Oregon Beach News, Friday 1/31 – Homicide Investigation in Depoe Bay, Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office Experiencing Critical Gap in Services & Other Local and Statewide News…

The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com

Friday, January 31, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Active Weather Alerts – National Weather Service

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING...
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 AM PST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...For the first Small Craft Advisory, south winds 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and seas 6 to 9 ft at 10 seconds expected. For the Gale Warning, south winds 25 to 40 kt with
gusts up to 50 kt and seas 10 to 12 ft at 10 seconds expected. For the second Small Craft Advisory, southwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas 6 to 10 ft at 10 seconds expected.

* WHERE...All areas.

* WHEN...For the Small Craft Advisory, until 10 PM PST this evening. For the Gale Warning, from 10 PM this evening to 10 AM PST Friday. For the Small Craft Advisory, from 10 AM Friday
to 4 AM PST Sunday.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Low visibility conditions are expected.

* View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php

Homicide Investigation in Depoe Bay

On January 30, 2025 at approximately 10:17 AM deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of gunshots from the Four Winds Inn, a motel located at 356 N. Hwy 101 Depoe Bay, OR.

Further reports were called into the 911 center during the deputies’ response. Deputies arrived within minutes and learned the suspect, Brennon Michael Neal, age 29 from Depoe Bay, had fled the scene in a vehicle. 

At the scene, deputies discovered the business owner, Sarabjit Singh, adult male age 44, of Depoe Bay was deceased from multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies learned the suspect was driving a dark grey colored sedan and alerted surrounding agencies. 

At approximately 11:16 AM Sergeant Aaron Pitcher with the Toledo Police Department located the vehicle on Hwy 20 traveling east bound. After several units arrived to assist, a traffic stop was attempted and the vehicle fled from law enforcement. The vehicle traveled with varying speed for approximately 35 miles before being struck by spike strips. The vehicle traveled for several miles on damaged tires. Oregon State Police assisted in this event with a vehicle redirect maneuver which successfully stopped the vehicle. 

Brennon Neal was the sole occupant of the vehicle and taken into custody without further incident. Singh’s next of kin have been notified. 

This case is under investigation. Any further details or media releases will be conjunction with the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the following partners: Lincoln City Police Department, Toledo Police Department, Oregon State Police, Newport Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and Corvallis PD.

Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office Experiencing Critical Gap in Services

Effective Monday, January 27th, 2025, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office will be unable to provide any detective services for the first time in over twenty years due to a vacancy in the full-time detective position. The District Attorney’s Office currently employs an individual who is a certified law enforcement officer, currently qualifies for the position, and previously held the position in August 2024. A request has been made for that individual to temporarily work out of class to avoid any gaps in services. Unfortunately, that request has been denied by the County without explanation.

The District Attorney’s Office is focused on filling the detective position as soon as possible and has submitted a requisition to fill it with the qualified employee, who previously occupied the detective position. This request was made pursuant to the employee asserting rights under the Lincoln County Employee’s Association Collective Bargaining Agreement. Based upon the County’s past practice, this requisition process can take anywhere from 24 hours to 5 months depending upon the urgency of the request and government bureaucracy.

At this time, there is no alternative plan to fill the gaps in services left without an internal detective. All potential options have been exhausted. This will negatively impact the District Attorney’s Office’s day-to-day operations and delay our ability to prosecute crime in Lincoln County.

Until further notice, due to the vacancy of the detective position, the District Attorney’s Office will be unable to provide victims or witnesses transportation to court hearings, grand juries and/or criminal trials, which will likely result in requests for continuances or potential dismissals. This will also impact our ability to send a law enforcement representative to child forensic interviews at the Children’s Advocacy Center, causing a potential delay in child sexual or physical abuse investigations. We will be unable to assist in locating offenders in warrant status, including offenders who have fled Oregon in an attempt to avoid arrest on Measure 11 offenses. Further, the detective position is the lead representative for Lincon County’s Cold Case Team, which is responsible for investigating missing persons and homicides that have remained unsolved in Lincoln County. Until the detective position is filled, this will cause a temporary pause in any cold case investigation, including the Kelly Disney homicide which was recently awarded federal resources and funding.

Additionally, instead of handling all criminal follow-up investigations internally, those requests will be sent back to the originating law enforcement agency. The District Attorney’s Office understands and apologizes for the burden these requests will cause on already under-staffed police agencies and appreciate any support during this gap in service to continue to serve this community to the best of our ability.  

The District Attorney’s Office recognizes that these gaps in services are not reasonable nor sustainable and will be a detriment to our community. We hope to resolve this issue as soon as possible to lessen the impact on crime victims and Lincoln County citizens.

Fatal Crash – Highway 101 – Coos County

On Monday, January 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 101, near milepost 247, in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a northbound Ford Ranger, operated by Judy Marie Scharf (79) of Bandon, crossed into the southbound lanes for unknown reasons and struck a southbound Chevrolet Silverado, operated by James Earl Yost (71) of Sixes, nearly head-on. 

The operator of the Ford (Scharf) was declared deceased at the scene.  The operator of the Chevrolet (Yost) suffered reported serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital.

The highway was impacted for approximately two hours during the on-scene investigation. OSP as assisted by Bandon Fire, Green Acres Fire, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, and ODOT.

Pipeline Road Closure

Starting February 1, 2025, Pipeline Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic from the Astoria gate on James Street to Svensen Market Road in Svensen due to waterline construction. This closure will remain in effect through the end of July 2025.

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Pedestrian and bicycle access will still be allowed on Pipeline Road during this time. The transmission main that delivers water from the City of Astoria watershed and water treatment facility to Astoria City limits is approximately 10 miles in length and generally follows Pipeline Road. This pipe supplies water to Astoria residents and multiple outlying water districts. Upcoming construction activities will replace over a mile of this existing waterline with more resilient HDPE material within portions of the Pipeline Road alignment. For more https://www.clatsopcounty.gov/…/page/pipeline-road-closure

The Columbia River Maritime Museum Construction Continues

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We’re doing some essential work to connect power to the Mariners Hall construction site. This includes boring new power lines under the railroad tracks, trenching across the riverwalk, and preparing for the PP&L tie-in.

We anticipate the shut down to last all day, but we’ll be back and ready to welcome you on Thursday, January 30, 2025. Thank you for your understanding as we make progress toward the opening of Mariners Hall in 2026!

Click It or Ticket Campaign Gears Up

Oregon Department of Transportation has funded a high visibility seat belt enforcement event that began on January 27 and goes through February 9.  Local law enforcement agencies along the Oregon coast will provide additional enforcement during that period.

