Oregon Beach News, Monday 1/6 - Body of Missing Oregon King Tides Photographer Found, St. Helens High Choir Teacher Accused of Sexual Abuse Back in Custody & 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 6, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Small Craft Advisory Issued – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PSTTUESDAY...

* WHAT...Seas 8 to 11 ft with west swells at 12 seconds and 19 seconds shortening to 11 seconds and 17 seconds. Seas will reach a peak this afternoon and evening.

* WHERE...All areas.

* WHEN...Until 4 AM PST Tuesday.

* 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.ph p

Body of Missing Oregon King Tides Photographer Found

The body of a North Bend man who has been missing since December 15 was found Sunday morning, officials said.

Joseph Neill vanished after going to take pictures of the king tides, which surged that weekend along the Oregon coast. North Bend police, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard and a host of volunteers searched for him in the days and weeks afterward. His car was found near Jordan Point, across the bay from North Bend.

On 01/05/2025, around 9:25 AM, North Coos Dispatch received a call from the Clausen Oysters farm off North Bay Road of a possible deceased person found in Haynes Inlet during the ebb current (outgoing tide).

The deceased person was reportedly found to be on the southern beach area of Haynes Inlet, east of the bridge of Hwy-101 which is near the intersection of North Bay Rd, in North Bend.

Coos County Sheriff’s Office Deputies quickly responded, meeting with the reporting party and discovered the safest access to the scene would require a boat. With the help of the Clausen Oysters staff, they provided the Deputies with transportation to the scene utilizing one of their boats. Upon completion of the body recovery, the Chief Deputy Medical Examiner was requested to respond.

After further investigation, the decedent was identified as Joseph C. Neill.Mr. Neill had been missing since December 15th, 2024, when his personal items had been located on the railroad bridge which spans the Coos Bay at Jordan Point, approximately 1.5 miles west of where Mr. Neill was located.

North Bend Police Department was updated on the findings and Mr. Neill’s family has been notified.CCSO would like to thank the staff of Clausen Oysters for their assistance. The staff at Coos County Sheriff’s Office extends our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Mr. Neill during this difficult time.

St. Helens High Choir Teacher Accused of Sexual Abuse Back in Custody

St. Helens High School choir teacher Eric Stearns is back in custody facing a new indictment with additional sex abuse charges after six additional alleged victims were identified, according to a Columbia County prosecutor. Stearns, 46, turned himself in Saturday afternoon to the Columbia County Jail after police showed up to his home earlier in the day when he wasn’t home.

The new 18-count indictment, filed in court Friday afternoon, alleges sexual abuse of 12 different people, starting
as far back as January 2015 and in some cases continuing through early this school year. He was placed on leave from his job in mid-November. He’s accused of touching students’ lips, necks, buttocks and chests, according to the indictment.

The 18-count indictment now charges Stearns with 13 counts of second-degree abuse, four counts of third-degree sexual abuse and one count of first-degree sexual abuse.

Landslide, Flooding Lead To Closures At Sunset Bay, Shore Acres & Cape Arago

Cape Arago and Shore Acres state parks are closed to vehicle traffic after a landslide undercut a portion of Cape Arago Highway just south of the Sunset Bay State Park on Friday, Jan. 3.

The storm also led to flooding at Sunset Bay State Park where the campground was evacuated around 8 a.m. The campground will remain closed possibly into next week. There were 19 campsites with reservations at the time of the evacuation.

The Sunset Bay day-use area is currently open but could close if flooding continues. Restroom buildings are closed, but portable toilets are currently available in the day-use area.

OPRD does not have an estimate on how long it will take to repair and reopen the Cape Arago Highway, but it could be closed for an extended period. Park staff will assess the damage after the storm subsides this weekend. The road slide is located between Sunset Bay and Shore Acres state parks.

Check the park webpages for any updates on closures or call the park office at 541-888-3778.

Arrest Made in Connection with Newport Missing Person Cold Case

A search warrant related to the disappearance of a former used car dealership owner was issued last Friday morning.

The search is believed to be in connection to an ongoing investigation surrounding the disappearance of Ryan Staggs in January 2022.

