The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Friday, February 16, 2024
Oregon Beach Weather
Active Weather Alerts – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING... * WHAT...Sneaker waves possible. * WHERE...In Oregon, North Oregon Coast and Central Oregon Coast. In Washington, South Washington Coast. * WHEN...From Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Sneaker waves can run up on the beach, lifting or rolling large heavy water soaked logs which can lead to serious injury or death. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A Beach Hazards Statement is issued when sneaker waves create potentially life-threatening conditions in the surf zone. Caution should be used when in or near the water. Always keep an eye on the waves, and be especially watchful of children. SMALL CRAFT ADVISORYISSUED: 2:02 AM FEB. 16, 2024 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM PST SATURDAY... * WHAT...Southeast winds 15 to 30 kt with steep, short period seas of 6 to 9 feet are expected. Seas will build to 10 to 15 feet at 10 to 12 seconds this evening through Saturday morning. * WHERE...All areas. * WHEN...Until 7 AM PST Saturday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds and/or steep seas could capsize or damage smaller vessels. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
Search & Rescue Volunteers Discover Human Remains Near Cummins Peak
Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Recovers Remains using High Angle Rope Techniques
On Sunday, two Benton County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue volunteers were hiking near Cummins Peak southeast of Yachats. The volunteers had previously been involved in search efforts in the area for Dustin Steyding. During their hike, they located human remains.
Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue volunteers and deputies responded to investigate and recover the remains, which were near the bottom of an extremely steep coastal drainage with thick vegetation. Operations took over ten hours and involved a steep angle rope system. SAR volunteers and deputies used the rope system to raise the remains and recovery team 800 feet up the drainage to safe ground.
The Lane County Medical Examiner’s Office retained jurisdiction. Additional information is being withheld pending positive identification of the remains.
The Lane County Sheriff’s Office could not handle these types of calls and many others without the selfless service of our Search & Rescue volunteers. Nearly every week, they assist with rescues in all types of environments and weather. Learn more about our Search & Rescue program at https://www.lanecounty.org/government/county_departments/sheriff_s_office/volunteers/search_and_rescue
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.
Starting today, visitors and locals can check out Florence’s annual Wine, Chowder and Glass Float Trail.
Explore the coastal delights of Florence during our annual Wine, Chowder, and Glass Float Trail! Hosted by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, this event promises a weekend of exquisite tastes, artistic wonders, and hidden treasures.
The dead whale found on the Oregon coast near Astoria on Monday will remain on the shore to decompose into the ocean.
Researchers released the gas built up from decomposition in the fin whale on Tuesday, removing the risk that it will explode and injure beachgoers, according to Seaside Aquarium staff. The whale was left to decompose because of its benefit to the environment.
Boothe said it’s a good opportunity for people to see a large whale up close, but warned that they can carry diseases that can be transferred to humans, dogs and other animals. Anyone looking at the fin whale should avoid touching it.
Anyone who spots a stranded whale should report it to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and stay away from the carcass. Touching the animal or anything attached to it will make it more difficult for researchers to find out what happened.
Seaside Aquarium — A sub-adult 46-foot male entangled Fin whale washed ashore Monday morning, February 12th near the Sunset Beach approach in Oregon.
As the whale was washing ashore, the surf was pushing it around making some people believe that the whale was still alive at the time of stranding. Unfortunately, before authorized responders had a chance to examine the whale, someone removed the entangling gear. While it may have seemed like a good idea at the time, this compromised the stranding and entanglement investigation.
A necropsy was performed today and the results are pending analysis. What we do know is that the whale was extremely underweight and had recent interactions with orcas, evidenced by fresh rake marks. The entanglement injuries appeared to be fresh and the abrasions noted were superficial.
It is extremely important to report strandings and to not interact or remove entangling gear from stranded animals. Analyzing removed entangling gear provides information that may reduce the risk of future entanglements. By identifying the source of entangling fishing gear, NOAA Fisheries can work with the fishing industry and coastal communities to identify geographic areas, times of year, fisheries, and gear configurations that have resulted in whale entanglements. These data can help NOAA Fisheries better understand and minimize the risks of entanglement and ultimately aids in the conservation and management of many large whale species.
Fatal Crash – Hwy 101- Tillamook County
Tillamook County, Ore. 12 Feb. 24- On Monday, February 12, 2024, at 2:42 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 146, in Tillamook County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Mazda Speed, operated by Devin Jay Eberle (29) of Tumwater (WA), was northbound when it passed multiple vehicles in a no-passing zone while entering a corner. The Mazda entered the southbound lane and struck a southbound Toyota Sienna, operated by Kathryn Stolee Olson (74) of Tacoma (WA), head-on.