Oregon Department of Transportation : Safety Belts & Child Seats : Safety : State of Oregon

The agencies are reminding drivers about the lifesaving benefits of wearing a seat belt and proper child safety restraints. The Oregon laws regarding child safety include requirements that children ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are at least two years old. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4’ 9” in height and the adult belt fits them correctly. The requirements better protect the child’s head, neck, and spine from potential crash injuries. This is because a rear-facing seat spreads crash forces evenly across the seat and child’s body while also limiting forward or sideways motion of the head.

Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle; being completely ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly.

For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/ciot. Online Resources:• Car Seat Types: Determine whether your child fits best in a rear-facing car seat, forward-facing car seat, booster seat, or seat belt.• Car Seat Recommendations: Review NHTSA’s recommendations for the best car seat for your child’s age and size. • Find and Compare: Find and compare car seats with NHTSA’s handy car seat finder, which also searches specific brands.

Oregon Department of Transportation Seatbelts and Child Seats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFC2K2AfdJMMore ODOT information on safety belts and child seats at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TS/Pages/safetybelts.aspx

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Coos County Sheriff’s Office —  · ⚠️ Increased Patrols ⚠️

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in a state wide seatbelt enforcement blitz starting on January 27, 2025 and ending February 9, 2025. This will include all areas within the County, with a higher focus in Charleston and Bunker Hill.

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the motoring public to use your seatbelts and ensure children are properly restrained. Not only is it the law, but it could save your life. SEAT BELT SAFEY STARTS WITH YOU https://youtu.be/NFC2K2AfdJM

Coos County Sheriff’s Office 🚨 Felony Assault 🚨

On January 28, 2025, at approximately 2:30 AM, Deputy Z. Smith responded to an assault report on Beaver Loop Road in North Bend. Upon arrival, a woman was found with significant injuries after being assaulted by another woman, identified as Robin Thatcher (38), who allegedly struck her with a flashlight. The victim was bleeding and required immediate medical attention.

Witnesses indicated that Robin fled the scene in a red Toyota 4-Runner. Law enforcement worked diligently to locate Robin but were initially unsuccessful. Later that day, around 4:50 PM, she was found at a residence on Bowron Road in Lakeside.

However, Robin resisted arrest, resulting in a physical struggle with deputies. Robin Thatcher now faces serious charges, including Assault in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Resisting Arrest. “Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

A Seaside man who was trying to keep warm with a candle died in a tent fire last week at a city-sanctioned encampment

The fire follows months of debate over how the city should respond safely and humanely to homelessness on the Oregon coast — and where it should locate the specific encampment, the only designated one in Seaside.

The fire happened Wednesday just before 1 p.m., according to the city. Rocky Alan Guerrero, 53, was found dead at the scene, and authorities said a candle sparked the tent fire.

Officials said someone at the camp used a nearby hose to douse the blaze before first responders arrived. The flames did not spread beyond the one tent, and no other injuries or damages were reported.

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

Look what’s coming up soon at the Club…Bingo night, a Lunar New Year potluck (sign up at glenedenbeach.org) and education night with the Oregon Coast Therapy dogs.

Sunday, February 2, 8-11am Pancake Breakfast & Shirt Sale

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Cape Perpetua Collaborative –  · Let’s hear it for this years featured artists at the 12th annual Land Sea Symposium!!!

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https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1011201551037253&set=a.455787456578668

Each local artist will have a few of their brilliant pieces displayed on the walls (and one on the stage!) throughout the evening. Make sure to check out their work and pages, and tune in on our FB live stream https://www.facebook.com/capeperpetuacollaborative on Friday evening to see their work up close and personal! @a.rosepond @renatureart @oystercatcheryl @emydanielsart @waveframe @casiepants @scubadoobiedo @girlinwaterphotography

Cape Perpetua Collaborative 

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 The 12th Annual Land Sea Symposium is just a week away! We can’t wait to see and celebrate with yall! 🤩Want to be a part of the celebration? Tune into our Facebook live stream starting at 5pm, right here, on the 31st! https://www.facebook.com/capeperpetuacollaborative

The City of Newport Parks and Recreation  — · We still have space in this class!

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Create a beautiful northern lights painting. The class includes all supplies, materials, and instruction to create this design on an 10X20 canvas. Register herehttps://secure.rec1.com/OR/newport-or/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMzNjY4NDg=

The 48th Annual Newport Seafood and Wine Festival

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February 20-23rd 2025 Follow Newport Seafood & Wine Festival For tickets & more information

May be a doodle of text that says 'ASTORIA 22nd Annual Coloring Contest Wednesday, February 2025 At the Silver Salmon Grille Contest Commercial St. Astoria, OR open house with hosted appetizers from 2pm to 8pm. Judging winners announced directly following judging. Prizes 8pm 1st place $400 Cash 2nd place $200 Silver Salmon Gift Certificate place $100 Silver Winning entries will be framed and displayed Gift Certificate Rules the Silver Salmon Grille Contest sheet white paper, used contestants will receive pencil, and crayons. These are your entry. Contestants from 2pm produce their work. entries turned forj judging become property Silver Salmon Grille. Judges' decision winners is final. information'

Earthquakes Off the Coast of Oregon

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck off the Oregon coast late Friday night, according to the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network: https://pnsn.org. The seismic event was recorded at 9:36 p.m. local time, with its epicenter located approximately 125 miles west of Coos Bay. Another smaller quake followed later.

Authorities have reported no damage or injuries resulting from the earthquake, and no tsunami warnings have been issued.

While multiple sources have reported the event as a magnitude 4.7 quake, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) also documented a separate seismic occurrence earlier in the day. The USGS reported a magnitude 2.7 earthquake at 5:39 a.m. UTC (9:39 p.m. PST), centered approximately 190 kilometers (118 miles) west-southwest of Port Orford, Oregon. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), with coordinates recorded at 42.421°N latitude and 126.772°W longitude.

Officials are urging residents who may have felt the earthquake to report their experiences through the USGS’s “Did You Feel It?” program, which collects valuable data on ground shaking and regional impacts.

For additional details and to access interactive seismic activity maps, visit the official USGS and PNSN websites.

ODOT launches roadwork projects to boost safety in Curry County on Hwy 101

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In Curry County, a $4.5 million emergency repair project will address sunken road surfaces on U.S. 101, with work taking place between mileposts 303-306 and 342-351. Single-lane traffic and delays of less than 20 minutes are expected. Additionally, pavement repairs will be made in Gold Beach and Brookings with intermittent lane closures and minor delays. — Drivers are advised to follow posted signs and be prepared for delays. For more information, visit the ODOT website.

