Oregon Beach News, Friday 7/26 – Oregon Receives $16.6 Million In Federal Funds For Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Projects & 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, July 26, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

Small Craft Advisory Issued: 8:48 AM Jul. 26, 2024 – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT SATURDAY...

* WHAT...North winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt on today, lowering to 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt on Saturday. Steep seas 5 to 8 ft at 6 to 7 seconds through Saturday morning.

* WHERE...All waters north of Cape Blanco.

* WHEN...Until 11 AM PDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds and/or steep seas could capsize or damage smaller vessels.

* View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks

U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Representative Val Hoyle announced $16.6 million in federal funds for Oregon habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects have been made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.

Wyden said, “Salmon, fishing and our beautiful outdoors are all central to Oregon’s economy and identity”. Wyden said, “This funding is exactly what I fought for in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, and I will continue to advocate for more resources to preserve Oregon’s pristine waterways and coast”.

Merkley said, “Oregon’s native fish are the lifeblood of our state, supporting the health and vitality of our communities, local economies, and Tribes who have been here since time immemorial”. Merkley said, “…Crucially, the two projects receiving funding will strengthen coastal resiliency and go a long way to enhance habitat for fish populations, including our beloved coho salmon, spring Chinook salmon and other native fish species”.

Hoyle said, “It will support better habitats for salmon on the Willamette River and the Oregon Coast. I’m looking forward to seeing the results of these investments, and I’ll continue working to bring federal funding back to Oregon”.

The joint release said the $16.6 million comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries’ Office of Habitat Restoration and will be used for:

*McKenzie Watershed Alliance – Resilience through Floodplain Restoration: Creating Conditions for Native Species and Communities to Thrive in the Upper Willamette: $8.5 million.

*Wild Salmon Center – Oregon Coast Coho Recovery Plan Implementation in Oregon: $8.1 million.

2024 Coos County Fair & Rodeo
½ off Admission for Kids, Seniors, Active Military & Veterans @ the Fair Wednesday July 24th

Carnival Rides – Pie Eating Contest – Fair Food – Exciting Vendors – Animals – Art Exhibits – Trains- and Museum – FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!!!

Beginning in 1912, the Fair has become the main event of the Summer for Coos County residents and is a county-wide showcase of agriculture, crafts, industry and business. The Fair provides the opportunity for all ages, from young to seniors, to exhibit their livestock, floral, land products, culinary, needlework, photography, arts and crafts.

Suspect Arrested after Committing Robbery at McKay’s in Lincoln City

On July 21^st, 2024 a Loss Prevention Officer at McKay’s Market in Lincoln City observed a white male adult shoplifting non-food retail items from a display towards the front of their store. When he confronted the man, he was initially compliant but soon began running through the store with the stolen items. A store manager stood near the exit while waiting for police arrival. The suspect approached and threw him to the ground, raising the incident to a felony-level robbery. The suspect ran from the property and was not located that day.

On July 25^th that same manager who had been thrown to the ground observed the suspect near the store and called police. Numerous officers responded and within two minutes of being dispatched had the man detained. Officers compared the man to the surveillance video of the crime and determined he was indeed the suspect who had stolen the items and thrown the manager to the ground.

Officers determined the suspect to be 45-year-old Donald Strangebird Littletree, an unsheltered man residing in Lincoln City. Police also learned Littletree was a Lincoln County Parole and Probation client out on release after a previous criminal conviction. Littletree was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged on charges of Robbery III, Theft III, and Physical Harassment. He was subsequently released from the Lincoln County Jail a short time later.

Siuslaw Awards Results

Last  night’s Siuslaw Awards at the Florence Event Center was attended by a full house of chamber member businesses.  Awards were presented in several categories with the Stu Johnston business of the Year Award as the final award of the evening. 

The award this year went to 1285 Restobar.  Owner Kurt Hargens accepted the award on behalf of the staff that he said was dedicated to making customers feel welcome.  The Florence First Citizen Award went to Former Siuslaw Publisher Jenna Bartlett for her work with charities and support for the community. 

Other winners included Oregon Pacific Bank for excellence in customer service,   Innovation is everything went to The Playhouse.  Heart on their sleeve award to Florence Shipping Solutions.  Profound Difference award went to the Boys and Girls Club and director Vanessa Buss also received the Life Preserver Award.  Bold New Business went to the Human Bean. 

The Audience was also officially introduced to recent Siuslaw High School Graduate Cate Waggoner as Florence’s Future First Citizen.  Cate will be heading to Oregon State University in the fall to study medicine.

