Oregon Beach News, Monday 1/5 – Public Meeting Today In Florence to Discuss Flock Cameras, Update on Homicide Investigation in Lincoln City & 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 5, 2026

Oregon Beach Weather

Winter is here! Here’s the overview of our winter outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

Public Meeting Today In Florence to Discuss Flock Cameras

A special public meeting today, Monday, Jan. 5, in Florence will be held to hear from residents about the city’s current use of Flock Safety automatic license plate reader cameras.

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St., with a presentation about the technology from city staffers, followed by public comment. A regular city council meeting is scheduled after the special meeting.

Law enforcement leaders in Eugene, Springfield and Lane County made separate announcements in December that they would not move forward with Flock Safety cameras despite having entered into agreements with the company.

While police have praised the technology as a valuable tool in fighting crime, citizens in Eugene and Springfield voiced privacy concerns about data possibly being used to target vulnerable groups.

The mounted street cameras collect data, allowing police to search by license plate and vehicle description to determine if a vehicle passed by a location monitored by a camera. The Flock Safety system also provides police with alerts for stolen vehicles spotted by the cameras or other vehicles sought in connection with a criminal or missing persons investigation.

In Florence, one Flock Safety camera was installed in April 2024 near the U.S. Highway 101 and state Route 126 intersection, according to materials from the city in advance of Monday’s meeting.

Last year, a grant from the Three Rivers Foundation provided funding for five additional cameras and two years of Flock Safety services, with three cameras recently installed and two others pending, according to the city.

Here is the link for more information: https://www.ci.florence.or.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=682&month=1&year=2026&day=4&calType=0

Update on Homicide investigation in Lincoln City

UPDATE: Major Crime Team Investigation – No Ongoing Threat to the Public

The Lincoln County Major Crime Team continues to investigate the incident that occurred on Friday, January 2, 2026, at approximately 12:56 a.m. in the 1500 block of NW Grove Street.

As previously reported, Newport Police Officers responded to a disturbance and discovered one adult male deceased from a gunshot wound and another adult male suffering from multiple stab wounds. The investigation determined that 42-year-old Matthew Wonser, of Newport, was shot by the resident of the home after Wonser continued to stab 33-year-old Shawn Knuckey, also of Newport, on the resident’s front porch. Wonser died at the scene from a single gunshot wound.

Knuckey was transported by air ambulance to a Portland-area hospital, where he remains in critical condition after sustaining numerous stab wounds. Investigators determined that Wonser and Knuckey were not known to one another and that the attack on Knuckey appeared to be random.

During the investigation, identification belonging to 58-year-old Newport resident Robert Peddycoart was found in Wonser’s possession. Investigators conducted a welfare check at a nearby motel where Peddycoart had been staying. After receiving no response, officers entered the room under the Community Caretaking Doctrine and located Peddycoart deceased. Following the issuance of a search warrant, investigators determined that Peddycoart had also been the victim of multiple stab wounds. Wonser and Peddycoart were known acquaintances.

At this time, investigators do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the community related to this incident. The events appear to be isolated, and there are no outstanding suspects.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Upon completion, the case will be forwarded to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office for review and determination of any potential charging decisions. No arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed at this time.

The Lincoln County Major Crime Team is comprised of detectives from the Newport Police Department, Lincoln City Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police, and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s office. The investigation has been further supported by the Oregon State Police Crime Lab.

Additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

The incident remains under investigation. If you have any information regarding the case, please contact Sgt. Mike Leake 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.

TIP OF THE WEEK – BEGINNING OF THE YEAR SCAMS – Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office

The start of the new year brings new and old scams alike. Be on the lookout for scams which often come through emails, texts, and phone calls aimed at tricking you into disclosing personal and financial information. Common scams may also threaten you with late fees, missed jury duty, or other penalties which “require” you to pay immediately or in untraditional payment types such as gift cards, BitCoin, money orders, and others. Here are some things to keep in mind throughout the year.

