Oregon Beach News, Friday 3/13 – Catch The Wild Coast Film Festival, Spring Whale Watch Week Returns to the Coast for Spring Break & 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, March 12, 2026

Oregon Beach Weather

Small Craft Advisory Issued – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM PDT SUNDAY...

* WHAT...West winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas 7 to 10 ft.

* WHERE...South of Cape Arago.

* WHEN...Until 2 AM PDT Sunday.

* 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

Here’s the overview of our weather outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

As of March 12-13, 2026, the Oregon Coast is experiencing heavy, wet weather driven by an atmospheric river, with temperatures in the low 50s°F  and nightly lows near 38F.

Expect continued rain, high humidity, and windy conditions with potential flooding and landslides. 

Current Conditions & Forecast (Mid-March 2026):

• Rain & Wind: Heavy rain is expected to continue with, at times, 15-25 mph winds.
• Temperatures: Highs are ranging in the lower to mid-50s°F, with overnight lows dipping into the upper 30s°F.
• Conditions: The region is experiencing active storms with a high probability of precipitation.
• Impacts: Hazards include potential landslides and flooding. 

Regional Variations:

• Northern/Central Coast (e.g., Astoria, Newport): Generally cloudy with persistent rain and temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s°F.
• Southern Coast: While generally milder, the entire coastline is impacted by the current wet, stormy pattern. 

Always check local, National Weather Service (.gov) updates before traveling to the coast during this period.

It is recommended to check specific, updated local forecasts as conditions can change rapidly on the coast.

Travel Oregon Seeks Opinions in Survey on Coastal Tourism

The Resident Sentiment Survey, conducted by Travel Oregon, asks Oregon residents about their experiences with and perspectives on tourism. Feedback helps guide strategies that support responsible travel and resilient communities, ensuring tourism benefits both residents and visitors alike. The survey is short, anonymous, and open until March 31, 2026—and participants are entered to win up to $1,000 in Amazon gift cards.

How to participate and share:

• Take the survey: Visit or share the Travel Oregon industry site landing page for more details and to see last year’s results
• Share via newsletters: Use this sample invitation, or write your own!
• Hang flyers at your business or around town
• Share the short link:bit.ly/OR26Resident
• Post on social media: Here’s a sample post you can use:

ARE YOU AN OREGON RESIDENT? In partnership with Travel Oregon, we want to hear your perspective on tourism across the state as we work to improve the lives of all Oregonians. Fill out a short, anonymous survey from Travel Oregon by March 31, 2026, and be entered to win up to $1,000 in Amazon gift cards. Your feedback will help encourage responsible travel practices and shape the future of tourism in your community.

To take the survey, go here

Coastal residents have until the end of March to weigh in on their attitudes toward tourism.

Those living on the Oregon coast can reflect how important the issue of tourism is to their communities and economies by leading the way in terms of overall participation.

Of the nearly 7,000 Oregonians who took the survey in 2024, more than 1,800 reported their residences as on the coast. That outpaced the 1,518 Portland-area respondents and the 1,041 who lived in eastern Oregon.

Results of the formally named “resident sentiment survey” are released every two years. The survey, conducted by Travel Oregon, asks Oregon residents about their experiences with and perspectives on tourism.

This year’s survey, coming when some communities are re-thinking their promotional efforts to lessen the impact of tourists, will be used by Travel Oregon to monitor progress against the agency’s own 10-year strategic vision.

Survey questions ask whether respondents in their own various geographic areas of the state are confident that their quality of life will improve in the coming year and whether they would recommend their areas to others as tourism destination points.

Coastal residents two years ago, for instance, said that the negatives associated with the environmental, cultural and social impacts of tourism narrowly outweighed the positive economic aspects. They were also less likely than not to say that their area’s quality of life would improve over the coming year.

The Wild Coast Film Festival

March 12-15, 2026
Columbian Theater
Astoria, OR

Four days of conservation and wildlife films, guided nature walks, and pop-up events!

The festival is an annual celebration of storytelling, community, and wildlife that directly supports the general operating expenses of WCNC.For those who can’t make it to the festival in person, there is a virtual streaming option. We are fortunate to have had a local business sponsor cover the cost of using the online streaming platform this year, meaning that all of the proceeds from virtual ticket sales will go directly to supporting the Wildlife Center of the North Coast.

This year’s lineup features an incredible array of stories about wild places, wild creatures, and grand adventures. Follow tiny reindeer across the Arctic, join scientists as they search for the elusive Northern Cassowary, and climb the rocky cliffs of rural Vermont. From sandpipers to endangered tortoises, the films selected this year have a little something for everyone, and each tells a story that enriches our understanding of the world we all share.

Streaming the online festival is a great way to pass some time during these final days of winter, while also directly supporting native wildlife and conservation education.You can find the online festival here: https://watch.eventive.org/wildcoastfilm26

And information about the festival is on the festival website at: https://www.wildcoastfilm.org/

Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Wild Coast Film Festival! Join us for four days of powerful storytelling celebrating conservation, wild spaces, and our connection to the natural world. While the final film lineup is still on the way, we can promise an unforgettable weekend. What to expect:• Inspiring films in curated film blocks• Guided nature and photo walks • Pop-up discussion panels• A festival party at the Columbia River Maritime Museum

One of the fun highlights of the Wild Coast Film Festival each year is the festival raffle. At each film block held at the Columbian Theater, we set up tables filled with a variety of raffle items generously donated by businesses from both the local community and beyond.Each of these businesses donated because they believe in the work of the Wildlife Center of the North Coast. Every dollar raised through the raffle goes directly toward the center’s general operating expenses. In other words, you get the chance to take home something fun and unique while also supporting wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education. We think that’s pretty great. This year’s raffle features locally roasted coffee, herbal teas grown just down the coast, work from independent artists, delicious Oregon-made curry pastes, bird books, binoculars, and so much more. Whether you are into charcuterie or yoga, we’ve got something for you. A heartfelt thanks to the businesses who generously donated this year. Your support for wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education is deeply appreciated.

