The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Oregon Beach Weather
Active Weather Alerts — NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM PST THIS MORNING... ...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM THIS MORNING TO 10 AM PST THURSDAY... * WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and steep wind-driven seas building to 9 to 12 ft at 7 seconds. * WHERE...All areas. * WHEN...The Small Craft Advisory is in effect from 1 AM to 10 AM PST Wednesday, followed by a Hazardous Seas Warning from 10 AM Wednesday to 10 AM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds and very steep and hazardous seas could capsize or damage vessels. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
46 Foot Whale Washed Ashore Near Sunset Beach
Seaside Aquarium — A sub-adult 46-foot male entangled Fin whale washed ashore Monday morning, February 12th near the Sunset Beach approach in Oregon.
As the whale was washing ashore, the surf was pushing it around making some people believe that the whale was still alive at the time of stranding. Unfortunately, before authorized responders had a chance to examine the whale, someone removed the entangling gear. While it may have seemed like a good idea at the time, this compromised the stranding and entanglement investigation.
A necropsy was performed today and the results are pending analysis. What we do know is that the whale was extremely underweight and had recent interactions with orcas, evidenced by fresh rake marks. The entanglement injuries appeared to be fresh and the abrasions noted were superficial.
It is extremely important to report strandings and to not interact or remove entangling gear from stranded animals. Analyzing removed entangling gear provides information that may reduce the risk of future entanglements. By identifying the source of entangling fishing gear, NOAA Fisheries can work with the fishing industry and coastal communities to identify geographic areas, times of year, fisheries, and gear configurations that have resulted in whale entanglements. These data can help NOAA Fisheries better understand and minimize the risks of entanglement and ultimately aids in the conservation and management of many large whale species.
Governor Kotek Issues Statement in Response to BOEM Wind Energy Areas Announcement
Salem, OR—Tuesday, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to an announcement from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on their proposed final wind energy areas on the Oregon Coast for offshore wind:
“Offshore wind is likely to play an important role in meeting our state’s growing energy demand and goal of 100% renewable energy by 2040,” Governor Kotek said. “It also presents a significant economic development opportunity for the Oregon coast. As BOEM moves forward with establishing a federal offshore wind leasing process this year, Oregon is committed to developing a robust and transparent state roadmap to inform offshore wind opportunities. This state roadmap will also ensure that coastal communities and Tribal nations are consulted throughout the process, in close coordination with BOEM.
“We will continue to promote active engagement with Tribal nations, local communities, and other ocean users in the state. We will ensure that all decisions are transparent and based upon the best available science and knowledge.”
On February 14, 2024, BOEM will publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing its intent to prepare an environmental assessment of potential impacts from offshore wind leasing in the Wind Energy Areas (WEAs). The notice will initiate a 30-day public comment period. Another public comment period would occur if BOEM decides to move forward with a lease sale in either of the WEAs.
Lincoln County Senator Calls On Oregon Lawmakers To Reduce Congestion And Improve Safety On Hwy 101
A Lincoln County state lawmaker is asking his colleagues to approve a study examining congestion and safety on U.S. Highway 101 on the section of the route between Lincoln City and Coos Bay.
The Oregon Coast Highway bisects many communities and during high-traffic summer months, it can be dangerous for tourists and locals.
The road has also seen closures from landslides, and other dangerous weather conditions. That was especially apparent during last month’s ice storm and heavy rains, which damaged already vulnerable areas of the highway.
Sen. Dick Anderson, R-Lincoln City, said he’s hoping the state will intervene, starting with a transportation study this legislative session.
“This may not seem to rise to the level of a housing issue,” he said, “or a childcare issue, but it certainly impacts a great many Oregonians and visitors.”
He says he plans to use the study’s findings in a request for infrastructure improvements next year.
Senate Bill 1563 has its first hearing on Tuesday evening. (SOURCE)
Coos Bay Police Department Asks Community to Help Tackle Abandoned Shopping Cart Issue
The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) is asking for community help to deal with abandoned shopping carts in the city. In 2023, the Coos Bay City Council passed a law to address this problem. Since then, local businesses have started marking their shopping carts with contact details for their collection services. This allows the public to report any abandoned carts.
