Oregon Beach News, Monday 11/17 – Young Humpback Whale that Beached near Yachats Caught Up In Fishing Line Has Brought Attention Around the World as People Tried Valiantly to Save Her & 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, November 17, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Active Weather Alerts Issued: 5:35 AM Nov. 17, 2025 – National Weather Service

...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS
AFTERNOON...
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST
TUESDAY...

* WHAT...For the Hazardous Seas Warning, very steep and
hazardous seas 12 to 14 ft at 13 seconds. For the Small Craft
Advisory, north winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and
seas 9 to 14 ft at 13 seconds.

* WHERE...All areas will experience conditions hazardous to
small craft. Very steep warning level seas are expected beyond
1 to 2 nm from shore south of Cape Blanco and beyond 10 nm
from shore south of Cape Arago.

* WHEN...For the Small Craft Advisory, Until 4 AM PST Tuesday.
For the Hazardous Seas Warning, from 4 AM to 4 PM PST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Very steep and hazardous seas could capsize or
damage vessels. Bar crossings will become especially
treacherous.

* View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks

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

Young Humpback Whale that Beached near Yachats Caught Up In Fishing Line and Has Brought Attention Around the World as People Tried Valiantly to Save Her

 Updated: Nov. 17, 2025 10:33 a.m. Authorities say the young whale will be euthanized after the latest rescue attempt faltered Monday morning.

The whale is still stuck on the beach, but wildlife officials are making a big swing this morning by using a pulley system to try and orient the whale back toward the water.

REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1967801853835327

This is a live REEL on Facebook right now 11/17 10am  https://www.facebook.com/Oregoncoastexplored/videos/1150030430623942

11/17 REEL https://www.facebook.com/watch/live?ref=watch_permalink&v=1117011180253396

REEL: https://www.facebook.com/latebloomermedia/videos/1873815769835130

REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1366850191546411

REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2045777972836725

A humpback whale that spent Saturday tumbling in the surf off the coast near Yachats, tangled in fishing gear, and washed ashore alive and was still breathing as of 5:30 p.m. Sunday, according to experts at the scene. They estimate the female whale is 2 to 3 years old and about 28 to 30 feet long.

On Saturday, spectators described what they believed was a dead whale slowly rolling toward shore. But by Saturday evening, accounts of a live humpback stranded on the beach head spread quickly across Facebook and Reddit, prompting people from around Oregon to drive to the shoreline in an impromptu rescue effort. People from Bend, Happy Valley and Eugene flocked to the coast.

Photos and videos showed a crowd gathered in the middle of the night near the whale with phone flashlights, lanterns, blankets, shovels and wetsuits as people poured buckets of seawater over the animal. Some said the whale was vocalizing and others reported they could hear it “breathing hard.”

By 10 a.m. Sunday, experts Jim Rice, program manager of the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and Carrie Newell, founder of Whale Research EcoExcursions, were at the scene.

Both urged people not to come to the beach.

“It’s very important that we tell people not to come out. The whale is still alive. We have experts on site right now,” Rice said.

“Don’t want to endanger people or stress the whale which is still living,” Newell added.

Oregon State Police and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration echoed that call for people to keep their distance from the whale.

Oregon State Police and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration echoed that call for people to keep their distance from the whale.

Later in an evening phone interview Newell said that the whale appeared to be in good condition — it had no large gashes from killer whales or any visible injury. It was a healthy weight and not emaciated. She suspects the ropes from crab‑fishing equipment were likely the culprit, meaning the whale’s distress was man‑made. Newell said the animal had fishing rope in its mouth, wrapped around its body, its pectoral fins and possibly its tail. She noted the rope appeared too clean and new to have been in the water for long.

The Yachats stranding comes on the heels of a juvenile humpback found starved to death on the beach at Neskowin last week, more than 60 miles to the north.

Newell said she is “incredibly saddened” that this is the third humpback to wash ashore in a little over a month.

Humpback whales off the Oregon coast at this time of year are moving south and snacking along the way. After spending spring and summer feeding in the cold, food-rich waters off Oregon, Washington and California, they mostly migrate in late fall to warm winter breeding areas off Mexico and Central America, where they mate and give birth.

Humpback whales live in all of the world’s major oceans, feeding mostly on krill and small schooling fish and consuming as much as 3,000 pounds of food a day. They’re a reliable crowd favorite — among the most vocal whales and some of the most acrobatic, often slapping the surface with their long fins or launching into full-body breaches. Off the Oregon coast, humpbacks are the second most commonly seen large whale after gray whales.

“Thanks to all the loving individuals who tirelessly donated their time and energy to keep this whale alive,” one commenter wrote on social media Sunday.

And another: “The longer this poor animal is laying there, the worse it’ll get. It’s so sad to see. I really hope and pray this whale makes it back to its home.” (SOURCE)

Lincoln County DA Responds to Misleading Information Regarding Staffing Shortage

Recently, there have been several comments online and in the community regarding the staffing shortage in the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, specifically related to Lincoln County’s population size, in response to Commissioner Claire Hall’s recent post on her personal Facebook page.

Unfortunately, many of those comments are based on misleading information, causing confusion in the community. Population size alone does not forecast crime statistics or accurately predict the number of essential employees in a District Attorney’s Office. This is especially true in high tourism counties like Lincoln, who experience such a high influx of visitors yearly.

When fully staffed, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office is budgeted for 22 full-time positions, 2 part-time positions, and 8 grant-funded positions – for a total of 32 employees. Prior to the hiring freeze, personnel consisted of 2 office managers, 10 deputy district attorneys, 10 support staff, 5 victim advocates, 2 child support staff, 1 digital forensic analyst, 1 detective, and 1 Deflection coordinator.

Due to the county hiring freeze, the District Attorney’s Office is currently operating without the following 11 positions:

• Administrative Chief
• Executive Chief
• 3 Deputy District Attorneys (including 1 grant-funded position)
• Digital Forensic Analyst
• Detective
• 2 Support Staff
• 2 Victim Advocates (part-time, grant-funded)

Using one factor, such as population, to determine adequate staffing levels in the District Attorney’s Office is deceptive. Although Lincoln County has a population size of roughly 51,153, the number of criminal cases filed by the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office is more comparable to counties with a population size of 80,000+. In 2025, Lincoln County filed roughly the same number of criminal cases as Benton County, who has a population almost double that of Lincoln County. Additionally, Lincoln County has filed almost 40-60% more criminal cases than similar sized counties like Clatsop County and Columbia County.  See criminal case filing statistics below.

Case filings statistics obtained from Oregon Justice Department and are accurate as of 11/11/2025.

