Oregon Beach News, Friday 8/16 – Northwest Bronco Roundup In Florence & 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, August 16, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

Wildfires continue to produce smoke in the Pacific Northwest. Breathe a little easier by keeping up to date on air quality conditions and concerns at Fire.AirNow.gov.

Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.”

Fire Weather Tools from the National Weather Service

As we prepare for the peak of wildfire season in the U.S., the National Weather Service (NWS) reminds wildland fire managers that we have tools to help you monitor and fight wildfires. Whether it is a prescribed burn, ground fire or crown fire, fire managers can use this information to make decisions on how best to combat fires and keep the public safe. 

Fire weather forecasters – The NWS issues Fire Weather Outlooks for the next eight days. These outlooks show areas where pre-existing fuel conditions, combined with forecast weather conditions, may result in a significant threat of wildfires.

Our Fire Weather Program supports land managers and firefighters who mitigate and respond to fires. Our weather forecasts are designed to highlight times and locations where a fire may be exceptionally hard to control. For example, we offer Red Flag Warnings, which mean warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are ongoing or expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger in 12 to 24 hours for specific locations. 

Need a fire weather Spot Forecast? Land managers can request a site-specific, localized forecast for prescribed burns and wildfires to assess a potential threat. NWS recently updated this tool and will deliver additional enhancements to the application later this year. Learn more about the new Spot Forecast tool.  

For federal and select state large wildfires, onsite weather forecasting support to firefighters is critical. An NWS Incident- Meteorologist (IMET) can be deployed to your incident command post. IMETs arrive on scene within 12 to 24 hours after activation and can serve up to 14 consecutive days before being relieved by another IMET. https://www.weather.gov/news/241507-fire-weather-tools

Northwest Bronco Roundup In Florence

The Northwest Bronco Roundup has been rocking and rolling this week already and goes through Sunday. You are likely to see a large amount of Ford Broncos on the Oregon Coast.  The Northwest Bronco Roundup has been going on for years here along the coast.

This year’s event is filled with several family-friendly activities both on and off the sand.  Bridge Tour, Beach Cruise, Old Town Takeover, and so much more.

The group participates in a food drive while they are here to benefit the Florence Food Share. 

You need a Bronco to participate in any of the events, but observers and Bronco enthusiasts are also welcome.  Information about the group is available on their website at https://northwestbroncoroundup.com/

The Coos Bay Police Department is asking for the public’s help after a man was found dead near Eastside Park.

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION — The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred in the Eastside area of Coos Bay. On August 13, 2024, at 7:22 a.m., the North Coos 9-1-1 Center received a report of a man down near Eastside Park, which is located at 5th Avenue and E St in Coos Bay.

CBPD officers arrived and discovered 36-year-old Braxton Busch of Coos Bay deceased from homicidal violence. The Coos County Major Crime Team, which includes members from multiple local law enforcement agencies, was activated to aid with the investigation.

This is still an active investigation. The CBPD is seeking information from the public, such as video surveillance footage from the area around Eastside Park. If you have not yet been contacted by police and have any information or video footage from the early morning hours of August 13th, please contact the CBPD at 541-269-8911 Ext 1.

Temporary Sheltering Program In Florence Charges Registration Fee for Private Property Owners Helping Homeless

The City of Florence wishes to offer additional opportunities to support those experiencing homelessness by creating a temporary sheltering program for private property owners to allow limited sheltering via tent or vehicle under certain conditions and within certain standards. FCC 1-9-2-2.

The overview of Florence’s TS program eligibility is as follows:

• The property must be registered with the city through a process that is renewable and revocable.
• An application fee of $75
• A registration form is submitted by the property owner, tenant, or shelter occupant.
• To obtain a registration form email the Planning Department HERE or by phone 541-997-8237 option #4.

General areas for the temporary sheltering and proposed Code and Program Registration: 

1. There can be no acceptance of any payment of monetary charge nor performance of services in exchange.
2. Handwashing, garbage, and toilet facilities must be provided or available.
3. No visible storage is permitted.
4. Shelters must be at least five feet from property lines and sanitation 10 feet from property lines, unless located within the dwelling or the RV/Trailer.
5. Private Property Sheltering – Non-residential: a property owner can register with the city to locate three vehicles or tents in any combination on their property. They must be separated 10 feet from one another.
6. Private Property Sheltering-Residential: A property owner or its tenant (with owner approval) can register with the city to locate either a vehicle or tent on their property.  The property owner and tenant(s) must both sign registration form. 
7. The code includes provisions for buffering or excluding temporary sheltering in or on city-owned public property and private rights-of way.
8. Buffers: are to be measured 300 feet from the property lines of licensed daycares, churches, and religious institutions, elementary and secondary schools, and facilities serving those experiencing homelessness.  Area within the buffers establish where temporary sheltering is not permitted within the rights-of-way.
9. Exclusion: Areas where temporary sheltering is not permitted are proposed to be established in certain park lands, city-owned facilities open to the public, protected wetland and riparian resources, and certain rights of way.

MORE INFO: https://www.ci.florence.or.us/planning/temporary-sheltering-program

Get Ready for the Coast Radio Auction

Friday August 23 there will be $26,000 worth of items to be auctioned off at the Coast Radio Summer Auction.  General Manager Jon Thompson says the list of items will be upwards of 100 and vary from a Powered recliner, hot water heater, computer, and attraction tickets and dining packages.  There will also be staycation type items from the Carriage House inn, River House Inn, Old Town Inn and Best Western Pier point inn and 7 feathers casino. 

The Auction will begin at 9:15 that morning and go until the last item is auctioned off.  Thompson is quick to point out that this is not a charity auction, but a chance to support your local radio station while getting discounts of 50% or more on most items.  The process is smoothest when bidders call beforehand to receive a no obligation bid number at 541-997-9136.  Items for auction are listed on the Coast Radio Website at https://kcfmradio.com/2024/08/09/hot-100-radio-auction-items/

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Receives State of the Art Drug Testing Device

On 08/02/2024, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office acquired and is now utilizing a new state of the art tool giving law enforcement a safer and smarter edge to combat drug problems in our communities. This device also aids in detecting explosives and chemical agents.

