Oregon Beach News, Monday 3/2 – Take the Travel Oregon Survey on Coastal Tourism. SOLVE Registration Opens, Public Hearing On Floodplain Changes in Florence, Coastal Creatives Collective Kicks Off Today & 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, March 2, 2026

Oregon Beach Weather

Small Craft Advisory Issued: 2:40 AM Mar. 2, 2026 – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM TUESDAY TO 4 PM PST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and steep seas 6 to 8 ft at 7 seconds.

* WHERE...All areas.

* WHEN...From 4 PM Tuesday to 4 PM PST 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

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

The Oregon Coast is expecting a wet, windy week with rain likely, particularly from Tuesday through Thursday, with high temperatures in the upper 40s to mid-50s F and lows in the 40s F. Patchy fog is expected, especially in the mornings, and coastal winds could increase. 

• Today/Tonight: Mostly cloudy, patchy fog, 30-50% chance of rain, highs in the upper 50s.
• Tuesday – Wednesday: Widespread rain, with near 100% chance of precipitation and highs in the lower-to-mid 50s.
• Thursday: Continued rain, with showers potentially lingering, high temperatures in the upper 40s.
• Impacts: High likelihood of rain and wind, with potential for minor coastal flooding or debris on roads. 

It is recommended to check specific, updated local forecasts as conditions can change rapidly on the coast.

Travel Oregon Seeks Opinions in Survey on Coastal Tourism

The Resident Sentiment Survey, conducted by Travel Oregon, asks Oregon residents about their experiences with and perspectives on tourism. Feedback helps guide strategies that support responsible travel and resilient communities, ensuring tourism benefits both residents and visitors alike. The survey is short, anonymous, and open until March 31, 2026—and participants are entered to win up to $1,000 in Amazon gift cards.

How to participate and share:

• Take the survey: Visit or share the Travel Oregon industry site landing page for more details and to see last year’s results
• Share via newsletters: Use this sample invitation, or write your own!
• Hang flyers at your business or around town
• Share the short link:bit.ly/OR26Resident
• Post on social media: Here’s a sample post you can use:

ARE YOU AN OREGON RESIDENT? In partnership with Travel Oregon, we want to hear your perspective on tourism across the state as we work to improve the lives of all Oregonians. Fill out a short, anonymous survey from Travel Oregon by March 31, 2026, and be entered to win up to $1,000 in Amazon gift cards. Your feedback will help encourage responsible travel practices and shape the future of tourism in your community.

To take the survey, go here

Coastal residents have until the end of March to weigh in on their attitudes toward tourism.

Those living on the Oregon coast can reflect how important the issue of tourism is to their communities and economies by leading the way in terms of overall participation.

Of the nearly 7,000 Oregonians who took the survey in 2024, more than 1,800 reported their residences as on the coast. That outpaced the 1,518 Portland-area respondents and the 1,041 who lived in eastern Oregon.

Results of the formally named “resident sentiment survey” are released every two years. The survey, conducted by Travel Oregon, asks Oregon residents about their experiences with and perspectives on tourism.

This year’s survey, coming when some communities are re-thinking their promotional efforts to lessen the impact of tourists, will be used by Travel Oregon to monitor progress against the agency’s own 10-year strategic vision.

Survey questions ask whether respondents in their own various geographic areas of the state are confident that their quality of life will improve in the coming year and whether they would recommend their areas to others as tourism destination points.

Coastal residents two years ago, for instance, said that the negatives associated with the environmental, cultural and social impacts of tourism narrowly outweighed the positive economic aspects. They were also less likely than not to say that their area’s quality of life would improve over the coming year.

A continued public hearing on proposed floodplain code changes will take place Monday, March 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Florence City Hall.

The Florence City Council has spent more than six months reviewing amendments to the city’s Flood Damage Prevention code required under FEMA’s Pre-Implementation Compliance Measures, part of the National Flood Insurance Program’s effort to better protect habitat and comply with the Endangered Species Act in Oregon.

The changes, aimed at achieving a “no net loss” of floodplain functions, would guide how development is reviewed in flood-prone areas to protect fish habitat and sensitive riparian zones — a federal requirement tied to flood insurance eligibility.

Florence defaulted to a permit-by-permit approach after a December 1 deadline passed without locally adopted code, and since late 2024 the council and Planning Commission have held a series of hearings, workshops and continuations as public comment has been taken and draft language refined. 

The hearing comes amid broader state and federal processes, including FEMA’s draft Environmental Impact Statement and implementation plan for NFIP-ESA integration — a process that has drawn public comment and, in some cases, legal challenge over how habitat protections should be applied statewide. Residents may testify in person or via the city’s online options as the council deliberates next steps and potential adoption after the record closes on March 2.

Registration Opens for SOLVE’s Month-Long Spring Cleanup

Registration is now open for the annual Oregon Spring Cleanup, in partnership with Portland General Electric. This year, SOLVE is expanding its largest spring volunteer initiative to span the entire month of April, turning Earth Month into coordinated action across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

The Oregon Spring Cleanup is SOLVE’s largest spring volunteer initiative, bringing together individuals, families, schools, businesses, and community groups to care for beaches, neighborhoods, parks, natural areas, and waterways. Projects include litter cleanups and habitat restoration efforts such as native plantings, invasive species removal, and mulching. In April 2025, the initiative supported 214 projects, engaging nearly 4,500 volunteers who removed 26,077 pounds of trash and cleared more than 22 acres of invasive species across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

With 65 events already open for registration, volunteers can sign up for projects taking place throughout April. SOLVE is aiming for 200+ projects across the region and continues to recruit additional event leaders to broaden statewide engagement. Expanding the initiative to a full month creates greater access and enables more communities to take part in coordinated Earth Month action.

“Earth Month is a powerful reminder that local action drives meaningful environmental impact,” said Kregg Arntson, Director of Community Impact at Portland General Electric. “Through our partnership with SOLVE, PGE deepens its commitment to helping Oregon’s vibrant communities become climate resilient communities.”  

As global attention turns toward environmental awareness in April, the Oregon Spring Cleanup provides a way to translate that momentum into tangible results. Each project contributes to protecting natural spaces, improving neighborhood livability, and preventing litter from entering rivers and the ocean ahead of peak recreation season.

SOLVE is actively seeking additional event leaders to host cleanup or restoration projects in April. Whether returning hosts or first-time leaders, participants receive planning support, free supplies, disposal assistance, and volunteer recruitment tools. Hosting a project can be as simple as identifying a site in need and completing the new leader orientation at volunteer.solve.org/orientation.

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer: Browse the event calendar and register yourself or a group at volunteer.solve.org/oregon-spring
• Lead your own project: SOLVE provides all the necessary resources, including supplies and disposal funds, to make hosting a project easy for you.
• Encourage participation: Invite schools, workplaces, and community groups to take part in Earth Month action

The Oregon Spring Cleanup 2026 is made possible through the partnership with Portland General Electric and the generous support of Clean Water Services, Fred Meyer, Metro, Oregon State Park & Recreation, The Standard, AAA Oregon/Idaho, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, KOIN6, LAM Research, Lithia & Driveway, National Parks Recreation & Parks Association, and PepsiCo.

For more information or to register, visit solve.org/oregon-spring

About SOLVE – SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission has made a decision with a vote of 6-1 to reject a petition from environmental organizations that sought to implement more stringent regulations on the state’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery.