Newport Oregon Police Department —  ARMED SUBJECT NEAR SAM CASE ELEMENTARY

On January 24, 2025, at around 1500 hours, the Newport Police Department and Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon responded to the area of Sam Case Elementary School on the report of a male subject who had a firearm and was acting threatening. The subject, identified as TIMOTHY BOTTORFF, was located walking eastbound on NE Eads, near NE 7th Street. BOTTORFF was immediately contacted and found to be in the possession of an airsoft pistol that looked identical to a real firearm. Investigation revealed that BOTTORFF was yelling angrily, making aggressive body movements, and had his replica handgun openly displayed as he approached the eastern doors of Sam Case Elementary. Parents who were in the area to pickup their children reported the incident, and the school was immediately locked down.

During the investigation, BOTTORFF attempted to flee police on foot. BOTTORFF was quickly taken to the ground and arrested. While fleeing, BOTTORFF attempted to throw a meth pipe and a bag of methamphetamine.

BOTTORFF was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail for the following charges:

TIMOTHY AARON BOTTORFF, 48

• Disorderly Conduct II

• Menacing

• Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine

• Tampering with Evidence

• Escape III

• Resisting Arrest

The Newport Police Department would like to thank the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon for their assistance during this incident.

The incident remains under investigation.  If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Officer Cullivan of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.

Drunk Driver Arrested After Endangering Beach-Goers At D-River

On January 25th 2025, the Lincoln City Police Dispatch Center began receiving multiple calls from concerned parties regarding a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed on the beach at D-River. The driver departed southbound at a high rate of speed prior to police arrival. At the time numerous families were enjoying bonfires in the area and witnesses reported it nearly missing people. The driver was also driving “cookies” along the beach. In addition to this area being closed to vehicle traffic, this was an obvious safety concern.

A short time later, members of the Lincoln City Police Department located the occupied vehicle parked just south of Canyon Drive Beach Access. When they approached the vehicle, the driver began driving erratically and a half-full handle of Vodka fell out of the open trunk onto the beach. The driver eventually stopped and police detained him.

The Driver, Artem A. Savenko, of Beaverton Oregon, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, and Recklessly Endangering Another Person (the multiple beachgoers who had been put in danger). Savenko’s vehicle was impounded and he was transported to the Lincoln County Jail to be lodged.

We would like to emphasize that Lincoln City’s beaches are here for public enjoyment; however, when drivers put people in danger, our Officers will investigate and enforce the law. Luckily nobody was hurt during this incident, but it is a reminder of the danger that intoxicated drivers pose to the public. Alcohol impairs portions of the brain associated with decision-making and judgement. Be safe and drive sober.

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians announced they have been rewarded with a three-year $1.56M grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support efforts to return sea otters to the Oregon & Northern California coasts!

Through the America the Beautiful Challenge, CTSI and partners like the Elakha Alliance, CTCLUSI, Yurok Tribe, and Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation will lead this Indigenous-driven project: Bringing Xvlh-t’vsh Home. The grant will fund reintroduction planning, key studies, and building coastal support to restore this culturally significant keystone species.

🌊 Sea otters not only support marine ecosystems like kelp forests and estuaries, but their return marks a vital step in ecological and cultural restoration. Read full press release: https://www.elakhaalliance.org/siletz-tribe-receives…/

On the menu: scrambled eggs, sausage or ham, orange juice, all-you-can-eat pancakes, and hot beverages. $10 adults, $6 kids ages 6-12; under 6, free. Gleneden Beach sweatshirts available in multiple styles. Cash or credit card. Gleneden Beach Community Hall, 110 Azalea St. —- More events to come as space on the board allows, so keep watch! https://www.facebook.com/GlenedenBeachCC

Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office Child Luring Investigations Lead To Multiple Arrests

From late December to mid-January, Deputies with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office used decoy social media accounts for online child luring investigations.  During these investigations, Deputies posed as an underage child on various online social media platforms and were contacted by adults wanting to meet for sexual encounters.  

On January 15, 2025, 28-year-old Ruben Martinez Jimenez, of Newport, Oregon, was arrested and charged with the crimes of: Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a child in the first degree. At the time of his arrest, Ruben was communicating with the decoy account, and arrived at a predetermined location to meet with the underage child for a sexual encounter. Ruben was arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail without further incident.  

On January 16th, 32-year-old James Tybierius Kirk, of Siletz, Oregon, was arrested and charged with the crimes of Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the second degree. At the time of his arrest, James was communicating with the decoy account, and made a plan with the underage child to meet for a sexual encounter. James was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail without further incident. 

On January 21st, 43-year-old Adan Chavez-Pena, of Newport, Oregon, was arrested and charged with the crimes of: Luring a Minor and Online Sexual Corruption of a child in the first degree. At the time of his arrest, Adan was in communication with the decoy account, and arrived near the predetermined location to meet with the underage child for a sexual encounter. Adan provided Deputies with fictitious identification at the time of arrest. Adan’s true identity was determined by further investigation and fingerprints. Adan had multiple warrants out of Lincoln County issued from 2007 and 2008. Adan was charged with the additional crimes of: Giving False information, ID Theft, as well as two probation violation warrants charging possession of a controlled substance Methamphetamine, Give False info; Assault IV, Give False Info, and an indictment warrant charging ID Theft, Criminal Possession of Forged instrument. Adan was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail. 

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and to discuss the possible dangers of communicating with strangers online. These investigations are conducted in an effort to reduce criminal activity and to further enhance the safety of our community.

Newport Construction Updates

Here is a quick update on the installation of flashing beacons at the pedestrian crosswalk on US 20 and NE Eads St. Taking advantage of a nice weather window, concrete pouring has begun. Traffic commuting through the project area may experience delays as the dedicated turn lane may be closed during work. Please continue to exercise caution when transiting in and around work zones. Thank you to the community for your patience during this project!

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Newport Begins Water Main Flushing Program Next Week

The City will begin an annual water main flushing program next week. Every water main in the city will be flushed. In total, this will take a few months, but we will update you on social media each week on which water mains and which areas of town will be flushed the next week.

It is advised to reduce your water usage while flushing is taking place in your area. The City will work with organizations such as education centers, medical facilities, and food service to minimize interruptions. Please watch the video for some more info, and reach out if you have any questions: https://www.facebook.com/NewportOre/videos/2089395161491515

We thank you for your patience during this process. Newport Oregon Police DepartmentNewport Public LibraryThe City of Newport Parks and RecreationNewport 60+ Activity Center

Astoria Downtown Historic District Association (ADHDA) – Our 2nd annual We Love Downtown Astoria Photography Contest is back!

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Submit your photos online at: https://www.astoriadowntown.com/welovedowntownastoria/The contest runs until February 23rd.

Construction of New Lincoln County Commons in Newport To Begin This Year

County Administrator Tim Johnson spoke about this project at the January 8 meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. Because construction is expected to interfere with this year’s Lincoln County Fair, which is traditionally held at that site over the Fourth of July weekend, Johnson was joined by Heather Tower, fair manager and 4-H program coordinator for Lincoln County. She addressed plans for accommodating many of the usual fair activities at “satellite” locations.

