Oregon Beach News, Friday 4/4 – Beachgoers Urged To Keep Distance From Molting Elephant Seals, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Community Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Washed Ashore Display at Oregon Coast Aquarium & 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 4, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Beachgoers Urged To Keep Distance From Molting Elephant Seals

— It’s molting season for elephant seals, and Oregon beachgoers are being urged to “share the shore.” Signs have recently gone up in Seaside advising residents to remain at least 100 yards away from the seals after a young elephant seal was found sunbathing there yesterday.

If you spot a sickly looking elephant seal on land, it is probably moulting. All elephant seals spend one month a year on land to moult; they undergo what is called a “catastrophic moult” in which they shed all of their fur along with the underlying layer of skin.

The molting process requires elephant seals to rest on land for multiple weeks while they shed their old coats and grow new ones. Elephant seals can be extra irritable during the molting process.

Join the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, April 6th at the Community Pancake Breakfast hosted by the Gleneden Beach Community Club!

All tips from the breakfast will be supporting the annual Shop with a Cop event. Fill your stomach with all you can eat pancakes, meet our leadership team, and support the annual Shop with a Cop event

. What: Community Pancake Breakfast – All you can eat pancakes; sausage or ham, eggs, orange juice, and coffee. When: Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 8am – 11am

Where: Gleneden Beach Community Hall, 110 Azalea St, Gleneden Beach, OR 97388 Who: Community members, family friendly event Cost:Adults – $10Ages 6-12 $6Under 6 – Free All tips go to support the annual Shop with a Cop event. Thank you, Gleneden Beach Community Club, for hosting us! Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/share/18VoEGm9fx/

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the newly-renovated playground at Sam Moore Parkway in Newport

We’re very excited to bring this interactive equipment to provide a fun, healthy, and engaging experience for all of our community’s youth. The design qualifies the playground as a PlayCore National Demonstration Site!

Thank you to our amazing The City of Newport Parks and Recreation team for getting this project complete just in time for the warm weather and sunshine.

Also thank you to the Parks and Rec Advisory Committee, Newport Oregon Police Department, Nye Neighbors Association, and City Council for their support of this project. We can’t wait to see you at the playground! https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1395650644942429

Oregon Coast Aquarium Features Plastic Waste Sculptures

— The Oregon Coast Aquarium will put 15 sculptures on display that are made from plastic that washed up on beaches. The exhibit is called Washed Ashore, and since 2010 it’s collected 50 tons of plastic from Pacific Northwest beaches.

The statues include Flash the Marlin, Greta the Great White Shark, and a yet-to-be-named sculpture of a blue-ringed octopus. An online naming contest is underway. Washed Ashore will be on display from May 17th through the end of the year.

Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission New License Plate To Help Support Oregon’s Dungeness Crab Industry

Oregon’s Dungeness crab fuels families, $68M a year industry — According to the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, Dungeness crab fishing typically brings in more money than every other type of fishing in the state.

For many people, when Dungeness crab is on the menu, it’s a go-to in Oregon. It’s a savory treat that fuels a multi-million dollar a year industry in the state.  It’s a tradition that not only supports the state economy, but also families up and down the Oregon coast.

According to numbers from the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, commercial crabbing has over the last decade pulled in an average of more than $68 million a year. Typically, Dungeness crab fishing brings in more money than every other type of fishing in Oregon, said Crystal Adams, the executive director of the commission, which supports and promotes the state’s crabbing industry. 

“It’s our livelihoods,” Adams said. “A labor of love. People do it because it’s in their blood and, you should support that. Support your industry, support your state, support local fishermen.”

Oregon is the dominate producer of Dungeness crab, where on average 16 millions pounds of crab are harvested per season, according the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website. It’s considered the most valuable single species commercial fishery in the state.

A portion of the harvest stays in state and is sold at local grocery stores and restaurants — but most of Oregon’s Dungeness crab is processed and shipped all over the world. 

“It’s a difficult thing to go do, but it’s a very positive thing and we just want everybody to try it and buy it and yeah, support us,” Reeves said.

Right now, the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission is working on a license plate that would help support Oregon’s Dungeness crab industry.

Celebrate Oregon’s coastal heritage and show your support for one of the state’s most iconic industries with the new Oregon Dungeness Crab license plate! This eye-catching design features a bold, bright orange Oregon Dungeness crab against a light blue sea background, inspired by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission logo.

By purchasing this specialty plate, you’re not only adding a unique touch to your vehicle but also supporting vital programs that sustain and promote Oregon’s Dungeness crab fishery.”Get your License Plate Here – https://oregondungeness.org/new-licence-plate/ —- Learn More with Our FAQs

Group Plans Protest at Florence City Hall on Saturday

A group called Florence ORganizes is planning a protest at Florence City Hall on Saturday, April 5th, from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is part of a nationwide effort with grassroots organizations, aiming to speak out against what organizers describe as corrupt government actions.

They say the protest is family friendly and encourage participants to bring signs, musical instruments, and join in chanting. According to organizers, the event is about making a joyful noise as part of resistance. More information is available on their Facebook page at facebook.com/FlorenceORganizes.

Cannon Beach Gallery · Calling All Art Instructors & Volunteers!

We’re hiring paid art instructors for our Summer Art Camp (July 14-18, 2025)! Earn $28 per hour for in-person teaching and prep time. Instructors can design their own curriculum and teach any medium in 2-hour sessions (10 AM – 12 PM or 1 – 3 PM)—or both—over the 5-day camp! Select your preferred age group and inspire young artists this summer.

We’re also looking for volunteers to assist instructors, help during lunch sessions, and supervise outdoor playtime .Inquire today and be part of an unforgettable creative experience! info@cannonbeacharts.org

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 – 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 Coos Bay and Gold Beach

– The 5th Annual South Coast Diversity Conference is back, providing a space for courageous conversations, networking, and community-driven solutions. This one-day conference offers participants the opportunity to choose from two different dates and locations:• 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 – 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟏𝐭𝐡o 94341 3rd Street, Gold Beach, OR 97444• 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐨 – 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟕𝐭𝐡o 3201 Tremont Avenue, North Bend, OR 97459

Each location will feature unique content and speakers, offering attendees the flexibility to select the date and venue that works best for them—or to attend both for a full experience.

𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲! Secure your spot now by visiting https://bit.ly/4hMqNLP $75 per ticket or $150 for an all-ACCESS PassThe link above will direct you to an Eventbrite page, where you can choose between the April 10th or April 16th conference dates. After selecting a conference, you will be prompted to confirm your preferred attendance date.This year’s conference will focus on advancing justice, healing, and community transformation. Through interactive discussions, keynote speakers, and engaging sessions, we aim to foster inclusive conversations that drive meaningful change. 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 We are committed to making this conference accessible to all. Scholarships and accommodations are available and can be requested please email Jess Howell at jess@southcoastequity.org

The iconic gazebo in Old Town Park on Bay Street is getting a makeover

The City of Florence will begin demolition of the aging structure on April 8th to make way for a new gazebo, thanks to a grant from the Central Oregon Coast Board of Realtors. The new structure, a kit from Amish Country Gazebos ordered last fall, has finally arrived.

Once the old gazebo is removed, crews will prep the site and pour a concrete slab, which must cure for seven days before assembly begins. The goal is to have the new gazebo ready in time for Rhody Weekend. Periodic park closures are expected during construction, with safety as the top priority.

Bay Area Hospital   · JOIN US FRIDAY, APRIL 11. We will be celebrating National Therapy Dog Appreciation Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It’s a special opportunity for the public to meet BB and Jesse, our Bay Area Hospital therapy dogs, and our newest member, Buddie, as well as other dogs and their handlers who provide therapeutic and lifesaving services in our community. Learn more about our program: https://vimeo.com/1069008129

These therapy dogs provide critical support for our hospital staff who may face challenging days or need extra emotional support, which is all part of taking care of our people here at Bay Area Hospital. And… we have a new fur buddy joining our ranks! Say hello to Buddie! This 3-year-old Miniature Australian Shepherd Border Collie mix will officially become a certified member of our First Responder Therapy Dogs team!

Incredible Orca Encounter In Depoe Bay Filmed Monday by Crew of Whale Research Eco Excursions

WATCH VIDEO HERE: https://www.facebook.com/DiscoveringDepoeBayOregon/videos/3960855430862891

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

 · There are just two weeks left to submit your scholarship applications for the Retired Sheriff John O’Brien Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship helps Lincoln County youth interested in law enforcement fund their education. Eligibility: Graduates from any high school in Lincoln County with a GPA 3.0 or higher, pursuing further education in Criminal Justice.Value: $2,500 Deadline: April 15, 2025Website: https://lincf.org/

Non-Profit at Risk of Shutting Down

A local nonprofit that has served the Florence area for more than three decades is facing an uncertain future. Memory Care Respite of Florence, which supports individuals living with dementia and provides relief for their caregivers, may be forced to close if it cannot fill several vacant board positions. According to the organization, recent life changes among its board members have left key roles unfilled, placing the group’s operations at risk. Memory Care Respite operates the Coffee Club adult day program and has been part of the community for 31 years.

Three rangers at Yaquina Head Natural Area get their jobs back, but still aren’t allowed to work

 Four Bureau of Land Management employees fired suddenly and without notice at Yaquina Head last month have been offered their jobs back.

Three of the four have accepted the offer. But they have no illusions — knowing the offers could vanish like castles in the sand before they are allowed back on the job.

Three full-time rangers as well as a seasonal ranger — all in the probationary stage of their jobs — were terminated Feb. 18 as a part of a national wave of federal workforce firings ordered by the Trump administration under the auspice of trimming fat from federal agencies. The rangers were offered their jobs back March 20.

The loss of nearly half its public-facing workers quickly crippled operations at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, cutting programs, lighthouse tours and hours of operation at what is one of the central Oregon coast’s premier destinations visited by 400,000 people a year.

The firing of more than 24,000 federal workers across the country was met with court challenges and injunctions that called for the reinstatement of thousands of positions. But that could change any day as appeals by the Trump administration work their way through the courts.

A federal judge in Maryland said Wednesday that he would extend a temporary order requiring the Trump administration to bring federal workers back who were harmed by the large-scale reduction without warning, as required by law. The government is appealing the case to the 4^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

If the rangers are not returned to their posts, hours at the park will continue to be limited and certain programs will be left to flounder, including the necessary training of this season’s tidepool guides. (SOURCE)

Wildlife Center of the North Coast ->>> ALL ARE INVITED TO THIS FUN, FREE EVENT! Spring Festival May 10th & 11th, 2025 – 11am to 3pm

This fun, two-day festival is our Annual Spring Open House & Native Plant Sale, with free tours of our facility, fun activities for the kids, awesome raffle prizes, and visits with our Education Ambassadors. We will be announcing the winners of our 2025 Birds of a Feather Youth Art Contest & displaying all of the artwork that was entered.

Bring the whole family. Everyone is invited to this free-community event! All money raised from the Birds of a Feather Spring Festival will support our 2025 Birds of a Feather Annual Campaign. Donations to our Annual Campaign support our mission of promoting compassion, empathy, and respect for all life through wildlife rehabilitation, ecological teachings, and wildlife conservation.

Registration Now Open for the Annual Oregon Spring Cleanup

– Registration is live for the annual Oregon Spring Cleanup presented by Portland General Electric! With over 100 events already posted on the SOLVE website, now is the time to get involved. Litter cleanups and habitat restoration projects span Portland and SW Washington, the entire Oregon Coast from Astoria to Brookings, the Willamette National Forest, Southern Oregon—including Medford—and all the way to Baker City in Eastern Oregon.

