Oregon Beach News, Monday 6/2 – Sperm Whale Found Dead on Oregon Coast, 77 Year Old Astoria Woman Killed in Fatal Hit-and-Run: Arrest Made After Suspect Hits Another Car & 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, June 2 , 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Active Weather Alerts – National Weather Service

...GALE WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT TUESDAY...
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 PM PDT WEDNESDAY...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WATCH IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...For the Gale Warning, north winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts around 40 kt and seas 9 to 12 ft at 10 to 14 seconds. For the Small Craft Advisory, seas 8 to 12 ft at 10 to 14 seconds.

* WHERE...The current Gale Warning covers waters south of Coos Bay, with a Small Craft Advisory covering waters to the north. Once the Gale Warning ends, a Small Craft Advisory coves all waters north of Cape Blanco.

* WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 11 AM PDT Tuesday. For the Small Craft Advisory, until 5 PM PDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Low visibility conditions are expected.

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

Sperm Whale Found Dead on Oregon Coast Believed to be Struck by Vessel

An endangered sperm whale found dead on the Oregon coast was struck by a vessel. The whale will remain on the beach to naturally decompose.

An adult male sperm whale that washed ashore between Del Ray and Sunset Beach was hit by a vessel, according to a necropsy performed by researchers.

The nearly 53-foot whale washed ashore Thursday afternoon about 12 miles north of Seaside. The whale was reported dead on May 23 about 15 miles offshore and was then seen again seven miles offshore on May 27, according to the Seaside Aquarium.

A necropsy was performed Sunday by Portland State University, Cascadia Research Collective and the Seaside Aquarium.

“During the necropsy, damage to the vertebrate was visible along with signs of hemorrhage. This helped the team determine that this whale was struck by a vessel,” the Seaside Aquarium said.

The whale will remain on the beach to naturally decompose. This will provide an opportunity to see the whale and provide nutrition to the local ecosystem. Scavengers such as turkey vultures, bald eagles and coyotes will feed on the whale.

Male sperm whales can reach nearly 60 feet and weigh well over 40 tons. They have been known to live up to 60 years, with males maturing around the age of 50 at a length of approximately 52 feet. They feed on deep water species, such as squid, sharks, skates and fish. While their population is recovering, sperm whales are listed as endangered, according to the Seaside Aquarium.

“Please remember to look — but do not touch. Marine mammals may spread potential diseases to humans and pets,” the aquarium said.

Organizations involved in the response included Oregon State Police, NOAA Office of Law Enforcement, Oregon State Parks, Cascadia Research Collective, Seaside Aquarium, Portland State, Washington State Parks and Washington Fish and Wildlife.

77 Year Old Astoria Woman Killed in Fatal Hit-and-Run: Arrest Made After Suspect Hits Another Car

A 77-year-old woman from Astoria was killed in a hit-and-run crash Sunday morning, and the suspect took off from the scene before hitting another car and being arrested, according to the Astoria Police Department.

The name of the victim will not be reported until family is notified.

Michael Munson Smith, 50, was taken into custody. After he was taken to Columbia Memorial Hospital for treatment, he was lodged at the Clatsop County Jail. He faces charges of second-degree manslaughter, DUII, failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured person, failure to perform the duties of a driver when property is damaged, recklessly endangering another person and reckless driving.

Police and fire departments responded at 9:18 a.m. Sunday to a report of a car versus pedestrian traffic crash at 16th and Irving streets. The pedestrian was determined to be deceased at the scene, police said.

Munson Smith took off from the scene, hit another car at 17th Street and Irving Avenue, and continued to drive south on 17th Street, according to police. An officer located Munson Smith and their car near Jerome Avenue, where he was taken into custody.

Oregon State Police Traffic Crash Reconstructionists and the Clatsop County Major Crimes Team will investigate this incident.

Anyone with information about the incident who has not spoken with investigators is asked to contact Detective Madyson Hanna of the Astoria Police Department at 503-325-4411 or by email at mhanna@astoria.gov.

Goonies Weekend 40th Anniversary – June 5-8 in Astoria

We welcome fans who want to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the release of The Goonies in the town where it was filmed. The celebration event is being coordinated by the Clatsop County Historical Society and Oregon Film Museum, with collaboration from many businesses and organizations throughout our region including the Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Special events will take place Thursday through Sunday, including tours, cast and crew panels, scavenger hunt and more.  Visit the official event website  www.gooniesweekend.com to learn more and get tickets.

From Kindergarten Cop to Short Circuit, Oregon’s North Coast has been host to a number of great 80s and 90s films, but only one has gained cult status: The Goonies. The Goonies not only was filmed in Astoria and Cannon Beach, but within the movie they state it takes place in Astoria, in contrast to a fictional setting used by many films and television shows.

