Oregon Beach News, Friday 2/28 – Company Petitions to Revive Jordan Cove LNG Project Through Southern Oregon, Man Arrested for Damaging Tsunami Siren and Power Box in Florence & 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, February 28, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Small Craft Advisory Issued: 2:03 AM Feb. 28, 2025 – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Seas 8 to 12 ft at 13 seconds this morning, increasing to 10 to 14 ft at 12 seconds tonight.
* WHERE...All areas.
* WHEN...Until 10 AM PST Monday.
* 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

Company Petitions to Revive Jordan Cove LNG Project Through Southern Oregon

On February 24, 2025, OA Partners LLC – a LNG transportation startup based in Arizona – filed a petition with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to retroactively revive the Jordan Cove LNG Terminal project in Coos County, Oregon.

The project was canceled in 2021 after failing to secure the necessary environmental permits and years of opposition from local residents.

The petition cites President Trump’s Executive Order to unleash American energy and expedite permitting for LNG export projects, and asks the court to waive Oregon’s state permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act.

If built, the Jordan Cove terminal would have been able to export up to 7.8 million metric tons of LNG every year; natural gas would have been supplied to the facility by a new 229-mile-long pipeline. (SOURCE)

SWIFTY and Yachats Lions Club Partner for Bird Nesting Boxes
Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation 

SWIFTY (Swallows in Flight to Yachats) in conjunction with students from Newport High School and 4-H of Waldport, and with support from the Yachats Lions Club, we have put together two programs to build and install bird nesting boxes.

The project with the 4-H group is to build 16 Tree Swallow nesting boxes to replace existing, failing, boxes at the Tami Wagner Wildlife Area (Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife) along the Yachats River, which is the only state-owned elk refuge on the Oregon Coast. Under SWIFTY’s direction, cedar swallow boxes were assembled by 4-H kids at the Yachats Lions Club Hall in Yachats on February 17th.

The installation at the Tami Wildlife area is provisionally scheduled for March 1st. In addition there is an educational component to the project where the kids will be doing posters on different facets of the life and ecology of tree swallows. The topics are: Migration, Nesting and Nest Boxes, Feathers and Flight, Threats, Feeding, Breeding and Behavior. The Yachats Lions Club paid for the cost of the construction materials.

SWIFTY has also arranged with Newport High School special education teacher Violet Brown and assistant Matt Bouvier to have students in the E.C.E.L. program construct 14 nesting boxes for Purple Martins, our largest North American swallows. The boxes are constructed from cedar lumber according to a design that is in widespread use in British Columbia. The boxes will replace dilapidated boxes on pilings in the Siletz River near Kernville. The box installation will be carried out by boat at a high tide during March, in time for the return of the birds from their migration to Brazil. The Yachats Lions Club paid for the cost of all the construction materials.

SWIFTY is a group of local wildlife enthusiasts who in 2020 started building birdhouses for swallows. Our motivation is to bring attention to the need to help cavity nesters such as swallows, wood ducks and chickadees, who have experienced declining forest habitat for nesting. In addition, many of these cavity nesting birds are migratory and have seen declining numbers due to the warming of the planet particularly in the Western US where lack of water, forest fires, and pollution impacts their survival across long distances. SWIFTY works with public and non-profit conservation and land management groups. We currently have several hundred boxes installed in Lincoln County, monitoring over 200 yearly.

The mission of the Lions Clubs is to empower Lions Clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally and encourage peace and international understanding.

4’H is the largest youth empowerment program in the US. It is delivered by Cooperative Extension–a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4??’H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.

Man Arrested for Damaging Tsunami Siren and Power Box in Florence

On the afternoon of Feb. 16, Florence Police Department was contacted by a Public Works employee who stated a subject had caused damage by cutting some electrical wires at the Rolling Dunes Park located on 35th St.  The employee had observed the male suspect at the electrical box and saw him walk away.  

Florence Police responded and while at the scene the Public Works employee saw the male suspect walk out of the golf course property and go onto 35th St.  Officers made contact with the suspect, who was identified as Gage Miller, of Florence.  

During the investigation officers determined that Miller had caused the damage to Rolling Dunes Park and had also damaged property of Hyak on Kingwood St.  While placing Miller under arrest, Miller became combative and resisted, but was placed under arrest and detained without injuries.