The Oregon Spring Cleanup, celebrating Earth Month, takes place from April 12 to 22, 2025, culminating on Saturday, April 19. Individuals, families, community and corporate groups are encouraged to participate in this collective effort to keep our region clean and beautiful. Volunteers can sign up for existing projects or host their own events with support from SOLVE.

Longtime community partner, Portland General Electric continues to champion environmental volunteerism through SOLVE. As part of PGE’s commitment to environmental stewardship, they partner with SOLVE to bring communities together to provide clean and healthy environments for all.

“Earth Month is great reminder to take action and continue to enhance our communities,” said PGE’s vice president of policy and resource planning, Kristen Sheeran. “This Earth Month, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves with SOLVE and all of the volunteer partners to make a lasting impact on Oregon’s natural spaces.”

How to Get Involved

• Sign up: Find a volunteer event near you and register yourself or a group at volunteer.solveoregon.org/
• Lead your own event: SOLVE provides all the necessary resources, including supplies and disposal funds, to make hosting a project easy for you.
• Join the challenge: Rally your school, company, or community group to take part in the Trash Bag Challenge. Participants challenge others to either join an existing SOLVE cleanup or lead their own, sparking friendly competition and community pride – solveoregon.org/challenge

Supply Hubs: Making Coastal Cleanups More Sustainable

At SOLVE, we make it easy to lead a cleanup event. This year, new coastal supply hubs provide an additional way to access event materials, making it even easier to host litter cleanups along the Oregon Coast.

Through a partnership with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and generous support from Knife River, SOLVE has established seven supply hubs along the Oregon Coast. These hubs—located at Cape Lookout, Fort Stevens, Port Orford Heads, South Beach, and Sunset Bay within OPRD parks, along with Heart of Cartm in Nehalem and Washed Ashore in Bandon—are stocked with supplies to support cleanups of up to 20 volunteers, reducing the shipment of single-use plastics to these areas.

Join the Trash Bag Challenge — New this year, SOLVE is also launching the Trash Bag Challenge, inviting schools, businesses, community groups, and organizations to challenge others to either join an existing cleanup or lead their own. This initiative is designed to spark friendly competition and community pride while making a tangible difference in local areas.

The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2025 is made possible by the generous support of Portland General Electric and other event sponsors, including AAA, CareOregon, Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Holman Enterprises, KOIN 6, The Oregonian, Lam Research Corporation, Metro, Lithia Driveway, Intel, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Swire Coca-Cola, The Standard, and PepsiCo.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.solveoregon.org/oregon-spring and be part of the collective effort to create a cleaner, greener Oregon.

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 solveoregon.org for more information. 

Rhody Parade Sign-up

Florence is gearing up for the 118th annual Rhododendron Festival Parade, and organizers are preparing for a colorful display of floats, costumes, and floral themes. The entry deadline for participants is Monday, April 28, with early submissions due by April 7 to avoid a $20 entry fee.

This year’s parade will feature live announcing, judging, and prizes, continuing the long-standing tradition of community celebration. The Rhododendron Festival remains one of Florence’s most recognized events, drawing entries from across the region. https://florencechamber.com/rhododendron-festival/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJRHN9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHatNcOoStmNCUyCEhq5pOC_tUQGfWCiVVF0gPjHY8MU6rQBLhS2A30ORHw_aem_iAk1YG50hwoZ6g7-RSMGhw

Oregon’s Shore Acres State Park Volunteer Days – Chance to Give Back

Shore Acres State Park will host Garden Volunteer Days once a month April through September to give visitors a chance to volunteer in the garden.

Volunteers can learn how to prune a rose or maintain a 100-year-old-lily pond as they work alongside rangers in caring for the beautiful gardens at 89526 Cape Arago Highway, Coos Bay.

Garden Volunteer Days run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

• April 18: Pond Cleanup including pulling out debris, fertilizing pond lilies and trimming shrubs along the pond. Rubber boots are highly recommended, and plan on getting wet. For ages 18 and older.
• May 16, June 20 and July 18: Garden cleanup including weeding, trimming, mowing, mulching, planting, rose pruning and pulling invasive plants. Ages 14 and older.
• Aug. 15: English Ivy pull to help remove this invasive species from the garden. For ages 14 and older.
• Sept. 19: Garden cleanup including weeding, trimming, mowing, mulching, planting, rose pruning and pulling invasive plants. Ages 14 and older.

Participants should be prepared to travel a short distance on uneven ground at the service site. Service will take place outdoors, and volunteers should be comfortable wearing work gloves and using hand tools. Gloves, hand tools and morning snacks are provided. Bring a lunch.

Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. Please contact Park Ranger Jess Hayward with any questions at Jess.hayward@oprd.oregon.gov or 541-888-3732.

Shore Acres features a formal garden with plants and flowers from all over the world. It includes a Japanese-style garden with lily pond and two curated rose gardens that include All-American Rose Selections. Something is in bloom almost every day of the year: the first spring bulbs pop up in late February; rhododendrons and azaleas soon follow; roses bloom through the summer; and dahlias appear August through mid-October.

North Bend Fire hosts pancake feed honoring late community supporter Leroy Griggs

Public  · Anyone on or off Facebook 57th Annual Pancake Feed – A Day of Deliciousness and Community Spirit! Get ready for an amazing day of food, fun, and giving back at the 57th Annual Pancake Feed hosted by the North Bend Fire Department!   When: Sunday, April 13th, 2025, Time: 8 AM – 1 PM

 Where: North Bend Fire Department, 1880 McPherson St., North BendThis year’s Pancake Feed is dedicated to Leroy Griggs, also known as Mr. Flapjack. Leroy’s love for pancakes and his dedication to the community made him a staple at this event. We honor him for his years of service and the joy he brought to everyone with his delicious flapjacks.

 Here’s why you can’t miss it: Savor the Flavor: Enjoy the world’s best pancakes, savory sausage, and hearty slabs of ham, all cooked with care by your local firefighters.