Population information obtained from 2024 Oregon Blue Book Almanac & Fact Book

DA’s Office is currently operating with 6 criminal DDAs due to vacant frozen positions.

25-26 Budget contemplates a total of 9 criminal prosecutors

Given staffing shortages, the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office is currently operating with a total of 21 employees, with 4 of those positions responsible for enforcing child support judgments and coordinating the deflection program. Due to grant restrictions, these 4 positions are restricted from any activity related to criminal prosecution, leaving a total of 17 employees dedicated to criminal prosecution (6 criminal deputy district attorneys, 6 full-time support staff, 2 part-time support staff, and 3 victim advocates).

The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting any crime that occurs within the borders of Lincoln County. Currently, our five local law enforcement agencies have roughly 90 patrol officers and/or detectives investigating criminal activity, making arrests, and referring charges for prosecution. See breakdown below.

Each case is then assigned to and reviewed by a deputy district attorney to make a charging decision. Unfortunately, criminal activity does not subside during staffing shortages – leading to an increase in caseload that often becomes overwhelming.   

Over the past seven months, District Attorney Jenna Wallace has repeatedly requested exceptions for 4-5 key public safety positions currently affected by the hiring freeze, including requests to fill three deputy district attorney positions. However, Commissioner Claire Hall and Walter Chuck have denied those requests, behind closed doors, without any response, discussion, or public hearing. DA Wallace spoke publicly at the Lincoln County Board of Commissioner’s meeting on October 1, 2025, and November 5, 2025, pleading for immediate exceptions to the county-wide hiring freeze given public safety concerns due to crime rates, challenging caseloads, and staffing shortage. 

As of September 2025, Lincoln County has seen a 24% increase in caseload this year, while simultaneously experiencing a shortage of prosecutors, and is projected to file over 1,850 criminal cases by end of year. This does not include a backlog of over 360 cases awaiting review. DA Wallace raised fears that limited staffing and the inability to hire employees will negatively impact criminal prosecution in Lincoln County. DA Wallace stressed that if Commissioner Hall and Chuck continue to prevent the District Attorney’s Office from hiring employees into historically funded positions, community safety, accountability, and justice will be negatively impacted.

At the November 5, 2025 BOC Meeting, DA Wallace stated,

I want to make it clear as it appears there was confusion when I spoke previously. I am not asking for any additional positions or funding. I am simply advocating for the ability to use the budget provided to me and hire personnel into already established and approved positions adopted through the 25-26 budget process by you, the Board of Commissioners.

The District Attorney’s Office, under DA Wallace, has never requested additional funding or new positions. The District Attorney’s Office has consistently underspent over the past decade, contributing hundreds of thousands of dollars back to the general fund at the end of every budget cycle. DA Wallace’s freeze exception requests would leave four remaining frozen positions in the District Attorney’s Office to assist in resolving the County-created budget deficit, which seems like a reasonable compromise to promote public safety while balancing the budget deficit. Regrettably, over Commissioner Casey Miller’s objection, Commissioner Chuck refused to discuss DA Wallace’s public request on both October 1, 2025 and November 5, 2025. Neither Hall nor Chuck have made any effort to contact DA Wallace outside of public comment for additional discussion.

“I am struggling to understand why Commissioner Hall and Commissioner Chuck will not grant exceptions to the hiring freeze, specifically four key public-safety positions in the District Attorney’s Office that are essential for criminal prosecution. I need to be able to use the resources already allocated to my office through the public budget process to continue to promote community safety and accountability in Lincoln County. As the Commission Chair and member of the Budget Committee, Hall approved and adopted the current Lincoln County budget without raising any concerns regarding overstaffing or overfunding in the District Attorney’s Office. In fact, no one involved voiced concerns that the District Attorney’s Office was overstaffed or overfunded.  If Commissioner Hall had overstaffing concerns, why did she approve and adopt the current budget?” DA Wallace says her office just doesn’t have the ability to give every case the attention it deserves, while also being short three prosecutors. Until Commissioner Hall and Chuck rescind the hiring freeze or approve public safety exceptions to freeze, the District Attorney’s Office will be unable to keep up with the demand and may be forced to prioritize which cases can be feasibly charged with limited staff.

The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office is committed to transparency, accountability, and open dialogue. The District Attorney’s Office is in the process of organizing an upcoming public Town Hall to engage directly with members of our community. This event will provide residents with an opportunity to learn about the District Attorney’s Office, discuss public safety concerns and community priorities, and ask questions and share feedback directly with DA Wallace. DA Wallace hopes Commissioner Hall and Chuck will accept her invitation to attend as panelists to share insight and answer questions regarding this impactful topic to build a safer, more supportive community for all. Date, time, and location will be released in the upcoming weeks.

Federal Defense Contractor Backs Out of Potential Oregon Coast ICE Facility for Now

It remains to be seen how the withdrawal impacts the federal government’s suspected plans to establish an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Oregon

A defense contractor with a history of providing housing for military operations withdrew its inquiry seeking land at the Newport Municipal Airport, a city official said Wednesday, as growing evidence suggests the Trump administration intends to use the site for Oregon’s first Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility.

City Manager Nina Vetter confirmed the Texas-based Team Housing Solutions informed Newport officials of the decision Wednesday afternoon, setting the tone for a two-hour special city council meeting filled with emotional testimony and applause. Local residents urged Newport leaders to amass all the tools they have to block any plans for an ICE facility in the area. “Maybe somebody thought ‘Oh it’s a small place, it’s rural, they’re probably quiet, we can overpower them,” said City Councilor Steve Hickman.  “We’ve been underestimated.” Team Housing Solutions’ withdrawal follows the Tuesday disclosure of records showing the company, which has previously furnished housing for the Texas National Guard, asked the city about leasing land at the airport last week in support of “federal operations.” 

Early November job listings posted by government contractors Acuity International, based in Virginia, and Asset Protection & Security Services, based in Texas, for detention, clinical and transport officers in Newport have fueled concerns that those operations will include immigration detention. Oregon does not have a long-term detention facility, reflecting the state’s decades-old status as the first sanctuary state in the nation. A 2021 law bans the creation of private immigration detention centers. In Portland, for instance, an ICE processing center has drawn strong protests while city leaders have accused the location of violating land use rules barring the detention of individuals for more than 12 hours or overnight.

