, attempted to cross the highway from the eastbound shoulder and was struck by a northbound Mack commercial motor vehicle, operated by Marcus Daniel Harwood, 35, of Veneta, who was unable to avoid the collision.

Tallman was declared deceased after being transported to an area hospital. Harwood was uninjured. The highway was impacted for approximately four hours during the on-scene investigation.

New Scam for Businesses

Several Florence businesses have reported receiving scam emails pretending to be from the City of Florence. The email, titled “Important Update – City of Florence Oregon Business Owners,” appears legitimate but includes a link claiming to contain updated documentation. City officials confirm it is not an official communication, but rather a phishing attempt from a malicious source.

According to Chantelle Meyer, the city’s Economic Development and Communication Analyst, the City has shared warnings on social media to protect local businesses and notified Florence Police of the scam. The City’s legitimate business license renewal process will not begin until mid-November. Business owners are urged not to click on any suspicious links and to report the message to authorities.

WLFEA Bids Farewell to Longtime Deputy Chief

Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority has announced the retirement of Deputy Fire Chief Matt House, who officially concluded his 27-year career on October 21st. Deputy Chief House began as a volunteer firefighter with the City of Florence Fire Department in 1997, later serving as District Manager for Western Lane Ambulance District, and most recently as Deputy Chief after the merger that formed Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority.

Fire Chief Michael Schick called House “an exceptional leader and a cornerstone of the department,” praising his commitment to professionalism and public service. A retirement celebration was held at Fire Station #1, where colleagues and community members honored his many contributions. House thanked the community for their support, saying it had been “the honor of a lifetime to serve.”

Thousands of Sea Cucumbers Stranded on Seaside Beach

Thousands of creatures known as “skin-breathing sea cucumbers” have washed ashore on Seaside Beach along the Oregon Coast. 

The small, gelatinous, blob-like animals are often uprooted by heavy surf and low tides, leaving them scattered across beaches, according to Seaside Aquarium.

“While this is not an unusual occurrence this time of year, it is remarkable how many have been left stranded,” Seaside Aquarium said in a statement. “Lacking tube feet, these strange animals look more like a worm than a sea cucumber.”

The sea cucumbers typically live just beyond the surf zone, burrowed in sand for protection. But when rough ocean conditions and low tides align, they can be dislodged and left stranded along the shoreline.

Although the creatures are still alive when they wash ashore, they cannot return to their natural habitat because they lack the aforementioned “tube feet.” And yes, the cucumbers can breathe through their skin, the aquarium said. 

The stranded sea cucumbers eventually provide a nutrient boost to the beach ecosystem, becoming food for seagulls, crows and small invertebrates living along the tide line.

They are not harmful to humans, but Seaside Aquarium warned dog owners to keep pets from eating them, as they can cause stomach upset.

The USS Plainview, a relic of lower Columbia history, beached in the shallows of Hungry Harbor

Today we take a look at the USS Plainview, a once-innovative, prototype hydrofoil ship design that was decommissioned by the Navy in the 1960s. She ended up sidelined by her civilian owner after plans to make her into a seafood processing vessel didn’t pan out. She remains, partially dismantled, on the shores of the Columbia on the Washington side of the river, a few miles east of the Megler Bridge, beached on private property.

Today we’ll take a look at her once exciting history, and why she remains where she is. PODCAST: https://shipreport.net/2025/10/20/the-uss-plainview-a-relic-of-lower-columbia-history-beached-in-the-shallows-of-hungry-harbor/

Dunes City Ballots

Ballots are on their way for the November 4th Special Election, but only voters in Dunes City will receive them locally. The Lane County Elections office says ballots have been mailed and should arrive within the next few days. Residents who don’t receive theirs by the end of next week should contact Lane County Elections.

Ballots can be returned by mail, dropped off at a 24/7 ballot box in Dunes City, or delivered directly to the Lane County Elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can track their ballots online at oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

This is your sign to plan your trip to Oregon’s Adventure Coast: Coos Bay, North Bend, Charleston, this holiday season!

The Holiday Lights @ Shore Acres is open every night from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve (Nov 27 – Dec 31, 2025) – including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Make your travel plans now and experience a dazzling display you won’t forget! Learn how to sign up for your timed entry spot and more: https://ecs.page.link/Swy4d

Oregon Coast Aquarium issues request for shark mural proposals

The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) is seeking proposals from Oregon-based artists for a wall art installation in its Passages of the Deep exhibit.

The artwork will accompany the Aquarium’s iconic megalodon shark jaw prop and should feature the megalodon shark as its primary subject.

OCAq’s mission is to create unique and engaging experiences that connect visitors to the Oregon coast, ultimately inspiring conservation; to align with this endeavor, the artwork should evoke feelings of awe, interest, and discovery.

Scientific illustrations or photo-realistic styles are preferred. Final artwork will be reproduced on vinyl and installed on the exhibit wall. Non-digital artwork will be scanned at high resolution and transferred to vinyl for installation.

