Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 12/3 – Oregon Coast Humane Society Buys Its Headquarters as Nonprofit Eyes Expansion, Winter Festivals This Week & 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, December 3, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

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

A Beach Hazards Statement is in effect for the Clatsop County Coast, Tillamook County Coast, and Central Coast of Oregon from Tuesday 7 a.m. to Wednesday 10 p.m. due to the potential for life-threatening sneaker waves. The National Weather Service advises extreme caution in or near the water, as these powerful waves can suddenly sweep people off their feet and into the ocean, potentially causing serious injury or drowning. Beach hazards statement details

• What: A Beach Hazards Statement indicates potentially life-threatening conditions from sneaker waves.
• Why: Sneaker waves can surge much farther up the beach than normal, catching people off guard and pulling them into the ocean. They can also move large objects like logs.
• When: The statement is valid from Tuesday at 7 a.m. until Wednesday at 10 p.m..
• Where: The statement affects the Clatsop County Coast, Tillamook County Coast, and Central Coast of Oregon. 

Safety precautions

• Remain out of the water to avoid hazardous swimming conditions.
• Always keep an eye on the waves and never turn your back to the ocean.
• Be especially watchful of children.
• Exercise caution if participating in activities like razor clam digging.
• Stay aware that waves can run up high, including over rocks and jetties. 

Oregon Coast Humane Society Buys Its Headquarters as Nonprofit Eyes Expansion

The Oregon Coast Humane Society has bought its Florence headquarters – which it previously rented from the county – for $500. The purchase, which Lane County commissioners unanimously approved Tuesday, is the first step in a planned, long-term expansion.

Oregon Coast Humane Society Executive Director Elizabeth Thompson told KLCC that the organization outgrew its space two decades ago. The nonprofit has had nearly 900 animals move through the shelter this year. She said they now have a waiting list, kittens in their breakroom, and dogs in offices.

“The only barrier to helping more animals is our space,” Thompson said. “We have the capacity, based on our staffing and our volunteers and our community support, to take care of twice as many animals, three times as many animals. But, when you only have 15 dog kennels, and you only have two rooms for kittens, you’re quickly at capacity.”

Thompson said the purchase will also allow the nonprofit to address a growing challenge: large dogs that are spending an increasingly-long time in shelter kennels.

“A lot of these dogs were born during the pandemic and so they also need training and socialization that they weren’t able to receive” she said. “That makes their care a little more of a high priority for us.”

Thompson said owning the building, located at 2840 Rhododendron Drive in Florence, is part of the groundwork for the Oregon Coast Humane Society’s anticipated, approximately $5 million capital campaign.

Once the facility expands, the organization can also contract to do more dedicated service to rural communities, like Mapleton.

It will also be able to take in twice the number of dogs, and will have more space to train them.

Thompson said other planned improvements include more room for cats, quarantine space, a tsunami safety upgrade and improved disability access. (SOURCE)

The City of Seaside Visitors Bureau and Tourism Advisory Committee have announced a new grant program designed to support public art, placemaking, and wayfinding projects aimed at enhancing Seaside’s visual landscape and enriching the city as a year-round destination. Applications Due 12/5

The inaugural Community Arts and Vitality Grant will provide up to $25,000 in funding for the 2025-2026 cycle. Applications are due by December 5, 2025.

“This new grant is a chance for tourism to invest in the vibrant creative and civic spirit of Seaside,” said Joshua Heineman, Seaside’s tourism marketing director. “We’re looking for ideas — big and small — that’ll bring more beauty, historical context, and inspiration to the streets of this unique beach town for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.”

Eligible projects include public art installations, murals, and shovel-ready placemaking efforts that contribute to Seaside’s long-term cultural vitality and tourism appeal. Detailed guidelines and application instructions are available at SeasideOR.com/Tourism-Grant-Program.

In addition to the new arts grant, Seaside continues to accept applications for its tourism grant supporting offseason events. Since opening in May 2025, the events grant has awarded $15,250 to five local organizations. Applications for this program also close December 5, 2025.

The Seaside Visitors Bureau, a department of the City of Seaside, serves as the official destination marketing and management organization. The Seaside Welcome Center, located at the intersection of Highway 101 and Broadway, operates as an official State Welcome Center in partnership with Travel Oregon.

Yachats Winter Festival Dec 6 & 7

Join us for a weekend full of holiday cheer with our Holiday Vendor Fair — open Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Yachats Commons.Enjoy holiday wreath-making, sip your way through town on our Hot Cocoa Trail, and end Saturday with the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony around 5 PM.Bring your family, your friends, and your holiday spirit — we can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!

The Oregon Coast Military Museum is preparing for its Annual Festival of Trees Gala on Saturday, December 6th at Three Rivers Casino Resort.

The event runs from 5 to 9 PM and features decorated trees, holiday atmosphere, and community support for the Museum. Organizers say about half of the available tickets have already been sold and they’re hoping for a last-minute rush, even as the date shares space with several other events happening around Florence that night. Tickets are forty-five dollars per person or three-hundred-twenty dollars for a reserved table of eight, available at Shipping Solutions and The Beaded Path on Highway 101. Proceeds support the Museum’s work in preserving and sharing the region’s military history.

PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center Light Up A Life Tree Lighting Ceremony 12/13

You are invited to our 30th annual Light Up A Life tree lighting and reading of names ceremony on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 2 to 3 p.m.This is a special time to remember our loved ones during the holiday season through reflective readings, music, the reading of their names and the lighting of our dedicated Light Up A Life tree at the Florence Events Center.

