The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Friday, January 19, 2024
Oregon Beach Weather
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY ISSUED: 2:45 AM JAN. 19, 2024 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST SUNDAY... * WHAT...Southeast winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 7 to 11 ft at 11 seconds. * WHERE...All areas. * WHEN...Until 4 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds and/or steep seas could capsize or damage smaller vessels. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Potential Outlook for parts of southern Oregon.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service said snow melt flooding, quick rises of streams and creeks to near bank full, and ponding of low-lying areas as well as poorly draining urban areas is forecast for Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine and Jackson counties.
Forecasters said a long duration atmospheric river event is expected to bring 1 to 5 inches of rain to the region from Friday night through Monday morning. Rainfall amounts are expected to be highest in Josephine and Curry counties. However, a melt-able snow pack, raises the risk for more widespread flooding. As well as flooding concerns, this rainfall could also lead to increased occurrences of rockfall and localized landslides.
The exact scenario for flooding along rivers and streams remains uncertain. Watches and warnings may be issued by the National Weather Service if the situation worsens.
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.
Severe weather has caused Spectrum service outages again around the state. Get service updates, outage information and other helpful resources at Spectrum.net/stormcenter.
Oregon Power Outage MAP: https://poweroutage.us/area/state/oregon
Seaside Police Issue Merchant Alert For Counterfeit Bills
Local banking institutions have contacted the Seaside Police Department this week, reporting an influx of fraudulent $100 bills being received by local businesses throughout the county.
While the bills appear authentic and pass a pen test, they will not pass through electronic validation devices, magnetic ink, or UV backlight tests.
How to tell these bills are fraudulent:
All have a backplate number of “82.” This is located on the bottom right-hand corner of the back of the bill.
Serial numbers will vary, but all start with “BB.”
The “security strip” on the bill is not a strip but is lightly printed on the back of the bill, so it looks legitimate when holding it up to the light.
All the fraudulent bills received are last generation 100s, dated 2006A. The paper on most of the bills is lighter colored than usual, likely due to them being washed.
The portrait watermark of Benjamin Franklin is lightly printed on the back of the bill (pictured below within blue circle). You should not be able to see these features without light passing through.
Included below is an additional version of the fraudulent bills received.
If you have any information about the identity of a suspect(s) presenting fraudulent currency, contact your local law enforcement agency to make a report. Try to retain any security footage related to the incident. (SOURCE)
Central Lincoln PUD Says They Are Down To Fewer Than 100 Without Power As The Rest Of Lincoln County Works to Recover
Much of Lincoln County headed toward normal Thursday as Central Lincoln Public Utility District crews finished restoring power to all but 76 customers, school resumed, lines disappeared at gas stations and all the highways to the Willamette Valley cleared of ice and debris.
The ice storm took most people by surprise Saturday afternoon when rain from the west hit frigid winds blowing in from the east. That coated trees with ice, which then fell, took out power lines and isolated the county.
As a result, many of the county’s 50,000 residents were on their own – turning to family, friends, neighbors, some community organizations and emergency service agencies for help.
“We knew weather was coming … but our understanding was that Lincoln City was going to be at the southern edge,” CLPUD spokesman Mark Freeman said Thursday. “… it obviously moved south and west more than we expected.”
But there was little the utility could do.
The Bonneville Power Administration, which supplies all of Central Lincoln’s power, had falling trees take out two main lines into the county. Central Lincoln then lost several of its main feeder lines in Toledo, Siletz and Newport areas to the ice and trees.
At the height of the outages almost half of Central Lincoln’s customers – 19,000 of 40,000 residential, commercial and industrial meters – were out. Some came back relatively quickly Sunday and Monday; others until were out until Wednesday and even Thursday.
Thursday night 76 customers were still without power – 17 of those will need homeowner repairs to their home’s equipment, said Freeman. Another 186 in Toledo lost power for several hours Thursday afternoon when CLPUD lines from Central Lincoln and Consumers Power touched.
