Oregon Beach News, Monday 10/20 – Thousands Turn Out for ‘No Kings’ Rally, Wildlife Center of the North Coast Annual Founders Night Event 10/26 & 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, October 20, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Small Craft Advisory Issued: 2:21 AM Oct. 20, 2025 – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM PDT WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...North winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and steep seas 12 to 14 ft at 12 to 14 seconds through today. Seas increase to 15 to 17 ft at 16 to 18 seconds Tuesday morning and afternoon.

* WHERE...All areas, though the strongest winds and highest seas today will be south of Cape Blanco.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM PDT Wednesday.

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

* View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php
CPC Key Message issued October 15, 2025 and updated October 16, 2025 for the period of October 24 to 27, 2025. A high risk (greater than 60 percent) of heavy precipitation is posted across coastal portions of southern Oregon and northern California. A moderate risk of heavy precipitation (40 to 60 percent) stretches from northern California into the western half of Oregon and Washington. Flooding is possible for Northwest Washington. High winds (moderate risk) are also possible for these regions. A high risk of heavy snow is posted for high elevation regions of northern California and southern Oregon, with a corresponding moderate risk over the northern Sierra Nevada and Cascades. A moderate risk of heavy snow is also favored for higher elevations of the Great Basin and Northern Rockies, along with a moderate risk of high winds for parts of MT, WY, northeastern UT, and northwestern CO. Travel may be impacted by heavy rain, snow, and wind. Heavy rain will also have the potential to produce small stream and urban flooding, though confidence is not as high at this point. Interests should continue to monitor forecasts.

Winter is coming! 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

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A rare sky watching event is on the way this week — two comets visible and meteor showers from another one!

Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) and Comet SWAN (C/2025 R2) are expected to brighten enough to be spotted with the naked eye around October 20–23, 2025. Grab a spot under dark skies, take your binoculars if you have them, and don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime double comet show.

Though Comet Lemmon (C/2025 A6) has been in view for a few days, on Tuesday October 21st, it will be at its closest approach to Earth. While the comet is visible in the northern hemisphere, the best viewing time is after sunset, low in the northwestern sky. Binoculars or a camera with a night-sky setting will likely provide the best view, and a scenic foreground can help frame the comet.

To view Comet Lemmon, look low in the northwestern sky. Start looking about 90 minutes after sunset. The comet will appear as a faint, hazy ‘cloud’ or a more condensed, brighter spot near the center. It will have a greenish coma and a faint blue tail.

Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) can be found in the evening sky throughout October and is best spotted in the hours following sunset, before it sinks low on the south-southwest horizon. The comet will be positioned approximately 5 degrees to the upper left of the star Xi Serpentis in the eastern section of the constellation Serpens. A stargazing app on your mobile device can help you locate the comet if you’re unfamiliar with these stars.

Also… October 21–22, 2025, the night sky will come alive with bright streaks of light that are remnants of Halley’s Comet burning through Earth’s atmosphere.

The Orionids are one of the most captivating meteor showers of the year, producing up to 20 meteors per hour under dark, clear skies. These meteors are known for their speed and brilliance, often leaving glowing trails that linger for seconds.

Best time to watch is after midnight, when the constellation Orion rises high in the sky.  They’ll be visible from both hemispheres, though the Northern Hemisphere will enjoy slightly better views.

Tip: Find a dark, open spot away from city lights, bring a blanket or reclining chair, and let your eyes adjust for 20 minutes — no telescope needed!

Each flash of light connects us to Halley’s Comet, a timeless traveler that last passed near Earth in 1986 and will return in 2061. Until then, these fiery fragments remind us of our place in the vast, beautiful universe.

Thousands Turn Out for ‘No Kings’ Rally

Tens of thousands of Oregonians turned out on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump, filling city streets and parks while marching in inflatable costumes and carrying signs. Towns all along the Oregon coast had large turnouts.

Astoria had an estimated 1,600 to 1,800 participants gathered along city blocks from 15th Street to 23rd Street, with clumps of protesters also near Safeway, on the eastern side of the city. In Seaside, a No Kings protest drew more than 600 people. In Cannon Beach, organizers estimate that around 300 people participated in a protest there.

Coos Bay
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Astoria
Seaside

Several thousand people participated in the ‘No Kings’ rally and march in Eugene on Saturday. Estimates vary for the crowd size but average 5000. The march, in dozens of cities large and small across Oregon, were part of a national day of protests that included more than 2,600 events and drew millions nationwide.

The Portland Police Bureau estimated between 40,000 and 50,000 protesters were present at the main protest in downtown Portland, with smaller satellite events throughout the city’s suburbs.

The ‘No Kings’ marches that took place throughout Oregon were peaceful, with no major incidents, injuries, or arrests reported anywhere in the state.

Wildlife Center of the North Coast Annual Founders Night Event 10/26

On October 26th, we will gather for our Annual Founder’s Night event – to celebrate both the legacy and the future of WCNC. We hope to see you there! More event info at: https://wcnc.betterworld.org/events/founders-night-2025

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About Our Founder:Sharnelle Fee founded the Wildlife Center of the North Coast in 1997 with a singular vision: to provide a safe haven for injured, orphaned, and ill wildlife, and to inspire people to protect the natural world we share.

