The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
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Coos Bay Ranked in Top Places to Travel
Coos Bay is getting worldwide attention after being named as one hidden gem around the world by travel guide: Travel Lemming.
“From Madagascar to Mississippi, our 2023 list of places to travel highlights unexpected hidden gems and emerging destinations we think are poised to pop.“
Online guide Travel Lemming ranked Coos Bay on its list of the “ World’s 50 Best Travel Destinations for 2023 .”
Coos Bay came in at number 40, with the article describing the destination as “Just inland from the mighty Pacific Ocean, Coos Bay is a lovely small town with a big personality. Here, you can take a relaxing stroll along the river, savor local oysters and seafood, and immerse yourself in the area’s railroad and logging history.“
The guide said the town is special for its river and coastal walks, its mouthwatering seafood, along with the areas railroad and logging history. It added, “The Oregon coast is full of treasures to discover, and Coos Bay is a sparkling example.” https://travellemming.com/best-places-to-travel-2023/
Board of Forestry Meeting in Seaside on Nov. 16 and Field Tour on Nov. 17
The Oregon Board of Forestry will be extending the time allotted for public comment during its Nov. 16 meeting in Seaside, OR, due to the high volume of Oregonians who signed up to speak to the board on a variety of topics. The meeting will now start at 8:30 a.m. at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center. View the amended agenda for the meeting.
Additionally, the board has tentatively scheduled an executive session following conclusion of the meeting to consult with counsel concerning current litigation or litigation likely to be filed, pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(h). No decisions will be made during executive session. Members of the media who are interested in attending the executive session need to contact Jason Cox, public affairs officer, at jason.r.cox@odf.oregon.gov for details.
SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Board of Forestry will meet for a hybrid public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 8:30 9 a.m. in Seaside, with a social in the evening and a field tour the following day. The public can attend in-person at Seaside Civic & Convention Center, Riverside Room, 415 1st Avenue, Seaside, OR 97138 or observe the livestream on the department’s YouTube page. The field tour on Nov. 17 is organized to be held on location with no virtual access. The tour itinerary will be released before the event and recordings will be available post-tour.
The board’s business agenda includes:
- State Forests Endangered Species Management Plan for marbled murrelets
- *Adoption of Certified Burn Manager rules
- Forest Trust Land Advisory Committee testimony
- Western Oregon State Forests Habitat Conservation Plan outcomes
- State forests branding
- Fire season summary
- Macias Gini O’Connell Implementation Management Plan progress
View the agenda for the meeting, social and tour details.
On Nov. 16, the department will host an evening community social. This informal event is open to the public and can attend in-person at the Seaside Civic & Convention Center, Riverside Room, 415 1st Avenue, Seaside, OR 97138. An RSVP is not required, but a courtesy as spacing and parking is limited. RSVP to boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov.
On Nov. 17, the board will host a tour that is open to the public. To minimize the number of vehicles traveling in the woods, there are a limited number of seats available for the tour vans. If you plan to attend the tour, please RSVP by noon on Nov. 14 to boardofforestry@odf.oregon.gov. Members of the public will be responsible for providing their own lunch.
Live testimony is available for item #1 – State forester and board member comments. Sign-up is required and instructions✎ EditSignto provide live testimony are available online. Sign-up closes Friday, Nov. 11 at 5 p.m. Written public testimony will also be accepted. Written comments can be submitted before or up to two weeks after the meeting day to boardofforestry@odf.oregon.govwith the appropriate agenda item included with the submission. No testimony will be available for the Certified Burn Manager rulemaking item included on the agenda, it is marked as a work session (*) and not open for public testimony.
Accommodations for people with disabilities, and special materials, services, or assistance can be arranged by calling ODF’s Public Affairs Office at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting at 503-945-7200 or by email at forestryinformation@odf.oregon.gov.
The Oregon Board of Forestry consists of seven citizens nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon Senate. Responsibilities include appointing the State Forester, setting management direction for state-owned forests, adopting rules governing timber harvest and other practices on private forestland, and promoting sustainable management of Oregon’s 30 million-acre forestland base. Read more information about the board.
