The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Friday, January 12, 2024
Oregon Beach Weather
Active Weather Alerts WINTER STORM WATCH ISSUED: 3:30 AM JAN. 12, 2024 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM FRIDAY TO 4 AM PST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow accumulations of a dusting up to 4 inches and ice accumulations of around 0.4 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 30 to 50 mph. * WHERE...North Oregon Coast and Central Oregon Coast. * WHEN...From 4 PM Friday to 4 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will likely begin Friday afternoon but will likely not accumulate on surfaces until later Friday evening. Freezing rain may begin Friday night, continuing through Saturday. It appears precipitation will fall mainly in the form of freezing rain. Very little to no snow or freezing rain is expected in the Florence area as temperatures will most likely stay above freezing that far south. However, uncertainty remains high regarding exact snow and ice amounts. SMALL CRAFT ADVISORYISSUED: 2:09 AM JAN. 12, 2024 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS EVENING... ...GALE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Steep northwest seas 8 to 12 ft at 12 seconds. South to southwest winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and very steep wind driven seas of 12 to 15 feet are possible tonight through Saturday. * WHERE...All areas. * WHEN...For the Small Craft Advisory, until 7 PM PST Friday. For the Gale Watch, from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Low visibility conditions are possible. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks GALE WATCHISSUED: 2:09 AM JAN. 12, 2024 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS EVENING... ...GALE WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH SATURDAY AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Steep northwest seas 8 to 12 ft at 12 seconds. South to southwest winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and very steep wind driven seas of 12 to 15 feet are possible tonight through Saturday. * WHERE...All areas. * WHEN...For the Small Craft Advisory, until 7 PM PST Friday. For the Gale Watch, from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Low visibility conditions are possible. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
Sneaker Waves Along The Coast – Anyone planning to spend time along the Oregon coast should be mindful of possible sneaker waves.
King tides refer to the highest tides of the year and along the Oregon Coast these tides are typically 9 to 10 feet. There are four series of king tides, so mark your calendars. To learn more about these tides and/or to participate in some cool citizen science visit: https://www.oregonkingtides.net
Sneaker waves are waves that suddenly surge further up the beach than expected, according to the NWS. They are powerful enough to sweep people into the ocean, and can roll logs and other debris along the beach.
ROAD CONDITIONS: TripCheck
The National Weather Service (NWS) has updated the Winter Storm Watch now in effect from 4 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Sunday for Central and North Oregon Coast
Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow accumulations of a dusting up to 4 inches and ice accumulation of around 0.4 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 30 to 50 mph.
Snow will likely begin Friday afternoon but will likely not accumulate on surfaces until later Friday evening. Freezing rain may begin Friday night, continuing through Saturday.
It appears precipitation will fall mainly in the form of freezing rain. Very little to no snow or freezing rain is expected in the Florence area as temperatures will most likely stay above freezing that far south. However, uncertainty remains high regarding exact snow and ice amounts.
Collision Involving South Lincoln Ambulance Kills One Person And Severely Injures Another In Yachats
One person was killed and another severely injured in a collision between a South Lincoln Ambulance and a Kia Soul about 5:16 p.m. Thursday as the ambulance was pulling out of the Yachats fire station just north of the city on U.S. Highway 101.
The highway was closed for five hours as staff and volunteers from Central Oregon Coast Fire & Rescue, the Seal Rock fire department, Pacific West Ambulance crews, Oregon State Police and Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies responded. The highway reopened about 10:25 p.m.
The two Yachats firefighter/paramedics were not injured, but one was taken to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital for evaluation. Yachats firefighter/paramedics are responsible for staffing South Lincoln Ambulance and were responding to a call nearby.
One of the two occupants of the Kia was initially treated at the scene by PacWest paramedics and then taken by Lifeflight air ambulance to a hospital in the Willamette Valley
Because it is a fatality, state police sent their accident reconstruction team to investigate, which led to the long highway closure. (SOURCE)
Be alert for landslides across southern and western Oregon
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for portions of south-central Oregon, including the south-central Oregon coast. The watch is in effect from Saturday evening to late Monday evening.
Abundant moisture will arrive with the next storm system coming in Friday night through Saturday night. Heavy rain may result in landslides in areas of steep terrain, as well as debris flows in and near burned areas from recent wildfires.
Find the latest information here: https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
Debris flows are rapidly moving, extremely destructive landslides. They can contain boulders and logs transported in a fast-moving soil and water slurry down steep hillsides and through narrow canyons. They can easily travel a mile or more. A debris flow moves faster than a person can run. People, structures, and roads located below steep slopes in canyons and near the mouths of canyons may be at serious risk.