Beginning as a small, home-based operation, Sharnelle’s dedication and tireless work transformed the Center into a respected wildlife hospital and education hub serving the entire north Oregon Coast.

Known for her compassion, deep knowledge of native species, and unwavering commitment to seabird rescue, Sharnelle’s legacy lives on in every animal released back to the wild and in the thousands of people whose lives have been touched by the Center’s work.

Crave the Coast Month 2025

—presented by Visit Tillamook Coast—invites you to savor the flavors, sights, and community spirit of the Northern Oregon Coast from October 1-31. From Astoria to Neskowin, discover coastal bounty at its source through an immersive culinary journey featuring special “Crave Dishes” and foodie events. Follow us on social media and check back here for more updates.

SAVE THE DATE! The month of October is officially Crave the Coast month. We  will be celebrating the bounties of the North Coast Food Trail from Astoria  to Neskowin. Attend culinary events

Instead of a single-day festival, Crave the Coast now runs the entire month of October. Local restaurants and food providers will offer signature “Crave Dishes” inspired by the region’s seasonal ingredients — from just-caught seafood and artisan cheeses to farm-fresh produce and handcrafted desserts.

Every dish enjoyed and event attended gets you closer to weekly prize drawings — plus entry into the grand prize giveaway: a two-night stay at Two Capes Lookout, a new glamping retreat, along with dining gift cards from participating North Coast Food Trail businesses.

This year, Crave the Coast is a month-long event instead of a single day or weekend because it’s more feasible for restaurants and food providers to participate when visitors come to them. It’s also more experiential and immersive for attendees, allowing them to enjoy the coast in a way that feels organic and memorable.

Plan Your Crave Adventure >>> Use Explore Seeker, an interactive mobile-friendly platform with check-ins, scavenger hunts, photo challenges, and rewards. You don’t need to download an app — just save Explore Seeker to your phone’s home screen and start exploring. MORE INFO: https://northcoastfoodtrail.com/crave-the-coast/

Florence Police have released an update on the credit card skimmer found at the 7-Eleven on October 13th.

Investigators say the device was placed on the store’s card reader at 4:05 p.m. and later discovered around 9 p.m. The skimmer was installed on the payment terminal closest to the front doors. Police advise anyone who made purchases during that five-hour window to check their bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity.

While the skimmer appeared identical to the real reader, no hidden camera was found. Officials say using tap-to-pay remains the safest way to avoid having your card data stolen.

Dunes City Ballots

Ballots are on their way for the November 4th Special Election, but only voters in Dunes City will receive them locally. The Lane County Elections office says ballots have been mailed and should arrive within the next few days. Residents who don’t receive theirs by the end of next week should contact Lane County Elections.

Ballots can be returned by mail, dropped off at a 24/7 ballot box in Dunes City, or delivered directly to the Lane County Elections office by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Voters can track their ballots online at oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

New Tillamook Shelter Expands Recovery Housing Access

A new recovery housing shelter in Tillamook is expanding access to behavioral health resources on the Oregon coast, providing temporary housing, restrooms and showers, and onsite services to help residents achieve long-term housing and employment.

The Anchor Night-by-Night Shelter and the West Shelter Village, part of the Tillamook Micro Shelter Project led by Community Action Resource Enterprises (CARE), celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting Oct. 10.

Staff from Community Action Resource Enterprises (CARE) celebrated the opening of a new Micro Shelter Project in Tillamook on Oct. 10.

“We are thrilled to see recovery housing becoming available in Tillamook for those in need of a safe and stable place to call home,” said Ebony Clarke, behavioral health director at Oregon Health Authority (OHA). “Our mission is to ensure that everyone has access to the housing and support they need to thrive.”

OHA awarded approximately $1.7 million in Measure 110 Behavioral Health Resource Network funding to support this project, including more than $700,000 for the capital project. This investment aligns with the agency and Governor Kotek’s commitment to addressing the social factors that impact health, including access to stable housing.

The new housing is part of Tillamook County’s efforts to provide compassionate, low-barrier shelter and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing houselessness.

The Tillamook Micro Shelter Project features a congregate shelter, individual “micro-shelters” for temporary housing, ADA-accessible restrooms and showers, and onsite services to help residents achieve long term housing and employment. A micro-shelter is a small, simple structure designed to provide basic protection from the elements.

Staff from Community Action Resource Enterprises (CARE) celebrated the opening of a new Micro Shelter Project in Tillamook on Oct. 10. The new facility includes housing for families and individuals in need of safe and stable housing.

The Anchor shelter will be open from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m., providing emergency shelter for up to 10 adults in a safe, warm space. It is open to adults 18 and over.

“With compassion and community at the heart of our mission at CARE Inc., we’re proud to open the doors of our new shelter in Tillamook — a safe haven and stepping stone for our houseless neighbors to rebuild, reconnect and reclaim hope, said Koren Karlovic, project manager for the Houseless Action Network at CARE Inc.”

