Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 11/13 – Missing Coos County Boy Found Deceased, Update on Waldport Officer Involved Shooting & 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, November 13, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

Active Weather Alerts – National Weather Service

...STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 PM PST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...For the Storm Warning, south winds 35 to 45 kt with gusts up to 55 kt and seas 20 to 25 ft at 16 seconds. For the Hazardous Seas Warning, southwest winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts
up to 40 kt and very steep and hazardous seas 15 to 20 ft at 13 seconds expected.

* WHERE...All areas.

* WHEN...For the Storm Warning, until 10 AM PST Wednesday. For the Hazardous Seas Warning, from 10 AM to 10 PM PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Very strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Visibilities will be significantly reduced.

* View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6h

Information From Coos County Sheriff’s Office – Missing Boy Found Deceased

It is with immense sadness that we have to report that missing Joshua McCoy has been found deceased. Joshua had been missing since the late evening of Saturday, November 9th, 2024. Joshua was reported to North Coos dispatch via third party at 6:27 pm.

At approximately 6:45 PM, first responders arrived on scene. Soon after, it was discovered the child had a cellphone, and a phone-ping of that phone was conducted. The information related to the phone-ping did not provide any fruitful information.

Several Deputies began a search of the property, while investigating the allegations of Joshua being picked up by a known family member which was later found not be factual. An ‘Attempt To Locate’ (ATL) was sent out to all surrounding agencies.

On Sunday, November 10th, deputies continued to search the property and surrounding areas, along with several volunteers from Coos County Search and Rescue including K9 units, ground and Drone operators. A pond on the property was drained and nothing of interest was located.

During Sunday’s search, additional resources were requested from neighboring counties in southern Oregon and northern California. Law enforcement remained on scene until the following crews arrived in the morning to continue the investigation.

At approximately 6:00 AM, on Monday, November 11th, Deputies and SAR volunteers continued the search and rescue operation. Several members of local fire departments arrived to assist in the search. Additional CORSAR assistance was requested for the next day, which consists of search and rescue members from several Counties within Oregon and California.

On Tuesday, November 12th, the search continued with help from our federal partners, local Search and Rescue, along with CORSAR. CORSAR is providing additional Search and Rescue members from California, and from several Counties within Oregon.

Today, around 12:30 PM, Joshua was discovered deceased and found approximately 1.6 miles straight line distance North-West from the child’s residence, and almost 2 miles by road. The investigation is on-going and no additional information will be released at this time.

The areas that have been searched have been very thorough and methodical due to the circumstances behind the disappearance. We have had amazing support from the community in feeding all of these volunteers.

Thank you to the departments and agencies assisting Coos County Sheriff’s Office; Homeland Security, FBI, OSP, NCMEC, Bandon pd, MP pd, Coos Bay PD, Lincoln co. SO, all seven CORSAR counties, Charleston fire, NB fire, coquille fire, Mp fire and ambulance among others.

Update Regarding Officer Involved Shooting — Waldport, Oregon

On Sunday, November 10, 2024, at approximately 7:40pm, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of shots fired from 1015 SE Rolph Court, Waldport, Oregon. Deputy Benjamin Cloud, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, was first on scene and took up an observation position to the south of the residence. While waiting for additional officers to respond, a subject exited the residence with a firearm and was ultimately shot by Deputy Cloud. Deputies immediately rendered medical aid and the subject was transported by ambulance. The subject was pronounced deceased while enroute to Samaritan Pacific Communities Hospital in Newport. 

The deceased has been identified as 38-year-old female Virginia Lee Morris of Waldport, Oregon. Next of kin has been notified. The subject’s firearm was recovered from the scene. No other individuals were harmed during this event.

Pursuant to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office policy, Deputy Cloud has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation into the use of deadly force. Deputy Cloud has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office for 11 years.

The investigation into this incident is being conducted by members of the Lincoln County Major Crime Team with the Lincoln City Police Department assuming the lead investigator role. Assisting in the investigation are detectives from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Newport Police Department, Toledo Police Department and Oregon State Police.

