The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Thursday, January 4, 2024
Oregon Beach Weather
BEACH HAZARD STATEMENT ISSUED: 2:42 AM JAN. 4, 2024 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH SUNDAY AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Sneaker waves possible. * WHERE...In Oregon, North Oregon Coast and Central Oregon Coast. In Washington, South Washington Coast. * WHEN...From late tonight through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Waves can run up significantly farther on a beach than normal, including over rocks and jetties. Sneaker waves can suddenly knock people off of their feet and quickly pull them into the frigid ocean which may lead to serious injury or drowning. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Keep children and pets away from the surf zone. Keep off of jetties, rocks and logs near the surf zone. If you see someone swept into the sea do not swim in after them. Call 911 and keep an eye on them until help arrives.
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY ISSUED: 2:10 AM JAN. 4, 2024 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Steep seas 10 to 14 ft at 13 seconds expected through Thursday afternoon, becoming steep 11 to 14 ft seas at 19 seconds Thursday evening and night. Gusty south winds 20 to 30 kt are expected late Wednesday night into Thursday afternoon. * WHERE...All areas. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds and/or steep seas could capsize or damage smaller vessels. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
Sneaker Waves Along The Coast – Anyone planning to spend time along the Oregon coast should be mindful of possible sneaker waves.
King tides refer to the highest tides of the year and along the Oregon Coast these tides are typically 9 to 10 feet. There are four series of king tides, so mark your calendars. To learn more about these tides and/or to participate in some cool citizen science visit: https://www.oregonkingtides.net
Sneaker waves are waves that suddenly surge further up the beach than expected, according to the NWS. They are powerful enough to sweep people into the ocean, and can roll logs and other debris along the beach.
Study Explores How To Get Power From Offshore Wind Farms To West Coast Cities
Big floating offshore wind turbines will soon become a reality along the West Coast.
As companies prepare to build them, a new study from the Schatz Energy Research Center at Cal Poly Humboldt is exploring how to get that power where it needs to go. JPR’s Roman Battaglia talks to center Director Arne Jacobson about the study.
Roman Battaglia: Could you first tell me a little bit about why the Schatz Energy Research Center worked on this study?
Arne Jacobson: Sure, offshore wind has the potential to be a very significant source of clean energy. There’s a great offshore wind resource, both off the Southern Oregon coast and Northern California coast. But really scarce or limited electrical infrastructure on-shore in both of those cases.
So transmission infrastructure is a major limitation to what can be done, currently. And so just understanding what it would take, what the challenges would be and what the benefits would be, that was the motivation for the study.
RB: Could you give me an overview? What did you end up finding in this study? What sort of conclusions did you come to in terms of the feasibility of these different options?
AJ: We can think about it from a few different perspectives. One is in terms of cost. And certainly, it will require significant investment to build out transmission to support offshore wind, billions of dollars. But while that investment is fairly significant, from a system perspective the benefits are positive. So from an economic perspective, building out that transmission not only enables being able to connect offshore wind, it also brings in a number of other system wide benefits, just in terms of how the overall system works, that ended up being net positive.
I think another thing that we found was that you can start with current technology. So in terms of the smaller end cases, bringing the power onshore and building transmission lines using conventional technology would work. But once you get to the larger scale, there would be a fairly significant advantage to being able to utilize a large amount of high voltage DC, including in the offshore setting. And in order to do that, advances in technology would be needed.
So currently, it’s not possible to install a large-scale floating high voltage DC conversion station at one of these sites. That’s not something you can buy now, it is something that the industry anticipates will become available in the coming decades. But some advances will be needed to do that.
RB: So it sounds like that, you know, you guys are essentially planning for the future of these transmissions. But with technology that hasn’t really been developed yet.
