The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Friday, November 13, 2026
Oregon Beach Weather
A powerful Pacific storm is battering the southern Oregon coast with 30- to 35-foot breaking waves, gale- to storm-force wind gusts of 50 to 65 mph, and a significant risk of coastal flooding and erosion.
Storm Warnings
Issued 11:27 AM PST on November 13, 2026 (GMT-8) · National Weather Service
...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS EVENING... ...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM PST SATURDAY... ...STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SATURDAY TO 1 AM PST SUNDAY... * WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and very steep and hazardous, chaotic seas building to 25 to 30 ft at 19 seconds this evening. Then, tonight into Saturday morning, southwest winds 20 to 30 kt tonight with very steep and hazardous seas 25 to 30 ft at 18 seconds. Saturday afternoon and evening, south winds 35 to 45 kt with gusts 55 to 60 kt and seas 19 to 25 ft at 16 seconds expected. * WHERE...All the area. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 7 PM PST this evening. For the Hazardous Seas Warning, from 7 PM this evening to 1 PM PST Saturday. For the Storm Warning, from 1 PM Saturday to 1 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Very strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Visibilities will be significantly reduced. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another strong front will move in late Saturday and Saturday night with the potential for storm force winds and very steep and hazardous seas. This front will be followed by another round of very high westerly swell Sunday into Monday. Please continue to monitor the forecast for updates on this high impact weather pattern. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Mariners should remain in port, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for very strong winds and very steep and hazardous seas.
Gale Warning
Issued 11:27 AM PST on November 13, 2026 (GMT-8) · National Weather Service
...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS EVENING... ...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM PST SATURDAY... ...STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SATURDAY TO 1 AM PST SUNDAY... * WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and very steep and hazardous, chaotic seas building to 25 to 30 ft at 19 seconds this evening. Then, tonight into Saturday morning, southwest winds 20 to 30 kt tonight with very steep and hazardous seas 25 to 30 ft at 18 seconds. Saturday afternoon and evening, south winds 35 to 45 kt with gusts 55 to 60 kt and seas 19 to 25 ft at 16 seconds expected. * WHERE...All the area. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 7 PM PST this evening. For the Hazardous Seas Warning, from 7 PM this evening to 1 PM PST Saturday. For the Storm Warning, from 1 PM Saturday to 1 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Very strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Visibilities will be significantly reduced. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another strong front will move in late Saturday and Saturday night with the potential for storm force winds and very steep and hazardous seas. This front will be followed by another round of very high westerly swell Sunday into Monday. Please continue to monitor the forecast for updates on this high impact weather pattern.
Hazardous Seas Warning
Issued 11:27 AM PST on November 13, 2026 (GMT-8) · National Weather Service
...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS EVENING... ...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM PST SATURDAY... ...STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM SATURDAY TO 1 AM PST SUNDAY... * WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and very steep and hazardous, chaotic seas building to 25 to 30 ft at 19 seconds this evening. Then, tonight into Saturday morning, southwest winds 20 to 30 kt tonight with very steep and hazardous seas 25 to 30 ft at 18 seconds. Saturday afternoon and evening, south winds 35 to 45 kt with gusts 55 to 60 kt and seas 19 to 25 ft at 16 seconds expected. * WHERE...All the area. * WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 7 PM PST this evening. For the Hazardous Seas Warning, from 7 PM this evening to 1 PM PST Saturday. For the Storm Warning, from 1 PM Saturday to 1 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Very strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Visibilities will be significantly reduced. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another strong front will move in late Saturday and Saturday night with the potential for storm force winds and very steep and hazardous seas. This front will be followed by another round of very high westerly swell Sunday into Monday. Please continue to monitor the forecast for updates on this high impact weather pattern.
High Surf Warning
Issued 12:43 AM PST on November 13, 2026 (GMT-8) · National Weather Service
...HIGH SURF WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO NOON PST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Large waves and dangerous surf conditions. Breakers up to 30 to 35 feet. * WHERE...Central Coast of Oregon. * WHEN...From noon today to noon PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Destructive waves may wash over beaches, jetties, and other structures unexpectedly. People can be swept off rocks and jetties and drown while observing high surf. Severe beach erosion may destroy coastal properties and buildings. Higher than normal water run-up is expected on beaches and low- lying shoreline. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...The threat of sneaker waves is extreme during these scenarios. Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean which may lead to serious injury or drowning. The sneaker wave threat will peak this evening and tonight. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A High Surf Warning means that high surf will affect beaches, producing rip currents, sneaker waves and beach erosion. Stay well back from the water's edge and be alert for exceptionally high waves. Keep away from large logs on the beach. Water running up on the beach can lift or roll logs which can injure or kill someone caught in their path.
Here’s the overview of our weather outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast
A potentially significant stretch of windy weather could affect portions of the West Coast next week, with federal forecasters identifying an elevated risk of high winds from California through Oregon and Washington beginning Wednesday, November 11.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC), a moderate risk of high winds is forecast along portions of the Pacific Coast from Wednesday, November 11, through Sunday, November 15. A broader slight-risk area extends inland and remains in effect through Tuesday, November 17.
Beachgoers are reminded to monitor National Weather Service warnings, ocean swell forecasts, and tide predictions before visiting coastal areas. Visitors are also encouraged to consult lifeguards when available.
An atmospheric river is forecast to reach Oregon
The National Weather Service confirms that the main axis of this atmospheric river has shifted south, sparing the Willamette Valley from the heaviest rainfall while bringing dangerous surf, high winds, and heavy rain to southern Oregon and northern California.
Regional Breakdown & Current Alerts
- Eugene & Willamette Valley. Light rain is moving through the valley on November 13, with Eugene expected to receive roughly 0.31 inches before drying out on November 14. Peak wind gusts in Eugene are projected to stay relatively mild at around 23 mph.
- Southern & Central Oregon. The brunt of the storm is hitting south of Florence and Eugene-Springfield. Southern Oregon and northern California face 3 to 6 inches of rain and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph along the coast and in higher terrain. Wind advisories are also active across Jackson, Klamath, and Lake counties, as well as parts of central Oregon.
- Coastal Hazards. A High Surf Warning is in effect along the entire Oregon coast through November 14, with breaking waves reaching 30 to 35 feet. Forecasters warn of an extreme sneaker wave threat, rolling beach logs, and minor tidal flooding near bays and rivers during high tide.
- Cascade Passes. Snow levels remain relatively high during the initial surge, keeping accumulations light. Willamette Pass is projected to see 0.5 inches of snow on the night of November 13 and 0.4 inches on the evening of November 14. Heavier mountain snow—up to 6 inches above 5,000 feet—is expected later as colder air arrives Sunday night into Monday.