Fatal Crash – HWY 101 – Curry County

– On Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 1:00 a.m., Oregon State Police responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 358, in Curry County.

The preliminary investigation indicated pedestrian, James Lorin Tavel (39) of Brookings, was struck in the northbound lane by Honda CRV, operated by Tiffany Lyne Camp (34) of Brookings. The Honda operator fled the scene and was arrested later by law enforcement.

The pedestrian (Tavel) was declared deceased at the scene.

The Honda operator (Camp) and passenger, Julia Pettigrew (37) of Brookings, were not injured.

The highway was impacted for approximately six hours during the on-scene investigation. The crash is under criminal investigation at this time.

OSP was assisted by the Brookings Fire Department, Brookings Police Department, and ODOT.

# # # About the Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) 
The Oregon State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit (CRU) is a specialized unit responsible for investigating fatal and critical injury collisions on Oregon’s highways. The team provides expertise in the documentation, investigation, and analysis of complex motor vehicle crashes and crime scenes. They receive specialized training in the use of advanced measuring techniques and small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for on-scene investigations. The CRU team includes ACTAR accredited collision reconstructionists and technical collision investigators deployed across the state.

Sandbagging Stations in Lincoln County

Lincoln County residents have access to three self-serve, public sandbagging stations located in Yachats, Newport, and Lincoln City.

If you plan on using the self-serve sandbagging station, remember to bring a shovel. Hours:  Mid-October through mid-April. You can access sand any time of day or night. Community members may gather up to 10 sandbags per household, per season.  Full news releases, flyers, and social posts in English and Spanish are attached.

Arrest Made In Sexual Abuse Of A Minor Case
Lincoln City Police 

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Detectives from Lincoln City Police Department arrested 53-year-old Angela Rose Schafer, of Lincoln City on charges related to the sexual abuse of a minor. 

Detectives began the investigation after the victim came forward and reported the activity to law enforcement. Detectives learned that the suspect, Angela Schafer, was a Lincoln County School District employee who worked at Taft High and Taft Elementary schools. Upon receiving the report, Detectives moved quickly but thoroughly, and as part of their investigation, obtained a search warrant for Schafer’s residence. It is believed that the crimes occurred in January of 2024 and the victim was a student of Taft High School. 

On November 5, 2024, LCPD Detectives served the search warrant on Schafer’s residence and she was arrested from the school. Schafer was subsequently lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following criminal charges: Rape in the third degree, Sexual Abuse in the third degree, Contributing to the Sexual Delinquency of a Minor, and Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor. 

LCPD would like to thank the Lincoln County School District for their full cooperation and assistance with our investigation. 

If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact Detective Bud Lane at 541-994-3636.

Razor Clam Harvest Closure Cascade Head to California Border

– Razor clam harvesting is now closed from Cascade Head to the California border the Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced. Recent razor clam samples indicate levels of domoic acid (a marine biotoxin) are above the safety threshold.

People should always call the Shellfish Safety Hotline at 1-800-448-2474 before heading out to harvest any shellfish or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.

Current harvest closures and openings:

Razor clams:

OPEN from the WA border to Cascade Head.

CLOSED from Cascade Head to the CA border.

Mussels:

OPEN coastwide.

Bay clams:

OPEN coastwide.

Crabs:

OPEN coastwide.

NOTE: sport crabbing in the ocean off the Oregon coast is closed through Nov. 30.

ODA will continue testing for shellfish toxins at least twice per month, as tides and weather permit. Reopening an area closed for biotoxins requires two consecutive tests with results below the closure limit.

For more information call ODA’s shellfish biotoxin hotline at (800) 448-2474, the ODA Food Safety Program at 503- 986-4720, or visit the ODA Recreational Shellfish Biotoxin Closures Webpage.

Contact ODFW for recreational license requirements, permits, rules, and limits. https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2024/10_Oct/102524.asp

Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Looking For Suspect in Sandstone Cliff Vandalism

Officials with the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge are asking for the community’s help identifying the person or persons responsible for vandalizing a rock face recently.

