Oregon Beach News, Monday 1/13 – Suspicious Circumstances at Bastendorff Beach Leads to Arrest, PFLAG Hosts Western Lane Crisis Response Presentation Today in Florence & Other Local and Statewide News…

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

Monday, January 13, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Small Craft Advisory Issued: 9:22 AM Jan. 13, 2025 – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Northeast winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and seas 7 to 11 ft with mixed swell at 10 seconds and 18 seconds.

* WHERE...All areas through Monday morning, then south of Cape Arago through Monday evening.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Monday.

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

* View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php

Suspicious Circumstances at Bastendorff Beach Leads to Arrest

On January 12th, 2025, at approximately 5:57 PM, Deputy Z. Smith responded to reports of suspicious circumstances at the “Beach Bound” Campground in Bastendorff Beach. Two individuals from neighboring sites had called in multiple times regarding concerns.

Upon arrival, Deputy Z. Smith made contact with one of the reporting individuals, 45-year-old Obediah Teixeira. During the discussion, Dispatch informed the deputy that Obediah had an active warrant out of Benton County for Domestic Assault and Strangulation.

As a result, Deputy Z. Smith arrested Obediah for the active warrant and ensured the safety of all parties involved. He was subsequently transported to the Coos County Jail for booking.

PFLAG Hosts Western Lane Crisis Response Presentation Today in Florence

PFLAG’s first meeting of the new year will feature a presentation by the Western Lane Crisis Response team at its January 13 gathering. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Florence United Methodist Church, located on the corner of Kingwood and Second, one block west of Highway 101.

The Western Lane Crisis Response team (WLCR) responds to the scene of various emergencies in the greater Florence community, including upriver in Mapleton and Swisshome-Deadwood, offering support and guidance to community members who find themselves faced with unexpected traumatic situations or mental health crises. They offer emotional support, assessment, community resources, and follow-up to help people in through difficult times. Staff are on call 24 hours a day through the 911 system dispatcher. WLCR also makes helpful literature available at no cost from www.wlfea.org/mobile-crisis-response.

Consider bringing a friend to the meeting. It’s free and there are always refreshments.

PFLAG-Florence is an affiliate of a national organization with more than 350 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters across the United States. PFLAG is the country’s largest organization for parents, families, friends, and straight allies united with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT+).

Coos County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit

· Early Sunday morning, Deputy Francis conducted a traffic stop on S Empire BLVD near Pacific AVE. Deputy Francis suspected drug activity based on the interaction of the stop.

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The vehicle was towed from the scene as the driver was suspended and vehicle was blocking the road. K9 Poe later deployed on the vehicle and had a positive alert, indicating presence of the odor of narcotics. Deputy Francis applied for and received a search warrant for the vehicle.

After the search was executed, deputies located: Glass Meth Pipes Handheld Taser(2) Digital Scales3/4 lb (12 oz) Methamphetamine. The investigation is on going and and additional information will be released via Coos County Sheriff’s Office Page. Excellent work Deputy Francis! 💛K9 Poe was happy to help!

Road Crews Finish Pedestrian Path Along Hwy 101 On South Side Of Yachats

Crews from Newport-based Road & Driveway created a five-foot-wide asphalt path along U.S. Highway 101 on the south side of town Wednesday and installed 36 delineators Thursday to finish a long-awaited city project designed to help protect pedestrians.

The waist-high delineators are bolted into holders to
make it easier to replace them when hit by vehicles.

The delineators are 25 feet apart on the west side of the highway from Yachats River Road to just shy of Lori Lane. The waist-high and highly-durable reflective delineators help separate pedestrians from highway traffic.

The project has been a priority for the city’s Public Works & Streets Commission and the many residents or visitors who walk the highway into downtown.

“It has been in the works for about three years,” said Rick McClung, who oversees street and water projects for Yachats.

The Yachats city council approved a $74,000 contract in September with Road & Driveway to do the work. The only other bid the city received came from Knife River at $131,000.

“There is a contingency in there of $15,000 so we will see if they used it,” McClung said.

The delineators are bolted into holders attached to the pavement just inside the highway’s white fog line. When – not if – a vehicle knocks one out they can simply be unbolted and replaced.

Whether the earthen bank that runs along a stretch of the project area will need to be shaved back to ensure the five-foot width required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, will not be known until the inspection after the delineators are set, McClung said.

Two years ago, it was estimated the project would cost $40,000. The city applied for a grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation for that amount and received it. The subsequent increase in cost is attributed to the possible excavation work. ODOT approved permits for the work Aug. 13.

“ODOT will reimburse the city at least $40,000 for the project,” McClung said. “And when it’s done, I will request more and see what they say.” (SOURCE)

Public Hearing on Lotus Property in Florence

The Florence Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 5:30 PM on January 14, 2025, at City Hall, 250 Highway 101, to review proposed changes to the zoning and comprehensive plan for 1150 Bay Street, formerly the “Lotus” building, and adjacent properties.