The CBPD has started the Shopping Cart Watch Program to support this law. This program, like the Property Watch Program, aims to hold people accountable for using shopping carts for personal use. It also allows the CBPD to take legal action against shopping cart theft.
Currently, four local businesses are part of the Shopping Cart Watch Program. The CBPD believes that with community involvement, abandoned carts can be reported and collected. The department also hopes to prevent thefts through police enforcement.
The CBPD is urging community members to report any abandoned shopping carts to the relevant businesses. This joint effort between the police, businesses, and the community aims to decrease the number of abandoned carts in the city.
The CBPD’s work to tackle the problem of abandoned shopping carts shows its dedication to keeping the city clean and orderly. The department is optimistic that with community help, this issue can be effectively handled. https://www.coosbayor.gov/Home/Components/News/News/983/222
The Coquille Tribe Awards Over $500k In Grants For Southwestern Oregon Community Projects
Thanks to $509,976 in Coquille Indian Tribe Community Funds handed-out at a celebration event on February 1, 2024, 77 projects are receiving funding in 2024!
Recipients of the grants gathered in person for an awards reception at The Mill Casino Hotel, to collect their funds.
The Tribe’s grants will help organizations from five southwestern Oregon counties with projects in categories such as
- Health
- Arts and culture
- Education
- Environmental
- Public safety
- Historic preservation
Along with the grants, the Tribe shared some of its culture and history as it celebrates its 35th year since being restored in 1989. The crowd was invited to join in a song whose name translates to the phrase “There Is Plenty.” The song reflects a cycle of blessing, with the Coquille Tribe helping organizations that in turn, will help countless community members throughout five counties.
This year’s $509,976 grant total brings the total amount the fund has distributed since it began in 2001 to about $8.7 million, with over one thousand grant projects being impacted.
The Tribal Fund accepts grant applications in the fall of each year. Learn more at www.coquilletribe.org, or call fund administrator Julia Willis at 541-756-0904, ext. 1254. (SOURCE)
Coos-Curry County Farm Bureau is offering two $2,000 scholarships for academic year 2023-2024.
The scholarship will be given to high school seniors who plan to major in an agriculture-related field at an Oregon college, university, or community college. Current Oregon college students who are majoring in an agriculture-related field are also eligible.
Coos-Curry County Farm Bureau also opened up the scholarship criteria to include students of Coos-Curry County Farm Bureau voting and supporting members who will be attending an Oregon college, university, or community college in the field of their choice during the 2023-2024 school year.
Financial need is not the primary basis for selection but is a factor in the selection process. Academic performance, agriculture achievement in FFA or 4-H, and/or participation in school and community activities are basic criteria evaluated by the Coos-Curry County Farm Bureau Scholarship Committee.
Completed applications with a high school or college transcript is due by April 1 2023 and award recipients will be notified in writing by April 15th. Coos-Curry scholarship packet
City of Florence 2024 State of the City & City Services Expo
The City of Florence invites members of the community to attend the 2024 State of the City and City Services Expo on February 26 at the Florence Events Center.
Guests are encouraged to visit the various City departments and staff during the City Services Expo from 5 to 7 p.m. and learn what they do to keep Florence a “City in Motion.”
Mayor Rob Ward will deliver the 2024 State of the City Address at 6 p.m.
Information on the event can also be found at https://www.ci.florence.or.us/council/2024-statecity-city-services-expo.
Forest Service Seeks Concessionaire For Devils Churn Day Use Site
The Siuslaw National Forest is soliciting proposals for a business opportunity at the Devils Churn Day Use Site within the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. A 100-square-foot concession space is available within a Forest Service building, and the agency is seeking a food and beverage service provider to operate this facility. Devils Churn is a popular year-round day use area and trailhead along U.S. Highway 101 just south of Yachats, Oregon.