“Progress is going forward,” Johnson said regarding the construction project. Currently, the old lighting is being removed from the fair buildings slated for demolition. This doesn’t include the ag building, which has already been rebuilt. “We will be bringing a contract to you for demolition of some of the buildings … within the next 60 days,” he said.

Following that, they will be seeking requests for proposals “for the selection of an architect, design engineers, to get these building up and going, and then we’ll be moving forward with it,” Johnson said. “We are expecting that the 2025 fair will be interrupted due to the subsequent construction. The fair board understands that and has been looking at opportunities to relocate activities of the fair.”

FURA to Receive Quince Street Development Update

The Florence Urban Renewal Agency meets Wednesday to discuss the Quince Street hotel development. Matt Braun of Braun Hospitality will provide an update on financing and the project’s timeline. At the previous meeting, Braun highlighted challenges, including rising construction costs and delays in securing investors.

The project relies on a non-recourse construction loan, with $500,000 in available funds, but limited partner commitments remain verbal. Braun assured the board of his commitment, citing significant personal investment and the project’s community potential. He requested a one-year extension to finalize funding and permitting, emphasizing no additional agency funds are needed. Directors remain concerned about the timeline and economic uncertainty. The meeting will be Wednesday 1/23 at 5:30 at City Hall.

Yachats Begins Negotiating With Construction Firm To Replace Seventh Street Library

MD Architect + Design – The design by MD Architect + Design of Coburg, OR shows what the remodeled and expanded Yachats Library will look like.

After a slight paperwork snag, the city of Yachats is starting negotiations with the low bidder on the long-awaited library rebuilding project.

At the bids unveiling last week, seven firms submitted bids to construct a new library where the original 51-year-old building now stands on West Seventh Street.

Initially, city infrastructure clerk Neal Morphis announced that the apparent low bidder was DSL Builders of Salem with a bid of $1,447,000. The budget for the new library is $1.5 million. DSL constructed the new Yachats fire station, an $8 million project that opened in 2019.

However, when it was discovered that the DSL bid didn’t include a required insurance letter, the nod went to Unitus Services of Ridgefield, Wash. with a bid of $1,530,000.

“We will begin negotiations with them,” Morphis announced Friday.

Notably absent from the seven firms bidding on the project was King West of Salem, which had been working in an advisory capacity on the library project.

Shortly after a builder is under contract, the 51-year-old original building on Seventh Street will be demolished to make way for the new, larger and updated library.

The new facility will offer some 3,600 square feet of books, magazines and DVDs, plus a community meeting room and an area for teenagers and children. The old structure measures 2,400 square feet. (READ MORE)

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office –  · Retired Sheriff John O’Brien Memorial Scholarship application process opens today!

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This scholarship can help Lincoln County youth interested in law enforcement fund their education. Eligibility: Graduates from any high school in Lincoln County with a GPA 3.0 or higher, pursuing further education in Criminal Justice.Value: $2,500Deadline: April 15, 2025Website: https://lincf.org/

The NXTClean Fuels Project In Clatskanie Gets Approval From The Oregon Department Of Environmental Quality 

The NXTClean Fuels project took a significant step forward this month with the approval from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality of a water quality permit.

NXTClean Fuels is proposing a $2.5 billion renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel facility at the Port of Columbia County’s Port Westward Industrial Park in Clatskanie.

NXTClean Fuels, also known as NEXT Renewable Fuels, plans to construct a clean fuels manufacturing facility capable of producing up to 50,000 barrels of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel per day. Renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel are chemically identical to petroleum-based fuels and are a key component of Oregon’s climate plan to reduce carbon emissions.

NXTClean Fuels will use the Port’s deep-water dock to receive feedstock and ship finished product. The project will provide a return on the over $18 million that has been invested by the Port and Columbia County in infrastructure at Port Westward to build out the water intake and discharge systems, make rail improvements and upgrade roads to the industrial site.

The potential economic impact of the project for Columbia County is immense. NXTClean Fuels is expected to create over 2,400 jobs during construction, 240 permanent jobs once operational and contribute $13 million per year in local property taxes. This is more than double what the county’s current highest taxpayer paid in 2024 and will bring much-needed funding for our schools, public safety and other services. NXTClean Fuels has declined the corporate tax incentives available to it, so these funds will have an even greater impact on our community.

Since leasing the 90-acre industrial site from the Port in 2019, NXTClean Fuels has spent over five years navigating Oregon’s rigorous permitting process. The project received state approvals for its removal fill permit and air permit in 2022, and local land use permits in 2024. The approval of the water quality certification concludes the major Oregon state permitting reviews.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is overseeing federal permitting and is expected to publish an Environmental Impact Statement for public review in 2025. The Port recognizes the concerns over a facility of this size but is confident that our state and federal permitting agencies will ensure that any environmental impacts are carefully mitigated.

If approved, the NXTClean Fuels facility will support the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources and drive long-term economic growth in Columbia County. Sean Clark is the executive director of the Port of Columbia County. (SOURCE)

Port Of Coos Bay Obtains $4M Federal Grant for Rail Overpass Project

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay a nearly $4 million grant from the Railroad Crossing Elimination program to help fund construction of a rail overpass and make additional safety upgrades at an adjacent grade crossing in Reedsport.

The $3.99 million grant will support the design and engineering of the new overpass, which will cross Oregon Highway 38, and add safety features at the adjacent rail crossing.

The Port of Coos Bay plans to construct a ship-to-rail multimodal container facility, called the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port. It will be served by the port’s existing Coos Bay Rail Line, which will be expanded as part of the project. The overpass and safety upgrades are critical to supporting the future port traffic, port officials said in a press release.

“This is an important step in building the foundation for a modern, multimodal transportation hub on the South Coast,” said Melissa Cribbins, executive director of the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project. (SOURCE)

Cape Lookout moves construction to fall, reopens summer reservations

TILLAMOOK, Oregon— Cape Lookout State Park will move its construction closure to fall 2025, which means summer campground reservations will reopen. 

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The park was slated to close temporarily for construction starting in spring 2025, but the schedule has changed. 

All reservable campsites sites in A, B, C and D loops as well as deluxe cabins and yurts will be reservable online for stays May 31 through the current 6-month reservation window starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Cape Lookout is one of the nine GO Bond projects at Oregon State Parks supported through Oregon-issued general obligation bonds approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021.

Originally, the project included moving camp loops A & B to higher ground and away from encroaching seawater, but unexpected geological and safety concerns prevented the move. Now the work will focus on extending the life of the existing infrastructure and slated to include: 

  • Reinforcing the existing dune to prevent seawater from entering the camp loops
  • Upgrading electrical and water systems in C and D loops
  • Day use improvements
  • Replacing campground restroom/shower building

The work is scheduled to begin in fall of 2025 and extend into spring or summer 2026. The campground and day-use area will be closed during construction. 