No photo description available. — Ryan Staggs is missing from Newport, Oregon since January 2022.
(Case #22N-00365)

Newport Police, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office and Major Crimes Team executed the warrant at the home of Jack David Baird. A probable cause document shows that Jack Baird was arrested for abuse of a corpse in the second degree last Friday. He appeared in court on Monday.

The probable cause document says someone tipped off police, telling them that Baird killed Staggs and then buried him in Baird’s backyard with a backhoe.

Court documents show Baird was arrested at the scene and charged with abuse of a corpse in the second degree.

Seaside Aquarium was alerted of a sea turtle on Sunset Beach near Fort Stevens State Park.

Unfortunately, the 40-pound olive ridley sea turtle was already dead upon washing ashore. Recent storm systems coming up from the south are responsible for the recent strandings. Essentially, sea turtles forage for food in an offshore, warm water current. Weather conditions (such as a long, constant string of south-southwesterly winds) can drive the warm water current (and therefore the turtles) further north and closer to shore than normal.

When the weather conditions suddenly change, the warm waters quickly dissipate and the turtles find themselves trapped in the colder waters of the natural currents running along the Oregon and Washington Coasts. When this happens, their bodies slow down and they become hypothermic.When found on the beach, it can be difficult to determine if a sea turtle is dead or alive. A turtle suffering from extreme hypothermia can be unresponsive to touch and have a heartbeat so slow and weak that it is difficult to detect.

Most sea turtles found on Oregon and Washington shores do not survive, even if found and recovered quickly. Those that do live are taken to one of two licensed rehab facilities on the Northwest Coast; the Oregon Coast Aquarium or the Seattle Aquarium. When stabilized (which, if successful, can take up to a few weeks), the turtle is transferred to a center in California, where it will be released back into the wild.Though the Oregon Coast may see as many as five different species of sea turtle, the most commonly found is the Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea). https://www.facebook.com/SeasideAquarium

Thirty inmates have been released early from the Coos County Jail after budget constraints forced a reduction in capacity.

The jail’s bed count was cut from 98 to 49 after voters rejected Measure 6-217, which would have funded staff and operations through a tax levy. Released inmates faced charges ranging from misdemeanors to felony property crimes and parole violations. Officials say future releases are likely, prioritizing the detention of inmates with the most severe charges.

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. More events to come as space on the board allows, so keep watch!

May be an image of text — https://www.facebook.com/GlenedenBeachCC

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.

Commercial Dungeness crab season opening delay from Cape Falcon to Washington border continues

NEWPORT, Ore. – The Oregon ocean commercial Dungeness crab fishery is delayed until at least Jan. 15 from Cape Falcon to the Washington border. A third round of preseason testing in Long Beach, WA shows crab meat fill remains lower than required for commercial harvest.

Based on this result not meeting Tri-State meat recovery criteria, and in consultation with Washington and California Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Tri-State fishery managers agreed to delay the season from Cape Falcon to Klipsan Beach, WA until at least Jan. 15. WDFW will conduct another round of preseason meat fill testing to help inform whether this area will open Jan. 15 or Feb. 1.

Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery opened Dec. 16 from Cape Falcon to the California border. Despite rough ocean conditions this past week, over 2.5 million pounds of crab were landed into Oregon ports in that area. Price at the docks averaged $4.50 per pound, well above last season’s total season average of $3.79 per pound.

Weekly season opening updates will continue to be posted until the decision is made to open the north coast. Check ODFW’s website for more on Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery.

Commercial Dungeness crab season opening delay from Cape Falcon to Washington border continues

Weekly season opening updates will continue to be posted until the decision is made to open the north coast. Check ODFW’s website for more on Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery.

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and Lincoln City Police Department Respond to Concerning Letters Circulating

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office recently learned about a letter being circulated throughout Lincoln County which encourages community members to track and report information regarding people of color, specifically community members that are believed to be undocumented. We want to be unequivocal in our stance: this type of behavior is harmful, divisive, and inconsistent with the values we uphold as public servants and community members. Targeting individuals in this manner erodes trust and undermines the sense of safety and inclusion that we strive to maintain in Lincoln County.