The Forest Service has released a prospectus to advertise the opportunity and explain the application process. Interested parties are encouraged to review the prospectus and accompanying appendices. The application period opens on January 30, 2024. Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3. Please read the instructions carefully before submitting an application.
One successful applicant will be chosen. The successful applicant will be issued a 5-year special use permit to conduct business in the concession space. MORE INFO: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/siuslaw/home/?cid=fseprd1162886
Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy – Waldport
Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office
More about these quarterly events:
Every three months our office will partner with a local coffee shop in Lincoln County to provide a time, space, and coffee for community members to meet our team and share what’s on their minds. Coffee with a cop events are a friendly and relaxed way for communities to connect with the deputies that serve them.
These events offer a unique opportunity for community members to directly engage with law enforcement, ask questions, voice concerns, and build positive relationships. Whether you’re a regular coffee drinker or simply curious about the work of law enforcement, this is a chance to connect with deputies on a personal level, learn about each other’s experiences, and share local feedback.
The City of Reedsport is Seeking a City Attorney
A City release said they are inviting proposals for contracted attorney service. For a list of duties and services required, go to the city’s website: www.cityofreedsport.org. Proposals are due to the city recorder’s office by 4:00 p.m. this Friday. Call 541-271-3603 for more information.
Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Drawing to Promote Tourism
The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce is consistently working on building the tourism traffic to Florence. The latest is a drawing for a two-night stay at the Driftwood Shores Conference Center and Resort.
The drawing is open to the public. Chamber President and CEO Betting Hannigan says the drawing comes with the two-night stay and a $50 certificate to the resort Market and Dine-in Deli.
You can register by using the qr code the link posted below. https://bit.ly/2NightsinFlorence
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 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
DFR reminds consumers to be wary of romance scams this Valentine’s Day
Romance scams can happen any time of year, but with Valentine’s Day this week, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning people to watch their wallets when it comes to online romance.
A romance scam happens when a scammer uses a fake online identity to gain a person’s trust and affection and uses the illusion of romance or intimacy to steal from the victim. Hallmarks of this scam include the scammer making outlandish promises or portraying an urgent need to send money to them, oftentimes incorporating elements of investment or cryptocurrency fraud as a part of the deceit.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2022 alone, romance scams affected nearly 70,000 people who were scammed out of $1.3 billion. Scammers pay attention to information you share over the internet and then pounce on those they believe are the most vulnerable, often those who are elderly or disabled. They will offer comfort and stability and seem like the perfect match.
According to the FBI, common romance scam red flags include:
- The scammer makes promises to meet in person, but gives excuses as to why they cannot.
- The scammer asks for money once they gain your trust. Typically, they claim that they owe a debt, need financial assistance, or need travel funds. Oftentimes, the requests are urgent or revolve around an emergency and they want you to get the funds immediately.
- The scammer requests money through methods that make it hard to be traced and hard to get back such as Venmo or Cash App, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
- The scammer asks to leave a dating service or social media site to communicate directly.
Newer scams are calling on victims to use virtual currency kiosks, which are also known as Bitcoin or cryptocurrency ATMs. These machines look and operate like bank ATMs, and they allow scammers to receive payment in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Tether, and Ethereum. Scammers trick victims into withdrawing cash from their bank account and then direct the consumer to deposit the cash into a virtual currency kiosk. The consumer purchases the virtual currency, which is then sent to the scammer’s crypto wallet.
DFR encourages consumers to do their homework before making any new financial transactions. Protect yourself from falling victim to a scam by following these tips:
- Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and be cautious about sharing personal or financial information. Do not send money that you are not prepared to lose.
- Do not transfer money to unknown people or intermediaries. If you need to use a third party to send money, use a licensed money transmitter.
- Keep copies of all communications with scammers and report them to the division, the online dating site, the local police, the FBI, and the Federal Trade Commission.
- Be leery of offers or enticements that promise unrealistic rates of return. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
“Romance scams prey on and target everyday people through what may seem to be legitimate communications,” said DFR Administrator TK Keen. “The proliferation of online dating sites and the ability to move money cheaply and quickly has only added to this problem, as fraudsters have used these means to take advantage of consumers to the tune of millions of dollars nationally. It is worth being weary and watching for red flags, specifically if someone not well known to you insists on receiving funds via cryptocurrency or gift cards.”