Utility officials – backed up by comments from counterparts in similarly hard-hit Lane County – said it was the highest number of weather-caused outages they experienced in decades.
“We have people who’ve been here 30 years and they’re saying it’s the worst they’ve ever seen,” Freeman told YachatsNews.
On Thursday night Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency for Oregon due to the winter ice storm that swept into the state almost a week ago, leaving behind widespread damage, power outages and 13 deaths. Lincoln County, the cities of Newport and Lincoln City and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians had already declared such an emergency.
Freeman said such a declaration from the state enables it to seek reimbursement from the federal government to cover some of its storm-related costs.The result over much of the week were two days of closed schools, supplies – including gasoline, propane and even mail – not making it over the Coast Range, and some motels filling up with people fleeing their frigid homes.
Repair crews struggled Saturday and Sunday to untangle thousands of ice-covered trees that fell into CLPUD’s main transmission lines in the Siletz and Toledo areas that serve those communities and communities to the west.
Central Lincoln was able to restore service Sunday and early Monday to most customers stretching from Tenmile through Yachats, Waldport and much of Newport, although there were pockets of outages through Wednesday.
Monday afternoon power came back to parts of north Newport, including the Fred Meyer, Safeway and Walmart stores, and businesses and gas stations along Highway 101.
But most gas stations were out of service because tankers could still not get over from the valley. Grocery stores that closed due to lack of power or couldn’t run freezers or refrigerators on generators lost meat and other perishables. A large assisted living center in north Newport had to evacuate its residents.
Service north of Newport – including the Agate Beach neighborhood and communities of Beverly Beach, Depoe Bay and Lincoln Beach – didn’t get power restored until Monday night and Tuesday.
Just as CLPUD was turning the corner on repairs Tuesday afternoon, 19,000 customers lost electricity when two Newport-area transmission lines went down as ice thawed. Both came back within hours.
Central Lincoln had four crews made up of 3-4 linemen initially working the outages. They were joined early in the week by six crews from other utilities under a mutual aid agreement. Three CLPUD single person crews worked on smaller issues.
“The crews are mostly now working on individual problems, Freeman said Thursday evening. “We’re literally down to ones and twos.”
Freeman said once Central Lincoln gets a handle on the outages, does cleanup work and stabilizes repairs, it will release the mutual aid crews – likely to go help utilities in the valley.
Line crews worked 16-hour shifts – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Some head home to sleep, others who can’t make it home or are from out of town are put up in motels.
Central Lincoln set up a command center at its headquarters in Newport, but even it ran into problems when the power went and its generator couldn’t heat the building. A customer service representative spent the night answering phones wrapped in a blanket, Freeman said.
A helicopter hired to inspect lines deep in coastal forests was delayed in Medford because of bad weather. It finally arrived at the Newport airport on Monday – a city, state and federal holiday – only to find no one there to refuel it.
Freeman said CLPUD called city manager Spencer Nebel, who hustled airport staff out to help. The helicopter’s reconnaissance proved invaluable, he said.
“Nobody can do this on their own,” Freeman said. “It’s nice when everybody can work toward a common goal – and there’s lots of examples of that.”
The utility will hold a post-mortem of its storm response in a few weeks. It will look at everything from logistics to command to customer service to how it handled laundry for out-of-town crews.
“We look at what worked and what didn’t,” he said. “There’s a lot of things that go on behind the scenes.”
Freeman said customers – for the most part – are understanding of situation and issues arising from such a large storm. Such a widespread and sometimes long outage should also help spur more people to examine their homes or businesses and how they can better prepare for when the lights go out.
“We appreciate all of our customers’ patience and support … the support really helps with morale,” he said. “But what our customers have gone through – and those few remaining – it’s been a lot.” (SOURCE)
Curry County Has Sandbags Available for Another Possible Round of Local Flooding this Weekend
Another round of moderate precipitation is forecast for already saturated coastal areas again this weekend, with accumulations possibly reaching 3 – 5 inches over a 72-hour period after a brief break to end the work week.