A Monday statement from Vetter and Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan set off panic statewide after they said they were “made aware of information” indicating the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was already in the process of considering locations for a detention facility across the Oregon coast, including the Newport Municipal Airport. Since then, Oregon’s city, state and federal leaders say they have been unable to get clarity from the agency. “The federal government continues to refuse to share their plans with the public,” Gov. Tina Kotek said in a Wednesday statement. “While information is limited at this time, I oppose spending taxpayer dollars on an unwanted and unnecessary additional ICE detention facility in Newport, or any part of the state. The Trump Administration should focus on solving real problems, not inciting fear and tearing communities apart.” The extent to which Housing Solutions’ withdrawal could complicate the path forward for the federal government’s plans remains to be seen. Vetter told residents Wednesday that the city has not received any direct communication from the homeland security department. ICE and DHS have not responded to the Capital Chronicle’s requests for comment this week.  While the agency did not confirm Newport’s location specifically, a Wednesday statement from the homeland security department to The Lincoln Chronicle and Oregon Public Broadcasting said officials were “working with state and local governments to secure greater and more cost-effective detention space.” “(DHS) is working at turbo speed on cost-effective and innovative ways to deliver on the American people’s mandate to arrest and deport the worst of the worst including gang members, pedophiles, terrorists, rapists, and murderers,” the statement read.

Further angering Newport residents was the recent removal of a rescue helicopter from the airport’s Coast Guard station to a station in North Bend, with no public explanation from the homeland security department. The land Team Housing Solutions was seeking would have been next to where the U.S. Coast Guard has operated its permanent airport facility. The federal government has owned that site through a deed since 1992, Vetter said. Those developments lit a fire in the liberal coastal city over the safety of fishermen and boat workers in an area with a large commercial fishing industry. Local residents and speakers at Wednesday’s meeting stressed their support for the rescue operations and local immigrant communities.

The city has so far avoided much of the aggressive deportation operations brought forth by the Trump administration across Oregon in the past few weeks, which included large recent raids in Woodburn and Salem. News of the contractor’s withdrawal also comes as growing pushback to the facility has emerged from Oregon’s federal lawmakers. Democratic U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Val Hoyle on Wednesday wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem demanding a briefing and written responses to their questions about the Newport facility by Friday. “There are also persistent reports and rumors that DHS is working to move Coast Guard assets away from Newport in order to make room for immigration enforcement operations,” the lawmakers wrote. “It appears that ICE is looking to install a detention facility or outpost in Newport, as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to ramp up immigration enforcement.” Team Housing Solutions did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday about their decision. (SOURCE)

Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici, Hoyle Demand Trump Administration Explain Big Coast Guard Changes in Newport & Reports of New ICE Facility

Oregon lawmakers urge DHS Secretary Noem to immediately provide the Oregon congressional delegation and state and local officials with a clear explanation of DHS’s actions and intentions in Newport

– U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley along with U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Val Hoyle said today they are demanding the Trump administration answer questions about reports that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has relocated an essential Coast Guard helicopter away from Newport, and is planning to build an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in this small Oregon Coast town. “We urge you to immediately provide the Oregon congressional delegation and state and local officials with a clear explanation of DHS’s actions and intentions in Newport,” the Oregon lawmakers wrote DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “Reassigning Coast Guard assets or establishing ICE facilities in Newport would be deeply misguided and should not move forward without full transparency and consultation with local officials.” Wyden, Merkley, Bonamici and Hoyle noted in their letter that the Coast Guard station in Newport serves the city and the central Oregon Coast as a critical lifeline for the state’s fishing industry, coastal visitors, and local residents with boat crews and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew that has long been a proven lifesaver in search and rescue operations. “Oregonians at the local, state, and federal level have fought long and hard to preserve this crucial part of our coastal safety net, which is why we are so deeply concerned to hear reports that DHS has relocated this helicopter without any notice to our communities,” they wrote Noem. “This move endangers all those at sea, and will certainly undermine search and rescue operations, particularly ahead of crabbing season.” The Oregon lawmakers also sought answers in their letter to persistent reports and rumors that DHS is working to move Coast Guard assets away from Newport to make room for immigration enforcement operations. It appears ICE is looking to install a detention facility or outpost in Newport, as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to ramp up immigration enforcement. “ICE has already rounded up law-abiding members of our communities who present no threat to public safety, which has created fear among Oregon families,” they wrote. “Newport residents and small business owners remain extremely concerned about the social and economic consequences that will result from ICE enhancing its presence in the town and the surrounding areas.” In addition to requesting a briefing from Noem as soon as possible, the Oregon lawmakers also asked Noem to provide written responses by November 14, 2025, to the following questions:

• Did DHS direct, approve, or initiate the reassignment of any Coast Guard assets or personnel from Newport?
• Has DHS or ICE proposed, authorized, or taken any steps toward establishing an ICE detention facility or expanding immigration enforcement activities in Newport?
• Why did DHS not consult with Oregon state and local officials before making or considering these reported changes, and when will such consultation occur?

The entire letter is here.

CONSUMER ALERT: EBT card skimming is spiking in the Coos Bay area – with over 40 incidents reported in the past 5 days. Read more about what happened and how to protect your EBT card and benefits – and what to do if you’ve been impacted.

55 Years Since Oregon Exploding Whale Incident

It’s been 55 years since Oregon state officials’ plan to obliterate a beached whale that washed up near Florence ended with a blast that rained blubber down along the coastline.

The 45-foot-long sperm whale arrived on the beach on November 9, 1970, and in the words of KATU reporter Paul Linnman, quickly became “a stinking whale of a problem.”

State transportation crews worked on a solution, settling on a plan to blow up the whale three days later, on November 12.

“So dynamite it was, some 20 cases or a half ton of it,” Linnman said. “The hope was that the long-dead pacific gray whale would be almost disintegrated by the blast.”

However, things didn’t go quite as planned. Linnman and KATU photojournalist Doug Brazil were there that day, filing the now infamous report from the dunes.

The protocol now typically is to let stranded whales decompose naturally, letting scavengers do their part in the coastal ecosystem. However, if the situation necessitates, the state may take other actions to dispose of a carcass.

Exploding Whale Memorial Park – This riverfront park provides access to the Siuslaw River in Historic Old Town Florence. Named by residents to memorialize the notorious “exploding whale” incident that took place on the Oregon Coast in the 70s, this beautiful wayside park offers sandy beach and views of the Siuslaw River Bridge.

The park offers views of the Siuslaw River and Bridge and the sand dunes on the south side of the river. For more about the “exploding whale” incident, check out the video link above or on website: https://visittheoregoncoast.com/cities/florence/activities/exploding-whale-memorial-park/

Three Rivers Hosts Annual Food and Toy Drive

Three Rivers Casino Resort is holding its annual Food and Toy Driveno now to Dec. 14. The drive benefits local families in need as it strengthens partnerships between the casino, the Florence Police Department, and community organizations. Guests can bring in a new, unwrapped toy or three nonperishable food items to Player Services. They will receive $5 in free play once a week. Donors who bring both a toy and food can receive up to $10 total each week.