Fans come to Astoria from all over the world to experience the area, including film locations like the jail – now the Oregon Film Museum, the bowling alley, and Ecola State Park in Cannon Beach. Many of them look at our communities as another character from the movie and fall in love with the idea of just being here.

Explore the scenes for yourself, revel in the nostalgia of Mikey and the gang’s epic adventure, and soon, the town of Astoria will hold a special place in your heart, too.  Learn more at thegoondocks.org. — FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gooniesweekend/

Oregon Coast Aquarium   · Lincoln County is celebrating World Ocean Day in a big way, with partners coming together to host special events leading up to and on June 8!

From Cape Perpetua Collaborative’s Tidepool Tours to @midcoastwatersheds river cleanup, there are plenty of opportunities to take action for our ocean. For a full schedule of Lincoln County World Ocean Day events, visit aquarium.org/world-ocean-day

OHA Kicks Off 2025 Oregon Beach Monitoring Season

Agency lists monitored beaches for May-September

—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is kicking off the 2025 season by announcing the coastal recreation areas it will be keeping an eye on for bacteria during summer and early fall.

The OBMP, based at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division, monitors some of the most frequently visited beaches in the state.

The list includes beaches where the program has found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution.

• To see a video about Oregon’s beach monitoring effort, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82GVixgeGsM

The following beaches are being monitored this season, including name, and the city and county in which they are located:

• Seaside Beach – Seaside, Clatsop County
• Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Tolovana Beach State Park– Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park) – Arch Cape, Tillamook County
• Manzanita Beach – Manzanita, Tillamook County
• Rockaway Beach – Rockaway, Tillamook County
• Twin Rocks Beach – Twin Rocks, Tillamook County
• Oceanside Beach – Oceanside, Tillamook County
• Cape Kiwanda Beach – Pacific City, Tillamook County
• Neskowin Beach – Neskowin, Tillamook County
• D River Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Siletz Bay Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Beverly Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Agate Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Nye Beach – Newport, Lincoln City
• Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln City
• Seal Rock Beach – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Heceta Beach – Florence, Lane County
• Bastendorff Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Sunset Bay State Park Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Hubbard Creek Beach – Port Orford, Curry County
• Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, Curry County
• Mill Beach – Brookings, Curry County
• Crissey Fields State Recreation Site – Brookings, Curry County

The OBMP season runs from mid-May to mid-September.  Advisories are issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within this sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in upcoming seasons.

The OBMP works with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to determine beaches that need monitoring based on several criteria. These criteria include pollution hazards present; previous monitoring data that identify water quality concerns; type and amount of beach use; and public input.

As part of an adaptive sampling plan, beaches and sampling locations are routinely re-evaluated to ensure available resources best protect public health. A copy of DEQ’s beach evaluation is available upon request.

For more information and current beach monitoring conditions please visit: www.healthoregon.org/beach — https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/healthyenvironments/recreation/beachwaterquality/pages/status.aspx

Coos Bay gym owner is accused of sexually abusing teen girls.

Court records show that he has a history of similar behavior in other communities

The owner of Northwest Fitness in downtown Coos Bay has been arrested for alleged second degree sex abuse. Henry Delaney, III, of Bandon, is the head trainer and founder of Northwest Fitness in Coos Bay.

Court records show that the 16-year-old victim reported months of inappropriate behavior, including touching masked as unauthorized massage or physical therapy sessions, as well as forcing her to cuddle with him, groping and sexual conversations that she tried to avoid but lasted for hours.

Additional girls also came forward with similar stories, including an allegation he would lay on top of the girls to “stretch them out,” according to court documents. A search warrant affidavit was filed earlier this month.

Delaney was initially arrested for second-degree sexual abuse but has since been released, according to court records. His case is pending and court records show that he told the detective he was not surprised he was being investigated but eventually declined to speak, and said he just wanted to go to jail.

Delaney is a registered sex offender and has a history of similar conduct, including an alleged victim in Medford when he allegedly kept a scrapbook of Polaroid photos of the victim to “remember her,” according to court documents. Court records show he was convicted in Washington of sexual abuse against a female student of his gym in Seattle in 2009.

Delaney’s father, Henry Delaney, Jr., was also forced to resign from his Oregon teaching job in the 1990s for, among other things, sexually abusing an eighth-grade student, court documents said.

59-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 12+ Years for Online Crimes Against Children

On May 29, 2025, Lincoln County Circuit Court Senior Judge Thomas Branford sentenced Danny Hicks (59-year-old Polk County resident) for eleven counts of felony sex crimes that were discovered during several undercover law enforcement child luring investigations. During these investigations, officers used online social media platforms to pose as 5 different underage children to investigate online crimes involving children.