The City of Newport Parks and Recreation

My VIP and Me Dance is tonight! You can still get tickets through these links until noon, otherwise, stand in line and get them at the door tonight. See you there!
My VIP and Mini Me (6-7pm, ages 3-6)
https://secure.rec1.com/OR/newport-or/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMzNTUyMDE=
My VIP and Me (7-9pm, ages 7-13)
https://secure.rec1.com/OR/newport-or/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTMzNTUxNzc=

The City of Newport Parks and Recreation

 · Tonight at 6pm! Join us to learn about tsunamis and earthquakes in Lincoln County. This lecture is free to attend! If you can’t make it in person, you can also watch a live stream here https://youtube.com/live/ChigvbIDFnk?feature=share

Efforts to Bring Back Sea Otters to the Oregon Coast are Underway

The Elakha Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Oregon, founded by tribal leaders, conservationists, and nonprofit advocates united by a powerful vision. We imagine an Oregon coast where future generations thrive alongside a restored sea otter population and a resilient marine ecosystem.

After being absent for more than a century, an effort to repopulate the Oregon Coast with sea otters is in the works.

Oregon non-profit The Elakha Alliance was founded in 2018 by Tribal leaders and conservationists to restore the sea otter population on the coast. The Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians, Defenders of Wildlife, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Suislaw Indians, as well as the Yurok Tribe, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, Oregon Coast Aquarium and Oregon Zoo are also participating in the effort.

After being hunted in the 19th century as part of the maritime fur trade, sea otters have been absent from the coast for over 100 years. Elakha Alliance Executive Director Jane Bacchieri says many people are surprised to find out this fact. Since sea otters would likely be a protected species, Bacchieri says hunting would no longer be a concern.

She also says re-introducing sea otters would help reduce sea urchin over-population, since sea urchins are one of the primary food sources for sea otters. As a result, this would produce healthier kelp forests.

For reintroduction to be successful, Bacchieri stresses that there must be enough prey and habitat resources available. Additionally, the non-profit would examine the socio-economic implications of reintroducing the species. Bacchieri says a realistic time frame for this to occur would be gradually over about 10 years.

Since sea otters don’t migrate, she says there’s a very good chance they could be a thriving, self-sustaining population if re-introduced successfully. MORE INFO: https://www.elakhaalliance.org/

Oregon U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has introduced bipartisan legislation that would preserve coastal beaches in Oregon and nationwide by providing funding for state, local, and tribal governments to test, monitor, and identify recreational waters that are contaminated.

The reauthorize of the $30 million program would expand the eligible uses of this grant to include the ability to trace any contamination to its source, so that local governments can respond accordingly

“The Oregon Coast offers unmatched opportunities for visitors to make fond memories and for residents of one of America’s most iconic coastlines to live and work in and next to the Pacific Ocean,” Wyden said. “But the ongoing threat of pollution piling up on our coastal beaches every year demands commonsense solutions that help protect this treasure and keep Oregonians healthy. This bill accomplishes those goals by protecting, preserving, and improving our beaches in every corner of Oregon and America for generations to come.”

Wyden said that currently, there’s dedicated federal funding for monitoring and notifying beachgoers of contaminated coastal waters – but there is no money allocated towards identifying contaminated sites.

Wyden said the new bill, the BEACH Act, would reauthorize this $30 million program over the next four years to allocate funding for identifying contaminated beaches and trace the source of the contamination.

Wyden’s bill would also expand testing locations to include shallow recreational waters near the beaches, where children and seniors often play and swim, who are more at risk of experiencing health issues from contamination.

The legislation is endorsed by Environment America, Surfrider, the America Shore & Beach Preservation Association, and the Coastal States Organization.

The Columbia River Maritime Museum has been named to the 2025 Oregon Business 100 Best Fan-Favorite Destinations List!

A huge THANK YOU to all our amazing visitors! Your reviews on Google, Yelp, and TripAdvisor helped us earn this honor!We’re so thrilled to know you enjoyed your experience at the Museum, and we can’t wait to welcome you back again soon!Haven’t visited the Columbia River Maritime Museum? Open daily 9:30AM – 5:00PM, stop by, step in and see all that we have to offer – MORE THAN YOU IMAGINED!

Cannon Beach Named One of the 50 Most Beautiful Places in America

Condé Nast Travele released its 50 Most Beautiful Places in America, and names two Oregon destinations on the list.

Condé Nast Traveler named Cannon Beach as one of the most beautiful places in America, calling it an “essential pit stop off Highway 101” and “one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.”

The beauty of Cannon Beach is well known in Oregon, and somewhat famous outside the state due to movies like “Twilight” and “The Goonies” being filmed there. Most recognizable, and specifically noted by the magazine, is the 235-foot Haystack Rock that towers over the Pacific Ocean tides.