Protect Yourself Throughout the Year
Although some scams target specific events and deadlines, such as tax season or open enrollment, scams happen throughout the year. Scammers are creative and resourceful; they will try to convince you they are with a legitimate agency. They will sometimes create a fake, professional-looking profile or a website that looks very similar to the organization’s actual page. Scammers may try to use your emotions against you, such as pretending to be a family member in jail or threaten legal consequences if you do not pay immediately. When in doubt, hang up without providing personal or payment information and contact the real organization to verify the request is really coming from their office.

Some things you can do to protect yourself and loved ones from scams:

• Confirm an agency is legitimate (and the contact is really with the agency) before sending sensitive information or payment. Do not click on links or call phone numbers sent to you in suspicious communications. Instead, look up the agency’s contact information by searching online or in a phone book.
• When you set up an account with an agency (bank, utilities, healthcare, etc.) bookmark their website and save their office number. This will make it easy to follow up with them if you receive a call, text, email, or letter requesting payment or sensitive information.
• Be wary of social media comments. Do not click on links from other users or share sensitive information with them.
• Help your friends and family members recognize scams and suspicious communications.
• Remember, in general agencies such as law enforcement, healthcare, and financial institutes will not ask you for your account login and password information.
• Remember what agencies will contact you about.
• Our office will not call you regarding federal jury duty, local jury duty, etc.
  • We will not ask for payment over the phone.
  • Our office and other government agencies will not ask you to pay fines or fees with gift cards, money orders, bitcoin, etc.
  • Our office will not try to sell you merchandise or swag over social media through third party comments. Bookmark our pages below to know which pages are official.

How do I know if information is really from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office or not?

• It comes directly from one of our Facebook accounts, not a third party comment: Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon or Lincoln County Animal Shelter or Lincoln County Oregon Emergency Management
   
• It is on our official website: www.co.lincoln.or.us/sheriff
   
• Our staff can verify the information is true. Give us a call at 541-265-4277 if you have questions about a service or need to connect with someone in our Office.

More Information and Resources

• For more information on phishing (suspicious emails) and identity theft, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.
• For information on preventing or handling the aftermath of identity theft, visit the Federal Trade Commission Web sites at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft and www.OnGuardOnline.gov.
• Report Fraud – Federal Trade Commission: https://reportfraud.ftc.gov./#/
• Report Scams and Fraud – Oregon Department of Justice: https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/sales-scams-fraud/report-scams-fraud/
• Internet Crime Compliant Center – FBI: https://www.ic3.gov/

For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.

Anticipating Early 2026 Opening, Oregon Seeks to Block Potential Newport ICE Facility

Suspecting the federal government plans to open a large-scale Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility near Newport’s airport early next year, the state of Oregon asked a federal judge to block construction.

Lawyers for the state sought an injunction from U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken in an amended complaint filed last week as part of an ongoing lawsuit challenging the U.S. Coast Guard’s removal of a rescue helicopter from its Newport Municipal Airport facility in late October. They argued that the federal government is skirting federal environmental and coastal land use regulations which would require more notice for Oregon leaders should an ICE facility be constructed in the area.

“Defendants have engaged in these efforts behind closed doors, with no transparency or public process, ignoring direct requests for information from local officials and members of Congress,” the new filing reads. “As a result, the state has been forced to piece together defendants’ plans for the ICE detention facility based on public reporting, inquiries to and information from federal contractors, the second-hand account of a U.S. Coast Guard witness, and related evidence.” 

Much of the evidence in Attorney General Dan Rayfield’s updated lawsuit has been previously reported. Jenny Hansson, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Justice, referred to the amended complaint in response to a request for additional information or evidence. 

“We will not allow federal agencies to sidestep the law or build detention facilities where they don’t belong, including along our coast,” Rayfield said in a statement. “The federal government has to follow the same laws everyone else does when operating in our communities.”