The device is the TacticID Mobile handheld Raman analyzer produced by Metrohm. The Raman analyzer has already proven to be effective by confirming the identity of suspected illegal drugs, and in identifying suspected drugs as other substances in actual Sheriff’s Office cases. Your Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office was able to obtain the Raman analyzer through Lincoln County Health and Human Services with funding from Lincoln County Opioid Settlement Funds. The Raman analyzer will also be available to other law enforcement agencies in Lincoln County.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives are currently completing training conducted by Metrohm to ensure proper use of the device. Detective Chris Marks said, “The Raman analyzer is simple to use and much safer than previous methods of drug testing. Previous methods had a higher level of potential exposure to chemicals and accidental contact with the samples being tested due to unpackaging or repackaging samples for testing.” Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Evidence Control Specialist Sara Tabb, who plays a critical role in packaging, preparing, and assisting in substance testing commented, “The Raman scanner is definitely a step forward in safe and reliable substance analysis. The device is safer and more efficient. While the Raman analyzer does not replace the requirement for crime lab testing and confirmation for prosecution, it does give us effective presumptive testing for the identification of the substances.” 

The Raman analyzer utilizes a laser to penetrate most forms of packaging including tough street samples, colored samples, and impure samples. It can rapidly scan directly through transparent containers. It then identifies substances by the returned spectrum and compares the data to the over 24,000 known substances in its database. The device requires calibration verification before each analysis so the operator can confirm its working correctly.

Sheriff Curtis Landers stated, “We are always looking for better technology to empower our mission of enhancing public safety. One of the benefits of this device is that is also improves deputy safety and provides a tool for law enforcement agencies across Lincoln County.”  

•••Suspect with Active Warrant Arrested in Downtown Coos Bay Following Investigation•••

On August 14th, 2024, Deputy Z. Smith was following up on a case when a vehicle of interest and the suspect, Ryan Groce (39), were identified. It was discovered that Ryan also had an active arrest warrant.

Around 9:40 PM, Deputies Z. Smith, B. Freerksen, and C. Sattler attempted to contact Ryan at his residence, but he was not located. The deputies then proceeded to another location where they believed Ryan might be.

At approximately 10:00 PM, the deputies located Ryan near downtown Coos Bay. After interviewing him regarding the follow-up investigation, they took him into custody for his warrant.

Ryan was transported to the Coos County Jail, where he was booked and remains in custody on the warrant. “Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

Multiple Agency Teamwork Successfully Locates Missing 10 Year Old Boy in Yaquina Bay

On 08/13/2024, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received an urgent call on concern from a South Beach, OR family who were unable to locate their autistic 10-year-old son. The family reported noticing their son was missing within three minutes and had looked for him briefly before calling for help. The City of Newport Police Department and Newport Fire Department responded to assist in attempting to locate the missing boy while Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue “SAR” resources gathered to organize a broader search operation.

Approximately two hours after the boy went missing, an alert employee from the Oregon Coast Aquarium noticed a juvenile playing in the mud flats approximately 300 feet off SE 30^th St in the Yaquina Bay and reported it to management staff who reported it to Law Enforcement. City of Newport Police and Fire responded to the area of SE 30^th St with Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office personnel and located the missing boy playing in the water. Multiple personnel waded out into the mud flats to retrieve the boy and reunite him with his family.

Lincoln County SAR volunteer personnel respond to a multitude of dangerous conditions, but a lost autistic 10-year-old requires seamless cooperation and coordination from all available resources. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to the City of Newport Police Department and the City of Newport Fire Department for their willingness to provide assistance at a moment’s notice. FACEBOOK VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/NewportPolice/videos/2182506985458289

A popular campground on Oregon’s central coast reopened this month after workers removed about 200 dying and hazardous trees

For years, the towering spruce trees at Beverly Beach State Park have been getting sick and dying, threatening to drop limbs on any of the 278 campsites below.

“Best case scenario, it would damage a vehicle or somebody’s camper tent,” said Oregon state forester Nick Morris. “And worst case scenario, somebody could get injured.”

The trend at first confounded Morris, since the trees didn’t show signs of disease or pest infestations, and drought is unusual among Oregon’s wet coastal forests. He roped in additional specialists from the Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State University.

The trees usually started browning at their tops and branch ends — a sign that they weren’t getting enough water. It appeared trees were mostly dying in the park’s low-lying areas, not in the wetter, higher elevations. Looking at those signs, and comparing historic weather patterns, the team concluded that this park was victim to a trend happening across much of the state: a shrinking water table.

When it rains, water soaks into the soil and enters an area’s aquifer — basically a big underground collection of water. The top of the aquifer is called the water table.

While Oregon’s summers are getting drier, its winter and spring months are also changing, Morris said. Those months are seeing more intense bursts of rain that don’t allow enough time for water to soak into the soil and enter the aquifer.

“A lot of it is going directly into the streams and straight out to the ocean,” Morris said. That means there’s less underground water for trees to tap into.

Beverly Beach State Park was already in store for some construction work, as managers planned to do some electrical and plumbing improvements, so Morris’s team set out to cut the dead and dying trees that could threaten visitors. They also removed many of the park’s shore pines — tall, skinny trees that have a tendency to fall during windstorms.

All in all, workers removed about 200 trees, costing the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department about $50,000. Morris said most weren’t valuable enough to sell as timber. The state gained about $10,000 from trees that could be milled.

Morris’s team left some snags, which are tall, dead tree trunks that birds and other wildlife can nest in. They also left logs on the forest floor to decompose and donated logs to a nonprofit group that placed them in streams to provide habitats for fish.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department plans to plant more drought-tolerant native trees and shrubs at the park, including western hemlock and Douglas fir. That work should begin in 2026.

Beverly Beach State Park reopened on Aug. 1, after being closed for 11 months. Although some areas of the park look a bit different, with less tree canopy and more sky exposure, parks manager Burke Martin said so far, visitors seem happy to be back there. He has spotted more birds, like woodpeckers, making use of the snags and logs that were left behind.