LCPD to Remove Drug Take-Back Kiosk

As of August 1, 2024, the Lincoln City Police Department will be removing the drug take-back kiosk, also known as the “safe medication disposal box” or the “drug drop off.”  It is no longer practical for the Lincoln City Police Department to operate and maintain the kiosk at our current location. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

We understand that his may create a hardship for the citizens of Lincoln City and, in an effort to alleviate concerns, we would like to provide our citizens with other options in the area:

https://medtakebackoregon.org/ provides citizens with a list of local secure disposal or drop-off locations. These locations can be located on their website.

This program also provides a mail-back option, and mail-back supplies can be ordered via phone at (844) 4-TAKE-BACK or (844) 482-5322, or on their website at https://med-project.org/locations/oregon/mail-back-services/

The Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital pharmacy (located at 3043 NE 28^th Street in Lincoln City) also provides drug take-back services.  Citizens may bring their expired or no-longer-needed medications to the front desk during business hours (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) and inquire at the front desk.  The pharmacist on shift will be able to dispose of the medications.

Finally, North Lincoln Sanitary Service offers a medical waste service for used syringes. A one-gallon container can be purchased from their office (1726 SE Highway 101 in Lincoln City) for $10.  Once the container is full, simply return it to their office and it will be disposed of.  The cost for disposal is included in the purchase price.

The Lincoln City Police Department would like to remind everyone that drug take-back programs protect our beautiful Oregon waterways and open spaces by reducing drug levels in ground-water systems.  By disposing of these drugs properly, and not flushing or throwing them away, we can make sure that the wildlife and our fellow humans aren’t inadvertently exposed to drug residue.

We appreciate your understanding as we remove this kiosk from our department.

Army Corps of Engineers’ Baker Bay Pile Dike Repair Project in Baker Bay

NOAA Fisheries has received a request from Army Corps of Engineers for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to Baker Bay Pile Dike Repair Project in Baker Bay, Oregon. NOAA Fisheries is requesting comments on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities.

NOAA Fisheries is also requesting comments on a possible one-time, 1-year renewal that could be issued under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NOAA Fisheries will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorization and agency responses will be summarized in the final notice of our decision.

Ecola State Park Named as One of the Best Parks in USA

Recently timeout.com listed the best parks in the United States and Oregon was the only state in the Northwest that made it to the top 10.

Even if you haven’t visited this park on the edge of the Oregon Coast, most likely, you’ve seen it on the big screen. This park, with an amazing outlook toward the Pacific Ocean, has been the backdrop in films including Twilight, The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop. 

You’ll see information signs on them and other points of view extending to Haystack Rock, a sea slack in Canyon Beach, and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Wander amid Sitka spruce forests and along a network of hiking trails, including the Clatsop Loop Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile-long historical loop. It partly follows the Corps of Discovery route, which is the Lewis and Clark Expedition military unit that trekked through the present-day park. Or spend time on the sand at Indian Beach. https://www.timeout.com/usa/things-to-do/best-state-parks-in-us

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is warning individuals with pets to stay away from carcasses that have ended up on beaches.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is warning individuals with pets to stay away from carcasses that have ended up on beaches.  According to ODFW several dogs have been sickened from salmon in the Newport area. They say that a parasitic flatworm that is often deadly to dogs is the culprit. 

Julie Burco an ODFW veterinarian says symptoms can begin to show 5-7 days after exposure and include vomiting and diarrhea.  She says the risk generally comes in late September, but can be found anytime a carcass is on the sand.  Keeping your dogs on a leash on the beach is the best way to ensure your pet does not come in contact with the parasite.

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

CAST for Kids Foundation needs five additional boat captains to take a disabled child and their parents crabbing for a few hours on Sunday, July 28th.

If you and your family would like to volunteer, please register online at castforkids.org/event/yaquinabay

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation (C.A.S.T. = Catch A Special Thrill) is a public charity that was formed in 1991 to join volunteers who love to fish with children who have special needs and disadvantages for a day of fishing in the outdoors. Children with special needs (ages 6-18) and their caretakers come together with community volunteers for a fun day of fishing they may not otherwise experience. These events provide a refreshing break from their daily challenges. Spreading a positive message that kids with disabilities can accomplish anything, we include all children, despite their limitations. This is all made possible through national and local sponsors-people who want to make a big difference in the lives of kids with special needs thus strengthening their community. https://www.facebook.com/castforkidsfoundation

Siuslaw Library Summer Reading Program

City of Florence Environmental Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) members, Vicki Philben, Ivy Medow and City Councilor Sally Wantz, as well as Master Recycler, Britte Kirsch, are partnering with Miss Gayle at the Siuslaw Public Library in this year’s Summer Reading Program. 