This petition, initiated by groups such as the Center for Biological Diversity and Oceana, aimed to further reduce the risk of whale entanglements along the coast. During a well-attended meeting in Springfield, numerous local fishermen provided testimony opposing the proposal, contending that external interests should not control local fishery management.

In the end, the commission opted to allow the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) to proceed with its existing rulemaking processes and ongoing collaboration with federal agencies.

The city of Newport is preparing to ask voters to pass a $50 million bond in November to help pay for a litany of upgrades and repairs from sewer infrastructure to park improvements.

The city has identified over 27 possible projects, but a bond would not be able to completely foot the bill. City councilors discussed the bond and other potential revenue sources in their seven-year financial strategy at their Feb. 17 meeting.

Much of Newport’s infrastructure was built in the 1990s and a lack of funding has resulted in deferred maintenance. Now, some of the sewer, water and road infrastructure are starting to fall apart.

There are several projects in need of attention including adding more lighting and accessibility improvements to Sam Moore Park, replacing water transmission lines, fixing sidewalks and streets and expanding the infrastructure at the Nye Beach pump station – which alone is estimated to cost $3 million to $4 million.

If the bond went to the ballot and voters approved it, it would collect $1.36 per $1,000 of assessed property value which translates to about $50 a month for property assessed at $450,000. If passed, the bond would start collecting taxes after the city’s water treatment bond expires in 2029.

Even with yearly utility rate increases, the city’s revenue covers operational expenses for providing water and wastewater services and there isn’t a lot of money for capital improvements. System development charges are earmarked for infrastructure improvements but with a smaller sized town, it takes a long time to accrue the amount needed, city manager Nina Vetter told the council.

“Right now, we only might have 20 percent of the project funded and the bond could get that across the finish line,” Vetter said.

There are also federal, grant funded projects that require matches that would be able to be leveraged with the bond, Vetter said.

The city has had successful bonds in the past including one for the water treatment plant in 2008 and another for the aquatic center that voters approved in 2013.

“Our recommendation is to replace the water treatment plant bond, which expires in June of 2029,” Vetter said.

There are 27 possible capital projects that range from sewer infrastructure to street improvements that total $80 million. The city would seek community comments to understand what the public would want to prioritize for the bond, Vetter said. The city is planning to hold a series of outreach events before any formal action is taken.

But there are other revenue sources available to fill in the gaps that the city could possibly go with. One is a public safety fee. That would look like a monthly charge on utility bills that could fund police, fire, and emergency services – placing less of a strain on the city’s general fund and freeing up money that could be used for capital projects. The city council has not made any decisions about a public safety fee or any other revenue generating tools but is in the beginning stages of identifying different ways to fund capital projects in addition to a bond.

After listening to Vetter’s presentation, city councilors gave a thumbs up and directed staff to continue to pursue the bond as an option for the November general election. Councilors have not yet voted to put the bond on the ballot.

Staff will provide information about the bond monthly at city council work sessions and start doing community outreach. Councilors are expected to make a decision in August whether to put the bond in front of voters. If it does end up on the ballot and voters pass it, property taxes would begin collecting in 2029. (SOURCE)

LCPD Seeks Assistance in Locating Juan Antonio Suarez Jimenez
Lincoln City Police 

The Lincoln City Police Department is desperately seeking assistance from the public in locating a wanted suspect, 45-year-old Juan Antonio Suarez Jimenez, of Lincoln City, Oregon.

A nationwide extradition warrant has been issued for his arrest as the suspect in a hit-and-run crash leading to the death of a local pedestrian. If you know of Juan Suarez’s whereabouts, please contact your local law enforcement.

Juan, if you are reading this, please turn yourself in to start bringing closure to those that loved Joe. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy – Newport
Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office

The next Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy event with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is just around the corner. Join us on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 9:30am – 11am for a cup of coffee and a conversation at Ultralife Cafe (located at 715 NW Beach Drive Newport, OR 97365).

More about these quarterly events:
Every three months our office partners with a local coffee shop in Lincoln County to provide a time, space, and coffee for community members to meet our team and share what’s on their minds. Coffee with a cop events are a friendly and relaxed way for our communities to connect with the deputies that serve them.

These events offer a unique opportunity for community members to directly engage with law enforcement, ask questions, voice concerns, and build positive relationships. Whether you’re a regular coffee drinker or simply curious about the work of law enforcement, this is a chance to connect with our team on a personal level, learn about each other’s experiences, and share local feedback.

Mail Theft Investigation Leads to Arrest

On February 19, 2025, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies received multiple reports of mail theft near NW Kinglet St in Seal Rock. Through the course of the investigation, Deputies learned similar thefts had been occurring in the area, with packages, tax documents, and other mail being stolen over the last few months.

Deputies obtained photographs of the suspect from a nearby security camera, and disseminated these images to neighboring law enforcement agencies to assist in identifying the individual. Through this process, the suspect was identified as Joshua Van Hoorebeke of Toledo. Van Hoorebeke was contacted and taken into custody for Mail Theft (ORS 164.162).

Mail theft is a crime of opportunity and those who commit it are looking for anything of value. Thieves target mail for personal information, such as tax refunds or other checks, personal documents, bank documents, and credit card information. This information can be used to commit additional crimes, such as identity theft and bank fraud. To protect yourself, pick up mail daily, use secure drop-off locations, and report suspicious activity immediately to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 877-876-2455 or at MailTheft.USPIS.gov. 

To report mail theft or other suspicious activity, please contact Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777.

YACHATS LIONS Announces Launch of Bird City Yachats

Bird City Yachats (BCY) will hold its official launch on March 1st, 1:30 PM at the Yachats Lions Hall when Bird City Oregon will present the designation to the Mayor of Yachats. This will be followed by a talk entitled “Taking Refuge on the Oregon Coast”, a history of our coastal wildlife refuges, which provide critical seabird nesting habitat. BCY is sponsored by the Yachats Lions Club.

In the Fall 2025 the city of Yachats was awarded an Oregon Bird City, the first bird city on the Pacific Coast. This certification rewards cities for their efforts to help wildlife. Bird City Yachats (BCY) is part of a national program, Bird City Network ( https://birdcity.org/) of more than 300 “Bird” cities across the country. A steering committee for BCY has been established to encourage our citizens to protect and enjoy our precious wildlife and to develop projects for their protection.

BCY projects range from education (e.g., speaker series, bird walks) to removing threats (e.g., bird strike prevention) and marketing (e.g., website, ads promoting Yachats as a birding destination). Birds have unique threats. One that kills millions of birds a year is striking windows. In that regard BCY been working with the city manager on window treatments for the new pavilion that will minimize bird strikes. Open pipes and chimneys that can trap birds are another threat. Working together with Seven Capes Bird Alliance, BCY has surveyed 24 state parks in Lincoln County and identified over 150 open pipes which we will help cap.

BCY now has a website (https://birdcity.org/oregon/yachats) and information available at the Visitor Center on birds and birding sites. This month we will unveil a photo exhibition of local birds and wildlife in the children’s section of the new Yachats library.