We encourage visitors to monitor Oregon State Park website for up-to-date information about the Cape Lookout State Park GO Bond project and campground closures.

For more detailed information about the project visit the park construction web page.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium New Tufted Puffin Oregon License Plates on Sale

One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.

The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the
aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins.

Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut🌊📷: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke

Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.

The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s
rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with
hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

EVCNB

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Do you need a GoBag or GoBag supplies? Purchase supplies on the website and pick up items at the Pop-Up Shop. Pick up January 11, from 1:00-1:30 PM at the Manzanita Police Station — https://evcnb.org/events-and-training/gobag-popup-01112025

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Grants Pass Homeless Policies Face New Court Challenge

After Grants Pass city officials shut down a homeless camp and restricted camping to one site, they face a lawsuit from five homeless residents and advocacy groups

The entrance to a homeless camping site in Grants Pass that city officials shut down in January 2025. Disability advocates and homeless residents are suing Grants Pass to get the city's homeless camping restrictions changed. (Photo courtesy of Oregon Law Center)
The entrance to a homeless camping site in Grants Pass that city officials shut down in January 2025. Disability advocates and homeless residents are suing Grants Pass to get the city’s homeless camping restrictions changed. (Photo courtesy of Oregon Law Center)

Two advocacy groups and five homeless people sued Grants Pass on Thursday in a bid to force the southern Oregon city to change its restrictions on homeless camping that put people with disabilities and others in peril.

Disability Rights Oregon and the Oregon Law Center filed the emergency lawsuit in Josephine County District Court. It seeks an immediate temporary restraining order that prohibits the city from enforcing its current ordinances and policies towards homeless people. The city has limited homeless people sleeping outside to just one site, which is overcrowded and lacks drinking water. It also forces people, including those with disabilities, to pack up their tent and leave at 7  a.m. each morning before returning at 5 p.m., the lawsuit said. Violators face $75 citations.

The lawsuit comes almost seven months to the day after after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the city can impose criminal penalties on illegal homeless camping without violating constitutional provisions against cruel and unusual punishment. 

The new case argues that Grants Pass does not follow requirements in Oregon state law. Last year, after the Supreme Court ruling, city officials designated two sites for homeless people to camp in August. 

On Jan. 7, city officials decided to close the larger of two designated camping sites, which held about 120 tents. Only one site remains that can have about 30 tent sites at any time. And now, tents can only be there from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day.

“Putting the lives of people with disabilities at risk in the dead of winter because they don’t have housing is cruel and illegal,” said Jake Cornett, executive director & CEO of Disability Rights Oregon. “Without adequate shelter space available, forcing a person in a wheelchair or someone with a chronic illness to pack and move their belongings daily is not just impossible, it’s inhumane. Grants Pass’s dangerous actions must be stopped.”

Grants Pass city officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. 

The lawsuit alleges the city’s policies violate state laws that prohibit discrimination based on disability. It seeks a temporary restraining order and permanent injunction that prohibits the city from enforcing its current ordinances for homeless camping. The lawsuit, if successful for plaintiffs, would force the city to adopt new ordinances that regulate camping and sleeping by homeless in a different way, with fewer restrictions and impacts.

For the homeless people named in the lawsuit, the impacts of the city’s policies are acute.

Jeffrey Dickerson, a homeless man in Grants Pass, stands outside the city's designated homeless camping site on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Dickerson and four other homeless people are suing Grants Pass for its camping restrictions. (Photo courtesy of the Oregon Law Center)
 Jeffrey Dickerson, a homeless man in Grants Pass, stands outside the city’s designated homeless camping site on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. Dickerson and four other homeless people are suing Grants Pass for its camping restrictions. (Photo courtesy of the Oregon Law Center)

‘I’m a human being’

One of them is Janine Harris, 57, who suffers from arthritis, vertigo and chronic headaches. For years, she worked as a caregiver until health problems made her physically unable to do so.

Homeless now for four years, arthritis in her hips and knees forces her to use a cane.

“I’m not afraid of work,” she said. “I just can’t do it anymore. I’m physically unable to do it anymore.”

She is too weak to carry anything and has to use a wagon to cart her belongings around. 

She never knows where she is going to stay.

To set up her tent, which is in storage, would take her an hour, so she’s more inclined to sleep without it.

“With my luck, it’d probably just be best to open up my cot and put the blankets on and pray I get no rain,” she said in an interview.

She asks Oregonians to remember people like her, who fell into homelessness through no fault of their own.

“I just want people to realize that I’m not a monster,” she said. “I’m a human being, and I have a right to be treated as one. I put my dues in. I’ve worked my ass off.”

Another plaintiff is Jeffrey Dickerson, 57, who worked in construction until 2006, when an aneurysm sidelined him and ended his career. Since then, he has bounced from homelessness on the streets, living with a friend and renting a room. With a $967 Social Security disability check each month, he cannot find an affordable place to live and has been homeless, most recently, for nearly a year. 

He has chronic nerve pain in his hands and feet, arthritis in his neck and walks with a cane. Once, his cane was stolen when he left it outside his tent. 

At the campsite, he awoke one morning ahead of the 7 a.m. deadline to pack up and found his tent’s zipper was frozen shut. He had to break it to get out. Outside the tent, he has to walk with his cane over gravel to reach the portable toilet.

He no longer has a tent and carries an olive green backpack. He keeps his sleeping bag stowed away out of sight.At night, he looks for somewhere to sleep, often outside the campsite.  “I don’t see how they could let that happen,” he said. “It’s inhumane.” (SOURCE)

Governor Kotec Holds Press Conference Concerning Feds Shutting Off Oregonian’s Tax Payer Money That By Law Comes Back to the State for State Programs

You can see press conference here: https://www.facebook.com/GovTinaKotek/videos/1775986422971918

Oregon joins lawsuit while state officials scramble to respond to Trump order freezing federal funds

Oregon is suing the Trump administration after it ordered an abrupt freeze of many federal payments, leaving state agencies unable to access reimbursements for Medicaid and child care programs and sending state officials scrambling to determine the total effect. 

Gov. Tina Kotek and Attorney General Dan Rayfield, both Democrats, announced the suit during a brief press conference Tuesday afternoon. Rayfield joined Democratic attorneys general across the country to file the suit in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island following a Trump administration memo directing all federal agencies to “temporarily pause” awarding or disbursing any federal funding that could be impacted by a host of recent executive orders by 2 p.m. Pacific time Tuesday.

“When federal funds that are meant to serve the most vulnerable are suspended or unavailable, that has an impact on Oregonians and it’s a dereliction of the federal government’s duty to protect Americans,” Kotek said. 

