Oregon Beach News, Friday 11/22 – Coquille Indian Tribe and State Of Oregon Come Together For Emergency Preparedness Exercise and Demonstration, Wet and Windy Weather Through the Weekend & 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, November 22, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

Hazardous Seas Warning Issued: 1:11 AM Nov. 22, 2024 – National Weather Service

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 AM PST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...South gales 30 to 40 kt with gusts up to 50 kt and very steep seas 13 to 18 ft. Isolated areas could experience storm force gusts of 55 to 60 kt through sunrise today. Winds ease below gales this evening, becoming southwest 20 to 30 kt with seas remaining very steep and hazardous 11 to 16 ft.

* WHERE...All areas.

* WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 4 PM PST this afternoon. 
For the Hazardous Seas Warning, from 4 PM this afternoon to 4 AM PST Saturday.

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

* View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks

Today’s forecast includes windy conditions, but according to the National Weather Service they will not be as severe as the winds earlier this week with gusts up to 25 miles per hour.

A winter storm hit Southern Oregon last week, bringing snow, ice, rain and quickly changing road conditions. Siskiyou Summit saw its first major snowfall of the season, catching many drivers off guard.

In response, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is reminding drivers of the importance of preparing for winter weather. The fast-moving storm surprised a lot of drivers This is a reminder that winter weather can change quickly, and road conditions can go from clear to hazardous in a matter of minutes.

ODOT urges drivers to follow several key tips to stay safe:

• Turn on your windshield wipers and headlights
• Slow down and avoid cruise control
•  Increase your stopping distance and steer clear of standing water
• Carry chains and check road conditions before traveling
  using TripCheck.com or by calling 511.
• Pack an emergency kit with a flashlight, phone charger, warm clothes, food, and water in case you get
  stuck.
• Be aware of the dangers of black ice, which can be even more hazardous than snow.
• Drivers should always be prepared for sudden weather changes—especially in higher elevations.

Multiple winter storm warnings have been issued across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, urging people to avoid travel due to heavy snow expected in these states. In Oregon, warnings cover various counties, including portions of highways 97, 58, 230, 138, 62, 140, and 66. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Medford and Portland emphasized the potential for very difficult driving conditions and advised extreme caution if travel is necessary.

The Coquille Indian Tribe Hosts South Coast Emergency Preparedness Exercise November 21, 2024

Coquille Indian Tribe and State of Oregon come together for emergency preparedness exercise and demonstration

This is a joint Coquille Indian Tribe and Oregon Department of Human Services media release

Tribal, county, state and local partners gathered for an emergency preparedness exercise and demonstration on Thursday. These partners worked together to set up components of an Evacuation Assembly Point (EAP). An EAP is a short-term, designated location used after emergencies like the Cascadia earthquake and tsunami. It serves as a staging area where people can gather while emergency responders work to access impacted regions and facilitate evacuation.

The EAP equipment was purchased by the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. The Coquille Indian Tribe has graciously agreed to store this equipment on their land. The supplies are housed in metal shipping containers and include food, water, tents, and medical supplies to support up to 100 people at the EAP for two weeks.

“The Coquille Indian Tribe is excited to be able to take on this responsibility which highlights what is possible when two sovereign entities work together for the common good,” Chair Brenda Meade said. “This is a great example of the Coquille’s desire to be a leader in our community and to highlight the spirit of Potlatch, and it emphasizes the importance of these partnerships to ensure we are prepared to support our Tribal citizens and our neighboring residents in Southwest Oregon when the need arises.”

This is the third set of EAP equipment that OREM has deployed on the Oregon Coast. Additional EAP locations are situated at the Tillamook Municipal Airport and Newport Airport, both of which are pre-designated sites for transporting individuals out of immediate disaster zones. 

“Coastal communities are a priority for housing EAP equipment because data indicates they are most likely to be cut off from the rest of the state in the aftermath of a Cascadia earthquake,” said Ed Flick (he/him), Director of the Oregon Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM). “I’m grateful to the Coquille Indian Tribe for hosting this exercise and for their willingness to stage this EAP equipment for the Tribal members and their neighbors. As the lead state agency responsible for mass care and shelter in disaster situations, it’s essential for us to ensure local communities have fast access to critical supplies that can immediately support their needs in times of crisis.”

Feds Signal Key Approval for the Coquille Tribe’s Proposed Medford Casino

The milestone comes 12 years after the tribe began seeking a location in a more populous area. The Coquille need one more approval from the feds but don’t need the state’s blessing.

In a decision that could have far-reaching implications for Oregon’s delicately balanced gambling market, the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs notified Oregon officials Nov. 20 that it would issue a final environmental impact statement supporting an off-reservation casino that the Coquille Indian Tribe wants to build in Medford.

After publishing its decision in the Federal Register, the bureau will open a 30-day public comment period. After that, the agency will produce a final document, a record of decision, or ROD, which typically—but not always—affirms the EIS.

Updated Nov. 21: Here is the communication from the BIA notifying the public of its intention to publish the EIS and providing the opportunity for public comment.

Since 2012, the Coquille Tribe has pursued the development of a second casino on property the tribe purchased in Medford, which is about 170 miles from its reservation in North Bend. The Coquille have an on-reservation casino, called The Mill, but have sought to generate more revenue with the Medford project.

Judy Farm, CEO of Tribal One, the economic development arm of the Coquille Tribe, says it rejects the state’s policy, noting that the Oregon Legislature’s Joint Committee on Gambling Regulation concluded in 2022 that it “could find no evidence that any one-tribe, one-casino policy by the federal government or state of Oregon has been formally adopted or exists in any written form.”

Farm also rejects the characterization of Medford as an “off-reservation casino.”

“Within the [1989] Coquille Restoration Act, Congress promulgated that any land taken into trust within the five counties would be reservation land,” Farm says. “This application is considered on-reservation due to adherence to this guidance.”

