Oregon Beach News, Friday 6/21 – New Research Provides More Detailed Cascadia Fault Map, Chinook Winds Casino Resort Celebrates 29 Years, Tillamook Dairy Parade and Rodeo Kicks Off & 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, June 21, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

New Research Provides More Detailed Cascadia Fault Map

New research is giving seismologists a better view of the Cascadia Fault off Oregon and Washington. In the past it’s produced magnitude nine earthquakes. They can last five minutes and cause 80-foot tsunamis. Researchers used a cable several miles long to travel along the fault creating detailed images. It can show what areas might experience a more severe earthquake.

Scientists have long warned of the potential for a high-magnitude and catastrophic earthquake to affect the Pacific Northwest possibly any day now. “Averaged over time, big quakes (about a magnitude 8 or larger) in the region have occurred approximately every 230 years, while the even larger ones (magnitude 9 and above) have happened about every 500 years,” said Popular Science. “We’re at more than 324 years since the last one.” The risk comes from the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which is a fault line that spans approximately 600 miles from southern British Columbia to Northern California. A subduction zone is where tectonic plates slide on top of each other. 

“We have the potential for earthquakes and tsunamis as large as the biggest ones we’ve experienced on the planet,” Harold Tobin, director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and professor at the University of Washington, said to NBC News. “Cascadia seems capable of generating a magnitude 9 or a little smaller or a little bigger.” Depending on the magnitude, coastal communities across Oregon and Washington could be severely affected. Earthquakes, though, are notoriously difficult to predict, even with technological advances. 

The good news is that researchers have gathered more data than ever, which could help predict when the Big One will arrive. A study published in the journal Science Advances provides an “unprecedentedly detailed view of the Cascadia [fault],” Erin Wirth, a research geophysicist at the U.S. Geological Survey, said to Popular Science. Using seismic imaging, which “works in an analogous way to radar,” Tobin, who is also a co-author of the study, said to Popular Science, scientists were able to create a map of the subduction zone. “The accuracy and this resolution is truly unprecedented. And it’s an amazing data set,” said Kelin Wang, a research scientist at the Geological Survey of Canada and adjunct professor at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, said to NBC News. “It just allows us to do a better job to assess the risk and have information for the building codes and zoning.

The map of the Cascadia Subduction Zone showed several interesting findings. First, it confirmed a previous theory that “smaller, horizontal faults cut through both the upper and lower plates, splitting the subduction zone into segments,” and that “in an earthquake event, any number of these segments might be involved,” said Popular Science. “The more that slip at once, the larger the affected region, tremor magnitude and scale of catastrophe is likely to be.” The data also showed that segments of one of the tectonic plates in the subduction zone are smooth and flat, making it primed to cause stronger quakes because smoother boundaries make more contact between plates. “We can infer it represents the largest part of the hazard of a future earthquake rupture,” Tobin said.

In reality, the Big One “could happen tomorrow — but it could also be literally centuries in the future,” said Tobin. However, the new data can play a valuable role in being better prepared for what is to come. “It’s like having coke-bottle glasses on, and then you remove the glasses and you have the right prescription,” Suzanne Carbotte, a lead author of the paper and marine geophysicist and research professor at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, said to NBC News. “We had a very fuzzy low-resolution view before.” (SOURCE)

Chinook Winds Casino Resort Celebrates 29 Years

Chinook Winds Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, is celebrating 29 years in business with a fun-filled anniversary event, including fireworks, a headline show performed live by The Commodores, anniversary cupcakes and a special glass float drop by Explore Lincoln City, all happening Friday through Sunday, June 21 through 23.

The massive Fireworks display is back for Saturday night, starting at approximately 10 pm. The fireworks tradition is one that guests from all over the state of Oregon have enjoyed for more than 23 years. Guests can enjoy cupcakes in the main lobby of the casino Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm while supplies last. The special drop of 29 floats will happen both Friday and Saturday.

Critically acclaimed funk and soul band, The Commodores, are performing Friday at 8 pm. Tickets range from $65 to $80. This headline show is a popular act among frequent guests of Chinook Winds and is sure to delight returning guests and new visitors. Rounded out by the world renowned rhythm section the “Mean Machine,” the Commodores hit the road in support of their new record. The tour has had sold out shows with both new and old fans on their feet, singing and dancing to new songs and classic hits.

The Commodores have silenced the critics and climbed to the top of the pop charts once again. Just like their hit song “Brick House,” the group has created a foundation that just won’t budge.

Following the fireworks display on Saturday, DJ Metal will heat up the Afterparty in the Chinook Winds Showroom. Guests must be 21 and over to attend. The party will begin at 10:30 pm and last until 1:30 am, with no cover charge to enter.

Chinook Winds Casino Resort is located at 1777 NW 44th Street in Lincoln City. For more information, go to chinookwindscasino.com or call 1-888-CHINOOK (244-6665) or 541-996-5825. FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/chinookwindscasino

Tillamook Dairy Parade and Rodeo Kicks Off

Held traditionally on the fourth weekend in June, the June Dairy Parade will march in celebration of its 67th year on Saturday, June 22 at 11 am. The parade honors the community’s strong historical and economic ties to the dairy industry, and kicks off a weekend that includes the Tillamook County Rodeo on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22. The parade is hosted by the Tillamook Chamber of Commerce. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100060346321293

OSU Research Shows Rocky Shores of Pacific Northwest Show Low Resilience To Changes In Climate

A 15-year period ending in 2020 that included a marine heat wave and a sea star wasting disease epidemic saw major changes in the groups of organisms that live along the rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest.