The City of Seaside Visitors Bureau and Tourism Advisory Committee have announced a new grant program designed to support public art, placemaking, and wayfinding projects aimed at enhancing Seaside’s visual landscape and enriching the city as a year-round destination.

The inaugural Community Arts and Vitality Grant will provide up to $25,000 in funding for the 2025-2026 cycle. Applications are due by December 5, 2025.

“This new grant is a chance for tourism to invest in the vibrant creative and civic spirit of Seaside,” said Joshua Heineman, Seaside’s tourism marketing director. “We’re looking for ideas — big and small — that’ll bring more beauty, historical context, and inspiration to the streets of this unique beach town for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.”

Eligible projects include public art installations, murals, and shovel-ready placemaking efforts that contribute to Seaside’s long-term cultural vitality and tourism appeal. Detailed guidelines and application instructions are available at SeasideOR.com/Tourism-Grant-Program.

In addition to the new arts grant, Seaside continues to accept applications for its tourism grant supporting offseason events. Since opening in May 2025, the events grant has awarded $15,250 to five local organizations. Applications for this program also close December 5, 2025.

The Seaside Visitors Bureau, a department of the City of Seaside, serves as the official destination marketing and management organization. The Seaside Welcome Center, located at the intersection of Highway 101 and Broadway, operates as an official State Welcome Center in partnership with Travel Oregon.

Gleneden Beach Community Club

Learn about the only Medicare Advantage plan available for Lincoln County residents in 2026. November 4, 6pm.

The 25th annual “Pounding” to benefit Florence Food Share will take place Saturday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grocery Outlet.

Founded by local businesswoman Cindy Wobbe, the drive-through food donation event helps fill the food bank’s shelves with canned, boxed, and frozen items ahead of the holidays. Modeled after an old community tradition of giving a “pound” of food to neighbors in need, the event has collected more than 220,000 pounds since 2000. KCST Coast Radio will broadcast live, and donations of any commercially packaged food are welcome.

Florence Farmers Market Seeking Board Members

The Florence Farmers Market is looking for new members to serve on its Board of Directors and committees. Organizers say it’s just two to four hours a month, with board members meeting monthly and helping with areas like vendors, outreach, finances, or volunteers. No experience is required, only a passion for local food and community. The nonprofit market operates weekly on the Port of Siuslaw Boardwalk, providing fresh food and local products to Florence and surrounding areas. More information is available at florencefarmersmarket.org

Wildlife Center of the North Coast · We need your help! 

Make a difference in wildlife rescue! Join our Wild at Heart Membership Program starting at just $5/month. Help us save lives! https://coastwildlife.org/wild-at-heart/

It’s been a busy summer here at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, and our rehab clinic has gone through lots of supplies caring for patients!!

->> To help us restock and stay prepared for the next wave of wildlife in need, we’ve updated our Amazon Wishlist with the items we need most. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA

Every donation—big or small—goes directly to helping orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife get a second chance at life. Check out our wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA Thank you for being part of our wildlife rescue family! 

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.

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

Sunday, November 2, 8-11amPancake BreakfastOn the menu: Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage or ham, OJ and coffee. $10 for adults, $6 for kids ages 6-12, under 6 eat free with an adult. Bring a donation for the Food Share of Lincoln County food drive. Gleneden Beach Community Hall, 110 Azalea St. FMI, visit glenedenbeach.org.

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

Oregon Food Bank

Hunger in Oregon is rising — and federal and state cuts to food assistance are making it worse. In 2024, visits to food programs grew 31%, yet resources to meet this need are shrinking.

Programs like SNAP, which help 1 in 8 Oregonians put food on the table, are facing deep cuts — leaving more families, children, veterans, and elders to make impossible choices between food, safety, and shelter.

We need policies that protect access to food for all our neighbors. Because no one should have to choose between staying safe and going hungry.

Food is available for those who need it and by entering your zip code at OregonFoodFinder.or -You can see each local program’s contact information, hours of operation and what kind of distribution it is.

We partner with 1,200+ free food markets, pantries and meal sites all across Oregon and Southwest Washington — and welcome anyone and everyone who needs food. OregonFoodFinder.org

Oregon Department of Human Services — SNAP Info

We’ve seen some confusion around the difference between the new federal rules that changed who can get SNAP and how the current federal government shutdown is impacting food benefits.

Here is a breakdown of what’s happening and when:

First, the federal government passed a law in July 2025 that changed the rules for who can and cannot get SNAP. ODHS began sending letters on Oct. 15, 2025 to the first group of people who are losing their benefits or having them reduced due to these new rules. You can read about these rules here: https://apps.oregon.gov/…/odhs-begins-sending-notices… 

Second, the federal government shutdown may impact November benefits. On Oct. 10, 2025, the Trump Administration told all states that we cannot give out November SNAP benefits until the federal government shutdown ends – even to people who still qualify under the new federal rules. You can read the notice from the USDA here: https://drive.google.com/…/1FqO7Mwggde6HS58RyQXR…/view 

If Congress and President Trump reach a deal before Nov. 1, 2025, people who still get SNAP benefits under the new federal rules will get their SNAP benefits as usual in November.