Using the “Read, Renew, Repeat” curriculum, these volunteers will be hosting 5 interactive events on such topics as bugs & bees, dirt, recycling, worms, and native plants.  Children of all ages are encouraged to attend these and all the other events from June through July.  All programs are free and held at the Florence location’s Bromley Room unless otherwise specified.  For more information, call the Siuslaw Library at 541-999-3132. 

Florence Food Share Empty Bowls 2024 Call for Artists for Poster Art

We are currently making plans for Florence Food Share’s annual Empty Bowls event, which has been a successful fundraiser for 29 years. Local artists contribute handmade ceramic, wood, and fused glass bowls along with other art for sale during the first weekend of December.

For over a decade, we have featured the work of a local artist on the poster advertising the event. The art created for the event serves as the focal point for the poster and is later raffled off at the event to generate extra revenue for the Florence Food Share. In return, the artist receives recognition in local and regional publications and a tax deduction, of course.

We are searching for artwork that conveys the message of the event and the mission of Florence Food Share, which is to provide nutritious food to those in need because “no one should go hungry.” We welcome any medium, as long as it can be photographed, and the original artwork can be donated to the event. We will handle the framing, with input from the artist.

To be considered for creating the poster art for 2024, please send us your concept, including the medium and a description of the proposed image. Additionally, attach a photo of one of your previous works to give us an idea of your style. Please email your submissions to Desiree Clifton at dclifton@windemere.com by August 25, 2024. The
completed, unframed artwork should be submitted no later than September 30, 2024.

We are grateful to all the artists who have participated in Empty Bowls over the years and eagerly anticipate the participation of new artists in this year’s event. For any questions regarding submitting artwork, please reach out via email to dclifton@windemere.com. Florence Food Share Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/florencefood.share/?locale=ro_RO

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 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

If you are taking a young child to a big event, local Fairs, Six Flags, theme park, Fenway Park or any other busy location … Write your phone number on their wrist and cover it with liquid band aid in case you get separated. Also, take a photo of them using your cell phone the morning of the event so you have their clothing, hair style and up to date photo. Just in case they get lost. Stay safe this summer! #BePrepared#TipofTheDay

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management encourages people traveling by car to be fire safe

Salem, Ore.—July 25, 2024 — If you are travelling by car this summer, especially if you are headed to Eastern Oregon, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are encouraging you to be fire safe and prepared.

The 2024 wildfire season is shaping up to be one for the record books. With Govenor Tina Kotek invoking the Emergency Conflagration Act for Durkee and Battle Mountain Complex Fires, there are now three large complex fires burning through acres of land east of the Cascades. Fire officials and OEM are asking people to take every precaution possible to avoid adding to the problem.

While you are packing and preparing to take off and explore our state, it’s important to stay up to date on road closures with Tripcheck.com; connect with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) about campfire restrictions; and make sure you have emergency supplies in case you get stranded.

Here is a list of items to consider for a basic emergency car kit:

• Jumper cables
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Car cell phone charger
• Blanket
• Map
• Cat litter or sand for tire traction in ice
• Flashlight and extra batteries  
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help if the air is smokey or dusty
• Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape to shelter in place if needed
• Wet wipes, garbage bags, toilet paper and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Printed maps of the local area in case you lose service
• Cell phone and a backup charger
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• A fire extinguisher you know how to use

Finally, pack extra water and snakes in case you get stuck for a while.

In addition to packing an emergency kit, ODOT wants to remind travelers to use U.S. 20 to move east or west across central and eastern Oregon, and if you must travel, consult Tripcheck.com and check conditions for your route. It is also important to make sure your car is tuned up, has plenty of gas and the tires are in good condition.

Here are more tips to be a fire safe traveler:  

• When pulling off the road, stay on paved surfaces when possible.
• Avoid the side of the road where dry grass and other fuel can come in contact with your vehicle’s hot components and spark a fire.
• Don’t toss lit cigarettes, or any flammable materials, out your vehicle’s window.  
• Extinguish all smoking materials completely and never in dry grass.  
• Secure chains and make sure they aren’t dragging. That can cause sparks.  

Maintain your car and carry the right equipment  

• Maintain proper tire pressure as driving on rims will throw off sparks.  
• Prevent vehicle fires by having your vehicle serviced regularly by a professionally trained mechanic.
• Heat and electrical sparks that come into contact with leaking flammable car fluids can easily start a car fire.  

There are tips on how to prevent wildfires on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website.

You can find more tips on how to prepare your car for road trips at Ready,gov/car or check out Be 2 Weeks Ready to help build your self-reliance and community preparedness.  

Oregon Department of Transportation –  If you plan to travel across the state in the coming days, make sure you carefully plan your route.

