The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Oregon Beach Weather
Sneaker Waves Along The Coast – Anyone planning to spend time during the holidays along the Oregon coast should be mindful of possible sneaker waves.
King tides refer to the highest tides of the year and along the Oregon Coast these tides are typically 9 to 10 feet. There are four series of king tides, so mark your calendars. To learn more about these tides and/or to participate in some cool citizen science visit: https://www.oregonkingtides.net
King Tide Dates: December 13th-15th January 11th-13th February 8th-10th
Sneaker waves are waves that suddenly surge further up the beach than expected, according to the NWS. They are powerful enough to sweep people into the ocean, and can roll logs and other debris along the beach.
FBI Investigating More Than 18 Hoax Threats Sent To Oregon Schools Including Brookings, Coos Bay and Bandon
A string of bomb threats were sent to locations all over Oregon on Monday, prompting evacuations and law enforcement sweeps from the coast to the central and eastern parts of the state. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Portland Field Office reported more than 18 incidents impacting a dozen school districts, three synagogues and two small airports.
Bomb threats reportedly made at several Oregon School Districts, including Brookings-Harbor and Coos Bay Dec. 11, promoted police and school districts’ responses.
Brookings-Harbor School District Superintendent Helena Chirinian posted the following on the district’s Facebook site. “Brookings-Harbor School District leadership made the decision to dismiss early Monday, Dec. 11, due to a threatening message received by one of our staff members. Following our emergency dismissal process, the Brookings Police Department searched all campus buildings and did not find anything suspicious. Many other school districts across Oregon received a similar communication to the one we received, and it is reported that the FBI is investigating numerous threats that are believed to be connected. It was determined there is no credible threat at this time, and we will resume regular classes and activities tomorrow. Teachers and counselors will be ready to support students who are struggling to feel safe tomorrow (Tuesday).
At this point. federal investigators believe that none of threats are or were credible, but local law enforcement and officials took them seriously. Across the state, students evacuated several school campuses after districts received threatening emails alluding to bombs or explosives within the buildings.
In Gilliam County, the sheriff’s office said threats came into the Arlington and Condon School Districts at around 10 a.m.
“That triggered a chain of events,” said Lt. Tory Flory. “We evacuated the school. We did a full search of the school, evaluated what we’re looking at, and ultimately determined that it was a hoax threat.”
The Gilliam County Sheriff’s Office small, Flory said, consisting of just eight full-time sworn officers including the sheriff. After the districts called in the threats Monday, deputies leaned neighboring agencies for help, since their own resources were quickly depleted by the response. The sheriff’s office was able to cover both schools, he said, but only because the deputies were able to get help.
“The depletion and distraction of law enforcement and public safety resources is very, very impactful,” said Kieran Ramsey, FBI Special Agent in Charge of Oregon. “We are talking about the trauma, the emotional trauma afflicted upon the students, as well as teachers and staff and parents, quite honestly, let alone the depletion of public safety resources. When we see something like that happen, we have first responders literally rushing to a scene, which can create a hazardous situation. Then, we have first responders — because they are dealing with that situation — are unable to deal with other real emergencies that are probably going on.”
Ramsey said the Portland FBI office is investigating the Gilliam County incidents, along with several other hoax threats within the state, piecing together the full picture to determine whether they’re connected and who was behind them.
Most, if not all, talked about some kind of bombing or potential bombing,” he said. “We do have a number of threats that used very similar, if not the exact same, verbiage. And then in some instances, we have been able to trace back one IP, which is located outside of the United States.”
The FBI said there were a number of threats received in Ohio and in Texas on Monday as well. At this point, agents said they’re not able to say whether the incidents in Oregon are related to these national threats.
According to the Secure Community Network, Congregations Neveh Shalom and Beth Israel were two of the synagogues that received threats Monday within the Portland area. The Executive Director of Congregation Neveh Shalom released this statement Tuesday:
“At approximately 1:50pm on Monday, December 11 Neveh Shalom received communication from the Secure Community Network that Jewish institutions in Oregon had been targeted with threatening emails. SCN suggested that we review our “spam” folders and found that Neveh Shalom had received a threatening email. SCN has determined these emails to be a hoax and mirror similar emails received by Jewish institutions throughout the country.