“We really appreciate working with Three Rivers for the toy and food drive program that we have here in Florence,” said Hailey Coons, Florence Police Department School Resource Officer. “They’re a big part of the service we’re able to offer our community during the holiday season. Community organizations nominate families who’ve been struggling or just having a rough year, and it’s such a rewarding experience to make sure every child has a happy holiday.”

“I think it’s fabulous when businesses give back to the community they serve,” said Beth, a food drive recipient. “My wife and I live on Social Security, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to decide what bills to pay. Discovering we were eligible for the food share helped us immensely. Food Share has given me so much more than food; it’s a wonderful community of caring humans.”

Coons said Legos, sports equipment, and books are among the most popular gifted items. When it comes to food donations, coffee, cereal, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, and macaroni and cheese are especially needed for families.

Over the last five years, Three Rivers Casino Resort has helped to give out more than 2,500 toys and cans of food. “We’d love for everyone to help donate so we can make every family have a fantastic holiday season,” said Coons.

The “bump” on Highway 26 has returned, though in a slightly different and less severe spot, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation.

ODOT says crews observed movement late last week, prompting the placement of warning signs and cones. A 25-mph speed limit is now enforced, with drivers urged to slow down significantly in the affected area.

The area, about 13 miles east of Seaside, is prone to movement due to groundwater and natural slopes beneath the road, according to ODOT.

Earlier this summer, in August and September, ODOT crews installed drainage across the highway, which temporarily stabilized the situation. However, issues persist. ODOT plans to add another drain during a break in the weather to redirect water and relieve pressure under the pavement. which may cause traffic delays again back and forth to the coast.

ICE Activity Reported Saturday in Clatsop County

At least five people have been detained by federal immigration enforcement officers in Seaside as of early Saturday afternoon

Near-daily protests continued outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Portland on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. As the rally unfolded, thousands riding in anMark GravesPosted Sunday, November 9, 2025 10:13 amJeanne Huff / The Daily Astorian (TNS)

The Portland Immigration Rights Coalition said there were five confirmed detentions in the Seaside area on Saturday.

“Through hotline calls and through our community partners as part of the Oregon for All coalition, PIRC has received information for five community members who were detained in the Seaside area on Nov. 8,” said PIRC spokesperson Natalie Lerner. “We have heard there may be additional detentions and want the community to know we are here for them as a connection to resources. As with all of the currently-escalating immigration enforcement in our state, we condemn today’s detentions — those abducted are believed family, friends and community members. Immigration agents only serve to sow panic and trauma in our state, and we are proud to be part of the strong community response to support our neighbors. Our hotline is here 24/7 for anyone across the state who has had their family or friends taken or who believes they have witnessed ICE activity.”

According to a KMUN news report about the activity, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers began running license plates and pulling people over and taking them into custody around 8 a.m.

Prior to Saturday, the last time a local ICE presence was reported was through Facebook in Depoe Bay in May and one arrest was reported in Newport in September.

The Seaside detentions come as the Trump administration ramps up ICE activity nationwide.

The Facebook posts, many anonymous, began popping up mid-morning: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was observed and reported apprehending people in Seaside.

Photos and videos were posted of ICE vehicles outside of Beach Books in Seaside and reports said “two to seven” people were taken into custody.

Beach Books store employee Hilary Weigel said she had seen the posts on Facebook but did not see anything at the store.

“I believe it happened before the store opened (at 10 a.m.),” Weigel said.

Jenny Pool Radway told KMUN reporter Katie Frankowicz that all five of the people detained in Seaside were on their way to jobs in the area. Pool Radway is the executive director of the Astoria-based nonprofit Consejo Hispano that provides services to the Latino communities on Oregon’s North Coast. She likened Saturday’s operation to “a fishing expedition.”

“You’re not picking up someone who is a danger to the community,” Pool Radway said. “These are our friends, our neighbors, just regular tax-paying community members who are being hunted down.”

Seaside police dispatch, the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office and Sgt. Thomas Litwin at the Astoria Police Department all reported their offices were not involved in any ICE activity and they had not been contacted by the agency.

The Facebook posts ramped up throughout the morning and into the afternoon, reporting sightings of ICE vehicles moving up from Cannon Beach to Astoria, however, the only known apprehensions occurred in Seaside.

One post came from North Coast State Rep. Cyrus Javadi. “We’ve received reports of possible ICE activity today in Clatsop and Tillamook counties including the Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside, and Tillamook areas.

“If you or someone you know may be vulnerable, please stay safe and consider remaining home until we can confirm more details. “We’re monitoring the situation and working to verify what’s happening.”

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates. SOURCE: https://www.chronline.com/stories/ice-activity-reported-saturday-in-clatsop-county,390803

The Pioneer shared this warning on social media:

Then this comment on the post, “They drove through ——— and made a visit at a local family’s house, but everyone is safe.” This was a few miles from my home – it’s a small community and it didn’t take long to identify the family, and by the way, they are people of color. This is why we aren’t sharing the location. That’s in my backyard. For all the people watching from the sidelines, thinking “it won’t happen here” – IT’S HAPPENING HERE.

For those people that think ICE is “just doing their job” and are cheering these disappearances this is not legal. As one comment noted, “We have a responsibility to protect our friends and neighbors. Please don’t look the other way or remain silent.”

Our local communities have developed communications to identify ICE, issue warnings and to keep everyone safe.  The more people that are aware, and notice vehicles with odd license plates, or no plates – that photograph or videotape these situations, it provides evidence.  It gives we the people some power over these illegal takings. #FactsnotFear

There are local warning systems, regional and statewide reporting networks. If you or someone you know has witnessed ICE in Tillamook County, report to the Tillamook County Pioneer – editor@tillamookcountypioneer.net, and we will notify the local network.

OR contact the Portland Immigration Rights Coalition (PIRC) Hotline 1-888-622-1510 as experienced an exponential rise in reports during the last week. Please continue to CALL the hotline with any urgent concerns:

• You are witnessing ICE presence (suspected or confirmed)
• You have witnessed or have information about an ICE detention
• You’re looking for a missing loved one

Please TEXT the hotline with nonurgent issues:

• Questions about accessing non urgent resources (as long as it isn’t needed within the next 24 hours).
• Photos of possible ICE sightings, license plates, etc If urgent please call first before sending text messages

PIRC has a great protocol for reports – think CLEAR:

C – Count the number of ICE agents

L – Location – provide street, cross streets, town

E – Equipment – type of vehicle, color, license plate, uniforms

A – Activity – checking IDs

R – Report time/date, other details

If there is violence or you’re in danger or someone else is, always call 911. Local police have NOT been participating in these takings, honoring Oregon’s Sanctuary Laws.