Representatives for the homeland security department and ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit. An unnamed DHS spokesperson responded two days after this article published and called the lawsuit another example of “demonizing rhetoric” from sanctuary state politicians.

“The Department of Homeland Security reserves the right to use its own property to support its own operations in the mission given to it by the American people to uphold the laws they passed through Congress,” the spokesperson said. “No lawsuit is going to stop us from fulfilling that mission.”

On Monday, Newport’s lawyers filed a similar lawsuit in federal court asking a judge to require compliance with federal environmental regulations mandating impact assessments before any construction of an ICE detention facility in the city.  The U.S. Coast Guard’s deed from 1992 for its Newport Municipal Airport facility specifically mentions its purpose as an aviation site, a purpose the suit says should be honored.

State attorneys, a local Newport-based fishing nonprofit and Lincoln County officials had sued for the rescue helicopter’s return from a base in North Bend in November ahead of a dangerous crabbing season in the coastal city, home to one of Oregon’s largest commercial fishing industries. The U.S. Coast Guard went on to station a rescue helicopter in Newport following a temporary court order for its return, and federal lawyers have since committed to leaving the helicopter in place until spring 2026. 

Aiken on Monday, however, issued a broader preliminary injunction that ordered the chopper to remain at Newport’s Municipal Airport as the lawsuit over its relocation continues to play out. While Oregon’s two U.S. senators previously received written Dec. 12 promises from U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Kevin E. Lunday that the helicopter will stay at the city’s municipal airport, Lunday did not rule out more long-term changes to the Coast Guard’s Newport facility.

Oregon is one of a few states in the nation that does not have a large-scale, long-term immigration detention facility. People held by ICE in the state are allowed to be detained in processing facilities in cities such as Portland for up to 12 hours, often transferring to a center in Tacoma, Washington, for longer detentions. 

According to the state’s updated lawsuit, though, ICE informed potential facility contractors that it would hold most detainees in Newport for less than 72 hours to avoid triggering federal rules regarding heightened space, services and standards of care. The suit alleges the federal agency then “acknowledged stays may exceed the 72-hour threshold, even though doing so would violate its own standards.”

In a Monday newsletter to his constituents, state Rep. David Gomberg, D-Otis, who represents Newport, praised the state’s move.

“Now we have a tool to do something. When all we have are rumors, we can’t plan and we can’t have a real dialogue that helps us convey our community’s concerns,” he wrote. “I hate that it took a lawsuit to get our government to simply talk to us.” (SOURCE)

Oregon Central Coast to Receive $2.2 Million to Restore Tidal Wetlands

A nonprofit dedicated to restoration projects along Oregon’s Central Coast will receive $2.2 million to restore tidal habitats threatened by erosion, flooding and drought.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is awarding the funds to the MidCoast Watersheds Council to restore 125 acres of tidal wetlands and 6 miles of stream channels across Siletz and Yaquina estuaries in Lincoln County. U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, both Oregon Democrats, announced the award last week. 

“The degradation of tidal wetlands has not only negatively affected our beloved and economically important fish and wildlife species, including our resident Chinook, coho and chum salmon, but it has made coastal residents more vulnerable to storms, sea level rise and coastal flooding,” said Evan Hayduk, the council’s executive director. 

The project will improve habitats for salmonids, reduce flood risk for coastal residents and enhance sediment retention through floodplain reconnection, fish passage improvements, native plant and tidal channel restoration, large wood placement and native Olympia oyster reef reestablishment.

Wyden said he will continue to support programs that protect communities from the worsening effects of climate change.

“The health of Oregon’s estuaries is vital to our state’s ecosystems and communities,” said Merkley, the top Democrat on the subcommittee overseeing the funding for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. “This critical federal funding along with strong matching support will leverage MidCoast Watersheds Council’s work in restoring tidal wetlands and reducing risk to the community at the same time.”

In addition to the $2.2 million funds, the project secured $1.8 million in matching funds, bringing the total project funds to $4 million.  (SOURCE)

Tillamook Air Museum Damaged By Wind

Officials are assessing the impact and will determine if the building is safe to use.