A Lincoln County jury listened to evidence presented during a three-day trial and on May 16, 2025, found Danny Hicks guilty of five counts of Online Sexual Corruption of a Child in the Second Degree, five counts of Luring a Minor, and one count of Purchasing Sex with a Minor. The jury also found the conduct included five separate incidents or criminal episodes which occurred over the course of three months. This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jenna Wallace. Following the guilty verdict, Senior Judge Branford held Danny Hicks in custody pending sentencing.

Hicks was previously convicted in 2021 of Online Sexual Corruption in the Second Degree and Luring a Minor (Lane County) and was placed on three years of supervised probation. Hicks’ probation ended in July 2024 and he began chatting with the Lincoln County undercover law enforcement profiles in September 2024. Through the course of the communications, Hicks repeatedly expressed his desire to meet up and engage in sexual conduct with individuals he believed were children under the age of 16. Hicks also sent sexually explicit photos and videos, including videos of others engaged in sexual acts, bestiality, and home-made masturbation videos. In one chat thread, Hicks offered to pay the minor to engage in group sex with Hicks and two of his friends at a local hotel. Ultimately, the evidence showed that Hicks communicated sexually with five different undercover law enforcement profiles in Lincoln County, and he was arrested in November 2024.

At sentencing, DA Wallace emphasized the need to hold Hicks accountable with a significant prison sentence given his prior conviction for similar conduct and his persistent sexualized engagement with five separate purported children. Defendant asked the Court to sentence him to the minimum sentence of 2 years, arguing that because the accounts were controlled by law enforcement and not real children, the harm was not as great.

Senior Judge Branford disagreed stating, “Yes, it wasn’t a 14-year-old-girl, but [you] thought it was and [you] thought it was on five different occasions.” Senior Judge Branford went on to state, “Children need to be protected from this type of behavior because it is terribly harmful to children…You knew there were police stings out there, you alluded to that in your statements to police, but this behavior was enticing enough to you that disregarded that because you needed the thrill”. He then sentenced Hicks to a total of 12.6 years in prison. Hicks will not be eligible for any alternative incarceration program and will have to register as a sex offender upon his release.

These crimes were investigated by Lincoln City Police Sergeant Hayden Tolzman, as well as Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Detective Christopher Marks and Deputy Garret Brawdy. The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge and thank both agencies for recognizing the importance of these undercover operations in protecting our children from online predators and dedicating already limited resources to proactively fighting crime.

The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office encourages parents to monitor their children’s social media activity and discuss with them the possible dangers of communicating with strangers online. These investigations are conducted in a continuing effort to protect our children from predators who target children for sexual exploitation and to reduce crime and further enhance the safety of our community.

The proposed Wyndham Microtel hotel on Quince Street in Florence is moving closer to reality.

Developer Matt Braun of Braun Hospitality is expected to provide a progress update at this Wednesday’s Florence Urban Renewal Agency meeting. Braun recently said they’ve secured $2.33 million from nine investors and are halfway to their $4.75 million goal. 

Construction is anticipated to begin this summer, While City officials have said that Braun is pulling building permits and assembling financing,  Rising construction costs and economic uncertainty have caused delays. Braun has said he remains committed, citing strong community value and a personal stake in the project. FURA will know more today when they meet at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.

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.

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

The first round of 2025 Cape Perpetua Collaborative Tidepool Ambassador Tours are just on the horizon! Do you have your spots reserved?Join Jamie, Amber, and Liz during the lowest tides of the season, for educational tours around the marine reserve! Meet a wide variety of local flora and fauna, learn about Oregons Marine Reserves, and discover how you can be a vital steward for protecting these sensitive environments.Swim on over to our site at capeperpetuacollaborative.org and scroll down to our events calendar, or directly on our eventbrite-https://www.eventbrite.com/…/cape-perpetua…

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

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

11 People Taken to Hospital in Mass Stabbing at Union Gospel Mission Shelter in Salem

Salem police report that 11 victims were taken to the hospital after officers were called out at about 7:15pm Sunday on reports of multiple stabbing victims at the Union Gospel Mission on Commercial Street NE.

The victims are reported to have varying injuries and their medical status, or any fatalities are unknown at this time as this information has not been released.

The suspect in the stabbings, a man, was taken into custody, police said. His name has not been released.

Detectives are investigating, and police said no further information will be released to the public at this time. We will keep you updated as reports come in.

ODF sends firefighters to Alberta and other states

The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) deployed 14 firefighters to Alberta, Canada, four firefighters to Alaska, three to Minnesota, and one to Florida. With fire season beginning in some parts of the state, this will be the agency’s last big out-of-state resource push until the rainy fall returns in Oregon.  

Those being deployed to Alberta and Alaska are going through the Northwest Compact, which is a mutual assistance agreement among six states and five NW Canadian provinces and territories. Those deployed to Minnesota and Florida are going through state-to-state mutual aid agreements. Both agreements are in place for organizations to easily share resources with one another, creating a larger and more comprehensive fire management system.