AJ: Right. Another thing that we learned that I think is really significant is a lot of the focus is on thinking about – if you’re generating all of this offshore wind energy – how do you get it to the large load centers where significant electricity is consumed? We paid a lot of attention to that. But we also said, “What does it look like to make sure that you’re serving the communities that are essentially hosting this development?” The rural communities along the coast have electric power problems, they may not consume very much, but they do have significant reliability challenges. How can offshore wind and this transmission be developed in a way that helps address those challenges? And how much does that cost? And, are there technology choices or routing choices that end up influencing what that looks like? So that was a major focus of the study, as well as trying to understand those [other] dimensions.
The good news there is that the cost to provide basic reliability increases is a pretty small fraction of the total cost in the various scenarios we looked at. It ranged from maybe, I think, 0.4% to 2.4% of the total cost of the various scenarios. So it’s a couple of percent of the total if you design it in those particular ways and spend that money you can make the electricity reliability of communities along the coast near where these wind farms are going to go be significantly better than it is now. (SOURCE)
Construction and Upkeep Of A Shelter For The Homeless In Florence Moving Forward
The construction and upkeep of a shelter for the homeless is moving forward. City Manager Erin Reynolds says the project that initially sought city property for its location has moved to the site of the emergency cold weather shelter on highway 101 on the First Step property.
“It actually went live in the last week, it started out right after Christmas. It’s called the Bridges Program of Florence and this emergency shelter has been approved following the criteria required in house bill 3395.”
The bill requires cities and counties to allow for construction of shelters of this type without the need for land use approval nor does it require a public hearing, or any noticing. Reynolds says all the information about the approval of the project is available on the city website at ci.florence.or.us. https://www.ci.florence.or.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning/page/25478/fecws_approval_packet_the_bridges_program_of_florence_12.1.2023.pdf
Public Safety Agencies Participate in Shop With A Cop
Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office – 01/04/24 9:57
On Saturday December 2, 2023, 50 personnel from law enforcement and military agencies in Lincoln County joined members of Oregon Department of Human Services Child Welfare in the annual Shop with a Cop event at Walmart in Newport, OR. This annual event has been occurring in Lincoln County for over two decades. This event is designed to enhance the relationship between children and their families in foster care with emergency responders.
Participating Public Safety Agencies included: Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Newport Police Department, Toledo Police Department, Oregon State Police, United States Coast Guard Stations Depoe Bay and Yaquina Bay, Oregon National Guard-Newport.
This year 98 children ages from 6 months to 17 years old, shopped with public safety personnel throughout Walmart. The families also got to meet Mr. and Mrs. Clause for a photo and a gift for each child. Snacks and drinks from the North Pole were also well-received. With private donations supporting this event, each child was provided with a $75 gift card to purchase gifts. Santa’s elves from the supporting agencies and their families then wrapped the gifts so they were ready to take home.
Lincoln County Public Safety Agencies would like to thank the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund for their support of this event with a $2000.00 grant award. Other private donations that made this event possible came from Toledo Rotary, Newport Rotary, Walmart Foundation, Lincoln County 4-H and private citizens.
If you would like to support Shop with a Cop in the future, please contact your local law enforcement agency, we are always accepting donations. Please specify you would like your donation to go to Shop with a Cop.
Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy – Waldport
Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office
The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is excited to start the year off by having our first quarterly Coffee with a Deputy event of 2024 in Waldport. Join us on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 8am – 10am for a cup of coffee and a conversation at Café Chill (located at 540 NE Commercial St, Waldport, OR 97394).
More about these quarterly events:
Every three months our office will partner with a local coffee shop in Lincoln County to provide a time, space, and coffee for community members to meet our team and share what’s on their minds. Coffee with a cop events are a friendly and relaxed way for communities to connect with the deputies that serve them.
These events offer a unique opportunity for community members to directly engage with law enforcement, ask questions, voice concerns, and build positive relationships. Whether you’re a regular coffee drinker or simply curious about the work of law enforcement, this is a chance to connect with deputies on a personal level, learn about each other’s experiences, and share local feedback.
Coast Guard Rescues Family Lost in South Slough Reserve
A family lost in dense terrain near the coast was rescued Thursday night by a Coast Guard crew just as the tide was coming in.
