The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Friday, December 15, 2023
Oregon Beach Weather
Sneaker Waves Along The Coast – Anyone planning to spend time during the holidays along the Oregon coast should be mindful of possible sneaker waves.
King tides refer to the highest tides of the year and along the Oregon Coast these tides are typically 9 to 10 feet. There are four series of king tides, so mark your calendars. To learn more about these tides and/or to participate in some cool citizen science visit: https://www.oregonkingtides.net
King Tide Dates: December 13th-15th January 11th-13th February 8th-10th
Sneaker waves are waves that suddenly surge further up the beach than expected, according to the NWS. They are powerful enough to sweep people into the ocean, and can roll logs and other debris along the beach.
Governor Kotek Issues Update on State Response to Tillamook County Disaster
Governor Tina Kotek issued an update on the ongoing state response to the flooding and landslides in Tillamook County following torrential rains last week.
“As last week’s flooding began, I reached out directly to elected leadership in Tillamook County to offer any support the State can provide,” Governor Kotek said. “Oregon’s State Resilience Officer is working closely with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the County to ensure they have the support they need as we proceed with an assessment of damages in order to seek federal resources. My office will continue to advocate for residents to receive the resources they need, including support in bringing in federal recovery resources.”
“I am grateful for the partnership from the Governor’s Office in wake of this disaster to provide immediate assistance and support our request for federal resources to fund recovery,” said Tillamook County Commission Chair Erin Skaar. “Our local community banded together during the storm to support all individuals in Tillamook County, and we will continue to partner with the state in the coming weeks to determine the extent of the damages and ensure that all people in Tillamook County have access to the critical resources they need.”
The State of Oregon may be eligible for several federal programs to support Tillamook County’s recovery from recent flooding. The current damage assessment effort will provide the information needed, including determining program eligibility, for an emergency declaration that will expedite the receipt of federal dollars. The assessment is anticipated to be completed in the next two to three weeks.
Tillamook County and the Oregon Department of Transportation are assessing the damage to the road network. The Oregon Department of Human Services is partnering with the County to meet the immediate needs of unhoused individuals displaced by flooding. The Department of Land Conservation and Development is expediting permits for clean-up and repair.
Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Receives Grant From Travel Oregon To Develop Accessible Playground In Lincoln City
Lincoln City Parks & Recreation (LCP&R) is honored to receive $100k from the Oregon Tourism Commission (aka Travel Oregon) for the construction of the 1st accessible playground in Lincoln City, which is part of the planned development of a new community park in the historic Taft District.
The development and construction of the 6.71-acre new community park is stated as the #1 goal of the 2016 Lincoln City Parks System Plan and will address a recreation gap in the southern part of Lincoln City. The park will offer new amenities to residents and visitors including an accessible playground, sports facilities, covered event area, playground, picnic areas and other gathering spaces.
Travel Oregon recently announced $3.6 million in grant funding to 56 recipients across Oregon to fund accessible and inclusive tourism projects. Fifteen grants totaling more than $1 million went to organizations on the coast.
Jeanne Sprague, LCP&R Director, comments on the recent new funding:
“We are honored to receive this funding from Travel Oregon, especially for supporting our accessible playground, which will be one of the 1st of its kind on the Oregon Coast. Park construction is being phased in accordance to available funding and budget, and Travel Oregon is a big assist to us. Together, we will be welcoming visitors to come to our park and play!”
Travel Oregon’s 2023 Competitive Grants Program centers funding through an equity lens around accessibility and inclusivity for underserved and under-resourced communities. Their impactful grant reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to equity and to enhancing local economies, creating jobs and strengthening communities across the state by investing in the creation and promotion of remarkable visitor experiences.
The Lincoln City accessible playground will address the needs of all people to offer a remarkable experience, challenging them at their own developmental level. The principles of an inclusive playground include safe, active, comfortable, and independent play, for all ages and abilities. There will be different levels of the same type of play activity near each other, i.e. spinning, sliding or swinging.
Jeanne Sprague, LCP&R Director, comments on the importance of accessibility in public parks and spaces:
“Our mission includes providing access to our parks, beach accesses, and open spaces, removing or mitigating any obstacles for visitors with mobility or sensory restrictions. This includes constructing accessible playgrounds. Lincoln City Parks & Rec is thrilled that Travel Oregon has joined us in our commitment to accommodate any person needing accessibility.
