Oregon Beach News, Friday 4/17 – SOLVE Volunteer Events This Weekend Along the Coast, Puffin Welcome Celebration Saturday & 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, April 17, 2026

Oregon Beach Weather

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

Earth Month on the Oregon Coast: SOLVE Volunteer Events Invite Community Action

Earth Month is bringing volunteers together along the Oregon Coast for beach cleanups, habitat restoration, and community stewardship projects throughout April. From Astoria to Brookings, events are happening up and down the coastline, offering meaningful ways to protect marine ecosystems and keep Oregon’s beaches beautiful.

As part of SOLVE’s Earth Month celebrations, more than 200 volunteer projects are taking place across Oregon and Southwest Washington throughout April. On the Oregon Coast, volunteers can join beach cleanups, remove invasive species, screen for microplastics, and restore coastal habitats in communities all along the coast.

Featured Earth Month Events along the Oregon Coast

Manzanita Beach Cleanup for Earth Month
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Manzanita
Celebrate Earth Month on one of Oregon’s most iconic beaches. Volunteers will help remove marine debris, then enjoy refreshments and a sack lunch following the cleanup.
Link to register

Road’s End Spring Beach and Neighborhood Clean-Up
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 1 pm
WHERE: Road’s End, Lincoln City
Join a combined beach and neighborhood cleanup with community partners. Volunteers will remove litter from the shoreline and surrounding areas. Link to register

Warrenton Waterfront Trail Earth Day Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Hammond Marina / Warrenton Waterfront Trail
Help clean the waterfront trail stretching along the Skipanon River. Volunteers will disperse into teams and return for a group photo after the cleanup. Link to register

Cannon Beach Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 10 am – 1 pm
WHERE: Cannon Beach
Join a large-scale beach cleanup covering areas from Ecola State Park to Arch Cape. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to help remove marine debris and microplastics.
Link to register

Brookings Earth Day Cleanup with Chetco Brewing
WHEN: Sunday, April 19, 10 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Brookings
Meet at Chetco Brewing before heading out to nearby beaches including Mill Beach, Harbor Beach, and Harris Beach for a coastal cleanup. Link to register

Microplastic Screening & Beach Cleanup
WHEN: Thursday, April 23, 10 am – 2:30 pm
WHERE: Rockaway Beach
Help screen for microplastics and remove marine debris in partnership with local community groups and students. Link to register

Two for One Day: Earth Day & Arbor Day Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 10 am – 1 pm
WHERE: Estuary Trail, Florence
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with invasive plant removal, trail cleanup, and habitat restoration projects throughout Florence. Link to register

Sparrow Park Beach Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 10 am – 12 pm
WHERE: Reedsport
Collect litter and marine debris along the shoreline as part of the Oregon Spring Cleanup.
Link to register

Netarts/Oceanside Beach Cleanup: Sunset Edition
WHEN: Sunday, April 26, 4 pm – 6 pm
WHERE: Cape Lookout State Park to Bayocean Spit
Join an evening beach cleanup timed with low tide and sunset. Volunteers will help remove marine debris, followed by optional post-cleanup gathering.
Link to register

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer: Browse the event calendar for more events and register yourself or a group at volunteer.solve.org/oregon-spring
• Encourage participation: Invite schools, workplaces, and community groups to take part in Earth Month action
• Spread the Word: Share local events with friends, neighbors, and your community

The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2026 is made possible through the partnership with Portland General Electric and 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. Stefanie Wich-Herrlein (she/her)

Puffin Welcome Celebration Saturday!

The annual Puffin Welcome Celebration is set to return to Haystack Rock this Saturday, April 18, directly on the beach, bringing the community together to mark the arrival of Tufted Puffins for the 2026 nesting season.

The event offers a full morning of educational activities, guided talks, and opportunities to learn more about one of the Oregon coast’s most recognizable seabirds. Visitors can expect hands on experiences for children, along with ongoing interpretation from staff focusing on intertidal life and seabirds throughout the morning.

Activities begin at 7:30 in the morning and continue through 10:00. A children’s activity table will be available, along with staff engaging with the public along the shoreline. At 8:30, a Puffin Predation Game will give attendees an interactive look at the challenges puffins face in the wild. At 9:00, a program titled The Wild World of Puffins will take a deeper dive into the behavior, habitat, and life cycle of these unique birds.

All events are free and will take place as weather allows.

