Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 11/4 – Oregon Election Results, Seaside Kids Pancake Feed & 70th Anniversary and 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 4, 2026

Oregon Beach Weather

Here’s the overview of our weather outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

A potentially significant stretch of windy weather could affect portions of the West Coast next week, with federal forecasters identifying an elevated risk of high winds from California through Oregon and Washington beginning Wednesday, November 11.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center (CPC), a moderate risk of high winds is forecast along portions of the Pacific Coast from Wednesday, November 11, through Sunday, November 15. A broader slight-risk area extends inland and remains in effect through Tuesday, November 17.

Oregon Election Results

Polls closed Tuesday at 8pm in Oregon. Election results for candidates and measures can be found here: https://results.oregonvotes.gov

Oregon will send U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley and its six incumbent members of Congress — five Democrats and one Republican — back to Washington, D.C., and give Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek another four years as governor.

Governor Tina Kotek will get another four years to continue working on priorities including housing, behavioral health and standing up to the Trump administration.

The Associated Press called Kotek’s win over Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan shortly before 1 a.m., a few hours after Kotek declared victory.

“Because of your work and support, I am proud to stand here as your next governor of the beautiful state of Oregon,” Kotek told hundreds of supporters at the Hilton Portland Downtown. “I hope it’s OK, but we have four more years together.”

Drazan, who also lost to Kotek in 2022, declined to concede Tuesday night.

“Now, all the votes haven’t been counted, and I am continuing to pray for the victory for us,” Drazan told supporters at her Hillsboro watch party. “But as they are hard at work counting every last eligible vote, I wanted to come out and tell you guys that this state continues to be worth fighting for. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to serve the people of this state and make life better for all of you and all of your neighbors, and every single person that lives here, because we desperately need it.”

Oregon House

Democrats are on track to control a record number of state House seats in 2027 if current leads hold.

Democrats are leading in each of the 37 districts they held going into the election, as well as two held by Republicans.

Michael Welsh, an occupational safety professional from Keizer, held a nearly 10-point lead in the 21st House District over Rep. Kevin Mannix, a Salem Republican who has been a consistent fixture in state politics for decades.

And in the open 52nd House District in the Gorge, 25-year-old former journalist Hank Sanders had a nearly 10-point lead over Wasco County Commissioner Scott Hege.

The only close House races are in Linn County, where Republican Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis leads Democrat Joanna Robinson by more than 3 points, and on the North Coast, where Rep. Cyrus Javadi leads Republican Max Sherman by 4 points.

Oregon Senate

Democrats are on track to add one seat to their Senate supermajority, with former Salem City Councilor Virginia Stapleton leading former state Rep. Tracy Cramer in the race to fill Republican Kim Thatcher’s 11th Senate District.

If her 10-point lead holds, Stapleton will be the 30-member Senate’s 19th Democrat.

In two other open races, Republicans Jeff Helfrich and Courtney Bangs grew their leads as more results became available. Helfrich, a current state representative, now has a 4-point lead in the 26th Senate District in the Gorge and Bangs, a Wasco County commissioner, leads by 5 points in the 16th Senate District on the North Coast. (SOURCE)

Results for all of Oregon can be found here: https://results.oregonvotes.gov

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Seaside Kids Pancake Feed & 70th Anniversary

November 11 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Seaside Kids Inc. is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a community pancake fundraiser.

Event Details

• Date & Time: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Location: Seaside Civic and Convention Center (Seaside, Oregon)
• Cost: $10 per individual; $30 per family (tickets available at the door)
• Activities: Silent auction, raffle, and pancake feed (additional donations accepted via PayPal)

About Seaside Kids Inc.

• Mission: Provides free youth sports and recreation programs—including baseball, softball, football, volleyball, wrestling, and free open-swim days at the Sunset Empire Park & Recreation District pool.
• History: Founded in the summer of 1956 after the local Seaside Connie Mack baseball team won the Oregon state tournament and advanced to the Pacific Coast World Series. Excess community funds raised for that trip were used to establish the non-profit organization.

For more information, visit the Seaside Civic & Convention Center

Florence will mark the 56th anniversary of Oregon’s famous exploding whale with a weekend of film, music, art and community events November 14-15

The anniversary of one of Oregon’s most “explosive” events is coming soon and the Lane County community that made history 56 years ago by splattering sand, onlookers and vehicles with hunks of mammal is ready to celebrate.

Florence will mark the 56th anniversary of Oregon’s famous exploding whale with a weekend of film, music, art and community events Nov. 14-15. The events will include a documentary screening, an appearance by broadcaster Paul Linnman and a public memorial celebration, according to a news release.

The anniversary recalls Nov. 12, 1970, when an attempt to dispose of a beached whale near Florence with explosives sent pieces of the carcass flying and created an episode that became part of Oregon lore. Historic footage of the incident can be viewed at youtube.com.

The celebration also includes opportunities to visit Florence attractions connected with the event and its history.

‘Oh Whale’ screening planned for Nov. 14

City Lights Cinemas in Florence will screen the short documentary “Oh Whale” on Nov. 14. The award-winning film features Florence and is currently available only at film festivals.

Linnman, whose original news report helped spread the story of the exploding whale, is scheduled to attend, meet visitors, sign autographs and participate in a question-and-answer session.

Screening times have not been finalized. Updates will be available through citylightscinemas.com and the event website.

Memorial celebration set for Nov. 15

The Exploding Whale Memorial Celebration will run from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at Bridgeport Market, 75 Harbor St., along the river in historic Old Town Florence. Admission is free.

The open-house event will feature representatives from the American Cetacean Society, marine-focused artisans and live music by Portland-based band The Exploding Whales. More information about the band is available at instagram.com.

Linnman is also scheduled to attend the Nov. 15 event for conversation and autographs.

Visitors may bring a small memento or offering for a community memorial art installation honoring the whale. The installation will change as contributions are added and will glow as the afternoon draws to a close, according to the release. Whale-themed costumes are encouraged, and a toast to the whale is scheduled for 3:45 p.m.

Information about whale-themed merchandise in Florence is available through the @ILoveFlorence97439 Facebook page at facebook.com.

Where to learn more about Florence’s exploding whale

The Siuslaw Pioneer Museum, 278 Maple St., will be open from noon to 4 p.m. The museum’s Exploding Whale Exhibit includes bones from the whale involved in the incident as well as displays about Florence’s history. Museum information is available at siuslawpioneermuseum.com.

Visitors can also stop at Exploding Whale Memorial Park, which commemorates the episode. Information about the park is available at ci.florence.or.us.

Event updates and announcements are available at iloveflorence97439.com and @ILoveFlorence97439 on Facebook.

Questions can be directed to BeauxArts Fine Art Materials at 541-991-8213 or WhaleGoBoom97439@gmail.com.

This story was produced with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Florence celebrates ‘exploding whale’ anniversary with documentary screening

A Portland man died Sunday afternoon following an ATV crash at the Umpqua Dunes National Recreation Area

Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies responded shortly after 4:30 to an area known as Third Finger, where 31-year-old Austin Anthony Durrett was found unresponsive. Investigators say Durrett had left his riding group to locate another rider who had run out of fuel.

