Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 1/22 – We Love Downtown Astoria Photography Contest is Back, Construction of New Lincoln County Commons in Newport To Begin This Year & Other Local and Statewide News…

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

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Small Craft Advisory Issued: 3:34 AM Jan. 22, 2025 – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 4 PM PST THURSDAY...

* WHAT...North winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25 kt and seas 5 to 8 ft at 7 seconds expected.

* WHERE...South of Coos Bay, mainly beyond 5 nm from shore but including the near shore waters around Cape Blanco and Gold Beach. North of Coos Bay, areas beyond 25 NM.

* WHEN...From 1 PM Wednesday to 4 PM PST Thursday.

* 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
https://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/oregon.php

Astoria Downtown Historic District Association (ADHDA) – Our 2nd annual We Love Downtown Astoria Photography Contest is back!

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Submit your photos online at: https://www.astoriadowntown.com/welovedowntownastoria/The contest runs until February 23rd.

Construction of New Lincoln County Commons in Newport To Begin This Year

County Administrator Tim Johnson spoke about this project at the January 8 meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. Because construction is expected to interfere with this year’s Lincoln County Fair, which is traditionally held at that site over the Fourth of July weekend, Johnson was joined by Heather Tower, fair manager and 4-H program coordinator for Lincoln County. She addressed plans for accommodating many of the usual fair activities at “satellite” locations.

“Progress is going forward,” Johnson said regarding the construction project. Currently, the old lighting is being removed from the fair buildings slated for demolition. This doesn’t include the ag building, which has already been rebuilt. “We will be bringing a contract to you for demolition of some of the buildings … within the next 60 days,” he said.

Following that, they will be seeking requests for proposals “for the selection of an architect, design engineers, to get these building up and going, and then we’ll be moving forward with it,” Johnson said. “We are expecting that the 2025 fair will be interrupted due to the subsequent construction. The fair board understands that and has been looking at opportunities to relocate activities of the fair.”

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Event by The City of Newport Parks and Recreation 225 SE Avery St, Newport, OR, United States, Oregon 97365 Tickets : secure.rec1.com/OR/newport-or/catalog

Join Keith Barnes, local Lincoln County Veteran Service Officer, to learn about what sort of benefits are available for veterans and their family members, including surviving spouses. Whether you or your loved one served just one enlistment or served until retirement, this talk is for everyone.

Even if you are familiar with VA benefits, there may be a chance to learn something new as well as meet other veterans. Food available! The lecture starts at 6pm, but doors open at 5:30 for anyone who wants to order dinner delivered from Siren’s Lure Teahouse and Bakery. You will be able to add your menu choices on during registration.

This presentation is otherwise free to attend if you are not ordering food.

Menu options…
Pesto Chicken on Herb Focaccia w/Minestrone Soup $17Mushroom and Crab Fettuccine. $15
(GF available)Asian Porkchop w/Vegetable Fried Rice. $16
(V & VG available) (GF)Registration is appreciated but not required unless you are ordering food. Register here
https://secure.rec1.com/OR/newport-or/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM0MDg1MDE=

FURA to Receive Quince Street Development Update

The Florence Urban Renewal Agency meets Wednesday to discuss the Quince Street hotel development. Matt Braun of Braun Hospitality will provide an update on financing and the project’s timeline. At the previous meeting, Braun highlighted challenges, including rising construction costs and delays in securing investors.

The project relies on a non-recourse construction loan, with $500,000 in available funds, but limited partner commitments remain verbal. Braun assured the board of his commitment, citing significant personal investment and the project’s community potential. He requested a one-year extension to finalize funding and permitting, emphasizing no additional agency funds are needed. Directors remain concerned about the timeline and economic uncertainty. The meeting will be Wednesday 1/23 at 5:30 at City Hall.

Yachats Begins Negotiating With Construction Firm To Replace Seventh Street Library

MD Architect + Design – The design by MD Architect + Design of Coburg, OR shows what the remodeled and expanded Yachats Library will look like.

After a slight paperwork snag, the city of Yachats is starting negotiations with the low bidder on the long-awaited library rebuilding project.

At the bids unveiling last week, seven firms submitted bids to construct a new library where the original 51-year-old building now stands on West Seventh Street.

Initially, city infrastructure clerk Neal Morphis announced that the apparent low bidder was DSL Builders of Salem with a bid of $1,447,000. The budget for the new library is $1.5 million. DSL constructed the new Yachats fire station, an $8 million project that opened in 2019.

However, when it was discovered that the DSL bid didn’t include a required insurance letter, the nod went to Unitus Services of Ridgefield, Wash. with a bid of $1,530,000.

“We will begin negotiations with them,” Morphis announced Friday.

Notably absent from the seven firms bidding on the project was King West of Salem, which had been working in an advisory capacity on the library project.

Shortly after a builder is under contract, the 51-year-old original building on Seventh Street will be demolished to make way for the new, larger and updated library.