– Pacific Power is monitoring an approaching storm that could impact customers in parts of Southern Oregon and California. The weather forecast indicates the potential for strong winds and rain beginning Thursday night into Friday afternoon, which could increase the potential for power outages.
Pacific Power’s meteorology team is closely monitoring the storm, and crews are ready to respond to weather-related outages.
Pacific Power encourages customers to always be prepared for outages. State and local emergency management organizations also recommend having an emergency plan and to be prepared for up to 72 hours without essential services.
Here are some simple steps customers can take to prepare and stay informed:
- Update your contact information so we can reach you.
- Sign up to receive outage alerts by text, email or phone.
- Restock your outage kit.
- Keep mobile devices charged so that they may be used in an emergency.
- Track outages, update your contact info and do more with our free app.
- Text OUT to 722797 to report your outage or STAT to check status.
Visit PacificPower.net/Outages for outage and restoration updates.
As a reminder, stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Customers should avoid both downed trees and power lines and keep pets far away from those areas. If you observe a downed line, call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.
About Pacific Power – Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.
A powerful Pacific storm could bring 35-foot breakers, damaging winds and exceptionally dangerous marine conditions to Oregon’s South Coast
The National Weather Service has issued a high surf warning for beaches in Coos, Curry and Douglas counties from 10 a.m. Friday through 10 p.m. Saturday.
A strong cold front will move through the region before a large, long-period swell reaches the coast. Offshore swells could grow to 30 feet, producing breaking waves between 30 and 35 feet in the surf zone.
Services are largely recovering after a major global Microsoft outage that began on Thursday, November 12, 2026, and impacted organizations and local agencies along the Oregon Coast.
A widespread Microsoft outage disrupted businesses, local government offices, and schools across Oregon and globally.
- The disruption hit Microsoft 365 services—primarily Exchange Online, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and Copilot—due to an unexpected unavailability of servers that created heavy strain across regional infrastructure.
- Public entities like Tillamook County reported that county email and Microsoft-dependent services were temporarily unavailable, forcing offices to rely on direct phone calls and alternative communication methods.
- Microsoft stated that services are largely operational and improving as email backlogs and server capacities stabilize, though some users may still experience minor, intermittent delays or sync issues.
Across Oregon, local agencies—such as emergency management and state services—reported major disruptions to daily operations and communication. Microsoft traced the issue to a network capacity upgrade and a subsequent network change that triggered an overload on servers, though the company confirmed there was no indication of malicious or cyber activity.
Microsoft reports that repairs and server recoveries are now underway.
Microsoft 365, Outlook, and Teams are recovering from a major global outage that began on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
Current Status of the Microsoft Outage
- Recovery Progress: Microsoft reports that service availability and email delivery performance are improving across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.
- Email Queues: Mailboxes and email queues are approaching normal levels, though Microsoft has extended the email timeout window to 48 hours to protect delayed messages during the final stabilization phase.
- Root Cause: Microsoft confirmed the disruption was a technical issue caused by a network capacity upgrade and subsequent network change—not a cyberattack or AI-related failure.
- Intermittent Issues: Some users may still experience residual, sporadic access delays or slow-loading items while remaining infrastructure finishes cycling back online. You can monitor ongoing incident updates via the Microsoft 365 Status Discussion Board.
Windows Update & Patch Issues
If you are managing local Windows systems or checking recent software updates:
- November 2026 Security Updates: Microsoft warned that recent monthly security updates may trigger printing and PDF export problems (affecting apps using GDI or the WPF framework) as well as Windows activation/licensing errors (0x80041008).
- Windows 11 Version 24H2 Lifecycle: Note that Windows 11 Home and Pro (version 24H2) reached the end of its update cycle on October 13, 2026; Microsoft recommends upgrading eligible home PCs to version 25H2 or 26H2 to continue receiving monthly security patches. You can check or install current patches through the official Windows Update Support Guide.
Current Status & Recovery
- Microsoft reported gradual recovery and improving email delivery as systems stabilize, though some users may still experience residual delays or intermittent access issues.
- You can check live status updates via the Microsoft 365 Service Status page.
Oregon Dept. of Forestry to host live air curtain incinerator demonstration burn at Cape Blanco State Park on November 13th
PORT ORFORD, Ore. – If you are a small woodland, vineyard, or orchard manager you may know the frustrations of being left with a large amount of woody debris after a harvest or pruning. Trying to decide what to do with all that material is one thing but wait too long and you can accidentally create the perfect habitat for pest insects that can do a great deal of damage to your standing timber or crops. Many landowners are turning to Air Curtain Incinerators (ACI) to help manage the leftover woody debris. An ACI is a specialized piece of equipment that burns woody biomass. Burning in an ACI produces much less smoke and particulate matter than an open burn pile.
On Friday, Nov. 13, the Oregon Department of Forestry is hosting a live ACI demo. This demo will be held at Cape Blanco State Park. 91814 Cape Blanco Road just north of Port Orford. Attendees are welcome to drop in from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
This demo is perfect for fire departments, local governments, natural area land managers, Firewise communities, prescribed burn associations, nurseries, orchards, vineyards, arborists, landowners, and anyone who has to manage woody biomass looking for alternative to chipping or pile burning. Attendees will learn about what an ACI is and how to operate one, the benefits of using one, and how the biochar produced can be used to improve your soil.
It is free to attend the ACI demo, but attendees are asked to register before attending. To register and learn more about ACI visit http://tiny.cc/ACI-demos. For questions or help registering, contact InvasivePests@odf.oregon.gov.
49th Annual Siletz Restoration Pow-Wow this Saturday, November 14, at Chinook Winds Casino Resort!
Marking 49 years since the restoration of the Tribe’s federal recognition, the celebration will feature traditional dancing and drumming, food, Native arts and crafts, and more.
Grand Entry begins at 6:00 PM. This free event is open to everyone, and all dancers and drummers are welcome.
Florence will mark the 56th anniversary of Oregon’s famous exploding whale with a weekend of film, music, art and community events November 14-15
The anniversary of one of Oregon’s most “explosive” events is coming soon and the Lane County community that made history 56 years ago by splattering sand, onlookers and vehicles with hunks of mammal is ready to celebrate.
Florence will mark the 56th anniversary of Oregon’s famous exploding whale with a weekend of film, music, art and community events Nov. 14-15. The events will include a documentary screening, an appearance by broadcaster Paul Linnman and a public memorial celebration, according to a news release.