The operator of the Mazda (Eberle) and passenger, Berkley Marie Erosky (26) of Vancouver (WA), were declared deceased at the scene.
The operator of the Toyota (K. Olson) and passenger, David Paul Olson (78) of Tacoma (WA), were transported for serious injuries.
The highway was impacted for approximately 2.5 hours during the on-scene investigation. Speed and unlawful passing are considered primary contributing factors in the crash.
OSP was assisted by Nehalem Fire, Rockaway Fire, Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office, and Manzanita Police Department.
Fatal Crash – HWY 101 – Lincoln County
Lincoln County, Ore. 7 Feb. 24- On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 5:50 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 157, in Lincoln County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a Toyota Prius, operated by Gordon Eugene Dale (77) of Waldport, attempted to turn left onto northbound Hwy 101. The Toyota entered the path of a southbound Subaru Outback, operated by Boone Vikin Ogden (46) of Seal Rock, and was struck in the driver’s side door.
The operator of the Toyota (Dale) was transported and declared deceased at the local hospital.
The operator of the Subaru (Ogden) and passengers- Michael Dennis Mitchell (75) of Westfir and Joshua Aaron Bonniwell (49) of Seal Rock- suffered reported minor injuries.
The highway was impacted for approximately 2.5 hours during the on-scene investigation.
OSP was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.
This release was delayed while next of kin notification was attempted.
Governor Kotek Issues Statement in Response to BOEM Wind Energy Areas Announcement
Salem, OR—Tuesday, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to an announcement from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on their proposed final wind energy areas on the Oregon Coast for offshore wind:
“Offshore wind is likely to play an important role in meeting our state’s growing energy demand and goal of 100% renewable energy by 2040,” Governor Kotek said. “It also presents a significant economic development opportunity for the Oregon coast. As BOEM moves forward with establishing a federal offshore wind leasing process this year, Oregon is committed to developing a robust and transparent state roadmap to inform offshore wind opportunities. This state roadmap will also ensure that coastal communities and Tribal nations are consulted throughout the process, in close coordination with BOEM.
“We will continue to promote active engagement with Tribal nations, local communities, and other ocean users in the state. We will ensure that all decisions are transparent and based upon the best available science and knowledge.”
On February 14, 2024, BOEM will publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing its intent to prepare an environmental assessment of potential impacts from offshore wind leasing in the Wind Energy Areas (WEAs). The notice will initiate a 30-day public comment period. Another public comment period would occur if BOEM decides to move forward with a lease sale in either of the WEAs.
Lincoln County Senator Calls On Oregon Lawmakers To Reduce Congestion And Improve Safety On Hwy 101
A Lincoln County state lawmaker is asking his colleagues to approve a study examining congestion and safety on U.S. Highway 101 on the section of the route between Lincoln City and Coos Bay.
The Oregon Coast Highway bisects many communities and during high-traffic summer months, it can be dangerous for tourists and locals.
The road has also seen closures from landslides, and other dangerous weather conditions. That was especially apparent during last month’s ice storm and heavy rains, which damaged already vulnerable areas of the highway.
Sen. Dick Anderson, R-Lincoln City, said he’s hoping the state will intervene, starting with a transportation study this legislative session.
“This may not seem to rise to the level of a housing issue,” he said, “or a childcare issue, but it certainly impacts a great many Oregonians and visitors.”
He says he plans to use the study’s findings in a request for infrastructure improvements next year.
Senate Bill 1563 has its first hearing on Tuesday evening. (SOURCE)
Coos Bay Police Department Asks Community to Help Tackle Abandoned Shopping Cart Issue
The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) is asking for community help to deal with abandoned shopping carts in the city. In 2023, the Coos Bay City Council passed a law to address this problem. Since then, local businesses have started marking their shopping carts with contact details for their collection services. This allows the public to report any abandoned carts.
The CBPD has started the Shopping Cart Watch Program to support this law. This program, like the Property Watch Program, aims to hold people accountable for using shopping carts for personal use. It also allows the CBPD to take legal action against shopping cart theft.
Currently, four local businesses are part of the Shopping Cart Watch Program. The CBPD believes that with community involvement, abandoned carts can be reported and collected. The department also hopes to prevent thefts through police enforcement.