Last week high winds tore a hole in the roof of Hangar B at the Tillamook Air Museum in Oregon. On Monday officials from the Port of Tillamook held a meeting to discuss what to do next.

The museum was closed last week “out of an abundance of caution” and will remain closed until further notice. The damage is on the crown of the building, which stands 192 feet high. The wooden hangar measures 1,072 feet long and 296 wide.

Port officials said that getting up on the roof to assess the damage will be difficult, in part because it is so high up and also because the Pacific Northwest is still being battered by heavy wind and rain. Like full-sized aircraft, drones, which are often used by roofing companies for aerial inspection, have an operational wind limit.

In an email, port officials stated the closure “includes rented internal spaces, storage, and Port-used areas.”

According to Michele Bradley, spokesperson for the Port of Tillamook Bay, the part of the hangar beneath the hole in the roof is used for large vehicle storage. There are RVs, boats, and cars in the area.

“There was no damage to the storage items that were in the area since the roof went outward,” Bradley told FLYING in an email. “All of those items have been moved to the north end of the hangar into the museum area. Planes that were under the tent have also been relocated.”

The not-for-profit Friends of Tillamook Air Museum have a Go Fund Me campaign to raise funds for repairs, the extent of which has not been determined because it has been too windy and rainy to safely access the roof.

“A contractor presented a quote to the board today for assessment and removal of the attached, hanging flap outside—it was around $5,000,000. Once they are up there, they can assess a temp fix.”

The timing of the damage is discouraging, as the Tillamook Air Museum has made tremendous progress in recent years, Bradley said, “expanding exhibits, improving interpretation, and strengthening its role as a cultural and educational resource for the region.” (SOURCE)

A Reminder to Use Caution Navigating Winter Weather.

There is still some debris, downed powerlines, and flooding from last week’s storm affecting parts of our roads. And there are storms forecast in the coming week. Remember to use caution.

Allow for extra driving time.

Check tripcheck.com or 511 for road closures before traveling.

Do not drive around barricades or onto closed roads.

Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Reported downed powerlines to your power provider.

Astoria Hospital Races To Build a Tsunami Shelter as FEMA Fights to Cut Funding

Residents of this small coastal city of Astoria in the Pacific Northwest know what to do when there’s a tsunami warning: Flee to higher ground.

For those in or near Columbia Memorial, the city’s only hospital, there will soon be a different plan: Shelter in place. The hospital is building a new facility next door with an on-site tsunami shelter — an elevated refuge atop columns deeply anchored in the ground, where nearly 2,000 people can safely wait out a flood.

Oregon needs more shelters like the one that Columbia Memorial is building, emergency managers say. Hospitals in the region are likely to incur serious damage, if not ruin, and could take more than three years to fully recover in the event of a major earthquake and tsunami, according to a state report.

Columbia Memorial’s current facility is a single-story building, made of wood a half-century ago, that would likely collapse and sink into the ground or be swallowed by a landslide after a major earthquake or a tsunami, said Erik Thorsen, the hospital’s chief executive.

“It is just not built to survive either one of those natural disaster events,” Thorsen said.

At least 10 other hospitals along the Oregon coast are in danger as well. So Columbia Memorial leaders proposed building a hospital capable of withstanding an earthquake and landslide, with a tsunami shelter, instead of relocating the facility to higher ground. Residents and state officials supported the plans, and the federal government awarded a $14 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help pay for the tsunami shelter.Columbia Memorial Hospital is a single-story, wood-frame building that would likely sustain significant damage in an earthquake or tsunami. The hospital was awarded a $14 million FEMA grant to help pay for an elevated tsunami shelter, but the Trump administration canceled the grant program in April. Hannah Norman/KFF Health News

The project broke ground in October 2024. Within six months, the Trump administration had canceled the grant program, known as Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, calling it “yet another example of a wasteful and ineffective FEMA program … more concerned with political agendas than helping Americans affected by natural disasters.”