A photo of the full letter sent to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office can be found below:

One of the things we tell each person when they join our team is to “do the right thing”. We are encouraging our community members to do the right thing and use compassion as we encounter these types of messages. We strongly advise against engaging in activities such as those outlined in this letter, including collecting or sharing information about individuals based on their demographic or perceived immigration status.

In addition to valuing diversity and equity, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is committed to upholding Oregon law with regard to immigration enforcement. Oregon law generally prohibits the inquiry or collection of an individual’s immigration or citizenship status, or country of birth, with few specific exceptions as outlined in Oregon Revised Statute 181A.823. Consistent with this, the Sheriff’s Office does not inquire about, document, or share such information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These provisions are embedded in our policy manual and are essential to ensuring that our practices respect the rights and dignity of all individuals.

The mission of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is to enhance public safety, reduce the fear and impact of crime, and improve the quality of life for all. We are committed to continuous learning and growth to better serve every member of our community. Diversity strengthens our communities, and we take pride in growing and thriving alongside the people we serve.

Lincoln City Police Department

· Recently, disturbing letters titled “The brown round-up” were sent to public officials in Lincoln County. These letters include statements that instill fear in members of our Community. The mission of the Lincoln City Police Department is to maintain human rights, protect persons and property, and address Citizen concerns while providing the highest quality professional service to all.

We remain focused on enforcing the laws we swore to uphold. Oregon Revised Statue 181A.821 prohibits law enforcement from inquiring about a person’s immigration or citizenship status. We conduct investigations into crimes based on law, regardless of a person’s citizenship status.

Oregon Revised Statutes 166.155 and 166.165 also charge us with investigating Bias crimes against our Community members, including criminal conduct based on perceptions of the other person’s race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability or national origin. To report a crime you can contact us in person at the Police Department or call our non-emergency number at (541) 994-3636.

Sandbagging Stations in Lincoln County

Lincoln County residents have access to three self-serve, public sandbagging stations located in Yachats, Newport, and Lincoln City.

If you plan on using the self-serve sandbagging station, remember to bring a shovel. Hours: Mid-October through mid-April. You can access sand any time of day or night. Community members may gather up to 10 sandbags per household, per season. Full news releases, flyers, and social posts in English and Spanish are attached.

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

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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Why Egg Prices Are So High and Shortage in Oregon and Washington

$7.42 per dozen at Walmart in Eagle Point

For more than two years, farmers have fought a war with a fatal strain of hen flu that keeps disrupting U.S. egg supplies. At one factor, the lack sent the fee of a dozen regular eggs soaring to nearly $5. costs retreated quite, however, they continue to be volatile.

The modern-day consumer price index, or CPI, indicates that the price of eggs is up 37.5% from what it was a year ago. That’s an assessment of the trajectory of meal prices, which rose simply 2.4% within the past 12 months.

BLS facts tracking egg charges is going again as back to 1980, while big, Grade A eggs price $0.88 a dozen, not adjusted for inflation. Earlier than February 2022, the average value of a dozen had in large part stayed beneath $2 for the reason that March 2016. Then, the charge of eggs extra than doubled from the beginning of 2022 till hitting its height of $four.82 in line with a dozen in January 2023.

The pandemic and inflation play a position in growing egg fees, but the real perpetrator is an epidemic of H5N1, an extraordinarily transmissible and deadly strain of avian influenza, or hen flu. The outbreak started in early 2022 and quickly grew into the largest bird flu outbreak in U.S. history. As of Dec. 19, the virus has affected more than a hundred twenty-five million birds in the U.S. since January 2022, according to the Centers for Sickness Control and Prevention.

With so many birds lost to the virus, egg production is underneath regular tiers and might keep up with client demand. That dynamic ends in higher fees. And prices will remain volatile till producers can rebuild their flocks and increase egg production.

New hen flu cases remain pronounced through major U.S. egg producers. Up to now in December, outbreaks affecting more than 7.7 million egg layers were suggested at commercial egg facilities in Iowa and California, in keeping with the CDC. That provides to what’s been a robust resurgence of the virus this autumn. More than 6.8 million birds were suffering from outbreaks that were started in October and November at centers in Arizona, California, Oregon, Utah,h and Washington.

