Oregon Beach News, Friday 9/26 – 5.9 Quake off Coast of Bandon, More Activities for Sea Otter Awareness Week, The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival, 2025 READINESS FAIR in Newport Saturday & 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, September 26, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

5.9 Quake off Coast of Bandon

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck off the coast of Oregon late Thursday night, around 11:45 p.m. Pacific time, approximately 142 miles west of Bandon, OR, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The quake, which was shallow at about 6 miles deep, did not pose a tsunami threat to the coast, and no damage has been reported.  

Key Details: 

• Magnitude: 5.9
• Location: Offshore, west of Bandon, OR
• Time: Late Thursday night (September 25, 2025)
• Depth: ~6 miles
• Tsunami Threat: No tsunami warning or threat was issued.
• Impact: No reports of damage.
• Aftershocks: A subsequent magnitude 3.0 aftershock was also reported.

The quake was recorded at 11:46 p.m. PDT, centered about 231 kilometers west of Bandon, at a depth of roughly 9 miles. The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake was widely registered on seismic instruments, though early reports indicated only a handful of residents along the coast felt minor shaking. No damage or injuries have been reported.

Emergency managers in Coos and Curry counties confirmed they did not activate coastal evacuation sirens, as the offshore location and moderate depth made a tsunami unlikely. According to the USGS aftershock forecast, there is a 79% chance of smaller quakes of magnitude 3 or greater in the coming week, though stronger aftershocks remain unlikely.

The Elakha Alliance, an Oregon non-profit working to restore sea otters to the Oregon coast, invites the public to celebrate Sea Otter Awareness Week (SOAW) Sept. 21–27.

SOAW is facilitated by a coalition of organizations including Sea Otter Savvy, Defenders of Wildlife, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Elakha Alliance, all working together to inspire deeper awareness of these unique marine mammals, their ecological importance, and the challenges they face.

In Oregon, the Elakha Alliance will collaborate with local partners – the Oregon Zoo, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Fullerton Winery and Tasting Room, Artsea Craftsea, and 7 Devils Brewery – to host in-person events that connect communities to sea otter conservation.

Oregon Coast Aquarium · It’s #SeaOtterAwarenessWeek!

Alongside other otter allies, we’ll spend the next week celebrating and raising awareness about all things sea otter. This year’s theme is “Anchored in Hope” and highlights the vital relationship between sea otters and their coastal ecosystem. Sea otters play a key role in maintaining the health of kelp forests, which in turn support marine communities. A hopeful future for our coastal communities is anchored in protecting these essential connections.

Save the date: the #OregonCoastAquarium Sea Otter Awareness Day event will take place Saturday, September 27. Join us for sea otter feeds/keeper chats, activities, a guest appearance from our pals Elakha Alliance, and more!: © Sea Otter Savvy ; logo design by Heather E. Barrett

Sea Otter Awareness Week (SOAW) is celebrated annually during the last full week of September to promote the importance of sea otters as a keystone species and raise awareness about the challenges they face, such as habitat loss and pollution. This week-long event encourages public education and action, with organized events by groups like Defenders of Wildlife and the Elakha Alliance that highlight sea otters’ role in maintaining healthy kelp forest ecosystems.  Key aspects of Sea Otter Awareness Week:

• Annual timing: The celebration takes place during the last full week of September each year. 
• Purpose: The week aims to inspire people to learn more about sea otters, their ecological importance, and the threats they face. 
• Role of sea otters: As keystone species, sea otters are vital for the health of their ecosystems, particularly kelp forests. By controlling the population of sea urchins, they allow kelp forests to flourish, benefiting many other marine species. 

This year’s theme, “Anchored in Hope,”provides a metaphor for optimism, stability, and security in a challenging world.

Oregon’s 2025 Sea Otter Awareness Week activities (see www.elakhaalliance.org/events for details):

• 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sept 26. Artsea Craftsea Sea Otter Paint Night Benefiting Elakha Alliance in Newport.

SOAW: Artsea Craftsea: Sea Otter Paint Night (Newport)

September 26 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

$45.00

PURCHASE TICKETS

Let Artsea Craftsea walk you through painting this wonderful sea otter on your choice of wood or canvas while supporting the Elakha Alliance.

Your ticket includes all supplies and step-by-step instructions. Each attendee must purchase a ticket.

If your group buys tickets individually, please message us so we can seat you together.

Guests 21+ welcome to BYOB

Ages 16+

SOAW: Sea Otter Viewing Station & Information at Oregon Coast Aquarium

September 27 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

For Sea Otter Awareness Week, the Elakha Alliance will have designated Sea Otter Viewing Stations on the coast in Newport, and inland in Portland.

Come stop by the Elakha Alliance table and learn more about sea otter reintroduction efforts in Oregon.Oregon Sea Otter Viewing Stations:
– Sunday September 21st, 10am-3pm: Oregon Zoo, Portland
– Saturday September 27th, 10am-3pm: Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport

Sea otters, once plentiful on the Oregon coast, were hunted nearly to extinction for their lush furs by the early 1900s. A few surviving animals in California and Alaska enabled the population of sea otters to rebound in some places. However, they remain absent in their former habitats on the Oregon and northern California coasts, a stretch of nearly 800 miles.

The Elakha Alliance’s mission is to to make Oregon’s marine and coastal ecosystems and communities more robust and resilient by restoring a healthy population of sea otters to the Oregon coast. Feasibility studies completed in 2022 by the Elakha Alliance and the US Fish and Wildlife Service found that there would be ecological and economic benefits from returning sea otters to the region due to their importance in protecting kelp forests which are critical habitat for many marine species, including fish caught in commercial and recreational harvest.

Additional studies indicate that the return of sea otters would provide economic benefits to Oregon coast communities, including boosts to travel and tourism industries. To learn more, visit OregonSeaOtters.org 

2025 READINESS FAIR in Newport Saturday

Newport — September is National Preparedness Month. This year’s theme is “Preparedness Starts at Home”. This is a great time to make or update your emergency plans, work with family members and neighbors to help your household be more prepared and think about ways to protect your family and property during a disaster.

In promotion of National Preparedness Month, Lincoln County Emergency Management and the City of Newport will host the annual Lincoln County Readiness Fair. The event is free and open to the public – no registration required.

Saturday, September 27, 2025

11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Newport Recreation Center

225 SE Avery St, Newport, OR 97365

Vendors and Exhibitors

Local public safety and preparedness vendors will host preparedness booths and be available to answer questions. They will provide example readiness kits, wildfire safety, nutritional items, and more to help inspire your preparedness efforts. Some activities include:

• Bring your NOAA Weather Radio and learn how to operate it.
• Sample preparedness products to decide which to include in your own go bag.
• Learn about bucket toilet systems and how to manage water purification after disaster.
• Ask Community Emergency Response Team members about their role in an emergency and how to prepare
• Talk with a geologist about local earthquake, landslide and other hazards.
• Learn what the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians are doing to build food resilience.