The Village welcomes both individuals and families. As a “low-barrier” shelter, it does not require sobriety or a mental health diagnosis for entry. Residents participate in CARE’s shelter program to address barriers toward permanent housing. Stays are limited to six months, while the Anchor offers nightly shelter on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anyone in need of housing should come to the CARE Inc office at 2310 First Street in Tillamook to make an appointment with a peer for an assessment.

The City of Florence gathered for an informal meeting Monday evening to go over possible changes to the housing implementation plan in regards to short term rentals. 

The open house was to inform the public on upcoming developments.  The city is considering licensing for short term rentals to ensure that things like the transient room tax is being paid and that the rentals are in compliance with standard safety issues in rentals that are less than 30 days.  

The city is looking at proposing certain regulations for STR’s including safety measures like fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, tsunami evacuation maps and proper egress in cases of emergency. Over the past 3 years the city has been gathering data on Short Term Rentals including committee meetings and work sessions. Last nights introduced much of the gathered information to the public. Community Development Director, Wendy Farley-Campbell caught residents up to date on the process and the next steps moving forward.

The proposed new regulations consist of requirements such as a specific STR business License, which would be valid for 12 months, an application that would cover owner information, insurance requirements, fire safety and structural safety among others. Also under the proposed code, short term renters would also need to be registered with the city for parking allowances. Plans are to complete the process and have regulations in place by January.

Body of Missing Local Man Found on Seaside Beach

A body discovered on Seaside Beach early tMonday morning has been identified as Wayne Wilson, 64, of Seaside. Wilson was reported missing the evening of Thursday, Oct. 9, prompting an overnight search effort by Seaside Police, Seaside Fire & Rescue, and the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office.

At 7:37 a.m. Friday morning, Seaside dispatch received a report of a man found down on the beach near the Avenue A approach. First responders confirmed the individual, identified as Wilson, was deceased and called the Clatsop County Medicolegal Death Investigator to the scene to complete an examination.

City of Florence Adopts $77 Million Biennial Budget

The City of Florence has officially adopted its biennial budget for fiscal years 2025–2027, totaling $77.1 million, with a focus on sustaining public safety, investing in infrastructure, and maintaining city services (City of Florence, FY 2025-2027 Budget, p. 9).

City Manager Erin R. Reynolds highlighted the budget as a roadmap for operational management and strategic investment. “I am proud to put forward this budget that has created a financial plan and roadmap for how we can operationally manage the City, invest in new capital, sustain public safety services, maintain what we have, provide excellent services with outstanding employees, retain those employees, and meet the City Council’s Goals,” Reynolds said (p. 11).

For the fiscal biennium there is $63.1 million in total current resources which representas an 8% increase over the prior biennium. The City of Florence’s 2025–2027 budget assumes a modest 1% growth in property tax revenue and a 3% rise in taxable assessed value, generating about $6.8 million for the General Fund while maintaining the city’s full permanent tax rate. With no new taxes proposed, the City instead plans to introduce a Public Safety Fee, the first new fee since 2012, to sustain police services. Other revenue adjustments include a 3% CPI increase, annual reviews and fee hikes for building permits, the end of an eight-year system development charge discount, and a 16% rise in internal service fees reflecting higher personnel costs. While Public Safety remains the top funding priority, parks which is Florence’s second most popular service continue to rely heavily on grants due to limited discretionary funds. Reynolds emphasized, “With a Public Safety Fee, the City can sustain and maintain existing levels of policing and emergency services” (p. 12).

Personnel costs, which now account for 29% of total expenditures, include 74 full-time equivalent positions—a slight decrease from the previous biennium of 1.5 positions (p. 13). “People are our most valuable investment, and we invest accordingly,” the budget message states. The budget includes cost-of-living adjustments and contractual market increases for City employees, including police officers (p. 27).

Capital investments for the biennium total $12.11 million, funding projects such as the NW 9th Street infrastructure to support affordable housing, Safe Routes to School sidewalks, stormwater stabilization projects, and expansion of the Florence Senior and Activities Center. The City plans to fund these initiatives using reserves, current revenues, grants, and donations enabling the budget to remain free from accruing additional debt funding (p. 14).

The adopted budget also emphasizes strategic operational development, including evaluating department structures and staffing to ensure alignment with service priorities and financial realities (p. 26–28). “Our personnel strategy aims to create balance between fiscal responsibility and effective employment practices,” Reynolds stated (p. 28).

For residents and stakeholders, the full adopted budget document is available online: City of Florence FY 2025-2027 Adopted Budget.

Oregon Coast Aquarium issues request for shark mural proposals

The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) is seeking proposals from Oregon-based artists for a wall art installation in its Passages of the Deep exhibit.

The artwork will accompany the Aquarium’s iconic megalodon shark jaw prop and should feature the megalodon shark as its primary subject.

OCAq’s mission is to create unique and engaging experiences that connect visitors to the Oregon coast, ultimately inspiring conservation; to align with this endeavor, the artwork should evoke feelings of awe, interest, and discovery.