This event is open to anyone in the community who is grieving the death of a loved one. If you’d like to make a meaningful tax deductible gift to help us meet the needs of our Hospice patients and families throughout the year, please go to: http://peacehealth.org/…/light-up-a-life-peace-harbor

Coos County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Safety Reminder

As we head into the holiday season and winter weather, roads in Coos County can get slick and busy fast. Let’s all do our part to get home safely.

Slow down – especially on Hwy 101, 42, and our coastal & mountain roads

Buckle up – every seat, every trip

Never drive impaired – alcohol, drugs, or even extreme fatigue

Watch for deer & elk – they’re active this time of year

Turn on those headlights when it’s raining or foggy – Oregon law requires it when wipers are onIf you see a stranded motorist or dangerous driving, call our non-emergency line at (541) 269-8911 or dial 911 in an emergency.We’d rather pull over for coffee than pull you out of a wreck.Drive like the people you love are in the other car.Stay safe out there, Coos County!

A federal defense contractor is seeking hundreds of coastal Oregon hotel rooms, city of Newport says

It’s just one recent sign that interest over an immigrant detention facility on the coast hasn’t faded.

A federal defense contractor is inquiring about reserving hundreds of hotel rooms on the Oregon coast for a year, the city of Newport said Tuesday. It’s the latest sign that a suspected effort to build an immigrant detention center on the coast has not gone away.

In a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan reported that the city had confirmed that a contractor called Team Housing Solutions “has called multiple hotels up and down the coast, as recently as this morning.” According to Kaplan, the organization was “looking for as many as 200 hotel rooms for a year.”

The announcement marks a new twist in a weekslong saga that has left many in Newport confused and outraged, and ramped up fear in local immigrant communities.

Team Housing Solutions is a Texas-based contractor that specializes in quickly standing up housing for federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security. In early November, the organization inquired about leasing 4 acres of land at the Newport Municipal Airport, raising speculation that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had Newport in mind for a new facility.

Oregon is one of the few states in the country that does not have a large-scale immigration detention facility.

Team Housing Solutions pulled back its inquiry in the face of public outcry, but Kaplan’s announcement Tuesday suggests it is still looking for a purchase in Newport. ICE, DHS and Team Housing Solutions have not responded to inquiries about federal interest in the city.

The newly reported outreach to coastal hotels is just one sign that ICE is still looking at Newport. The Oregon Capital Chronicle reported Tuesday that another federal contractor recently contacted the state on behalf of ICE, inquiring about environmental regulations related to an unspecified project in Newport.

As Newport tries to learn what federal authorities may have in mind, the city is celebrating a court victory.

On Monday, a federal judge ordered the U.S. Coast Guard to return a rescue helicopter it had long stationed at the city’s airport. The aircraft was relocated with no explanation in late October. A pair of lawsuits has since challenged that move, arguing that the helicopter is necessary to prevent deaths, particularly ahead of the fast-approaching Dungeness crab season.

The temporary restraining order by U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken lasts for two weeks, though the judge may consider a more permanent ruling.

The inquiries by contractors — combined with the helicopter removal and some notable job postings — have led many in Newport to conclude ICE hopes to detain undocumented immigrants in the city, flying them elsewhere using the airport land controlled by the Coast Guard.

“The reason they wanted Newport is there’s an airstrip,” Kate Sinkins, a Lincoln City immigration attorney, told OPB last week. “They want to be able to put people in a detention facility and not give them due process and then fly ‘em to home country without anyone really paying attention. That is not going to happen. We are paying attention.” (SOURCE)

Federal judge orders Homeland Security and Coast Guard to immediately return rescue helicopter to Newport

A federal judge in Eugene on Monday night ordered the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to immediately return a Coast Guard rescue helicopter and its crew to Newport because the agency improperly moved it last month.

U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken made her ruling at 6:37 p.m. Monday, acting on lawsuit and accompanying request for a temporary restraining order late Friday from Newport Fishermen’s Wives and Lincoln County.

In a 14-page opinion and order, Aiken told the Coast Guard and Homeland Security director Kristi Noem “to immediately restore and maintain the status quo that has prevailed since 1987 by returning the rescue helicopter to the Coast Guard’s Newport air facility, together with the full operational capabilities, infrastructure and personnel support.”

Aiken said in her ruling she could “discern no hardship to defendants in an injunction requiring them to continue operating the Newport air facility as they have for the better part of four decades.”

The judge agreed with the plaintiffs that the helicopter’s move 90 miles south to North Bend could jeopardize the lives of Newport-based Dungeness crab crews expected to go to sea in three weeks. Aiken’s order remains in effect for 14 days while a hearing schedule is determined on the injunction.

The Coast Guard quietly moved the helicopter in October to North Bend without the notice required by federal law and has basically shuttered its facility at the Newport airport where the helicopter had been based.

The move is suspected to be in conjunction with Homeland Security seeking through third-party contractors to establish an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility at the air base and nearby property, which the city of Newport, the county and much of the community is vehemently opposing.

In her order, Aiken said Homeland Security and the Coast Guard did not follow federal rules enacted by Congress after the Fishermen’s Wives group successfully fought a similar helicopter transfer in 2014.