Astronomy Festival brings star parties, photography, hikes & more Sept. 25-27

The Sunset Bay Astronomy Festival returns to Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks near Coos Bay for a three-day event Sept. 25-27.

Activities include guided hikes, interpretive programs including JR Ranger programs, a night-sky photography workshop on Sept. 25 and a star party each night.

“Places like Sunset Bay and Shore Acres offer visitors a chance to see the natural world not only during the day but also at night. They’re special because they show us what the sky looked like everywhere before light pollution. Seeing the night sky in its full brilliance is powerful and, for many, even emotional,” said Park Manager Lee Ricci.

The astronomy festival gives visitors a chance to see and learn more about the night sky.

NOTE: Outdoor events are weather dependent.

Thursday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Our Star, The Sun JR Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 6 to 7:30 p.m.: Night Sky Photography Workshop. Sign up required. Email Kenneth.Page@oprd.oregon.gov to sign up.
• 7:30 p.m.: Navigating by The Stars program at Shore Acres Gardens
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Thursday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

Friday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Constellation Station Junior Ranger Program at Sunset Bay Interpretive Center
• 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
• 6-7 p.m.: Jellyfish: The Alien Next Door guided hike (meet at Shore Acres Observation Building for 1-mile hike)
• 7:30: How to Talk to Aliens Even if You’re Shy evening program at Shore Acres Garden
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Friday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

Saturday Activities:

• 10 a.m.: Guided hike (Meet at Interpretive Center at Sunset Bay Campground for 1-mile hike)
• 12-2 p.m.: Solar Viewing with special telescope at Shore Acres Observation Building
• 7:30 p.m.: Imagining Other Worlds Night Program at Shore Acres
• 8 p.m.: Star Party with telescopes at Shore Acres
• Webpage with complete Saturday schedule

(Parking Permit is $10 per vehicle and required to park in the Shore Acres day-use parking lot.)

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad‘s Coastal Excursion train is running between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach through September 28!

Take a step back in time by climbing aboard our signature historic train excursion along the scenic Tillamook Bay and coastal estuaries. On board narration treats passengers to an immersive step back in time, complete with beautiful views and educational information all while traveling at a leisurely pace to your destination. In Rockaway, passengers are able to get off to explore the restaurants, shops and of course the beach. Perfect for the whole family! Get your Coastal Excursion tickets here: https://oregoncoastscenic.org/tra…/oregon-coast-excursion/

A Montana man affiliated with a forestry group at Oregon State University faces charges after allegedly using a hidden camera to capture images of women at a Newport hotel.

Court records show that a manager at the Holiday Inn Express reported to police on Sept. 15 that 38-year-old Saben Robert McKinnon was seen on security footage placing a camera under multiple hotel room doors. McKinnon was staying at the hotel with the forestry group, the manager informed police.

According to a probable cause affidavit, police contacted McKinnon at Oregon State University, where he admitted to what he called voyeurism. He said he recorded women in a state of nudity during his conference trip. McKinnon also confessed to similar activities in other states on different trips.

He is charged with two counts of first-degree burglary and two counts of first-degree invasion of personal privacy. McKinnon remains in the Lincoln County Jail with bail set at $200,000.

Burglary/ Invasion of Personal Privacy

Location: Holiday Inn Express, South Beach

Date/Time: September 14th, 2025

Details: On September 14th, 2025, the Newport Police were dispatched to the Holiday Inn Express in South Beach, on the report of suspicious activity involving a former guest of the hotel that occurred September 12-14, 2025. Officers learned an employee of the business had observed a male guest, later identified as Saben Robert McKinnon, 39 of Billings, Montana, placing a small camera under multiple guests’ doors. Officers were able to positively identify McKinnon through hotel records and DMV records.

A Newport Officer reviewed surveillance videos from the business and was able to observe McKinnon placing a small camera under guest doors and watching live images from within the guest’s rooms on his phone. The officer watched McKinnon repeat this process under multiple guest doors.

Further investigation revealed that McKinnon was a part of a large group of foresters staying at the hotel but had already left the Newport area when Newport Police were called. Officers were able to reach a group coordinator and learned McKinnon was currently staying in Corvallis, Oregon and attending a conference at Oregon State University.

Newport Officers coordinated with Corvallis Police, Oregon State Department of Public Safety, and Oregon State University to locate, question, and arrest McKinnon.

During the investigation officers learned McKinnon had been staying in hotels and motels across multiple states as part of his employment. Officers learned McKinnon was secretly recording individuals in their private hotel rooms while in various states of undress. McKinnon used a covert camera to view and record victims for a protracted period of time, possibly even for years. Officers learned McKinnon stored the recordings on his phone and laptop so that he could watch them later.

Newport Officers learned McKinnon had also used the camera while staying in a hotel in Corvallis, Oregon and worked with Corvallis Police on additional criminal charges there. The officers are working with other state and federal agencies to identify McKinnon’s travel itinerary to help identify additional crimes and victims.

McKinnon was transported to the Lincoln County Jail where he was lodged on the following crimes:

SABEN ROBERT MCKINNON, 39, OF BILLINGS, MT

• Burglary 1 x2

• Invasion of Personal Privacy 1 x2

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Officer Eshleman of the Newport Police Department at 541-574-3348. The Newport Police Tip Line is available at 541-574-5455, or Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.

The Research Vessel Atlantis is at the Port of Astoria

One of my favorite ships is here in town: the research vessel Atlantis. She’s owned by the US Navy and operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, located on Cape Cod. She’s been doing research on underwater volcanoes in the Pacific in recent years. She comes into Astoria occasionally to change crews, pick up supplies, etc.

She’s a superstar of a ship, she’s been the subject of many documentaries about her and her famous submersible, the Alvin. We’ll talk about the ship and about times I have been fortunate to go aboard.. Podcast: Play in new window (SOURCE)

Repairs are set to begin this week at the Goose Pasture and South Jetty OHV staging areas on South Jetty Road

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area officials said that these areas will be temporarily closed for pavement repairs and lane line striping.

The Goose Pasture Staging Area and South Jetty Staging Area will be inaccessible from Thursday, Sept. 25, through Wednesday, Oct. 1. 

Visitors can still access the Oregon Dunes north riding area and South Jetty sand camps via the Siltcoos Beach OHV staging area. South Jetty Road will remain open to the public. The project aims to enhance public access and safety at these popular OHV day-use sites. It is funded by a grant from the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department ATV program.

The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Siuslaw National Forest staff thank the public for their patience during the repairs. For more information, the ODNRA office in Reedsport can be contacted at (541) 271-6000.

U.S. 101 has reopened south of Bandon after being closed nearly 40 hours for emergency culvert replacement near Bearhead Mountain Lane.

The new 11-foot pipe replaces a 24-inch culvert that failed during last December’s storms. Traffic will be reduced to one lane for the next two to three weeks while crews pave and stripe the $1.25 million project, with delays under 20 minutes.