If Congress and President Trump do not reach a deal before Nov. 1, 2025, no one will receive November SNAP until the federal government reopens or we receive new direction from the federal government. You can read more about how the federal government shutdown will impact food benefits in November here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx 

The people who received the letters about new federal rules from ODHS mentioned earlier will still lose or see a reduction in SNAP benefits on Nov. 1, 2025 – even if the federal government reopens before then.

We know this is complicated and stressful. We want to help. ODHS is sharing updates as quickly as possible while making sure the information we share is accurate. For the most up-to-date information about federal changes, keep an eye on our social media and website.

If you’re worried about having enough food, there are community resources that can help. Check out https://needfood.oregon.gov for support.

Rural hospitals throughout the state may be approaching a financial crisis as significant federal Medicaid reductions are anticipated, with healthcare providers cautioning that the consequences could result in clinic closures, staffing deficits, and a concerning departure of physicians from Oregon’s underserved areas.

At the heart of this predicament is H.R. 1, a comprehensive federal budget legislation enacted earlier this year that restructured Medicaid financing nationwide.

In response, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is urgently working to obtain a temporary financial support through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) — a new, short-term initiative from the federal government aimed at assisting rural health systems in weathering the repercussions.

Should Oregon’s application be successful, the state could secure as much as $100 million each year for a duration of five years, commencing in 2026.

These resources would be allocated to strengthen rural clinics, enhance telehealth services, train local healthcare providers, modernize outdated healthcare facilities, and more.

Missing federal jobs report leaves Oregon Employment Department, businesses in the dark

Despite delivering in past shutdowns, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said it was unable to provide the September jobs report because of the government shutdown

For the first time in more than a decade, Oregon and other states lack federal jobs data they rely on to understand the health of their economies and labor markets month-over-month.

Officials at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced earlier this month that they would not produce the September jobs report, which was due Oct. 3, because of the government shutdown that began Oct. 1.

The agency uses two surveys each month to estimate the nation’s unemployment rate and how many jobs the economy created each month and shares state-specific data with partner agencies in each state. On Oct. 15, the Oregon Employment Department reported that there would be no September jobs data to share from the roughly 7,600 Oregon businesses that answer the federal survey each month.

Instead, state officials pointed the public to the federal labor statistics agency’s quarterly wage and employment report, which includes data providing employment trends and wages by industry in each state through June. On Thursday, agency officials will share data from unemployment claims in the state that might offer a clearer picture of how labor markets are doing in Oregon.

Previous shutdowns haven’t stopped the federal labor statistics agency from issuing its reports, and only three shutdowns delayed them in the last several decades. During the October 2013 federal shutdown, September jobs data was delayed 18 days and released less than a week after the shutdown ended. During a shutdown that ran from  Dec. 16, 1995, to Jan. 6, 1996, the December jobs report was delayed by two weeks, according to the D.C.-based nonprofit think tank Economic Policy Institute.

“Businesses want consistency and certainty from their government as they make long-term investment decisions. So do public policy makers, and without accurate, up-to-date data — data that we’ve always had available — we simply can’t quantitatively see how things are moving,” said Nathan Buehler, communications director at Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency. “Missing a single month isn’t a catastrophe, but additional releases being missed would really start to erode public trust, and our ability to do any accurate economic analysis.”

Layoffs and hiring are low

Typically data is collected and prepared to share with officials at the Federal Reserve and the White House at least a day before being published, or in this case, by Oct. 2, meaning the agency was within a day or two of being ready to publish when the government shutdown began.

Officials at the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not respond to a request from the Capital Chronicle by Wednesday evening for more information about what specifically would have delayed the report.

The ongoing government shutdown risks data collection for the month of October, which should be happening now. The next Oregon jobs report was previously expected to be ready by Nov. 19, according to Gail Krumenauer, a state employment economist.

President Donald Trump in August fired Erika McEntarfer, commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, claiming she rigged the July jobs report to make him look bad. Figures in that report showed that the economy added 30,000 fewer jobs than anticipated in sectors heavily impacted by Trump’s tariff policies. The report also revised downward employment growth from May and June that had previously been thought to be higher.

Jobs reports and reports on private sector business growth going into September indicated sluggish job growth and persistent tariff-induced inflation.

The August jobs report, the most recent published, showed Oregon’s economy added nearly 7,000 non-farm jobs, mostly in health care, social assistance, hospitality and leisure and government. The largest job losses were in the wholesale trade sector.

Despite the unemployment rate remaining low in August, payrolls showed a big slowdown in hiring and a decline in labor growth in part due to lower immigration and workforce participation, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said at an Oct. 14  meeting of the National Association of Business Economists

“While official employment data for September are delayed, available evidence suggests that both layoffs and hiring remain low, and that both households’ perceptions of job availability and firms’ perceptions of hiring difficulty continue their downward trajectories,” Powell said.