The CBPD is urging community members to report any abandoned shopping carts to the relevant businesses. This joint effort between the police, businesses, and the community aims to decrease the number of abandoned carts in the city.
The CBPD’s work to tackle the problem of abandoned shopping carts shows its dedication to keeping the city clean and orderly. The department is optimistic that with community help, this issue can be effectively handled. https://www.coosbayor.gov/Home/Components/News/News/983/222
City of Florence 2024 State of the City & City Services Expo
The City of Florence invites members of the community to attend the 2024 State of the City and City Services Expo on February 26 at the Florence Events Center.
Guests are encouraged to visit the various City departments and staff during the City Services Expo from 5 to 7 p.m. and learn what they do to keep Florence a “City in Motion.”
Mayor Rob Ward will deliver the 2024 State of the City Address at 6 p.m.
Information on the event can also be found at https://www.ci.florence.or.us/council/2024-statecity-city-services-expo.
Forest Service Seeks Concessionaire For Devils Churn Day Use Site
The Siuslaw National Forest is soliciting proposals for a business opportunity at the Devils Churn Day Use Site within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. A 100-square-foot concession space is available within a Forest Service building, and the agency is seeking a food and beverage service provider to operate this facility. Devils Churn is a popular year-round day use area and trailhead along U.S. Highway 101 just south of Yachats, Oregon.
The Forest Service has released a prospectus to advertise the opportunity and explain the application process. Interested parties are encouraged to review the prospectus and accompanying appendices. The application period opens on January 30, 2024. Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3. Please read the instructions carefully before submitting an application.
One successful applicant will be chosen. The successful applicant will be issued a 5-year special use permit to conduct business in the concession space. MORE INFO: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/siuslaw/home/?cid=fseprd1162886
Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy – Waldport
Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office
More about these quarterly events:
Every three months our office will partner with a local coffee shop in Lincoln County to provide a time, space, and coffee for community members to meet our team and share what’s on their minds. Coffee with a cop events are a friendly and relaxed way for communities to connect with the deputies that serve them.
These events offer a unique opportunity for community members to directly engage with law enforcement, ask questions, voice concerns, and build positive relationships. Whether you’re a regular coffee drinker or simply curious about the work of law enforcement, this is a chance to connect with deputies on a personal level, learn about each other’s experiences, and share local feedback.
The City of Reedsport is Seeking a City Attorney
A City release said they are inviting proposals for contracted attorney service. For a list of duties and services required, go to the city’s website: www.cityofreedsport.org. Proposals are due to the city recorder’s office by 4:00 p.m. this Friday. Call 541-271-3603 for more information.
Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Drawing to Promote Tourism
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is consistently working on building the tourism traffic to Florence. The latest is a drawing for a two-night stay at the Driftwood Shores Conference Center and Resort.
The drawing is open to the public. Chamber President and CEO Betting Hannigan says the drawing comes with the two-night stay and a $50 certificate to the resort Market and Dine-in Deli.
You can register by using the qr code the link posted below. https://bit.ly/2NightsinFlorence
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
Oregon Senate Committee Votes To End Daylight Saving Time
A senate committee on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a plan that would do away with the state’s annual one-hour switch from standard to Daylight Saving Time.
Switching to standard time would mean earlier sunrises and sunsets in the summer. In Oregon, that would mean the sun would rise around 4:30 a.m. and set around 8 p.m. in June, instead of the current 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Oregonians living in the Pacific Time Zone would be able to continue using standard time for the entire year under SB 1548. Oregon would become the third state after Arizona and Hawaii to not observe Daylight Saving Time.
In 2019 a ruling that stated Oregon would only permanently adopt Daylight Saving Time if California and Washington also decided to do so by 2029. The Oregon House and Senate will now discuss the new bill on the floor before voting on it.
Oregon Senate Passes Bill to Cap Insulin Cost At $35
The Oregon Senate on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 1508, which caps the price of insulin at $35 and prevents Oregonians with chronic illnesses and disabilities, who are covered by Medicaid and the Oregon Health Plan, from facing higher costs.
In recent years, the cost of insulin skyrocketed 55%. SB 1508 provides certainty and protection from the rising cost of insulin for Oregonians living on tight budgets, especially seniors, Sen. Deb Patterson (D – Salem) said in a news release.
The bill also stops the Health Evidence Review Commission (HERC) and Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (P&T) from using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY)-based formulas to determine coverage for Oregonians on the Oregon Health Plan.
The QALY formula places a lower value on treatments that extend the lives of people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities, making it harder and more expensive for those individuals to get the care they need.
