Oregon Beach News, Tuesday 2/7 – Coast Guard Suspends Search For Missing Man From Sunken Boat, Florence Flower Basket Program Is Back

The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Oregon Beach Weather

Coast Guard Suspends Search For Missing Man From Sunken Boat

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search Monday for a crab fisherman who went missing Sunday night when a 46-foot crabbing boat sank near the Willapa Bay entrance in Southwest Washington.

The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria was alerted of the sinking vessel around 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Two of the three fishermen were found floating on a raft and were hoisted into a helicopter. Once the rescued men were back on land, they were evaluated for hypothermia.

The USCG and other state and local emergency response teams continued to look for one other fisherman that remained missing. After a 15-hour search that spanned 290 square miles of air, sea, and land, the USCG announced it was ending its search .

“Suspending search efforts is a tough decision that we never take lightly,” said Lt. Cmdr. Colin Fogarty, the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Columbia River. The USCG said the missing fisherman’s family has been notified.

PRESS RELEASE:

The U.S. Coast Guard and partner agencies suspended search efforts at 5:30 p.m. Monday evening for a missing man in Willapa Bay, Washington.

Rescue crews completed 18 different search patterns, covering 290 sq. miles during over 15-hours of searching.

“Suspending search efforts is a tough decision that we never take lightly,” said Lt. Cmdr. Colin Fogarty, the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for Coast Guard Sector Columbia River. “This search involved close coordination between state and local agencies. We truly appreciate their assistance, especially from Pacific County. The Coast Guard continues to speak with the family affected by this incident.”

Watchstanders at the Thirteenth Coast Guard District in Seattle received an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) transmission Sunday at approximately 7:30 p.m. Sunday from the 46-foot crabbing vessel Ethel May near the Willapa Bay entrance.

Personnel at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River in Warrenton, Oregon, were notified that the wife of one of the men aboard the vessel also called 911 to report an emergency aboard the vessel.

An air crew on Sunday night was able to find two survivors from the vessel in a life raft and took them to awaiting EMS at a nearby airport.

Crews and assets that assisted in the search:

• Coast Guard Air Station Astoria
• Coast Guard Air Station North Bend
• Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor
• Pacific County Office of Emergency Management
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Original press release can be found here:

https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3289902/coast-guard-partner-agencies-search-for-missing-man-near-willapa-bay-entrance/

Florence Flower Basket Program Is Back

Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the public works department of the City of Florence, is preparing to hang the magnificent flower baskets that have adorned Bay Street from spring into fall for the last seven years, according to a release from Florence ACC.

“We’re excited to announce that we will hang at least 130 beautiful flowering baskets on Highway 101, from the bridge to the intersection with Highway 126, and throughout Historic Old Town this year,” said chamber president and CEO Bettina Hannigan. “. By doing so we celebrate optimism, goodwill, good weather, beauty, and welcome people to our community.”

“We also make a ‘stop and look’ statement to all drivers, be they local or passersby, giving everyone a reason to think positively about our community,” she adds. “Smiles are contagious, and these baskets generate them in abundance.”

Individuals, businesses, and civic clubs are encouraged to sponsor a flower basket for $100. The chamber organizes the effort, and the City of Florence public works department hangs and maintains the flowers from early May through October.

“We’ve discovered that some of our sponsors are inspired visitors or have vacation places in Florence. Some people sponsor them as a dedication to a friend or loved one,” added Hannigan. “Many people take pictures with them to share online and remember their trip to Florence. That gives the program a lot of extra marketing mileage. Many of our sponsors sign up year after year for the pride it gives them for supporting and beautifying our community.”

Those looking to sponsor a flower basket can do so here, or call the chamber office at 541-997-3128.

“This is yet another way to build on our local beauty and support local small businesses. By hanging them along the new Highway 101 streetscape, as well as in Old Town, locals and visitors will slow down and take in a very positive impression of our community, and that helps commerce in our area,” said Hannigan.

According to the release, approximately 1400 people in Florence (roughly 40% of those employed) rely on tourism-based employment, and that tourism pumps about $200 million into the local economy each year.

For more information on joining the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce, or how to volunteer for events such as the Wine, Chowder & Glass Float Trail or the Rhododendron Festival, contact Hannigan at 541-997-3128.

ODOT Still Is Limiting Hwy 101 To A Single Lane 12 Miles South Of Port Orford

Oregon Department of Transportation says today U.S. Highway 101 remains narrowed to one lane at milepost 312 in Curry County.