Molly Wing, director of the expansion project, said losing the BRIC grant felt like “a punch to the gut.”

“We really didn’t see that coming,” she said.

This summer, Oregon and 19 other states sued to restore the FEMA grants. On Dec. 11, a judge ruled that the Trump administration had unlawfully ended the program without congressional approval.

The administration did not immediately indicate it would appeal the decision, but Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said by email: “DHS has not terminated BRIC. Any suggestion to the contrary is a lie. The Biden Administration abandoned true mitigation and used BRIC as a green new deal slush fund. It’s unfortunate that an activist judge either didn’t understand that or didn’t care.” FEMA is a subdivision of DHS.

Columbia Memorial was one of the few hospitals slated to receive grants from the BRIC program, which had announced more than $4.5 billion for nearly 2,000 building projects since 2022.

Hospital leaders have decided to keep building — with uncertain funding — because they say waiting is too dangerous. With the Trump administration reversing course on BRIC, fewer communities will receive help from FEMA to reduce their disaster risk, even places where catastrophes are likely.

More than three centuries have passed since a major earthquake caused the Pacific Northwest’s coastline to drop several feet and unleashed a tsunami that crashed onto the land in January 1700, according to scientists who study the evolution of the Oregon coast.

The greatest danger is an underwater fault line known as the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which lies 70 to 100 miles off the coast, from Northern California to British Columbia.Astoria, Oregon, is a city of 10,000 residents on a peninsula near the end of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. It’s located on the southern shore of the Columbia River, near the Washington border. Picturesque forests and the river frame streets lined with gift shops, hotels, and seafood restaurants — almost entirely in an evacuation zone. Hannah Norman/KFF Health News

The Cascadia zone can produce a megathrust earthquake, with a magnitude of 9 or higher — the type capable of triggering a catastrophic tsunami — every 500 years, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Scientists predict a 10% to 15% chance of such an earthquake along the fault zone in the next 50 years.

“We can’t wait any longer,” Thorsen said. “The risk is high.” “It’s not like … ‘Oh, that’ll never happen,'” he said. “We have to be prepared for it.” (READ MORE)

A Siuslaw High School junior is being recognized for an app designed to help senior citizens connect with local students for everyday assistance.

Rylan Pierce has won Oregon’s Fourth District Congressional App Challenge for developing a prototype that matches seniors who need help with tasks like grocery shopping, yard work, or picking up prescriptions with high school students available to help.

Pierce designed the app with simplicity in mind, gathering feedback from older adults to refine its layout and features. He built the project using skills learned in Siuslaw High School’s information technology program. As the district winner, Pierce will travel to Washington, D.C., in the spring of 2026 to be recognized and meet with Congresswoman Val Hoyle.

Coos County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Reminder

As we head into the holiday season and winter weather, roads in Coos County can get slick and busy fast. Let’s all do our part to get home safely.

Slow down – especially on Hwy 101, 42, and our coastal & mountain roads

Buckle up – every seat, every trip

Never drive impaired – alcohol, drugs, or even extreme fatigue

Watch for deer & elk – they’re active this time of year

Turn on those headlights when it’s raining or foggy – Oregon law requires it when wipers are onIf you see a stranded motorist or dangerous driving, call our non-emergency line at (541) 269-8911 or dial 911 in an emergency.We’d rather pull over for coffee than pull you out of a wreck.Drive like the people you love are in the other car.Stay safe out there, Coos County!

Donor Offers $50K Reward in 40-Year-Old Case of Missing Oregon Coast Teen

Lincoln County authorities hope the recent offer from an anonymous donor of a $50,000 reward will lead to the remains of a 17-year-old Siletz girl who was last seen walking on U.S. 20 more than four decades ago.

An anonymous donor put up money hoping it will spur information that leads not only to Kelly Disney’s remains but also to the conviction of her killer, according to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.