For more information and tips about investing, visit DFR’s website.
If you suspect you are involved in a romance scam or you have fallen victim, contact one of the division’s consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.financialserviceshelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.
### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and www.dcbs.oregon.gov.
Oregon Senate Passes Bill to Cap Insulin Cost At $35
The Oregon Senate on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 1508, which caps the price of insulin at $35 and prevents Oregonians with chronic illnesses and disabilities, who are covered by Medicaid and the Oregon Health Plan, from facing higher costs.
In recent years, the cost of insulin skyrocketed 55%. SB 1508 provides certainty and protection from the rising cost of insulin for Oregonians living on tight budgets, especially seniors, Sen. Deb Patterson (D – Salem) said in a news release.
The bill also stops the Health Evidence Review Commission (HERC) and Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (P&T) from using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY)-based formulas to determine coverage for Oregonians on the Oregon Health Plan.
The QALY formula places a lower value on treatments that extend the lives of people living with chronic illnesses and disabilities, making it harder and more expensive for those individuals to get the care they need.
“No Oregonian should suffer because they can’t afford basic, life-saving medication,” said Patterson. “No Oregonian should have to ration their medication or choose between paying for prescriptions or basic necessities like food or housing. SB 1508 works to make sure that every Oregonian, regardless of their health or disability status, gets the care they need.”
SB 1508 is a key pillar of Senate Democrats’ Uniting Oregon Agenda, which aims to make all communities safer and healthier and lower rising costs for hard-working Oregonians. The bill now goes to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration. (SOURCE)
Oregon Lawmakers Consider New Protections for People With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities
Oregon lawmakers are considering a bill that would prevent the government from forcefully committing people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Right now, a court can hold someone with one of these designations in a facility if it finds they pose a threat or can’t care for themselves. That includes 16 people currently, according to the most recent state data.
At a hearing in the Oregon Senate’s Human Services Committee Wednesday, officials testified that this statute likely violates Medicare guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Portland attorney Chris O’Connor told lawmakers he believes it also has questionable constitutionality.
“While normally your state and federal Constitution protects you from being arrested, seized and searched on the street—taken out of your life—unless there’s probable cause of a crime,” said O’Connor. “Oregon has created an elaborate bureaucratic framework over the decades to bypass those constitutional protections.”
Anna Lansky is the interim director of the state Office of Developmental Disability Services. She said the law is a relic of how the state used to segregate these groups for care.
“Since then, we have closed all of our institutions,” said Lansky. “And we have committed to providing fully home and community-based services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with the goal of fully integrating them into their communities.”
Lansky said if the statute was gone, the 16 individuals held under it currently would still have access to the same services on a voluntary basis.
However, Channa Newell with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office said it opposes a repeal until there’s an alternative in place, raising concerns that a premature repeal could result in tragedy.
“In our line of work, we encounter the rare situations where a person experiencing [Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities] demonstrates dangerous behavior that puts themselves or others in harm’s way,” said Newell. “And in those circumstances, a civil commitment…may be the only option for keeping that person and those around them safe.”
If approved by the legislature and signed into law, Senate Bill 1522 would go into effect July 2025.
Also included in the bill is language that would prevent government mental health services from turning away patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Gabrielle Guedon is the Executive Director of the Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition. On Wednesday, she testified that psychiatry and therapy can help people like herself thrive, but said they sometimes have to go to an emergency room just to find support.
“We get rejected from programs on a regular basis,” she said. “They say they don’t understand us or it’s not the right fit for them. If we can find that therapist, sometimes they’ll go behind our backs and talk to our caregivers, our family, our parents. We are adults.”
In Oregon, a standard intellectual disability designation includes an IQ of 70 or below, alongside impairment to independent function that emerges before adulthood. A developmental disability is when a condition such as autism or epilepsy leads to similar behaviors and needs for support.
