Oregon Beach News, Monday 6/8 – Seminar on Cascadia Preparedness Concludes, Siuslaw Estuary Conservation Restoration Project & 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 8, 2026

Oregon Beach Weather

Active Weather Alerts – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 8 AM PDT THIS MORNING...
...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 8 AM THIS MORNING TO 7 PM PDT THIS EVENING...
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO 11 AM PDT TUESDAY...

* WHAT...For the first Small Craft Advisory, south winds 20 to 30
kt with gusts up to 35 kt and steep seas 5 to 7 ft. For the Gale
Warning, south winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 40 kt and seas
8 to 12 ft. For the second Small Craft Advisory, west winds 10
to 20 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and steep seas 7 to 9 ft.

* WHERE...All areas.

* WHEN...For the Small Craft Advisory, from 5 AM to 8 AM PDT
this morning. For the Gale Warning, from 8 AM this morning to
7 PM PDT this evening. For the Small Craft Advisory, from 7 PM
this evening to 11 AM PDT Tuesday.

* 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

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

State, Federal and Local Leaders Have Concluded a Senior Leadership Seminar on Cascadia Preparedness

Leadership from the U.S. Navy, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Governor’s Office, the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM), and the Port of Portland attended the 2026 Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) Senior Leadership Seminar yesterday, June 4, held at Portland International Airport (PDX).

The seminar brought together senior leaders and planners from local, state, federal, tribal, and military agencies to strengthen coordination and preparedness for a Cascadia Subduction Zone event—one of the Pacific Northwest’s most significant natural disaster risks.

Hosted by the Port of Portland with virtual participation available, the half‑day program featured senior‑level discussions, scenario‑based planning, and insights into federal and military support capabilities during catastrophic incidents. An optional afternoon networking session further supported collaboration across jurisdictions.

“Preparedness is at the core of our airport operations, including a new PDX that was built to withstand the Big One,” said Port of Portland Chief Aviation Officer Dan Pippenger. “Workshops like this boost our resilience through strengthened collaboration and communication. This is essential for the region’s preparedness partners to respond quickly as a team, save lives, and keep people and critical supplies flowing when disaster strikes.”

Participants engaged in focused conversations on current response plans, interagency coordination challenges, and opportunities to enhance alignment across emergency management systems. The seminar reinforced the critical role that DSCA support plays in large‑scale disaster response and emphasized the importance of integrated planning before a crisis occurs.

“Preparing for a Cascadia event requires strong partnerships and a shared understanding of how we will work together in the most challenging conditions,” said Erin McMahon, Director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management. “This seminar brought together the leadership necessary to ensure we are coordinated, informed and ready to respond.”

Leaders from the Navy, ODHS OREM, and the Port of Portland echoed the importance of cross‑agency collaboration, emphasizing that unified planning is essential to protecting communities and accelerating recovery following a major seismic event.

ODHS OREM director Ed Flick added that “sea-based response is the standard in the IndoPacific region. As a pacific state, the sea services will play a key role in response to a CSZ earthquake and tsunami response in Oregon.”

The DSCA Senior Leadership Seminar series, launched in 2010, continues to provide a vital platform for enhancing regional readiness in high‑risk areas such as the Pacific Northwest. Insights from this year’s session will inform ongoing planning efforts and strengthen the partnerships that support Oregon’s resilience.

After 15 years of planning and development, a major conservation project near the town of Florence has achieved its goal: connecting a large swath of restored farmland to the Oregon Coast.

The Siuslaw Estuary is a 217-acre expanse that’s expected to accommodate the return of salmon, lamprey, shorebirds and native plants as it transforms with the tides.

May 29 was a cool, misty morning at the estuary. Excavators and dump trucks hustled around an earthen levee that held the Siuslaw River back from a former dairy site that used to be called the Waite Ranch.

For more than a century, the area had been used for dairy operations and cow herds, with agricultural features such as perimeter dikes, a tide gate, and drainage ditches.

The McKenzie River Trust purchased the property in 2010 for $750,000 with a grant from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. Redevelopment commenced in the late summer of 2023.

In the minutes leading up to the removal of an earthen levee, crews readied themselves and the property. Wearing a hard hat and reflective vest, Dan Kirk walked through the dewy brush and reddish mud, waving a smoking bundle of sage.

“I’ve been blessing the site almost daily,” said Kirk. “We really care about this project, and just putting as much intention and good thoughts and good feelings and gratitude as much as we can.”

Kirk is the restoration projects manager for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians. Other tribal members, as well as partner organizations for the estuary project, were gathered nearby to witness the historic event.

“Today we will be reconnecting the tidal Siuslaw River into the site,” explained Kirk, “creating about 180 acres of new wetland that was historically tidal wetland before the mid-1800s when it became a dairy farm.”

Margaret Treadwell, the central coast conservation manager for the McKenzie River Trust, stood by as a towering excavator crawled towards the levee.

“This is really exciting,” she said. “I have never seen a levee breach before.”

As the crowd watched, the excavator extended its toothy bucket and tore down a chunk of the levee. River water surged in immediately, as people cheered.

“Keep an eye out for animals coming back in,” said Treadwell. “Apparently, when these breaches happen, the animals figure it out very quickly.”

Treadwell said fish, birds, and even a seal could appear in good time.

The estuary began to fill with water it hadn’t contacted with for a century and a half. Many observers watched as the Siuslaw River water churned and poured into the estuary.

Chief Doug Barrett of the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians looked over the reformed farmland, which includes a 1.2-mile-long berm that’s 12 feet high and was designed to protect Highway 126.

The tribe sees this site as a place to gather and practice traditions, as the salinity of the estuary will develop new plant and animal life.

With the cost of the project coming to roughly $15 million and the development taking nearly three years to complete, Barrett was happy to have witnessed the historic breach.

“I kinda got goosebumps. Been a long time comin’,” he told KLCC.

Barrett also shared its new name.

“Now it’s called haich ikt’at’uu. Haich ikt’at’uu is the “heart of the river,” and so this is a pretty awesome place now to call our home,” he explained. “Just awesome to see the water coming in, knowing that the salmon and lamprey could come in here and hide from all of our predators. It’s a pretty good feeling.”

Roughly four hours later, a contingent of tribal council members arrived in “Lottie,” a 32 ½-foot-long dugout canoe carved from Western Red Cedar. They paddled in from the Port of Siuslaw, nearly four miles away. After crossing through the mouth of the newly opened channel, the group sprinkled tobacco and tule seeds into the water.