Scientific illustrations or photo-realistic styles are preferred. Final artwork will be reproduced on vinyl and installed on the exhibit wall. Non-digital artwork will be scanned at high resolution and transferred to vinyl for installation.

The City of Seaside Visitors Bureau and Tourism Advisory Committee have announced a new grant program designed to support public art, placemaking, and wayfinding projects aimed at enhancing Seaside’s visual landscape and enriching the city as a year-round destination.

The inaugural Community Arts and Vitality Grant will provide up to $25,000 in funding for the 2025-2026 cycle. Applications are due by December 5, 2025.

“This new grant is a chance for tourism to invest in the vibrant creative and civic spirit of Seaside,” said Joshua Heineman, Seaside’s tourism marketing director. “We’re looking for ideas — big and small — that’ll bring more beauty, historical context, and inspiration to the streets of this unique beach town for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.”

Eligible projects include public art installations, murals, and shovel-ready placemaking efforts that contribute to Seaside’s long-term cultural vitality and tourism appeal. Detailed guidelines and application instructions are available at SeasideOR.com/Tourism-Grant-Program.

In addition to the new arts grant, Seaside continues to accept applications for its tourism grant supporting offseason events. Since opening in May 2025, the events grant has awarded $15,250 to five local organizations. Applications for this program also close December 5, 2025.

The Seaside Visitors Bureau, a department of the City of Seaside, serves as the official destination marketing and management organization. The Seaside Welcome Center, located at the intersection of Highway 101 and Broadway, operates as an official State Welcome Center in partnership with Travel Oregon.

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Clatsop County Approves Lodging Tax Increase Effective 2026

Clatsop County will raise its lodging tax from 1% to 3% in 2026, updating definitions and compliance rules for hotels and online booking platforms.

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners has approved significant updates to the county’s Transient Room Tax ordinance, increasing the countywide tax rate and clarifying the responsibilities of lodging operators and online booking platforms.

During its September 10, 2025, meeting, the Board adopted amendments to Clatsop County Code 3.16, which governs how transient lodging taxes are collected and remitted. The most notable change is a countywide tax increase from 1% to 3%, effective January 1, 2026.

Under the new rate, transient lodging tax collectors—such as hotels, vacation rentals, and short-term stays—must collect and remit 3% of the rent charged for occupancy in Clatsop County. This rate is in addition to other local and state lodging taxes that already apply.

The revised ordinance also updates the definition of “Transient Lodging Intermediary” to ensure that third-party platforms and booking agents such as Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, and Expedia are included when they facilitate the sale of lodging or handle guest payments.

According to the county, the tax collector receiving payment is now explicitly responsible for collecting and remitting the tax quarterly to the County Tax Administrator. Failure to comply may result in penalties, interest, or legal action, including foreclosure.

The ordinance also adds a registration requirement for intermediaries not already registered with the county. Operators and property owners are encouraged to review their tax collection arrangements with online booking platforms to ensure compliance.

A copy of the amended ordinance is available on the Clatsop County website.

Questions can be directed to the Clatsop County Assessment & Taxation Office at assessor@clatsopcounty.gov, by phone at 503-325-8522, or in person through the county’s online contact portal. (SOURCE)

Florence Farmers Market Seeking Board Members

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

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

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

EVCNB

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Oregon Food Bank

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

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

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

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

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

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Trump Administration Notifies States that SNAP Benefits Not Coming in November — President won’t negotiate a deal to reopen the government, meaning 757,000 Oregonians lose food benefits next month

Today, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is notifying approximately 757,000 Oregonians who receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that they will not receive new benefits after October 31 because of the federal shutdown.

“This is a cruel and unacceptable situation. President Trump should focus on feeding families by negotiating a deal with Congress, not doing other things like deploying troops in American cities on taxpayers’ dime.” Governor Kotek said.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) which is at a standstill as a result of the federal shutdown.

On October 10, 2025, the Trump Administration notified states that due to the shutdown, it was directing them not to begin the process of distributing November SNAP benefits until further notice. The Trump Administration continues to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sending a clear message that the Administration is prioritizing other matters ahead of putting food on tables for Oregonians.

SNAP food benefits go to 757,000 people in Oregon every month — roughly one in six residents. Approximately 210,000 of these SNAP recipients are children, and 130,000 are adults ages 65 and older. Any delay or reduction in food benefits in November will cause unnecessary hardship and hunger for hundreds of thousands of people in Oregon during the month of Thanksgiving. In Oregon, it would hit rural communities and economies particularly hard because of the high number of households utilizing SNAP benefits.


ODHS reaffirmed its commitment to work at the state level to get information to Oregonians.

“We know that hundreds of thousands of children, older adults and hard-working families and individuals depend on SNAP food benefits to get enough food,” said ODHS Acting Director Liesl Wendt. “In collaboration with the Governor’s Office we are closely monitoring the situation and will share updates as soon as we receive information from the federal government about the ability to issue SNAP benefits. In the meantime, during this time of uncertainty, we encourage everyone who receives SNAP to familiarize themselves with the free food resources in their community and to make a plan for what they will do if they do not receive their food benefits in November on time.”