If your home, work, or route is in a watch area:
- Stay alert. Track the flood watch by radio, TV, weather radio or online. If told to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Listen. Unusual sounds might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together. A trickle of falling mud or debris may precede larger landslides. If you think there is danger of a landslide, leave immediately.
- Watch the water. If water in a stream or creek suddenly turns muddy or the amount of water flowing suddenly decreases or increases, this is a warning that the flow has been affected upstream. You should immediately leave the area because a debris flow may soon be coming downstream.
- Travel with extreme caution. Assume roads are not safe. Be alert when driving, especially at night. Embankments along roadsides may fail, sending rock and debris onto the road.
For more landslide and debris flow information:
https://www.oregon.gov/dogami/landslide/Pages/debrisflow.aspx
Coos Bay Walmart Robbery Leads To Two Men Arrested On Assault And Robbery Charges
UPDATE: CBPD no longer holds probable cause to arrest the third robbery suspect, 33-year-old Deven Dunn of Coos Bay. This case is still under investigation and further updates will be provided when available.
The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) arrested two men after a robbery occurred outside Walmart, 2051 Newmark Ave. in Coos Bay. A third robbery suspect is still outstanding.On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 5:39 p.m., the North Coos 9-1-1 Center (NC911) received 9-1-1 calls reporting that subjects with a knife in the Walmart parking lot had robbed a man.
Callers reported that the victim’s vehicle was stolen during the robbery, and the victim appeared injured.CBPD officers contacted the victim, who reported that three men assaulted him with a knife and stole his vehicle. The victim told the officers that he knew all three suspects, who had arrived at Walmart in an RV. Following the robbery, the three suspects fled the scene in their RV and in the victim’s vehicle, a black Mazda MPV van. The victim was transported to Bay Area Hospital with minor injuries.
At approximately 5:43 p.m., a trooper with the Oregon State Police (OSP) observed the suspect’s RV while it was being driven in Coos Bay. The trooper was able to stop the RV and its occupants. Two of the robbery suspects, 40-year-old Joshua Wells and 26-year-old Mason Albano, were the occupants of the vehicle. Both Mr. Wells and Mr. Albano were arrested and transported to the Coos County Jail on the listed charges below. The third robbery suspect, 33-year-old Deven Dunn of Coos Bay, is still outstanding and the CBPD holds probable cause for his arrest on the listed charges below.
Mason Albano: Assault 3 and conspiracy to commit robbery 1.Coos County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) warrant charging failure to appear on the original charge of theft 3 and CCSO warrant charging failure to appear on a criminal citation.
Joshua Wells: Assault 3, theft 2, and conspiracy to commit robbery 1.Deven Dunn: Assault 2, robbery 1, unlawful use of a weapon, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
The victim’s vehicle has not yet been recovered, and this case is still under investigation. The Oregon State Police, Coos Bay Fire Department, and Bay Cities Ambulance aided the CBPD during this incident.
Yachats Post Office Without A Postmaster Again
The Yachats post office is without a postmaster— When and why Yachats postmaster Chanda Kowitz, who had been on the job for two years, is no longer there remains a mystery to the public. But a U.S. Postal Service spokeswoman has confirmed she is no longer on the job.
Regional USPS spokesperson for Oregon Kimberly Frum initially said Monday that Kowitz was no longer employed by the postal service. However, she contacted YachatsNews early Tuesday to say she had misspoken.
“She is still employed, she is just on temporary leave,” Frum said. “But because of privacy laws I am not allowed to elaborate any further.”
Kowitz stepped in as the Yachats postmaster Jan. 1, 2022 following six months of substitutes and occasional closures. She replaced Jeff Davis, who had been the postmaster for 10 years before retiring in July 2021.
Kowitz, a Yachats resident who grew up in Waldport, began as a custodian in the Waldport Post Office in 2018 and became a clerk there in 2020. She was in charge of the Waldport and Yachats post offices while Waldport postmaster Peter Roina was on a three-month assignment in Bend before she became the Yachats postmaster.
Roina praised Kowitz in the past, saying she is an “extremely fast learner, very positive and energetic” and that “she would do great things for the USPS.”
The Yachats Post Office had struggled with staffing issues prior to Kowitz arrival, but Frum said despite Kowitz departure and rumors that another clerk has left, there would be no drop off in service. Attempts by YachatsNews to reach Kowitz by email were unsuccessful.
“The management that oversees this post office knows the importance of having the office staffed with competent people,” Frum said. “They are definitely going to do their best to make sure that the staffing level remains the way it should and that customers will not suffer for any service, whether it’s behind the counter or deliveries.”
In Yachats, the post office is more than a place to pick up mail and packages. It serves as a social hub where residents can catch up on how everyone’s doing, serves as a community bulletin board for announcements of all sorts, and is a daily destination for many of the village’s walkers.