The labor statistic bureau’s quarterly report shows that there was a decline in Oregon of 3,800 jobs between the second quarter of 2025 and the same quarter in 2024, or a decline of less than half a percentage point. The private sector lost more than 11,000 jobs during that period and manufacturing lost nearly 7,400 jobs, while more than 14,000 private health care and social assistance jobs were added, a nearly 5% increase from the previous year.

During the same period, more than 7,000 government jobs were added. About 75% of those were in local governments, while 400 federal government jobs were lost.

During the first half of 2025, 29,000 Oregonians worked for the federal government, accounting for about 1.5% of all jobs in the state. Most of these employees work in rural counties. In Sherman County in north central Oregon, 15% of all jobs were federal government jobs, and in eastern and southern Oregon’s Grant, Harney and Lake counties, the federal government provides nearly 10% of all jobs. (SOURCE)

PacifiCorp agrees to pay $125 million to wineries, vineyards whose grapes were damaged by 2020 Labor Day fires

Attorneys for 93 wineries and vineyards said that the utility company agreed to a $125 million settlement after a lawsuit alleged wildfire smoke tainted wine grapes.

Nearly five years after the Labor Day fires that killed multiple people and burned thousands of buildings, damage trials are still going, with Oregon wineries and vineyards are getting their due.

Attorneys for 93 wineries and vineyards said that PacifiCorp has agreed to a $125 million settlement. The group had sued the utility company in 2024, alleging smoke from the 2020 wildfires tainted their grapes and damaged any subsequent wine. They placed the blame on PacifiCorp not cutting power in time to prevent fires and smoke damage.

Attorney Robert Julian of BakerHostetler represented local wineries, saying that winemakers faced damages ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions.

“Some bottled and thought the smoke was gone, and it came out later,” he said. “At one winery, I had to write a check for $600-$700,000 to buy back wine they had sold.”

PacifiCorp’s senior communications specialist, Simon Gutierrez, released a statement, saying, “PacifiCorp is glad to have this matter resolved” and that “PacifiCorp remains willing to settle all outstanding reasonable claims related to the Echo Mountain, 242 and South Obenchain fires.”

Gutierrez, however, said the company will continue to defend against claims relating to the Beachie Creek and Santiam Canyon fires. Earlier this year, Oregon Department of Forestry investigators found no evidence of powerline ignitions causing the destructive wildfires in Santiam Canyon. (SOURCE)

Portland Trail Blazers’ coach Chauncey Billups arrested in gambling operation scandal, put on leave

The FBI announced yesterday that Trail Blazers coach, Chauncey Billups, 49, is involved in a massive illegal gambling scheme. The case involves millions of dollars, the mafia, and dozens of alleged co-conspirators, including other big names in the NBA. Billups was arrested and appeared in a Portland court yesterday.

“With the alleged involvement of three La Cosa-Nostra crime families, Billups, Trail Brazers coach and Hall of Famer, along with several other current and former NBA players are alleged to be involved and the FBI says a couple years of investigations may find this is just the tip of the iceberg.

The gambling operation seem reminiscent of a Hollywood movie,” said Ricky J. Patel, the special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations.

The NBA has placed Billups on immediate leave due to the investigation.

According to the live press conference held yesterday in New York, “Victims were attracted to play alongside well-known professional athletes and coaches like Chauncey Billups only to be unknowingly deceived through rigged shuffling machines, fixing the odds in their favor”.

Yesterday afternoon, the Trail Blazers issued a statement reinforcing that Billups was on leave and said that Tiago Splitter would take over as interim head coach.

Billups’ attorney, Chris Heywood, said Billups plans to fight the charges.

There are two operations under investigation. One about rigged poker games, in which federal prosecutors say Billups participated in high-stakes games that allowed the New York mafia families operations to steal millions of dollars from unsuspecting people.

In court documents, the Department of Justice alleges that the defendants had “Card analyzers that utilized technology loaded onto decoy cellular telephones that could surreptitiously detect which cards were on the table; and playing cards that had markers visible only to individuals wearing specially designed contact lenses or sunglasses.”

The other case and arrests are about illegal betting on NBA games, where bettors got non-public information that helped them win big. A guard for the Miami Heat, Terry Rozier, was arrested in that case. Others may be arrested soon.

The Trail Blazers are named as one of the teams bet on. Billups is not named specifically in that case; however, the description of co-conspirator 8, references a player and eventual coach that matches Billups’ description.

The indictment against Billups was filed in the Eastern District of New York. He is set to appear in federal court in Brooklyn on Nov. 24.

Billups appeared in federal court in Portland on Thursday afternoon and then was released. The judge signed off on his pre-trial release, meaning he can go home, but on some conditions. Those conditions include a substantial bond and a prohibition of gambling.

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has also been named in the allegations.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers player and coach Damon Jones was arrested as well, according to ABC News. Sources say Jones provided inside information about NBA games, that Billups used to place illegal sports bets.