The study by Oregon State University scientists, involving four capes in Oregon and California, suggests these communities of species may have low resilience to climate change. Findings were published recently in Nature Ecology & Evolution.

Researchers learned that sessile invertebrates — those that stay in one place, such as mussels and barnacles — became more abundant during the study period, while seaweed species like kelps declined.

“These changes occurred after the loss of adult ochre sea stars due to an epidemic of sea star wasting disease and during a three-year marine heatwave when water temperatures were extremely warm,” said Zechariah Meunier, a doctoral graduate of the OSU College of Science and the lead author on the paper. “Sea stars are like the wolves of rocky shores because they normally eat enough mussels and barnacles to prevent these invertebrates from dominating the lower elevation areas. And many kelps did not survive the thermal stress during the heat wave.”

Of further concern to the scientists: When the epidemic ended and ocean temperatures cooled, the rocky shore communities did not return to their baseline conditions. That suggests the communities have low resilience to changes in both temperature and predator numbers. The study by Meunier, Hacker and Menge was funded by the National Science Foundation. (SOURCE)

Lincoln County School District —  · REMINDER! LCSD will again be offering FREE breakfast and lunch to kids 18 and under during the summer months.

No income verification is required. Sites will be open Monday-Friday from June 17, 2024 to August 16, 2024. Sites will be closed July 4 and July 5. Meals will only be served during the listed hours and must be eaten on site. For more information, call (541) 336-2146.

Lincoln County Fire Defense Board Begins Debris Burn Bans

This message is being sent on behalf of the Lincoln County Fire Defense Board

Fire Agencies to begin Debris Burn Bans

The Lincoln County Fire Defense Board and the Oregon Department of Forestry have made the
decision to establish a consistent start and end date for the annual Debris Burn Ban in Lincoln
County. Taking into consideration the increasingly dry fuel models year after year, Debris Burn
Ban will begin annually, June 15th, 2024, and end October 15th, 2024. Individual fire districts
may choose to adjust the burn ban dates based on current weather conditions. The Fire Defense
Board has carefully selected these dates to provide a consistent schedule for the annual burn ban,
to allow the citizens to better plan for yard debris burning.

Agency Contact Information
North Lincoln Fire & Rescue: 541-996-2233
Depoe Bay Fire District: 541-764-2202
Newport Fire Department: 541-265-9461
Seal Rock Fire District: 541-563-4441
Central Coast Fire & Rescue: 541-563-3121
Toledo Fire Department: 541-336-3311
Siletz Fire District: 541-444-2043
Yachats Fire District: 541-547-3266
Oregon Dept. Forestry: 541-336-2273

This ban is specific to yard debris burning and does not include recreational campfires, portable
propane/patio fireplaces, or charcoal BBQ grills. Please check with your local fire agency for
details specific to each jurisdiction.

Reminder: Carelessness is the largest cause of wildfire.
Escaped fires of any kind resulting in property damage requiring efforts from a fire agency or
multiple fire agencies, may result in fines and individual financial responsibility for damages
caused and for fire response recovery, per Oregon Revised Statue; 476.920 – Billing owner of
property for cost of extinguishing fire.

Curry County Sheriff’s Office Drone Demonstration

  · Tuesday the Curry County Sheriff’s Office attended Camp Wildcat and did a drone demonstration. The kids were able to see how the drone can assist officers during emergency situations such as search and rescue, crowd monitoring, suspect tracking, crime scenes and many other situations. Thank you to all of the kids that participated and to the staff for allowing us to be there.

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay – Register for our Yellow Radio class

 https://evcnb.org/events-and-training/yellow-radio-06292024 Register for our Yellow Radio class today. You’ll learn how to communicate with others during an emergency.

Razor Clam Harvest Ban Lifted For Northern Oregon Coast Amid Shellfish Toxin Scare

Oregon fish and wildlife officials reopened the northern Oregon coast for razor clamming last week while keeping a prohibition in place south of Yachats and continuing a coastwide ban on harvesting bay clams and mussels.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife had closed the entire coast to shellfish harvesting earlier this month because of a potentially deadly toxin, paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, that had sickened at least 20 people who had eaten Oregon coast mussels.

No one is reported to have died in the outbreak, but some were hospitalized, according to Oregon health officials. Naturally occurring marine toxins are not eliminated by cooking or freezing.

Officials said Friday that two consecutive tests had shown razor clams in the newly reopened area were below the threshold at which harvesting is banned due to biotoxins. They said the earlier closure was precautionary, and that testing had not detected biotoxin levels above the closure threshold.

However, razor clamming is closed from the Yachats River to the California border, where tests have detected high levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning and domoic acid.

Harvesting bay clams and mussels remains prohibited along the entire Oregon and Washington coast.

The state also has reopened commercial oyster fisheries in Tillamook Bay and Netarts, while the Umpqua River/Winchester Bay commercial oyster fishery remains closed. Crab harvesting is open for the length of the Oregon coast.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture operates a toll-free shellfish biotoxin hotline 800-448-2474​ and maintains a list of closures on its website. (SOURCE)

Beverly Beach State Park Remains Closed Until End of July

Due to delays in construction, Beverly Beach State Park will now be closed through the end of July, according to Oregon Parks & Recreation.

Located just seven miles north of Newport, the popular campground and day-use area has been closed since September 2023. The construction work included moving power lines underground and replacing water lines. The park is now slated to reopen on August 1.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to Host Hiring Event in July

We are looking for individuals with strong character, motivation, and integrity to join our Sheriff’s Office team. With multiple positions open, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a hiring event on Saturday, July 20, 2024. This event is a great opportunity to learn about the rewarding careers our team has to offer. 