Florence Food Share “Pounding for Food Share”
The 22nd annual “Pounding for Food Share” food drive, began by local business leader Cindy Wobbe, is being held this Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grocery Outlet, 2066 Highway 101. It is just one of several events being held to help fill the pantry, including Empty Bowls and the return of the popular Crab Crack.
“This is one of the most important ‘Poundings’ we’ve ever had,” Florence Food Share Executive Director Colin Morgan said. “Our ability to keep the shelves stocked, especially for the holiday week, really relies on the Pounding being a success.” The benefits couldn’t come at a more important time, Morgan said.
“All our numbers across the board have gone up,” he said. “Last month we had 887 food boxes distributed. This month, we’ve been just as busy — if not busier.”
Already struggling from a host of national, state and local economic issues, the end of the tourism season brought an additional issue into the mix for many Florence workers — fewer working hours.
“These people still have jobs, they just don’t have the hours,” which Morgan said was part of the reason for a rise in clients. “There are just not as many hours available. Then you have to make the choice. Do you give up a job and go on unemployment for a couple months? It’s a no-win situation.”
At the same time, supply chain issues have meant fewer donations coming from local grocery stores, “which already have tight margins,” according to Morgan.
“As inflation goes up, they have to get even. They can’t order in excess, so they don’t have as many donations coming our way,” he said.
But as a result of all the converging issues, Morgan said, “We’re getting less food in, but clients are up.” And he expects numbers to continue to rise in the following weeks.
“You’re trying to get your family through the holiday seasons, which is tough,” Morgan said. “And getting by means keeping food on the table, not having lavish and nice gifts and parties and so on. It’s just getting that food on the table.”
He clarified, “We don’t want folks to be discouraged. There is food. It’s just important that we keep diligent of the need, so that we don’t ever have an issue where we’re out of food.”
To help offset the pain of those decisions, the 22nd annual “Pounding” is looking to get as many pounds of food donated to Florence Food Share as possible.
The Pounding has raised over 170,000 pounds of donated food since its founding in 2000 by Wobbe, who still hosts the event. While pre-pandemic levels saw donated pounds in the 20,000 range, Morgan said, “We would love to get 30,000 pounds, but we’re hoping to get at least 25,000 pounds.”
The amount of pounds raised will be matched with money by event sponsor Top Hydraulics, whose owners Klaus and Maria Witte presented a $25,000 donation last year for the event.
In a social media post, Wobbe wrote, “Their generous support of the annual event makes it possible for Food Share to serve the 700+ families in our community who are food insecure beyond the holiday season and I am so grateful for them.”
Held in the parking lot of Grocery Outlet, people wishing to donate to the Pounding can purchase needed items in the store and donate, bring their own items to donate, or donate cash.
As was the case the last two years, the event will be held outside.
“We’ve got canopies being set up and tables, so folks can come straight out of the store and drop off their donations to the scales,” Morgan said. “We think that’s going to be a real winning recipe to be as functional as possible while also keeping everyone involved safe and comfortable.”
The donations will help provide Thanksgiving dinner for the food share’s patrons, who can sign up at the door.
“Thanksgiving dinner will just be like our normal distribution — you come in the door, we’ll get you an application, which only requires your name and the number in your household, and that you’re in our income guidelines, which is 300 percent of the poverty level,” Morgan said.
After that, clients can shop through the pantry and select the items they want.
“And we’re going to do our best to make sure that the items, especially for Thanksgiving, are stocked and ready for you to select,” Morgan said.
As for the meal itself, the food share’s goal is to have all the traditional offerings.
“Grocery Outlet and the grocery stores in town have been phenomenal partners, and we’re working with them to make sure we’ll have a well-rounded offering for folks who don’t have the money to buy an expensive turkey,” Morgan said. “We’re working with our partners to secure the items we’ll need to make sure we have complete holiday offerings.”
That includes staples such as stuffing, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce.
“They’re all so important,” Morgan said. “It’s both a physical need and a mental need. Being able to keep those traditions is important for everybody.”
To help cover financial operational costs for the food share, people can choose to sign up for monthly giving.
“If folks are able to do it, it gives us a bit more assurance of consistent income flow throughout the year,” Morgan said.
But there are two additional fundraisers coming up, starting with Empty Bowls on Friday, Dec. 2, at the Florence Events Center (FEC). The event, which runs through Dec. 10, is an annual sale showcasing locally-made bowls, art pieces, kitchenware, and other knick knacks.