One change that customers noticed Jan. 2 was a strict adherence to USPS regulations about where a P.O. box number was written on an address to be delivered by Amazon, United Parcel Service or Federal Express. If incorrect the Yachats staff was instructed to return them to the sender. In past years staff would work around that by knowing which residents had which post office boxes.
Two signs were placed on Yachats’ post office windows and bulletin boards Monday giving customers instructions on how to adhere to USPS regulations on post office boxes and addressing. (SOURCE)
OSP Fish and Wildlife asking for public assistance – Lincoln County
OSP Fish and Wildlife Seeking Public Assistance in Waste of Bull Elk
Bull elk left to waste in Lincoln County
LINCOLN COUNTY, Ore. 10 Jan. 2024 – Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance in locating the person(s) responsible for the take and waste of a bull elk in Lincoln County.
On Jan. 8, 2024, Fish and Wildlife troopers from the Newport office responded to a report of a bull elk shot and killed in a clearing near milepost 4 on Harlan Road. The carcass was located approximately 100 yards from a Weyerhauser gate above Harlan Road. The bull elk is believed to have been shot the night before. The bull elk had two hindquarters removed from the carcass and the majority of the meat was left to waste.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Oregon State Police Dispatch at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@osp.oregon.gov. Reference case number SP008527.
Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators
The Turn In Poachers (TIP) program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police, Oregon Hunters Association, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Wildlife Coalition, Oregon Outfitter and Guides Association, and the Oregon State Marine Board.
The TIP program offers preference point rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of big game mammals.
Preference Point Rewards
5 Points: Bighorn Sheep
5 Points: Rocky Mountain Goat
5 Points: Moose
5 Points: Wolf
4 Points: Elk
4 Points: Deer
4 Points: Pronghorn Antelope
4 Points: Bear
4 Points: Cougar
The TIP program also offers cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of the following fish and wildlife species. Cash rewards can also be awarded for habitat destruction, illegally obtaining hunting or angling license or tag, lending or borrowing big game tags, spotlighting, or snagging.
Cash Rewards
Oregon Hunters Association (OHA) cash rewards:
$2,000 Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Moose
$1,000 Elk, Deer, or Antelope
$600 Bear, Cougar, or Wolf
$300 Habitat destruction
$200 Illegally obtaining Oregon hunting or angling license or tags
$200 Unlawful lending/borrowing big game tag(s)
$200 Game Fish & Shellfish
$200 Game Birds or Furbearers
$200 Spotlighting
$200 Snagging/Attempt to Snag
Oregon Wildlife Coalition (OWC) Cash Rewards:
$500 Hawk, Falcon, Eagle, Owl, Osprey
$500 Cougar, Bobcat, Beaver (public lands only), Black bears, Bighorn Sheep, Marten, Fisher, Sierra Nevada Red Fox
$1,000 Species listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under state or federal Endangered Species Act (excludes fish)
Oregon Outfitters & Guides Association (OOGA) Cash Rewards:
$200 Acting as an Outfitter Guide for the Illegal Killing of Wildlife, Illegally Obtaining Oregon Hunting or Angling Licenses or Tags, or Illegally Offering to Act as an Outfitter Guide as defined in ORS 704.010 and 704.020.
How to Report a Wildlife and/or Habitat Law Violation or Suspicious Activity:
TIP Hotline: 1-800-452-7888 or OSP (677)
TIP email: TIP@osp.oregon.gov (monitored Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
For more information visit: www.oregon.gov/osp/programs/fw/Pages/tip.aspx
# # #About the Oregon State Police
Oregon State Police (OSP) is a multi-disciplined organization that is charged with protecting the people, wildlife, and natural resources in Oregon. OSP enforces traffic laws on the state’s roadways, investigates and solves crime, conducts postmortem examinations and forensic analysis, and provides background checks, and law enforcement data. The agency regulates gaming and enforces fish, wildlife, and natural resource laws. OSP is comprised of more than 1,400 staff members – including troopers, investigators, and professional staff – who provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Oregon and other law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon.
Areas Out Of Water Due To Water Break In City Of Reedsport
The City of Reedsport Water Department is responding to a water break in the 664 Elm area, according to city officials. The city says residents from S. 6th Street to the Railroad Track east of Winchester Ave will be out of water for the time being.
Officials are asking residents to be cautious of workers in the area and to use alternative routes if possible. Residents with questions or concerns are asked to call 541-271-3603 and ask for Kim Clardy.
Yaquina Bay Communication’s Five Radio Stations Along The Oregon Coast No Longer Operating
Yaquina Bay Communications’ five stations along the Oregon Coast ceased operations 1/1/2024 following a foreclosure sale of their studio building and two tower properties.