The loudest opponent of the Medford project, the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, however, said it had been informed of the BIA decision. That tribe operates a casino in Canyonville, about 70 miles north of the Coquille site in Medford. The Cow Creek have adamantly fought the Medford proposal and expressed frustration at Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, the first Native American to hold that position, for moving it forward. (READ MORE)

Oregon’s Tillamook Wins ‘Best Cheddar Cheese in the World’ Title

The World Cheese Awards have crowned Tillamook Maker’s Reserve 2014 Extra Sharp White Cheddar as the ‘Best Cheddar in the World.’ This top honor was awarded at the prestigious competition held in Viseu, Portugal, where 244 international experts judged nearly 4,800 cheeses from 47 countries.

Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCCA), a 115-year-old farmer-owned co-op, also received Bronze awards for its Farmers’ Collection Hickory Smoked Extra Sharp White Cheddar and English Style Sweet Cheddar.

Jill Allen, TCCA’s Director of Product Excellence, credited the co-op’s dedication to quality and natural aging for the win. “Our aging process transforms cheese into an unforgettable tasting experience,” she said.

Tillamook’s award-winning cheeses, including the 2014 vintage, are available at retailers nationwide and online, making them perfect for holiday gifting.

St. Helens students return to class following week of protests in wake of teacher sex abuse scandal

Students return to school after a week of protests after a current and former teacher were charged with sexually abusing multiple students for several years.

St. Helens High School students return to school Tuesday after a week of protests on campus due to a teacher sex abuse scandal where a current and former educator were both accused of abusing a total of nine students. 

One of the teachers, Eric Stearns, taught choir at the school up until his arrest last Tuesday, even though police had notified the district he was under investigation nearly two months prior. Students walked out of class Thursday morning with anger and outrage over how the district handled the police investigation.

St. Helens High School closed Thursday, Friday and Monday amid the student-led protests on campus that included both parents and community members. In response, the school district placed Superintendent Scot Stockwell and St. Helens High School Principal Katy Wagner on paid administrative leave on Friday. The chair of the school board also resigned that same day.

The case is still being investigated, police said, but they wouldn’t reveal if more victims had come forward in the wake of the announcement of the two arrests. (SOURCE)

St. Helens school officials for years sat on multiple reports of sexual abuse, police say

Top law enforcement officials in Columbia County say the St. Helens School District received allegations that two high school teachers sexually abused students over a period of several years and failed to share that information with authorities.

St. Helens Acting Police Chief Joseph Hogue said Friday that his department subpoenaed the district in October and found historical reports made by students detailing allegations that the district had not previously disclosed. A police investigation led to the arrests this week of choir teacher Eric Stearns and recently retired math teacher Mark Collins, who are charged with sexual abuse of multiple students from 2015 through last year.

The school district never informed law enforcement or state officials about the reports of sexual abuse, which is required by state law, Hogue said.

“There were multiple historical reports made to high school administration from 2019 to 2023 and this also corroborated the victim statements that (detectives) had previously received,” Hogue said. Teachers and school administrators in Oregon are required to report allegations of sexual abuse.

Columbia County District Attorney Joshua Pond said Friday his office is investigating whether the district broke any laws by not forwarding the reports to law enforcement. Court documents filed by prosecutors on Nov. 8 indicate at least six student victims.

Hogue said the investigation began with a tip from a TikTok user who is a St. Helens alum. That led to detectives identifying an alleged victim in the comments of one of the videos. From there, detectives found and interviewed additional victims and witnesses.

“These comments began naming Eric Stearns, a current teacher at the St Helens High School,” Hogue said. “During the course of these interviews, a second teacher who was now retired, but that name came up as well.

Many students and parents, however, have said it is not enough to make up for years of instances of kids feeling uncomfortable in class.

“If anybody reports this stuff it was made to feel like it’s not that big a deal, like we just want it to go away,” said Brandon Hogan, a parent in St. Helens School District. 

Tips from a TikTok creator and St. Helens High School graduate in part lead to the investigation, alleging “historic sexual abuse” at the school. Now, Stearns faces seven counts of second-degree sexual abuse and one count of third-degree sexual abuse. And, former teacher Mark Collins faces similar charges for sexual abuse.

In March, the district also paid $3.5 million to settle a former students’ civil right suit against a former St. Helens track coach. The lawsuit alleged the district was aware for over a decade of predatory behavior by a teacher and track coach but did nothing.

“They let people with multiple strikes against them, multiple harassment claims still teach,” said Robert Schaffer, a student at St. Helens High School. “And it’s sickening.”

Police arrested Stearns and Collins on Tuesday, quickly sparking citywide outrage over the alleged abuse. It came to a head at a very contentious school board meeting Wednesday night.

In response to student-led protests, the high school was closed on Thursday, and all district schools were closed on Friday.

Siletz Tribe Regains Section of Cape Foulweather on Oregon Coast

In Oregon, a coastal piece of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians’ ancestral territory has been restored. Monday’s announcement coincides with the 47th anniversary of the tribe regaining federal recognition.

The 27-acre section of Cape Foulweather, on the Oregon Coast between Newport and Lincoln City, has been reacquired by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, or CTSI. The tribe purchased the land from the McKenzie River Trust last month, with a $2.01 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Other partners include Lincoln County, the Nature Conservancy in Oregon, and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development. A major focus for this collaborative effort is to conserve and tend to ecologically significant areas of the Oregon coastline.

“It really is an amazing opportunity for us to become stewards again,” Angela Sondenaa, director of the CTSI’s Natural Resources Department, told KLCC. She hopes to reintroduce cultural burning to the coastal prairie section, to rejuvenate its ecosystem.

“The Cape Foulweather area is an incredibly diverse and sensitive ecological area,” she said. ”It’s been a cultural gathering site for millennia for our people.”

In a release issued by the CTSI, Tribal Council Member Robert Kentta said, “Before settlement, this land was home to our families, who fished from the rocks and canoed in the ocean, and gathered mussels from the rocky shore. Now we will have the opportunity to reinvigorate our connections to traditional lifeways.”

In the same release, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said that the return of Cape Foulweather to the CTSI “is of monumental historic significance. I want to express my gratitude to the local government partners and community-based organizations that came together to protect a beautiful place and support the efforts to return ancestral land to the tribe.”

Sondenaa added that it’s been a good year for the Siletz. Last December, President Joe Biden signed a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle of Oregon restoring gathering, fishing and hunting rights to the tribe on their ancestral lands.

“And it will provide direct opportunity for tribal members to gather and resume subsistence harvest in the rocky coastline there,” Sondenaa said.