Immediately upon notification Neveh Shalom administrators followed the CNS protocols and law enforcement instructions thoroughly. The Portland Police Bureau was contacted and immediately sent out officers to our facility. A complete sweep of our perimeter was performed by law enforcement. At this time, we have no indication of any immediate threat to our community. We are grateful for collaboration with local law enforcement and the Secure Community Network. (SOURCE)
Santa Paws Pet Food Drive
Wednesday, December 13, at Mini Pet Mart (2630 US-101). Each event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Community members are invited to bring their furry family members (and human ones, too) for pictures with Santa. Kurt Kennedy, who plays Santa Paws for OCHS, is a longtime supporter of the organization.
In conjunction with pictures, OCHS will be hosting Pet Food Drives at the same time. Oregon Coast Humane Society feeds over 350 community pets each month with more animals added regularly. Donations of dog and cat food and supplies are used for shelter and community pets to ensure no animal ever goes hungry.
OCHS Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson says that community partnerships like these make it possible to help even more animals. “We’re so grateful for the support we receive throughout the year from Mini Pet Mart and Florence Shipping Solutions.
They both host donation jars and their customers contribute hundreds of dollars to support our shelter pets. They also gather donations of food and pet supplies, and host fun events annually that support our work.”
Donations for pictures with Santa Paws support shelter and community animals in Florence. Suggested donations start at $20, but no one will be turned away.
Oregon Coast Humane Society is a nonprofit, limited intake shelter promoting a lifetime commitment to pets. (SOURCE)
The Coos Bay Police Department is investigating a homicide after a man was found dead outside a business on Ocean Boulevard in Coos Bay Tuesday morning.
According to police, 911 received a call around 6:30 a.m. that a man had been found dead with a gunshot wound. The body was found near Umpqua Dairy.
Officers responded to the area and discovered the dead body. They began an initial investigation and activated the Coos County Major Crimes Team to help.
Police say it is early into the investigation and investigators are canvassing the surrounding neighborhood to get more information.
They do want to speak with occupants of a dark colored SUV that flagged down a passing driver near the location. That driver then made the emergency call.
The victim has not yet been identified. A suspect has also not been identified.
Police say this is believed to be an isolated incident, and there is no perceived threat to the public.
If anyone has information regarding this case, please contact the Coos Bay Police Department at 541-269-8911.
One person is facing criminal charges, and another person is recovering from an incident involving shots fired in Gold Beach
Curry County Sheriff’s Dispatch Center begin receiving numerous reports of shots being fired near Ellensburg Avenue and 8th Street in Gold Beach at approximately 7:25 p.m. Dec. 8, according to Gold Beach Police Sgt. David Vershall.
A Gold Beach Police Officer responded and arrived at the scene within one minute.
“When the officer arrived, he found a male laying on the ground and another upset male standing near La Casita De Oro Mexican restaurant,” Vershall said. “The officer secured the scene and started an investigation.”
The victim was in the drive-thru of the Mexican restaurant and was confronted by suspect, according to Vershall.
“During the incident, both males exited their vehicles and were standing near the suspects’ vehicle,” Vershall said. “The suspect produced a pistol from his car and pointed it at the victim. A struggle ensued over the pistol. The pistol discharged. The victim then punched the suspect in the face, incapacitating the suspect. The victim then moved the pistol away from the suspect.”
A Curry County Sheriff’s deputy arrived to assist in the investigation. The investigation determined the two males involved did not know each other prior to this incident.
Steven P. Mason, 44, was arrested and lodged at the Curry County Jail on the charges of Attempted Manslaughter 1, Assault 2 and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
The victim was treated and released. The victim’s name, age, and specific description of injuries, were not immediately available. (SOURCE)
Oregon Department Of Forestry Recreation Team Seeking Camp Hosts
The Oregon Department of Forestry Recreation Team is looking for camp hosts to support operations at 8 campgrounds in the Tillamook, Clatsop, and Santiam State Forests for the 2024 season.
Campgrounds operates from May through October with flexible scheduling opportunities to include both full-season and short-season commitments.
Camp hosts are provided with:
*electricity
*water
*firewood
*septic
*ODF uniforms and supplies
Hosts help with light facility maintenance, visitor information services, and provide a point of contact for visitors in case of an emergency. Camp hosts enjoy direct access to trails and other recreation areas, get to meet people from all over the world, and can spend time exploring the vast experiences and views state forests have to offer.