According to the refuge, the names ‘Luke’ and ‘Niko’ were carved deep into a sandstone headland, which is located on public land. The refuge says the rock that was vandalized is on a section of beach between the cities of Gold Beach and Brookings.

Vandalism on public lands is illegal, and penalties include fines and jail time. Anyone with information or
knows who is responsible, is asked to contact the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge by emailing  oregoncoast@fws.gov.

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

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veterans Day Ceremony at Oregon State Capitol Park

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs honored all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces during its Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in view of the Oregon State Capitol Building.

The event featured remarks by dignitaries and special guests along with ceremonial elements including a color guard, singing of the national anthem, a wreath laying and the playing of “Taps.”

The celebration honored Oregon veterans of all eras and was hosted at the Oregon State Capitol State Park located on Court Street Northeast in Salem — directly in front of the main entrance of the Oregon State Capitol Building.

The event was livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/odvavet.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact ODVA at (800) 692-9666 or visit www.oregon.gov/odva.

Oregon National Guard takes part in Veterans Day Events and Celebrations

– The Oregon National Guard participated in various ceremonies and events around the state on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

Brig. Gen. Alan R. Gronewold, The Adjutant General of Oregon, took part in the 73rd Annual Linn County Veterans Day Parade, watching the annual celebration from the Reviewing Stand, in downtown Albany, Oregon. On Nov. 9, Brig. Gronewold attend the Veteran’s Day banquet also held in Albany, for Veterans and members of the Oregon National Guard.

In Salem, Oregon Air National Guard Col. Ryan Barton, Deputy Commander, Oregon Joint Domestic Operations Command, delivered remarks as the Keynote Speaker for the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs 2024 Veterans Day event in Salem, Oregon.  While in Beaverton, Army National Guard Col. Tannis Mittelbach, Director of Logistics for the Oregon Army National Guard served as the Keynote speaker for the Veterans Day Celebration hosted by the American Legion Post 124. 

Groundbreaking Dedication Event for Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Oregon State Capitol- Friday, November 22, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.

The Oregon State Capitol will be the site of the highly anticipated dedication ceremony for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Friday, November 22, at 2:00 p.m. This momentous event will be the formal dedication of Phase 1 of the memorial, which honors the service and sacrifice of Oregon’s Vietnam veterans. The public ceremony will occur at Salem’s Willson Park memorial site on the Capitol grounds, at the corner of State and Cottage Street, with a reception to follow at the nearby Withnell Family YMCA. 

The memorial pays tribute to 710 Oregonians who lost their lives in the Vietnam War, along with the more than 180,000 Oregonians who served in Vietnam and around the world from 1955-1975. The design features 46 black granite columns engraved with the names of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It creates a reflective space for veterans, families, and the public to honor their memory. 

The event will include comments from local veterans, state officials, and Vietnam War Memorial Fund members, who have been instrumental in making this project a reality. The event is hosted by the Oregon Vietnam War Memorial Fund and is supported by a grant of Transient Occupancy Tax from the City of Salem.

The Importance of the Memorial – The Vietnam War remains one of the most challenging and divisive periods in American history. Veterans returning from the conflict were often met with indifference or hostility, making this memorial an overdue recognition of their service. The memorial offers a space for healing and remembrance, honoring both the sacrifices of the fallen and the resilience of those who served. Steve Bates, President and co-founder of the Vietnam War Memorial Fund (VWMF), emphasized the emotional impact of this project. “This is about giving our veterans a place of rest and, for all of us, a place to heal,” Bates said. The memorial will not only commemorate the service of Vietnam veterans but also serve as a reminder of the war’s lasting impact on the state and its people. 

Beyond its role as a place of remembrance, the memorial will also serve as an educational resource when Phase 2 is completed. Phase 2, the Exhibit Phase, aims to help future generations understand the human cost of war and the bravery of those who fought.

For more information, see a virtual tour or donate, visit ocvvm.com. 

About the VWMF: Vietnam War Memorial Fund’s website at www.ocvvm.com. The Vietnam War Memorial Fund is a recognized 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent of applicable tax law. You can donate by sending a check to the Vietnam War Memorial Fund – P O Box 1448 – Boring, Oregon 97009 or by credit card at www.ocvvm.com.