 Fun for All Ages: Join in on raffles and silent auctions – win big and support local causes! Affordable for All: $10/adult, $5/kids (6-12), and kids under 6 eat FREE! Bring the whole family (5 or more) for just $30! All Proceeds Benefit the Kids for Christmas Program: Your participation helps provide food, toys, and gifts for local children in need during the holidays.

Let’s come together and make this year’s Pancake Feed the best one yet in honor of Leroy Griggs! Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers! Contact us at www.northbendoregon.us/contact

Lincoln City Police – Distracted Driving Enforcement Operations Planned During April

The month of April is designated as the National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Lincoln City Police Department will be utilizing traffic safety grant funds to conduct enhanced enforcement operations during the month.

The Lincoln City Police Department will be joining law enforcement agencies across the state and nation in working together to enforce distracted driving laws in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and deter drivers from using their mobile devices while driving. The enhanced enforcement operations will be conducted periodically throughout the month of April.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022 there were 3,308 people killed in traffic crashes and another 290,000 injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted Driving is a dangerous behavior for drivers, passengers, and non-occupants alike, and is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roadways. Distracted driving is a specific type of inattention that occurs when drivers divert their attention from the task of driving to focus on other activities, such as using their phones. During the month, drivers will see increased patrol efforts with an emphasis on seeking out drivers who are distracted by talking or texting on their cell phones, or using other electronic devices while they are operating their vehicle. The goal of these enhanced enforcement efforts is to increase the safety of the citizens and visitors of Lincoln City.

The Distracted Driving Enforcement grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. Our objective is to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, and to reduce the number of distracted drivers on the roadways to prevent crashes that cause injuries and cost lives. These grant funds were made possible through the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

AMVETS Post 10 is set to host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 10 a.m.

The event will take place at Kingsview Christian School, located at 1850 Clark St.

Children aged 0-12 will be divided into three groups—0-4, 5-8, and 9-12—for the egg hunts, with hiding spots becoming more challenging for older participants. The first 60 children to arrive will receive an Easter bucket to assist in their hunt.

In addition to the egg hunts, the event will feature photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny and visits from local first responders. Prize eggs and golden egg baskets will be hidden throughout the area, offering exciting rewards for lucky participants. Complimentary coffee and cocoa will be available while supplies last.

Lincoln Co. District Attorney’s Office Requests Help Solving Kelly Disney Homicide

WE NEED YOUR HELP!  17-year-old Kelly Disney was last seen in the early morning hours on March 9, 1984, walking eastbound on Highway 20 near U.S. 101 in Newport, Oregon. Kelly was observed on Highway 20 by several witnesses before disappearing and never being seen alive again.

In July 1994, Kelly’s skull was found in an abandoned vehicle near Big Creek Reservoir outside of Newport, Oregon. It appeared her skull had recently been placed at that location and her death was ruled a homicide. Kelly’s disappearance and homicide remain unsolved.

The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Cold Case Team is seeking information from the community in an effort to solve the 40-year-old disappearance and homicide of Kelly Disney. We believe there are individuals in our community who may have information that could assist in this investigation.

If you knew Kelly or heard about her disappearance, we want to hear from you. Whether you experienced something firsthand or heard information thirdhand, that information is valuable. No matter how insignificant you feel the information might be, we still want to hear from you.  

It is never too late to come forward and share information. If you do not want to reveal the circumstances in which you obtained the information, you can report information anonymously. SUBMIT A TIP: CALL: (541) 265-0669 —- EMAIL:  FindKellyDisney@co.lincoln.or.us

Respect Nesting Areas to Protect Threatened Snowy Plover on the Oregon Coast March 15 – Sept. 15

 – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Siuslaw National Forest remind visitors to the Oregon coast that it is plover nesting season ­— beachgoers can help recovery efforts for the threatened western snowy plover March 15 to Sept. 15.

Sensitive plover nesting areas are identified on maps for the northern Oregon Coast and southern Oregon Coast. Signs may be present at trailheads with additional rules and limits, such as staying on the wet sand and no dogs even on a leash, to help protect the small shorebirds and their exposed nests during this crucial period. Visitors may also see rope fencing in dry sand areas; this fencing delineates some, but not all, of the critical plover habitat that should be avoided.

Recreation restrictions occur in designated plover management areas: stretches of beach along the coastline where plovers nest or might nest. These areas combined make up about 40 miles of Oregon’s 362 miles of shoreline.

Seasonal recreation restrictions have helped protect these small birds that nest on open sand along Oregon’s beaches. Nests, and especially chicks, are well-camouflaged. 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, predators or people.

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, operating electric-assisted bicycles, camping, burning wood, flying kites or operating drones.
• Foot and equestrian traffic are permitted below the high-tide line on hard packed sand.
• Respect signs and barriers to protect nesting habitat.

“With the support of the public and improvements to plover habitat, we’re making great strides in reversing the decline of this species,” said Cindy Burns, Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist. “Keep doing your part to understand nesting season rules and to share the beach this spring and summer.”

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 (https://t.ly/AKPAN). Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area can review Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) maps to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand.

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.

Siuslaw schools are collecting unwanted, unused, or broken electronics now through April 8th in partnership with Lane County Waste Management and NextStep Recycling.

The school that collects the most e-waste will win a sustainability grant of up to $500. Accepted items include TVs, computers, printers, cellphones, game consoles, and more—excluding plastic non-electronic items. Donations are repaired or recycled for community use. Drop-offs are accepted at NextStep Recycling in Eugene, and businesses can request a free pickup. More details at wastewiselane.org/ERC.

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

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

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

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)

The Oregon Coast Aquarium New Tufted Puffin Oregon License Plates on Sale

One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.

The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the
aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins.

Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke

Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.

The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s
rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with
hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

A mistake by the Oregon Employment Department means up to 12-thousand people who received unemployment last year might need to file updated tax forms.