To learn more, visit the ODF volunteer page: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/recreation/pages/volunteer.aspx
Florence Community Celebrates Economic Impact Of The Arts
The Florence Regional Arts Alliance and the Arts and Economic Prosperity Study-6 steering committee hosted a celebration to share the results of their year-long efforts with the community.
The study, also known as AEP6, was held to determine the actual economic impact of arts and culture events in the central coast region.
The information shared at the celebration was based on nearly 1,000 surveys completed by event audiences, along with surveys from 15 regional arts and culture organizations.
Harlen Springer, the AEP6 steering committee chair, said the event on Nov. 8 at the Florence Events Center was a resounding success.
“We presented findings from the local Arts and Economic Prosperity Study to a standing room only crowd – including city officials,” Springer said.
Survey data showed the average dollar amounts spent at local restaurants, hotels, and retail shops, as well as on transportation, supplies, and childcare, every time an arts or cultural event happens in the greater Florence area.
“Senator Dick Anderson attended and told me how impressed he was with the data and how he can use it in the legislature,” Springer said.
The study concluded that the total economic impact of arts and culture in the Florence region brought in $7.3 Million, and could result in $1.5 million in government revenue, she said.
In addition to brining in revenue, arts and culture organizations in the Florence region also support 118 jobs.
That equates to $4.6 Million in personal income, said Bettina Hannigan, AEP6 steering committee member and President and CEO of the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.
“That puts us in the top five employers in the area,” Hannigan said.
The takeaway from the event is that the arts matter, AEP6 steering committee chair Springer said.
“Thank you for supporting arts and culture events and organizations because they give back to the community,” she said.
The Florence Region AEP6 Study was supported by Florence Regional Arts Alliance, Oregon Arts Commission, Travel Oregon, and Oregon Coast Visitors Association.
For the full Florence Region data report, www.fraaoregon.com/aep6-study. (SOURCE)
Traffic Alert- Road Construction in Coos Bay
Utility work will be taking place on Commercial and Anderson Avenues reducing traffic to a single lane. Plan your commute accordingly to avoid any potential delays.
The City of Coos Bay will be constructing parking for the WWTP 1 collection staff equipment and vehicles. This is required as the previous parking area is within the boundaries of the Plant 1 Upgrades project currently under construction.
The construction activities will not require road closures, but will increase the construction traffic along Ivy Street adjacent to the facility at 680 Ivy Street. The project is set to break ground Monday December 11th, and, weather permitting, should be complete mid-December. Working hours will be from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Winter Whale Watch Week Returns to the Oregon Coast December 27-31
OREGON COAST, Oregon—Oregon State Parks will once again host Winter Whale Watch Week at 15 sites along the Oregon Coast Wednesday, Dec. 27 to Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.
Every year thousands of gray whales migrate south through Oregon’s waters at the end of December, and state parks invites visitors to the coast to see their journey.
Trained volunteers will be stationed at 15 sites to help visitors spot whales, share information and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily. Volunteer opportunities are still available along the north and south coast if you register by Dec. 11 at https://orwhalewatch.org/volunteer/
The Whale Watch Week sites are some of the best places to spot whales on the Oregon Coast.
“We are excitedly waiting for the migration of the gray whales to come down from Alaska,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.
“We really enjoy sharing the experience with visitors,” he said, “It’s been a tradition at Oregon State Parks for more than 40 years.”
A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching
An estimated 14,500 gray whales swam past Oregon’s shores last winter, according to the most recent population estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The journey is part of their annual migration south to the calving lagoons near Baja, Mexico, and the end of December is the peak time to see their migration south.
The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about whales.
All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.
For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit oregonstateparks.org.
Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Winter Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch23.
Yachats Winter Solstice Bonfire — Thursday, December 21, 2023
This is a very fun event! Nothing is sold, but donations are accepted. Chili, popcorn, and cornbread will be served. Yachats Ladies Club is providing cookies.
There will also be a music jam session.