When he failed to return, the group searched for approximately 45 minutes before finding him. Investigators believe Durrett drove off a roughly 40-foot razorback dune at high speed, becoming airborne before crashing. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

Florence Man Arrested

A Florence man was arrested Monday morning following a search warrant served by Oregon State Police at a residence on 18th Street. Fish and Wildlife troopers, assisted by the OSP SWAT team, were investigating reports that a convicted felon had been hunting with firearms and illegally using family members’ hunting tags.

Investigators seized firearms, ammunition, deer and elk mounts, game parts and controlled substances. Thirty-nine-year-old Gregory Hendricks was lodged in the Lane County Jail on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of game animals, hunting violations, felon in possession of a firearm and violation of a protection order.

El Nino Effects May Bring Coastal Flooding and Erosion

The combination of subsurface Kelvin waves, a powerful El Niño, and seasonal King Tides is significantly elevating the baseline sea level along the West Coast, posing an acute threat of severe coastal flooding and accelerated shoreline erosion through the winter.

Because Kelvin waves are broad, underwater bulges of warm water rather than visible crashing waves, they act like an “invisible floor” that lifts the ocean surface. This compounding effect strips away the typical buffer provided by beaches, putting immediate pressure on infrastructure.

The Intersecting Threats:

• The Baseline Surge: Driven by weakened equatorial trade winds, these planetary-scale Kelvin waves displace the ocean’s internal temperature layers, pushing sea levels up by 6 to 12 inches across the West Coast.
• The King Tide Alignment: This elevated baseline directly overlaps with the astronomical King Tides. On the Oregon Coast, these seasonal peaks are scheduled for November 23–27, 2026, December 22–26, 2026, and January 20–24, 2027.
• The Storm Multiplier: While the wave and tides raise the water level on their own, meteorologists warn that any low-pressure winter storm rolling in during these windows will severely exacerbate the danger. Dropping atmospheric pressure and storm surges will push the already-elevated ocean even further inland.

Regional Vulnerabilities — While Southern California has already seen record high-water marks and immediate infrastructure damage from this cycle, the impacts are actively marching into the Pacific Northwest.

• Oregon Coast: Oceanographers from Oregon State University note that while Oregon’s broader beaches offer some structural protection, the added height will cause measurable damage in areas already prone to chronic erosion.
• Washington Coast: Baseline sea levels are expected to face sharp, temporary spikes. Coastal cities are already carrying out emergency levee repairs and reinforcement strategies to protect low-lying roads and beachfront property.

Beyond structural hazards, the deep-water shift suppresses the upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water. This triggers localized marine heatwaves that disrupt the base of the marine food web, creating downstream risks for regional fishing and salmon populations

Surfrider Foundation released its annual report, highlighting the Oregon Coast as a national case study. While Oregon scored high for its minimal shoreline armoring, the report urged immediate, proactive reforms to prepare coastal communities for severe sea level rise.

Oregon earned a “B” grade for its emergency armoring policies, placing it among the top three states nationally, but the report warns that current rules are unready for upcoming severe weather. .

• The Pipeline Pattern: When severe winter storms or El Niño cycles cause immediate erosion, property owners apply for emergency permits to install “temporary” hard armoring like riprap (rock walls).
• The Result: In every single Oregon case analyzed by the Surfrider Foundation, these “temporary” structures eventually became bridges to permanent hard armoring.
• The Damage: Over time, these hard structures pin the beach in place, accelerate erosion on neighboring properties, and block the natural sand replenishment cycle, causing a permanent loss of walkable public beaches in areas like Gleneden Beach and the Salishan Spit.

The Real Test AheadThe report stresses that Oregon’s rules will face immediate strain during the 2026–2027 winter El Niño season, which brings powerful, decadal-scale erosion events. Where critical infrastructure and coastal communities sit directly on the ocean shore, a reactive, permit-by-permit approach will act like a game of “whack-a-mole” rather than protecting the coast.

1. Narrow the Definition of “Emergency”: Redefine emergencies to exclude long-predicted weather cycles (like El Niño or seasonal king tides) so they aren’t used to bypass environmental reviews.
2. Enforce Temporary Demolition: Ensure that emergency structures are legally mandated to be removed rather than left to become permanent fixtures.
3. Transition to Nature-Based Solutions: Prioritize dune enhancement and nature-based shoreline stabilization over concrete and rock.
4. Planned Relocation: Invest in proactive, long-term regional planning to move at-risk communities and public infrastructure safely out of harm’s way.

To learn more about local efforts or how to support these legislative goals, you can look into the Surfrider Foundation Oregon Region and their ongoing Oregon Beaches Forever campaign.

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Fatal Crash – Highway 42S – Coos County

COOS COUNTY, Ore. (4 Nov. 2026) – On Monday, November 2, 2026, at approximately 2:34 p.m., Oregon State Police responded to a single-vehicle fatal crash on Highway 42S near milepost 13.8 in Coos County.

The preliminary investigation indicated a black Subaru Outback, operated by Joanne Marie Rutland (56) of Hillsboro, was traveling westbound on Highway 42S near Coquille when it failed to negotiate a sharp curve and departed the roadway. The vehicle traveled down an embankment, struck a tree, and continued down a steep embankment before coming to a final rest. The vehicle subsequently caught fire.

The operator of the Subaru (Rutland) was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The highway was impacted for approximately 30 minutes during the on-scene investigation. OSP was assisted by the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, Coquille Fire Department, and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

39-Year-Old Man Sentenced to 100 months Prison for Sexual Assault of Incapacitated 16-Year-Old

On October 28, 2026, Lincoln County Circuit Court Presiding Judge Sheryl Bachart sentenced Christopher Lowes (39-year-old) to 100 months in prison for sexually assaulting an incapacitated 16-year-old.

After a three-day jury trial, Lowes was found guilty of Rape in the First Degree, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, and Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor.

During trial, evidence showed that Lowes lured a 16-year-old to his residence in Depoe Bay and provided her with copious amounts of alcohol, as well as MDMA. When the victim became incapacitated, Lowes sexually assaulted her. In returning guilty verdicts, the jury specifically found that the victim was mentally incapacitated at the time she was sexually assault. 

Lowes prior criminal history includes Menacing and Recklessly Endangering Another Person in 2018, two counts of DUII in 2006, Driving While Suspended or Revoked in 2009, and DUII and Reckless Driving in 2024. At the time of this offense, Lowes was on bench probation in Lincoln County and was subject to a no alcohol/controlled substance condition of probation.

Rape in the First Degree is a Ballot Measure 11 offense with a presumptive statutory minimum sentence of 100 months prison, without no eligibility for reduction. Judge Bachart sentenced Lowes to 100 months in the Department of Corrections with no eligibility for a reduction in sentence and 20 years of post-prison supervision, less time served. Lowes is also subject to a lifetime sex offender registry requirement once released from the Department of Corrections.