ODHS will continue to provide updates through:

ODHS encourages SNAP participants to:

  • Check your EBT card balance regularly
  • Continue following SNAP rules and reporting requirements
  • Stay informed by following or subscribing to ODHS communication channels
  • Sign-up for an ONE Online account and download the Oregon ONE Mobile app at benefits.oregon.gov to get notices about your SNAP case
  • Know where to find emergency food resources in your community.

Sign-up for a ONE Online account or download the Oregon ONE Mobile app as the fastest ways to get notifications about your SNAP benefits.

About SNAP in Oregon

SNAP is entirely federally funded and helps more than 1 in 6 people in Oregon — about 18 percent of households — buy groceries. This includes children, working families, older adults and people with disabilities.

Every $1 in SNAP benefits generates $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity, driving an estimated $1.6 billion into Oregon’s economy each year.

Fall Weather Brings the End of Fire Season for Oregon

Friday, all Oregon Department of Forestry districts have terminated fire restrictions, marking the end of the 2025 Oregon fire season declaration.

“Through aggressive initial attack and the dedication of our firefighters, we had a season with significantly fewer acres burned compared to last year even with more fire starts,” said Kyle Williams, ODF Deputy Director of Fire Operations. “This year had the potential to be similar to last year, but ODF firefighters showed up every single day to make sure that did not happen.”

Combined, lightning-and human-caused fire brought roughly 100 more fire starts on ODF-protected land compared to 2024 fire season. In response, the departments protection districts and division took on the challenge.

“Due to the agency’s aggressive approach to initial attack to preserve natural resources, protect communities, and increase firefighter safety, many fire starts that happened this year were never heard about,” said Michael Curran, ODF Fire Protection Division Chief. “In 2025, 94 percent of fires on ODF-protected lands were put out at 10 acres or fewer.”

Year to date, there have been 1,135 fires on ODF-protected lands resulting in 24,275 acres burned. ODF Complex Incident Management Teams (CIMT) have been mobilized six times to wildfires this year. The assignments were to the following incidents:

  • Rowena Fire
  • Elk Fire
  • Marks Creek Fire
  • Grizzley Complex
  • Flat Fire
  • Kelsey Peak Fire

Statewide to date, regardless of jurisdiction, there have been 2,569 fires that have burned 288,774 acres.

The start and end of fire season restrictions and regulations are set by each forest protection district based on the conditions in their area including drought, climatic forecasts, and seasonal trends. These restrictions and regulations are on activities prone to start wildfires, such as debris burning and certain equipment use, and are intended as preventative measures during times with elevated wildfire risks. The arrival of steady soaking rain, coupled with cooler temperatures and shorter days, usually triggers the closure of fire season.

The end of fire season removes ODF imposed fire restrictions on ODF-protected lands. However, many structural fire departments in Oregon still require a permit for debris burning, and slash burning requires a permit year-round, so check with your local fire department or ODF office before starting a burn.

As Oregon transitions to fall and winter, ODF districts across the state are shifting their attention to wildfire prevention, fuels reduction, mitigation and planning efforts.

For more tips on how to keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe from wildfire at any time of year, visit ODF’s Fire Prevention website or Keep Oregon Green’s website

OHA Announces 10.2% Medicaid Payment Increase, Affecting 1.4 Million Oregonians

A 10.2% increase in Medicaid insurer payments next year by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will help Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs) operate within the margins of restrained budgets.

Facing federal policy shifts and rising healthcare costs, the OHA is working with partners across the state to protect access to quality care for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members, while providing essential services to low-income earners in the state.

There are more than 1.4 million people in Oregon covered by the OHP, which is serviced by 16 CCOs statewide, providing physical, behavioral, and dental healthcare for members.

The biggest contributor to increased OHP costs has been the post-pandemic demand for behavioral healthcare, placing strain on CCO budgets.

In a press statement, OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi says the OHA is making a concerted effort to ensure that ‘every public dollar continues to deliver maximum value to the people of Oregon.’

Dr. Hathi says the OHA is also working in partnership with CCOs to evaluate cost-saving measures to offset the higher CCO rates. Collaborative efforts with CCOs and partners have resulted in renewed contracts for 2026 in all but one of the 16 regions.

PacificSource has informed the OHA that it would not renew its CCO contract for Lane County, affecting about 92,000 people.

However, Trillium Community Health Plan, another CCO already serving 36,000 people in Lane County, has been given the go-ahead by OHA to broaden its coverage in the region.

In the meantime, OHA is negotiating with PacificSource to continue serving the region until the beginning of February 2026. Members can expect a notification from OHA and PacificSource in the coming weeks.

“OHA acknowledges that everyone in Oregon’s Medicaid system – from state government and CCOs to hospitals and health care providers – must respond in ways that sustain access to quality care.

The agency will continue working with partners across the state to develop durable solutions that protect coverage, sustain provider networks, and preserve OHP’s long-standing commitment to equitable, high-quality care,” says Dr. Hathi.