Those rules require that Homeland Security make determinations that before a helicopter is moved that remaining search and rescue capabilities can be safely maintained. The regulations also require that Homeland Security provide opportunities for public comment including public meetings, notification to Congress, and still cannot close a Coast Guard air facility until after 18 months after which all of those steps have been taken. (SOURCE)

To read Judge Ann Aiken’s 14-page ruling and order, go here

Nearly 500 people, including citizens, county commissioners, and state representatives showed for Wyden’s 1,138th town hall at the Newport High School gym Sunday afternoon. Primary focus was on the sudden removal of a US Coast Guard helicopter from the Newport airport, as well as rumored plans for an ICE facility in the community.

Rachel Maddow shares the story of the small town of Newport, Oregon figuring out that the Trump administration was planning to install an ICE prison at their airport, turning out residents in droves to protest and demand answers. Oregon State Rep. David Gomberg joins to talk about the effort to find out exactly what is going on.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) celebrates the completion of three GO Bond projects this year: Beverly Beach and Nehalem Bay upgraded vital infrastructure, and Fort Stevens restored the exterior of the historic Guard House.  

The work is part of the one-time general obligation bonds (GO Bonds) approved by the legislature in 2021 for Oregon State Parks.  

The goal of the $50 million GO Bond projects was to help update aging infrastructure and add capacity at several state parks.  

Silver Falls also completed a portion of its GO Bond project last year with the North Canyon trailhead and parking lot, which eased parking congestion and added a new accessible trail. 

Fort Stevens will complete its campground utility upgrades as part of GO Bonds in May 2026. Two more projects, safety upgrades at Cape Lookout and visitor center updates at Silver Falls, will break ground in 2026.  

The remaining GO Bond projects at Kam Wah Chung, Smith Rock, Champoeg and the campground expansion at Silver Falls will be placed on hold until additional funding is available. OPRD will allocate the approximately $15 million in remaining GO Bonds to higher priority backlog maintenance projects including existing utility systems, infrastructure and facilities. 

“When projects were initially identified 2021, we could not have anticipated the substantial increases in costs of materials, staffing and consultants or the significant reduction in revenue,” said Deputy Director for Field and Community Services Matt Rippee. 

“None of these were easy decisions, but at this time it is vital we focus on projects that will extend the life of existing facilities rather than expanding. Without this change, we would not be able to complete maintenance needs essential to protect and preserve our state parks.” 

OPRD is projecting a $14 million operations budget shortfall this biennium due to a projected decrease in Lottery revenue, increasing costs and a long-standing need for more sustainable funding. Staff are reviewing all OPRD’s costs to help build a more sustainable funding future.  

Tsunami Warning System Budget Cuts to Have Impact

Amid the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce federal spending on science and climate research, NOAA has been hit hard. Mass layoffs and proposed funding cuts threaten to cripple—or demolish—several of the agency’s research arms, including the Office of Atmospheric and Oceanic Research, the National Weather Service, and NOAA Fisheries’ science centers.

Recent budget cuts have led to the termination of funding for several critical tsunami warning infrastructure components, most notably a cancellation of a contract with the Alaska Earthquake Center that is causing seismic data to be cut off from the National Tsunami Warning Center. This is impacting real-time tsunami alerts, which could delay warnings for the West Coast, and follows previous funding and staffing cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) tsunami warning system. 

Specific impacts of the recent cuts

• Data feed disrupted: A canceled $$300,000 NOAA contract with the Alaska Earthquake Center is cutting off real-time earthquake data from seismic stations in Alaska to the National Tsunami Warning Center.
• Reduced accuracy and timeliness: Without this direct data feed, warnings may be less accurate and will likely be delayed, as the warning center must find alternative methods to determine if an earthquake could trigger a tsunami.
• Widespread impact: The cuts have the potential to impact Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California by delaying the adjustment of advisories and warnings.
• “Tsunami detection stations go dark”: The funding cuts resulted in nine Alaska tsunami detection stations going dark, with the loss of real-time alerts for the West Coast. 

Broader context of funding and staffing cuts

• NOAA budget issues: The cuts are part of broader funding reductions to NOAA’s science and research programs, including layoffs and funding cuts to the National Weather Service and other research arms.
• Staffing shortages: The tsunami warning centers were already understaffed before these recent cuts, with one center reportedly having only 11 out of 20 positions filled.
• Reduced hazard mitigation: Funding has also been reduced for the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, which supports states’ efforts to reduce tsunami risk.
• Impact on other systems: This is not the first time the system has been impacted by funding issues. For example, a U.S. government budget cut in 2017 proposed reducing the number of warning centers and slashing staffing. 

Job Corps Centers remain open despite legal limbo surrounding its future

However, a federal judge later ruled Job Corps Centers nationwide must remain open.

Mac McGoldrick is the Tongue Job Corps Center Director and he says they want young people to take advantage of the opportunity they offer and he also cleared up confusion regarding their status.

“We’re really looking to get our numbers up and kind of give us a chance to do what we do best which is you know transforming the lives of these students,” said McGoldrick. “We have funding we’re open all indications are that Tongue Point can continue to do what we do and our funding is identified and we worked very hard with the government to meet the purpose of the program.”

McGoldrick says one if the many things that makes the Tongue Point Job Corps Center unique is it’s the only one in the nation that provides maritime training for students.

Three Rivers Hosts Annual Food and Toy Drive

Three Rivers Casino Resort is holding its annual Food and Toy Driveno now to Dec. 14. The drive benefits local families in need as it strengthens partnerships between the casino, the Florence Police Department, and community organizations. Guests can bring in a new, unwrapped toy or three nonperishable food items to Player Services. They will receive $5 in free play once a week. Donors who bring both a toy and food can receive up to $10 total each week.