“It’s been incredible to see the diversity of nature,” Martin said.

In addition to the tree work, the Beverly Beach State Park staff repaved some roads, installed new plumbing for water spigots, improved accessibility in some campsites and buried electrical wires.

Florence Police Enforcement Campaigns

The city of Florence Police Department will be conducting a DUII Enforcement campaign.  Beginning this Friday and lasting through the 4^th of September local law enforcement along with partnering agencies will be on the lookout for impaired drivers.  Additionally they will also be conducting another campaign on Monday August 19^th through September 1^st on the use of child restraints and safety belts in motor vehicles. 

The Oregon Department of Transportation has released data that show 37% of traffic fatalities were from the lack of seatbelt use or child restraint use. In 2021 data shows that the leading cause of death in children ages one through 12 were motor vehicle accidents.  1475 children in 2021 were injured in Oregon traffic crashes according to the data. These two campaigns are part of a national push that is funded federally.

Florence Pedestrian Enforcement

Another campaign from the Florence Police will be taking place on August 28^th.  this is to remind people of the pedestrian laws regarding crossing in cross walks.  Under Oregon law a crosswalk exists at any public street intersection, whether marked with paint or unmarked. Crosswalks also exist between intersections (mid-block) where indicated with white paint.  Failure to stop for a pedestrian is a violation of law.

On Wednesday, august 28^th the Florence police will be conducting a pedestrian enforcement operation at the intersection of 9^th street and Kingwood from noon until 3pm.  according to Oregon law a vehicle must stop for a pedestrian until they have cleared the lane a driver is in and the adjacent lane.  On a two lane street this means the pedestrian must complete the entire intersection before a driver can pull forward. A vehicle turning must give a pedestrian an additional 6 feet into another lane before advancing.  The law is similar for marked and unmarked intersections.  Vehicles are also prohibited from passing a stopped vehicle as it may be a clue that a pedestrian is crossing.

Enhanced DUII Enforcement Planned For Labor Day Weekend – Lincoln City Police 

The Lincoln City Police Department will again be utilizing grant funds to step up their enforcement efforts against drunk driving over the Labor Day weekend. This additional enforcement effort is being conducted in conjunction with national crackdown efforts that are designed to curb drunken driving, decrease crashes, reduce injuries, and save lives. During the upcoming Labor Day weekend, law enforcement agencies nationwide will be out in force looking to remove drunk and impaired drivers from the roadways.  Lincoln City Police officers will be putting extra focus on seeking out drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs. Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) continues to be a leading cause of motor vehicle crash injuries and deaths throughout the nation.

The Lincoln City Police Department last used these grant funds over the Christmas / New Year’s Holiday time period. During those enforcement operations, multiple traffic stops were conducted resulting in several citations and warnings for various traffic violations, and two drivers were arrested for DUII.  

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are committed to the safety of our citizens and visitors. The DUII Enforcement grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. Our goal is simple: to save lives and prevent injuries caused by DUII crashes. These grant funds were made possible through the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

Oregon Commercial Fisheries Trending Up

The value of Oregon commercial fishing harvest has varied considerably in recent years, driven by booms and busts in some of key fisheries. But the overall trend has been upward over the past 20 years.

That’s according to data from the Pacific Fisheries Information Network, compiled and analyzed in a new report by economist Shaun Barrick, who covers the north Oregon coast for the Oregon Employment Department.

Oregon’s commercial fishing harvest was worth $178 million last year. That’s up 31% from 2022 — an especially poor year due in part to a very late start to the crabbing season.

Commercial fishing is defined by such volatility, with terrific years sometimes followed by terrible ones.

Adjusting for inflation, though, Barrick’s data shows that over the past five years the value of Oregon’s fishing harvest has been at its highest level since the early 1990s.

That’s despite a steep decline in the number of commercial vessels. There were nearly 3,000 boats in Oregon waters during the ‘80s, but the numbers declined sharply the following decade and have remained relatively constant since then at around 1,000.

Oregon has about 1,200 people working in commercial fishing on an annual average basis, according to the employment department. Nearly half of those workers are fishing for ocean crab. Oregon’s commercial fishing industry has the equivalent of 1,200 full-time workers. A larger number work in the industry, but many are part time or seasonal.

The agency estimates the totals based on survey data because Oregon exempts most fishers from unemployment insurance, and that’s how the employment department calculates the workforce in other industries.

While the fishing sector is tiny on a statewide basis, Barrick notes that it feeds Oregon’s seafood processing industry, which employs nearly as many people as fishing does. And fishing is very meaningful in some communities — culturally and economically.

Lincoln County has the most fishers of any Oregon County, with a little more than 300 people working the boats each year. (SOURCE)

The Lincoln City Police Department plans to conduct a Pedestrian Safety Operation on Monday, August 26th, 2024, on Hwy 101 in the area between south 48^th Street and south 51^st Street.

The primary focus of this operation is to raise awareness of pedestrian safety in drivers. The use of a decoy pedestrian will allow the Lincoln City Police Department to educate and enforce pedestrian right-of-way laws. The operation will be conducted between the hours of 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Warning signs will be posted prior to entering the pedestrian safety operation zone. 

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association 3,373 pedestrians were struck and killed in the first half of 2023 along US roadways. The Lincoln City Police Department wants to keep doing its parts to reduce those tragedies.

LCPD last conducted a Pedestrian Safety Operation on July 9th, 2024. During that operation, ten citations were issued for violations of crosswalk laws (Failing to stop for pedestrian in crosswalk or Passing vehicle stopped at a crosswalk). 

Drivers need to be aware of pedestrians when approaching crosswalks while traveling through Lincoln City and ODOT has installed several safe pedestrian crossings, with lights and pedestrian refuges in the center of the roadway.  The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are dedicated to enhancing the safety of our roadways for all users.

Funding for the pedestrian safety operations are made possible through traffic safety grants provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

Oregon Invests $10 Million In Affordable Housing – Unveils Efficient ORCA Funding Process In Lincoln City and Portland

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is making strides in the struggle for affordable housing, committing $10 million to create 63 new homes within the Oregon Coast and Metro regions through an innovative funding process known as Oregon Centralized Application (ORCA). The streamlined system replaces the former Notices of Funding Availability (NOFA), allowing for more efficient and equitable access to financial resources for housing projects.