Haystack Rock Awareness Program

Mark your calendars! Our annual “Puffin Welcome” event is coming Saturday, April 18th from 7:30 am to 10:00 am. More details to come — Original Art from our Communication Coordinator, Jenny Gooldy

Seaside Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits

A Seaside, Oregon, woman was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for submitting fraudulent pandemic unemployment applications, falsely claiming over two dozen employees, and causing the government to pay her over half a million dollars in benefits.

Tamara Fulmer, 48, was sentenced to 28 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $581,283 in restitution.

“Fraudsters who steal benefits are not just stealing from the government – they are depriving other Oregonians who depend on those benefits to live,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “Our office will continue to prioritize and prosecute theft of government funds.”

“This case sends a clear message: those who attempt to defraud government programs will be held accountable. Tamara Fulmer stole nearly $600,000 from the unemployment insurance program at a time when Americans needed those funds most. The Office of Inspector General, together with local U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the U.S. Department of Justice’s newly established National Fraud Enforcement Division, and our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue individuals who seek to exploit government benefit programs. No fraud is too large or too small,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

According to court documents, between May 2020 and October 2021, Fulmer used the personal information of 27 individuals she claimed to be her employees to fraudulently apply for pandemic unemployment insurance benefits (UI benefits).

Based on Fulmer’s misrepresentations, the Oregon Employment Department (OED) paid out more than $567,000 in UI benefits. Fulmer deposited at least 236 UI checks totaling nearly $69,000 into her own personal account and cashed many of the UI checks at a gas station in Seaside without the applicants’ knowledge or permission.

OED paid Fulmer an additional $13,353 after she submitted her own fraudulent UI application where she falsely claimed she had not applied for or received disability benefits, despite receiving disability payments since 2004.

On February 19, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a one-count indictment charging Fulmer with theft of government property. On November 4, 2025, Fulmer pleaded guilty.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Meredith D.M. Bateman and Ethan G. Bodell, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Fatal Crash – Highway 101 – Coos County

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 2:48 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 101 near milepost 260 in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a white Mercedes E400, operated by Bernard Cooley (78) of Bandon, was traveling northbound in the southbound lane when it nearly collided with a Bandon Police Department patrol vehicle and another passenger car. The Bandon police officer activated the patrol car’s overhead lights and turned around to stop the wrong-way driver. While the patrol car was trying to catch up, the Mercedes struck the southbound guardrail and veered back into the southbound lane. The Mercedes then collided head-on with a southbound blue Mazda Mazda3, operated by Mariah Mayfield (18) of Coquille.

The operator of the Mazda (Mayfield) was pronounced deceased at the scene. The operator of the Mercedes (Cooley) was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

The highway was impacted for approximately three hours during the on-scene investigation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

OSP was assisted by the Bandon Police Department, Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Bandon Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Multiple gray whales have washed ashore on the Oregon coast in April 2026, including a 40-foot specimen in Seaside and another near Yachats, marking a surge in strandings during their northern migration. Experts attribute these deaths to poor nutrition and a lack of food in the Arctic. 

• Seaside Beach (April 14): A 40-foot male gray whale was found dead, with a necropsy planned by the Seaside Aquarium.
• Yachats Area (April 12): A 38-foot adult female gray whale was discovered dead north of Yachats.
• Earlier Activity: This is part of a broader trend with over a dozen whales washing up along the Oregon and Washington coasts in recent weeks.
• Fin Whale (Feb 2026): A 46-foot fin whale was found dead on Sunset Beach.

Causes and Context

• Nutritional Stress: Researchers believe that a “failure of not finding enough food in the Arctic” during the summer foraging season is causing the gray whales to die during their return trip to the Arctic from Mexico.
• Unusual Mortality Event (UME): Since 2019, NOAA Fisheries has tracked an increased number of gray whale strandings (a UME), suggesting a long-term issue with the population’s food supply.
• Migratory Season: Spring is the typical time for gray whales to be migrating north, leading to higher occurrences of dead whales appearing on beaches.

What to Do If You See a Beached Whale

• Do Not Approach: Experts warn against approaching or touching live or dead whales.
• Report It: Contact the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network via the NOAA Fisheries Website to report a stranding.
• Keep Pets Away: Keep dogs on a leash and away from the carcass.

Previous Incidents
In November 2025, a young humpback whale was found entangled and beached in Yachats. Despite efforts to save it, the whale was ultimately euthanized by experts.

The City of Florence is proud to work with Collaborative EDO on regional workforce and economic development!