Courtesy ODOT

ODOT says the rapid replacement approach shortened the schedule from six months to six weeks, saving time and taxpayer dollars. Work is expected to be complete by mid-October.

The $1.25 million project replaced a 24-inch culvert that collapsed during a December storm, washing out the ground beneath the southbound lane. The new culvert, measuring 11 feet in diameter, is designed to better handle future high-water events.

ODOT opted for a rapid replacement strategy to avoid the high cost and logistical challenges of building a temporary detour, cutting down the total construction window from six months to six weeks. Yet it required the full closure of the highway for one weekend.

“We usually stage projects in a way that keeps our highways open to all travelers at all times,” said ODOT District Manager Glen Pederson. “But I think shortening the construction schedule will help reduce overall traffic impacts. And at a time when people are tightening belts, we thought it was best to keep costs down and save taxpayer dollars.”

ODOT staff estimated that constructing and removing a detour lane could have added another $1 million to the project cost.

Prime contractor Farline Bridge Inc. closed the highway at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, and immediately began work with K&B Quality Excavating to dig out the southbound lane. Crews installed the new pipe overnight and rebuilt the roadway Saturday. Pederson credited the contractor’s preparation and speed.

“Farline Bridge deserves a lot of the credit for making this happen,” he said. “They began work two weeks ago, while one lane was still open, and got everything in place so they could hit the ground running as soon as we closed the highway Friday night.”

impact from the highway construction – which added some eight hours of driving time. However, some events in the region were hit by smaller numbers.

Although the highway is now open, drivers should expect single-lane travel through the work zone for the next two to three weeks while crews finish uppaving and striping. Flaggers will manage traffic, and delays are expected to remain under 20 minutes. Drivers are advised to slow down when traveling over the temporary rock surface.Best vacation packages

All work is expected to be completed by mid-October.

Pederson thanked the public for their cooperation.

“I would want to thank everybody for understanding the need to get this project completed before this coming winter,” he said. “We’ve gotten a lot of help from our community partners, emergency services, and regular folks sharing our messages on their phones and social media. This was a group effort, and I want to thank everyone involved.”

For current road conditions, visit www.TripCheck.com or the Oregon Coast Traffic, Roads Condition page.

Principal of Rainier Junior/Senior High arrested on child porn charges

Police in Washington arrested the principal of Oregon’s Rainier Junior/Senior High School Tuesday on multiple charges.

Jeremy Williams, 49, was booked in Washington state’s Cowlitz County Jail on charges of dealing and possessing depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Law enforcement officials said they became aware of the images on Aug. 28, after social media sites reported that pictures had been sent to and from a Longview, Washington, resident.

None of the images are of Rainier students, according to law enforcement.Longview, in Southwest Washington, is across the Columbia River from Rainier, which is in Oregon’s Columbia County. The two towns are connected by a bridge.

According to the probable cause statement, 31 files found on William’s devices were flagged as containing child sexual abuse material.

The probable cause statement contains graphic descriptions of files, including one file that involved a 6-month-old child. Williams admitted to police that the accounts in question were his and that he was “having ‘age based’ sexual role play on various platforms, including Discord,” according to the statement.

Williams made his first court appearance virtually in Cowlitz County on Wednesday.

Judge Patricia Fassett set Williams’ bail at $100,000 and ruled that he would not be allowed to have any contact with children ages 16 and under.

Asked if he was employed, Williams replied, “Not anymore.”

The Rainier School District had already placed Williams on paid administrative leave before the arrest for an unrelated event, according to law enforcement. A note sent to parents and community members Wednesday afternoon said Williams was on leave after making comments “surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk.”

In a statement issued Wednesday, Rainier Superintendent Chad Holloway said that students would be allowed to leave early with parental permission, if they wish.

“I know that this is extremely upsetting and concerning information,” Holloway wrote. “I am in the process of organizing additional counseling support for our students and staff and expect to have that in place soon.

“We are still processing this news, and will share information with you as we learn more.” William’s next court appearance will be at 9 a.m. Wednesday. (SOURCE)

Volunteers needed to improve Oregon natural spaces on Sept. 27 .

— Get outside with your community while improving the natural beauty of Oregon and Washington’s public lands! On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Bureau of Land Management will be restoring hiking trails, pulling weeds at pollinator gardens, picking up trash on the beach, and enhancing natural habitats with the help of National Public Lands Day volunteers.

Beautify the beaches at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport

Held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day has helped volunteers restore America’s public lands since 1994.

Last year, the Bureau of Land Management hosted 132 events across the country. Over 9,000 volunteers got outside, contributing over 54,000 hours of service worth over $1.6 million towards the improvement of their favorite natural places.

“National Public Lands Day is one of our most important events,” said Morgan Rubanow, BLM Oregon/Washington volunteer program specialist. “Each year, volunteers leave these natural spaces healthier and more beautiful, all while getting outside and enjoying the great outdoors.”

At NPLD events, the BLM provides volunteers with tools, safety gear, and materials needed for each project.

Ready to get involved? Find a few of the events held in Oregon and Washington this year below:

• Pick up trash and remove vegetation at the Steward Pond Disc Golf Course in Eugene
• Restore habitats and remove fences in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument near Ashland, Ore.
• Improve trails at the Fishtrap Recreation Area in Sprague, Wash.
• Remove weeds from the pollinator gardens in the Wood River Wetlands near Klamath Falls, Ore.
• And many more!

Learn more and find the full list of NPLD events at blm.gov/national-public-lands-day.

-BLM- The BLM manages roughly 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

Child Care Facility Coming to Florence

Child Care is one of the biggest concerns of families in Florence.  Facilities, caregivers and other resources are well below the need.  Costs for childcare can well exceed $1500 per month per child in most cases.  The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce has been a champion for more affordable child care and more facilities. 

One of the most recent efforts by a combined effort of the City of Florence and partners has been the Elm Park Early Learning Center.  Adrian Pollut is part of a board that will be facilitating the operations of the facility once construction is completed in fall of 2026.

“It’s gonna be a 5000 square foot center with 4 classrooms, each about 900 square feet, with restrooms for kids and adults, kitchens, administrative areas, storage spaces all of that stuff plus a 2000 square foot outdoor play area.”

Pollut says the new facility will add about 50% more childcare opportunities for the community.  The licensed facility will be looking for people to fill the teaching and aid positions.  Another board member, Connie Ford says they are looking for individuals that want to be part of the childcare workforce.

“They can at the beginning as an aid with some really basic certification and a background check and CPR and earn work experience hours up the chain of command up to a teacher level.”

The Elm Hill apartments are currently under construction with groundbreaking for the child care facility expected to come later this fall.  They say the hope is to be open in late 2026.

OPB article -Samaritan Health Services considered closing the birth centers at its hospitals in Lebanon and Lincoln City earlier this year.

The move drew pushback from nurses, community members and lawmakers. The health system recently announced it would keep the centers open for at least another year — but not without some changes.