The new facility will offer some 3,600 square feet of books, magazines and DVDs, plus a community meeting room and an area for teenagers and children. The old structure measures 2,400 square feet. (READ MORE)

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office –  · Retired Sheriff John O’Brien Memorial Scholarship application process opens today!

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This scholarship can help Lincoln County youth interested in law enforcement fund their education. Eligibility: Graduates from any high school in Lincoln County with a GPA 3.0 or higher, pursuing further education in Criminal Justice.Value: $2,500Deadline: April 15, 2025Website: https://lincf.org/

The NXTClean Fuels Project In Clatskanie Gets Approval From The Oregon Department Of Environmental Quality 

The NXTClean Fuels project took a significant step forward this month with the approval from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality of a water quality permit.

NXTClean Fuels is proposing a $2.5 billion renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel facility at the Port of Columbia County’s Port Westward Industrial Park in Clatskanie.

NXTClean Fuels, also known as NEXT Renewable Fuels, plans to construct a clean fuels manufacturing facility capable of producing up to 50,000 barrels of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel per day. Renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel are chemically identical to petroleum-based fuels and are a key component of Oregon’s climate plan to reduce carbon emissions.

NXTClean Fuels will use the Port’s deep-water dock to receive feedstock and ship finished product. The project will provide a return on the over $18 million that has been invested by the Port and Columbia County in infrastructure at Port Westward to build out the water intake and discharge systems, make rail improvements and upgrade roads to the industrial site.

The potential economic impact of the project for Columbia County is immense. NXTClean Fuels is expected to create over 2,400 jobs during construction, 240 permanent jobs once operational and contribute $13 million per year in local property taxes. This is more than double what the county’s current highest taxpayer paid in 2024 and will bring much-needed funding for our schools, public safety and other services. NXTClean Fuels has declined the corporate tax incentives available to it, so these funds will have an even greater impact on our community.

Since leasing the 90-acre industrial site from the Port in 2019, NXTClean Fuels has spent over five years navigating Oregon’s rigorous permitting process. The project received state approvals for its removal fill permit and air permit in 2022, and local land use permits in 2024. The approval of the water quality certification concludes the major Oregon state permitting reviews.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is overseeing federal permitting and is expected to publish an Environmental Impact Statement for public review in 2025. The Port recognizes the concerns over a facility of this size but is confident that our state and federal permitting agencies will ensure that any environmental impacts are carefully mitigated.

If approved, the NXTClean Fuels facility will support the transition to cleaner, renewable energy sources and drive long-term economic growth in Columbia County. Sean Clark is the executive director of the Port of Columbia County. (SOURCE)

Port Of Coos Bay Obtains $4M Federal Grant for Rail Overpass Project

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay a nearly $4 million grant from the Railroad Crossing Elimination program to help fund construction of a rail overpass and make additional safety upgrades at an adjacent grade crossing in Reedsport.

The $3.99 million grant will support the design and engineering of the new overpass, which will cross Oregon Highway 38, and add safety features at the adjacent rail crossing.

The Port of Coos Bay plans to construct a ship-to-rail multimodal container facility, called the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port. It will be served by the port’s existing Coos Bay Rail Line, which will be expanded as part of the project. The overpass and safety upgrades are critical to supporting the future port traffic, port officials said in a press release.

“This is an important step in building the foundation for a modern, multimodal transportation hub on the South Coast,” said Melissa Cribbins, executive director of the Pacific Coast Intermodal Port project. (SOURCE)

Cape Lookout moves construction to fall, reopens summer reservations

TILLAMOOK, Oregon— Cape Lookout State Park will move its construction closure to fall 2025, which means summer campground reservations will reopen. 

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The park was slated to close temporarily for construction starting in spring 2025, but the schedule has changed. 

All reservable campsites sites in A, B, C and D loops as well as deluxe cabins and yurts will be reservable online for stays May 31 through the current 6-month reservation window starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Cape Lookout is one of the nine GO Bond projects at Oregon State Parks supported through Oregon-issued general obligation bonds approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021.

Originally, the project included moving camp loops A & B to higher ground and away from encroaching seawater, but unexpected geological and safety concerns prevented the move. Now the work will focus on extending the life of the existing infrastructure and slated to include: 

  • Reinforcing the existing dune to prevent seawater from entering the camp loops
  • Upgrading electrical and water systems in C and D loops
  • Day use improvements
  • Replacing campground restroom/shower building

The work is scheduled to begin in fall of 2025 and extend into spring or summer 2026. The campground and day-use area will be closed during construction. 

We encourage visitors to monitor Oregon State Park website for up-to-date information about the Cape Lookout State Park GO Bond project and campground closures.

For more detailed information about the project visit the park construction web page.

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

Look what’s coming up soon at the Club…Bingo night, a Lunar New Year potluck (sign up at glenedenbeach.org) and education night with the Oregon Coast Therapy dogs.