Jesse Beers, the cultural stewardship manager for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, lowered the remains of a salmon into the brackish currents.

“When we were in the channel there, almost brought tears to my eyes,” he said. “Returned some salmon remains to let the salmon people know it’s a good place to come again. And fatten up and be healthy. It’s just an amazing experience.”

In addition to the tribes and the McKenzie River Trust, the Siuslaw Watershed Council is another partner. Its restoration project manager, Mizu Burruss, said partnerships like these are essential because of the financial and logistical challenges a single organization would face.

“And they’re not only essential to making them happen, but they make them richer, better, more complex, and diverse projects,” said Burruss. “Which, when we’re talking about ecosystem restoration, that’s what we want.”

By midday, the Siuslaw Estuary was submerged with increasingly salty water, as cormorants and swallows swooped overhead. Chief Doug Barrett looked out at the expanse and nodded.

“It’s great to see the water coming in,” he said. “It’ll come in all day, from now on, hopefully, ‘til the end of time.”

Brian Bull is a reporter with KLCC.This story comes to you from the Northwest News Network, a collaboration between public media organizations in Oregon and Washington. It is part of OPB’s broader effort to ensure that everyone in our region has access to quality journalism that informs, entertains and enriches their lives. To learn more, visit our journalism partnerships page. News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/06/07/with-levee-breached-siuslaw-estuary-connects-to-its-past-life/

ICE operations at Port of Astoria spark concerns

Local immigration advocates say the use of Port of Astoria property by federal immigration officers during an operation Sunday morning in which it is believed three people were detained may have violated Oregon’s sanctuary law.

This law prohibits local and state police as well as state agencies from participating “directly or indirectly in immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant.”

Port officials say they did not realize ICE was in the area or that federal officers were staging vehicles at fenced-off port property at Pier 1 across from the port’s administrative offices.

Port of Astoria Commission President Dirk Rohne agreed use of the property by ICE is a legal question, but said it’s complicated and ICE officers may have been trying to find a loophole.

U.S. Customs and Border Protections maintains an office at Pier 1, a checkpoint for international travelers and cargo as they enter the United States via the Columbia River.

And when U.S. Navy ships are at the port, the fenced area at Pier 1 is considered federally controlled. A massive, gray Military Sealift Command vehicle carrier, the USNS Watkins, was docked at the end of the pier on Sunday. It is expected to depart Monday.

Rohne believes ICE officers contacted Customs and Border Protection and then went behind the fence. He said it isn’t clear who gave this permission or suggested the location. Port commissioners and Executive Director Will Isom told KMUN they were not aware of what was going on.

“I think we need to find out whose idea it was to move behind the fence — because that is port property,” Rohne said.

He believes someone on the port’s security staff suggested the move, “maybe without thinking.”

“The best case scenario, I believe, is that (ICE) should have been told to cease and desist and be gone,” Rohne said.

He has instructed Isom to begin interviewing staff on Monday to determine what happened. If it is the case that port employees allowed ICE to stage on port property, “I would be terribly disappointed,” Rohne said.

Isom told KMUN he wasn’t aware of ICE’s presence at the port, but that a number of different law enforcement agencies are in and out of the port regularly.

“Most of the port property is open to the public,” he said.

On Sunday, several community members who were present as observers to document the detainments tried to gain access to the fenced area on Pier 1.

They told KMUN that people they understood to be security personnel with the Port of Astoria would not allow them in and warned them that they would be arrested by federal agents if they went onto port property.

The observers instead watched from a distance.

Details about the people who were detained and their immigration statuses were not immediately available, nor is it clear if ICE had judicial warrants to arrest them. KMUN reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for more information, but has not received a response.

Consejo Hispano, a nonprofit that serves the North Coast’s Latinx community, condemned the day’s events and the port’s alleged involvement, calling the latter “a breach of trust with the people they serve.”

Executive Director Jenny Pool Radway said the nonprofit plans to file a formal complaint with the Oregon Department of Justice.

“We call on the Port of Astoria to immediately disclose how and why this cooperation occurred, and what steps they will take to ensure it never happens again,” Pool Radway said.

“Our message is simple,” she added. “Public institutions must follow the law, and our community members deserve to live without fear.”

ICE agents also appeared to have pepper sprayed a woman who confronted a line of federal vehicles as they left the port property Sunday and drove up Portway Street.

In a video viewed by KMUN, Astoria resident Stefanie Collar, recording the video on her phone, moves quickly towards a line of vehicles stopped at a red light. She shouts expletives at the first car, telling them to get out of the community. As she walks by a second car, the driver side window rolls down and the driver sprays something from a canister at her.

Collar told KMUN it was pepper spray. She said when she approached the first vehicle, a minivan, she saw the driver pull a mask over his face. She said he grabbed a can of pepper spray and started to open the door. She slammed her body against the door. He briefly pushed back then drove away.

She said the next two cars behind the van sprayed her with pepper spray as they drove past.

Collar was not part of the group attempting to observe and document the detainments Sunday. KMUN was told she has since been removed from the group overall because she refused to follow policies and training and was antagonistic with the officers.

In the afternoon, an ICE officer, who only provided his badge number, called the Astoria Police Department Dispatch to confirm that officers had used pepper spray after a crowd of people swarmed their vehicles. According to Astoria Police Chief Stacy Kelly, the ICE officer said that as he tried to exit his vehicle to address the situation, someone shoved the door shut.

Kelly said ICE had not told local law enforcement they would be operating in Astoria — notification law enforcement associations in Oregon had requested and been told they would start to receive following increased and more aggressive ICE activity across the state last year.

At least a dozen people were detained in Clatsop County in November and December of 2025. SOURCE: https://kmun.org/ice-operations-at-port-of-astoria-spark-concerns/

Coos County Oregon Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

—A Coos County, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday for distributing thousands of images and videos of the sexual exploitation of minors, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.

Ryan Scott Groce, 41, was sentenced to 98 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release. Restitution will be determined at a later date.

“Today’s sentence sends a clear message: those who exploit children will face significant consequences,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Protecting children and pursuing justice for victims remain among the highest priorities of this office, and we will continue to use every available resource to combat child exploitation and abuse.”

