The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Friday, January 26, 2024
Oregon Beach Weather
GALE WARNING ISSUED: 2:17 AM JAN. 26, 2024 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...GALE WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST SATURDAY... ...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO 1 AM PST SUNDAY... * WHAT...For the Gale Warning, south winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and very steep, short period seas 10 to 15 ft. For the Hazardous Seas Warning, south winds 20 to 30 kt and very steep and hazardous west seas 11 to 13 ft due to a mix of short period seas and west swell at 14 seconds. * WHERE...All areas. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 10 AM PST Saturday. For the Hazardous Seas Warning, from 10 AM Saturday to 1 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Low visibility conditions are expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Gales are expected through Friday afternoon. Winds may lower below gales briefly Friday evening, then increase again to gale force Friday night into Saturday morning. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should alter plans to avoid strong winds and very steep seas. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions.
HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING ISSUED: 2:17 AM JAN. 26, 2024 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...GALE WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST SATURDAY... ...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM SATURDAY TO 1 AM PST SUNDAY... * WHAT...For the Gale Warning, south winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and very steep, short period seas 10 to 15 ft. For the Hazardous Seas Warning, south winds 20 to 30 kt and very steep and hazardous west seas 11 to 13 ft due to a mix of short period seas and west swell at 14 seconds. * WHERE...All areas. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 10 AM PST Saturday. For the Hazardous Seas Warning, from 10 AM Saturday to 1 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Low visibility conditions are expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Gales are expected through Friday afternoon. Winds may lower below gales briefly Friday evening, then increase again to gale force Friday night into Saturday morning. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
The National Weather Service has issued a Hydrologic Outlook, forecasting soaking rains and warmer temperatures for the region. — Rain and Flood Potential Outlook For Parts Of Oregon Coast
A complex low pressure area offshore will maintain mild and moist southwest flow into the region today, lasting into early Sunday.
This will bring rain, heavy at times, to northwest Oregon and southwest Washington. Currently, rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected across the region, with 2 to 5 inches over the Coast Range. Snow levels will be rising Friday, and hover at 7000 to 8000 feet this afternoon through this weekend.
The NWS said all this rain, and snowmelt from the Coast Range and Cascades, rivers will be rising. As of early Friday morning, river flooding is not expected. However, many small streams and creeks will be running high into Sunday. Heavy rainfall will cause water to pond in low lying areas and other areas of poor drainage.
Rivers and streams in Lincoln County and in Tillamook County are already high following earlier snow and ice storms. Law enforcement agencies urge drivers to watch for high water and avoid traveling along flooded streets and roads, and for residents along streams and rivers to be aware of the high water conditions.
Forecasters said a front will stall along the southern Oregon coast Friday through Saturday, producing a prolonged period of moderate to heavy rain, potentially exceeding 6 inches in some areas over a period of less than 24 hours. The heaviest rain is expected in central and southern Curry County Friday afternoon through Saturday morning.
With soils already mostly saturated, this period of heavy rainfall could result in flooding along area waterways, along with ponding of low lying and poorly drained urban areas. As well as flooding concerns, this rainfall could also lead to increased occurrences of rockfalls and landslides.
Forecasters said the exact scenario for flooding remains uncertain. Watches and warnings may be issued by the National Weather Service if the situation worsens.
Landslide risk — In addition to hydrologic impacts, there may also be an elevated landslide risk. These particularly affect those areas that have seen significant tree damage due to then recent and strong east winds.
State and county officials are cautioning residents and visitors of the potential for landslides. According to the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, 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 visit 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 travel 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.
Oregon Transfer Days at Clatsop Community College
Clatsop Community College is excited to announce Oregon Transfer Days, a special event designed to connect students with various universities and showcase the transfer opportunities available in the PNW region. The event will take place on Friday, February 2nd from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Towler 3rd floor entrance on Clatsop Community College’s main campus.
Oregon Transfer Days will feature representatives from regional universities, providing students with the chance to explore different academic programs, learn about admission requirements, and discover the unique offerings of each institution. This event aims to facilitate a seamless transition for students planning to transfer to a four-year university.