Crater Lake named one of the 50 most beautiful places in America by Condé Nast Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler recognized Crater Lake as one of the most beautiful places in America, noting that its pristine waters and depth give the lake its beauty.

Not only is Crater Lake the deepest lake in the America, with depths reaching up to 1,943 feet, or 592 meters, according to the National Park Service, but the magazine pointed out the lake’s “clarity and intense blue hue” caused by hundreds of years of glacial runoff and precipitation.

Crater Lake National Park also was recently recognized for the view of its night sky and was named one of the best U.S. national parks for stargazing. (SOURCE)

The Columbia River Maritime Museum is looking for its newest crew member!

MUSEUM EDUCATOR — Full Time, Salary Position reporting to Director of Education

Full job description and employment application are available on our website – https://www.crmm.org/join-our-crew.html

PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical center has recently opened a satellite ear, nose and throat off in Florence at the Peace Harbor Campus. 

Dr. Frank Chen is one of the physicians there and he say the response has been impressive with the offices booked out more than 3 months already. “Nearly all the patients have said that they are grateful and they are happy that there is a service line there for ENT and they don’t have to travel as far.”

Last week Dr. Chen performed the first ENT surgery at the hospital on an adult male patient.  He says the services will expand moving forward. “We are right now doing procedures for adults and then we eventually will start doing the pediatric population later this year.” The ENT offices are opened only on Fridays and are by referral only.

Oregon Coast Humane Society to Acquire Vet Clinic

The sale won’t be final for a few more weeks, but the Oregon Coast Humane Society announced Friday they are in the process of buying Oceanside Veterinary Clinic at 1739 21st Street.   Elizabeth Thompson, the Executive Director of OCHS, said once the acquisition is complete the first priority is on transferring current veterinary services for shelter animals to the clinic.

“Plan is that we will not be open for public animals probably for this entire year, maybe into 2026.”

Thompson acknowledged the shortage of veterinary care in the Florence area.  Unfortunately, it will be several months before they’ll be able to open to the public.

“The goal will be that we can focus on high quality, high volume spay and neuter when we do open to the public so that we can really try to get a grip on this community cat situation and all these unexpected litters that people are not planning to have because they can’t get access to care for their animals.”

Buying and staffing the clinic means volunteers will no longer have to shuttle ailing shelter pets to other clinics out of the area.  That will save time, and ultimately money.   The Oregon Coast Humane Society is a “no-kill” shelter that has been operating in Florence for more than three decades. Follow and Support on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastHumaneSociety

Coos Bay Police Department –  WE’RE HIRING 9-1-1 DISPATCHERS

$4684 – $5972/Month DOQ — We offer:•A dynamic team environment •Alternative schedule benefiting work/life balance •Up to 5 weeks paid time off per year after the first year •The opportunity to serve your community

Our team members have come from a variety of work fields- no experience necessary! For additional information from the North Coos 9-1-1 Recruitment Team or to schedule a ride-along please email: join911@coosbayor.govhttps://www.coosbayor.gov/…/Compon…/JobPosts/Job/126/107

The City of Florence is looking to fill a vacancy on the City Council following Councilor Bill Meyer’s resignation, which takes effect February 28th. Meyer made the announcement during Monday’s City Council meeting.

“To Mayor Rob Ward, I hereby notify you of my intention to resign from my council position with the City of Florence, Oregon, effective February 28, 2025.”

Meyer said he was honored to work with the council and the city staff and wished them success in the future.  The city will now need to fill that vacancy. Applications for the position are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19. Applicants must have lived within city limits for at least a year and be registered voters. The City Council will review applications and may invite candidates for interviews on February 27. The position is voluntary, offering residents a chance to be actively involved in local government. More details and applications are available at www.ci.florence.or.us.

February is Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness Month in Oregon

Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed February Tsunami and Earthquake Awareness Month in Oregon. 

In the past, Oregon has suffered considerable damage from moderate earthquake events–such as the 1993 Scotts Mills and Klamath Falls earthquakes–and from a deadly tsunami that originated in Alaska in 1964. 

Scientific evidence indicates that the State of Oregon is at risk for a much larger event associated with the Cascadia Subduction Zone that is expected to generate strong ground shaking and a destructive tsunami, similar to the event that occurred in Northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011.  

Loss of life and property is minimized by natural hazard mitigation planning and grant funding at the state, Tribal, and local levels, which reduce the impact of disasters through risk assessment and mitigation actions–such as seismic strengthening of existing buildings and public education on local tsunami evacuation routes. 