I-84 and many other highways in #EasternOR may be closed or unreliable due to wildfires. Visit TripCheck.com for the latest closure points and details.

Due to current fire activity, we expect continued and/or more I-84 closures. Do not rely on this route in the upcoming days. Many other eastern Oregon highways are also closed or impacted as well.

Wildfires are unpredictable and we have no estimate on opening times for any fire-impacted highways. Previous plans for a nighttime only closure of I-84 to remove brush along the highway were upended when the wildfire quickly reached the interstate. Fire crews are actively fighting fire from I-84.Travelers should use U.S. 20 to move east or west across central and eastern Oregon during this current period of fire activity. If you must travel, consult TripCheck.com and check real-time conditions for your ENTIRE route.

Tips while traveling in #ORfire season:

1. Don’t blindly follow GPS directions or detour on local or forest roads. These roads are not suitable for interstate traffic. If a highway is closed on TripCheck, it is likely that nearby local roads are also closed due to wildfire in the area. TripCheck is updated 24/7 by dispatch staff.

2. Expect power outages near wildfires. Treat non-working traffic lights like a four-way stop. Roadside message boards and TripCheck cameras may also be out in these areas.

3. Carry extra supplies including food, water, necessary medications, etc. for all your passengers, including pets.

4. Driving in smoke is like driving in heavy fog. Slow down but keep a steady pace and stay alert. Slow driving gives you more time to respond to unexpected conditions. Turn on headlights when driving in smoky areas.

5. The best place to wait for a highway to reopen is at home. Do not travel to the closure points and wait, closures could last for days. Find fire information, including a fire overview and map, smoke forecast and sign up for local emergency alerts by visiting wildfire.oregon.gov

Oregon Department of Emergency ManagementOregon State PoliceOregon Department of ForestryOregon State Fire Marshal

ODF’s Situation Report is to help create a snapshot of large fire information, weather and prevention information. To read the full report, visit https://odffire.com/…/odf-wildland-situation-report…/.

Red Cross has opened 13 shelters so far this wildfire season as Oregon burns more than 945,000 acres. How you can prepare before disaster strikes.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Portland, ORE, July 25, 2024] — Residents of Oregon and SW Washington are in the middle of a busy wildfire season as the climate crisis threatens to upend more communities. The American Red Cross Cascades Region opened our first shelter in La Pine on June 25^th due to the Darlene 3 Fire and we have not stopped since. We are currently operating in 4 different locations in our region plus we are helping support or neighboring Red Cross regions in Washington, Idaho and Montana. 

“This is part of a nationwide trend where natural disasters are becoming more frequent and intense. In 2023, an estimated 2.5 million were forced from their homes by weather-related disasters— with more than a third displaced for longer than a month,” says Red Cross Cascades CEO Priscilla Fuentes.

The best defense in an emergency is to be prepared and the American Red Cross, Cascades Region advises everyone to get ready now.

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR HOUSEHOLD 

• Build an emergency kit. Stock it with bottled water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, and battery-powered radio. Also include medications, copies of important papers, cell phone chargers and emergency contact information. If you have pets or kids, consider packing items for them. 
• Make an evacuation plan.  What will you do if you are separated from your family during an emergency? Where will you go and where will you meet? Know evacuation routes in your community and make sure you have gas in your car. 
• Know how to stay informed.  Watch the local news, follow first responders on social media, check the websites of emergency managers, transportation agencies, and law enforcement to learn how you can receive evacuation orders and evacuate safely.
• Plus, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and more safety tips. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

PAY ATTENTION TO EVACUATION ORDERS:

Level 1-Be Ready

Level 2-Get Set

Level 3-Go Now

• Follow evacuation guidelines set by emergency managers. Level 3 evacuations mean “GO NOW.” Don’t hesitate to leave when instructed.
• If you are elderly or have access and functional limitations, consider leaving during a level 2 “GET SET” evacuation.
• Be aware of road closures so you know how to leave the affected area safely. 
• Make sure you have gas in your car in case you must leave. 
• Bring masks or other devices to help protect you from wildfire smoke.

WHO ARE WE HELPING?

Everyone is welcome in our shelters, and we are hearing incredible stories like this one from Marc Berry.  Read more HERE.

VOLUNTEER TODAY The Red Cross is seeking new volunteers who are team-oriented and want to make an immediate difference. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up. Free online training will be provided.

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media. — American Red Cross – Cascades Region 

Campfires temporarily banned at most Oregon State Parks due to dry conditions, nearby wildfires

— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) temporarily banned campfires at most Oregon State Parks due to dry conditions and the strain on firefighting resources from wildfires burning across the state. 