Those interested in participating are encouraged to complete an application before the event. To submit an application, visit www.co.lincoln.or.us/748/Join-the-Team. Join us at this hiring event to jumpstart your successful career in Law Enforcement.  

All applicants are invited to meet our team, have lunch, and learn more about our career opportunities. Deputy applicants ages 21 years and older are invited to complete the physical testing requirements during this event. Participants in this event experience a significantly expedited application process. In addition to completing the required physical test for free, participants have the opportunity to meet our team, ask questions, receive more information on perks and benefits, and enjoy free lunch and snacks. All participants need to bring ID and deputy applicants need to bring athletic clothes and shoes.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, July 20, 2024
Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm 

• Check in anytime between 11:00am and 1:30pm.
• Deputy applicants will complete the physical testing for free (testing takes less than 15 minutes per participant).
• Enjoy lunch and network with our team.
• Ask questions and get a feel of what your future career looks like.

Location: Search and Rescue Building, 830 NE 7th St., Newport

What to Bring:

• Government Issued Identification
• Athletic clothes and shoes if applying for a deputy position
• Interest in joining our team

Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. For questions or to register, contact Jess Palma at 541-265-0652 or jpalma@co.lincoln.or.us

Costco Recalls Some Tillamook Cheese Products Sold in Northwest

Costco is recalling some Tillamook cheese products due to the possible presence of plastic materials.

In a letter to Costco members who purchased the recalled product, a Tillamook executive said the cheese may contain “gray and black plastic pieces.”

A 32-ounce twin-pack package of Tillamook Colby Jack and Tillamook Monterey Jack cheese slices, with item number 651195, is among the recalled products, according to the company. The company said that the cheese was available at Costco locations in the Northwest from May 9 through May 31. The best before date for the recalled product is October 22, 2024.

Costco stated the cheese was made for its Northwest region sites, but it did not say which retail locations the recalled goods had been shipped to. Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Montana, and Idaho are states in the Northwest region.

It’s unclear, however, how many products or Costco stores in total the recall impacts. The Tillamook letter noted the recalled cheese was only produced for Costco locations in the Northwest region.  

According to the letter, the cheese slices impacted are “in a limited quantity” and the presence of plastic, if consumed without issue, “is very minimal.”

Bever notes that Costco members who still have the product should return the affected cheese slices for a full refund, however. 

Lincoln City Police Investigation Leads To Arrest In Child Sex Abuse Case

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, Lincoln City Police arrested 53-year-old, Daniel Ryan Stuebgen, of Lincoln City at his place of business, Happy Trails Feed and Tack & U-Haul Neighbor Hood dealer, located at 2150 SE Hwy 101, Lincoln City. Mr. Stuebgen was arrested on charges of Rape 2, Sex Abuse 1 and Sodomy II.

The arrest came after a 10 month long investigation conducted by LCPD’s criminal investigations and patrol divisions as well as the Oregon DHS Office of Training, Investigations and Safety. Mr. Stuebgen is suspected of sexually assaulting a 12 year old child during the summer of 2023 at Happy Trails Feed and Tack. During the investigation, it was learned that Mr. Stuebgen was also residing at the business location.  

If you have any information on this case please contact Det. Charles Lane at the Lincoln City Police Department, 541-994-3636. 

Insurer Sues the Builders and Engineers and City Of Astoria Over 2022 Buoy Brewery Collapse

A new lawsuit blames the city of Astoria and several construction and engineering companies for the dramatic collapse of the Buoy Beer brewery on the Astoria waterfront in 2022.

The lawsuit alleges that the city and three private companies — Stricker Engineering, Rickenbach Construction and Columbia Dockworks — ignored decaying pilings on the wharf under the brewery. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday by Mt. Hawley Insurance Co., says collapse was inevitable given those weaknesses.

The insurance company is seeking to recoup a $9 million property insurance payout it made to Buoy Beer Co., as well as additional punitive damages.

Buoy Beer purchased the former cannery site in 2013 to repurpose as a brewery and restaurant.

Stricker Engineering submitted plans for the brewery’s buildout in 2016, according to the lawsuit, noting plans for larger, heavier equipment on the wharf structure. Astoria building officials then subcontracted a structural review to Clair Co., a Corvallis engineering firm.

The lawsuit alleges Stricker failed to respond to more than half of Clair’s requests for comment on its construction plans. Responses provided, the lawsuit says, were also inadequate.

A Clair official recommended the city deny Stricker’s buildout permit plans, the lawsuit says, because the company did not provide sufficient structural evaluation and design information. Stricker representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

But the city, according to the lawsuit, nonetheless approved the permits. The lawsuit alleges that if a comprehensive structural analysis had been completed, the city would have denied the permits and tagged the building for analysis and repair long before the building’s collapse in 2022.

A minor collapse occurred in September 2021, and another construction company recommended the brewery install new supports and complete a detailed inspection of the wharf’s substructure.

Columbia Dockworks, another defendant, along with Rickenbach were brought in to address the wharf’s substructure, the lawsuit said. But it alleged the repairs were “obvious haphazard work” and that defendants failed to alert Buoy about the ongoing danger. Columbia did not respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit alleges the city allowed work to continue throughout, including the installation of tanks that could weigh between 5,000 and 10,000 pounds even empty of beer and solar panels, and that city officials approved work even after the partial collapse in 2021.

Representatives for the city of Astoria did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit says Rickenbach also endangered the brewery by beginning construction work without completing a structural analysis. Mt. Hawley’s lawsuit says Rickenbach was knowledgeable of Astoria building permit requirements yet still failed to comply with them. The company declined to comment on the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges Stricker and Rickenbach used engineering calculations that wouldn’t be accurate for new or on-ground construction, much less a decaying wharf. And it accuses the companies of submitting plans to designate the brewery as a historical landmark, a distinction it was awarded in 2013, to avoid the comprehensive structural analysis required of other buildings.