“Recently, Boys and Girls Club made bowls for Empty Bowls, which is awesome because it gets kids involved,” Morgan said.
Finally in February, Florence Food Share is planning the return of the Crab Crack, a community favorite event which sees ticket holders feasting on fresh crab and other foods.
“We’re hoping to have a real bang-up event,” Morgan said. “It’s been two years since we’ve had it, which has given us a lot of time to think about it.”
Tickets, which traditionally sell out quickly, are expected to go on sale mid-to-late December.
The Pounding will be held at Grocery Outlet, located at 2066 Highway 101, on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Empty Bowls will be held at the FEC, located at 715 Quince St., and begins Friday, Dec. 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. For a full schedule of days, times and prices, visit eventcenter.org.
For more information on what food the pantry is looking for, or to sign up to provide monthly donations, visit florencefoodshare.org. Florence Food Share, 2190 Spruce St., is open Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Monday and Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To encourage people to participate in this year’s Pounding, Wobbe wrote, “This is a tough year for a LOT of people and we need to stuff the pantry!” MORE INFO: https://www.florencefoodshare.org
Paid Leave Oregon launches statewide campaign to help employers prepare for paid leave
This week, Paid Leave Oregon launched a statewide campaign aimed at notifying Oregon employers about their role and responsibilities in the new program, which begins in just six weeks, on Jan. 1.
To make sure employers are ready to participate in the program, the statewide campaign includes social and digital advertising featuring Oregon employers. High-resolution photos for media from the campaign are available at this link.
Paid Leave Oregon also has a new online employer toolkit, a one-stop place for employers to find all the resources they need to prepare. The toolkit includes the required notice poster, an employer guidebook, a new video, and sample social posts that employers and partners can use to share information with their employees and networks, and much more. Resources for employers are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, simplified Chinese, and traditional Chinese.
“Paid Leave Oregon is here to support employers so they can help their employees prepare for this new program,” said Karen Madden Humelbaugh, director of Paid Leave Oregon. “We are excited to share all of these new resources with employers, who we know are still learning about the program and how it will help Oregonians.”
Paid Leave Oregon allows employees to take paid time off for some of life’s most important moments. It covers leave for the birth or adoption of a child, for serious illness or injury, for taking care of a seriously ill family member, and for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or harassment.
The new campaign targets employers, because all employers, regardless of size, will collect contributions from employees starting Jan. 1. Both employers and employees fund Paid Leave Oregon with a total contribution rate of 1 percent of gross payroll. Employees will pay 60 percent, and large employers will pay 40 percent, of the 1 percent contribution rate. For example, if an employee makes $5,000, the employee will pay $30, and the employer will pay $20.
However, only employers with 25 or more employees also will contribute to the program. Small employers with fewer than 25 employees are not required to make contributions, but they can choose to participate in coverage as a benefit to their employees.
“Paid Leave Oregon will make it easy for business owners like us to support employees, and that helps keep trained folks on our team,” said Kathryn Weeks of Peoria Gardens in Linn County.
Peoria Gardens is one of the local Oregon employers featured in the Paid Leave campaign.
“Without this program we could not afford such comprehensive coverage, and we know that our workers are also contributing,” Weeks said. “The state will confirm a worker qualifies, and of course pay for the leave itself out of the fund. This is a real service, both for us and for our employees.”
Paid Leave Oregon will administer the program, including paying employees while they are on leave and determining their eligibility for benefits. Benefits will be available to employees in September 2023. Another statewide campaign focusing on employee outreach begins in 2023.
### The Oregon Employment Department (OED) is an equal opportunity agency. OED provides free help so you can use our services. Some examples are sign language and spoken-language interpreters, written materials in other languages, large print, audio, and other formats. To get help, please call 503-947-1444. TTY users call 711. You can also send an email to communications@employ.oregon.gov. — MORE INFO: https://paidleave.oregon.gov/Pages/default.aspx
OHA offers telehealth visits to improve access to COVID-19 therapy
Agency partners with Color Health to provide free clinician appointments so people can find out if they’re eligible for oral antivirals
PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon Health Authority (OHA) now offers free telehealth visits statewide for those at increased risk for severe COVID-19 illness. This provides easier access to potentially life-saving treatment.