Join us in Florence on Thursday, April 23, for the next Bridge Lane event. Find a job, volunteer opportunities, or community resources right from the Florence Events Center. Thank you to the local and regional sponsors for bringing this important resource back to the coast!

The City of Reedsport will have the grand opening and ribbon cutting for its new Electric Vehicle Charging Station on Friday, April 24th at 11am

A city release said the station is located at the corner of Winchester Avenue and 5th Street in the historic downtown area. The four EV charging stations are just steps away from unique shops, restaurants, city resources, events, and activities.

OHA and DEQ Finalize 2026-2027 Oregon Beach Monitoring List

Agency shares list of state beaches to be sampled for bacteria

The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) has released its list of coastal recreation areas it will be monitoring for the presence of bacteria during 2026 and 2027.

The OBMP, based at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division, monitors some of the most frequently visited beaches in the state. The list of monitored beaches includes those where the program has found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution.

• To see a video about Oregon’s beach monitoring effort, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82GVixgeGsM

Every two years, as part of an adaptive sampling plan, OHA and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) re-evaluate beaches and sampling locations to ensure available resources best protect public health. Based on OBMP’s evaluation criteria, the following list contains Oregon beaches that DEQ and OHA will monitor in the 2026 and 2027 seasons, from late May through late September of each year. A copy of the beach evaluation is available upon request by sending an e-mail to: each.Health@oha.oregon.gov“>Beach.Health@oha.oregon.gov.

Clatsop County

• SEASIDE BEACH – Seaside
• CANNON BEACH  – Cannon Beach
• TOLOVANA SP BEACH  – Cannon Beach

Coos County

• BASTENDORFF BEACH   –  Coos Bay
• SUNSET BAY SP BEACH   –  Coos Bay

Curry County

• HUBBARD CREEK BEACH  – Port Orford
• HARRIS BEACH SP – Brookings
• MILL BEACH – Brookings
• CRISSEY FIELD RECREATION SITE – Brookings

Lane County

• HECETA BEACH  – Florence

Lincoln County

• D RIVER SP BEACH – Lincoln City
• BEVERLY BEACH – Newport
• AGATE SP BEACH  – Newport
• NYE BEACH  – Newport
• SEAL ROCK SP BEACH – Seal Rock
• SILETZ BAY – Lincoln City
• ONA BEACH (Brian Booth – Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock
• ROADS END – Lincoln City (new for 2026/2027)

Tillamook County

• SHORT SAND SP BEACH – Arch Cape
• MANZANITA BEACH – Manzanita
• ROCKAWAY BEACH – Rockaway
• TWINS ROCKS BEACH – Twin Rocks
• OCEANSIDE – Oceanside
• CAPE KIWANDA – Pacific City
• NESKOWIN SP BEACH – Neskowin

When laboratory testing of water samples taken at monitored beaches indicates levels of bacteria above recreational guideline values, OHA issues an advisory, urging visitors to avoid contact with water at the beach. OHA advisories encourage people to avoid wading in nearby creeks, pools of water on the beach, or in discolored water.

Beach advisories are only issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within the May-September sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in the upcoming beach monitoring seasons.

OHA and DEQ work together to evaluate beaches for monitoring based on several criteria. These criteria are: pollution hazards present, previous beach monitoring data that identify water quality concerns, type and amount of beach use, and public input.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in beach water can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. Children, elderly and those with a compromised immune system should use extra caution as they are more vulnerable to illness from waterborne bacteria.

Unsafe levels of fecal bacteria in ocean waters can come from both shore and inland sources including stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, failing septic systems, and animal waste from livestock, pets and wildlife.

Jessie M. Honeyman State Park Monument Damaged by Vandalism

Florence, Oregon—A bronze monument dedicated in honor of state park namesake Jessie Honeyman was damaged last month. The monument located near the Cleawox Day-use parking area was vandalized in an apparent attempted theft between Monday evening, March 2 and Tuesday morning March 3. The monument’s structure appeared to be knocked over and cut in two places, resulting in significant damage.

The bronze “Eye of the Needle” monument was dedicated to honor Jessie M. Honeyman in 1986, recognizing her tireless advocacy for Oregon’s natural resources and scenery along the state’s highways. The statue sculpted by Gordon Newell is a registered art piece with the Smithsonian.

Park staff have removed the monument for public safety and to prevent further harm as they evaluate the extent of the damage and develop a plan for repairs. At this time, there is no established timeline for the monument’s repair or reinstallation.