The anniversary recalls Nov. 12, 1970, when an attempt to dispose of a beached whale near Florence with explosives sent pieces of the carcass flying and created an episode that became part of Oregon lore. Historic footage of the incident can be viewed at youtube.com.
The celebration also includes opportunities to visit Florence attractions connected with the event and its history.
‘Oh Whale’ screening planned for Nov. 14 — City Lights Cinemas in Florence will screen the short documentary “Oh Whale” on Nov. 14. The award-winning film features Florence and is currently available only at film festivals.
Linnman, whose original news report helped spread the story of the exploding whale, is scheduled to attend, meet visitors, sign autographs and participate in a question-and-answer session.
Screening times have not been finalized. Updates will be available through citylightscinemas.com and the event website.
Memorial celebration set for Nov. 15 — The Exploding Whale Memorial Celebration will run from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at Bridgeport Market, 75 Harbor St., along the river in historic Old Town Florence. Admission is free.
The open-house event will feature representatives from the American Cetacean Society, marine-focused artisans and live music by Portland-based band The Exploding Whales. More information about the band is available at instagram.com.
Linnman is also scheduled to attend the Nov. 15 event for conversation and autographs.
Visitors may bring a small memento or offering for a community memorial art installation honoring the whale. The installation will change as contributions are added and will glow as the afternoon draws to a close, according to the release. Whale-themed costumes are encouraged, and a toast to the whale is scheduled for 3:45 p.m.
Information about whale-themed merchandise in Florence is available through the @ILoveFlorence97439 Facebook page at facebook.com.
Where to learn more about Florence’s exploding whale — The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, 278 Maple St., will be open from noon to 4 p.m. The museum’s Exploding Whale Exhibit includes bones from the whale involved in the incident as well as displays about Florence’s history. Museum information is available at siuslawpioneermuseum.com.
Visitors can also stop at Exploding Whale Memorial Park, which commemorates the episode. Information about the park is available at ci.florence.or.us.
Event updates and announcements are available at iloveflorence97439.com and @ILoveFlorence97439 on Facebook.
Questions can be directed to BeauxArts Fine Art Materials at 541-991-8213 or WhaleGoBoom97439@gmail.com.
This story was produced with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Florence celebrates ‘exploding whale’ anniversary with documentary screening
Pick of the Litter Thrift Store – ·Our friends from Recycled Felines are doing another donation event at First Interstate Bank here in Newport (10 South Coast Hwy)
Please see their wish list below. This is a great organization that does fantastic work in our community. If they are not already on your radar, please put Recycled Felines on your donation list!
The bank is now also set up to take your cash or check donations. You can drop off your donations between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the bank (closed 11/11 for Veterans Day). The event will run until 11/27.
A new scam is targeting permit applicants in at least one Oregon Coast community.
Fraudsters posing as county employees have reportedly called or emailed permit applicants to request money by wire transfer, a Clatsop County spokesperson said in a press release on Thursday.
The county does not request payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards or other unconventional methods.
Anyone who receives a suspicious payment request should not send a payment or share any personal or financial information. They should also contact the county department they applied for the permit through and report the scam to local law enforcement as well as the Federal Trade Commission. Those who may have already sent money to a suspected scammer are encouraged to contact their bank immediately.
Lincoln City Works to Clear Away Abandoned Motels
More debris and vandalism are apparent at a closed motel along Highway 101 at 1st Street in Lincoln City. The broken windows along the front and back of the tall building and debris stacked along the front south corner of the building were visible last weekend at the property site.
The motel is one of two that sit on property just across from the D River Wayside and the city’s new Welcome Center under development. The second motel sits behind and towers above an adjacent business strip mall. That second motel appeared to be less of a target of the vandalism and break-ins in the Lincoln County Leader’s latest check in late October.
The motels been closed for several months. The motel on 1st Street is recognized by a large colorful octopus mural painted on its south side. That building was sold during a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office auction Oct. 21, 2025, to O’Brian Properties. Court records show the purchase price at $200,000.
The Lincoln County Leader originally reported in early October, that over the past several months the motel has been the target of vandalism and break-ins, with Lincoln City Police (LCPD) officers sent to the scene to investigate.
LCPD Sgt. Torin Liden said in one case, six juveniles were arrested for vandalism.
“There is very little we are able to do to ensure the safety of a property of that size,” Liden said. “Property owners are responsible for the security of their properties, and we have not been able to get in regular contact with the owner.”
Lincoln Coty manager Daniel Hunter told the Leader in the October report that the deteriorating motels are an economic concern for the city.
“They are directly across from the Wayside that draws thousands of visitors to the city annually,” Hunter said. “To have those two motels deteriorating directly across from that location is not a good image for the city.”
Hunter said the city was reviewing options to find a resolution.
But in checking back with Hunter to see if the city had developed options to have the property cleared, Hunter said the city’s codes enforcement staff, which has been working the issue for months, is facing challenges in the city’s efforts.
“There are a few matters that complicate the city’s attempt to abate the condition of the property,” Hunter said.
County records show the properties are owned by CV The Jackson, LLC et al. That LLC is registered with the Oregon secretary of State’s Office with Sean Keys from NW Portland as the Registered Agent. (SOURCE)
El Nino Effects May Bring Coastal Flooding and Erosion
The combination of subsurface Kelvin waves, a powerful El Niño, and seasonal King Tides is significantly elevating the baseline sea level along the West Coast, posing an acute threat of severe coastal flooding and accelerated shoreline erosion through the winter.
Because Kelvin waves are broad, underwater bulges of warm water rather than visible crashing waves, they act like an “invisible floor” that lifts the ocean surface. This compounding effect strips away the typical buffer provided by beaches, putting immediate pressure on infrastructure.
The Intersecting Threats:
- The Baseline Surge: Driven by weakened equatorial trade winds, these planetary-scale Kelvin waves displace the ocean’s internal temperature layers, pushing sea levels up by 6 to 12 inches across the West Coast.
- The King Tide Alignment: This elevated baseline directly overlaps with the astronomical King Tides. On the Oregon Coast, these seasonal peaks are scheduled for November 23–27, 2026, December 22–26, 2026, and January 20–24, 2027.
- The Storm Multiplier: While the wave and tides raise the water level on their own, meteorologists warn that any low-pressure winter storm rolling in during these windows will severely exacerbate the danger. Dropping atmospheric pressure and storm surges will push the already-elevated ocean even further inland.
Regional Vulnerabilities — While Southern California has already seen record high-water marks and immediate infrastructure damage from this cycle, the impacts are actively marching into the Pacific Northwest.
