The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com

Friday, August 2, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple states “Our firefighters are doing everything thing they can to rise to this immense challenge, but they are taxed, and we need our fellow Oregonians’ help.

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

There’s a Ton to Explore at the Clatsop County Fair!!! https://clatsopcofair.com/

For General Info: https://clatsopcofair.com/ — Fair Schedule: https://www.clatsopcounty.gov/media/40191

The City of Florence recently passed ordinances regulating the time place and manner in which people may “camp” overnight inside the city limits. The ordinance goes into effect soon and Police Chief John Pitcher said that from a law enforcement perspective, the ordinance gives clearer direction. 

“We are required to have an ordinance in place that establishes time, place and manner to be able to address sheltering,” he said. “With this ordinance we now have that and have a clearer course of action we can take with complaints. The ordinance addresses what is allowed and what is not allowed, which will help our officers. We have discussed the ordinance with the officers and given them a copy to review before it becomes effective.” READ MORE: https://www.thesiuslawnews.com/news/law-enforcement-and-homeless-camping/article_cf947722-4e0e-11ef-8d00-8367d5c90cd0.html

Coos County Sheriff’s Office  •••Person of Interest Sought in Connection to Homicide in Myrtle Point•••

On July 26, 2024, at about 1958 hours, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a 911 call regarding a residential fire located at 90845 Lampa Lane, Myrtle Point, Oregon. Coquille Fire Department and Deputies from the Coos County Sheriff’s Office responded. Upon arrival, a male who has tentatively been identified as 89 year old Frank Sherman Sr. was located inside the residence and transported to Bay Area Hospital for life threatening injuries. Based upon the circumstances surrounding the call, the Coos County Major Crime Team was called to investigate the incident.

On July 27, the male tentatively identified as Frank Sherman died of his injuries and the cause of death has been determined to be homicidal violence. As a result of the investigation, 32 year old Ian Edward Geer has been developed into a person of interest in this investigation. Ian Geer was seen speaking to the female pictured prior to leaving the scene of the fire.

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to speak to the woman pictured. We ask the public’s assistance in identifying this person or, if this person is seeing this, please contact the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 541-396-2106.The Coos County Sheriff’s Office is seeking Ian Edward Geer as a person of interest in this case. If anyone knows his whereabouts he should not be contacted and may be armed. If Ian Geer is seen, or his whereabouts are otherwise known please contact the Coos County Sheriff’s Office at 541-396-2106. “Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

PSU Awarded Grant for Work Addressing Microplastic Pollution On The Oregon Coast

Portland State University (PSU) has been awarded $1,976,806 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Sea Grant Marine Debris Challenge Award Program to lead an innovative and collaborative three-year project to address microplastic pollution on the Oregon coast.

The money will go to a collaborative three-year effort to reduce microplastic pollution with groups from a wide range of academic, community, municipal and tribal partners, and will focus on filtering microplastics primarily out of hotels, restaurants, and laundromats.

The project also includes a significant educational component, engaging middle and high school students in coastal communities to raise awareness about microplastic pollution and involve them in citizen science initiatives.

READ MORE: https://www.pdx.edu/news/psu-awarded-19m-noaa-grant-address-microplastic-pollution-coastal-communities

A popular state park on the central Oregon Coast is welcoming camping and day use visitors back, starting Thursday.

Beverly Beach State Park near Newport has been closed for nearly a year for repairs and construction. Crews moved overhead power lines underground for safety and to maintain electricity during high winds at the coast. The park also replaced its aging waterlines. You’ll notice fewer trees. Parks workers removed about 200 hazard trees for public safety.

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.

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.

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.

National Night Out

Celebrate LINCOLN CITY! National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Visit with local organizations, enjoy games & contests, raffle prizes and FREE FOOD!

Lincoln City Community Center — Tu Aug. 6 5-7pm

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

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

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)

Organizations are collecting funds and resources for those impacted by Oregon’s wildfires

– The impact of this year’s wildfire season continues to reverberate throughout the state as the number of acres burned reaches 1.2 million.

At this time, the number of acres burned is four times the average when compared to the same point in past seasons. As many as 1,261 fires have burned across the state with more than 100 still active.  

Five megafires, fires that exceed 100,000 acres, are still burning in Eastern Oregon: The Battle Mountain Complex, Lone Rock, Durkee, Cow Valley and Falls fires. These megafires are now between 19% and 99% contained.