The department asks that anyone with information regarding this incident contact the Oregon State Police, referencing case number SP26072324. Community assistance is appreciated to help protect Oregon’s special places.

Puffin Season is Back on the Oregon Coast

The beautiful, beloved tufted puffins are expected back at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, where the 2026 Welcome the Puffins Celebration will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 18.

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.

Organized by the Haystack Rock Awareness Program and Friends of Haystack Rock, the free event will not only celebrate the return of the puffins to their Oregon nesting grounds but also give the public the chance to spy on the birds as well. Interpretive rangers will be on hand with binoculars and spotting scopes to help people safely observe the tufted puffins.

The 2026 “Children of a Common River” Poetry Contest invites students to explore this year’s theme: Watershed

Who can participate?6th and 7th grade students in Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook (Oregon), and Pacific, Wahkiakum, and Cowlitz (Washington) counties.

How it works:• Submit poems online for county-level judging• County finalists advance to an in-person presentation at the Columbia River Maritime Museum

Important Dates:• Submission Deadline: May 1, 2026• County Finalists Announced: May 8, 2026• Regional Finals: Saturday, May 30, 2026

Celebrate the voices of young writers and their connection to the river that unites us. Learn more and submit your poem:https://www.crmm.org/children-of-a-common-river-poetry…

Astoria selects sole-source contractor for bridge corrosion repairs

The City of Astoria plans to hire Norton Corrosion Limited, LLC to repair the 7th–11th Street Cathodic Protection System, which helps prevent corrosion on city bridges and structures. The city is using a sole-source procurement because Norton Corrosion has already evaluated the site, designed compatible repairs, and holds specialized certifications for marine corrosion protection.

Anyone who wishes to protest this award must send a written protest to the Public Works Director at City Hall, 1095 Duane St., Astoria, OR 97103, or email pwadministration@astoria.gov within 10 days of this notice. Protests will be handled under the city’s procurement code. More Info: City of Astoria Oregon

Operations at the North Bend Post Office have been temporarily suspended due to potential asbestos-containing material identified at the facility, per United States Postal Service (USPS)

USPS says certified environmental professionals are conducting thorough testing and evaluation to determine if there is any asbestos exposure. If no asbestos is found, the closure could last about two weeks. If asbestos is identified and needs to be removed, the closure could last longer. No employees have been injured.

Florence Youth Police Academy

 Applications for the 2026 Florence Police Department Youth Police Academy are now available! 

Meant for youth ages 14 to 18 interested in a career in law enforcement, first response, and government, the Youth Police Academy will run from June 22 to 27, 2026. Applications are due Friday, May 22. Scholarships are available.

For more information, visit https://www.ci.florence.or.us/Youth-Police-Academy.

Newport & South Beach, Oregon Community  · The City of Newport Parks and Recreation · We want YOUR input, Newport!

The Newport Recreation & Aquatic Center is getting a new look — and we’re asking the community to help design it! We’re creating new window wraps for the front of the Rec Center and want your ideas on the themes, activities, and imagery that best represent our community.

Take our short survey and make your voice heard! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GMSBDH3The more responses we get, the better our design will be — so share this with your friends, family, and neighbors!

Three Rivers Casino Resort Foundation Announces Grant Applications Opening

Nonprofit organizations will soon have an opportunity to apply for community funding through the Three Rivers Casino Resort Foundation. The foundation’s annual grant application cycle runs from April 1st through April 30th, offering support for projects that benefit local communities.

Nonprofits throughout the region are encouraged to apply during that window. According to foundation organizers, funding has helped support a wide range of local initiatives in surrounding areas. More information on eligibility and the  application process is expected to be available through the Three Rivers Casino Resort Foundation. https://www.threeriversfoundation.org/apply-now#:~:text=The%20Foundation%20will%20be%20accepting,applications%20from%20April%201%2D30%202026&text=If%20you%20have%20any%20questions,please%20contact%20foundation%40threeriverscasino.com

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.

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…

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! 

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.

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. 

4/17/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

FRIDAY: Virtual media briefing on measles in Oregon

Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Health & Science University physicians will give an update on measles during a virtual media briefing at 1 p.m. Friday, April 17.

Reporters can join via Zoom at this link. A livestream for the public is available via YouTube at this link.

Speakers include:

• Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA’s Public Health Division.
• Dawn Nolt, M.D., MPH, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

They will discuss the latest measles data, recent OHA advisories about exposure locations, the agency’s work with local public health authorities to investigate cases, and what the latest wastewater surveillance data show. — For more information about measles, visit OHA’s measles page.