Purchase single-block tickets or day/weekend passes at wildcoastfilm.org.

Wildlife Center of the North Coast

·Join us for a Wild Coast community gathering! As part of the Wild Coast Film Festival, we’ve curated a series of special community events around town throughout the weekend.

Pop-Up Event: Bringing Sea Otters Back to Oregon Sunday, March 15th, 2026 2:00 p.m. Obelisk Beer Co., Astoria

Hear from the Elakha Alliance, conservation photographer Gretchen-Kay Stuart, and Oregon Coast Aquarium biologist Brittany Blades as they explore the movement to restore sea otters to the Oregon Coast. Learn about the science, storytelling, and conservation efforts behind this important initiative.

This event is free, open to all, and does not require a ticket or reservation. Come be part of the conversation!

Together, we’re making a real difference for wildlife and our community. Thank you for being a part of this journey! https://www.wildcoastfilm.org/

Spring Whale Watch Week Returns to the Coast for Spring Break 2026

Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast Saturday, March 21 through Sunday, March 29.

Trained Oregon State Park volunteers and park rangers will be stationed at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot whales and their calves and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily March 21-29. The sites are among the best places to watch whales on the Oregon Coast.

“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whale migration can be a bit closer on their return trip north, usually within a few miles from shore.  As we get later into the spring, we can sometimes see the mothers with calves in tow,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates 13,000 gray whales are expected to migrate past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as they travel back toward Alaska, far fewer than earlier projections suggested. Although NOAA declared the Unusual Mortality Event over in 2023 and initially believed the population might be rebounding, new winter 2025 estimates instead show the lowest numbers since the 1970s.

NOAA’s models, which combine visual surveys with migration pattern assumptions, indicate that the 2025 population most likely falls between 11,700 and 14,500 whales.

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 21-29. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Park rangers and volunteers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the 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 stateparks.oregon.gov.

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Spring Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch.

State Plan Could Provide Lifeline for Coos Bay Hospital

A major piece of legislation passed by the Oregon Legislature could provide significant financial relief for Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay, helping the facility avoid potential service cuts.

House Bill 4075 authorizes the state to guarantee a loan of up to $44 million as part of a long-term refinancing plan designed to stabilize the hospital’s finances.

Supporters say the plan will allow the hospital to restructure debt and avoid relying on higher-interest loans to stay operational.

Bay Area Hospital has been operating at a financial loss and had previously explored a possible merger with Quorum Health, though those talks ended last August.

The legislation was introduced by Rep. Boomer Wright, who represents the Coos Bay area. The 2026 legislative session concluded Friday, and the bill now heads to Governor Tina Kotek for final approval.

If signed into law, the funding could play a key role in maintaining healthcare services for thousands of residents along the southern Oregon coast.

Respect Nesting Areas to Protect Threatened Snowy Plover Mar. 15 through Sept. 15

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Siuslaw National Forest remind visitors to the Oregon Coast that western snowy plover nesting season begins March 15 and runs through Sept. 15.

Beachgoers can help recovery efforts for the threatened shorebird by observing recreation restrictions at designated plover beaches.

Sensitive plover nesting areas are identified on maps for the northern Oregon Coast and southern Oregon Coast. Western snowy plovers nest in dry sand above the high tide line and are often difficult to see because they camouflage well.

To help protect these tiny shorebirds, please stay on wet sand and leave your dogs at home or at your campsite, even if they are leashed. Visitors may notice signs at trailheads with additional rules and limitations. There may be rope fencing in dry sand areas; this fencing delineates some, but not all, of the critical plover habitat that should be avoided.

Seasonal recreation restrictions have helped protect and recover the western snowy plovers living on Oregon’s beaches. Nests, and especially chicks, are well-hidden. During the nesting season, human disturbances can flush adult plovers away from their nests as they attempt to defend their young. Left alone too long, or too often, eggs or chicks can die from exposure and predators. Habitat loss from invasive plants and human disturbances—including litter and discarded food scraps that attract predators— also contribute to the birds’ decline.

Recreation restrictions occur only in designated plover management areas where plovers nest or might nest. These areas combined make up about 40 miles of Oregon’s 362 miles of shoreline.

Reminders for recreation on designated plover beaches March 15 – Sept. 15:

• The following are not permitted: dogs (even on a leash), driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle or e-bike, camping, burning wood, flying kites or operating drones.
• Foot and equestrian traffic are permitted below the high-tide line on wet, hard packed sand.
• Respect signs and barriers to protect nesting habitat.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed western snowy plovers as a threatened species in 1993 when officials counted only 45 breeding adults. Populations have steadily increased since then due to ongoing efforts. Officials counted 546 during the breeding season survey in 2025.

“We appreciate visitors’ support in keeping these shorebirds safe. We invite visitors to enjoy permitted recreation in sensitive areas or to recreate without seasonal restrictions on beaches not designated as plover nesting areas,” said Laurel Hillmann, ocean shore specialist for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

More information on the snowy plover, including detailed maps of nesting sites, can be found on the Oregon State Parks website (oregon.gov/plovers) and on the Siuslaw National Forest website (fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw/animals-plants/western-snowy-plover).

Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area can review Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) maps to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand at fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw/recreation/rules-and-guidelines.

Plover activity near Sand Lake Recreation Area — The increase in plover numbers may result in nesting occuring at new or historical nesting sites. For example, visitors to Sand Lake Recreation Area may see small roped off areas near the lake’s inlet to protect active nests and may encounter plovers on the beach. Beachgoers are encouraged to protect these birds by restricting recreation activities to wet sand areas, avoiding roped off nesting areas, packing all trash out and keeping dogs on leash. Paragliders should steer toward the northern area of Sand Lake Recreation Area to avoid gliding or landing near plover nests on the southern edge of the Sand Lake spit.