600 teachers and other educational staff in Greater Albany Public Schools went on strike Tuesday morning.

Hundreds of educators in Albany walked out of class Tuesday morning for the first time in nearly 40 years.

About 600 teachers within Greater Albany Public Schools went on strike Tuesday for the first time in nearly 40 years. Teachers and other educational staff in Greater Albany Public Schools went on strike after a mediation session between it and the district ended without an agreement.

“We just don’t feel like they hear us,” said Ken Beiser, a teacher who is also on the union bargaining team. Beiser said the union and the school district bargained until 2 a.m. on Tuesday and did not reach a deal. “There just wasn’t sufficient movement,” Beiser said.

The union and the district have been bargaining for the past nine months and progress has been slow. Beiser said 20 articles of the next 3-year contract are still not settled. In late October, teachers voted overwhelmingly — 92% — to authorize the strike.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Erik Ihde, a social studies teacher at West Albany High School. Teachers and educators are asking for increased safety measures, better pay and smaller class sizes. “I once had a class size of 42,” Ihde said. “Over the last 28 years, we’ve never pushed back like this, and I’ve steadily seen my class size increase to unhealthy numbers.”

The school district canceled class on Tuesday in anticipation of the strike. Some students and band members came to school despite the closure to show support for their teachers.

“The general sentiment among the student body is that the district has been failing us,” said Jerry Wang, a junior at West Albany High School.

In a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Greater Albany Superintendent Andy Gardner pledged to continue working with the teachers union to reach an agreement quickly. He complimented the teachers and acknowledged that they are “so critical to what we do.”

Mediation between the district and the union has been ongoing since Sept. 10, with five full-day sessions. Most of those have run into the evenings, Gardner said.

According to Gardner, the district and union negotiators were very close to an agreement on most major issues late Monday night, but the sticking point came down to class sizes. He said that the union has insisted on hard class size caps, something the district is unable or unwilling to accommodate.

Behind the class size demand are concerns about student behavioral issues, Gardner suggested. While the district has agreed with the union on ways to better address behavior and offered an “improved process” for determining class sizes, he said the district didn’t see how class size caps might help solve behavior problems — calling it “a pretty blunt tool.”

Salary was less of an issue in the negotiations, Gardner said. The district was willing to provide a 15% raise for most educators over three years, and an 18% for top teachers in the district, acknowledging that staff had lost money to inflation over the last several years.

The district will be back at the mediation table Wednesday, Gardner added, in hopes of keeping the strike disruption as brief as possible. In the meantime, district classified staff will return to work, and schools will be open to provide meals for students, serviced by bus routes. Maintenance staff will be working on cleaning and repairs while students are not present.

Gardner thanked the local YMCA for expanding its programs as much as possible to accommodate some families in need of child care. However, he acknowledged that many parents were having to use precious time off or going to other lengths in order to care for children kept home from school. (SOURCE)

A Medford man facing a court arraignment for murder and attempted murder in Central Point is extending his arraignment to next month.

45-year-old William Carl Frombach, Jr., had an arraignment scheduled today in Jackson County Circuit Court for one felony criminal count each of murder, attempt to commit any degree of murder or aggravated murder, assault, animal abuse and felon in possession of a firearm charges.

Jackson County District Attorney’s information accuses Frombach, Jr., of killing Devery Allen Bynam and attempting to kill Elizabeth Hadley last Friday, November 8, 2024.

In court this afternoon, the Court assigned a public defender to Frombach, Jr.’s case, and the public defender’s office requested a continuance of today’s hearing to December 12, 2024, before the murder suspect could enter his plea to the charges.

The Court today took no pleas, and Judge Paul Moser also set no bail for Frombach, Jr., keeping him in jail without bond.