Yacquina Bay Communications owns News/Talk 1310 KNPT Newport/98.3 K252EQ Depoe Bay and Standards 820 KWDP Waldport OR. The related Pacific West Broadcasting owns Country “U92” 92.7 KNCU Newport, Talk/Standards 1400 KBCH Lincoln City and Classic Rock 96.7 KCRF-FM Lincoln City.
All of the stations operate from the studio and office facility in Newport OR. A sixth station owned by the company, 102.7 KYTE Independence OR, lost its license in January after not operating from its licensed facilities for over three years.
YachatsNews.com reports that eight employees were let go as part of the shutdown that follows Oregon Coast Bank bidding $570,005 for the company’s real estate assets of a studio building and two tower sites in a foreclosure auction earlier this month.
The bank had gone to court to request a foreclosure after the Millers defaulted on $532,000 in loan payments. The Oregon Department of Revenue and Oregon Employment Department also held liens on the properties as they owe $43,000 in back taxes. (SOURCE)
Sneak Preview Screening for Movie Filmed Locally on Coast in Brookings January 16
Shot on location on the Oregon and Northern California Coast, starring Jonny Lee, Abby Wathen, and Mark Schneider.
Watch Bad Fish in Brookings, OR on Tuesday, January 16th. This is a Cast & Crew preview screening, with a limited guest list for local
Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy – Waldport
Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is excited to start the year off by having our first quarterly Coffee with a Deputy event of 2024 in Waldport. Join us on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 8am – 10am for a cup of coffee and a conversation at Café Chill (located at 540 NE Commercial St, Waldport, OR 97394).
More about these quarterly events:
Every three months our office will partner with a local coffee shop in Lincoln County to provide a time, space, and coffee for community members to meet our team and share what’s on their minds. Coffee with a cop events are a friendly and relaxed way for communities to connect with the deputies that serve them.
These events offer a unique opportunity for community members to directly engage with law enforcement, ask questions, voice concerns, and build positive relationships. Whether you’re a regular coffee drinker or simply curious about the work of law enforcement, this is a chance to connect with deputies on a personal level, learn about each other’s experiences, and share local feedback.
Oregon Department Of Forestry Recreation Team Seeking Camp Hosts
The Oregon Department of Forestry Recreation Team is looking for camp hosts to support operations at 8 campgrounds in the Tillamook, Clatsop, and Santiam State Forests for the 2024 season.
Campgrounds operates from May through October with flexible scheduling opportunities to include both full-season and short-season commitments.
Camp hosts are provided with:
*electricity
*water
*firewood
*septic
*ODF uniforms and supplies
Hosts help with light facility maintenance, visitor information services, and provide a point of contact for visitors in case of an emergency. Camp hosts enjoy direct access to trails and other recreation areas, get to meet people from all over the world, and can spend time exploring the vast experiences and views state forests have to offer.
To learn more, visit the ODF volunteer page: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/recreation/pages/volunteer.aspx
Florence Café 60 Senior Meals Program Reopens for Dine-In Meals
Lane Council of Government’s Senior Meals Program is reopening its Café 60 location in Florence after being closed for the past three years.
LCOG officials said that during the closure, LCOG’s Senior and Disability Services division offered grab-and-go meals but the reopening of Café 60 will provide a dine-in location for seniors who might otherwise go hungry. The Florence location will reopen on December 4 and operate three days a week at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Florence Senior Center located at 1570 Kingwood Street, LCOG officials said.
Organizers said that interested seniors should make reservations at least a week in advance by calling ahead at 541-997-5673 or filling out a reservation menu at the Café 60 location. The program is open at no cost to seniors 60 years of age or over and those not 60 years or older are welcome to join by paying the meal cost of $8, program organizers said. Donations are welcomed to support the program’s continued operation in the community, LCOG officials said.
Volunteers are also sought to help with the program and those who would like to participate may call 541-682-1366. More program information is also available here: https://www.lcog.org/sdslane/page/florence-caf%C3%A9-60-reopens-dine-meals
Get Ready For More Snow and Freezing Temperatures
The Pacific Northwest is expected to see freezing temperatures and maybe even lowland snow this week as part of the polar vortex blasts southward from the Arctic.
Watches, Warnings or Advisories for Oregon https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
A winter storm is arriving this week and many mountain passes are expecting substantial snow. The Oregon Department of Transportation said it will be fully staffed in preparation for the weather.
With nearly 4 feet of snow expected in the Cascades between now and Saturday and temperatures possibly 10 to 18 degrees below average, travel could be tricky. TRACK WEATHER HERE and HERE
Another tip for drivers is to make sure phones are charged before leaving. Drivers can also check the ODOT website, TripCheck , which has the most current road conditions and closures for Oregon.