Date :December 21, 2023 Time:4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Location: View Facility Pavilion Address: 501 HWY 101 N. Yachats, OR 97498
Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Public Help To Locate An Armed And Dangerous Individual
Lincoln City Police Seeking Public Assistance To Identify Victims In Credit Card Fraud Scheme
The Lincoln City Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying potential victims who may have had fraudulent charges placed on their credit cards. On November 17, 2023, the police began an investigation into a credit card fraud scheme that occurred at the north Chevron gas station where persons using their credit cards to purchase fuel had an additional charge placed on their card. A former employee of the station fraudulently placed this additional charge on the card by scanning the card with a device without the knowledge of the card owner. Lincoln City Police believe there may be a large number of additional individuals who fell victim to this credit card fraud scheme. We are asking our residents and visitors of Lincoln City, specifically those who used credit or debit cards at the station on November 4th, 10th, 11th, 15th and 17th of this year, to check their bank statements and transaction history for any transaction listed as “Hot Dog Stand”.
We are taking these additional investigative measures to identify potential victims, but given the nature of the case, this may be a time consuming process. If you or someone you know discovers a transaction consistent with the above information, please call the Lincoln City Police Department at 541-994-3636 and ask for Officer Jon Humphreys or CSO Jim Folmar and reference case LCP23008921.
The Chevron management has been fully cooperating with the investigation and there is no reason to believe the scheme is still occurring as an initial arrest has been made in this case. On November 17, 2023, the former employee, 43-year-old, Jeremy Michael Brown of Lincoln City, Oregon was arrested on initial charges of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Theft in the Third Degree and Identity Theft. Brown was transported to the Lincoln County Jail and lodged on the listed charges. More information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
Florence Café 60 Senior Meals Program Reopens for Dine-In Meals
Lane Council of Government’s Senior Meals Program is reopening its Café 60 location in Florence after being closed for the past three years.
LCOG officials said that during the closure, LCOG’s Senior and Disability Services division offered grab-and-go meals but the reopening of Café 60 will provide a dine-in location for seniors who might otherwise go hungry. The Florence location will reopen on December 4 and operate three days a week at 11:15 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at the Florence Senior Center located at 1570 Kingwood Street, LCOG officials said.
Organizers said that interested seniors should make reservations at least a week in advance by calling ahead at 541-997-5673 or filling out a reservation menu at the Café 60 location. The program is open at no cost to seniors 60 years of age or over and those not 60 years or older are welcome to join by paying the meal cost of $8, program organizers said. Donations are welcomed to support the program’s continued operation in the community, LCOG officials said.
Volunteers are also sought to help with the program and those who would like to participate may call 541-682-1366. More program information is also available here: https://www.lcog.org/sdslane/page/florence-caf%C3%A9-60-reopens-dine-meals
Have you reserved your vehicle timed entry and parking for Shore Acres Holiday Lights, Nov. 23 – Dec. 31, 2023?
Reservations are available now at https://bit.ly/2023holidaylights or call 800-452-5687, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Preferred date and time sold out or you need more flexibility to plan your visit? Beginning Nov. 16, ADDITIONAL timed entry and parking becomes available each day during a 7-day rolling window. So, on Nov. 16 you can reserve for visits on Nov. 23; Nov. 17 for visits Nov. 24; and it continues to roll through the event. The rolling window inventory online becomes available at 6 a.m. each day.
Visitors inside the vehicle don’t need reservations.
The $5 vehicle parking ticket assigned to a date and entry time of the visitor’s choice is needed to enter the show. Just reserve and then have your ticket for parking ready to show when you arrive at your selected time. Visitors no longer have the option to purchase a parking permit onsite to attend.
Go to https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm… for additional details, including options for waiving the $5 parking fee, and the link to reserve.
Image description: an illustration of a starry night, trees, and holiday lights strung along a hedge. Text reads: Shore Acres Holiday Lights. Nov. 23-Dec. 31, 2023.
Florence Woman Uses Winnings To Support Three Rivers Casino’s Toy And Food Drive And Urges Others To Help Too
A Florence woman who has made it her mission to make sure all children have a toy for Christmas is asking others to help out with the Three Rivers Casino’s 19th annual Toy and Food Drive.
Liberty Kommer said that she sets aside a portion of her winnings for a fund she’s earmarked for the annual Christmas toy drive. She said that part of the joy is in picking out toys for the drive, as she picks out toys she would have liked to have when she was growing up. Kommer said that she never had a Christmas growing up and doesn’t want other children to go through the same thing. Last year, Kommer donated a truckload of bicycles and helmets.