“These agreements help bolster Oregon’s complete and coordinated fire protection system and create a cache of reciprocal resources for all of us to call on when needed,” Michael Curran, ODF’s Fire Protection Division Chief, said.

When wildfire activity is low in Oregon, firefighters can be spared to help in places experiencing high levels of wildfire. This two-week rotation with our partners is our firefighters’ chance to enhance existing skills, learn new ones, and build on long-standing relationships.

“Know that we don’t share these resources without appropriate vetting. Before committing to any out-of-state deployment, we make sure that our own fire management system is still adequately staffed and ready to respond to fires here in Oregon. Serving Oregonians is our first and primary priority,” said Curran.

Oregon can and has called on its out-of-state partners to send resources when wildfires here exceeded our local and state response capacity, most recently in 2024 when ODF received firefighters and equipment from about 21 states, provinces and territories.

Oregon Department of Emergency Management Unveils Comprehensive Homeland Security Strategy

– The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) today released the 2025-28 Oregon Homeland Security Strategy (HSS), a three-year roadmap to strengthen the state’s ability to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from the full spectrum of threats and hazards facing Oregonians.

“Oregon’s risks—whether natural, technological, or human-caused—demand a coordinated, data-driven approach,” said Erin McMahon, OEM Director and Oregon Homeland Security Advisor. “This strategy reflects months of collaboration with local, tribal and state partners, and it positions Oregon to share intelligence faster, protect critical infrastructure better, and respond to crises more effectively than ever before.”

Strategy Highlights

Approved by the Governor’s multi-agency Oregon Homeland Security Council, in April 2025, the strategy prioritizes seven strategic goals that align with FEMA’s National Preparedness System:

1. Strengthen Intelligence and Information Sharing Capabilities 
2. Enhance Critical Infrastructure Resilience 
3. Enhance Cybersecurity Resilience 
4. Strengthen Counterterrorism Capabilities 
5. Strengthen Public Health and Medical Emergency Preparedness 
6. Advance Interoperable Emergency Communications 
7. Strengthen an All-Hazards Preparedness and Response Capabilities at the Local, Tribal, and State Level

Key to all these goals is a 24/7/365 common operating picture. OEM is working with legislators to deploy a next-generation data-management system that fuses threat intelligence while honoring Oregon’s privacy and civil-rights laws.

OEM will accomplish this through a whole-community approach. The plan leverages councils and workgroups—including the Oregon Homeland Security Council, Cybersecurity Advisory Council, and Homeland Security Advisory Workgroup—to coordinate resources across government, private industry, nonprofits and academia. This collaboration with our partners, and the integration of data tools, will help us track, manage, assess and share threat information while adhering to our state laws regarding civil rights and privacy protection.

Why Now?

• Escalating natural disasters. Wildfires, ice storms and earthquakes now occur with greater frequency and intensity.
• Evolving human-caused risks. Domestic violent extremism, fentanyl trafficking, ransomware and disinformation campaigns all pose growing threats to public safety and economic security.

This strategy provides a comprehensive framework for Oregon which will identify, unify, guide, and streamline homeland security efforts over the next three years, 2025-2028, with revisions occurring in the spring of 2027 for the next 3-year cycle.

Some of the Next Steps Include:

• Developing the disaster preparedness stockpile program.
• Improving the common operating picture and information sharing across agencies and sectors.
• Expanding education and awareness efforts through outreach activities including newsletters, community messaging, and webinars.
• Aligning with the Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan.
• Strengthening private sector partnerships.
• Securing funds for infrastructure protection, cybersecurity efforts, and mitigation efforts.
• Developing a prevention and protection framework through the update of the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan CEMP Volume II: Preparedness Plan.

Learn More

The full Homeland Security Strategy is available here. More information about the Homeland Security Council can be found on the OEM website.

# # # 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”>OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711.

This past weekend marked the onset of the wildfire season, with over 1,776 acres ablaze in Central Oregon. The Butte Creek Fire is situated nine miles north of Clarno, on the eastern bank of the John Day River in Wheeler County.

Fire crews from the Central Oregon Fire Management Service responded to the fire after receiving the initial report on Sunday at approximately 2:47 p.m.

Within twenty-four hours, the Butte Creek Fire was reported to have expanded from 300 to 2,000 acres, ultimately reaching 3,000 acres by the last update on Monday evening. However, this figure was later adjusted to 1,776 acres on Tuesday afternoon due to enhanced accuracy in on-site mapping. The affected land comprises both private and federal territories managed by the Bureau of Land Management. While some structures were reported to be at risk, none were confirmed as damaged or destroyed as of Tuesday.