That’s where the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) built a temporary lane at the Arizona Slide last month, near Arizona Beach State Recreation Site along Oregon’s Pacific Ocean coast.

ODOT says it still is limiting U.S. 101 to a single lane 12 miles south of Port Orford.

It says repair work on the Arizona Slide involves flaggers for traffic control and construction vehicles.  It also involves delays for drivers in that part of Curry County.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Clatsop County Jail 2/10

The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office invites the community to celebrate the completion of the new Clatsop County Jail. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Friday, February 10th, 2023, at 1 pm to commemorate the completion of the facility.

The new jail project began after voters approved a $20 million-dollar jail bond in 2018. DLR Group provided architectural and engineering services while Emerick Construction Co. served as the general contractor. Cornerstone Management Group represented the County during the process.

The new Clatsop County Jail is located at 1250 SE 19th St., Warrenton Oregon, directly across from the Clatsop County Animal Shelter.

Oregon House Bill 2572 Would Deal With Illegal Paramilitary Group Activities

Oregon ranks sixth in the nation for the highest rate of violent extremist incidents over the past decade according to a recent Secretary of State Audit. A bill looks to give Oregon law more authority when it comes to preventing incidents involving paramilitary groups or organized groups that use “dangerous weapons” in acts of civil disobedience. 

Oregon is a hotspot for domestic terrorism and paramilitary activity. Armed militia groups have taken over public land and terrorists have targeted the electric grid.

State lawmakers are responding to such threats with two bills that would address an individual act of domestic terrorism and coordinated paramilitary activity. The proposals follow unrest in Oregon in recent years and the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021.

One proposal, House Bill 2572 , would address the threat and damages people face from paramilitary activity involving a group of three or more people who illegally prevent others from accessing public areas or exercising their lawful rights, such as voting.

House Bill 2772 would make domestic terrorism a felony. It would apply regardless of whether an individual or group is involved, allowing the prosecution of so-called “lone wolf” terrorists who target people or property.

“Like many others, I grappled with the question, how do we work to bring the temperature down without infringing on civil liberties?” said the bill’s sponsor Rep. Dacia Grayber, D-Tigard. “After researching and working with a variety of legal and constitutional experts, we have landed on a policy that I believe is the most constitutionally sound and focused approach to preventing the most egregious cases of political intimidation and violence. 

HB 2572 would expand the definition of illegal paramilitary activity in Oregon and would allow the attorney general to petition a judge to halt the actions of a group if the AG “has reasonable cause to believe that any person or group of persons has engaged in or is about to engage in paramilitary activity.” The bill would also allow a private citizen to sue a member or all members of a paramilitary group that has infringed upon his or her constitutional right by means of intimidation. 

During a hearing on the bill before the House Judiciary Committee, legal experts noted that though paramilitary activity is already illegal, the way Oregon law currently defines it makes it difficult to prosecute individuals who engage in things like armed voter intimidation or intimidation of legal protesters. 

 Kimberly McCullough, legislative director for the Attorney General’s Office, said the current law was written in the 1980s and modeled after similar legislation passed in other states. 

“Passage of these laws was primarily motivated by the establishment and proliferation of paramilitary training camps across the country,” McCullough said. “Examples cited in the testimony included gorilla warfare camps operated by the Ku Klux Klan and Neo-Nazi organizations.” She said, as drafted, the law has not ever successfully been used to prosecute paramilitary groups like those. 

“It is frankly no wonder our current laws are clunky, if you spend some time with it — which we have — it is very complicated,” she said. “In talking to prosecutors and criminal justice experts at DOJ (Department of Justice) about whether they would use this tool to combat paramilitary organizations in Oregon, I have heard descriptions using words like ‘unworkable’ and ‘convoluted.’”

The bill maintains the current standard which categorizes the crime of “unlawful paramilitary activity” as a class C Felony. The definition of the crime includes training other individuals to use “explosive or incendiary devices or techniques for the intent of civil disobedience.” 

The bill specifies that law enforcement agencies, licensed security firms, hunting groups and self-defense groups are exempt from this category. 

Members of the House Judiciary Committee questioned whether the bill would allow the attorney general or a private citizen to seek injunctive relief to block a group from open carrying at a protest. AG Assistant Carson Whitehead said either party would need to prove that the group open carrying in the scenario was infringing upon another citizens’ constitutional rights. 

