Oregon Beach News, Friday 10/11 — Circles in the Sand on Saturday in Florence, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Seeking Community Feedback on Oregon State Parks in Curry County & 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, October 11, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

Seasonal Climate Forecast

https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/naturalresources/documents/weather/dlongrange.pdf

Wildfires continue to produce smoke in the Pacific Northwest. Breathe a little easier by keeping up to date on air quality conditions and concerns at Fire.AirNow.gov.

We’re not out of the woods just yet… DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN – Fire  Season still in progress. Many people let their guard down because fall has arrived. Major fires can get started in October and November. Fire season will not end until we really hit full speed on the cooler weather, rain, and snow coming to stay. Until then, be vigilant and do everything you can to prevent the spark that could be the next serious fire.

Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.”

Circles in the Sand on Saturday in Florence – Annual Beach Labyrinth Draw and Walkthrough

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Seeking community feedback on Oregon State Parks in Curry County

CURRY COUNTY, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking to understand how Curry County residents and visitors would like to enjoy and conserve the 20 state parks in Curry County through an online survey and three public meetings this month.

This feedback is the first of several opportunities to provide input during the two-year process to update the Curry County State Parks Master Plan adopted in 2003. The master planning process is an opportunity to assess natural, cultural and recreation resources as well as management goals and community needs. 

The draft master plan is slated to be finished in late 2025 and will provide a 20-year vision with a menu of options that can be implemented over time as funds become available. 

The public is invited to share feedback on how they use state parks in Curry County now as well as opportunities for the future. Options to provide feedback include:

Online

• Survey runs now through Nov. 15: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QMBPQC5
• Online meeting noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28. Advance registration is required: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpc-GorTIuHNZOIlBjaG8WZZOlgud19uFa#/registration

In-person meetings

• Noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at Southwestern Oregon Community College, 96082 Lone Ranch Pkwy, Brookings
• 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at Port Orford Public Library, 1421 Oregon St, Port Orford

During each meeting, OPRD will share information about the master planning process and offer opportunities for community feedback and questions. 

Oregon State Parks properties in Curry County include Cape Blanco, Humbug Mountain, Otter Point, Cape Sebastian, Pistol River, Samuel H. Boardman, Harris Beach, Crissey Field, Alfred A. Loeb and several others.

Once OPRD gathers this initial feedback, staff will incorporate it into the plan development. There will be additional opportunities to provide feedback during the planning phase and then again when the draft plan is available. 

The draft master plan will balance the feedback received from stakeholders throughout the planning process. The management goals, strategies and development concepts proposed will incorporate priorities and concerns heard throughout the process. 

Once the final draft master plan is complete, it will be be presented to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission for adoption.

For more details and information, follow the draft master planning process on our website: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/28dcf2137d3a4edfbe647ed660de3091

Circles in the Sand on Saturday in Florence Annual Beach Labyrinth Draw and Walkthrough

This annual event, featuring the captivating art of Denny Dyke and his talented crew, transforms the sandy shores into a mesmerizing labyrinth of intricate designs. Join us this October for a unique celebration where art and nature converge, offering a day of free fun for all ages.

Event Highlights

• Date: October 12 & 13
• Location: Driftwood Shores Resort, Florence, Oregon
• Time: 3-5PM
• Admission: Free

Featured Artists – This year, we are excited to showcase the incredible talent of local Florence artists, each using the expansive beach as their canvas. Witness their creativity as they craft beautiful sand designs that capture the essence of our coastal community.

What to Expect

• Interactive Labyrinth Walkthroughs: Immerse yourself in the art by walking through the intricate labyrinths drawn in the sand.
• Live Art Creations: Watch artists in action as they create new sand designs throughout the day.
• Community Engagement: Connect with fellow art lovers and beach enthusiasts in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere.
• Photo Opportunities: Capture stunning photos of the sand art and the scenic beach backdrop.

MORE INFO: https://florencechamber.com/event/circles-in-the-sand/298/

Rhododendron Festival Selects Winner of 2025 Theme and Class for Entries to Logo Design

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its selection of “Rhodies on the River” submitted by Milana Peerson of Florence as the theme for the 119th Rhododendron Festival May 15 to 18, 2025.

Peerson wins a $100 cash prize, bragging rights, and a place in Rhododendron Festival’s long and storied history, the Chamber said.

A “rhody” or “rhodies” are a local nickname for the prevalent rhododendron flower that thrives in the region.

Now that the theme is chosen, the Chamber will open a public contest for a design of the 119th Rhododendron Festival logo. A form is available on the Florence Chamber website. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce annually seeks the public’s input on a theme and logo for its long running event held each year on the third full weekend of May.

“We were looking for a theme to help us celebrate our local natural beauty and our floral superstars—something that entices people from all around to come celebrate with us the second-longest running floral festival in Oregon,” said Bettina Hannigan, the Chamber’s president and CEO. “Milana’s idea really bloomed for us. You can easily hear the musical parallel to Tina Turner’s or Creedence Clearwater Revival’s versions of Rollin’ On the River.”

“Generations of families have enjoyed all the fun of the Florence Rhododendron Festival. It’s a family tradition, an Oregon institution. And it is Oregon’s second-oldest floral festival, bested only by a year by the Portland Rose Festival. Every year we see thousands of visitors from around the state and across the country,” Hannigan said.

While announcing the 2025 theme, the Chamber also issued a call for entries for a logo design.

Amateur and professional graphic designers are encouraged to submit a logo design to fit the theme. The designer of the selected logo will win $250. Designs must incorporate the rhododendron flower, an element representative of the Florence area (river, bridge, ocean, beach, lakes, dunes or lighthouse for example), along with the theme and “119th Rhododendron Festival 2025, Florence, Oregon.” Details of the logo contest are available at FlorenceChamber.com. Entries are to be emailed to info@FlorenceChamber.com by November 1, 2024, with the subject line “2025 Logo Contest.”