Established in 1950, the Yachats Lions Club serves Yachats and South Lincoln County. With our motto of “WE SERVE”, we provide service for eyeglasses and exams, hearing aids and exams, eye screening in Lincoln County schools, pancake breakfasts, crab feed, lunch bunch, speaker series, peace poster and flag day events in our schools, and community use of our clubhouse. Through community donations to the Yachats Lions Thrift Store our sales allow us to donate to local needs such as student scholarships, food pantries, school programs, and conservation projects.

Lions Club International is the world’s largest service club organization with a network of 1.4 million men and women in more than 200 countries and geographical locations. We serve where we live, as well as globally, and we have fun doing it. For more information, contact Lion Jim Welch at 970-217-4424 or jameswelch1009@gmail.com

Important Siletz Community Survey

The city of Siletz is racing against time to correct what local leaders say is a deeply flawed income survey, one that could cost the community millions of dollars in affordable funding for a new wastewater treatment plant. City of Siletz officials say they first learned of the problem after years of planning with multiple government agencies to finance a long-needed replacement for the town’s aging wastewater treatment facility. During what is known as a “one-stop” meeting, Siletz leaders sat down with agencies such as the Department of Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other state entities to map out grants, low-interest loans, and loan-forgiveness programs that could make the project financially feasible.

As part of that process, the city renegotiated and modernized its water and sewer agreement with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. The tribe agreed to pay its proportional share of the new plant, roughly 45 percent to the city’s 55 percent. With a new agreement in place and a $3 million federal grant secured with the help of Representative David Gomberg, it appeared the project was finally on solid footing. That changed abruptly when the city was told its median household income had spiked so dramatically that Siletz no longer qualified for many of the favorable funding options it had been promised. According to the data, the city’s median household income had jumped from somewhere in the $30,000–$40,000 range to about $83,000.

Local officials immediately questioned the accuracy of that figure, saying it does not match what anyone sees on the ground in Siletz. They describe the town as a working-class community with older homes, modest vehicles, and many residents employed in service jobs, mill work, or commercial fishing—not the sort of place where an $83,000 median household income is realistic. Siletz Mayor Willie Woreman pressed state and federal officials on how the number had been calculated, he were told it was based on Census Bureau and HUD housing data. The timing raised additional questions locally, because the income jump appeared shortly after the city had completed its one-stop planning process, and it did not fall in a normal census year.

Despite repeated inquiries, city staff say they never received a clear explanation of why or how the number changed so dramatically. Officials gathered their documentation and tried to make the case that the new figure was wrong, but were told the data would not be revised and that they would have to wait five years for a new cycle. That answer did not sit well with Woreman, who feared that moving ahead under the higher income classification would mean relying on higher-interest loans with no forgiveness, forcing steep increases in water and sewer rates and leaving today’s children and grandchildren paying off debt long after the plant’s useful life.

Unwilling to accept that outcome, the city pushed back. With support from Representative Gomberg and others, Siletz officials lobbied for a path to challenge the number. Eventually they were told that if they wanted to contest the data, they would have to pay for their own survey, partnering with another qualified agency and proving, through statistically valid sampling, that the official income estimate is inaccurate. As a result the city secured grant funding and entered into a partnership with Portland State University to conduct what is essentially a localized, smaller-scale version of the census focused on household income. However, the burden of proof falls heavily on Siletz.

While the original federal process may have relied on a relatively small number of households to generate the $83,000 estimate, the city has been told it must obtain income information from at least 217 households to demonstrate that the median is lower. To reach the required sample size, the city and Portland State University have designed a multi-stage outreach campaign. In the first phase, Siletz mailed out approximately 276 postcards to randomly selected households. Each postcard includes a QR code that residents can scan with their phones, allowing them to complete the income survey online from home. The goal is to receive at least 217 valid responses, with a built-in allowance for a 20 percent non-response or failure rate.

If the initial mail-in and online response falls short, Portland State University staff will travel to Siletz to conduct door-to-door surveying. City leaders are working to get the word out now so that residents understand these visitors are legitimate and that the effort is not a scam. The survey itself is described as short and straightforward, asking primarily about household income, and officials emphasize that all responses are confidential. Should those steps still fail to generate enough responses, the city plans additional follow-up rounds, including phone outreach to households using city records and, if needed, another computer-generated random selection of residents to contact.

To encourage participation, the city is offering a modest incentive: a $10 credit on residents’ water and sewer bills for completing the survey. Officials acknowledge that $10 is not a large amount, but say it is both a gesture of appreciation for people’s time and a sign of how important the survey is to the community’s financial future. Mayor Woreman stressed that the push for accurate income data is not about government intruding into residents’ lives, but about protecting them. He added that the new wastewater treatment plant must be built regardless—the current infrastructure is outdated and the project cannot be deferred indefinitely.

However, if Siletz is forced to rely on high-interest loans with no forgiveness because of inflated income figures, the result will likely be significantly higher water and sewer rates, and long-term debt that could last far beyond the new plant’s 30-year design life. If the community can prove that its true median income is lower, Siletz may once again qualify for more favorable financing options, including loans with partial forgiveness. One scenario described involves a 50 percent loan forgiveness structure: if the city borrowed $4 million, repaid on time over a set period, the government could forgive half, leaving only $2 million to be fully repaid. Local officials say that kind of assistance could make the difference between manageable rates and unsustainable bills.

Throughout the process, Siletz leaders have emphasized that this is fundamentally about fairness and about making sure outside agencies see the community as it really is—a small, low-income coastal town where people work hard, support one another, and are “all doing fine together,” but are far from wealthy. The current outreach effort aims not only to gather data but also to build understanding. By talking publicly about the survey, explaining the stakes, and clarifying that Portland State University staff may go door to door, city officials hope residents will recognize the legitimacy of the project and the importance of their participation. Survey information can be found on the city of Siletz’ website. (SOURCE)

Heceta Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast 

10% off Packages and Retail Items!If you have a birthday or anniversary in March, celebrate along with the Heceta Head Lightstation, whose birthday is March 30th. You will recieve 10% off any Picnic, Package, or retail item when reserving a stay in March 2026. Use Promo code: BIRTHDAY Valid along with any stay March 1-31, 2026.www.hecetalighthouse.com

Wildlife Center of the North Coast

·Join us for a Wild Coast community gathering!As part of the Wild Coast Film Festival, we’ve curated a series of special community events around town throughout the weekend.

Pop-Up Event: Bringing Sea Otters Back to OregonSunday, March 15th, 2026 2:00 p.m. Obelisk Beer Co., Astoria

Hear from the Elakha Alliance, conservation photographer Gretchen-Kay Stuart, and Oregon Coast Aquarium biologist Brittany Blades as they explore the movement to restore sea otters to the Oregon Coast. Learn about the science, storytelling, and conservation efforts behind this important initiative.

This event is free, open to all, and does not require a ticket or reservation. Come be part of the conversation!

Wildlife Center of the North Coast

Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Wild Coast Film Festival! Join us for four days of powerful storytelling celebrating conservation, wild spaces, and our connection to the natural world. While the final film lineup is still on the way, we can promise an unforgettable weekend. What to expect:• Inspiring films in curated film blocks• Guided nature and photo walks • Pop-up discussion panels• A festival party at the Columbia River Maritime Museum

Purchase single-block tickets or day/weekend passes at wildcoastfilm.org.

Together, we’re making a real difference for wildlife and our community. Thank you for being a part of this journey!