The application, submitted by Chris Leturno on behalf of A & D Bay Street LLC, seeks to reclassify the area from Development Estuary to Old Town Area A and amend zoning regulations to permit multi-unit, single-unit attached, duplex, tri-plex, and four-plex developments in specific areas near residential zones. The proposed changes aim to accommodate residential growth while aligning with the city’s planning objectives.

The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for a future hearing, with a date yet to be set. The application involves both quasi-judicial and legislative reviews, requiring elevated public notification and hearing standards.

Area North of Cape Falcon Opens January 15 to Commercial Dungeness Crab Fishing

Commercial Dungeness crab fishing opens Jan. 15 from Cape Falcon, OR to Klipsan Beach, WA. A fourth round of preseason testing in Long Beach, WA shows crab meat fill meets optimal commercial harvest criteria.

Targeted to open Dec. 1, Oregon’s ocean commercial Dungeness crab season can be delayed or partially opened so consumers get a high-quality product and crabs are not wasted.

This year’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery opened Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon to the California border. The season was delayed in this area due to preseason testing that showed crabs were too low in meat yield in four areas and domoic acid was elevated in crab viscera (guts) in two areas on the south coast. Check ODFW’s website for more on Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery.

Clatsop Community College – Get College Ready Event on Wednesday 1/15

 · If you are looking at going to college in the fall, now is the time to start the process. Interested students and their families are invited to Get College Ready on Wednesday, Jan. 15th at 5:30 p.m. The event will include scholarship presentations, FAFSA/ORSAA assistance and a college & community resource fair.

Clatsop Community College

This event is free and open to the public, providing vital support for students planning for college, particularly those needing help with financial aid applications, scholarship opportunities, and interested in speaking with college and university admissions representatives.

In addition to Clatsop Community College, admissions representatives of several universities along with community resource organizations will be present to answer questions. For more information, please contact Amy Magnussen, Pre-College TRIO Director at amagnussen@clatsopcc.edu

The North Bend Ice Skating Rink and Marathon Rewards is thrilled to announce an upcoming Free Ice-Skating Weekend.   

Join the North Bend Ice Skating Rink and Marathon Rewards for a Free Ice-Skating Weekend on January 18–19, 2025 at 2040 Union Ave. Enjoy free skate rentals, “booties” for non-skaters, music, and fun activities for all ages. Sponsored by Marathon Rewards, this event celebrates community and connection. Visit northbendoregon.us/iceskatingrink for details. Free Ice-Skating Weekend Sponsored by Marathon Rewards

Join us for two days of Free Ice Skating, excitement, and fun at the North Bend Ice Skating Rink, located at 2040 Union Ave, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

This generous sponsorship by Marathon Rewards ensures that everyone can enjoy free ice skate rentals and even complimentary “booties” for those who prefer to explore the ice without skates. This event is the perfect opportunity for families, friends, and individuals of all ages to create lasting memories, try something new, and visit with each other, all while experiencing the joy of ice skating at no cost!

Marathon’s, newest establishment is conveniently located at 3390 Broadway Ave, North Bend, and is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community it serves. This free ice-skating weekend is a testament to their commitment to bringing people together, fostering connection, and creating moments of joy.

Event Highlights:
• Free Ice Skating: Includes skate rentals and booties for non-skaters.
• Fun for All Ages: A perfect outing for families, friends, and ice enthusiasts.
• Music and Activities: Enjoy upbeat tunes and engaging on-site activities.

Don’t miss this opportunity to make memories with your loved ones and celebrate the winter season. Join us in thanking Marathon Rewards for their incredible sponsorship and community spirit. For more information about the event visit northbendoregon.us/iceskatingrink

Lincoln City Parks & Recreation – · All are welcome to join LC Parks & Rec for National Day of Service, Mon. Jan. 20th, MLK, Jr. Day.

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🗓️Meet at Cutler City Open Space at 10am to spread bark and cut ivy. ⛏️All tools provided, raffle prizes and snacks on hand. 🅿️Parking open at SW 63rd. https://s.mtrbio.com/cctdpchwji

Cannon Beach Gallery – Dreamscape Exhibition

The Cannon Beach Gallery is kicking off the new year with our “Dreamscape” exhibition, which opened on January 3 and runs through February 2, 2025. This one-of-a-kind show will delve into dreamlike imagery and the power of imagination, featuring a diverse collection of works by local and regional artists.