A federal judge based in Washington, D.C., paused enforcement of Trump’s order until Monday in response to a separate lawsuit filed by a group of nonprofit agencies. And U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas condemned Trump’s move as an “illegal theft” of taxpayer dollars.

“With the stroke of his pen, President Trump is ordering an unprecedented steal that will take critical resources away from our police, firefighters, veterans, growers, and working families here in Oregon and across the country,” she said. “Oregonians will immediately feel the effects of Trump’s steal at a time when most folks are already struggling to pay the bills and put food on the table.” — (SOURCE)

Oregon Food Bank Says Hunger At Its Worst Since Great Depression

Newly released data shows hunger crisis in Oregon, underscoring urgent need for action

The president of the Oregon Food Bank delivered her first State of Hunger address at the state capitol this week. “We are in the worst rate of hunger and food insecurity, since the Great Depression,” said President of the Oregon Food Bank Andrea Williams.

She said that while the food bank distributed nearly 100 million meals, food is just a small part of addressing the hunger crisis. “We must also address the root causes of hunger. “These are the policies that keep people from having the access to resources that they need to thrive. Until we do that those lines will keep forming.”

Williams also introduced the introduction of Senate Bill 611, the Food for All Oregonians Bill.

Food for All Oregonians Coalition Introduces Bill as Part of Immigrant Justice Package

In a show of broad support, community members, legislators and advocates gathered at the Oregon State Capitol today to introduce the Food for All Oregonians bill (SB 611) as part of the larger Immigrant Justice Package. This legislation seeks to ensure every Oregonian — including immigrants and refugees excluded from federal programs like SNAP — has access to the resources we need to thrive.

The Food for All Oregonians coalition, comprised of over 160 organizations across the state, made clear the need to pass this legislation highlighting the critical contributions immigrants and refugees make to Oregon’s economy and food systems, despite being excluded from food assistance programs.

Andrea Williams, newly-appointed President of Oregon Food Bank, delivered her first State of Hunger Address, unveiling new data that shows hunger in Oregon is at its worst since the Great Depression. “The federal administration has issued executive orders threatening immigrant communities,” said Williams. “But that vision doesn’t reflect the Oregon we want for our kids. Oregon can and must lead by example by passing the Food for All Oregonians bill. This legislation sends a clear message that immigrants and refugees can call Oregon home and that we are committed to ensuring our communities have the resources needed to thrive — we are rising for all.”

The press conference featured a powerful lineup of speakers, including Senator Wlnsvey Campos, who is sponsoring SB 611 in the legislature. It also included Food for All Oregonians coalition member Andrea Vanessa Castillo from Oregon Latino Health Coalition and David Soria Garcia, Policy Leadership Council member and Tillamook community leader. Senator Wlnsvey Campos shared her support, saying, “This bill isn’t just about food — it’s about building a stronger, more equitable Oregon where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

Hunger persists at crisis levels, with 2.5 million visits to food assistance sites across the Oregon Food Bank Network in the last year alone — a 31% increase from the previous year. While Oregon Food Bank and its network distributed over 91 million meals worth of food, nearly 110 million pounds, Williams emphasized that food alone cannot solve hunger. “We must address the systems and policies that perpetuate hunger. Until we do, those lines at food pantries will keep forming,” she said.

Part of the Food for All Oregonians coalition, the Oregon Latino Health Coalition emphasized the importance of this effort. “Access to nourishing food is a fundamental aspect of health,” said Andrea Vanessa Castillo, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Oregon Latino Health Coalition. “Immigrants and refugees are vital — they help put food on the table for families across our state. Yet, they remain excluded from essential benefits like SNAP.”

The Food for All Oregonians bill (SB 611) for the second year in a row, continues to be one of the top three Policy Recommendations of the Oregon Hunger Task Force. “Tomorrow, we will present the Roadmap to End Hunger and our list of priority policy recommendations to legislators,” shared Chris Baker, Administrator of the Oregon Hunger Task Force. “This legislative session, the Oregon Hunger Task Force urges lawmakers to prioritize bills that will have an immediate and lasting impact on reducing hunger in Oregon’s most impacted communities.”

“As a mother, I think about the future I want for my two kids — a future where every family in Oregon has access to the resources they need, including immigrants and refugees,” said Williams. “The Food for All Oregonians bill is about creating that brighter future… because no one should be hungry.” https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/posts/food-for-all-oregonians-coalition-introduces-bill-as-part-of-immigrant-justice-package?fbclid=IwY2xjawIHLb9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQFNDtMA_0ABUXHVNaWdcOnWSepamhCnJcA0C98zIdqRy11lnGNvHlh6DA_aem_RlEZzVMbSo0c_4KgwtOK5Q

Recent OHA Findings Support Striking Caregivers’ Focus On Safe Staffing: Providence Has Been Failing On Staffing

— Recent findings from the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) confirm what frontline caregivers at Providence hospitals have long been warning: Providence is failing to meet critical staffing requirements, putting patient care and worker safety at risk.

According to OHA’s investigations into multiple staffing complaints at Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence Seaside Hospital, OHA found multiple violations of Oregon’s hospital staffing laws, including failures to adopt required Nurse Staffing Plans (NSPs) in critical departments such as Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Cardiology, Critical Care, and Emergency Departments.

Providence recently stated, in a communication to staff, that “Providence ministries are complying with Oregon’s staffing law…We will not agree to additional contract requirements that differ from the law.” However, OHA’s repeated findings of violations of Oregon’s Safe Staffing Law tell a different story–one of a systemic and dangerous pattern of failing to follow even the most basic legal requirements.

OHA found that, at Providence Portland Medical Center, the hospital repeatedly failed to adopt legally-required Nurse Staffing Plans (NSPs) for critical units, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Critical Care, Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and Labor and Delivery. In recent complaint investigations, OHA cited Providence for failing to adopt staffing plans on 8 units at Providence Portland Medical Center. This means that–according to nurses on those units and the Hospital Staffing Committee–those units are not staffed appropriately for safe and therapeutic patient care. This systemic failure has left caregivers without the necessary staffing guidelines to provide safe and effective care. 

Additionally, the OHA investigation uncovered repeated violations in the Medical Oncology and Surgical Oncology units, where Providence failed to meet RN staffing levels across multiple shifts in June 2024, jeopardizing patient outcomes and staff well-being.

These violations in oncology units–where cancer patients require intensive and specialized care–demonstrate Providence’s ongoing disregard for legally-mandated staffing levels. 

The pattern of non-compliance extends beyond Portland, as OHA also found that Providence Seaside Hospital failed to adopt required staffing plans for its Medical-Surgical (Med-Surg) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) departments by the June 1, 2024 deadline. Earlier this year, Providence was also found in violation at Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center for submitting a staffing plan it created rather than a more detailed plan that was approved by the Hospital Staffing Committee.

