Oregon Beach News, Monday 5/12 – Orca Whales Spotted off Coast Over the Weekend, Lincoln County School Bus Driver Arrested For Luring A Minor & 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, May 12, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Small Craft Advisory Issued – National Weather Service

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

* WHAT...South winds 15 to 25 kt through this morning, then becoming light before transitioning northwest at 10 to 20 kt by tonight. Seas remain steep at 8 to 10 ft as seas become swell dominated.

* WHERE...All areas.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM PDT Wednesday.

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

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

Orca Whales Spotted off Coast Over the Weekend

Orcas off South Point 8:35 am Depoe Bay Oregon 5/11/25 – Videos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiscoveringDepoeBayOregon

Lincoln County School Bus Driver Arrested For Luring A Minor

On May 8th, 2025, the Lincoln City Police Department received a report of inappropriate communications between a Lincoln County School District school bus driver and a Taft 7-12 student. An investigation began immediately and steps were taken to ensure the driver had no more contact with students.

On May 9th, Josiah Lafrenz (21) of Lincoln City was arrested and charged with Luring a Minor and 2nd Degree Online Sex Corruption of a Child. He was lodged at the Lincoln County Jail and is awaiting his arraignment on Monday, May 12th.

The LCPD notified the Lincoln County School District of the investigation and arrest. Due to the potential for additional child victims, the LCPD is urging anyone with information regarding this investigation or similar circumstances to call us at (541) 994-3636 and reference case #25-5594.

As always, the LCPD encourages parents to monitor children’s cellular communications and internet usage, as well as educate them about the dangers posed by the strangers with whom they interact.

Wildlife Center of the North Coast — · After spending 60 days in care, this eagle flew off eagerly, back at home in the wild once more!!

Bald eagle patient #25-36 was admitted in early March after they were found on their back in a driveway in Astoria. Staff found that the bird had both an elevated lead level and a coracoid fracture. (The coracoid is a bone in the shoulder girdle that extends from the sternum to the shoulder joint and serves as a wing strut.) The rehab team administered fluids and chelation agents (drugs that bind heavy metals in the body and flush them out) to treat the lead level, and the eagle got plenty of cage rest to treat the fracture.

Once the lead had been reduced significantly, the eagle was moved to a large outdoor flight enclosure so they could start using their wings again. After a few weeks, the patient was flying strongly from end to end. Because lead can leach out of a bird’s bones even after chelation therapy, staff retested the eagle’s blood for lead after several weeks and found that it was still low, so this patient was cleared for release! To learn more about how you can help support the work of our non-profit, visit coastwildlife.org

Rhododendron Festival King and Queen Chosen

Saturday night’s coronation held all the pomp and circumstance that was anticipated as the City of Florence gets ready to kick off the busiest week of the tourist season with the 118^th annual Rhododendron Festival.  The newly appointed Queen Rhododendron and King of the Coast are Siuslaw seniors Ashlyn Hart and Joel Sissel.

The Rhododendron court has spent almost the last five months preparing for the coronation visiting locations around the city, learning speeches, and meeting residents and business people.  The Queen and King along with the rest of the court will now be ambassadors for the festival which officially kicks off on Wednesday.  Davis Carnivals, a vendor market, car show and cruise, and the Rhododendron parade are features of the festival.

At the Florence Events Center there will be the Siuslaw High School Spring Choir Concert Wednesday evening and the Rhododendron Flower show on Saturday and Sunday along with the Rhody Days Art Festival on Sunday.  The City of Florence Website as well as the Florence Chamber Website have information about the festival available.

Elder Abuse Investigation Leads to Arrest

On May 10, 2025, Sergeant A. Slater arrested Dorothy Shaw, 69, of Powers, following an elder abuse investigation involving a 70-year-old vulnerable adult requiring full-time care at a residence on D. Ave, Powers.

On May 8, 2025, Adult Protective Services (A.P.S.) received a report from a caregiver alleging that on April 29, Ms. Shaw had threatened the resident with a 4-inch fixed-blade knife, struck the resident with it, and expressed intent to purchase bullets to harm the resident and others.

A welfare check that evening by A.P.S. and Sergeant Clayburn was unsuccessful.On May 9, A.P.S., Aging and People with Disabilities (A.P.D.), and Sheriff’s Office personnel coordinated a response. A conference call confirmed the resident’s need for sustained care and raised concerns about Ms. Shaw’s behavior. The caregiver provided details of the incident, including Ms. Shaw’s possession of a small black revolver. A criminal history check revealed Ms. Shaw’s prior felony convictions.

On May 10, deputies executed a search warrant at the residence on D. Ave, seizing the described knife and 15.9 grams of methamphetamine from Ms. Shaw’s purse.

Ms. Shaw was arrested and charged with Criminal Mistreatment I, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Menacing, and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. She was transported to the Coos County Jail where she remains in custody. The resident was safely relocated, where A.P.D. arranged for their care.

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with A.P.S. and A.P.D., remains committed to protecting vulnerable residents. “Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

Southern Oregon Coast Pride ·  Be a Part of Brookings Pride in the Park!

We’re building something beautiful — and we need your help!Support our upcoming free and family-friendly Pride celebration by donating today. Your contribution helps fund: A delicious community meal Face painting and activities for all ages Live entertainment and local talent…and so much more!Every dollar is a brick in the joyful, inclusive community we’re creating together. Donate now and help us make this year’s Pride in the Park unforgettable! https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdVN5lgGfl…/viewform…

Matador Network and The Dyrt collaborated to name the ’60 Campsites with the Best Views Across the United States,’ with three in Washington and two in Oregon.

With five miles of beachfront and a whole lot of charm, Cape Lookout State Park is turning heads — including those of travel experts.

The coastal gem was just named one of the “60 Campsites with the Best Views Across the U.S.” by travel website Matador Network in collaboration with camping website The Dyrt. The list breaks the country into six regions with 10 standout sites in each. Cape Lookout was one of only two campsites in Oregon to make the cut, joining the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness in the West Region.

Park Ranger Supervisor Travis Korbe has worked at Cape Lookout for 17 years for Oregon State Parks — and he’s not surprised by the recognition.

“Unlike a lot of the other places on the Oregon Coast, you don’t get the hustle and bustle of (highway) 101 here,” he said. “You really get to kind of recenter yourself from the hectic day-to-day life that you may have. It’s a chance to let go of those stresses that you have at home or at work and reconnect with nature.”

For those hoping to spend the night, the campground features 229 sites — everything from forested tent pads and wide-open grassy sites near the beach to yurts, cabins and full hook-up RV options.

Nick, a visitor from Portland, said it’s the peace and quiet that brought him in.