Umpqua Bank’s Warm Hearts Winter Drive Raises $365,000 for Shelters and Nonprofits That Help Those in Need
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LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., (January 11, 2023) ― Umpqua Bank today announced that its Warm Hearts Winter Drive successfully raised $365,000 this holiday season and received winter clothing donations from customers, associates, and members of the community to benefit those individuals and families who struggle with housing and access to other basic resources.
“Our Warm Hearts Winter Drive is all about bringing people together to care for neighbors in need, and this year’s campaign has been a tremendous success,” said David Moore Devine, Umpqua’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Thanks to the passion of our associates and the generosity of individuals and businesses across our footprint, more of our neighbors will have access to shelter and other basic resources to stay safe and healthy during the winter months.”
Started by Columbia Bank before its merger with Umpqua last year, the Warm Hearts Winter Drive has raised a total of roughly $2.5 million for more than 100 shelters and aide organizations across Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah. This year’s campaign received thousands of contributions across the bank’s footprint, including donations from key sponsors Beacon Plumbing & Mechanical and Samuel’s Store, surpassing Umpqua’s goal of raising $300,000 this year by more than 22 percent.
All designated contributions and donations to Umpqua’s Warm Hearts Winter Drive stay in the community where they were raised and directly support local organizations. Among the list of benefiting organizations are the Oregon-based Portland Rescue Mission and Eugene Mission, Tacoma Rescue Mission and Vine Maple Place in Washington, Boise Rescue Mission and Family Promise of Northern Idaho, Sacramento Loaves and Fishes and Tri Counties Community Action Partnership in Northern California, and The Road Home in Utah.
About Umpqua Bank
Umpqua Bank is a subsidiary of Columbia Banking System Inc., (Nasdaq: COLB) and a premier regional bank in the western U.S., with offices in Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona and Colorado. With over $50 billion of assets, Umpqua combines the resources, sophistication and expertise of a national bank with a commitment to deliver personalized service at scale. The bank consistently ranks as one of America’s Best Banks (ranked by Forbes) and supports consumers and businesses through a full suite of services, including retail and commercial banking; Small Business Administration lending; institutional and corporate banking; equipment leasing; and wealth management. The bank’s corporate headquarters are located in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Learn more at umpquabank.com.
Oregon Health Authority will Elevate the State’s Medicaid and Behavioral Health Programs as New Divisions
(Salem – January 11, 2024) Oregon’s Behavioral Health and Medicaid programs will become separate divisions in a new organizational structure at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), which Interim Director David Baden announced in a message to OHA staff today. Medicaid and Behavioral Health have been part of a larger Health Systems Division (HSD) since 2016.
A transition will begin this month. State health officials expect to conclude the process in April 2024. Once the change is completed, the Health Systems Division will be dissolved, and its current shared functions will be allocated to the two new divisions.
The changes will help ensure that OHA can fulfill its mission, eliminate health inequities and tackle the most important challenges facing Oregon communities. The new structure will enable the Medicaid and Behavioral Health divisions to allocate funding and regulate programs in more responsive and effective ways.
Interim Director Baden said, “OHA’s Medicaid and Behavioral Health teams are responsible for some of the highest priority programs and initiatives for our agency. To succeed, Medicaid and Behavioral Health need an organizational structure that enables their teams to be nimbler, and more efficient to meet the expectations of policymakers, partners and the public.”
State health officials said that there will be no reductions in staffing due to the changes.
Oregon’s Medicaid program provides medical, behavioral health and dental coverage to more than 1.4 million income-eligible children and adults in Oregon, through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP). The Medicaid budget is $26.3 billion for the 2023-2025 biennium, which is funded through a combination of federal and state funds (currently, the federal government contributes approximately two-thirds of the funds for Oregon’s Medicaid program). The new Medicaid division will continue to be led by Vivian Levy, the state’s Interim Medicaid Director.
Oregon’s Behavioral Health program funds, regulates and administers mental health and substance use services programs for community members who do not qualify for Medicaid coverage. The 2023-2025 budget for behavioral health is $1.3 billion. Ebony Clarke, the state’s behavioral health director, will continue to lead the new Behavioral Health Division.
Once the transition is complete, current Health Systems Division Interim Director Shawna McDermott will take on a senior role in Medicaid.
Interim Director Baden emphasized that the Medicaid and Behavioral Health divisions will continue to work closely together.
“Medicaid and Behavioral Health programs will stand on their own as separate – but not siloed – OHA divisions,” said Baden. “As we navigate this change, we will sustain and enhance collaboration across Medicaid and Behavioral Health teams to improve equitable care coordination and health outcomes for people across the state. We cannot afford anything less. Nor can the people we serve.”
Oregon Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Conspiracy to Engage in Animal Crushing Resulting in the Torture, Mutilation and Murder of Monkeys
EUGENE, Ore.—An Oregon man pleaded guilty today in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to produce and distribute videos depicting the torture, mutilation and murder of monkeys in exchange for money raised by an online animal abuse group the man administered.