The casino has collected thousands of toys over nearly two decades to be given to Toys for Tots and handed out. The drive runs through December 6 and new, unwrapped toys worth at least five dollars can be dropped off at the casino. Donors can also drop off three cans of food in exchange for five dollars in free play at the casino. More information on the drive can be found on the Three Rivers Casino’s website.
Oregon Food Bank · Join us for our virtual community information event Wednesday 12/13!
Oregon Food Bank invites you to join us for our virtual Community Briefing event on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, to learn more about how Oregon Food Bank is working with our community and our partners to build community power in Oregon.
OFB President, Susannah Morgan, will get us started with an overview of how food banks and other service organizations are uniquely positioned to connect people accessing services to the decisions made at the local, state and federal level that impact them and their communities.
We will also introduce you to Petrona Dominguez with Adelante Mujeres, and Eddie Melendrez with Oregon Food Bank – SE Oregon Services in Ontario. Together they will share with you how they are engaging with their communities to create collective action and policy change that ends hunger for good.
Join us right where you are. Click on the link to register: https://www.mobilize.us/oregonfoodbank/event/591980/
Demand for food aid spikes in past year as many Oregonians struggle with hunger
After the pandemic ended, the demand for food continued to increase in Oregon, with the need for millions more pounds of produce, pasta and other staples at meal sites and food pantries.
Before the pandemic, about 860,000 people annually visited the food bank’s partners in Oregon and southwest Washington, said Morgan Dewey, a spokesperson for the nonprofit food bank. This year, the food bank is on track to serve more than 1 million people, Dewey said.
“We’re just continuing to try to keep up with how much food folks are needing on the ground,” Dewey said.
Get help — The Oregon Food Bank, state agencies and other organizations, including pantries and churches, provide food for hungry Oregonians. For help:
- Go to needfood.oregon.gov
- Find a food pantry at foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- For seniors and those with disabilities, call 855-673-2372 or go to www.adrcoforegon.org
- Dial 211, or text your Zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- For local resources, go to www.caporegon.org/find-services/
The needs have increased as extra pandemic-related food benefits from the government have stopped. During the pandemic, most families received 70% more in their monthly allotment of federal food aid, called the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP. The extra aid ended in March, with the average household allotment falling from $450 a month to about $300. The state also paid out the last of the pandemic-related extra food benefits for low-income families with young children in October.
“Those supports – when they ended it – really, really put folks in a dire situation,” Dewey said.
The food bank has five warehouses throughout the state that deliver to 21 regional food banks and more than 1,400 other points, including meal sites, delivery programs and pantries. Those sites are critical for rural and frontier areas in Oregon with food insecurity that are not near a large regional pantry, Dewey said.
The operation puts out fresh produce and dairy products, with an eye toward offering nutritional food that aligns with the cultural and ethnic backgrounds of Oregonians.
For the long-term, it’s important to look for ways to address the economic circumstances driving hunger, Dewey said. Those can include unaffordable housing and a lack of access to health care.
“We can serve everyone who is standing in line for a meal or standing in line to get a grocery bag full of food,” Dewey said. “We can serve all those people today, but hunger still won’t go away tomorrow.” (SOURCE)
Former Douglas County Deputy Arrested for Embezzlement
At the request of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Roseburg Police conducted an investigation into allegations that a former Douglas County Sheriff Corrections Deputy had embezzled money. During the investigation, former Deputy Peter Collins, a 44 year old Roseburg resident, admitted to embezzling more than $100,000 from the Douglas County Law Enforcement Association between 2016 and 2023, while serving as the union treasurer.
Collins was arrested on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, and lodged at Douglas County Corrections for: five counts of Aggravated Theft in the First Degree, five counts of Computer Crime, five counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Falsifying Business Records, Forgery 1, and Official Misconduct.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time
OHA To Create Pharmaceutical Board For Feedback About Two Major Chains Merging
The Oregon Health Authority says that the Kroger and Albertson merge could affect 150 pharmacies across Oregon.
OHA is forming a community board made out of community members, providers, and healthcare experts to determine what needs to be done to better the pharmacies during and after the merge. The OHA still needs people to apply.