“The volume of files distributed by Mr. Groce is staggering,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “The number of victims—many of whom remain unidentified—is deeply troubling. HSI remains committed to leading the global fight against child exploitation and will continue to investigate crimes targeting our most vulnerable population – our children.”

According to court documents, from November 15, 2023, through November 11, 2024, Groce distributed at least 15,000 files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. Investigators searched Groce’s cell phone and found file-sharing software actively downloading and uploading CSAM. Groce’s cell phone also contained over 1000 videos of CSAM.

On Aug. 21, 2025, Groce was charged by information with one count of distribution of child pornography. On Sept. 12, 2025, Groce pleaded guilty.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sweet prosecuted the case.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Oregon Coast Humane Society Issues Parvo Warning for Dogs

The Oregon Coast Humane Society is urging pet owners to take precautions after confirmed cases of canine parvovirus in Florence. A pregnant pit bull was treated at the O-C-H-S Veterinary Clinic May 27 after testing positive for the highly contagious virus. Outreach efforts also identified at least one additional case in which a mother dog and her five puppies died.

Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson says parvo spreads quickly and can be especially dangerous for puppies and unvaccinated dogs, adding vaccination is the best protection. The virus can linger in soil for up to a year and spreads through contaminated surfaces, food bowls, and direct contact. Pet owners are advised to avoid taking unvaccinated dogs into public areas and to seek immediate veterinary care if symptoms appear. The infected pit bull has since been reunited with her owner and is expected to recover.

Coos River Highway will close at Chandler Bridge for two weekends this month as crews continue repair and painting work

According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, the first 55-hour closure starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, June 12 and runs until 1 a.m. on Monday, June 15. The second closure follows the same schedule from Friday night to Monday morning, June 19-22.

Travelers from the east end of Coos River Highway can detour along East Bay Road and U.S. 101 to reach Coos Bay and North Bend. People living nearby can expect construction noise at night both weekends.

The closures let workers paint sections of the bridge that they can’t reach when cars are moving through the travel lanes. Right now, traffic across the bridge is down to a single lane with a temporary signal controlling the flow. Most delays last around five minutes or less.

Minnesota-based Abhe & Svoboda, Inc. is handling the $7.29 million project. All work is scheduled to wrap up in September.

Chandler Bridge opened in 1952 and sits about three miles east of downtown Coos Bay. The paint on the truss is peeling and much of the steel is covered in rust.

For more information, visit ODOT’s website or contact ODOT Public Information Officer Dan Latham at 541-817-5200.

Cleanup crews remain at work in Astoria after an abandoned underwater fuel pipeline released oil into the Columbia River near Pier 2 last week.

Port of Astoria Pier 2 update:

On May 28, personnel at the Port of Astoria observed an oil sheen originating from beneath Pier 2 and immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Working alongside the Port of Astoria and its contracted response organization, agencies quickly established a unified response effort to assess the source, contain the release, and protect public and environmental safety.

Response crews deployed approximately 2,600 feet of containment boom around the pier, while dive teams worked to identify the source of the release. Investigations determined the oil originated from a previously undocumented legacy fueling pipeline system beneath the pier containing residual oil. Divers successfully disconnected the submerged section of pipeline from the pier, capped it, and plugged the pier-side section to prevent any further release. No additional discharge was observed during these operations.

Cleanup operations continue beneath and around the pier, with shoreline assessment teams surveying affected areas and recovering impacted material. Due to tidal conditions, much of this work must be done during limited operational windows. Response personnel remain on scene to monitor conditions, assess for any secondary releases from the remaining legacy piping infrastructure, and continue cleanup efforts.

The response is being conducted in close coordination with the Port of Astoria, NOAA, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Unified Command remains committed to minimizing environmental impacts while reducing disruptions to port operations and local fishing activities.

Environmental experts note that oil spills can threaten fish, wildlife, water quality, and shoreline habitats, particularly in areas influenced by strong currents and tidal movement.

Deputies Arrest Dunes City Man

Lane County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a crash that injured two people in Dunes City. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies responded around 4pm May 30th to the 4600 block of Pacific Avenue. Investigators say two people were riding in the bed of a pickup and fell out during the crash. Both were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The driver, 49-year-old Benjamin Robert Engler of Dunes City, was arrested on charges including Assault in the second degree, DUII, and Reckless Endangering. He was lodged at the Lane County Jail.

Coos Bay Woman Charged with Embezzlement of Approximately $1.9 Million from Bank

A federal grand jury in Eugene returned an indictment charging a Coos Bay, Oregon, woman after she allegedly embezzled money while working as a bank manager.

Heather Lynn Casas, 44, has been charged with bank theft, embezzlement, or misapplication by a bank officer or employee.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from August 2024 through December 2024, Casas, while working as a bank manager for a bank in Coos Bay, stole approximately $1.9 million from the bank.

Casas made her initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. magistrate judge. She was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on August 24, 2026.

If convicted, Casas faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a fine of $1,000,000.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Huynh is prosecuting the case. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Oregon Whale Sightings

Orca Pod in front of the Depoe Bay Whale Watching Center. 1240 pm May 31

Facebook REEL: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1634016064319308

Oregon Whale Sightings is a fun place to hear about and report cetaceans along our beautiful coastline.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176168644064352/

Deadline for Temporary Rent and Utility Assistance Through ReOregon is June 30

The deadline for Intermediate Housing Assistance (IHA) for survivors of the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds is coming soon. Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) administers IHA, which provides temporary rent and utility assistance for renters who lived in the disaster-affected counties of Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, or Marion at the time of the wildfires and have a verified loss.

Survivors have until June 30 to apply for the program, which has expanded eligibility, including higher incomes, so more households can get help. Assistance may last for up to 24 months or until the program’s funding is fully spent.

OHCS encourages any interested folks to reach out to a local community action agency to find out more and get started on an application.

“IHA provides a vital need for renters who are also wildfire survivors to help keep them stably housed as they figure out their permanent housing solution,” said Shannon Marheine, director of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at OHCS. “We encourage anyone who is eligible and hasn’t yet applied to do so as soon as possible. If you know someone might benefit from this program, please spread the word.”

IHA is part of a suite of wildfire recovery programs called ReOregon intended for survivors of the 2020 Labor Day Disasters and is funded by a $422 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery to support long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

So far, OHCS and its partners have successfully served 401 households with the IHA program.

To learn more about IHA and other ReOregon programs, visit OHCS’ website.