As per the latest updates from Central Oregon Fire Info, fire crews are “actively engaged in active fire suppression activities,” with two interagency hotshot crews present at the location as of Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Central Oregon Fire Info issued a warning via the X social media platform, advising boaters on the John Day River to exercise caution, as helicopters were drawing water from the river to fill buckets for use in combating the fire.

State of Oregon Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for 2025 Floods

SALEM, Ore. — May 30, 2025 — Governor Tina Kotek, in coordination with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), has formally requested Presidential Disaster Declarations to provide federal support for communities across Coos, Curry, Douglas, and Harney counties devastated by the 2025 floods.

From mid-March to mid-April, Oregon experienced a historic combination of severe storms, rapid snowmelt, and record-level rainfall. The resulting floods caused landslides, infrastructure failure, and widespread displacement, especially in isolated, rural areas. Homes, businesses, bridges, and utility systems were damaged or destroyed, and many residents are still unable to return home.

“Although this disaster hit some of the most remote and economically vulnerable communities of our state, these folks have each other’s backs – they helped their neighbors to get through the initial emergency. They are resilient and resourceful, but they can’t do recovery alone,” Governor Kotek said. “These communities urgently need federal support to help them recover.”

The state’s request includes:

• Public Assistance for Coos, Curry, Douglas, and Harney counties to repair roads, public buildings, and utilities.
• Individual Assistance for Coos, Curry, and Douglas counties, and separately for Harney County and the Burns Paiute Tribe, to support individuals and families affected by the flooding.
• Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding statewide to invest in long-term resilience and flood protection.

In Harney County, the situation was especially severe. Unseasonably warm temperatures rapidly melted snowpack which was more than double the seasonal average. This overwhelmed the Silvies River, breached levees, and led to the failure of the only wastewater system serving the City of Burns and the Burns Paiute Tribe. Sewage-contaminated floodwaters caused serious public health hazards, damaged more than 100 homes, and forced extended evacuations.

“This is the second major disaster Harney County has faced in a year, following wildfires in 2024,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “With limited local capacity, federal resources are essential to help these communities recover and to prevent future devastation.”

The requested declarations would open access to federal resources to help eligible individuals and households with uninsured or underinsured expenses and serious needs, support economically and physically impacted small businesses, and support public infrastructure repairs and long-term rebuilding. They would also support hazard mitigation projects like reinforced levees, improved floodplain management, and more resilient infrastructure. For updates and information on available recovery resources, visit www.Oregon.gov/OEM.

Explore the interactive story map to see the devastating impacts of Oregon’s 2025 floods and the ongoing recovery efforts in Coos, Curry, Douglas, and Harney counties: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5b3ecd47075844fe8a1d95f28a8e643b

# # # 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.

Oregon legislators consider the possibility of allowing a nuclear reactor in Umatilla County

House Bill 2410 in the 2025 Oregon Legislature would allow the state Energy Facility Siting Council to grant a site certificate for a small modular nuclear reactor demonstration project in Umatilla County

In 1980, Oregon voters approved Measure 7, a statewide ban on building new nuclear reactors. But House Bill 2410 would exempt Umatilla County from the ban and allow local voters to decide on building a small modular reactor.

Kelly Campbell, policy director of the environmental advocacy group Columbia Riverkeeper, said what the state actually needs is more clean energy alternatives.

“This is a new program that costs new money that we don’t have,” Campbell contended. “Especially with this kind of budget forecast, the idea of wasting money on a ‘pie in the sky’ nuclear fantasy when really, we need more solar, more wind, more battery storage, more energy efficiency.”

On Monday environmental groups, tribal leaders and northeast Oregon community groups held a No Nuclear Day of Action, including meetings with state legislators.

Small modular reactors are built in factories then shipped to sites. They typically produce 300 megawatts or fewer of electricity per unit. Industry experts cited their lower cost over existing gigawatt-scale reactors. But a 2022 study found the units produce a greater volume of waste, which is also more reactive.

The bill would allow high-level radioactive waste to be stored on site so long as the federal operating license is in force. It does not resolve the issue of permanent storage. Campbell noted Umatilla County is already one of the most polluted places in the state.

“It is somewhat of a sacrifice zone,” Campbell stressed. “It’s seen as a place that you could do things like this.
It’s a place where people have nitrates in their drinking water, way over the EPA limits. It’s a place where things get dumped.”

Measure 7 forbids new nuclear reactors until two conditions are met: a national waste repository has been built and Oregon voters statewide approve a new nuclear plant site certificate.

The Oregon Senate has approved HB 2385-B, which safeguards the ability of Oregonians to access 340B program medications at nearby community pharmacies.

The hospital association expresses gratitude for the Senate’s backing, particularly to Sen. Patterson, Sen. Reynolds, and Sen. Campos, who were instrumental in facilitating the bill’s approval.