Participating Universities include:
- National University of Natural Medicine
- Eastern Oregon University
- Grand Canyon University
- Linfield University
- National University of Natural Medicine
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Oregon State University
- Oregon State University – College of Business
- Pacific Northwest College of Art at Willamette University
- Pacific University
- Portland State University
- Portland State University- School of Social Work and Child and Family Studies
- Prescott College
- Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Nursing
- University of Oregon
- University of Portland
- Western Oregon University
- Willamette University
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to gather valuable information, ask questions, and make informed decisions about their academic journey. Whether you are interested in healthcare, business, arts, or any other field, Oregon Transfer Days will have representatives from diverse disciplines to guide you.
For more information about Oregon Transfer Days, please contact Amy Magnussen at amagnussen@clatsopcc.edu. (SOURCE)
Mother Of Waldport Woman Killed In Collision With Yachats Ambulance Plans Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The mother of a young Waldport woman killed Jan. 11 in a collision with a Yachats ambulance has gone to court asking to be named as her personal representative to help prepare for filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
The petition was filed Wednesday by attorneys for Heide A. Stocker of Waldport on behalf of her daughter, Kelsey R. Seibel, 25. Seibel had two sons, Kayden, 5, and Ryan, 4.
Seibel’s car collided with a South Lincoln Ambulance ambulance driven by Yachats Rural Fire Department firefighter/EMT at 5:16 p.m. Jan. 11 as the ambulance pulled out of the department’s driveway and onto U.S. Highway 101. It was headed to a high priority call at the Sea Aire assisted living facility just to the south.
Seibel died at the scene. Her passenger, Fokus Simmons, 16, of Waldport was critically injured and taken by ambulance to Good Samaritan Medical Center in Corvallis. He was in fair condition Wednesday, the hospital said. His mother, Elizabeth Wonson of Waldport, has been at the hospital since.
Oregon State Police said neither Seibel or Simmons were wearing seatbelts and the Kia Soul’s airbags did not deploy.
The fatal wreck and injury has shaken much of the Waldport community and Waldport High School, where Simmons is a sophomore. (READ MORE)
The City of Reedsport is Seeking a City Attorney
A City release said they are inviting proposals for contracted attorney service. For a list of duties and services required, go to the city’s website: www.cityofreedsport.org. Proposals are due to the city recorder’s office by 4:00 p.m. this Friday. Call 541-271-3603 for more information.
Seaside Reports Sewer Overflow Event
Due to precipitation, tidal influences and snow melt in the region, the City of Seaside wastewater treatment system began overflowing into Neawanna Creek on Monday, Jan. 22.
The City is asking residents to avoid direct contact with waterways as raw sewage may be hazardous to health. Regular monitoring of bacteria levels has begun and will continue until levels return to baseline. The spill has been reported to the Oregon Emergency Response System (OERS) and local media have been notified.
Where is the overflow located?
The sanitary sewer system is overflowing from a manhole on N. Wahanna Rd near Shore Terrace. This overflow eventually enters Neawanna Creek.
How much is overflowing?
An estimated 50 gallons per minute is overflowing. This may be revised as the event is ongoing.
How did this overflow happen?
Heavy rainfall, high tides, and snow/ice melt from recent storms has overwhelmed the sewer at the N. Wahanna Rd location.
When will the overflow stop?
The sewage system will catch up when the rain and runoff stops or slows for long enough. City staff will test the river and report results to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ), who will ultimately issue an all clear.
How is an overflow remedied?
The flushing action of rushing water in the river will clean up the overflow. Testing will monitor the return to baseline.
Additional information will be provided in an updated release after the overflow has ceased. (SOURCE)
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
Forest Service Creating 50 Acres Of Plover Habitat South Of Florence
The western snowy plover, a small shorebird on the government’s list of threatened species, is regaining 50 acres of open sand habitat eight miles south of Florence.