This case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jenna Wallace and investigated by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

Pacific Seafood employees have returned to work at neighboring facilities on the Newport Bayfront following a massive freezer building fire on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as local focus shifts toward the long-term economic aftermath and regulatory investigations.

Sunday’s fire, in a building used for freezing fish, raised worries that ammonia might have mixed into the smoke. The cause of the fire is still being investigated, but the Oregon State Fire Marshal now says the ammonia tank at the site was not punctured. But those initial concerns prompted an hours-long evacuation and fueled fears that the city’s only major seafood processor could be down for days – or longer.

Following this disruptive crisis like the Pacific Seafood freezer building fire, the commercial fishing community relies heavily on grass-roots, community-led support infrastructure. In Oregon’s major fishing hubs, local non-profits, wives’ collectives, and state extensions form a tight net of safety nets to aid families facing sudden operational gridlock or income loss.

Community & Fishermen Mutual Aid Networks

• Newport Fishermen’s Wives: Based directly out of the disaster’s epicenter, the Newport Fishermen’s Wives association is a foundational resource for local commercial families. The organization manages a dedicated Fisherman Relief Fund to distribute emergency financial assistance directly to local fishing families dealing with immediate income gaps due to regulatory, market, or physical infrastructure shutdowns.
• FishHer (Columbia Pacific Coast): Operating primarily along the North Coast and Columbia Pacific maritime boundary, FishHER provides emergency response, direct community outreach, and mutual support structures tailored specifically for women and families navigating the modern volatility of Oregon’s fisheries.
• The Oregon Worker Relief Fund: For processing employees or deckhands who may face temporary layoffs or structural economic displacement—and who might otherwise fall through the gaps of standard unemployment systems—the Oregon Worker Relief Fund can provide direct financial support to prevent housing and food insecurity during localized industry halts.

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The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) is proposing a limited recreational and commercial harvest of yelloweye rockfish in 2027 after the population reached 40% of its historical stock and was declared rebuilt.

Proposed 2027 Regulations for Yelloweye Rockfish

• Recreational Fishery: A bag limit of one yelloweye rockfish during the month of May.
• Commercial Fishery: Limited commercial fishing opportunities with a coast-wide catch target and limit set at 116 metric tons (which managers note is 20% lower than the maximum sustainable target).
• Historical Context: Commercial harvests were outlawed in 2002 and sport fishing was closed in 2004 following a population collapse.

Public Comment and Decision Timeline

• Commission Meeting: The ODFW Commission will vote on the proposed 2027 groundfish regulations on December 11, 2026, in Salem.
• Public Comment Deadline: Written public comments must be submitted by November 11, 2026.

You can review the proposals and submit feedback through the ODFW Commission Meeting Page.

Oregon is looking at new rules for the three-nautical-mile-wide ribbon of ocean that runs along the length of the coast.

This offshore ribbon is managed under Oregon’s Territorial Sea Plan and covers issues as varied as undersea cables, fishing and renewable energies. But the plan is more than 30 years old and doesn’t consider emerging issues like climate change and ocean acidification.

“It’s high time to take a look at the foundational chapters of the Territorial Sea Plan and update them,” said Joe Liebezeit, the chair of the Ocean Policy Advisory Council.

So the Oregon Department of State Lands has asked the Ocean Policy Advisory Council to review the sea plan in an effort to strengthen protections for Oregon’s marine ecosystem and ensure Oregonians get fair compensation for the use of the seafloor.

From the ‘Beach Bill’ to a bigger plan — Oregon’s coastal management system is relatively recent. The first protections stretch back to 1967 and the “Beach Bill,” when lawmakers decided the public owns the shore between low and high tide.

It was only in 1994 that concern about offshore drilling and foreign fishing prompted the state to develop the Territorial Sea Plan.

Duncan Berry, the vice chair of the Ocean Policy Advisory Council, said Oregon has proved relatively good at protecting land over the years, but the ocean seems like an afterthought.

“I call it ‘terrestrially chauvinistic,’ he said.

“We really think about the places we walk and visit and live, and very few of us go to the ocean for other than just occasional recreational purposes.”

The plan has five basic parts:

• rocky habitat management, because that’s where a lot of the fish live;
• seafloor uses, like pipelines and communication cables;
• renewable energies, for example wind and wave farms;
• resource decisions, like fishing and tribal consultation;
• and overall ocean management, like legal authority.

But the sea plan was put together in 1994, and Lieberzeit said a lot of things have changed since then.

“We live in a time now of climate change, which was not taken into account when the Territorial Sea Plan was originally written,” Liebezeit said.

“We all know things about ocean acidification, hypoxia, all these kinds of impacts from a warming ocean that we’re really concerned about.”

The advisory council will start by reviewing the first two parts of the Territorial Sea Plan — ocean management and resource use decisions. The council is composed of people who work with the ocean on a regular basis, like commercial fishing groups, tribal members and offshore wind interests.THANKS TO OUR 

“We’re going to take the input from 100-some-odd community members, our own OPAC members, and meeting with each of the agencies that historically have worked with OPAC,” Berry said.

Liebezeit and Berry are trying to set things up so discussions don’t end up simply as battles between environmentalists and businesses. Instead, Liebezeit said, they see the review as a visioning moment.

“I think it’s more like: ‘Hey, let’s get everybody together, all the different community partners and figure out what we envision is important for the ocean for the next five to 10 years,’” said Liebezeit.

Delving into the details — But while visioning is an important part of any plan, inevitably people have to delve into details and things get difficult.

For example, offshore wind. In 2024, the US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management tried to lease two large wind farms off Coos Bay and Brookings. Fishing and other interests came out against the idea.

“We were all opposed to the speed at which things were moving,” said Heather Mann, the executive director of the Midwater Trawler’s Cooperative in Newport.

In the end, the wind energy auction was canceled.

“It wasn’t that we were necessarily opposed to offshore wind,” said Mann. “It’s just that there were so many questions.”

Questions like: How might a wind farm affect fishing? Or whale migration? Mann wonders whether it is even possible to anchor a 1,000-foot-tall floating wind turbine in such deep waters.

“You know we can’t create a weather buoy that doesn’t break off. So having those machines out there, there was really no understanding of what could potentially happen,” Mann said.

Ross Tyler was on the other side of the offshore wind debate in 2024. He owns Offshore Renewable Energy International, a Virginia-based company that specializes in developing offshore wind. He thinks Southern Oregon has great wind potential, and that Coos Bay would be great for fabricating big offshore wind components.

He hopes that, as Oregon reviews the sea plan, leaders reach out.

“If they’re going to change the regulations, they should not do it in a vacuum,” said Tyler. “They really need to have consultation with the offshore wind industry.”

So, a review of the Territorial Sea Plan is likely to be difficult. In addition to wind power, eventually it’ll have to address all kinds of difficult subjects, like climate change, wave power, a possible liquified natural gas terminal, ocean acidification and ocean hypoxia, which is low oxygen conditions.

But despite all those potential battles, Mann and many others are supportive of the review of the Territorial Sea Plan.