The DA’s Office has confirmed that an anonymous donor offered the reward for any information leading to Disney’s remains and/or the conviction of her killer.

Information can be submitted anonymously at 541-265-0669 or online at FindKellyDisney@co.lincoln.or.us

READ MORE on CASE: https://lincolnchronicle.org/15597-2/

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

Make a difference in wildlife rescue! Join our Wild at Heart Membership Program starting at just $5/month. Help us save lives! https://coastwildlife.org/wild-at-heart/

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! 

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

Oregon Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. 

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area. 

Informational session on proposed state forests Forest Management Plan set for January 6

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) will host a virtual only informational session on a proposed rule change to adopt a new Forest Management Plan (FMP) for western Oregon state forest lands managed by the department.

The Jan. 6 session starts at 1 p.m. and will include a presentation outlining the purpose and proposed changes to the FMP.  After the presentation there will be a question-and-answer period.

ODF staff will NOT take official public comments during this session, it is informational only. The public comment period began Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 31. Comments can be submitted or given in person at any of four formal hearings in January. Comments can be submitted electronically. No question-and-answer period will be offered at the hearings.

To participate in the information session, use this link: Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan Informational Meeting. A recording of the session will be available on ODF’s website.

The proposed change to the FMP will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The ODF’s State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan.

The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan contains guiding principles, goals, and strategies that are compatible with the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan. The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan provides management direction for all Board of Forestry Lands and Common School Forest Lands managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry west of the crest of the Cascade Range.

The FMP does NOT include the Elliott State Research Forest (ESRF). The ESRF is not within the scope of the draft Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan. There are scattered Board of Forestry Lands within and adjacent to the ESRF, along with scattered Common School Forest Lands outside of the ESRF that are still managed under prior Elliott State Forest Management Plan which will be managed under the new Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan, once adopted. The ESRF has its own management plan, under the authority of the Department of State Lands.

The Board of Forestry may review, modify, or terminate the FMP at any time; however, the BOF will review the FMP no less than every 10 years. The current Southwest and Northwest FMPs were last revised in 2010, while the Elliott FMP was last revised in 2011. More information about State Forests Management Plans can be found here.   

Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31 at 11:55 p.m. Rulemaking hearings will be held on Jan. 13 (virtual), Jan.15 (Forest Grove), Jan. 20 (Tillamook), and Jan. 22 (Eugene) at 5:30 p.m. The locations of the hearings are in The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The notice also includes important details including but not limited to the proposed rule text and instructions for submitting public comments and participating in the hearings.

More information on this rulemaking effort and ongoing updates can be found on the  Rulemaking activity page of the ODF website.

Advanced practice providers, represented by the Oregon Nurses Association, have declined a preliminary contract agreement with Legacy Health and have opted to persist with their strike.

Union representatives assert that the proposed agreement did not achieve significant advancements and would result in providers being approximately 10 percent behind their counterparts in other healthcare systems. The strike has been in effect since December 2, as employees advocate for increased wages and enhanced working conditions.

Legacy Health has stated that it acknowledges the vote and intends to reconvene at the bargaining table.

The future of the recently approved gas tax increase in Oregon remains uncertain as the Secretary of State examines nearly 200,000 signatures submitted by the organization No Tax Oregon.

Should a sufficient number of signatures be validated, voters will have the opportunity next November to determine whether to repeal the gas tax and other transportation-related fee hikes enacted by the legislature. Proponents of the taxes argue that the revenue is essential for road maintenance and to avert job reductions at the Oregon Department of Transportation. State officials are required to finalize the signature verification process by January 29.

If you have not yet purchased your annual park passes for 2026, now is the appropriate moment to do so. From local state parks to federal public lands, the cost of annual passes has been rising as agencies strive for increased funding for recreational areas.