The problem happened during the switch from the old computer system to Frances Online. Incorrect 1099-G forms were sent to some people who received unemployment benefits last year.

The department is going through a process to identify all errors, validate tax forms and contact affected customers. The Oregon Employment Department has details on its website: https://www.oregon.gov/employ/NewsAndMedia/Press%20Releases%20Archives/2025-03-27-Errors-to-Unemployment-Insurance-Tax-Forms.pdf

Oregon AG Joins Effort to Block Trump’s SAVE Act as New Voter Rules Risk Minority Rights and Decades of Progress

Despite studies that show that only 0.0001% of votes cast in areas with high immigration populations are by non-citizens, the Trump administration is changing the SAVE Act which will pose onerous burdens on voters to prove their eligibility.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield has joined a coalition of 17 AGs who oppose H.R. 22 – the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE Act – arguing that the proposed legislation will add unnecessary and complicated hurdles for millions currently eligible to vote.

Writing to House Speaker Michael Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, the coalition warns that the change in legislation requiring proof of citizenship before registering to vote will create unnecessary obstacles. The legislation will mainly affect minority and low-income communities.

The SAVE Act will amend the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) by requiring voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship before registering to vote.

The coalition believes the requirement will reverse 30 years of progress made under the NVRA. The NVRA was designed to remove barriers to voter registration and promote greater participation in the democratic process.

The coalition says providing proof of citizenship in the form of a passport or birth certificate is an expensive exercise, further complicated by the fact that names appearing on the documents must be a perfect match.

The AGs point out that more than 21 million voting-age citizens do not have a passport, birth, or naturalization record. Furthermore, 80% of married women have chosen to adopt their partner’s last name, so will not have a valid birth certificate under the SAVE Act.

The coalition is also opposing in-person presentation of citizenship documentation, effectively eliminating online voter registration in use in 42 states. The AGs also believe that the legislation will jeopardize active-duty servicemen.

In a news release from the Oregon Department of Justice, AG Rayfield says that the integrity of elections can still be protected while ensuring that every legitimate voter has the equal right to cast a ballot ‘without obstacles or discrimination.’

A public hearing by the Senate Committee on Rules held on Monday to discuss a Bill that will revert Oregon to in-person voting was opposed by 81% of respondents who submitted written testimony, according to information obtained by a news source.

Known as SB 210 , the bill would end mail-in voting, require voter ID and ensure in-person voting on Election Day in the state of Oregon. According to information, 81% of the written testimony was against the bill, with 19% in favor.

https://www.newsbreak.com/koin-6-news-1589918/3942313180482-new-bill-proposes-repealing-vote-by-mail-in-oregon-public-invited-to-testify

The Oregon Legislature first approved mail-in voting in 1981 and it was adopted by a majority of counties by 1987. But it wasn’t until 1998 that Oregon voters approved a measure requiring that all elections be vote by mail. The state then became the first to conduct a presidential election by mail in 2000.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the rate of voter turnout in the 2020 presidential election was among the highest in over a century across the U.S. with almost 67% of eligible voters casting their ballots on Election Day.

Further, Oregon and Washington have seen over 75% average voter turnout in the last few presidential elections, according to the University of Florida Election Lab . Oregon state legislators invited the public to submit testimony on SB210 either online, remote, or in-person.

Oregon voters would be asked to reconsider vote-by-mail under a bill in the Legislature. If voters approved it, voting would have to be in-person with state issued photo identification.

Voters could request a ballot in the mail 21 days in advance for each election, with photo identification. Postage would no longer be paid by the state. More than nine-thousand comments were received online. 81 percent of the comments opposed the bill and nine percent were in support.

Oregon Lawmakers Push Food for All Program as Hunger Hits Great Depression Levels and 62,000 Lose SNAP Benefits

In the face of new information from the Oregon Food Bank that shows hunger in the state is at its worst level since the Great Depression, a group of lawmakers want to establish a Food for All Oregonians program.

If the bill is enacted, food distribution will begin in the New Year to feed more than 62,000 Oregonians who are no longer eligible for federal SNAP benefits because of their immigration status. The Department of Human Services (DHS) will manage the program.

Presently, Green Card holders only become eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after a waiting period of five years, subject to meeting certain criteria. The proposed program will feed people under 26 and older than 55 – the age groups identified as most needing assistance.

According to the latest hunger report by the Oregon Food Bank (OFB), 2.5 million people visited food distribution centers last year, representing a 31% increase compared to 2023.

The food bank says that historic inequities and systemic exclusions have created a scenario in which Black, and Indigenous Colored communities, refugees, immigrants, caregivers, single mothers, and trans and gender expansive communities are up to three times more likely to face poverty and hunger.

‘Today, 1 in 8 people and 1 in 6 kids in Oregon and Southwest Washington face food insecurity — from Ontario to Portland to Clark County,’ states the report, pointing out that food is a basic human right.

A public hearing to discuss the bill raised some opposition from people who said that they do not want their tax dollars spent on ‘non-citizens.’

If the Food for All Oregonians program is passed, an advisory group will be formed between the DHS and the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement.

Hundreds of families remain displaced following severe flooding in southeast Oregon’s Harney County – How to Help Those Affected by Flooding in Harney County

The sheriff’s office announced last night the floodwater blanketing the city of Burns has tested positive for multiple bacteria, including E. coli. Residents are urged to keep children and pets out of the water and use PPE when possible. Level 3 evacuation notices remain in effect for over 12-hundred people.

Oregon is experiencing historic flooding that has deeply impacted Harney County. We are grateful for the outpouring of support from individuals who want to help.