We are proud to have shown this commitment via our recently implemented ‘Beach Mobility Access’ program in which 4 beach wheelchairs and 450 ft of Mobi-Mat were installed at various beach accesses within Lincoln City. We continue to strive to be more accessible throughout Lincoln City.”
Along with the generous funding from the Christmas Cottage in Lincoln City for the playground’s musical instrument installation, Sprague said the City planned to break ground in the summer of 2024 for Phase 1 of park development which includes ground site work and the construction of the accessible playground.
Sprague says that community support, which includes funding from State Bill 5202 (championed by Rep. Gomberg and Senator Anderson), Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept, and a bequeath from the William Bryd Upjohn Estate, is greatly assisting with the phased construction of the new park.
Representative David Gomberg states: “I’m convinced the new Community Park in LC will become a staple of this community, providing much-needed recreational space, opportunities for our kids, and new business opportunities for the Central Coast. This is a visionary use of the space and we’ll see the results for decades to come.”
For continued updates on the new community park in Lincoln City, see https://www.lincolncity.org/departments/parks-recreation/new-community-park-development-plan —- https://www.lincolncity.org/Home/Components/News/News/668/16
FBI Investigating More Than 18 Hoax Threats Sent To Oregon Schools Including Brookings, Coos Bay and Bandon
A string of bomb threats were sent to locations all over Oregon on Monday, prompting evacuations and law enforcement sweeps from the coast to the central and eastern parts of the state. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Portland Field Office reported more than 18 incidents impacting a dozen school districts, three synagogues and two small airports.
Bomb threats reportedly made at several Oregon School Districts, including Brookings-Harbor and Coos Bay Dec. 11, promoted police and school districts’ responses.
Brookings-Harbor School District Superintendent Helena Chirinian posted the following on the district’s Facebook site. “Brookings-Harbor School District leadership made the decision to dismiss early Monday, Dec. 11, due to a threatening message received by one of our staff members. Following our emergency dismissal process, the Brookings Police Department searched all campus buildings and did not find anything suspicious. Many other school districts across Oregon received a similar communication to the one we received, and it is reported that the FBI is investigating numerous threats that are believed to be connected. It was determined there is no credible threat at this time, and we will resume regular classes and activities tomorrow. Teachers and counselors will be ready to support students who are struggling to feel safe tomorrow (Tuesday).
At this point. federal investigators believe that none of threats are or were credible, but local law enforcement and officials took them seriously. Across the state, students evacuated several school campuses after districts received threatening emails alluding to bombs or explosives within the buildings.
In Gilliam County, the sheriff’s office said threats came into the Arlington and Condon School Districts at around 10 a.m.
“That triggered a chain of events,” said Lt. Tory Flory. “We evacuated the school. We did a full search of the school, evaluated what we’re looking at, and ultimately determined that it was a hoax threat.”
The Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office small, Flory said, consisting of just eight full-time sworn officers including the sheriff. After the districts called in the threats Monday, deputies leaned neighboring agencies for help, since their own resources were quickly depleted by the response. The sheriff’s office was able to cover both schools, he said, but only because the deputies were able to get help.
“The depletion and distraction of law enforcement and public safety resources is very, very impactful,” said Kieran Ramsey, FBI Special Agent in Charge of Oregon. “We are talking about the trauma, the emotional trauma afflicted upon the students, as well as teachers and staff and parents, quite honestly, let alone the depletion of public safety resources. When we see something like that happen, we have first responders literally rushing to a scene, which can create a hazardous situation. Then, we have first responders — because they are dealing with that situation — are unable to deal with other real emergencies that are probably going on.”
Ramsey said the Portland FBI office is investigating the Gilliam County incidents, along with several other hoax threats within the state, piecing together the full picture to determine whether they’re connected and who was behind them.
Most, if not all, talked about some kind of bombing or potential bombing,” he said. “We do have a number of threats that used very similar, if not the exact same, verbiage. And then in some instances, we have been able to trace back one IP, which is located outside of the United States.”
The FBI said there were a number of threats received in Ohio and in Texas on Monday as well. At this point, agents said they’re not able to say whether the incidents in Oregon are related to these national threats.