NW Natural has released a multi language notice that will also go to every customer regarding how to best identify a NW Natural Utility Worker when they come to your home or are nearby.

There has been reports of ICE agents disguising as utility workers to lure people out of their homes. Please stay aware.

“We are aware of reports of individuals impersonating utility workers in order to gain access to residents. Please note:

Our workers who show up at your home should either be wearing a uniform and a utility badge or wearing a badge that says “CONTRACTOR.” Their vehicles should be similarly marked with a NW Natural company logo and/or “CONTRACTOR.”

If someone comes to your house and asks for access to your home or for you to come outside:

• Our employees will never ask for immediate access to customers’ homes. They often will go to a back or side yard to access a meter.
• In most situations, if there is a reason a NW Natural employee would need to go inside a customer’s home (such as a safety check or inspection), they would have set this up with the customer in advance.

NW Natural is a company based in Coos Bay, OR that specializes in providing natural gas services to residential and commercial customers.

If you want to verify if someone at your home is a NW Natural employee or contractor, you can call our customer service line at 503-226-4211 or 800-422-4012. If you suspect an imposter, call 9-1-1 immediately.” https://www.nwnatural.com/…/2025-utility-and-contactor…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s been a busy summer here at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, and our rehab clinic has gone through lots of supplies caring for patients!!

->> To help us restock and stay prepared for the next wave of wildlife in need, we’ve updated our Amazon Wishlist with the items we need most. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA

Every donation—big or small—goes directly to helping orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife get a second chance at life. Check out our wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA Thank you for being part of our wildlife rescue family! 

Friends of Haystack Rock  · We have puffins!

Check out our website, Friendsofhaystackrock.org to see them live! We have our webcam zoomed in on a couple active burrows. Your best chance to see them is in the morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Volunteers are being sought to help prepare and serve lunch three times a week at the Florence Senior and Activity Center.  

They serve lunch Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. Both programs, the in-house dining known as Cafe 60, and Meals on Wheels, are very important in helping promote socialization and nutrition for older adults in Lane County.  Volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels use their own vehicles, but they can be reimbursed for their mileage.  The Lane Council of Governments operates the Senior and Disabled Services in Lane County.  Alisa Andrion encourages potential volunteers to give her a call at L-COG, 541-682-1366.

Coos Bay Police Department –  WE’RE HIRING 9-1-1 DISPATCHERS

$4684 – $5972/Month DOQ — We offer:•A dynamic team environment •Alternative schedule benefiting work/life balance •Up to 5 weeks paid time off per year after the first year •The opportunity to serve your community

Our team members have come from a variety of work fields- no experience necessary! For additional information from the North Coos 9-1-1 Recruitment Team or to schedule a ride-along please email: join911@coosbayor.govhttps://www.coosbayor.gov/…/Compon…/JobPosts/Job/126/107

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

Look what’s coming up soon at the Club… (sign up at glenedenbeach.org)

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

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

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

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

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

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

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

’50 States in 50 Weeks’ visits Oregon

“GMA” spotlights the great state of Oregon and all it has to offer, whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, movie buff or sports fan. https://abcnews.com/video/130562892/

“GMA” visits Mount Hood to explore the state’s natural beauty, rich history and vibrant communities, speaking with tribes and women preserving traditions through dance. https://abcnews.com/video/130563347/

To square Oregon’s budget, lawmakers say many state agency jobs must go unfilled

Oregon’s budget writers warned that the state’s current $128 million deficit will worsen in the years ahead due to federal changes

Legislative budget writers propose leaving more than 130 state jobs vacant, spending less on services and supplies and moving around not-yet-promised money within public agencies to rebalance Oregon’s budget and close a large funding gap at the transportation department.

The moves should cover the state general fund’s remaining $128 million deficit during the next 18 months, and the nearly $289 million deficit at the Oregon Department of Transportation, sparing the agency from hundreds of layoffs. Federal tax changes passed by congressional Republicans during the summer that stymie some state revenues and add costs, and a lack of action on sustainable transportation funding during the 2025 long session, contributed to the dual deficits.

“We can do this budget for a little while,” Sen. Kate Lieber, D-Beaverton and co-chair of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee, said about the transportation budget at a Friday media briefing.

But both the transportation department and the general fund will need long-term fixes to sustainable revenue streams in the years ahead, she said.

“This is not a good budget,” Lieber continued about the transportation budget. “This is a very, very, very difficult budget, because it’s taking services away from Oregonians in a very real way.”

The changes are detailed in amendments to Senate bills 1601, 5701, 5702, 5703 and House bills 5203 and 5204 — released Sunday. Public hearings on the omnibus spending proposal will be scheduled early in the next week, according to Lieber and Ways and Means co-chair Rep. Tawna Sanchez, D-Portland.

Although lawmakers just eight months ago passed a $39 billion two-year budget for the state during the long legislative session, they need to rebalance spending in the current short session. That’s due in largest part to revenue losses and added costs anticipated from the federal tax and spending cut megalaw passed by congressional Republicans during the summer.

Oregon is one of a few states that automatically replicates changes in federal tax law at the state level, rather than selectively choosing provisions to mirror. That will, however, change slightly under a bill passed last week that allowed some disconnections to federal code, clawing back a net $291 million in tax revenue for the state in the next 18 months.

Lawmakers also needed to get creative about addressing the budget problems at the transportation department, which had an immediate $289 million funding gap and long-term funding issues tied to increasing project costs and shrinking gas tax revenue as Oregonians drive more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Finding a long-term solution was a priority during the 2025 legislative session, but lawmakers failed to negotiate a fix before the clock ran out on the six-month session. During a special session in the fall, they approved smaller increases to the state gas tax and vehicle registration fees.

But Oregonians never had to pay those higher fees after the Republican-led No Tax Oregon campaign this winter paused implementation and anticipated revenue for the current budget cycle at least until a statewide vote in November. Democrats are trying to move that vote to May.

Transportation hole

To cover the nearly $289 million transportation funding gap, Lieber and Sanchez said their proposal offers a temporary “pause” and redirection of spending until lawmakers can come together during the long 2027 session armed with sustainable solutions.

It doesn’t rely on the outcome of the gas tax and vehicle fees referral to keep the transportation agency funded for the next 18 months, but if the new revenue streams aren’t approved, the agency and lawmakers will be on worse footing when they come together to budget in 2027, Lieber said.

About one-quarter of the hole will be covered by cost savings from leaving more than 130 positions vacant. The agency lost about 360 employees since July due to budget uncertainty, Lieber said, and there are about 700 total vacant positions within the agency since early 2025, Interim Director Lisa Sumption recently told lawmakers, forcing workers to take on additional roles.

“People left that agency because of what’s happening. Because of all of the kerfuffle that happened around it. These were real jobs that were lost. And we’re sitting here, very dryly, telling you the math problem, but these are human beings who were helping us,” Lieber said.

Vacancies that will continue to go unfilled include:

• 92 project delivery positions
• 3 positions that administer funding to cities and counties for projects
• 14 Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division positions in both field offices and headquarters
• 15 position in administrative services
• 8 positions in finance and budget

The proposal also reduces agency spending on capital improvements and maintenance on its buildings and other infrastructure by about $4 million.