Campfires and open flames are banned at all parks east of the Cascades due to the low humidity and risk of wildfires. They’re also restricted at parks in high-risk areas across the state until conditions improve. Most bans impact parks east of the Cascades and in the valley with some restrictions at select coastal parks.

“We understand that campfires are an important part of the experience at Oregon State Parks. We don’t make the decision lightly to restrict the use of fire, but unfortunately conditions require that response. The decision is made in consultation with our local fire agencies. Thank you for helping us do our part to reduce the risk of any new wildfires,” said JR Collier, OPRD’s deputy of statewide operations.

Campfire restrictions generally ban all “open flame,” but often make exceptions for propane cooking as the flame is contained. Check individual park webpages for details on any restrictions before visiting. Restrictions are listed in alphabetical order in a feature story at stateparks.oregon.gov/ or on the individual park pages. 

OPRD also encourages visitors to know before they go when it comes to the impact of wildfires across the state:

• Several parks have been closed due to wildfires including Battle Mountain Forest State Scenic Corridor, Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, East and West Hatfield Trailheads on the Columbia River Highway State Trail and Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor. Check park webpages at stateparks.oregon.gov/ and search by park.
• Some parks have reduced air quality due to wildfire smoke. Check DEQ’s website for air quality information at www.oregonsmoke.org/
• Several roads and highways have been closed due to wildfires. Please use TripCheck to learn about closures and alternative routes. Relying on GPS might lead drivers into unsafe conditions

For more information about current wildfires around the state, go to the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx. 

For more information about wildfire prevention, please visit the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s webpage at https://www.oregon.gov/osfm/education/pages/prevent-wildfires.aspx.

Campfires prohibited across BLM’s Northwest Oregon District

– Starting July 23, campfires will be prohibited on all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout the Northwest Oregon District. BLM leaders encourage all visitors to be aware of active restrictions and closures as hotter, drier weather sets in around the Pacific Northwest.

In addition to fires and campfires, the stronger restrictions also prohibit smoking in vegetated areas; using vehicles in unmanaged vegetated areas; operating a chainsaw; welding, cutting or grinding; or using an internal combustion engine without a spark arrestor. These prohibitions will stay in effect until rescinded.

These level II fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires. They build on the BLM’s statewide fire restrictions prohibiting fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition (core or jacket), tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns, which went effect May 24.

Those who violate the prohibition may be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months. In addition, those found responsible for starting wildland fires on federal lands can be billed for the cost of fire suppression.

For the complete order and more information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures, please see www.blm.gov/orwafire.

To learn more about fire careers with BLM Oregon-Washington, please see https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire/state-info/oregon-washington/careers.

Monitoring Fires in Oregon

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	136561 Acres	33 seconds ago
Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	762 Acres	3 minutes 20 seconds ago
Oakridge Lightning Fires 2024 – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	Acres	7 minutes 1 second ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1179 Acres	13 minutes 17 seconds ago
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	856 Acres	14 minutes 5 seconds ago
Durkee Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	288690 Acres	1 hour 5 minutes ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	141926 Acres	2 hours 11 minutes ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	12180 Acres	2 hours 12 minutes ago
Jack Saddle – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1001 Acres	8 hours 43 minutes ago
Mineral – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	665 Acres	8 hours 55 minutes ago
Quartz – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	759 Acres	9 hours 13 minutes ago
Puddin – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	210 Acres	9 hours 32 minutes ago
Adam Mountain – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1421 Acres	9 hours 57 minutes ago
Clark 900 – OR770S	Wildfire	Oregon	1421 Acres	9 hours 58 minutes ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	1421 Acres	9 hours 59 minutes ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	140879 Acres	10 hours 10 minutes ago
Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	51196 Acres	11 hours 1 minute ago
Ore Fire – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	1050 Acres	11 hours 40 minutes ago
Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	133490 Acres	11 hours 55 minutes ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	4156 Acres	12 hours 23 minutes ago
Courtrock Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	5170 Acres	14 hours 25 minutes ago
Pyramid & Slate Fires – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon		18 hours 40 minutes ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	389 Acres	19 hours 10 minutes ago
Boneyard Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	49716 Acres	23 hours 35 minutes ago
Salt Creek – OR710S	Wildfire	Oregon	4102 Acres	3 days 16 hours ago
Larch Creek Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	18286 Acres	6 days 9 hours ago

Large Fires in Oregon 7/24/24 7:30am per INCIWEB

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page. 

Oregon Division of Financial Regulation warns people to be careful before signing assignment of benefits agreement after natural disaster

– With wildfires raging across the state, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) wants to make sure people are taken care of in the event of a catastrophe and warned of those who may want to take advantage of a vulnerable situation.