Central Point Police Department (CPPD) said its officers found a dead 42-year-old victim at the 300 block of South 4th Street around 7:30 a.m. Friday, reportedly a gunshot victim.  It said a few minutes later CPPD officers learned of a second shooting in the 500 block of Bush Street, approximately four blocks from the 4th Street scene, where a female victim was located in a vehicle on Bush Street, and she was taken to Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

CPPD said officers from the Medford Police Department, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Oregon State Police located the lone male shooting suspect around 8 a.m. on foot in the 1000 block of North 5th Street in Central Point, where he was taken into custody.

A former Oregon Department of Corrections guard admitted to “killing” his brother in a fatal shooting over the weekend, according to court records that detail what led to the guard’s arrest Saturday in front of the Oregon State Penitentiary.

Alonzo Rowell, 51, of Dallas, is being held at the Polk County Jail on allegations of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, recklessly endangering another person and unlawful use of a weapon.

According to a probable cause affidavit supporting Rowell’s arrest, the former corrections officer fired multiple rounds at a man named Tony Miller, killing him. Miller lived in a camper on property off Monmouth Cutoff Road in Dallas. The property belongs to Tad Bunyard, the court filing states. Authorities confirmed on Tuesday that Miller was Rowell’s brother. He was 54.

Bunyard told police he heard round after round and some bullets “went through the house and into his bedroom, striking near his head as he was lying in bed,” according to the affidavit written by Dallas police Detective Jordan Schrock. 

Rowell arrived at the prison, his former longtime workplace, with “potential intent to harm others,” according to an email that Corey Fhuere, the prison superintendent, sent agency employees Sunday. The prison, Oregon’s oldest, houses about 1,700 people.

Triple your impact: Pacific Power will match your contribution to Oregon Energy Fund 2-for-1

Pacific Power is making it simple to make a difference in communities by helping struggling neighbors stay warm this winter. For every dollar that you donate, Pacific Power will match your donation to the Oregon Energy Fund with $2 more.

Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail will find they include an Oregon Energy Fund contribution envelope in November. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program. To enroll in the fixed donation program, customers can call Pacific Power toll-free at 1-888-221-7070 or Donate to Energy Assistance (pacificpower.net).

This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power.

Donations may be tax-deductible and are forwarded directly to the Oregon Energy Fund, which verifies eligibility and allocates funds to those in need. All funds donated are used to assist families in need within the same county in which the donor resides.

“Pacific Power’s commitment to supporting household stability is bolstered by compassion, collaboration and innovation,” said Brian Allbritton, executive director of the Oregon Energy Fund.

“Studies have shown that more than a quarter of Oregonians struggle to pay their bills each year,” said Albritton. “From Oregon Energy Fund’s start in 1989, Pacific Power has been an important partner in bringing emergency bill payment assistance to thousands of vulnerable Oregonians, helping make them healthy and safe while keeping their lights on.”

Last year, donations from Pacific Power’s customers, employees and the company helped 2,995 individuals in need throughout Oregon, including 1,482 adults, 503 seniors, 464 people with disabilities and 1,010 children. This year, Pacific Power will match up to $144,000 in donations.

Customers who need bill assistance can speak with Pacific Power representatives at 1-888-221-7070 who can help with payment plans that work for their individual needs, while directing them to agencies that may be able to help. https://www.pacificpower.net/about/newsroom/news-releases/2024-Oregon-Energy-Fund.html#:~:text=PORTLAND%2C%20Ore.,Energy%20Fund%20with%20%242%20more.

Oregon begins rollout of new housing benefits for eligible OHP members with health conditions

SALEM, Ore. – Starting today, Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members with specific health conditions may qualify for new, first-in-the-nation benefits to keep their current housing and access other housing services.

The housing benefits include rent assistance for up to six months, utility set-up and payments for up to six months, home modifications and upgrades for health or safety reasons (e.g., grab bars, ramp installation, pest control), and rental navigation services. Unlike other state and local prevention services, eligible members can request these benefits ahead of receiving an eviction notice.

Not all OHP members will qualify for these new benefits. To qualify, OHP members must meet specific requirements, including at least one of the following health conditions: a complex physical or behavioral health condition; a developmental or intellectual disability; difficulty with self-care and daily activities; experience of abuse or neglect; be 65 years of age or older; be under the age of six; currently pregnant or gave birth in the past 12 months; or repeated use of emergency room or crisis services.