- Oregon Coast: Oceanographers from Oregon State University note that while Oregon’s broader beaches offer some structural protection, the added height will cause measurable damage in areas already prone to chronic erosion.
- Washington Coast: Baseline sea levels are expected to face sharp, temporary spikes. Coastal cities are already carrying out emergency levee repairs and reinforcement strategies to protect low-lying roads and beachfront property.
Beyond structural hazards, the deep-water shift suppresses the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water. This triggers localized marine heatwaves that disrupt the base of the marine food web, creating downstream risks for regional fishing and salmon populations
Surfrider Foundation released its annual report, highlighting the Oregon Coast as a national case study. While Oregon scored high for its minimal shoreline armoring, the report urged immediate, proactive reforms to prepare coastal communities for severe sea level rise.
Oregon earned a “B” grade for its emergency armoring policies, placing it among the top three states nationally, but the report warns that current rules are unready for upcoming severe weather. .
- The Pipeline Pattern: When severe winter storms or El Niño cycles cause immediate erosion, property owners apply for emergency permits to install “temporary” hard armoring like riprap (rock walls).
- The Result: In every single Oregon case analyzed by the Surfrider Foundation, these “temporary” structures eventually became bridges to permanent hard armoring.
- The Damage: Over time, these hard structures pin the beach in place, accelerate erosion on neighboring properties, and block the natural sand replenishment cycle, causing a permanent loss of walkable public beaches in areas like Gleneden Beach and the Salishan Spit.
The Real Test AheadThe report stresses that Oregon’s rules will face immediate strain during the 2026–2027 winter El Niño season, which brings powerful, decadal-scale erosion events. Where critical infrastructure and coastal communities sit directly on the ocean shore, a reactive, permit-by-permit approach will act like a game of “whack-a-mole” rather than protecting the coast.
- Narrow the Definition of “Emergency”: Redefine emergencies to exclude long-predicted weather cycles (like El Niño or seasonal king tides) so they aren’t used to bypass environmental reviews.
- Enforce Temporary Demolition: Ensure that emergency structures are legally mandated to be removed rather than left to become permanent fixtures.
- Transition to Nature-Based Solutions: Prioritize dune enhancement and nature-based shoreline stabilization over concrete and rock.
- Planned Relocation: Invest in proactive, long-term regional planning to move at-risk communities and public infrastructure safely out of harm’s way.
To learn more about local efforts or how to support these legislative goals, you can look into the Surfrider Foundation Oregon Region and their ongoing Oregon Beaches Forever campaign.
39-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 100 months Prison for Sexual Assault of Incapacitated 16-Year-Old
On October 28, 2026, Lincoln County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Sheryl Bachart sentenced Christopher Lowes (39-year-old) to 100 months in prison for sexually assaulting an incapacitated 16-year-old.
After a three-day jury trial, Lowes was found guilty of Rape in the First Degree, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, and Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor.
During trial, evidence showed that Lowes lured a 16-year-old to his residence in Depoe Bay and provided her with copious amounts of alcohol, as well as MDMA. When the victim became incapacitated, Lowes sexually assaulted her. In returning guilty verdicts, the jury specifically found that the victim was mentally incapacitated at the time she was sexually assault.
Lowes prior criminal history includes Menacing and Recklessly Endangering Another Person in 2018, two counts of DUII in 2006, Driving While Suspended or Revoked in 2009, and DUII and Reckless Driving in 2024. At the time of this offense, Lowes was on bench probation in Lincoln County and was subject to a no alcohol/controlled substance condition of probation.
Rape in the First Degree is a Ballot Measure 11 offense with a presumptive statutory minimum sentence of 100 months prison, without no eligibility for reduction. Judge Bachart sentenced Lowes to 100 months in the Department of Corrections with no eligibility for a reduction in sentence and 20 years of post-prison supervision, less time served. Lowes is also subject to a lifetime sex offender registry requirement once released from the Department of Corrections.
This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jenna Wallace and investigated by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office
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The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is proposing a limited recreational and commercial harvest of yelloweye rockfish in 2027 after the population reached 40% of its historical stock and was declared rebuilt.
Proposed 2027 Regulations for Yelloweye Rockfish
- Recreational Fishery: A bag limit of one yelloweye rockfish during the month of May.
- Commercial Fishery: Limited commercial fishing opportunities with a coast-wide catch target and limit set at 116 metric tons (which managers note is 20% lower than the maximum sustainable target).
- Historical Context: Commercial harvests were outlawed in 2002 and sport fishing was closed in 2004 following a population collapse.
Public Comment and Decision Timeline
- Commission Meeting: The ODFW Commission will vote on the proposed 2027 groundfish regulations on December 11, 2026, in Salem.
- Public Comment Deadline: Written public comments must be submitted by November 11, 2026.
You can review the proposals and submit feedback through the ODFW Commission Meeting Page.
The 2026 Holiday Lights at Shore Acres are back, November 26 through December 31!
Stroll the garden paths at your own pace and enjoy more than 325,000 LED lights, sparkling sculptures, and festive Christmas trees. Open nightly from 4:30 to 9:00 pm, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Admission is free. Parking requires a $10 timed-entry pass per vehicle, reserved in advance. Click “Book Parking Pass Now” below, then print your pass or take a screenshot to show at entry. Questions? Call (541) 888-3778.
https://www.oregonsadventurecoast.com/event/annual-holiday-lights-at-shore-acres/
Prefer not to drive? Take the FREE shuttle from the Charleston Marina lot at Guano Rock Lane and Crossline Road. It runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, plus Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. Turn at the Fish Mural on Pacific Seafood’s building.
Tillamook Air Museum —
We’re hiring! The Tillamook Air Museum is looking for a friendly, dependable person to join our team as a part-time weekend Admissions & Gift Shop assistant.
This position includes welcoming visitors, processing admissions, assisting with Gift Shop sales and providing excellent customer service. Regular Saturday & Sunday availability is required. Learn more and apply by clicking the link below!https://www.tillamookair.com/careers
Virtual public hearing Dec. 14 on ocean shore alteration application
Cannon Beach, Ore. – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is holding a virtual public hearing Dec. 14, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. to accept public testimony on ocean shore alteration application numbers 3123-26. The permit application requests to construct a 50-foot-long vegetated riprap revetment on the Ocean Shore State Recreation Area west of 3915 Ocean Ave. in Cannon Beach.
This is an OPRD-initiated hearing held pursuant to OAR 736-020-003(5). This hearing is an information gathering session and provides an opportunity for OPRD to hear directly from the public on the submitted application materials and further develop a factual basis for a permit decision based on the review standards in OAR 7360-020-0005 through 0032.