The Siuslaw National Forest has started work on its largest plover habitat restoration project by using heavy equipment to remove vegetation along the beach between the Siltcoos River and the Oregon Dunes day use area.
The $240,000 three-year project will create 50 acres of open sand habitat.
The forest service said plovers have little to no nesting area within the area due to thick non-native vegetation. Once completed, the restoration is expected to benefit a variety of other native plant and wildlife species, in addition to the threatened western snowy plover, it said.
“For the first time in 60 years plovers will have continuous breeding habitat in the Siltcoos River area,” said Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area wildlife biologist Cindy Burns. “Over the last 25 years we’ve restored small pockets of habitat, which helped revive the plover population. Presently, the plovers have outgrown these microhabitats and it’s time to give them more room to thrive. We’ve already seen the plovers running around the construction site; they are ready to move in.”
Over time, invasive European beachgrass altered the formation of the sand dunes along the Oregon coast, changing the landscape and reducing its usefulness for species like the plover, the forest service said. After its introduction, the invasive grass stabilized shifting sand, facilitating the development of thick pockets of vegetation and steep, cliffy foredunes. But this change also reduced the area’s suitability for the western snowy plover, which rely on large expanses of dry sand near the tideline to nest, feed, and protect their young.
The first phase of the restoration will create about 25 acres of open sand habitat and is expected to be completed in February before nesting season begins mid-March. After plover nesting season ends mid-September, the project will continue through winter 2025.
Recreation areas near the project such as the Oregon Dunes day use area and the surrounding trailheads, will remain open to the public.
Plover recovery —- About 12 percent of Oregon beaches are closed for plovers, with the bulk of those in Lane, Douglas and Coos counties. Specific management plans are in place in those three counties to try to ensure that a total statewide plover population that dropped to only about 50 birds in the 1990s is protected going forward.
There are no closed beaches in Lincoln County.
Jodie Delavan, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesperson, told YachatsNews last summer that efforts to survey and assess the birds over a long period is helping wildlife stewards with the overall goal of restoring plovers to traditional areas they have long been pushed out of.
“Long-term monitoring of plovers in Oregon shows our population is doing well and expanding to reclaim its former nesting range,” Delavan said. “The fact that our population remains well and above recovery goals really speaks to the amazing partnerships we have here.”
The numbers of nests and chicks all along the coast were also up in 2023, Cheryl Strong, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist in Newport, told YachatsNews last summer.
In the traditional nesting area for plovers, which extends from Florence to Bandon, a total of 546 nests have been found and monitored by plover biologists, Strong said. While information on fledglings from these sites hasn’t yet been tallied, the overall nest success appears to be “low-to-average” at about 22 percent.
Overall, Strong said, “The population remains well above our recovery goal of 200 plovers in Oregon.” (SOURCE)
ODOT is now reporting that Highway 101 south of Florence has reopened.
Use Tripcheck.com for the latest highway and road updates.
————————————————– The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) tells us that all lanes of Highway 101, just south of Florence are closed.
In the early hours of January 22, 2024 a crash occurred on US-101, 2 miles north of Dunes City. ODOT is advising motorists to use and alternate route.
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
Latest Data Show Overdoses Continue To Skyrocket In Oregon
As lawmakers prepare to tackle the state’s addiction crisis, new data from the Oregon Health Authority shows how dire the addiction crisis has become.
In 2019, 280 people died of a drug overdose in Oregon. Fatalities rose every year after, more than tripling by 2022, when 956 died. And last year, even more people died, according to preliminary data. Each month the number has been higher than the previous year, reaching 628 in June. The state is still compiling data for 2023, but if the trends continue, the total would reach 1,250 needless deaths from an overdose.
The number of patients seeking help in emergency departments and urgent care centers also rose last year to more than 300.
The overdose trend is expected to continue this year.
“Oregon’s overdose fatality rate is expected (to) sharply rise over the coming year due to the saturation of fentanyl in Oregon’s illicit drug supply,” Jonathan Modie, a public health spokesman, said in an email.