One of those ways is through an assignment of benefits (AOB) agreement, which is a contract between a homeowner and a third party that transfers the insurance claim rights or benefits in an insurance policy to the third party. This allows the third party, which is typically a contractor, plumber, roofer, or other construction professional, to file the claim, make decisions about home repairs, and collect insurance payments without involving the homeowner. 

DFR stresses that you are not required to enter an AOB with a third party to have repairs done – you can file a claim directly to your insurance company.

An AOB can be a useful tool for getting repairs done, as it allows the repair company to deal directly with an insurance company when negotiating repairs. It also allows the insurer to pay the repair company directly. However, an AOB is a legal contract, so policyholders need to understand the rights they are signing away and make sure the repair company is trustworthy. Here are some reminders: 

• With an AOB, the third party, like a roofing company or plumber, may file your claim, make repair decisions, and collect insurance payments without your involvement. They can also sue your insurer, and you can lose your right to mediation. 
• Once you have signed an AOB, your insurer only communicates with the third party.
• It is possible the third party may demand a higher claim payment than the insurer offers and then sue the insurer when it denies the claim.

“It is important for homeowners to know their rights and understand what they are agreeing to with an assignment of benefits,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, Oregon insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “Importantly, you are signing away your right to control many decisions related to the repair of your home. While this arrangement can be a good thing with the right contractor, it can result in a headache if it ends up in the wrong hands.”

DFR reminds homeowners to be diligent and alert for fraud. Home repair fraud is common after a natural disaster, and some contractors may prey on victims in hopes of making a quick buck. It is usually a good idea to do business with local businesses or trusted companies. Check references and talk to your friends and family. You should also always confirm that a contractor is licensed in the state of Oregon. Your insurance company may also have recommendations, and you should get more than one bid for your repairs. 

Anyone who has questions or feels they may have been taken advantage of can always contact one of our consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or through email at .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. 

For more information about AOB agreements, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners offers additional resources and information. DFR also has resources on understanding homeowners insurance and other insurance tips, including a brochure designed to help homeowners avoid disaster scams.

OHA marks 100^th water treatment system installation milestone

OHA, partners continue efforts to protect families with high levels of nitrate in domestic well water

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and partner organizations have recorded more than 100 free water treatment systems installed in households in the Lower Umatilla Basin Groundwater Management Area, or LUBGWMA. As of June 30, OHA’s vendors had installed 111 systems and are working to install additional systems to help address high levels of nitrate in some domestic wells.  

The LUBGWMA spans northern Morrow County and northwestern Umatilla County and was designated by the state due to high nitrate in groundwater that supplies domestic wells.

Nitrate in well water is a potential health hazard, and nitrate levels above 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L) are considered dangerous for human consumption. Pregnant people and babies face the greatest risk. The state has offered free laboratory tests of well water to LUBGWMA residents since 2023.

Residents are encouraged to continue testing their domestic wells’ nitrate levels. OHA recently announced a retesting effort to ensure that households near the 10 mg/L limit are monitored.

Households with a nitrate test result above 10 mg/L are eligible for free water delivery. For households whose well water tests higher than 10 mg/L but below 25 mg/L, the state will also provide free installation and maintenance of one in-home reverse-osmosis system. OHA requires that systems be certified to reduce nitrate levels to safe for drinking. There are no kitchen-tap treatment systems certified to remove nitrate at levels above 25 mg/L.

State rules require treatment systems be installed by licensed plumbers.  OHA’s vendors go beyond installing treatment systems and provide ongoing maintenance and replacement of filters. Vendors also collect a water sample for laboratory analysis of the water from the tap after installation, to guarantee that the water is safe for consumption.

“We are grateful to the plumbers who have helped us reach this milestone and we continue to look for ways to install these systems at a faster pace,” said Gabriela Goldfarb, OHA Environmental Public Health section manager. “We appreciate the patience of residents who are waiting to get their treatment system and we know the wait is not easy.”

Questions? Contact the OHA Domestic Well Safety Program at Domestic.Wells@odhsoha.oregon.gov or call 541-952-9254 and visit testmywell.oregon.gov to learn about free safe water services for residents of northern Morrow County and northwestern Umatilla County.

Study shows Oregon Medicaid renewal rate highest in nation

SALEM, Ore. —Oregon has the highest rate in the nation for Medicaid renewals since the lifting of the COVID-related continuous enrollment requirement in March 2023, according to a Georgetown study.

With 92 percent of the state’s nearly 1.5 million renewals complete, more than four out of five Oregonians are keeping their Oregon Health Plan (OHP) or other Medicaid benefits.