David Christopher Noble, 48, of Prineville, Oregon, pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos.
According to court documents, from an unknown date no later than January 19, 2022, and continuing until February 2, 2023, Noble conspired with others in the District of Oregon and elsewhere to send multiple online payments to co-conspirators overseas to fund the production of videos depicting the torture, mutilation and murder of monkeys. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Noble administered an online group wherein members would raise funds to produce, discuss ideas for, and share animal abuse videos.
In 2006, Noble, a former United States Air Force Officer, was dismissed from the Air Force and ordered to serve six months in military custody following a court martial for fraud and an unprofessional relationship. In early February 2023, following the investigation in this case, investigators executed a search warrant on Noble’s residence and found approximately 50 videos depicting animal abuse, along with several firearms and ammunition.
On May 18, 2023, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging Noble with conspiring to engage in animal crushing and creating and distributing animal crush videos, creating animal crush videos, and illegally possessing a firearm as a dishonorably discharged person.
After his home was searched, Noble relocated from Prineville to Henderson, Nevada, and, on June 13, 2023, was arrested in Henderson. The next day, he made his first appearance in federal court in Las Vegas and was ordered detained pending his transfer to Oregon. On July 21, 2023, after arriving in Oregon, Noble was again ordered detained based on the nature of his offenses, including the extreme violence associated, and his possession of firearms.
For his role in the conspiracy, Noble faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years’ supervised release. He will be sentenced on April 24, 2024.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren and Adam E. Delph, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.
Asante settled Medicare fraud allegations at Medford hospital
The health system now at the center of a local police investigation recently resolved a lengthy federal probe into a whistleblower lawsuit claiming fraudulent billing
The Medford hospital now at the center of a local police investigation recently resolved a lengthy federal probe into a whistleblower lawsuit claiming fraudulent billing
Weeks before local police launched an investigation into reports of alleged drug diversion and potentially related patient deaths at Asante Rogue Medical Center, hospital management quietly settled litigation stemming from a federal Medicare fraud probe.
The probe, which has not been previously reported, was seemingly unrelated to the new investigation. It was based on a whistleblower lawsuit filed by one of the hospital’s own doctors that accused management at the Medford hospital of ignoring billing fraud. Instead, the suit claimed, management targeted the doctor who reported it.
According to the suit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the allegations contained in the lawsuit that was secretly filed under seal in 2021. Court records showed that after investigating, the federal government joined the whistleblower’s suit to recoup funds.
U.S. District Judge Michael McShane in October approved a settlement to which Asante and the doctor accused of overbilling, Dr. Charles Carmeci, collectively agreed. The judge’s order approving the settlement partially unsealed documents in the case.
Court records did not detail any dollar amounts in the settlement, and the Oregon U.S. Attorney’s office has not yet responded to requests for the information. A formal request from The Lund Report under the Freedom of Information Act is pending.
In the suit, Dr. Nicholas Engstrom, a cardiothoracic surgeon who worked at the Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, claimed his then coworker, Carmeci, billed government health programs for procedures he didn’t do and performed unnecessary procedures to boost his compensation.
No criminal charges have resulted from the claims and the federal investigation.
Carmeci did not respond to requests for comment. Engstrom’s attorney, Jennifer Middleton, declined to comment.
Contacted about the lawsuit, a spokesperson for Asante, Lauren Van Sickle, wrote in an email that health system leadership “will not be commenting.”
In 2022, the hospital received 57% of its revenue from government programs including Medicare and Medicaid, or $642 million in all, according to the most recent financial report submitted to state regulators. (READ MORE)
Investigations Into Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center Patient Deaths Continue
The investigation could take several weeks or months. MPD will release information as it becomes available.
Hospital Nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford Accused of Replacing Fentanyl with Tap Water Leading to at least 10 Patient Deaths and “Dozens of Patients” Had Been Harmed
The Federal Bureau of Investigation says it is involved with an investigation at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. The FBI said it’s aware of allegations there under investigation by local police.
This after some sources say as many as ten people have died. Multiple hospital sources, who declined to be identified, confirmed dozens of patients injured by medication diversion — the act of replacing a medication with
another substance. It is believed the fentanyl scheduled to be administered to the patients was then removed from the premises illegally.
Sources allege that a hospital nurse was removing fentanyl from IV bags and replacing it with tap water. The FBI said today it is supporting local police with their work.
Asante issued a statement during the weekend that, “We were distressed to learn of this issue. We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.”
Multiple sources also say that water supplies in the Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit — which are in an older part of the hospital — are unsafe for use on patients, even for face washing. The hospital made numerous public statements during 2023 pertaining to infections and water quality issues.