Background on plover protections — Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). For more information on how plovers are managed in Oregon, see the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP): https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PCB/Documents/WSP-HCP_08182010-web.pdf.

Oregon Department of Human of Human Services Astoria office plans March 13 afternoon closure for nearby construction work – Alternate ways to access services will be available

Astoria, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Astoria office, 422 Gateway Avenue, will close Friday, March 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. for scheduled construction work in the area. However, there will be an ODHS mobile van available at the site to serve people needing to visit in-person. 

People can also come to the ODHS Seaside office, 1111 Roosevelt Drive.

People can also access ODHS virtually, by calling:

• Child Welfare program for foster care, child safety and adoption services, 503-325-9179.
• Self-Sufficiency Programs, Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) for benefits, food, cash, medical, child care and domestic violence services. 503-325-2021.

“We will be fully staffed in these alternative locations to serve people either in person or virtually,” Lorena Giles, OEP Program Manager, said.

For directions and locations of all ODHS offices: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/pages/office-finder.aspx.

Registration Opens for SOLVE’s Month-Long Spring Cleanup

Registration is now open for the annual Oregon Spring Cleanup, in partnership with Portland General Electric. This year, SOLVE is expanding its largest spring volunteer initiative to span the entire month of April, turning Earth Month into coordinated action across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

The Oregon Spring Cleanup is SOLVE’s largest spring volunteer initiative, bringing together individuals, families, schools, businesses, and community groups to care for beaches, neighborhoods, parks, natural areas, and waterways. Projects include litter cleanups and habitat restoration efforts such as native plantings, invasive species removal, and mulching. In April 2025, the initiative supported 214 projects, engaging nearly 4,500 volunteers who removed 26,077 pounds of trash and cleared more than 22 acres of invasive species across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

With 65 events already open for registration, volunteers can sign up for projects taking place throughout April. SOLVE is aiming for 200+ projects across the region and continues to recruit additional event leaders to broaden statewide engagement. Expanding the initiative to a full month creates greater access and enables more communities to take part in coordinated Earth Month action.

“Earth Month is a powerful reminder that local action drives meaningful environmental impact,” said Kregg Arntson, Director of Community Impact at Portland General Electric. “Through our partnership with SOLVE, PGE deepens its commitment to helping Oregon’s vibrant communities become climate resilient communities.”  

As global attention turns toward environmental awareness in April, the Oregon Spring Cleanup provides a way to translate that momentum into tangible results. Each project contributes to protecting natural spaces, improving neighborhood livability, and preventing litter from entering rivers and the ocean ahead of peak recreation season.

SOLVE is actively seeking additional event leaders to host cleanup or restoration projects in April. Whether returning hosts or first-time leaders, participants receive planning support, free supplies, disposal assistance, and volunteer recruitment tools. Hosting a project can be as simple as identifying a site in need and completing the new leader orientation at volunteer.solve.org/orientation.

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer: Browse the event calendar and register yourself or a group at volunteer.solve.org/oregon-spring
• Lead your own project: SOLVE provides all the necessary resources, including supplies and disposal funds, to make hosting a project easy for you.
• Encourage participation: Invite schools, workplaces, and community groups to take part in Earth Month action

The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2026 is made possible through the partnership with Portland General Electric and the generous support of Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon State Park & Recreation, The Standard, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, KOIN6, LAM Research, Lithia & Driveway, National Parks Recreation & Parks Association, and PepsiCo.

For more information or to register, visit solve.org/oregon-spring

About SOLVE – SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission has made a decision with a vote of 6-1 to reject a petition from environmental organizations that sought to implement more stringent regulations on the state’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery.

This petition, initiated by groups such as the Center for Biological Diversity and Oceana, aimed to further reduce the risk of whale entanglements along the coast. During a well-attended meeting in Springfield, numerous local fishermen provided testimony opposing the proposal, contending that external interests should not control local fishery management.

In the end, the commission opted to allow the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) to proceed with its existing rulemaking processes and ongoing collaboration with federal agencies.

LCPD Seeks Assistance in Locating Juan Antonio Suarez Jimenez
Lincoln City Police 

The Lincoln City Police Department is desperately seeking assistance from the public in locating a wanted suspect, 45-year-old Juan Antonio Suarez Jimenez, of Lincoln City, Oregon.

A nationwide extradition warrant has been issued for his arrest as the suspect in a hit-and-run crash leading to the death of a local pedestrian. If you know of Juan Suarez’s whereabouts, please contact your local law enforcement.

Juan, if you are reading this, please turn yourself in to start bringing closure to those that loved Joe. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy – Newport
Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office

The next Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy event with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is just around the corner. Join us on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 9:30am – 11am for a cup of coffee and a conversation at Ultralife Cafe (located at 715 NW Beach Drive Newport, OR 97365).

More about these quarterly events:
Every three months our office partners 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 our 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 our team on a personal level, learn about each other’s experiences, and share local feedback.

YACHATS LIONS Announces Launch of Bird City Yachats

Bird City Yachats (BCY) will hold its official launch on March 1st, 1:30 PM at the Yachats Lions Hall when Bird City Oregon will present the designation to the Mayor of Yachats. This will be followed by a talk entitled “Taking Refuge on the Oregon Coast”, a history of our coastal wildlife refuges, which provide critical seabird nesting habitat. BCY is sponsored by the Yachats Lions Club.

In the Fall 2025 the city of Yachats was awarded an Oregon Bird City, the first bird city on the Pacific Coast. This certification rewards cities for their efforts to help wildlife. Bird City Yachats (BCY) is part of a national program, Bird City Network ( https://birdcity.org/) of more than 300 “Bird” cities across the country. A steering committee for BCY has been established to encourage our citizens to protect and enjoy our precious wildlife and to develop projects for their protection.