An NBA league spokesperson also issued a statement on the situation:

“We are in the process of reviewing the federal indictments announced today. Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups are being placed on immediate leave from their teams, and we will continue to cooperate with the relevant authorities. We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority”.

“The mafia, specifically members and associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese organized crime families, had pre-existing control over non-rigged illegal poker games around New York City. As a result, they also became involved in the rigged poker games, helping to organize the games and taking a cut of the proceedings and working to enforce the collection of debts,” said Joseph Nocjella Jr., the United States attorney for Eastern District of New York.

In court documents, prosecutors say, “Members of the conspiracy committed violent acts including assault, extortions, and robbery, in furtherance of the scheme to ensure the repayment of debts.”

“As part of the scheme, some of the defendants and their co-conspirators also committed acts of violence, including the gunpoint robbery of a person in order to obtain a rigged shuffling machine and extortions that were perpetrated against victims in order to ensure that they repaid their gambling debts,” said Nocjella, Jr.

The prosecution also alleges that the defendants in this case hid their money using illegal tactics.

“The defendants laundered their proceeds including through cash exchanges, the use of multiple shell companies and through cryptocurrency transfers,” said NocJella, Jr.

Billups signed a new two-year extension with the Trail Blazers at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season, which finished with a record of 36-46.  Billups made $4.7 million last season. His overall coaching record with the Blazers is 116-212.

State program offers free help, fraud prevention tips for Medicare Open Enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment for 2026 plans began Oct. 15 and remains open through Dec. 7, 2025. This is the time when people with Medicare can review their current coverage and make changes for the upcoming year. Medicare beneficiaries who would like to discuss their Medicare options can receive free, confidential help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) including help with comparing and selecting new Medicare plans.

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program provides free help from counselors who can help people compare plans, understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their Medicare options. Counselors can also provide information on how to avoid becoming a victim of common scams that target people during Open Enrollment.

During the Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can:

• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare,
• Change their Medicare Advantage Plan,
• Change or enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, and
• Review changes in costs, coverage and provider networks.

“Choosing the right Medicare plan can have a big impact on a person’s health and finances,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as Deputy Director of Policy for the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD). “SHIBA certified counselors can help make sure Oregonians have the information and support they need to make informed decisions.”

SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. The ultimate goal for scammers is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. Common scams include claiming beneficiaries need a new card or offers of free medical equipment. These scams can happen by mail, over the phone, or by text and email.

The best way to avoid Medicare scams is to keep Medicare numbers private; anyone who receives a message or email about Medicare from a number or person they do not recognize should not respond. “The safety of Oregonians is always a top priority, which includes making sure Oregonians have trusted support during Medicare Open Enrollment,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight-Coyle, Ph.D. “SHIBA counselors can help people recognize red flags and protect themselves from fraud and scams.”

How to get free help — Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments.

To talk to a SHIBA certified counselor or to make an appointment, call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free.)

Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website at SHIBA.oregon.gov.

Online resources include:

• The 2026 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans, which will be translated to multiple languages in the coming weeks.
• Medicare frequently asked questions,
• An agent locator tool,
• A list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations and
• Videos to help people understand their Medicare options.

People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.

About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program — The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $736,831 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

DFR asking financial and insurance-related businesses to provide relief to those affected by federal government shutdown

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has issued two bulletins encouraging insurance companies, health care service contractors, state-regulated financial institutions, and other entities providing financial products to take measures to help people affected by the federal government shutdown.

The federal government shutdown began Oct. 1 and will continue until Congress passes a continuing resolution or other funding measure. According to the Oregon Employment Department (OED), there are approximately 30,000 workers on the federal payroll in Oregon; OED estimates 10,000 were affected by the lapse in appropriations as of Oct. 1. These employees may be either furloughed or, in some instances, required to work without pay. In either case, although back pay may eventually be available, many affected Oregon residents will likely experience at least temporary financial hardship through no fault of their own.

DFR is providing guidance to state-regulated entities to make reasonable accommodations to mitigate the adverse effects of the shutdown on Oregon residents.

“We encourage entities regulated under our jurisdiction to take active measures to provide help to their customers and policyholders that are directly affected by the federal government shutdown,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator and acting insurance commissioner. “All accommodations provided should comply with all applicable state and federal statutes and regulations.”

DFR has requested steps that include providing grace periods to premium payments, providing more time to file insurance claims, allowing more time for repayment of debts, waiving late payment penalties, postponing foreclosure actions and evictions, and negotiating with consumers to arrive at solutions under the current circumstances.

The bulletins are located on DFR’s website.

“We know the shutdown has affected thousands of families in Oregon and we are asking our regulated entities to give some grace to those who have no control over the situation they are currently in,” Keen said.

If you have questions or need to talk with one of our consumer advocates, call 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or send an email to .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov or .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

OHA Announces 10.2% Medicaid Payment Increase, Affecting 1.4 Million Oregonians

A 10.2% increase in Medicaid insurer payments next year by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will help Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) operate within the margins of restrained budgets.

Facing federal policy shifts and rising healthcare costs, the OHA is working with partners across the state to protect access to quality care for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members, while providing essential services to low-income earners in the state.