Buoy is not a party to the lawsuit. The company was back to making beer in a facility nearby about a year after the building’s collapse and has since expanded further. (SOURCE)

Lincoln County Accepting Grant Funding Applications for Share Of $398,000 in ARPA Funds for Local Water and Sewer Projects

$398,000 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Ac (ARPA) are set to be distributed to eligible districts in Lincoln County to invest in local water, sewer and drainage projects.

The American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law in March of 2021 and provided states, cities, and counties with federal money to support pandemic recovery efforts and economic stimulus. One allowed use for ARPA dollars is to support public water, sewer and drainage projects.

Lincoln County is accepting grant funding applications from local water, sewer and drainage districts in unincorporated Lincoln County for water and sewer projects. Eligible projects must meet the ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) eligible funding requirements.

Districts must be in good standing with State of Oregon financial reporting requirements and show proof of complying with public meeting law requirements. The county has a total of $398,000 to provide for eligible projects from districts. Applications will be reviewed by a committee selected by Lincoln County to look at the financial stability of the organization, the engineering feasibility of the project, and if the project meets ARPA requirements.

The county is planning to use an open grant process to award the funds. Starting June 10 applications will open, they will be awarded on a first come, first served basis to qualifying districts and projects; applications will close once all funds have been allocated.

The county says each eligible district can ask up to $50-thousand total. Projects can be stand-alone projects or a discrete portion of a larger project. Applications will be reviewed by county administrative, legal, and engineering staff to ensure projects meet American Rescue Plan Act, legal and technical requirements. All projects must adhere to federal procurement rules and Davis-Bacon Act requirements.

County officials say they will execute contracts with awarded districts before December 31, 2024. All work on the awarded projects must be completed by subrecipients before December 2026. To apply for the Local Water, Sewer and Drainage Districts’ Grant click here.

OHA 2024 Oregon Beach Monitoring Season

Agency shares list of monitored beaches for May-September

—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is kicking off the 2024 beach monitoring season by announcing the list of coastal recreation areas it will be keeping an eye on for bacteria during summer and early fall.

The 24 beaches on the list that the OBMP, based at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division, is publishing includes some of the most frequently visited beaches in Oregon. It also includes beaches where the program has found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution concerns.

The following are Oregon beaches being monitored during 2024, including beach name, and the city and county in which they are located:

• Seaside Beach – Seaside, Clatsop County
• Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Tolovana Beach State Park– Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park) – Arch Cape, Tillamook County
• Manzanita Beach – Manzanita, Tillamook County
• Rockaway Beach – Rockaway, Tillamook County
• Twin Rocks Beach – Twin Rocks, Tillamook County
• Oceanside Beach – Oceanside, Tillamook County
• Cape Kiwanda Beach – Pacific City, Tillamook County
• Neskowin Beach – Neskowin, Tillamook County
• D River Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Siletz Bay Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Beverly Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Agate Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Nye Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Seal Rock Beach – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Heceta Beach – Florence, Lane County
• Bastendorff Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Sunset Bay State Park Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Hubbard Creek Beach – Port Orford, Curry County
• Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, Curry County
• Mill Beach – Brookings, Curry County
• Crissey Fields State Recreation Site – Brookings, Curry County

Beach monitoring season runs from mid-May to mid-September. Beach advisories are only issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within this sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in the next beach monitoring season.

OBMP works with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to identify beaches that need monitoring based on several established criteria. These criteria include: pollution hazards present; previous beach monitoring data that identify water quality concerns; type and amount of beach use; and public input.

As part of an adaptive sampling plan, beaches and sampling locations are routinely re-evaluated to ensure available resources best protect public health. A copy of DEQ’s beach evaluation is available upon request.

For more information and current beach monitoring conditions please visit: www.healthoregon.org/beach, or contact OBMP at each.Health@odhsoha.oregon.gov“>Beach.Health@odhsoha.oregon.gov or 971-673-0400.

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Memorial Ceremony Honors Oregon’s Fallen Firefighters

A ceremony held Thursday, June 20 in Salem commemorated Oregon fire service members who have died in the line of duty. Hundreds gathered for the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Ceremony to honor the brave individuals who gave their lives to protect communities and natural resources around the state.

The annual event is held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, site of the Oregon Fire Fighters Memorial. The memorial commemorates 179 fire service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice since 1881, including career, volunteer, wildland and structural fire fighters.

Thursday’s ceremony remembered three fallen fire service members whose names were recently added to the memorial: Mo Stadeli of Salem Fire Department, and Brandon W. Norbury and Brian Edward Flowers of Gresham Fire and Emergency Services.

Mo Stadeli served as a professional firefighter with the Salem Fire Department for more than twenty-five years. In 2018, he was diagnosed with tonsillar cancer, and he passed away on February 24, 2019.

On February 3, 2023, after participating in routine hose evolution training, Brandon W. Norbury of Gresham Fire and Emergency Services suffered a cardiac arrest and collapsed on the training ground. Despite life-saving efforts of other fire department members, Norbury was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.

After a fifteen-year career, Gresham Fire and Emergency Services Firefighter Brian Edward Flowers passed away on November 19, 2023, after a monthslong battle with Occupational Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

In his keynote speech, Clackamas Fire District #1 Chief Nick Browne praised the fallen firefighters’ commitment to public service and the sacrifices they made to leave the world a better place.