“No Oregonian should suffer because they can’t afford basic, life-saving medication,” said Patterson. “No Oregonian should have to ration their medication or choose between paying for prescriptions or basic necessities like food or housing. SB 1508 works to make sure that every Oregonian, regardless of their health or disability status, gets the care they need.”
SB 1508 is a key pillar of Senate Democrats’ Uniting Oregon Agenda, which aims to make all communities safer and healthier and lower rising costs for hard-working Oregonians. The bill now goes to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration. (SOURCE)
Ahead of New Unemployment Insurance System Rollout, Employment Department Shares What Claimants Can Expect
Unemployment Insurance Benefits go live in Frances Online on March 4
FEB. 14, 2024 (SALEM, ORE.) – The Oregon Employment Department (OED) announced more details of what Unemployment Insurance (UI) claimants can expect when benefits go live through Frances Online on Mon., March 4. The new system, Frances Online, will provide better service for claimants and employers.
“With any new technology, there is going to be a learning curve,” said Lindsi Leahy, director of the Oregon Employment Department’s Unemployment Insurance Division. “We are communicating early and often about what claimants can expect come March 4th to ensure minimal disruption to benefits. We’re excited to highlight some of the specific features that will be new for claimants, and will offer a better user experience online.”
Frances Online offers features that will provide a better online customer service experience. It’s also mobile-friendly. UI customers will be able to do a lot more things online through self-serve features, instead of waiting for a letter in the mail or calling the UI Contact Center.
Video of OED’s media briefing on Feb. 14, 2024 is available at: https://youtu.be/NwRjkOHMYjE.
What’s Changing for UI Claimants
Here are some of the highlights about what is going to change for UI claimants on March 4:
- New system and URL for filing UI benefits online, called Frances Online. The URL for the new UI online system will be live on March 4 at unemployment.oregon.gov.
- New or improved self-serve features such as checking the status of a claim, uploading supporting documents directly into the system, responding to questions about eligibility, sending and receiving secure messages, live chat, filing an appeal or completing a payment plan application.
- Claimants will need to create a Frances Online account before an initial or weekly claim can be filed (but they shouldn’t do this until March 4).
- Customers will see enhanced fraud protections.
- Some information will still have to come by mail, even if a customer selects to receive electronic communication.
More details about these changes are available at unemployment.oregon.gov/frances.
What’s Staying the Same for UI Claimants
While there are several changes coming, many of the services and contact pathways will remain the same:
- The UI Contact Center number is the same: 1-877-FILE-4-UI.
- The automated Weekly Claim Line number is the same: 1-800-982-8920.
- Customer service information, including unemployment and Frances Online guides, videos, and frequently asked questions, will still be available at unemployment.oregon.gov.
- UI eligibility rules and program requirements (welcome process, job search, filing weekly claims, etc.) are the same.
- If a UI customer has a current claim, their preferred payment method (direct deposit or ReliaCard), will stay the same.
- Frances Online is available only in English and Spanish right now. Call the UI Contact Center at 1-877-FILE-4-UI for help in other languages.
Customer Service Tips
Below are several customer service tips leading up to the migration through the first few weeks of the UI system launch. Visit unemployment.oregon.gov/frances for a full list of what customer service options will be available before, during and after the migraiton of UI benefits:
- Check online before contacting us. Many questions will be resolved quickly through the new self-serve features in Frances Online when the system goes live. You can also find how-to guides, videos, and answers to frequently asked questions at unemployment.oregon.gov. We encourage UI claimants to try using those before calling the UI Contact Center or visiting a WorkSource Oregon center. Call wait times will likely be long in the first few weeks after Frances Online goes live.
- Make sure to check the mail daily. Important letters with due dates may arrive in the mail. If a UI claimant misses these due dates, their benefits will be delayed or denied.
- Know where to get help. Visit unemployment.oregon.gov/frances for more details to ensure the best possible customer service.
Important Dates to Avoid Benefit Delays
As a reminder, OED will migrate UI benefits to Frances Online beginning at 5 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 27, through 8 a.m. on Mon., March 4. This means that customer service options during this time will be very limited.
- The due date to file a weekly UI claim for Feb. 18-24 is 5 p.m. on Wed., Feb. 28.
- The due date to file a new initial UI claim is 5 p.m. on Tues., Feb. 27.
All UI phone lines will be temporarily offline on Wed., Feb. 28 through Fri., March 1. If UI customers do not file their weekly claim by this due date, their benefits for that week will be delayed. They will need to wait until the new system launches at 8 a.m. Mon., March 4.