Officials with the Coos County Sheriff’s Office said they received a report of a man lost in the South Slough Reserve with three children at about 5:20 p.m. on December 28. Deputies said they were told the four individuals were stuck in shallow water and were getting cold as night set in.
The Coos County Search and Rescue team immediately went out to find the lost people, and the U.S. Coast Guard was called in to help due to the dense terrain and vast area of the search.
Coos County deputies said the Coast Guard helicopter team spotted the missing family at about 7:30 p.m., just as the tide was coming in. A rescue swimmer was lowered to hoist the family out, and they were taken to the Coast Guard station in North Bend to be evaluated by medics.
A five-year-old girl was injured on a beach in Florence after being hit by a sneaker wave and pinned under a log
The 5-year-old girl struck and injured Thursday 12/28 by a sneaker wave carrying a large log has been discharged from a Springfield hospital in “good condition.”
The girl was rescued by bystanders and her mother, and although not seriously injured, was flown to a medical center for evaluation.
Joe Waltasti, a spokesperson for PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Medical Center at RiverBend in Springfield, confirmed the girl’s release. She has not been identified.
Bystanders told fire officials that the child was standing on South Jetty Beach in Florence when the log hit her in the back of the head and pinned her face down in the sand, according to Western Lane Fire and EMS Authority spokesperson Matt House.
The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued beach hazard warnings for the Oregon and south Washington coasts, with waves up to 25 feet high. Despite the expiration of the warnings, dangerous conditions persisted with wave heights around 14 feet, leading to the incident.
The NWS continues to warn of the dangers of sneaker waves and advises the public to stay away from the surf during high wave conditions.
Golden Retriever Rescued by Coast Guard Helicopter at Ecola State Park
A golden retriever fell off a cliff at Ecola State Park near Indian Point. The incident occurred on Monday afternoon, prompting a call to the U.S. Coast Guard.
First responders could not reach the dog due to the steep cliffs and inaccessible beach. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter, and a rescue swimmer was lowered to secure the dog in a rescue basket.
The dog was hoisted to safety, reunited with its owners, and had visible injuries, though the severity was not disclosed.
Oregon Department Of Forestry Recreation Team Seeking Camp Hosts
The Oregon Department of Forestry Recreation Team is looking for camp hosts to support operations at 8 campgrounds in the Tillamook, Clatsop, and Santiam State Forests for the 2024 season.
Campgrounds operates from May through October with flexible scheduling opportunities to include both full-season and short-season commitments.
Camp hosts are provided with:
*electricity
*water
*firewood
*septic
*ODF uniforms and supplies
Hosts help with light facility maintenance, visitor information services, and provide a point of contact for visitors in case of an emergency. Camp hosts enjoy direct access to trails and other recreation areas, get to meet people from all over the world, and can spend time exploring the vast experiences and views state forests have to offer.
To learn more, visit the ODF volunteer page: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/recreation/pages/volunteer.aspx
Florence Café 60 Senior Meals Program Reopens for Dine-In Meals
Lane Council of Government’s Senior Meals Program is reopening its Café 60 location in Florence after being closed for the past three years.
LCOG officials said that during the closure, LCOG’s Senior and Disability Services division offered grab-and-go meals but the reopening of Café 60 will provide a dine-in location for seniors who might otherwise go hungry. The Florence location will reopen on December 4 and operate three days a week at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Florence Senior Center located at 1570 Kingwood Street, LCOG officials said.
Organizers said that interested seniors should make reservations at least a week in advance by calling ahead at 541-997-5673 or filling out a reservation menu at the Café 60 location. The program is open at no cost to seniors 60 years of age or over and those not 60 years or older are welcome to join by paying the meal cost of $8, program organizers said. Donations are welcomed to support the program’s continued operation in the community, LCOG officials said.