About Oregon Housing and Community Services – OHCS is Oregon’s housing finance agency. The state agency provides financial and program support to create and preserve opportunities for quality, affordable housing for Oregonians of low and moderate income. OHCS administers programs that provide housing stabilization. OHCS delivers these programs primarily through grants, contracts, and loan agreements with local partners and community-based providers. For more information, please visit: oregon.gov/ohcs.

North Jetty Access Closed

Lane County has announced the long-term closure of North Jetty Road in Florence. The closure, which began Tuesday, May 26th, stretches from Harbor Vista Road to the entrance of North Jetty Park and is expected to continue through Friday, September 4th.

County officials say the closure is necessary as crews rebuild parking lots for North Jetty Park and the nearby dive park along North Jetty Road. There are no alternate vehicle routes available during the construction period, however access to the North Jetty beach can still be reached by the outlet near Driftwood Shores. Officials encourage visitors to plan ahead and avoid the area while work is underway.

Oregon Historical Society Exhibit Celebrates 100 Years of Highway 101

The Oregon Historical Society is celebrating the highway’s centennial with an exhibit that runs through Oct. 11.

The idea for a coast highway came about in 1917, during World War I. It was originally envisioned as a military highway, though it never received that designation.

Still, the road changed the way Oregonians accessed the coast, bringing new opportunities for industry and tourism to communities from Astoria to Brookings.

“They wanted to construct a highway that could get people from point A to point B, but also have sort of a beautiful drive,” said Megan Lallier-Barron, curator of exhibitions at OHS.

Oregon implemented the nation’s first gas tax in 1919 to help pay for the construction of the highway. At the time, the tax was one cent per gallon.

The steep, remote terrain presented significant construction challenges, with laborers boring through hundreds of miles of rock to create tunnels. Initially, there were no bridges linking different sections of the road.

“You would have had to wait for a ferry to carry you over a number of different waterways and estuaries,” Lallier-Barron said. “[It] would create a lot of additional traffic and travel time.”

Renowned architect Conde McCullough would later design several of the bridges along Highway 101, including the Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport, the Alsea Bay Bridge in Waldport and the McCullough Memorial Bridge near Coos Bay.

The highway not only created new communities as laborers set up camps during construction, but also helped connect existing towns along the coast.

“It made it a lot easier for coastal communities to travel between one another,” Lallier-Barron said. “We think of maybe going from Astoria to Seaside as not a very long drive, but … before Highway 101 was built, you’d have to go back out into the valley and then come back to the coast.”

The opening of the Astoria-Megler Bridge in 1966 is generally recognized as the completion of Highway 101. The bridge provided the final link in the highway’s stretch from California to Washington.

Lallier-Barron said she hopes visitors leave with a new appreciation for the seemingly mundane parts of everyday life.

“Roads are pretty foundational and ordinary, but each of them have a pretty unique history,” she said. “So having people explore more about an area that they might know pretty well at this point, but looking at it in a different light.”

This story comes to you from the Northwest News Network, a collaboration between public media organizations in Oregon and Washington.

Astoria Column to Celebrate its 100th Birthday this Summer

It’s the 100 Day Countdown to the Astoria Column Centennial! Mark your calendars for July 18th when we all gather downtown for a birthday celebration to mark 100 Years of this beautiful monument overlooking Astoria. Live entertainment, cultural exhibits, vendor booths, free treats and more.

The iconic Astoria Column on the Oregon Coast is officially celebrating its 100th birthday with a massive centennial community party on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

The centennial event will be a free, full-day celebration connecting the past and future of the region’s history. Highlights include:

• When: Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Where: Downtown Astoria (Heritage Square parking lot) and at the base of the Column on Coxcomb Hill.
• Activities: Cultural exhibits, arts and crafts, live music, food vendors (including hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream), and a historic rededication ceremony.

The 125-foot-tall landmark, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers spectacular, sweeping views of the Columbia River, Youngs Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. You can find additional details, vendor info, and schedule updates at the Astoria Column Centennial 2026 website. https://www.astoriacolumn100.org

Astoria has grand plans to celebrate the 100^th birthday of its Astoria Column. The big day happens July 18 with a lineup of festivities both downtown and atop Coxcomb Hill, including a rededication service, multicultural celebrations, live music and entertainment, arts and crafts, a writing and poster contest, and specially crafted beer and coffee.

The Clatsop County Fair & Expo is hiring for a new seasonal position for the 2026 Fair season — Fair & Expo Seasonal Fair Assistant

This temporary position runs through the month of July and will help prepare for the Fair before serving as the main point of contact at the Fair Information Booth during Fair week.

This could be a great opportunity for:• Teachers or school staff on summer break• Students out of school for the summer • Anyone looking for seasonal community event work

If you enjoy working with people, staying organized, and being part of one of the county’s biggest events, we’d love to hear from you. Apply here: https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/…/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/1823

Puffin Season is Back on the Oregon Coast

The beautiful, beloved tufted puffins are expected back at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, where the 2026 Welcome the Puffins Celebration will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. April 18.

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.

Organized by the Haystack Rock Awareness Program and Friends of Haystack Rock, the free event will not only celebrate the return of the puffins to their Oregon nesting grounds but also give the public the chance to spy on the birds as well. Interpretive rangers will be on hand with binoculars and spotting scopes to help people safely observe the tufted puffins.

Respect Nesting Areas to Protect Threatened Snowy Plover Mar. 15 through Sept. 15

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Siuslaw National Forest remind visitors to the Oregon Coast that western snowy plover nesting season begins March 15 and runs through Sept. 15.

Beachgoers can help recovery efforts for the threatened shorebird by observing recreation restrictions at designated plover beaches.

Sensitive plover nesting areas are identified on maps for the northern Oregon Coast and southern Oregon Coast. Western snowy plovers nest in dry sand above the high tide line and are often difficult to see because they camouflage well.

To help protect these tiny shorebirds, please stay on wet sand and leave your dogs at home or at your campsite, even if they are leashed. Visitors may notice signs at trailheads with additional rules and limitations. There may be 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 or e-bike, camping, burning wood, flying kites or operating drones.
• Foot and equestrian traffic are permitted below the high-tide line on wet, hard packed sand.
• Respect signs and barriers to protect nesting habitat.

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 (fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw/animals-plants/western-snowy-plover).

Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area can review Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) maps to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand at fs.usda.gov/r06/siuslaw/recreation/rules-and-guidelines.

Plover activity near Sand Lake Recreation Area — The increase in plover numbers may result in nesting occuring at new or historical nesting sites. For example, visitors to Sand Lake Recreation Area may see small roped off areas near the lake’s inlet to protect active nests and may encounter plovers on the beach. Beachgoers are encouraged to protect these birds by restricting recreation activities to wet sand areas, avoiding roped off nesting areas, packing all trash out and keeping dogs on leash. Paragliders should steer toward the northern area of Sand Lake Recreation Area to avoid gliding or landing near plover nests on the southern edge of the Sand Lake spit.

Background on plover protections — Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). For more information on how plovers are managed in Oregon, see the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP): https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/PCB/Documents/WSP-HCP_08182010-web.pdf.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

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

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

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

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

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

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

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

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

Summer EBT is back to help feed Oregon children during summer break

The Oregon Summer Electronic Benefits (Summer EBT) program is returning in 2026 to help families buy groceries for school-aged children during summer break when they don’t have easy access to healthy meals.

Eligible families can receive a one-time payment of $120 for each child on an Oregon EBT card to buy food. Unused benefits can expire 122 days after they are issued.

Families will get benefits automatically on their Oregon EBT card if they have children between the ages of 6-18 and received one of the following at any time during the 2025-26 school year:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance
• Medicaid, if household income is below 185 percent of the federal poverty level
• Foster care services

Families also may automatically receive benefits if they have children who:

• Were determined by their school to have a status as migrant, houseless or runaway.
• Took part in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
• Attended a Head Start program that was part of the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.

Families may need to apply if:

• Their household meets income requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.
• Their child attends a school that was part of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program (SBP).

Important Summer EBT dates:

• June 1, 2026 – The Summer EBT call center opens. Families can call 833-673-7328 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• June 4, 2026 – Benefits are expected to begin issuing to families who are automatically eligible.
• June 5, 2026 – The online application opens and applications begin processing.
• Sept. 1, 2026 – Application deadline.
• Sept. 25, 2026 – The Summer EBT call center closes.

The Summer EBT program is administered by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and Oregon Department of Education (ODE).

Children cannot receive 2026 Summer EBT benefits in multiple states. The program invites families to apply if they have children living in Oregon during the 2025-26 school year.

Families can learn more about Summer EBT, find application information and get updates by visiting the website at sebt.oregon.gov.

6/8/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

OSP invites Oregon youth to help name new Fish & Wildlife K-9

 – Paws up for OSP’s newest K-9 recruit. The one-year-old red Labrador Retriever is currently training to join K-9 Scout and K-9 Drake to help protect Oregon’s natural resources as part of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation K-9 program. While we’ll always call him “Good Dog,” he’s ready for a new, official name.

OSP is inviting Oregon youth ages 9-17 to help name the new dog. Because the K-9 and its trooper partner are assigned to the Fish and Wildlife Division, suggested names should be wildlife, fish, or outdoors-related.

Contest Rules:

• Entries may be submitted now through June 14, 2026
• Entries must be submitted using the OSP online entry form
• The contest is open to Oregon youth ages 9-17
• One entry per youth
• Suggested names must be wildlife, fish, or outdoors-related
• Finalists will be selected from the submitted entries for statewide voting
• The youth with the winning entry will get a chance to meet the K-9 and receive other recognition items from OSP

Think you’ve got the perfect name? Send in your suggestion and help welcome OSP’s newest K-9 trooper to the team.

OSP’s conservation K-9 program began in 2018 with K-9 Buck, who recently retired from active service. Fish and Wildlife K-9s receive specialized training in wildlife detection, human tracking, and area searches to support investigations into the illegal take of birds, wildlife, and fish around the state. Dogs are trained to detect deer, elk, bear, turkey, waterfowl, salmon, and sturgeon, as well as firearms, shell casings, and other items containing gunpowder residue. Conservation K-9 teams have been instrumental during investigations into poaching, missing persons, and other criminal activity.

The new conservation K-9 team will be stationed at OSP’s La Grande patrol office, joining teams currently based in Bend and Springfield.

The Conservation K-9 program is a collaboration between the Oregon State Police and the Oregon Wildlife Foundation. The Oregon Wildlife Foundation maintains the Wildlife Conservation K-9 Fund to help cover expenses associated with the canine members of the Conservation K-9 teams. Donations to the fund support the costs of veterinary care, training equipment, and other essential supplies.

Investing in people is clear path forward for Oregon Gov. Kotek’s ‘Prosperity Council’

Rather than recycle the big business lobby’s permanent agenda to beef up its bottom line, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek’s Prosperity Council recommendations should follow the evidence. Prosperity comes from public investments in people and their capacities, especially in education from early childhood through apprenticeships and higher education. 

A highly skilled, adaptable labor force attracts and grows businesses, supports innovation and raises incomes for everyone. Investing in people is much more effective than even the best targeted business subsidies or tax breaks – and most aren’t well targeted.  Although Oregon faces challenges beyond our control, we have a lot going for us.  Now we need to pull together to invest in ourselves and our children.

Prosperity — economic development — is best measured by income per person and child poverty.  More income per person, especially in the middle and bottom of the income distribution, means higher standards of living, better support for local businesses, more tax revenue and less need for social services.  Low child poverty is the strongest predictor of low future poverty rates.

States with the most educated populations posted the highest per person income growth over the last 50 years.  Businesses look for a skilled, productive labor force. Asked about a possible California tax on billionaires, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said ‘“We work in Silicon Valley because that’s where the talent pool is”… The company’s ability to hire qualified employees is typically the biggest factor in deciding where the company establishes a presence.’

Our educational system needs strengthening, from early childhood through higher education.  Oregon’s serious underfunding of schools and local governments stems from property tax limits in the 90s.  Oregon ranks 40th in the World Population Review’s assessment of public school quality. We’re 41st in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking.  That perception matters, for families and businesses.

The biggest bang for the education buck is early childhood. Economic returns to state-level universal Pre-K are three times as high as the best targeted business subsidies, according to economic development expert Timothy Bartik. Parents’ incomes rise from working more or gaining more education or training. Teachers paid living wages are more stable, building expertise and raising preschool quality while spending more locally. Kids do better in school and earn more as adults.