“We really appreciate working with Three Rivers for the toy and food drive program that we have here in Florence,” said Hailey Coons, Florence Police Department School Resource Officer. “They’re a big part of the service we’re able to offer our community during the holiday season. Community organizations nominate families who’ve been struggling or just having a rough year, and it’s such a rewarding experience to make sure every child has a happy holiday.”

“I think it’s fabulous when businesses give back to the community they serve,” said Beth, a food drive recipient. “My wife and I live on Social Security, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to decide what bills to pay. Discovering we were eligible for the food share helped us immensely. Food Share has given me so much more than food; it’s a wonderful community of caring humans.”

Coons said Legos, sports equipment, and books are among the most popular gifted items. When it comes to food donations, coffee, cereal, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, and macaroni and cheese are especially needed for families.

Over the last five years, Three Rivers Casino Resort has helped to give out more than 2,500 toys and cans of food. “We’d love for everyone to help donate so we can make every family have a fantastic holiday season,” said Coons.

Florence is getting ready to usher in the holiday season with a full month of celebrations designed to bring families together, energize local businesses, and showcase the community spirit that defines this coastal town.

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce has unveiled an extensive lineup of events that will span from Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas Eve, offering residents and visitors a festive invitation to shop, explore, and enjoy the charm of the season.

The excitement begins with Shop Local Saturday on November 29, a popular kickoff that encourages holiday shoppers to support the businesses that anchor Florence’s economic and cultural identity. The first one hundred shoppers will be greeted with complimentary tote bags filled with discounts, treats for kids, walking maps, and updated sales information. The Chamber Welcome Tent will be set up at Gazebo Park on Bay Street between one and three in the afternoon, providing resources, directories, and materials for families preparing to participate in the holidays’ signature activities. Children can also pick up stickers, coloring sheets, and the official map for the community treasure hunt.

That treasure hunt, known as the Sami and Ollie Treasure Hunt, runs from November 28 through December 24 and invites families to explore Florence’s local merchants in search of hidden holiday surprises. Sponsored by Sea Lion Caves, the hunt is designed to bring visitors into shops throughout town, strengthening community-business connections while adding a layer of festive fun to the holiday shopping experience. Treasure maps are available at participating merchants and at the Florence Visitor Center on Highway 101.

Festivities continue on December 6 with Santa’s Workshop at Cross Road Church on 10th Street, a family event that blends crafts, cocoa, cookies, and a chance for children to write letters to Santa. Santa himself will make an appearance between noon and one, offering a personal holiday moment for families. Presented by local sponsors Lofy Construction, Coastal Home Services, and Beach Bum Doggie Resort, the workshop provides a warm and welcoming mid-day gathering for children eager to celebrate the season.

Later that afternoon, downtown Florence transforms into Santa’s Coastal Playground, the highlight of the city’s holiday festivities. Bay Street will come alive with music, lights, giveaways, hayrides, and community performances. Families will see lighted balloons, take part in a walk and bike parade, enjoy a performance by the Florence Community Choir, and welcome the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. The day culminates with the city’s annual tree-lighting ceremony, bringing residents together as the tree is illuminated in the heart of the historic district. The Florence Public Works Department will provide hayrides, adding to the nostalgic charm of the celebration.

The Chamber emphasizes that shopping locally during this season is not only a festive activity but an essential way to support Florence’s economic health. Local businesses prepare for these events year-round, and the month-long celebration is designed to drive both foot traffic and community engagement. Many merchants will offer extended hours and holiday discounts throughout December, ensuring that residents and visitors have ample opportunity to enjoy everything Florence has to offer.

More details, updates, and participating business information can be found at FlorenceFun.com or by contacting the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Oregon State Marine Board is sending out motorboat registration renewal notices for registrations expiring December 31, 2025.

Boaters with an email on file will receive digital notices with instructions to renew through the Boat Oregon Store — the fastest option, offering a printable temporary permit for immediate use. Those without email will receive notices by U.S. Mail by mid-November. Decals typically arrive within a few days for online renewals and longer by mail. The Marine Board recommends renewing this fall or early winter to avoid delays next summer. Motorized boats and sailboats 12 feet or longer must be titled and registered. The Boat Oregon Store also offers waterway access permits for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other non-motorized craft.

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking input from local businesses on how recent demonstrations may have affected day-to-day operations.

Chamber officials say the goal is to accurately represent the community’s experience and provide informed feedback to local leaders and decision-makers.

Businesses are encouraged to complete a short, confidential survey, whether or not they’re Chamber members. Responses will help guide efforts to maintain a safe and thriving business environment in Florence. A link to the survey is available through the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce.

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/

Florence Farmers Market Seeking Board Members

The Florence Farmers Market is looking for new members to serve on its Board of Directors and committees. Organizers say it’s just two to four hours a month, with board members meeting monthly and helping with areas like vendors, outreach, finances, or volunteers. No experience is required, only a passion for local food and community. The nonprofit market operates weekly on the Port of Siuslaw Boardwalk, providing fresh food and local products to Florence and surrounding areas. More information is available at florencefarmersmarket.org

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! 

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.

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.

Coos Bay Police Department –  WE’RE HIRING 9-1-1 DISPATCHERS

$4684 – $5972/Month DOQ — We offer:•A dynamic team environment •Alternative schedule benefiting work/life balance •Up to 5 weeks paid time off per year after the first year •The opportunity to serve your community

Our team members have come from a variety of work fields- no experience necessary! For additional information from the North Coos 9-1-1 Recruitment Team or to schedule a ride-along please email: join911@coosbayor.govhttps://www.coosbayor.gov/…/Compon…/JobPosts/Job/126/107

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

Hunger in Oregon is rising — and federal and state cuts to food assistance are making it worse. In 2024, visits to food programs grew 31%, yet resources to meet this need are shrinking.