The meeting will consist of an introduction by staff and public testimony. Anyone wishing to testify must pre-register, each registered individual will be provided up to three minutes to testify in the order they registered. Within 45-days after the hearing, OPRD will make a permit decision. This decision will include consideration of public comment received during the public notice and this hearing.
The submitted materials for applications 3123, can be viewed on the Ocean Shores Permits web page under the heading of “Pending Applications.”
Attend the hearing and register to comment
Attending the virtual public hearing requires registration through Zoom to attend. In that sign up form is a question about whether you wish to testify. Those wishing to testify will need to register by 5 p.m. on Dec. 13.
Sign up for the virtual public hearing and register to testify.
Accommodations
The services, programs and activities of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need special accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact Allison Mangini at 541-220-3786 or allison.mangini@oprd.oregon.gov by 5 p.m. on Dec. 8.
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Oregon Whale Sightings
Oregon Whale Sightings is a fun place to hear about and report cetaceans along our beautiful coastline.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176168644064352/
Puffins on the Oregon Coast
Friends of Haystack Rock · We have puffins!
Check out our website, Friendsofhaystackrock.org to see them live! We have our webcam zoomed in on a couple active burrows. Your best chance to see them is in the morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Organized by the Haystack Rock Awareness Program and Friends of Haystack Rock, the free event will not only celebrate the return of the puffins to their Oregon nesting grounds but also give the public the chance to spy on the birds as well. Interpretive rangers will be on hand with binoculars and spotting scopes to help people safely observe the tufted puffins.
Donor Offers $50K Reward in 40-Year-Old Case of Missing Oregon Coast Teen
Lincoln County authorities hope the recent offer from an anonymous donor of a $50,000 reward will lead to the remains of a 17-year-old Siletz girl who was last seen walking on U.S. 20 more than four decades ago.
An anonymous donor put up money hoping it will spur information that leads not only to Kelly Disney’s remains but also to the conviction of her killer, according to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.
The DA’s Office has confirmed that an anonymous donor offered the reward for any information leading to Disney’s remains and/or the conviction of her killer.
Information can be submitted anonymously at 541-265-0669 or online at FindKellyDisney@co.lincoln.or.us — READ MORE on CASE: https://lincolnchronicle.org/15597-2/
Wildlife Center of the North Coast ·
We need your help!
Make a difference in wildlife rescue! Join our Wild at Heart Membership Program starting at just $5/month. Help us save lives! 
https://coastwildlife.org/wild-at-heart/
It’s been a busy summer here at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, and our rehab clinic has gone through lots of supplies caring for patients!!
->> To help us restock and stay prepared for the next wave of wildlife in need, we’ve updated our Amazon Wishlist with the items we need most. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA
Every donation—big or small—goes directly to helping orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife get a second chance at life.
Check out our wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA Thank you for being part of our wildlife rescue family! 
Volunteers are being sought to help prepare and serve lunch three times a week at the Florence Senior and Activity Center.
They serve lunch Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. Both programs, the in-house dining known as Cafe 60, and Meals on Wheels, are very important in helping promote socialization and nutrition for older adults in Lane County. Volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels use their own vehicles, but they can be reimbursed for their mileage. The Lane Council of Governments operates the Senior and Disabled Services in Lane County. Alisa Andrion encourages potential volunteers to give her a call at L-COG, 541-682-1366.
Gleneden Beach Community Club Events
Look what’s coming up soon at the Club… (sign up at glenedenbeach.org)
Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay
Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay
Oregon Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.
If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.
Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?
Here are resources that can help:
211Info: Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.
Oregon Food Bank: Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you.
Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area.
11/11/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today
ODVA invites Oregonians to Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11 at Capitol
The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs invites Oregonians to join in honoring all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces at the Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Oregon State Capitol State Park in Salem.
The annual ceremony will feature remarks from state leaders and special guests, along with traditional ceremonial elements honoring the service and sacrifice of Oregon veterans. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The ceremony will be held on the Capitol Mall, directly across Court Street from the front entrance of the Oregon State Capitol. The event is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/odvavet.
Statewide Veterans Day Events — ODVA also maintains a Statewide Veterans Day Events Calendar highlighting local observances and community celebrations throughout Oregon. To find an event near you, visit oregondva.com/event-calendar.
Organizations hosting Veterans Day events are encouraged to submit their event for inclusion on the calendar using the “Add Your Event” link on that page.
If you have any questions, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.
Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or Tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.
Stay Alive Vets to Host 6th Annual Gala on Veterans Day in Salem- Silver Star recipient Matthew Zedwick to keynote evening honoring veterans and supporting veteran suicide prevention
Stay Alive Vets (SAV) will bring veterans, families, and community supporters together on Veterans Day for the 6th Annual Stay Alive Vets Gala, an evening dedicated to honoring those who have served while raising awareness and support for efforts to prevent veteran suicide.
The gala will be held Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. SE in Salem. The evening will feature dinner, a keynote address, veteran recognition, and live music from The Denominators.
This year’s keynote speaker is Sergeant Matthew W. Zedwick, a U.S. Army veteran who was awarded the Silver Star for acts of gallantry during combat operations in Iraq.
“Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have served, but honoring our veterans also means being there for them when they come home and making sure they know they are not alone,” said Angela Plowhead, Air Force veteran and board president of Stay Alive Vets. “Our gala brings people together to celebrate the strength and sacrifice of our veteran community while supporting programs that provide hope, connection and help when it is needed most.”
The sixth annual gala will also provide an opportunity for guests to learn more about the programs Stay Alive Vets supports to address veteran suicide in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest.
“Having Matthew Zedwick join us on Veterans Day makes this year’s event especially meaningful,” Plowhead said. “His story reflects courage, service and an extraordinary commitment to others. That same spirit of looking out for one another is at the heart of our work. We want veterans and their families to know that they have a community standing beside them.”
Registration and Tickets
- Tickets: $60/person or host a table of 10 for $600. Purchase here.
- Veteran Tickets: Veterans and families can request their complimentary tickets on VetTix.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: Buy Sponsorships — Stay Alive Vets: SAV Annual
- The group is also accepting silent and oral auction items. Contact angela@stayalivevets.org to donate.
Community members are invited to dress up, dine and celebrate while supporting and honoring Oregon’s veteran community on Veterans Day. Additional event information is available at Home | Stay Alive Vets.
About Stay Alive Vets: Stay Alive Veterans (SAV) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting the veteran community by addressing the pressing issue of veteran suicide. Operated by veterans for veterans, SAV is uniquely positioned to understand and respond to the complex challenges that veterans face after their service. The organization is driven by a deep commitment to ensuring that every veteran has access to the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives after their military careers.