As a result, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), within its role as chair of the Interagency Hazard Mitigation Team (IHMT), will be working with IHMT member agencies, federal partners, local jurisdictions, and neighboring states to highlight jurisdictional earthquake and tsunami mitigation strategies and provide education and information about individual preparedness for Oregon residents and visitors throughout the month of February and beyond. 

Watch our social media channels and website for preparedness tips and upcoming dates for the Tsunami Preparedness Roadshow that will be traveling to numerous coastal communities February 27 through 28. 

RESOURCES 

• Tips for Earthquake Preparedness 
• What to Do If You’re Driving When an Earthquake Hits 
• How to Prepare for Tsunamis and Help Your Community Become More Prepared    
• Be2Weeks Ready Toolkit 
• Learn About the Cascadia Subduction Zone Hazards and Preparedness 
• Learn About Cascadia Island Mapping 
• Oregon’s Tsunami Inundation Map (TIM) Series 

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

Look what’s coming up soon at the Club… (sign up at glenedenbeach.org)

ODOT launches roadwork projects to boost safety in Curry County on Hwy 101

In Curry County, a $4.5 million emergency repair project will address sunken road surfaces on U.S. 101, with work taking place between mileposts 303-306 and 342-351. Single-lane traffic and delays of less than 20 minutes are expected. Additionally, pavement repairs will be made in Gold Beach and Brookings with intermittent lane closures and minor delays. — Drivers are advised to follow posted signs and be prepared for delays. For more information, visit the ODOT website.

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

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Oregon Launches Official Website to Commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary

The America 250 Oregon Commission is excited to announce the launch of Oregon’s official U.S. Semiquincentennial website, oregon250.org. In this digital space, the public can browse a community events calendar, explore online exhibitions, and access resources for getting involved in this nationwide commemoration. The site also includes links to all nine of Oregon’s federally recognized tribes.

The America 250 Oregon Commission was created by Senate Bill 1531, signed into law on March 27, 2024, by Governor Tina Kotek. Chaired by the Oregon Historical Society’s executive director, Kerry Tymchuk, the 27-member commission has been tasked to coordinate and provide guidance for Oregon’s official observance of the United States Semiquincentennial. To date, the commission has met three times and has developed its mission and guideposts.

The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is “to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial.”

The commission’s official guideposts are:

• To inspire Oregonians to participate in the work of forming a more perfect union.
• To highlight the importance of civics and history education in building a better future.
• To highlight the work of Oregon’s many history and heritage organizations.
• To encourage a robust, thorough, and honest examination of our collective history.
• To celebrate the unique traditions, arts, and cultures of communities throughout Oregon.
• To honor the service and sacrifice made by Oregon’s veterans.
• To celebrate the power of place through Oregon’s remarkable landscapes and scenic beauty.

“As we commemorate our nation’s history at a time when Americans seem deeply divided, I believe that by celebrating our successes and honestly reckoning with our setbacks, we can improve and deepen public understanding of our history, increase public appreciation of service to our state and country, and inspire Oregonians to participate in and shape the ongoing American experiment,” said Kerry Tymchuk, chair of the America 250 Oregon Commission.

While guidelines for community event submissions are currently in development, the America 250 Oregon Commission encourages the public to explore two online exhibitions created in honor of the U.S. Semiquincentennial.

Oregon’s beauty and spirit are as diverse as its landscape and its people, and to celebrate the state’s bounty, the commission contracted with photographer Peter Marbach on two digital photographic exhibitions that showcase the essence of Oregon and its vibrant communities. The Power of Place highlights Oregon’s awe-inspiring landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its tranquil valleys and majestic peaks, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries. The Pursuit of Happiness shifts the focus to the people and communities of Oregon and the way we gather to celebrate the diverse cultures that define our state. Both exhibitions are being made into physical traveling exhibitions, which will soon be available to organizations and heritage sites statewide.

If you or your organization is interested in getting involved with the America 250 Oregon commemoration, please contact egon.250@ohs.org“>oregon.250@ohs.org or sign up for the official America 250 Oregon email list.

---

About the America 250 Oregon Commission –  The mission of the America 250 Oregon Commission is to coordinate, provide guidance, and ensure that Oregon’s official observance of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States is inclusive and shares the histories of Oregon’s diverse populations, including the histories of the Indigenous peoples who have resided here since time immemorial. Learn more at oregon250.org.

DAS Office of Economic Analysis Presents the March Revenue Forecast

Oregon’s forecast remains strong

Salem, OR – Carl Riccadonna, state chief economist and Michael Kennedy, senior economist of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), presented the latest economic outlook and revenue forecast to a joint meeting of the Oregon Legislative Revenue Committees. The quarterly revenue forecasts serve to open the revenue forecasting process to public review and is the basis for much of the Oregon state government budgeting process.