Sunday, February 2, 8-11am Pancake Breakfast & Shirt Sale

On the menu: scrambled eggs, sausage or ham, orange juice, all-you-can-eat pancakes, and hot beverages. $10 adults, $6 kids ages 6-12; under 6, free. Gleneden Beach sweatshirts available in multiple styles. Cash or credit card. Gleneden Beach Community Hall, 110 Azalea St. —- More events to come as space on the board allows, so keep watch! https://www.facebook.com/GlenedenBeachCC

🦀 Join Us for the Yachats Lions Club All-You-Can-Eat Crab Feed! 

Bring your appetite and friends for a feast like no other! Our annual Crab Feed is back, offering a delicious meal and a wonderful community gathering.📆 Saturday, January 25, 2025

⏰ Seating Times:12:30 PM @ Yachats Lions Hall
4:00 PM @ Yachats Lions Hall
4:00 PM @ Yachats Commons (Groups of 6+ only)📍 Locations:
Yachats Lions Hall (344 W 4th St, Yachats, OR 97498)
Yachats Commons (4:00 PM seating for groups)✨ What to Expect:
All-You-Can-Eat Dungeness Crab: Fresh and delicious, straight from local waters.
Tasty Sides: Baked beans, coleslaw, fresh bread, and soda included!
Great Atmosphere: A fun and lively event for crab lovers of all ages.
🎟️ Tickets: $45 per person. Seating is limited (100 at each Lions Hall seating; 140 at Yachats Commons), so reserve your spot early!📲 Reserve Your Spot: Visit yachatslionsclub.org/shop.

Big Blue Film Festival (BBFF) returns January 24 & 25, 2025!

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The BBFF showcases ocean-themed films at the confluence of marine sciences, humanities, and the arts. Over 200 films were submitted by filmmakers from 55 countries. In the end, 34 films were selected and will be shown at Hatfield’s Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building and the Newport Performing Arts Center. Learn more about the festival, the films, or purchase passes at coastarts.org/events/big-blue-25

The Oregon Coast Aquarium New Tufted Puffin Oregon License Plates on Sale

One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.

The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the
aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins.

Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut🌊📷: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke

Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.

The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s
rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with
hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

EVCNB

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Do you need a GoBag or GoBag supplies? Purchase supplies on the website and pick up items at the Pop-Up Shop. Pick up January 11, from 1:00-1:30 PM at the Manzanita Police Station — https://evcnb.org/events-and-training/gobag-popup-01112025

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Oregon and Washington January 6 Rioters Walk Free After Trump Pardons

President Donald Trump granted clemency to roughly 1,600 people charged in connection with the attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021.

They assaulted cops and tried to overturn an election. What to know about Trump's mass pardons for January 6 rioters - 6abc Philadelphia

Two men from the Pacific Northwest serving prison sentences for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot have been released from federal custody, less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump granted clemency to roughly 1,600 people charged in connection with the attack on the Capitol.

Reed Christensen walked out of the federal detention facility in Forrest City, Arkansas early Tuesday morning, according to his lawyer. The Hillsboro man thanked President Trump as “a politician who keeps his word” in a statement provided through his lawyer.

Christensen was serving a 46-month sentence after being convicted by a federal jury in September 2023 of one felony and seven misdemeanors, including civil disorder, and three misdemeanor counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers.

Prosecutors claimed the 66-year-old was pepper sprayed after he breached a barrier of bike racks set up to prevent rioters from moving closer to the Capitol building. After receiving aid from police, prosecutors claim Christensen charged through the perimeter and struggled with officers.

Christensen, a U.S. Army veteran and former Intel employee, ran for Oregon governor in the 2022 Republican primary.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons also confirmed that Benjamin Silva of Yacolt, Washington was released on Monday after being pardoned by President Trump. The 37-year-old had been serving four months in federal prison in Lompoc, California.

Silva pleaded guilty in September 2024 to a felony charge of obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder. Federal prosecutors claimed Silva was part of a group of rioters who participated in a “heave-ho” push against a line of police inside a tunnel entrance to the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021.

Several other Jan. 6 defendants from Oregon will avoid prison time thanks to President Trump’s pardons.

Last week, a federal judge sentenced Andy Steven Oliva-Lopez to 51 months in prison after the Milwaukie, Oregon man pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers.

Federal prosecutors claimed the 37-year-old wore a full-face respirator mask when he sprayed orange bear spray at the faces and heads of police officers outside the Capitol building.

A pair of brothers from Pendleton were also pardoned. Jonathan Peter Klein was supposed to serve nine months in federal prison after pleading guilty to assaulting law enforcement and other offenses. His brother Matthew Klein of Pendleton was sentenced to 90 days in prison for felony and misdemeanor charges.