“To the extent that open carry of firearms is constitutionally permissible, and in many cases it is constitutionally permissible, the fact that a person is intimidated and subjectively feels fear, that wouldn’t be actionable under this law,” Whitehead said. “This would be ultimately, as all things at trial, be a question of proving, did this individual or this group go to the park knowing that their paramilitary activities would have this intimidating effect.”

He also noted that this would not stop an armed group of individuals from protecting their personal property during a protest or contracting with private licensed security firms to do so. It could, however, stop an armed and organized group of three or more from say, “commanding protesters to leave the sidewalk.” 

Though no individuals testified against the bill during the hearing, a number of people submitted written testimony against it. Most claimed it would allow favoritism for left-wing extremist groups while punishing those on the right. 

“I would hate to think we are addressing ‘right wing factions’ when I seen Antifa, BAMN and others put on football pads, baseball helmets and carry flash bangs and fire bombs in the streets of Oregon,” wrote Mark Crosby of Marcola, Oregon. 

Some of the written testimony questioned the constitutionality of the measure. 

“HB 2572 is a violation of the First Amendment right to the freedom of association. It is also a violation of the Second Amendment and the right to a well-regulated militia,” wrote Rob Taylor of Bandon. 

Grayber pointed out that many who submitted written testimony mistakenly took it as a firearms prohibition, which she noted it is not. She pointed out that the Supreme Court ruled in Presser v. Illinois that states had a right to prohibit paramilitary organizations. 

“The Supreme Court has been clear since 1886 that the Constitution does not protect private paramilitary organization,” Grayber said. “Every Oregonian has the right to free speech and association, to petition the government and to vote without fear of violence or intimidation.” 

Oregon Lawmakers Discuss Flavored Tobacco Ban

Bill sponsors and community advocates will host a virtual news conference on Feb. 7 to support HB 3090 to end the statewide sale of all flavored tobacco products. Products with flavors like Cotton Candy and Orange Soda are clearly marketed to kids, and ending the sale of flavored tobacco products will protect their health and prevent them from becoming lifelong tobacco users.

What Virtual news conference with HB 3090 sponsors and supporters, including new poll statewide results showing strong support to end to the sale of flavored tobacco products. Sen. Elizabeth Steiner (D-Portland) and Sen. Bill Hansell (R-Athena) are Chief Sponsors, but are unable to attend the news conference.

Chief Sponsor is Rep. Lisa Reynolds, MD (D-Northeast Washington County), Rep. Hai Pham, DMD (D-South Hillsboro, West Beaverton), is Co-Chief Sponsor, Rep. Mark Gamba (D-Milwaukie), Co-Sponsor Iden Campbell, Policy & Research Justice Mgr, Coalition of Community Health Clinics. Emcee will be Christina Bodamer, American Heart Association

When Tuesday, Feb. 7, 9:30 – 10 a.m.

Where Register for Zoom event: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsdOmtqDgvGdCxsJDnuQx5_u_twN6wXvA8

For too long, the tobacco industry has targeted youth, especially kids of color, with flavored tobacco products, all to hook new customers. Flavors like Cotton Candy, Orange Soda and Watermelon Ice clearly target kids, and these appealing products serve as an on-ramp to nicotine addiction and prolonged tobacco use. The evidence is clear: Flavors Hook Oregon Kids.

• The 2022 National Youth Tobacco Survey showed:
• More than 2.5 million middle and high school students use e-cigarettes
• 85% of youth e-cigarette users report using flavored products
• 81% of kids who’ve used tobacco started with a flavored product.*
• Each year, 5,000 Oregon kids will try their first cigarette.*
• 11.9% of Oregon 11th graders are current e-cigarette users.*

• Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Oregon, killing over 8,000 Oregonians a year.* The tobacco industry has a 60+ year history of predatory marketing of menthol and other flavors to communities of color and the tactics worked:
• Menthol-flavored cigarettes, which are more addictive and harder to quit, are used by 85% of Black smokers (12 and older) compared to 29% of white smokers.*  Ending the sale of flavored tobacco will stop the predatory marketing of these addictive products that are especially targeted to youth and people of color.

Strong support for ending sales of all flavored tobacco products A January 2023 statewide poll shows that 62% of Oregon residents support ending the sale of flavored tobacco products. The poll was conducted by FM3 of 800 Oregon voters between Jan. 18-21, 2023. This figure is similar to other recent Oregon polling results. While Oregon’s two most populous counties have approved ordinances ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, having the Oregon Legislature approve this bill will protect kids’ health statewide.