“I think as long as it’s transparent. It’s done the Oregon Way and people are able to participate in that process, then it’s good,” Mann said.

The Ocean Policy Advisory Commission is scheduled to meet up to nine times between now and next August to come up with recommendations. (SOURCE)

Tillamook Air Museum —

We’re hiring! The Tillamook Air Museum is looking for a friendly, dependable person to join our team as a part-time weekend Admissions & Gift Shop assistant.

This position includes welcoming visitors, processing admissions, assisting with Gift Shop sales and providing excellent customer service. Regular Saturday & Sunday availability is required. Learn more and apply by clicking the link below!https://www.tillamookair.com/careers

ICE Abandons Newport Detention Center, Says No Plans Anywhere in Oregon

In court documents filed today, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that it has no current plans to construct an immigration detention facility anywhere in Oregon. ICE also agreed to provide prior notice if it resumes plans to open a detention facility in Newport. The move—a win for Oregonians’ civil rights—comes in response to legal action taken by Attorney General Rayfield.

“ICE doesn’t get to skirt the law to build a facility for locking up and deporting our neighbors,” said Attorney General Rayfield. “Oregon stood up, we made the federal government answer for its plans in court, and now they have to follow the law.”

Attorney General Rayfield filed the case(Opens in a new tab/window) on behalf of the State of Oregon. The City of Newport, Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, and Cascadia Wildlands were also plaintiffs.

Earlier in the case(Opens in a new tab/window), the federal government admitted it had been trying to open a detention center in Newport. Today’s commitments end the lawsuit, but Oregon and its partners kept the right to go back to court if ICE changes course.

Meanwhile, a separate win stays in place: The district court’s injunction requiring the U.S. Coast Guard to keep its rescue helicopter stationed in Newport in a related lawsuit. That case was also filed by AG Rayfield. Newport Fishermen’s Wives and Lincoln County are also plaintiffs in that case. https://www.doj.state.or.us/media-home/news-media-releases/ag-rayfield-ice-abandons-newport-detention-center-says-no-plans-in-oregon/

OPRD public hearing on ocean shore alteration application, Nov. 18

Gleneden Beach, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will hold a virtual public hearing on Nov. 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. to accept public testimony on Ocean Shore Alteration Application number 3128. The permit application requests to construct a 150-foot-long riprap revetment on the Ocean Shore State Recreation Area west of the end of Beach Grass Lane in Gleneden Beach.

OPRD received over 10 requests for a hearing during the public comment period that ended Oct. 9, 2026. This hearing is an information gathering session and provides an opportunity for OPRD to hear directly from the public on the submitted application materials. 

The meeting will include an introduction by staff and public testimony. Anyone wishing to testify must pre-register. Each registered individual will be provided up to three minutes to testify in the order they registered. Within 45 days after the hearing, OPRD will make a permit decision. This decision will include consideration of public comment received during the public comment period and this hearing.

Review the application online under the heading “Pending Applications;” look for permit application 3128.

Virtual public hearing details

Date: Nov. 18, 2026
Time: 2 p.m.
Location: Join via Zoom

To testify, register for the virtual meeting by noon on Monday, Nov. 16. The registration page will ask whether you want to submit a public comment.

Requesting accommodations

The services, programs and activities of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need special accommodations to participate in this meeting, please contact Allison Mangini at 541-220-3786, allison.mangini@oprd.oregon.gov by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13.​

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Oregon Whale Sightings

Oregon Whale Sightings is a fun place to hear about and report cetaceans along our beautiful coastline.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176168644064352/

Puffins on the Oregon Coast

Friends of Haystack Rock  · We have puffins!

Check out our website, Friendsofhaystackrock.org to see them live! We have our webcam zoomed in on a couple active burrows. Your best chance to see them is in the morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Organized by the Haystack Rock Awareness Program and Friends of Haystack Rock, the free event will not only celebrate the return of the puffins to their Oregon nesting grounds but also give the public the chance to spy on the birds as well. Interpretive rangers will be on hand with binoculars and spotting scopes to help people safely observe the tufted puffins.

Donor Offers $50K Reward in 40-Year-Old Case of Missing Oregon Coast Teen

Lincoln County authorities hope the recent offer from an anonymous donor of a $50,000 reward will lead to the remains of a 17-year-old Siletz girl who was last seen walking on U.S. 20 more than four decades ago.

An anonymous donor put up money hoping it will spur information that leads not only to Kelly Disney’s remains but also to the conviction of her killer, according to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.

The DA’s Office has confirmed that an anonymous donor offered the reward for any information leading to Disney’s remains and/or the conviction of her killer.

Information can be submitted anonymously at 541-265-0669 or online at FindKellyDisney@co.lincoln.or.us

READ MORE on CASE: https://lincolnchronicle.org/15597-2/

Wildlife Center of the North Coast · We need your help! 

Make a difference in wildlife rescue! Join our Wild at Heart Membership Program starting at just $5/month. Help us save lives! https://coastwildlife.org/wild-at-heart/

It’s been a busy summer here at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, and our rehab clinic has gone through lots of supplies caring for patients!!

->> To help us restock and stay prepared for the next wave of wildlife in need, we’ve updated our Amazon Wishlist with the items we need most. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA

Every donation—big or small—goes directly to helping orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife get a second chance at life. Check out our wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA Thank you for being part of our wildlife rescue family! 

Volunteers are being sought to help prepare and serve lunch three times a week at the Florence Senior and Activity Center.  

They serve lunch Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week. Both programs, the in-house dining known as Cafe 60, and Meals on Wheels, are very important in helping promote socialization and nutrition for older adults in Lane County.  Volunteer drivers for Meals on Wheels use their own vehicles, but they can be reimbursed for their mileage.  The Lane Council of Governments operates the Senior and Disabled Services in Lane County.  Alisa Andrion encourages potential volunteers to give her a call at L-COG, 541-682-1366.

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

Look what’s coming up soon at the Club… (sign up at glenedenbeach.org)

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Oregon Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. 

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area. 

11/4/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

Oregon Department of Human Services  · Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 plans will remain open through Dec. 7, 2026.

The Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA) provides free help so that you can understand your Medicare benefits and make informed decisions. For example, SHIBA certified counselors can help you:- Compare and select Medicare plans- Review your current coverage- Make changes for the upcoming year.“Navigating Medicare coverage is complex and Oregonians should not have to navigate Medicare alone.

Our goal is to make that process easy, accessible, and free.” – ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities Director Nakeshia Knight, Ph.D.Read more in this news release: https://apps.oregon.gov/…/oregon-program-offers-free…

Oregon DFR reminds Oregonians to utilize ACA open enrollment period, be careful of ‘limited partner’ and ‘sharing’ plans

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) reminds Oregonians who receive or want to apply for individual or family health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, called Explore Health, or directly with an insurance company, to use the open enrollment period from Nov. 1, 2026, to Jan. 15, 2027.

The open enrollment period allows people to apply for, renew, or change health plans for the coming year. Explore Health coverage can begin as soon as Jan. 1, 2027, if people enroll in or change plans by Dec. 31, 2026.