What is different about this forecast? The Office of Economic Analysis provides quarterly forecasts for the State of Oregon’s major revenue sources, including all sources contributing to the General Fund (Personal and Corporate Income Tax, etc.), Lottery and the Corporate Activity Tax. In May of odd years, OEA’s revenue forecast establishes the resource levels for the next biennium’s adopted budget.

The March 2025 economic outlook is much like was presented in December 2024, with optimism toward a “soft landing” scenario but with widening variability in risk factors. Key points include:

• State economy is increasingly bound to national trends for growth and inflation
• Heightened sensitivity to trade tensions given geography and industry composition
• Labor conditions are healthy, but hiring has sputtered and breadth of job creation is weak
• Magnitude of demographic rebound will be critical to growth outcome

Revenue Forecast – The March revenue forecast projects the 2023-25 General Fund ending balance to be $2.59 billion, with revenues decreasing by $89 million and appropriations up $110 million since the December forecast.

In the 2025-27 biennium, General Fund available resources are forecast to increase by $350 million, and revenues increasing by $551 million from the December forecast. This results in a total of $38.2 billion projected available resources.

About the Office of Economic Analysis – The state chief economist oversees the Office of Economic Analysis within the Department of Administrative Services and provides objective forecasts of the state’s economy, revenue, populations, corrections population and Youth Authority population. These forecasts are used across state government, and by the public for a variety of reasons, notably to inform the state budgeting process. For more information about the Office of Economic Analysis and recent forecasts visit https://www.oregon.gov/das/oea/pages/index.aspx.

March Is “Home Improvement Month” at Oregon Construction Contractors Board

The Construction Contractors Board (CCB), the state agency that licenses contractors in Oregon, follows a mission to protect consumers from unlicensed contractor activity. This is a time of year when homeowners and consumers plan home improvement projects. To support consumers at this time, CCB is making this month “Home Improvement Month”.

For home improvement month, CCB has created a webpage where consumers can find helpful information to support them during their home improvement project. On this page, CCB addresses topics like why checking the license is important, signs of an unlicensed contractor scam, and how to report unlicensed contractors. Consumers can see the webpage at:  https://www.oregon.gov/ccb/Pages/Home-Improvement-Month.aspx

During the month of March, CCB will also offer three free webinars to the public on different topics.

Door-to-Door Sales Webinar: What to Do When the Home Improvement Comes to You – March 4, 2025, 11:00

During this talk about door-to-door sales, the CCB presenter will explore the question: when is it a scam and when is it legit? Speakers will discuss how to protect yourself from scams and hire the right contractor for you.

Fire Hardening Webinar – March 18, 2025, 11:00

In this webinar, Building Codes Division will present about how to harden your home against fires. A speaker from the Oregon State Fire Marshal will present on creating defensible space. At the end, CCB will present on how to hire a contractor to do the work.

Choosing a Real Estate Agent, their Duties to You, and What to Do If Things Go Wrong Webinar – March 27, 2025, 11:00

This presentation will feature a speaker from Oregon’s Real Estate Agency (REA), providing tips for choosing an agent and what to do when things go wrong. At the end, CCB will present on working with contractors to repair a home during the buying and selling process.

Anyone who would like to attend can register on CCB’s Home Improvement Month webpage.

“Empowering consumers through education is a core mission of the CCB,” said Chris Huntington, CCB Administrator. “CCB’s Home Improvement Month line-up of educational webinars and resources are designed to help consumers go into a construction project with the knowledge they need to help them protect their most valuable investment.”

### About the CCB – The CCB is the state agency licensing over 42,000 contractor businesses. Anyone who is paid to repair, improve or build a home must be licensed. Learn more about how to have a successful project at www.oregon.gov/ccb.

More than 3,400 use Direct File Oregon in opening weeks of tax season

Salem, OR–Through the first month of the 2025 tax season, more than 3,400 Oregon taxpayers have electronically filed their income tax returns directly with the state using Direct File Oregon. More than 1,400 of those state returns were filed in combination with federal tax returns using IRS Direct File.

The option to use the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to file both federal and state income taxes is new this year.

“Direct file is interview based,” said Megan Denison, Personal Tax and Compliance Division administrator at the Oregon Department of Revenue. “You’ll start at the IRS website and sign-in to your IRS account through ID.me. You will be asked to answer a series of questions and enter your tax information. Once you complete your federal return, you’ll sign in to your Oregon Revenue Online account and your federal tax information will be loaded into Direct File Oregon. A few more questions and you’ll be done.”