According to the Secure Community Network, Congregations Neveh Shalom and Beth Israel were two of the synagogues that received threats Monday within the Portland area. The Executive Director of Congregation Neveh Shalom released this statement Tuesday:
“At approximately 1:50pm on Monday, December 11 Neveh Shalom received communication from the Secure Community Network that Jewish institutions in Oregon had been targeted with threatening emails. SCN suggested that we review our “spam” folders and found that Neveh Shalom had received a threatening email. SCN has determined these emails to be a hoax and mirror similar emails received by Jewish institutions throughout the country.
Immediately upon notification Neveh Shalom administrators followed the CNS protocols and law enforcement instructions thoroughly. The Portland Police Bureau was contacted and immediately sent out officers to our facility. A complete sweep of our perimeter was performed by law enforcement. At this time, we have no indication of any immediate threat to our community. We are grateful for collaboration with local law enforcement and the Secure Community Network. (SOURCE)
The Coos Bay Police Department is investigating a homicide after a man was found dead outside a business on Ocean Boulevard in Coos Bay Tuesday morning.
According to police, 911 received a call around 6:30 a.m. that a man had been found dead with a gunshot wound. The body was found near Umpqua Dairy.
Officers responded to the area and discovered the dead body. They began an initial investigation and activated the Coos County Major Crimes Team to help.
Police say it is early into the investigation and investigators are canvassing the surrounding neighborhood to get more information.
They do want to speak with occupants of a dark colored SUV that flagged down a passing driver near the location. That driver then made the emergency call.
The victim has not yet been identified. A suspect has also not been identified.
Police say this is believed to be an isolated incident, and there is no perceived threat to the public.
If anyone has information regarding this case, please contact the Coos Bay Police Department at 541-269-8911.
Oregon Department Of Forestry Recreation Team Seeking Camp Hosts
The Oregon Department of Forestry Recreation Team is looking for camp hosts to support operations at 8 campgrounds in the Tillamook, Clatsop, and Santiam State Forests for the 2024 season.
Campgrounds operates from May through October with flexible scheduling opportunities to include both full-season and short-season commitments.
Camp hosts are provided with:
*electricity
*water
*firewood
*septic
*ODF uniforms and supplies
Hosts help with light facility maintenance, visitor information services, and provide a point of contact for visitors in case of an emergency. Camp hosts enjoy direct access to trails and other recreation areas, get to meet people from all over the world, and can spend time exploring the vast experiences and views state forests have to offer.
To learn more, visit the ODF volunteer page: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/recreation/pages/volunteer.aspx
Traffic Alert- Road Construction in Coos Bay
Utility work will be taking place on Commercial and Anderson Avenues reducing traffic to a single lane. Plan your commute accordingly to avoid any potential delays.
The City of Coos Bay will be constructing parking for the WWTP 1 collection staff equipment and vehicles. This is required as the previous parking area is within the boundaries of the Plant 1 Upgrades project currently under construction.
The construction activities will not require road closures, but will increase the construction traffic along Ivy Street adjacent to the facility at 680 Ivy Street. The project is set to break ground Monday December 11th, and, weather permitting, should be complete mid-December. Working hours will be from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Winter Whale Watch Week Returns to the Oregon Coast December 27-31
OREGON COAST, Oregon—Oregon State Parks will once again host Winter Whale Watch Week at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast Wednesday, Dec. 27 to Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.
Every year thousands of gray whales migrate south through Oregon’s waters at the end of December, and state parks invites visitors to the coast to see their journey.
Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Volunteer opportunities are still available along the north and south coast if you register by Dec. 11 at https://orwhalewatch.org/volunteer/
The Whale Watch Week sites are some of the best places to spot whales on the Oregon Coast.
“We are excitedly waiting for the migration of the gray whales to come down from Alaska,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.
“We really enjoy sharing the experience with visitors,” he said, “It’s been a tradition at Oregon State Parks for more than 40 years.”
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching
An estimated 14,500 gray whales swam past Oregon’s shores last winter, according to the most recent population estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The journey is part of their annual migration south to the calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico, and the end of December is the peak time to see their migration south.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about whales.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch23.
Yachats Winter Solstice Bonfire — Thursday, December 21, 2023
This is a very fun event! Nothing is sold, but donations are accepted. Chili, popcorn, and cornbread will be served. Yachats Ladies Club is providing cookies.
There will also be a music jam session.