Volunteers are also sought to help with the program and those who would like to participate may call 541-682-1366. More program information is also available here: https://www.lcog.org/sdslane/page/florence-caf%C3%A9-60-reopens-dine-meals
Investigations Into Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center Patient Deaths Continue
Hospital Nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford Accused of Replacing Fentanyl with Tap Water Leading to at least 10 Patient Deaths and “Dozens of Patients” Had Been Harmed
The Federal Bureau of Investigation says it is involved with an investigation at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford. The FBI said it’s aware of allegations there under investigation by local police.
This after some sources say as many as ten people have died. Multiple hospital sources, who declined to be identified, confirmed dozens of patients injured by medication diversion — the act of replacing a medication with
another substance. It is believed the fentanyl scheduled to be administered to the patients was then removed from the premises illegally.
Sources allege that a hospital nurse was removing fentanyl from IV bags and replacing it with tap water. The FBI said today it is supporting local police with their work.
Asante issued a statement during the weekend that, “We were distressed to learn of this issue. We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.”
Multiple sources also say that water supplies in the Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit — which are in an older part of the hospital — are unsafe for use on patients, even for face washing. The hospital made numerous public statements during 2023 pertaining to infections and water quality issues.
OHA state agency is part of an investigation now at a Medford hospital, where local and federal law enforcement agencies are investigating allegations of nursing behavior that could have been deadly.
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) says today it’s “aware of reports of incidents at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford involving a nurse alleged to have tampered with pharmaceutical fentanyl used to treat severe pain and introduced tap water in patients’ intravenous lines. OHA also is investigating reports that the incidents led to health care-associated infections that severely injured, and may have caused the deaths of, several patients.”
OHA has a Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Program that, “conducts HAI surveillance in Oregon health care facilities,” working with partners including health care facilities to respond to and contain potential HAI outbreaks.
• A nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Oregon is accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water, leading to the deaths of approximately ten patients.
• The tap water injections allegedly caused Pseudomonas infections, which can result in severe conditions like sepsis and pneumonia.
• The act of substituting medications, known as “drug diversion,” is a problem in the medical field, with fentanyl being one of the most commonly diverted drugs.
• No charges have been filed yet, but police are actively investigating the incident.
• The hospital has reported the issue to law enforcement, but details such as the exact number of affected patients have not been officially confirmed.
A nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford allegedly swapped medication with tap water, resulting in the death of approximately ten patients, NBC5 reported.
Sources say the nurse used tap water to cover up the hospital’s misuse of medication. Unnamed hospital sources said “dozens of patients” had been harmed by the replacement of their meds with another substance.
Citing several anonymous sources, NBC5 reported that at least ten patients at the Medford hospital were allegedly injected with tap water in an attempt to cover up a nurse’s misuse of fentanyl, a pain medication.
According to NBC5, sources within the hospital said that the tap water, which is not sterile, led to Pseudomonas infections.
The Medical Center’s intensive care unit reported that up to nine or ten people caught infections and later died. The tap water that was used in the injections was reportedly not sterile and led to multiple infections of pseudomonas, which can be very dangerous to those with weak immune systems.
“It could cause sepsis, pneumonia, it could infect all the organs, so it could be a very severe infection,” said Dr. Robin Miller. The Asante Rogue Medical Center released a statement saying, “We were distressed to learn of this issue. We reported it to law enforcement and are working closely with them.”
As of press time, no one was arrested or charged, and Medford Police provided no more details. They only confirmed there’s an open investigation at the medical center.
OHA Ombuds Releases 2023 Six-Month Report
Ombuds to formally present its recommendations to the Oregon Health Policy Board January 9
Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Ombuds Program, which serves as the advocate for Oregon Health Plan (OHP – Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program) members, released a report detailing top concerns from OHP members specific to child and youth mental health.
Established by legislation, the Ombuds Program provides recommendations and additional oversight internally to OHA Medicaid programs, and externally to Medicaid contractors. The program is independent of Medicaid implementation, operations or compliance.
The Ombuds Program also advocates for access to care and quality of care, as well as channeling member experience into recommendations for systems improvement. OHP members come to the Ombuds Program when they cannot get the support they need elsewhere after other avenues have not led to resolution. These issues often represent systemic concerns impacting other members.