Fill out an application out at https://ow.ly/Be9v50QgUUr and apply by emailing the application to hcmo.info@oha.oregon.gov before January 19th to be a part of the board.
People in Oregon can now manage state benefits with the Oregon ONE Mobile app
People can now securely manage their medical, food, cash and child care benefits through the State of Oregon from the convenience of their mobile devices using the new Oregon ONE Mobile app. People first will need to apply for benefits online, in person at a local office or over the phone.
The app is available for free in the Apple and Android app stores. It is an official State of Oregon app created by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS). The app’s development was partially funded by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“At ODHS we are committed to meeting people in Oregon where they are with as many ways as possible to manage their benefits, check application status and share needed documentation, like when they get a request for information during a renewal,” said Nathan Singer (he/him), director of the ODHS Oregon Eligibility Partnership. “People can now manage their benefits in-person, by mail, by fax, by telephone, online and on their mobile phone using the Oregon ONE Mobile app, which is available in English and Spanish.”
Interview with OEP Director Singer available on YouTube
Oregon ONE Mobile app video on YouTube
New Oregon ONE Mobile app video link
- Create a ONE Online account.
- Access their existing ONE Online account.
- Report changes to household information including address, contact information and income.
- Upload requested documents using a smartphone camera.
- Get updates on application status and check if it is approved, denied, or pending, and what actions might need to be taken.
- See and download notices that were mailed.
- Find the next renewal date for their benefits.
- Get important, time-sensitive alerts and notifications about benefits on mobile devices.
- View benefit issuance history for food and cash payments.
People who serve as Authorized Representatives for people with benefits are also able to use the app.
How to manage your medical, food, cash and child care benefits:
- By phone at: 1-800-699-9075. All relay calls accepted.
- Online at: benefits.oregon.gov
- Through the free Oregon ONE Mobile app available on Apple and Android app stores
- In person at an office near you: Find an office.
- In your language: Help in Your Language
- By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
- By fax at: 503-378-5628
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find food resources in your community: needfood.oregon.gov.
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Find local resources and support by contacting your local Community Action Agency: www.caporegon.org/find-services/
- Oregon Department of Human Services help center
About the Oregon Department of Human Services
The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve well-being and independence through opportunities that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity.
About the Oregon Eligibility Partnership
The Oregon Eligibility Partnership (OEP) is part of the Oregon Department of Human Services. OEP supports state staff who determine eligibility for people applying for and receiving medical, food, cash and child care benefits. It also manages the ONE Eligibility System used to process applications and deliver benefits to eligible individuals and families in Oregon. One in three people in Oregon receive benefits through the ONE Eligibility System. OEP administers the ONE Eligibility system in partnership with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC).###
Guided First Day Hikes set for January 1st in Oregon State Parks
Guided First Day Hikes led by rangers and volunteers are set for 31 Oregon State Parks on New Year’s Day—Monday, Jan. 1. Hikes are free and the $5 day-use parking fee is waived that day for all state parks that require a parking permit and are open.
America’s State Parks sponsors the First Day Hikes program nationwide to encourage everyone to start the year outside and connect with nature. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) has participated since 2012.
“I’m excited that we can offer 34 guided hikes in 31 state parks this year,” said Lisa Sumption, director of OPRD. “When more parks offer hikes, Oregonians have more options to hike near their homes or explore a new park and trail. Plus, this year we’re including more trail accessibility information in our online hike descriptions and are offering reasonable accommodations so visitors of all abilities can join us.”
Visit the Oregon First Day Hikes web page to see the list of parks hosting hikes. Additional hike information such as hike times, meet-up locations and trail terrain are available via the park links on the web page. A few hikes require registration.
Remember to plan for winter weather, dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and carry binoculars for viewing wildlife.
Share photos of First Day Hikes via Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtag #ORfirstdayhikesor tagging “Oregon State Parks” on Facebook.
About America’s State Parks
America’s State Parks is an alliance of state park systems in all 50 states. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) promotes and advocates for the state park systems across America in providing conservation and management of natural and cultural resources, quality outdoor recreation experiences, and connecting children and families to nature and the outdoors. With more than 9,817 park areas covering over 20 million acres of land, and visitation of nearly 9 million people annually, state parks are an integral part of protecting natural and cultural resources while providing guests amazing access to the outdoors. Learn more at stateparks.org.