The first beneficiaries of this novel approach include Lighthouse Village Apartments in Lincoln City, and Shortstack Belmont Apartments in Portland, each set to receive an essential boost of attention and funding.

“Governor Kotek’s housing production goals are a call for action. ORCA is one way the agency is developing new ways of working to help get housing built more quickly,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell, as per the Oregon Housing and Community Services. The anticipated outcome is not merely a collection of structures but the inception of what is foreseen as a promising chapter in the narrative of affordable housing development in Oregon.

The ORCA system highlights a trio of pivotal stages: Impact Assessment, Financial Eligibility, and Commitment.

This structured, yet dynamic process ensures that projects that clear the final hurdle are ready to close financially within six months, marking a significant acceleration in the usually protracted process of housing development.

Pivotal in ORCA’s ethos is the focus on maximizing housing production resources, as well as actively supporting organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. It is a methodology that keeps tenant needs at the crux of building design and funding decisions. The system prizes not merely simplicity, it prizes clarity and flexibility, striving to adequately meet the variegated housing requirements of all Oregonians. (SOURCE)

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

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

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

Oregon National Guard Soldiers prepare for deployment to the Balkans

SALEM, Ore. – A mobilization ceremony for the Oregon Army National Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) will be held at the Salem Armory Auditorium, 2320 17th St NE, Salem, Oregon, at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, August 16, 2024, as Citizen-Soldiers prepare for a year-long mobilization.

The unit will be mobilizing as part of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) and will be participating in the 34th rotation of this mission, known as KFOR 34.

KFOR was established in 1999 following the signing of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 and the subsequent Military Technical Agreement between NATO and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia. This agreement, signed on June 9, 1999, ended the Kosovo War and authorized NATO to deploy an international peacekeeping force to Kosovo. Since then, KFOR has been responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment in the region, supporting civil authorities, and ensuring freedom of movement for all citizens. The mission is critical in fostering peace and stability in Kosovo, while political dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia continues.

Col. Peter Helzer, the Commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, looks forward to the upcoming mission. “The 41st IBCT brings a robust set of capabilities to support the people of Kosovo. From security forces to medical and logistical support, Oregonians will contribute to the stability and security of the region as part of the broader NATO effort.”

Before deploying overseas, the 41st IBCT will conduct pre-mobilization operations at Fort Cavazos, Texas, followed by additional training in Germany for to prepare them for the deployment. 

“The Oregon National Guard continues its legacy of simultaneously serving Oregonians with domestic operations here at home while also answering the call for federal mobilizations supporting the United States,” said Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon. “This is what makes the Oregon National Guard the military service of choice for Oregonians.” 

The public can also watch the ceremony via live stream on the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1028184892013397/.

Oregon Residents Will Vote In November On A $1,600 Annual Universal Basic Income

A ballot measure to give Oregon residents a $1,600 tax rebate faces bipartisan opposition.

Oregon Rebate, or Measure 118, proposes taxing corporations more to redistribute money to residents.

Democrats and Republicans alike say it would hurt the state economy.

Democrats and Republicans alike are fighting a ballot measure in Oregon that would increase corporate taxes to give residents an annual rebate.

The proposal, known as Ballot Measure 118 or the Oregon Rebate, would add a 3% tax on corporations in the state once they make $25 million a year. The plan was originally known as Initiative 17 . The money would be distributed among state residents, including children, as a $1,600 annual rebate.

Despite the opposition from lawmakers, it’s not up to them. Ballot measures give residents a chance to vote directly on an issue. Oregonians themselves will be able to vote in favor or against the measure in November’s general election.

Antonio Gisbert, the chief organizer behind the effort, told Business Insider he remains optimistic that a majority of voters will support the measure in the general election.

“It kind of does seem a little bit like some of these elected [officials] are more beholden to corporations and corporate interests than they are to the interests of everyday Oregonians,” Gisbert said. “We are super committed in instituting some degree of corporate tax justice.”

Cash payments with no strings attached are gaining popularity in the United States as a way to support vulnerable populations. Guaranteed basic income programs piloted across the nation have found that recipients, who are typically low-income, spend the money on rent , groceries, and transportation.

While guaranteed basic income programs are aimed at specific groups, like low-income residents or new mothers , the Oregon Rebate would benefit all residents, making it more similar to a universal basic income.

While Democrats are typically the primary supporters of basic income programs in city and state governments, many Oregon Democrats joined Republicans in opposition to Measure 118. In a joint statement from state House and Senate Democrats, the legislators said they have concerns about the rebate coming from corporate taxes.

“In these tough times, we all want working families to get every break they can, but Measure 118 is not the answer. We have grave concerns it will slow job growth and cause cuts to critical services like road maintenance, fire fighting, and addiction recovery,” the Democrats wrote in a joint statement shared with Business Insider.

An analysis from the state’s legislative revenue office found that Measure 118, which would increase corporation taxes while reducing personal income taxes, would “significantly” alter how the state draws on tax money to pay for public services.

Citing the revenue report, the coalition of Democrats said the rebates would “increase prices for consumer goods and slow Oregon’s job growth.”

“Meanwhile, the ‘rebates’ would go to every Oregonian — including the ultra-wealthy. As a matter of public policy, we believe this is a bad deal for Oregonians,” they said in the statement.

In a statement on Thursday from the organizers behind Oregon Rebate, Gisbert said the initiative doesn’t need legislators’ support.

“Our opponents can keep paying lip service to their donors and we’ll keep working to turn out voters in November,” Gisbert said in the statement. Read the original article on Business Insider

Wildfires Expected To Burn Until Fall Rains Arrive

Although rain, cooler temperatures, and higher humidity are expected in some parts of the region, conditions are still dry enough for active fire behavior. Significant lightning with little precipitation is forecast for eastern Oregon today with Red Flag Warnings in effect. PLEASE: Do your part to prevent human-caused starts and follow all fire restrictions.