The National Weather Service has released another flood watch for Curry County that will go into effect on Saturday, January 20th through Monday, January 22nd.
The Curry County Road Department located at 28425 Hunter Creek Rd, Gold Beach has sand, bags, and twine outside of the gates available for members of the public to use for preparation of the storm. Shovels will not be available so bring your own!
For more information or questions, please contact BOC_Office@co.curry.or.us or call 541-247-3296. (SOURCE)
Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Drawing to Promote Tourism
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is consistently working on building the tourism traffic to Florence. The latest is a drawing for a two-night stay at the Driftwood Shores Conference Center and Resort.
The drawing is open to the public. Chamber President and CEO Betting Hannigan says the drawing comes with the two-night stay and a $50 certificate to the resort Market and Dine-in Deli.
You can register by using the qr code the link posted below. https://bit.ly/2NightsinFlorence
Plover Habitat Expanding
The snowy plover habitat is getting a makeover according to the US Forest Service. The area along the Siltcoos river to the Oregon Dunes recreational area will open up about 50 acres of habitat for the birds.
Crews are removing non-native vegetation to accommodate more breeding and nesting space according to Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area Wildlife Biologist Cindy Burns.
She says over the last 25 years they have established small pockets of habitat but the birds have outgrown them. While there is the presence of heavy equipment in the area the recreation areas remain open to the public.
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
Governor Declares Statewide Emergency Due To Severe Ice Storm
State of Emergency will support access to federal resources for response and recovery efforts after an ice storm caused widespread infrastructure damages and power outages across the state
Salem, OR—This evening, Governor Tina Kotek declared a statewide emergency due to the severe ice storm that impacted counties across the state. This declaration comes following an assessment of needs and subsequent requests from multiple counties as they enter the 6th day of severe impacts as a result of the storm. The declaration will support counties to respond and recover from damages as a result of the storm.
“Thousands of people across the state have been impacted by the storm, including power outages, lack of transportation, and an array of safety concerns that come with severe weather,” Governor Kotek said. “The state has been working with counties as they assess needs, including critical federal resources that can be unlocked by a statewide emergency. I declared a state of emergency in Lane County on Tuesday, and now we are heeding the call from additional counties to escalate.”
Emergency response starts at the local level. As resources are exhausted, cities and counties turn to the state for additional support. Not all resources, such as those the state has been providing since the start of the storm, require a state emergency declaration. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Governor’s Office have been in frequent communication with impacted counties as they continuously assess their needs, anticipate emerging issues, problem-solve, and seek to fill gaps.
State emergency declarations are a critical tool that support counties getting access to federal resources they may be entitled to through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as other resources. Assets include, but are not limited to, federal infrastructure support for highways, telecommunications, and power system recovery, which responders can access more easily with a statewide emergency declaration.
Currently, Multnomah County, Lincoln County, Washington County, Hood River County, and the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians have declared a local state of emergency and have been receiving support from the state, including from OEM, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).
In addition, ODHS announced this week that individuals who may have had to throw away food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a power outage or other damage from winter storms may be eligible to replace their benefits. Customers may call 800-699-9075, email oregon.benefits@odhsoha.oregon.gov or provide a written request by mail to ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309, within 10 days of the loss to inquire.
A full list of warming shelters across the state can be found here. OHA has published resources for winter storms here, and recognizing and avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning here. Oregonians with storm damage can contact the Department of Consumer and Business Services for insurance help and advocacy.
Anyone who wants to volunteer at a local warming shelter can use this link to sign up. Additionally, ODHS-OREM activated 211info to begin 24/7 operations to support warming center efforts statewide. (SOURCE)
Travel in Oregon Still Challenging
While Medford, Klamath Falls, and Roseburg seemed to skip the worst of this week’s ice storm activity, it wreaked havoc in cities like Bend, Eugene, Salem, Portland and all along the Columbia River Gorge and Oregon Coast.
Winter weather is far from done in Oregon as freezing rain, heavy snow and high winds continued in several corners of the state.