“It’s kind of off the beaten path,” he said. “It’s nice and quiet here… and the ocean — it’s great.”

But if you’re hoping to score a site during peak season, don’t wait. Reservations at Oregon State Parks open on a rolling six-month window and fill up fast — especially at Cape Lookout.

“There is hope, even if you haven’t made your reservations yet,” Korbe said. “But I strongly encourage people to get those reservations.”

Even if you can’t stay overnight, a day trip to the park is well worth it. Cape Lookout offers beach access, picnic areas and the iconic Cape Trail — a rugged hike through old-growth forest with sweeping Pacific views.

“Whether it’s a walk in Forest Park or coming out here to Cape Lookout or going out to the Cascades, wherever you can find nature, it’s just important to get out there and enjoy it,” Korbe said. https://matadornetwork.com/read/west-coast-camp-sites-best-camping-sites-in-the-us/

Coos Bay Principal Kara Davidson Named Oregon Elementary Principal of the Year

Kara Davidson, principal of Eastside School in Coos Bay, has been named the 2025 Oregon Elementary Principal of the Year by the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) and the Oregon Elementary School Principals Association (OESPA).

A former elementary teacher in Coos Bay, Davidson has led transformative improvements in literacy and math through the strategic implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Under her leadership, Eastside became a statewide model for the Science of Reading, reducing kindergarten reading deficiencies from 78% to 19% in one year.

She also champions social-emotional learning with programs like Character Strong, fostering a school culture built on empathy, resilience, and strong relationships. Davidson will be honored at the COSA Annual Conference in Seaside this June. (SOURCE)

State Forests Advisory Committee Hosts Field Tour May 15 and Meeting May 16 in Astoria

SALEM, Ore. – The State Forests Advisory Committee will host a tour of forestland in the Clatsop State Forest on May 15 and meet on May 16 in Astoria and the meeting will have a virtual option via Teams.

The public is welcome at both events. The field tour agenda and meeting agenda are posted on the SFAC webpage.

Field tour: Meets at 9 a.m. on May 15 at the Jewell Wildlife Meadows Area. RSVP is requested for the field tour so that attendees can be provided safety equipment. Tour attendees should provide their own lunch, refreshments and transportation suitable for traveling on forest roads. Please RSVP no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 13 to Emily Shook at emily.j.shook@odf.oregon.gov.

SFAC meeting: The committee will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 16, at the ODF Astoria District Office, 92219 Highway 202. Topics on the agenda include an update on the FY2026 Annual Operations Plans, performance measures, and financial/legislative/FMP/HCP updates. The public will have the opportunity to provide comments virtually or in person at the beginning of the meeting.

SFAC’s role – The State Forests Advisory Committee (SFAC) is comprised of citizens and representatives of timber, environmental and recreation groups as well as a representative from Oregon’s Native American tribes. The SFAC provides a forum to discuss issues, opportunities and concerns, and offer advice and guidance to ODF on the implementation of the Northwest Oregon State Forests Management Plan. The plan provides guidance for managing 616,000 acres within the Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam State Forests, and several scattered state-owned forest tracts in Benton, Polk, Lincoln and Lane counties through a balanced approach to generate revenue while prioritizing environmental and social benefits.

Requests for an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodation for the meeting can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at 503-983-3761.

Prison Work Crew Saves Hiker’s Life in Oregon Coast Range

A man who was hiking in the Oregon Coast Range suffered a medical emergency, and luckily five inmates who were working nearby rushed to help.

A group of inmates working on a local trail in the Oregon Coast Range helped save the life of a hiker who had a medical emergency.  The five inmates at the South Fork Prison Camp are proud that they helped save a man who was hiking around the Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground who was having a diabetic emergency which could have been fatal.

“Luckily we were there at the right place and the right time.”

This rescue was all about timing: The group of inmates had been working in the area and were having lunch when they ran to help the hiker. About 20 minutes later, they were walking off the trailhead, and an ambulance was on the way.

The crew has had CPR training and know how to operate an AED. While they serve their remaining sentence, they spend their time at South Fork Prison Camp working on everything from wildfire training to emergency response. 

“These guys know exactly what to do in these situations. We train for it; they knew what to grab,” said Maxwell Patel, forest crew coordinator with the Oregon Department of Forestry.  

New Study Predicts Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake Tsunami Will Do Even Greater Damage To The Coast Than Previously Thought

If the once-every-500-year Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake doesn’t do enough damage to the coastal Northwest on its own, frequent and widespread flooding from rising seas that follows will take care of the rest, new research is suggesting.

Oregon, Washington and California are overdue for the recurring seismic event — popularly referred to as “The Big One” — which last occurred in 1700 and could cause Northwest coastlines to lower and retreat by more than 6 feet as land erodes into the sea.

Coupled with rising seas from climate change, many more coastal communities will essentially be on top of newly created floodplains and tidal zones amid rising waters.

The findings from researchers at Virginia Tech, the University of North Carolina, the University of Oregon and scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey were published last week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

They found that if The Big One were to occur in 2100, when waters along the Pacific coastline might be three feet higher than today as global ice sheets melt, it’s likely 6.6 feet of Northwest coast would subside into the sea.

That means more than 17,000 people in the region would soon be living on top of expanded coastal flood plains, double the number currently living in such flood zones today.

Researchers’ modeling shows that triple the number of structures, such as hospitals, airports and water and electricity plants, as well as roads, would be exposed to frequent flooding in the aftermath as are today, and could remain that way for centuries.

“One of the best ways to think about it is that you could have a coastal forest or a salt marsh that you’re walking your dog along, and then this earthquake happens, and that land, physically, almost instantaneously, in a few minutes, subsides, potentially half a meter to almost 2 meters,” said Andrea Hawkes, a professor of earth and ocean sciences at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington who worked on the study.

“All the sudden, instead of standing on dry land, you are now in the tidal zone.”

It’s not just a hypothetical. The study mentions several historical earthquakes that led to fundamental changes in coastal landscapes and the loss or relocation of whole towns.

The Great Chilean Earthquake of 1960 — the biggest ever recorded at a magnitude of 9.5 — caused more than 8 feet of coastal land in some parts of the country to slide into the sea, submerging pine forests and farms underwater and turning them into tidal marshes.

The Great Alaska earthquake in 1964 lowered coastal areas by more than 6 feet, the researchers wrote. In the aftermath, some communities had to relocate to higher ground because of increased tidal flooding. Similar coastal earthquakes in Sumatra and Japan in more recent history have also led to land loss and migration.

The Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake could reach a magnitude like that of the Great Chilean Earthquake, between 8.0 and 9.0, according to seismologists.

