The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Oregon Beach Weather
Active Weather Alerts – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM PST THURSDAY... ...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM PST THIS EVENING... * WHAT...For the Gale Warning, south winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas 10 to 15 ft expected. For the Small Craft Advisory, south winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 8 to 10 ft expected. * WHERE...Gales are expected for most areas from Florence, OR south to Pt. St. George CA beyond 2 NM from shore, except closer in to shore near the capes. Small Craft Advisory conditions expected elsewhere. * WHEN...A current Small Craft Advisory covers all waters from the shore to 3 nm and a current Gale Warning covers all waters from 3 to 10 nm. A future Small Craft Advisory covers all waters from 0-10 nm from shore. * IMPACTS...Strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Low visibility conditions are expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Even after the gales end, high and steep west swell will persist Tuesday night through Wednesday night. * 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.
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.
Clatsop County Working on Housing Issues – Revamping Seaside’s Red Lion Inn
Tourist-dependent Clatsop County, population 41,000, has the highest rate of homelessness in Oregon. A project to convert a hotel into housing units for healthcare workers and the unhoused is a step in the right direction, leaders say.
Cloudy skies loomed over the small coastal town of Seaside, Oregon, on a November morning earlier this year, but the rain stayed away as a group of residents, healthcare workers, and city officials gathered outside of what was, up until a few months ago, a Red Lion Inn.
The group was gathered to celebrate the former hotel’s new role as an affordable housing development for people struggling with chronic homelessness and as transitional housing for the local hospital’s workforce.
While Seaside is one of several small towns in northwest Oregon’s Clatsop County that is known for its bucolic tourism industry, the region is struggling with a lesser-known but dire housing shortage where one out of every 40 individuals is homeless. This is the highest per capita homelessness rate of any county in the state of Oregon.
There are plenty of theories why this coastal county’s housing problem has gotten so bad, but officials say it boils down to one key issue: a lack of money for rural affordable housing development.
Oregon also has some of the strictest building regulations in the country, which makes any new development difficult. Building on the coast is even more challenging because of tsunami zones and national forest land that limit where new construction can occur.
This is where the Red Lion Inn comes into play. The building, purchased earlier this year by the state’s health care plan CareOregon that serves Oregonians on Medicaid, doesn’t face the construction challenges that other affordable housing projects contend with on the coast because it’s already built. The Red Lion Inn just needs renovation, which began in early November when the project’s leaders and county officials gathered at a ceremonial “groundbreaking” event.
Once finished, 55 rooms will be available for rent: 37 for workforce housing and 18 for low-income housing. The building should be move-in ready by late spring of 2024, according to the project’s leaders. Rent hasn’t been determined yet, but the tentative number named at the groundbreaking event for workforce housing was $1,100 per month, utilities included. This number could change before next spring, project leaders emphasized.
The Red Lion Inn housing project is one glimmer of hope in a rural area that’s been struggling to gain access to resources to address their housing needs. The Red Lion Inn project is an attempt to solve part of this problem, focusing mainly on housing for local healthcare providers and some housing for low-income people.
While the project won’t solve Clatsop County’s homelessness crisis, community members say it’s a step in the right direction, and addresses the adjacent issue of rural healthcare access. Read More Here: (SOURCE) This article first appeared on The Daily Yonder and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast Returns To Astoria To Be Decommissioned
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Steadfast completed its final voyage On Friday, December 22nd.
Coast Guard officials say the 210-foot medium endurance cutter and crew transited 11,742 nautical miles on a 64-day multi-mission patrol. The ship patrolled several hundred miles from Oregon to the Central Mexico coast.
“I’m incredibly impressed with the crew’s flexibility and ingenuity during our dynamic multi-mission District Eleven patrol,” said Cmdr. Brock Eckel, commanding officer of the Steadfast. “Whether it was working in and around marine protected areas to conduct critical ship-helo training or working seamlessly with multiple Coast Guard sectors to ensure the protection of natural resources and the safety of commercial fishermen, in every instance they rose to the occasion with innovative operational solutions.”
Officials say Steadfast’s recent successes have been in the counternarcotics area, however, this patrol saw Steadfast’s crew conducting 13 living marine resources boardings off the California coast for the first time in 14 years. Crews issued six safety violations.
The Steadfast returned to Astoria where officials say the ship will be decommissioned. The Steadfast was originally based in St. Petersburg, Florida before calling Astoria home in 1994.
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
Hospital Nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford Accused of Replacing Fentanyl with Tap Water Leading to at least 10 Patient Deaths
• 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.
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.