The other 75% of the budget hole will be covered by redirecting to general operating costs money the agency has for specific projects, but that hasn’t yet been spent or tied to immediate spending.

Lieber said nothing was being used that had already been obligated to a specific project, or taken from future funding years.

Lawmakers will take and reallocate:

• $5 million from the student driver training program
• $6 million from Oregon Highway 58 enhancements and expansions that have since wound down due to environmental issues and lack of local support
• $8 million from the Community Paths program for building and maintaining multi-use public paths
• $17 million from Safe Routes to Schools grant program
• $20 million from the Transportation Operating Fund, or the “lawnmower” fund, which is funded by non-road gas tax funds
• $35 million in dedicated revenue for bridge projects, seismic improvements, preservation of highways, culvert projects and safety projects
• $42 million from the Connect Oregon program, which provides grants for marine, aviation and rail projects
• $85 million of federal funds that can be tied to projects that don’t need a match from the State Highway Fund, freeing up those local dollars

Many of the redirects Democrats are now proposing were ones Republicans had called for during the 2025 session, in an effort to solve the transportation agency’s problems not with increased revenue options but decreased spending.

Lieber said the difference between what she and Sanchez are proposing now and what Republicans wanted in the long session, is permanence. They want to make sure programs like Safe Routes to Schools and Connect Oregon are not done away with completely.

“I mean, you can do anything for a short period of time, but this idea that permanently redirecting these funds is the solution, I think, should be examined very closely. Because it is damaging for our infrastructure, for that agency, and quite frankly, for the Oregonians who use the streets,” Lieber said.

Although lawmakers prioritized preserving money in transportation programs meant to protect health and safety, Lieber said Oregonians will notice the lack of staff and redirected funding from other critical functions of the agency.

“People are going to see things like longer waits at the DMV, much longer waits for street sweeping and filling up potholes and plowing,” she said. “It is at a bare minimum, right now, with this budget.”

Other topline cuts

To cover the rest of the state’s $128 million general fund deficit, some agencies will cash in on earned interest in long-term savings and investment accounts, leave vacant roles unfilled and shift spending, particularly at the Department of Early Learning and the Department of Human Services.

Lieber was adamant that no one would lose access to affordable preschool or child care options because of the funding shifts, which mostly reallocate unobligated funds to free up unrestricted dollars. The early learning agency was already operating with $45 million less than requested during the next two years after the Legislature reduced funding by 3% during the last session.

Overall, the $128 million hole is down significantly from the $650 million gap lawmakers were staring down at the beginning of the session, including a $271 million price tag for administering new costs associated with safety net programs under the federal Republican tax and spending law.

The recent passage of Senate Bill 1507, which allows the state to disconnect from three of 115 new federal tax code provisions, helped close nearly half the anticipated budget losses for the current biennium. An early February revenue forecast showing temporarily higher than expected corporate income taxes also helped.

Republicans have threatened to send the disconnect question instead to Oregon voters in a ballot referral by the November general election, something Lieber said would devastate the state’s budget.

If voters chose not to accept the disconnects and reconnect completely to the federal tax code, the governor could either call a special session to undertake large budget cuts from education and human services, which are the state’s largest expenses, Lieber said. Or, the governor could do an “allotment,” something Lieber described as a “draconian” method where every agency is ordered to quickly cut a percentage of spending across the board.

“It’s not a scalpel, it is a bludgeon across every single agency,” Lieber said.

She warned that as difficult as rebalancing the current budget has been, the next few years will be significantly harder. An August analysis from Oregon’s chief financial office found that cuts to federal programs in last summer’s congressional megalaw plus new costs shifting from federal to state governments will cost Oregon $15 billion over the next decade.

“We are facing large budget deficits in 2027-29 and 29-31,” she said. “This budget was a bit minor leagues compared to the budgets that are coming ahead of us.” (SOURCE)

Salem-Keizer students lead walkout, rally over immigrant rights at Oregon Capitol

Students call on legislators, district officials to enhance protections for immigrant students and families

Close to 2,000 middle and high school students across the Salem-Keizer School District walked out of their classrooms Friday to gather across from the Capitol, rallying for increased support for immigrant communities in Salem.

The youth advocacy organization Latinos Unidos Siempre organized the rally after an inquiry from 16-year-old McKay High School student Arely Rodriguez, who called for Oregon’s second-largest school district and the state Legislature to do more to protect immigrant communities from overreaching federal enforcement activity.

The issue hit close to home for many Salem-Keizer students, as about half the district’s 38,000 students are Latino and many come from immigrant families. Some have personally experienced trauma from increased immigration enforcement.

“Every morning I leave my house with a lump in my throat. I don’t know if my parents will be there when I get home from school. And I know I’m not the only person living with this constant fear,” Rodriguez told the crowd in Spanish. Another student translated her comments to English. “My grades have dropped, not because I don’t care about my education but because it’s impossible to concentrate on school when my community is being kidnapped.”

One demand students had was for the passage of House Bill 4079, which would require Oregon public schools and universities to notify students and parents of immigration enforcement actions on or near school campuses. The measure passed the House mostly on party lines last week, and a Senate vote is scheduled Monday.

Students also advocated for the passage of the dozen other bills in the immigrant justice package, a suite of bills supported by the Democratic majority.

If those bills pass, Oregon would offer increased guidance for schools and hospitals when addressing federal officers, guarantee additional data protections for immigrants and restrict law enforcement from wearing masks.

Students organize, speak out – LUS promoted the rally on its social media pages, including Instagram, which provided information for students on bills related to immigration, and bus routes from schools to reach the Capitol. Students left school around 11:30 to arrive at the Capitol mall by 12:30. The rally included dancers and speakers, then a procession around the Capitol led by Rodriguez.

In speeches, student leaders advocated for increased support for immigrants and their families, both at state and district levels. They also described how the fear of immigration enforcement is impacting them, including affecting academic performance.

Students also called for their schools to stop using Yondr pouches, or lockable pouches they’re required to put phones and personal electronic devices into during the school day. The district started using the pouches last school year, and Gov. Tina Kotek required K-12 schools statewide to ban personal electronic devices in a July executive order.

The initiative was meant to keep students offline and more focused on the school day. However, student advocates contend the inability to contact family members during the school day causes more anxiety than focus as they fear Immigration and Customs Enforcement potentially detaining family members.

Gibelly Zumba-Lopez, 14, walked from North Salem High School to the Capitol holding a sign saying “veto the Cheeto.”

“This is a historical thing that a lot of people need to be involved in,” Zumba-Lopez said. “As a teenager, I want to speak out about it and I want people to know that there are people who also support them.”

During the walk over, she said she experienced some people who disagreed with the students trying to interfere. Several counterprotesters tried to engage with the students, and a large group of students followed counterdemonstrators to a nearby corner, with some throwing water bottles at them.

No injuries were reported and no arrests resulted from that clash, according to a Friday evening press release from the Salem Police Department.

Salem-Keizer Public Schools Communications Director Aaron Harada said in an emailed statement that the district is committed to its immigrant students and their families.

“We see their fear, stress, and trauma and do all we can to be (a) safe and trusted place,” Harada wrote. “Salem-Keizer Public Schools’ commitment to our students is simple, steady, published on paper and present in practice. In Salem-Keizer Public Schools, every student is welcomed, protected, respected and educated every day. No exceptions.”