The last day to enroll in or change plans for the 2027 plan year is Jan. 15, 2027. After that date, consumers may enroll in or change plans only if they qualify for a special enrollment period. Coverage starts on Feb. 1, 2027, for those who enroll in or change plans from Jan. 1 to Jan. 15, 2027, and pay their first premium.

For more information on Explore Health or to utilize the open enrollment period, visit ExploreHealthOR.gov. You must go through Explore Health to receive financial assistance.

DFR also advises Oregonians to carefully review any health insurance coverage offered outside of the ACA Marketplace. BridgeSpan, Kaiser, Moda, and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon are the only insurance companies offering ACA-compliant individual and family plans in 2027.

The agency has identified plans that claim they are “self-funded” and refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” in order to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. There are also plans being sold that “share” health care expenses but are not insurance. These plans may not be compliant with the ACA and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being responsible for unpaid medical bills.

DFR encourages Oregonians to use local licensed insurance agents or Explore Health to obtain individual and family health insurance plans that comply with the ACA. Oregonians can find an expert in their area by going to ExploreHealthOR.gov/Help or by calling the Explore Health customer assistance center at 855-268-3767 (all relay calls welcome).​

“If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions before enrolling can contact our consumer advocates at 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Open Enrollment begins as Oregon launches Explore Health, its new marketplace for private health insurance

People can now shop, compare plans, find savings, and enroll in 2027 health coverage at ExploreHealthOR.gov

— Open Enrollment for 2027 health coverage is now underway, and people in Oregon have a new place to shop for health insurance: Explore Health.

Explore Health, Oregon’s new state-based health insurance marketplace, officially launched Nov. 1. It replaces the federal platform HealthCare.gov as the place for people in Oregon to shop for private health coverage, find out if they can get financial help, and enroll in a health plan.

Open Enrollment for private insurance through Explore Health runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027.

“This is an important milestone for Oregon and for the people we serve,” said Chiqui Flowers, director of the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace,  part of Oregon Health Authority (OHA). “With Explore Health, people can now shop for coverage through a Marketplace designed and operated here in Oregon. Our goal is to make it easier for people to understand their options, find savings, and get the best coverage that works for them.”

People who buy their own health insurance can now visit ExploreHealthOR.gov to:

• Shop and compare health and dental plans available for 2027.
• Find out how much federal financial help (premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions) they may qualify for to lower the cost of coverage.
• Enroll in a plan for 2027.
• Get free help from trained insurance agents and community partners across Oregon.

People who have 2026 Marketplace coverage through HealthCare.gov are being moved to Explore Health for 2027. They do not need to start over with a new application. During Open Enrollment, they should claim their Explore Health account, sign in to review their information, compare available plans and savings, and choose the coverage that best meets their health care needs and budget.

People who are currently enrolled in Oregon Health Plan (OHP), OHP Bridge, Medicare, employer-sponsored coverage, or other health coverage generally do not need to enroll through Explore Health.

The launch of Explore Health marks Oregon’s transition from the federally facilitated HealthCare.gov system and customer service center to a state-based marketplace operated entirely by Oregon. The Oregon Legislature authorized the transition in 2023 through Senate Bill 972.

By operating its own Marketplace, Oregon has more control over the technology and services people use to enroll in coverage, better access to data to understand and respond to the needs of people across the state, and greater flexibility to adapt to changing state and federal policies. It also allows Oregon to better connect the Marketplace with state programs and resources.

Explore Health includes a new online enrollment platform, a dedicated Consumer Assistance Center, and tools for community partners and insurance agents who help people enroll.

“Launching Explore Health is an important step in Oregon’s commitment to helping people get and stay covered,” said Fariborz Pakseresht, interim director of OHA. “Bringing the Marketplace home to Oregon gives us new opportunities to better understand the needs of the people we serve, respond to changes that affect their coverage, and create a more connected experience for people seeking health care coverage.”

Free help is available — People do not have to navigate health coverage on their own. Free, local help is available from certified assisters at community partner organizations and licensed insurance agents.

Visit ExploreHealthOR.gov to get started and find enrollment help.

People can also contact the Explore Health Consumer Assistance Center at 855-268-3767 (all relay calls welcome) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturday during Open Enrollment.

Open Enrollment through Explore Health ends Jan. 15, 2027. People should enroll by Dec. 31 for coverage that begins Jan. 1, 2027.

About Explore Health — Explore Health is Oregon’s health insurance marketplace, operated by the Oregon Health Authority. Explore Health helps people who do not have health coverage through a job or a public program shop for private health insurance, find financial help and enroll in coverage. Learn more at ExploreHealthOR.gov.

Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Conspiracy, Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft Related to SNAP EBT Skimming Scheme

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced today that Andy Robert Perovici, 36, of Portland, has pleaded guilty to federal charges for his role in a multi‑state scheme that targeted public assistance recipients and caused more than $550,000 in losses in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits in Oregon and Washington.

“Public assistance benefits are a lifeline for families who rely on them,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford. “Stealing from these programs harms some of the most vulnerable members of our communities. Today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who exploit federal benefits systems for personal gain.”

According to court documents, between April 2025 and November 2025, Perovici and his coconspirators obtained stolen SNAP and EBT card numbers and PINs and used this information to withdraw cash, purchase goods, and access benefits without authorization.

Investigators determined that on multiple occasions, including August 1 and September 1, 2025, Perovici used stolen EBT account information to make fraudulent withdrawals and purchases totaling thousands of dollars. He also possessed and trafficked device‑making equipment, including skimming devices and other hardware used to capture and clone EBT card data. Skimming devices were installed at retail locations in Portland, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Salem, Oregon.

A forensic review of electronic devices seized from Perovici revealed EBT account information and PINs associated with hundreds of SNAP and TANF recipients. The cumulative value of the compromised accounts was approximately $554,215.

Perovici pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, Unauthorized Use of Access Devices, and Aggravated Identity Theft. The Aggravated Identity Theft charge carries a mandatory two‑year prison term that must run consecutive to any other sentence imposed.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General is investigating the case with assistance from federal and state partners. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey A. Barrow and Nicholas D. Meyers are prosecuting the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced that at least 40 people are facing federal charges for conspiring to defraud the United States of more than $3 million in fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases.

The schemes involved stealing EBT card data—often through skimming devices—to make unauthorized purchases of large quantities of SNAP‑eligible goods.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford announced multiple new guilty pleas, 11 new indictments and major federal sentences in two large interstate fraud schemes involving stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account information.

“When SNAP benefits are stolen, real families go without food,” said Scott E. Bradford, U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. “That is unacceptable. My office will continue pursuing these cases to safeguard the integrity of the program and uphold the trust placed in us to protect Oregon’s communities.”

“This organized criminal scheme not only resulted in the loss of food assistance benefits for needy families whose EBT card data was skimmed or otherwise stolen. Egregiously, the corrupt enterprise also placed public health and safety—including of babies—at risk by selling products like infant formula on the black market,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office, USDA OIG special agents and our law enforcement partners for disrupting this dangerous scheme and bringing the fraudsters to face justice.” (READ MORE)

Get Ready for The Largest Veterans Day Parade West of the Mississippi in Albany

Traditionally, the parade in Albany, Oregon has been the largest Veterans Day Parade west of the Mississippi and the third largest in the USA.