This failure to meet basic legal obligations underscores why caregivers are fighting for stronger, enforceable staffing protections in their contracts; Providence has repeatedly demonstrated it cannot be trusted to adhere to existing regulations without additional safeguards in place.

The Oregon Nurses Association urges Providence to acknowledge their ongoing staffing failures and negotiate in good faith to provide meaningful staffing protections and stop obstructing hospital nurse staffing committees. Caregivers remain committed to fighting for the safety of their patients and the integrity of their profession.The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) Represents A Diverse Community Of More Than 21,000 Nurses, And Health Care Professionals Throughout Oregon. Together, We Use Our Collective Power To Advocate For Critical Issues Impacting Patients, Nurses, And Health Care Professionals Including A More Effective, Affordable And Accessible Healthcare System; Better Working Conditions For All Health Care Professionals; And Healthier Communities. For More Information Visit Www.OregonRN.org.

JOINT STATEMENT ON MEDIATION BETWEEN PROVIDENCE AND OREGON NURSES ASSOCIATION

At the request of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, the Oregon Nurses Association and Providence Oregon have agreed to have representatives from both sides re-engage in intensive, in-person mediation beginning January 29th, 2025, in an effort to end this strike. Both sides are engaging in every effort to get this dispute resolved as expeditiously as possible and get people back to work.

See Video from 1/31/25 here: https://www.facebook.com/OregonNursesAssociation/videos/1014312273856316

Collision Leads to Discovery of Deceased Body

 — Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit detectives are investigating the death of a Salem resident after Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered a body in the wreckage of crash in Polk County.

At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Monday, January 27, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a single-vehicle rollover collision in the 10000 block of Corvallis RD in Independence. The driver, identified as Tyler Andrew Holman, age 39 of Salem, was located with injuries and transported for medical care.

Deputies also discovered the body of a deceased woman. The circumstances at the scene suggested that she was not killed in the car accident, rather, her body was being transported at the time of the crash.

An autopsy performed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner determined that the woman’s cause of death was from a gunshot wound and manner of death to be homicide. The victim is identified as Ashley Jean Gandolfi, age 35.

The investigation into Gandolfi’s death led detectives to a residence in the 1600 block of Acacia DR S where Holman resides. Gandolfi and Holman were previously in a romantic relationship.

Holman was released from Salem Health today, January 30, and arrested on the following charges:

  • Murder, second-degree
  • Tampering with evidence
  • Abuse of a corpse, second-degree

The investigation is ongoing and no other information is available for release.

Grants Pass Police Arrest 2 Juveniles for Kidnapping and Other Serious Felonies

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Following an extensive investigation involving numerous victims, Grants Pass Police Detectives, assisted by patrol officers, served a search warrant early Thursday in the Northwest area of Grants Pass. This resulted in the arrest of two juvenile males, ages 14 and 15. Their identities are confidential at this time based on their juvenile status.

The pair was arrested for a lengthy list of severe felonies and misdemeanors, including 1st Degree Kidnapping, Strangulation, 2nd and 3rd Degree Assault, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Menacing, and Criminal Conspiracy. One of the juveniles was additionally arrested for 1st Degree Theft.

Both male juveniles were lodged at the Josephine County Juvenile Justice Center following their arrest.No further details can be released at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.

The Oregon Department of Human Services is investigating an Aumsville children’s learning center after its employees allegedly left a two-year-old girl alone on a bus for about three hours on Monday.

The announcement comes days after the City of Aumsville opened a police investigation into the incident. Cassandra Robinson, the mother of the girl, previously told The Oregonian/OregonLive that Family Building Blocks’ Aumsville location had failed to take her daughter off a bus, leaving her strapped into a child safety seat with no coat in roughly 36-degree weather. Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Training, Investigations
and Safety is investigating the alleged incident, agency spokesperson Jake Sunderland said . Such investigations typically take about 60 days to complete.

Officials warn SNAP users to prevent fraud

Oregonians who receive supplemental federal food benefits need to be more vigilant than ever against fraud, officials say: If their monthly benefits are stolen, they’ll be gone for good.

In the past, the federal government replaced benefits lost to fraud, but that policy changed late last year. The federal government is no longer replacing stolen benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

That could mean a total loss of tens of thousands of dollars in SNAP benefits in Oregon, primarily through “skimming,” according to officials from Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. That happens when a device is inserted into a credit card reader and steals financial information when the card is run through the reader.

Only a small minority lose their benefits this way. Oregon has nearly 447,000 households receiving SNAP benefits. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 20, nearly 200 households had their benefits stolen, losing $77,000 in food aid.

The average household receives $310 in SNAP benefits, which are not meant to foot an entire food bill, but the money is often crucial for those who need it.

Jake Sunderland, press secretary for the Oregon Department of Human Services, said SNAP users should take several precautions to protect themselves from fraud:

  • Only manage your account through the ebtEDGE website or mobile app, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play
  • Freeze your card right away after each use and unfreeze it before you make purchases and block purchases made outside of Oregon or online through Cardholder.ebtEDGE.com.
  • Keep your PIN secret and cover the keypad when you enter it.
  • Check your account activity regularly and cancel your card immediately if you see purchases you didn’t make. (SOURCE)

Oregon joins lawsuit over Trump attempt to end birthright citizenship — Judge grants request to temporarily block Trump’s birthright citizenship order

A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship.

U.S. District Court Judge John Coughenour’s ruling in a case brought by Washington, Oregon, Arizona and Illinois is the first in what is sure to be a long legal fight over the order’s constitutionality.

Coughenour called the order “blatantly unconstitutional.”

“I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar could state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order,” the judge told the Trump administration’s attorney. “It boggles my mind.”

Coughenour’s decision came after 25 minutes of arguments between attorneys for Washington state and the Department of Justice.

Oregonians looking to renew their vehicle registration and get new tags can now do so at a handful of Fred Meyer stores around the state

The self-service express kiosks from Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services are designed to give Oregonians another way to renew their registration besides at a DMV office, online or by mail, according to a news release.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2MrLwl_0yHoapM700

The kiosks are located in Fred Meyer locations in Salem and Eugene as well as in Beaverton, Bend, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Medford, Oak Grove and Tualatin. A location in Portland is coming soon and the DMV said it plans to offer more kiosks around the state in the future.

In Salem, the kiosk is at the Fred Meyer located at 3740 Market St. NE and allows users to pay by cash, credit or debit card. In Eugene, it’s located at the Fred Meyer at 3333 W 11th Ave. and will only allow payment via debit or credit card.

“We see these kiosks as a way to improve customer service, access and equity,” DMV administrator Amy Joyce said in the news release. “This program is the latest effort aimed at improving the DMV experience for our customers.”