Their pardons will prevent them from having to serve any time behind bars for their role in the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. (SOURCE)

UPDATE: Two Oregon Residents Were Arrested for Impersonating Firefighters at the Palisades Fire 

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞: 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐬

We are aware of the recent arrest of two individuals in Southern California for impersonating firefighters at the #LAFires.

We encourage community members to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement or fire officials immediately. Your vigilance helps protect the safety of our communities and the reputation of fire service professionals.

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A man and a woman from Oregon were arrested over the weekend for reportedly impersonating firefighters as they attempted to enter a Palisades Fire evacuation zone in what appeared to be a legitimate fire engine, officials announced Sunday.

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau investigators were contacted regarding an arrest of two suspects for impersonation of firefighters. An LAPD patrol unit was driving through the Palisades Fire area with fire personnel and observed a fire truck that did not appear to be legitimate. They relayed the information, and Sheriff’s deputies contacted the individuals in the fire truck as they attempted to enter an evacuation zone.

Upon contacting the two occupants of the truck, deputies noticed they were both wearing turnout gear. The occupants claimed to be from “Roaring River Fire Department” in Oregon. Upon further investigation, the deputies learned that the department name was not a legitimate agency, and the truck was purchased at an auction.

The two occupants were wearing CAL-Fire t-shirts under the turnout gear, helmet, and radios.The two admitted to being in the evacuation zone on Friday, January 17, 2025.

Deputies arrested Dustin Nehl, 31, and Jennifer Nehl, 44, for Impersonating a Firefighter and Entering an evacuation zone, and the truck was impounded. Suspect Dustin Nehl has a criminal history in Oregon for criminal mischief and arson. Neither have a criminal history in California.

Authorities did not provide a motive for why the man and woman were attempting to enter the evacuation zone allegedly posing as firefighters or if they were facing any charges in addition “impersonating firefighters.”

Investigators will be presenting the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration on Tuesday. Attached are photographs of the vehicle and gear recovered.Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7893. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Woodburn Gas Station Hid High Prices – Charging Customers $6.70 per gallon

Drivers in Oregon feel scammed after visiting the gas station pumps at an ARCO in Woodburn and learning the store was charging double the state average for filling up their tanks. Now, there are a relatively widespread number of complaints

Most people know which stations near them have cheap gas prices. This is the case because they become familiar with the signs and perhaps pass by them often. However, according to KOIN News, an ARCO fuel station in Oregon hid its prices from buyers. However, once using the gas station pumps, the drivers learned that the store was charging far more than they expected.

One driver, Jay Harries, had this to say about the lack of cheap gas prices, “You know, ARCO, historically, has reasonable prices — I assumed it would be a reasonable price.” He went on to say that he planned to spend $30 on fuel and only being able to get four gallons caught him off guard. Jay continued, “I was shocked, you know, honestly, and a little bit befuddled. And I felt like I had been kind off ripped off.”

Specifically, the ARCO station was charging customers $6.70 per gallon. As for why the drivers feel ripped off, they say this station, which usually has cheap gas prices, had the signs covered up. However, they do admit that the station displayed the prices at the pumps. Still, the store’s reputation caused many to begin fueling with the assumption that they weren’t charging double the state’s average.

So far, there have been about 234 complaints to the Oregon Department of Justice from people who were looking for cheap gas prices. The Better Business Bureau has so far received 14 complaints, 12 of which they rejected. (SOURCE)

Providence Strike Continues

Despite negotiations currently underway, the ONA healthcare workers strike at multiple Providence locations across the state is now on day 13 with both sides continuing to blame the other.

The hospital system and 5,000 union represented frontline healthcare workers have returned to the bargaining table through federal mediators.

However, the union claims Providence is not taking negotiations seriously, offering what they call regressive proposals to supposedly punish caregivers for exercising their right to strike.

5,000 frontline caregivers from eight hospitals and six clinics across Oregon went on strike for reasons beyond fair compensation, but a systemic crisis affecting patient care, staffing safety, health insurance benefits, and healthcare delivery. At the core of negotiation will be key issues that include:

  • Resolution of systemic unsafe staffing issues documented across facilities
  • Addressing health insurance and benefits disparities
  • Implementation of necessary patient safety measures
  • Market-competitive wages that will attract and retain skilled healthcare professionals.

A reminder to patients from doctors, nurses and caregivers: If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Providence executives’ refusal to continue meeting with caregivers has forced us onto the picket line to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you’ve received the care you need. Community members can visit www.OregonRN.org/PatientsBeforeProfits to sign a petition to support frontline healthcare workers, get updates and find out how else they can help.

First Winning Powerball Jackpot of the Year Sold in Oregon

A Powerball ticket sold in Beaverton is worth $328.5 million.

The first Powerball jackpot of 2025, worth $328.5 million, was sold in Beaverton. The ticket for Saturday’s drawing was purchased on January 17 in the 97006 zip code.