Tourism in Florence accounted for a $269 million infusion to the local economy in 2023 and just over half of all local jobs, the Chamber said. The festival opens Saturday night, May 10 (the weekend prior) with the coronation of Queen Rhododendra, the King of the Coast, and their royal court at the Florence Events Center. The Davis Shows Carnival at the Port of Siuslaw property in Old Town opens on Thursday of “Rhody Week.” Saturday traditionally features the annual 5K Rhody Run and Walk, the junior parade and kids’ activities, the annual Rhody Classic Car Show ‘n’ Shine, and the Coast Radio KCST/KCFM Classic Car Cruise through Old Town. Sunday brings the grand floral parade down Highway 101 at noon and into Historic Old Town next to the carnival. Throughout the event there will be a vendor’s fair in Old Town, a spectacular rhododendron show at the Florence Events Center, and live music, art, and other festivities and activities all over town.

Lincoln County ,Lincoln County Animal Shelter, and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office were joined by volunteers, stakeholders, community members and supporters to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new animal shelter construction.

You can watch the full groundbreaking ceremony here: youtu.be/YjLMI6rcNx8?si=JsEOkpYgte0JHuEGFollow along for updates on our website: www.co.lincoln.or.us/1184/The-New-Animal-Shelter

North Coast Communities For Watershed Protection Call To Action

On Wednesday, October 9 at 6 pm,  the Rockaway Beach City Council held a public hearing of the Appeal that was filed regarding the RB Planning Commission’s approval of the proposed Nedonna Wave PUD (Planned Unit Development). 

To contact Oregon Shores with questions or information: Phillip Johnson, Shoreline and Land Use Manager, (503) 754-9303, phillip@oregonshores.org. To learn more about Oregon Shores, sign up for the newsletter, or donate to support this work, go to the website, https://oregonshores.org/.

Crag Law Center is a non-profit environmental law center that represents organizations like Oregon Shores in legal challenges over conservation issues like this one. To learn more, sign up for their newsletter, or donate to them, go to https://crag.org/.

Another upcoming North Coast Communities for Watershed Protection meeting: On Saturday, October 19 at 12 noon,  NCCWP will continue our monthly “Protect Drinking Water and Foster Community Engagement” meetings in Rockaway Beach at the Parish Hall of St. Mary by the Sea. The October meeting will include brief updates on Jetty Creek Watershed Protection and Acquisition and the Nedonna Wave PUD Appeal. Also, there will be discussion of the proposed statewide ballot initiative to protect drinking watersheds. Please join us on October 19. We want to hear your questions and ideas. We encourage your involvement.

Conservation Groups Launch Campaign to Prevent Shoreline Erosion in Oregon

Climate change is leading to greater erosion along the Oregon coast through what’s known as ‘coastal squeeze.’ Conservation groups are pushing to address this issue.

The Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition and the Surfrider Foundation have launched a new campaign to advocate for better protection of the state’s beaches.

Phillip Johnson with the Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition said Oregon’s beaches are at risk because of what’s called ‘coastal squeeze.’

“Sea level is rising and storm surges are pushing waves ever higher. And they are coming up against human infrastructure and catching the beaches between,” said Johnson. “Our beaches could erode away if we do not seriously think about some new long-term policy.”

Johnson said natural beaches are more resistant to erosion and can also mitigate the effects from disasters. A 2017 study showed that coastal wetlands along the east coast helped prevent around $625 million in flood damages from Hurricane Sandy.

If it’s not addressed, Johnson said that this erosion could come with major consequences.

“We could lose our beaches and we would survive, we’d certainly lose a big part of our Oregon soul,” he said. “Meanwhile other creatures, especially shorebirds and other wildlife that use the beaches, would be deprived entirely of their habitat.”

Johnson said the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is expected to begin looking at their rules for shoreline hardening. He said Oregon Shores will advocate for tighter restrictions on structures like rip-rap and seawalls. He also proposed that developers look at moving buildings away from the shoreline before they can get a permit to build a seawall. (SOURCE)

Seaside Aquarium Explores Ocean Burp

This week we got the privilege of exploring an ocean burp over by Ave. U in Seaside.
These small debris fields are usually composed of small bark chips, shells, large tubeworm casings, hermit crabs, algae, kelp, and sometimes even skate egg casings!

Coming across one of these is a beachcomber’s dream! These small debris fields are usually composed of small bark chips, shells, large tubeworm casings, hermit crabs, algae, kelp, and sometimes even skate egg casings! They usually occur because of a local upwelling.

An upwelling is an oceanographic phenomenon that involves wind-driven motion of denser, cooler, and usually nutrient-rich water towards the ocean surface, replacing the warmer, usually nutrient-depleted surface water.
This juggling of water from the bottom of the ocean to the surface often lifts debris sitting on the seafloor into the water column. As the tide comes in, the debris is cast onto shore. At the Seaside Aquarium, we fondly refer to these events as ‘Ocean Burps’. (SOURCE)

Newport hospital flooring repair to close public hallway for one week

Flooring replacement in the main public hallway at Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport will restrict access to the hospital’s Emergency Services and Diagnostic Imaging departments beginning Monday, Oct. 14, and lasting through Sunday, Oct. 20. Plans are in place to minimize disruption to patient care during the repairs.

“Whenever improvements are made, a bit of inconvenience is bound to happen,” said Jon Conner, director of plant engineering services, who is overseeing the flooring repairs being done by contractors. “We ask for understanding as we work through the repairs as quickly as possible.”

Patients seeking emergency medical care and patients with appointments for any type of imaging service such as mammography, MRI and X-ray should come in through the hospital’s main entrance and check in at the patient assistance desk. Volunteers and staff will be available to escort patients through hallways normally used only by employees.

This work is part of a larger project that began in June to remove and replace flooring throughout the hospital. To minimize disruption to patients and staff, repair work is being done in phases and in small sections at a time. Flooring contractors are working with the hospital’s Infection Control and Risk Assessment teams to ensure patients and staff are safe and that patient care is not disrupted. (SOURCE)

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash at around 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, involving a dirt bike and a Federal Express delivery truck on North Maple Drive in Otis.

“First responders arrived on scene at approximately 12:49 p.m. and determined the operator of the dirt bike, a 15-year-old juvenile male, was deceased,” LCSO Patrol Sgt. Patrick Dougherty said. “The operator of the delivery truck, Noah Gibbs, 29, of Lincoln City, immediately called 911 and attempted first aid measures to the juvenile while remaining on scene and cooperating with the investigation.”

