The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Oregon Beach Weather
Active Weather Alerts Along The Coastline
…SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING… …HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 4 AM PST THURSDAY… …SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO 10 AM PST THURSDAY…
* WHAT…Northwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 11 to 13 ft at 13 seconds. This morning winds increase to 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas build to 20 to 25 ft at 14 seconds.
* WHERE…All areas.
* WHEN…For the Hazardous Seas Warning, from 10 AM Tuesday to 4 AM PST Thursday. For the Small Craft Advisory, from 4 AM to 10 AM PST Tuesday. For the second Small Craft Advisory, from 4 AM Thursday to 10 AM PST Thursday.
* IMPACTS…Very steep and hazardous seas could capsize or damage vessels. Bar crossings will become especially treacherous. *
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS — A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches, producing rip currents, sneaker waves and beach erosion.
- Stay well back from the water`s edge and be alert for exceptionally high waves.
- Keep away from large logs on the beach. Water running up on the beach can easily lift or roll logs which can injure or kill someone caught in their path.
View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
Newport Seafood & Wine Festival Starts Thursday
The Newport Seafood & Wine Festival is returning this week, after having to cancel the past two years.
The Newport Seafood & Wine Festival is Newport’s largest annual event. It started in 1977 with the intention to boost the local economy during the slowest time of the year.
Today, the four-day event draws thousands of visitors to Newport during the last full weekend February, boasting over 125 vendors: seafood vendors, craftspeople, and Northwest wineries all under a tented venue adjacent to the Rogue brewery in South Beach.
More than 300 volunteers, a dedicated volunteer committee, and local support from city and county agencies make this annual event possible. Presenting Sponsor Chinook Winds Casino Resort has generously supported the event for the past thirteen years. MORE INFO: Newport Seafood & Wine Festival
Fatal Crash – HWY 30 – Columbia County
On Sunday, February 19, 2023, at approximately 6:23 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a crash on Hwy 30, near milepost 60, in Columbia County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a military convoy traveling westbound on Hwy 30 had stopped on the westbound shoulder to address an unknown mechanical issue. A Humvee style vehicle associated with the convoy traveling eastbound had stopped in the eastbound passing lane. Two National Guardsmen exited the stopped Humvee to aid the convoy in addressing the mechanical issue.
One of the Guardsmen, Gonzalo Martinez III (29) of Cleveland (TX) was struck by an eastbound 1997 Chevrolet pickup, operated by Richard L. Erickson (72) of Clatskanie, who was also traveling in the left lane. The Chevrolet then crashed into the parked Humvee. The driver of the Chevrolet pickup and the military member, were both transported to St. John’s Hospital in Longview (WA). The driver of the Chevrolet pickup remains in stable condition and the military member, Martinez III, was pronounced deceased.
The highway was closed for approximately 6 hours while the on-scene investigation was conducted. The cause of the crash is under investigation. OSP was assisted by the Columbia County Sheriffs’ Office, Clatskanie Fire, and ODOT.
Coos County Officials Seek Suspect in Assualt Case
Officials are on the lookout for a man wanted in an assault case.
Deputies with the Coos County Sheriff’s Office said the assault took place off Crown Point Road on Friday, February 17th. After an investigation, they found 35-year-old Carey Parson could be a suspect.
Officials said Parson ran away before law enforcement could get to the scene. A police K9 was called to the location, tracked Parson’s scent and authorities now believe he may have been picked up, but they said they aren’t sure.
Parson is being charged with domestic harassment and strangulation. Officials said if you see Parson or know his whereabouts to please contact the Coos county Sheriff’s Office at 541-396-2106.
Oregon State Fire Marshal invests $2.7 million in wildfire risk reduction projects across Oregon
The Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is excited to announce a $2.7 million investment in wildfire risk reduction projects across Oregon. This strategic one-time investment is being made at the local and county levels through community wildfire protection plans (CWPP).
Projects will happen in 25 CWPP planning areas located in Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Lake, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Wallowa, Wheeler, and Yamhill counties.
Projects include promoting wildfire-specific community risk reduction efforts, community education, defensible space projects, home assessments, media campaigns, signage, fuel mitigation programs, and grant funds.
One of the projects is in Morrow County, which will receive money to help landowners with defensible space projects and educate community members about best practices. Project managers plan to host yard debris pick-up events and help with defensible space work.
“We are happy to have the money to implement our planned work,” Heppner Fire and Rescue Chief Steve Rhea said. “Projects all over the state are worthy of this funding, and we appreciate the investment and the attention from the OSFM in rural communities.”
The OSFM’s fire risk reduction specialists worked with local CWPP planning groups to determine where funding was needed. This selection process was based on actionable projects, underserved communities, and the risk of fire in or near communities.
The funds are part of the OSFM’s Fire Adapted Oregon initiative, available because of Senate Bill 762.