The Ombuds 2023 Six-Month Report focuses on Child and Youth Community-Based Mental Health. The report highlights a central member story that illustrates the need experienced by many children and youth in Oregon for better access to local care, as well as data from the Ombuds Program and Oregon Health Authority. Based on these data and case stories, the report makes recommendations to improve mental health services and supports for children, youth and families across Oregon as follows:
- Require statewide networks. OHA should implement a statewide OHP network for both inpatient and outpatient mental health services by requiring coordinated care organizations (CCOs) and OHA fee-for-service (FFS) programs to contract with all willing outpatient and residential behavioral health providers for children and adults in the state;
- Prioritize funding of community-based children’s mental health services at amounts equal to or greater than investments in adult mental health funding and at least proportional to the number of young people in Oregon;
- Prioritize development and implementation of culturally specific services to eliminate the racial and linguistic disparities in accessing mental health services, follow-ups from emergency departments (EDs), and overrepresentation of youth of color in ED boarding;
- Strengthen peer workforce within children’s mental health;
- Speed up access to outpatient mental health services for youth accessing Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS);
- Fully implement Intensive In-Home Behavioral Treatment Services (IIBHT) within all CCOs and OHA’s FFS program;
- Fund and implement mental health respite care for each member’s entire lifespan;
- Create an independent Office of the Ombuds for Children and Youth in Oregon under the Governor’s Office to advocate for children, youth, young adults and families in need of services across multiple systems.
Each person who seeks Ombuds Program assistance deserves nurturing and support. The stories they share often illustrate challenges experienced by others. Each story teaches us how we can improve Oregon’s Medicaid delivery system and understand the impact of health inequities on Oregonians who receive or are eligible for the Oregon Health Plan.
The Ombuds Program will formally present its findings and recommendations from the Six-Month Report to the Oregon Health Policy Board Jan. 9, 2024.
Read the full report here. To refer a concern to the Ombuds Program, contact udsOffice@dhsoha.state.or.us“>OHA.OmbudsOffice@dhsoha.state.or.us, leave a message at 877-642-0450 or visit here.
Oregon Record $5.6 Billion Tax Kicker
This year, the state of Oregon has a record $5.6 billion tax kicker refund for Oregonians that have filed their 2022 personal income tax return. The 2022 return must be filed because that is the amount the kicker is based off.
The tax kicker refund can be claimed while filing the 2023 return. Those 2023 forms will have special instructions on how to claim that money.
Tax kickers are the result of a budget surplus in the state during a given biennium. The $5.6 billion kicker is 44.28% of all personal income tax paid to Oregon in 2022.
In order to calculate a personal kicker, multiply the amount paid for 2022 by 44.28%. The kicker can also be calculated online here.
The Oregon surplus credit, known as the “kicker,” is a way for state government to return some of your taxes to you when revenues are more than predicted. Every two years, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) determines whether there is a surplus and the amount to be returned to taxpayers as a kicker. If there’s a surplus, the kicker may be claimed on the return as a refundable tax credit or donated to the State School Fund. The kicker credit is available only on the return for an odd-numbered year. If there’s no surplus, or if the tax year is even-numbered, no kicker is available.
For the 2021-23 biennium, OEA has confirmed a kicker of more than $5.61 billion. Taxpayers will claim the kicker as a refundable credit on their 2023 tax return filed in 2024. To calculate the amount of the credit, taxpayers multiply their 2022 tax liability before any credits – line 22 on the 2022 Form OR-40 – by 44.28 percent. Taxpayers who claimed a credit for tax paid to another state would need to subtract the credit amount from their liability before calculating the credit.
For a list of other types of tax credits, visit our Oregon credits page.
$30 million available in Local Government Grant Program grants in 2024
The Local Government Grant Program (LGGP) has $30 million in grant funds available in 2024 to help local government agencies in Oregon fund everything from playground equipment and restrooms to splashpads and bike paths.