Multiple wildfires across the Northwest will likely burn until fall weather arrives. In the meantime, more lightning and new fires are expected.

“Our planners are taking a realistic look at current wildfires, expected new fires, and the resources we have to help us safeguard human lives and property while enhancing our ability to respond to wildfires in high-risk areas,” said Jacque Buchanan, Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service.

Fire managers are developing strategies to maximize success, while minimizing the risk of injury or death to emergency responders. Among other tactics, crews on long-duration wildfires will develop a network of primary and contingency containment lines to stop flames approaching communities, power lines, water systems and other resources. You can support firefighters by following fire restrictions and emergency closures.

8/16 – FRI @ 6:00am #updateoregonfires202485 ACTIVE FIRES IN OREGON5 new Active firesFire Details: BE PREPAREDCLICK Links Below to get real time active fires, evacuation zonescontainment, and structural damage loss.

https://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/

CLICK the Wildfire Dashboard link below – click the map tab and then put in your address. #checkfirerisk#checkevacuation#oregonfires#LaneCountyFires#firesafety#evacuationzones#OregonFires2024WILDFIRE DASHBOARD https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…

Most fires are human-caused and accidental. The most common fire causes we respond to are everyday activities that ODF regulates in the summer in an effort to cut down on these types of fire starts. Help prevent wildfires and Keep Oregon Green by following the current regulations: https://swofire.com/public-fire-restrictions/

Crater Lake National Park closes north entrance due to Middle Fork Fire

The north entrance to Crater Lake National Park is closed beginning Tuesday to allow firefighters on the Middle Fork Fire to prepare control lines along the road.

The move will likely slow entrance into the park, officials said, and will add extra time to the drive from the Willamette Valley. Crater Lake National Park remains open and is accessible from Highway 62 on the western and southern routes.

65 firefighters from Australia, New Zealand arrive in Northwest to help fight region’s wildfires — Wyden, Hoyle pledge meals and pay for firefighters

A contingent of 65 senior firefighters from Australia and New Zealand has arrived in the Pacific Northwest to assist in combating the region’s large wildfires.

After receiving briefings at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, the firefighters were assigned to various large wildfire incidents across the Northwest, including the Willamette Complex South on the Willamette National Forest and the Pioneer Fire on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Over the next several weeks, they will be filling key leadership and operational positions such as helibase managers, division supervisors, task force leaders, and safety officers.

“We are deeply grateful to our colleagues from Australia and New Zealand for their critical support,” said Jacque Buchanan, regional forester for the USDA Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region. “Their expertise is essential as we continue to face a prolonged and extreme fire season.”

Mutual wildland fire assistance between the U.S. and these countries goes back more than 20 years. This marks the eighth time since 2000 that Australia has sent firefighters to the U.S.

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, both Oregon Democrats, said they were working to improve catering at fire camps and make permanent firefighter pay increases at a news conference last Friday.

“It’s pretty hard to fight fires if you can’t feed your firefighters,” Wyden said. He said the issue had been fixed. In addition, Wyden touted the arrival of a fire crew from New Zealand to help on wildfire burning in Lane County, he said. Hoyle said once Congress reconvened, she would push for a raise for firefighters, approved after the pandemic, to be made permanent. Hoyle stressed that fires in Oregon are likely to get worse before they get better.

Large wildfires have burned tens of thousands of acres across the PNW, with human activity and lightning being a significant contributing factor. The uptick in human-caused fires, which include those started by campfires and debris burns strains firefighting resources significantly​. Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Monitoring Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
North Willamette Complex – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	4268 Acres	31 seconds ago
Town Gulch – ORWWF	Wildfire	Oregon	18215 Acres	2 minutes 18 seconds ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	24934 Acres	12 minutes 24 seconds ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	10455 Acres	16 minutes 46 seconds ago
Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	12783 Acres	18 minutes 41 seconds ago
Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP	Wildfire	Oregon	5119 Acres	21 minutes 39 seconds ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	659 Acres	30 minutes 48 seconds ago
Sandstone Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	696 Acres	1 hour 3 minutes ago
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	1938 Acres	1 hour 3 minutes ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	54034 Acres	1 hour 5 minutes ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	151680 Acres	1 hour 6 minutes ago
Cliff Mountain – ORWWF	Wildfire	Oregon	1108 Acres	1 hour 7 minutes ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	5597 Acres	1 hour 46 minutes ago
Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR	Wildfire	Oregon	65002 Acres	1 hour 54 minutes ago
Dixon Fire – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1997 Acres	11 hours 1 minute ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	86870 Acres	12 hours 50 minutes ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	183026 Acres	13 hours 5 minutes ago
Pyramid and Slate Fires – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	Acres	13 hours 14 minutes ago
Courtrock Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	20019 Acres	16 hours 16 minutes ago
Porcupine Fire – ORBUD	Wildfire	Oregon	6491 Acres	3 days 21 hours ago
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	137222 Acres	3 days 22 hours ago
Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	54563 Acres	5 days 20 hours ago
Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	1313 Acres	6 days 11 hours ago
Winding Waters Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	752 Acres	1 week ago
Durkee Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	294265 Acres	1 week 1 day ago
Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	133490 Acres	2 weeks 1 day ago

Large Fires in Oregon 8/16/24 9:00am 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 Housing and Community Services to receive $8 million in federal funding for the creation of 153 affordable homes for people with disabilities

 — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is awarded $8 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create 153 affordable homes for people with low incomes living with disabilities. 

“The Biden-Harris Administration is hard at work delivering results to make everyday life better for people. These investments are a continued testament to this,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell. “Under the leadership of Governor Kotek, OHCS remains relentless, through the lens of humanity, to advance housing progress that creates a better future for the people and the communities we serve.”

OHCS is one of 18 state housing agencies awarded more than $138 million in HUD funding through the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA) for Persons with Disabilities program. The Northwest Region received a total of $16 million, with neighboring Washington state awarded $8 million to create 158 units of housing.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) – OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low [KH1] [HH2] [HH3] and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

New program awards $5M to small forestland owners for fish habitat improvement

Salem, Ore.–The Small Forestland Investment in Stream Habitat Program (SFISH) funded its first-ever round of projects, awarding more than $5 million in grants to 20 projects throughout Oregon.