BCY projects range from education (e.g., speaker series, bird walks) to removing threats (e.g., bird strike prevention) and marketing (e.g., website, ads promoting Yachats as a birding destination). Birds have unique threats. One that kills millions of birds a year is striking windows. In that regard BCY been working with the city manager on window treatments for the new pavilion that will minimize bird strikes. Open pipes and chimneys that can trap birds are another threat. Working together with Seven Capes Bird Alliance, BCY has surveyed 24 state parks in Lincoln County and identified over 150 open pipes which we will help cap.

BCY now has a website (https://birdcity.org/oregon/yachats) and information available at the Visitor Center on birds and birding sites. This month we will unveil a photo exhibition of local birds and wildlife in the children’s section of the new Yachats library.

Established in 1950, the Yachats Lions Club serves Yachats and South Lincoln County. With our motto of “WE SERVE”, we provide service for eyeglasses and exams, hearing aids and exams, eye screening in Lincoln County schools, pancake breakfasts, crab feed, lunch bunch, speaker series, peace poster and flag day events in our schools, and community use of our clubhouse. Through community donations to the Yachats Lions Thrift Store our sales allow us to donate to local needs such as student scholarships, food pantries, school programs, and conservation projects.

Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization with a network of 1.4 million men and women in more than 200 countries and geographical locations. We serve where we live, as well as globally, and we have fun doing it. For more information, contact Lion Jim Welch at 970-217-4424 or jameswelch1009@gmail.com

Important Siletz Community Survey

The city of Siletz is racing against time to correct what local leaders say is a deeply flawed income survey, one that could cost the community millions of dollars in affordable funding for a new wastewater treatment plant. City of Siletz officials say they first learned of the problem after years of planning with multiple government agencies to finance a long-needed replacement for the town’s aging wastewater treatment facility. During what is known as a “one-stop” meeting, Siletz leaders sat down with agencies such as the Department of Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other state entities to map out grants, low-interest loans, and loan-forgiveness programs that could make the project financially feasible.

As part of that process, the city renegotiated and modernized its water and sewer agreement with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. The tribe agreed to pay its proportional share of the new plant, roughly 45 percent to the city’s 55 percent. With a new agreement in place and a $3 million federal grant secured with the help of Representative David Gomberg, it appeared the project was finally on solid footing. That changed abruptly when the city was told its median household income had spiked so dramatically that Siletz no longer qualified for many of the favorable funding options it had been promised. According to the data, the city’s median household income had jumped from somewhere in the $30,000–$40,000 range to about $83,000.

Local officials immediately questioned the accuracy of that figure, saying it does not match what anyone sees on the ground in Siletz. They describe the town as a working-class community with older homes, modest vehicles, and many residents employed in service jobs, mill work, or commercial fishing—not the sort of place where an $83,000 median household income is realistic. Siletz Mayor Willie Woreman pressed state and federal officials on how the number had been calculated, he were told it was based on Census Bureau and HUD housing data. The timing raised additional questions locally, because the income jump appeared shortly after the city had completed its one-stop planning process, and it did not fall in a normal census year.

Despite repeated inquiries, city staff say they never received a clear explanation of why or how the number changed so dramatically. Officials gathered their documentation and tried to make the case that the new figure was wrong, but were told the data would not be revised and that they would have to wait five years for a new cycle. That answer did not sit well with Woreman, who feared that moving ahead under the higher income classification would mean relying on higher-interest loans with no forgiveness, forcing steep increases in water and sewer rates and leaving today’s children and grandchildren paying off debt long after the plant’s useful life.

Unwilling to accept that outcome, the city pushed back. With support from Representative Gomberg and others, Siletz officials lobbied for a path to challenge the number. Eventually they were told that if they wanted to contest the data, they would have to pay for their own survey, partnering with another qualified agency and proving, through statistically valid sampling, that the official income estimate is inaccurate. As a result the city secured grant funding and entered into a partnership with Portland State University to conduct what is essentially a localized, smaller-scale version of the census focused on household income. However, the burden of proof falls heavily on Siletz.

While the original federal process may have relied on a relatively small number of households to generate the $83,000 estimate, the city has been told it must obtain income information from at least 217 households to demonstrate that the median is lower. To reach the required sample size, the city and Portland State University have designed a multi-stage outreach campaign. In the first phase, Siletz mailed out approximately 276 postcards to randomly selected households. Each postcard includes a QR code that residents can scan with their phones, allowing them to complete the income survey online from home. The goal is to receive at least 217 valid responses, with a built-in allowance for a 20 percent non-response or failure rate.

If the initial mail-in and online response falls short, Portland State University staff will travel to Siletz to conduct door-to-door surveying. City leaders are working to get the word out now so that residents understand these visitors are legitimate and that the effort is not a scam. The survey itself is described as short and straightforward, asking primarily about household income, and officials emphasize that all responses are confidential. Should those steps still fail to generate enough responses, the city plans additional follow-up rounds, including phone outreach to households using city records and, if needed, another computer-generated random selection of residents to contact.

To encourage participation, the city is offering a modest incentive: a $10 credit on residents’ water and sewer bills for completing the survey. Officials acknowledge that $10 is not a large amount, but say it is both a gesture of appreciation for people’s time and a sign of how important the survey is to the community’s financial future. Mayor Woreman stressed that the push for accurate income data is not about government intruding into residents’ lives, but about protecting them. He added that the new wastewater treatment plant must be built regardless—the current infrastructure is outdated and the project cannot be deferred indefinitely.