About the exhibition: Artist Lloyd Lindley’s work transports viewers into a timeless, dystopian realm alongside urban surrealist artist Gregory Hergert whose paintings capture the hidden energy of city life turning everyday moments into dreamlike scenes. Artist David Cohen will feature black-and-white images with layers of symbolism embedded into the work. Glass artist Kate Saunders creates kiln-formed glass images, using a photoresist technique working her own photographs onto glass. Ceramicist Janet Maher’s whimsical ceramics inspired by myth and storytelling, evoke a time when ravens spoke with elk and mermaids swam alongside seals. John Kirk’s photographic creations weave dreamlike narratives through layered images, Gwen Kirk’s folk art paintings seamlessly blend reality and imagination and Patti Brendibach, brings her unique characters to life with felt sculpture.

An opening reception will be held on January 10, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Visitors will have the chance to meet the artists, enjoy refreshments, and experience the surreal, imaginative worlds created in the Dreamscapes exhibition. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or new to the scene, Dreamscapes promises a visual experience.

Exhibition Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

For more information, please contact the Cannon Beach Gallery at 503-436-0744 or email info@cannonbeacharts.org. We are located in mid-town Cannon Beach at 1064 S Hemlock St, Cannon Beach, OR 97110. FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/cannonbeacharts

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

Look what’s coming up soon at the Club…Bingo night, a Lunar New Year potluck (sign up at glenedenbeach.org) and education night with the Oregon Coast Therapy dogs.

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More events to come as space on the board allows, so keep watch! https://www.facebook.com/GlenedenBeachCC

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🦀 Join Us for the Yachats Lions Club All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feed! 

Bring your appetite and friends for a feast like no other! Our annual Crab Feed is back, offering a delicious meal and a wonderful community gathering.📆 Saturday, January 25, 2025

⏰ Seating Times:12:30 PM @ Yachats Lions Hall
4:00 PM @ Yachats Lions Hall
4:00 PM @ Yachats Commons (Groups of 6+ only)📍 Locations:
Yachats Lions Hall (344 W 4th St, Yachats, OR 97498)
Yachats Commons (4:00 PM seating for groups)✨ What to Expect:
All-You-Can-Eat Dungeness Crab: Fresh and delicious, straight from local waters.
Tasty Sides: Baked beans, coleslaw, fresh bread, and soda included!
Great Atmosphere: A fun and lively event for crab lovers of all ages.
🎟️ Tickets: $45 per person. Seating is limited (100 at each Lions Hall seating; 140 at Yachats Commons), so reserve your spot early!📲 Reserve Your Spot: Visit yachatslionsclub.org/shop.

Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Looking For Suspect in Sandstone Cliff Vandalism

Officials with the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge are asking for the community’s help identifying the person or persons responsible for vandalizing a rock face recently.

According to the refuge, the names ‘Luke’ and ‘Niko’ were carved deep into a sandstone headland, which is located on public land. The refuge says the rock that was vandalized is on a section of beach between the cities of Gold Beach and Brookings.

Vandalism on public lands is illegal, and penalties include fines and jail time. Anyone with information or
knows who is responsible, is asked to contact the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge by emailing  oregoncoast@fws.gov.

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

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

EVCNB

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Do you need a GoBag or GoBag supplies? Purchase supplies on the website and pick up items at the Pop-Up Shop. Pick up January 11, from 1:00-1:30 PM at the Manzanita Police Station — https://evcnb.org/events-and-training/gobag-popup-01112025

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Oregon State Fire Marshal Sending Additional Support To California

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Fire Marshal is mobilizing six additional strike teams of water tenders to Southern California. In total, 30water tenders and 70 firefighters are being sent from Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Morrow, Multnomah, and Umatilla counties.

These tenders from the Oregon fire service will join the 15 strike teams that arrived Thursday and began work Friday morning. These latest teams will leave Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, take part in a routine safety check to ensure the safety of our first responders, and will receive their assignments from CAL Fire.

“We understand the gravity of the disaster taking place in California and are using the power of the Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System to give our neighbors additional tools to combat these wildfires and protect people and homes,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “Please rest assured our system is designed to ensure adequate coverage for our communities at home while at the same time providing support to those impacted by a disaster.”

A water tender is a standard response tool to wildfires and is a specialized truck designed to carry and deliver large amounts of water. Some of the water tenders mobilizing to California are Oregon’s new tactical tenders that were delivered to local fire agencies through the OSFM Engine Program in 2024.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has mobilized a total of:

  • 21 strike teams
  • 75 fire engines
  • 30 water tenders
  • 370 firefighters

The Southern California area is expecting dangerous fire conditions into next week. For information about the wildfires, visit CAL Fire’s Current Emergency Incidents webpage.

The Oregon Fire Mutual Aid System is made up of the 300+ local structural fire agencies across Oregon. During emergencies, the Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizes this force to protect people, property and critical infrastructure.