To learn more about wildfire risk reduction and response investments, visit the agency’s grants and Investments in Action pages.
ABOUT FIRE ADAPTED OREGON – The OSFM’s Fire Adapted Oregon initiative was created to help prepare communities for wildfire and reduce its impacts. Fire Adapted Oregon offers education and training to empower communities to protect themselves and their property from wildfire. Learn more here.
ABOUT COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLANS (CWPP) – A CWPP is a plan developed by a community in an area at risk from wildfire. The community wildfire protection planning process is the collaboration between communities and agencies interested in reducing wildfire risk.
Oregon Legislature Considering Bill Proposed To Help Local Ukrainian Refugees
Oregon state Sen. James Manning Jr., D-Eugene, just introduced a bill to make the transition easier for Ukrainian refugees living across the state. Senate Bill 935 would allow those refugees to receive rental housing without a co-signer if it passes.
It would also waive the written and driving test for those looking to get a driver’s license if they already had a valid license in Ukraine.
Manning said this session he wants to make it easier for the more than 4,500 Ukrainian refugees living in Oregon during this time. “Cutting the red tape is very critical right now because they desperately need help, and we should be standing beside them, especially now, to help make life a little easier,” he said.
The group Giving Hope has worked directly with those refugees over the last year. The director there said the first hurdle is getting a sponsor to come to the United States, and often that sponsor can’t help with housing.
Manning said he worked with immigrant and refugee community organizations to create this bill, with the goal of addressing the biggest issues for this group head on.
2023-2024 Oregon Blue Book Cover Showcases Scenic Wonders
Oregon photographers’ cover images highlight our Columbia River Gorge and Oregon Coast Aquarium
The Oregon Secretary of State’s Office today revealed the cover images for the 2023-2024 Oregon Blue Book. The cover selections were made by Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan as part of judging the Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest. Almost 1000 images were submitted as part of the contest.
The Oregon Blue Book is our state’s official almanac and fact book, published by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office. The book is published in odd-numbered years and has been in continuous publication since 1911. Most recently, the books’ covers have included photography of some of Oregon’s most exceptional places.
“When you live in a state as beautiful as Oregon, it can be tough to choose just two images,” said Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan. “I was so impressed by the images submitted by Oregon’s vibrant amateur photography community. I hope this cover inspires every Oregonian to pick up the book or visit the Oregon Blue Book website and discover how this fact book can open our state up to them in a whole new way.”
The book’s front cover is a beautiful image of the Rowena Crest area of the Columbia River Gorge by photographer Micah Lundstedt of Eugene. Lundstedt captured the glowing morning sky and the landscape blanketed in colorful Balsam Root and Lupine flowers.
“Micah’s image reminded me of my time growing up in Dufur and The Dalles,” said Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan. “Those flowers each spring felt optimistic and hopeful. We’re really lucky to call this beautiful state home.”
“This photo was taken at sunrise on the Oregon side of the Columbia Gorge near Rowena Crest,” said Micah Lundstedt. “My intention was to shoot east toward the rising sun, but I saw these amazing clouds catching the light to my left. I love how the colors of the flowers and sky complement each other.”
Lundstedt is a hobby photographer based in Eugene, Oregon.
The back cover for the 2023-24 Oregon Blue Book is a colorful capture of Oregon rockfish, made by Dale George of Grants Pass. George says he made this image while exploring the Oregon Coast on a solo trip. “I was at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport enjoying the displays,” said George. “These three rockfish in the underwater walkthrough tunnel area began exhibiting this interesting behavior. Luckily, they were near the glass, and I could get them in focus!” he said.
“I was inspired to choose this image by Dale George because the fish are so brightly colored and interesting,” said Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan. “Fish are also an important part of who we are as Oregonians. They’re part of our cultural heritage, economy and even our family stories.”
Dale George is a retired mechanic and hobby photographer who lives in Grants Pass with his wife of 39 years.
The Oregon Blue Book is our state’s official almanac and fact book, published every two years by the Oregon Secretary of State’s office. The book has been in publication since 1911. It contains listings and descriptions of government agencies and educational institutions. It also features an almanac, maps, facts about Oregon history and elections, as well as information on cities, counties, the arts, media, and other cultural institutions in Oregon.
A copy of the cover can be downloaded here. — The Oregon Blue Book can be purchased online and the digital Oregon Blue Book can be accessed at bluebook.oregon.gov.
U-Haul Driver Kills Pedestrian In Gresham; Truck Blocks MAX Line
A driver of a U-Haul truck struck and killed a pedestrian Monday afternoon, according to the Gresham Police Department. This happened near East Burnside Street and Southeast 167th Avenue at around 2:45 p.m.
The U-Haul truck ended up on the MAX tracks and kept trains from traveling in both directions until at least 5:30 p.m. The pedestrian, a woman, was taken to a hospital but died of her injuries. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the police.
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.