OHA Director Dr. Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA, said, “Oregon’s health inequities are inextricably linked to our state’s housing crisis. Individuals and families who become homeless face a significantly higher risk of mortality and higher rates of behavioral and physical health conditions – even as they report poorer access to care. These Medicaid benefits can help stop that cycle and, in a model for the rest of the country, make it possible for Oregonians to maintain their current housing, connect with providers and access additional resources that support their well-being.”

Oregon received permission from the federal government to test whether and how addressing health-related social needs improves health outcomes. While other states have launched similar benefits, Oregon is the first in the nation to roll out rent assistance as a statewide Medicaid benefit for eligible OHP members.

“Housing plays a pivotal role in our physical and mental wellbeing. And yet, so many of our neighbors are living paycheck to paycheck, where an unexpected issue can lead to a loss of income and loss of a home,” said Emma Sandoe, Medicaid Director at Oregon Health Authority. “These benefits are one more tool to keep Oregonians housed during short-term disruptions and prevent negative health outcomes of homelessness.”

Of renters across Oregon, 22% have extremely low income, with $30,560 being the average income limit for a four-person household. Adults living with housing insecurity, including threat of eviction, are 19% more likely to lack access to a primary care provider and 35% more likely to postpone preventative health care even if they have chronic health conditions. Evictions and loss of housing can lead to negative health outcomes including:

• Increasing an individual’s risk for physical and mental health conditions
• Making an individual’s existing health condition worse
• Creating barriers to accessing medical care, medications and food

“Housing is a critical driver of health outcomes, significantly impacting social mobility and economic opportunity,” said Oregon Housing and Community Services Executive Director, Andrea Bell. “Stable housing serves as a catalyst for expanding access to preventive care, while reducing the monumental costs associated with emergency care. This is what transformative, integrated care looks like.”

Starting this month, housing providers are contracted to begin connecting with eligible members and delivering these new benefits across the state. Housing benefit applications may take up to two weeks to be reviewed. If approved, additional time may be needed to provide the benefit. These turnaround timeframes will depend on the capacities of individual CCOs and housing service providers as well as the volume of housing applications received. OHA is working closely with CCOs to continue to expand the network over the next year.

Fostering healthy families and environments is one of the five pillars to achieving OHA’s strategic goal of eliminating health inequities in Oregon by 2030. The housing benefits are one of several new health-related social needs benefits Oregon is piloting to meet this goal. In March, the state launched climate benefits including air conditioners, air filters and other equipment to keep eligible members healthy amid extreme weather events. Nutrition benefits will be available for eligible OHP members starting in January 2025.

OHP members interested in receiving housing benefits can work with their health plan (coordinated care organization or Open Card), health care provider or a local OHP community partner to see if they qualify and apply.

OHP members should contact their coordinated care organization (CCO) to learn more. OHP Open Card members can call 1-888-834-4304 or email ORHRSN@acentra.com. If an OHP member is not sure which plan or CCO they are in, they can call the OHA Client Services Unit at 1-800-273-0557 or email Ask.OHP@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

For OHP members who are currently unhoused, resources may be available through 211. — For more information about these benefits, visit the OHP housing benefits web page.

Bureau of Land Management recreation managers are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to fill host positions at six unique locations for the 2025 summer recreation season.

Volunteer hosts play a critical role at BLM recreation sites. They are the primary, daily connection between public land users and BLM staff.  Hosts also assist BLM staff to open and close sites each day, manage campground and shelter reservations, answer visitor questions, encourage visitor rule adherence, and generally maintain the sites.

A paved RV pad is provided at each site for host volunteers. Sites have varying degrees of amenities from full electric, water, and sewer hook-ups to completely primitive sites with only public potable water access. The selected volunteer(s) must provide their own trailer, motorhome, RV, or tent set-up.