The winner has a year to come forward and claim their prize. Once a claimant comes forward, it will take time before a winner can be identified due to security and payment processes.

Per state law, players in Oregon, with few exceptions, cannot remain anonymous. The largest Powerball prize previously won in Oregon was last year’s $1.3 billion jackpot split between a Portland man, his wife, and friend.

Approximately a third of sales from the game 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. For instance, an Oregon retailer who sells a $1 million ticket would earn a $10,000 bonus. The location of the retailer where the current ticket was sold will not be revealed until a winner has come forward due to security protocols.

The Powerball jackpot was last won in December when a ticket sold in New York that was worth $256 million. Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

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.

Since the Oregon Lottery began selling tickets on April 25, 1985, it has earned nearly $16.5 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.

Columbia County Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Wire Fraud Conspiracy and Illegally Dispensing Animal Drugs

A Columbia County, Oregon woman was sentenced to federal prison Thursday for her role in a conspiracy to defraud customers seeking to adopt pets and illegally dispensing prescription animal drugs without a lawful order of a veterinarian.

Samantha Miller, 55, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. The sum of restitution Miller must pay to her victims will be determined at a later date.

“Today’s sentence should make it clear to others engaged in unconscionable conduct that it will not be tolerated and they will be held responsible for their crimes,” said Hannah Horsley, Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit for the District of Oregon.

“The FDA regulates animal drugs as part of its mission to protect the public health, which includes ensuring that prescription animal drugs are lawfully obtained, distributed, and dispensed,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Los Angeles Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice those who criminally attempt to evade the law.”

According to court documents, between November 2019 and January 2021, Miller and her co-conspirators, through their animal rescue business Woofin Palooza, LLC, conspired to obtain animals with health and behavioral problems from out-of-state shelters at no cost to offer for adoption to paying customers in Oregon. Once animals were transported to Portland, Miller did not provide the care needed by these animals through a licensed veterinarian. Instead, their medical issues were either ignored or Miller attempted to treat the animals herself by administering prescription animal drugs without supervision of a veterinarian.

As part of the scheme, Miller used the alias “Mandy Myers” to hide her true identity. Miller advertised animals for adoption on Woofin Palooza and Petfinder websites with misleading or false statements of the known medical and behavioral issues. When victims adopted a pet, Miller misrepresented the extent of health and behavioral issues in communications and contracts with the victims. In some instances, Miller dispensed prescription animal drugs to victims that she had repackaged with false or misleading labels and without the order of a licensed veterinarian. As a result, victims unknowingly adopted unhealthy and aggressive animals and were forced to seek veterinary care and training, including euthanasia, often incurring significant expenses.

On February 7, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 4-count superseding indictment charging Miller with conspiring to commit wire fraud, conspiring to misbrand drugs, and misbranding animal drugs by dispensing them without a lawful order of a veterinarian and by repackaging and relabeling them.

On October 24, 2024, Miller pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and misbranding drugs by dispensing prescription animal drugs without a lawful order of a veterinarian.

This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Robert S. Trisotto and Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the District of Oregon.

Over $1.4 million is coming to Oregon, in order to help homeless veterans secure affordable housing.

Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden made the announcement of $1,449,067 in funding on Tuesday. As the funding will come from federal housing assistance.

“These federal housing vouchers will help homeless veterans across Oregon, helping us deliver on the promise of necessary resources and support for those men and women who wore the uniform.” said Senator Merkley.

The federal investment from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program will be distributed as follows:

  • Housing Authority of Washington County: $615,090
  • Housing Authority of Clackamas County: $321,675
  • Housing Authority of the City of Salem: $233,001
  • Northwest Oregon Housing Authority: $103,535
  • Marion County Housing Authority: $57,656
  • Housing and Urban Renewal Agency of Polk County: $39,660
  • Central Oregon Regional Housing Authority: $39,234
  • Housing Authority of Lincoln County: $39,216

“Too many of these heroes struggle to find affordable housing in Oregon, and I’ll keep fighting to deliver critical resources to help ease the burden on veterans searching for a place to call home.”

Oregon joins lawsuit over Trump attempt to end birthright citizenship

Washington, Arizona and Illinois are also part of the case, while other Democratic states filed a separate lawsuit

Oregon joined Washington, Arizona and Illinois on Tuesday in suing President Donald Trump and several cabinet officials over his attempt to withhold citizenship from babies born in the United States to immigrants.

For more than 150 years, the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution has guaranteed that all people born in the country are citizens.

Hours after he took office on Monday, Trump signed an executive order to reinterpret that amendment to exclude from citizenship any children born to undocumented immigrants or to people who are legally in the country on a temporary basis, such as with a student, work or tourist visa.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield Trump’s attempt to “sidestep” the Fourteenth Amendment a “clear violation of the United States Constitution.”