OHA state agency is part of an investigation now at a Medford hospital, where local and federal law enforcement agencies are investigating allegations of nursing behavior that could have been deadly.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) says today it’s “aware of reports of incidents at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford involving a nurse alleged to have tampered with pharmaceutical fentanyl used to treat severe pain and introduced tap water in patients’ intravenous lines. OHA also is investigating reports that the incidents led to health care-associated infections that severely injured, and may have caused the deaths of, several patients.”
OHA has a Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program that, “conducts HAI surveillance in Oregon health care facilities,” working with partners including health care facilities to respond to and contain potential HAI outbreaks.
• A nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Oregon is accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water, leading to the deaths of approximately ten patients.
• The tap water injections allegedly caused Pseudomonas infections, which can result in severe conditions like sepsis and pneumonia.
• The act of substituting medications, known as “drug diversion,” is a problem in the medical field, with fentanyl being one of the most commonly diverted drugs.
• No charges have been filed yet, but police are actively investigating the incident.
• The hospital has reported the issue to law enforcement, but details such as the exact number of affected patients have not been officially confirmed.
A nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford allegedly swapped medication with tap water, resulting in the death of approximately ten patients, NBC5 reported.
Sources say the nurse used tap water to cover up the hospital’s misuse of medication. Unnamed hospital sources said “dozens of patients” had been harmed by the replacement of their meds with another substance.
Citing several anonymous sources, NBC5 reported that at least ten patients at the Medford hospital were allegedly injected with tap water in an attempt to cover up a nurse’s misuse of fentanyl, a pain medication.
According to NBC5, sources within the hospital said that the tap water, which is not sterile, led to Pseudomonas infections.
The Medical Center’s intensive care unit reported that up to nine or ten people caught infections and later died. The tap water that was used in the injections was reportedly not sterile and led to multiple infections of pseudomonas, which can be very dangerous to those with weak immune systems.
“It could cause sepsis, pneumonia, it could infect all the organs, so it could be a very severe infection,” said Dr. Robin Miller. The Asante Rogue Medical Center released a statement saying, “We were distressed to learn of this issue. We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.”
As of press time, no one was arrested or charged, and Medford Police provided no more details. They only confirmed there’s an open investigation at the medical center.
Oregon Seeing Spikes In Influenza And COVID-19
Oregon was lagging a bit behind most of the country, but now it’s experiencing a spike in flu and COVID cases.
From Dec. 16 through Dec. 23, flu cases nearly doubled in Oregon. COVID-19 test positivity jumped by more than 50% from Dec. 16 through Dec. 30. And from last week to this week, adults in acute care hospital beds due to COVID jumped by 30%, according to the Oregon Health Authority.
RSV season has been underway since early November, but cases have stayed relatively flat at around 11% positivity. Meanwhile, the past year saw a big drop in vaccinations in the state. Less than 14% of Oregonians got the latest COVID vaccine.
Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division, said people may have gotten tired of hearing and thinking about respiratory viruses, but the viruses are not going away.
“They’re still very much with us and they’re putting people in the hospital every day here in Oregon,” Cieslak said.
COVID-19 cases are rising statewide, he added. As far as the flu, the biggest spikes right now are in southwestern Oregon. But that, too, has made its way to every part of the state.
Cieslak noted that nearly everyone qualifies for flu and COVID vaccines. He added that there are RSV medications for children, and RSV vaccines available for people who are over 60 years old or are pregnant.
And he said good respiratory hygiene — like staying home if you’re sick, covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands often — can also help stop the spread of respiratory viruses. (SOURCE)
Juvenile Taken Into Custody After Klamath Union High School Threat
Klamath Falls City police responded to a major threat online made by a 16 year old at Klamath Union High School yesterday. The threat, posted on Snapchat, mentioned the use of a firearm and violence at the school dated January 11th.
KFPD uniformed officers and detectives spent the better part of the day at the facility. The proper computer forensic investigation was done and the person that allegedly posted it was taken into custody and is lodged at the Klamath
County Detention Center for juveniles.
The KFPD said in a press release that they do not take lightly any threats to any students in school and will be diligent in response to such cases.
Red Cross: Emergency blood shortage may delay medical procedures — American Red Cross – Cascades Region
Donors urged to give now as nation faces lowest number of blood donors in decades —- Donors have the chance to help save lives, win trip to Super Bowl LVIII
The American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as the nation faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. The Red Cross blood supply has fallen to critically low levels across the country, and blood and platelet donors are urged to make a donation appointment to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold.
Over the last 20 years, the number of people donating blood to the Red Cross has fallen by about 40%. When fewer people donate blood, even small disruptions to blood donations – such as the nearly 7,000-unit shortfall in blood donations the Red Cross experienced between Christmas and New Year’s Day alone – can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of emergency blood transfusion. Blood products are currently going to hospitals faster than blood donations are coming in, and in recent weeks, the Red Cross has had to limit distributions of type O blood products – among the most transfused blood types – to hospitals.