Here’s how Oregonians can update their voter registration info ahead of May primary — May 19 primary will determine who will face off in November general election

Oregonians have until April 28 to register to vote or change their party affiliation for the upcoming primary election.

That’s because Oregon law requires voters to be registered 21 days before an election. Most Oregonians are automatically registered as nonaffiliated voters when they obtain a driver’s license or state-issued ID card, and they can update their party affiliation online, by mail or at their county election office.

Oregon has closed primaries, which means voters may only vote for candidates in their same party in primary elections. That means the nearly 1.4 million registered voters in Oregon that aren’t affiliated with the Republican or Democratic parties can’t vote for candidates in major party primaries. However, they can still vote in nonpartisan races, including the statewide race for labor commissioner, and on measures.

Election officials will begin mailing ballots on April 29. Ballots must be postmarked by May 19 or dropped off by 8 p.m. that day at one of Oregon’s official ballot drop sites. Because of U.S. Postal Service changes that may prevent ballots from receiving postmarks the same day they’re mailed, election officials are urging Oregonians to use drop boxes instead of relying on mail if they return their ballot less than a week before the May 19 election.

How to update your voter information — To update your voter registration status, visit the Oregon Secretary of State’s My Vote webpage and click the “Go to My Vote Now” button. From there, submit your name and date of birth to see your status.

Next, click “update registration” at the bottom left of the page. You must have a valid driver’s license or other Oregon-issued identification card on hand and answer two eligibility questions to update your party affiliation or address. Click submit when you’re done.

Oregonians can also update their voter information by hard copy using the Oregon Voter Registration Card and submitting it to a county elections office. Voter registration cards can be found at post offices, libraries or county elections offices. You may also request that a local county elections office or the Oregon Elections Division mail the registration card to you.

To register to vote, Oregonians must follow a similar process by either submitting a hard copy of the Oregon Voter Registration Card to a county elections office or using the My Vote webpage. (SOURCE)

Oregon’s Unemployment Rate Was Unchanged at 5.2% in February

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 5.2% in both February and January. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.4% in February and 4.3% in January.

In February, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment declined by 5,400 jobs, following a gain of 1,600 jobs, as revised, in January. February’s gains were largest in financial activities (+800 jobs). Losses were largest in transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-1,600 jobs); leisure and hospitality (-1,500); and professional and business services (-1,300).

Financial activities added 800 jobs in February, which was a rare monthly gain for the industry after persistent declines over the past three years. It employed 99,800 in February, which was down 1,100 jobs, or -1.1%, since February 2025.

Transportation, warehousing, and utilities employment was choppy in recent months, cutting 1,600 jobs in February following a gain of 1,500 in January. It employed 78,400 in February, which was 400 jobs, or 0.5%, above its year-ago level and close to its average employment throughout much of the past five years.

Leisure and hospitality cut 1,500 jobs in February following a gain of 1,200 in January. During the prior three years, it was remarkably steady, averaging just over 207,000 jobs.

Professional and business services continued its downtrend of the past three years, cutting 1,300 jobs in February and another 2,000 jobs in January. In the most recent 12 months, it cut 8,700 jobs, or 3.4%. Since February 2025, each of its three component industries contracted by more than 2%: administrative and waste services (-4,200 jobs, or -4.3%); professional and technical services (-3,200 jobs, or -2.9%); and management of companies and enterprises (-1,300 jobs, or -2.7%).

Kotek Announces Approval of Major Disaster Declaration for December 2025 Floods

Governor Tina Kotek announced today that the December storms have been declared a major disaster by the President. This will provide federal Public Assistance funding to support recovery from the December 15–21, 2025 atmospheric river that impacted communities across the state. Read more about the timeline on the incident StoryMap.

The declaration makes Public Assistance funding available to nine counties significantly affected by the storms: Clackamas, Hood River, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Polk, Tillamook, Union, and Yamhill. These funds can be used to cover eligible costs related to damage to roads, bridges, utilities, and other public infrastructure. Oregon has also requested Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding to support long-term risk‑reduction projects; that request is still under federal review.

The storms produced record rainfall and powerful winds, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and mudslides. At the peak of the event, more than 300,000 Oregonians were without power, numerous highways and interstates were closed, and one fatality was reported in Yamhill County. A joint preliminary damage assessment documented more than $15.4 million in eligible damages, with Tillamook County experiencing the highest per‑capita impact at $154.29 per person.