However, if Siletz is forced to rely on high-interest loans with no forgiveness because of inflated income figures, the result will likely be significantly higher water and sewer rates, and long-term debt that could last far beyond the new plant’s 30-year design life. If the community can prove that its true median income is lower, Siletz may once again qualify for more favorable financing options, including loans with partial forgiveness. One scenario described involves a 50 percent loan forgiveness structure: if the city borrowed $4 million, repaid on time over a set period, the government could forgive half, leaving only $2 million to be fully repaid. Local officials say that kind of assistance could make the difference between manageable rates and unsustainable bills.

Throughout the process, Siletz leaders have emphasized that this is fundamentally about fairness and about making sure outside agencies see the community as it really is—a small, low-income coastal town where people work hard, support one another, and are “all doing fine together,” but are far from wealthy. The current outreach effort aims not only to gather data but also to build understanding. By talking publicly about the survey, explaining the stakes, and clarifying that Portland State University staff may go door to door, city officials hope residents will recognize the legitimacy of the project and the importance of their participation. Survey information can be found on the city of Siletz’ website. (SOURCE)

Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast 

10% off Packages and Retail Items!If you have a birthday or anniversary in March, celebrate along with the Heceta Head Lightstation, whose birthday is March 30th. You will recieve 10% off any Picnic, Package, or retail item when reserving a stay in March 2026. Use Promo code: BIRTHDAY Valid along with any stay March 1-31, 2026.www.hecetalighthouse.com

NW Natural has released a multi language notice that will also go to every customer regarding how to best identify a NW Natural Utility Worker when they come to your home or are nearby.

There has been reports of ICE agents disguising as utility workers to lure people out of their homes. Please stay aware.

“We are aware of reports of individuals impersonating utility workers in order to gain access to residents. Please note:

Our workers who show up at your home should either be wearing a uniform and a utility badge or wearing a badge that says “CONTRACTOR.” Their vehicles should be similarly marked with a NW Natural company logo and/or “CONTRACTOR.”

If someone comes to your house and asks for access to your home or for you to come outside:

• Our employees will never ask for immediate access to customers’ homes. They often will go to a back or side yard to access a meter.
• In most situations, if there is a reason a NW Natural employee would need to go inside a customer’s home (such as a safety check or inspection), they would have set this up with the customer in advance.

NW Natural is a company based in Coos Bay, OR that specializes in providing natural gas services to residential and commercial customers.

If you want to verify if someone at your home is a NW Natural employee or contractor, you can call our customer service line at 503-226-4211 or 800-422-4012. If you suspect an imposter, call 9-1-1 immediately.” https://www.nwnatural.com/…/2025-utility-and-contactor…

Anticipating Early 2026 Opening, Oregon Seeks to Block Potential Newport ICE Facility

Suspecting the federal government plans to open a large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility near Newport’s airport early next year, the state of Oregon asked a federal judge to block construction.

Lawyers for the state sought an injunction from U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken in an amended complaint filed last week as part of an ongoing lawsuit challenging the U.S. Coast Guard’s removal of a rescue helicopter from its Newport Municipal Airport facility in late October. They argued that the federal government is skirting federal environmental and coastal land use regulations which would require more notice for Oregon leaders should an ICE facility be constructed in the area.

Donor Offers $50K Reward in 40-Year-Old Case of Missing Oregon Coast Teen

Lincoln County authorities hope the recent offer from an anonymous donor of a $50,000 reward will lead to the remains of a 17-year-old Siletz girl who was last seen walking on U.S. 20 more than four decades ago.

An anonymous donor put up money hoping it will spur information that leads not only to Kelly Disney’s remains but also to the conviction of her killer, according to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.

The DA’s Office has confirmed that an anonymous donor offered the reward for any information leading to Disney’s remains and/or the conviction of her killer.

Information can be submitted anonymously at 541-265-0669 or online at FindKellyDisney@co.lincoln.or.us

READ MORE on CASE: https://lincolnchronicle.org/15597-2/

Wildlife Center of the North Coast · We need your help! 

Make a difference in wildlife rescue! Join our Wild at Heart Membership Program starting at just $5/month. Help us save lives! https://coastwildlife.org/wild-at-heart/

It’s been a busy summer here at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, and our rehab clinic has gone through lots of supplies caring for patients!!

->> To help us restock and stay prepared for the next wave of wildlife in need, we’ve updated our Amazon Wishlist with the items we need most. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA

Every donation—big or small—goes directly to helping orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife get a second chance at life. Check out our wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA Thank you for being part of our wildlife rescue family! 

Friends of Haystack Rock  · We have puffins!

Check out our website, Friendsofhaystackrock.org to see them live! We have our webcam zoomed in on a couple active burrows. Your best chance to see them is in the morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Volunteers are being sought to help prepare and serve lunch three times a week at the Florence Senior and Activity Center.  

They serve lunch Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. Both programs, the in-house dining known as Cafe 60, and Meals on Wheels, are very important in helping promote socialization and nutrition for older adults in Lane County.  Volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels use their own vehicles, but they can be reimbursed for their mileage.  The Lane Council of Governments operates the Senior and Disabled Services in Lane County.  Alisa Andrion encourages potential volunteers to give her a call at L-COG, 541-682-1366.

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

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

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

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Oregon Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. 

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area. 

More than 350 Oregonians — including incumbents and first-time candidates — filed to run for statewide, congressional and legislative offices by Tuesday’s 5 p.m. deadline.

Voters will elect a governor, labor commissioner, U.S. senator, six members of Congress, 60 state representatives and 15 state senators this year, along with dozens of city, county and local officials.

Although Tuesday marked the filing deadline for the May primary, races could still change before Friday’s withdrawal deadline. Below is a look at some of the more competitive contests. A full list of candidates is available on the Oregon Secretary of State’s website.

U.S. Senate and Congress

U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat seeking a fourth term, filed for reelection along with all six members of Oregon’s congressional delegation.