There are more than 1.4 million people in Oregon covered by the OHP, which is serviced by 16 CCOs statewide, providing physical, behavioral, and dental healthcare for members.

The biggest contributor to increased OHP costs has been the post-pandemic demand for behavioral healthcare, placing strain on CCO budgets.

In a press statement, OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi says the OHA is making a concerted effort to ensure that ‘every public dollar continues to deliver maximum value to the people of Oregon.’

Dr. Hathi says the OHA is also working in partnership with CCOs to evaluate cost-saving measures to offset the higher CCO rates. Collaborative efforts with CCOs and partners have resulted in renewed contracts for 2026 in all but one of the 16 regions.

PacificSource has informed the OHA that it would not renew its CCO contract for Lane County, affecting about 92,000 people.

However, Trillium Community Health Plan, another CCO already serving 36,000 people in Lane County, has been given the go-ahead by OHA to broaden its coverage in the region.

In the meantime, OHA is negotiating with PacificSource to continue serving the region until the beginning of February 2026. Members can expect a notification from OHA and PacificSource in the coming weeks.

“OHA acknowledges that everyone in Oregon’s Medicaid system – from state government and CCOs to hospitals and health care providers – must respond in ways that sustain access to quality care.

The agency will continue working with partners across the state to develop durable solutions that protect coverage, sustain provider networks, and preserve OHP’s long-standing commitment to equitable, high-quality care,” says Dr. Hathi.

Oregon urges payment flexibility under government shutdown

Insurance companies and financial institutions should give Oregonians affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown more time and flexibility to pay bills and file claims, the Oregon agency that regulates insurers recommended Tuesday.

The federal government shut down on Oct. 1 after Republicans and Democrats in Congress could not agree to pass a bill funding government services into October and beyond. With 30,000 people on the federal payroll in Oregon, the Oregon Employment Department estimates about 10,000 of them have been furloughed or required to work without pay.

To help ease any financial hardship, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation is encouraging the insurance companies, health care service contractors and state-regulated financial institutions under its jurisdiction to provide grace periods to premium payments, give more time to file claims, allow more time to repay of debts, waive late payment penalties, postpone foreclosure actions and evictions and negotiate with consumers experiencing hardship because of the shutdown.

“We know the shutdown has affected thousands of families in Oregon and we are asking our regulated entities to give some grace to those who have no control over the situation they are currently in,” said TK Keen, division administrator and acting insurance commissioner.For more information about the state agency’s guidance, read bulletins 2025-8 and 2025-7 on the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation website.

All accommodations should comply with state and federal statutes and regulations, Keen said.

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation functions under the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, the state’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. The division protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities and consumer financial products and services. (SOURCE)

Arson investigation underway after car fire at Portland city councilor’s home

Portland Fire & Rescue and police are investigating a suspicious fire early Sunday that damaged Councilor Candace Avalos’ vehicle and home.

Portland Fire & Rescue and the Portland Police Bureau are investigating a suspicious fire that broke out early Sunday morning at the home of City Councilor Candace Avalos.

Firefighters responded to reports of a vehicle fire around 2:40 a.m. in the city’s Mill Park neighborhood, according to a news release from the Portland Police Bureau. When crews arrived, they found several parked, unoccupied vehicles and a carport engulfed in flames. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported.

Investigators later determined that the vehicle where the fire began belonged to Avalos. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, but authorities described it as suspicious. No arrests have been made.

Avalos said she was home when the fire started and was able to escape safely.

“Late last night, I woke up to my car, carport, and home engulfed in flames,” Councilor Avalos said in a statement Sunday. “I’m grateful for the quick response from Portland firefighters who prevented the fire from spreading even further. I was able to get out safely with my cat, Valentino. I’m being supported by my wonderful friends, neighbors, and loved ones as I navigate what comes next.”

The Portland Fire Investigations Unit — which includes fire investigators who are sworn law enforcement officers and a detective with the Portland Police Bureau — is leading the investigation. The joint team uses specialized training, equipment, and accelerant-detecting dogs to determine fire causes.

Mayor Wilson and members of the Portland City Council released a statement expressing support for Avalos and thanking first responders for their quick action.

“As public servants, we each stepped forward to serve Portland, and today, we stand united in support of our colleague,” the statement read. “We thank Portland Fire & Rescue and the Portland Police Bureau for their quick response and ongoing investigation into a fire incident involving Councilor Avalos. We are working closely with Councilor Avalos to provide her with the resources and security she needs.”

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Portland Fire & Rescue Tip Line at 503-823-3473 or email arsontips@police.portlandoregon.gov, referencing case number 25-293927. (SOURCE)

Sheriff’s Office Detectives Investigating White City Domestic Violence Homicide, Suspect In Custody After Manhunt

JCSO Case 25-5550 – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in White City on Saturday night, October 25. The suspect fled the scene but is now in custody after a nearly five-hour manhunt. There is no threat to the public, as the sole suspect has been taken into custody.