FINANCIAL GIFTS ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO HELP

• Financial support to voluntary agencies is the most efficient and flexible way to help those impacted.
• Cash donations allow organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when and where it’s needed—without delay.
• Unsolicited food and clothing donations slow the aid and recovery process, as organizations are left sorting and disposing of unusable items instead of providing support to survivors.
• To make a financial gift visit redcross.org/cascades or go to https://www.orvoad.org/current-members/ for a list of trusted organizations.
• You can also check an organization’s GuideStar rating to see how they rank among their peers and ensure they are a reputable organization.
• Be careful around donating to individual fundraiser accounts like GoFundMe. GoFundMe has some tips and best practices to avoid common scams and to protect yourself.
• The Oregon Department of Financial Regulation also has some guidance to protect yourself from fraud and exploitation, including for those needing to hire contractors for repair work.

VOLUNTEERING

• Please do not respond by self-deploying yourself to the disaster area. The arrival of uncoordinated volunteers can interfere with response efforts and create safety issues.
• Volunteers will be needed most during the recovery phase—your help will be vital, but timing and coordination are key.
• To register your interest in volunteering, contact the Harney Hub by calling 541-573-6024. You may also volunteer with the American Red Cross Cascades Region through their volunteer portal at redcross.org/volunteer.
• Local organizations will provide training and placement as needs are identified.

MATERIAL DONATIONS (CLOTHING, FOOD, HYGIENE ITEMS, ETC.)

• Unsolicited in-kind donations, while generous, can overwhelm local resources and logistics systems.
• Only donate items that are specifically requested by officials. Items not needed may go to waste and slow down relief efforts.
• If you have already collected goods but cannot find an agency in need, consider donating them to a local charitable organization.
• For local coordination of approved donations, contact Burns Christian Church, which is working with the American Red Cross.
• Call Melissa Albertson, Donation Coordinator – 541-573-7176 for more information.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

• Host a fundraiser, donation drive, or community event to raise funds for voluntary organizations actively supporting the flood response.
• Before taking action, check local official websites and social media channels for real-time updates on what’s needed.
• Financial contributions remain the fastest and most impactful way to help flood survivors recover.

FOR THOSE AFFECTED

A shelter is open and providing hot meals, safe shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, health services, information and other services to impacted individuals and families at: Harney County Fairgrounds 69660 South Egan Road, Burns, Oregon.

Thank you for your compassion, patience, and support. Working together, we can continue to help people in this time of need.

State releases free permit-ready building plans for decks

Salem – The Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) has published its first permit-ready plan under the state’s updated Permit-Ready Plans Program. The building plans, available free to the public, are for a code-compliant residential deck.

The Permit-Ready Plans Program creates an efficient pathway for the state to develop and make publicly accessible building plans under Oregon Revised Statute 455.062 that meet the requirements of the state building code. Plans are published to the BCD website. BCD is a division of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services.

The first plan published is a single-level, wood-framed, exterior deck attached to a building regulated by the Oregon Residential Specialty Code. BCD anticipates publishing more permit-ready plans for other residential accessory structures such as pole buildings, detached garages, patio covers, and carports later this year. The division will start developing plans for smaller detached dwelling units by the end of 2025.

Once a permit-ready plan has been published, it will be available for use by the public. To use a permit-ready plan, download the plan, supply any project-specific details required by the plans (dimensions used, site-specific design criteria, selected options, etc.), and then contact the local building department for details about how to submit the plan for its review.

“The Permit-Ready Plans Program is one part of the state’s broad approach to foster increased housing production in Oregon,” said Alana Cox, administrator of the Building Codes Division. “Permit-ready plans are able to be processed by building departments more efficiently, which streamlines the specific project using the provided plans. Also, this streamlined process frees up building department resources to process other permit applications more efficiently.”

### About Oregon BCD: The Building Codes Division administers the statewide building code, which provides uniform standards that ensure newly constructed residential and commercial buildings are safe for people to occupy. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit oregon.gov/bcd and dcbs.oregon.gov. 

Governor Tina Kotek has proclaimed April 2025 to be Oregon Arbor Month throughout the state.

This year’s proclamation recognizes the importance to neighborhoods of urban trees as cities add housing and rapidly densify. The proclamation states that “Trees play an integral role in fostering healthy communities,” adding that urban development and the preservation of trees demands a careful balance.   

Oregon Dept. of Forestry Urban and Community Forestry Program Manager Scott Altenhoff said “Replacing those trees will require us to pick up the pace not only of planting but also of ensuring nurseries have the capacity to grow the numbers and types of trees needed that are resilient to climate change and resistant to serious pests and diseases.” He added that it is equally important to grow and diversify the workforce in urban forestry.

Altenhoff said there is growing recognition, as cited in the proclamation, that the benefits of tree canopy have been unevenly distributed in the state. “Many low-income areas and those with large populations of people of color have fewer large shade trees than more affluent neighborhoods. Research has shown that having fewer large shade trees in those lower-canopy neighborhoods is strongly associated with increased deaths from heart disease and poor health outcomes.”

Time is running out: Tax Day is just two weeks away

Salem, OR—Nearly 1.2 million Oregonians have already filed their state personal income tax returns this year.

But with just two weeks before taxes are due, April 15, more than 1 million Oregonians have yet to submit their tax year 2024 returns.

“Taxpayers are slightly ahead of the pace from 2023, the most recent non-kicker year. We still expect to see a rush of returns as we get closer to Tax Day,” said Megan Denison, Personal Tax and Compliance Division administrator with the Oregon Department of Revenue.

“Our best advice for taxpayers is to get their returns in as soon as possible.”
In addition, to filing sooner rather than later, the department offers the following information for taxpayers who still need to file their state return.

File electronically – E-filing is the fastest way for taxpayers to get their tax refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks. Taxpayers should file just once. Sending a paper return through the mail after e-filing will a delay a refund.

Free filing options – Revenue provides several options for taxpayers to e-file their returns for free. Oregon Free Fillable Forms performs basic calculations and is ideal for taxpayers who don’t need help preparing their returns and want the convenience of filing electronically. The IRS offers a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically.

New this year, taxpayers can file their federal return directly with the IRS using IRS Direct File and their Oregon return directly with the state through Direct File Oregon for free. Videos are available to show how to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon.