Each host will receive a modest daily stipend to off-set some living costs and incidental expenses. Hosts are expected to live on site during the region’s busiest recreation season, typically from April through September. (The start date for the selected host at Sharps Creek will likely be earlier in the year.)

For more information and to apply for these volunteer opportunities, please visit Volunteer.gov. If you have further questions, contact Kendra Barat at kbarat@blm.gov or (720) 591-68

Child Sexual Predator Eluded Capture in Idaho, Has Ties to Southern Oregon, He May Be Dressed as a Woman

– A fugitive with ties to the southern Oregon region is on-the-run after eluding capture Tuesday, October 22 in Idaho. Christian Bert Fischer, 42, is wanted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child.

Fischer is a white male, 5’10”, 200 lbs., has blonde hair and blue-colored eyes. He is also known to dress like a woman. Before heading to Idaho, Fischer was in the Portland area. This June and July, he was in Ashland, Lake of the Woods, and Wolf Creek.

U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) task forces throughout the country have joined the search, including the local Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF). If you have any information on Fischer’s whereabouts, contact the local USMS office at (541) 776-4277, the USMS Communication Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

PNVOTF includes personnel from the U.S. Marshals, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Central Point Police Department. The task force specializes in locating and arresting fugitives wanted for offenses including, but not limited to, murder, assault, sex crimes, failure to register as a sex offender, firearm violations, and probation violations.

For more information here is the USMS Release:

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – The Hernando County Crime Stoppers in Florida is offering up a $5,000 reward for information directly leading to the arrest of Christian Bert FISCHER, a fugitive convicted in Florida for Traveling to Meet a Minor After Use of a Computer to Lure a Child. Crime Stoppers must be contacted first in order to be eligible for the cash rewards of up to $5,000.00. For additional information and instructions for the reward, please visit the following Crime Stoppers link:

http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com/sitemenu.aspx?P=wanteds&ID=449&Sort=Name&F=&W=.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

Oregon Aging and People with Disabilities offers free help for Medicare Open Enrollment

(Salem) — Medicare Open Enrollment for the 2025 plan year begins Oct. 15 and remains open through Dec. 7, 2024. Medicare beneficiaries seeking to compare or change their existing Medicare plan can receive free help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). 

During the Medicare Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can make changes to their health plan or prescription drug plan, pick a Medicare Advantage plan or choose Original Medicare. The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities’ (APD) Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is available to help Oregonians understand their Medicare options and benefits, provide enrollment guidance and help people detect and avoid Medicare scams. Additionally, there are some key changes coming to Medicare in 2025 that APD’s SHIBA program counselors can assist people in understanding including:

• The new Manufacturer Discount Program which addresses the coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole;” 
• The lower maximum to pay for covered drugs. The maximum amount for 2025 will be $2,000; 
• Coverage for weight loss drugs when doctors prescribe them for people who meet certain conditions; 
• Expanded coverage for family caregiver services through the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model; and
• Increased access to mental health services by allowing more providers to bill Medicare for services.

“Our APD SHIBA team is devoted to helping people prepare for open enrollment and understand changes,” said Jane-ellen Weidanz, who oversees SHIBA as APD Deputy Director of Policy. 

Oregonians who need help navigating Medicare open enrollment are encouraged to call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free) or learn more by visiting the SHIBA website at SHIBA.Oregon.gov. The 2025 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans will be available on the SHIBA website in the coming days and will be translated to multiple languages. 

SHIBA certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. According to the Senior Medicare Patrol, common scams include promising free durable medical equipment, such as knee braces and catheters, or offers of free genetic testing. The ultimate goal for the scammer is to get the beneficiary’s Medicare number to commit Medicare billing fraud. “SHIBA counselors are committed to ensuring Oregonians have the information they need to avoid becoming victims of fraud and report scams or suspected Medicare fraud,” said APD Director Dr. Nakeshia Knight-Coyle.

Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments. Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website such as Medicare frequently asked questions, an agent locator tool, a list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations and videos to help people understand their Medicare options. People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.

About the Oregon Department of Human Services – The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve wellbeing and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.

About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program – The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. 

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 rules, contest 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.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com