Although the 340B program has been operational for over 30 years, it has recently faced challenges from pharmaceutical companies. HB 2385-B ensures that health care organizations can partner with pharmacies to enhance patient access, particularly in rural regions. Oregon ranks second in the nation for the lowest number of pharmacies per capita, complicating the process for Oregonians to obtain necessary medications.

Limiting the use of community pharmacies would necessitate that individuals travel to their local hospitals, thereby creating further obstacles to care. Community hospitals and federally qualified health centers in Oregon are not the only entities encountering opposition from drug companies.

Other states, including Arkansas, Maryland, and Louisiana, have enacted similar legislation. Furthermore, 27 states are contemplating legislation in 2025 that would establish protections for the utilization of community pharmacies. The bill is now proceeding to the House for a concurrence vote.

A report from an independent organization detailed the challenges faced by ODOT as legislators strive to pass a transportation package.

The Oregon Department of Transportation is grappling with significant staff turnover, outdated financial software, budget overruns, and delays that have diminished trust among elected officials. This information comes from an evaluation of the department’s projects and organizational framework that has reached the desks of lawmakers on the Joint Committee on Transportation Reinvestment this week. The committee is considering the most effective ways to finance ODOT, possibly through new taxes and fees, as the agency seeks substantial funds to address a budget shortfall.

Concurrently, it is under scrutiny for its management of increasingly costly megaprojects. Concerns regarding such projects were a primary factor in lawmakers hiring external transportation specialists to evaluate how ODOT oversees its personnel, finances, and projects.

The assessment depicts an agency facing a range of systemic issues, including a lack of personnel and a bureaucratic maze that has led to problems such as “communication barriers” and “workflow bottlenecks and accountability challenges.” For instance, the department’s contract management procedures are described as “cumbersome and inefficient,” according to the review.

At times, it can take as long as 18 months from the moment the agency awards a contract to when it notifies that a project can commence.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking a volunteer to serve a three-year term as the Equestrian Representative on the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants Advisory Committee starting in 2026.

The ten-member committee evaluates grant proposals for statewide trail projects. The committee meets once or twice a year, virtually or at locations throughout the state.

The time commitment varies and includes reviewing and evaluating 25 to 40 grant applications per year. Committee members serve three-year terms and are eligible to serve a second term.

Ideal candidates representing the interest of equestrian trail users can live anywhere in Oregon with experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Land management
• Recreation planning
• Trail planning or design
• Recreation related volunteerism, or
• A trail enthusiast who is uniquely qualified to evaluate statewide project proposals through other experience and involvement.

Strong candidates may also demonstrate an awareness of statewide recreational trail needs, other broad recreational issues and the importance of providing equitable, inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities.

Those interested in serving must submit an RTP advisory committee interest form by June 30, 2025. The form is available online and includes more detailed information about serving on the committee: https://form.jotform.com/232364818278162

The competitive grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and administered by OPRD. Grants are awarded to non-profits and government entities for motorized and non-motorized trail projects, including building new trails, improving existing trails and developing or improving trail facilities.

For more information about the advisory committee or application process, contact Jodi Bellefeuille, program coordinator, at Jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-856-6316.

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.

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)

OHA seeks your help to make health care more affordable

New committees, public hearing provide opportunities to brainstorm solutions

SALEM, Ore. – Are you concerned about paying for a health emergency or routine care? Do you have an idea that could make health care more affordable? Oregon Health Authority (OHA) wants to hear from you.

“Everyone deserves quality health care, but growing medical costs make that increasingly challenging,” said Antonio Germann, M.D., a family physician who is vice-chair of the Oregon Health Policy Board, a citizen-led body that oversees OHA. “We need to tackle this complex issue to ensure our future health, and we’re inviting people to share their personal experiences and expertise with us to help us address it.”

About 83% of Oregon adults worry about being able to afford health care in the future, and 43% have struggled to pay their medical bills, according to a 2024 survey. Concerning statistics like this prompted OHA to make strengthening affordable health care for all a pillar in its strategic plan. It also led the Oregon Health Policy Board to seek the public’s help in identifying a broad range of solutions by serving on committees and participating in a June 10 public hearing.

Oregonians are invited to submit applications to serve on two new committees focused on health care affordability. May 16 is the extended deadline to apply for both committees. Applications and more information are available on the Committee on Health Care Affordability and Industry Advisory Committee webpages. Once their members are chosen, the committees plan to meet beginning this summer. Additional details are below.

The Committee on Health Care Affordability, also simply called the Affordability Committee, is seeking diverse voices. Its members may include people who receive health care, employers that purchase insurance, health economists and health policy experts.

The Affordability Committee will be supported by the Industry Advisory Committee, which also aims to include a variety of perspectives, ranging from health insurers to providers, hospitals and health industry leaders. Health care professionals in small or independent practices, and those who specialize in primary care, behavioral health, oral health or pediatrics are particularly encouraged to apply to the industry committee.