With the approval of the disaster declaration, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management will work closely with FEMA’s Field Coordination Officer, Shawna Jepson—formerly OEM’s recovery program manager—to coordinate the state-federal partnership supporting community recovery. OEM staff are already reaching out to affected jurisdictions to begin the Public Assistance application process and provide guidance on required documentation, next steps, and available resources.

OEM remains committed to supporting local partners through recovery and to advocating for hazard mitigation funding that strengthens long‑term resilience across Oregon.

More information about Oregon’s disaster recovery efforts and emergency preparedness resources is available at Oregon.gov/OEM or read the FEMA fact sheet about the disaster.

Governor Kotek issues order prohibiting Oregon districts from reducing school days to cut costs

Districts that reduced school days to cover budget holes will need to add them back onto the next school year under the order

Oregon school districts would no longer be able to shorten the school year to cut costs, avoid layoffs and plug budget holes under a new order from the state’s governor.

Gov. Tina Kotek presented the order to the State Board of Education at its monthly meeting Thursday and asked the board to approve temporary rules requiring schools that have already cut school days this year for budgeting to add them back by the 2027-28 school year. She then asked the board to change state rules regarding instructional time, no longer allowing districts to cut instructional hours or to count teacher professional development or parent-teacher conferences as instructional hours.

“Too many Oregon students are not getting the time in the classroom they need to succeed,” Kotek said in a news release. “We cannot expect better outcomes if we continue to give our students less time to learn.”

Oregon has one of the shortest school years in the country, according to a recent ECONorthwest analysis commissioned by the advocacy group Stand for Children. And Oregon students have some of the highest rates of chronic absenteeism in the nation, according to a recent analysis from the University of Oregon.

Portland, West Linn-Wilsonville, Reynolds, St. Helens, Lake Oswego and Beaverton schools have all cut school days during the most recent school year for budget reasons, according to OPB reporting. Portland’s cuts were made to help cover a $14 million budget shortfall.

Kotek in an FAQ accompanying the release of the order suggested she is open to tapping the Education Stability Fund to help districts with one-time budget issues so they can comply with the order. The governor has the power to declare an economic emergency and tap the fund, as does the state Legislature if two-thirds of each chamber agree to it.

“I know you’re working in a complex economic environment, and I know resources are constrained, and I know that the path forward won’t necessarily be simple or easy, but I also know, as you all do, that our kids are worth it, The future of Oregon is worth it and sometimes as leaders we must do the hard thing, especially when it’s the right thing to do,” she said at a news conference Thursday morning. “Sometimes, we’re going to have to work with what we have, and find a way forward.”

The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators, representing 2,500 school administrators in the state, said in a statement that it agrees with the governor’s concerns about lost class time, but prohibiting schools from readjusting time to preserve staff could undermine instructional quality for the sake of instructional quantity.

“The governor’s executive order introduces an additional challenge for districts already navigating declining enrollment, rising PERS obligations, increasing operational costs and the financial pressures facing educators themselves,” the group wrote. “While we share the goal of protecting and expanding instructional time, we believe that a mandated approach at this moment is unlikely to produce the meaningful, sustainable change Oregon students deserve.”

Enrique Farrera, president of the Oregon Education Association, the state’s largest teachers’ union, suggested in a statement that the union might go to court over the order.

“If needed, we will use any tool we have to challenge this order,” he said. Farrera largely took issue with the lack of union or teacher input on Kotek’s order before it was issued.

“With current budget challenges, some districts have been put in a difficult situation: eliminating critical positions or reducing school days. No one makes this decision lightly; we know the impacts on students when they lose a trusted adult who believes in them and their success. More days in school cannot compensate for the loss of a trusted adult who knows a child’s name and believes in their future,” Farrera said.

Under the order, even the districts that cut school days but still met or exceeded the minimum hours of instructional time — 900 hours for kindergarten through eight grade; 990 hours for ninth through 11th grade; and 966 hours for high school seniors — would need to revert back to the number of school days offered before any cuts were made.

Kotek is also ordering the immediate end to the state education department’s use of instructional time waivers that allow some districts to fall below the mandated minimum instructional hours, unless there is a declared emergency. (SOURCE)

State places ATRIO Health Plans under supervision

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) announced today that it has issued an order of supervision to ATRIO Health Plans, Inc., because of concerns over ATRIO’s financial condition. The company has suffered excessive operating losses over the past 12 months.

Additionally, the financial condition of the company has created a claims backlog that has caused provider payments to go unpaid. As the solvency regulator, this situation has caused DFR to take this action.