The hoped-for Wednesday thaw never quite materialized as roads in western Oregon remained slick in many areas. Trees laden with ice brought down power lines, and highway crews continued their battle with the elements.
The National Weather Service forecast for Thursday and Friday called for continued freezing rain in the Coast Range, the Columbia River Gorge, Portland area and the Cascades.
ODOT maintenance crews crews continued to work 12-hour shifts as they have been for more than a week since the start of the storm. Approximately 400 snowplows have been clearing roads around the state. And as of Wednesday, in the ODOT region that encompasses most of the Willamette Valley and the North Coast, we’ve used 1.7 million pounds of salt since the storm began, the most we’ve ever used in the region.
Wise travelers should consider delaying their travels until their roads are safe. Those who must use the roads should consult Tripcheck.com and check conditions on their route. Tripcheck.com provides live cameras showing road conditions around the state along with other information that can help travel planning like altitude and temperature. Some Tripcheck.com cameras, however, are temporarily offline because of the storm.
We reopened Interstate 84 through the Columbia River Gorge late Wednesday after a closure of nearly 31 hours. But conditions remained precarious Thursday with ice, snow and chain restrictions. ODOT was monitoring the highway condition carefully and will close the highway if the road becomes unsafe.
Interstate 5 just south of Eugene will have rolling slowdowns Thursday to assist utility crews in restoring seven downed lines over both directions of the interstate.
Freezing rain was hitting central Oregon hard Thursday from Redmond north. U.S. 26 was closed west of Warm Springs at one point by semis that jackknifed in freezing rain.
OR 126W and OR 36 remain closed in the Coast Range due to down trees.
In eastern Oregon, OR 244 is closed, with local freight and passenger vehicles only allowed and no I-84 access for commercial vehicles. Most highways in the region remain covered with snow and ice or both with temperatures below or just above freezing. Slight warming may come by Thursday afternoon but temperatures may fall back below freezing by night. Mixed precipitation — snow and freezing rain — throughout eastern Oregon will continue Thursday into Friday, making travel difficult.
Warming temperatures in southwest Oregon could lead to flooding. Watch for high water and debris on the roadway, especially on valley and coastal routes. Delays and closures are likely on mountain highways as crews work to remove snow and downed trees.
The safest place to be during winter road conditions is at home. Our crews want to give a heartfelt thank you to every person who decided not to travel this weekend. Staying off the roads gives our crews and emergency responders the space to get where they need to go.
Road and weather conditions can change quickly and make travel difficult or impossible. For the latest state highway information and to see current closures, visit Tripcheck.com. For the latest weather, visit the National Weather Service website.
If you must travel, be prepared – Safety is our priority – for travelers and our road crews. If you decide to travel, plan extra time for your journey and carry emergency supplies. Delays and closures are happening statewide. Expect to encounter chain restrictions.
Give snowplows and emergency crews extra space to do their work, and never pass a snowplow on the right. Our crews are working hard to clear roads, but their job becomes more difficult when disabled cars and trucks block traffic.
For more winter weather driving tips, see our winter travel news packet.
To see images from this winter event from across Oregon, see our January 2024 Flickr album.
Watches, Warnings or Advisories for Oregon https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/or.php?x=1
Did you have to throw away food due to Oregon’s winter storm?
You can request replacement SNAP benefits for up to 10 days.
Oregon households who receive SNAP and lost food due to storm and power outages may be eligible for replacement benefits.
If you had to throw away food purchased with SNAP due to storm or power outages, you can request replacement benefits to purchase new food. You must request replacement benefits within 10 calendar days of the food loss.
Replacement benefits may be requested by:
Calling (800) 699-9075
Emailing: oregon.benefits@odhs.oregon.gov
Once approved, replacement benefits are added to the household’s existing Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
FOLLOW Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/HungerFreeOregon
Five Killed On Highway 97 Crash Near Crescent
Road conditions were a “significant” factor in a head on crash on Highway 97 near the town of Crescent in northern Klamath County yesterday that left five people dead.