We are all stronger together, and everyone should feel safe in our communities. The Pioneer does not fear the threat of retaliation from reporting ICE activity or for notifying the community of their locations. #FactsNotFear

ICE in Our Backyard – Abductions, Detentions in Seaside, “Visit” to Local Tillamook County Family Sat. Nov. 8; PIRC Protocol for Protecting Our Community

Siletz Tribe Declares State of Emergency and Donates Funds to Local Food Banks

Tribe launches two-pronged plan on food insecurity with direct aid to local communities, through grants

Siletz, Ore., on November 1, 2025, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians declared a state of emergency to address food insecurity as a result of the ongoing federal government shutdown. Tribal Members and children are affected by the loss or delay of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting in the month of November. After a recent court decision, the federal government stated they would issue SNAP recipients up to half of their typical benefits, and they will likely be delayed.

Declaring a state of emergency makes additional resources available and adds flexibility in program implementation. The tribe has allocated $200,000 in funds to assist Tribal Members in meeting the shortfall in SNAP benefits. To receive emergency funds, Tribal Members can apply in person at the Siletz Administration office or at one of the area offices (Portland, Salem, Eugene) through the 477-Self Sufficiency Program. The program will accept applications daily, between Nov. 5-12, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Applications will also be available on the CTSI website (member only section) with instructions on how to submit documents.

We ask that Tribal Members come prepared and submit all required documents at the time of application. This includes:

· Complete application listing household composition, address and birthdates

· SNAP benefit letter confirming eligibility and enrollment

· Release of information with the Oregon Department of Human Services, if needed

· Applications will be accepted from Nov. 5-12, 2025, or until funds are expended

“We know that reduced benefits caused by this government shutdown has created a lot of stress and uncertainty for our tribal families. With holidays around the corner, we want to ensure families have the resources they did prior to the shutdown,” CEO Kurtis Barker said.

This emergency assistance is ran through a temporary general welfare assistance program and is not taxable income. Recipients are responsible for evaluating the impact that receiving funds under this program will have on other local, state, and federal benefit programs. Program funds will be mailed to addresses on file with the Enrollment office on or before Nov. 14, 2025.

Charitable Contributions Fund:

In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown and instability in food programs such as SNAP, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund (STCCF), in partnership with the Siletz Tribal Council, has authorized $80,000 in emergency funding for food banks and gleaners within the tribe’s 11-county service area.

This action, approved by Siletz Tribal Council, uses the remaining funds from the 2023 EPR Charitable Budget. Twenty (20) nonprofit food organizations will each receive $4,000 to help meet increased demand as families experience reduced food benefits and increased unmet needs.

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians recognize the vital role these programs play in supporting vulnerable populations. This emergency funding ensures food resources remain available during this difficult time.

The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund (STCCF) is a program within the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, established in 1999 through a compact between the State of Oregon and CTSI. Within this agreement, 5% of all net revenues from Chinook Winds Casino Resort are dedicated to Charitable Grant requests. This funding can only be dispersed among non-profit organizations, Native American organizations and government entities.

For more information about the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, visit our website at www.ctsi.nsn.us

You can read this press release on our website at: https://ctsi.nsn.us/tribe-declares-state-of-emergency/

Enter the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce photo contest before Saturday 11/15.

Amateur and professional photographers are encouraged to submit up to ten of their best images capturing the fun, natural beauty, and well-known attractions within 20 miles of Florence. The winning photographer will receive $250 and have their photo featured in the Chamber’s visitor guides, marketing materials, website, and social media. Photos that showcase a diversity of people enjoying Oregon’s Coastal Playground will receive special consideration. Entries are due by November 15th, and the winner will be notified by email within 30 days.

The Oregon State Marine Board is sending out motorboat registration renewal notices for registrations expiring December 31, 2025.

Boaters with an email on file will receive digital notices with instructions to renew through the Boat Oregon Store — the fastest option, offering a printable temporary permit for immediate use. Those without email will receive notices by U.S. Mail by mid-November. Decals typically arrive within a few days for online renewals and longer by mail. The Marine Board recommends renewing this fall or early winter to avoid delays next summer. Motorized boats and sailboats 12 feet or longer must be titled and registered. The Boat Oregon Store also offers waterway access permits for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other non-motorized craft.

Clatsop County settles with employees who alleged bullying and harassment at the DA’s office

Clatsop County has settled with two former employees from the district attorney’s office for more than $114,000 amid an ongoing investigation into workplace conduct issues.

The county confirmed the settlements had happened, but declined to comment on them or on any aspects of the investigation.

In the settlement documents, the county does not mention the investigation or list any reason for the agreements beyond marking the end of the women’s employment with the county. Instead the documents refer to the money paid to the women as severance pay, broken up across three categories: for alleged economic damages, for alleged noneconomic damages, and for alleged attorney fees. READ MORE: https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/10/clatsop-county-settles-with-employees-who-alleged-bullying-and-harassment-at-the-das-office.html

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking input from local businesses on how recent demonstrations may have affected day-to-day operations.

Chamber officials say the goal is to accurately represent the community’s experience and provide informed feedback to local leaders and decision-makers.

Businesses are encouraged to complete a short, confidential survey, whether or not they’re Chamber members. Responses will help guide efforts to maintain a safe and thriving business environment in Florence. A link to the survey is available through the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The 25th annual “Pounding” to benefit Florence Food Share will take place Saturday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grocery Outlet.

Founded by local businesswoman Cindy Wobbe, the drive-through food donation event helps fill the food bank’s shelves with canned, boxed, and frozen items ahead of the holidays. Modeled after an old community tradition of giving a “pound” of food to neighbors in need, the event has collected more than 220,000 pounds since 2000. KCST Coast Radio will broadcast live, and donations of any commercially packaged food are welcome.

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

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

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

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

Trump administration ended free tax filing program. Here’s where Oregonians can go instead

The Trump administration has ended the federal government’s offering of a nationwide free e-filing program for federal income taxes for 2026. But state officials say Oregonians can still find similar options both online and in-person.

The Oregon Department of Revenue learned of the move last week through an email from the Internal Revenue Service, according to agency spokesperson Robin Maxey. That announcement came after the revenue department urged taxpayers in August to complete an official national survey seeking to evaluate the efficacy of the Biden-era online tax filing program. 