North Maple Drive, a one-lane county road, remained closed for several hours while members of the Lincoln County Multi-Agency Crash Team responded to investigate the crash.

Preliminary investigation revealed the dirt bike was traveling east on North Maple Drive while the delivery truck was travelling west at the time of the head on collision between the vehicles, Dougherty said. “The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, but at this time there is no indication drugs or alcohol played a factor.”

Governor Kotek Calls On Federal Government To Cancel Offshore Wind Auction In Southern Oregon — Oregon Offshore Wind Auction Stopped For Now After Protest From Governor

Governor Kotek has asked the Bureau of Ocean Energy management to halt its efforts to lease property off the coast of Oregon, endorsed the withdrawal of the state from an intergovernmental energy task force. (https://kval.com/resources/pdf/0bcf3574-3321-4904-b771-84d483594586-GovernorKoteklettertoBOEMDirectorKlein_1727455319170.pdf )

This comes in the wake of a lawsuit filed by the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians which alleges BOEM conducted insufficient analysis of offshore wind energy impacts.

The request was met with a strong response by other state leaders, including Senator Wyden, “I don’t back down when it comes to deploying renewable energy projects, but even the pursuit of clean energy doesn’t mean running over the public process,” Wyden said. “I’m glad federal regulators hit the pause button on proceeding with this hasty auction process. I’ve been pressing for this to slow down because Oregonians on the coast deserve every opportunity to have an actual say in this issue affecting their lives and livelihoods.”

BOEM Postpones Oregon Offshore Wind Energy Auction

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) announced today that it is delaying the offshore wind energy auction planned for potential lease areas offshore Oregon due to insufficient bidder interest at this time.

On Aug. 29, 2024, the Department of the Interior announced the Final Sale Notice (FSN) for offshore wind leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf offshore Oregon following engagement through the Oregon Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force, including coordination with the State of Oregon on advancing opportunities for leasing that would precede a multi-year process for site assessments and subsequent review of any specific project plans if submitted. The FSN set an auction date for Oct. 15, 2024, and included two lease areas offshore Oregon and identified the five companies qualified to participate in the sale. Following issuance of the FSN, BOEM received bidding interest from one of the five qualified companies.

In determining a future opportunity for a potential lease sale, BOEM will continue to collaborate with representatives from federal, state and local agencies and Tribal governments, to coordinate on potential leasing and support ongoing stakeholder engagement processes on broader offshore wind considerations, such as the state-led development of a strategic roadmap for offshore wind.

Since the start of the Biden-Harris administration, the Department has approved the nation’s first ten commercial scale offshore wind projects with a combined capacity of approximately 15 gigawatts of clean energy — enough to power 5.25 million homes. Since January 2021, the Department has held five offshore wind lease auctions – including a record-breaking sale offshore New York and New jersey and the first-ever sales offshore the Pacific Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. Secretary Deb Haaland also recently announced a schedule of potential additional lease sales through 2028.

For more information on offshore wind in Oregon, visit: https://www.boem.gov/renewable-energy/state-activities/oregon-activities. —– https://www.boem.gov/newsroom/press-releases/boem-postpones-oregon-offshore-wind-energy-auction

The City of Florence has announced the next Call for Artists in the Art Exposed Rotating outdoor gallery. 

The Public Arts Committee is planning for the next change in the display that will happen in February.  They need 8 pieces of art to replace the Old Town displays.  It is a two year exhibition for the artist.  Artists chosen will receive a $1500 stipend and their art work will also be available for purchase upon completion of the exhibit period. Information for submission of artwork is available at the city’s website at ci.florence.or.us.  Artists 18 years old and older are eligible to submit work, there is a $25 application fee.

Great Oregon Shakeout is October 17th

Lincoln County residents live on the Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake Faultline. This means it is even more important for our communities to be informed and prepared. 

Lincoln County Emergency Management is encouraging community members, businesses, and community groups to participate in the 14^th annual Great Oregon ShakeOut. This event provides a chance for you to practice what you would do during an earthquake. While the official event takes place on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 10:17 am, you can practice your drop, cover, and hold during the days leading up to or directly after the drill. It is important to register if you participate.

By registering you will help Lincoln County Public Safety agencies document the high level of preparedness in our community. Participation in this event shows that we are working together to strengthen our community resiliency and emergency preparedness. This event also provides a good reminder to update your emergency plans and supplies. 

Attached is a graphic on the annual summary of participants here in Lincoln County.  So far, 6,279 have registered for this year.

Oregon ShakeOut Statistics – https://www.shakeout.org/oregon/whoisparticipating/ 

More information on earthquake and tsunami preparedness:

Great Oregon ShakeOut:

• Registration & General Information: www.shakeout.org/oregon/
• Recommended Earthquake Safety Actions: www.earthquakecountry.org/library/ShakeOut_Recommended_Earthquake_Safety_Actions.pdf
• Earthquake Country Alliance: Welcome to Earthquake Country! https://www.earthquakecountry.org/accessibility/
• Earthquake Guide for People with Disabilities: www.earthquakecountry.org/library/ShakeOut_Earthquake_Guide_Disabilities_AFN.pdf
• Media – PSA Resources: www.shakeout.org/oregon/resources/index.html#multimedia

Lincoln County Emergency Management 

• Cascadia Earthquake Factsheet: www.oregongeology.org/pubs/fs/cascadia-planning-for-em-and-public.pdf
• Earthquake and Tsunami Emergency Guide: https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/DocumentCenter/View/2062
• Hazards: Earthquakes: www.co.lincoln.or.us/emergencymanagement/page/hazards-earthquake
• Hazards: Tsunamis: https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/772/Hazards-Tsunamis
• Main page: https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/708/Emergency-Management

CDC

• Preparing for an earthquake: https://www.cdc.gov/earthquakes/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes 
• Tsunamis: www.cdc.gov/disasters/tsunamis/ 

Ready.gov

• Earthquakes: www.ready.gov/earthquakes
• Tsunamis: www.ready.gov/tsunamis 

Red Cross

• Earthquake Safety: www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/earthquake.html 

Emergency Management Programs (In Alphabetical Order)

• City of Lincoln City https://www.lincolncity.org/residents/emergency-preparedness
• City of Newport newportoregon.gov/emergency/default.asp
• Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians https://ctsi.nsn.us/east-lincoln-county-cert/ 
• Lincoln County https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/emergencymanagement 
   

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

Celebrate Fire Safety this October

– As the leaves change and cooler weather sets in, the Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon fire service remind everyone of the importance of home fire safety. October is Fire Prevention Month, a time to focus on fire prevention and safety at home. This year’s theme, “Celebrate Fire Safety,” calls on Oregonians to take action to reduce fire risks and protect their loved ones.