Programs like SNAP, which help 1 in 8 Oregonians put food on the table, are facing deep cuts — leaving more families, children, veterans, and elders to make impossible choices between food, safety, and shelter.

We need policies that protect access to food for all our neighbors. Because no one should have to choose between staying safe and going hungry.

Food is available for those who need it and by entering your zip code at OregonFoodFinder.or -You can see each local program’s contact information, hours of operation and what kind of distribution it is.

We partner with 1,200+ free food markets, pantries and meal sites all across Oregon and Southwest Washington — and welcome anyone and everyone who needs food. OregonFoodFinder.org

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.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, joined by business leaders, outlined her strategy on Tuesday for the state’s economic development for 2026.

Her roadmap aims to make Oregon more business-friendly and attract investment. She also announced a new senior position, Chief Prosperity Officer, to lead the effort. Read more: https://www.kgw.com/article/news/stat…

Oregon has experienced a significant slowdown in income growth over the last two years, which has intensified financial pressures as the state confronts various economic challenges.

In the wake of the Great Recession, Oregon’s income surged at a rate much higher than the national average, marking a prosperous period for the state driven by the emergence of new industries and an influx of highly educated migrants. However, during the pandemic, Oregon’s economic momentum diminished, and the state is currently struggling to regain its previous pace.

According to recently published data from the Federal Reserve, the median household income in Oregon was nearly $90,000 last year, reflecting a modest increase of only 1.1% from the previous year, and approximately $6,000 higher than the national median.

Fuel leak in BP pipeline drives Oregon to state of emergency over fuel supply

Governor Kotek declared a state of emergency through Dec. 24 in light of potential disruptions and higher-than-expected gas prices

A BP pipeline carrying 90% of Oregon’s transportation fuel has been shut down since Nov. 17 following a discovered leak.

The disruption to the state’s fuel supply, and the potential for impacts at the pump and at airports during a busy holiday travel season, prompted Gov. Tina Kotek to declare a state of emergency Tuesday that will last through Dec. 24, unless conditions change. BP officials on Wednesday said they had partially restarted the pipeline.

Oregon’s emergency order will allow fuel suppliers and state agencies to bring more fuel into the state via truck and train and temporarily waive some reporting and fee-based regulations related to transporting fuel into the state.

Report price gouging to the Oregon Department of of Justice Consumer Protection Services online here or by calling the attorney general’s Price Gouging Hotline at (503) 378-8442

Oregon is not experiencing supply constraints, according to a news release from Kotek’s office. She does not expect flights at Portland International Airport or other Oregon airports will be impacted, but she is working with the Port of Portland to ensure supplies reach the airport. Some airlines operating flights out of Washington have had to adjust due to fuel supply issues, according to local news reports, and some long-haul flights have rerouted to out-of-state airports to refuel, causing some delays.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency over the pipeline on Nov. 19, two days after BP shut down the pipeline and more than a week after employees discovered the leak in Snohomish County east of Everett on Nov. 11. It is the second disruption the pipeline has had in the last three months and the second leak in two years.

During the last Olympic Pipeline outage in September, gas prices in Oregon jumped 16 cents in a single week, according to AAA. Average gas prices jumped 8 cents in Washington and 9 cents in Oregon during the last Olympic Pipeline leak in late June 2023.

Any evidence of price gouging during the current emergency should be reported to the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection Services, Kotek’s office said.

BP’s Olympic Pipeline runs transport gas, diesel and jet fuel across about 400 miles from Blaine, Washington to Portland, where it’s distributed to much of the rest of the state. (SOURCE)

Oregon emergency office not just focused on natural disasters, but food insecurity

Office of Resilience and Emergency Management operates under Oregon’s Department of Human Services

In a warehouse just south of Salem the week before Thanksgiving, about a dozen state employees passed 1,500 boxes down a line, each dropping cans of beans, rice, canned fruit and other non-perishable food items inside. 

The boxes will get distributed to Oregon Department of Human Services offices throughout the state to help low-income Oregonians. But it’s not just to give out immediate food aid, it’s an exercise Ed Flick, director of the state’s Office of Resilience and Emergency Management, said will prepare the agency to help respond in a major emergency.

The agency, which operates under the department of human resources, was created in September 2020 as wildfires over Labor Day weekend destroyed more than 4,000 homes

Since its establishment, the office has provided emergency equipment such as generators to counties, supported warming centers in winter storms and cooling centers in heat waves, offered air purified spaces during wildfires and distributed hundreds of emergency kits filled with food, flashlights and batteries for elderly people living in Oregon. 

But the office’s role has transformed over the past five years. In addition to natural disasters, it’s preparing to help Oregon families who fell behind during the federal government shutdown, as well as those who may no longer qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program under new eligibility requirements congressional Republicans put forth in a budget law President Donald Trump signed in July. 

The one in six Oregonians who rely on SNAP were left without access to the program’s benefits in the first week of November. It took a federal court order for the federal government to restore benefits to Oregon and 21 other states after the states sued the government for withholding the funds. 

The food packing exercise corresponds with the office’s role in empowering resilience hubs, or places where Oregonians can receive resources in cases of emergencies. The office in February awarded $10 million in grants to 87 organizations focused on serving as resilience hubs. That program is funded through House Bill 3409 passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2023. 