Information about all available free tax preparation software options is available on the Revenue website, along with a list of organizations providing free assistance.

Where’s my refund? tool and video – Revenue has issued nearly 850,000 refunds already this year, most within two weeks of filing. Taxpayers wondering about the refund on their tax year 2024 return, can use the Oregon Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? tool to check its status and, if they want more information, watch a video outlining the refund timelines to better understand the process.

Filing an extension – Individuals who are not able to file by April 15, 2025 can file an extension directly with the Oregon Department of Revenue or with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If the IRS extension is granted, the Oregon extension is automatically granted. A timely filed extension moves the federal tax filing deadline and the Oregon filing deadline to October 15, 2025.

Only request an Oregon extension if you:

• Don’t have a federal extension.
• Owe Oregon taxes.
• Can’t file your return by April 15, 2025.

Remember that having a filing extension is not an extension to pay any tax owed. Taxpayers who can’t pay the full amount they owe, should pay what they can to avoid late payment penalties.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, see a list of approved tax preparation software products, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments. For questions not answered on our website, call 800-356-4222 toll-free (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls. Due to the number of calls Revenue receives during tax season, you may experience extended wait times.

Even as April 15 Tax Day approaches – if you don’t owe, you have more time to file to get your refund

Salem, Ore.  –  Here comes the April 15, 2025 deadline to file your taxes — but wait, there’s good news. If you don’t owe any taxes, you have three years to file your tax return without any penalty and still get your refund. Plus, thanks to the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program, there are many places to get free help in filing your taxes.

For many people, particularly those with lower incomes or who work part-time or seasonally, a refund is due thanks to withholding and refundable tax credits.

But why wait three years if you are due a tax refund? Don’t let the April 15 deadline stop you from getting your tax return this year. It may be too late to find an appointment before April 15, but many free tax filing places take some time off after April 15 and then start up again in May and work through October 15.

Also, it is fairly common to get a letter two or three months after filing your taxes from the Oregon Department of Revenue or the Internal Revenue Service asking for more information. The free tax filing services can help you respond to the letter including translating into other languages if needed.

Learn more about credits, deadlines and where to find free help: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/tax-help.aspx

The Tax Infrastructure Grant Program funds culturally relevant or culturally specific organizations, Tribal governments and rural community organizations to help educate and provide free tax filing help for people with low incomes. Help is available in multiple languages. The grant money is also used to increase the number of certified tax preparers in Oregon.

Where to get free help filing taxes

• 211Info: Call 2-1-1 or email help@211info.org for a list of all the free tax filing help.

• Oregon State University; vita@oregonstate.edu; 541-737-3371; Corvallis, Bend, Eugene OSU VITA website: https://business.oregonstate.edu/volunteer-income-tax-assistance  
• Western Oregon University; wouvita@wou.edu; 503-751-4132; Monmouth, Independence, Falls City; WOU VITA website: https://wou.edu/business-economics/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita/.
• CASH Oregon: info@Cashoregon.org; 503-243-7765; Portland, Beaverton, Gresham
• Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO); TAX@irco.org; 971-427-3993; Portland, Ontario       
• Centro de Servicios Para Campesinos; biec@Centrodspc.org“>debbiec@Centrodspc.org; 503-982-0243; Woodburn        
• Latino Community Association; info@latinocommunityassociation.org;

541-382-4366; Bend, Redmond               

• Moneywise Oregon; dan@moneywiseoregon.org; 541-670-5054; Coos Bay, Roseburg

The Oregon Department of Revenue has added features to the “Where’s My Refund” tool.

Users can learn more about the status of their refund, they can see when additional information is needed, and the website is easier to navigate. To use the tool, taxpayers need to create a login at Revenue Online. https://revenueonline.dor.oregon.gov/tap/_/

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission has announced a recall for cannabis edible cookies.

They were sold from 2023 through this year at 37 marijuana retailers. Lissa’s Fresh Baked Cookie Bites contained milk, which can lead to allergic reactions, that wasn’t on the label. The recall applies to the Snickerdoodle and Chocolate Chip versions of these cookies. The OLCC has not received any health-related complaints about the cookies.

Seeking public comment on proposed changes to day-use parking permits

SALEM, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comment on a proposal to expand the 25% out-of-state camping surcharge to parking permit fees and eliminate the two-year parking permit.

The out-of-state camping surcharge was enacted by state law in 2022 for RV campsites, and OPRD expanded it to all site types for out-of-state campers for stays beginning July 1, 2025.

The proposed rule change would add the 25% out-of-state surcharge to parking permit fees. Based on current rates, out-of-state visitors would pay $12.50 per day or $37.50 for an annual parking permit. If approved, the change would begin July 1, 2025.

Oregon residents would continue to pay the same parking permit rate of $10 per day or $30 for an annual permit.

The proposed rule change would also eliminate the sales of 24-month parking permits starting in 2026. Existing permits would be honored until they expire. The 12-month annual permit will continue to be sold.

These changes would help parks more consistently implement the surcharge as well as track annual revenue and budgets for parks in the future. It’s part of an ongoing effort to help keep pace with rising costs while continuing to provide exceptional outdoor experiences.

Public comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted through 5 p.m. April 30, 2025:

• Online: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PRP/pages/PRP-rulemaking.aspx
• Mail: OPRD Department, attn: Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301
• Email: D.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov“>OPRD.Publiccomment@oprd.oregon.gov

A public hearing will also be held 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025:

• Register to attend the virtual hearing at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__1Zw_JurTy-PYpxWhGra2w#/registration

Once the public comment period ends, the proposal with any incorporated updates is slated to go to Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission in June for possible adoption.

With the belt tightening of the federal government, according to the Oregon Health Authority, every county in Oregon and all nine federally-recognized tribal communities will feel the $117 million in funding cuts for OHA programs from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The OHA says the funding is being pulled through the Center for Disease Control and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Some of the COVID-era funding and grants were supposed to continue for another year or more.