Oregon is flooded with fentanyl in the form of fake blue pills that are designed to resemble oxycodone 30-milligram pills, or M30s. They’re cheap, often costing a dollar each, and they’re often mixed with other drugs to make them more potent, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. There’s no way of knowing how much is in each pill, but 2 milligrams – enough to fit on the tip of a pencil – can kill. Many pills tested by the DEA contain much more than that, up to 5 milligrams, more than twice the lethal dose.
“Fentanyl is far more potent and fast acting than other opioids, which significantly increases a person’s risk of a fatal overdose,” Modie said.
Mexican drug dealers smuggle fentanyl into the U.S., often in the form of powder, and it’s distributed across the country. But Oregon has been particularly hard hit. It has among the highest rates of illicit drug use nationwide and the lowest access to treatment, Modie said.
“On average, more than 90 Oregonians die every month from overdoses,” he said.
The fatalities include an increasing number of young people, prompting the health authority in December to expand a harm reduction initiative, Save Lives Oregon, to schools. The program is offering three free kits of naloxone, an opioid reversal medication, to schools, colleges and universities that serve children at least 7 years old.
Last year, the Legislature passed a law designed to make naloxone or Narcan, a nasal spray, more available. It allows law enforcement officials, firefighters and emergency providers to distribute and administer the drug and allows school administrators, teachers or other school employees to treat students without their parents’ permission.Save a life
In the event of an overdose, call 911. For more information about naloxone, click here.
Narcan is available over the counter in Oregon, and pharmacists can prescribe naloxone, enabling people to seek reimbursement from their insurance company.
Health authority officials said naloxone is more available today than two years ago, but they don’t know how widespread it is nor how many people’s lives have been saved. Save Lives Oregon partners reported more than 7,500 opioid reversals since 2020.
People can carry naloxone with them in Oregon and administer the drug to someone experiencing an overdose. Typical signs include unconsciousness, slow or no breaths or snoring or gurgling sounds. People’s lips and the inside of their mouths also can turn blue or gray, and they may be unable to talk. (SOURCE)
First Hospital Community Benefit Spending Floor Data Released
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) released its first ever hospital community benefit spending floor data for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. The data shows how much individual hospitals and health systems spent on community benefit in comparison to their individually assigned spending floors. The data show 92% of hospitals and health systems in the state met or exceeded their spending floor.
Oregon House Bill 3076 created the hospital community benefit spending floor program in Oregon, the first of its kind in the nation. In lieu of paying income or property taxes, Oregon nonprofit hospitals are expected to provide support to their communities over and above direct medical care, which is called Community Benefit.
The new program was designed to set spending floors and the minimum amount of money that a hospital or health system is expected to spend on Community Benefit within a fiscal year, as well as collect and report on related data.
“The program is the first in the nation to set individual community benefit spending floors for individual hospitals or hospital systems within a state. OHA worked with Oregon hospitals, patient advocates and national experts to develop the spending floor formula and the data collection aspects of the program, which will help advance transparency and public awareness,” said Trilby de Jung, Deputy Director of Health Policy and Analytics at Oregon Health Authority. “We appreciate the energy our partners brought to the table to launch this important work, particularly since the legislative timeline called for collaboration on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The spending floor formula draws upon hospitals’ previous community benefit spending to predict the floor for future spending. The floor is made up of hospital unreimbursed care and direct spending on programs, community organizations and other activities in hospitals’ communities.
The total community benefit spending was more than1.5 times the total spending floor in its first year. The total statewide spending floor for FY 2022 was $1,386,260,083 and total hospital community benefit spending statewide was $2,198,600,815.
Statewide, hospitals met their spending floors largely through unreimbursed care, which accounted for 80% of all community benefit spending. Direct spending in communities made up the remaining 20% of total community benefit spending.
Here is the link to the report:
https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/ANALYTICS/HospitalReporting/FY22%20Community%20Benefit%20Report.pdf
Here is a link to the dashboard:
OHA will publish a new report in February that takes a closer look at the notable programs, activities and investments hospitals made to benefit their local communities.