(Source: Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy study published July 14, 2024)

Six reasons Oregon is doing well with Medicaid renewals

OHP Bridge

OHP Bridge, a new category of OHP with higher income limits, launched July 1. Since the unwinding of the pandemic emergency began, people likely to be eligible for OHP Bridge kept their OHP. To date, 22,784 people have moved to OHP Bridge.

Sequencing

Oregon intentionally scheduled renewals for people who were more likely to keep benefits and needed minimal support to complete the process upfront. State employees put certain renewals such as likely OHP Bridge members later in the schedule and spread more complex renewals throughout the process to ensure support was consistently available. 

Longer timelines

Oregon gave people longer to respond before closing benefits than any other state in the nation. In Oregon, people have up to 90 days to respond and 60 days’ advance notice of any closure. People who did not respond can also reopen their case up to 90 days after closing. 

Outreach

Oregon has a robust network of community partners across the state, and tools like earned media and paid advertising were used to spread awareness of the renewal process. 

Maximizing automated renewals

When members’ eligibility information can be verified using federal data matching sources without needing the member to respond, they can be automatically renewed. This minimizes the chances for closures due to nonresponse, reduces the paperwork burden on members and preserves staff capacity to help the remaining people.  To date, Oregon’s monthly news release on renewals has used KFF data, which continues to show Oregon in third place. The Georgetown ranking shows Oregon among the top states reducing paperwork via the automated renewal process.

Rules protecting coverage between renewals

Oregon is unique in giving most adults a two-year continuous eligibility period where they will keep their medical benefits until their next renewal, even if something like income changes would no longer qualify them for benefits. Oregon also offers young children benefits until their sixth birthday. These rules do not directly affect renewal rate but prevent “churn” on and off benefits between renewals.

July OHP renewal data

As of July 19, 1,347,208 people have completed the renewal process. This represents around 92.7 percent of all OHP and Medicaid members.

• 1,114,627 people (82.7 percent) were renewed and kept their benefits.
• 221,260 people (16.4 percent) were found ineligible.
• 11,321 people (0.8 percent) had a reduction in their benefits. Most of these members lost full OHP but were able to continue Medicare Savings Programs that help pay their Medicare costs.

Although most people are keeping coverage during the post-pandemic medical renewals, approximately 232,000 people have or will need to consider other coverage options due to lost or reduced benefits.

• People who do not have coverage through an employer or Medicare may be able to enroll through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace and get financial help. Most people who enroll through HealthCare.gov qualify for this help.
• The Marketplace is sending information to people who are no longer eligible for OHP benefits, advising of other potential coverage options.
• People who have recently lost OHP benefits can enroll anytime until Nov. 30, 2024, or within 60 days of their benefits ending.
• For more information and ways to get help signing up for Marketplace, Medicare or employer coverage, see “What to do if OHP is ending” below.

Need help renewing your benefits?

1. Learn more about how to renew your OHP coverage. You can log into your ONE Online account and complete your renewal at benefits.oregon.gov.
2. Call the ONE Customer Service Center at 800-699-9075. All relay calls are accepted, and help is available in multiple languages. Wait times are lowest between 7 and 8 a.m., Pacific Time.
3. Visit or call a local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office. People can find their local office at https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/Pages/office-finder.aspx.
4. Visit a community partner for free, in-person help. To find one near you visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp (English) or orhim.info/ayuda (Spanish).
5. Download the Oregon ONE Mobile app via the app store to keep track of your renewal, find a local office, or upload a document.

What to do if your OHP is ending:

• First, review the case summary in your letter to make sure the information used to make the decision was correct. If that information has changed, notify the state via one of the options above. If the information on file for you is correct and you disagree with the decision, you can request a hearing. Learn more about hearings.
• Explore options through an employer. If you, your spouse or a parent are working, you may be eligible for health coverage through that employer. Talk to your manager or Human Resources department to see if you qualify. You will have a special enrollment period to enroll mid-year due to loss of OHP benefits.
• If you have or are eligible for Medicare: For help understanding and choosing the right Medicare options, go to https://OregonHealthcare.gov/GetHelp to find an insurance agent or a counselor at the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA). You can also call SHIBA at 800-722-4134.

If you need to sign up for Medicare for the first time, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 to enroll by phone or find a local office. You can also enroll in Medicare online at ssa.gov/medicare/sign-up.

• Nearly 80 percent of Oregonians qualify for financial help through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/WindowShop to answer a few quick questions, find out how much you can save and find out how much coverage may cost you. You can also call the Marketplace Transition Help Center at 833-699-6850 (toll-free, all relay calls accepted).
• Need free local help finding other coverage? Visit OregonHealthCare.gov/GetHelp to find professional help near you.