Lesley Ogden is the CEO of both Samaritan’s North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City and Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport. She joins us to talk about what it takes to keep maternity services running amid rising health care costs, decreasing revenue and staffing challenges. https://www.opb.org/article/2025/09/15/think-out-loud-samaritan-birth-centers-lebanon-lincoln-city/

The South Coast Health Equity Coalition (SCHEC) announced the launch of The Reproductive Health Inclusion, Support, and Education CHW Workshop, a workshop where Community Health Workers will explore the relationship between justice work and health through expanding knowledge of historical policies that disproportionately impact various communities.

This workshop will take place October 11th, 12th, and 13th from 9am-4pm. If you would like to attend, please register at this link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=AwM6YZlWoEae7xNoY48ooQlV-EQOIfRGrZUXM9H__NtURFI1S01JVjVFRjZINktLVUFLMU5QTTRWUy4u&route=shorturl

Florence Farmers Market Seeking Board Members

The Florence Farmers Market is looking for new members to serve on its Board of Directors and committees. Organizers say it’s just two to four hours a month, with board members meeting monthly and helping with areas like vendors, outreach, finances, or volunteers. No experience is required, only a passion for local food and community. The nonprofit market operates weekly on the Port of Siuslaw Boardwalk, providing fresh food and local products to Florence and surrounding areas. More information is available at florencefarmersmarket.org

Wildlife Center of the North Coast · We need your help! 

It’s been a busy summer here at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, and our rehab clinic has gone through lots of supplies caring for patients!!

->> To help us restock and stay prepared for the next wave of wildlife in need, we’ve updated our Amazon Wishlist with the items we need most. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA

Every donation—big or small—goes directly to helping orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife get a second chance at life. Check out our wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA Thank you for being part of our wildlife rescue family! 

ODF Looking for Firefighters – The Siuslaw National Forest is recruiting for fire positions to support wildfire preparedness and response in 2026.

Jobs include fire engine operators, forestry technicians, and prevention specialists. Applications are open now through September 23rd on USAJobs.gov. The Forest Service says these roles are critical in protecting communities during wildfire season and are open to U.S. citizens 18 and older. More information about positions and the Siuslaw National Forest can be found online at fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw.

Fall with SOLVE Launches: Registration Now Open for the 2025 Beach & Riverside Cleanup

As the air turns crisp and the season shifts, SOLVE invites community members across Oregon and Southwest Washington to Fall into Action with SOLVE. At the heart of the season is the Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 20–28, one of the largest volunteer events of the year. Registration is now open.

“Fall with SOLVE is about restoring and protecting the places we’ve spent the summer exploring,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “It’s about coming together to care for the places that matter most, from keeping school routes safe to preparing green spaces for the months ahead. It’s important to take action before rains wash litter into our waterways, and our local actions have lasting and far-reaching impacts. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup is the centerpiece of this season, connecting local efforts to global movements that protect our rivers, beaches, and public lands.”

Connecting Local Action to Global Movements
The 2025 Beach & Riverside Cleanup, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, spans ten days of statewide volunteer opportunities, from the Oregon Coast to urban neighborhoods in Oregon and SW Washington, and is tied to three days of global significance:

• International Coastal Cleanup Day (September 20): Uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect waterways from harmful trash and debris.
• World Rivers Day (September 21): Celebrating rivers and emphasizing the need to protect them.
• National Public Lands Day (September 28): The nation’s largest single-day volunteer event focused on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting.

For nearly four decades, the Beach & Riverside Cleanup has brought communities together to protect beaches, rivers, parks, and public lands. Over 60 projects are already open for registration, with opportunities for families, neighbors, community groups, and businesses to take part. From source to sea, volunteers will remove litter, restore natural areas, and create a visible difference across the region.

2025 Sponsors

SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2025, in partnership with OnPoint Community Credit Union, is proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Knife River, KOIN, Malibu Rum, Metro, National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF), Oregon Parks and Recreation, Tillamook, and Wells Fargo.

What You’ll See This Fall

With cooler weather and the energy of back-to-school season, SOLVE volunteers will:

• Clean up litter from neighborhoods, trails, parks, and waterways
• Restore habitats by removing invasive ivy and weeds
• Prepare green spaces for winter with mulch and maintenance
• Join forces with schools and community groups to inspire youth action 

Key Fall Events:

While the Beach & Riverside Cleanup is the centerpiece, Fall with SOLVE also offers a variety of ways for communities to get involved:

• Pick It Up!: Large-scale community cleanups in Milwaukie (September 6), Bend (September 20), and Vancouver (October 10) bring together residents, businesses, and volunteers to give city centers a fresh start this fall.
• Waterway Cleanup Series Wrap-Up (October 15): The summer-long effort in partnership with Clackamas Water Environment Services concludes with a cleanup at High Rocks Park, Gladstone.
• Monthly Detrash Portland Events: Ongoing cleanups in Portland’s business districts, focused on revitalizing key gathering areas.
• Neighborhood & School Route Cleanups: Supporting cleaner, safer pathways for students and families as the school year begins.
• Restoration Projects: Removing invasive species, mulching, and preparing natural areas for the winter months.

Get Involved
SOLVE invites individuals, families, schools, and businesses to take part in Fall with SOLVE by signing up for a project, hosting a cleanup, or supporting restoration efforts. Whether joining solo or with friends, family, or coworkers, every action helps protect waterways, restore habitats, and strengthen communities.

Looking ahead, there are even more ways to celebrate the season with purpose, from Giving Tuesday contributions to corporate volunteer projects and sponsorship opportunities. Support during this time helps sustain SOLVE’s year-round work and expand its impact across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

For more information and to sign up, visit solveoregon.org/seasons.

About SOLVE 

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

Friends of Haystack Rock  · We have puffins!

Check out our website, Friendsofhaystackrock.org to see them live! We have our webcam zoomed in on a couple active burrows. Your best chance to see them is in the morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Volunteers are being sought to help prepare and serve lunch three times a week at the Florence Senior and Activity Center.  

They serve lunch Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. Both programs, the in-house dining known as Cafe 60, and Meals on Wheels, are very important in helping promote socialization and nutrition for older adults in Lane County.  Volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels use their own vehicles, but they can be reimbursed for their mileage.  The Lane Council of Governments operates the Senior and Disabled Services in Lane County.  Alisa Andrion encourages potential volunteers to give her a call at L-COG, 541-682-1366.

Coos Bay Police Department –  WE’RE HIRING 9-1-1 DISPATCHERS

$4684 – $5972/Month DOQ — We offer:•A dynamic team environment •Alternative schedule benefiting work/life balance •Up to 5 weeks paid time off per year after the first year •The opportunity to serve your community

Our team members have come from a variety of work fields- no experience necessary! For additional information from the North Coos 9-1-1 Recruitment Team or to schedule a ride-along please email: join911@coosbayor.govhttps://www.coosbayor.gov/…/Compon…/JobPosts/Job/126/107

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

Look what’s coming up soon at the Club… (sign up at glenedenbeach.org)

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

OHA 2025 Oregon Beach Monitoring Season

Agency lists monitored beaches for May-September

—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is kicking off the 2025 season by announcing the coastal recreation areas it will be keeping an eye on for bacteria during summer and early fall.