This request came the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. The compact provides help during governor-declared emergencies or disasters by allowing states to send personnel, equipment, and supplies to support response and recovery efforts in other states. The strike teams will be reimbursed directly by California.

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Red Cross volunteers from Oregon as SW Washington depart Portland airport to aid California wildfire victims

Red Cross teams have staffed seven shelters with more than a thousand people, according to Red Cross Cascades.

Red Cross workers in Oregon and Southwest Washington departed from the Portland International Airport (PDX) Thursday to help victims of the California wildfires.

“We provide them with food, we provide them with a place to stay, but perhaps more important than anything else, we let them know they aren’t going to walk through this alone,” volunteer Darrell Fuller told KGW.

Several large wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area had destroyed more than 10,000 structures as of Thursday evening. At least 180,000 residents are under evacuation orders in Los Angeles County, and at least seven people have died. Firefighters started to slow the spread of the fires on Thursday as the powerful winds began to calm down.

In Southern California overnight, Red Cross teams staffed seven shelters with more than 1,000 people inside in need of food, information, and health and emotional support, according to Red Cross Cascades. The nonprofit said it will coordinate with officials to ensure that wildfire victims have the help they need for as long as they need.

“We are welcoming people who show up in the middle of the night with just the clothes on their back,” Fuller explained. “It feels really good to help somebody you don’t know.”

“Our hearts go out to all the people affected by the raging wildfires in southern California, including members of our own Red Cross teams who’ve lost homes or parts of their community because of these fires,” Red Cross Cascades said in a news release.

The Red Cross has a downloadable emergency app with information on how to prepare, respond to and recover from wildfires. In addition, the American Red Cross has activated the Northwest Response Fund to help impacted residents.

The Red Cross also provides disaster mental health support to people impacted by the fires. For people struggling with the stress and uncertainty of a crisis situation like this, they can reach out to the free 24/7 multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 for support. In some cases, there will be mental health workers at shelters as well.

Reunification is another area where the Red Cross works to help people affected by the fires. By calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and providing as much detail as possible about a missing loved one, the Red Cross may be able to assist.

After the immediate disaster has abated, the Red Cross will also aid with recovery. That can include financial support for those who lost their homes and are having trouble finding a place to live, a bus or train ticket to the home of a relative, or assistance with other agencies involved in the recovery process.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

In the wake of a disaster like this, the Red Cross said its primary concern is to ensure that people are safe and have shelter, prioritizing getting a roof over everyone’s heads. By Wednesday night, the organization had staffed seven shelters in Southern California and served over 1,000 people for the night.

The Red Cross serves meals to both people who stay at a shelter and those who visit during the day, in some cases just to get information, charge their phones or relax. The organization has served over 10,000 meals since the fires erupted.

Those shelters are available to everyone, including pets — although some pets may need to be found a place at a different location with support from other local partners depending on the situation.

The Red Cross has a downloadable emergency app with information on how to prepare, respond to and recover from wildfires. (SOURCE)

Our Stories: Creating Pathways To Housing For Oregonians Under The Governor’s Homelessness Executive Order

Watch: Oregon Coordinating Emergency Response video

SALEM, Ore. — Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is delivering real, human-centered solutions, changing lives and building stronger communities. Governor Kotek announced this week the extension of Executive Order 24-02 to continue efforts to reduce homelessness in Oregon. Since the emergency homelessness response began in January 2023, OHCS has made substantial progress. However, continued support and resources are needed to maintain our commitment to making life better for the communities we serve.

“The executive order is not about funding programs. We are investing in people and people’s livelihoods and people’s humanity. Some of our most important work is in our steps ahead,” said OHCS Executive Director Andrea Bell.

As a result of funding and action, the broader statewide homelessness response effort, including the emergency response, it is estimated that by the end of June 2025:

  • 5,500 shelter beds will be funded by the State of Oregon
  • 3,300 people experiencing unsheltered homelessness will be rehoused
  • 24,000 households will have been prevented from experiencing homelessness

“We must stay the course on what we see working. If we keep at this pace, one in every three people who were experiencing homelessness in 2023 will be rehoused,” Governor Kotek said. “Since declaring the homelessness emergency response two years ago, we exceeded the targets we set through a statewide homelessness infrastructure we never had before. But the urgency remains as homelessness continues to increase and we need to see this strategy through.”

Beyond the numbers, it’s the lives transformed through stable housing that are at the heart of the statewide efforts.

When COVID-19 hit, Stephanie and her young family found themselves homeless for more than two years, often sleeping in their van. With the support of AntFarm, an OHCS-funded organization in Clackamas County, Stephanie was able to secure housing and rebuild her life.

“It’s the little things like having a kitchen that I can cook in that I don’t think I’ll ever take for granted again,” Stephanie shared.