This is more than double the funds available last year and the most ever available in one grant cycle. The LGGP is a competitive grant program designed to help local government agencies fund projects to acquire, develop and rehabilitate parks and public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. Eligible applicants are cities, counties, metropolitan service districts, park and recreation districts and port districts.
The maximum awards range from $50,000 for planning grants to $1 million for large projects.
Learn more about applying for the grants at a live online workshop 9 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 6. The workshop will help new and returning applicants navigate the application process and learn about the program. Register at: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-lggp.asp…
A recording of the workshop will be available after Feb. 6 at https://oprdgrants.org/ (Select the Grant Programs drop-down menu, then select Local Government.)
Program grants are split into large, small and planning categories. Application deadlines vary by grant type:
• Large grant application deadline ($1,000,000 maximum award): April 1
• Small grant application deadline ($100,000 maximum award): May 1
• Planning grant application deadline ($50,000 maximum award): May 15
Local governments can apply online at oprdgrants.org. Applicants will need to set up an account when applying for the first time. The site also includes additional information about the LGGP including the grant manual, application instructions and program schedule.
The Lottery-funded grant program is administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). The program has awarded more than $90 million in reimbursement grant funds since 1999.
The recent increase in grant funding is the result of yearly increases in State Lottery funds, which are allocated in part to state parks. Oregon voters generously approved making parks a recipient of Lottery dollars under the state constitution in 1999 and 2010.)
Language approved by voters in 2010 directs OPRD to more than double its funding for Local Government grants—from 12% of its lottery revenue to 25%—when the agency’s share of lottery revenue grows to $122 million or more in a biennium. It is projected to be $138 million in the current biennium. The OPRD budget does not include any general tax funds.
Man killed in New Year’s Day shooting — UPDATE
The suspect in the homicide of Ricardo Lopez-Cruz is now in custody.
Julio Cesar Sanchez-Sanchez, age 36 of Salem, turned himself in to Roseburg Police Department officers this afternoon. Sanchez is currently lodged at the Douglas County Jail pending transfer to the Marion County Jail on charges of second-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.
With the suspect now in custody, all further inquiries into this investigation should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
# # # Originally published 01/03/2024 | 2:30 p.m.
Salem, Ore. — On January 1, 2024 at approximately 3:15 a.m., Salem Police patrol officers responded to the call of a man with a gunshot wound outside the La Leyenda night club at 3260 Portland RD NE. Officers located a man in the parking lot deceased from a gunshot wound.
Detectives from the Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit responded to the scene to handle the investigation in the death of 29-year-old Ricardo Lopez-Cruz. As part of the investigation, detectives have arrested a Woodburn resident in connection with the case.
On Tuesday evening, January 2, with the assistance from the Woodburn Police Department, Guadalupe Ortiz Cervantes was taken into custody without incident. The 34-year-old Cervantes was lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges of hindering prosecution. She is due to be arraigned at the Marion County Criminal Court Annex today at 2 p.m.
The Salem Police Department extends its thanks to the officers of the Woodburn Police Department for their assistance in the apprehension of Cervantes. At this time, the investigation into the January 1 homicide continues, and no further information is being released.
Linn County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Make Arrests in Tangent Burglaries
Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan reports that her detectives arrested three people in connection to a string of thefts and burglaries in the Tangent area of Linn County that occurred in November of 2023.
Detectives worked with investigators from the Benton and Polk County Sheriff’s Offices who were investigating crimes that were similar in nature to the Linn County Crimes. On December 1, 2023, investigators served a search warrant in the 32000 block of Birdfoot Drive in Tangent and obtained evidence of the suspects’ criminal conduct. On December 7, 2023, investigators served an additional search warrant in the 15000 block of Monmouth Highway in Polk County and recovered property that had been stolen from the Linn and Benton County areas. Investigators also recovered property believed to be stolen but has not been reported to law enforcement yet.