Seasonal trends driving recent increase in initial Unemployment Insurance claims

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Driven primarily by annual seasonal trends, initial Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims in Oregon have risen over the past two weeks. This increase was expected and falls within OED projections entering the agency’s busiest period of the year from October through February.

“As expected, we’re not seeing a major impact on our workload from the ongoing federal shutdown, but we recognize the uncertainty and financial strain this has caused for many Oregonians,” UI Director Lindsi Leahy said. “We remain ready to support Oregonians.”

OED has detailed guidance for federal employees at OED’s Federal Shutdown page.

Although federal claims data is still preliminary, new applications from federal employees have increased in recent weeks. Because federal employees represent a small share of Oregon’s workforce (about 1.5%), and the shutdown only accounts for some of those claims, the shutdown has likely played a limited role in the overall increase.

As shown in the table below, initial claims were, on average, 25 percent higher for the past two weeks compared to the final full week of September. Weekly claims have also risen during that period, but the increases have been smaller.

Initial and Weekly UI Claims – Sept. 21 – Oct. 11

WeekInitial ClaimsPercent ChangeWeekly ClaimsPercent Change
Sept. 21-272,55033,960
Sept. 28-Oct. 43,294+29%35,107+3.3%
Oct. 5-113,129-5%35,320+0.6%
2-week avg.3,207+25%35,213+3.7%

About Federal Claims

Preliminary data indicates the number of federal employees applying for benefits has also increased over the past two weeks. OED can only estimate those figures because claims that include wages from federal employers take weeks for OED to process and confirm. That delay stems from the fact that, unlike most other employers in Oregon, the federal government does not submit quarterly wage data to OED, and it often takes weeks for OED to receive that information after a federal employee files a claim.

Some initial claims with federal wages filed over the past two weeks may result from regular seasonal federal layoffs or deferred buyout agreements that expired at the end of the federal fiscal year on Sept. 30, so OED cannot determine exactly how many are tied to the federal shutdown.

OED does track Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) claims as part of reporting to the U.S. Department of Labor, but that data takes weeks to finalize. This metric does not represent all claims from federal workers because UCFE only includes cases where all wages were from the federal government.

As of Oct. 15, OED has confirmed 118 UCFE claims for the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4, or roughly 3.6 percent of all initial claims that week. Last week, 178 of the 3,129 initial claims (or 5.7% percent) were confirmed as UCFE. These figures will continue to change as additional information becomes available and should not be interpreted as the total number of furloughed federal employees in Oregon who have applied for benefits.

### The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov.

Oregon’s jobless rate has been climbing steadily for more than two years, inching up to 5.0% amid a historic wave of layoffs among big employers and a general cooling off in the state’s labor market.

That slowdown is extending to people who have jobs, too, but are working less than they’d like. These are people with part-time jobs, who would rather be working full time, and others who have recently given up looking for work.

This so-called “underemployment” rate (economists classify it as the U-6 rate) began rising rapidly in Oregon last spring. It’s now at 9.3%, the state’s highest level of underemployment in four years.

Neither the standard unemployment rate, nor underemployment, are especially high by historical standards.

Oregon’s U-6 rate topped 20% in 2009 and 2010, as the Great Recession walloped the state’s economy. It briefly hit those levels again in 2020, in the pandemic’s early days, then rapidly fell to an all-time low of 6.6% in 2023.

That’s just two years ago, but Oregon’s labor market was much hotter then, when employers were struggling to find employees and workers had their pick of jobs.

What’s concerning now is how quickly both unemployment and underemployment are rising, both up by double-digit percentages on an annual basis in recent months.

And, increasingly, Oregon’s labor market is diverging from the broader U.S. economy. The state’s U-6 rate has been rising twice as fast as the national increase since last spring, indicating Oregon workers are more vulnerable to the softening economy.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield

As we wait for the Ninth Circuit to issue their ruling on whether our National Guard TRO can stay in place, there’s big news out of Illinois: an appeals court there just kept in place a similar TRO to ours.

Our team quickly submitted this as new and relevant legal authority to the Ninth Circuit.

Read more: https://www.kgw.com/…/283-c2a9c624-e56c-4480-9429…

Did you know the Oregon DOJ has a Federal Litigation Tracker on our website?

May be an image of text that says 'DID YOU KNOW? Oregon DOJ has a Federal Litigation Tracker where you can track all our cases protecting Oregonians from federal overreach. DAN RAYFIELD Attorney General'

It includes the latest information about all our cases protecting Oregon’s values from federal overreach – including tariffs, education funding, AmeriCorps funding, and more. Check it out: https://ow.ly/P6GZ50XcIP1

Oregon immigration rights groups sue ICE alleging it is preventing access to lawyers

Two immigration rights group say feds began targeted immigration operations throughout Willamette Valley on Oct. 15th, and advocacy groups are now suing three federal immigration agencies. They allege ICE is purposefully denying people in detention centers access to their lawyers before transferring them out of state.

The suit was brought against the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the ICE field office in Seattle, as well as the leaders of each agency, by  CLEAR Clinic, a Portland-based legal nonprofit that provides free immigration counsel, and Woodburn-based Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste — also known as PCUN, Oregon’s largest Latino labor union.