Visitors can book same-day online reservations statewide starting in 2024
SALEM, Ore— Visitors hoping to camp last minute will soon have the chance to view and book same-day campsite openings online statewide starting Jan. 1, 2024.
Previously, most sites required booking 24 hours or more in advance of arrival when reserving online. Same-day online reservations started as a pilot project at two coastal parks and expanded last summer to all 17 coastal state park campgrounds.
“Same-day reservations at the coast gave those traveling the peace of mind that there was a place ready for them when they arrived,” said Coastal Region Director Dennis Comfort.
When the program expands statewide, it will include a total of 40 park campgrounds across Oregon. Some parks switch tent and RV campsites to first-come-first served during the winter and those sites will start offering same-day online reservations in the spring. Visitors can check park webpages for seasonal information on specific parks at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
Eleven campgrounds will remain first-come-first served year-round: Jackson F. Kimball, Goose Lake, Bates, Cascara, Catherine Creek, Hilgard Junction, Jasper Point (except for the cabin), Minam, Red Bridge, Smith Rock and Ukiah-Dale.
The goal of same-day online reservations is to offer campers the flexibility to travel last minute when sites are available while giving them the security of knowing they have a site when they arrive. Same-day online reservations also have the potential to give park staff more time to offer interpretive opportunities, improve park facilities and increase time interacting with visitors.
“The transition to same-day reservations at Nehalem Bay State Park was nearly seamless and has been generally well received by guests,” said Park Manager Ben Cox.
Starting Jan. 1, 2024:
- Tent and RV campers can make a same-day online reservation up until 11:59 p.m. on the day they arrive by visiting https://oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com. Yurt and cabin reservations must be made before 6 p.m. the day of arrival due to the staffing required to assist with keys or codes.
- All visitors can make reservations by calling (800) 452-5687 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- Visitors can also make same-day online reservations at parks statewide using mobile devices where they have cell reception or where Oregon State Parks’ free, limited Wi-Fi is available. Wi-Fi is provided at most parks for reservations only and is not guaranteed to be available 24/7. Signs at the park have login information. Since internet connectivity varies by park, it’s best to reserve campsites before arrival.
- Visitors can still pay with cash or checks at the park by finding a ranger or following posted instructions, which could include using self-registration envelopes only if instructed to do so. Ranger availability is limited depending on time and location.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will waive the $8 reservation fee for all same-day reservations.
If you have any questions about the new option, please contact the information center at k.info@oregon.gov“>park.info@oregon.gov. For more information about the option, please visit our online FAQs.
Missing Yachats Man’s Vehicle Found in North Lane County
On 08/25/2023, Dustin Steyding was reported missing to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office after he left work on 07/22/2023 and hadn’t been located since. Dustin was living and working in the Yachats area.
Dustin was reported to be in good physical condition, having previously worked as a hot shot firefighter in New Mexico. Dustin is very experienced in the woods and commonly goes out for hikes to stay in shape. Without means to locate Dustin, Deputies entered Dustin as a missing person in a national database.
On 09/04/2023, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received a call from Dustin’s family after they located his vehicle on Keller Creek Rd, just outside of Lincoln County in Lane County. Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Deputies contacted the vehicle and determined it had been at the location for some time. Deputies were unable to determine Dustin’s direction of travel from the vehicle.
The vehicle having been located in Lane County, Lincoln County Deputies contacted the Lane County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team and arranged for their response the next day to started searching the area. After two days of searching, no clues to Dustin’s have been found.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dustin Steyding should contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777 and reference case number 23S-07321.
83-year-old Clarence Edward Pitts walked away from his home in Bandon on Tuesday, January 31 at around 1:00 p.m. Pitts is described as:
- 6′ 00″
- 150 lbs
- Gray hair
- Brown eyes
- Last seen wearing an orange beanie, plaid jacket, tan pants and white shoes
- May have a walking cane
- Has dementia and PTSD
Pitts may be in a vehicle that was also found to be missing from the home:
- 1999 Toyota Van
- White
- Oregon license plate: WYN 788
If you see Clarence or have any information pertaining to where he may be, please call the Coos County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center at 541-396-2106 or the Bandon Police Department at 541-347-3189.
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