The OHA says grants to support vaccine-preventable disease work as well as five grants that helped establish the 988 crisis line and were intended to aid in community substance use treatment, prevention, and recovery are among the programs experiencing a loss of funding in Oregon. Nationwide, over $11 billion of pandemic-response funds are being pulled back by the CDC.

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.

A new bill on the Oregon house floor is taking wide swings at allocating funding to pay for anticipated wildfire costs in the next biennium including a proposed surcharge on bottles and cans.

State Representatives John Lively and Bobby Levy introduced HB 3940, a bipartisan proposal aimed at funding wildfire prevention and suppression in Oregon. The bill creates new provisions, directing multiple funding sources towards the State Fire Marshal’s office to make up for a projected shortfall of about $300 million.

Sources include insurance and forest harvest taxes, the Oregon Rainy Day Fund, and a 5¢ surcharge on each beverage container sold in the state. Representative John Lively from Springfield says not every recommendation from the bill is meant to pass, but rather a combination of solutions.

Ashland Senator Jeff Golden says his own plan to hold back Oregon’s Kicker would help fund wildfire needs if HB 3940 doesn’t get through the legislature, or fails to raise enough money. The bill was sent to the House Committee on Climate, Energy, and Environment, but has not yet been scheduled for a public hearing.

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 6th 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.

Indigenous Speakers Series Returns to the Museum in April with Three Inspiring Events

BEND, OR — This coming April, explore identity, cultures and how to live the good life when the High Desert Museum’s Indigenous Speaker Series returns. Promising a vibrant showcase of Indigenous voices, the series features an array of Indigenous artists, storytellers, scholars and more who share their unique perspectives with the community.

“We are honored to once again collaborate with Indigenous knowledge holders to bring vital conversations to our visitors,” said Museum Executive Director Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D. “The April events are a continuation of an effort to elevate Indigenous voices to share the issues and cultures of the High Desert.”

The three April events explore topics such as identity, creativity, community and portraiture. Two of the events are connected to an exhibition open now at the Museum, Frank S. Matsura: Portraits from the Borderland. Featuring 20-plus enlarged portraits taken by Matsura of Native peoples in the early 1900s, the exhibition provides visitors a unique look at life in Okanogan County in Washington state during a time of transition. The exhibition originated at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture in Spokane, Wash.

On April 1, Michael Holloman (Colville Confederated Tribes), a Washington State University associate professor and a curator of the original exhibition, will lead a panel discussion that looks deeper into Matsura’s life. “Frank S. Matsura: His Life and Portraits” also includes film and media scholar Glen Mimura and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Beth Harrington. The event will consider Matsura’s experiences as a Japanese-born photographer and his nuanced imagery of Native communities. Tickets are $5, with a 20% discount for Museum members and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/matsura-portraits. 

Then, on April 25, the Museum will host LaRonn Katchia (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), the director of Pathfinders, for a discussion of the short film. Katchia, a Warm Springs/Wasco/Paiute filmmaker and storyteller, will be joined by Thyreicia Simtustus, Kahmussa Green and Kiahna Allen (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), who are featured in the film. Part of the Matsura exhibition at the Museum, the film explores how the three young leaders are finding their own paths in balancing Native and non-Native worlds. Tickets are $5, with Members receiving a 20% discount and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/pathfinders. 

In between those two events, on April 17, the Museum will host Chris La Tray, Métis storyteller and award-winning author of Becoming Little Shell. La Tray will discuss the Anishinaabe word Mino-bimaadiziwin, meaning “the good life.” The concept emphasizes the importance of community well-being and living in harmony with the world around us. At its simplest, it is living a life in balance, but how?

Montana’s Poet Laureate from 2023-2025, La Tray is a descendent of the Pembina Band of the mighty Red River of the North and a member of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. His first book, One-Sentence Journal: Short Poems and Essays from the World at Large, won the 2018 Montana Book Award and a 2019 High Plains Book Award. The event includes light refreshment and a no-host bar. Tickets are $12, with members receiving a 20% discount and free entry for Tribal members. For tickets, visit highdesertmuseum.org/the-good-life.

The Indigenous Speakers Series is made possible by The Roundhouse Foundation, with additional support from Author’s Unbound for the April 17 Chris La Tray event. For more information and to purchase tickets for Indigenous Speakers Series events, visit highdesertmuseum.org/indigenous-speakers-series.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM: THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM opened in Bend, Oregon in 1982. It brings together wildlife, cultures, art, history and the natural world to convey the wonder of North America’s High Desert. The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a Smithsonian Affiliate, was the 2019 recipient of the Western Museums Association’s Charles Redd Award for Exhibition Excellence and was a 2021 recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. To learn more, visit highdesertmuseum.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

The long-delayed deadline for REAL ID is now less than 2 months away. There’s a chance that full enforcement may get gradually rolled out, but May 7, 2025, is the changeover deadline.

Starting then, state-level ID cards, such as driver’s licenses, won’t be accepted for federal purposes, namely getting through airport security, unless it’s REAL ID-compliant.

If you plan to catch a domestic flight on or after May 7, you will be required to use a REAL ID. A little gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner is one of the easiest ways to know you’re holding a REAL ID.

In Oregon, it’s a black star. A REAL ID is an identification card that serves all of the same purposes of a standard drivers’ license or state-issued identification card. A federally-mandated switch to REAL ID for federal purposes, such as flying domestically, was originally signed into law by Congress in 2005.

The purpose is to establish “minimum security standards for license issuance and production,” according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website. The law, established four years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, came in response to federal calls for higher security standards in the U.S. Originally, the law mandated the switch to REAL ID by 2008, but it has been pushed back for various reasons due to logistical hurdles and later the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

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

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 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15.

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.  This year, the trees will be planted 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 fifth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include eleven other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia and Tennessee will “lock arms” as they help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

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

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

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

Learn more about the program at www.orparksforever.org.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com