Flick said while his office is focused on providing emergency assistance, the resilience piece means pushing Oregon families toward independence. 

“We don’t just wait around for disaster,” Flick said. “We work every day to strengthen resilience, and then when emergencies occur, we support them and then step in.”  (SOURCE)

Metal detector alert leads to discovery of firearm at Sprague High School 

A 17-year-old student was taken into custody Tuesday morning after a firearm was discovered in his backpack at Sprague High School. 

At approximately 9:20 a.m., school staff were alerted by a metal detector as the student entered the building. Staff conducted a search of the student’s backpack and located a handgun. The firearm was immediately secured, and school officials notified the Salem Police Department. 

Patrol officers responded promptly and took the student into custody without incident. The 17-year-old male from Salem was lodged at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center on a charge of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. 

There was no disturbance on campus, and no indication that the student intended to use the weapon or posed an active threat to students or staff. The investigation is ongoing. 

Salem Police continue to work closely with Salem-Keizer Public Schools to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff.

Annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt

The Willamette Valley Visitors Association has kicked off its eighth annual Ornament Hunt, hiding 200 locally crafted wooden ornaments along non-wilderness trails in the Willamette National Forest. This year’s ornament features a Pacific tree frog and seasonal mushrooms, highlighting the region’s forest biodiversity.

It’s time once again for one of our most beloved traditions: the eighth annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt, taking place across the Willamette National Forest.

Between November 21 and Dec. 20, 2025, two hundred locally-crafted wooden ornaments will be hidden along roughly 20 trails—where eagle-eyed hikers can seek them out and register to win this year’s grand prize, which includes a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley.

Organizers remind hikers to stay on marked trails, where all ornaments are hidden, and to follow Leave No Trace principles while exploring. More experienced hikers can venture farther down the paths, leaving accessible ornaments for beginners. Participants are also asked to take only one ornament per household so more people have a chance to find one. FIND OUT MORE: https://www.willamettevalley.org/ornament

Petitioners throughout the state are persistently collecting signatures to challenge Oregon’s recent transportation funding legislation.

Opponents of a recent Oregon transportation funding bill have gathered over 150,000 signatures to challenge it and will send the legislation to voters in November 2026. The petition, which was launched to refer the bill, a gas tax increase, and a vehicle privilege tax increase to voters, has met the required threshold for the initiative. 

• Number of Signatures: Over 150,000 signatures have been collected statewide, according to the chief petitioners.
• Purpose of the Petition: The goal is to refer the transportation funding legislation to voters in the November 2026 election.
• Legislation in Question: The petition challenges a new bill that includes a gas tax increase and a significant increase in the vehicle privilege tax, which would rise to 2.25%2.25 %2.25% of a vehicle’s sale price by 2028.
• Voter Referendum: The collected signatures put the initiative on a path to a public vote, allowing Oregonians to decide the fate of the transportation funding package. 

Meet 65+ Oregon Authors at the 56th Annual Holiday Cheer Book Sale at the Oregon Historical Society Dec. 7

Portland, OR — Kick off the holiday season on Sunday, December 7 at Holiday Cheer: A Celebration of Oregon Authors. Visit with more than 65 local writers from 12pm to 4pm as you sip on hot cocoa, enjoy festive treats, and get a jump on your holiday shopping! Admission is free and includes access to both the book sale and museum exhibitions.

This year, some of the Pacific Northwest’s most prominent authors will be at OHS selling everything from children’s books to guidebooks to mysteries to histories! Featured authors include Pulitzer Prize–winning cartoonist Jack Ohman, New York Times bestselling historical fiction author Kristina McMorris, Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, journalist and podcaster Leah Sottile, and Steve Prefontaine biographer Brendan O’Meara. View a full list of participating authors at ohs.org/holidaycheer.

To add to the festivities, the popular Meier & Frank Santaland display will be back on view! Generations of Oregonians have fond memories of the downtown Portland Meier & Frank department store’s Santaland. A ride on the iconic Monorail and a chance to sit on Santa’s lap became a Christmas tradition for many families. Following the closure of Macy’s downtown store (which purchased Meier & Frank in 2005), a small number of items from Santaland were donated to OHS, which have been displayed annually since 2018. Come share in the holiday cheer with a visit to this nostalgic display, featuring Rudolph, animatronic elves, holiday decor, a model of the beloved monorail. The well-remembered Cinnamon Bear costume from Lipman’s holiday traditions will also be on display.

The museum galleries will be open from 12pm to 5pm. In addition to Santaland, featured exhibitions will include:

• She Flies with Her Own Wings, a look at Oregon’s golden age of aviation in the 1930s that shares how flight reshaped lives and technology.
• June Drake: Preserving the Past to Shape the Future, a retrospective of photographer June D. Drake’s work documenting life in Silverton, Oregon, and surrounding areas and the evolution of rural Oregon over six decades.
• The Yasui Family: An American Story, which shares one Oregon family’s experiences of racism, incarceration, and their unwavering commitment to justice, reflecting broader civil rights struggles in America.
• “We Were All Living a Dream”, a photographic exhibition of Donna Pollach’s intimate portraits of feminist and lesbian communities in 1970s Portland, chronicling their activism, camaraderie, and challenges.

For 56 years, OHS has celebrated the state’s rich literary talents at this annual book signing event. Book sales at Holiday Cheer support the Oregon Historical Society’s mission to preserve our state’s history and make it accessible to everyone in ways that advance knowledge and inspire curiosity about all the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon.