“I’d probably still be sleeping in my car right now… It’s not so much that AntFarm changed my life; it’s that they gave me an opportunity to change mine,” echoed Nolan, another individual helped by this program.

Similarly, Ash, who spent much of his life moving between temporary living spaces, found a new beginning through LiFEBoat Services, an organization in Clatsop County supported by OHCS. “LiFEBoat has provided me with the opportunity to get a home—a space of my own after living in rooms and cars and closets for my whole life,” Ash said.

Organizations like LiFEBoat Services, AntFarm, and others, including Church at the Park (C@P) in Marion County, highlight the critical role of state support in combating homelessness.

“The EO funds have been absolutely essential. At this family site, we’re able to support 35 households at a time and up to 132 people. The folks who exit here are 75% of the time landing in permanent supportive housing,” said DJ Vincent, founding pastor and director of C@P. “I don’t believe we can do work without the state, county, and city support.”

Over the past five years, OHCS has led the charge in creating sustainable housing solutions. With a focus on human impact and community-driven progress, the department remains focused on ensuring every Oregonian has a safe place to call home.

Watch and read more on how the governor’s homelessness emergency response is transforming lives at https://orhomelessnessresponse.org/our-stories/

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

IRS Direct File, Direct File Oregon Will Be Available When Income Tax Return Processing Begins January 27

Salem, OR— Free electronic filing through the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon will open January 27 when both the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue begin processing e-filed 2024 federal and state income tax returns. Paper-filed return processing will begin in mid-February.

The IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own tax returns in 2025 will have the option to electronically file both their federal and state income tax returns for free by filing directly with the IRS and the state.

Taxpayers are encouraged to use the IRS Eligibility Checker to see if they qualify to file directly with the IRS and the state.

E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received. However, as in years past, the department won’t be issuing personal income tax refunds until after February 15. A refund hold is part of the department’s tax fraud prevention efforts and allows for confirmation that the amounts claimed on tax returns match what employers and payers report on Forms W-2 and 1099.

E-filing is the fastest way for a taxpayer to get their refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.

The department reminds taxpayers that taking a few easy steps in the next few weeks can make preparing their 2024 tax return easier in 2025.

Free filing options open January 27 — In addition to IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon, other free filing options will also open January 27. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Free fillable forms are available for all income levels. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.

Free and low-cost tax help — Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.

Voluntary self-identification of race and ethnicity information — New for 2025, Oregon taxpayers and Oregonians can voluntarily provide information about their race and ethnicity on Form OR-VSI when they file their 2024 taxes. Providing this information may be done separately from a tax return through Revenue Online. The information will be confidential. It can only be used for research purposes to analyze potential inequities in tax policy. The new option is a result of Senate Bill 1 in 2023.

Use Revenue Online to verify payments — Taxpayers can verify their estimated payments through their Revenue Online account.

Through Revenue Online, individuals can also view letters sent to them by the department, initiate appeals, make payments, and submit questions. Visit Revenue Online on the Revenue website to learn more.

Those who don’t have a Revenue Online account can sign up on the agency’s website.

To check the status of their refund after February 15, or make payments, taxpayers can visit Revenue’s website. You can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls.

Final Wildfire Hazard Maps Now Available

SALEM, Ore.—The statewide maps of wildfire hazard zones and the wildland-urban interface are complete and final versions are now available on the Oregon Explorer website. Notifications are being mailed to impacted property owners and should be expected to arrive over the next several days.

The wildfire hazard map’s purposes are to:

  • Educate Oregon residents and property owners about the level of hazard where they live.
  • Assist in prioritizing fire adaptation and mitigation resources for the most vulnerable locations.
  • Identify where defensible space standards and home hardening codes will apply.

The statewide wildfire hazard map designates all of Oregon’s 1.9 million property tax lots into one of three wildfire hazard zones: low, moderate or high. It also identifies whether a tax lot is within boundaries of the wildland-urban interface. Properties that are in both a high hazard zone and within the wildland-urban interface will be prioritized for future wildfire risk mitigation resources and actions.

To help protect these communities, future defensible space and home-hardening building codes may apply to properties with both designations. All properties with both designations are receiving a certified mail packet informing them of the designations, outlining their appeal rights and explaining the appeal process, and explaining what the designation might mean for them and their property.

“It’s a hefty packet of information that property owners will receive by certified mail,” said Tim Holschbach, Wildfire Hazard Map Lay Representative. “However, we want to ensure Oregonians get all the relevant information they need on their wildfire hazard exposure.”

Anyone that does not receive a packet but is still interested in learning about the wildfire hazard where they live can visit the Oregon Explorer website. A Property Owner’s Report is available for every Oregon tax lot and includes information about hazards and resources.

The road to completed maps has been a long one. After the initial wildfire map was released and rescinded in summer of 2022, ODF and OSU spent more than two years receiving and analyzing feedback to improve the product available today, including a recent public comment period.