Residents in these communities have been deeply affected by the wildfires. As many as 18,000 residents were under a level 1, 2 or 3 evacuation level during the height of the response to date with more than 8,000 still under some type of evacuation warning.  

The full scale of the loss will not be clear for a few months at least. Initial reports show that dozens of people have been injured, and there was at least one wildfire-related death. An air tanker pilot named James Bailey Maxwell, 74, who died in a crash while working in the vicinity of the Falls Fire, north of Burns, on July 25, 2024. 

Initial reports show fires have destroyed as many as 28 homes and 73 structures. Much of the damage has been to grazing land and livestock, heavily impacting the ranching community in eastern Oregon.  

More than 10,000 people are involved in the response including 261 fire crews, 483 engines and 31 helicopters. Local and statewide emergency response departments and agencies are working around the clock to contain the remaining wildfires.

Several organizations are collecting funds and resources for those impacted. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) staff have gathered a list and made it available at Wildfire.oregon.gov. 

Some resources include:

• The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and the Oregon Farm Bureau are collecting monetary donations.  
• Oregon State University is collecting monetary donations, pledges of any in-kind, and donations of hay, feed and transportation.  
• Wildland Firefighter Foundation supports firefighters on the frontlines who have been injured and families of those killed in the line of duty.

OEM and agency partners want to caution the public to beware of scams when donating, and only give to trusted organizations. Scammers often contact their possible victims by telephone, social media, email or in person so be suspicious of direct asks. Also, be cautious if the person asking for donations creates a sense of urgency and won’t let you think about it or donate later. If you want to donate money to support the wildfire recovery effort, it’s best to donate to the organization directly.

OEM has compiled a library of additional recovery resources with information from multiple agencies to help residents during and after of a fire. 

This library includes but is not limited to:

• Basic needs support: List of shelters, food pantries, replace SNAP benefits, medical equipment replacement and vital document replacement
• Stay informed: Sign up for ORAlerts.gov to stay tuned for updates and additional resources.
• Returning home: Assess damages to home, vehicles and property, report damages to local county emergency management office, file an insurance claim. Follow guidelines for safe cleanup because ash contains hazardous materials. How to avoid scams when rebuilding.
• Mental Health: Help is available 24/7 to anyone who is struggling or experiencing a crisis. Call 988 for support statewide or visit Lines for Life. AgriStress Hotline serves those in the farming, ranching, fisheries and forestry communities. Call 833-897-2474 or visit their website.
• Agriculture resources:  
  • OSU Extension Service’s list of resources for those impacted by wildfires in Oregon.
  • Livestock wildfire resources on the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s website.  
  • Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Wildfire Fund Donations page.
  • Oregon Department of Environmental Quality wildfire resource page.
  • USDA Farm Service Agency’s Disaster Assistance Programs and Disaster Assistance Programs At-A-Glance fact sheet.
  • USDA Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool. 

For additional information about current wildfires, response and recovery, go to Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery. Sign up for ORAlerts.gov to get lifesaving alerts and instructions during emergencies to help you and others stay safe in Oregon.

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It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.  

Oregon National Guard Steps Up for Wildfire Crisis

The Oregon National Guard is mobilizing to support wildfire response efforts across the state, with hand crews deployed to Harney County.

On July 31 and August 1, approximately 90 Guard members processed through Joint Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (JRSOI) to form hand crews for wildfire response.

Members from the 142nd Wing, 1249th Engineer Battalion, and 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment underwent this process at the Anderson Readiness Center in Salem. Meanwhile, one crew from the 173rd Wing, based in Klamath Falls, conducted their JRSOI at an alternative location.

The Oregon National Guard has also mobilized four aircraft — three HH-60 Black Hawks and one CH-47 Chinook — along with their crews.

Two HH-60s are on standby for medical evacuation, while one HH-60 and the CH-47 are available for fire bucket operations to support statewide firefighting efforts.

Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, The Adjutant General of Oregon, emphasized the importance of these mobilizations. “These operations, where Guard members assist Oregon’s local communities during disasters, exemplify why the Oregon National Guard is the military service of choice for Oregonians,” Gronewold said.

At the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Fire Cache, Guard members received essential firefighting equipment and training, including practice with emergency fire shelters.

Cindy Pacheco, a dispatcher at the ODF Salem Coordination Center, stressed the significance of this training. “The fire shelter deployment practice is extremely important to gain muscle memory in case of an actual entrapment on the fire,” Pacheco explained. “Our firefighters can just act without thinking about how to save themselves in these situations.”