OSP continues their investigation this week after five people, reportedly all members of a Bend family, were killed on Highway 97 in northern Klamath County Wednesday morning.
As of deadline yesterday, the names of the victims were still not being released. It is believed, though, that all are members of a family that resides in Bend. The vehicle they were in had Montana license plates.
OSP says road conditions played a significant factor in the crash. A toddler initially survived the original impact, but succumbed to its injuries despite first responders providing CPR.
The initial call came to Klamath County 911 around 9:45 Wednesday morning. Literally an hour after the highway reopened and the accident scene cleared, another crash took place a few miles south of the same stretch of highway near Chemult late Wednesday night. The highway was once again closed in both directions. No further information about the second accident has been released.
The accident was the second in less than a year that claimed multiple victims on the same stretch of highway. A family of four lost their lives late last year in another incident.
OSP will continue to update the story with victim names and more information as the investigation continues.
Consumer Advocates Offer Oregonians Insurance Advice After Damaging Ice Storm
In the aftermath of major ice storms that pummeled much of northwest Oregon, many homeowners are dealing with property damages. Here are some tips for folks considering filing an insurance claim.
When first assessing damage to home or property, safety is paramount.
“If you cannot safely remove something without causing more damage—don’t do it,” said Jason Horton with the Division of Financial Regulation. That’s a part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services that makes sure insurance companies follow the law.
Horton said losses from ice, wind, tree falls or flooding should first prompt a call to your insurance agent or company. Take pictures and make detailed lists of damaged property, including brand names and model numbers. Horton said homeowners should protect property from further damage but not make permanent repairs until an insurer inspects it.
And know your deductibles: Horton advises a cost/benefit analysis can help determine if a reported claim is worth it. “You know, (if) you file a claim and your insurance pays out—it could impact your rates. As in, they’ll go up,” he said.
DFR consumer advocates are available to help with problems or concerns with insurance claims. For assistance, consumers can call 1-888-877-4894 or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov
Here is additional information from Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation:
Homeowners insurance
A typical homeowners policy covers damage to the home caused by falling trees or limbs and weight of ice and snow.
For example, if your home sustained severe structural damage from a fallen tree or other storm debris, and it is deemed uninhabitable, you may qualify for additional living expenses, which helps cover the extra costs of lodging, meals, and even pet boarding while you are unable to live in the home.
If your home received minor damage, such as the wind blowing a few shingles off your house, your homeowners insurance will probably replace the damaged shingles, but not the entire roof.
Winter storms can also create sudden damage caused by an ice dam on the roof or pipes bursting due to freezing. This type of damage is typically covered and can be extensive if a pipe burst floods a home or minor, such as a leak from an ice dam causing a stain on a ceiling.
Coverage may be available for food spoilage due to the power outage. However, be sure to consider if the actual benefit from filing this type of claim is worth the potential effect it can have on your premium. Remember, if the loss is close to or less than your deductible you may not want to file a claim. If you need to file a claim for another type of damage to your home, food spoilage can typically be added to the claim you need to file for repairs.
Auto
There are three coverage options on an auto insurance policy that typically apply to winter storms.
- Comprehensive covers damage caused by falling trees or limbs. This includes while your car is parked inside a garage.
- Collision covers damage to your car that occurs while driving. This includes hitting storm debris or sliding on ice.
- Liability covers damage you accidentally caused to another person’s property or to a person who is injured in an accident. (SOURCE)
A power line fell on a parked car in northeast Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday, killing three people and injuring a baby during an ice storm that turned roads and mountain highways treacherous in the Pacific Northwest.
Shortly before noon, dispatchers started receiving frantic calls about a downed power line and people appearing to be electrocuted, according to a statement from the city’s fire department. A branch had fallen on a power line, causing it to fall onto an SUV, the statement said.
As the chaotic situation unfolded, a resident grabbed the baby from one of the people lying in the street in a bid to save its life, according to the statement. The three killed — two adults and one teenager — were found dead upon firefighters’ arrival, and the baby was taken to a hospital. It is believed the victims were electrocuted after they got out of the vehicle, the statement said.