The OBMP, based at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division, monitors some of the most frequently visited beaches in the state.

The list 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.

• To see a video about Oregon’s beach monitoring effort, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82GVixgeGsM

The following beaches are being monitored this season, including 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 City
• Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln City
• 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

The OBMP season runs from mid-May to mid-September.  Advisories are issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within this sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in upcoming seasons.

The OBMP works with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to determine beaches that need monitoring based on several criteria. These criteria include pollution hazards present; previous 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 — https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/healthyenvironments/recreation/beachwaterquality/pages/status.aspx

Oregon Food Bank

Hunger in Oregon is rising — and federal and state cuts to food assistance are making it worse. In 2024, visits to food programs grew 31%, yet resources to meet this need are shrinking.

Programs like SNAP, which help 1 in 8 Oregonians put food on the table, are facing deep cuts — leaving more families, children, veterans, and elders to make impossible choices between food, safety, and shelter.

We need policies that protect access to food for all our neighbors. Because no one should have to choose between staying safe and going hungry.

Food is available for those who need it and by entering your zip code at OregonFoodFinder.or -You can see each local program’s contact information, hours of operation and what kind of distribution it is.

We partner with 1,200+ free food markets, pantries and meal sites all across Oregon and Southwest Washington — and welcome anyone and everyone who needs food. OregonFoodFinder.org

Oregon Heritage Commission launches public survey to learn how Oregonians participate in and value heritage activities across the state

The Oregon Heritage Commission is updating the Oregon Heritage Plan to strengthen heritage efforts across the state and lay the foundation for the Commission’s priorities over the next five years. To help inform the plan, the Commission has launched a statewide public survey to understand the heritage values that Oregonians hold and how they participate in heritage-related activities across the state. 

The survey is open to the public until October 27 and is available in English and Spanish. 

“This public survey is an opportunity to learn how Oregonians across the state engage with Oregon’s story through places, traditions, cultural materials, experiences, and more. We want to hear why these resources are important to Oregonians and what would make them more accessible,” said Commission Coordinator Katie Henry. 

In addition to the public survey results, the plan will be informed by discussions with Oregon’s heritage preservation community and the results of the results of the 2024 Oregon Heritage Vitality Study. For more information on the planning process, please visit this Oregon Heritage Website. 

The updated plan is expected to be open for public comment in early 2026. The final plan is expected to be adopted by the Heritage Commission in April 2026 at the 2026 Oregon Heritage Conference in Woodburn. 

About the Oregon Heritage Commission
The Oregon Heritage Commission is a group of leaders from across the state that works collaboratively to champion resources, recognition, and funding for preserving and interpreting Oregon’s past. Founded in 1995 by the Legislature, the Heritage Commission is comprised of nine gubernatorial appointments and nine ex-officio members. The Commission is designated in ORS 358.570-595 as the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities in Oregon. More information on the Commission’s website.

Oregon’s U.S. Sen. Wyden presses U.S. Treasury secretary to release Epstein financial files

Wyden has been investigating disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s financial transactions for years and calling for more transparency from federal agencies

For several hours on Valentine’s Day in 2024, staff from Oregon U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden’s office and the Senate Finance Committee sat in a room in the U.S. Treasury Department reviewing, thousands of suspicious financial transactions made by deceased and disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The transactions totaled more than $1 billion and included payments to women from eastern European countries where many of Epstein’s alleged victims are from. Along with Wyden’s team, staff from the offices of Republican Sens. Mike Crapo of Idaho and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee reviewed the documents, according to Wyden. Spokespersons for Crapo and Blackburn did not respond to requests for comment from the Capital Chronicle.

Treasury officials did not allow the staffers to make copies of the documents, only to take handwritten notes.

“And because you can’t take that stuff out of the room I asked, particularly, if the Republicans would be willing to join me in a subpoena that would get the rest of the information that was crucial, and they wouldn’t do that,” Wyden said. “And that was during the Biden years.”

Suspecting that there was and is far more financial information regarding Epstein in the treasury’s possession than they were shown, Wyden is introducing a bill that would force current U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to use his legal authority to turn over everything.

On Sept. 10, he introduced the Produce Epstein Treasury Records Act to compel Bessent to turn over all Epstein-related treasury records to Senate investigators. Wyden has asked Bessent twice, in March and June, to provide the files to the Senate Finance Committee to no avail. He has been unable to get the majority vote needed for the committee to issue a subpoena for the files, Wyden policy director Keith Chu said in an email.

The bill is the latest in a now three-year investigation Wyden and his staff have undertaken to understand Epstein’s sex trafficking network through his financial transactions with some of the world’s largest banks and powerful men.

“I’ve long felt that my biggest opportunities have been when I followed the money,” Wyden said.

An unnamed spokesperson for the U.S. Treasury it’s complying with the House Oversight Committee’s request earlier this month to receive some of the suspicious activity reports.

‘It’s about the truth’

The reports are confidential and held by the treasury department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network called FinCEN. Although banks are supposed to report the activity in real time, the largest bank working with Epstein, JPMorgan, did not provide the reports to treasury until late 2019, after Epstein was arrested and charged with sex trafficking and died by suicide in a New York jail cell.

Wyden said the transactions show at the very least that the banks and the Internal Revenue Service were “asleep at the switch.”

“I want to find out what in hell kept these agencies from doing some audits,” he said.

Wyden first started looking into Epstein’s finances in 2022, connecting them to billionaire Leon Black, the co-founder of private equity firm Apollo Global Management. In 2023 and 2024, Wyden said he pushed “very, very hard to get the Biden people to do more,” and that then-Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s agency felt that they were providing him and Senate Finance members with more transparency when they allowed staff to see the suspicious activity reports, even if just for several hours.

“The reason that we got to do it is that we accepted their limits. You had to come in. You got it for a relatively short period of time, there were restrictions. That was kind of real pick and shovel stuff, getting what we got,” he said.

Calls for more transparency from the treasury and the Department of Justice following its investigation into Epstein have come from people across the political spectrum. Kentucky Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie said Wednesday that he will soon have the 218 signatures needed to force a vote in the House vote on releasing federal investigative files on Epstein.

Wyden said it’s become a major concern to many of his constituents in Oregon.

“Oregonians come up to me at the checkout line at Fred Meyer, when I’m walking on the street, basically saying: ‘keep it up,’” he said. “They know that I’ve been asking Trump people, that I’m asking Pam Bondi repeatedly, and people want answers,” he said.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in July said the Justice Department had wrapped its investigation into Epstein and found no evidence of a so-called client list, but has selectively released investigative files that were largely already public.