JCSO White City deputies responded to an ECSO 911 Dispatch call at 9:37 PM for a stabbing at a mobile home park in the 3600 block of Avenue G. JCSO deputies and Mercy Flights medics attempted life-saving measures but the victim was pronounced deceased around 10:12 PM. Next of kin has been notified, the decedent is Edward Dean Rowan, 72, of White City. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

The suspect initially fled the scene of the homicide but was identified as the son of the victim. Medford Police Department (MPD) K9 and Drone Teams arrived to assist. More than a dozen law enforcement units from JCSO, Oregon State Police (OSP), MPD, Central Point Police Department (CPPD), and Eagle Point Police Department searched the area.

A JCSO deputy located the suspect walking on Avenue C near the intersection of 28th Street. He was initially uncooperative before JCSO deputies arrested him at 2:26 AM without incident. The suspect, Jason Samuel Rowan, 46, of White City, is charged with second-degree murder. He is lodged in the Jackson County Jail.

Jackson County Major Assault and Death Investigation Unit (MADIU) is assisting with the case. MADIU consists of detectives from OSP, JCSO, MPD, CPPD, Ashland Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office. There is no further information available for release at this time.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield

Appeals court suspends ruling to allow National Guard deployment to Portland

LAWSUIT UPDATE RE: NATIONAL GUARD IN PORTLAND: The Ninth Circuit just paused the three-judge panel’s order on our first TRO until Tuesday 10/28 so they can complete their en banc vote, deciding whether the full court will hear the case. This means for now, both our TROs preventing National Guard deployment remain in effect.

The brief pause will remain in effect until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, while the court decides whether to take another look at the case.

—- Portland has become the center of a tense back-and-forth between Oregon state leadership and President Donald Trump over the attempted deployment of National Guard troops into the city.

Since June, the Trump administration has been federalizing and deploying National Guard troops in Democratic-led cities such as Los Angeles, California and Chicago, Illinois. Initially, Trump planned to send 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland in response to protests around the city’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.

Lawyers for the state of Oregon asked U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut on Tuesday to keep in place a temporary order blocking the deployment of the National Guard in Portland. The state wants Immergut to wait until an appeals court decides whether to rehear the case.

On Monday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals overturned one of Immergut’s orders temporarily blocking the deployment of Oregon troops. It is unclear how that ruling will affect a second temporary restraining order covering all federalized National Guard troops, not just those from Oregon.

Following the appellate ruling, the Trump administration requested that Immergut dissolve her second order, clearing the way for troops to mobilize.

Lawyers for Oregon and the city of Portland immediately asked the Ninth Circuit to reconsider Monday’s ruling. Both sides have until Wednesday to file arguments on whether the Ninth Circuit should rehear the case before an expanded 11-judge panel, known as an en banc hearing.

Oregon immigration rights groups sue ICE alleging it is preventing access to lawyers

Two immigration rights group say feds began targeted immigration operations throughout Willamette Valley on Oct. 15th, and advocacy groups are now suing three federal immigration agencies. They allege ICE is purposefully denying people in detention centers access to their lawyers before transferring them out of state.

The suit was brought against the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the ICE field office in Seattle, as well as the leaders of each agency, by  CLEAR Clinic, a Portland-based legal nonprofit that provides free immigration counsel, and Woodburn-based Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste — also known as PCUN, Oregon’s largest Latino labor union.

The groups are represented by Innovation Law Lab, a Portland-based legal nonprofit that specializes in immigrant and refugee cases.

Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem, Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, Cammilla Wamsley, director of ICE’s Seattle field office, and Pete Flores, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection are named in the suit.

Oregon Heritage Commission public survey to learn how Oregonians participate in and value heritage activities across the state

The Oregon Heritage Commission is updating the Oregon Heritage Plan to strengthen heritage efforts across the state and lay the foundation for the Commission’s priorities over the next five years. To help inform the plan, the Commission has launched a statewide public survey to understand the heritage values that Oregonians hold and how they participate in heritage-related activities across the state.

The survey is open to the public until October 27 and is available in English and Spanish.

“This public survey is an opportunity to learn how Oregonians across the state engage with Oregon’s story through places, traditions, cultural materials, experiences, and more. We want to hear why these resources are important to Oregonians and what would make them more accessible,” said Commission Coordinator Katie Henry.

In addition to the public survey results, the plan will be informed by discussions with Oregon’s heritage preservation community and the results of the results of the 2024 Oregon Heritage Vitality Study. For more information on the planning process, please visit this Oregon Heritage Website.

The updated plan is expected to be open for public comment in early 2026. The final plan is expected to be adopted by the Heritage Commission in April 2026 at the 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference in Woodburn.

About the Oregon Heritage Commission
The Oregon Heritage Commission is a group of leaders from across the state that works collaboratively to champion resources, recognition, and funding for preserving and interpreting Oregon’s past. Founded in 1995 by the Legislature, the Heritage Commission is comprised of nine gubernatorial appointments and nine ex-officio members. The Commission is designated in ORS 358.570-595 as the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in Oregon. More information on the Commission’s website.