Democratic U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Maxine Dexter represent reliably Democratic Portland-area districts, while Republican U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz represents a strongly Republican district covering most of eastern and southern Oregon.

U.S. Reps. Janelle Bynum, Val Hoyle and Andrea Salinas represent more competitive districts across the Willamette Valley and Cascades, though none face notable primary challengers.

Republicans competing for their party’s U.S. Senate nomination include state Sen. David Brock Smith of Port Orford, perennial candidate Jo Rae Perkins and several others. Monique DeSpain, who lost to Hoyle in 2024, is again running in the 4th Congressional District. In the 5th District, Deschutes County Commissioner Patti Adair and former legislative aide Jonathan Lockwood are seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Bynum.

Governor

The Republican primary for governor is shaping up as the party’s highest-profile race.

Among the leading candidates are former Portland Trail Blazer Chris Dudley, who came closer to winning the governor’s office than any Republican in decades; 2022 GOP nominee and current state Sen. Christine Drazan of Canby; state Rep. Ed Diehl of Scio; Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell; and social media influencer David Medina, who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

More than a dozen Republicans have filed in total.

On the Democratic side, eight candidates — none with major statewide recognition — have filed to challenge incumbent Gov. Tina Kotek in the primary.

Bureau of Labor and Industries

One surprise on filing day was who did not run. Sen. Dick Anderson, R–Lincoln City, did not file for the position of labor commissioner as expected.

The nonpartisan race will instead feature incumbent Christina Stephenson, a Democrat closely aligned with labor unions, and former BOLI employee Chris Lynch, who argues the agency has become overly politicized.

State Senate

Half of Oregon’s 30 Senate seats are on the ballot this year. Democrats currently hold an 18–12 majority.

Five of the seats have no incumbent running. Three Republican senators — Cedric Hayden of Fall Creek, Kim Thatcher of Keizer and Suzanne Weber of Tillamook — cannot seek reelection after voters approved a constitutional amendment barring lawmakers who miss 10 or more floor sessions. The three participated in a six-week legislative walkout in 2023.

Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, is also retiring, and Christine Drazan is running for governor.

Golden’s 3rd Senate District has a crowded Democratic primary with five candidates, including Medford City Councilor Kevin Stine, attorney Tonia Moro and health care consultant Denise Krause.

In the Republican-leaning 6th District, Rep. Jami Cate of Lebanon faces small business owners Nicole de Graff and Jack Tibbetts in the GOP primary.

The 11th District race features former state Rep. Teresa Alonso Leon and former Salem City Councilor Virginia Stapleton competing for the Democratic nomination, while former Republican state Rep. Tracy Cramer is unopposed in the GOP primary.

Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, faces two Democratic challengers in the 15th District.

Meanwhile, the coastal 16th District has crowded primaries in both parties, with three Democrats and three Republicans seeking the seat currently held by Weber.

State House

All 60 seats in the Oregon House are up for election. Democrats hold a 37–23 majority after Rep. Cyrus Javadi of Tillamook switched from Republican to Democrat.

Several lawmakers are retiring, including Reps. Ken Helm, Rick Lewis, John Lively and Boomer Wright. Other seats opened after candidates launched bids for higher office.

Competitive primaries are emerging across the state. In Springfield’s 7th District, three Democrats are vying to replace Lively. In the coastal 9th District, two Republicans are competing for Wright’s seat.

The 18th District, currently represented by Lewis, features a five-candidate Republican primary, while the Beaverton-area 27th District has a two-way Democratic contest between school board member Tammy Carpenter and city councilor Ashley Hartmeier-Prigg.

One of the most competitive races may be in the 52nd District, where three Republicans and four Democrats are running to replace Rep. Jeff Helfrich.

Two veteran lawmakers also face primary challenges: Rep. Jason Kropf, D-Bend, and Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner, both from opponents who argue they are out of touch with their districts.

Oregon Gas Prices Climb to Highest Levels This Year

Gas prices across Oregon have climbed to their highest levels since September 2025, following a sharp increase in global crude oil prices tied to tensions in the Middle East.

Oil prices surged after U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran and disruptions to tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for the world’s oil supply. The developments have pushed gasoline prices higher across the country.

The national average price for regular gasoline rose about 43 cents in the past week to $3.54 per gallon.

In Oregon, prices have increased even more sharply. The statewide average began 2026 at $3.42 per gallon, but has now risen to around $4.26 per gallon.

“When crude oil prices shoot up, pump prices follow suit because crude oil is the basic ingredient in gasoline and diesel,” said Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “It’s impossible to predict how high prices might go, but we can expect elevated oil and gas prices as long as the conflict in Iran continues and tanker traffic is disrupted.”

Experts note that roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply moves through the Strait of Hormuz, meaning any disruption can quickly affect global energy markets.

Seasonal factors are also contributing to the increase. Gasoline prices typically rise during late winter and spring as refineries undergo maintenance and transition to producing summer-blend fuel, which is more expensive to refine but performs better in warmer temperatures.

With less than five weeks to go before tax deadline state has issued 720,000 refunds

Heading into the final month of the 2026 tax season, the Oregon Department of Revenue has received and processed 860,000 electronically-filed Oregon personal income tax returns and has issued 720,000 refunds.

Most taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds within two weeks of the date their return is e-filed. Some returns, however, require additional review and can take longer. Taxpayers looking for the status of their refund can use DOR’s Where’s My Refund? tool.

The Where’s My Refund? tool was enhanced last year and now provides:

• Additional detail about refund status.
• Added functionality to see when the agency is requesting additional information to complete processing a return.
• Website enhancements for improved customer experience.

To have the benefit of the enhancements, however, taxpayers need to be signed into their Revenue Online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool without being signed into Revenue Online account, but won’t be able to see the updated features.