“I’m going to stay at it until the truth comes out. This has nothing to do with red and blue. It’s about the truth,” Wyden said. “There were huge sums of money — billions of dollars — moving around. So I want to make sure all the financial underpinnings come out.” (SOURCE)

New FEMA Regulations Could Cost Oregon Millions Of Dollars

FEMA is proposing major new requirements for communities that want to remain in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Under this new plan for Oregon, FEMA would change the NFIP to focus on protecting floodplain habitat for fish, rather than insuring properties from flood and mitigating risks to life and property.  The new requirements would apply to all NFIP mapped areas within the highlighted areas of the state – affecting 31 counties and more than 100 cities and towns. If a community refuses to adopt these new standards, FEMA can kick them out of the NFIP, making all residents ineligible for federal flood insurance and disaster aid.

 Here are some of the new rules and their potential impacts:

• A typical new single-family house could require a second piece of land to be kept undeveloped as “mitigation.”

• The cost of construction for homes and new commercial development could increase by nearly 30 percent. The cost of your new home could go up more than $7500 a year in mortgage/interest to pay for complying with the new requirements.

• Remodeling or expanding existing developed commercial and industrial land could require a different or more expensive design.

• If a farmer wants to build a new agricultural building in the floodplain, the cost could increase by about 12 per cent.

• For port projects subject to the new standards, the land required to be set aside for mitigation would be substantial with corresponding increases in project cost, adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to project costs.

• Counties and cities in Oregon would need to make changes to existing ordinances. To do this, the counties and cities may have to hire additional help at a cost of about $60,000 to more than $1 million, depending on the size of the jurisdiction.

• 233 Oregon communities that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program would have to pay $100,000 to $200,000 to achieve initial adoption and implementation. The total cost could be $23 million to $47 million for the full Oregon plan area.

In short, these stringent new rules would significantly burden not only new business and home development, but also existing homeowners and businesses by making small additions, sheds, or driveways into major mitigation projects. A remodel or repair of your house from storm damage now will become too costly to repair, even under NFIP coverage—which insufficiently covers the cost of compliance with these new regulations.

FEMA is currently accepting public comments on their Draft Environmental Impact Statement which is the next step in making these new rules permanent. FEMA has presented three alternatives.  Alternative 1 would allow the NFIP to continue to operate in Oregon without costly changes.  Alternatives 2 and 3 require costly mitigation of all development in floodplains.  FEMA wants to hear from the public and interested parties about which alternative they should select and why.

Oregonians for Floodplain Protection urges people to tell FEMA to adopt Alternative 1. Oregon has existing rules to protect endangered species, and FEMA is using nearly 10-year-old data to make these rules. FEMA’s public meetings held so far have had less than 100 people participating, and the general public does not know about these new rules. The last public meeting is September 30th from 6-8 pm via Zoom.

More information is available on our website, https://floodplainprotection.org.

Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Announce Bill to Restore NOAA’s Extreme Weather Database, Keep Americans Informed of Natural Disasters

Bill would reverse the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to terminate database which has recorded cost of natural disasters since 1980

—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have joined senate colleagues to introduce legislation that would reverse the Trump Administration’s reckless decision to terminate the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) extreme weather database which has been vital to keeping families, researchers, and policy makers informed on the cost of natural disasters.

The Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act would require NOAA to restore and maintain the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database, which collects and makes public information on natural disasters resulting in at least $1 billion in damage each year in the United States.

“Whether it’s wildfires in Oregon or flooding in Texas hill country, deadly weather events have become a way of life for too many Americans,” Wyden said. “While Donald Trump forces his anti-science agenda on the American people and kneecaps federal emergency response, I’m all in to help communities better prepare for and respond to natural disasters. I’m proud to cosponsor the Measuring the Cost of Disasters Act to restore critical information for states and communities to do just that.”

“Oregonians know all too well the threat of climate chaos, which is fueling increasingly frequent and severe weather events that threaten our homes, businesses, and way of life,” said Merkley. “Trump’s move to terminate NOAA’s extreme weather tracker will just add to the devastation communities face. Having a complete understanding of the cost of natural disasters allows us to make smarter decisions about how to make our infrastructure more resilient to protect our communities. I’ll keep fighting for Oregonians to have the resources needed to respond to extreme weather and ensure that we have the data to act.”

Since 1980, NOAA has maintained a database of all weather disasters in the United States totaling at least $1 billion in damage. The Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database has been essential in tracking how an exponential increase in climate-driven natural disasters over the last two decades has raised costs associated with disaster recovery. The database has also helped communities and lawmakers more effectively allocate resources before extreme weather events.

In 2024, the United States experienced 27 individual weather and climate disasters over $1 billion in damages, totaling more than $182.7 billion—the fourth highest on record behind 2017, 2005, and 2022. As the severity and cost of natural disasters continue to rise, research tracking the type and frequency of extreme weather events is crucial to ensuring the efficient allocation of resources and effective resilience strategies.

However, in May 2025, the Trump Administration discontinued the Billion Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters database as part of its efforts to destroy programs and research related to climate change. Cancelling this publicly available database threatens emergency preparedness, undercuts science research vital to fighting climate change, and weakens national and community-level efforts to reduce the cost of disasters.

The legislation was introduced by U.S. Senator Peter Welch, D-Vt. In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Michael Bennet, D-Colo., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.. —– A full text of the bill is here.

Oregon health officials have submitted personally sensitive information regarding certain Medicaid patients to the federal government as part of a spending investigation — a decision that comes after months of intense discussion concerning privacy and the potential misuse of health data by federal authorities.

Earlier this month, the Oregon Health Authority provided the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services with a report that included data on every adult who accessed emergency Medicaid services from April to June.

This information encompassed Medicaid identification numbers, dates of birth, and Medicaid eligibility categories associated with citizenship status — however, it did not include immigration status, patient names, or addresses.

State officials had been reluctant to release the data since CMS made the request in June, expressing concerns about how federal officials might utilize the information and emphasizing the privacy issues for Oregon’s immigrant communities. Nevertheless, the state health authority ultimately acquiesced under legal pressure to prevent the loss of federal funding for the Oregon Health Plan, the state’s Medicaid program that offers health coverage to 1.4 million low-income individuals and people with disabilities.

MEDFORD, Ore. – The Jackson County Board of Commissioners presented a Lifesaving Award to FedEx driver Chris Matthews yesterday, for saving a young girl during a dog attack on December 6, 2024. 

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) is proud to honor Chris for his extraordinary courage and life-saving actions on that day. Chris’ heroism and quick thinking saved the life of a three-year-old girl.

While delivering packages on Wagon Trail Road in Jacksonville around noon, Chris saw the girl being mauled by two Cane Corso dogs inside a pen. Without hesitation, he ran toward the danger, shouting to draw the dogs’ attention and calling for help. With the aid of nearby workers, he entered the enclosure, distracted the dogs, and pulled the critically injured child to safety so she could receive emergency medical care.