OED encourages current UI claimants to check their mail daily, review all letters and messages, check unemployment.oregon.gov/frances, and follow OED on social media for important updates about the migration. Paid Leave Oregon claimants can visit paidleave.oregon.gov in the coming weeks to learn more about these impacts.
Oregon Kids Credit offers big boost for lowest-income families
Free filing assistance available to help taxpayers claim their credits
Salem, OR—A new state tax credit could provide up to $5,000 for Oregon’s lowest income families who file an Oregon state income tax return.
The Oregon Kids Credit, created by the Legislature last year, is a refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $25,000 or less, the full credit is $1,000 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year—a maximum benefit of $5,000. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $30,000.
When combined with the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Oregon Earned Income Credit, it could help boost the tax refund for the lowest income families to more than $13,000.
The EITC is for people with an adjusted gross income of up to $63,398 in 2023. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $7,430 on their federal tax return, and a maximum Oregon EIC of $891 on their state tax return.
All three credits are fully refundable, meaning the portion of the credit that is larger than what a taxpayer owes can be refunded. Taxpayers may even be able to claim the credits and receive a tax refund if they don’t normally file a tax return.
To claim the credits, taxpayers must file a return. To assist taxpayers, Oregon offers several free filing options, including free fillable forms and the new Direct File Oregon. Taxpayers who need help filing their taxes can also find free assistance options on the agency website.
Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the partially refundable Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC), which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they’re working, looking for work, or attending school.
To encourage Oregonians to save for college and job training, the Education Savings Credit for Oregon 529 Plan contributions allows single filers to receive a refundable credit of as much as $170 ($340 for joint filers) if they contribute to an Oregon College Savings Plan account before tax day. The refundable tax credit is also available for contributions to an Oregon ABLE Savings Plan account, which empowers people experiencing disabilities to invest and build financial security without jeopardizing their eligibility for vital state and federal benefits.
For more information about the federal EITC, the Oregon EIC, the Oregon Kids Credit and other similar credits, go to the Tax benefits for families page.
Taxpayers can dial 2-1-1 or visit the Oregon Department of Revenue website to find free tax preparation sites by using our interactive map. For more information on the EITC, visit https://www.eitc.irs.gov/. For questions about Oregon taxes, call the Department of Revenue at 503-378-4988.
Refunds distribution has begun
The annual refund hold that is part of the agency’s fraud prevention efforts has been completed and the department began issuing the first refunds of the 2024 tax season Monday.
In 2024 Oregon is returning $5.61 billion in surplus revenue to taxpayers in the form of a “kicker” tax credit. Taxpayers will receive their kicker as part of their refund, or the kicker can reduce the tax they owe.
Most refunds are issued within two weeks, but returns that need more review may take up to 16 weeks before a refund is issued. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund by using the department’s Where’s My Refund? tool on Revenue Online. A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.
Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest Underway
The front cover of the 2023-2024 Oregon Blue Book showcases a hillside covered in beautiful balsam root and lupine flowers at Rowena Crest, captured by Oregon photographer Micah Lundsted of Eugene. The book’s back cover shows an image of three rockfish made at the Oregon Coast Aquarium by Dale George of Grants Pass.
Which images will cover the 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book? The Oregon Blue Book cover photo contest kicks off today, giving amateur photographers the chance to submit their photos to answer that question. Photo contest winners will be selected in October 2024 by Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade.
“Choosing the cover photos for the Oregon Blue Book is an honor,” said Secretary Griffin-Valade. “The images are a chance to see our beautiful state through the lens of the many talented amateur photographers who live in Oregon.”
The contest is open to Oregon residents of any age who earn less than half their income from photography. Images must be Oregon related and should be submitted in the portrait, rather than landscape, orientation. Two images will be selected for the cover: one for the front and one for the back. Visit the Oregon Blue Book Photo Contest guidelines for more information: https://sos.oregon.gov/blue-book/Pages/about-conte…
Images can be submitted through the Oregon Blue Book website portal or via U.S. mail. The deadline to submit photos for consideration is October 27, 2024. Contact the Oregon Blue Book Managing Editor at Oregon.Bluebook@sos.oregon.gov with questions or for additional information.
DETAILS
What: 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest
Who: Amateur photographers who live in Oregon
When: February 7, 2024-October 27, 2024
Where: Submit online or through U.S. Mail
Why: Photo on the cover of the 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book
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.
Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com