The Siletz reservation was established in 1855 by Congress and President Franklin Pierce. It was further diminished through land cessions.

Then, in the 1950s, Congress began eliminating many tribes’ federal status through legislation. This included the Western Oregon Indian Termination Act of 1954, which authorized ending the government-to-government relationship with the CTSI, as well as the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde.

On Nov. 18, 1977, after years of land loss and economic disruption, the CTSI regained its federal status. This event is marked by a “Restoration Pow-Wow” every year.

This story comes to you from the Northwest News Network, a collaboration between public media organizations in Oregon and Washington. (SOURCE)

Deceased Body Found in Yachats

On November 18, 2024, at approximately 1:45 PM, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a deceased body, found near the Amanda Trail in south Lincoln County.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Detectives and personnel responded to the scene, where it was confirmed, a subject had died as a result of apparent self-inflicted wounds.  The subject was identified as 43 year old Frank Marunich of Springfield, Oregon. His next of kin have been notified. 

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank their partner agencies, the Oregon State Police, Yachats Fire, Oregon State Parks and the United States Forest Services for their assistance. 

Woman Nearly Swept Away by King Tides at Cannon Beach

A woman visiting Cannon Beach had a harrowing encounter with the ocean on Thursday when she was nearly swept out to sea by a King Tide.

The Cannon Beach Police Department released a video of the incident, showing the woman at the Gower Street ramp as a powerful wave surged around her. She managed to escape the surf and reach safety, but the close call underscores the dangers of these massive tidal events.

The video was taken earlier Thursday at the Gower St. ramp. Luckily the person was able to make it out of the surf to safety. Please watch these high tides from a distance. Look for locations well above the action and away from cliff edges. Don’t let the parking lot fool you. Just because it seems relatively safe, it doesn’t mean the nearby trails and beaches are safe. Avoid being on the beach during a storm or king tides. Jetties are not a safe place to watch.

NEW PARKING AND WATERFRONT PATHWAY ENHANCEMENTS FOR FRONT STREET IN COOS BAY

As Coos Bay marked its 150th birthday, another significant milestone was reached: the opening of the new parking lot on Front Street. This multi-year project transformed a previously contaminated and unusable piece of property into a valuable public space.

The new parking lot provides much-needed parking on Front Street and includes environmentally friendly features to manage stormwater runoff. This is an exciting step forward in realizing the vision outlined in the Front Street Blueprint.

In the coming years, we can expect further improvements to pedestrian access in the area. The goal is to create a continuous pathway linking the Boardwalk, the dike, and the waterfront walkway at Coos Bay Village. A key part of this plan is the extension of the waterfront walkway on the south side of the Coos History Museum, which is nearly complete.

You can view the Front Street Blue Print on our website, but more importantly, when you are in the Front Street area, come by to check out the new parking lot and waterfront walkway continuation at the Coos History Museum.-Joe Benetti, Mayor of Coos Bay

Fatal Crash – HWY 101 – Curry County

A 39-year-old pedestrian from Brookings is dead after a car accident Sunday morning at 1 a.m. on Highway 101. 

According to a news release from Oregon State Police, the crash happened at 1 a.m. near milepost 358.

The pedestrian, James Lorin Tavel, was walking when a driver — 34-year-old Tiffany Lyne Camp of Brookings — hit him. 

“[Camp] then fled the scene and was arrested later by law enforcement,” the release said. 

Tavel was declared dead when police arrived at the scene, the release said. Camp and her passenger, 37-year-old Julia Pettigrew of Brookings, were not hurt. 

 A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family of James Lorin Tavel, a Brookings resident who was fatally struck by a vehicle early Sunday. Tavel, 38, was hit around 1 a.m. near milepost 358.

The funds raised will cover Tavel’s cremation, a celebration of life, and future support for his two children. Organizers described Tavel as a beloved father, fisherman, and friend, urging the community to come together in his memory.

The funds raised will cover Tavel’s cremation, a celebration of life, and future support for his two children. Organizers described Tavel as a beloved father, fisherman, and friend, urging the community to come together in his memory.

The crash that killed Tavel led to a six-hour closure of the highway as Oregon State Police conducted an on-scene investigation. The driver, identified as Tiffany Lyne Camp, 34, of Brookings, allegedly fled the scene unharmed but was later apprehended.

Original Post —————– On Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 1:00 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 358, in Curry County.

The preliminary investigation indicated pedestrian, James Lorin Tavel (39) of Brookings, was struck in the northbound lane by Honda CRV, operated by Tiffany Lyne Camp (34) of Brookings. The Honda operator fled the scene and was arrested later by law enforcement.

The pedestrian (Tavel) was declared deceased at the scene.

The Honda operator (Camp) and passenger, Julia Pettigrew (37) of Brookings, were not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The crash is under criminal investigation at this time.

OSP was assisted by the Brookings Fire Department, Brookings Police Department, and ODOT.

# # # About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Sandbagging Stations in Lincoln County

Lincoln County residents have access to three self-serve, public sandbagging stations located in Yachats, Newport, and Lincoln City.

If you plan on using the self-serve sandbagging station, remember to bring a shovel. Hours:  Mid-October through mid-April. You can access sand any time of day or night. Community members may gather up to 10 sandbags per household, per season.  Full news releases, flyers, and social posts in English and Spanish are attached.

Razor Clam Harvest Closure Cascade Head to California Border

– Razor clam harvesting is now closed from Cascade Head to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced. Recent razor clam samples indicate levels of domoic acid (a marine biotoxin) are above the safety threshold.

People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before heading out to harvest any shellfish or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.

Current harvest closures and openings:

Razor clams:

OPEN from the WA border to Cascade Head.

CLOSED from Cascade Head to the CA border.

Mussels:

OPEN coastwide.

Bay clams:

OPEN coastwide.

Crabs:

OPEN coastwide.

NOTE: sport crabbing in the ocean off the Oregon coast is closed through Nov. 30.

ODA will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit.

For more information call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin hotline at (800) 448-2474, the ODA Food Safety Program at 503- 986-4720, or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.

Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules, and limits. https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2024/10_Oct/102524.asp

Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Looking For Suspect in Sandstone Cliff Vandalism

Officials with the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge are asking for the community’s help identifying the person or persons responsible for vandalizing a rock face recently.

According to the refuge, the names ‘Luke’ and ‘Niko’ were carved deep into a sandstone headland, which is located on public land. The refuge says the rock that was vandalized is on a section of beach between the cities of Gold Beach and Brookings.

Vandalism on public lands is illegal, and penalties include fines and jail time. Anyone with information or
knows who is responsible, is asked to contact the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge by emailing  oregoncoast@fws.gov.

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

Groundbreaking Dedication Event for Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Oregon State Capitol- Friday, November 22, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.

The Oregon State Capitol will be the site of the highly anticipated dedication ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Friday, November 22, at 2:00 p.m. This momentous event will be the formal dedication of Phase 1 of the memorial, which honors the service and sacrifice of Oregon’s Vietnam veterans. The public ceremony will occur at Salem’s Willson Park memorial site on the Capitol grounds, at the corner of State and Cottage Street, with a reception to follow at the nearby Withnell Family YMCA. 

The memorial pays tribute to 710 Oregonians who lost their lives in the Vietnam War, along with the more than 180,000 Oregonians who served in Vietnam and around the world from 1955-1975. The design features 46 black granite columns engraved with the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It creates a reflective space for veterans, families, and the public to honor their memory. 

The event will include comments from local veterans, state officials, and Vietnam War Memorial Fund members, who have been instrumental in making this project a reality. The event is hosted by the Oregon Vietnam War Memorial Fund and is supported by a grant of Transient Occupancy Tax from the City of Salem.

The Importance of the Memorial – The Vietnam War remains one of the most challenging and divisive periods in American history. Veterans returning from the conflict were often met with indifference or hostility, making this memorial an overdue recognition of their service. The memorial offers a space for healing and remembrance, honoring both the sacrifices of the fallen and the resilience of those who served. Steve Bates, President and co-founder of the Vietnam War Memorial Fund (VWMF), emphasized the emotional impact of this project. “This is about giving our veterans a place of rest and, for all of us, a place to heal,” Bates said. The memorial will not only commemorate the service of Vietnam veterans but also serve as a reminder of the war’s lasting impact on the state and its people. 

Beyond its role as a place of remembrance, the memorial will also serve as an educational resource when Phase 2 is completed. Phase 2, the Exhibit Phase, aims to help future generations understand the human cost of war and the bravery of those who fought.

For more information, see a virtual tour or donate, visit ocvvm.com. 

About the VWMF: Vietnam War Memorial Fund’s website at www.ocvvm.com. The Vietnam War Memorial Fund is a recognized 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent of applicable tax law. You can donate by sending a check to the Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009 or by credit card at www.ocvvm.com.

Oregon Department of Forestry  — ODF completes Santiam State Forest reforestation effort from devastating 2020 wildfires with 2.3 million seedlings now planted

 It’s done! 2.3 million seedlings are now planted in the Santiam State Forest completing the recovery efforts after the 2020 wildfires. The four-years of hard work was true teamwork by the ODF to complete the salvage logging sales, rebuild roads, fix recreation sites and trails, and help wildlife recover. See the whole story on ODF’s news blog. https://wp.me/p6ELS9-2xz

School District Employee Arrested for Sex Abuse, Charges Unrelated to Her Position with School District

JCSO Case 24-5413 — EAGLE POINT, OR– An investigation into allegations of sex abuse has led to the arrest of an Eagle Point School District employee. After a month-long investigation, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) Special Victims Unit (SVU) detectives arrested the woman today, November 21, when she turned herself in at the Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect, Amanda Rose Leonardo, AKA Pody, 38, of Eagle Point, is charged with three counts of third-degree sexual abuse, luring a minor, tampering with physical evidence, and providing liquor to a person under 21. She is lodged in the Jackson County Jail. The identified victims were of high school age. The charges are unrelated to her position with Eagle Point School District. 

SVU detectives are looking for the public’s assistance. If you have any information on the suspect, call the JCSO Tip Line at (541) 774-8333 and reference case number 24-5413. This case is under further investigation. There is no additional information for release at this time. 

Organic Carrots E. coli outbreak turns fatal

Federal agencies warned an E. coli outbreak turned deadly, and the related recall nationwide involves organic carrots sold in over a dozen brands including Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, GreenWise, 365, Nature’s Promise, and Bunny-Luv.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Sunday that an E. coli outbreak related to organic whole and baby carrots caused one death, there were 39 infections in 18 states, and 15 remained hospitalized.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Saturday that Grimmway Farms issued a recall. A CDC map tracking the reported cases showed most of the cases that started in September were in Washington, New York, Minnesota, Oregon, and California.

The CDC asked anyone with severe symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting to “seek health care, and tell your provider about what you ate.” According to the CDC, symptoms usually start 3 to 4 days after swallowing the bacteria and although some patients may develop kidney problems, most people recover without treatment after 5 to 7 days.

For more information about the E. coli outbreak, visit the CDC page. For more information about the recall, visit the FDA page.

Governor Kotek Takes Action to Secure Medical Abortion Following National Election Results

OHSU secures new supply of Mifepristone, extending the stockpile expiration date to September 2028

Moday, Governor Tina Kotek announced that following the national results of the general election, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have executed an updated agreement to continue operating the distribution of the state’s emergency Mifepristone supply into the future.

“I believe in reproductive freedom and am committed to being a fierce advocate for every person’s access to safe reproductive health care services, no matter the national landscape,” Governor Kotek said. “Oregon is not immune from federal attacks on our reproductive rights. In our state, patients will continue to access the medication they need and providers will deliver these critical services without fear or harassment.”

In April 2023, Governor Kotek directed the Oregon Health Authority to partner with OHSU to secure a three-year supply of Mifepristone – a safe and effective medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over 20 years ago for use in miscarriage management and to end a pregnancy.

The prior supply had an expiration date of September 2025. As of last week, OHSU has secured a new supply with an expiration date of September 2028. The Governor’s team continues to engage in regular conversation with national and local partners, as well as legislative leadership, to understand the potential scale of impacts to reproductive health care in Oregon under a changing federal administration.