“In the course of their duties, these men saved countless lives, they protected property, and they provided a sense of security and hope to countless individuals,” Chief Browne said.

He continued, “Every name on that wall, every person on that wall reflected those same traits. When we reflect on their sacrifice, we see that bright beacon of light that shines from their examples through the darkness of grief, illuminating the path of service, courage and compassion that they walked every single day.”

The ceremony is a significant event that the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) hosts annually in partnership with the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard. For more information on the Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial, including the names of the fallen, history of the memorial, and the Oregon Fire Service Honor Guard’s involvement, please visit DPSST’s Oregon Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial website at https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/Memorials/Firefighters/Pages/default.aspx.

About DPSST – The mission of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is to pursue excellence in training and accountability for public safety professionals. DPSST certifies and licenses police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, as well as regulatory specialists, emergency telecommunicators and medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, fire service professionals, and polygraph examiners in the state of Oregon.  DPSST works with public and private safety agencies around the state to provide basic, leadership and specialized training at the 237-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

State Fire Marshal Mobilizes Two Task Forces to the Upper Applegate Fire in Jackson County

This morning, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized two structural task forces to the Upper Applegate Fire in Jackson County. The task forces are from Lane and Polk counties and were mobilized through Immediate Response, a tool the state fire marshal uses to send firefighting resources outside of a conflagration. The structural task forces will support the Applegate Valley Fire District.

ODF Morning Update:

Despite numerous hazards, firefighters are making good progress on the fire, one of two reported within 15 minutes on Thursday afternoon. The fire is burning on extremely steep terrain affecting private, BLM, and U.S. Forest Servie land on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.

This morning resources will continue to build and strengthen the lines that were dug on both blanks of the Upper Applegate Fire. Wind and terrain pushed the flames up a steep gill creating a long and skinny fire footprint. The majority of each side is currently line, however the most easter portion still remains uncontrolled. Firefighter are working to gain access and put line in that area. Today 108 personnel are assigned to the incident, including four 20-person crews, two engines, two water tenders and two bulldozers. Three helicopters are also assigned to work exclusively on this fire, including a Type 1, 2, and 3. Additional aircraft will be ordered as needed. Approximately a dozen homes were protected from this fire yesterday and overnight; structure protection will continue to be a priority as resources work today.

According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, as of Friday morning, the Upper Applegate Fire was estimated to be 500 acres in size. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office has Level 1 Be Ready evacuation notices in place for homes near the fire. You can find the latest evacuation map here and information about evacuations here.

“Our priority is to proactively protect our communities from the threat of wildfires. We’re sending resources to boost capacity and support the Applegate Valley Fire District until the fire is contained,” said Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple. “With warm, dry weather in the forecast, the risk of wildfires is heightened across Oregon. We urge everyone to help our firefighters by taking preventive measures to avoid sparking a wildfire this summer and follow all burning restrictions.”

For information about the fire, please follow the Oregon Department of Forestry – Southwest District. Learn how to be #WildfireAware this summer by following these wildfire prevention tips.

About Immediate Response — Immediate Response is made possible through the OSFM’s Response Ready Oregon initiative, created through Oregon’s wildfire omnibus bill, Senate Bill 762, signed into law in 2021.

LEARN MORE: Response Ready Oregon

Hwy 62 Fire -17700 block Crater Lake Highway, Shady Cove

Jackson County, OR

ODF Morning Update:
Night crews have made good progress during the night. The fire is now 100% lined and 60% plumb lined with water access. It is affecting both private and BLM land.

Day resources will continue to strengthen the lines today with a goal of connecting hose across the entire fire, allowing water access on every portion of the incident for mop up operations. More than 100 personnel are assigned to this fire today, includging four 20 person cres, four engines and two water tenders. Aircraft will likely not be needed, but will be available.

Hot temperatures, winds and low relative humidity will help to naturally fuel fire hahavior today. Both this and the Applegate fire have hazard trees, and a few have already fallen. Safety will remain a top priority for both fires.

The Level 1 “Be Ready” evacuation notices have been cancelled this morning.

U.S. Olympic Track And Field Team Trials Kick off Today at Hayward Field

Thousands of athletes, their families, and fans have descended on Hayward Field in Eugene this week for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.

The trials begin today, June 21, and conclude June 30 at Hayward Field in Eugene. At least one final race will be held during each evening session.

The eight-day competition starts on Friday and ends June 30 and will determine who will qualify to be inside the State de France in northern Paris when the track and field portion of the Summer Games begins Aug. 2.

With an increase in tourism and traffic expected to hit the Eugene and Springfield area, here’s all you need to know about the street closures, transportation services, and parking plans available for attendees.

Road closures planned around Hayward Field

Hayward Field is located at the University of Oregon at 1530 Agate Street in Eugene. To accommodate the event, parking lots and streets around the stadium will be closed.

On Monday night, East 18th Ave. and Agate Street closed to the public. Portions of East 15th Ave. and East 17th Ave. near Hayward Field were also blocked off from traffic.

Starting Friday, access to East 13th Ave. and University Street will be limited to use for University of Oregon business.

The following parking lots on campus will be closed to permit holders:

VIEW SCHEDULE HERE: https://www.usatf.org/events/2024/2024-u-s-olympic-team-trials-%E2%80%94-track-field/schedule

While the track and field trials are a long event, held over eight days, there’s no better place to see Olympic athletes compete than Hayward Field.