ODHS taking additional steps to improve SNAP payment accuracy, asks households to watch for notices
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is taking additional steps over the coming months to further improve the accuracy of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits so that people in Oregon receive the correct amount of food assistance.
As part of this work, ODHS will conduct several rounds of income accuracy checks on existing SNAP cases and begin requiring proof of housing and utility costs when people apply for or renew benefits. Some households may receive notices requesting additional information.
These efforts are part of the agency’s ongoing work to reduce Oregon’s SNAP payment error rate, improve benefit accuracy and help households avoid unexpected changes to their food assistance as new federal requirements take effect.
“We want every person in Oregon who qualifies for SNAP to receive the right amount of food benefits,” said Jessica Amaya Hoffman, ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership interim director. “Income can be complicated, especially with gig work, changing work hours or financial help from family members. We also know that not everyone has traditional documents to show their housing expenses. Our goal is to help people understand what information is needed and connect them with support so they can keep receiving the benefits they qualify for.”
What SNAP households should do
Some SNAP households may receive notices asking for additional information about their income, housing or utility costs.
ODHS encourages people to:
- Read notices carefully. Each notice will explain what information is needed and when it is due.
- Respond by the deadline. Providing requested information on time can help prevent delays or interruptions in benefits.
- Keep contact information updated. Make sure ODHS has your current mailing address and phone number so you receive important notices.
- Ask for help. If you have questions or trouble getting documents, contact ODHS as soon as possible. Staff can help you understand what is needed.
Income accuracy checks will continue over the coming months
ODHS will check income on more than 80,000 SNAP cases in November and December 2026, with additional rounds planned next year.
As part of these checks, ODHS will look at household income information to identify anything that could affect a household’s SNAP benefits. If more information is needed, ODHS will contact the household or send an “Information Needed” notice explaining what information is needed.
Not every household will need to take action. However, people who receive a notice should read it carefully and respond by the deadline. Households that do not respond to a request for information may lose their SNAP benefits.
If an income accuracy check identifies information that changes a household’s eligibility or benefit amount, ODHS will send a notice explaining the change.
New proof requirements for housing and utility costs begin Nov. 21
Beginning Nov. 21, 2026, people applying for or renewing SNAP benefits will need to provide proof of their housing and utility costs for those expenses to be counted when calculating benefits.
Housing and utility costs can affect how much SNAP a household receives. Reporting these expenses may help households qualify for more food benefits. For more than a decade, Oregon has generally allowed people to report these expenses without providing documentation.
People who already receive SNAP will be asked to provide proof when they renew their benefits. However, people who move, report a change in their housing or utility costs, or begin paying a new expense before their next renewal will need to provide proof of those costs, even if they don’t receive a notice requesting it.
For housing costs, people need to provide proof of how much their household pays for rent, a mortgage or other eligible housing costs. They also need to identify which utilities they pay for or help pay for, such as electricity, gas or water. They don’t need to provide the specific dollar amount they pay.
Several types of documents can be used to verify expenses, including:
- A rental agreement or mortgage bill
- A utility bill
- A rental agreement that shows how utilities are paid
- A written receipt from a landlord
- A bank statement showing a payment to a landlord, property manager or mortgage company
- A screenshot from a payment app showing your housing payment or which utility the payment was for (including Venmo, PayPal or CashApp)
- A statement from a landlord or roommate who is not part of the SNAP household.
A landlord or roommate who is not part of the SNAP household may also be able to verify expenses by phone.
ODHS staff can help people find other ways to verify expenses if they share housing costs, get help paying bills or do not have permanent housing.
People should continue to apply for SNAP, renew their benefits and complete required interviews, even if they do not have documents ready.
If ODHS does not receive proof of housing or utility costs by the deadline, the agency will determine the eligibility and benefit amounts for the household without counting those costs. This means a household could receive fewer benefits or not qualify for SNAP. However, missing proof alone will not automatically result in an application being denied or an existing case being closed.
How to get help
- Online: Apply for or manage benefits at benefits.oregon.gov.
- By phone: Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time. Help is available in multiple languages.
- In person: Find a local ODHS office at oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx.
- ONE Online account or Oregon ONE Mobile app: View notices, upload documents and manage benefits.
Learn more about SNAP at oregon.gov/snap.
Oregon Main Street Opens Applications to Join Statewide Network
– Oregon Main Street (OMS) is now accepting applications for organizations to join at the Designated Main Street or the Affiliated Main Street level of the Oregon Main Street Network. This application round is for organizations who demonstrate the readiness and capacity to implement a comprehensive downtown improvement effort based on the nationally recognized Main Street Approach™.
Applications can be found on our website at www.oregonmainstreet under the “How to Join” dropdown. OMS will host a virtual application workshop on November 12th, from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm. The workshop covers some of the requirements to participate at these tiers and provide tips on completing the application. Participants must register in advance click here.
The Designated Main Street level is a mark of distinction that reflects a demonstrated effort to building, growing, and sustaining a main street organization to support efforts to improve a community’s historic downtown by leveraging partnerships and engaging community members.
Organizations participating at this level have a high degree of commitment to using the nationally recognized place-based Main Street Approach™ methodology to create lasting impact in enhancing their historic downtowns.
The Affiliated Main Street level is for communities who are either just starting to form, or are working on strengthening their Main Street structure to harness the powerful main street methodology to create lasting impact in enhancing their historic downtown or traditional commercial neighborhood.
Affiliated Main Street and Designated Main Street level communities must have a cohesive core of historic or older commercial and mixed-use buildings that represent the community’s architectural heritage and may include compatible in-fill. They must also have a sufficient mass of businesses, buildings, and density to be effective, as well as be a compact and pedestrian-oriented district.
The primary emphasis of joining at the Affiliated Main Street and Designated Main Street levels is the provided technical assistance from Oregon Main Street to help strengthen revitalization efforts. Acceptance at these levels allows communities to participate in training, program evaluations, technical assistance, and receive local capacity building support. Participating in the Oregon Main Street program is free.
The selection process included submitting an application that describes their district, previous efforts to improve downtown, readiness to implement the Main Street Approach™, board development efforts, in addition to other criteria.
Currently, there are more than 100 communities in Oregon participating in one of the four levels of the Oregon Main Street Network: Accredited Main Street, Designated Main Street, Affiliated Main Street, and Connected Communities. The Connected Communities application is the baseline engagement to our program and is open year-round. The OMS Accredited Main Street designation is achieved by attaining Main Street America™ national accreditation status.