Embezzlement Leads to Staff Layoffs and Eugene Weekly Halting the Presses
The Eugene Weekly faced an abrupt and devastating setback when it discovered a former employee had embezzled funds from the publication in December. The shocking revelation forced the paper to lay off its entire staff and suspend its print edition, casting a shadow over its longstanding commitment to local journalism and the four decades it has served this community. https://eugeneweekly.com/
Just days before Christmas, the editor, Camilla Mortensen, stumbled upon discrepancies in the newspaper’s financial records. An investigation revealed that a former employee, significantly involved in managing the paper’s finances, had diverted approximately $90,000 from the company’s account for personal use since 2022. Moreover, the paper grappled with unpaid bills totaling over $100,000, including obligations to its printer, spanning several months. The gravity of the situation deepened as employees discovered that funds earmarked for their retirement accounts had never been deposited.
The dire financial state led to an agonizing decision to terminate all ten staff members and cease the print edition of the paper. Eugene Weekly, founded in 1982 and circulating 30,000 copies weekly in Eugene, played a crucial role in disseminating news freely within the community.
Mortensen expressed profound dismay, particularly over the devastating timing of the layoffs, which occurred just before the holiday season. The suspected employee, employed at the paper for four years, has since been dismissed, and investigations by the Eugene police department’s financial crimes unit and forensic accountants hired by the paper’s owners are underway to unravel the extent of the financial mismanagement.
The closure of Eugene Weekly echoes a larger trend of dwindling local news outlets nationwide, exacerbating information voids within communities and contributing to societal polarization. Tim Gleason, former dean of the University of Oregon’s journalism school, underscored the repercussions of declining local news, highlighting its role in fostering community connections.
However, despite the abrupt closure, the resilient Eugene Weekly staff, currently unpaid but undeterred, continues to labour in hopes of resurrecting the publication. They initiated a fundraising campaign through a GoFundMe page, garnering over $11,000 in just a day, showcasing the community’s support and the paper’s significance.
Todd Cooper, the paper’s art director, remains hopeful for the paper’s resurgence, expressing determination to revive and strengthen the publication’s foothold within the community. Amid uncertainties, there’s a collective aspiration among the staff that the paper will rise from this setback, sustain itself, and endure for many more years to come. (SOURCE)
Benedictine Sisters Entrust Historic Monastery and Property to Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley
The Benedictine Sisters of Mount Angel and Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast (CCS) today announced the official closing of the sale of Queen of Angels Monastery in Mt. Angel to CCS. The monastery, built in 1888, has been the home of the Benedictine Sisters as well as their central offices from which they undertook an impressive number of endeavors for the greater good including the Shalom at the Monastery retreat ministry, the Benedictine Nursing Center next door, and St. Joseph Shelter/Mission Benedict across the street.
The Sisters, who have moved to the Providence Benedictine Nursing Center’s Orchard House next door, will continue to have offices in the monastery and will help guide and sustain St. Joseph Shelter and Mission Benedict, ministries which they founded in 1988. The Sisters transferred day-to-day operations of these ministries to CCS in 2017.
A formal transfer ceremony is planned for March 20, 2024, during which CCS, the Benedictine Sisters and guests will come together to pray, celebrate and share hopes and dreams for the future of the monastery.
“The Benedictine Sisters have owned the historic monastery and grounds of Queen of Angels Monastery since 1887 when they purchased the property from Mount Angel Abbey. The sisters have shared their monastic buildings and grounds in ministry to countless guests, students, oblates, retreatants, family, and friends. Now the Benedictine Sisters entrust the mission and use of it to Catholic Community Services,” said Sister Jane Hibbard, Pastoral Administrator of the Benedictine Sisters. “The sisters look forward to seeing what develops and also promise to pray daily for what will emerge for the future use of the buildings and property. They are deeply grateful for the partnership with and commitment of CCS to the people of Mount Angel, Marion County and beyond as well as to the many people who continue to support the Benedictine Sisters.”
“We are honored and humbled by the confidence the Sisters have placed in us, and we look forward to our continued partnership to sustain the ministries they founded and to preserve the monastery as a place of hope and healing,” said CCS Chief Executive Officer Josh Graves.
About the Benedictine Sisters – The Benedictine Sisters of Mt. Angel are a Catholic religious community, which was established in Oregon in 1882. Queen of Angels Monastery, the Sisters’ historic home, dates to 1887. The Sisters’ major ministries are hospitality, prayer, service to the local community and Shalom at the Monastery, a retreat and spiritual renewal center. At present, the Benedictine Sisters have 19 professed members and 80 oblates.
About CCS – Catholic Community Services of the Mid-Willamette Valley and Central Coast is a non-profit, faith-based organization. Founded in Salem in 1938, today CCS offers 11 programs across 10 Oregon counties and serves more than 5,000 people each year. They operate with fidelity to the Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, which call them to work for the common good and to serve their neighbors who are the poorest and most vulnerable. CCS envisions a caring, resilient community, full of hope and connection where all people flourish.
A Call for Comprehensive Solutions in Homeless Crisis in Oregon and California
The homelessness crisis in Oregon and California has reached alarming levels, with Oregon experiencing a 12.15% increase in homelessness from 2022 to 2023. High housing costs and the pandemic have exacerbated the issue, with federal counts suggesting that the true extent may be even greater. This crisis has impacted families, veterans, and youth, with a significant number living unsheltered despite efforts to increase shelter beds and supportive housing. Similar trends are evident in nearby cities and counties, reflecting a broader regional struggle.