The rally was not a school-sanctioned event. Students attending would not be penalized for doing so, but they would receive an unexcused absence.

However, for students like 12-year-old Valerie Renteria, who left class at Waldo Middle School and held a sign that said “I’m missing my lessons to teach you one,” speaking out was worth the risk.

“This isn’t really about politics anymore,” she said. “It’s starting to affect people.” (SOURCE)

IMAGINATION LIBRARY OF OREGON CELEBRATES MILESTONE: 4 MILLIONTH BOOK MAILED IN THE STATE
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Oregon

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Oregon, a leading early literacy nonprofit dedicated to ensuring young children have access to books at home, proudly announced today that it has mailed its 4 millionth book in Oregon, marking a major milestone in its mission to inspire a love of reading.

This accomplishment reflects years of collaboration between community partners, libraries, educators, and advocates who know that early access to books can profoundly shape a child’s future. In May of 2024 the State of Oregon launched the statewide expansion of the Imagination Library, offering matching funds to strengthen the work of local partners and boost both coverage and enrollment. As a result, in April 2025 the program reached full statewide coverage. Now, in 2026, more than one-third of the 4 million books mailed, 1,394,648 in total, have been mailed since the state joined the effort.

“It has been my joy to partner with the Imagination Library to get more books in the hands of kids by hosting read alouds across the state,” said Oregon First Lady, Aimee Kotek Wilson, of the many library events she has participated in to build awareness for this free resource for Oregon families. “Supporting early literacy initiatives like this is an investment in the bright future of our entire state.”

Started in 1995 by Dolly Parton, the Imagination Library was inspired by her father, who could not read or write—and by her belief that if you can read, you can do anything. The program first arrived in Oregon in 2007. It gifts free, high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children and their families from birth to age 5. Research consistently shows that children who grow up with books in the home are more likely to develop critical literacy skills and succeed academically.

“Oregon is choosing to be architects of the future. This achievement represents 4 million opportunities for families to share a story, spark imagination, and build early language and literacy skills,” said House Majority Leader Ben Bowman, who has championed the Imagination Library in the legislature. “Over time, these small, consistent interactions lay the groundwork for kindergarten readiness—and they help our youngest kids fall in love with reading.”

Early literacy remains a pressing issue in Oregon, where many children enter kindergarten without foundational skills. By delivering books directly to families, the Imagination Library of Oregon helps remove barriers related to cost and access, levelling the playing field and empowering families.

“Each book mailed is a reminder to families that they are supported, valued, and equipped to be their child’s first and most important teachers,” said Department of Early Learning and Care Director, Alyssa Chatterjee. “Over time, shared reading moments become routines, and those routines become habits that support school readiness and academic success.”

As the Imagination Library of Oregon looks ahead, the organization remains committed to expanding its reach, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that every child in Oregon has the opportunity to build their own personal library. Currently, 35% of all children under age 5 in the state are already enrolled, in many regions that number is over 50%. With sustained community support and strategic growth, the program will continue building a stronger future—one child, one book, and one personal library at a time.

For more information about the Imagination Library of Oregon or to enroll a child, visit imaginationlibrary.com/oregon.

The Oregon House has recently approved HB 4138, known as the Law Enforcement Accountability and Visibility Act (LEAVA), which is designed to improve transparency and accountability within law enforcement activities throughout the state.

The bill is now pending review in the Senate. As stated by the Oregon House, this legislation establishes uniform standards for law enforcement identification, restricts the use of facial coverings, and limits state support for unconstitutional federal actions.

Under the provisions of LEAVA, officers are required to display their name, badge number, and agency identification while performing their duties. Additionally, it mandates the public posting of policies regarding facial coverings for designated circumstances. The bill also establishes a barrier against unconstitutional federal overreach, forbidding state and local employees from participating in actions that discriminate against individuals based on their beliefs or constitutional rights.

Residents of Keno gathered last week to talk about a proposed large-scale solar project planned for their area.

The project, backed by the Klamath Falls Energy Center, would cover about 8,600 acres, making it the second-largest solar farm in Oregon. It would be located roughly 1.5 miles northwest of Keno.

The meeting was organized by Klamath County commissioner candidate Elvina Contla, who pointed out that a separate solar project proposed by Diamond Solar would require only 2,000 acres—less than a quarter of the land needed for the Klamath Falls Energy Center project. Contla described the larger proposal as an unprecedented industrial expansion into timberland.

The project’s parent company, Denmark-based Orsted, submitted a Notice of Intent to the Oregon Department of Energy on December 22, 2025, as part of the application process for site certification. Another public meeting is scheduled for March 5 at 5:30 p.m. in Klamath Falls at The Spot, located at 1111 Main Street.

The land designated for the project is owned by Green Diamond, a forest products company operating across multiple states. To make way for the solar installation, the area would be cleared of trees and vegetation to install millions of solar panels.

Community members raised several concerns during the meeting, including wildfire risks, potential impacts on the water table, and disruption to local wildlife. The project is planned as a 400-megawatt solar power facility, with an additional 400 megawatts of battery storage capacity.

While the facility is expected to use relatively little water once operational, construction could require up to 45,000 gallons of water per day. Although no official timeline has been set, similar projects suggest construction could take between one and three years.

Oregon House again delays vote to reschedule transportation tax election

The Oregon Legislature yet again delayed a vote on one of the most politically contentious bills of the year’s short legislative session to reschedule a referendum on transportation tax and fee increases from November to May.

Lawmakers in the Oregon House on Thursday agreed to push Senate Bill 1599 to Monday for consideration, despite it being listed on the agenda for a vote on Thursday. One of the state’s top election officials had urged lawmakers to pass the bill and get Gov. Tina Kotek’s signature by Wednesday because of approaching deadlines for the May election.

The loose Wednesday deadline, according to Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, would have given his office enough time to ensure Oregonians who wish to submit arguments for or against the measure in the state-issued voter’s pamphlet can gather signatures instead of paying a $1,200 fee.

The Senate passed the legislation on Monday mostly along party lines, with one moderate Democrat dissenting, after a one-day walkout by Republicans that threatened to derail Democrats’ plans to move the election date. Thursday’s move in the House allowed them to proceed with less controversial legislation while avoiding the potential of another walkout by House Republicans, who boycotted their chamber on Monday after the Senate sent them the election-shifting legislation.

A spokesperson for House Speaker Rep. Julie Fahey, D-Eugene, did not immediately return an inquiry about the move to push back the vote.

Rep. Ed Diehl, a Scio Republican running for governor, urged his colleagues to consider the entirety of the legislation when they vote on Monday. He pointed to provisions which would allow a joint legislative committee to create the explanatory statement for the referendum in the state’s voters’ pamphlet, as well as the bill’s financial estimate.

“This bill is not simply the scheduling decision,” he said Thursday. “It restructures how information about the referendum is produced and who prepares that information.”

The gas tax transportation referendum has become a political lightning rod for lawmakers over cost of living issues in the state of Oregon, with Republicans slamming the state’s Democratic leadership for passing unpopular legislation during a fall special session to raise the gas tax, car registration and title fees and the payroll tax used for public transit. Republicans have vowed to fight the move to shift the election date in the courts should Democrats’ effort pass.