*Sources: JAMA, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, Oregon Health Authority, Oxford Academic.

About Flavors Hook Oregon Kids
Flavors Hook Oregon Kids is a statewide coalition of over 50 diverse organizations focused on ending the sale of flavored tobacco products. The coalition includes the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Lung Association, Kaiser Permanente and community-based organizations cross the state

ODOT Urges Drivers To Be Watchful Of Seasonal Wildlife Migration

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) says they document an average of more than 6,000 vehicle collisions with deer and elk each year. And, they say the actual number of collisions is likely higher, as many are not reported if there is minimal damage or no human injuries.

The encounters frequently lead to damaged vehicles triggering expensive repair costs, and often the collisions can cause human injuries and even death. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports 24 people in Oregon died in vehicle collisions with animals between 2011 and 2020.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) and ODOT are urging Oregonians to Watch out for Wildlife this time of year and follow these tips:

• Be careful when driving in areas that have special signs indicating the possible presence of wildlife. These signs are posted for a reason.

• Be alert in areas with dense vegetation along the road or while going around curves. Wildlife near the road may not be visible.

• If you see one animal, stay alert. There may be others nearby.

• If you see wildlife on or near the road, slow down and stay in your lane. Many serious crashes are the result of drivers losing control as they swerve to avoid wildlife.

The same advice applies for smaller wildlife like raccoons; try to stay in your lane and do not swerve for these animals. They are less dangerous to vehicles than big game animals and maintaining control of your vehicle is most important.

• Always wear your seat belt. Even a minor collision could result in serious injuries.

ODFW, ODOT and partner organizations are working to reduce the risk of vehicle-wildlife collisions by building wildlife crossings. The crossings allow wildlife to safely follow their migration patterns over or under a road. Data shows wildlife crossings on Hwy 97 near Sunriver have reduced vehicle-wildlife collisions by nearly 90 percent.

The bipartisan infrastructure bill passed by Congress in 2021 is providing $350 million in competitive grants to the states for wildlife crossings and other mitigation. ODFW, ODOT and other partners will be working to secure grants for projects.

Oregon drivers can also show their support by purchasing a Watch for Wildlife license plate. The revenue generated from license plate sales will benefit projects that help wildlife move within their range and between habitat patches. Originally developed by the Oregon Wildlife Foundation, the license plate is now available at the DMV.

The Central Oregon Coast is experiencing its seasonal cold weather. Although the weather slows down our daily commute, we are not nearly as affected as wildlife, specifically elk and deer.

Natural food sources are lean in the upper elevations in the coast range during the winter as snow falls, covering the ground. This time of year with snow accumulation in the coast range and freezing temperatures periodically down to sea level, elk and deer may move to even lower elevations to find adequate food.

These additional movements often mean that the animals are crossing major roads both day and night which creates hazards to motorists. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like motorists and spectators to be mindful of the animal movements. If you see one deer cross in front of you, chances are there is another one behind.

Please take into account that the animals are often stressed due to additional migration in search of food. When spectating please keep a minimum distance of 100 yards from wildlife. If the animals begin to move from your presence, don’t follow them. Oregon Revised Statute 498.006 does protect the chasing or harassing of wildlife.

Linn County Sheriff’s Detectives seek public’s help with a suspicious death investigation

On December 9, 2022, Linn County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a body located in northern Millersburg. With assistance of the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s Office the body was confirmed to be Richard Champion, who was reported missing to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in September. Detectives are continuing to investigate the death of Mr. Champion as suspicious. 

If you have any information regarding Richard Champion, contact Det. Van Horn @ (503) 584-6211 / n@co.marion.or.us“>jvanhorn@co.marion.or.us. You can also submit information to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office by texting your tip to TIPMCSO(847411). 

$1 Million Powerball Ticket Sold in Beaverton as Jackpot Reaches $747 Million

Salem, Ore. –  Oregon is home to another $1 million Powerball winner thanks to a ticket purchased in Beaverton on February 4, 2023. A $100,000 winner was also purchased in Cottage Grove on February 3, 2023. The Powerball jackpot is an estimated $747 million for Monday’s drawing, making it the fifth-largest Powerball jackpot in history.