In 2023, 2,518 home fires in our state resulted in $119.5 million in losses to homeowners. Cooking remains the leading cause of home fires, followed closely by home heating. Alarmingly, in 417 of those fires, no smoke alarm was present.

“Oregon’s first responders are unwavering in their commitment to protecting our communities by reducing home fires and preventing the devastating injuries they cause,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “This Fire Prevention Month, we’re calling on all Oregonians to take proactive, life-saving steps to protect their families, their homes, and their future.”

There are several simple things Oregonians can do to lessen the chance of a home fire and increase safety:

• Install and maintain smoke alarms. Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
• Practice cooking safely. Never leave cooking unattended and always have a lid or cookie sheet nearby to smother small flames.
• Use heating equipment safely. Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating devices and always plug space heaters directly into the wall—never use extension cords.
• Create and practice a home fire escape plan. Make sure every family member knows at least two ways out of every room.
• Consider candle alternatives. Battery-operated candles reduce fire risk, but if you use real candles, always blow them out before leaving the room.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek proclaimed October as Fire Prevention Month. For more information about Fire Prevention Month, a link to the proclamation, and more tips to prevent the top causes of home fires in Oregon, visit our website. 

Woodburn Company Recalls Nearly 10 Million Pounds Of Meat For Listeria

An Oregon company is recalling nearly 10 million pounds of meat and poultry products made at an Oklahoma plant because they may be contaminated with listeria bacteria, which can cause illness and death.

BrucePac of Woodburn, Oregon, recalled the roughly 5,000 tons of ready-to-eat foods this week after U.S. Agriculture Department officials detected listeria in samples of poultry during routine testing. Further tests identified BrucePac chicken as the source. The recall includes 75 meat and chicken products.

The foods include products like grilled chicken breast strips that were made at the company’s facility in Durant, Oklahoma. They were produced between June 19 and Oct. 8 and shipped to restaurants, food service vendors and other sites nationwide, government officials said.

The products have a best-by date of June 19, 2025 to Oct. 8, 2025. Officials said they’re concerned that the foods may still be available for use or stored in refrigerators or freezers. The products should be thrown away, they stressed.

There are no confirmed reports of illness linked to the recall.

Eating foods contaminated with listeria can cause potentially serious illness. About 1,600 people are infected with listeria bacteria each year in the U.S. and about 260 die, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Listeria infections typically cause fever, muscle aches and tiredness and may cause stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Symptoms can occur quickly or to up to 10 weeks after eating contaminated food. The infections are especially dangerous for older people, those with weakened immune systems or who are pregnant. 

Sharp divide in Oregon over bill to step up logging to prevent wildfires

Republicans are backing a proposal to scale back environmental regulations to “thin” forests while Democrats and environmentalists want to fund community preparedness

For the last 30 years, shrub and grass fires have burned far more acres and destroyed more property in the West than forest fires, and the same was true this season. 

Still, Republicans in the U.S. House – including Oregon’s two Republican representatives – are hoping Congress will pass a bill before year’s end that would tackle increasingly large wildfires in the West by scaling back environmental regulations to make it easier to log and cut vegetation in federal forests, which account for more than 60% of the forests in Oregon. 

Proposed by Arkansas Republican Rep. Bruce Westerman and California Democrat Rep. Scott Peters, the “Fix Our Forests Act” passed the U.S. House on Sept. 24 with 268 representatives in favor and 151 opposed, including Oregon’s four Democratic representatives. It is expected to get a vote in the U.S. Senate after the November general election, according to Hank Stern, a spokesperson for Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat.

Proponents say the bill would restore forest health, increase resiliency to catastrophic wildfires and protect communities by expediting environmental analyses while reducing frivolous lawsuits and step up restoration projects. But opponents, including environmentalists and Democrats, say it would open millions of acres of federal land to logging without scientific review or community input, potentially increasing the risk of wildfires while rolling back regulations to protect endangered and threatened species.

To counteract the bill, Oregon’s Democratic House and Senate members are introducing legislation that would direct federal investments in community preparedness and home hardening.

The Biden administration is also opposed to the bill and published a statement a day before the House vote, saying it contains “a number of provisions that would undermine basic protections for communities, lands, waters and wildlife.” More than 85 environmental groups also submitted a letter to the House Committee on Natural Resources opposing the bill. 

The bill comes on top of calls in Oregon from state House Republicans to roll back restrictions on logging in state and private forests. Three prominent state lawmakers recently called on their peers in the state Legislature to reform forest management and logging policies they say would prevent large fires from starting and spreading. 

More than 2,000 wildfires in Oregon this season have burned a record of about 2 million acres – and not largely in forests. About 75% of the acres scorched were in grass and shrubland, mostly in eastern Oregon, according to the Wildland Mapping Institute.  (READ MORE)

Oregon Housing and Community Services releases final report on five-year Statewide Housing Plan

State delivers on its ambitious priorities, surpassing nearly all goals

Statewide Housing Plan, Andrea Bell, sound bite

Salem, OR— Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) today announced monumental progress in improving housing outcomes for all Oregonians with the release of the final report on Oregon’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan (SWHP).

The five-year housing plan was launched in July 2019 with a bold, shared vision: to ensure every person across Oregon has a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. In the report’s Letter from the Director, Andrea Bell says the agency and its partners exceeded many of the goals outlined in the plan’s six priorities while navigating economic uncertainties, devastating wildfires, and a global pandemic.

“Our shared progress is measured by more than numbers; it is measured by how many lives are better off because of our work,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Families who now have a place to grow and thrive, everyday working people who have found stability after years of uncertainty, and communities that are stronger because of historic increased housing opportunities – these are the true stories of Oregon’s progress.”