“If allowed to stand, this order would break decades of established law that has helped keep kids healthy and safe,” said Rayfield. “While the President has every right to issue executive orders during his time in office, that power does not extend to instituting policies that infringe on our constitutional rights.”

Rayfield, a Democrat elected in November, signed onto a lawsuit led by newly elected Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and filed in the U.S. District Court in Western Washington. The Democratic attorneys general of Arizona and Illinois joined the suit, which requests a temporary restraining order blocking Trump’s executive order from taking effect.

The suit follows a separate, similar complaint filed earlier Tuesday by 18 Democratic states, the District of Columbia and the city and county of San Francisco in federal district court in Massachusetts. California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin were part of that lawsuit.

Both lawsuits argue that Trump’s order will result in tens of thousands of children losing rights and the ability to access services, and that states would lose federal funding they now rely on to provide essential services including foster care and basic health care for low-income children.

Fourteenth Amendment — In Oregon, for instance, about 2,500 children were born in 2022 to mothers who lacked legal status, and about 1,500 of those children were born to parents who both lacked legal status, the lawsuit said. Those children would remain citizens under Trump’s order, which isn’t retroactive, but babies born after Feb. 19 would not.

“The individuals who are stripped of their United States citizenship will be rendered undocumented, subject to removal or detention, and many will be stateless — that is, citizens of no country at all,” the Western states’ lawsuit said. “They will lose eligibility for myriad federal benefits programs. They will lose their right to travel freely and re-enter the United States. They will lose their ability to obtain a Social Security number (SSN) and work lawfully. They will lose their right to vote, serve on juries, and run for certain offices. And they will be placed into lifelong positions of instability and insecurity as part of a new underclass in the United States.”

Much of the 85-page court filing describes the history and precedent of the Fourteenth Amendment, one of the three Reconstruction amendments passed in the wake of the Civil War to expand voting rights and citizenship to formerly enslaved people. The Fourteenth Amendment spells out that anyone born or naturalized and subject to its jurisdiction — i.e. not the child of a foreign diplomat or an enemy combatant —  in the U.S. is a citizen, with no further action required.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld that interpretation in an 1898 case, United States v. Wong Kim Ark, cited in the lawsuit. It held that Wong, born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrants, was a citizen because he was born in the U.S. and thus could not be barred from returning to the U.S. because the Chinese Exclusion Acts passed by Congress to prevent Chinese laborers from coming to the country could not apply to citizens.

Registering to vote — The suit also notes that a U.S. birth certificate has long been considered adequate proof of citizenship for the Social Security Administration and for state-run voter registration.

Arizona, one of the plaintiffs, is the only state in the country that requires proof of citizenship to register to vote in state elections — all others follow the federal requirement that potential voters swear under penalty of perjury that they’re citizens. If being born in the U.S. is no longer a guarantee of citizenship, the state would need to develop a new and more complex set of procedures to determine which voters are eligible, the lawsuit said.

Oregon’s automatic voter registration system, likewise, uses birth certificates as proof of citizenship. If someone brings a U.S. birth certificate to Driver and Motor Vehicle Services to apply for a driver’s license or state-issued ID, state workers send their information to the Secretary of State’s Office to register that person to vote.

The states also argued that stripping citizenship from newborn babies would place a financial burden on states. The federal government covers much of the cost of health care for low-income children who are citizens through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. But the states that sued pick up costs for all or some health care for undocumented children who would be eligible for Medicaid if they were citizens.

In Oregon, for instance, the Oregon Health Plan covers all children and teens younger than 19 and whose families earn up to about three times the federal poverty level, regardless of immigration status. If thousands of children are blocked from citizenship, the state’s costs would increase.

The states also anticipate losing federal funding for foster care and spending more to train health care workers to collect citizenship information from parents at a child’s birth, the lawsuit says.

Rayfield has joined other lawsuits, including intervening last week in suits seeking to preserve federal gun regulations and health insurance for children of undocumented immigrants. Gov. Tina Kotek has requested that the Oregon Legislature increase his office’s budget by $2 million in anticipation of more federal litigation against Trump policies.  (SOURCE)

Oregonians looking to renew their vehicle registration and get new tags can now do so at a handful of Fred Meyer stores around the state

The self-service express kiosks from Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services are designed to give Oregonians another way to renew their registration besides at a DMV office, online or by mail, according to a news release.

The kiosks are located in Fred Meyer locations in Salem and Eugene as well as in Beaverton, Bend, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Medford, Oak Grove and Tualatin. A location in Portland is coming soon and the DMV said it plans to offer more kiosks around the state in the future.

https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2MrLwl_0yHoapM700

In Salem, the kiosk is at the Fred Meyer located at 3740 Market St. NE and allows users to pay by cash, credit or debit card. In Eugene, it’s located at the Fred Meyer at 3333 W 11th Ave. and will only allow payment via debit or credit card.