Oregon was one of 25 states to have partnered with the Internal Revenue Service to offer an online pilot allowing taxpayers to directly file their federal income taxes. Around 4,700 Oregonians took advantage of the program this year, and nearly 14,000 participated in Oregon’s own system for direct state income tax filings, known as Direct File Oregon.

In a statement, David Gerstenfeld, director of the Oregon Department of Revenue, said the state’s direct file option will remain available for 2026. 

“Oregon still has several options for electronically filing both their federal and state income tax returns for free,” he wrote. “Direct File Oregon can be used in combination with commercial software, a variety of income-based free software programs, and free fillable forms, which is available to every taxpayer regardless of their income level.”

Americans for decades have given billions of dollars to private, for-profit tax preparation companies without a free government program providing an alternative. The IRS has historically partnered with private companies to offer a subsidized filing service for low and middle-income taxpayers with its “Free FIle” program, but reporting from ProPublica in 2022 found that some of those companies tricked customers into paying for free services. 

Congress, in response, gave the IRS $15 million to study its options for creating a free system in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. By 2023, the agency produced a report that led to the 2024 direct e-filing pilot. 

But the GOP’s summer tax and spending law directed IRS officials to report by Oct. 2 on the costs of “enhancing and establishing public-private partnerships,” and the costs of replacing “any direct e-file programs run by the Internal Revenue Service.” A previous version of the GOP’s legislation proposed axing the program altogether. 

The U.S. Treasury Department in that recent report claimed that the program had “low overall participation and relatively high costs and burdens on the federal government, compared to other free filing options.” But U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat and ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, said that President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent “gutted the team that ran the direct file program, so the outcome of this study was predetermined and the report itself is a sham.”

“I wrote the bill that created Direct File because the existing free options were insufficient and the big tax prep companies had been caught red-handed using deceptive practices to scam taxpayers into overpaying,” Wyden said. “The lesson is, the Trump administration is a threat to any public service that saves Americans time, hassle and money.”

Maxey, the revenue department spokesperson, said in an email that taxpayers who have yet to file their 2024 returns this year can use Direct File Oregon in combination with federal filing options to complete their forms. 

The agency cannot recommend specific programs, Maxey said, but it has compiled a list of free tax preparation services as well as approved commercial options such as H&R Block, TaxHawk.com, 1040Now, CashApp and FileYourTaxes.com.

Some free options include:

• The American Association of Retired Persons Foundation Tax-Aide program, which provides assistance to anyone free of charge with a focus on low- and middle-income individuals older than 50. 
• The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program gives free assistance to people who make less than $60,000 annually, people with disabilities and individuals who speak limited English. The IRS lists locations for these program sites on its webpage. 
• The Portland-based nonprofit Metropolitan Family Service has a Creating Assets, Savings and Hope program which offers a dozen free volunteer tax sites in the Portland and Eugene metropolitan areas as well as virtual options. The program is geared to low- to moderate-income working families and individuals and provides culturally responsive outreach. 
• The Oregon Taxpayer Advocate Office also lists an interactive map on the revenue department’s website of free tax preparation sites as of 2024, though it notes those appointments are often filled quickly. 

IRS officials previously described the direct e-filing program as a tool that “walks the taxpayer through the complexities of the nation’s tax code.” The system promised accurate estimates of refunds or taxes owed, as well as transparency for how it made calculations.  (SOURCE)

Federal government appeals ruling that blocked Oregon National Guard at Portland ICE facility

The Justice Department has challenged a judge’s ruling that blocks deployment of the National Guard in Portland.

The federal government asked a U.S. appeals court Sunday to overturn a federal judge’s order blocking National Guard deployment to an immigration facility, arguing the president had authority to act amid what officials described as months of violence and threats that overwhelmed regular federal forces.

The Justice Department filed an emergency motion with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals seeking to reverse U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut’s Nov. 7 ruling that found President Donald Trump exceeded his authority when he federalized Oregon National Guard members, according to court documents obtained by KGW.

Judge Immergut ruled after a three-day trial that Trump broke federal law and violated the Constitution when he ordered the September deployment to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement building on South Macadam Avenue in Portland, according to court documents obtained by KGW. The judge found that while violent protests occurred in mid-June with crowds reaching 450 people, they “quickly abated” and remained “predominantly peaceful” by September, with crowds described as “largely sedate,” court records show.

Federal attorneys argued Trump had authority under federal law because regular forces couldn’t adequately protect ICE personnel and property, according to court documents obtained by KGW. The Justice Department motion cited testimony that federal officers faced ongoing threats, with crowds sometimes blocking facility driveways, throwing rocks and making verbal threats against agents, court filings show.

“Protesters’ interference with the ability of federal officers to execute the laws, leading up to the President’s federalization of the National Guard” qualified as a significant obstacle under the law, federal attorneys argued, citing similar reasoning the 9th Circuit used in a California case, according to court documents obtained by KGW.

But Judge Immergut found the evidence told a different story, according to court documents obtained by KGW. The court’s ruling detailed how protest sizes dropped dramatically after mid-June, with crowds averaging 15-30 people through July and August, and dipping to as few as seven to 10 protesters on some September days, court documents show. On Sept. 26, the day before Trump’s order, law enforcement “observed approximately 8-15 people at any given time out front of ICE. Mostly sitting in lawn chairs and walking around. Energy was low, minimal activity,” according to court documents obtained by KGW. (READ MORE)

$1.41 billion state revenue surplus confirmed; Taxpayers to receive kicker credit on 2025 Oregon tax returns next year

The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) has confirmed a more than $1.41 billion revenue surplus in the 2023-2025 biennium, triggering a tax surplus credit, or “kicker,” for the 2025 tax year.

The surplus will be returned to taxpayers through a credit on their 2025 state personal income tax returns filed in 2026. It is not sent to taxpayers in a check. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer’s Oregon state income tax refund or decrease the amount of state taxes they owe.

Only taxpayers who filed a tax year 2024 return and also file a tax year 2025 return can receive a kicker. The credit is a percentage of Oregon personal income tax liability for the 2024 tax year. Taxpayers who have not yet filed a 2024 tax return, should file now. That will allow them to claim their kicker credit when they file their 2025 tax return next year.

To calculate the amount of their credit, taxpayers can multiply their 2024 personal income tax liability before any credits—line 24 on the 2024 Form OR-40 filed earlier this year—by 9.863 percent. This percentage is determined and certified by OEA. Taxpayers who claimed a credit for tax paid to another state would need to subtract the credit amount from their liability before calculating the credit.

Personal income taxpayers can also determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online. To use the calculator, taxpayers will need to enter their name, Social Security Number, and filing status for 2024 and 2025.