The department has released a helpful video with tips for using the federal and state direct file combination, she said.

Taxpayers using the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon have been completing their Oregon returns in about 16 minutes, she said. Taxpayer response has been positive with survey feedback averaging 4.5 on a five-point scale.

IRS Direct File does not support all return types. Specifically, taxpayers with dividends reported on Form 1099-DIV and capital gains or losses are not supported. Income from pensions, reported on Form 1099-R, won’t be supported until later in March.

“The IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon taxpayers will be among 32 million taxpayers nationally who will be able to use the new free option,” Denison said. “The IRS expanded eligibility this year to cover more tax situations. To find out if they qualify, taxpayers can use the eligibility checker on the IRS website. They’ll be asked a few simple questions about the types of income they report on their tax return and a few more about credits and deductions they claim.”

To use IRS Direct File taxpayers must have an IRS online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have IRS online account should sign up with ID.me and create an account before beginning the filing process.

Taxpayers who want to import their federal return information into Direct File Oregon must have a Revenue Online account to file their state income tax return. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website.

Denison also pointed out that taxpayers who aren’t eligible to use IRS Direct File to file their federal return may still be able to file their state return with Direct File Oregon.

“The IRS first offered a direct file option as part of a pilot program in 12 states last year,” Denison said. “The Treasury Department announced in May that it would make IRS Direct File a permanent option for taxpayers and invited all 50 states to participate to create a seamless free filing system for both federal and state taxes. Oregon was the first of 13 new states to accept the invitation from the IRS in June.

“In 2024, we offered Direct File Oregon as an option to file Oregon income taxes directly with the state through our online portal, Revenue Online. By connecting Direct File Oregon and IRS Direct File, we now offer an option to seamlessly e-file both state and federal income taxes for free.”

Public computer kiosks for use filing taxes with Direct File Oregon and free fillable forms are available in department regional offices in Bend, Eugene, Gresham, and Portland.

In addition, volunteers from the department are traveling to libraries in 18 different communities across the state in February, March, and April to assist taxpayers in using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to complete their returns. More information, including dates, times, and locations, can be found on the department’s website.

Oregon DMV resumes Motor Voter program after mistakenly registering hundreds of noncitizens to vote

Kotek had paused the program last year after the Oregon Secretary of State’s office revealed that hundreds of noncitizens had been mistakenly registered to vote.

The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) will resume sending records to the Oregon Secretary of State for automatic voter registration, after mistakenly registering noncitizens to vote last year.

The Oregon Motor Voter Act automatically registers Oregonians that apply for or renew their state driver’s license, permit or ID to vote by sending their information sent to Oregon’s Secretary of State.

Gov. Tina Kotek had paused the program in October after the Oregon Secretary of State’s office revealed that hundreds of noncitizens had been mistakenly registered to vote over a period of three years through said Motor Voter program. Subsequent reviews brought the number of improper registrations up to about 1,600.

Despite the hundreds of mistaken registrations, state officials last said that only 17 people had actually cast ballots in an election for which they were ineligible. All of the registrations were inactivated once they were caught, and none of those votes could have impacted an outcome of an election, according to the Secretary of State. Many of those 17 people were citizens, the Secretary of State added.

The problem, Oregon officials concluded, was a combination of human error and a lack of failsafes. In many cases, DMV staff selected “U.S. passport” from a dropdown when they were given a foreign passport. Others may not have presented proper documentation at the time they visited the DMV but were listed as having done so. And some had U.S. passports but were from U.S. territories and should not have been eligible to vote.

Kotek also directed ODOT to initiate a data integrity review of DMV on Oct. 7; the audit is currently underway and is expected to be finished by April’s end, according to ODOT’s Chris Crabb.

The DMV continued to collect and hold records throughout the pause, and those will now be sent to the Secretary of State.

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, the DMV has made efforts to make sure last year’s error does not happen again, including hiring a voter registration integrity analyst; adding a third review at the end of each day; which involves a manager verifying all files before information is sent to the Secretary of State’s Elections Division; and changing the user interface to make it less likely for DMV staff to select the wrong document, including separating foreign documents from U.S. documents that prove citizenship onto completely different screens.  (SOURCE)

 Join Us for the 2025 Women in Public Safety Event hosted by Portland Police Bureau. 

Explore exciting career opportunities in law enforcement! Whether you’re a recent graduate, considering a career change, or simply curious about public safety, this event is for everyone—people of all ages are welcome!