The past five years have been transformative for OHCS as it focused on its six priorities: equity and racial justice, homelessness, permanent supportive housing, affordable rental housing, homeownership, and rural communities.  

“We are just getting started. As we look to the future, more work lies ahead of us. The lessons learned from the Statewide Housing Plan are already informing the next steps in Oregon’s housing progress, including our 2025-2027 Agency Request Budget. We are building on our collaborative success, helping to establish new and strengthen existing partnerships, and expanding our efforts to protect and further advance equitable housing stability across Oregon.” The final report as well as other SWHP-related reports are available on the OHCS website.  

Oregon Housing and Community Services’ Homeowner Assistance Fund accepting final applications online

— Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is reopening the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) online application portal to accept final applications directly from homeowners. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 31, 2024. New applications will be put on a waitlist and prioritized for homeowners most at risk of foreclosure or loss. 

Homeowners can now review application criteria and apply directly online using a link on the HAF website: oregonhomeownerassistance.org. If homeowners need or would like assistance with an application, they can contact a HAF intake partner. A list of intake partners can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/Pages/Homeownership-Assistance-Fund.aspx.

“OHCS is reopening the online application portal through Oct. 31, 2024, to ensure we help as many Oregon families as possible,” said Ryan Vanden Brink, assistant director of Homeowner Assistance Programs. “With our average award of $26,500, we can assist approximately 250 additional households. Any further applications will be placed on a waitlist pending the availability of funds.”  

HAF offers federal temporary COVID-19 pandemic relief to help homeowners who experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic. HAF can help homeowners become current on their mortgages, county taxes, homeowners’ (HOA) or condo associations, land sale contracts, secured manufactured home or floating home loans, and lot rent or moorage fees associated with homeowners in manufactured home parks or marinas. Financial hardship includes a reduction in income or an increase in housing costs resulting from the pandemic.

Homeowners are eligible to apply if they meet the program’s general eligibility criteria and are facing foreclosure, involved in a court case that threatens their home, in property tax foreclosure, in collections with their HOA, or in other high-risk situations identified by a housing counselor. Homeowners in foreclosure may have already received outreach letters from OHCS or their county assessor. 

OHCS will make its final HAF payments in February 2025, limiting total assistance available to new applicants.OHCS encourages homeowners to explore all other options with their servicer or a housing counselor before applying for HAF. Applying for HAF does not guarantee approval or that a foreclosure will be postponed. HAF is administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) – OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Detectives, ODF Conducting Joint Fire Investigation After County Bridge Burns, Damages Could Exceed $1,000,000

JCSO Case 24-5571 0- BUTTE FALLS, Ore. – Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives and Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Fire Investigators are conducting a joint investigation after a fire on a Butte Falls area bridge Thursday morning.

At 8 AM, JCSO deputies received a call for a fire east of Butte Falls on the Fredenburg Road bridge over North Fork Big Butte Creek. Butte Falls Volunteer Fire and Rescue firefighters put out the fire just after 8:30 AM and there was no spread to the surrounding forest.

The bridge is expected to be closed for an extended period as the Jackson County Roads and Parks Department assesses damage, which may necessitate a full bridge replacement. As a result, Fredenburg Road is closed at the 0.7-mile marker. A temporary detour is in place for the use of affected residents in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. According to initial estimates, damages to the bridge could exceed $1,000,000. If you have any information about this fire, call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case 24-5571. There is no further information for release at this time.

Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily

Large Fires in Oregon Past 2 Weeks 10/11/24 9:00am per INCIWEB

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Bingham Fire – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	199 Acres	1 minute 19 seconds ago
Rail Ridge – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	174081 Acres	1 hour 25 minutes ago
Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	24386 Acres	16 hours 9 minutes ago
Tiger Creek Fire – ORUMF	Wildfire	Oregon	573 Acres	22 hours 8 minutes ago
Bachelor Complex Fires – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	14771 Acres	22 hours 45 minutes ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	2993 Acres	22 hours 47 minutes ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	11073 Acres	2 days ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	11141 Acres	2 days ago
Lane 1 Fire – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	25952 Acres	2 days ago
North Willamette Complex – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	5492 Acres	3 days ago
Sandstone Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	702 Acres	3 days 22 hours ago
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	3203 Acres	3 days 23 hours ago
Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	1313 Acres	1 week ago
Wiley Flat – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	30186 Acres	1 week 3 days ago
Fossil Complex – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	24446 Acres	2 weeks ago
Buck Creek Fire – ORFWF	Wildfire	Oregon	5758 Acres	2 weeks ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Burned Area Emergency Response	Oregon	86968 Acres	2 weeks 2 days ago

https://app.watchduty.org/

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page. 

ODHS Seeks Public Insight on Provider Rate and Wage Study Affecting Oregon Service Providers

Feedback invited on key findings from a statewide provider rate and wage study

 ̶  The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) seeks feedback from the public on key findings from a statewide study of the rates that service providers are paid, and wages staff earn.

Providers included in the study serve people who get support through:
• ODHS Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS)
• ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD)
• Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Behavioral Health.
These providers, which include group homes, day services and larger residential long-term care settings, offer essential services that support people in living their daily lives.  

A final report on the study findings, including feedback shared, will be available in December 2024. The report will support planning on how to ensure Oregonians have a selection of providers in the communities where they live. Oregon needs to keep and attract quality providers that are safe. To be safe, providers need to have the ability to pay wages that can attract and retain workers.

Background on the study

In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 5506 which required ODHS and OHA to conduct the study. Burns & Associates, part of Health Management Associates (HMA-Burns), was hired to run the study and produce a report on the results along with recommendations.

How to provide feedback
• Go to the study web page on the HMA-Burns website.
• The website is available in English and Spanish.
• Email feedback to HMA-Burns at egonRates@healthmanagement.com“>OregonRates@healthmanagement.com by Oct. 28, 2024.

About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille or a format you prefer. Contact ODHS at 503-945-5811 or odhs.info@odhsoha.oregon.gov. We accept calls from all forms of relay service for people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, blind or have low vision. For more information about relay service providers visit https://www.oregonrelay.com or https://www.fcc.gov/general/internet-based-trs-providers.