Hawkes said the point of the study is to improve preparation and planning in the coastal Northwest, not panic.

“The earthquake is kind of something you can’t really do anything about, right? It’s gonna happen,” she said. “But as you plan where you build in the coastal zone, something to keep in mind is that the sea level is continuing to rise, and that when you have these events, they will cause land farther upland to subside.”

She said there are communities along the coast that are already planning on moving or building critical infrastructure further inland because of projected sea level rise. The study Hawkes was part of, she said, can help them go further, by considering the impacts of The Big One.

“A lot of places are doing really good work in terms of moving schools, hospitals, community centers, to higher places, or, they’re really thinking about it,” she said. “It would be a shame if you missed it by X meters because you didn’t think about this other thing that’s coming.”

• Oregon Capital Chronicle is a nonprofit Salem-based news service that focuses its reporting on Oregon state government, politics and policy.

Gearing Up For 118th annual Florence Rhododendron Festival

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 118th annual Florence Rhododendron Festival from May 15 to 18, 2025. With this year’s theme, “Rhodies on the River,” the community is preparing for a vibrant celebration of floral beauty, coastal charm, and small-town pageantry.

Known affectionately as “Rhody Fest,” the event is the second-longest-running floral festival in Oregon, just behind the Portland Rose Festival, and the third oldest on the West Coast, following Pasadena’s iconic Tournament of Roses. This long-standing tradition has drawn generations of families and visitors from across the globe to the Oregon Coast every third weekend in May.

Featuring food vendors, a carnival, parades and even a classic car cruise, this is a big event that draws thousands to the coast each year. MORE INFO: https://florencechamber.com/rhododendron-festival/

It’s a sign of the times, Early Rhody Carnival Day Passes are on sale now—get yours at a discount at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center.

 If you’re looking to save a few bucks, you can encourage your kids to sign up to be a banner carrier in the 118th Festival Grand Floral Parade.  Ages 9 through 17 are eligible to earn their carnival credentials.  More information, including a link to download the 2025 Rhododendron Festival Event Program can be found at RhodyDays.net 

Many people in the Florence area received an email from Florence Habitat for Humanity this week telling them they’ve “been selected to submit a proposal” for an upcoming project opportunity.

Included in the email is a link purportedly to a document that outlines the “scope of work” and other items.  The email also notes that the package contains “confidential information and must not be shared without written authorization.  

The main points of the email are like many online scams.  It has a semi-formal but urgent tone and contains many references or personal touches that lend credibility.  Things like an actual email address for the administrative assistant for Florence Habitat for Humanity and a QR code to sign up for the annual Rhody Run, organized by Habitat.  

Misty Berg, that administrative assistant, says it did not come from her, nor from anyone else inside that organization.  Fraud prevention experts say it is important that you not open any links in an email such as this one, and you should never respond or reply.  The best thing to do, they say, is to simply delete it.

Several Coastal Fire Agencies To Receive Wildfire Defense Grants

Several Central Oregon Coast fire agencies will receive state grant funding to hire additional staff during the upcoming wildfire season, according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal 2025 Wildfire Season Staffing Grants help local fire agencies, many relying on volunteer crews, bring on extra firefighters during wildfire season.

Central Oregon Coast fire agencies awarded the grant funding include:

Rockaway FD – $35,000 (includes carryover funds)

Siletz RFPD – $35,000

Depoe Bay RFPD – $26,905 (from carryover funds)

Toledo FD – $35,000 (includes carryover funds)

Seal Rock RFPD – $35,000

Yachats RFPD – $35,000

“The Wildfire Season Staffing Grant is one of our most impactful tools to help local fire agencies respond to emergencies faster, protect communities, and support each other through mutual aid,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We’re thankful to our legislators for continuing to invest in the safety and resilience of our communities.”

Since 2022, the grant has proven to be a vital resource in increasing preparedness, response capabilities, and overall community safety during Oregon’s increasingly challenging wildfire seasons, according to Ruiz-Temple.

These seasonal staff boost emergency response in 200 agencies across the state from wildfire calls to everyday emergencies, according to local fire chiefs.

In Lane County, Coburg Fire District Chief Chad Minter said the OSFM wildfire season staffing grants have greatly improved his agency’s response capabilities and those in neighboring districts.

“With this funding, we can staff a wildland engine daily during fire season with two additional firefighters who respond to all fires and support five nearby districts,” Minter said. “When not on calls, the crew assists with recruitment, training, outreach, and prevention. This staffing makes up 50% of our rapid response and is essential to keeping fires small. These grants are a smart investment.”

Local fire agencies were eligible to apply for up to $35,000 to increase staffing levels during the fire season. Each summer, the funding adds more than 1,500 firefighters across Oregon. The Oregon legislature allocated $6 million to the program this year. (SOURCE)

Call for Local Authors at the Cannon Beach Library

By The Cannon Beach Library

The Cannon Beach Library’s NW Authors Series invites local published authors to apply to our first Local Authors Festival on Saturday September 27th, from 3-5 p.m. at the library.

Connect with visitors and members of the community, meet with other local authors, and promote and sell your published books. The deadline for applying is June 15th and all authors that apply will be notified of their status via email by July 14th.

To apply for table space, submit the online application form or download and print an application on our website, https://cannonbeachlibrary.org/events-and-programs/local-author-festival/ . Applications can also be picked up at the library, 131 N Hemlock Street in Cannon Beach.

Local published authors of any age with books published in any genre are invited to apply, including self-published authors. We’re primarily looking for authors from the Washington peninsula through the southern Oregon coast. Ideally, we will be looking for 3 fiction authors, 3 nonfiction authors, 3 mystery authors, and 3 children’s/YA authors.

The Local Authors Festival is designed to create a space to connect local published authors with readers, and to highlight the accomplishments of local published authors. Please make sure to read the application guidelines and event information before applying!

The City of Reedsport is accepting applications to fill council position #5. Councilor Rich Patten recently resigned.

The person selected will begin at the time of appointment and serve until the end of 2026. At the general election in November 2026, the position will be open for election for a new four-year term.

Applicants have to have lived in the city of Reedsport for the previous 12 months. City employees are not eligible to serve.

Those interested in applying for the position may pick up an application at Reedsport City Hall on Winchester Avenue or online at www.cityofreedsport.org. Anyone with questions about the position or the application process can contact City Recorder Rhonda Bryan at 541-271-3603 extension 1005.

Brooking’s Capella by the Sea Seeks Volunteers

The City of Brookings is calling for volunteers to help keep the Capella by the Sea open to the public beginning May 1st. The chapel was built in 2008 and donated in 2009 by Oscar-winning film producer Elmo Williams as a memorial to his late wife, Lorraine.