The kiosks are ADA-accessible and registration renewal can be completed in English and Spanish. Users will be charged a $4.95 vendor fee for each transaction.

Customers will need to bring identification (license, permit, or ID card), insurance information and registration renewal notice. — Vehicle registration cards and license plate stickers will be printed after the transaction.

Registration Is Now Open For The Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K Run for the Trees

Oregon Parks Forever  —    Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  Registration is now open for the 2025 Run for the Trees at www.orparksforever.org.

Participants can run, walk, hike, skate, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15.

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.

Gather your friends, family and/or colleagues and create your own walk or run. Make it fun!

Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its fifth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include ten other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland and Virginia will “lock arms” as they help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

“We are thrilled to partner with Bob Ross, Inc. and these other ten states on the Happy Little 5K concept as a way to honor the late Bob Ross and create a legacy event to plant trees,” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.”

Oregon Parks Forever joined this event as an expansion of our efforts to fund the replanting of trees killed by wildfires, heat domes and invasive insects.  Over the past three years, Oregon Parks Forever has been able to fund the replanting of more than 800,000 trees across Oregon.

“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.” —  Learn more about the program at  http://www.orparksforever.org

IRS Direct File, Direct File Oregon Will Be Available When Income Tax Return Processing Begins January 27

Salem, OR— Free electronic filing through the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon will open January 27 when both the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue begin processing e-filed 2024 federal and state income tax returns. Paper-filed return processing will begin in mid-February.

The IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own tax returns in 2025 will have the option to electronically file both their federal and state income tax returns for free by filing directly with the IRS and the state.

Taxpayers are encouraged to use the IRS Eligibility Checker to see if they qualify to file directly with the IRS and the state.

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 and payers 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 2024 tax return easier in 2025.

Free filing options open January 27 — In addition to IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon, other free filing options will also open January 27. 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.

Voluntary self-identification of race and ethnicity information — New for 2025, Oregon taxpayers and Oregonians can voluntarily provide information about their race and ethnicity on Form OR-VSI when they file their 2024 taxes. Providing this information may be done separately from a tax return through Revenue Online. The information will be confidential. It can only be used for research purposes to analyze potential inequities in tax policy. The new option is a result of Senate Bill 1 in 2023.

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.

Those who don’t have a Revenue Online account can sign up on the agency’s website.

To check the status of their refund after February 15, or make payments, taxpayers can 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.

Department Of Revenue Volunteers Will Help Taxpayers Use Direct File Oregon To E-file Their Taxes For Free At Libraries Across The State

Salem, OR—Oregonians looking for assistance in electronically filing their taxes for free, could find help as close as their local library this tax season.

Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will be traveling to libraries in 17 different communities across the state in February, March, and April to assist taxpayers in using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to complete their returns.

The one-day tax help clinics are planned at libraries in:

BandonNorth Bend
BurnsPrineville
CoquillePendleton
CorneliusRoseburg
The DallesSalem
Klamath FallsSeaside
LebanonSweet Home
McMinnvilleToledo
Tualatin

Dates, times, and addresses for each clinic can be found on the Free Direct File assistance at local libraries webpage.

Last year, more than 140,000 taxpayers in 12 other states filed their federal tax returns using a limited IRS Direct File pilot program while nearly 7,000 Oregon taxpayers filed their state returns using the free, state-only Direct File Oregon option.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in May that it would make IRS Direct File a permanent option for taxpayers and invited all 50 states to participate. Oregon was the first of 13 new states to accept the invitation from the IRS in June creating a seamless free e-filing system for both federal and state taxes.

With the two direct file systems connected, the IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon taxpayers will be able to e-file both their federal and state returns for free in 2025.

The department believes that offering free assistance will help maximize the number of Oregonians who choose to use the new free option and make it possible for many who don’t have a filing requirement to file and claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families.

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

Taxpayers should use the IRS eligibility checker to see if they’ll be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Eligible taxpayers should set up an IRS online account and an account with Oregon’s Revenue Online before they come to an event. Taxpayers attending an event should bring the following information with them.

Identification documents

  • Social security card or ITIN for everyone on your tax return
  • Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (such as driver’s license or passport)

Common income and tax documents

  • Forms W2 (wages from a job)
  • Forms 1099 (other kinds of income)
  • Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)

Optional documents to download

  • Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
  • Last year’s tax return

Taxpayers can signup for the new “Oregon Tax Tips” direct email newsletter to keep up with information about tax return filing and how to claim helpful tax credits.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Sites Open in Oregon: Program Provides Free Tax Prep to Thousands of Older Adults

 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is providing free preparation now through April 15 throughout Oregon. Started in 1968, Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program and has served more than 80 million people. For the 2024 tax season, nearly 28,000 volunteers helped almost 1.7 million taxpayers, 965,000 of whom were adults over 50 with low income. Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS, and AARP membership is not required.

“During the 2024 tax season, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers completed over 19,400 federal returns and 18,500 state returns in Oregon with refunds of nearly $39 million,” said AARP Oregon State Director Bandana Shrestha. “Even modest refunds can make an impact on financial resilience, especially for vulnerable older adults. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide helps put money back in the pockets of Oregonians every year by making sure they don’t miss out on the credits and deductions they have earned.”

Tax-Aide volunteers provide free tax preparation and filing services to all with a focus on adults with low to moderate income. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers a variety of options to better meet the needs of taxpayers. Access to the different types of assistance varies by location.

  • In-Person Service: Tax preparation is completed by an IRS-certified Tax-Aide volunteer on-site in one visit.
  • One-Visit Scan: Tax documents are scanned at the Tax-Aide site and then Tax-Aide volunteers prepare the return remotely.
  • Two-Visit Scan: Tax documents are scanned at the Tax-Aide site and then volunteers prepare the return remotely. During a second visit, taxpayers work with a volunteer to finalize their return and obtain a printed copy for their records.
  • Drop-Off Service: Tax documents are left at the Tax-Aide site with a volunteer and the return is prepared remotely. During a second visit, taxpayers work with a volunteer to file their return and obtain a printed copy and their original documents.
  • No Site Visit Required (Internet Access Required): Taxpayers upload tax documents to the IRS-provided software. Tax-Aide volunteers prepare the return remotely and work with the taxpayer to file the return electronically.
  • Online Coaching: Taxpayers prepare their own return and receive online support from a volunteer to help them along the way.
  • Facilitated Self-Assistance: Taxpayers schedule an appointment at a Tax-Aide site to work with a volunteer to complete and file their own return.
  • Self-Preparation: Taxpayers prepare their own return using a software product that has been made available through the Tax-Aide website.

Users can find their nearest Tax-Aide location and assistance options through the Tax-Aide site locator. The site locator features a Tax-Aide chat bot that can help book an appointment, answer questions about the program, and transfer the conversation to a live agent if needed or requested. For more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669) 

https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.

Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com

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