In just a few days, millions of Americans will gain an hour of sleep as daylight saving time ends.

On Sunday, November 2, clocks around the U.S. will “fall back” an hour at 2 a.m.

While most states follow this biannual clock change, Arizona and Hawaii are the only two that don’t observe daylight saving time and refuse to roll their clock forward and backward each year. The two states are outliers in comparison to the rest of the U.S., relying on a loophole in the 59-year-old federal law that requires states to stay on daylight saving time.

In 2024, Oregon lawmakers introduced a bill into the Senate that would have kept the state on permanent standard time if Washington and California adopted the same. While the Oregon Senate narrowly approved Senate Bill 1548 on a 16-14 vote, the bill ultimately failed to become law.

Senate Bill 5666, filed in early 2025, sought to abolish a one-hour change in time from standard time to daylight saving time and keep the state in standard time for all 12 months of the year, except in a portion of Oregon that adheres to the Mountain Time Zone. The measure, which failed to pass, would have only gone into effect if California and Washington had done the same within 10 years.

ODFW invites the public to view artwork entered in the annual stamp art contest on Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 12:30-5:00 p.m. at ODFW Headquarters in Salem.

The event is free and open to the public. Located at 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, ODFW Headquarters will host the display of submissions for the 2026 Habitat Conservation Stamp, Upland Game Bird Stamp, and Waterfowl Stamp art contests.

Visitors will be able to cast their vote for the People’s Choice in each category.   A panel of judges will evaluate the entries on the morning of the show. Artists participating in the Habitat Conservation Stamp category are required to feature an eligible species from the Oregon Conservation Strategy in its natural habitat. For the 2026 Waterfowl Stamp, entries must showcase one of the following species in its natural habitat setting: blue-winged teal, lesser scaup, or ruddy duck.

The 2026 Upland Game Bird Stamp requires artwork featuring the ring-necked pheasant in its natural habitat setting.  The panel will judge artwork based on artistic composition, anatomical accuracy of the species and general appeal. The winning artist in each contest receives a $2,000 award and winning artwork is used to produce collector stamps and other promotional items with sale proceeds benefitting Oregon’s fish, wildlife and their habitats.

Taxpayer Advocate urges Oregonians to volunteer to help low-income families receive millions in unclaimed tax benefits

Oregon and the Internal Revenue Service are once again recruiting people to assist in the free preparation of taxes as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

“Oregon needs more VITA sites and volunteers. For low- and moderate-income families, claiming the tax credits available to them can be a starting point on the path to stronger financial security. But too often those tax credits go unclaimed,” said Codi Trudell, Oregon’s Taxpayer Advocate. “The cost and complexity of filing a tax return is a hurdle for too many people. By volunteering to help them file their returns and claim their credits, Oregonians can make a difference for people in their local community.”

The IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.

Including free tax help offered by AARP, so far in 2025, free tax assistance has been made available to nearly 38,000 taxpayers at 108 sites across the state. That’s up from 104 sites and 33,000 taxpayers at this point in 2024. Every year, however, the sites are forced to turn away people who need assistance due to a shortage of volunteers.

In addition to the need for volunteers, the IRS is also seeking organizations to sponsor VITA and TCE clinics.

The VITA and TCE programs train volunteers to help low- to moderate-income families prepare their tax returns. Across the country, thousands of people volunteer each year and prepare millions of tax returns at thousands of tax sites nationwide.

Volunteers are assigned to work with a sponsoring organization, first to receive training and then to begin volunteering at a location in the community. Training is offered both online and in the classroom. Tax sites are generally open nights and weekends, and the hours are flexible.

Additional information is available on the IRS website. Interested persons can submit an inquiry now using the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up moving them one step closer to becoming a VITA or TCE tax volunteer and giving back to their community. The IRS will share information about those interested in volunteering with sponsoring organizations for follow-up contact.

Organizations with an interest in partnering with the IRS to sponsor or host a free tax preparation site in Oregon can also complete and submit the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up form.

To find a VITA site near them, Oregonians can use the IRS Site Locator tool or check the DOR’s Free Tax Help map with VITA sites marked in blue.

VITA sites at 15 locations in Oregon receive funding from the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. Those interested in volunteering at one of these sites should contact the organizations below in December.

Beaverton, Eugene, Gresham, Portland:

CASH Oregon

503-461-7388

volunteer@cashoregon.org

Bend, Redmond:

Latino Community Association

541-382-4366

info@latinocommunityassociation.org

Bend, Corvallis, Eugene:

Oregon State University

541-737-3371

vita@oregonstate.edu

Coos Bay, Roseburg:

Moneywise Oregon

541-670-5054

dan@moneywiseoregon.org

Medford:

United Way Jackson County

541-864-5092

office@unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org

Ontario, Portland:

Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization

971-331-9811

elizabethz@irco.org

Woodburn:

Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos

503-902-0367

debbiec@centrodspc.org

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.

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