Michelle Robidoux is the Public Works and Development Services Administrative Assistant for the City of Brookings. “We like to keep the Capella open to the public May through October, and again during Nature’s Coastal Holiday,” Robidoux said. “But to do that, we rely on volunteers.”

Due to previous volunteers aging out, the city is now facing a shortage and hopes to recruit new faces. Volunteers work two-hour shifts, simply welcoming visitors and enjoying the calm space. “It’s a great way to meet people, build your resume, and give back to the community,” Robidoux said.

The Capella is typically open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, though hours may vary based on volunteer availability. To get involved, contact Michelle Robidoux at 541-469-1103. — https://www.brookings.or.us/facilities/facility/details/capellabythesea-2

Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission New License Plate To Help Support Oregon’s Dungeness Crab Industry

Oregon’s Dungeness crab fuels families, $68M a year industry — According to the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, Dungeness crab fishing typically brings in more money than every other type of fishing in the state.

Right now, the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission is working on a license plate that would help support Oregon’s Dungeness crab industry.

Celebrate Oregon’s coastal heritage and show your support for one of the state’s most iconic industries with the new Oregon Dungeness Crab license plate! This eye-catching design features a bold, bright orange Oregon Dungeness crab against a light blue sea background, inspired by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission logo.

By purchasing this specialty plate, you’re not only adding a unique touch to your vehicle but also supporting vital programs that sustain and promote Oregon’s Dungeness crab fishery.”Get your License Plate Here – https://oregondungeness.org/new-licence-plate/ —- Learn More with Our FAQs

Elks to Feed You Well at Rhody Festival  

The 118th Rhododendron Festival is less than three weeks away, and preparations are well under way.  The Florence Elks Lodge announced over the weekend that they are preparing their traditional events to add to the weekend festivities.  This year, they’ll be serving their barbecue chicken dinners to go on Saturday, May 17, only.  Follow the smoke to the parking lot for a half-chicken dinner, potato salad, and beans for just $15.  That starts at 11:00 and lasts until it is sold out.  At the same time, the Ladies of the Elks have their homemade pie and bake sale.  Sunday, May 18th the Past Exalted Rulers of the Lodge will be serving their traditional pre-parade breakfast from seven AM to eleven for just ten bucks.  All proceeds from the festival community events are used by lodge members to support local causes.  

Oregon’s Shore Acres State Park Volunteer Days – Chance to Give Back

Shore Acres State Park will host Garden Volunteer Days once a month April through September to give visitors a chance to volunteer in the garden.

Volunteers can learn how to prune a rose or maintain a 100-year-old-lily pond as they work alongside rangers in caring for the beautiful gardens at 89526 Cape Arago Highway, Coos Bay.

Garden Volunteer Days run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

• May 16, June 20 and July 18: Garden cleanup including weeding, trimming, mowing, mulching, planting, rose pruning and pulling invasive plants. Ages 14 and older.
• Aug. 15: English Ivy pull to help remove this invasive species from the garden. For ages 14 and older.
• Sept. 19: Garden cleanup including weeding, trimming, mowing, mulching, planting, rose pruning and pulling invasive plants. Ages 14 and older.

Participants should be prepared to travel a short distance on uneven ground at the service site. Service will take place outdoors, and volunteers should be comfortable wearing work gloves and using hand tools. Gloves, hand tools and morning snacks are provided. Bring a lunch.

Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. Please contact Park Ranger Jess Hayward with any questions at Jess.hayward@oprd.oregon.gov or 541-888-3732.

Shore Acres features a formal garden with plants and flowers from all over the world. It includes a Japanese-style garden with lily pond and two curated rose gardens that include All-American Rose Selections. Something is in bloom almost every day of the year: the first spring bulbs pop up in late February; rhododendrons and azaleas soon follow; roses bloom through the summer; and dahlias appear August through mid-October.

Respect Nesting Areas to Protect Threatened Snowy Plover on the Oregon Coast Through Sept. 15

 – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Siuslaw National Forest remind visitors to the Oregon coast that it is plover nesting season ­— beachgoers can help recovery efforts for the threatened western snowy plover March 15 to Sept. 15.

Sensitive plover nesting areas are identified on maps for the northern Oregon Coast and southern Oregon Coast. Signs may be present at trailheads with additional rules and limits, such as staying on the wet sand and no dogs even on a leash, to help protect the small shorebirds and their exposed nests during this crucial period. Visitors may also see rope fencing in dry sand areas; this fencing delineates some, but not all, of the critical plover habitat that should be avoided.

Reminders for recreation on designated plover beaches March 15-Sept. 15:

• The following are not permitted: dogs (even on a leash), driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, operating electric-assisted bicycles, camping, burning wood, flying kites or operating drones.
• Foot and equestrian traffic are permitted below the high-tide line on hard packed sand.
• Respect signs and barriers to protect nesting habitat.

“With the support of the public and improvements to plover habitat, we’re making great strides in reversing the decline of this species,” said Cindy Burns, Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist. “Keep doing your part to understand nesting season rules and to share the beach this spring and summer.”

More information on the snowy plover, including detailed maps of nesting sites, can be found on the Oregon State Parks website (oregon.gov/plovers) and on the Siuslaw National Forest website (https://t.ly/AKPAN). Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area can review Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) maps to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand.

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.

The Columbia River Maritime Museum is looking for its newest crew member!

MUSEUM EDUCATOR — Full Time, Salary Position reporting to Director of Education

Full job description and employment application are available on our website – https://www.crmm.org/join-our-crew.html

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)

The Oregon Coast Aquarium New Tufted Puffin Oregon License Plates on Sale

One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.

The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the
aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins.

Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke

Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.

The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s
rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with
hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

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33 New Bills Signed Into Oregon Law Last Week

Governor Kotek signed 33 bills into law last week. Most involved amending language and the bureaucratic processes of agencies, though some update the privacy of certain people and jumpstart the movement on issues such as interstate passenger rail and permitting.

This list does not include laws filed with the Oregon Secretary of State or last year’s laws that just went into effect this month. Here are the 33 bills Kotek signed into law: 

HB 2978 – The law tells the Department of Transportation and the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to create an advisory group in relation to a program to reduce cars hitting wildlife. 

HB 2565 – The law allows the state to contract with some research firms that get federal grant money without having to follow state rules for contracting for goods and services. This goes into effect 91 days after the session ends. 

HB 2373 – The law prohibits selling or offering for sale a timeshare without a license and establishes a real estate license for timeshare agents, directing the Real Estate Agency and Real Estate Commissioner to regulate and issue said licenses. An emergency was declared in order for this bill to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

HB 2170 – The law allows agencies State Department of Fish and Wildlife, the State Marine Board or the State Department of Agriculture to work with others — such as tribal government, local government or a local service district — to inspect boats for harmful animals and plants. 