The program, administered by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), collaborated with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and key stakeholders to prioritize forest road improvement projects that improve fish habitat on forestlands owned by small forestland owners. 

“The projects will restore passage to more than 74 miles of habitat for native salmon and trout and improve water quality by replacing or removing 37 culverts across 19 watersheds,” said Josh Hanson, SFISH Coordinator for ODF’s Small Forestland Owner Office.

The SFISH Program was established by the Legislature in 2022 to provide grants to small forestland owners to implement road improvement projects that result in environmental benefits to fish species addressed in the Private Forest Accord Report.  The fund can also be used to mitigate risks to natural resources arising from forest roads.

“Project planning is underway, and most projects will start next summer,” said Hanson. “Some projects may require extended planning, with implementation occurring in the summer of 2026.”  Several fish species will benefit from the funded work, including steelhead trout, cutthroat trout, Chinook, Coho, and Chum salmon.  Two projects funded east of the Cascades will benefit Columbia River Redband Trout.

To be eligible for the program, a landowner must own less than 5,000 acres of forestland in Oregon and harvest no more than an average yearly volume of 2 million board feet of merchantable forest products.  A landowner can apply for an SFISH grant at any time, and length of time waiting for funding is considered when awarding grants.

“The program anticipates awarding more money for projects in July 2025,” said Hanson.  “So be sure to check the SFISH webpage for program updates.”

For more information and an application for an SFISH grant contact your local ODF office or visit the SFISH webpage.

Sheriff’s Office Busts Burglary Ring Targeting Local Licensed Marijuana Businesses; Crime Spree Leads to 65 Charges for Three Suspects; Investigators Seize Eight Firearms, 500 Lbs. Marijuana

Video Available for Download: https://vimeo.com/999261716?share=copy

JCSO Cases 23-2846, 23-6706, 24-2757, 24-2777, 24-3323, 24-4331

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – After a year-long investigation, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) detectives busted a burglary ring targeting local licensed marijuana businesses in Jackson and Josephine Counties. The suspects committed 16 known burglaries at marijuana farms and storage facilities from April 2023 to June 2024. The suspects arrested accumulated 65 total charges during their crime spree.

JCSO deputies, detectives, and the Illegal Marijuana Enforcement Team (IMET) served two simultaneous search warrants the morning of Tuesday, August 13 on locations in Central Point. Investigators served the search warrants at properties in the 1000 block of Glengrove Avenue and in the 500 block of Mazama Street, both in Central Point. Detectives served a follow-on search warrant at two storage units in the 1400 block of 2nd Avenue in Gold Hill. These search warrants resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of burglary evidence, eight firearms, and 520 lbs. of marijuana. Oregon State Police (OSP) assisted with the warrant service. 

The suspects arrested are Mitchell Jeffrey King, 35, of Central Point; Dylan Buck McNerney, 31, of Central Point; and Kenneth Alan Parker II, 48, of Gold Hill. The 65 charges included 32 for King, 23 for Parker, and 10 for McNerney. These charges included multiple counts of second-degree burglary, criminal conspiracy, first-degree aggravated theft, first-degree theft, attempted first-degree theft, first-degree criminal mischief, and unlawful possession of a marijuana item. Additionally, Parker is charged with felon in possession of a firearm. 

This case is under further investigation with detectives following additional leads. The case has been referred to the Jackson County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. Additional charges from the Josephine County burglaries will likely be added at a later time. There is no more information available for release.

While regulatory agencies investigate permitted cannabis operations, IMET is focusing on the black-market marijuana trade in the Rogue Valley. IMET is a multi-agency task force funded by a grant from the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission. The task force includes personnel from JCSO, Homeland Security Investigations, OSP, Medford Police Department, and the Jackson County District Attorney’s office.

Former Medford Nurse Wants Civil Case Against Her Put On Hold Pending Her Criminal Case For Drug Diversion

A court hearing next month could determine whether a former Medford nurse accused of criminal assault of 44 hospital patients through drug diversion can “stay,” or pause, a related civil case against her.

Jackson County Circuit Court set a Sept. 9, 2024, date to hear arguments about a motion filed this month for 36-year-old Dani Schofield. The motion comes from her lawyer Sheryl Odems at Portland law firm, Hart Wagner.

Schofield is one of two defendants in a Jackson County civil court case, “Patti L. Wilson for the Estate of Horace Earl Wilson, Plaintiff, v. Asante, an Oregon corporation; Dani Marie Schofield, R.N., Defendant,” filed in February by Justin Idiart with Central Point’s Idiart Law Group.

Schofield also has 44 felony counts of criminal assault in Jackson County Circuit Court, accusing her of causing illness to 44 Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center (Asante) intensive care unit patients from diverting to herself fentanyl intended for them, replacing it with hospital tap water that could cause infection.

Medford Police Department (MPD) investigated the case. It says 14 of those 44 patients have since died, and its medical advisers could not prove conclusively they died because of suspected drug-diversion related illness.

With two cases filed against Schofield — one complaint in civil court for a personal claim and another case in criminal court accusing her of breaking State law — Odems made a court filing last week to support Schofield’s motion for stay of her civil court case, putting it on hold and leaving her out of jail on $4,000,000 bail pending the outcome of her case in criminal court.

Medford law firm Shlesinger & deVilleneuve President David deVilleneuve says today he also is preparing to file in civil court for his clients. He says a stay in Schofield’s original civil case, if granted in next month’s hearing, could pause that case for two-to-three years while the criminal case proceeds.

deVilleneuve says it might not affect his civil case clients because he plans to list only Asante as the defendant.

Schofield’s pending civil case motion invokes her U.S. Constitutional Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, writing that her need to defend herself in her criminal case makes her unable to respond to lawyers’ fact-finding discovery in the civil case when her comments could be used against her in the criminal matter.