The groups are represented by Innovation Law Lab, a Portland-based legal nonprofit that specializes in immigrant and refugee cases.

Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem, Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, Cammilla Wamsley, director of ICE’s Seattle field office, and Pete Flores, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection are named in the suit.

Here’s just one of many of the Propaganda Pictures being used to enforce people to believe Portland is a war zone.

Oregon sues Trump administration over unlawful federalization of National Guard. REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/822383606886616

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPZW443CSK9/
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPZW443CSK9/

Roughly 4,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers across Oregon and Southwest Washington ended their five-day strike as scheduled Sunday morning.

The strike, organized by the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, concluded at 7 a.m. Sunday, as the company announced it had returned to normal operations.

Kaiser Permanente is resuming normal operations with a focus on the continued delivery of high-quality, affordable care to our members and communities. We welcome back the 30,000 Alliance-represented employees who are returning from the 5-day strike that ended at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 19.

We are deeply grateful to our front-line care teams who leaned in to ensure the continuity of outstanding patient care last week. Our facilities were staffed by physicians, experienced managers, and trained staff, along with nearly 6000 contracted nurses, clinicians, and others who worked with us during the strike.

Together these teams enabled Kaiser Permanente to minimize disruption and ensure our patients experienced the highest levels of care quality.

Kaiser Permanente and the Alliance have jointly agreed to resume bargaining on October 22–23. The focus will be on economic issues. While the Alliance has publicly emphasized staffing and other concerns, wages are the reason for the strike and the primary issue in negotiations.

We recognize our employees’ hard work and have offered a strong contract proposal that includes 21.5% in total base wage increases over four years, and enhances their high-value medical plans and retiree benefits.

At a time when the cost of health care continues to go up steeply, and millions of Americans are having to make the difficult choice to go without coverage, it’s critical that we keep quality, accessible health care coverage affordable – while attracting and retaining top talent and keeping Kaiser Permanente a great place to work and receive care. Our offer does all this.

Measles detection in Marion County wastewater prompts OHA alert to health care providers

Oregon Health Authority is alerting health care workers to a detection of measles found in a sewage sample through routine wastewater testing.

Wastewater testing, an early warning system, indicates at least one person with measles was in an area. OHA and Marion County health officials say health care providers should remain vigilant monitoring for patients who might have measles, and members of the public should ensure they are up to date on measles vaccination.

“One way to think about wastewater surveillance is like a ping on a radar — it could be low levels of the virus just passing through or something more serious, like an outbreak,” says Howard Chiou, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of communicable disease and immunizations at OHA. “It gives us a chance to prepare our health care partners with information they can use to help patients take steps to protect themselves, including reminding them to be up to date on their measles vaccines.”

View video clips of Dr. Chiou discussing the measles detection and wastewater surveillance. A link to broadcast-quality clips for media is available upon request.

The positive sample was collected Oct. 6 from a wastewater treatment plant in Marion County. The detection means there was at least one person infected with measles virus within the local area serviced by the wastewater treatment plant.

The health care alert is precautionary, as a single positive wastewater test result does not show whether there is ongoing risk to the community. The positive detection may have come from a person simply traveling through the area.

The alert is sent via the Health Alert Network (HAN), which facilitates information sharing between hospitals, clinics, laboratories, public safety, EMS and other public health partners throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.

About wastewater surveillance – Wastewater surveillance provides early warning to give communities a chance to prepare for seasonal and emerging infectious diseases. Wastewater–commonly known as sewage–is produced whenever people flush a toilet, use a sink or take a shower. Sewage then flows into water systems that carry it to local wastewater facilities.

Anyone who uses the sewage system contributes to wastewater surveillance, and test results cannot be traced back to individuals.

How health care providers can help – Health care providers should remain vigilant monitoring patients for symptoms consistent with measles. They should encourage patients with such symptoms to call ahead before visiting their medical clinic or facility so infection control measures can be taken. All clinicians are required to immediately report suspected and confirmed cases of measles to the local public health authority.

How people can protect themselves – People should know their vaccination status and their family’s status. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can cause severe disease in both children and adults. About one in 10 people with measles requires hospitalization, and measles can cause life-threatening illness.

The best and safest way to prevent measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Most people born before 1957 are considered immune. Those who are unsure of their vaccination status should contact their health care provider.

Measles symptoms include cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (eye redness) with high fever, followed by a rash that spreads down the body. Complications can include ear infection, lung infections and diarrhea. Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) is a rare but much more serious complication. In the United States in recent years, one to two of every 1,000 measles cases have been fatal. – More information about measles is available on the Oregon Health Authority Measles webpage.

A lawsuit concerning the sale of the Portland Trail Blazers has been settled, allowing Tom Dundon’s investment group to proceed with purchasing the NBA team.