SB 465 – The law removes the annual cap on matching funds for individual development account (IDA holders) and creates a cap on total matching funds to account for the effects of inflation. 

SB 851 – The law makes changes to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). 

HB 2073 – The law makes technical changes to certain state tax statues and goes into effect 91 days after the session ends. 

HB 3141 – The law designates October 12 of each year Oregon Farmer and Rancher Day. 

HB 3021 – The law makes changes to the laws of the unemployment and paid leave programs run by the Employment Department.

HB 2922 – The law allows State Parks and Recreation employees, such as park managers and park rangers, to keep their home address private in Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) records; the employer’s address will be listed instead. 

HB 3034 – The law changes the funding and use of Emergency Housing Account programs.

HB 3115 – The law specifies that a person may not buy or sell certain winning lottery tickets, and thus, can’t deduct the purchase price for state taxes. The law also allows lottery winners to remain anonymous; their name and address cannot be released without written authorization. This goes into effect 91 days after the session ends. 

HB 3041 – The law modifies the source of law that establishes the Educator Advancement Council from intergovernmental agreement to state statute.

HB 2347 – The law authorizes the Department of Land Conservation and Development to help tribes with planning assistance for housing production, as well as makes various technical changes to land use laws.

HB 3385 – The law exempts public records filed with a county clerk from the fee schedule. 

HB 2163 – The law amends a part of the wildlife laws to allow people with a documented intellectual or developmental disability to fish and harvest shellfish. 

HB 3386 – The law allows a deputy of a county clerk to perform weddings.

HB 2248 – The law makes new laws in regard to the Bureau of Labor and Industries, such as providing exceptions to the confidentiality requirement and allowing the agency to enter into interagency agreements with state agencies to receive certain business information. It also directs the agency to provide a report, due Sept. 15, 2025. 

SB 809 – The law clarifies that the State Department of Agriculture may inspect poultry under the state’s meat inspection program. 

HB 3233 – The law tells the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to team up with the state of Washington and Vancouver, B.C., to make plans for rail, as well as tells ODOT to report every two years to the Joint Committee on Transportation about the performance of passenger rail. 

SB 166 – The law changes the term “member” of the Oregon State Bar to the term “licensee” of the Oregon State Bar, as well as changes some laws about the agency. 

HB 2541 – The law provides certain agricultural workers with rights to breastfeed or pump in the workplace.

HB 3020 – The law makes betting on dog races illegal, which goes into effect July 1, 2027. 

HB 2130 – The law updates the responsibilities of the Oregon Insurance Guaranty Association.

HB 3328 – The law would let Grant County use road fund moneys from federal forest reserves payments to patrol roads in the county.

HB 2461- The law makes some new rules for remote location testimony.

SB 168 – The law changes some laws that apply to a person’s estate after the person dies, such as required evidence to establish parentage and court procedures involving discovery when there is a contested issue in a probate proceeding. 

HB 3022 – The law allows the Department of Revenue to share information to the Employment Department for the paid family and medical leave insurance program, among other changes. 

HB 2802 – The law changes when a lump sum payment for permanent partial disability has to be made, in which the worker waives reconsideration of the notice of closure, or the award has become final by operation of law.

SB 167 – The law amends portions of the Uniform Commercial Code, which governs commerce among merchants, so that the law can now take account of new ways of making payments and doing business, such as with digital assets and electronic money. 

SB 1189 – The law says that a treatment works can be built without a water quality permit if certain conditions are met.

SB 839 – The law modifies regulation surrounding commercial vehicles and modifies some language regarding to offenses. 

SB 849 – The law changes how PERS, the state’s retirement system for public employees, uses the money in the School Districts Unfunded Liability Fund. 

Travelers who do not possess a REAL ID by the approaching deadline this week will still be permitted to fly, but they should anticipate additional scrutiny, as stated by the head of Homeland Security on Tuesday.

Kristi Noem informed a Congressional panel that 81% of travelers currently hold IDs that meet the REAL ID standards. She noted that security checkpoints will also accept passports and tribal identification once the deadline arrives on Wednesday.

Those who do not have an identification that adheres to the REAL ID regulations may be directed to a different line and face an additional step, according to Noem. In addition to requiring a REAL ID for domestic air travel, individuals will also need one to enter certain federal buildings and facilities.

In recent weeks, Noem has been alerting the American public about the impending deadline. In a television advertisement released by Homeland Security, she emphasized the necessity of these IDs for air travel and access to public buildings, stating: ‘These IDs keep our country safe.’ A REAL ID-compliant driver’s license features a symbol (typically a star) in the upper corner of the card in most states.

Kyron Horman disappearance investigation continues 15 years later as police digitize case files

Law enforcement is scanning and documenting thousands of pages of reports, photos and evidence to be digitized, 15 years after Kyron’s disappearance.

As the 15th anniversary of Kyron Horman’s disappearance approaches, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) says its investigation into his disappearance remains ongoing, announcing that case files will be digitized. 

The MCSO and Gresham Police detectives are scanning and documenting thousands of pages of reports, photos and evidence to be digitized. When the case is digitized, the file will be reexamined by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, laying out the foundation “for a fresh and comprehensive review of the entire investigation,” according to MCSO. 

MCSO detectives in the coming months will meet with Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez and his team to further evaluate.

Kyron was last seen on the morning of June 4, 2010, at a science fair at Skyline Elementary School in Portland. 

Kyron’s stepmother dropped the 7-year-old off at Skyline that morning and reported that she saw him walking toward his classroom at 8:45 a.m., but he didn’t come home on the school bus. In 2012, a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge referred to Kyron’s stepmother, Terri Horman, as a “prime suspect,” but she has denied any wrongdoing, and no charges have been filed, though Kyron’s mother, Desiree Young, has accused Horman of giving multiple versions of events for the morning of Kyron’s disappearance. 

Young has long campaigned to make sure the investigation keeps going, telling KGW last year, “I can’t even explain it. He’s a part of me. There’s just something in there that yearns to touch him and hold him.”

At the time, he was wearing a black T-shirt with “CSI” in green letters and a handprint graphic, along with black cargo pants, white socks and black Skechers sneakers with orange trim. He may have been wearing his glasses.

Kyron has brown hair, blue eyes, wears glasses and has a distinct V-shaped strawberry birthmark on his forehead, police said. 

“We have never stopped searching for Kyron,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell in a statement Friday. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to bring resolution to this case, for Kyron, for his family and for the community. With the support of our partners and the public, we are actively pursuing every credible investigative opportunity. Kyron and his family are at the heart of our work.”