Draft versions of the statewide wildfire hazard and wildland-urban interface maps were available to the public for review and comment from July 18 to August 18. ODF received nearly 2,000 comments from the public during the 30-day comment period.

After reviewing the comments on the draft maps, ODF identified one key theme that had not been previously addressed in prior adjustments to the map: neighbor-to-neighbor variation in hazard zones.  In response, researchers took a closer look at those variations and their causes. OSU evaluated scientific methods to reduce neighbor-to-neighbor variations in hazard zone designations that were still in accordance with legislative rules directing development of the map.

This final adjustment is in addition to other revisions that have been made to the map over the last two years in response to feedback from elected officials, county governments and the public. Other updates to the map since 2022 include:

  • Adjustments for hay and pasturelands.
  • Adjustments for northwest Oregon forest fuels.
  • Adjustments for certain irrigated agricultural fields.
  • Corrections for verified anomalies identified by county planners.

“It’s important that the map is as objective and understandable as possible,” said Kyle Williams, Deputy Director of Fire Operations at ODF. “It took additional time to ensure community protection measures like home hardening and defensible space are prioritized in communities of highest wildfire hazard. It’s been time well spent, and we’re pleased with the diligence ODF staff and OSU researchers put into addressing input from all sources.”

In addition to feedback that resulted in changes to the map, there were two main themes of public input that will not be addressed by map adjustments: insurance and existing defensible space and fire hardening improvements.

Oregon Senate Bill 82 prohibits insurers in Oregon from using this map, or any statewide map, for making decisions on whether to extend coverage or determine rates. Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation has investigated concerns and confirmed that even prior to passage of Senate Bill 82, no insurance company in Oregon has or will use these maps for insurance purposes. Additionally, some property owners shared a belief that their hazard rating should be lower due to implementation of defensible space strategies. By law, the map’s hazard assessments are based on weather, climate, topography and vegetation on a broader environmental scale than just an individual property. If a property owner has implemented appropriate defensible space already, there is likely nothing that a designation of high hazard and being within the wildland-urban interface will require of them when future code requirements are adopted. — Find more information on ODF’s wildfire hazard web page.

Suspicious death ruled homicide, victim identified as missing woman, and suspect in custody 

Update: The state medical examiner’s autopsy has ruled the manner of death to be homicide; the individual had a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was also identified as missing person Priscilla Joann Aldana, age 43 of Salem. Aldana was reported missing on December 23, 2024.

May be an image of 4 people and text that says 'MISSING PERSON RTW ST XI Priscilla Joann Aldana REPORTED MISSING ON MONDAY 12 /23/2024 23 2024 LAST KNOWN To BE BEIN IN THE AREA OF LANCASTER DR AND HAGERS GROVE RD SE AT APPROXIMATELY P.M. ON FRIDAY 12 12/20/2024 Brown eyes CASE #24 -111546 INDIGENOUS YAQUI WOMAN- SONORAN DESERT 5'8 200lbs 43Yearsold Brown curly hair If you see this person, please call the Salem Police Tip Line at 503-588-8477'

On January 3, a body was located outside a burned structure on an abandoned lot and later identified as Aldana.

The investigation into Aldana’s disappearance led detectives to Erik Mauricio Meza as a suspect in the case. Meza, age 44 of Salem, and Aldana were in a domestic relationship.

Detectives and a contingent of tactical officers were following Meza and apprehended him without incident in the 500 block of 18 ST NE on Thursday night, January 9.

Meza was lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:

  • Murder, second degree
  • Abuse of a corpse, second degree
  • Arson, second degree

With Meza in custody, all further media inquiries in the case should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

Memorial Service for Priscilla Aldana will be held at Restlawn Memory Gardens & Funeral Home201 N Oak Grove Rd, Salem, OR 97304On February 8th at 2:00pm

Oregon Joins $17 Million Multistate Enforcement Settlement With Edward Jones

Salem – The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), a member of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), has joined a $17 million settlement with Edward D. Jones & Co. L.P. (Edward Jones) resulting from an investigation into the broker-dealer’s supervision of customers paying front-loaded commissions for Class A mutual fund shares in light of later moving brokerage assets into fee-based investment advisory accounts.

The four-year investigation was led by a working group of 14 state securities regulators and looked into Edward Jones’s supervision of customers moving from brokerage to advisory accounts in consideration of the 2016 U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Fiduciary Rule that makes investment advice to retirement accounts subject to a fiduciary standard of care.

The investigation found that Edward Jones charged front-loaded commissions for investments in Class A mutual fund shares in situations where the customer sold or moved the mutual fund shares sooner than originally anticipated. The states found gaps in Edward Jones’s supervisory procedures in this respect.