Date :December 21, 2023 Time:4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: View Facility Pavilion Address: 501 HWY 101 N. Yachats, OR 97498
Cost: FREE
DUII Enforcement Planned For The Christmas / New Year Holiday Season
The Lincoln City Police Department plans on using the first of their 2023-2024 DUII Enforcement Grant funds during the up-coming Christmas / New Year’s holiday season. This time period is part of the national “High Visibility Enforcement,” which runs from December 13, 2023 through January 1, 2024.
The national High Visibility Enforcement events are designed to increase the number of patrol officers on the streets nationwide with an emphasis on seeking out drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs and removing them from the roadways. The holiday season is known for being merry and bright, but it is also a time when increased numbers of impaired drivers may be on the roadways.
The Lincoln City Police Department is pleased to be joining forces with other law enforcement agencies across the nation to crack down on impaired drivers. Our goal is simple: to save lives and prevent injuries. Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk; if you drive drunk, you will be arrested.
DUII Enforcement Grant funds from the previous grant allocation were last used during the 2023 Labor Day weekend time period, however, no DUII arrests were made during those operations.
The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are committed to the safety of our citizens and visitors, and these grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. These grant funds are made possible through Oregon Impact and the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Public Help To Locate An Armed And Dangerous Individual
Lincoln City Police Seeking Public Assistance To Identify Victims In Credit Card Fraud Scheme
The Lincoln City Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying potential victims who may have had fraudulent charges placed on their credit cards. On November 17, 2023, the police began an investigation into a credit card fraud scheme that occurred at the north Chevron gas station where persons using their credit cards to purchase fuel had an additional charge placed on their card. A former employee of the station fraudulently placed this additional charge on the card by scanning the card with a device without the knowledge of the card owner. Lincoln City Police believe there may be a large number of additional individuals who fell victim to this credit card fraud scheme. We are asking our residents and visitors of Lincoln City, specifically those who used credit or debit cards at the station on November 4th, 10th, 11th, 15th and 17th of this year, to check their bank statements and transaction history for any transaction listed as “Hot Dog Stand”.
We are taking these additional investigative measures to identify potential victims, but given the nature of the case, this may be a time consuming process. If you or someone you know discovers a transaction consistent with the above information, please call the Lincoln City Police Department at 541-994-3636 and ask for Officer Jon Humphreys or CSO Jim Folmar and reference case LCP23008921.
The Chevron management has been fully cooperating with the investigation and there is no reason to believe the scheme is still occurring as an initial arrest has been made in this case. On November 17, 2023, the former employee, 43-year-old, Jeremy Michael Brown of Lincoln City, Oregon was arrested on initial charges of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Theft in the Third Degree and Identity Theft. Brown was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged on the listed charges. More information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Florence Café 60 Senior Meals Program Reopens for Dine-In Meals
Lane Council of Government’s Senior Meals Program is reopening its Café 60 location in Florence after being closed for the past three years.
LCOG officials said that during the closure, LCOG’s Senior and Disability Services division offered grab-and-go meals but the reopening of Café 60 will provide a dine-in location for seniors who might otherwise go hungry. The Florence location will reopen on December 4 and operate three days a week at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Florence Senior Center located at 1570 Kingwood Street, LCOG officials said.
Organizers said that interested seniors should make reservations at least a week in advance by calling ahead at 541-997-5673 or filling out a reservation menu at the Café 60 location. The program is open at no cost to seniors 60 years of age or over and those not 60 years or older are welcome to join by paying the meal cost of $8, program organizers said. Donations are welcomed to support the program’s continued operation in the community, LCOG officials said.
Volunteers are also sought to help with the program and those who would like to participate may call 541-682-1366. More program information is also available here: https://www.lcog.org/sdslane/page/florence-caf%C3%A9-60-reopens-dine-meals
Have you reserved your vehicle timed entry and parking for Shore Acres Holiday Lights, Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, 2023?
Reservations are available now at https://bit.ly/2023holidaylights or call 800-452-5687, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Preferred date and time sold out or you need more flexibility to plan your visit? Beginning Nov. 16, ADDITIONAL timed entry and parking becomes available each day during a 7-day rolling window. So, on Nov. 16 you can reserve for visits on Nov. 23; Nov. 17 for visits Nov. 24; and it continues to roll through the event. The rolling window inventory online becomes available at 6 a.m. each day.
Visitors inside the vehicle don’t need reservations.