By contrast, Bartik shows that at least three-quarters of firms given financial incentives by state or local governments would have located where they did without them. Study after study by economists shows that state and local taxes have little impact on business location.  

Nor do affluent households move for lower taxes. The number of high-income households in Multnomah County has grown steadily over the past decade, especially at the top.  Census data show three times as many households with incomes over $500,000 in 2024 as in 2019! 

Researcher Cristobal Young analyzed decades of IRS data on everyone with incomes of $1 million or more.  Only in the early COVID years did millionaires move to lower tax areas. In-person business networks weren’t functioning, and they could work from home in places with low infection rates.  Starting in 2023, they began to move back, closer to their colleagues and contacts. 

We should focus on attracting young professionals, the high-income households of the future. They’re far more mobile than older and wealthier households, open to attractive communities in which to settle.  As well as good job opportunities, they want strong schools, affordable housing, outdoor recreation and cultural offerings. Portland and Oregon have a lot to offer, and can work to improve our schools and housing affordability

We’re struggling with forces beyond our control. Federal headwinds include extreme, erratic tariff policies, big cuts in agencies and scientific grants, harsh immigration tactics, and war on Iran.  Nike and Intel both made strategic stumbles.  COVID sped up the switch from downtown to working and shopping from home — and studying from home, in the case of Portland State.

On the plus side, we have gorgeous geography and fantastic outdoor recreation. Our food, music and cultural scenes have rapidly become more interesting, varied and sophisticated.  Our economy is more broadly based, with solid roots in growing sectors.

Where we lag is in public investment, especially in education from early childhood through apprenticeships and universities, but also in the full range of housing needs and health care. The federal government is failing us as an economic partner.  We’ll have to depend on ourselves for the foreseeable future. Fortunately, we have abundant local resources that most states lack.

OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING in Klamath Falls

An armed suspect is dead and a child is in the hospital following a shooting involving Klamath Falls Police. State Police report officers responded Friday morning to a domestic disturbance and welfare check call when an altercation turned deadly. An armed man was killed at the scene, and a minor child was injured and hospitalized in stable condition. Investigation is ongoing.

The Klamath County Major Crimes Team, which includes the Oregon State Police and other local agencies, has been activated to investigate the matter, with the Oregon State Police serving as the lead agency. In line with standard procedures, the officers involved will be placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation. Further information will be released by the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office as it becomes available.

New law protects consumers from predatory high-interest loans

A new law going into effect June 5, House Bill (HB) 4116 (2026), closes a loophole that allowed internet lenders to charge interest rates in excess of Oregon’s limit of 36 percent for consumer finance loans.

Consumer finance loans are unsecured small dollar loans with a term of 60 days or more. Since 2007, consumer finance loans in Oregon have been limited to a 36 percent interest rate. This limit is intended to protect Oregonians from predatory lending practices.

However, in recent years, some lenders have sought to take advantage of a provision in federal law called the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 (DIDMCA) enabling state-chartered banks from other states to export their home state’s interest rate to Oregon.

By partnering with a bank chartered in a state that allows higher interest rates, some lenders have charged Oregonians interest in some cases in excess of 100 percent APR. Since 2020, DFR found evidence of more than 31,000 loans totaling at least $61 million with interest rates that exceed Oregon’s cap.

In a recent enforcement action, DFR was successful in securing a settlement that required a lender to pay restitution of $900,000 for charging interest that exceeded the cap. However, the option to export other states’ interest rates still left Oregon consumers vulnerable to these practices.

DIDMCA allows states to opt out of permitting banks chartered in other states from importing another state’s interest rate. HB 4116, signed into law by Gov. Kotek on April 7, exercises Oregon’s opt-out right under federal law. The law also clarifies the applicability of Oregon law to internet-based lending and makes other technical updates. Now, lenders can no longer take advantage of DIDMCA interest rate exportation to evade Oregon’s interest rate caps.

Oregon consumers should know that if they are charged interest in excess of 36 percent for a consumer finance loan, it is likely in violation of the law. We would strongly encourage any consumers to contact the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation for information, assistance, and, if needed, regulatory action to ensure compliance. Our consumer advocates can be reached at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

Oregon DOJ, Local Child Exploitation Task Force Case Leads to 176-Month Prison Sentence for 56-Year-Old Roseburg Man; Suspect Stockpiled 740,000+ Child Sexual Abuse Files, Among Largest Case in Recent Oregon History

– The Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) announced last week that a Roseburg man has been sentenced to 14 years and 8 months in prison after pleading no contest to five counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. The case was investigated by the Oregon DOJ Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the Southern Oregon Child Exploitation Team (SOCET). The case centered on one of the largest collections of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) ever uncovered in Oregon – more than 740,000 files that the defendant had made available to anyone on a public file-sharing network.

“This is 740,000 instances of a child being exploited and that exploitation being spread,” said Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. “This man didn’t just possess this material; he made it available to anyone who wanted it. This sentence reflects the severity of those choices, and I commend the dedicated investigators at SOCET and our ICAC Task Force who did the painstaking work to bring this case to justice.”

David Arthur Kelly, 56, of Roseburg, entered his plea this week before Douglas County Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Johnson. Kelly told the judge he had “made a mistake.” Judge Johnson pointed to the sheer volume of files and told Kelly that what he did “was not a mistake, it was a series of repeated decisions to exploit children.”

Between June 2023 and August 2024, investigators with SOCET made nineteen separate connections to Kelly’s computer and downloaded numerous CSAM files through a publicly accessible peer-to-peer file sharing network. The Oregon DOJ ICAC Task Force took over the investigation in October 2024, identified Kelly as the suspect, and executed search warrants at his Roseburg home. What investigators found on his laptop told the full story – a one-terabyte hard drive packed with more than 740,000 CSAM files, every one of them set to share freely over the internet.

The case was prosecuted by Sr. AAG Elijah Michalowski of the DOJ Criminal Justice Division, appointed as Special Prosecutor by Douglas County DA Richard Wesenberg. Kelly was indicted by a Douglas County Grand Jury on November 6, 2025, on ten counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Under the terms of a stipulated sentence, he will serve 176 months – just under 15 years – in state prison.

Public comment period opens for Forest Management Plan for western Oregon state forest lands

– The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has filed a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for a proposed rule change to adopt a new Forest Management Plan (FMP) for western Oregon state forest lands managed by the department.