Here’s how to get tickets for the competition: https://am.ticketmaster.com/haywardtrackandfield/buy — MORE INFO: https://www.usatf.org/events/2024/2024-u-s-olympic-team-trials-%E2%80%94-track-field

Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Rises by 4,000 in May

Salem, OR — In May, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 4,000 jobs, following a revised gain of 2,400 jobs in April. Health care and social assistance gained 1,900 jobs in May, while leisure and hospitality added 1,000. Monthly declines were largest in retail trade (-800) and construction (-400).

Private-sector job growth has been very slow over the year, gaining 3,500 jobs (+0.2%). Health care and social assistance was the primary source of growth with a solid gain of 16,200 jobs (+5.7%). All four component industries have been adding jobs at a rapid clip. Elsewhere in the private sector, manufacturing dropped 3,700 jobs over the year, retail trade lost 3,400, and construction dropped 2,200 jobs in the past year.

The public sector added 9,100 jobs over the past 12 months. Local, state, and federal government are all at least 2% above their job counts a year ago. Local education gained 3,400 jobs over the year to reach 142,600 in May. This is the first spring that local schools reached the employment level in spring 2019, prior to the pandemic.

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.2% in May for the fourth straight month. Looking back at the past few years, Oregon’s monthly unemployment rate has been 4.2% or lower every month since October 2021. The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.0% in May.

Next Press Releases – The Oregon Employment Department plans to release the May county and metropolitan area unemployment rates on Tuesday, June 25, and the next statewide unemployment rate and employment survey data for June on Wednesday, July 17.

——— Notes: All numbers in the above narrative are seasonally adjusted except for the local government education job figures.

The Oregon Employment Department and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) work cooperatively to develop and publish monthly Oregon payroll employment and labor force data. The estimates of monthly job gains and losses are based on a survey of businesses. The estimates of unemployment are based on a survey of households and other sources.

The Oregon Employment Department publishes payroll employment estimates that are revised quarterly by using employment counts from employer unemployment insurance tax records. All department publications use this Official Oregon Series data unless noted otherwise. The department continues to make the original nonfarm payroll employment series available; these data are produced by the BLS.

The PDF version of this news release can be found at QualityInfo.org/press-release. To get the data in other formats such as in Excel, visit QualityInfo.org, select Tools, then choose LAUS or CES under the Economy header. To request the press release as a Word document, contact the person shown at the top of this press release.

To file a claim for unemployment benefits or get more information about unemployment programs, visit unemployment.oregon.gov.

The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

El Departamento de Empleo de Oregon (OED) es una agencia de igualdad de oportunidades. El OED proporciona ayuda gratuita para que usted pueda utilizarnuestros servicios. Algunos ejemplos son intérpretes de lengua de señas e idiomas hablados, materiales escritos en otros idiomas, letra grande, audio y otros formatos. Para obtener ayuda, por favorllame al 503-947-1444. Usuarios de TTY pueden llamar al 711. También puede enviar un correo electrónico a communications@employ.oregon.gov.

Proposed ballot measure to raise corporate taxes, give every Oregonian $750 a year likely to make November ballot

Oregon voters will likely decide in November whether to establish a historic universal basic income program that would give every state resident roughly $750 annually from increased corporate taxes.

Proponents of the concept say they likely have enough signatures to place it on the ballot this fall, and opponents are taking them seriously.

State business advocacy groups are preparing to launch a campaign against the proposed measure, arguing that it would harm Oregon’s business landscape and economy.

The proposal, Initiative Petition 17, would establish a 3% tax on corporations’ sales in Oregon above $25 million and distribute that money equally among Oregonians of all ages. As of Friday, its backers had turned in more than 135,000 signatures, which is higher than the 117,173 required to land on the ballot. The validity of those signatures must still be certified by the Secretary of State’s Office.

“It’s looking really good. It’s really exciting,” said Anna Martinez, a Portland hairstylist who helped form the group behind the campaign, Oregon People’s Rebate, in 2020. If approved by voters, the program would go into effect in January 2025.

Martinez and other supporters say the financial boost would help Oregon families buy groceries, afford rent and pay for basic necessities. “This will put money back in the local economy. It will help small businesses,” she said. “Some people say, ‘Well it’s only $750.’ But that’s huge if you really need it.”

The state Department of Revenue would be responsible for distributing the money. Every Oregon resident would be able to claim the money either in cash or as a refundable tax credit, regardless of whether they have filed personal incomes taxes, according to the ballot initiative draft.

The initiative proposal draft states that any leftover funding from the rebate would “be used to provide additional funding for services for senior citizens, health care, public early childhood education and public kindergarten through grade 12 education.”

The ballot measure campaign has received significant financial support from out-of-state supporters of universal basic income.

Oregon People’s Rebate has received about $740,000 in contributions and spent all but about $10,000. The highest contributor by far is Jones Holding LLC, a corporation based in Los Angeles and controlled by investor and universal basic income fan Josh Jones that has given $425,000. The second largest contributor is a related L.A.-based corporation, Jones Parking Inc., which contributed nearly $95,000. The third largest source of contributions are the foundation and mother of Gerald Huff, a software engineer and advocate of universal basic income from California who died in 2018. Huff’s foundation and mother have contributed $90,000 combined.

“Yes, the funders are from California, but these are not like nefarious outside interests here,” Martinez said. “These are people who are committed to basic income.”

Oregon business groups are preparing to fight the measure. State business lobby Oregon Business and Industry and tax policy research nonprofit Tax Foundation say raising corporate taxes would harm companies and lead to higher costs of goods and services.

“(The proposed measure) would impose a massive tax increase in Oregon,” Oregon Business and Industry said in a statement. “If it qualifies for the ballot, our organization will be involved in a campaign against it, and we are confident that when voters look at the facts, they will vote to reject it.”