IRS, Oregon mark Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day
Salem, OR—As Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day approaches on Friday, January 26, the Oregon Department of Revenue is encouraging all workers with income in 2023 to check their Earned Income Tax Credit eligibility.
The Department of Revenue is working with the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and other state agencies and community partners to encourage taxpayers to learn more about this credit and find out if they’re eligible. One in three Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so, adding up to an estimated $100 million in unclaimed credits.
While many are unaware of the EITC and other credits, another hurdle is the need for free help filing tax returns. Find information about free tax filing assistance here or call 2-1-1.
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal tax credit for people for making up to $63,398 in 2023. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $7,430 on their federal tax return, and a maximum Oregon Earned Income Credit of $891 on their state tax return. Certain taxpayers without children may also be eligible for these credits.
Individuals may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Oregon EIC, and other credits, even if they are not required to file. To receive the refundable credits, however, they must file a federal and state tax return.
Basic qualifications for EITC include:
• All filing statuses are eligible, but some have specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify.
• You, your spouse, or any qualifying child must have a Social Security number to claim the federal credit.
• Your earned income in 2023 must be below certain limits based on your number of qualifying dependents.
• You may be eligible even if you do not have a qualifying child.
• Taxpayers can use the IRS EITC Assistant to check their eligibility further. The assistant is available in English and Spanish.
The qualifications for the Oregon EIC are the same as those listed above for the federal EITC, except that the Oregon credit is also available to taxpayers who use an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) to file their taxes or have a qualifying child with an ITIN. If you have an ITIN, claim the Oregon EIC using schedule OR-EIC-ITIN.
New for tax year 2023, the Oregon Kids Credit is a refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $25,000 or less, the full credit is $1,000 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $30,000.
To encourage Oregonians to save for college and job training, the Education Savings Credit for Oregon 529 Plan contributions allows single filers to receive a refundable credit of as much as $170 ($340 for joint filers) if they contribute to an Oregon College Savings Plan account before tax day. The refundable tax credit is also available for contributions to an Oregon ABLE Savings Plan account, which empowers people experiencing disabilities to invest and build financial security without jeopardizing their eligibility for vital state and federal benefits.
More information about the federal EITC, the Oregon EIC, the Oregon Kids Credit and other similar credits, go to the Tax Benefits for families page.
People can dial 2-1-1 or visit the Oregon Department of Revenue website to find free tax preparation sites by using our interactive map. For more information on the EITC, visit https://www.eitc.irs.gov/. For questions about Oregon taxes, call the Department of Revenue at 503-378-4988.
To make tax payments, visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. You also can 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.
ODHS encourages people in Oregon to protect their EBT food and cash benefits from electronic theft
Need to know
- Take steps today to keep your EBT card safe from electronic theft
- The ebtEDGE website and mobile app are the only safe places to manage your benefits
- People with EBT cards are encouraged to lock their cards when not in use and block out of state and online purchases
(Salem) –The Oregon Department of Human Services is encouraging people in Oregon to take steps protect their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards from electronic theft. Electronic theft includes card skimming, card cloning, phishing and other similar methods.
“We know that many individuals and families in Oregon rely on the food and cash assistance they receive through their EBT cards to meet their basic needs and to get enough healthy food for themselves and their families,” said Claire Seguin (she/her), director of the ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs. “We urge everyone with an EBT card to take these simple steps to protect their benefits.”
How to protect your EBT card information:
- The ebtEDGE website and mobile app are the only safe places to manage your benefits. Bookmark the ebtEDGE login page (cardholder.ebtedge.com) in your browser for quick access. Download the app on the Apple App Store or get it on Google Play. Do not use any other website or app to check benefits.
- Beware of social media scams. Only trust social media posts and messages from ODHS official accounts. We will never ask for your benefits card information on social media.
- Freeze your card right after each use and unfreeze it before you make purchases. Visit Cardholder.ebtEDGE.com or use the ebtEDGE mobile app. Look for “Freeze Card” under “Account Services.”