Trial Begins in Medford for Klamath Falls Man Accused of Kidnapping Women

Jury selection began Tuesday morning in U.S. District Court in Medford, followed by opening statements on Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. Federal prosecutors have submitted more than 500 exhibits and a witness list of at least 70 people for the trial of an Oregon man who allegedly kidnapped a woman in Seattle, then locked her in a cinder block cell in his garage. Negasi Zuberi, 30, is also facing charges related to a second kidnapping involving a woman in Klamath Falls.

A Klamath Falls man is learning in federal court today how police found his recreational trailer, and how they discovered evidence inside it for his criminal kidnapping and weapons charges.

30-year-old Negasi Zuberi appears to be focused on his criminal case proceedings in federal court in Medford, where he faces two counts of kidnapping, four counts of felon-related weapons and ammunition charges, and sex and attempted escape charges.

He’s accused of kidnapping two different women at two different times from two different places, one of the from Seattle in July 2023.

The Seattle woman told her account to jurors yesterday about an overnight abduction July 14, 2023, that started in Zuberi’s car in Seattle where he impersonated a police officer and ended the next day in Klamath Falls. She also told about sexual assault during the trip as she was kept in handcuffs and leg irons under threat of a handgun and taser she said Zuberi used to subdue her. She also told about her escape from a cinder-block room she described as a captivity cell in Zuberi’s garage at a house he rented in Klamath Falls, using her bare hands to beat through the doors.

That woman told that same account to police, and some of them are giving testimony today in Zuberi’s federal court trial.

Zuberi watched police bodycam video intently yesterday when it presented the apparent kidnap and rape victim telling her account quickly to police, and then Zuberi appeared to start writing notes, sitting between his defense lawyers, flipping paper over.

That bodycam video also showed her giving a gun she’d said Zuberi used for his accused crime to police. Yesterday in court, police advanced her account with their own accounts of their investigation. (SOURCE)

Hundreds more found to be mistakenly registered to vote in Oregon; Kotek calls for audit

Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Secretary of State call for a full audit of Oregon’s DMV “Moter Voter” program following more voter registration errors.

Over 300 more people were found to have been mistakenly registered to vote by the Oregon DMV through the state’s “Moter Voter” program. The agency said a technical error led to thousands of records to go unanalyzed.

Both Governor Tina Kotek and Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade have called for an independent audit of the Oregon DMV’s Moter Voter program following these revelations. 

Kotek also directed the Oregon DMV to pause transmitting Moter Voter data to the Secretary of State’s office until the completion of the audit at the end of the year. 

After first-learning of the improper registrations on Aug. 1, around 953 voter registrations have been inactivated on top of the 306 originally flagged, for now a total of 1,568.

The new batch of records were identified following a two-week investigation by the DMV into its own system at the direction of Kotek. The after-actions report identified 302 additional records that have been sent to Oregon’s Secretary of State for inactivation. 

Of those registrations, 123 records were due to a clerical error — the same one that inadvertently registered hundreds to vote. These records were original missed in an “earlier hand review” due to a technical issue in the way the file was labeled, the DMV said. It was discovered on Oct. 1 and led to 3,151 records to be hand reviewed. 

Another group of records, 178,  were found involving residents of the U.S. territory of American Samoa and Swains Island. While these residents use a U.S. passport, they are not eligible to vote in some elections, a citizenship law unique to these territories, the DMV said. It had been DMV policy to identify these individuals as U.S. citizens, making them eligible for automatic voter registration. “That policy was incorrect,” the DMV said.

This discovery was made following a media inquiry from Willamette Week on Oct. 2, the DMV said. 

“By agreeing to an external audit,” said Jeff Helfrich, R-Hood River, Oregon House Republican leader. “Democrats have conceded that something is systemically wrong with Oregon’s automatic voter registration system. House Republicans welcome this audit, as we have called for it since the onset of this scandal. Every effort must be made to complete it and remove all ineligible voters from the rolls before the November election. Oregonians deserve safe, secure elections.”

One additional record was also caught through the DMV’s new quality control measures — but after it was sent to Oregon’s Secretary of State to be registered to vote. It’s now policy that all records are reviewed by a manager to catch any clerical errors. In response to one slipping through, the DMV said it’s adjusting its policies to ensure it won’t happen again. 

“Two weeks ago, we believed we had all of the information to project confidence that we understood and had reviewed all records at risk of error,” said DMV Administrator Amy Joyce. “We have since learned this confidence was misplaced based on new information outlined in this announcement and after-action report and for this, we are sorry.”

On Sept. 30, the Secretary of State stopped automatically registering voters through Oregon Motor Voter.

The DMV said that it has since implemented some corrective actions, including managers reviewing work, changes to the computer system that aim to reduce human error, more training and a change to the review process when processing documents from American Samoa. 

“Any error that undermines our voting system must be taken incredibly seriously and addressed,” Kotek said. “Given the findings in the Oregon DMV’s After-Action Report, an immediate, external audit of the Oregon Motor Voter program and a pause to data transmission between the Oregon DMV and SoS [Secretary of State] are imperative steps to ensuring the program can operate with integrity and accuracy into the future.” (SOURCE)

OHA distributed more than 10,000 air conditioners, air filters and devices to keep communities healthy in extreme weather

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon residents at risk from heat and wildfire smoke-related health issues had more ways to receive air conditioners, air filters and other devices this year. Oregon Health Authority (OHA) distributed more than 10,000 devices ahead of, and during, 2024’s extreme summer weather events through new Oregon Health Plan (OHP) climate benefits and the Air Conditioner and Air Filter program.

“Oregon is leading the way when it comes to mitigating climate change’s health harms, especially on our most vulnerable communities,” said Emma Sandoe, Medicaid Director at OHA. “Through collaboration and innovation, we’re finding new ways for Oregon residents to receive life-saving devices so they can stay healthy in their homes during heat and poor air quality events.”

Devices have been needed as the state experienced historic heat waves over the summer, and wildfires have been active in Oregon for five consecutive months and counting. Though all individuals are vulnerable to the health impacts of extreme weather events, OHA’s “Climate and Health in Oregon 2023 Report” shows that certain communities are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Given the lack of access to or high cost of cooling devices, people with lower incomes and chronic conditions are among those most likely to experience heat exhaustion, heat stroke or other health conditions.