Wells Fargo Agri-food Institute sector supervisor Kevin Bergquist said egg costs improved in 2023 due to the aggregate seasonal rate increases during vacations and disruption in egg delivery due to hen flu.

According to Bergquist, fees during the last year have “usually” remained above 2023 expenses or even “regularly surpassed egg expenses from 2022, which changed into while HPAI stuck the egg market. “

The present-day strain of avian influenza is categorized as a low hazard to public health using the U.S. Facilities for Disorder Control and Prevention. In line with the Washington Kingdom branch of Agriculture, “no inflamed birds or eggs have entered the food delivery,” and there are currently no confirmed or suspected instances on dairy farms in Washington.

Eggs and roosters stay secure to devour, and cooking to an internal temperature of one hundred sixty-five tiers kills viruses, inclusive of avian influenza A.

Significant rate increases or the outright unavailability of eggs “should genuinely have an impact on protein consumption, particularly for families and individuals,” stated Simon, a registered dietitian nutritionist who reveals humans throughout all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds rely on eggs as a clean supply of protein.

A huge egg contains about 6 grams of protein in step with serving and might serve as a key supply of vitamins which includes diet D and choline. Given their refrigerated shelf existence of three to 5 weeks, Simon encourages people to shop for eggs while they’re available. (SOURCE)

Train Derailment In Corvallis – Recovery Efforts Underway, No Injuries Reported

Corvallis, OR – January 4, 2025 – At approximately 12:08 PM Saturday, a train car operated by Portland & Western derailed in Corvallis, due to a structural failure of a train trestle in the Marys River resulting in one train car entering in the river and two additional train cars to become unstable. The train was carrying agricultural materials at the time of the incident. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

Emergency response teams, including local firefighters from the City of Corvallis Fire Department and local law enforcement from the Corvallis Police Department, are actively on the scene working to stabilize the situation and ensure public safety. Northwest Firefighters, an ecological recovery company, has been engaged in deploying containment booms in the nearby Marys River to filter any potentially leaked materials.

For the safety of emergency responders, recovery teams, and all personnel involved, we ask the public to avoid the area. Please follow all roadblocks, detours, and directions from local authorities as recovery efforts continue.

The City of Corvallis Fire Department, in coordination with Portland & Western and environmental recovery specialists, are committed to resolving the situation quickly and minimizing any environmental impact. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Union Providers Respond To Providence And Demand To Bargain For All 5,000 Striking Caregivers

Oregon Nurses Assn. – – Earlier Friday, hospitalists, physicians, and nurse practitioners at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center and Providence Women’s Clinic sent Providence executives an open letter (see below) in response to Providence’s misleading media statements about “reopening mediation” and invited Providence executives back to the table to bargain fair contracts for all 5,000 providers and avert Oregon’s largest healthcare worker strike.

Oregon Nurses and Doctors Message to Elected Officials: Providence Executives Endanger Patients by Illegally Refusing to Bargain; Workers Willing to Meet “Anytime, Anywhere”

On Thursday, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) called on elected officials to intervene as Providence Health & Services continues illegally refusing to bargain with its healthcare workers; putting patients’ health and safety at risk ahead of a massive 5,000 healthcare worker strike Jan. 10.

ONA has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Providence, citing its illegal refusal to bargain and asking local, state, and national elected officials to urge Providence executives to return to the table in order to reach a fair agreement for all Oregonians.

Providence’s refusal to meet with its own workers is illegal and far out of step with its corporate peers. Other Oregon hospitals and health systems, including Kaiser Permanente and St. Charles Bend, successfully met with healthcare workers and resolved negotiated contracts in the final days before scheduled strikes in 2021 and 2023 respectively. In recent years, ten California hospitals and health systems have also reached similar agreements in the 10 days prior to strikes. Multiple hospitals and health systems in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois have all continued talks with frontline healthcare workers in the leadup to strikes and successfully reached agreements that prevented strikes from occurring.

Jan. 2, 2025

AN OPEN LETTER TO OREGON’S ELECTED LEADERS

Providence is putting patients at risk by illegally refusing to bargain with nearly 5,000 union-represented frontline caregivers.