 Date: Saturday March 8, 2025  Time: 10 AM – 2 PM  Location: PPB Training Facility, 14912 NE Airport Way, Portland, Oregon 97230

Meet representatives from over 20 metro agencies and discover the diverse paths available in public safety. Bring your friends, family, and anyone interested in learning more about a fulfilling career serving the community!

 Join us for an inspiring day filled with information, networking, and empowerment. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Providence Strike Is Over: Historic Contracts Ratified at Eight Hospitals Across Oregon

(PORTLAND, Ore.) – In a major victory for the nearly 5,000 ONA-represented frontline nurses at Providence, all eight registered nurse (RN) bargaining units voted overwhelmingly to ratify their contracts and end the strike. The historic agreements come after 46 days on the strike line and more than a year of bargaining, and will set a new standard for wages, staffing, and patient safety at one of Oregon’s largest healthcare systems.

“These contracts represent a major victory for frontline caregivers, but more importantly it’s a victory for Providence patients and the communities we serve,” said Virginia Smith an RN from Providence Willamette Falls and leader of the ONA bargaining unit. “As RNs, we believe that these contracts will lead to greater recruitment and retention of frontline nurses as wages become more aligned with other health systems, and we have staffing language that will allow us to spend more time with the patients that need the most care.”

Key Highlights of the Contracts Include:

• Major Wage Increases: Nurses will receive substantial wage increases ranging from 20% to 42% over the life of the contract, with an immediate 16% to 22% raise upon ratification.
• Smarter Staffing for Safer Care: Patient acuity will now be factored into staffing plans, helping to improve nurse workloads and the quality of patient care.
• Retroactive Pay and Bonuses: For nurses at bargaining units with contracts that expired before December 2024, retroactive pay will cover 75% of all hours worked in 2024 (including education, meetings, PTO and vacation used for low census). Nurses at Providence Portland Medical Center and Providence Seaside will receive a $2,500 bonus.
• Unified Contracts for Stronger Solidarity: An overwhelming majority of contracts (10 bargaining units) now align with expiration or wage reopener dates within three months of each other; strengthening ONA’s collective voice.
• Stronger Health Benefits Advocacy: A new Statewide Health Benefits Workgroup will be established to evaluate current plans and explore the creation of a statewide health benefits trust, ensuring comprehensive coverage for nurses.
• Guaranteed Break & Meal Pay: Nurses will now automatically receive penalty pay–equal to one hour of wages–for every missed break or meal, with payment included in the next paycheck.

These hard-won contracts reflect the dedication and determination of ONA nurses who stood strong on the strike line in their fight for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and better healthcare for all Oregonians.

“This is a transformative victory, not just for Providence nurses but for healthcare workers the length and breadth of this country,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “These dedicated and determined frontline caregivers stood up for fair wages, safer staffing, and better care for their patients–and this contract proves that when we unite and fight, we raise standards for everyone. It underscores, once again, the power of solidarity and of collective action. I am proud to have had these workers’ backs, and the 1.8 million members of their national union salutes them.” Nurses will return to work starting on the night shift of Wednesday, February 26.

ODF proposes revised state forest implementation plans, opens 30-day comment period

SALEM, Ore.–The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) opens a 30-day comment period on proposed Implementation Plan revisions for the Astoria, Forest Grove, Tillamook, North Cascade, West Oregon, and Western Lane (including the Veneta and Southwest units) state forest districts. Implementation plans describe forest management activities such as timber harvest targets, road construction and maintenance, reforestation and young stand management, recreation, aquatic habitat restoration and protection strategies for species of concern.

The comment period begins Feb. 20 and ends March 21 at 5 p.m. The implementation plans are available on ODF’s website. Comments can be submitted online by using this form,  emailing ODF.SFComments@oregon.gov, or mailing comments to ODF Public Affairs, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310.

State forests by law must provide social, economic, and environmental benefits to Oregonians, and are managed under long-range forest management plans, mid-range implementation plans, and annual operations plans.

At the direction of the Board of Forestry, ODF is continuing the development of a draft Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan and Forest Management Plan for Western Oregon State Forests. The draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is currently going through the National Environmental Policy Act process.  Finalization of this process and issuance of Incidental Take Permits is expected to occur within fiscal year 2026. Revising the current implementation plans allows the agency to continue operations during this time of transition and further align with the draft HCP while focusing resources on developing a new forest management plan and accompanying implementation plans required to implement the draft HCP.

The revisions to the current Implementation Plans include new information on the district land base and forest resources, updated Species of Concern strategies and associated Forest Land Management Classification map, clarified timber harvest target descriptions, and changes to the mapped landscape design of the desired future condition. These changes align with Division policy, current Forest Management Plans and draft HCP objectives. In order to cover the HCP approval timeline, the new Forest Management Plan and new Implementation Plan development timelines, the revised Implementation Plans have been extended through June 30, 2027.