RAJ Sports Holding LLC filed the suit in September against the founders of Panda Express over an exclusivity agreement but dismissed it before the first hearing. Settlement terms remain undisclosed. RAJ Sports, led by Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, also owns the Portland Thorns and Portland Fire, both of which will share the arena with the Trail Blazers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE OREGON NATIONAL GUARD GENERAL OFFICER PROMOTION CEREMONY FOR COL. PHILIP R. DEMONTIGNY 

Oregon Army National Guard Col. Philip R. DeMontigny was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the Oregon National Guard during a ceremony held in his honor at the W.D. Jackson Armory in Portland, Oregon, on October 19, 2025.

The Presiding Officer for the ceremony was Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, Adjutant General, Oregon, described a long list of DeMontigny’s accomplishments with family, friends, co-workers, and other guests in attendance.

“Phil, your promotion to Brigadier General represents the culmination of nearly three decades of exceptional service, but it also marks the beginning of new responsibilities and opportunities,” Gronewold said. “You have earned this rank through your dedication, your courage, and your unwavering commitment to those you lead.”

DeMontigny currently serves as the Assistant Adjutant General – Army for the Oregon National Guard and has served in the Active Duty Army, Army Reserves, and Army National Guard. He began his military career when he enlisted as an infantryman in March of 1996, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York.

In his civilian career, DeMontigny retired in 2024 after 23 years serving with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He now works as the Agency Risk and Emergency Manager for the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services.

Brig. Gen. DeMontigny’s military education culminated with a Master of Strategic Studies from the U.S. War College in 2019, and he currently resides in Olympia, Washington.

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

Southwest Oregon Fire Information

Moon Complex Update for Monday, October 20, 2025

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Oregon joins in the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces and recognize businesses that support employees with disabilities.

This year’s theme of “celebrating value and talent” is reflected in Oregon throughout the year in the countless ways people with disabilities bring value to their jobs and communities.

In 2023, 47% of Oregon residents with disabilities ages 18 to 64 were employed, compared with 79.7% of people without disabilities — about a 33% gap (source). Several state employment programs work to help people with disabilities enter and stay in the workforce.

“Our communities and economy are stronger when people with disabilities are included,” said Allison Enriquez, Oregon’s Employment First Coordinator. “For too long, people with disabilities did not have equal access to good jobs with fair wages in their communities. Oregon is committed to building employment-related supports and connections so all have access to reach their potential and fully participate in their communities.”

NDEAM webinar series

Partners who deliver employment services invite everyone to join a series of webinars in October to celebrate workplace successes and educate the community about resources and services available for job seekers with disabilities.

Webinars are scheduled noon to 1:15 p.m. Oct. 7, 14 and 28 on Zoom. For details on each session and accessibility information, go to Oregon’s NDEAM event web page.

  • 7 – Beyond the classroom: Celebrating work-based learning
  • 14 – Building financial futures: work and save with Oregon ABLE and EPD
  • 28 – Technology, artificial intelligence and employment

These events are hosted by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and Vocational Rehabilitation program, Oregon Commission for the Blind and the Oregon Department of Education.

Employment resources for people with disabilities

Several state programs offer resources to support Oregon residents with disabilities in achieving, maintaining and advancing in employment.

  • Office of Developmental Disabilities Serviceshas employment services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Vocational Rehabilitationhelps people with all kinds of disabilities find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
  • Oregon Commission for the Blindhelps people with vision loss find and keep a job and advance in their careers.
  • Ticket to Workis a free federal program for people who are blind or have a disability and receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. People who are 18 to 64 years old and want to work may access this program to prepare for work and find a job.
  • Employed Persons with Disabilitiesis a Medicaid program that helps people with disabilities go to work while keeping their Medicaid coverage.
  • Oregon ABLE Savings Planis a way people with disabilities can save for the future without the fear of losing needed government benefits.
  • Free benefits counselingis available to answer job seekers’ questions about how working may affect their benefits.

Information on these programs is available on the ODHS web page “Get Help Finding a Job.”

ODFW invites the public to view artwork entered in the annual stamp art contest on Tuesday, Nov. 4 from 12:30-5:00 p.m. at ODFW Headquarters in Salem.

The event is free and open to the public. Located at 4034 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, ODFW Headquarters will host the display of submissions for the 2026 Habitat Conservation Stamp, Upland Game Bird Stamp, and Waterfowl Stamp art contests.

Visitors will be able to cast their vote for the People’s Choice in each category.   A panel of judges will evaluate the entries on the morning of the show. Artists participating in the Habitat Conservation Stamp category are required to feature an eligible species from the Oregon Conservation Strategy in its natural habitat. For the 2026 Waterfowl Stamp, entries must showcase one of the following species in its natural habitat setting: blue-winged teal, lesser scaup, or ruddy duck.

The 2026 Upland Game Bird Stamp requires artwork featuring the ring-necked pheasant in its natural habitat setting.  The panel will judge artwork based on artistic composition, anatomical accuracy of the species and general appeal. The winning artist in each contest receives a $2,000 award and winning artwork is used to produce collector stamps and other promotional items with sale proceeds benefitting Oregon’s fish, wildlife and their habitats.

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.

 

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

Oregon’s Missing Persons

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

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

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

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com

 

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