About the Oregon Historical Society — For more than 125 years, the Oregon Historical Society has served as the state’s collective memory, preserving a vast collection of objects, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories. Our research library, museum, digital platforms, educational programming, and historical journal make Oregon’s history open and accessible to all. We exist because history is powerful, and because a history as deep and complex as Oregon’s cannot be contained within a single story or point of view.

Strike Starts at Legacy Health; 8 AM Press Conference Outside Legacy Emanuel Hospital

WHAT: Advanced practice providers (APPs) from Legacy Health hospitals and clinics in the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington will begin an open-ended strike against Legacy Health Dec. 2. APPs will hold a press conference from the picket lines Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 8 a.m. to discuss patient care concerns, the need to raise healthcare standards, and Legacy’s refusal to continue bargaining. 

The APPs include nurse practitioners (NPs), physician associates (PAs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) who have been working to reach a fair contract agreement with Legacy for nearly two years.

WHEN: Strike Line Press Conference, Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 8 a.m. 

WHERE: The strike line outside of Legacy Emanuel Medical Center (501 N. Graham St. Portland, OR 97227). See the green picket line location near the intersection of N. Vancouver Ave. and N. Graham St. on the included map for media use only.  

WHO: APPs who are part of the Legacy Downtown/Specialties Bargaining Unit and care for patients at hospitals and clinics in Oregon and Washington.  

• Rob Brookshire, PA 
• Leigh Warsing, PA  
• April Callister, PA  

WHY: APPs are one of the fastest-growing professions in healthcare. They provide high-quality care directly to patients and are essential for expanding access to health care, reducing wait times, and ensuring patients and our community receive outstanding care.

After nearly two years at the bargaining table, APPs delivered a formal strike notice to Legacy executives on November 20 while offering to continue meeting with Legacy executives every day to reach a fair agreement that protects patients, enables Legacy to recruit and retain skilled caregivers, ends inequitable practices like unpaid work, and averts the need for a strike. Unfortunately, Legacy executives are illegally refusing to meet with APPs.

The APPs are represented by the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). 

Strike lines will be established at Legacy Good Samaritan and Legacy Emanuel hospitals from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on December 2. Starting December 3, picket lines will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week. This is an open-ended strike.

Community members can visit OregonRN.org/RespectAPPs to learn more about ongoing negotiations, sign a community petition in support of the APPs, and stay informed about the impact of the potential strike. 

A reminder to patients from APPs:  If you are sick, please do not delay getting medical care. Patients who need hospital or clinical care immediately should go to receive care. We would prefer to provide your care ourselves, but Legacy executives’ refusal to continue meeting with APPs has forced us to strike to advocate for you, our communities, and our colleagues. Going into a hospital or clinic to get the care you need is NOT crossing our strike line. We invite you to come join us on the strike line after you’ve received the care you need. 

# # #  The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of more than 24,000 nurses and healthcare professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses and healthcare professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all healthcare professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

Oregonians have to 12/31 to secure expiring federal home energy tax credits

The nonprofit Energy Trust of Oregon is encouraging residents to invest in heating and cooling pumps, solar panels, before federal money goes away

Oregonians have just more than a month to take advantage of federal tax credits meant to reduce by thousands of dollars the costs of buying and installing new energy efficient heating and cooling pumps, insulation, windows and solar panels.

Paired with incentives from the nonprofit, state-partnered Energy Trust of Oregon, the savings can cover half to nearly all costs, depending on the purchase. People who have made home energy efficiency upgrades this year, or who can complete upgrades by Dec. 31, can claim the federal tax credits.

To claim federal tax credits: Keep receipts from your purchase and submit an IRS form 5695 (Residential Energy Credits form) when you file your federal taxes for 2025. For more info go here.

Most of the federal credits passed in 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act enacted under former President Joe Biden and were meant to expire in 2032, giving Americans a decade to take advantage of subsidies meant to spur investments in home weatherizing and clean energy upgrades. But congressional Republicans phased the credits out early in the tax and spending law they passed this summer.

Julianne Thacher, a spokesperson for the Energy Trust, said the organization wants to encourage Oregonians to take advantage of those credits now and to remind them that when they go away, there will still be state-level incentives they should not overlook.

Federal tax credits expiring at end of 2025 and Energy Trust incentives

Item	Federal Tax Credit (30% of total cost, up to cap listed below)	Energy Trust Incentive
Insulation	Up to $1,200	Up to $2.25 per square foot depending on property type
Windows	Up to $600	Up to $1.50 per square foot depending on efficiency rating
Heat and cooling pumps	Up to $2,000	Up to $4,000​
Heat pump/hybrid water heater	Up to $2,000	Up to $700 instant discount on select models at participating retailers
Solar panels	30% of cost	$2,500
Battery storage	30% of cost	Up to $5,000 depending on the customer’s utility

Table: Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital ChronicleSource: Energy Trust of OregonGet the dataEmbedDownload imageCreated with Datawrapper

“Energy Trust incentives will be here after the tax credits. We won’t be affected. We were here before the tax credits, and had very successful programs with folks installing energy-efficient equipment, so we expect that will continue,” Thacher said.

The Oregon Department of Energy also offers solar and heat pump cash incentives and grants that can be used towards the costs of equipment and installation after federal, Energy Trust and any other incentives are applied.

The Oregon Energy Trust was established by the state Public Utilities Commission in 2002. Although it’s an independent nonprofit, the commission oversees the trust’s performance measures, budget and planning.