Albany, Oregon has celebrated Armistice/Veterans Day since 1919. World War I ended on November 11, 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. Thus, the first celebration of the end of “the war to end all wars” was November 11, 1919. https://linncountyveteransdayparade.org

ODVA invites Oregonians to Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11 at Capitol

The Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs invites Oregonians to join in honoring all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces at the Statewide Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Oregon State Capitol State Park in Salem.

The annual ceremony will feature remarks from state leaders and special guests, along with traditional ceremonial elements honoring the service and sacrifice of Oregon veterans. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.

The ceremony will be held on the Capitol Mall, directly across Court Street from the front entrance of the Oregon State Capitol. The event is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed on ODVA’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/odvavet.

Statewide Veterans Day Events — ODVA also maintains a Statewide Veterans Day Events Calendar highlighting local observances and community celebrations throughout Oregon. To find an event near you, visit oregondva.com/event-calendar.

Organizations hosting Veterans Day events are encouraged to submit their event for inclusion on the calendar using the “Add Your Event” link on that page.

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

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or Tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

Stay Alive Vets to Host 6th Annual Gala on Veterans Day in Salem- Silver Star recipient Matthew Zedwick to keynote evening honoring veterans and supporting veteran suicide prevention

Stay Alive Vets (SAV) will bring veterans, families, and community supporters together on Veterans Day for the 6th Annual Stay Alive Vets Gala, an evening dedicated to honoring those who have served while raising awareness and support for efforts to prevent veteran suicide. 

The gala will be held Wednesday, November 11, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St. SE in Salem. The evening will feature dinner, a keynote address, veteran recognition, and live music from The Denominators. 

This year’s keynote speaker is Sergeant Matthew W. Zedwick, a U.S. Army veteran who was awarded the Silver Star for acts of gallantry during combat operations in Iraq. 

“Veterans Day is a time to honor those who have served, but honoring our veterans also means being there for them when they come home and making sure they know they are not alone,” said Angela Plowhead, Air Force veteran and board president of Stay Alive Vets. “Our gala brings people together to celebrate the strength and sacrifice of our veteran community while supporting programs that provide hope, connection and help when it is needed most.” 

The sixth annual gala will also provide an opportunity for guests to learn more about the programs Stay Alive Vets supports to address veteran suicide in Oregon and throughout the Pacific Northwest. 

“Having Matthew Zedwick join us on Veterans Day makes this year’s event especially meaningful,” Plowhead said. “His story reflects courage, service and an extraordinary commitment to others. That same spirit of looking out for one another is at the heart of our work. We want veterans and their families to know that they have a community standing beside them.”

Registration and Tickets

• Tickets: $60/person or host a table of 10 for $600. Purchase here.
• Veteran Tickets: Veterans and families can request their complimentary tickets on VetTix.
• Sponsorship Opportunities:   Buy Sponsorships — Stay Alive Vets: SAV Annual 
• The group is also accepting silent and oral auction items. Contact angela@stayalivevets.org to donate.

Community members are invited to dress up, dine and celebrate while supporting and honoring Oregon’s veteran community on Veterans Day. Additional event information is available at Home | Stay Alive Vets. 

About Stay Alive Vets: Stay Alive Veterans (SAV) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and uplifting the veteran community by addressing the pressing issue of veteran suicide. Operated by veterans for veterans, SAV is uniquely positioned to understand and respond to the complex challenges that veterans face after their service. The organization is driven by a deep commitment to ensuring that every veteran has access to the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives after their military careers.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $22 million hazelnut purchase to support Oregon growers and stabilize local markets.

Key Details of the USDA Purchase: $22 million allocated specifically for American-grown hazelnuts as part of a nearly $500 million nationwide Section 32 agricultural purchase.

Oregon produces about 99% of all U.S. hazelnuts, with roughly 1,000 hazelnut farms concentrated in the Willamette Valley generating more than $340 million in gross crop value.

The federal purchase helps offset market pressure from low initial prices (driven by large supply and uncertainty from Turkey, the world’s top producer) and rising production costs.

The purchased hazelnuts are routed into federal food assistance programs and food banks. The same Section 32 announcement included a $12 million purchase of Pacific whiting.

UPDATE: Oregon Man Charged with Federal Kidnapping Offense After Missing Child Located by Law Enforcement

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced today that Vince Edgar Chavez, 36, of Oregon City, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with kidnapping a minor.

According to the complaint, during the early morning hours of October 28, 2026, a 10‑year‑old child was reported missing from her home in Clackamas County. Responding officers discovered signs the child had been taken and immediately initiated a multi‑agency search. Through interviews, investigative leads, and prior contacts, law enforcement identified Chavez as a person of interest.

“The speed with which this child was found is the result of extraordinary teamwork and relentless determination by law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Bradford. “When a child is taken, we act immediately—and we do not stop until that child is safe and the offender is brought to justice.”

Investigators obtained emergency cellular records due to the immediate threat to life. Analysis by the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team (CAST), combined with a grid search by the Oregon City Police Department, directed officers to a residence on Pleasant Avenue in Oregon City. A white van associated with Chavez was located nearby.

At approximately 1:46 p.m., FBI agents observed Chavez accessing the vehicle and returning to the residence. Based on probable cause and the risk to the missing child, law enforcement executed an exigent entry into the home. Inside, officers located the child concealed in a bedroom and safely recovered her. Chavez was taken into custody at the scene.

The child was transported for medical evaluation. Other individuals present in the residence were interviewed and indicated they had no knowledge of the child’s presence in the home.

The affidavit further alleges that Chavez transported the child by vehicle across multiple jurisdictions, using public roadways and a cellphone in furtherance of the offense—factors that establish federal jurisdiction under the kidnapping statute.

This case is being investigated by the FBI Portland Field Office, the Oregon City Police Department, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, and other local law enforcement partners. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Rochat. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

A 35-year-old man accused of kidnapping a 10-year-old girl and beating her sister with a hammer will remain in jail with no bail, a Clackamas County judge ruled Thursday.

Prosecutors say Vince Edgar Chavez broke into an apartment in Canby early Wednesday morning, hit a 12-year-old girl in the head multiple times with a hammer, and took her 10-year-old sister. Investigators later found the younger child bound with duct tape inside a duffle bag at an Oregon City house, where Chavez was taken into custody. Chavez faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, and first-degree sexual abuse.

Vince Edgar Chavez appeared in Clackamas County Circuit Court facing charges of first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, and two counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

The attack started around 1:39 a.m. Wednesday when someone broke into a home at the Orchards Apartments on Southeast Township Road. The girls’ mother was home at the time and called 911.

During the break-in, the 12-year-old sister was hit in the head repeatedly with a hammer until she was knocked unconscious, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Chris Owen. She remains in the hospital, and Owen did not comment on her current condition.