Governor Tina Kotek’s State of Emergency declaration enabled the deployment of four hand crews, each consisting of 22 firefighters, along with additional support personnel.

These teams are initially slated for two-week assignments on the fire lines, providing crucial reinforcement to ongoing firefighting efforts.

However, the actual term of service may be extended or shortened depending on the evolving wildfire situation and operational needs.

The wildfire situation in Oregon remains dynamic and challenging, with Guard members ready to assist where needed to protect Oregon’s communities and natural resources. (SOURCE)

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.

ODF Wildland Situation Report – August 1, 2024

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/2024/08/01/august-1-2024-odf-wildland-situation-report/

Monitoring Fires in Oregon

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	1311 Acres	52 seconds ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	2043 Acres	1 minute 47 seconds ago
Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP	Wildfire	Oregon	728 Acres	12 minutes 56 seconds ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	5622 Acres	12 minutes 56 seconds ago
Winding Waters Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	752 Acres	17 minutes 9 seconds ago
Courtrock Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	19854 Acres	20 minutes 24 seconds ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	46000 Acres	52 minutes 44 seconds ago
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	137222 Acres	57 minutes 8 seconds ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	143634 Acres	57 minutes 44 seconds ago
Pyramid and Slate Fires – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon		1 hour 6 minutes ago
Oakridge Lightning Fires 2024 – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	Acres	1 hour 17 minutes ago
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	934 Acres	1 hour 29 minutes ago
Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	54563 Acres	1 hour 30 minutes ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	35360 Acres	2 hours 3 minutes ago
Durkee Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	293882 Acres	5 hours 17 minutes ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	179080 Acres	13 hours 20 minutes ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	2216 Acres	13 hours 20 minutes ago
Adam Mountain – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	10413 Acres	13 hours 23 minutes ago
Ore Fire – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	1539 Acres	16 hours 32 minutes ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	428 Acres	16 hours 48 minutes ago
Cow Valley Fire – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	133490 Acres	1 day 23 hours ago
Salt Creek – OR710S	Wildfire	Oregon	4102 Acres	1 week 3 days ago
Larch Creek Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	18286 Acres	1 week 6 days ago

Large Fires in Oregon 8/2/24 10:00am 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 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.

Environmentalists, customers raise concerns over new NW Natural hydrogen project to lower emissions

Natural gas is almost entirely methane gas, among the most potent climate-warming greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. One-third of global warming is due to human-caused emissions of methane, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (Lynne Terry/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Oregon’s largest natural gas utility is once again drawing criticism from environmentalists and its customers over attempts to lower emissions by blending what it says is a low-emission fuel into its natural gas supply.

NW Natural launched in June a three-year pilot project that involves blending hydrogen and natural gas at its southeast Oregon facility and sending it to customers. The move has prompted a group of Oregon environmentalists, Portland architects, building contractors, physicians and customers to call on state leaders to stop the project.

Natural gas is almost entirely methane, a potent and planet-warming greenhouse gas that is responsible each year for 40% of Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions and an estimated one-third of global climate change. Hydrogen, however, can be a zero-emissions fuel depending on how it’s produced. If blended with natural gas, it could lower greenhouse gas emissions from burning natural gas alone, NW Natural said.

But critics say this blending could be dangerous to public health – burning both hydrogen and natural gas in homes has been shown to increase risks for respiratory illnesses. They say NW Natural has not alerted customers, and is delaying its transition away from fossil fuels needed to meet state emission reduction targets.

Environmentalists say the company appears to be reviving its failure in Eugene in 2022, when it scrapped a plan to blend hydrogen into the gas supply after public outcry over its lack of transparency and community engagement. READ MORE: https://www.newsbreak.com/portland-or/3548490268160-environmentalists-customers-raise-concerns-over-new-nw-natural-hydrogen-project-to-lower-emissions

AAA: COVID-19 has lasting deadly impact on traffic safety

Residents in Cottage Grove, Lane County, and across Oregon are learning that that even though the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, it has left a lasting deadly impact on traffic safety locally and across the nation.

A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) finds dangerous behaviors such as speeding, not using seatbelts, and impaired driving contributed to a significant rise in fatal crashes compared to the years before the pandemic.