The proposed change to this rule will replace the three current FMPs (Northwest Oregon, Southwest Oregon, and Elliott) with a single FMP for these forest lands. The State Forests Division is pursuing an alternative method for compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act by applying for incidental take permits from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Fisheries. The incidental take permits will require the division to manage Oregon state forest lands in compliance with a habitat conservation plan.

The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan contains guiding principles, goals, and strategies that are compatible with the Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan. The Western Oregon State Forests Management Plan provides management direction for all Board of Forestry Lands and Common School Forest Lands managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry west of the crest of the Cascade Range.

The Board of Forestry may review, modify, or terminate a plan at any time; however, the BOF will review the plan no less than every 10 years. The current Southwest and Northwest FMPs were last revised in 2010, while the Elliott FMP was last revised in 2011. More information about State Forests Management Plans can be found here.

Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted from June 1 to June 30 at 11:55 p.m. A virtual rulemaking hearing will be held on June 25 at 3 p.m.  The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking contains the link to register to attend or provide comment at the hearing.  The notice also includes important details including but not limited to the proposed rule text and instructions for submitting public comments and participating in the hearings.

More information on this rulemaking effort and ongoing updates can be found on the Rulemaking activity page of the ODF website.

Comments sought on draft State Plan on Aging by June 12

– Oregon’s draft 2026-2030 State Plan on Aging — which shapes how older adults, people with disabilities, their families and other unpaid care providers are served — is available for review. The public is asked to provide comments on the plan to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) by 5 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026. To review the draft State Plan and a summary of the plan, visit the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) community engagement webpage.

The plan is developed by APD in consultation with a variety of ODHS councils and commissions, Area Agencies on Aging, Tribal Elders programs and community-based organizations. Community member input was also gathered through a community input session and a community needs survey. The plan is required under the Older Americans Act of 1965. It is a contract with the Administration on Aging, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living and enables Oregon to receive funds under the Older Americans Act.

Oregon’s draft State Plan on Aging for 2026-2030 has four focus areas:

• Older Americans Act (OAA) Core Programs, which include supportive services, nutrition, disease prevention/health promotion and caregiver programs as well as the OAA’s programs for Tribal members and communities including  supporting elder rights.
• Populations with the greatest economic need and greatest social needs
• Access to home and community-based services; and
• Caregiving.

Public input will be used as APD finalizes its proposed State Plan on Aging, which it submits to the federal Administration for Community Living. A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. Information about the public hearing is posted to the APD community engagement webpage.

To submit comments on the draft State Plan on Aging:

• Email comments to SUA.email@odhsoha.oregon.gov
• Mail comments to:

ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities

Attn: Debbie McCuin

500 Summer St., N.E., E-12

Salem, OR 97301

Learn more about the State Plan on Aging

• Oregon’s current State Plan on Aging
• https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/about-acl/2020-04/Older%20Americans%20Act%20Of%201965%20as%20amended%20by%20Public%20Law%20116-131%20on%203-25-2020.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.”>Older Americans Act federal statute
• Federal https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/AoA_Form_Grants_State_Plan_Guidance_508_final.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.”>Guidance for Developing State Plans on Aging
• https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-01913.pdf. Click or tap if you trust this link.”>Older Americans Act Final Rule: 2024 final rule to update regulations implementing its Older Americans Act (OAA) programs for States, area agencies on aging and Tribal organizations.

Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation Partners with Applied Underwriters Invitational for 2026 Golf Classic

Aurora, OR — Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) is proud to announce its partnership with the Applied Underwriters Invitational, recognized as The #1 Charity Event in Golf, for the 2026 OLSHF Golf Classic on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Langdon Farms Golf Club.

Through this partnership, OLSHF joins a nationwide network of charitable organizations supported by Applied Underwriters and the Applied Underwriters Invitational in strengthening communities and championing those in need. Each year, more than 11,000 golfers participate in approximately 75 tournaments benefitting over 65 national and local charities across the United States. Since its inception, the Invitational has hosted more than 4,400 tournaments and generated over $276 million in net proceeds for benefiting charities nationwide.

“We are honored to partner with the Applied Underwriters Invitational and Applied Underwriters to expand the impact of our Golf Classic,” said Kate Mayne, Marketing & Events Manager for Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation. “This event brings together community leaders, businesses, golfers, and supporters who believe every Oregonian deserves access to vital sight and hearing services.”

The 2026 OLSHF Golf Classic will feature a full day of golf, community engagement, contests, raffle opportunities, and celebration, all benefiting OLSHF programs that provide critical sight and hearing assistance throughout Oregon.

Event Details

 Langdon Farms Golf Club
 Monday, June 29, 2026
⏰ Registration + Chipping & Putting Contest Open: 11:00 AM
⛳ Shotgun Start: 1:30 PM

Participants will enjoy a hot dog buffet lunch prior to play, followed by the Farm Fiesta Awards Dinner and raffle ticket drawing after the tournament.

Golfers, sponsors, and community supporters are invited to participate and help make a difference for Oregonians in need of sight and hearing services.

?️ Raffle Tickets: olshf.org/raffle
? Event Information & Registration: olshf.org/golf
? Questions or Volunteer Opportunities: marketing@olshf.org

About Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation — Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation has served Oregon communities since 1959 by providing essential sight and hearing programs, assistance, and outreach throughout the state. Supported by Lions clubs, partners, and donors, OLSHF works to ensure Oregonians have access to critical sight and hearing care regardless of financial circumstances.

About Applied Underwriters Invitational — The Applied Underwriters Invitational, supported by title sponsor Applied Underwriters, is recognized as The #1 Charity Event in Golf. The Invitational partners with charitable organizations nationwide to host impactful tournaments that strengthen communities and support meaningful causes. Learn more at auw.com.

BLM celebrates Freedom 250 with public events across Oregon

The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence through three public events across Oregon in 2026. The events foster a deeper appreciation of our nation’s past, the beauty and value of public lands, and the work it takes to sustain the health and productivity of these lands for the use and enjoyment of generations to come.

The events are part of the national Freedom 250 commemoration and also recognize the BLM’s 80th anniversary of public land stewardship.

Featured Freedom 250 Events:

1. Oregon Trail Days – Baker City, Ore.

When: Saturday, June 13, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT

Where: Geiser-Pollman Park, Baker City, Ore.