Investigators tracked Chavez to an Oregon City house by following his white van and tracking his phone. Tactical teams, including the U.S. Marshals Service, found the 10-year-old girl Wednesday afternoon inside the home near Pleasant Avenue and Sommer Street, bound with duct tape inside a duffle bag.

Chavez, who was renting a room at the Oregon City house, tried to run out the back before officers took him into custody. Authorities questioned several other people at the home, but Chavez is the only person facing charges.

The 10-year-old girl was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation and care. Owen did not comment on the extent of her injuries.

“Law enforcement acted quickly and decisively and without hesitation to locate that vehicle, as well as by tracking his phone and putting him to that particular residence and rescuing that little girl,” Owen said. “We’re confident in our case but just being confident in your case doesn’t fix what happened to these kids.”

The Circuit Judge granted prosecutors’ request to hold Chavez without bail at the Clackamas County Jail. Chavez is scheduled to enter a plea November 5.

National Park Service Lists Pass Creek Covered Bridge in the National Register of Historic Places

DRAIN, Oregon – The Pass Creek Covered Bridge in Drain, Douglas County, is among Oregon’s newest entries in the National Register of Historic Places. Oregon’s State Advisory Committee on Historic Preservation recommended the nomination for the bridge at its June 2026 meeting. The bridge was originally constructed in 1925, but in 1987, it was dismantled and later reassembled downstream of its original location. The National Park Service (NPS), which maintains the National Register, accepted the nomination in October 2026, for its statewide significance in the area of Engineering. 

Located in Drain’s Civic Center Park, the Pass Creek Covered Bridge is an excellent representation of Oregon’s historic covered bridge-building tradition. Once there were an estimated 450 timber-truss covered bridges in Oregon, but as of 2026 there is no more than 50 remaining. The bridge exemplifies the engineering practice of enclosing timber trusses on bridges to protect their structural members from the damp Pacific Northwest climate. Pass Creek Covered Bridge served vehicular traffic for nearly six decades before it was replaced by a concrete span. Following its relocation, Pass Creek Covered Bridge functioned as a pedestrian and bicycle crossing for many years. The bridge has been closed since 2014 due to condition issues, but it remains a prominent community landmark.

The National Register of Historic Places — The National Register of Historic Places is maintained by the National Park Service under the authority of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Properties listed in the National Register are:

• Recognized as significant to the nation, state, or community;
• Considered in the planning of federal or federally assisted projects;
• Eligible for certain federal and state tax benefits;
• Qualified for historic preservation grants when funds are available;
• Eligible for leniency in meeting certain building code requirements;
• Subject to local laws pertaining to the conservation and protection of historic resources. 

State law in Oregon requires local governments to offer a minimal level of protection for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places; decisions about how to accomplish that goal reside with local governments, which also have the authority to create and regulate local historic districts and landmarks. 

Visit the National Register program webpage at: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/national-register.aspx to explore listed properties, review eligibility criteria and the nomination timeline, access research tools, and those interested in seeing if their property is eligible can submit a Historic Resource Record (HRR) form to receive preliminary feedback from State Historic Preservation Office staff.

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Silver Rail Elementary School will remain closed through November 6, 2026, as repair and restoration work continues following the October 15 shooting

• Closure Period: The school is closed through Friday, November 6, 2026.
• Reopening Requirements: Returning to the building depends on finishing repairs and meeting local safety codes—including Fire Marshal requirements for exit doors. The district expects to share a clearer repair and return timeline by the end of the week.
• Family Survey Results: An official district survey showed that 86.2% of families prefer to return to Silver Rail Elementary.
• Alternative Options: Families who need more time before returning can wait, or request to transfer for the remainder of the school year through Bend-La Pine Online or another district school by submitting an interest form via the Bend-La Pine Schools Information Hub.

Support Services and Community Resources

• Child Care: Free child care options are available for district families through November 6 via the Boys & Girls Club of Central Oregon.
• Free Food Assistance: Grab-and-go breakfast and lunch are provided Monday through Friday (November 2–6) from 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at R.E. Jewell Elementary School (20550 Murphy Road, Bend).
• Safety & Community Sessions: Bend-La Pine Schools is planning community engagement sessions for the upcoming week to discuss districtwide safety, security, and feedback from families.

Nonprofits Serving the Bend Community Receive $100,000 in Grants Following Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting

Oregon Community Foundation’s Rapid Response Fund supports eight organizations serving students, families and the broader community

BEND, Ore. ─ In the two weeks following the shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School, Oregonians have responded with an outpouring of generosity, compassion and a commitment to help the Bend community heal.

Oregon Community Foundation has awarded $100,000 in a first round of grants from its Rapid Response Fund to eight organizations supporting students, families and others affected by the tragedy.

Grant recipients include:

• Bend-La Pine Education Foundation — $5,000
• Better Together Central Oregon — $15,000
• Central Oregon Disability Support Network — $20,000
• High Desert Education Service District — $10,000
• Lines for Life Central Oregon YouthLine — $10,000
• Silver Rail Elementary PTO — $5,000
• The BEAM — $20,000
• The Open Arts Center — $15,000

Total awarded: $100,000

The grants are supported by donations from individuals, businesses and foundations from across Oregon and beyond. Contributors included major gifts from the Portland Thorns, the Starbucks Foundation and the Les Schwab Foundation, as well as hundreds of donors who gave as little as $25.

Together, those donors demonstrated that every contribution matters. Their generosity reflects a broader commitment to standing with Bend and helping families, students and educators recover from an unimaginable loss.

“Oregon Community Foundation serves communities in every corner of our state, but this tragedy hit especially close to home,” said Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “Our Bend office is just a few miles from Silver Rail Elementary School, and many of our staff, volunteers and partners have personal connections to the families affected. We have seen neighbors helping neighbors, businesses stepping up and people from across Oregon giving what they can to support this community. That’s what makes Oregon special. In moments of heartbreak, we come together.”

The Rapid Response Fund supports urgent community needs that require a coordinated charitable response. Following the shooting, OCF worked with local leaders and nonprofit partners to identify where funding could have the greatest impact.

The trusted nonprofit organizations in this initial round of grants have a proven track record of serving Central Oregon residents and will continue supporting recovery efforts in the months ahead. As many have already, donors can also choose to support them directly through individual donations.

“These grants represent more than financial support,” Mensah said. “They are a reminder to families, students and educators that people across Oregon care deeply about this community and want to help. From gifts of $25 to major contributions from businesses and foundations, every donation became part of something larger than itself.”

Separately, the family of Megan Lambert established a fund at Oregon Community Foundation to honor the special education teacher’s life and legacy. The Megan Lambert Memorial Fund will support causes that reflect Megan’s values and interests, including education, mental health, services for children with special needs and Oregon schools.

About Oregon Community Foundation — Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. Working with donors, volunteers and nonprofit partners, OCF invests in communities throughout the state through grants, scholarships and charitable funds. Learn more at oregoncf.org.

Kaylub Giamanco recalls the events immediately after he followed the 16-year-old shooter into Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend in an exclusive interview with OPB.