On December 14, 2023, Linn County Detectives arrested Tyler Morgan Goolsby, 27, of Monmouth, Jonathan Alan Goolsby, 24, of Tangent, and Cassey Rose Schwindt, 23, of Tangent, in connection to a burglary that occurred in the Tangent area in late November of 2023. Both Tyler and Jonathan Goolsby were arrested for Burglary in the Second Degree, Theft in the First Degree, and Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree. Cassey Schwindt was arrested for Aid and Abet Burglary in the Second Degree, Aid and Abet Theft in the First Degree, and Aid and Abet Criminal Mischief in the Second Degree.
Investigators believe the suspects committed other crimes in the Tangent area that have not been reported and additional charges are likely. Investigators were able to determine the suspects used scooters and bicycles for transportation as well as traveled on foot to commit the crimes. Investigators were also able to determine the suspects transported the stolen property using a black 2013 Chrysler 200 sedan.
Anyone who had a theft or burglary, or may have surveillance video related to these investigations in the Tangent area in November of 2023, and has not reported it yet is asked to contact Detective Matt Wilcox of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office at (541) 967-3950.
Oregon 988 Coordinated Crisis Services Tax begins in January 2024
Starting January 1, 2024, a 988 Coordinated Crisis Services Tax will be added to the existing Oregon Emergency Communications (911) Tax. The new tax was implemented by the Oregon Legislature with the passage of House Bill 2757.
The 988-tax rate will be 40 cents per subscriber line of telecommunications or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service, or device with access to the 988 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis system, and 40 cents for each prepaid wireless service or product retail transaction. These are the same transactions subject to the existing 911 Emergency Communications Tax. This tax rate will be effective for all billings or purchase of prepaid wireless service beginning January 1, 2024.
The new 988 tax does not apply to services provided under the plan of assistance established under Section 6, Chapter 290, Oregon Laws 1987; Oregon Lifeline.
The existing E911 return will be modified to include the 988 tax. The frequency of filing a return and submitting payment will follow the same timelines as the existing 911 schedule and will therefore not change the current 911 schedule.
For more information regarding the Emergency Communications and Coordinated Crisis Services Tax programs and how these tax revenues are used, visit the Department of Revenue’s website.
Questions? Email us at SPA.help@dor.oregon.gov.
Manage State Benefits with the Oregon ONE Mobile app
People can now securely manage their medical, food, cash and child care benefits through the State of Oregon from the convenience of their mobile devices using the new Oregon ONE Mobile app. People first will need to apply for benefits online, in person at a local office or over the phone.
The app is available for free in the Apple and Android app stores. It is an official State of Oregon app created by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). The app’s development was partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“At ODHS we are committed to meeting people in Oregon where they are with as many ways as possible to manage their benefits, check application status and share needed documentation, like when they get a request for information during a renewal,” said Nathan Singer (he/him), director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership. “People can now manage their benefits in-person, by mail, by fax, by telephone, online and on their mobile phone using the Oregon ONE Mobile app, which is available in English and Spanish.”
Interview with OEP Director Singer available on YouTube
Oregon ONE Mobile app video on YouTube
New Oregon ONE Mobile app video link
- Create a ONE Online account.
- Access their existing ONE Online account.
- Report changes to household information including address, contact information and income.
- Upload requested documents using a smartphone camera.
- Get updates on application status and check if it is approved, denied, or pending, and what actions might need to be taken.
- See and download notices that were mailed.
- Find the next renewal date for their benefits.
- Get important, time-sensitive alerts and notifications about benefits on mobile devices.
- View benefit issuance history for food and cash payments.
People who serve as Authorized Representatives for people with benefits are also able to use the app.
How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits:
- By phone at: 1-800-699-9075. All relay calls accepted.
- Online at: benefits.oregon.gov
- Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores
- In person at an office near you: Find an office.
- In your language: Help in Your Language
- By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
- By fax at: 503-378-5628
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov.
- 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 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: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Oregon Department of Human Services help center
About the Oregon Department of Human Services – The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
About the Oregon Eligibility Partnership – The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash and child care benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).###
Visitors can book same-day online reservations statewide starting in 2024
SALEM, Ore— Visitors hoping to camp last minute will soon have the chance to view and book same-day campsite openings online statewide starting Jan. 1, 2024.