California, for instance, faces a substantial homeless population despite significant financial investments, including a $17.5 billion allocation aimed at addressing the problem. However, the persistence of homelessness indicates that funds alone are not enough, and systemic issues remain unaddressed. The economic impact of this crisis on local communities cannot be overstated. In Portland, nearly $1 billion is dedicated to homeless services, underscoring the strain on taxpayer resources.
The latest figures show that for every 10,000 people in Oregon, 48 are without a home. This adds up to 20,142 homeless individuals. Experts believe the real number might be higher. Homelessness in Oregon is a growing problem. Since 2007, the number of homeless people has gone up by 15%, and there was a big increase of 23% during the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022.
In Oregon, 65% of homeless people were not in shelters, but in places like streets or cars.
The rate of homeless families with children is 9 per 10,000 residents. The next highest state is Idaho at 4 per 10,000 residents.
Since 2020, the number of homeless families in Oregon went up by 27% to 3,900. Almost 60% of them don’t have a safe place to stay. Both Oregon and Washington have many homeless families, but Oregon’s rate of those without shelter is much higher.
The cycle of homelessness affects local economies by deterring business, reducing consumer traffic, and impacting tourism, which in turn hampers revenue and growth. It also creates social barriers, perpetuating poverty and exclusion, and poses risks to public health systems, environmental resources, and social service capacities.
Long-term solutions require addressing the root causes of homelessness. While initiatives like Project Homekey represent positive steps, the housing shortage and systemic issues persist. To break the cycle and foster economic stability, communities must advocate for preventative measures and invest in inclusive strategies that promote prosperity for all residents. It’s clear that a financial fix isn’t enough; a multifaceted, strategic approach is essential to tackle this complex issue and prevent its economic and social ramifications from spiraling further. (SOURCE)
Census Data Shows Oregon’s Population Declined For Second Year In A Row
According to new numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau, Oregon’s once steady population growth has come to a halt in the last few years,
A little more than 6,000 people – or 0.1% of the population – left Oregon from July 2022 to July 2023, according to census data released Tuesday. Stretching back to 2021, overall census numbers estimate the state’s population went down by 0.5%, or about 23,000 people.
The numbers are different from Portland State University’s estimate that Oregon added a small number of residents over the same 12-month period.
“Of course these new Census estimates are in contrast to the population estimates from Portland State’s Population Research Center,” writes Josh Lehner, an Oregon state economist, in an analysis. “Their latest estimates showed Oregon’s population holding steady in 2022, following a downward revision, and then a moderate rebound in 2023.”
While U.S. Census Data is important in determining things like federal funding for certain programs or congressional seats, Oregon policymakers mostly use PSU’s numbers when drafting legislation or as a foundation for other official state business.
According to PSU’s Population Research Center, the state welcomed 23,397 people from July 2022 to July 2023, representing a 0.55% increase. PSU also crunched county-level data, which showed Multnomah County grew by 0.21% or 1,728 people.
Oregon employment economist Gail Krumenauer said both data sets show a big turnaround from historical trends.
“One of the advantages that Oregon has had relative to many other states – and overall in the U.S.,” Krumenauer said, “is that we’ve been able to grow our employment, grow jobs, at a greater rate over the course of the past few decades than the U.S. on average, and more than other states.”
Krumenauer said that’s because in past years, more people moved to Oregon than left the state. Economists call that net in-migration, and Krumenauer said that’s previously been the main driver for growth in the state’s labor force.
“Either case now, either very slow population growth or decline, is a very different story,” she said. “Either one of them spells lower labor force growth for us.” (SOURCE)
Many new consumer protection laws go into effect Jan. 1, 2024
Salem – When the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2024, many new laws immediately take effect. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR), part of the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) – the state’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency – is releasing an easy-to-follow guide on new consumer protection laws. https://dfr.oregon.gov/news/news2023/Pages/20231227-Many-new-consumer-protection-laws.aspx
Oregon DMV Raising Fees In 2024 To Cover Operating Costs
It will cost more to take a drivers’ test next year in Oregon. A number of fees are going up in 2024 under new legislation.
The increases are a result of legislation passed this year (House Bill 2100) designed to help DMV recover costs and temporarily avoid service reductions, ODOT says.
A behind-the-wheel test will increase from $9 to $45. Other fees are going up by a dollar or two.The increases are a result of legislation passed this year (House Bill 2100) designed to help DMV recover costs and temporarily avoid service reductions, ODOT says.
According to ODOT, statutory fees recovered by Oregon’s DMV have not kept pace with the actual cost to deliver services. Most DMV fee increases over the last 20 years have gone to transportation projects at the city, county, and state levels, not to DMV operating costs.
Godfrey encourages people to use the DMV’s website for more of their transactions. She said things like registration renewal are easily done online instead of in person.
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