Both the new OHP climate benefits and the Air Conditioner and Air Filter program align with OHA’s goals to eliminate health inequities by 2030. OHA’s goals are to reduce:

• Heat-related illnesses by 50%
• Heat-related hospitalizations by 60%
• Heat-related deaths by 70%
• Respiratory ER and urgent care visits by 20%

In March 2024, OHA launched the first-in-the-nation Medicaid climate benefits to reduce health inequities and provide a way for eligible OHP members to proactively request devices. Preliminary data highlights that in the first six months, with support from Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs), OHA distributed almost 6,000 devices to eligible members experiencing specific health conditions and life transitions. OHA’s analysis of the first four months of data (see Image 1 below) shows that 65% of members who received a device were homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. An updated report on the OHP climate benefits will be available in early 2025.

Image 1

With one-time funding from the state legislature, OHA’s Air Conditioner and Air Filter program purchased and distributed 4,400 air conditioners and 1,200 air filter devices from July through September 2024. Oregon Department of Human Services, including the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, partners with OHA to distribute devices directly to eligible individuals or to community-based organizations, county health clinics and the Nine Federally Recognized Tribes in Oregon to deliver in anticipation of heat events or emergency declarations. Air filter devices were prioritized for counties that have historically had the highest number of days with poor air quality and counties actively experiencing wildfire smoke events.

OHP members interested in receiving devices under the new OHP climate benefits can contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) year-round to learn more. If an OHP member is not sure which plan or CCO they are in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557. OHP Open Card members can call 1-888-834-4304 or email HRSN@acentra.com“>ORHRSN@acentra.com.

To learn more about either of these efforts, visit the Air Conditioner and Air Filter Program web page or the OHP climate benefits web page.

Klamath County Announces Program to Help Farmers Battle Grasshopper & Mormon Cricket Infestations

Klamath County, OR — October 8, 2024 — Klamath County continues to face a significant challenge as grasshoppers and Mormon crickets have wreak havoc on crops, rangelands, and natural habitats. These pesky invaders threaten the livelihoods of the county’s farmers and ranchers, the food supply, and the overall health of the ecosystem and related economy.

In response, the Oregon Legislature has acted by passing SB 5701, Section 408 (2024), along with a Temporary Administrative Order. These measures provide financial assistance for pest management efforts aimed at reducing the impact of these insects on agricultural crops. Klamath County has been granted $100,000 by the Oregon Department of Agriculture to help tackle the problem.

To distribute these funds, the County has set up a reimbursement grant program. A special grant committee has been formed, including representatives from the Klamath Irrigation District, Klamath Drainage District, Van Brimmer Ditch Co., and two at-large citizens. This committee will review applications from affected farmers and ranchers and make funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners.

Farmers and ranchers can apply for these grants from now until October 31, with the application window closing at 5:00 PM on October 31. Unfortunately, late submissions will not be accepted. The grant committee will meet in November to review the applications and provide their recommendations to the Board of Commissioners who will make the final determinations for payment. 

The application can be found online on the Klamath County Grants Website. While the County recognizes that $100,000 won’t cover all the damage caused by these infestations, they are grateful to be able offer some help to those who need it most.

For more information, please contact the Klamath County Grants Office at 541-851-3637. — https://www.klamathcounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=657

Oregon State Parks to increase camping, parking and reservation fees for 2025

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is increasing its camping, parking and reservation fees to keep pace with the rising cost of utilities, operations and maintenance.

Most of the increases range from $2 to $5 depending on the fee.

The park system has experienced record visitation as well as the impacts of rising costs and inflation. Utility costs for example have increased by 28% over the last 4 years, but most fees have remained the same. Depending on the fee, the last increase was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago for base fees. 

“We know that raising fees by any amount can be challenging for visitors, and we don’t make this decision lightly. We try to keep costs and fees as low as possible to minimize the impact while still fulfilling our commitment to stewardship and recreation,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.

Oct. 15, 2024: OPRD will increase its base camping fees for the first time since 2017. The increase applies to all camping reservations for 2025. Starting on October 15, 2024, all reservations made for 2025 stays will include the fee increase.

Increases in base rate by site type: 

• $2 increase for misc. sites (includes teepees, meeting halls and other facilities)
• $3 increase for tent sites (includes horse tent sites, horse group sites, group tent) and primitive sites (includes overflow, fly-in and walk-to-sites)
• $4 increase for RV sites (includes full hookup, electrical, horse RV and group RV sites)
• $5 increase for cabins and yurts (includes rustic, mini, totem, and deluxe sites)

(Seasonal rate increases were adopted in 2020. The seasonal adjustments will be added to the new base rates. As in previous years, summer rates are $2 more for tent sites, $3 more for RV sites and $5 more for cabins/yurts.)

Jan. 1, 2025: OPRD will increase its reservation fee from $8 to $10 per site starting Jan. 1, 2025. This fee has not been increased since 2010. 

Daily parking permit fees will increase from $5 to $10 at the 25 parks that charge a fee for day-use parking. Parking permit fees were last increased in 2009. The annual parking permit and the two-year permit fees remain the same at $30 for the annual permit and $50 for the two-year permit.

July 1, 2025: OPRD will expand the 25% out-of-state surcharge for RV campsites (required by state law) to all site types for out-of-state campers.

New camping rate ranges replace the existing ones. These ranges set the lowest and highest fees that OPRD can charge over time. It gives OPRD’s director the ability to change fees in the future as needed. The last rate range update was adopted in 2018. 

OPRD has three main sources of funding: a little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. OPRD is not funded by taxes.

OPRD does offer a few resources and programs to help increase access to Oregon State Parks. 

• Most Oregon State Parks offer free day-use parking. Current exceptions include this list of 25 parks online.
• We also have special access passes for free camping and day-use parking permits for:
  • Oregon foster parents, guardians and parents who have adopted Oregon foster children. 
  • U.S. veterans with a service-connected disability. 
  • Active duty U.S. military on official leave. 

Next month, OPRD will open public comment on a proposal designed to give OPRD’s director more flexibility to decide which parks charge for day-use parking. The proposal would require day-use parking permits at all parks unless otherwise noted. The director would have the authority to waive the permit requirement as needed. There are no plans to charge at all parks, and OPRD would consider any changes carefully.