The Governor’s full statement in response to the results of the general election can be found here in English and here in Spanish.

Reproductive health equity is a long-time priority of Governor Kotek, both from her time as Speaker of the Oregon House and during her tenure as Governor. She has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that Oregonians have access to abortion services. As Speaker, she worked to pass the Reproductive Health Equity Act (RHEA) in 2017. Then, as Governor, she directed regulators to ensure that insurers were in full compliance with the law including corrective action plans and ongoing monitoring.

Last summer, she signed the Access to Reproductive Health Care law, House Bill 2002. The bill protects access to reproductive health care and provides state funding to support the work of community organizations and clinical partners to ensure that people across the state have broader access to the reproductive health care they need.

Oregon Environmentalists Take Legal Action to Stop BLM Removing Timber from Forest Near Grants Pass

A lawsuit to stop the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from increasing fire hazards with the removal of timber from an old-growth forest north of Grants Pass was lodged on Tuesday by environmentalists in the Medford District Court.

Also at threat is the Last Chance project to protect the threatened northern spotted owl, according to the lawsuit lodged by Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, Cascadia Wildlands, and Oregon Wild.

The environmentalists express alarm at the impact of forest treatments on thousands of acres critical to spotted owl habitats.

The plaintiffs claim that BLM acted ‘arbitrarily, capriciously and contrary to the federal Land Policy and Management Act’ when it authorized a timber sale on BLM-administered lands in Douglas, Jackson, and Josephine counties.

The timber sale will auction about 8,500 acres of forestland that environmentalists say will hurt efforts to increase forest resiliency.

In its report, the BLM says the commercial harvests will reduce the spread of wildfires through tree canopies and encourage the growth of larger and more fire-resistant trees.

BLM says provision has been made to retain large forest areas in northern spotted owl territory, and that the proposed commercial logging is intended to promote the ‘development of prime owl habitat.’

However, BLM does acknowledge that the project will delay the growth of forestland in northern spotted owl territory by up to two decades but insists that ‘active management…is the best way …to develop high-quality habitat.’

KS Wild spokesperson George Sexton says a table in the BLM environmental assessment report shows that nearly 2,000 acres of the forest will be subjected to hydrological effects – a term used to describe areas where water behaves in the same way it does on land devoid of trees.

Sexton says the reason why environmentalists decided to lodge the legal challenge is to stop BLM ‘from logging practices that remove old growth trees and increase fire hazard.’ Secondly, the lawsuit aims to persuade the BLM to join stakeholders ‘who are trying to increase forest resiliency and decrease fire hazard.’ (SOURCE)

Money is coming from the American Rescue Plan Act to expand broadband access in Oregon.  

Nick Batz, Director of the Oregon Broadband Office, said there are more proposals than the money will cover.

“We received 63 applications totaling $440 million.  So, highly competitive, over-subscribed grant program for the $157 million dollars that was available.”

Batz noted 16 projects in 17 counties will share $133 million.

“The feds allowed for other technologies, but all 16 of the awards are for fiber optic programs.  Which is great because fiber is the most future-proof technology that is readily available to us.”

The companies expanding their networks now have to decide if they want to accept the money, which in some cases, is less than they asked for.  The work needs to be completed and the systems in operation by the end of 2026.

Reward of up to $25,000 Offered in Ballot Box Fire Case

The FBI’s Seattle Field Office is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible setting incendiary fires at two ballot boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and one in Portland, Oregon. The FBI’s Seeking Information poster can be found here: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/ballot-box-fires

On October 8, 2024, between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m., an unknown individual placed an improvised incendiary device on a ballot drop box in Vancouver, Washington. Subsequently, on October 28, 2024, between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m., improvised incendiary devices were placed on ballot drop boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. 

A surveillance camera captured images of an early 2003 to 2004 Volvo S-60 sedan, dark in color, with dark wheels and a light-colored interior, driven by the suspect believed to responsible for these crimes. The vehicle does not have a Volvo logo on the front grill. At the time of the October 28, 2024, incidents, the vehicle also displayed a fraudulent temporary Washington license plate on the rear and no front license plate. The plate, which is not associated with a Volvo, may no longer be on the vehicle. 

The driver of the vehicle is described as a White male, approximately 30 to 40 years old with thinning hair. It is believed that he may have some experience with metal work and welding.

Anyone with information is asked to call your nearest FBI office, provide information online at tips.fbi.gov, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). FBI – Oregon 

Celebrating 100,000 Electric Vehicles Registered In Oregon

Oregon’s push for a greener future got a major boost earlier this year when the state surpassed 100,000 registered electric vehicles. The milestone will mean fewer emissions from the transportation sector and across Oregon.

Representatives from the Oregon Departments of Energy, Environmental Quality, and Transportation gathered at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland today to celebrate the milestone with a press conference.  

Directors from each agency and OMSI President and CEO Erin Graham spoke about the state’s progress to electrify transportation and reduce emissions from transportation, which account for about 35 percent of the state’s total greenhouse gas emissions. 

Oregon crossed the 100,000 registered electric cars, SUVs, and light trucks threshold in July 2024, according to DMV registration data. As of August 2024, there are about 102,400 registered EVs throughout the state. That number includes both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles.  READ MORE

Boeing Will Lay Off Over 2,500 Workers Amid Turnaround Effort 

The job cuts, part of a 17,000-strong employee reduction, will hit workers in Washington, Oregon, South Carolina and Missouri. 

Boeing will lay off more than 2,500 workers in the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, South Carolina and Missouri, according to federally required filings posted on Monday and a union official, as part of the debt-heavy U.S. plane maker’s plan to cut 17,000 jobs, or 10 percent of its global workforce.

Nearly 2,200 layoff notices went to workers in Washington and another 220 in South Carolina, the two states where Boeing builds commercial airliners. Boeing declined to comment on the layoffs on Monday.

The aerospace giant started telling affected U.S. workers on Wednesday that they will stay on Boeing’s payroll until Jan. 17, to comply with federal requirements to notify employees at least 60 days prior to ending their employment.

News that Boeing would send out the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) in mid-November was widely expected. Another round is expected in December. Boeing could also use workforce attrition, selective hiring and sales of subsidiaries to reduce workforce.