State law mandates that any person who wants to have a line in the state’s voter pamphlet must either pay a $1,200 fee or file 500 signatures. If a person or group chooses the latter, then the secretary of state must verify those signatures by March 12. After lawmakers blew past his agency’s original Wednesday deadline, Read warned them that such a delay could “impact Oregonians’ ability to make an informed decision about the referendum and for proponents or opponents to make their voices heard.”

A spokesperson for Read declined to comment further Thursday.

Democrats, in turn, have said that new revenue sources are needed to plug the transportation department’s declining revenue driven by declining gas tax revenue and inflation. The agency faces a $242 million budget hole in the 2025-27 budget alone, and it would have to lay off nearly 500 workers if lawmakers don’t come to a compromise. Gov. Tina Kotek has said an answer is needed from voters as soon as possible.

The  “No Tax Oregon” campaign, led by Diehl and other Republicans, received enough signatures to pause new revenue streams from the tax increases until a November referendum.

Many Republicans have portrayed the Democratic attempt to reschedule the referendum as an attempt to ensure an unpopular initiative is not on the same general election ballot as Kotek and Democratic legislators. Two top Oregon Democrats, Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, and Sen. Jeff Golden, D-Ashland, publicly acknowledged the political calculus behind the move, though a spokesperson for Wagner tried to downplay his comments.

“Both parties want the election date they want for partisan political reasons. Everyone in this chamber knows it,” Golden told his colleagues on Monday. “Most Oregonians who are paying attention know it. And if we imagine otherwise, we are greatly underestimating the intelligence of Oregonians.”

In the meantime, the budget gap facing the Oregon Department of Transportation continues to loom. Lawmakers this session had to weigh which programs within the agency to temporarily cut and redirect toward this gap, or face the prospect of leaving 150 positions vacant and laying off nearly 500 workers.

Kotek told reporters Tuesday that lawmakers had reached a compromise on which transportation programs to cut, but offered few specifics on the depth of those changes. The details of such a compromise have not yet been made publicly available, allowing lawmakers to avoid any pushback from transportation workers or union leaders who hold significant political sway in Salem.

But the governor maintained that the plan focuses on savings from job vacancies, avoiding  layoffs, and taking funding from infrastructure improvement projects that have yet to begin.

“Tough choices were made to get to our compromise,” she said. “And no one loves the proposal, but it will make sure that the agency can function through the end of the biennium and past the end of the biennium to provide basic services: Plowing roads, operating DMVs, things like that.” (SOURCE)

Oregon lawmakers are considering a new bill aimed at regulating flavored nicotine pouches.

The legislation seeks to close a loophole that currently allows these products to be sold without the same restrictions applied to other tobacco products. Health experts warn that despite their different appearance, nicotine pouches carry similar risks of addiction as cigarettes and vaping products.

Lisa Fischer, a Tobacco Prevention Outreach Coordinator, emphasized that nicotine is highly addictive and can alter brain chemistry by triggering dopamine release, reinforcing repeated use.

Under current Oregon law, individuals must be at least 21 years old to purchase tobacco products, but that restriction does not currently apply to nicotine pouches.

These smokeless products, which are placed between the gum and lip, have grown increasingly popular in recent years, raising concerns among public health officials.

ATRIO Health Plans is currently facing financial challenges, with an outstanding debt of nearly $60 million owed to Asante for services that have already been provided.

Note: This situation has resulted in a notable alteration in network status for ATRIO members. As stated by Asante, starting January 1, ATRIO’s Medicare Advantage coverage will be considered out of network with Asante.

Members are required to take action before March 31 to prevent any disruption in their care, as new routine appointments will not be accessible after this date, with certain exceptions.

Heather Rowenhorst, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Asante, highlighted their dedication to the community, noting that the non-payment from ATRIO has necessitated challenging decisions.

“This decision underscores our commitment to our communities to ensure the sustainability of Asante and health care in southern Oregon,” Rowenhorst remarked.

Members affected by this change have until March 31 to switch their Medicare Advantage plans. Asante provides resources to assist members in continuing care with their existing providers.

Senate Passes ‘Healthcare Without Fear Act’

Oregon Senate Bill 1570 will hold federal immigration officers accountable inside hospitals, protect patients’ and providers’ rights, and ensure everyone can access healthcare without fearing for their safety.

Healthcare workers applauded Tuesday as the Oregon Senate voted to pass the Healthcare Without Fear Act, Senate Bill 1570, to ensure hospitals are places of healing and trust; not fear or intimidation. The Healthcare Without Fear Act ensures federal immigration agents are accountable to the same standards as state and local law enforcement inside hospitals; safeguards patients’ private health information; and improves Oregonians’ health and safety.

“This bill is not abstract policy—it is a promise. A promise that Oregon’s hospitals will be safe spaces. A promise that violence and intimidation have no place in healthcare settings. A promise that caregivers can do their jobs without fear. And a promise that all patients are treated with the dignity, humanity, and protection they deserve,” said ONA President Tamie Cline, RN. 

The Healthcare Without Fear Act comes after recent federal policy changes have made hospitals, clinics, and schools targets for immigration enforcement actions from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In Oregon federal immigration agents shot two people in a hospital parking lot; arrested an entire family trying to take their sick 7-year-old daughter to the ER; and reportedly failed to follow protocols inside hospitals by entering restricted areas, exposing protected health information, and interfering with patients’ care.

Senate Bill 1570 requires hospitals to create policies around all law enforcement interactions, designate a point person to interface with law enforcement to reduce burdens on frontline caregivers, and clearly designate public and private spaces. It protects patients’ privacy by classifying immigration status and place of birth as protected health information and empowers healthcare providers to share information about immigration rights or legal services with patients and their families.

“Our patients do not feel safe seeking necessary and life-saving medical care. This injustice strikes at the heart of our healthcare system,” said ONA member Jayesh Palshikar, RN. “The Healthcare Without Fear Act will protect providers and patients, hold federal officers accountable to basic hospital standards and begin restoring trust in our healthcare system.”

Following today’s successful Senate vote, the bill will move on to the House Committee on Health Care.

More information on the Healthcare without Fear Act can be found at OregonRN.org/CareWithoutFear.

###The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

State issues first 2026 income tax refunds for e-filed returns; Refunds for paper-filed returns won’t start until April

The Oregon Department of Revenue has begun distributing refunds for the 2025 tax year. Through February 17, the department has processed more than 500,000 electronically filed tax returns.

Most taxpayers can expect to receive their refunds within two weeks of the date their return is filed. Some returns, however, require additional review and can take up to 20 weeks before a refund is issued.

Oregon is returning a $1.41 billion revenue surplus “kicker” to taxpayers in 2026. The kicker credit will either increase a taxpayer’s 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 can determine the amount of their kicker using a “What’s My Kicker? calculator available on Revenue Online.

The department encourages taxpayers to file electronically. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund within two weeks. Those who file paper returns will experience a significantly longer wait in 2026 due to processing delays.

In the closing months of 2025, the IRS was late providing necessary tax form information to the Oregon Department of Revenue. As a result, the state’s processing of paper-filed Oregon personal income tax returns will not begin until the end of March. The first refunds for paper-filed returns are not expected to be issued until April.