Some of these price hikes will take effect on January 1, leaving Oregonians with only a few more days to acquire passes at a reduced rate. Most outdoor recreation areas in the Pacific Northwest necessitate a parking pass of some sort. While certain passes can be obtained at trailheads and parking lots, others must be acquired in advance. For those who frequently engage in outdoor activities, annual passes offer a means to pay upfront for the year — potentially resulting in savings over time.

Oregon state park passes will see their prices double on January 1, increasing from $30 to $60 for a one-year pass. This fee will be even steeper for nonresidents, who will incur a charge of $75 due to the new out-of-state surcharge.

Furthermore, two-year passes will no longer be available for purchase after January 1 (passes bought prior to the new year will remain valid until their expiration).

Oregon’s new laws starting in January 2026 bring changes to workplace transparency (detailed pay stubs), housing (squatter eviction, mobile home rent), health care (menopause coverage, medical debt removal from credit reports), consumer protections (ticket bots, hidden fees), and stronger protections against deepfakes, alongside significant construction law reforms (HB 3746) to boost condo development and increased ODOT fines for uncertified movers. 

Senate Bill 605 prevents medical debt from appearing on credit reports. Starting January 1, medical service providers such as hospitals and clinics are banned from notifying consumer reporting agencies that money is owed for care and how much is owed.

House Bill 3064 requires health plans regulated by the state to cover treatments for perimenopause, menopause and post menopause. The plans include individual and family plans, small business plans and plans run by the Oregon Educators Benefit Board and the Public Employees’ Benefit Board. Starting January 1, plans must pay for services such as hormone therapy along with osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

House Bill 2299 expands Oregon’s laws surrounding non-consensual intimate image distribution. Starting Jan. 1, the definition of intimate images will include images created by artificial intelligence, or AI-generated deepfakes. The law creates first- and second-degree offenses and elevates the crime to a felony for repeated violations. The law will also extend protections to all victims of intimate-image abuse.

Senate Bill 548 raises the legal age for marriage in Oregon from 17 to 18 years old. Until this law, 17-year-olds could marry in Oregon if they had one parent or guardian’s permission, officials say, noting, the 17-year-old’s consent to marry was not required. According to a press release from Oregon’s Democratic majority offices, this allowed 2,900 adult men to obtain marriage licenses with teenage girls from the year 2000 to 2021. The majority offices say the bill aims to strengthen legal protections against sexual exploitation.

House Bill 3167, named the Fan Fairness and Transparency Act, bans the use of software bots to get around a ticket seller’s limits and bans the resale of tickets obtained through those bots. The bill also bans look-alike websites that aim to confuse consumers that are trying to buy tickets directly from a venue website.

Senate Bill 430 bans costs such as “convenience charges” or “service fees” from being added to online purchases without warning. Anyone selling goods or services online to Oregon consumers must include required fees and charges in the price they advertise. However, taxes or costs to ship a product do not have to be included in the price but sellers must disclose those costs to the purchaser.

Senate Bill 688 allows the public utility commission to require investor-owned power companies to meet certain targets in order to raise rates. Those targets can include lowering costs, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring low-income Oregonians are not cut off from power.

House Bill 3865, dubbed the Telemarketing Modernization Act, expands the definition of “telephone solicitation” to include texting. The law bans solicitation after 7 p.m. and limits allowed solicitations to three times per day.

BLM APPROVES LITHIUM EXPLORATION IN SOUTHEAST OREGON

VALE, Ore. — The Bureau of Land Management recently approved the expansion of lithium exploration activities in southern Malheur County, about 20 miles west of McDermitt, Nevada. 

With this approval, HiTech Minerals, Inc. is authorized to conduct lithium mineral exploration activities over the course of five years. Lithium has been on the Department of the Interior’s list of critical minerals since the list was established in 2017. 

“The HiTech lithium exploration project represents a significant step toward achieving the nation’s energy goals and reducing dependence on foreign critical minerals—key priorities under the President’s agenda,” said BLM Acting Malheur Field Manager Tara McLain. 