The power company later de-energized the line, the statement added without specifying which company.
Around Portland, driving and even walking were virtually impossible as slick ice coated roads and sidewalks. Icicles dangled from roofs and cars, and ice encased branches, plants and leaves like thick glass.
A large swath of the region was under warnings Wednesday for as much as 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) of ice, promising only to add to the damage wrought by a deadly, powerful storm that hit over the weekend. The warning area was reduced later in the morning to parts of southwest Washington and northwest Oregon, including Portland, and further limited to the western edge of the Columbia River Gorge in the afternoon.
Freezing rain could return to the region Thursday evening through Friday morning, the National Weather Service said. The areas most likely to be impacted include the eastern Portland metro area and the western Columbia River Gorge.
Portland transportation officials asked the public to stay off the roads through Thursday morning, and numerous school districts, including Oregon’s largest, canceled classes for a third straight day as roads remained slick.
The three deaths Wednesday added to at least seven deaths linked to fallen trees and suspected hypothermia during the previous weekend’s storm.
State, IRS to start processing tax returns January 29th
The Oregon Department of Revenue will begin processing e-filed 2023 state income tax returns on January 29, 2024, the same day the IRS will begin processing federal returns. Paper filed returns will be processed starting in mid-February.
E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received. However, as in years past, the department won’t be issuing personal income tax refunds until after February 15. A refund hold is part of the department’s tax fraud prevention efforts and allows for confirmation that the amounts claimed on tax returns match what employers report on Forms W-2 and 1099.
E-filing is the fastest way for a taxpayer to get their refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.
The department reminds taxpayers that taking a few easy steps in the next few weeks can make preparing their 2023 tax return easier in 2024.
Oregon Free File opens today
Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own returns in 2024 can file electronically at no cost using one of Oregon’s free file options. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Free fillable forms are available for all income levels. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.
Free and low-cost tax help
Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.
Use Revenue Online to verify payments
Taxpayers can verify their estimated payments through their Revenue Online account.
Through Revenue Online, individuals can also view letters sent to them by the department, initiate appeals, make payments, and submit questions. Visit Revenue Online on the Revenue website to learn more.
To check the status of your refund after February 15, or make payments, visit Revenue’s website . You can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. (SOURCE)
Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Rises by 3,900 in December
In December, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 3,900 jobs, following a revised loss of 5,900 jobs in November. December’s gains were largest in health care and social assistance (+2,300 jobs), construction (+1,500), and retail trade (+700). Losses were largest in financial activities (-700 jobs) and wholesale trade (-600).
Health care and social assistance continued to add many jobs in December. Each of its four components grew rapidly in the most recent month and throughout last year. Social assistance added 1,200 jobs in December, adding 5,600 during 2023. Ambulatory health care services added 900 for the month and 5,600 for the year. Similarly, hospitals (+500 jobs in December) and nursing and residential care facilities (+600) continued to grow.
At 123,100 jobs in December, construction was at a record high. Residential building construction was particularly strong, adding 500 jobs in December, and 2,300 jobs in the past year.
Retail trade performed close to its normal seasonal pattern during the holiday shopping season of November and December. But retail’s employment level was a little lower in December 2023 compared with the prior two years. It employed 207,900 in December 2023, which was about 2,300 jobs fewer than in both December 2022 and December 2021.
Although leisure and hospitality gained 4,800 jobs, or 2.4%, in the past 12 months, the industry showed recent weakness by cutting 2,600 jobs between August and December.
Employment in financial activities peaked in July at 107,100 jobs but has trended downward since then, losing 3,100 jobs over the past five months. The industry now employs about the same number as it did four years ago.
Oregon’s unemployment rate was 3.7% in December and 3.6% in November. December was the eighth consecutive month in which Oregon’s unemployment rate was between 3.4% and 3.7%. The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.7% in both November and December.
Next Press Releases
The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the December county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, Jan. 23, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for January on Tuesday, March 5.
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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