A $50,000 reward remains available for information leading to the resolution of Kyron’s disappearance. Anyone with information is asked to call MCSO’s tipline at 503-988-0560, email tips@mcso.us or reach out to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) via 1-800-THE-LOST or online at the NCMEC CyberTipLine. (SOURCE)

Members of the Oregon House have sent a bill back to committee that seeks to prohibit the use of recycled plastic bags.

Senate Bill 551 proposes that only paper grocery bags be distributed in retail establishments. House legislators opted to return the bill to the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment for additional review.

Should the bill successfully pass through the legislative process, the Oregon Health Authority would be responsible for enforcing these regulations. Consumers would still incur a charge of 5 cents for recycled paper checkout bags, unless they present an EBT card, with this provision set to take effect on January 1, 2027. Additionally, the bill mandates that restaurants and other businesses provide plastic utensils and single-use condiment packets only upon request, effective July 1, 2026. Drive-through establishments and those with spatial limitations that hinder employee-only access to these items would be exempt from this requirement.

If enacted, hotels, motels, and other vacation rentals would also need to adhere to the new regulations.

Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon is urging for federal prosecution following Credit Suisse’s settlement of 511 million dollars in a tax evasion case.

In 2023, the Senate Finance Committee examined allegations from a whistleblower that Credit Suisse Banks and Advisors concealed over 700 million dollars offshore for American clients to evade taxes. Wyden asserts that the settlement validates the foundation of their investigation and is urging the Trump Administration to pursue criminal charges against those accountable for the scheme.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is calling on citizens to take action in restoring a cherished landmark that has long been neglected.

The Oregon Caves Chateau, a six-story structure completed in 1934 adjacent to the ancient marble cave system, has been closed since 2018 for essential repairs that have yet to occur, partly due to escalating costs and the identification of new, more severe problems with the building.

On Wednesday, the National Trust for Historic Preservation added the chateau to its list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2025, a decision that advocates hope will finally motivate action regarding the deteriorating landmark.

The Oregon Caves Chateau is the first site in Oregon to be featured on the annual “endangered places” list since the program began in 1988, as reported by the organization. In a statement on Wednesday, Governor Kotek expressed her support for the initiative, which has gained momentum in recent months, spearheaded by the Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau, Travel Southern Oregon, the National Parks Conservation Association, Restore Oregon, Visit Grants Pass, and the Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce, which represents the communities of Cave Junction, Wilderville, and Kerby.

Oregon Caves chateau named one of nation’s most endangered historic places

The Depression-era chateau at the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, closed since 2018 for rehabilitation work, is one of the nation’s most at-risk historic sites, according to a national nonprofit dedicated to preserving America’s history.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation on Wednesday listed the historic caves chateau as one of its 11 Most Endangered Historic Places of 2025. It’s the first time an Oregon site has made the list, which draws national attention to historic sites in an effort to spur fundraising and preservation work, since it launched in 1988.

“Each site on this year’s list has inspired passionate supporters from their surrounding communities to work together to save these cherished landmarks and repurpose them for the public, now and into the future,” said Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Their leadership shows the power of preservation to create stronger communities, energized local economies, and a healthier environment for everyone.”  

The designation comes as the National Park Service, which manages the Oregon Caves, braces for further federal funding cuts. President Donald Trump’s budget request for the next fiscal year proposes cutting $900 million from National Park Service operations, and the administration indicated it wanted to transfer responsibility for smaller sites from the federal government to states. 

The caves, at the end of a steep, narrow and winding hour-long drive from Cave Junction, have long drawn tourists to picturesque but sparsely populated southern Oregon. Along with Crater Lake, Redwood and Lassen Volcanic national parks, the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Lava Beds National Monument and the former Tule Lake segregation center, the caves are part of the National Park Service’s Circle of Discovery in Oregon and northern California. 

While the main draw of the national monument is the cave itself, one of only a few marble cave systems in the country, the 1934-built chateau attracts architectural buffs and provided overnight lodging and concessions before it closed for construction in 2018. It features a rustic exterior of Port Orford cedar bark, Cave Creek runs through the dining room and it’s home to the country’s largest public collection of Monterey furniture, a western style popular in the 1930s and 1940s. 

The National Park Service closed the chateau in 2018 for an $8.6 million project to update wiring and plumbing and bring it into compliance with modern accessibility standards.

But as work continued, the Park Service identified major structural problems. It set aside an additional $4.5 million in 2020, then canceled its construction contract in 2023 because of insufficient funding. 

The National Park Service faced a $23.3 billion deferred maintenance backlog as of July 2024, according to a report from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. The Oregon Caves are one of five Oregon sites managed by the National Park Service.

The state’s only national park, Crater Lake, is the best known, but the park service also manages John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in eastern Oregon, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park near Astoria and the McLoughlin House unit of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Crater Lake, which has closed several sections of trails and its rim road because of fire damage in recent years, will close its boat tours and Cleetwood Cove trail to the lake’s surface for at least three years following the summer season for maintenance. Crater Lake alone faces a deferred maintenance backlog of $240 million, according to the National Park Service.  (SOURCE)

Washington County sewer agency’s CEO resigns after investigation into lavish spending

An investigation by The Oregonian had found that ratepayer dollars were going toward frequent dining and Hawaiian vacations.

The CEO of Washington County’s sewer agency has resigned after an investigation by The Oregonian revealed the agency’s lavish trips to Hawaii and big-time spending on local meals. 

CEO Diane Taniguchi-Dennis announced her resignation on Wednesday, which will be effective next month. She joined Clean Water Services in 2011 as deputy general manager and was named CEO in 2018. Her last day is June 6.

“The Board expresses their gratitude to Taniguchi-Dennis for her long service to the region, ratepayers, and the Tualatin River. They wish her well and are committed to supporting the operational success of Clean Water Services and its employees without interruption,” the Clean Water Services board of directors said in a statement.

In March, Oregonian politics editor Jamie Goldberg looked into spending by agency staff, with public records confirming that hundreds of thousands of ratepayer dollars were going toward dining around town and annual Hawaiian vacations — all while residents were facing a rate hike.

Notably, all of the Washington County commissioners also sit on Clean Water Services’ board of directors.

Last month, Washington County’s Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution ordering Clean Water Services to hire an independent auditor to look at their spending, as well as to review and develop written policies around “allowable travel.” However, there is no deadline for when the audit has to be finished, and agency executives will be managing the outside auditors.