A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.

Among those refunds that will take longer in 2026 are refunds from paper-filed Oregon Personal Income Tax returns. On average taxpayers who e-file and request direct deposit get their refund two weeks faster than those who file a paper return. The extra wait will be even longer this year.

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax form information to the Department of Revenue creating a delay in the processing of paper-filed state returns. Processing of paper-filed returns is expected to start at the end of March with the first refunds for paper-filed returns expected to be issued in early April.

Oregon is returning a $1.41 billion revenue surplus “kicker” to taxpayers in 2026. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer’s refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

About 60 percent of the 2.2 million Oregon personal income tax returns expected to be filed in 2026 have yet to be filed with less than five weeks to go before the April 15 deadline.

Besides the high volume of returns filed at the end of tax season, there are other common things that can make it take longer for Oregonians to get their refunds.

Four common reasons refunds take longer and what to do about it.

• Filing electronically and requesting to receive a refund via a check takes longer. Request direct deposit instead.
• Filing more than once. Sending a duplicate paper return through the mail after e-filing will a delay a refund. Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to amend their return to make changes.
• Refunds for taxpayers that are new to filing returns may be delayed so we can verify your identity. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting identity verification are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.
• Refunds can also be delayed when errors are identified on returns. Taxpayers who receive a letter requesting additional information are urged to respond promptly through Revenue Online to speed the processing of their return.

The Department of Revenue recommends that taxpayers wait one week after they have electronically filed their return to use the Where’s My Refund tool.

Taxpayers can check the status of their federal tax refunds on the IRS website.

Oregon Housing and Community Services advances funding for more than 300 affordable rental homes across the state

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) continues steady progress to increase the state’s housing supply by funding the creation and preservation of 329 affordable homes. The Oregon Housing Stability Council approved funding for four properties located in Astoria, Redmond, and Portland.

“Solving the affordability crisis Oregonians are facing demands that we address housing supply,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “In all corners of the state, we need to be united in delivering solutions that ensure every Oregonian has a safe, decent, and affordable place to live.”

These developments reflect a broad spectrum of housing types, from manufactured homes and cottage-style units to multifamily apartments, demonstrating the critical need for diverse housing options across Oregon. Investing in homes of all shapes and sizes addresses the state’s housing affordability challenges, especially in rural communities where local housing needs require local solutions. The awarded projects also offer a range of service levels, including permanent supportive housing and culturally specific services, ensuring Oregonians can access housing that truly meets their needs.

The projects were selected through the Oregon Centralized Application process – a first-of-its-kind approach that streamlines funding to help preserve and create more affordable housing faster and more efficiently.

More details about each project can be found in the Housing Stability Council meeting packet.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)

OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

Supporters of a referendum to challenge Oregon’s gas tax increase have filed another lawsuit over the state’s transportation funding law.

The lawsuit comes after the Oregon House approved Senate Bill 1599 in a 31–20 vote. The bill moves the referendum on the transportation package from the November ballot to the May ballot.

The transportation law would raise Oregon’s gas tax and some DMV fees. Supporters of the law say the increases are needed to fund transportation projects and prevent layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

State Rep. Ed Diehl and Senate Minority Leader Bruce Starr spoke about the lawsuit during a press conference in Salem on Tuesday, saying they support the legal challenge. The issue will now be decided in court.

’50 States in 50 Weeks’ visits Oregon

“GMA” spotlights the great state of Oregon and all it has to offer, whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, movie buff or sports fan. https://abcnews.com/video/130562892/

“GMA” visits Mount Hood to explore the state’s natural beauty, rich history and vibrant communities, speaking with tribes and women preserving traditions through dance. https://abcnews.com/video/130563347/

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has enacted legislation aimed at alleviating the challenges encountered by behavioral health care professionals.

On March 5, 2026, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 4083, a bipartisan effort spearheaded by First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson to reduce administrative burdens on behavioral health workers. The law streamlines licensing, establishes a centralized credentialing platform, and expands clinical supervision to boost workforce retention and reduce burnout.

Key Aspects of the Behavioral Health Legislation:

• Streamlined Credentialing: HB 4083 aims to cut “red tape” by requiring a centralized platform, reducing wait times for professionals to begin practicing.
• Administrative Reduction: The law directs the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to minimize duplicative reporting, allowing providers to focus on patient care.
• Supervision Expansion: It expands access to master’s-level clinical supervision, addressing a bottleneck for new professionals entering the field.
• Workforce Investment: Developed by the Behavioral Health Talent Council, this legislation follows 2025 investments in recruitment and retention grants.

This action is part of a broader, ongoing strategy to stabilize Oregon’s behavioral health workforce, which has faced significant staffing shortages.

Officials in Deschutes, Jefferson, and Klamath counties have formed a coalition to demand immediate safety improvements on U.S. Highway 97, which they have identified as one of the most dangerous, fatal routes in Oregon.

The coalition is targeting the corridor between Bend and Madras, citing 77 fatal crashes between 2016 and 2020, making it the second-deadliest road in the state.

• Safety Measures: The counties are calling for the installation of center median barriers to prevent head-on collisions, the addition of more passing lanes, and the installation of rumble strips.
• Funding & Enforcement: The coalition is urging the Oregon Legislature to prioritize funding for these improvements in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).
• Increased Patrols: There is a call for increased Oregon State Police presence to deter dangerous driving.
• Infrastructure Scope: The request includes widening shoulders and improving “clear zones” to prevent roadway departures.

Between 2018 and 2022, 97 people were killed in 3,461 crashes along this highway, with 17 fatalities reported in Klamath County alone between 2023 and 2025. The commissioners emphasize that this highway is critical for regional commerce and state resiliency in the event of a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake.