AAAFTS researchers found that 114,528 people were killed in traffic crashes on U.S. roads from May 2020 through December 2022, a 17% jump in traffic deaths (nearly 17,000 additional fatalities) compared to what would have been expected under pre-pandemic trends:

Traffic deaths outpaced forecasts the most for young adults (20-24), with teens (16-19) taking the top spot in 2021.

Men consistently exceeded estimates by 14% to 19%, while women only did so in 2021 (15% increase).

Black Americans, who comprise approximately 12% of the U.S. population, accounted for approximately 34% of the entire rise in traffic fatalities relative to how many would have been expected based on the pre-pandemic trend.

Hispanic Americans, 19% of the U.S. population, accounted for approximately 25% of the increase.

Adults 25 years and older with no education beyond high school exceeded estimates by 12% to 16%

Notably, the new research highlights a disparity in the pandemic’s impact on traffic safety. Black and Hispanic Americans, already disproportionately affected by traffic fatalities, saw even more significant increases from 2020 through 2022. Similarly, those with less education experienced a much sharper rise in fatalities compared to college graduates.

“Our study points to an ongoing disturbing trend of risky driving behaviors, which we noted in previous research earlier in the pandemic,” AAA Foundation President and Executive Director Dr. David Yang said. “There are still far too many road users who lose their lives in preventable crashes. The findings from this latest AAA Foundation study underscore the importance of addressing traffic safety from an equity perspective – communities across the United States must provide safe transportation options to meet the needs of their users.”

Here are key findings in the study:

Risky driving spiked: Speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol remain significant contributors to fatal crashes.

Lack of seatbelt use: The increase in occupant deaths was almost entirely among those not wearing seatbelts.

Fatal crashes across age groups: Drivers and victims of all ages up to 55 saw a significant rise in fatal crash involvement, with men disproportionately affected.

Late-night danger zone: Contrary to initial assumptions, the increase in fatal crashes wasn’t limited to times when the pandemic cleared previously congested daytime roads. Late nights and early mornings saw the most significant spikes.

Unequal impact: The pandemic exacerbated existing disparities in traffic safety. Socially and economically disadvantaged counties and racial and ethnic minorities were disproportionately impacted.

According to the AAA, the research underscores the need for:

Equitable transportation solutions: Providing safe transportation options for vulnerable populations benefits everyone.

Holistic safety approaches: Addressing broader traffic safety issues beyond just the pandemic’s effects.

Safe System framework offers a comprehensive strategy to improve overall road safety.

“Our AAA Foundation research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting negative impact on traffic safety in the U.S., with impaired driving, speeding, and not wearing a seat belt all contributing to a surge in crash fatalities. These behaviors continue long after the pandemic ended,” AAA Oregon/Idaho Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds said. “We have a lot of work to do to provide equitable access to safe transportation for all if we truly have the goal of reducing fatal crashes.”

Research methodology – The research reported here seeks to understand how traffic safety on U.S. roads has changed since the onset of the pandemic by comparing the number and characteristics of traffic fatalities during this period to what would have been expected if the pandemic had not occurred and pre-pandemic trends continued.

Data from the fatal crashes in the decade before the pandemic were used to develop statistical models that were then used to predict how many fatal crashes would have been expected during the pandemic period, without the pandemic.

About the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety – Established in 1947 by AAA, the Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization.

The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur.

This research informs the development of educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users. (SOURCE)

Shooting Near Klamath Union High School On Tuesday At A Youth Soccer Camp — Here is an update in the form of a Media Release from the Klamath Falls Police Department:

On July 30th, 2024, at approximately 2:57 p.m., Klamath 9-1-1 Communications District received a report of a shooting that  occurred at Modoc Field across from Klamath Union High School. The initial report was a man had been shot by another man wearing a face mask, and the shooter had left in a grey sedan towards the downtown area. Law enforcement officials from the Klamath Falls Police Department, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, and Oregon State Police responded immediately to the scene. They located a man who had been shot and lifesaving measures were immediately administered to the shooting victim until they were relieved by medical personnel from the Klamath County Fire District. The victim was transported to Sky Lakes Medical Center and later to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon and is in critical condition.