The signature Freedom 250 event for BLM Oregon/Washington, Oregon Trail Days transforms Geiser-Pollman Park into an immersive Oregon Trail experience featuring wagon rides, storytelling, live demonstrations, music, crafts, and games.
The free, family-friendly celebration highlights the role public lands play in preserving the landscapes and stories tied to America’s westward expansion. Additional programming will also take place at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center throughout the weekend.

2. Wood River Wetland Volunteer Day – Near Klamath Falls, Ore.

When: Saturday, June 20, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT

Where: Wood River Wetland, approximately 30 miles north of Klamath Falls, Ore.

This Freedom 250 volunteer event invites the community to assist with invasive weed removal and restoration work on public lands.

The event highlights the continued role Americans play in caring for public lands through volunteerism and stewardship.

3. Victorian Holiday Celebration – Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area

When: Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT

Where: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, near Newport, Ore.

This coastal Freedom 250 event connects visitors to Oregon’s maritime history through a Victorian-themed holiday celebration at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

Activities may include caroling, historical parlor games, ornament crafts, interpretive storytelling, and live music.

As a dedicated custodian of America’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, the Bureau of Land Management in Oregon and Washington proudly celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence with the nation.

From iconic landmarks like Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area to the historic Oregon Trail, BLM-administered public lands represent the spirit of the nation’s foundational principles. These events honor stories of exploration, resilience, stewardship, and public service woven throughout America’s history.

Weekend Train Rides Return to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center for the 2026 Season

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Rail Heritage Center is excited to announce the return of its popular weekend train rides. Running every Saturday and Sunday through October 11, 2026, these family-friendly excursions offer passengers a memorable rail adventure through the heart of Portland aboard historic diesel locomotive BNSF 3613.

Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend with a Special Steam Train Ride at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center

Historic Polson #2 Steam Locomotive Returns for a Memorable Family Experience

PORTLAND, Ore. — Families, train enthusiasts, and dads of all ages are invited to celebrate Father’s Day weekend with a one-of-a-kind steam train experience at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21.

Guests will enjoy a nostalgic excursion powered by the legendary Polson #2 steam locomotive, offering the sights, sounds, and excitement of classic rail travel. Riders can feel the rumble of the locomotive, hear the iconic whistle, and experience the magic of traveling behind a living piece of railroad history.

This Father’s Day themed event includes festive décor and an onboard bar featuring snacks and refreshments available for purchase, making it the perfect outing for families looking to create lasting memories together.

Whether celebrating Dad, introducing children to historic trains, or simply enjoying a unique Portland experience, these special rides offer something for everyone.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, June 20 & Sunday, June 21
• Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
• Train Departure Times: 12:00pm, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm
• Tickets Prices:
  • Adults (14+) – $24
  • Seniors (65+) – $21.50
  • Military (with ID) – $21.50
  • Children (3-13) – $17
  • Infants (Under 3) – Free
  • Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) – $74
• Tickets & Registration: https://orhf.org/

Train tickets include admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center—making it the perfect outing for train lovers, families, and visitors of all ages.

Perfect for families, visitors, and train enthusiasts of all ages, the scenic rides provide a unique opportunity to experience Portland from the rails. Guests can choose between riding in an open-air car or relaxing in a vintage air-conditioned coach while enjoying views of Portland’s skyline, the Willamette River, local wildlife, and the timeless charm of Oaks Park.

Each train ticket also includes admission to the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, where visitors can explore Portland’s rich railroad history and get an up-close look at historic locomotives and rail equipment.

Event Details:

• When: Saturdays & Sundays, May 23 – October 11, 2026
• Where: Oregon Rail Heritage Center, 2250 SE Water Ave., Portland, OR 97214
• Train Departure Times: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm
• Tickets Prices:
  • Adults (14+) – $17
  • Seniors (65+) – $15
  • Military (with ID) – $15
  • Children (3-13) – $12
  • Infants (Under 3) – Free
  • Family Pass (2 Adults & 2 Children) – $50
• Tickets & Registration: https://orhf.org/

About Oregon Rail Heritage Center:

The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) provides for the preservation, operation and public enjoyment of Portland’s historic locomotives, railroad equipment, and artifacts, and educates the public about Oregon’s rich and diverse railroad history. ORHC is open to the public on Thursdays-Sundays from 1:00pm-5:00pm. Seasonal train excursions are offered most weekends. For additional information, visit https://orhf.org/. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

BLM Brings Oregon Folklife Programming to National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center

BAKER CITY, Ore. – The Bureau of Land Management invites the public to explore Oregon’s living cultural traditions through a new interpretive folklife series at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center beginning this week.

The series aligns with America’s 250th anniversary by highlighting the people, traditions, and cultural knowledge that have shaped the nation over time. Visitors can experience firsthand how traditional arts connect past and present while supporting the BLM’s mission.

From April through October, visitors will have interactive opportunities that represent Native American, ranching, and rural lifeways. Presentations will take place daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Pacific Time, offering deeper insight into each artist’s craft and cultural background.

April 23-25, Sara Barton, traditional basket maker of Mono Lake Paiute and Yosemite Miwuk ancestry works closely with Burns Paiute weavers

May 7-9, Kathy Moss, cowboy poet, buckaroo, horse trainer, and rancher from Prairie City

June 18-20, Roberta Kirk, regalia maker, food gatherer, and bead and dentalium artist from Warm Springs, Tenino and Wasq’u

July 9-11, Cheryl Newhouse, spinner and weaver from Richland

August 13-15, Mildred Quaempts, dentalium artist from the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla

September 24-26, Clair Kehrberg, saddle and gear maker and leatherworker from John Day

October 15-17, Katie Harris Murphy and Mary Harris, regalia and beadwork artists from the Wallowa Band Nimiipuu, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Karuk Tribes

“This interpretive outreach brings people face-to-face with the traditions that continue to shape communities across Oregon,” said Robert Reis, acting manager for the Interpretive Center. “These demonstrations create a meaningful connection to the past through the skills and knowledge that are still practiced today.”

This series is designed to build long-term, high-quality cultural programming at the Interpretive Center, ensuring visitors can engage with authentic traditions and perspectives for years to come.

The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is located at 22267 Highway 86 in Baker City and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT. Admission fees apply. For more information, visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center website or call 541-523-1843.

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

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

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

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

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

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

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

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

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

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

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

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

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

Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

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

 Be Your Own Info Network

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

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

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

Reconnect When Service Returns

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

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

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

 Final Tip:

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

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com

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