“We see these kiosks as a way to improve customer service, access and equity,” DMV administrator Amy Joyce said in the news release. “This program is the latest effort aimed at improving the DMV experience for our customers.”

The kiosks are ADA-accessible and registration renewal can be completed in English and Spanish. Users will be charged a $4.95 vendor fee for each transaction.

Customers will need to bring identification (license, permit, or ID card), insurance information and registration renewal notice. — Vehicle registration cards and license plate stickers will be printed after the transaction.

Registration Is Now Open For The Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K Run for the Trees

Oregon Parks Forever  —    Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  Registration is now open for the 2025 Run for the Trees at www.orparksforever.org.

Participants can run, walk, hike, skate, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15.

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.

Gather your friends, family and/or colleagues and create your own walk or run. Make it fun!

Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its fifth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include ten other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland and Virginia will “lock arms” as they help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

“We are thrilled to partner with Bob Ross, Inc. and these other ten states on the Happy Little 5K concept as a way to honor the late Bob Ross and create a legacy event to plant trees,” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.”

Oregon Parks Forever joined this event as an expansion of our efforts to fund the replanting of trees killed by wildfires, heat domes and invasive insects.  Over the past three years, Oregon Parks Forever has been able to fund the replanting of more than 800,000 trees across Oregon.

“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.” —  Learn more about the program at  http://www.orparksforever.org

IRS Direct File, Direct File Oregon Will Be Available When Income Tax Return Processing Begins January 27

Salem, OR— Free electronic filing through the combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon will open January 27 when both the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue begin processing e-filed 2024 federal and state income tax returns. Paper-filed return processing will begin in mid-February.

The IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon resident taxpayers preparing their own tax returns in 2025 will have the option to electronically file both their federal and state income tax returns for free by filing directly with the IRS and the state.

Taxpayers are encouraged to use the IRS Eligibility Checker to see if they qualify to file directly with the IRS and the state.

E-filed returns will be processed in the order they are received. However, as in years past, the department won’t be issuing personal income tax refunds until after February 15. A refund hold is part of the department’s tax fraud prevention efforts and allows for confirmation that the amounts claimed on tax returns match what employers and payers report on Forms W-2 and 1099.

E-filing is the fastest way for a taxpayer to get their refund. On average, taxpayers who e-file their returns and request their refund via direct deposit receive their refund two weeks sooner than those who file paper returns and request paper refund checks.

The department reminds taxpayers that taking a few easy steps in the next few weeks can make preparing their 2024 tax return easier in 2025.

Free filing options open January 27 — In addition to IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon, other free filing options will also open January 27. Free guided tax preparation is available from several companies for taxpayers that meet income requirements. Free fillable forms are available for all income levels. Using links from the department’s website ensures that both taxpayers’ federal and state return will be filed for free.

Free and low-cost tax help — Free tax preparation services are available for low- to moderate-income taxpayers through AARP and CASH Oregon. United Way also offers free tax help through their MyFreeTaxes program. Visit the Department of Revenue website to take advantage of the software and free offers and get more information about free tax preparation services.

Voluntary self-identification of race and ethnicity information — New for 2025, Oregon taxpayers and Oregonians can voluntarily provide information about their race and ethnicity on Form OR-VSI when they file their 2024 taxes. Providing this information may be done separately from a tax return through Revenue Online. The information will be confidential. It can only be used for research purposes to analyze potential inequities in tax policy. The new option is a result of Senate Bill 1 in 2023.

Use Revenue Online to verify payments — Taxpayers can verify their estimated payments through their Revenue Online account.

Through Revenue Online, individuals can also view letters sent to them by the department, initiate appeals, make payments, and submit questions. Visit Revenue Online on the Revenue website to learn more.

Those who don’t have a Revenue Online account can sign up on the agency’s website.

To check the status of their refund after February 15, or make payments, taxpayers can visit Revenue’s website. You can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), we accept all relay calls.

Department Of Revenue Volunteers Will Help Taxpayers Use Direct File Oregon To E-file Their Taxes For Free At Libraries Across The State

Salem, OR—Oregonians looking for assistance in electronically filing their taxes for free, could find help as close as their local library this tax season.

Volunteers from the Oregon Department of Revenue will be traveling to libraries in 17 different communities across the state in February, March, and April to assist taxpayers in using the free combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon to complete their returns.

The one-day tax help clinics are planned at libraries in:

BandonNorth Bend
BurnsPrineville
CoquillePendleton
CorneliusRoseburg
The DallesSalem
Klamath FallsSeaside
LebanonSweet Home
McMinnvilleToledo
Tualatin

Dates, times, and addresses for each clinic can be found on the Free Direct File assistance at local libraries webpage.

Last year, more than 140,000 taxpayers in 12 other states filed their federal tax returns using a limited IRS Direct File pilot program while nearly 7,000 Oregon taxpayers filed their state returns using the free, state-only Direct File Oregon option.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced in May that it would make IRS Direct File a permanent option for taxpayers and invited all 50 states to participate. Oregon was the first of 13 new states to accept the invitation from the IRS in June creating a seamless free e-filing system for both federal and state taxes.