Ratepayers of five of Oregon’s six investor-owned gas and electric utilities — all except Idaho Power — fund the trust. As part of utilities’ energy load planning, they send a percentage of ratepayer dollars to the trust, which is tasked with ensuring investment in activities that lower overall load demand and help meet state climate targets.

Part of that is standing up cash incentive programs to help businesses and everyday Oregonians afford equipment and infrastructure to lower their own energy consumption. The trust offers higher incentives for families with lower incomes and collaborates with 60 community organizations statewide.

Energy Trust incentives are available to all customers of Portland General Electric, or PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista. Customers can go to a store and choose equipment prequalified for Energy Trust incentives, and that will deduct the credit from receipt at the point of purchase.

Customers can also work with contractors who have agreements with Energy Trust, and who will purchase and install the equipment and deduct the tax credits from the bill. Customers can also apply online at the Energy Trust’s website for specific credits after purchase, and receive a refund for the credit amount in the mail.

For Energy Trust incentives: go here.

The mix of state, federal and private and nonprofit subsidies for solar panels have led to major growth in residential solar in the last decade, and today about 25,000 homeowners in Oregon are generating solar energy, according to Energy Trust. This has ramped up as the federal credits are set to expire.

“The solar contractors we work with are very busy right now, and we’ve actually gone ahead and launched our new incentives for 2026 early, because folks who are looking to do a solar project starting now, they’re highly unlikely to complete that by year’s end. That’ll be a 2026 project.”

Focusing on efficiency in businesses and homes in Oregon, and setting climate targets that incorporate more solar, heat and cooling pumps and building upgrades, has made a big dent in Oregon’s gas and electricity use. Demand for gas would today be 9% higher and demand for electricity 16% higher if policies had not been enacted over the last two decades, the Trust found.

“Energy efficiency is the most effective, affordable way to meet climate goals, while also offering a ton of other benefits for customers and communities,” Thacher said. (SOURCE)

Historic hotel near Crater Lake fails to attract bidders at foreclosure auction

No one showed up with a cashier’s check for $1.7 million to buy the fabled Prospect Historic Hotel at an auction held Monday on the steps of the Jackson County Courthouse in Medford.

The foreclosed, 5.6-acre property at 391 Mill Creek Drive in Prospect, the gateway to Crater Lake National Park, included the original Victorian-era house. The former stagecoach stop and roadhouse along the Upper Rogue River grew to become a popular resort destination.

The property last sold for $2.8 million in October 2024 to Prospect Collective LLC.

The southern Oregon lodging, restaurant and event space closed less than a year later in July, the same month lender ThorMar LLC foreclosed on the property due to nonpayment by Prospect Collective LLC.

The auction minimum bid of $1,682,149 was to cover the loan principal balance and interest, plus property taxes, advances, trustee’s fees, attorney fees and court costs.

“My partner and I have determined we will not take less than the minimum bid,” said Randy Thornton of ThorMar. “We do not want to run a hotel, but we’re resigned to do what we can until we find a buyer.”

Thornton said last week that if the hotel failed to sell, he and partner Rob Marken plan to reopen the hotel on Tuesday and “move forward.”

The partners of Prospect Collective LLC who defaulted on ThorMar’s loan also signed a contract with longtime hotel owners Fred and Karen Wickman to carry a $1.4 million loan. The unpaid debt came due this month. The Wickmans are considering their options.

The Wickmans’ fully operational hotel, 21 miles southwest of Crater Lake National Park, was listed for sale in June 2024 at $3 million.

The three-story, 5,492-square-foot main house, which includes the 10-room bed and breakfast hotel and a 50-seat dinner house, is surrounded by park-like grounds with evergreen and deciduous trees including a giant sequoia.

The property also has 14 motel rooms and a two-story, 2,700 square-foot log house with a wraparound deck built on its own tax lot in 1990. The log house with a detached garage was described in the real estate listing for its potential use as a vacation or long-term rental, manager’s residence or employee housing.

The land with its grandfathered water rights is adjacent to Mill Creek, which flows to Mill Creek Falls and the Rogue River. Other outbuildings on the four tax lots include a large lighted gazebo with barbecue pits and a barn near a fenced corral. The property is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

“All repairs and maintenance were done to Historic Registration standards,” Wickman said. “Drive an hour out of Medford (on Oregon Highway 62), and step back in time 100 years.”

Prospective buyers may contact ThorMar’s attorney Alison Hohengarten of Hohengarten Law at 541-647-7437.

Buying at auction — Buying a property at auction is unlike a typical real estate transaction. An agent doesn’t write a contract. Bidders are to conduct their own research and due diligence before making an offer.

Each auction has its own rules, terms and conditions.

Property auctioneer John C. Rosenthal of Realty Marketing/Northwest Oregon said there were differences between a foreclosure auction conducted by the sheriff or a trustee, and an auction for the owner, not a lender.

A foreclosure auction is an oral auction conducted outside the courthouse.

If the bidding does not reach the minimum amount, the lender can “credit bid” their loan amount, which means they bid the entire amount, take possession and complete the sale.

Typically, the terms of the foreclosure auction require a deposit in cash or cashier’s check to qualify to bid and payment in full that day or within 24 hours.

Due diligence is very limited, and since the sale is “as is,” the buyer must clear all financial encumbrances. Bidders might not receive a title search in advance.

Realty Marketing/Northwest Oregon auctions for owners have sealed bids and require a 10% deposit, a signed purchase and sale agreement with closing 30 to 45 days upon acceptance.

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.

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.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com