Without his intervention, the outcome could have been far more tragic. The girl has fully recovered and thanks to Chris, she is doing great. Chris’s heroism reflects the best values of courage, compassion, and responsibility. JCSO commends him for saving a life and setting an example for us all.

Oregon Medicaid insurers improved behavioral health care quality in 2024 

Coordinated care organizations met most performance measures last year

SALEM, Ore. — Oregon’s Medicaid insurers generally improved care quality and particularly improved behavioral health services in 2024, according to a new Oregon Health Authority report.

OHA contracts with coordinated care organizations, or CCOs, to administer benefits for the vast majority of Oregon’s Medicaid members. In 2024, OHA measured CCOs against 15 quality incentive metrics that ranged from providing comprehensive diabetes care to ensuring young children receive well-care visits.

OHA found CCOs were most improved on behavioral health measures in 2024. For example, across all CCOs, screening, brief intervention and referral to addiction treatment increased: 

• from 60.2% in 2023 to 65.0% in 2024 for members receiving screening for alcohol or other substance use 
• from 38.9% in 2023 to 43.3% in 2024 for members who use alcohol or other substances and received a brief intervention or a referral to treatment

At the same time, two behavioral health measures related to substance use disorder treatment largely remained the same: 

• OHP members who began treatment within 14 days of being diagnosed went from 42.4% in 2023 to 41.7% in 2024
• OHP members who had at least two visits or treatment sessions within 34 days of beginning treatment went from 16.6% in 2023 to 16.5% in 2024

Other changes in 2024 CCO quality performance include:

• Preventive dental and oral health services increased:
  • from 56.0% in 2023 to 61.1% in 2024 for children ages 1-5
  • from 61.8% in 2023 to 63.7% in 2024 for children ages 6-14
• Oral evaluation of adults with diabetes increased from 26.8% in 2023 to 29.2% in 2024 
• Poor diabetes management decreased from 24.6% in 2023 to 22.9% in 2024
• Immunization for youth, which increased slightly:
  • from 32.7% in 2023 to 33.9% in 2024 for adolescents receiving recommended vaccines between their ninth and 13th birthdays
  • from 59.0% in 2023 to 60.0% in 2024 for children receiving recommended vaccines before their second birthday 

CCOs earned $325 million for meeting established performance metrics through OHA’s CCO Quality Incentive Program in 2024. 

Oregonians who possess EBT cards must take measures to prevent the theft of their card number and PIN.

According to the Oregon Attorney General’s Office, there has been a 50 percent rise in the amount of money stolen from EBT accounts. They suspect that a traveling group is installing skimmers on card devices in retail locations.

These skimmers are frequently located in discount stores and small markets. EBT cardholders are advised to utilize the app to activate their card solely when making a purchase and to deactivate it afterward. It is also important to inspect card devices for any overlay skimmers.

Additionally, if the card device displays a yellow security sticker, ensure that it does not appear to be compromised. INFO: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/pages/protect.aspx

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

In total, more than 345,000 acres have burned this year across the state. That’s compared to nearly 2-million acres that burned during the 2024 season.

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9/25 – 11 pm #OregonFires 31#evacuations#fires#prescribedburning#controlledburn#RxBurn#lowairquality4 FIRES in EVALUATION MODE:31 Oregon Wildfires – many are silent fires between 1 to 3 acres. These silent fires can quickly turn into dangerous fires. Please stay alert and ready. There is prescribed/ controlled burning going on in Oregon at this time. The map shows those fires in green. The air quality in #lanecountyoregon has improved. FOLEY RIDGE FIRE  – #lanecounty 7 Miles East of McKenzie Bridge 497 ACRES – 46% containment DOWNGRADED TO LEVEL 1 EVACUATION ( Be Ready) KELSEY PEAK FIRE #josephinecounty#currycounty 1039 ACRES – 97% containment. DOWNGRADED to Level 1 ( Be Ready) #currycounty – PINNACLE FIRE  2184 ACRES –#currycounty 10% containment LEVEL 2 (Be Set) and LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION- Rogue River Trail under emergency closure.BACKBONE FIRE – 2543 ACRES #currycounty 4% containment LEVEL 2 ( Be Set) LEVEL 1 (Be Ready) EVACUATION – Rogue River Trail under emergency closure Silent Fires and Evacuations can change very quickly, so please stay alert  and safe.

https://geo.maps.arcgis.com/…/a6c8f8e58ad642f4813732233…—————————————————CLINK FOR FIRES 

https://experience.arcgis.com/…/6329d5e4e13748b9b9f7f3…/ —————————————————-CLINK FOR FIRES  National Interagency Fire Center

https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/—————————————————

9/25 – ALERT: Effective immediately, the Wild and Scenic section of the lower Rogue River will be closed due to increased fire activity from the Moon Complex.

There is now active fire behavior on both sides of the river and predicted significant weather events. This emergency closure is being enacted for firefighter and public safety. All recreational use of the Wild Section (Grave Creek to Foster Bar) of the river will be prohibited until conditions improve. The BLM Oregon & Washington Medford District will not issue permits until it is safe to do so. We understand the impact this closure has to the river recreation community.

If you have a permit during the closure period, please contact the BLM permit office at (541) 618-2408 or email BLM_OR_MD_Rogue_River_Mail@blm.gov.The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management are working in coordination with Northwest Incident Management Team 13 to mitigate fire-related risks along the river. The permitting agencies will re-open the river as soon as possible. Please respect this closure area and check back for updates. For updates and additional information on the Moon Complex, follow https://www.facebook.com/SWORFireInfo or check Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/orrsf-moon-complexTo see the official closure order and map, visit the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest Alerts page.

Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page. 

 Support Wildfire Relief by Recycling

There are 2 ways to donate:

 Online with funds from your Green Bag account: https://bottledrop.com/…/obrc-emergency-fund-online…/

 In-person by bringing your redeemable beverage containers to any full-service BottleDrop Redemption Center

All funds raised (and matched) will be split between the following nonprofits providing wildfire relief in Oregon: Oregon Chapter of the WFF , Red Cross Cascades Region, and United Way of the Columbia Gorge.Learn more: BottleDrop.com/Wildfire

Truck Fire Starts Grass Fire on I-5 Near Ashland

Great work ODF Southwest Oregon District Jackson County Fire District No. 5 and Ashland’s finest here at Ashland Fire & Rescue.

It was dry, windy, and hot and you all kept the fire small and smoke minimal. Thank you all for your bravery fighting fire on an interstate freeway, which is dangerous business! The freeway is open and air is clear. Here’s photos from Battalion Chief Nick Palmesano…

Two Men Found Deceased After Being Shot on Bly Mountain

Deputies from the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Kodiak Lane on Bly Mountain following a report of an unresponsive individual lying on the ground next to a vehicle.

Upon arrival, the responding deputies found the vehicle on Whitetail Lane, along with two males nearby.