The bill would prohibit public bodies from denying treatment for mental illness on these grounds.
“Because they read that diagnosis, they’re gonna they look at us differently,” said Guedon. “And we’re not any different. We’re just like everyone else. We have mental health, we get sick. We fall, we get up.”
Senate Bill 1522 is scheduled for a potential vote in the Oregon Senate’s Human Services Committee on Monday, Feb. 12. If the committee approves it, the measure would be sent to the legislative budget committee due to its potential fiscal impact. (SOURCE)
OHCS awards over $1.7 million in capacity-building grants for rural housing organizations across Oregon
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announced funding awards of more than $1.7 million in General Housing Account Program (GHAP) Capacity Building grants to seven rural housing organizations throughout the state to increase their capacity to address housing needs in their communities.
The organizations are:
- Burns Paiute Tribe
- Housing Authority of Malheur & Harney County
- Clatsop Community Action
- Community Services Consortium (Linn, Benton, Lincoln counties)
- North Bend City / Coos-Curry Housing Authorities
- Peace at Home Advocacy Center (Douglas County)
- Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation (Hood River, Wasco, Sherman counties)
Each organization will receive $245,000 to create organizational and regional capacity strengthening opportunities through this grant toward development of service-enriched housing. These funds were allocated through the Homeless Housing Response and Capacity Strengthening Notice of Funding Availability.
“Living in a rural community like the South Coast, we lack the infrastructure that larger population centers have to develop services and housing. As a result, communities like ours are often left with an aging housing stock and few resources to address the issue,” said Matt Vorderstrasse, executive director of North Bend City/Coos-Curry Housing Authorities. “Having GHAP Capacity Building funds from OHCS is the perfect partnership to address this. These funds will be used to help continue the amazing regional network that has been built over the past four years and enhance it with planning that will also strategically grow our local public housing authorities to address our affordable housing and homelessness crisis.”
The awardees will use funds to plan and prepare their organization and region to build affordable rental developments that serve people experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. HOME ARP will hold the current development funds for two years for these organizations to access first.
“Our rural and Tribal partners are essential in advancing progress on Oregon’s housing. It is crucial that we do our part toward ensuring rural Oregon has the tools and resources needed to deploy regionalized strategies,” said OHCS Director Andrea Bell. “We are pleased to provide this funding so these organizations can develop the infrastructure necessary to create housing solutions specific to the needs in their communities.”
For more information on the General Housing Account Capacity Building Program, visit the OHCS website.
Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest Underway
The front cover of the 2023-2024 Oregon Blue Book showcases a hillside covered in beautiful balsam root and lupine flowers at Rowena Crest, captured by Oregon photographer Micah Lundsted of Eugene. The book’s back cover shows an image of three rockfish made at the Oregon Coast Aquarium by Dale George of Grants Pass.
Which images will cover the 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book? The Oregon Blue Book cover photo contest kicks off today, giving amateur photographers the chance to submit their photos to answer that question. Photo contest winners will be selected in October 2024 by Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade.
“Choosing the cover photos for the Oregon Blue Book is an honor,” said Secretary Griffin-Valade. “The images are a chance to see our beautiful state through the lens of the many talented amateur photographers who live in Oregon.”
The contest is open to Oregon residents of any age who earn less than half their income from photography. Images must be Oregon related and should be submitted in the portrait, rather than landscape, orientation. Two images will be selected for the cover: one for the front and one for the back. Visit the Oregon Blue Book Photo Contest guidelines for more information: https://sos.oregon.gov/blue-book/Pages/about-conte…
Images can be submitted through the Oregon Blue Book website portal or via U.S. mail. The deadline to submit photos for consideration is October 27, 2024. Contact the Oregon Blue Book Managing Editor at Oregon.Bluebook@sos.oregon.gov with questions or for additional information.
DETAILS
What: 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book Cover Photo Contest
Who: Amateur photographers who live in Oregon
When: February 7, 2024-October 27, 2024
Where: Submit online or through U.S. Mail
Why: Photo on the cover of the 2025-2026 Oregon Blue Book
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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