With the two direct file systems connected, the IRS estimates that 640,000 Oregon taxpayers will be able to e-file both their federal and state returns for free in 2025.

The department believes that offering free assistance will help maximize the number of Oregonians who choose to use the new free option and make it possible for many who don’t have a filing requirement to file and claim significant federal and state tax credits for low-income families.

For example, the IRS estimates that one in five Oregon taxpayers eligible to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit are not doing so. One Oregon organization estimates that the unclaimed credits have totaled nearly $100 million in recent years.

Taxpayers should use the IRS eligibility checker to see if they’ll be able to use IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon. Eligible taxpayers should set up an IRS online account and an account with Oregon’s Revenue Online before they come to an event. Taxpayers attending an event should bring the following information with them.

Identification documents

  • Social security card or ITIN for everyone on your tax return
  • Government picture ID for taxpayer and spouse if filing jointly (such as driver’s license or passport)

Common income and tax documents

  • Forms W2 (wages from a job)
  • Forms 1099 (other kinds of income)
  • Form SSA-1099 (Social Security Benefits)

Optional documents to download

  • Canceled check or bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
  • Last year’s tax return

Taxpayers can signup for the new “Oregon Tax Tips” direct email newsletter to keep up with information about tax return filing and how to claim helpful tax credits.

You’ll need a Real ID to fly domestically, starting in May of 2025, that’s unless you have a passport or enhanced driver’s license issued by several states.

The deadline is May 7, 2025, but you probably don’t want to wait until the last minute to get your Real ID. You can apply for your Real ID driver’s license or ID card through your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Real IDs are marked with a star on the top of the card. Real IDs will also be needed to access certain federal facilities. Congress mandated the real IDs in 2005 on the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission.

Media contest invites Oregon high school students to promote young worker safety; entries due Feb. 21, 2025

Salem – High school students across Oregon are encouraged to put their video or graphic design skills on display by competing for cash prizes as part of a larger cause: increasing awareness about workplace safety and health for young workers.

The 2025 media contest, organized by the Oregon Young Employee Safety (O[yes]) Coalition, calls on participants to create an ad – through a compelling graphic design or video – that grabs their peers’ attention and convinces them to take the Young Employee Safety Awareness online training.

Participants get to choose the key message, theme, or tagline they believe will go furthest in capturing their audience and moving it to act. The target audience? Teen workers or teens who are preparing to work for the first time. The contest is now open for submissions. To compete, participants may submit either a graphic design or a video that is no more than 90 seconds in length.

Participants are expected to choose their key message, theme, or tagline in a wise and positive manner, including constructive and effective messages and language.

The top three entries in each of the two media categories will take home cash prizes ranging from $300 to $500. In each category, the first-place winner’s school, club, or organization will receive a matching award. Moreover, O[yes] will use the best of the submissions as ads in its ongoing efforts to improve on-the-job safety and health protections for teens.

While they carry out their projects, participants must ensure the health and safety of their team. No one should be endangered while creating their video or graphic design project.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. 

Participants are encouraged to submit entries online. Submissions may also be mailed on a USB thumb drive or delivered in person.

For more information about the entry form and rulescontest expectations, and resources – including previous contest winners  – visit the O[yes] online contest page.

The contest sponsors are local Oregon chapters of the American Society of Safety Professionals, Construction Safety Summit, Central Oregon Safety & Health Association, Hoffman Construction Company, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon OSHA, SafeBuild Alliance, SAIF Corporation, and the Oregon Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Alliance.

### About Oregon OSHA: Oregon OSHA enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit osha.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

About the Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition (O[yes]): (O[yes]) is a nonprofit dedicated to preventing young worker injuries and fatalities. O[yes] members include safety and health professionals, educators, employers, labor and trade associations, and regulators. Visit youngemployeesafety.org.

https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx

Oregon’s Missing Persons

Many times you’ll see postings without case numbers or police contact. There is rarely a nefarious reason why (the nefarious ones are pretty obvious). Usually the loved one tried to call to report their missing person and they are either refused or told to wait a day or two by people who are unaware of SB 351 and the laws that they are bound to when answering the phone. Many people don’t bother calling LE if their loved one is homeless or in transition because they believe LE won’t care. The biggest myth is the 24 hour rule.

In Oregon we don’t have those rules and an officer or person answering the phone is not allowed to decide. The law decides. We have Senate Bill 351 and it states that the police CANNOT refuse a request for any reason and they must begin working on it within 12 hours. The person making the report does not have to be related to missing person either.

Here is SB 351 written by families of the missing here in Oregon in conjunction with Oregon law enforcement officers. This should be common knowledge, please make it this way. https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/…/SB351/Introduced

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com

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