Oregon Main Street is part of Oregon Heritage in Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Oregon Department of Human Services · Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 plans will remain open through Dec. 7, 2026.
The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA) provides free help so that you can understand your Medicare benefits and make informed decisions. For example, SHIBA certified counselors can help you:- Compare and select Medicare plans- Review your current coverage- Make changes for the upcoming year.“Navigating Medicare coverage is complex and Oregonians should not have to navigate Medicare alone.
Our goal is to make that process easy, accessible, and free.” – ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities Director Nakeshia Knight, Ph.D.Read more in this news release: https://apps.oregon.gov/…/oregon-program-offers-free…
Oregon DFR reminds Oregonians to utilize ACA open enrollment period, be careful of ‘limited partner’ and ‘sharing’ plans
The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) reminds Oregonians who receive or want to apply for individual or family health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, called Explore Health, or directly with an insurance company, to use the open enrollment period from Nov. 1, 2026, to Jan. 15, 2027.
The open enrollment period allows people to apply for, renew, or change health plans for the coming year. Explore Health coverage can begin as soon as Jan. 1, 2027, if people enroll in or change plans by Dec. 31, 2026.
The last day to enroll in or change plans for the 2027 plan year is Jan. 15, 2027. After that date, consumers may enroll in or change plans only if they qualify for a special enrollment period. Coverage starts on Feb. 1, 2027, for those who enroll in or change plans from Jan. 1 to Jan. 15, 2027, and pay their first premium.
For more information on Explore Health or to utilize the open enrollment period, visit ExploreHealthOR.gov. You must go through Explore Health to receive financial assistance.
DFR also advises Oregonians to carefully review any health insurance coverage offered outside of the ACA Marketplace. BridgeSpan, Kaiser, Moda, and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon are the only insurance companies offering ACA-compliant individual and family plans in 2027.
The agency has identified plans that claim they are “self-funded” and refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” in order to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. There are also plans being sold that “share” health care expenses but are not insurance. These plans may not be compliant with the ACA and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being responsible for unpaid medical bills.
DFR encourages Oregonians to use local licensed insurance agents or Explore Health to obtain individual and family health insurance plans that comply with the ACA. Oregonians can find an expert in their area by going to ExploreHealthOR.gov/Help or by calling the Explore Health customer assistance center at 855-268-3767 (all relay calls welcome).
“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”
Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions before enrolling can contact our consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.
About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.
Open Enrollment begins as Oregon launches Explore Health, its new marketplace for private health insurance
People can now shop, compare plans, find savings, and enroll in 2027 health coverage at ExploreHealthOR.gov
— Open Enrollment for 2027 health coverage is now underway, and people in Oregon have a new place to shop for health insurance: Explore Health.
Explore Health, Oregon’s new state-based health insurance marketplace, officially launched Nov. 1. It replaces the federal platform HealthCare.gov as the place for people in Oregon to shop for private health coverage, find out if they can get financial help, and enroll in a health plan.
Open Enrollment for private insurance through Explore Health runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027.
“This is an important milestone for Oregon and for the people we serve,” said Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, part of Oregon Health Authority (OHA). “With Explore Health, people can now shop for coverage through a Marketplace designed and operated here in Oregon. Our goal is to make it easier for people to understand their options, find savings, and get the best coverage that works for them.”
People who buy their own health insurance can now visit ExploreHealthOR.gov to:
- Shop and compare health and dental plans available for 2027.
- Find out how much federal financial help (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) they may qualify for to lower the cost of coverage.
- Enroll in a plan for 2027.
- Get free help from trained insurance agents and community partners across Oregon.
People who have 2026 Marketplace coverage through HealthCare.gov are being moved to Explore Health for 2027. They do not need to start over with a new application. During Open Enrollment, they should claim their Explore Health account, sign in to review their information, compare available plans and savings, and choose the coverage that best meets their health care needs and budget.
People who are currently enrolled in Oregon Health Plan (OHP), OHP Bridge, Medicare, employer-sponsored coverage, or other health coverage generally do not need to enroll through Explore Health.
The launch of Explore Health marks Oregon’s transition from the federally facilitated HealthCare.gov system and customer service center to a state-based marketplace operated entirely by Oregon. The Oregon Legislature authorized the transition in 2023 through Senate Bill 972.
By operating its own Marketplace, Oregon has more control over the technology and services people use to enroll in coverage, better access to data to understand and respond to the needs of people across the state, and greater flexibility to adapt to changing state and federal policies. It also allows Oregon to better connect the Marketplace with state programs and resources.
Explore Health includes a new online enrollment platform, a dedicated Consumer Assistance Center, and tools for community partners and insurance agents who help people enroll.
“Launching Explore Health is an important step in Oregon’s commitment to helping people get and stay covered,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, interim director of OHA. “Bringing the Marketplace home to Oregon gives us new opportunities to better understand the needs of the people we serve, respond to changes that affect their coverage, and create a more connected experience for people seeking health care coverage.”
Free help is available — People do not have to navigate health coverage on their own. Free, local help is available from certified assisters at community partner organizations and licensed insurance agents.
Visit ExploreHealthOR.gov to get started and find enrollment help.
People can also contact the Explore Health Consumer Assistance Center at 855-268-3767 (all relay calls welcome) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturday during Open Enrollment.
Open Enrollment through Explore Health ends Jan. 15, 2027. People should enroll by Dec. 31 for coverage that begins Jan. 1, 2027.
About Explore Health — Explore Health is Oregon’s health insurance marketplace, operated by the Oregon Health Authority. Explore Health helps people who do not have health coverage through a job or a public program shop for private health insurance, find financial help and enroll in coverage. Learn more at ExploreHealthOR.gov.
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The Bend-La Pine School District plans to reopen Silver Rail Elementary on Thursday, November 12, 2026, roughly four weeks after an Oct. 15 shooting killed three children and a teacher.
The district will place at least eight extra adults on campus daily, including permanent substitutes, an extra administrative liaison, and behavioral support staff.
An armed School Resource Officer (SRO) will be stationed at the school all day, every day, through the end of the school year.
Additional mental health specialists will be on-site to support the school’s roughly 450 students and staff.
The specific classroom where the shooting occurred is being restored and will be walled off/shuffled away from active student areas.
Families who do not feel ready to return on Thursday are being offered choices such as online learning or a transfer to another school.
Support Services and Community Resources
- Child Care: Free child care options are available for district families through November 6 via the Boys & Girls Club of Central Oregon.