Previously, most sites required booking 24 hours or more in advance of arrival when reserving online. Same-day online reservations started as a pilot project at two coastal parks and expanded last summer to all 17 coastal state park campgrounds.
“Same-day reservations at the coast gave those traveling the peace of mind that there was a place ready for them when they arrived,” said Coastal Region Director Dennis Comfort.
When the program expands statewide, it will include a total of 40 park campgrounds across Oregon. Some parks switch tent and RV campsites to first-come-first served during the winter and those sites will start offering same-day online reservations in the spring. Visitors can check park webpages for seasonal information on specific parks at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
Eleven campgrounds will remain first-come-first served year-round: Jackson F. Kimball, Goose Lake, Bates, Cascara, Catherine Creek, Hilgard Junction, Jasper Point (except for the cabin), Minam, Red Bridge, Smith Rock and Ukiah-Dale.
The goal of same-day online reservations is to offer campers the flexibility to travel last minute when sites are available while giving them the security of knowing they have a site when they arrive. Same-day online reservations also have the potential to give park staff more time to offer interpretive opportunities, improve park facilities and increase time interacting with visitors.
“The transition to same-day reservations at Nehalem Bay State Park was nearly seamless and has been generally well received by guests,” said Park Manager Ben Cox.
Starting Jan. 1, 2024:
- Tent and RV campers can make a same-day online reservation up until 11:59 p.m. on the day they arrive by visiting https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Yurt and cabin reservations must be made before 6 p.m. the day of arrival due to the staffing required to assist with keys or codes.
- All visitors can make reservations by calling (800) 452-5687 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Visitors can also make same-day online reservations at parks statewide using mobile devices where they have cell reception or where Oregon State Parks’ free, limited Wi-Fi is available. Wi-Fi is provided at most parks for reservations only and is not guaranteed to be available 24/7. Signs at the park have login information. Since internet connectivity varies by park, it’s best to reserve campsites before arrival.
- Visitors can still pay with cash or checks at the park by finding a ranger or following posted instructions, which could include using self-registration envelopes only if instructed to do so. Ranger availability is limited depending on time and location.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive the $8 reservation fee for all same-day reservations.
If you have any questions about the new option, please contact the information center at k.info@oregon.gov“>park.info@oregon.gov. For more information about the option, please visit our online FAQs.
Missing Yachats Man’s Vehicle Found in North Lane County
On 08/25/2023, Dustin Steyding was reported missing to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office after he left work on 07/22/2023 and hadn’t been located since. Dustin was living and working in the Yachats area.
Dustin was reported to be in good physical condition, having previously worked as a hot shot firefighter in New Mexico. Dustin is very experienced in the woods and commonly goes out for hikes to stay in shape. Without means to locate Dustin, Deputies entered Dustin as a missing person in a national database.
On 09/04/2023, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Dustin’s family after they located his vehicle on Keller Creek Rd, just outside of Lincoln County in Lane County. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies contacted the vehicle and determined it had been at the location for some time. Deputies were unable to determine Dustin’s direction of travel from the vehicle.
The vehicle having been located in Lane County, Lincoln County Deputies contacted the Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and arranged for their response the next day to started searching the area. After two days of searching, no clues to Dustin’s have been found.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dustin Steyding should contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777 and reference case number 23S-07321.
83-year-old Clarence Edward Pitts walked away from his home in Bandon on Tuesday, January 31 at around 1:00 p.m. Pitts is described as:
- 6′ 00″
- 150 lbs
- Gray hair
- Brown eyes
- Last seen wearing an orange beanie, plaid jacket, tan pants and white shoes
- May have a walking cane
- Has dementia and PTSD
Pitts may be in a vehicle that was also found to be missing from the home:
- 1999 Toyota Van
- White
- Oregon license plate: WYN 788
If you see Clarence or have any information pertaining to where he may be, please call the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 541-396-2106 or the Bandon Police Department at 541-347-3189.
Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com