The $5 vehicle parking ticket assigned to a date and entry time of the visitor’s choice is needed to enter the show. Just reserve and then have your ticket for parking ready to show when you arrive at your selected time. Visitors no longer have the option to purchase a parking permit onsite to attend.
Go to https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm… for additional details, including options for waiving the $5 parking fee, and the link to reserve.
Image description: an illustration of a starry night, trees, and holiday lights strung along a hedge. Text reads: Shore Acres Holiday Lights. Nov. 23-Dec. 31, 2023.
Governor Tina Kotek Visits Lane County as Her One Oregon Listening Tour Ends
Governor Tina Kotek ended her One Oregon Listening Tour of the state’s 36 counties Thursday by visiting communities throughout Lane County impacted by the 2020 Labor Day Wildfires.
Kotek’s final stop on her statewide tour was in Leaburg, an unincorporated community on the McKenzie River that was devastated by the Holiday Farm Fire.
During a press conference held Thursday afternoon at the Lane County Public Service Building, Kotek described her conversations with residents as “sobering,” saying local businesses especially are struggling to rebuild.
“That was a really helpful conversation that made me think, what can we do as a state to fill in some gaps there,” she said. “My commitment is to make sure those communities impacted by the 2020 wildfires do recover. And we are still on that path. And for small businesses in particular, it is a very tough recovery.”
Kotek said wildfire relief, especially for groups that the federal government hasn’t assisted, will be a top priority in the next legislative session.
She said she’s also focused on housing overall, such as improving the stock for coastal communities that depend on tourism, but have nowhere for service workers to live. She said she’s also looking to boost resources to build more low-income options.
She said she’s hopeful that over the next few years, the state will meet her housing goal of 36,000 new units a year.
Governor Kotek told reporters Thursday that during her listening tour of state’s 36 counties, she directly met with at least 1,000 Oregon residents.
Demand for food aid spikes in past year as many Oregonians struggle with hunger
After the pandemic ended, the demand for food continued to increase in Oregon, with the need for millions more pounds of produce, pasta and other staples at meal sites and food pantries.
Before the pandemic, about 860,000 people annually visited the food bank’s partners in Oregon and southwest Washington, said Morgan Dewey, a spokesperson for the nonprofit food bank. This year, the food bank is on track to serve more than 1 million people, Dewey said.
“We’re just continuing to try to keep up with how much food folks are needing on the ground,” Dewey said.
Get help — The Oregon Food Bank, state agencies and other organizations, including pantries and churches, provide food for hungry Oregonians. For help:
- Go to needfood.oregon.gov
- Find a food pantry at foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- For seniors and those with disabilities, call 855-673-2372 or go to www.adrcoforegon.org
- Dial 211, or text your Zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- For local resources, go to www.caporegon.org/find-services/
The needs have increased as extra pandemic-related food benefits from the government have stopped. During the pandemic, most families received 70% more in their monthly allotment of federal food aid, called the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP. The extra aid ended in March, with the average household allotment falling from $450 a month to about $300. The state also paid out the last of the pandemic-related extra food benefits for low-income families with young children in October.
“Those supports – when they ended it – really, really put folks in a dire situation,” Dewey said.
The food bank has five warehouses throughout the state that deliver to 21 regional food banks and more than 1,400 other points, including meal sites, delivery programs and pantries. Those sites are critical for rural and frontier areas in Oregon with food insecurity that are not near a large regional pantry, Dewey said.
The operation puts out fresh produce and dairy products, with an eye toward offering nutritional food that aligns with the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of Oregonians.
For the long-term, it’s important to look for ways to address the economic circumstances driving hunger, Dewey said. Those can include unaffordable housing and a lack of access to health care.
“We can serve everyone who is standing in line for a meal or standing in line to get a grocery bag full of food,” Dewey said. “We can serve all those people today, but hunger still won’t go away tomorrow.” (SOURCE)
Many Oregonians Frustrated With State’s New Family And Medical Paid Leave Program Delays
Some Oregonians who applied for benefits through the state’s new paid family- and medical-leave program are reporting frustrating delays receiving their checks, technical issues during the application process and long wait times to speak to customer service representatives.
The program has been inundated with fraud attempts, contributing to the problems.
A state dashboard shows that program officials have processed more than 28,000 applications, about 80% of what they’ve received, and paid out nearly $104 million so far. There are about 7,000 applications still waiting to be processed, although a portion of those claims are new or could be fraudulent.