- Free Food Assistance: Grab-and-go breakfast and lunch are provided Monday through Friday (November 2–6) from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at R.E. Jewell Elementary School (20550 Murphy Road, Bend).
- Safety & Community Sessions: Bend-La Pine Schools is planning community engagement sessions for the upcoming week to discuss districtwide safety, security, and feedback from families.
Kaylub Giamanco recalls the events immediately after he followed the 16-year-old shooter into Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend in an exclusive interview with OPB.
Warning: This story contains graphic details.Three children — ages 5, 8 and 11 — and a 25-year-old teacher were killed on Oct. 15. Two others were seriously wounded.
Giamanco pursued and fatally shot the teenage shooter with a personal weapon he stored in his truck.In an emotional interview, Giamanco described seeing the boy with a weapon entering the elementary school where he had earlier dropped his two young daughters off for school picture day.
He said he made a split-second decision to pursue the shooter. He described it as the scariest day of his entire life, and said he’s thinking of the victims’ families, wishing he could have saved their loved ones. — Read more and watch the interview on OPB.org.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reported that 204 individuals have signed up to begin the process of obtaining a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) following the Oct. 15, 2026, shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend.
Key details reported by the sheriff’s office and local media include:
- Number of Applications: 204 people started the CHL application process in the week following the shooting, which is double the number of new CHL applications recorded for the entire quarter ending in July 2026.
- New Training Class: In response to the high demand, the sheriff’s office scheduled an additional CHL training class for Saturday, November 14, 2026 (with 45 spots available).
- Sheriff’s Statement: Sheriff Ty Rupert noted that historical trends show increased interest in concealed handgun licenses following major community-impact incidents.
The Oregon Public Utility Commission has sanctioned Avista’s annual purchased gas adjustment (PGA) filing, leading to revised customer rates that will take effect on October 31, 2026.
This adjustment is designed to align customer rates with the actual wholesale costs of natural gas that Avista procures for service delivery.
The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved an 8.5% rate increase for Avista residential customers, adding roughly $5.83 per month for a typical household using 45 therms.
Key Details of the Avista Adjustment:
- Effective Date: October 31, 2026
- Service Area: Affects approximately 106,500 natural gas customers in southwest and northeast Oregon.
- Reason for Change: The annual Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) updates customer rates to reflect actual wholesale natural gas costs, true-up projections from the previous year, required accounting adjustments, and the expiration of prior-year amortizations. These costs are passed through directly to customers without a utility markup.
- Timing: The rate adjustment takes effect one day before Oregon’s winter rate hike restrictions begin under the FAIR Energy Act.
Managing Your Energy Costs — You can explore energy-saving tips and available customer rebates through the Energy Trust of Oregon. For billing questions or payment assistance options, visit the Avista Utilities Website.
Oregon and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are actively recruiting volunteers to provide free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.
Program Overview
- Target Audience: Low- to moderate-income families, senior citizens (TCE focuses primarily on people age 60 and older), individuals with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency.
- Impact: Volunteers help eligible residents claim federal and state tax credits (such as the Earned Income Tax Credit) that often go unclaimed due to filing costs and complexity.
- Training: No prior tax experience is required. Volunteers receive approximately 30 hours of specialized IRS tax law and software training delivered around January, with service typically running from February through April (though some sites operate year-round).
- Roles: Flexible scheduling options are available, and volunteers can serve in a variety of roles including tax preparation, greeters, and interpreters.
How to Volunteer — You can sign up or learn more by visiting the IRS Tax Volunteers Page or checking updates from the Oregon Department of Revenue Newsroom.
Pacific Power offers Oregon customers rebates for backup power
Program helps eligible customers prepare for wildfire-related outages and winter storms
With a record-setting wildfire season that brought power disruptions to communities across Oregon winding down, Pacific Power is reminding eligible customers about rebates that can help them prepare for future outage events. As our focus transitions to winter storm season, qualified customers and licensed care facilities can still get help purchasing backup power equipment.
Income-qualified residential customers who rely on electricity for medical equipment can receive a rebate of up to $1,000, and eligible licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices can qualify for up to $4,000 in rebates. These rebates can be used toward a qualified portable power station, battery or permanent backup generator.
“We prioritize emergency preparedness education and communication in our communities so our customers are prepared in the event an outage whether related to wildfire safety or seasonal storms,” said Carrie Laird, vice president of wildfire mitigation and emergency operations for Pacific Power. “We want eligible customers and care facilities to know this assistance is available and encourage them to apply before the upcoming deadlines so that they can take advantage of these helpful programs, which can offer peace of mind.”
To qualify for the residential rebate, applicants need to have an active Pacific Power account number, either as a customer or as the tenant of a Pacific Power customer. They also have to be enrolled in both Pacific Power’s Medical Certificate program and Oregon Low Income Discount program. Eligible customers should select backup power equipment from the program’s qualified product list and meet applicable requirements, which are spelled out in detail on our website.
Licensed care facilities also have to have an active Pacific Power account number, either directly or through a Pacific Power customer whose property they occupy. Eligible facilities include licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices.
Eligible equipment must be purchased by December 31, 2026, and Pacific Power must receive the completed application and purchase receipt by January 31, 2027. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the program’s annual funding is fully used.
Pacific Power launched the Oregon Backup Electric Power Rebate Program in 2023. Since then, the company has issued 421 rebates totaling more than $1.2 million.
The program is also helping communities strengthen their backup power readiness. In 2025, Linn County identified eligible care facilities and encouraged them to invest in backup power. Twenty-seven facilities received rebates of $4,000 each, for a total of $108,000. A batch application process is now available for jurisdictions submitting applications for multiple facilities.
Customers with questions about batch applications for multiple care facilities may email Generator@resource-innovations.com“>PacPowerGenerator@resource-innovations.com.
Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card
Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.
– Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.
“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”
Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks website to find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.
“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.
Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.
OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon. Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.
Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public
Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:
Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio
- Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
- Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).
Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone
- Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
- WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.
Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power
- Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
- Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
- If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.
Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance
- Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
- Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
- When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
- Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.
Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info
- Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
- Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
- Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
- Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.
If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings
If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.
- Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
- Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.
Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage
- Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
- Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.
Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps
- Know the three levels of evacuation:
- Level 1 – Be Ready
- Level 2 – Be Set
- Level 3 – GO NOW
- If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.
Be Your Own Info Network
- Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
- Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.
In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.
Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.
Reconnect When Service Returns
- Once communications are restored, check official websites:
- Oregon.gov/oem
- Your county emergency management page
- TripCheck.com for road conditions
- Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.
Prepare for Delays in Restoration
- Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
- Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.
Final Tip:
In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.
Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs – No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.
The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.
In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.
If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.
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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