As part of the settlement, Edward Jones will pay each of the 50 states; Washington, D.C.; the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Puerto Rico an administrative fine of approximately $320,000. In evaluating the supervisory failures and determining the appropriate resolution, the states considered certain facts such as the positive performance of the investment advisory accounts as compared to the brokerage accounts.

“In partnership with NASAA and other state securities regulators, we will continue to protect Main Street investors and ensure that companies operating in Oregon follow our securities laws,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “DFR appreciates the ongoing cooperation of Edward Jones throughout this investigation and settlement process. Firms that offer both brokerage and investment advisory services must ensure customers receive the services they need at a fair and transparent price.”

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of financial mismanagement can contact DFR’s consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

### 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.

Oregonians’ health care could face more change than most states under the new federal administration, and Dr. Sejal Hathi, director of the state health authority, said officials are preparing to respond quickly as things happen

Oregon health care officials continue to brace themselves for policy and funding changes as incoming president Donald Trump gets ready to take office Jan. 20.

And though nothing has been proposed formally, the Oregon Health Authority has already started to prepare for a slew of potential changes, according to its director, Dr. Sejal Hathi.

“We conducted a tabletop exercise even before the election to identify the range of potential risks that a change in federal administration could pose,” she told The Lund Report recently.

The agency oversees free care to 1.4 million low-income Oregonians under the Oregon Health Plan, while also providing administration and support for care received by many other people in the state.

Of all state agencies, it’s likely facing the most immediate cuts and changes during Trump’s second term.

Not only that, but the state’s health care system could face more changes than in most states because of several Oregon-specific programs.

Hathi said the agency needs to be ready for anything, but “the reality is we don’t yet know what the next administration is going to bring.”

State officials and others tend to mull different responses to a new administration, she said, ranging between aggressive public “resistance” versus quietly safeguarding the work agencies are doing: “keep your head down. Don’t make noise.”

So far, Gov. Tina Kotek’s public statements suggest she’s charting a course in between. She’s said she’ll fight to preserve “Oregon values” against any partisan “attacks.”

Hathi stressed that it’s Kotek who will determine how Oregon responds to changes over the coming year.

Officials are readying for a range of possibilities — Within the health authority, Hathi’s office has set up an “incident management” structure similar to how agencies respond to severe weather or natural disasters. It will closely track proposed policies and executive orders, “and look at what we can do administratively as well as what might be required legislatively to counter any potential fallout for our programs” in terms of services and funding cuts, Hathi said.

Several areas where the new administration could make cuts or changes that disrupt the status quo in health care have drawn plenty of attention already:

  • Though Trump waffled on abortion rights and eventually suggested the federal government should stay out of it, people continue to prepare for the worst.
  • Trump’s campaign-trail attacks on youth transgender care could spawn federal efforts to eliminate or reduce coverage.
  • Regarding immigration, the Trump campaign spoke of mass deportations and would likely also take steps affecting the six states, such as Oregon, that have extended coverage to people regardless of documentation.

Because of the unique nature of some of its programs, Oregon officials have to mull things on deeper level.

More than 1M Oregonians could face cuts, changes — The Oregon Health Plan draws the bulk of its funding from the federal Medicaid program, where there are cuts and changes being discussed.

So Oregon officials are watching for several possibilities that could affect the one in three Oregonians covered by the program:

  • Federal bureaucrats could reconsider their support of Oregon-specific programs that fund housing for some people, and transition benefits for people who are being released from state prisons. As Hathi puts it, that could come in the form of “stringent evaluations” or budget “riders,” meaning restrictions on how federal money is spent.
  • Possible misuse of data shared with the federal government on communicable diseases and care programs.
  • Some Republicans in Washington, D.C. have urged more frequent Medicaid eligibility checks, potentially as frequent as every six months. That would threaten Oregon’s system of two-year eligibility intended to keep people from losing coverage because they missed a letter or made an error in their paperwork.

Oregon program could shield some while costing others — There’s also the question of what happens if, as expected, Republicans let enhanced health insurance subsidies expire. Established by Biden to respond to the pandemic, the subsidies have brought down health insurance premiums for individuals and families that buy their own coverage but are not on Medicare.

If the subsidies go away, analysts say people making too much for Medicaid but less than four times the poverty level will pay much more for insurance. And in Oregon, some people will pay even more than others in the country due to a new state program — while others will see their premiums go away entirely.

In Oregon the lower range of those incomes would be protected due to the state’s new “Bridge” plan, which offers coverage similar to the Oregon Health Plan and is intended to prevent as many as 20,000 people from losing coverage. It will provide free care to those who are not on the Oregon Health Plan but make less than two times the federal poverty level, or $51,640 for a family of three in 2024,

But because of how the new program intersects with the vagaries of federal law, Oregonians who make between two and four times federal poverty level — $103,280 for a family of three in 2024 — stand to see bigger increases than in other states over the next three years thanks to the new state program. One insurer’s analysis found that 20,000 Oregonians would see yearly increases of $900 or more. That would be on top of average premium hikes of 27%-67% or more due to the loss of federal subsidies.