As of March 2026, ATRIO enrolled a total of about 35,340 Oregonians in its Medicare Advantage plans. The enrollees are in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

An order of supervision allows DFR to have a representative on site and in control of all financial decisions to ensure that consumers are protected. The order prohibits ATRIO and its directors, officers, agents, employees, and others affiliated with the company from taking several actions, including withdrawing from any of ATRIO’s bank accounts; lending or investing any of ATRIO’s funds; transferring any of ATRIO’s property; incurring any debt, obligation, or liability of behalf of ATRIO; merging or consolidating with any other insurer or person; approving any new premium or renewing any policies; terminating, surrendering, forfeiting, converting, or lapsing any insurance policy, certificate, or contract, except for nonpayment; and releasing, paying, or refunding premium deposits, unearned premiums, or other reserves on any insurance policy, certificate, or contract.

The supervision order is available here.

DFR took this action because of ATRIO’s excessive operating losses, and inadequate capital and surplus. Capital and surplus is the amount a company’s assets exceed its liabilities.

Consumers with questions about Medicare can find help from the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program at 800-722-4134 (toll-free) or at shiba.oregon.gov. More information can be found on DFR’s website.

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been made aware of the order and more information for enrollees may be forthcoming from that federal agency. DFR regulates the financial condition of carriers, while CMS is responsible for operating the Medicare Advantage program.

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board to host community forums to hear how prescription drug prices affect Oregonians

The Oregon Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is hosting a series of community forums in April and May to hear from people about the high cost of prescription drugs and the effect it has on their lives and budgets.

The in-person forums will be held May 5 at the Salem Library, May 6 at the Redmond Library, May 12 at the Asian Health & Service Center in Portland, and May 18 at the Beaverton Library. Online forums are scheduled for April 28, May 11, May 13, and the online board meeting, May 20.

“We invite all Oregonians to join us at these forums and share your stories about the cost of your medications and how those costs impact your lives,” said Sarah Young, PDAB executive director. “All forums will have similar content, so choose the best option for your schedule. We would love to have patients, caregivers, and consumers join us to share their experiences. Hearing your stories will help inform the board as it reviews drugs to identify affordability challenges and high out-of-pocket costs for patients.”

The board conducts annual drug reviews and presents a list of medications that may create affordability challenges to the Oregon Legislature each year. This year, PDAB will review the following medications to evaluate their affordability and their impact on Oregonians and the state’s health care system:

• Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Ozempic (Type 2 diabetes)
• Humulin R U-500 (improve blood sugar control for those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes who require more than 200 units of insulin per day)
• Keytruda and Verzenio (cancer)
• Xeljanz (autoimmune and inflammatory conditions)
• Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis)
• Skyrizi (immune-mediated inflammatory conditions)
• Tremfya (plaque psoriasis)
• Xolair (allergic and inflammatory conditions)

The feedback from the community forums will help inform PDAB’s drug review process. Each of the drugs and what they treat can be found on PDAB’s website.

The three online forums are:

• Tuesday, April 28, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 161 635 9753 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)
• Monday, May 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 556 2737 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)
• Wednesday, May 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (zoomgov.com/join, meeting ID is 160 948 4958 and the passcode is OregonPDAB)

The four in-person forums are:

• Tuesday, May 5, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Salem at the Salem Public Library, 585 Liberty St. SE
• Wednesday, May 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Redmond at the Redmond Public Library, 817 SW Deschutes Ave.
• Tuesday, May 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Portland at the Asian Health & Service Center, 9035 SE Foster Road
• Monday, May 18, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Beaverton at the Beaverton City Library, 12375 SW Fifth St.

“We also invite everyone to share online feedback about the prescription drugs the board is reviewing,” Young said. “If you have been prescribed one of the drugs on the list, please answer the questions and submit the form.”

The feedback forms are located on the PDAB website and include options for patients, medical experts, safety net clinics, and others.

The Oregon Legislature created the board out of Senate Bill 844 in 2021 to protect Oregonians and the Oregon health care system from the high costs of prescription drugs. The board holds monthly online meetings that are open to the public. The board has eight members with backgrounds in clinical medicine or health care economics.

For more information, email pdab@dcbs.oregon.gov, call 971-374-3724 or go to dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.

About PDAB: The Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) is in the Division of Financial Regulation, part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The board was established under ORS 646A.693 to protect residents of Oregon, state and local governments, commercial health plans, health care providers, pharmacies licensed in Oregon, and others within the health care system in this state from the high costs of prescription drugs. Visit dfr.oregon.gov/pdab.