Boeing shares gained 2.6 percent to close at $143.87 on Monday, and stayed flat in midday Tuesday trading.

In October, Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, said the company does not intend to “take people off production or out of the engineering labs.” Industry-watchers have been waiting for the WARNs for some indication of how the layoffs could affect workers in the company’s key manufacturing hubs.

However, several hundred engineers and production workers were among those who received pink slips last week.

The Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace said 438 of the union’s members at Boeing received layoff notices last week, including 218 engineers and 220 technicians.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District Lodge 837 in St. Louis said Boeing sent notices to 111 members, most of whom made wing components for the 777X.

Who is being laid off seems to vary between sections within Boeing, several non-union workers who received WARNs told Reuters.

One engineer in Boeing Defense, Space & Security said all but two or three members of his 12-person team were let go, while another said she was the only one of her roughly 20-person team to receive a WARN. Both said they provide vital support for production and design engineers, but they are not considered to work in production.

The notices come as Boeing tries to restart production of its strongest-selling 737 MAX, after a weeks-long strike by more than 33,000 U.S. West Coast workers halted output of most of its commercial jets. (SOURCE)

Holiday Express Steams Up Nov. 29

The countdown is on! The first day of the highly anticipated Holiday Express is almost here, and it’s your chance to ride a train pulled by a historic steam locomotive—an unforgettable experience like no other.

Santa’s nearly ready—list checked, elves prepped, lights sparkling, and candy canes in hand. The only thing missing is YOU!

Get your tickets now for this beloved annual tradition. Create lasting memories with friends and family aboard the Holiday Express. Rides begin Nov. 29 and run every Friday – Sunday through Jan. 4.

Special Offer: Get 10% off select rides from Nov. 29 to Dec. 8! But don’t wait, tickets are selling fast.

Be part of the magic this holiday season. Reserve your seat today! Oregon Rail Heritage Center 

The Annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt Starts Friday November 15th

It’s time once again for one of the Willamette Valley’s most beloved traditions: the seventh annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt, taking place across the Willamette National Forest and Umpqua National Forest.

Between November 15 and Dec. 25, 2024, two hundred locally-crafted wooden ornaments will be hidden along two-dozen trails in both forests—where eagle-eyed hikers can seek them out and register to win this year’s grand prize, which includes a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley. Here’s more information: https://www.willamettevalley.org/ornament

Crater Lake Gets Snow – North Entrance Road and Rim Drive are CLOSED for the season.

Crater Lake got its first big snowstorm of the year Wednesday. If you were planning a late fall trip to Oregon’s
Crater Lake National Park today, you’re out of luck. All roads at the park were closed Thursday morning after a winter
storm dumped snow on the park and “equipment challenges” meant employees couldn’t immediately clear them.

The North Entrance Road and East & West Rim Drives are now closed for the season a few The roads will not open again until mid to late June or July 2025. All other roads are open.

According to a post on the park’s website, all park roads were temporarily closed to travel “while the snowplow
operators work to repair equipment and clear the roads.” he park had gotten just under 15 inches of snow in about 24 hours, according to Tim Daldrup, a meterologist with the National Weather Service in Medford.

The snow was expected to continue, though substantially lighter, for the next several days. But, said Dalrup, another storm is predicted late Sunday into Monday that could bring a foot or more of new snow to the area. Crater Lake National Park did not respond to say when they anticipated re-opening park roads. In general, the park is open all year, and snow is common. https://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Free Fishing Days in Oregon Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29-30

Make fishing part of your Thanksgiving weekend plans with friends and family. Everyone can fish, clam and crab for free in Oregon on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30.

No fishing/shellfish licenses or tags (including a Combined Angling Tag, Columbia River Basin Endorsement or Two-Rod Validation) are required those two days. Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free.

All other fishing regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. See the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for rules and remember to check for any in-season regulation updates too, especially for salmon and steelhead fishing. Click on the zone where you want to fish to see regulation updates.

The Recreation Report is updated weekly and features the best bests for fishing for the upcoming week. Depending on water levels and conditions, fishing could be good for Chinook or coho salmon; again be sure to check regulations first because not all rivers are open. Trout will also be stocked the week before Thanksgiving at several popular lakes in the Willamette Valley.

For beginners, Easy Angling Oregon is a great guide to getting started fishing in Oregon, https://myodfw.com/articles/easy-angling-oregon-introduction. And if you live near Portland, Bend, Medford, Roseburg or in Lane County, there are lots of nearby options.

Prefer to crab or clam instead? MyODFW.com has all the information you need to get started clamming or crabbing. Remember to check ocean conditions and take safety precautions—always clam with a friend and never turn your back on the ocean.

Call the ODA Shellfish safety hotline at 1-800-448-2474 or check their Shellfish Closures page before you go clamming or crabbing. The Oregon Department of Agriculture regularly tests shellfish and closes areas when naturally occurring biotoxins get to levels that make crabs and clams unsafe to eat.

Currently, crabbing is open in bays, beaches, estuaries, tide pools, piers and jetties along the entire Oregon coast. Crabbing is closed in the ocean due to the annual closure from Oct. 16-Nov. 30 each year.

As of mid-November, razor clamming is closed from Cascade Head to the California border due to high levels of the marine biotoxin domoic acid, but closures may change by Thanksgiving Weekend so check before you go. (SOURCE)

Triple your impact: Pacific Power will match your contribution to Oregon Energy Fund 2-for-1

Pacific Power is making it simple to make a difference in communities by helping struggling neighbors stay warm this winter. For every dollar that you donate, Pacific Power will match your donation to the Oregon Energy Fund with $2 more.

Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail will find they include an Oregon Energy Fund contribution envelope in November. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program. To enroll in the fixed donation program, customers can call Pacific Power toll-free at 1-888-221-7070 or Donate to Energy Assistance (pacificpower.net).

This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power.

Donations may be tax-deductible and are forwarded directly to the Oregon Energy Fund, which verifies eligibility and allocates funds to those in need. All funds donated are used to assist families in need within the same county in which the donor resides.

“Pacific Power’s commitment to supporting household stability is bolstered by compassion, collaboration and innovation,” said Brian Allbritton, executive director of the Oregon Energy Fund.