Taxpayers who don’t have a filing obligation for 2025, still must file a 2025 tax return to claim their credit.

The 2025 Oregon personal income tax return instructions will include detailed information on how to claim the credit. Full-year Oregon residents will use Form OR-40. Part-year residents will use Form OR-40-P. Non-residents will use Form OR-40-N. Composite and fiduciary-income tax return filers are also eligible.

Taxpayers should keep in mind that the state may use all or part of their kicker to pay any state debt they owe. These debts can include taxes due for other years, child support, court fines, or school loans.

Taxpayers can donate their kicker to the Oregon State School Fund for K-12 public education, but they must donate the entire amount. The donation is permanent and cannot be taken back.

Taxpayers also have the option of donating part or all their refund to any or all the 29 charities approved by the Charitable Checkoff Commission. Taxpayers use Form OR-DONATE to designate their donation to charity.

For more information, go to the Oregon surplus “kicker” credit page of the Department of Revenue website.

Taxpayers that haven’t filed their 2024 Oregon tax return can still file electronically using tax preparation software or Direct File Oregon. Free tax preparation services are available for both federal and Oregon tax returns. Some companies offer free software use and e-filing for eligible taxpayers. Links to the software and free offers can be found on the Department of Revenue website. Information about free tax preparation services is also available on the website.

The Department of Revenue plans to announce the date taxpayers can start filing 2025 Oregon tax returns in January. The department will continue to offer Direct File Oregon as an option for taxpayers to electronically file their 2025 returns for free. The fastest way for taxpayers to claim and receive their kicker will be to file electronically and use direct deposit to receive their refund.

Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments; call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or email questions.dor@oregon.gov.

Medford Police have made two arrests related to Saturday’s shooting at OK Market.

 The driver, Osbaldo Rodriguez, 25, was later charged with DUII and lodged at the jail.The passenger, Juan Carlos Rodriguez, 47, was identified as the shooter and lodged on charges of Assault in the First Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.The victim was treated at a local hospital and is currently in stable condition. 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗢𝗞 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁: On Saturday at approximately 5:19 p.m., Medford Police officers responded to the OK Market at 1192 N. Riverside Avenue for a report of a disturbance and information that an individual had been shot.Officers arrived quickly, located the victim, and provided aid. Additional responding units secured the area and broadcast suspect information.Preliminary information indicates the suspects and victim exchanged words prior to the shooting, after which the suspects left in a vehicle. Patrol units located the suspects a short time later in the surrounding area.Both suspects were cooperative and taken into custody without incident. Detectives are on scene continuing the investigation.Additional updates will be shared as they become available.

One person was killed and two others wounded after a shooting in Portland’s Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood early Sunday morning

Just after 6:30 a.m., officers responded to reports of gunfire inside a home near Southeast 125th Avenue and Division Street.

At the scene, police said they found three people with gunshot wounds and a fourth with a minor injury.

Once paramedics arrived, all of the victims were taken to hospitals by ambulance. However, police said one of the gunshot victims died from their injuries.

New License Plate Honors Conservation Efforts at Oregon Zoo

Oregonians have a new license plate design option, and like many others, it honors conservation efforts in the state. 

The Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles Services on Nov. 3 began offering an Oregon Zoo license plate, inspired by Portland’s nickname of Rose City and the zoo’s endangered Asian elephant population. Portland-based artist Jeremy Nichols designed the plate. 

The Oregon Zoo license plate costs $40 when first ordered and at each registration renewal, in addition to regular title, registration and plate fees. About $35 from the surcharge will go to the Oregon Zoo Foundation to support conservation education, species recovery and animal well-being at the Oregon Zoo. Oregonians must pay the surcharge or redeem a pre-paid voucher to get the plate. 

The zoo plate joins dozens of specialty registration plates, including Crater Lake, Oregon Ducks, Oregon State Beavers, pollinator paradise, salmon, Smokey Bear and wine country. 

The plates are only available to passenger vehicles. The plates can be purchased at any Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles Services office, by mail or online. 

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield –

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning the public to stay alert for scammers impersonating government officials, law enforcement, or financial experts.

According to the 2025 Enforcement Report from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation are among the top threats this year with artificial intelligence (AI) making it easier for criminals to create convincing fakes. Fraudsters can now clone voices, generate fake videos, and impersonate trusted individuals or organizations. This all results in tricking victims into sharing personal information, transferring money, or granting remote access to devices. These scams are increasingly polished, personalized, and difficult to detect until after significant losses occur.

Even more concerning are reports of in-person scams. In a recent case, investigators arrested a suspect who traveled across the country to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars from a victim who believed they were investing in cryptocurrency. The case is part of a growing “pig butchering” scheme in which criminals build trust with victims before luring them into fraudulent investments. Other reports describe so-called “gold traders” or “bankers” who contact victims online, build rapport, and later arrive in person to collect cash, gold, or gift cards under false pretenses.

“An investment scam may be lurking in your text messages, phone calls, or social media accounts,” said TK Keen, DFR administrator. “Always verify requests for money or personal information and never engage with suspected fraudsters. Even small interactions can have serious consequences. Some scammers retaliate by filing false police reports that bring law enforcement to victims’ doors.”

DFR offers the following tips to protect yourself from investment fraud:

• Verify before you invest: Check the registration of investment professionals and firms.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: Scammers often use social media or messaging apps to lure victims.
• Don’t rush: High-pressure tactics are a red flag.

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam or want to report suspicious activity, contact one of DFR’s consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or .financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.financialeserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov to file a complaint.

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Oregon seeks $1 billion federal investment in rural healthcare

— Oregon Health Authority (OHA) submitted its application for a federal grant program that could bring up to $1 billion in new investment to strengthen healthcare in Oregon’s rural and frontier communities. 

Through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, Oregon is seeking funding to expand access to care, grow the healthcare workforce, modernize technology and data systems, and invest directly in community-driven prevention and wellness initiatives. The program was established under House Resolution 1, the federal government budget reconciliation bill that was signed into law in July. 

To develop the application, OHA undertook a statewide engagement process between August and October that was designed to center regional voices. The agency: 

• Hosted two statewide virtual public forums attended by hundreds of residents;
• Conducted two online surveys that reached hundreds more providers, patients and community organizations;
• Held formal consultation and follow-up meetings with Oregon’s Nine Federally Recognized Tribes; and
• Reviewed extensive written input from hospitals, clinics and community partners across rural, frontier and remote regions. 

Across these conversations, people in Oregon emphasized prevention, healthy communities and workforce resilience as top priorities. They called for investments in community-based care models, support for local recruitment and retention, and incentives to attract non-traditional and culturally responsive providers. 