A significant number of Oregonians facing benefit delays say they have run into issues with the state’s identity verification process, a step officials put in place to combat the large number of fraudulent application attempts.
Measure 110 unveils new phone access line providing more immediate connection to services and support
SALEM, Ore. — People seeking Measure 110 services and supports can now access a newly invigorated helpline to connect individuals more efficiently with treatment, housing, and overdose prevention providers within the statewide behavioral health resource networks (BHRNs).
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced that Health Resources in Action (HRiA), a non-profit organization based in Boston, was selected as the new contractor for the helpline, replacing Lines for Life.
The firm has extensive experience working with federal and state government agencies such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the federal Department of Health and Human Services. HRiA operates helplines in three other states: Massachusetts, Illinois, and Vermont.
The 18-month contract totals more than $2.8 million. The firm is planning to undertake extensive statewide outreach and add new functionalities to the hotline such as texting.
This helpline will continue to be a statewide public resource for substance use screening and service referrals as well as a resource for those seeking to waive Class E citations.
Under its proposal, HRiA will operate the phone and text helpline, develop a comprehensive website to support the helpline, offer follow-up calls to support service access, and promote the hotline.
The new helpline number is 1-833-975-0505.The previous helpline phone numbers, 503-575-3769 and 541-575-3769, will continue to operate and will feed into the new 833 number.
Since 2021, 577 people called the helpline. Nearly half of them had citations.
“We’re excited to partner with HRiA to refresh the Measure 110 helpline,” said OHA Behavioral Health Director Ebony Clarke. “We know the helpline has been vastly underutilized and we’re optimistic that HRiA’s trauma-informed and compassionate approach to supporting individuals in need of help will make it easier for Oregonians to access Measure 110’s life-saving services and supports.”
Measure 110 network providers reported continued increases in the number of clients served statewide in all seven network service areas, according to the latest quarterly program reports filed with OHA.
Overdose prevention and peer support services accounted for the largest client gains in the quarterly reporting and over all three quarters. Substance use treatment providers reported 41 percent more clients in quarterly gains and 104 percent over the first three quarters in operation.
Background: In November 2020, Oregon voters passed Measure 110, the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act of 2020, which became effective Dec. 4, 2020, to better serve people actively using substances or diagnosed with a substance use disorder. In July 2021, the legislature passed SB 755, which amended the act and made it more feasible to implement.
People who provide drug treatment and recovery services and advocates for criminal justice reform wrote Measure 110 in response to the high rate of drug addiction and overdoses in Oregon, and the disproportionate impact of those outcomes on Oregon’s communities of color.
Their goal was to establish a more equitable health-based and effective approach to substance use disorder.
People in Oregon can now manage state benefits with the Oregon ONE Mobile app
People can now securely manage their medical, food, cash and child care benefits through the State of Oregon from the convenience of their mobile devices using the new Oregon ONE Mobile app. People first will need to apply for benefits online, in person at a local office or over the phone.
The app is available for free in the Apple and Android app stores. It is an official State of Oregon app created by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). The app’s development was partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“At ODHS we are committed to meeting people in Oregon where they are with as many ways as possible to manage their benefits, check application status and share needed documentation, like when they get a request for information during a renewal,” said Nathan Singer (he/him), director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership. “People can now manage their benefits in-person, by mail, by fax, by telephone, online and on their mobile phone using the Oregon ONE Mobile app, which is available in English and Spanish.”
Interview with OEP Director Singer available on YouTube
Oregon ONE Mobile app video on YouTube
New Oregon ONE Mobile app video link
- Create a ONE Online account.
- Access their existing ONE Online account.
- Report changes to household information including address, contact information and income.
- Upload requested documents using a smartphone camera.
- Get updates on application status and check if it is approved, denied, or pending, and what actions might need to be taken.
- See and download notices that were mailed.
- Find the next renewal date for their benefits.
- Get important, time-sensitive alerts and notifications about benefits on mobile devices.
- View benefit issuance history for food and cash payments.
People who serve as Authorized Representatives for people with benefits are also able to use the app.
How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits:
- By phone at: 1-800-699-9075. All relay calls accepted.
- Online at: benefits.oregon.gov
- Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores
- In person at an office near you: Find an office.
- In your language: Help in Your Language
- By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
- By fax at: 503-378-5628
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov.