Comment at public forum — Both committees will build on the work of OHA’s Sustainable Health Care Cost Growth Target program, which seeks to limit Oregon’s health care cost increases to 3.4% per person annually. Between 2021 and 2022, the state’s health care spending grew by 3.6%, slightly more than the target.

Every year, the Health Care Cost Growth Target program holds a legislatively required public hearing to discuss recent trends in health care spending and highlight what’s driving health care cost growth. The 2025 public hearing will specifically explore behavioral health and pharmacy spending trends and will also focus on policy ideas to improve health care affordability. Information and potential solutions discussed at the event will help inform the new committees’ future work. People are also encouraged to share their personal stories and ideas about health care affordability during the hearing. See below for details on how to participate.

What: Health Care Cost Growth Public Hearing

When: 10 a.m.-Noon PT Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Details: Hybrid virtual and in-person meeting to discuss health care costs in Oregon, including recent trends, their causes and ideas for slowing cost growth.

Get involved: Consumers, clinicians and businesses are invited to share their concerns about and experiences with health care costs. Email written testimony or sign up to provide spoken comment at e.CostTarget@oha.oregon.gov” style=”color: rgb(6, 66, 118); text-decoration-line: none; text-size-adjust: 100%;”>HealthCare.CostTarget@oha.oregon.gov.

Webpage: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP/Pages/cost-growth-target-public-hearings.aspx

Zoom meeting: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1610883159?pwd=PAveuaEZgsT4KLXVPXm8WduVGatWCa.1

Meeting ID: 161 088 3159 — Passcode: 371696 — One tap mobile: +16692545252,1610883159# US (San Jose)​

In-person meeting: Salem, Oregon (details will be added to Oregon Health Policy Board meeting webpage)

Summer EBT for school-aged children returns for second year

Need to know:

• Oregon Summer EBT is a federal benefits program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer.
• Oregon expects to provide up to 370,000 school-aged children with around $40 million in Summer EBT food benefits this year.
• Each eligible child receives a one-time payment of $120 in food benefits.
• About 341,500 eligible children received Summer EBT automatically on May 22, 2025 but some families need to apply.

(Salem, OR) – Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (Summer EBT) is a food benefits program that helps shrink the hunger gap when children are on summer break and don’t have easy access to healthy meals at school. Summer EBT provides $120 per eligible child to buy food.

This is the second year of Oregon’s Summer EBT program. On May 22, 2025, about 336,000 children got the benefit on an Oregon EBT card. Families should check their EBT card balance at www.ebtedge.com to confirm receipt.

Families who didn’t automatically get Summer EBT on May 22, 2025 should check program requirements before applying. Families can check requirements at sebt.oregon.gov or by contacting the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-673-7328. The Call Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., PDT. Apply online in English and Spanish or with a paper application in multiple languages at sebt.oregon.gov.

“When school doors close for the summer, the need for regular, healthy meals doesn’t disappear. Last year, the summer EBT program bridged a critical gap for thousands of Oregon families, helping to replace those essential 10 meals per child, per week, that they receive when school is in session,” said Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). “We are proud to continue this partnership with ODHS to not only feed children, but to nurture their potential during crucial developmental months. Our continued commitment ensures that summer can be a season of growth and opportunity for all children, regardless of their economic circumstances.”

In 2024, about 362,000 children participated and received $43 million in Summer EBT food benefits their families spent in their local grocery stores, farmers markets, and other places.

“Summer EBT is one more way we can prevent kids from going hungry when school is out. Summer EBT is an evidence-based program proven to reduce child hunger and support healthier diets,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, ODHS Director. “Child hunger can have lasting impacts on health and academic achievement. Getting every eligible child connected to Summer EBT will help Oregon’s children thrive year-round and as they grow up.”

Who is eligible for Summer EBT food benefits? Families can find details about Summer EBT at sebt.oregon.gov.

Your school-age child may be automatically eligible if:

• Your family received Summer EBT benefits through an approved application in 2024.
• Your family gets SNAP, TANF or Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) and meets income rules.
• Your child gets free or reduced-price school meals and meets income rules.
• Your child is in foster care, in migrant education, in a qualified Head Start, experiencing homelessness, or part of the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).

Children who are automatically eligible received Summer EBT on May 22, 2025.

Your school-age child may be eligible by application if:

• Your family meets the federal income requirements for free or reduced-price meals at school, and
• Your child attends a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Families must apply by Sept. 3, 2025.

Receiving Summer EBT does not impact participation in other summer meal programs.

Summer EBT benefits are not considered in a public charge test and are available to children regardless of immigration status.

How will families receive Summer EBT food benefits?

The benefits will be placed on an Oregon EBT card and can be used at most grocery stores, farmers markets, and more.

Families that need a new card should call 855-328-6715, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT).