The motion states:

“… defendant Dani Schofield, R.N., (“Nurse Schofield”) seeks a stay of this case pending resolution of the criminal proceedings commenced against her in Jackson County. Nurse Schofield was recently indicted on 44 counts of assault in the second degree, serious charges which carry significant Measure 11 mandatory minimum sentences. Each of these counts is based on allegations identical to those in this case. The case against Nurse Schofield should be stayed. To require Nurse Schofield to continue defending this case raises significant Fifth Amendment concerns. She has been indicted on serious criminal charges that carry significant penalties. The charges in the criminal case and the allegations in the civil case arise from the same pattern of conduct and thus she will be unable to respond to any discovery in this matter relating in any way to the criminal case. The criminal case also involves voluminous discovery, which will necessitate that Nurse Schofield concentrate her efforts on assisting her criminal defense. Finally, there is a significant public interest in protecting the integrity of criminal proceedings.”

Odems 29-page support declaration for her client is mostly a list of exhibits, including Schofield’s 44-count criminal indictment, Schofield’s jail release conditions on $4,000,000 bail, and “Attached as Exhibit C is a true and accurate copy of an article from ABC affiliate KDRV by Jerry Howard, entitled ‘Former Nurse bailed out of jail, facing 44 drug-diversion assault counts,’ which was posted to KDRV.com on June 21, 2024.”

NewsWatch 12 calls to Odems and Idiart had no response today. After Schofield’s June arraignment for her indictment, Idiart said, “I know there are a lot more people who want stronger charges, yet the prosecutor is limited to criminal charges that the evidence would prove. So we have people looking for justice on the civil side of the law if it’s not on the criminal side.”

Schofield also filed a reply in June to the intial civil case filing, refuting or deferring most its claims against her except the fact that she worked at Asante, Wilson was a patient, and she could have treated him there. She also confirmed her nursing license was not active.

Oregon State Board of Nursing lists Schofield’s Oregon registered nurse (RN) license in a state of, “Voluntary Agreement to Refrain from Practice or to Suspend License Pending Completion of an Investigation.” It also shows her Oregon nursing license expiration date was April 8, 2024.

Idiart and Shlesinger & deVillenueve’s David deVilleneuve said they believed there were more victims that the 44 listed in Schofield’s indictment, including their clients — such as Wilson — who are not listed among the criminal assault victims.

MPD forwarded the names of 44 possible drug-diversion illness victims based on its investigation which it gave to the Jackson County District Attorney’s office in June. MPD says its investigation started in December 2023 when Asante reported possible drug diversion at its Medford hospital. MPD says it’s investigation was narrowed to a time frame from July 2022-July 2023.

A new court filing today in Schofield’s criminal matter orders her to pay the State of Oregon her $20 application fee to request a public defender. The Court denied her request, citing approximately $380,000 in known assets for Schofield, who now lists a north Eagle Point residence for her address. (SOURCE)

Oregon’s Nonfarm Payroll Employment Rises by 8,500 Jobs in July

In July, Oregon’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll employment rose by 8,500 jobs, following a revised decline of 700 jobs in June. July’s gains were largest in professional and business services (+2,300 jobs); health care and social assistance (+2,000); government (+1,800); and construction (+1,400). Declines in July were largest in leisure and hospitality (-700 jobs) and retail trade (-500). 

Professional and business services added 2,300 jobs in July, following a drop of 1,700 in June. The July gain was led by the addition of 2,000 jobs in the component industry administrative and waste services. Despite the one-month increase, professional and business services cut 2,900 jobs, or -1.1%, in the past 12 months, with each of its three component industries also declining by close to 1% since July 2023. 

Health care and social assistance expanded rapidly, adding 2,000 jobs in July and 16,300 jobs over the past 12 months. Social assistance grew by 7,500 jobs, or 10.3%, in 12 months. Meanwhile, the health-care component industries each added more than 2,000 jobs since July 2023: nursing and residential care facilities (+3,500 jobs, or 6.6%); ambulatory health care services (+3,700 jobs, or 3.7%); and hospitals (+2,300 jobs, or 3.9%). 

Despite gains in health care and a few other industries, several industries cut jobs over the past year. Four major industries declined by at least 1,000 jobs since July 2023: retail trade (-6,600 jobs, or -3.2%); financial activities (-1,300 jobs, or -1.3%); professional and business services (-2,900 jobs, or -1.1%); and manufacturing (-1,900 jobs, or -1.0%). 

Oregon’s unemployment rate was 4.1% in both June and July and has been in a tight range between 4.0% and 4.2% since October 2023. The U.S. unemployment rate rose from 4.1% in June to 4.3% in July. 

Child Care Infrastructure Fund Program Accepting Applications 

State Opens First Competitive Grant Application for Infrastructure Investments in Child Care Facility Establishment, Expansion and Improvements.

SALEM, ORE. – Today the portal for the Child Care Infrastructure Program opened and began accepting applications. While Oregon has been a leader in investing in early learning, previous investments have been limited to services. These grants will finance the development of new and existing early learning and child care facilities. The competitive application and Fund is administered by Business Oregon and is the first statewide capital investment to provide financial assistance for a variety of child care infrastructure development opportunities. The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) is providing technical assistance through First Children’s Finance and Northwest Native Chamber. 

“We know that Oregon is a child care desert and many families struggle to find affordable, quality child care that meets their needs. At the same time, we also hear from early learning providers facing major barriers in locating or developing adequate physical spaces to set up child care facilities or to expand programs,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “We’re grateful to Oregon legislators and Governor Tina Kotek for having the foresight to launch the Child Care Infrastructure Fund which will help to expand access to child care and preschool facilities across the state.” 

In 2023, Oregon legislators passed HB 3005 which allotted $50 million in lottery bonds to Business Oregon to administer the Child Care Infrastructure Fund. Investments in infrastructure are critical to expanding early learning and care opportunities and to providing the care Oregon workers need to grow the economy. Without access to care, parents and caregivers, particularly women, leave the workforce, which has implications for Oregon’s economy.

There are many longstanding challenges to finding suitable early learning facility space including complex zoning and permitting processes. It can be equally challenging to secure capital to make improvements or maintain facilities. Early learning providers are often small business owners, many of whom are eager to expand to meet the growing need for child care in communities across the state.