The project includes disturbance of up to 73 total acres created by 168 exploration drill sites across 7,200 acres of public lands, the construction of 22 miles of new access routes, and other temporary disturbances to store necessary equipment. 

Exploration drilling would occur annually between July 1 and November 30 for up to five years, and concurrent reclamation of the disturbances would occur after each drill season. Subsurface hydrological, geophysical, and geochemical data may be collected during the proposed drilling activities as well. 

Additional information, including the signed decision record, is available at the BLM National NEPA Register. For more information, please contact BLM Public Affairs Specialist Larisa Bogardus at 541-523-1407 or lbogardus@blm.gov.

Families in rural Oregon who are raising children frequently encounter limited opportunities for after-school activities that enhance social skills, academic achievement, and safety.

According to a survey conducted by the Afterschool Alliance, a national nonprofit organization, five out of six children in Oregon could gain from after-school programs but are unable to access them due to high costs or distance. For families residing outside urban centers, the closest program is often situated more than an hour away.

The survey revealed significant support for after-school programs from both Republican and Democratic parents. Some parents indicated that after-school activities enable them to work longer hours, increase their productivity, and alleviate concerns regarding their children’s wellbeing, as reported in the survey.

The Oregon Department of Revenue will open the application period in January 2026 for the Agricultural Employer Overtime Tax Credit.

Paying overtime to agricultural workers became a requirement of employers in Oregon as of January 1, 2023. In 2025, agricultural workers are paid overtime after they work 48 hours in one work week. If an employer paid overtime, they may qualify for a refundable personal or corporate income tax credit, regardless of the size of the business.

The tax credit for employers is a percentage of overtime premium pay paid as wages.

All applications must be submitted no later than February 2, 2026.

The 2025 filing period marks the third year since eligible employers have been able to apply for the tax credit.

Applications can only be made through the department’s Revenue Online website. Qualifying agricultural employers who have not applied for the tax credit previously need a Revenue Online account to apply during the application period. No paper applications will be accepted. We have published a new video to help customers with their Revenue Online applications.

DOR encourages employers to prepare in advance to ensure an easier and faster filing experience. DOR’s webpage provides guidance for how to apply, documentation you may need, program information, and frequently asked questions to help employers apply for the tax credit.

For general questions about the Agricultural Employer Overtime Tax Credit, email: Ag.Overtime@dor.oregon.gov.

Tax practitioners with other tax or customer account questions are encouraged to contact a dedicated practitioner specialist by email at prac.revenue@dor.oregon.gov, or by phone at 503-947-3541.

NW Natural Warms Up Winter with “Fireside Friends” Pet Photo Contest

Customers are invited to share photos of their pets for a chance to win a prize; NW Natural is also supporting The Pongo Fund

NW Natural is inviting customers to warm up this winter and celebrate their pets with the launch of the Fireside Friends Sweepstakes. The contest offers the chance to win a prize while also supporting a local charity.

Running now through February 1, 2026, the sweepstakes welcomes customers to share photos of their furry friends enjoying the warmth and comfort of a natural gas fireplace for the chance to win a $200 Chewy gift card.

NW Natural has also pledged a $1,000 donation to The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank, which helps support people and their pets throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

How to Enter:

NW Natural customers can enter the sweepstakes via social media in two simple steps:

1. Follow @nwnaturalgas on Instagram or Facebook. (Media can find some of the wonderful pet photos that have already been posted by customers on both platforms!)
2. Post a photo of their pet(s) cozying up by their natural gas fireplace and tag @nwnaturalgas or use the hashtag #nwnaturalgas.

The contest is open now and entries will be accepted until February 1, 2026. For full terms and conditions visit nwnatural.com/FiresideFriends

About NW Natural – NW Natural is a local distribution company that currently provides service to approximately 2 million people in more than 140 communities through approximately 806,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. NW Natural owns and operates 21.6 Bcf of underground gas storage capacity in Oregon. It is the largest natural gas utility in Oregon and one of the state’s oldest companies.

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