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) are committed to transparency and will continue to send monthly information about medical coverage among Oregonians. Check our ONE Eligibility Operations Dashboards for more frequent updates on medical renewal data and wait times for callers to the ONE Customer Service Center.

Rogue Valley postal workers will hold a rally next week to raise awareness about the consolidation of some mail services up to Portland ahead of the November election.

The consolidation of some mail sorting processes was done earlier this year in Medford and Eugene as a way to save the U.S. Postal Service money. The Southern Oregon Local American Postal Workers Union, #342 is hoping those changes can be reversed before the November election.

Part of the consolidation included removing Medford’s postmarking machine, according to Union President Jeremy Schilling. Now mail, including vote-by-mail ballots, is sent to Portland to be postmarked. That’s led to worries about ballots not being counted in time, although USPS has said the change will not affect mail services.

Schilling is optimistic that the consolidation process can be undone.

“There’s no reason that, if someone wants to send a letter from Talent to Medford, that it needs to go to Portland and then back. That doesn’t logically make sense. So I believe there is an easy path to keeping our local mail local,” he said.

The union’s goal is to return the postmark machine and outgoing mail sorting to Medford. Schilling said the machine has been disassembled and is in storage on site. The Medford plant is still operational, including sorting incoming mail. Schilling said residents frequently tell him about delays.

“They tell me, like, ‘I mailed this letter, it’s disappeared,’ ‘I mailed this letter, it took three weeks,’ ‘I mailed a letter from Grants Pass to Ashland, and it’s been gone, like nobody knows where it is.’ All kinds of things. The local mail has become a disaster,” he said.

“Local mail is, and continues to be, a two-to-three-day delivery product,” said Kim Frum, a strategic communications specialist with the USPS. “According to our data, from the start of the fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2023) through July 12, it takes less than two days to process and deliver mail sent within the 974 (Eugene) and 975 (Medford) ZIP Code areas. It is the same as this time last year.”

USPS has said this shift will improve efficiency and service. It’s among the first consolidation efforts undertaken in its 10-year nationwide plan called Delivering for America, published in 2021, which aims to increase financial stability and modernize the aging network with $40 billion in investments.

Further consolidations under the Delivering for America plan were supposed to take place across the country, but after pushback from senators earlier this year, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy announced they will be paused at least until January. But that pause won’t affect Oregon, where consolidation had already occurred.

The union will hold a rally on August 3 at 10 a.m. in downtown Medford at Vogel Plaza. (SOURCE)

Oregon Wildlife Agencies Want Your Help Tracking Roadkill

This summer, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Zoo started asking Oregonians to do their own tracking and upload pictures of roadkill.

“The state wants to get a better idea about where different animals, different species are getting struck and killed by cars,” said Rachel Wheat, the ODFW wildlife connectivity coordinator.

If Oregon’s naturalists can identify roadkill hotspots, then maybe the state can reduce the number of animals killed in interactions with people each year by removing vegetation that attracts wildlife to a specific area or by building a wildlife crossing.

Roadways and vehicular traffic are a significant contributor to fragmentation of habitat and impacts to wildlife, including injury and mortality. The purpose of this project is to improve our understanding of the impacts of roads on Oregon’s wildlife, and to identify roadkill hot spots and vulnerabilities among a diversity of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. This information can help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and make roadways safer.

To sign up and for more information visit: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/roadkills-of-oregon

Bags of rice recalled in seven US states as they may contain ‘rodent parts’

Wehah Farms has issued a recall of 4,600 cases of its Lundberg Family Farms Sustainable Wild Blend Gourmet Rice in seven states . This is due to the potential presence of a “foreign object that appears to be of rodent origin.”

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified this as a Class II risk recall, indicating that the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.

The affected products are sold in 1lb bags with the lot code 231004 and a best-before date of October 4, 2024. The recall affects products sold in Arizona, California , Florida , Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Wisconsin, according to Newsweek.

It remains unclear how the product became contaminated with rodent parts. FDA recalls are classified into three levels, with Class II being the second most serious type.

The FDA sets limits on the amount of “extraneous materials” that can be present in food, stating: “maximum levels for these defects in foods produced under current good manufacturing practice and uses these levels in deciding whether to recommend regulatory action.”

According to the FDA: “Extraneous materials include any foreign matter in a product associated with objectionable conditions or practices in production, storage, or distribution.”

They provide examples such as “Examples of filth may include any objectionable matter contributed by animal contamination such as rodent, insect, or bird matter; or any other objectionable matter contributed by unsanitary conditions.”

The FDA stated: “Some foods, even if they are produced in acceptable conditions, may contain natural or unavoidable defects that at low levels are not hazardous to health.”

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