Local law enforcement began an extensive search for the suspect vehicle to identify and locate the person responsible for this shooting. The Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated, and the investigation is ongoing. The suspect vehicle was found approximately two hours later in the Pilot Travel Center parking lot located at 3817 Hwy 97 North in Klamath Falls. The vehicle was unoccupied and after an extensive search of the area, the shooting suspect was not located. A person of interest in this case did arrive while law enforcement was still on scene, and that person cooperated with investigators. Law enforcement officials continued following up on all available leads throughout the night and a suspect had been developed as a result. The suspect has been identified as 44 years old Andrew Wyatt Gregory of Klamath Falls. His whereabouts are still unknown, and we are requesting the community’s assistance in finding Gregory so he can be held accountable for his actions. Gregory should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see him or know his whereabouts, please do not approach him and immediately call 9-1-1.

The Klamath County Major Crime Team consists of detectives from the Klamath Falls Police Department, Oregon State Police, and the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office. The Klamath County District Attorney’s Office and Klamath Community Corrections also provide support to the team. If any members of the community have additional information regarding this investigation, you are encouraged to call the Klamath Falls Police Department at (541) 883-5336 and contact the lead detective, Det. Witmer. If you want to remain anonymous, you can call our anonymous Tip Line at (541) 883-5334.

Oregon Division of Financial Regulation lowers health insurance rates. Preliminary decision would reduce rates in individual and small group markets

– Each year, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) conducts a transparent health insurance rate review process for health plans that comply with the Affordable Care Act for small businesses and people who buy their own coverage rather than getting it through an employer.

Conducting a yearly rate review ensures that premium rates charged to Oregonians adequately cover health care costs without being too high or too low. This transparent process includes public hearings and a public comment period. Once a year, insurance companies submit to the division their rate change requests for the next year. These requests are rigorously reviewed by division actuaries during a monthslong public review process.

In May, six health insurance companies submitted health insurance rates in the individual market with a weighted average increase of 9.3 percent. Following an initial public hearing and public comment period, DFR has issued a preliminary decision lowering those rates to an average 8.1 percent increase. The lowered rates were driven by an actuarial review by the division that found several components of the company rate filings to be above division actuarial parameters. The Department has the authority to review and revise rates to ensure they are “reasonable and not excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory,” pursuant to ORS 743.018 (4).

“Our new health rate review guide helps to bring clarity and make the process more accessible. I’m glad we were able to find ways to save Oregonians money in a time when budgets are tight,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, Oregon insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “Our health insurance market is competitive, and we have five carriers offering plans in every Oregon county next year, which gives Oregonians more options to shop for plans to fit their budget.”

As part of this year’s health rate review filings, Moda became the fifth company to offer health insurance in every single county in Oregon after expanding into Benton, Linn, and Lincoln counties. Moda joins BridgeSpan, PacificSource, Providence, and Regence as health insurance companies who provide coverage in all parts of Oregon. It is the first time that five insurers have offered plans in every county.  

In the small group market, which serves small businesses with one to 50 employees, eight insurance companies submitted health insurance rates with a weighted average increase of 12.3 percent. DFR’s analysis resulted in lowering the requests of two companies. The average increase range is now 5.7 percent to 16.3 percent, for a weighted average increase of 12.2 percent. The increase was due in large part to medical costs and inflation.

DFR’s review also showed that the Oregon Reinsurance Program continues to help stabilize the health insurance market and keep rates lower. This program works to offset risk experienced by insurers, ultimately lowering premiums. Reinsurance lowered rates by at least 6 percent for the seventh straight year. In fact, this year it saved consumers 8.4 percent.

See the attached chart for the full list of rate change requests.

The division has created a Consumer Guide to 2025 Health Insurance Rate Filings to explain how rates were arrived at and the adjustments made. This guide provides comprehensive detail as to the key components of the 2025 rates and an explanation to adjustments made by the division.

The division has also created a general Consumer Guide to Health Insurance Rate Review to help explain how rates are determined each year.

DFR will hold a virtual hearing Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 1 p.m., for final public comment on the preliminary rates. A link for the hearing and the consumer guides can be found at www.oregonhealthrates.org.

Final decisions will be made in August after the public hearing and comment period end.

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

Summer wave of COVID-19 cases has yet to subside in Oregon

Oregon health officials say the variant that’s spreading is very contagious, but not as severe as the original virus that was first detected over four years ago.

In the state of Oregon, COVID cases are once again on the rise. Though the state reports nearing a summer peak of cases, health officials said the good news is that cases aren’t rising at an alarming rate like we’ve seen before.

“Four and a half years into this, no one wants to be talking about COVID, but here we are,” said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, Oregon’s top health officer. “Welcome to summer and welcome to COVID. There’s plenty of things we can do to protect ourselves, but right now, there’s plenty of COVID circulating in our community.”