Recent federal changes are expanding work requirements for some Oregonians who receive SNAP food benefits. State agencies are encouraging recipients to get free job search and training help through WorkSource Oregon.

The Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Employment Department say more SNAP recipients must now show they are working, looking for work, or in training to keep their benefits.

The new rules apply to more people than before, including some adults up to age 64 and some households with older children. Some recipients will also need to meet these requirements for longer than three months.

SNAP Director Amya Hoffman says many people may already qualify through jobs, volunteering, or other activities. Free help is available through WorkSource Oregon, which has 37 centers across the state. For more info, go to WorkSourceOregon.org.

Oregon State Parks to hire seasonal Park Rangers, Park Ranger Assistants

Oregon State Parks is hiring seasonal Park Rangers and Park Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2026 season.

Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through June with new positions listed on a rolling basis on the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.

Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.

Salaries start at $20.28 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.79 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, who are enrolled in high school start at $20.27 or more per hour, depending on experience.

Several of Oregon State Parks’ top leaders started their careers as seasonal employees, including all three Region Directors.

“We are focused on developing an engaged workforce by partnering with staff on career development, investing in skill building and fostering a culture of belonging. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you make a difference in protecting and promoting Oregon’s special places,” said interim Director Stefanie Coons.

Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Park Rangers at parks around the state. Positions are available in Oregon’s coastal areas, scenic valleys, and mountain regions, offering opportunities to work in some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.

For more information about current openings, visit https://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Recruiting D.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov“>OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.

Beginning on March 30, 2026, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will discontinue the waiver of parking fees at an additional 22 day-use parks.

Currently, a day-use parking permit costs $10 for residents of Oregon and $12 for out-of-state visitors, and it is valid for the entire day of purchase at any state park in Oregon. Access to the parks remains complimentary for those who walk, bike, or utilize public transportation.

Visitors arriving by car can present valid parking by displaying a current hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a valid 12 or 24-month parking permit. Additionally, visitors who acquire parking permits online or through parking QR codes can link their license plates to the valid payment.

At present, OPRD mandates a day-use parking permit at 46 parks and waives parking fees at over 150 parks throughout the state. The selection of the 22 additional parks was based on the amenities and features that necessitate maintenance and operation, including restrooms, trails, paving, irrigation, boat ramps, and more.

The revenue from parking fees contributes to the maintenance and operation costs, ensuring that these facilities remain available for all visitors.

UNDER PRESSURE: A VOLCANIC EXPLORATION, AN EXHIBITION FROM OREGON’S HIGH DESERT MUSEUM, SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON THE RUMBLING GIANTS AMONG US

(BEND, Ore.) — For millions of years, volcanoes have been the most powerful force in nature. And for many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the May 18, 1980, eruption of Washington’s Mount Saint Helens. The science, spectacle, and significance behind these massive peaks will soon be at the center of an immersive new exhibition, “Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration,” which will run from Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, at the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipient High Desert Museum in Bend, Ore.

On the heels of the Museum’s recent “Sensing Sasquatch” exhibition – which won the Western History Association’s prestigious 2025 Autry Public History Prize and earned national praise for exploring the Indigenous perspectives of what many call Bigfoot – comes the latest groundbreaking exhibition from the High Desert Museum. Under Pressure will take visitors on an educational, insightful, and thought-provoking journey into the forces that make volcanoes among the most majestic and often misunderstood natural wonders of the world, while exploring their individual stories and temperaments.

“From cultural and historical significance to the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, the Pacific Northwest and High Desert have a particularly long, complex, and symbiotic relationship with volcanoes,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., High Desert Museum executive director. “We live in their shadows, recreate on their slopes, and admire their beauty, but it’s the volcanoes’ ability to simultaneously cause destruction and creation that evokes feelings of awe. Under Pressure will provide an immersive and deep exploration.”

Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration, a groundbreaking new exhibition from Oregon’s High Desert Museum.

WHEN:            Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027

WHERE:          High Desert Museum (Spirit of the West Gallery)

                         59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702 (map HERE)

COST:              Free with Museum admission or membership

   Active U.S. military and their families, as well as Tribal members, are FREE with ID

Among the highlights that visitors to Under Pressure can expect to encounter include:

• Engage the senses through interactive displays and exhibits, including volcanic rocks and a volcanic hazard map, to learn about cutting-edge volcano research.
• Hear stories and learn the significance of volcanoes to the people of the High Desert region.
• Get to know 4-6 individual volcanoes through biographies that explain the similarities and differences between them.
• Learn about present-day volcano hazards and how lava flows.
• Understand the technologies that scientists use to detect volcanic activity, which allow us to live among volcanoes while also enjoying their many benefits.

“These geologic giants exist all around us, come in all shapes and sizes, and tell a story of our past, present, and future,” says Whitelaw. “With 350 million people living near an active volcano worldwide, the more we understand about volcanoes, the better we can exist alongside them.”

Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration opens to the public on Feb. 7, 2026, and runs through Jan. 3, 2027, in the High Desert Museum’s Spirit of the West Gallery. For additional information on exhibitions or to start planning your experience, visit highdesertmuseum.org.

Raise Funds to Plant Trees in Oregon

Registration is open for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K

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.  You must register by April 1^st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event.

Participants can walk, run, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 18 and 26 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. Last year, we had to close registration early due to higher than anticipated participation, so register as soon as possible.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15, or earlier if more participants sign up than we have available swag.

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.  This year’s tree plantings will be placed in the Santiam Canyon.

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 sixth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include fifteen other states. Together, all sixteen states will help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

“We are thrilled to honor Bob Ross and continue our efforts to plant at least One Million Trees in Oregon.” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.  “To date, we have funded the planting of 850,000 trees.”

“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.”

Participants can register at www.orparksforever.org.

For more information, contact Seth Miller at 503/966-1053 or seth@orparksforever.org

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com

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