On January 10, thousands of Oregon’s most trusted nurses, physicians and caregivers will lead an open-ended strike—the largest healthcare workers’ strike in state history. This unparalleled action will affect all 8 Providence hospitals in Oregon as well as 6 Providence Women’s Clinics. It will impact Oregonians throughout the Portland metro area, on the Coast, in the Gorge, in Southern Oregon and beyond.

For the first time in our state’s history, frontline nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, and midwives throughout the Providence system have voted to stand together to win fair contracts that will give patients more time with their doctors and healthcare providers; promote safe staffing; end cuts to employees’ healthcare; and provide competitive wages and benefits to recruit and retain essential frontline nurses and caregivers.

Five thousand frontline healthcare providers are ready and willing to sacrifice to protect our patients and our colleagues—but striking is not our first choice.

Many nurses and healthcare professionals have been bargaining with Providence for more than 15 months and working without a contract for a year. We are disheartened by Providence’s stalling tactics but energized and ready to stand up for patients and communities across Oregon. We have offered to meet with Providence executives anywhere and anytime to negotiate a fair agreement and avert a strike.

Unfortunately, Providence executives are refusing to continue negotiations with us—making a resolution impossible and putting patients at risk. Refusing to meet with their workers to bargain is in direct violation of federal law and out of step with their peers; including Oregon hospitals and health systems like Kaiser Permanente and St. Charles Bend which worked hard to negotiate successful contracts and avert strikes during 10-day strike notice periods. We have filed an unfair labor practice charge against Providence with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for illegally refusing to bargain, however an NLRB decision will likely come too late to bring Providence back to the table.

As Oregon’s elected leaders, we call on you to urge Providence executives to return to the bargaining table and come to a fair agreement. If they refuse, we ask you to deny Providence public funds for illegal strikebreaking efforts—including hiring unlawful strikebreakers, locking out healthcare workers, and illegally refusing to bargain. Taxpayer dollars cannot support illegal activities that endanger patients while enriching executives.

Make no mistake. Oregon’s healthcare providers would rather be at the bedside caring for patients than in the streets striking for them. But we will do what is necessary to reach a fair agreement that delivers on its promises to patients, providers and our communities. Together, we can hold Providence accountable and ensure every Oregonian receives the care they deserve.

The Klamath Falls man convicted after imprisoning two women in separate kidnapping events in a homemade cell has elected to represent himself at his sentencing hearing.

Negasi Zuberi, 30, submitted a complaint before the court stating his legal team had “sabotaged” his case.

This was not Zuberi’s first attempt to dismiss his attorneys, having previously attempted to do so prior to trial on similar complaints. In both events, U.S. District Judge Michael J. McShane warned the defendant of the risk he’d run by representing himself.

Convicted on all charges — which includes four federal charges, including two kidnapping charges, transportation and four counts of felon in possession of firearms and ammunition — Zuberi faces a possible lifelong prison sentence as well as up to $2 million in fines.

But last month, McShane approved Zuberi’s request, stating that he “knowingly, voluntarily and intelligently” made that choice. At trial, Zuberi attempted to make a statement regarding his disapproval of his representation, but the court cut him short.

McShane said, “Their case is only as good as the facts and their client. In this case, they had very little facts to work with and a very difficult client.”

Since the verdict was delivered, Zuberi has been provided a court-appointed defense investigator to assist in procuring trial documents prior to his sentencing on Jan. 17.

At the end of December, Zuberi filed multiple motions (all of which are under seal due to the inclusion of victim information) to review discovery for all seven counts, alleging corruption, prosecutorial misconduct and unconstitutional prosecution.

Zuberi argued that, because the cinderblock cell was destroyed shortly after its discovery, the U.S. government had no case against him.

His legal team later attempted to claim that the structure built in the garage of his rental home was a music studio.

But evidence procured and presented at trial included handcuffs, leg shackles, cell phone jammers and hand-written descriptions of his plan titled, “Operation Takeover.”

President Biden Approves Oregon Major Disaster Declaration

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Oregon and ordered Federal assistance to supplement state, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires from July 10 to August 23, 2024.

Federal funding is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the wildfires in the counties of Gilliam, Grant, Umatilla, Wasco, and Wheeler.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Ms. Yolanda J. Jackson of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.

Additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments. https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2025/01/01/president-joseph-r-biden-jr-approves-oregon-major-disaster-declaration/#:~:text=declared%20that%20a%20major%20disaster,10%20to%20August%2023%2C%202024.

Oregon Health Authority Issues Warning After 2 Children Die From Flu

The Oregon Health Authority released concerning stats on this flu season, including multiple deaths and hundreds of hospitalizations. Officials are now urging people to protect themselves.

The new report reveals that two children died in Portland from the flu in December, and hundreds of others were hospitalized.

Nearly 500 people in three counties – Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington – were hospitalized for the flu this season, which is over three times more than hospitalizations last year.

“We’ve seen our pertussis vaccination rates slip over the past few years. It hasn’t been huge, but it’s definitely down. As you probably know, we would like 100% of people to be vaccinated,” said Dr. Paul Cieslak, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. The data shows that fewer and fewer people are getting flu shots. The exact number is down 4% from last year and it has been steadily dropping since 2022.

Braga Fresh Issues Voluntary and Precautionary Advisory Due to Possible Health Risk – 12-ounce bags if Market Broccoli Florets

Braga Fresh is voluntarily issuing a precautionary advisory of a single production lot of washed and ready-to-eat 12oz Marketside Broccoli Florets with best if used by date Dec 10, 2024.

Broccoli sold at Walmart stores in 20 states could cause sickness: FDA

This product is past its best if used by date and is no longer in stores, but consumers may have frozen the item for later use. Consumers who have this product in their freezers should not consume and discard the product.

This advisory is being initiated due to possibility of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The potential for contamination was discovered during random sampling by Texas Health & Human Services from a Texas store location where one of multiple samples yielded a positive test result.

To date, no illnesses have been reported in connection with this product.

Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The specific product involved are 12oz bags of Marketside Broccoli Florets sold at Walmart stores identified by having a UPC code 6 81131 32884 5 on back of bag, with Best if Used by Date Dec 10, 2024, and Lot Code: BFFG327A6 on front of bag. All potentially affected products are past their expiration date and no longer for sale. This voluntary advisory does not apply to any other Marketside or Braga Fresh produced products.

Consumers who have this product in their possession should not consume and discard the product. The only products involved in this advisory can be identified with the following details:

Marketside Broccoli Florets 12oz Bag

Store:	Walmart
Distributed to select stores in:	AK, AR, AZ, CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MI, MT, NV, OH, OK, OR, TX, UT, WA, WY
Product UPC Code:	6 81131 32884 5
Lot Code:	BFFG327A6
Best If Used by Date:	Dec 10, 2024
Pack Size & Packaging:	12-ounce, bag

Consumers: with additional questions may contact 877-456-7445: Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm PST or email WeCare@bragafresh.com.

New funding is making it easier than ever for Oregon farmers to become certified organic.

To achieve certification, farmers must go three years without using synthetic additives such as fertilizers or pesticides. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Oregon has launched the Organic Transition Initiative to provide financial and technical support.

Ben Bowell, director of education and advocacy for the group Oregon Tilth, noted the funding is especially valuable because the transition can be costly.

“During that time they have to be farming as organic farmers but they are not able to access an organic crop premium,” Bowell pointed out.

Farmers can also get support through the initiative to develop organic systems for fertilization, building soil and controlling weeds.

Bowell explained the initiative is one of a three-part national USDA Organic Transition Initiative. This five-year program provides mentorship from experienced organic farmers, technical assistance and an organic market development program. He emphasized with the three programs, the combined $300 million investment in organic farming is historic.

“Right now is an amazing time to consider transitioning to organic in terms of all of the support that’s available,” Bowell stated.

Erica Thompson, farm operations manager for the U-pick blueberry farm Blueberry Meadows near Corvallis, which has been in her family since 1993, is a little over a year into the three-year process. She said figuring out a new fertility program and disease management has been a challenge, along with understanding the application and documentation process.

Thompson added working with the Organic Transition Initiative has been helpful. “Being part of it has really solved or like is in the process of solving all my questions and uncertainties,” Thompson observed.

Along with farmers, support is available for ranchers and forest landowners looking to go organic. Applications for the current round of funding are due Jan. 17. (SOURCE)

A push for Oregon’s ‘right to repair’ law to include wheelchairs

Oregon’s right to repair law, which increases consumers’ ability to repair their own electronics, takes effect this week.