Baker City Man Charged with Investment Fraud for Stealing from Investors for Almost Seventeen Years

A Baker City, Oregon, man has been charged with stealing his clients’ shares of stocks, selling them, and transferring the proceeds into his personal bank account for almost seventeen years.

Jeffrey Thomas Higgins, 54, has been charged by information with investment fraud.

According to court documents, from December 2007 through June 2024, Higgins worked as an investment adviser in Baker City. To entice investors, Higgins lied, falsely claiming he purchased stocks on their behalf at deep discounts when he actually purchased the stocks at market value. Higgins then sold the stocks without the investors’ knowledge and stole the proceeds from the sales – transferring the money to his personal bank account.

To keep the scheme going, Higgins created fictitious annual statements that exaggerated profits. Statements reflecting the true costs of stock purchases were mailed directly to a post office box controlled by Higgins. As a result of Higgins’ scheme, victim investors suffered a financial loss totaling more than $1.6 million.

Higgins made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was ordered released pending further court proceedings.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Chinwuba and Andrew T. Ho are prosecuting the case.

An information is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Scammers are targeting individuals with deceptive text messages claiming they owe money to the Oregon Department of Transportation or DMV, and these messages are not harmless jokes.

These fraudulent texts often mention unpaid tolls, license suspensions, or traffic violations and include links to counterfeit websites designed to capture your personal and financial information. It is important to remember that ODOT and DMV will never request payment via text, email, phone call, or third-party sites.

Scammers aim to create a sense of urgency to prompt quick action, so it is crucial not to respond, click on any links, or share personal details. Instead, block the number and delete the message.

Such scam texts frequently use alarming phrases like “urgent notice” or “final enforcement,” warning of potential license suspensions or increased fines if immediate payment is not made

Benton County to mark National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with community event

The Benton County District Attorney’s Office invites community members and media to attend a public event recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and reaffirming a shared commitment to justice, dignity and healing for all survivors.

The event will take place Monday, April 20, at 2 p.m. at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.

Observed nationwide, Crime Victims’ Rights Week highlights the importance of supporting victims, raising awareness of available services and strengthening partnerships between communities and those who serve them. The 2026 theme, “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities,” encourages individuals and organizations to take meaningful action in support of survivors.

The Benton County event will include:

• Remarks from community leaders
• A resource fair featuring local service providers
• Recognition of survivors and their resilience
• A proclamation read by Benton County Board Chair Pat Malone

“Benton County is committed to ensuring that survivors are heard, supported and treated with dignity,” said Benton County District Attorney Ryan Joslin. “This event brings our community together to recognize the strength of survivors and the importance of access to services that promote healing and justice.”

Community members, service providers and local partners are encouraged to attend.

Each April, the Benton County District Attorney’s Office places colored flags on the Historic Benton County Courthouse lawn to recongnize local crime victims. Each flag represents a reported victimization in Benton County for the previous year. 

For more information about victim services and National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, residents can contact the Benton County Victim Assistance Program or visit the federal Office for Victims of Crime.

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 to Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers May 5, 2026

Every year, the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honors the state’s law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. This year’s ceremony will be held Tuesday, May 5 at 1 p.m. at the Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem.

The annual event commemorates the more than 190 fallen officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the state of Oregon since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training is proud to host the ceremony in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and various statewide law enforcement associations.

BLM seeks seasonal volunteer camp hosts across Oregon, Washington

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking seasonal volunteer hosts for several recreation sites in Oregon and Washington. Hosts will help connect visitors to public lands during a milestone year as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, and the BLM celebrates its 80th anniversary.

Campground hosts play an important role in the visitor experience. They offer information about recreation opportunities, answer questions about the area, and help ensure campgrounds remain clean and safe. Light maintenance tasks—such as tidying restrooms, collecting trash, and keeping signs and information boards up to date—are part of the daily routine.

This is a live-in volunteer position, and hosts must provide their own self-contained RV. Volunteers may be eligible to receive a daily per diem reimbursementwhile serving on site.

Season lengths and schedules vary by location, with most positions running from late spring through early fall. Some locations can accommodate couples who want to host together and share responsibilities. All volunteer campground hosts must complete a federal background check.

Those interested in learning more or applying can visit Volunteer.gov and search for “BLM Oregon” or “BLM Washington” to view current openings.

-BLM-  The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

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.

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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