A Bend couple and their daughter have been placed in custody after hiding out at a hotel in Coos County, after being indicted on a sweep of child abuse charges, including attempted murder.

A nationwide warrant for their arrest had been issued, law enforcement thanks the public with their assistance in locating the trio, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said. After a lengthy investigation, a grand jury in Deschutes County indicted the family on a combined total of 28 charges, relating to alleged abuse of a minor relative.

Sarah Session, 33, has been charged with 19 of those counts, which includes attempted murder, assault and criminal mistreatment. The alleged crimes took place between June 2023 and February 2024, when the child was under the age of 10. The 33-year-old was professionally responsible for the child who has specialized education and training required for care, which the court documents said Session disregarded.

On multiple occasions, Session allegedly knowingly caused harm to the child through physical injury by hitting them on the head or leg, and in some cases, involving a curtain rod and window stopper. In one instance, Session is accused of compelling the child to eat their own vomit in fear of physical harm, according to the court documents.  Other charges relate to Session’s allegedly withholding medication, treatment and food. In many instances, the court documents call Session’s actions “deliberately cruel.”

A Lakeview woman appeared in court Tuesday afternoon after being accused of causing the death of her 17-year-old son.

38-year-old Amanda Joy Edwards and her boyfriend, 31-year-old Nathaniel Cullins, are facing charges of criminally negligent homicide, second-degree abuse of a corpse and first-degree criminal mistreatment. Cullins is also being charged with unlawful use of a weapon.

Lake County Circuit Court documents say Edwards “did unlawfully and knowingly withhold necessary and adequate food, physical care and medical attention” from her son. The state is also saying Edwards’ charges are connected or part of a plan.

Edwards’ bail is set at $750,000.  The Lake County Major Crime Team started an investigation last Tuesday, Feb. 18 into a juvenile death on the 300 block of South G St in Lakeview. The death of the 17-year-old boy, Thomas Strong, was announced by the Lake County School District last Tuesday.

Seasonal flu is causing a second peak of illness and hospitalizations in Oregon this month, in what may end up being the worst flu season in the past decade. That’s part of a national trend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is classifying this flu season as high severity overall for all age groups for the first time since 2017-2018.

That means flu is responsible for a higher-than-usual percentage of doctors visits, hospitalizations and deaths so far this season. Flu can cause previously healthy people to become extraordinarily sick, according to Dr. Wendy Hasson, medical director of the pediatric ICU at Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel in Portland.

Hasson said that during her shifts this month, she’s treated several children who were critically ill due to the flu “that I have had to put on a ventilator, and on heart support, and sit bedside to manage them moment-to-moment.”

In Oregon, the flu season started out normally. Transmission appeared to peak, as it often does, in late December. Public health officials use the percentage of flu tests ordered by hospitals and doctors that come back positive as an indicator of how widespread a virus is in the community.

The week of Christmas 2024, 31.5% of Oregonians tested for the flu got a positive result back — a high percentage indicating lots of community transmission.

Following directives from President Trump, thousands of U.S. Forest Service employees have received termination letters in the mail last week, in some cases ending decades-long careers.

The firings are part of a wave of federal cost-cutting measures, which have caused uncertainty for many.  Here in Southern Oregon the Siskiyou Mountain Club lost more than $400k of federal funds which had previously been assigned for trail maintenance work in the Marble Mountain Wilderness and along portions of the Pacific Crest Trail One former Forest Service employee who spent the last six years working in the Rogue River – Siskiyou National Forest said the termination came as a shock. The lack of maintenance also raises concerns for fire danger in the coming years.

Registration Is Now Open For The Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K Run for the Trees

Oregon Parks Forever  —    Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  Registration is now open for the 2025 Run for the Trees at www.orparksforever.org.

Participants can run, walk, hike, skate, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15.

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.

Gather your friends, family and/or colleagues and create your own walk or run. Make it fun!

Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its fifth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include ten other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland and Virginia will “lock arms” as they help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

“We are thrilled to partner with Bob Ross, Inc. and these other ten states on the Happy Little 5K concept as a way to honor the late Bob Ross and create a legacy event to plant trees,” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.”

Oregon Parks Forever joined this event as an expansion of our efforts to fund the replanting of trees killed by wildfires, heat domes and invasive insects.  Over the past three years, Oregon Parks Forever has been able to fund the replanting of more than 800,000 trees across Oregon.

“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.” —  Learn more about the program at  http://www.orparksforever.org

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com