Both individuals were subsequently pronounced dead due to apparent gunshot wounds. The Klamath County Major Crime Team was activated, which includes the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, Klamath Falls Police Department, Oregon State Police, and the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office.

The investigation remains ongoing, and we encourage anyone with information to reach out to the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office: (541) 883-5130

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) commends a substantial investment aimed at assisting more low-income households in managing their utility expenses. In June, legislators approved House Bill 3792, which increased funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program (OEAP) from $20 million to $40 million.

Governor Tina Kotek enacted the bill, along with additional energy affordability legislation, into law yesterday. ”  OEAP offers energy assistance to eligible customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, determined by household size and annual income.

Since its inception in 1999, OEAP has aided over 85,000 customers, with 92% of participants successfully avoiding energy shutoffs. In light of the federal administration’s announcement regarding possible reductions and the elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Oregon lawmakers took action to protect residents from this uncertainty by broadening the state-funded OEAP.

LIHEAP, which delivers grants and energy efficiency services to millions across the nation, has become a crucial support system for families.

Lava Beds National Park will commemorate its centennial as a national monument with a variety of events on Saturday, September 27, coinciding with National Public Lands Day.

The activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring numerous youth-oriented events near the visitor center.

At 11 a.m., Superintendent Chris Mengel will share insights on “the park’s history and the future over the next century.” Additionally, guided programs will be offered throughout the day. A detailed schedule of events and any necessary tickets will be accessible at the visitor center. In honor of National Public Lands Day, admission to the park will be complimentary.

For further details, please visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/labe, explore the park’s Facebook page, or contact (530) 667-8113. Lava Beds, renowned for its geological features and human history, was officially designated as a national monument on November 21, 1925, following successful efforts led by Judson Dean “J.D.” Howard from Klamath Falls to protect the area’s distinctive characteristics.

A recall has been issued across Oregon and Washington for birdseed that may contain invasive quarantined weed seeds. The recall is for Signature Pet Care Songbird Blend Wild Bird Food the 7-pound bag. It was sold at Albertsons, Safeway and Haggen stores.

Here is the full announcement from the Oregon Department of Agriculture:

The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) have issued a recall of Signature Pet Care Songbird Blend Wild Bird Food 7 LB, sold at Albertsons, Safeway and Haggen stores in in WA and OR, and manufactured by Global Harvest Foods. The recalled product carries UPC 021130037629 and sell by date code 01/10/2027 M3D S3501.

Palmer amaranth was first detected in WA in 2023, and it was added to the state’s plant quarantine list on Aug. 9, 2025.The invasive plant was also detected in fields in Marion and Malheur Counties in 2024, which triggered its addition to Oregon’s noxious weed quarantine last year. According to WSDA and ODA, this plant is highly invasive; can grow more than 10 feet tall; is resistant to many herbicides; and a single plant can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds. Left uncontrolled, it can choke out crops such as corn, soybeans, and small grains; reduce harvest yields; and drive up weed-control costs for farmers. It also threatens native plant habitats and can quickly spread beyond managed areas. If consumed in large quantities Palmer amaranth can be toxic to ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats).

This recall was initiated after a Spokane County Noxious Weed Board employee observed Palmer amaranth growing in a Safeway parking lot landscape area. The employee learned that birdseed from the store had been spread in the area and collected samples for testing. Genetic analysis confirmed the seed contained Palmer amaranth.

Albertsons, Safeway and Haggen in WA and OR have voluntarily recalled the affected birdseed and removed it from store shelves. Global Harvest Foods is cooperating fully with WSDA and ODA to ensure all affected product is removed from the market and to help prevent further spread of this invasive plant.

Customers who purchased the recalled birdseed are advised to:

• Remove any remaining seed from bird feeders.

• Return any unused seed to the store for a refund.

• Double bag and dispose of any loose seed in the trash — do not compost.

• Clean bird feeders thoroughly before reuse to remove remaining seeds.

• Inspect areas under and near bird feeders for sprouted weeds, carefully remove any plants, place them in black plastic bags and dispose of them in the trash to prevent seed spread.

Detailed information on identifying Palmer amaranth is available on WSDA’s Palmer Amaranth Pest Alert, which can be found online at the link below.

WSDA Palmer Amaranth Pest Alert Information — https://cms.agr.wa.gov/WSDAKentico/Documents/Pubs/769a-PestAlert-PalmerAmaranth-10-23-FINAL.pdf

Retailers contact – Customers should contact their local Safeway, Haggen or Albertsons store for assistance or refund information. Refunds are available for any unused recalled product returned to the store.

State contact – Washington State Department of Agriculture Plant Services Program: 360-902-1874

General WSDA Information: 360-902-1800

Consumer contact – Global Harvest Foods Customer Support: cs@ghfoods.com

Register Now for 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference – Saturday, September 27, 2025

Registration is now open for the 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference, the state’s largest gathering dedicated to honoring and supporting women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The biennial event, hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will bring together women veterans from across Oregon for a weekend of connection, resources and recognition.

The event is free and open to all women veterans, but registration is required. The 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference is being held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, which was the planned location of the 2020 event that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together: Community and Connection,’ reflects the heart of what this conference is all about,” said Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Women veterans have long served with distinction, strength and resilience — often in the face of tremendous challenges and barriers.

“This conference is an opportunity to honor our service, share our stories, and ensure every woman who has worn the uniform feels seen, valued and supported. We are stronger when we stand together, and united, we will continue to drive the ODVA mission forward.”

The Oregon Women Veterans Conference began nearly 30 years ago as a grassroots effort by a small group of women veterans seeking connection, support, and resources. Since the first event in 1998, the conference has grown into a unique statewide gathering that brings together women veterans from across Oregon to access benefits, build meaningful connections, and amplify their voices.

The 2025 conference will continue that legacy with inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops, fantastic networking opportunities and assistance for women veterans connecting to the full range of benefits and resources they have earned. It is a supportive space where women who have served can connect, grow, and thrive beyond their military service.

This year’s keynote speaker is Erin McMahon, director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, attorney and combat veteran. During her 24-year career in the U.S. Army, McMahon served as the principal deputy general counsel for the National Guard Bureau, advising senior leaders through a wide variety of domestic disaster responses and serving as the first female Army National Guard general officer in the Office of the General Counsel.

Registration is free and may be completed online at www.eventbrite.com/e/odva-women-veterans-conference-tickets-1407725487829. Community sponsors and donors are the primary sources of funding for this event and help ensure all women veterans can attend the conference free of charge.

Registration for the Women Veterans Conference covers the event only; attendees are expected to make their own lodging and travel arrangements. More information about the Women Veterans Conference, including local lodging, donations and sponsorship opportunities, can be found online at wvc.oregondva.com.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

Win 2 Nights Lodging in Oakridge so you can enjoy “Oakridge Rocks The Park!”!  Coming Oct 18th!

Click here to win 2 nights stay in Oakridge!

 Click here for more info on the event.

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com