Warning: This story contains graphic details.Three children — ages 5, 8 and 11 — and a 25-year-old teacher were killed on Oct. 15. Two others were seriously wounded.

Giamanco pursued and fatally shot the teenage shooter with a personal weapon he stored in his truck.In an emotional interview, Giamanco described seeing the boy with a weapon entering the elementary school where he had earlier dropped his two young daughters off for school picture day.

He said he made a split-second decision to pursue the shooter. He described it as the scariest day of his entire life, and said he’s thinking of the victims’ families, wishing he could have saved their loved ones. — Read more and watch the interview on OPB.org.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reported that 204 individuals have signed up to begin the process of obtaining a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) following the Oct. 15, 2026, shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend.

Key details reported by the sheriff’s office and local media include:

• Number of Applications: 204 people started the CHL application process in the week following the shooting, which is double the number of new CHL applications recorded for the entire quarter ending in July 2026.
• New Training Class: In response to the high demand, the sheriff’s office scheduled an additional CHL training class for Saturday, November 14, 2026 (with 45 spots available).
• Sheriff’s Statement: Sheriff Ty Rupert noted that historical trends show increased interest in concealed handgun licenses following major community-impact incidents.

The Oregon Public Utility Commission has sanctioned Avista’s annual purchased gas adjustment (PGA) filing, leading to revised customer rates that will take effect on October 31, 2026.

This adjustment is designed to align customer rates with the actual wholesale costs of natural gas that Avista procures for service delivery.

The Oregon Public Utility Commission approved an 8.5% rate increase for Avista residential customers, adding roughly $5.83 per month for a typical household using 45 therms.

Key Details of the Avista Adjustment:

• Effective Date: October 31, 2026
• Service Area: Affects approximately 106,500 natural gas customers in southwest and northeast Oregon.
• Reason for Change: The annual Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) updates customer rates to reflect actual wholesale natural gas costs, true-up projections from the previous year, required accounting adjustments, and the expiration of prior-year amortizations. These costs are passed through directly to customers without a utility markup.
• Timing: The rate adjustment takes effect one day before Oregon’s winter rate hike restrictions begin under the FAIR Energy Act.

Managing Your Energy Costs — You can explore energy-saving tips and available customer rebates through the Energy Trust of Oregon. For billing questions or payment assistance options, visit the Avista Utilities Website.

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DFR warns of “self-funded” limited-partner health plans

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to carefully review health insurance coverage offered through “self-funded” limited-partner plans or other unlicensed entities.

Oregonians should exercise caution before enrolling in a limited partner plan. Companies may offer plans that refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. Many limited partner plans cover only preventive care, such as check-ups and annual health screenings. The plans tempt consumers with promises of low premium costs. However, consumers often end up with higher out-of-pocket costs due to uncovered medical bills. With open enrollment rapidly approaching, it is important to know what the difference is between these plans and standard plans. Open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 and goes through Jan. 15, is for those who do not get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan.

DFR warned of these plans back in April. They are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being unexpectedly responsible for unpaid medical bills. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available only through a licensed insurance agent or through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers should pay close attention to ensure that they are on the “.gov” website as there are other websites with similar web addresses that offer non-ACA-compliant plans.

“Consumers should remember the adage that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

Red flags to look for include:

• A salesperson marketing limited partner plans or other “ERISA plans” directly to consumers
• A salesperson claiming they do not need a license because their product is not insurance or is exempt from regulation
• A salesperson offering to sign you up outside open enrollment and without eligibility for a special enrollment period
• A health insurance plan seeming abnormally cheap or referencing “stop-loss” insurance
• A group issuing coverage with minimal requests about an applicant’s health
• A company attempting to quickly collect a large amount of premium
• A company delaying or denying claims and making excuses for failure to pay

Before providing an insurance sales agent with any payment or personal information, DFR encourages consumers to request the agent’s full name and National Producer Number. Consumers can verify the agent’s licensure status by visiting DFR’s check a license webpage.

DFR urges Oregonians to be careful when choosing a company to purchase health care coverage from. Organizations and health plans that DFR and other state regulators have identified as having marketed limited partner or self-funded coverage include:

• Socios Buenos, LP aka Vista Health
• Affordable Benefit Choices LLC
• LP Management Services, LLC
• Aither Healthcare Competitive Health
• NXT Level Health
• Multiplan PHCS Network
• Verdegard Administrators, LLC fka Hawaii Mainland Administrators, LLC
• Pioneer Health/Innovative Healthcare Solutions
• ClearShare Health and Clearwater Benefits LLC
• Emergency Management Alliance
• Premier Health Solutions
• Strategic Limited Partners, LP
• The Vitamin Patch, LLC

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions can contact our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Pacific Power offers Oregon customers rebates for backup power 

Program helps eligible customers prepare for wildfire-related outages and winter storms 

With a record-setting wildfire season that brought power disruptions to communities across Oregon winding down, Pacific Power is reminding eligible customers about rebates that can help them prepare for future outage events. As our focus transitions to winter storm season, qualified customers and licensed care facilities can still get help purchasing backup power equipment.

Income-qualified residential customers who rely on electricity for medical equipment can receive a rebate of up to $1,000, and eligible licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices can qualify for up to $4,000 in rebates. These rebates can be used toward a qualified portable power station, battery or permanent backup generator.

“We prioritize emergency preparedness education and communication in our communities so our customers are prepared in the event an outage whether related to wildfire safety or seasonal storms,” said Carrie Laird, vice president of wildfire mitigation and emergency operations for Pacific Power. “We want eligible customers and care facilities to know this assistance is available and encourage them to apply before the upcoming deadlines so that they can take advantage of these helpful programs, which can offer peace of mind.”

To qualify for the residential rebate, applicants need to have an active Pacific Power account number, either as a customer or as the tenant of a Pacific Power customer. They also have to be enrolled in both Pacific Power’s Medical Certificate program and Oregon Low Income Discount program. Eligible customers should select backup power equipment from the program’s qualified product list and meet applicable requirements, which are spelled out in detail on our website.

Licensed care facilities also have to have an active Pacific Power account number, either directly or through a Pacific Power customer whose property they occupy. Eligible facilities include licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices.

Eligible equipment must be purchased by December 31, 2026, and Pacific Power must receive the completed application and purchase receipt by January 31, 2027. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the program’s annual funding is fully used.

Pacific Power launched the Oregon Backup Electric Power Rebate Program in 2023. Since then, the company has issued 421 rebates totaling more than $1.2 million.

The program is also helping communities strengthen their backup power readiness. In 2025, Linn County identified eligible care facilities and encouraged them to invest in backup power. Twenty-seven facilities received rebates of $4,000 each, for a total of $108,000. A batch application process is now available for jurisdictions submitting applications for multiple facilities.

Customers with questions about batch applications for multiple care facilities may email Generator@resource-innovations.com“>PacPowerGenerator@resource-innovations.com.

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.

– Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.

“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”

Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks website to find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.

“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.

Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon. Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs – No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

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