Dr. Sidelinger said that the virus now spreading is a variant of the omicron virus that was discovered more than three years ago. This summer, state health officials are also seeing a spike in cases of FLiRT variants, a series of variants named after the technical names for their particular mutations.

“These omicron variants have proven to be very contagious, but also (do) not cause more severe disease — and that our vaccine, which was developed before the current omicrons variant came out, is still offering some protection in the short term.” Sidelinger said.

Health officials are using various means to track the virus these days, including testing wastewater to determine how prevalent the virus is and what strain of the virus is spreading. Sidelinger said that the state isn’t seeing a rise in hospitalizations due to the virus spreading, but said positive test results have been trending upward for the last few weeks. He said 11.8% of all tests recently are coming back positive.

“In that sense, it’s good that we’re not seeing an increase in hospitalizations, but we know that people who have not been vaccinated and perhaps people who have never been sick before can still get fairly sick,” Sidelinger said.

In southwest Washington, Clark County’s health department said that they, too, have seen an increase in cases recently, but said that things have started to slow down.

Sidelinger said it may be a few more weeks before things slow down in Oregon, going into the fall.

“The indicators of COVID spread in Oregon, as they are in many other states particularly on the West Coast, are still going up, but they’re not going up at a very fast rate. So, hopefully we will start to see a peak and then a coming down over the next several weeks.”

In the fall, the CDC expects to release an updated COVID-19 vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older. (SOURCE)

The Oregon Health Authority has announced a new director of the Ballot Measure 110 program.

It sets up statewide service networks to provide addiction treatment programs. Abbey Stamp is a licensed clinical social worker and served for 11 years as executive director of the Multnomah County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council. She’ll work to strengthen partnerships with providers across the state.

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.

Drug Price Transparency Program seeks input on prescription increases

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation’s (DFR) Drug Price Transparency Program is seeking the public’s input on high prescription drug prices. Consumers are encouraged to report prescription drug price increases on DFR’s website, dfr.oregon.gov/rxdrugprices.

If anyone needs help completing this form, or has questions, they can call the message line at 833-210-4560 (toll-free) and leave a message with the best time to call back. Individuals can also reach DFR by email at x.prices@dcbs.oregon.gov“>rx.prices@dcbs.oregon.gov.

Getting information directly from consumers will help DFR have more accurate information about how consumers are affected by high or increased costs of their prescription drugs. This will help the division inform the Oregon Legislature in DFR’s annual report, which is expected to come out in December. Consumers can also view the data on the DFR website and provide stories for the annual hearing and report.

“We recognize that prescription drug costs are increasing and the impact this has on Oregonians on a daily basis,” DFR Administrator TK Keen said. “Our hope is to get input from the public so we can inform policymakers and researchers alike on prescription drug costs.”

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

Volunteers sought for advisory committee on new option for in-home services

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) seeks volunteers to join an advisory committee to help develop a new option for in-home services. This option will be called Agency with Choice and will launch in 2026.

Through Agency with Choice, older adults and people with disabilities who receive Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports may choose to work with a new type of agency to hire a direct-care worker. This new type of agency will help individuals hire an in-home care provider, complete all the required paperwork, train the provider and pay them. 

Planning for the 2026 launch of Agency with Choice is underway. To support planning efforts, the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities is seeking volunteers to join the Consumer Advisory Committee on Agency with Choice to help guide the creation of the program. This committee will include individuals who receive Medicaid in-home services and will meet virtually every month.

ODHS is looking for volunteers to serve on the committee who:

• Currently receive Medicaid in-home services from a homecare worker, personal care attendant, or in-home care agency or have received these services in the past;
• Are older adults or adults with a physical disability or behavioral health need;
• Understand the value and potential benefits of in-home services;
• Have reliable internet or phone service for virtual meetings (no travel necessary);
• Will actively participate in discussions and provide feedback; and
• Will be able to consider the needs of all people who receive in-home help.

As many as 15 people will be selected for the committee to represent all parts of the state. People who are interested in joining may apply online at https://forms.office.com/g/JjW1hd5viY.

Applications must be submitted by August 5, 2024, to be considered for membership in the committee. For help completing the application or to ask a question, please send an email to: AWC.Info@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

How to get more information

If you want to learn more about Agency with Choice, please see the “initiatives and outreach” section on our web page: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/agency/Pages/apd.aspx. Information will be added as it is available.

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