OHA partnered with Color Health to launch the new program Monday. Through this program, any person in Oregon, regardless of health insurance status, can make a no-cost telehealth appointment with a clinician. During the appointment, they can find out if they are eligible for COVID-19 oral antiviral medicine.
People at increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness whose symptoms started in the prior five days are eligible for treatment. If a clinician confirms the patient is eligible for treatment, the clinician can prescribe the medication.
“These medicines can help prevent severe COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and even death,” said Andrea Lara, M.D., M.P.H., therapeutics clinical and equity lead with Oregon Health Authority. “They should be available for free for anyone who needs them, whether or not the person has health insurance.”
She added that the service will especially benefit communities hit hardest by COVID-19. This includes Tribal nations and communities of color.
OHA recommends people with COVID-19 symptoms or a positive COVID test first call or visit a health care provider. If they don’t have a provider or are unable to quickly get an appointment, they can find a federal Test to Treat site.
If there is no Test to Treat site nearby or they can’t get to one, they can make a telehealth appointment through Color. The process is as follows:
- Visit Color.com/COVID-19-treatment-OR and take the survey, or call 833-273-6330 and describe your symptoms.
- Join the video or phone call.
- Those given a prescription can pick it up at their local pharmacy or get home delivery.
Telehealth visit hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Consultation is offered in 17 languages. You can visit OHA’s COVID-19 treatments page, or call Color at 833-273-6330 for more information.
For people who can’t use the service or who need additional assistance or accessibility accommodations, there is another option. They can find participating federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) on the Test to Treat site. They should look for sites that say “HRSA supported health center” or read OHA’s monthly COVID-19 Therapeutics Newsletter, found on OHA’s COVID-19 Treatments page, for a list.
Oregon’s Doctors and Nurses Join Together, Ask Oregonians to be Vigilant Against RSV, Other Illnesses
(Portland, Ore.) – Across the state, hospitals are seeing a serious surge in cases of respiratory syncytial virus, also known as RSV. RSV is a common airborne respiratory virus. Young children are especially vulnerable to RSV, with children under the age of two at increased risk for severe symptoms. Combined with increased risk for cases of influenza and COVID-19, hospitals are on the verge of being overwhelmed, if they aren’t already. Public health officials across the country are warning that winter could see a “triple-demic” that will add overwhelming stress to an already stressed health care system in Oregon.
The Oregon Medical Association (OMA) and the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) are joining together to call on Oregonians to take steps to protect themselves and their children from the threats of RSV, flu, and COVID-19 – not only for their own health, but also to reduce the impact on the physicians and nurses who are facing unprecedented patient numbers in hospitals and clinics.
“All signs indicate that we are at the very beginning of this RSV surge,” said Marianne Parshley, MD, internal medicine specialist and President of the OMA. “Public health officials believe we won’t see the peak of this surge for another 10 to 12 weeks, until well past the holidays. Physicians and physician assistants across the state join their nursing colleagues in asking all Oregonians to take extra precautions now to help reduce the impact of these illnesses on our health care workers and prevent further strain on hospitals and clinics.”
A crucial step for Oregonians is to know when (and when not) to go to the emergency room. “Our ERs are overflowing with patients right now,” said Tamie Cline, RN, President of the ONA Board of Directors. “It is important for people to know when they should head to the ER and when it is better to visit urgent care, call an advice nurse, see your primary care provider, or simply stay at home and care for yourself.”
“If you suspect you or your child has been exposed to RSV, call your primary care physician or nurse advice line rather than coming into the ER where you will face a long wait, or even risk exposing yourself and your child to other illnesses like COVID-19 or the flu,” said Parshley. “Your doctor or advice nurse can run through a checklist of warning signs and symptoms and make suggestions for potential at-home treatments or recommend other steps, like visiting an urgent care clinic or coming to the ER, as needed.”
A serious symptom of RSV includes working extra hard to breathe – like flaring of the nostrils, grunting while inhaling or exhaling, or when skin between the ribs or collarbone pulls in and out. If an individual experiences such symptoms, they should be seen by a medical professional immediately. Check with your primary care provider or advice nurse if you have any questions about other symptoms.