Families that think their children may be eligible and didn’t get benefits on May 22 must apply by September 3. If approved, they will receive an Oregon EBT card by mail.

Stolen Summer EBT benefits can’t be replaced.

You can protect your Oregon EBT card and benefits from electronic theft by following a few simple tips.

Where can families get more information? To learn more, or to apply, visit sebt.oregon.gov.

Call the Oregon Summer EBT Call Center at 1-833-673-7328 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PDT) on weekdays. All relay calls accepted.

More about Summer EBT – Summer EBT became a permanent program for states and certain Indian Tribal Organizations through the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Most states began providing Summer EBT in June 2024. Oregon’s participation was made possible through an investment from the Oregon State Legislature of $12 million. That investment will draw $83 million in federal funding to Oregon, mostly in the form of food benefits families will spend in their communities.

Additional resources to help meet basic needs

• Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
• Find summer meal sites:  https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
• Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or https://www.adrcoforegon.org.
• Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
• Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: https://www.caporegon.org/find-help

Free Camping, Day-Use Parking & Activities On State Parks Day June 7 

—Every year Oregon State Parks begins the busier season with a small thank you to its visitors — free camping and day-use parking on State Parks Day.

State Parks Day has been a tradition since 1998 to thank Oregonians for their long-standing support of the state park system. It falls on the first Saturday of June, which is June 7 this year.

“We are honored to steward and share these places with Oregonians and all our visitors. We appreciate their commitment to preserving and maintaining Oregon’s special places. We would not have the park system that we have today without their support,” said OPRD Director Lisa Sumption.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive day-use parking fees at the 25 parks that charge them and camping fees for all tent, RV and horse campsites on June 7. State Parks Day also includes free events at many state parks.

Park staff have worked hard over the last few months getting parks ready for the busier season and State Parks Day. The list of projects includes everything from clearing storm damage, with as many as 180 downed trees near Nehalem, to moving mountains of muck or sand to re-open camp loops. Now parks are ready to welcome visitors for State Parks Day and the busier season.

State Parks Day Events

• The Cove Palisades will host a free festival that celebrates the diverse history, food and culture of Central Oregon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Festival of the Land, includes Dutch oven cooking demonstrations, kids’ games and activities, petting zoo, educational displays, mini farmers market and more.
• L.L. Stub Stewart will host a star party in partnership with OMSI and Rose City Astronomers at 9:30 p.m. in the Hilltop Day-Use Area. Visit OMSI’s website on the day of the party for possible weather-related cancellations: https://omsi.edu/whats-on/
• Carl G. Washburne will host a free State Parks Day BBQ from noon to 1 p.m.
• Spring Valley Access will host a trail work party from 9 a.m. to noon. The event includes clearing brush, raking debris and picking up trash.
• Tryon Creek State Natural Area invites visitors to explore its Interpretive Nature Center, navigate its extensive trail system and attend a guided hike.
• Prineville Reservoir will host a free State Parks Day BBQ from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. near the Dark Sky Observatory.
• Silver Falls will host an exhibit about the emerald ash borer (EAB) and its role as a threat to Oregon’s ash trees 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oregon State Parks and Oregon Department of Forestry staff will be on hand to share information about the importance of ash trees and this destructive invasive beetle.
• Collier: will offer a guided tour through Collier Logging Museum 11 a.m. to noon so visitors can learn about old logging camps and what machines they used to make life easier.
• Fort Stevens will host disc golf lessons 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Stevens State Park-Historic Area Columbia Shores Disc Golf Course.
• Harris Beach we have a multi-park scavenger hunt where visitors can seek natural formations, unique flora and historical locations. Pick up scavenger hunt cards at Harris Beach registration booth or from ranger or host at Alred Loeb.

For a list of events, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/

For camping availability, please check oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com or visit first-come-first served sites: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=reserve.first-come

—– State Parks Day began in 1998 to celebrate the support of visitors around the state. It’s one of three days a year that Oregon State Parks waives the day-use parking fees. Other days include Green Friday the day after Thanksgiving and First Day Hikes on New Year’s Day.

Father’s Day Train Rides on June 14th

Are you looking for a unique way to celebrate Dad this year? Climb aboard for a train ride that promises fun for the whole family! On Saturday, June 14th, Oregon Rail Heritage Center is rolling out a special pre-Father’s Day celebration.

Trains will depart at 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM. Each ride lasts approximately 45 minutes and takes passengers on a round-trip journey down to Oaks Park and back along the beautiful Willamette River. Tickets are priced at $24 for adults, $16 for children, and $21.60 for seniors and active or retired military.

Whether you’re surprising Dad with a family adventure, or simply enjoying the charm of traveling by railroad, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Tickets are available at https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/orhf/items/548042/calendar/2025/06/?flow=469974

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.

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

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

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.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com