Since the Powerball jackpot run up began on November 21, 2022, the Oregon Lottery has sold about $15 million in tickets. Approximately a third of those sales will be returned to state beneficiaries to support economic development, education, veteran services, state parks and more. 

Retailers who sell lottery tickets also earn commissions from the boost in ticket sales and bonus payments for lower tier wins. In this case, the retailer who sold the $1 million ticket earned a $10,000 bonus. 

Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The largest prize won in Oregon was a $340 million jackpot in 2005. 

The Oregon Lottery recommends that you always sign the back of your ticket to ensure you can claim your prize. In the event of winning a jackpot, players should consult with a trusted financial planner or similar professional to develop a plan for their winnings. Players have a year to claim their prize. 

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $15 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery visit www.oregonlottery.org. 

BLM waives day use fees in observance of Washington’s Birthday

— In honor of George Washington’s birthday and to increase recreational access to public land, the Bureau of Land Management is waiving recreation standard amenity and day-use fees for visitors on Feb. 20, 2023. The BLM invites the public to visit the unique and diverse natural landscapes and visitor facilities on BLM-managed lands to celebrate the life of the first U.S. President George Washington.

This marks the second of the BLM’s fee-free days of 2023. Fee-free days refer to the waiver of standard amenity fees and day-use fees, such as visitor centers, picnic/day use areas, and National Conservation Lands units where fees are charged. Expanded amenity fees and other fees, like group day use, overnight camping, cabin rentals, and individual special recreation permits, will remain in effect unless the authorized officer determines it is appropriate to waive them.

BLM’s public lands offer spectacular beauty in the colder months. Find a map of BLM’s top recreation locations in the snow, rain, or ice here:
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/766c58075f574db2b52f3d2e13b75bb8

Winter recreation on public lands

Be prepared:

• Know before you go. Check with local offices for current conditions, including closures and travel restrictions.
• Make sure tires have adequate traction for road conditions.
• Ensure that a friend or family member is aware of your adventure plans.
• Ensure you have the 10 essentials before venturing out: navigation tools (map, GPS, personal locator beacon), headlamp, sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen, especially against snow glare!), first aid kit, knife/gear repair kit, fire essentials (fire starter, matches, lighter, etc.), shelter (i.e., an emergency blanket that folds up extremely small), extra food, extra water (beyond the minimum expectation), and extra clothes (layer up!).

Recommendations on where to go with snow (NOTE: these locations may or may not have fees): 

• Burns: Steens Mountain offers an array of winter recreation opportunities, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing. Individual permits must be obtained through the Burns District Office.
• Lakeview: Gerber Recreation Site is popular for ice fishing and open year-round for camping. The paved roads are not plowed but remain clear of snow most winters. Wood River Wetland offers hiking, dog walking, bird watching, hunting, and (when there’s enough snow) snowshoeing. Be aware that the parking area is not plowed in the winter, so parking is not always available.
• Medford: Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are available at the Cascade Siskiyou National Monument and Table Mountain Winter Play Area.
• Washington State: Split Rock Recreation Site at Palmer Lake offers ice fishing (or regular fishing if there is no ice). Visitors can also hike on the Similkameen Rail Trail from Oroville to the Enloe Dam or on the Cowiche Canyon Trail (where there is usually little to no snow). The Yakima River Canyon Recreation Site is a great location for winter camping. If winter is mild, the Juniper Dunes Off-Highway Vehicle Area is a good option for recreation, and if the winter is cold, the Fishtrap Recreation Area offers ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

Recommendations on where to go with little to no snow (NOTE: these locations may or may not have fees):  

• Northwest Oregon: The West Eugene Wetlands offer disc golf, the Sandy Ridge Trail System offers mountain biking, Shotgun Creek Recreation Site is open to off-highway vehicles, and the Wildwood Recreation Site has an underwater salmon viewing chamber.
• Medford: Sites such as the Upper and Lower Table Rocks, Cathedral Hills, and Mountain of the Rogue offer winter hiking and tend to be free of snow.

In 2023, BLM will waive recreation standard amenity and day use fees for visitors on: 

• January 16 (Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.)
• February 20 (Washington’s Birthday)
• June 19 (Juneteenth National Independence Day)
• August 4 (Great American Outdoors Day)
• September 23 (National Public Lands Day)
• November 11 (Veterans Day)

For more information about the BLM’s recreation fee program, please visit https: //www.blm.gov/programs/recreation/permits-and-fees.

-BLM- The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

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.