“Just as we have been for the past two years, we are all in this together,” said Cline. “Physicians and nurses are asking everyone to take precautions like voluntarily wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, washing your hands frequently, keeping your hands away from your face, disinfecting frequently used surfaces, staying home from work or school if you suspect you might be ill, and, of course, make sure you get your flu shot and your COVID-19 booster. Spreading the message now, before this surge gets worse, is essential if Oregon is to avoid the worst impacts of an overwhelmed health care system.”
The Oregon Medical Association (OMA) is the state’s largest professional organization engaging in advocacy, policy, community-building, and networking opportunities for Oregon’s physicians, physician assistants, medical students, and physician assistant students. In the state capitol of Salem and in Washington, DC, the OMA’s members speak with one voice as they advocate for policies that improve access to quality patient care and reduce administrative burdens on medical professionals. For more information visit: www.TheOMA.org
The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) is the state’s largest and most influential nursing organization. We are a professional association and labor union which represents more than 15,000 nurses and allied health workers throughout the state. ONA’s mission is to advocate for nursing, quality health care and healthy communities. For more information visit: www.OregonRN.org.
FBI Investigating Suspicious Death on Warm Springs Reservation
WARM SPRINGS, OR – The Federal Bureau of Investigation, partnered with the Warm Springs Tribal Police, are investigating the death of a man on the Warm Springs Reservation.
Warm Springs Tribal Police received a call Monday night notifying that a man had died in a home on Dry Creek Trail Road.
Once police arrived they noticed a wound to the man’s head. The man is identified as 43-year-old Diamond Tewee.
The FBI’s Evidence Response Team is processing the scene. As this is an ongoing investigation, no further information will be released at this time. FBI – Oregon
Reynolds High School Teacher Arrested In Bend In Online Sex Sting
A Reynolds High School teacher faces possible attempted rape and other charges after being arrested last Friday in an “online sex sting” operation, the Bend Police Department said Monday in a statement.
Edward Hernandez-Corchado, 26, began messaging a Bend police officer on November 4, with the officer posing as a 15-year-old girl, according to the statement. Over the course of the week, Hernandez-Corchado “continued contacting the officer and making sexual statements, and then began making plans to meet up in person at Target in Bend to engage in sexual acts with her,” police added.
The Portland-area teacher and the officer posing as the teen girl agreed to meet Friday evening “so he could take her to a hotel,” officials said. Police arrested him when he arrived at the agreed meeting spot.
Police said they took Hernandez-Corchado into custody on charges including online corruption of a child, attempted rape and luring a minor for sexual conduct. The Portland State graduate has been teaching social studies at Reynolds since 2019, according to a LinkedIn profile.
In a message to parents and staff, Reynolds High School said the teacher has been put on leave.
Police say there may be victims who have not been identified and ask anyone with possible information to contact the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office at 503-988-0560.
Free parking at Oregon State Parks the day after Thanksgiving
SALEM, Oregon – Oregon Parks and Recreation Department invites Oregonians to head outside the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 25.
Popularly known as “Green Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving has become a tradition in recent years. Oregon state parks will once again waive day-use parking fees in the 24 parks that are open and charge for parking on that day.
“We’re proud to promote this tradition and offer Oregonians an alternative to the busiest shopping day of the year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Parking is free year-round at almost all state parks; the waiver applies to the parks that charge $5 daily for parking. Fee parks include popular destinations such as Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Silver Falls, Champoeg, L.L. Stub Stewart, Smith Rock and Milo McIver. A complete list of parks that require day-use parking permits is available online at stateparks.oregon.gov (Fall Creek is listed, but closed for the season).
The fee waiver applies from open to close on Nov. 25, except at Shore Acres State Park, where it expires at 4 p.m. for the Holiday Lights event that runs Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
Use #OptOutside and #OregonStateParks on social media to share your adventures. Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept.
Applications Open for the 2023 Oregon FFA Scholarships
Applications are currently open for the 2023 Oregon FFA Scholarships. High school FFA students, and some alumni, with an interest in agriculture or a similar field, have an opportunity to get a jump start on their advanced education.
Available scholarships and a brief description of their purpose All scholarship applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. January 31, 2023. For more information https://oregonffa.com/scholarships-2/