“Studies have shown that more than a quarter of Oregonians struggle to pay their bills each year,” said Albritton. “From Oregon Energy Fund’s start in 1989, Pacific Power has been an important partner in bringing emergency bill payment assistance to thousands of vulnerable Oregonians, helping make them healthy and safe while keeping their lights on.”

Last year, donations from Pacific Power’s customers, employees and the company helped 2,995 individuals in need throughout Oregon, including 1,482 adults, 503 seniors, 464 people with disabilities and 1,010 children. This year, Pacific Power will match up to $144,000 in donations.

Customers who need bill assistance can speak with Pacific Power representatives at 1-888-221-7070 who can help with payment plans that work for their individual needs, while directing them to agencies that may be able to help. https://www.pacificpower.net/about/newsroom/news-releases/2024-Oregon-Energy-Fund.html#:~:text=PORTLAND%2C%20Ore.,Energy%20Fund%20with%20%242%20more.

Oregon begins rollout of new housing benefits for eligible OHP members with health conditions

SALEM, Ore. – Starting today, Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members with specific health conditions may qualify for new, first-in-the-nation benefits to keep their current housing and access other housing services.

The housing benefits include rent assistance for up to six months, utility set-up and payments for up to six months, home modifications and upgrades for health or safety reasons (e.g., grab bars, ramp installation, pest control), and rental navigation services. Unlike other state and local prevention services, eligible members can request these benefits ahead of receiving an eviction notice.

Not all OHP members will qualify for these new benefits. To qualify, OHP members must meet specific requirements, including at least one of the following health conditions: a complex physical or behavioral health condition; a developmental or intellectual disability; difficulty with self-care and daily activities; experience of abuse or neglect; be 65 years of age or older; be under the age of six; currently pregnant or gave birth in the past 12 months; or repeated use of emergency room or crisis services.

OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA, said, “Oregon’s health inequities are inextricably linked to our state’s housing crisis. Individuals and families who become homeless face a significantly higher risk of mortality and higher rates of behavioral and physical health conditions – even as they report poorer access to care. These Medicaid benefits can help stop that cycle and, in a model for the rest of the country, make it possible for Oregonians to maintain their current housing, connect with providers and access additional resources that support their well-being.”

Oregon received permission from the federal government to test whether and how addressing health-related social needs improves health outcomes. While other states have launched similar benefits, Oregon is the first in the nation to roll out rent assistance as a statewide Medicaid benefit for eligible OHP members.

“Housing plays a pivotal role in our physical and mental wellbeing. And yet, so many of our neighbors are living paycheck to paycheck, where an unexpected issue can lead to a loss of income and loss of a home,” said Emma Sandoe, Medicaid Director at Oregon Health Authority. “These benefits are one more tool to keep Oregonians housed during short-term disruptions and prevent negative health outcomes of homelessness.”

Of renters across Oregon, 22% have extremely low income, with $30,560 being the average income limit for a four-person household. Adults living with housing insecurity, including threat of eviction, are 19% more likely to lack access to a primary care provider and 35% more likely to postpone preventative health care even if they have chronic health conditions. Evictions and loss of housing can lead to negative health outcomes including:

• Increasing an individual’s risk for physical and mental health conditions
• Making an individual’s existing health condition worse
• Creating barriers to accessing medical care, medications and food

“Housing is a critical driver of health outcomes, significantly impacting social mobility and economic opportunity,” said Oregon Housing and Community Services Executive Director, Andrea Bell. “Stable housing serves as a catalyst for expanding access to preventive care, while reducing the monumental costs associated with emergency care. This is what transformative, integrated care looks like.”

Starting this month, housing providers are contracted to begin connecting with eligible members and delivering these new benefits across the state. Housing benefit applications may take up to two weeks to be reviewed. If approved, additional time may be needed to provide the benefit. These turnaround timeframes will depend on the capacities of individual CCOs and housing service providers as well as the volume of housing applications received. OHA is working closely with CCOs to continue to expand the network over the next year.

Fostering healthy families and environments is one of the five pillars to achieving OHA’s strategic goal of eliminating health inequities in Oregon by 2030. The housing benefits are one of several new health-related social needs benefits Oregon is piloting to meet this goal. In March, the state launched climate benefits including air conditioners, air filters and other equipment to keep eligible members healthy amid extreme weather events. Nutrition benefits will be available for eligible OHP members starting in January 2025.

OHP members interested in receiving housing benefits can work with their health plan (coordinated care organization or Open Card), health care provider or a local OHP community partner to see if they qualify and apply.

OHP members should contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) to learn more. OHP Open Card members can call 1-888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com. 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 or email Ask.OHP@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

For OHP members who are currently unhoused, resources may be available through 211. — For more information about these benefits, visit the OHP housing benefits web page.

Bureau of Land Management recreation managers are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to fill host positions at six unique locations for the 2025 summer recreation season.

Volunteer hosts play a critical role at BLM recreation sites. They are the primary, daily connection between public land users and BLM staff.  Hosts also assist BLM staff to open and close sites each day, manage campground and shelter reservations, answer visitor questions, encourage visitor rule adherence, and generally maintain the sites.

A paved RV pad is provided at each site for host volunteers. Sites have varying degrees of amenities from full electric, water, and sewer hook-ups to completely primitive sites with only public potable water access. The selected volunteer(s) must provide their own trailer, motorhome, RV, or tent set-up.

Each host will receive a modest daily stipend to off-set some living costs and incidental expenses. Hosts are expected to live on site during the region’s busiest recreation season, typically from April through September. (The start date for the selected host at Sharps Creek will likely be earlier in the year.)

For more information and to apply for these volunteer opportunities, please visit Volunteer.gov. If you have further questions, contact Kendra Barat at kbarat@blm.gov or (720) 591-68

Child Sexual Predator Eluded Capture in Idaho, Has Ties to Southern Oregon, He May Be Dressed as a Woman

– A fugitive with ties to the southern Oregon region is on-the-run after eluding capture Tuesday, October 22 in Idaho. Christian Bert Fischer, 42, is wanted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child.

Fischer is a white male, 5’10”, 200 lbs., has blonde hair and blue-colored eyes. He is also known to dress like a woman. Before heading to Idaho, Fischer was in the Portland area. This June and July, he was in Ashland, Lake of the Woods, and Wolf Creek.