“Informed by the insight of our statewide rural partners, OHA developed a robust plan for transforming rural health in Oregon,” said OHA Director of Health Policy and Analytics Clare Pierce-Wrobel. “As a state with one-third of its residents living in rural and frontier communities, we believe our proposed initiatives meet or exceed the expectations of this funding opportunity—and expect the federal government will recognize the importance of this investment for Oregon’s rural communities when making awards later this year.” 

If funded, Oregon’s initiative would roll out in two phases: 

• Phase 1 (2026–2027): Immediate “catalyst” grants for shovel-ready projects that expand access, improve local infrastructure, and strengthen emergency and maternity care.
• Phase 2 (2028–2031): Larger, regional initiatives focused on long-term sustainability, shared infrastructure and cross-sector collaboration. 

The proposal also includes a dedicated Tribal initiative, providing direct funding for Tribal-led strategies that strengthen sovereignty, workforce development and culturally grounded care.

Nationwide, the Rural Health Transformation Program will distribute $50 billion between 2026 and 2031. Federal law requires the U.S. government to make program award decisions by Dec. 31.

More information is available on the OHA Rural Health Transformation Program webpage, including the following documents: a project summary, a project narrative, a budget narrative, a letter to OHA partners and a letter of support from Gov. Tina Kotek.

Willamette Pass Announces $500,000 And Counting In Capital Improvements For The 2025/26 Winter Season

Willamette Pass Community, we’re excited to share that this off-season, we are making key investments to elevate your experience on and off the mountain. Upgrades on the mountain include enhancements to our snowmaking system and a brand-new demo fleet.

Inside the lodge, you’ll find fresh updates, including new kitchen equipment, upgraded beer taps, and a water fountain, which help improve food and beverage offerings, enhance the atmosphere, and support sustainability. These projects are a continuation of a multi-year effort to strengthen the mountain we’re all proud to call home.

Upgraded snowmaking: These upgrades are all about earlier openings, later closes, and a more consistent snowpack. Check our socials, newsletters, and blog posts for more details to come.

The gear you need: Our refreshed rental fleet and brand-new demo gear puts you on the snow with equipment designed to help you progress faster, carve cleaner, and have more fun. We are stoked to have brands like Atomic, Elan, Telos, Blizzard, Nordica, Rossignol, Nitro, and Salomon.

Lodge experience: New kitchen equipment and beer taps help us deliver your food faster, while providing more quality and a bigger selection. Plus, our new water fountain with a built-in bottle filler is all about saving water.

On powder days or bluebirds, the goal is the same: to give you the best experience possible. These investments and your continuous support set us up for what’s next and the chance to keep building this mountain we are all proud of. Make sure you stay tuned for the latest updates by following our socials and signing up to receive newsletters. https://www.willamettepass.ski/a-half-million-dollar-investment-to-enhance-your-ski-days/

What to expect when visiting Oregon State Parks in 2026

As this year comes to a close, Oregon State Parks is looking back on 2025 and planning for the 2026 season.

This year Oregon State Parks welcomed millions of visitors, maintained nearly 1,000 miles of trails, hosted hundreds of events including mushroom hikes and star parties and finished dozens of projects from the restoration of the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse to repaving the campground at Silver Falls State Park.

State parks also updated many of its fees to reflect increasing costs and decreasing Oregon State Lottery funding. Depending on the fee, the last update was anywhere from seven to 15 years ago.

Staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors for the 2026 season with guided hikes, seasonal events and outdoor adventures. To help visitors enjoy the more than 250 state parks and know what to expect next year, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department gathered the upcoming updates in one place.

Winter 2025:

• Green Friday (Nov. 28):  Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits on Green Friday.

Beginning January 1, 2026:

• First Day Hike (Jan. 1): Guided hikes at select parks. Parking fees will no longer be waived at parks requiring permits for First Day Hikes.
• 12-month parking permits will increase from $30 to $60 for Oregon residents and to $75 for out-of-state residents due to the out-of-state surcharge.
• 24-month parking permits will not be sold in 2026. Existing permits will be honored until they expire.
• Oregon State Parks will no longer sell Oregon Pacific Coast Passports but will honor passports purchased in 2025 until they expire.
• Oregon State Parks will no longer honor Jackson County parking permits.

Winter/Spring 2026

• OPRD is considering updates to its Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy. The proposed changes would update the rules around cancellations, refunds, special access passes and rate ranges starting as soon as Feb. 2026. The proposed changes are designed to improve the long-term financial sustainability of the state park system and maximize the availability of campsites for visitors by encouraging early cancellation. Public comment is expected to run from December 1 to January 15, 2026. Final approval is required by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.
• Additional parks will require a parking fee. The specific parks and implementation date is still being finalized.
• Implement fees to use dump stations at Oregon State Parks to support the cost of that service.
• State Parks Day (June 6), will continue to offer free parking for Oregon residents. Camping fees will no longer be waived on that day pending approval of the proposed Division 15 Rates and Reservation Policy updates.

“The changes are critical to sustaining state park operations and services now and for the future. We appreciate visitors’ continued support as these necessary changes are implemented,” said Oregon Parks and Recreation Director (OPRD) Director Lisa Sumption.

OPRD is projecting at $14 million budget shortfall this biennium due to decreasing lottery revenue, increasing costs and a long-standing need for more sustainable funding.  OPRD does not receive general fund tax revenue for operations.

OPRD will continue to review and update fees and operations to keep providing high-quality visitor experiences and sustain parks now and in the future.

In addition to increasing fees, OPRD is also streamlining costs, planning to add more cabins and yurts to expand capacity and increase revenue and looking for new partnerships and sponsorships to help build a more sustainable funding future.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is seeking public input on the draft of the 2026 Oregon Recreation Trails Plan, which outlines recommendations to improve trails over the next 10 years.

The statewide plan highlights trends and issues to create priorities for grant funding and other recommendations for actions. The plan covers all motorized and non-motorized trails on public lands and waterways in Oregon, not just within Oregon State Parks. This includes hiking, biking and equestrian trails, motorized ATV trails, snowmobile trails and water trails.

Public feedback on the plan will be open from Oct. 30 to Nov. 28. Oregon Parks and Recreation notes that input on the plan also provides guidance to federal, state and local agencies as well as private sector partners.

Information used for the drafted plan comes from multiple sources, including statewide surveys conducted in October 2024 and April 2025, follow-up focus groups in May and the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

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

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

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

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

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

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

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

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

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

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

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

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

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

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

 Be Your Own Info Network

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

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

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

Reconnect When Service Returns

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

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

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

 Final Tip:

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

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com