- Block purchases made outside of Oregon and online purchases. Visit Cardholder.EBTedge.com or use the ebtEDGE mobile app. Look for “Protect My Account” under “Account Services.” You can remove the blocks later if needed.
- Keep your PIN secret. Don’t share your PIN with anyone outside your household. Cover the keypad when you enter your PIN on a machine.
- Check the activity on your EBT account regularly. If you see any purchases you didn’t make, cancel your card immediately.
- Check card reading machines for anything suspicious on top of or attached to the card swiper or keypad. They can be hard to spot, but are often bigger than the original machine and may hide parts of the machine.
- Do not provide your EBT card number or PIN by phone or text. Scammers use text messages to get EBT card numbers and PINs. These are called phishing scams. ODHS will never send a text message to ask for your EBT card number or PIN.
How to request replacement SNAP benefits
- Visit the ODHS website at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/food-benefits/pages/replacement%20-benefits.aspx for information on how to request benefits via email or mail.
- Visit a local office. Find an office near you at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/Offices/Pages/one-services.aspx
- Call the ONE customer service center at 1-800-699-9075
If your Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are stolen
You can request replacement benefits by contacting:
- Your family coach
- The ONE customer service center at 1-800-699-9075
- Local Self-Sufficiency Programs Office, find an office online at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/Offices/Pages/Self-Sufficiency.aspx.
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- www.211info.org
- Oregon Department of Human Services Resources
- Find food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center
About SNAP
Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372.
AARP grant ‘unique’ opportunity to fund community projects in Oregon
A program that funds ideas for improving communities is now open to applications. The AARP Community Challenge grant program is accepting applications until March 6th for projects that can be enacted quickly to make cities more livable for people of all ages.
Stacy Larsen, communications director for AARP Oregon, said the program has a track record for supporting communities of all sizes.
“They deliver really unique support to rural communities. Since the beginning of the program in 2017, 46% of the grants distributed in Oregon have been to rural communities,” Larsen said.
Since its start in 2017, the program has invested $16.4 million in more than 1,300 projects nationwide, including 28 in Oregon. The program is open to local nonprofits and governments. A webinar for interested applicants will be held on the AARP website on January 31st at 11 a.m.
Applicants can apply in three different grant areas. Those include capacity-building microgrants, demonstration grants and flagships grants, which allow for the most creativity and flexibility. Larsen has some tips for those applying.
“The applicants who can demonstrate that they are addressing a clear need, that brings positive change to make their communities more livable for residents of all ages, and that they’re addressing disparities for people of color or other historically marginalized groups will find themselves rising to the top,” she explained.
Selected projects must be completed by December 15th. (SOURCE)
Customers who want to stall the effects of a price increase on Forever Stamps have this week to act before the cost goes up to 68 cents each.
The cost of the stamps, as well as the cost of many other services offered by the U.S. Postal Service, will increase on Sunday, Jan. 21.
The price of Forever Stamps, now 66 cents each, will climb to 68 cents. That’s the stamp used for letters up to 1 ounce.
The postal service said it will not change the additional-ounce price. It will stay at 24 cents. But other charges — for certified mail, post office box rental fees, money order fees and the cost to purchase insurance when mailing an item — will climb.
- Letters, metered, 1 ounce: Increase from 63 cents to 64 cents
- Domestic postcards: Increase from 51 cents to 53 cents
- International postcards: Increase from $1.50 to $1.55
- International letter, 1 ounce: Increase from $1.50 to $1.55
The rate changes will be the second in six months.
Red Cross: Emergency blood shortage may delay medical procedures — American Red Cross – Cascades Region
Winter storms across Oregon and Washington forced more than 70 blood drives to be canceled, according to the Red Cross Cascades Region. The Red Cross stated in a press release that this “resulted in the loss of nearly 2,100 liters of blood.” In addition to these cancellations, road closures and icy conditions have made it difficult to transfer supplies to collection sites.
The Red Cross is also seeing an emergency blood shortage. January is usually a slow month for donations but with the emergency shortage and the winter weather, hospitals are in desperate need for donations.
The Red Cross is urging the public to donate blood if they can.
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.
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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