U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) task forces throughout the country have joined the search, including the local Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF). If you have any information on Fischer’s whereabouts, contact the local USMS office at (541) 776-4277, the USMS Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

PNVOTF includes personnel from the U.S. Marshals, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Central Point Police Department. The task force specializes in locating and arresting fugitives wanted for offenses including, but not limited to, murder, assault, sex crimes, failure to register as a sex offender, firearm violations, and probation violations.

For more information here is the USMS Release:

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – The Hernando County Crime Stoppers in Florida is offering up a $5,000 reward for information directly leading to the arrest of Christian Bert FISCHER, a fugitive convicted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child. Crime Stoppers must be contacted first in order to be eligible for the cash rewards of up to $5,000.00. For additional information and instructions for the reward, please visit the following Crime Stoppers link:

http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com/sitemenu.aspx?P=wanteds&ID=449&Sort=Name&F=&W=.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

Oregon Aging and People with Disabilities offers free help for Medicare Open Enrollment

(Salem) — Medicare Open Enrollment for the 2025 plan year begins Oct. 15 and remains open through Dec. 7, 2024. Medicare beneficiaries seeking to compare or change their existing Medicare plan can receive free help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). 

During the Medicare Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can make changes to their health plan or prescription drug plan, pick a Medicare Advantage plan or choose Original Medicare. The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities’ (APD) Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is available to help Oregonians understand their Medicare options and benefits, provide enrollment guidance and help people detect and avoid Medicare scams. Additionally, there are some key changes coming to Medicare in 2025 that APD’s SHIBA program counselors can assist people in understanding including:

• The new Manufacturer Discount Program which addresses the coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole;” 
• The lower maximum to pay for covered drugs. The maximum amount for 2025 will be $2,000; 
• Coverage for weight loss drugs when doctors prescribe them for people who meet certain conditions; 
• Expanded coverage for family caregiver services through the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model; and
• Increased access to mental health services by allowing more providers to bill Medicare for services.

“Our APD SHIBA team is devoted to helping people prepare for open enrollment and understand changes,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as APD Deputy Director of Policy. 

Oregonians who need help navigating Medicare open enrollment are encouraged to call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free) or learn more by visiting the SHIBA website at SHIBA.Oregon.gov. The 2025 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans will be available on the SHIBA website in the coming days and will be translated to multiple languages. 

SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. According to the Senior Medicare Patrol, common scams include promising free durable medical equipment, such as knee braces and catheters, or offers of free genetic testing. The ultimate goal for the scammer is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. “SHIBA counselors are committed to ensuring Oregonians have the information they need to avoid becoming victims of fraud and report scams or suspected Medicare fraud,” said APD Director Dr. Nakeshia Knight-Coyle.

Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments. Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website such as Medicare frequently asked questions, an agent locator tool, a list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations and videos to help people understand their Medicare options. People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.

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.

About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program – The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. 

Media contest invites Oregon high school students to promote young worker safety; entries due Feb. 21, 2025

Salem – High school students across Oregon are encouraged to put their video or graphic design skills on display by competing for cash prizes as part of a larger cause: increasing awareness about workplace safety and health for young workers.

The 2025 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, calls on participants to create an ad – through a compelling graphic design or video – that grabs their peers’ attention and convinces them to take the Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.

Participants get to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believe will go furthest in capturing their audience and moving it to act. The target audience? Teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time. The contest is now open for submissions. To compete, participants may submit either a graphic design or a video that is no more than 90 seconds in length.

Participants are expected to choose their key message, theme, or tagline in a wise and positive manner, including constructive and effective messages and language.

The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school, club, or organization will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.

While they carry out their projects, participants must ensure the health and safety of their team. No one should be endangered while creating their video or graphic design project.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. 

Participants are encouraged to submit entries online. Submissions may also be mailed on a USB thumb drive or delivered in person. 

For more information about the entry form and rules, contest expectations, and resources – including previous contest winners  – visit the O[yes] online contest page.

The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the Oregon Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Alliance.

### About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

About the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]): (O[yes]) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.

Lend Your Voice to Shape the Future of Emergency Management in Oregon!

SALEM, OR – November 19, 2024 – The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) invites all Oregonians to participate in shaping the future of emergency management across the state. On February 11, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., OEM is hosting its second annual town hall where community members and partners from all backgrounds can provide input and feedback on the agency’s 2023–2025 Strategic Plan and the OEM Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) plan.

The Strategic Plan serves as a blueprint for OEM’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service and building resilience within Oregon’s communities. The IDEA plan guides emergency management practices that address the needs of all communities, fostering equitable outcomes and inclusive resilience statewide.  Feedback from this town hall will help guide OEM’s efforts to improve emergency preparedness, response and recovery in ways that serve every community across the state—before, during and after a disaster.

The town hall is open to everyone, and no prior emergency management experience is required. Closed captioning will be available, and a video and audio transcript of the event will be accessible upon request after the event.

Event Details:

Event: Oregon Department of Emergency Management’s second annual strategic planning and IDEA town hall
Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Meeting will be virtual; link will be sent as event nears.  

Your feedback is critical in helping OEM serve Oregon’s diverse communities better and to foster an inclusive approach to emergency preparedness and resilience. We look forward to hearing from you at this important event.

For more information or questions, please contact Bobbi McAllister at obbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov“>bobbi.mcallister@oem.oregon.gov. 

Tips To Purchase a Permit to Cut Your Christmas Tree From an Oregon National Forest

The holiday season is right around the corner, which means the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree is on. For those looking to bring home a real tree, permits are available now for all Oregon national forests.

Christmas tree permits are available for purchase online at recreation.gov (with an added $2.50 processing fee charged by the website) and at local U.S. Forest Service offices or from local vendors.

Permits are $5 each, and each permit allows the cutting of one Christmas tree. Households can purchase a maximum of five permits.

For downloadable maps of tree-cutting areas and a list of local vendors selling tree permits, go to bit.ly/WNFtree .

Fourth-grade students can receive a free tree permit by getting their Every Kid Outdoors pass and entering the voucher or pass number when prompted on Recreation.gov or by visiting a Forest Service office.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com