The law requires manufacturers to provide access to replacement parts, tools, manuals, as well as digital keys needed so people can fix their own devices.

Charlie Fisher, state director of the Oregon State Public Interest Research Group, helped author the law. He said it needs to go further, which is why, along with disability justice advocates, he is pushing for wheelchairs to be included. Fisher pointed out the current process for getting wheelchairs fixed is overly complicated and takes months.

“Just simple barriers that shouldn’t exist are really what we’re trying to address in this wheelchair right to repair law,” Fisher explained. “It just seems like common sense.”

Fisher noted Sen. Janeen Sollman, D-Hillsboro, will introduce two bills this year to expand the right to repair law. One bill would add protections for wheelchairs, the other would simplify the repair process when going through Medicaid.

Wren Grabham, a disability justice activist, has been working on the bills and said additions to the law would require wheelchair manufacturers to post their manuals and allow a person to fix their chair without voiding their warranty.

Grabham noted when she was 16, her electric wheelchair began shutting off and giving an error code. Because there was no public manual for the chair, she did not know what the code meant or if the chair was safe to keep driving. Grabham added fixing it included getting insurance approval, so it took a long time.

“I had to pretty much use an old chair that didn’t fit me for six months,” Grabham recounted.

Grabham emphasized even simple, routine fixes, like getting a new tire or battery for her chair, take months because she has to prove new parts are needed.

“Even though it’s something that we could fix in a weekend, if we were able to actually get the parts to fix them,” Grabham stressed.

The Public Interest Research Group’s research found being able to fix phones, computers and appliances instead of buying new ones will save the average Oregon household more than $300 a year. (SOURCE)

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.

AmeriCorps NCCC Partnership Boosts Oregon’s Emergency Response

Join us in strengthening Oregon’s resilience by hosting an AmeriCorps NCCC team to support your community’s disaster response and recovery efforts!

Oregon is taking a significant step forward in enhancing its emergency response capabilities through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between OregonServes and the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). This strategic partnership represents a collaborative effort to bolster statewide disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

For more information on this partnership contact: Jennifer Denning Disaster Services Coordinator, OregonServes Jennifer.l.denning@hecc.oregon.gov.

What is AmeriCorps NCCC?

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, team-based program for young adults aged 18-26. Members commit to a term of national service, which can include critical disaster response and recovery services. Through this partnership, NCCC teams will be integrated into Oregon’s disaster preparedness framework, offering vital support before, during, and after disasters.

Key Benefits of the Partnership:

This partnership brings several critical advantages to Oregon communities, including:

NCCC teams work on a variety of projects filling critical gaps in local resources.
NCCC members collaborate with local communities to strengthen response efforts, thereby accelerating recovery and repopulation of residents.
NCCC teams focus on ensuring that underserved and vulnerable populations receive critical resources and assistance during emergencies, bridging equity gaps in disaster response and recovery.
By integrating local resources with national service members, this partnership enhances Oregon’s capacity to build resilient communities.

Key Dates:

Nationally, NCCC Disaster Service Applications are received throughout the year. For purposes of the NCCC-OregonServes MOU, Pacific Region teams or Summer of Service can serve during these timelines (precise dates will vary year-to-year):

November 1 – December 16
January 8- April 16
April 24 – July 23 (Traditional program applications due, February 7, 2025)
Summer of Service June 20 – August 1

How to Apply to Be a Disaster Response AmeriCorps Volunteer:

First, download the application instructions below. Then, complete the Service Project Application for Disaster Response. No Project Concept Form is required.

Please note: Download the following document directly to your computer. Open and complete the document using Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat.

Applications and questions should be submitted to: NCCCPRTerritory2@americorps.gov.

Want to Make Your Organization a Project Sponsor?

Nonprofit and faith-based organizations, government entities, public schools, and universities, as well as tribal and native nations are eligible to apply. Organizations complete an application detailing the need and project design and NCCC will review submissions and make a final determination. To learn more about AmeriCorps NCCC and how to apply, please visit the AmeriCorps NCCC webpage.

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 rules, contest 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.