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Oregon Department of Human Services help center
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 well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
About the Oregon Eligibility Partnership
The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash and child care benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).###
Klamath Falls Police Investigating A Murder In Front Of A Downtown Restaurant After A Man Was Stabbed Tuesday Night
As of Thursday afternoon, no arrests have been made in the stabbing death of a Klamath Falls man on Main Street Tuesday night.
On Tuesday, December 12th, 2023, at approximately 8:50 p.m. members of the Klamath Falls Police Department and Oregon State Police responded to a reported stabbing in front of Rooster’s Steak House, located at 205 Main Street in Klamath Falls.
Officers arrived on scene and found 53-year-old Andre Nikito Gardner had suffered multiple stab wounds. On-scene officers rendered aid to Gardner until medical personnel arrived on scene. Gardner was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.
The responsible party in this incident has been identified and all information obtained through investigation will be forwarded to the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office for review at Grand Jury.
This case is under investigation, if you have information regarding this case; please contact the Klamath Falls Police Department at 541-883-5336. Anonymous information can be left at the Klamath Falls Police Tip Line number 541-883-5334. (kfpd)
Bend man arrested after local authorities seized illegal marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms from three locations in Bend.
According to Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, on December 12, 2023 at 7:00 am, Detectives with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Team (DCIMME) supported by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement team, Drug Enforcement Administration, Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, Redmond Police Department, Bend Police Department, Oregon Army National Guard Counterdrug, Oregon Water Resources, Deschutes County Code Enforcement, Oregon State Police and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, executed three search warrants after conducting a long term investigation into the illegal production of marijuana at locations on Tumalo Road, Tumalo Place and Logan Avenue.
As a result of the investigation and execution of the search warrants a total of 330 growing marijuana plants, approximately 100 pounds of processed marijuana material, one firearm, and 50 grams of psilocybin mushrooms were seized.
Some significant environmental concerns arose as well, specific concerns included but were not limited to; non-permitted dangerous electrical wiring which consisted of exposed wiring, breakers, and outlets. Black mold and marijuana mite infestation, and ground water contamination due to herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers being disposed of on the properties.
Former Douglas County Deputy Arrested for Embezzlement
At the request of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police conducted an investigation into allegations that a former Douglas County Sheriff Corrections Deputy had embezzled money. During the investigation, former Deputy Peter Collins, a 44 year old Roseburg resident, admitted to embezzling more than $100,000 from the Douglas County Law Enforcement Association between 2016 and 2023, while serving as the union treasurer.
Collins was arrested on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, and lodged at Douglas County Corrections for: five counts of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, five counts of Computer Crime, five counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Falsifying Business Records, Forgery 1, and Official Misconduct.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time.
Missing Yachats Man’s Vehicle Found in North Lane County
On 08/25/2023, Dustin Steyding was reported missing to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office after he left work on 07/22/2023 and hadn’t been located since. Dustin was living and working in the Yachats area.
Dustin was reported to be in good physical condition, having previously worked as a hot shot firefighter in New Mexico. Dustin is very experienced in the woods and commonly goes out for hikes to stay in shape. Without means to locate Dustin, Deputies entered Dustin as a missing person in a national database.
On 09/04/2023, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Dustin’s family after they located his vehicle on Keller Creek Rd, just outside of Lincoln County in Lane County. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies contacted the vehicle and determined it had been at the location for some time. Deputies were unable to determine Dustin’s direction of travel from the vehicle.
The vehicle having been located in Lane County, Lincoln County Deputies contacted the Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and arranged for their response the next day to started searching the area. After two days of searching, no clues to Dustin’s have been found.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dustin Steyding should contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777 and reference case number 23S-07321.
83-year-old Clarence Edward Pitts walked away from his home in Bandon on Tuesday, January 31 at around 1:00 p.m. Pitts is described as:
- 6′ 00″
- 150 lbs
- Gray hair
- Brown eyes
- Last seen wearing an orange beanie, plaid jacket, tan pants and white shoes
- May have a walking cane
- Has dementia and PTSD
Pitts may be in a vehicle that was also found to be missing from the home:
- 1999 Toyota Van
- White
- Oregon license plate: WYN 788
If you see Clarence or have any information pertaining to where he may be, please call the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 541-396-2106 or the Bandon Police Department at 541-347-3189.
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