With this new funding opportunity, providers will be supported in the grant application process. DELC has contracted with Northwest Native Chamber and First Children’s Finance to assist with technical assistance including supports for culturally specific providers and Tribes. This first round of funding will award a total of $10 million in grants to selected applicants. Award decisions will be announced in November of 2024. There will be a second opportunity to apply for funding later in the winter and will award $15 million followed by an additional $25 million available in 2025. 

The application portal for the Child Care Infrastructure Program opens on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. and closes on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 4:59 p.m. Access to the portal can be found on the Business Oregon Child Care Infrastructure webpage at www.oregon.gov/biz. To view the information webinar please visit the CCIF landing page of the DELC website. If you have questions when preparing the grant or completing the Child Care Infrastructure Program application, please contact one of the Technical Assistance providers below: 

First Children’s Finance Point of contact: Heidi Hagel-Braid Email: egon@firstchildrensfinance.org“>infoOregon@firstchildrensfinance.org Northwest Native Chamber Point of contact: Amber Faist  Email: t@nwnc.org“>CCIFSupport@nwnc.org

About the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care – The Department of Early Learning and Care’s mission is to foster coordinated, culturally appropriate, and family-centered services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families, and early learning and care professionals. More information about DELC is available at Oregon.gov/DELC.You can also connect with DELC on Facebookor sign up for news alerts and updates

Seeking proposals to run Smith Creek Village, other concessions at Silver Falls

SILVERTON, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking proposals to operate Smith Creek Village retreat center, South Falls Café and two historic ranches at Silver Falls State Park.

Smith Creek Village is a retreat center on the south side of Silver Falls that includes lodging (13 cabins and 4 lodges) and a restaurant with a commercial kitchen, dining room and seating area with lots of natural light

“Silver Falls is one of the crown jewels of the park system, and this is an incredible opportunity to be a part of this breath-taking destination,” said Willamette Valley District Manager Sarah Steele.

The park is one of the most popular in the state with an estimated 1.5 million day-use visits per year and features the nationally recognized Trail of Ten Falls. 

In 2021, OPRD signed an agreement with Silver Falls Hospitality to run two services— Smith Creek Village and the historic ranches—and a separate agreement with Oregon Commission for the Blind to run South Falls Café. Both contracts will expire at the end of October, prompting a new request for proposals. The new 10-year contract will include all three business opportunities.

The opportunity includes:

• Smith Creek Village, a retreat at the south end of the park with a restaurant, dining area, and lodging including 13 individual cabins and four group overnight lodges as well as outdoor event space, historic buildings, meeting areas and a commercial kitchen. 
• South Falls Café, a popular café near the trailhead for the Trail of Ten Falls with a full kitchen and indoor and patio space at the South Falls Lodge. Concession services at the South Falls Café currently include casual dining, food to go, and snacks for picnicking and hiking. 
• The Davidson Ranch and the Foothills Ranch, two large overnight facilities with commercial kitchens for private retreats and group lodging for weddings and other gatherings. 

OPRD is looking for a business or individual to run all three opportunities. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30. OPRD will host an open house 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 16, and 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 17 for prospective concessionaires. Registration is required. Email utler@oprd.oregon.gov“>Winona Butler by 2 p.m. Aug. 14 to register.

Silver Falls is expected to see continued growth with work now underway to develop the North Gateway: a new campground, visitor center and park improvements slated to open in 2026. 

The park offers everything from camping, hiking and biking to picnicking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Several of the park’s structures date back to the Civilian Conservation Corps established in 1933. The architecture features the now-iconic look of stone facades and timber beams seen at Silver Falls Lodge. 

Those who are interested in learning more can contact Contract Specialist Winona Butler at utler@oprd.oregon.gov“>winona.butler@oprd.oregon.gov or go OPRD’s website and click on the Silver Falls Concession Opportunity. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30, 2024.

Photos of the properties are available for download. 

Act now to secure Summer EBT benefits – Deadline is 9/2/2024

(Salem) – As summer begins to wind down, families have a limited window to secure essential food assistance through the new Summer EBT program. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. With the application deadline quickly approaching on Sept. 2, 2024, it’s crucial for eligible families to act now.

Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) are urging families to check their eligibility and apply before the deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, you have 122 days to use them.

Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024, if their households:

• Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level 

Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT. 

However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children in Head Start programs that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility.

Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328) to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “Making sure children have access to nutritious food throughout the summer is critical. This small action could provide significant support to families in Oregon.” 

Interview with ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht

Since June 28, 2024, more than 329,000 eligible school-aged children have been issued $39.5 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July.

“The results of the Summer EBT launch so far have far exceeded our expectations, but we know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit,” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “We encourage our schools and Summer Meals providers to have flyers on site to raise awareness and get our families the benefits they qualify for.”

Interview with ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams

Act now and don’t let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your family receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before Sept. 2, 2024.

To learn more:

• Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Visit sebt.oregon.gov.

SNAP Double Up Food Bucks Benefits for Oregon Residents

You can use  Double Up  dollars when purchasing eligible items at participating farmers markets across the state. Just bring your SNAP EBT card with you to a participating farmers market and visit the information booth before you begin to shop.

Adapted from the Fair Food Network’s national model, Oregon Double Up Food Bucks makes it easy for low-income Oregonians to eat more fruits and vegetables while supporting family farmers and local economies. Double Up is Oregon’s first statewide incentive program, designed to be convenient for shoppers.

The program doubles the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (sometimes called “SNAP” or “food stamps”) benefits at participating farmers markets, grocery stores, and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms so shoppers can bring home more fresh produce.

Double Up is currently offered at over 85 farmers market locations, 35 grocery stores and more than 40 CSA farms across the state — with new locations joining the program each year.

For every $1 in SNAP you spend, you will get $1 of Double Up Food Bucks to spend on more fresh fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per transaction. For example: if you spend $20 in SNAP benefits, you’ll get an extra $20 free that you can use to buy more produce. Learn more at OregonFoodBank.org/DoubleUp.

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

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.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com