Oregon currently brings in billions of dollars of corporate taxes every year. The state’s excise and income tax on corporations brought in 10.3% of the state’s general fund in the 2021-2023 biennium, enough to make it the second highest revenue source after personal income tax, according to the Legislative Revenue Office.

C corporations, the default type of corporation for tax status, that do business in Oregon currently pay a state excise tax of 6.6% on income under $1 million and a 7.6% tax on income above that. If a corporation doesn’t earn a net income, they must pay a minimum state tax of $150 to $100,000 based on their total sales, according to the Legislative Revenue Office. Other types of corporations pay a minimum $150 excise tax.

Oregon corporations also pay a 0.57% corporate activity tax, which is calculated from companies’ commercial activity in the state valued above $1 million.

The proposed ballot measure would increase the minimum excise tax to 3% on all corporations’ reported gross sales above $25 million. Under the proposed measure, all of that money would then be distributed by the state Department of Revenue to all Oregon residents who live in the state for more than 200 days of the year.

Business groups fear that the increased taxes would drive corporations away from Oregon. “In practice, affected businesses would likely move more of their operations out-of-state to avoid” paying such high taxes, according to a report from the Tax Foundation.

The report states that corporations with high gross sales but low or no profit would be taxed unreasonably high amounts. A corporation with a low 3% profit margin would have to pay all its profits from sales above $25 million in Oregon taxes.

Martinez said the opposition from business groups does not surprise her. “It’s a tale as old as time,” she said. “Corporations don’t want to pay their fair share. They pay so little compared to everyday Oregonians. We all have really thin margins and we manage to do it.” (SOURCE)

Oregon Sen. Wyden proposes legislation to preserve rural maternal care

The federal bill follows last year’s closure of the only hospital birth center in Baker City that served large swath of rural eastern Oregon

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden is pushing for a pathway for rural hospitals to continue to provide maternal care in small communities.

Wyden, D-Oregon, on Monday released a draft bill that outlines a series of financial incentives to encourage hospitals to continue to offer birth services. The bill includes higher Medicaid rates and additional payments to cover the cost of on-call staff for expectant mothers in small communities with low numbers of births.

Wyden’s bill is backed by 15 other Senate Democrats – one-third of the Democrats in the chamber. It comes in response to last year’s closure of the birthing center at Saint Alphonsus Medical Center in Baker City. The only maternity ward in the rural eastern Oregon county with nearly 17,000 people had served the area for a century. The move has forced expectant mothers to travel to Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande.

“In Baker County, you have to drive at least 45 miles further to the next hospital to give birth on roads that can sometimes be impassable because of winter weather or summer wildfires,” Wyden said in a Monday press call. “We believe that Oregonians and Americans deserve better.”

The fallout in Baker City is part of a trend that’s unfolding across rural America as hospitals decide what  services to offer based on cost, demand and profitability. That’s translated into reduced birth services in rural communities, especially those with dwindling birthrates and aging populations. Between 2011 and 2021, one out of every four rural hospitals nationwide stopped providing obstetrics services, or more than 260 hospitals, according to a national report. Today, only about 45% of rural hospitals deliver babies, and in some communities, only 33% do, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. In Oregon, one-quarter of its 32 rural hospitals offer obstetrics care.

The bill would provide more funding for hospitals with a low number of births – called low-volume payment adjustments – so they continue to stay in their communities. It also would require each state to study and report the costs of providing labor and delivery services in rural areas to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The legislation would improve overall maternal services for women by offering incentives for states to expand depression and anxiety screening for mothers before, during and after birth and requiring states to provide coverage for women on Medicaid after delivery for 12 months, Wyden said.

Hospitals would be required to provide a timely notification of when they plan to close birthing centers so communities and families have adequate time to plan.

“What we want to do is find a way to create smart, cost-effective choices for the future in these communities,” Wyden said. “We recognize that these are changing times.”

The Hospital Association of Oregon, which represents 61 hospitals, said it supports the legislation.

“The proposal acknowledges the need for emergency staffing options to help rural providers temporarily fill obstetrical positions as needed, the importance of Medicaid coverage for midwives and doulas and the critical need for a simplified Medicaid enrollment process for out-of-state obstetrical providers,” the association said in a statement. “The proposal recognizes the costs involved in maintaining and staffing obstetrical units 24/7.”

Daniel Grigg, CEO of Wallowa Memorial Hospital, located in rural northeastern Oregon, said the bill is an important step in protecting access to maternity care in rural areas.

“This bill will support rural families and communities by boosting reimbursement for labor and delivery services and providing payments to hospitals with low-birth volumes,” Grigg said in a statement.

Wyden said this issue is bipartisan and he hopes to see support from both sides of the aisle.

The other lawmakers to sign on so far are Democratic Sens. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, Maria Cantwell of Washington Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Tom Carper of Delaware, Ben Cardin of Maryland, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, Michael Bennet of, Colorado, Bob Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania, Mark Warner of Virginia, Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire,  Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Corey Booker of New Jersey. (SOURCE)

Portland Pickles To Be First Team To Sell Thc-Based Seltzers At Events

(Portland, OR)  —  An Oregon summer-league baseball team is now the first sports team in the U.S. to sell cannabis-based refreshments at games. The seltzer drinks will be available in passion fruit and lemon flavors. They’ll be available for fans 21 and over.  The Pickles say the Portland Parks and Recreation department gave them the thumbs up.

Oregon’s 2024 Minimum Wage Increase Takes Effect July 1st

A 50-cent hike to Oregon’s minimum wage will bring baseline pay in the Portland area just to the doorstep of $16 an hour this summer.

Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries announced Tuesday that the minimum wage in the Portland area will rise to $15.95. In urban counties outside the Portland area, the minimum wage will be $14.70 an hour. And in rural counties, the minimum will be $13.70. The change takes effect July 1.

Oregon has had a tiered minimum wage since 2017, when the state Legislature approved a series of minimum wage increases but kept the minimum lower in more rural parts of the state, reasoning that the cost of living was lower, too.

Since 2023, annual increases in the minimum wage have been tied to the rate of inflation. The Consumer Price Index, the inflation measure used to calculate the increase, rose 3.5% over the past year.

The increases announced Tuesday range from 2.9% for the Portland metro to 3.8% raise in rural areas.

The average Oregon hourly wage is much higher than the minimum, $31.17 last year, according to the state employment department. The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009. (SOURCE)

The Oregon Health Athority is rasising awareness for one of the most common forms of financial fraud: Medicare fraud. 

OHA says Medicare loses $60 billion a year to fraud, errors and abuse. 

Raising awareness on 6/5 and the week after signifies the 65-yr-old and older population since most people become eligable for Medicare at 65-yrs-old.  To learn more, read the OHA blog here: https://ow.ly/VIRu50Sc7pS

Oregonians Targeted By Text Tolling Scam

A new nationwide texting scam is targeting Oregon drivers now. Ellen Klem, with the Oregon Attorney General’s Office says the phishing scheme started in the midwest earlier in the spring. “I’m honestly not surprised it’s happening now, because now is the time where everyone is gearing up to drive.”

The text claims to be from “Oregon Toll Service” and says the recipient owes an $11.69 outstanding balance; they face a $50 late fee if they don’t click on a link and pay up. Klem says some people may identify the fraud right away, because Oregon doesn’t have tolling, “But, we live next to all these other states that have tolls.” And she worries some will fall for it. 

“They are not interested in the $11,” says Klem, “They are interested in much, much more.” She believes the scammers want your personal information, and clicking on the link could allow them to access other data on your phone.

The text has all the markers of a scam, like contact out of the blue from an unknown agency. “There’s a lot of really cheap or free technology out there that allows the scammers to pretend to be somebody they’re not. So, in this case, they’re pretending to be associated with an agency that administers tolls in the state of Oregon. But that doesn’t exist,” says Klem, “Second sign: There’s some sort of emergency. In this case, you have an unpaid bill; that’s frightening to a lot of people.”

She suggests not being in such a rush to respond to every text or email, “These phones, they’re everywhere and we have this sort of automatic response to click on a link or to pick up every phone call. And, I want to remind people just to slow down and think before you click on anything.” Klem adds, “Really, at the end of the day, this is a text message that you can and you should ignore.”

If you get a text, email or phone call you’re not sure is legit, call the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer hotline at 877-877-9392. Volunteer experts are available weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Come to the World Beat Festival to Experience Global Cultures: Ukraine is the 2024 Featured Country

Salem Multicultural Institute is excited to celebrate Ukraine as the 27^th annual World Beat Festival’s featured country. World Beat is one of Salem’s premier community traditions, offering a vibrant two-day program of international music, dance, song, theater, food, crafts, customs, rituals, and folklore. This year’s festival will begin Friday evening, June 28, and run through Sunday, June 30, at Salem’s Riverfront Park.

Kathleen Fish, Executive Director, emphasizes that this is the only festival of its kind honoring the Salem/Keizer community’s rich tapestry of cultures. “There are 107 languages spoken in our school district. The festival recognizes and explores the cultures of many of these families.”

The festivities kick off Friday, June 28, from 5 to 10 p.m. with “Friday Night at the Beat,” featuring vocal performances and fire dancing on the Main Stage.

The festival opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, with the Children’s Parade. Kids who want to participate in the parade will assemble at the Pavilion at the North End of the park.

Each child who attends will receive a passport at the entrance gate to collect stamps from each World Village. Village tents will feature kid-friendly cultural games and activities. This year’s activities include making cherry blossoms in the Asian Pacific Village, Pysanky (traditional egg decorating) in the European Village, Arpilleras (traditional Chilean textile art) in the Americas Village, and crafting Nguni Shields in the Africa & Middle East Village.

Adults can enjoy beverages in the beer garden while listening to live music. Boating enthusiasts can cheer on their favorite teams during the World Beat Dragon Boat Races.

“We had over 25,000 guests attend last year, enjoying performances on seven stages representing more than 50 different countries and cultures. Our visitors come from all over the Northwest and even Canada,” added Fish.

Organized by the volunteer-driven Salem Multicultural Institute, the festival requires 400 volunteers annually to manage setup, stage operations, and cleanup. Volunteers contributing at least four hours receive an event T-shirt and free entry to the festival.

Admission to the festival is $10/1-day pass/adult or $15 for the weekend. Children 0-14, SNAP card holders, and Veterans are free.

You can view a complete schedule and vendor list or sign up to volunteer atwww.worldbeatfestival.org or call (503) 581-2004.

About the World Beat Festival: The World Beat Festival originated in the late 1990s and was conceived by two young mothers, Mona Hayes and Kathleen Fish, who wanted a space to celebrate cultural heritage. Starting with a small gathering in 1998, the festival has grown into Oregon’s largest multicultural event of its kind. www.WorldBeatFestival.org, 503-581-2004.

About the Salem Multicultural Institute (SMI): The vision of the Salem Multicultural Institute and the purpose of the World Beat Festival and World Beat Gallery are to create an environment of openness for all people. In all our activities, SMI aims to be family-friendly, economically inclusive, and culturally authentic. Visit the gallery located at 390 Liberty ST SE, Salem. www.salemmulticultural.org.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com