The Clean Water Services’ board of directors will begin a national search for new leadership in the coming weeks. (SOURCE)

Two people and their dog were rescued Saturday evening after their sailboat capsized on Hagg Lake

Gaston Rural Fire District and Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to a marine rescue call at 6:58 p.m. Saturday. Dispatchers reported a boat had capsized with at least two people in the water.

Gaston fire responded with a boat and chief officer to assist the sheriff’s department. Upon arrival, responders located the boat in the middle of the lake, approximately halfway between the Eagle Point boat ramp and the dam.

“The two occupants of the boat and their dog were sitting on the overturned hull waiting for assistance,” the fire district reported.

Sheriff’s deputies reached the capsized vessel by boat and transported the occupants and their dog back to the boat ramp. The individuals were cold but unharmed.

The rescue effort then shifted to recovering the vessel, which proved challenging due to its 25-foot mast.

“Then the real work began. The craft was a sailboat with a 25′ mast which made it difficult to tow and right,” the fire district stated. “None of the personnel on scene had ever needed to right a sailboat but the owner walked us through the process and then we applied a lot of ropes and energy.”

Fire officials reported no injuries to emergency personnel and minimal damage to the boat during both the accident and retrieval operation. (SOURCE)

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FIELDS ARTIST FELLOWSHIP 

Four Oregon Artists to Receive $150,000 Each Over Two Years 

— Oregon Community Foundation, in partnership with Oregon Humanities, is now accepting applications for the Fields Artist Fellowship, which awards $150,000 to Oregon-based artists working to address community issues through creativity and cultural expression.  

The two-year fellowships will go to four artists to advance their artistic practice and honor and sustain their commitment to create social change within their community. Eight more finalists will receive a one-time award of $10,000. The 12 fellows will receive professional development, networking, and community-building opportunities throughout the program.  

“As an individual artist, receiving these funds was huge in terms of interrupting and creating social change in my rural town,” says Crystal Meneses, who received one of the inaugural Fields fellowships in 2019. “It opened doors for me that would never and have never been open.” 

Applications from Oregon artists will be considered between May 6, 2025 and June 13, 2025. A selection committee will review applications and award the fellowships by December 2025. The Fellowship term will begin in May 2026 and run through May 2028. 

“It is an honor to recognize the power that a single artist can have in their community through this program,” says Jerry Tischleder, Senior Program Officer for Arts and Culture at Oregon Community Foundation. “We look forward to adding another cohort of individuals into this growing network across Oregon.” 

Artists of all disciplines and artistic media are encouraged to apply, including writers, filmmakers, visual artists, multimedia artists, culture bearers, and performance artists. Eligibility requirements include the following: 

• At least five years of professional practice in an artistic discipline or combination of disciplines 
• At least three years of residence in Oregon (non-continuous) and the intent to reside in Oregon for the majority of the fellowship term (May 2026 to May 2028) 
• Demonstrable evidence of artistic practice that can engage with community groups and organizations and/or address community concerns 

Oregon Community Foundation, in partnership with Oregon Humanities, administers the program and convenes gatherings for the fellows. All funding is provided by the Fred W. Fields Fund of Oregon Community Foundation. 

Proposals must be submitted by June 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. The application portal and full request for proposals can be found here.  

Find more information here. An informational webinar will be held on May 22, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Sign-up to attend using this link. A recording will be posted on this page after the webinar date. For questions, contact Program Administrator Aimee Craig. 

About Oregon Community Foundation  – Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 million in grants and scholarships in every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org. 

About Oregon Humanities – Oregon Humanities connects people and communities through conversation, storytelling, and participatory programs to inspire understanding and collaborative change. More information about our programs and publications—which include Consider This, Conversation Project, Humanity in Perspective, The Detour podcast, Facilitation Training, and Oregon Humanities magazine—can be found at oregonhumanities.org. Oregon Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust. 

Oregon Declares May 18–25, 2025, Volcano Awareness Week in Recognition of the 45th Anniversary of the Mount St. Helens Eruption

SALEM, Ore. – On May 18, 1980, the ground shook, the sky turned black, and Mount St. Helens exploded in what remains the most destructive volcanic eruption in U.S. history. Fifty-seven lives were lost, thousands of animals perished, entire forests were flattened, and over 200 homes were destroyed. The eruption caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damage. The eruption reshaped landscapes sparked years of scientific study and reinforced the importance of disaster readiness.  

Now, 45 years later, Oregon’s Governor Tina Kotek is commemorating this significant event by proclaiming May 18–25, 2025, Volcano Awareness Week — a time not only for remembrance, but for readiness.  

Led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), the proclamation seeks to educate residents and visitors about volcanic hazards and preparedness efforts across the state and serves as a crucial reminder: the Pacific Northwest is still very much an active volcanic zone. 

“Oregon is home to several active volcanoes, and awareness is key to protecting communities and ensuring public safety,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “Volcano Awareness Week serves as an opportunity to learn about preparedness, mitigation, and response strategies while recognizing the ongoing monitoring efforts that keep people informed.” 

Living in a Land of Fire: Understanding Oregon’s Volcanic Risks 

The Cascade Range — the snow-capped mountains many Oregonians and Washingtonians know and love — is part of a 1,300 km (800 mile) chain of volcanoes stretching from northern California to southern British Columbia. These dramatic peaks, formed by the slow collision and subduction of tectonic plates, include some of the most well-known and still-active volcanoes in the country. 

In Oregon alone, we have five potentially active volcanoes: 

• Mount Hood
• Mount Jefferson
• Newberry Volcano
• Three Sisters
• Crater Lake (Mount Mazama)

They are among the ten active Cascade volcanoes monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Volcano Early Warning System — a program designed to detect and alert officials to signs of volcanic unrest before an eruption occurs.   

DOGAMI, in coordination with the U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory, plays a critical role in providing scientific data to support disaster preparedness. “Oregon’s rocks record a long-lived legacy of volcanism. Volcanoes offer stunning beauty, but also present potential risks to nearby communities”, said DOGAMI Geological Survey and Services Program Manager Jason McClaughry. “Creating detailed geologic and hazard maps combined with data from modern monitoring tools allows both DOGAMI and CVO to understand the volcanic history of Oregon and to help communities prepare for future volcanic hazards.” 

Why Volcano Awareness Week Matters 

This week is a joint effort between the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), and partners like the USGS and the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Together, they’re working to raise public awareness about volcanic hazards — and more importantly, how Oregonians can prepare for them. 

OEM and DOGAMI, in collaboration with local governments and scientific organizations, will conduct public outreach efforts, social media campaigns, and educational initiatives throughout the week, including: 

• Understanding volcanic hazards such as ashfall, landslides, lahars, and pyroclastic flows.
• Reviewing evacuation routes and emergency response plans (visit TripCheck.com)
• Monitoring volcanic activity through USGS alerts and OR-Alerts.
• Preparing emergency kits with food, water, respiratory protection, and communication devices. 