Public health, communication a focus — The nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the vaccine skeptic who dropped his presidential candidacy after making a deal with Trump, has sparked concern for public health officials in many states — who are already dealing with a drop in vaccination rates many attribute to Trump’s first term. Meanwhile, diseases like whooping cough are on the rise.

Hathi said state officials are preparing for “misinformation and disinformation” and are looking to reactivate “trusted messenger networks” that the state used during the pandemic, using contracts with community-based organizations to disseminate information about “common sense, evidence-based public health interventions.”

And given all the potential changes, Hathi said the state is exploring other outreach, too: “We’re already starting to get questions from OHP members and others about whether or not their coverage may be curtailed or impacted,” she said. (This story was originally published by The Lund Report, an independent nonprofit health news organization based in Oregon.) 

More schools, community organizations sought for Summer Food Service Program

Grant funds of up to $20K are available to startup or expand summer meal programs serving children and teens

The Oregon Department of Education is seeking more schools, community organizations and tribes to participate in the Summer Food Service Program this summer to help ensure that children and teens receive the nutritious meals they need during the summer months. As an incentive, state grant funds are available up to $20,000 per sponsor to startup or expand summer meal programs.

Summer Food Service Program works to ensure children 18 and younger, who benefit from meal programs during the school year, continue to have that same access to nutritious meals when schools are closed, or students are unable to attend school in person.

“During the summer months, when school is not in session, children often lose vital access to school nutrition programs. Summer meal sites ensure that children continue to receive the nutrition they need to learn and grow,” ODE Summer Food Service Program Outreach Coordinator Cathy Brock said. “Expanding access to the program is an important step to close the hunger gap in all areas of the state. ODE’s Child Nutrition Program is reaching out to ensure that children continue to receive meals throughout the summer.”

Schools, non-profit community organizations, local government agencies, camps and faith- based organizations that have the ability to manage a food service program may be Summer Food Service Program sponsors.

Sponsoring organizations must enter into an agreement with ODE to operate the USDA Summer Food Service Program and are then reimbursed for serving healthy meals and snacks to children at approved sites. Sponsors may be approved to oversee and/or operate multiple sites.

Sites are places in the community where children receive meals in a safe and supervised environment. Sites may be located in a variety of settings, including schools, parks, community centers, health clinics, hospitals, libraries, migrant centers, apartment complexes and faith-based locations.

Apply — ODE has state grant funds available up to $20,000 to startup or expand summer meal programs. Eligible grant activities include the purchase of food service equipment, supplies for enrichment activities, and staff time to support and operate summer meal programs.

For questions about grant funds and more information about how your organization can become a Summer Food Service Program sponsor, please contact ODE’s Community Nutrition Team by email at ode.communitynutrition@ode.oregon.gov. The deadline to submit an eligibility assessment to become a Summer Food Service Sponsor is March 1, 2025.

You’ll need a Real ID to fly domestically, starting in May of 2025, that’s unless you have a passport or enhanced driver’s license issued by several states.

The deadline is May 7, 2025, but you probably don’t want to wait until the last minute to get your Real ID. You can apply for your Real ID driver’s license or ID card through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Real IDs are marked with a star on the top of the card. Real IDs will also be needed to access certain federal facilities. Congress mandated the real IDs in 2005 on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

Media contest invites Oregon high school students to promote young worker safety; entries due Feb. 21, 2025

Salem – High school students across Oregon are encouraged to put their video or graphic design skills on display by competing for cash prizes as part of a larger cause: increasing awareness about workplace safety and health for young workers.

The 2025 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, calls on participants to create an ad – through a compelling graphic design or video – that grabs their peers’ attention and convinces them to take the Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.

Participants get to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believe will go furthest in capturing their audience and moving it to act. The target audience? Teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time. The contest is now open for submissions. To compete, participants may submit either a graphic design or a video that is no more than 90 seconds in length.

Participants are expected to choose their key message, theme, or tagline in a wise and positive manner, including constructive and effective messages and language.

The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school, club, or organization will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.

While they carry out their projects, participants must ensure the health and safety of their team. No one should be endangered while creating their video or graphic design project.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. 

Participants are encouraged to submit entries online. Submissions may also be mailed on a USB thumb drive or delivered in person.

For more information about the entry form and rulescontest expectations, and resources – including previous contest winners  – visit the O[yes] online contest page.

The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the Oregon Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Alliance.

### About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

About the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]): (O[yes]) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.

https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.

Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com

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