Taxpayers can check the status of their e-filed refund by using the department’s Where’s My Refund? tool. The Department of Revenue recommends that taxpayers wait one week after they have electronically filed their return to use the Where’s My Refund tool. Paper-filed returns won’t show up in the Where’s My Refund? tool until processing begins in late March. Taxpayers mailing their return should wait two weeks after the department starts processing paper returns in late March or after mailing their return, whichever is later.

The Where’s My Refund? tool has been updated for 2026, providing clear messaging about the status of their return to taxpayers who are signed into their Revenue Online account. Taxpayers who don’t already have a Revenue Online account can create one by following the Revenue Online link on the department’s website. Taxpayers who don’t have a Revenue Online account can still use the Where’s My Refund? tool but won’t be able to see the updated features.

A video outlining the refund process and timelines is also available to help taxpayers understand the process.

Taxpayers should file just once unless they need to make a change to their return. They should choose to either file electronically or by paper. Doing both will delay processing of their return.

In addition to checking the status of their refund, taxpayers can make payments, or get tax forms by visiting the department’s website. Questions can be emailed to questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

Taxpayers can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), the department accepts all relay calls.

Oregon State Parks to hire seasonal Park Rangers, Park Ranger Assistants

Oregon State Parks is hiring seasonal Park Rangers and Park Ranger Assistants for positions across the state for the 2026 season.

Hiring starts as soon as this month and runs through June with new positions listed on a rolling basis on the website. The positions last anywhere from four to nine months. Most seasonal staff work April through September, but some start as early as this month or work as late as December.

Seasonal staff help visitors access world-class experiences and ensure clean and safe park areas for everyone to enjoy. Duties include janitorial work, landscape maintenance, visitor education and visitor services.

Salaries start at $20.28 per hour for seasonal assistants and $23.79 for seasonal rangers. Both positions include comprehensive medical, vision and dental plans for employees and qualified family members. The positions also include paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and 11 paid holidays per year. Student workers, ages 16 and older, who are enrolled in high school start at $20.27 or more per hour, depending on experience.

Several of Oregon State Parks’ top leaders started their careers as seasonal employees, including all three Region Directors.

“We are focused on developing an engaged workforce by partnering with staff on career development, investing in skill building and fostering a culture of belonging. Whether you’re here for a season or your entire career, you make a difference in protecting and promoting Oregon’s special places,” said interim Director Stefanie Coons.

Seasonal staff gain valuable skills working with experienced Park Rangers at parks around the state. Positions are available in Oregon’s coastal areas, scenic valleys, and mountain regions, offering opportunities to work in some of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest.

For more information about current openings, visit https://bit.ly/oregonparkjobs. If you have any questions or need additional assistance in accessibility or alternative formats, please email Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Recruiting D.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov“>OPRD.Recruiting@oprd.oregon.gov.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and pay equity.

Beginning on March 30, 2026, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will discontinue the waiver of parking fees at an additional 22 day-use parks.

Currently, a day-use parking permit costs $10 for residents of Oregon and $12 for out-of-state visitors, and it is valid for the entire day of purchase at any state park in Oregon. Access to the parks remains complimentary for those who walk, bike, or utilize public transportation.

Visitors arriving by car can present valid parking by displaying a current hangtag from camping at an Oregon State Park or a valid 12 or 24-month parking permit. Additionally, visitors who acquire parking permits online or through parking QR codes can link their license plates to the valid payment.

At present, OPRD mandates a day-use parking permit at 46 parks and waives parking fees at over 150 parks throughout the state. The selection of the 22 additional parks was based on the amenities and features that necessitate maintenance and operation, including restrooms, trails, paving, irrigation, boat ramps, and more.

The revenue from parking fees contributes to the maintenance and operation costs, ensuring that these facilities remain available for all visitors.

UNDER PRESSURE: A VOLCANIC EXPLORATION, AN EXHIBITION FROM OREGON’S HIGH DESERT MUSEUM, SHEDS NEW LIGHT ON THE RUMBLING GIANTS AMONG US

(BEND, Ore.) — For millions of years, volcanoes have been the most powerful force in nature. And for many in the West, the impact of volcanoes is forever tied to the May 18, 1980, eruption of Washington’s Mount Saint Helens. The science, spectacle, and significance behind these massive peaks will soon be at the center of an immersive new exhibition, “Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration,” which will run from Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, at the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service recipient High Desert Museum in Bend, Ore.

On the heels of the Museum’s recent “Sensing Sasquatch” exhibition – which won the Western History Association’s prestigious 2025 Autry Public History Prize and earned national praise for exploring the Indigenous perspectives of what many call Bigfoot – comes the latest groundbreaking exhibition from the High Desert Museum. Under Pressure will take visitors on an educational, insightful, and thought-provoking journey into the forces that make volcanoes among the most majestic and often misunderstood natural wonders of the world, while exploring their individual stories and temperaments.

“From cultural and historical significance to the 1980 eruption of Mount Saint Helens, the Pacific Northwest and High Desert have a particularly long, complex, and symbiotic relationship with volcanoes,” says Dana Whitelaw, Ph.D., High Desert Museum executive director. “We live in their shadows, recreate on their slopes, and admire their beauty, but it’s the volcanoes’ ability to simultaneously cause destruction and creation that evokes feelings of awe. Under Pressure will provide an immersive and deep exploration.”

Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration, a groundbreaking new exhibition from Oregon’s High Desert Museum.

WHEN:            Feb. 7, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027

WHERE:          High Desert Museum (Spirit of the West Gallery)

                         59800 US-97, Bend, OR 97702 (map HERE)

COST:              Free with Museum admission or membership

   Active U.S. military and their families, as well as Tribal members, are FREE with ID

Among the highlights that visitors to Under Pressure can expect to encounter include:

• Engage the senses through interactive displays and exhibits, including volcanic rocks and a volcanic hazard map, to learn about cutting-edge volcano research.
• Hear stories and learn the significance of volcanoes to the people of the High Desert region.
• Get to know 4-6 individual volcanoes through biographies that explain the similarities and differences between them.
• Learn about present-day volcano hazards and how lava flows.
• Understand the technologies that scientists use to detect volcanic activity, which allow us to live among volcanoes while also enjoying their many benefits.

“These geologic giants exist all around us, come in all shapes and sizes, and tell a story of our past, present, and future,” says Whitelaw. “With 350 million people living near an active volcano worldwide, the more we understand about volcanoes, the better we can exist alongside them.”

Under Pressure: A Volcanic Exploration opens to the public on Feb. 7, 2026, and runs through Jan. 3, 2027, in the High Desert Museum’s Spirit of the West Gallery. For additional information on exhibitions or to start planning your experience, visit highdesertmuseum.org.

Raise Funds to Plant Trees in Oregon

Registration is open for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K

Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  You must register by April 1^st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event.

Participants can walk, run, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 18 and 26 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week. Last year, we had to close registration early due to higher than anticipated participation, so register as soon as possible.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15, or earlier if more participants sign up than we have available swag.

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.  This year’s tree plantings will be placed in the Santiam Canyon.

Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its sixth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include fifteen other states. Together, all sixteen states will help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

“We are thrilled to honor Bob Ross and continue our efforts to plant at least One Million Trees in Oregon.” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.  “To date, we have funded the planting of 850,000 trees.”

“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.”

Participants can register at www.orparksforever.org.

For more information, contact Seth Miller at 503/966-1053 or seth@orparksforever.org

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

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