Upcoming Anniversary Related events: 

• Wednesday, May 7 | 6:30 p.m.
  45th Eruptiversary Views & Brews: Voices of the Volcano (In-Person AND Virtual)
• Saturday, May 10 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Cascades Volcano Observatory Open House 
• Thursday May 15 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  A Reddit Ask-Me-Anything session with experts from USGS and the states of Oregon and Washington
• Sunday, May 18 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  
  45th Anniversary Event with USFS at the Coldwater Science and Learning Center 
• Saturday, May 24 | 3:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  OPB Event at OMSI – Sharing of OPB Field Guide episode and panel discussion 
• The official web cam for Mount. St. Helens is also back online, with its power restored for the first time in a nearly two years. 
• See more historic photos of the eruption on the US Forest Service’s Historic Mount St. Helen’s Flcker page.

Even though volcanic eruptions are rare, their impacts can be swift and widespread. Awareness and preparedness can mean the difference between chaos and calm in the face of an eruption.

“Preparedness saves lives,” McMahon added. “By learning about volcanic hazards and response measures, Oregonians can help protect themselves, their families, and their communities.” 

Be 2 Weeks Ready 

Emergency preparedness starts at home. OEM encourages all residents to Be2WeeksReady — a campaign that promotes having enough supplies, water, food, and critical items to survive on your own for two weeks after a disaster. This is especially important during volcanic events, when roads may be impassable and air quality may be hazardous. 

Here are some key preparedness tips for volcanic hazards: 

• Know your local hazards. If you live near any of Oregon’s volcanoes, understand what type of hazards might affect your area. DOGAMI and OEM offer resources and maps to help you assess risk.
• Stay informed. Sign up for USGS volcano notifications sign-up for OR-Alerts, and make sure the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled on your phone.
• Follow evacuation levels. Oregon uses a three-level evacuation system:
  • Level 1: Be Ready – Stay aware and prepare to leave.
  • Level 2: Be Set – Be packed and ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
  • Level 3: Go Now! – Leave immediately for your safety.
• Make a plan. Know your evacuation routes and how you’ll communicate with loved ones if you become separated. Learn more with OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready Toolkit.
• Help others. Check on neighbors, especially those who may need extra assistance. 

​For more details on how to prepare for volcanic hazards, visit the U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards page. Residents are encouraged to follow OEM and DOGAMIonline for up-to-date information, safety resources, and emergency alerts. 

Explore More: 

• USGS Volcano Hazards Program
• National Volcano Early Warning System
• DOGAMI – Oregon Geologic Hazard Resources
• OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready Toolkit
• Make Preparedness Fun: Engaging Kids in Emergency Readiness
• Making Preparedness Fun: Explaining Volcano Evacuations to Kids
• Kids Volcano Activity Guide
• Social Media Toolkit 
• US Forest Service’s Historic Mount St. Helen’s historic photos 

# # # It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.

You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email licInfo@oem.oregon.gov” target=”_blank” title=”Email OEM Public Affairs”>OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711. 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Trails Coalition will host eight virtual focus groups in May to better understand the needs of different types of trail users who use land and water trails throughout Oregon and not just at Oregon State Parks.

OPRD launched anonline surveythis month to collect feedback through April 30. The focus groups expand that effort and take a deeper dive into the needs of different trail users including mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers and adaptive equipment users.

The information from the survey and focus groups will help inform the Oregon Statewide Trails Plan, which provides guidance to OPRD as well as other federal, state, and local agencies and private sector partners. It outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails over the next 10 years.

Participants can join the 90-minute Zoom sessions to provide feedback. Anyone interested in joining, can register in advance using the links below:

• May 5: OHV / ATV Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 7: BIPOC Nature Network Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 8: Mountain Biking and Bikepacking Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
• May 14: Adaptive Equipment Users and Disability Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 15: Winter/Snow Trail Focus Group (Non-motorized and motorized) Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 27: Hiking, Trail Running, Backpacking, Equestrian User Focus Group 4:30- 6 p.m.
• May 29: Paddling (Flat water and Whitewater) Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
• Agency Partners Trails Plan Focus Group Meeting TBD.

Check the website for more information including updates such as the time and link for the agency partners trails plan focus group:https://www.oregontrailscoalition.org/post/oregon-state-trails-plan-share-your-trail-user-experience-in-focus-groups-this-may

OHA to issue algae warnings when dog deaths reported  

As summer approaches, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reminds people heading outdoors to enjoy the state’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs to be on the look-out for potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms.  

To help, OHA is adding a tool reporting the possible presence of cyanobacteria in freshwater lakes and rivers statewide. Starting immediately, OHA will issue pre-emptive public warnings following reports of dog illnesses or deaths possibly resulting from cyanotoxin exposure.  

OHA advises recreational visitors to always be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms in the water and in mats attached to the ground or rocks. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.  

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab. 

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.

The tenth anniversary season of ‘In a Landscape, Classical Music in the Wild’ commences in May and continues until September.

This season will feature 50 concerts showcasing classical music at two locations in Lake County: Summer Lake and Fort Rock, as well as the Alvord Desert. The Summer Lake concert is titled ‘Dark Sky Concert,’ as Summer Lake is recognized as an Oregon Dark Sky Park.

The performance at Fort Rock State Park is scheduled for September 13, followed by the Summer Lake Hot Springs concert on September 14.

Additionally, a performance near Jacksonville at Applegate Lake will take place on May 30, and another at the Alvord Desert on June 21.

The Fort Rock concert will start at 4 p.m. and conclude around 5:30 p.m., while the Summer Lake Hot Springs concert will begin at 9 p.m. and last approximately 1.5 hours due to the Dark Sky designation.

Tickets for individual concerts are priced at $50, or $135 for both performances, which includes two nights of camping at Summer Lake Hot Springs, with the camping fee charged per person. ‘Good neighbor’ tickets are also available for residents of Lake County.

Pianist Hunter Noack is curating a new program for this tour, which will encompass 50 concerts across six Western states: Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.

The performances will take place at 10 new venues, including the recently reopened Kah-Nee-Ta in central Oregon. Noack will perform on a 9-foot Steinway concert grand piano.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to sit near the stage, and wireless headphones will allow them to explore the surroundings while enjoying the music, creating a unique experience in the wild, particularly at Fort Rock, the Alvord Desert, and Summer Lake Hot Springs.

The series will kick off on May 10 in Goldendale, Washington, at the Maryhill Museum of Art. Tickets for the public can be purchased through the In A Landscape website at https://inalandscape.org.

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