OPRD will continue to explore options in the future that reduce cost as a barrier while earning needed revenue to maintain our parks and manage congestion.

Measures On The Ballot For Oregon’s 2024 Election

Oregon voters will decidewhether to receive a $1,600 annual rebate through an increase in the corporate sales tax via a ballot measure that has received fierce pushback from lawmakers, local businesses and labor unions alike.

Why it matters: If Measure 118 passes, every Oregonian would receive an annual check, regardless of age or income, starting next year.

• The rebate would be paid for by a 3% gross receipts tax for all companies doing business in Oregon that make more than $25 million annually in sales.
• If passed, the new tax would generate $1.3 billion in revenue for the 2023-25 biennium, according to the Legislative Revenue Office.

The intrigue: This would be separate from the “kicker.”

Catch up quick: The measure is one of five initiatives Oregonians will vote on this November that could alter how the state governs its elections, businesses and elected officials’ salaries.

Here’s a brief look at the other four measures.

Measure 115 would amend Oregon’s constitution to allow the Legislature to impeach statewide elected officials — if both the House and Senate reach an affirmative two-thirds vote.

• Right now, Oregon is the only state without an impeachment doctrine.

Measure 116 would establish a commission to study and set the salaries and compensation for statewide elected officials.

• The yearly base pay for Oregon lawmakers is around $35,000. The study would look at all elected offices, including governor, secretary of state, judges, district attorneys, as well as state senators and representatives.

Measure 117 would establish ranked choice voting for federal and statewide elected offices.

• Portland voters will participate in the city’s first-ever ranked choice election this fall, while Multnomah County voters will use the system in November 2026.

Measure 119 would essentially make it easier for cannabis workers to unionize by requiring cannabis retailers, processors and labs to submit a labor neutrality agreement with a union in order to request or renew their operating license.

The bottom line: The last day to register to vote in order to participate in the Nov. 5 election is Oct. 15. (SOURCE)

OSP asking for the public’s help to locate wanted man —  Oregon State Police 

**UPDATE** Vehicle license plate: OR/353JWK — Suspect wanted for sex crimes in Oregon and Alabama — Oregon State Police and the Mobile (Alabama) Police Department are seeking the public’s help to locate Adam Renk (39) who is wanted in both states for sex crimes against child victims. 

On June 21, 2024, OSP detectives responded to a sexual abuse disclosure made by a minor. The minor disclosed Renk as the perpetrator. Renk has since been indicted on multiple crimes against a child victim under the age of 12. He is charged with Unlawful Sexual Penetration in the First Degree, Sodomy in the First Degree, and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

As part of their investigation, OSP detectives learned Renk had been charged in another case involving a minor victim in Mobile, Alabama. The Alabama charges include Child Sexual Abuse and Torture involving an 11-year-old victim. The victims in the two states are not related. Alabama law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Marshals Service are attempting to locate Renk who posted bond in Alabama and was released from pre-trial custody. 

Renk was last seen leaving Alabama on August 7, 2024. He has ties to Oregon and Wasco County. He is believed to be traveling in a converted Ford Ambulance that is now painted two-toned white over gray. Renk is a white male, 6 ft. 1 in. tall, 175 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. 

Anyone with information about Renk’s whereabouts or information about possible additional victims is asked to contact the Wasco County Sheriff’s Office at 541-506-2580 or OSP Detective Cassie Bantz through dispatch at 800-442-0776 or by dialing OSP (677) on a mobile phone. 

Red Cross Volunteers from Oregon and SW Washington on Their Way to Hurricane Helene — American Red Cross – Cascades Region 

Support communities in the path of the storm by making a financial donation or scheduling an appointment to give blood

Thousands of people are dealing with the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene and American Red Cross disaster workers are with them, providing comfort, support and relief.

More than 4 million customers – as many as 12 million people – are without power across impacted states. The danger isn’t over and people in affected areas are urged to heed the utmost caution before venturing outside. Helene is now a tropical storm threatening parts of the Southeast with dangerous flooding, damaging winds and tornadoes.

Thousands of people affected by Hurricane Helene need help now. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to make a financial donation or to schedule a blood donation appointment. Individuals can also text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation.

RED CROSS RESPONSE In just the past 48 hours, the Red Cross has opened or supported more than 140 shelters for nearly 9,400 individuals who have evacuated their homes. Red Cross teams managed 50 of these shelters overnight and supported more than 80 partner shelters with staff and supplies

The Cascades Region in Oregon and SW Washington has sent 10 volunteers already with more lining up to go.  Just like volunteers from across the country who came to Oregon to support our wildfire evacuations this summer, our volunteers will be there as long as we are needed.

As deadly flooding continues and threatens additional communities, even more people will urgently need our support. Red Crossers are working closely with community partners and state and local officials to ensure help is available where needed.

Nearly 500 disaster workers are on the ground helping with hundreds more on their way. The Red Cross has also deployed numerous emergency response vehicles to help where needed. When it is safe to do so, Red Cross disaster responders will travel throughout affected communities, assessing the damage and distributing meals and relief supplies. 

CANCELED BLOOD DRIVES Helene has canceled blood drives throughout Georgia and the Carolinas causing more than 1,000 blood donations to go uncollected, and this number is growing.

As communities feel the effects of Helene, patients are fighting their own battle. Some of these patients urgently need closely matched blood donations to weather their health crises. If you’re in a safe area, you have the power to be a lifeline.

Please schedule a blood donation appointment now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to help restock the shelves.

FIND A SHELTEREvacuation shelters are open across the region. You can find evacuation shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).You can also find shelters by following your local Red Cross and local emergency officials on social media, or by monitoring local news. If you need assistance finding or going to a shelter in the Big Bend region, call 800-729-3413 for help.

CLIMATE CRISIS Helene could be the start of a series of back-to-back storms that threaten the U.S. as additional systems form in the Atlantic.Experts report Hurricane Helene was able to grow and become more destructive because of hotter-than-average ocean temperatures caused by the climate crisis, which is bringing more frequent and intense disasters that upend lives. In response, the Red Cross is providing food, shelter and recovery support on a nearly continual basis.

Find safety steps for different emergencies ꟷ including hurricanes and power outages ꟷ here.

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; 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.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com