“Small changes in blood donor turnout can have a huge impact on the availability of blood products and dramatic consequences for those in need of an emergency blood transfusion,” said Dr. Eric Gehrie, executive physician director for the Red Cross. “More challenges may lie ahead as the potential for severe winter weather and seasonal illness may compound the dire blood supply situation. Donors of all types – especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets – are urged to give now.”
Don’t wait – to make an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to give blood or platelets and help tackle the emergency blood shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Super Bowl.
Who donations help
Sandy Thornton, of Dallas, Oregon, knows firsthand how important a readily available blood and platelet supply is. Sandy battled a rare form of cancer called Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Myleo Fibrosis. She received numerous blood and platelet transfusions until eventually needing a stem cell transplant.
“There are people who cannot get a stem cell transplant, which means they face a lifetime of platelet or blood transfusions. That’s their life. Blood is a lifesaver no matter how you look at it. It’s not just about when disasters happen, it’s when people get sick,” shares Sandy.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood and is the primary blood supplier to 65 hospitals throughout Washington and Oregon; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Bureau of Land Management fee-free day recognizes the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The new year is upon us! Welcome 2024 with a fee-free visit to your public lands. The Bureau of Land Management is waiving recreation standard amenity and day-use fees on Jan. 15, in honor of the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day takes place on the third Monday in January and recognizes Dr. King’s service and leadership in the civil rights movement.
“For Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and every day, we are committed to make public lands access more equitable for all,” said Barry Bushue, BLM Oregon-Washington State Director.
Within Oregon and Washington, most access to recreate on BLM OR/WA public lands is free. The BLM’s standard amenity day-use fees will be waived at the following locations:
- Alsea Falls Recreation Site
- Hyatt Lake Recreation Area
- Gerber Recreation Area
- Sandy Ridge Trail System
- Shotgun Creek Recreation Site
- Spring Recreation Site
- Wildwood Recreation Site
- Yakima River Canyon
- Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area
The standard amenity fee waiver does not apply to any expanded amenity fees for overnight camping, group day-use, cabin rentals, or individual Special Recreation Permit fees along permitted rivers. Please contact your local BLM office with questions about a recreation site you are interested in visiting.
Winter weather recreation requires more preparation to stay safe. Check with your local BLM office to learn about current conditions and road closures. Remember to always pack the 10 essentials: navigation tools (map, GPS, personal locator beacon), headlamp, sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen for snow glare), first aid kit, knife/gear repair kit, fire essentials (fire starter, matches, lighter), shelter (i.e., an emergency survival blanket), extra food, extra water (beyond the minimum expectation), and extra clothes (layers).
This is the first of five fee-free days to encourage recreation opportunities on public lands. Other 2024 fee-free days are June 19 (Juneteenth National Independence Day), July 16 (the BLM’s birthday), September 28 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).
For more information about the BLM’s recreation opportunities, visit https://www.blm.gov/visit. Remember to always Recreate Responsibly and leave your public lands cleaner than you found them by practicing Leave No Trace.
-BLM-
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
Missing Yachats Man’s Vehicle Found in North Lane County
On 08/25/2023, Dustin Steyding was reported missing to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office after he left work on 07/22/2023 and hadn’t been located since. Dustin was living and working in the Yachats area.
Dustin was reported to be in good physical condition, having previously worked as a hot shot firefighter in New Mexico. Dustin is very experienced in the woods and commonly goes out for hikes to stay in shape. Without means to locate Dustin, Deputies entered Dustin as a missing person in a national database.
On 09/04/2023, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Dustin’s family after they located his vehicle on Keller Creek Rd, just outside of Lincoln County in Lane County. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies contacted the vehicle and determined it had been at the location for some time. Deputies were unable to determine Dustin’s direction of travel from the vehicle.
The vehicle having been located in Lane County, Lincoln County Deputies contacted the Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and arranged for their response the next day to started searching the area. After two days of searching, no clues to Dustin’s have been found.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dustin Steyding should contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777 and reference case number 23S-07321.
83-year-old Clarence Edward Pitts walked away from his home in Bandon on Tuesday, January 31 at around 1:00 p.m. Pitts is described as:
- 6′ 00″
- 150 lbs
- Gray hair
- Brown eyes
- Last seen wearing an orange beanie, plaid jacket, tan pants and white shoes
- May have a walking cane
- Has dementia and PTSD
Pitts may be in a vehicle that was also found to be missing from the home:
- 1999 Toyota Van
- White
- Oregon license plate: WYN 788
If you see Clarence or have any information pertaining to where he may be, please call the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 541-396-2106 or the Bandon Police Department at 541-347-3189.
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