The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Wednesday, March 1, 2023
Oregon Beach Weather
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY ISSUED: 8:50 AM MAR. 1, 2023 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 PM PST THIS AFTERNOON... * WHAT...Steep seas of 10 to 12 feet at 12 seconds. * WHERE...Primarily beyond 10 NM from shore except right up to shore near Cape Blanco. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds and/or steep seas could capsize or damage smaller vessels. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
Death Of Woman In Seaside Has Been Ruled A Homicide
The death of a woman in Seaside earlier this week has been ruled a homicide. The Seaside Police Department reported officers received a report that 62-year-old Anna Knutson might be missing. Knutson’s roommate said they had not seen her for a couple of days, which was unusual.
After being reported missing by a roommate, Anna Knutson, 62, was found dead at a home where she worked as a housekeeper. Officers gathered information that led them to a Seaside residence in the 2300 block of South Edgewood Street. Knutson worked at the residence as a housekeeper. When they arrived, they could not find anyone home. The homeowner later helped them inside. Once inside, officers found Knutson dead.
An autopsy by the Oregon State Medical Examiner’s office determined she was the victim of a homicide. The Clatsop County major crime team is leading the investigation. It is made up of detectives from Seaside, Astoria, Cannon Beach, detectives and a medicolegal death investigator from the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, the Clatsop County District Attorney’s Office and Oregon State Police Forensics.
The investigation into Knutson’s death is ongoing. Police ask anyone who had been in contact with Knutson to contact Seaside police detective Crowe at (503) 738-6311.
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office to Host Hiring Event March 11th in Newport
We are looking for individuals with strong character, motivation, and integrity to join our Sheriff’s Office team. With multiple positions open, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a hiring event on Saturday, March 11, 2023.
This event is a great opportunity for interested deputy applicants ages 21 years and older to meet our team, submit an application, complete the written and physical testing requirements for free, and experience an expedited application process. Interested nurse applicants will also have the chance to meet our team and complete an application during the event.
Those interested in participating can complete an application at the event. For those that would like to submit an application before the event, visit www.co.lincoln.or.us/sheriff/page/join-team.
In addition to completing the job application and required tests for free, participants will also have the opportunity to meet our team, ask questions, and enjoy free lunch and snacks. All participants need to bring ID and deputy applicants need to bring athletic clothes and shoes. Join us at this hiring event to jumpstart your successful career in Law Enforcement.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, March 11, 2023
Time: 10:30am – 4:00pm
10:30am – 11:00am Check in and Meet and Greet
11:00am – 1:00pm POST or COST Exam (Written test)
1:30pm – 2:00pm Lunch and Networking
2:00pm – 4:00pm ORPAT or CORPAT (Physical test)
Location: Search and Rescue Building, 830 NE 7th St., Newport
What to Bring:
- Government Issued Identification
- Athletic clothes and shoes if applying for a deputy position
- Interest in joining our team as a Corrections or Patrol Deputy or a Corrections Nurse
Registration for this event is encouraged but not required. For questions or to register, contact Jess Palma at 541-265-0652 or jpalma@co.lincoln.or.us
Missing Bandon Man’s Body Recovered Near Cape Perpetua
Oregon State Police and Lincoln County Search and Rescue recovered the body of a missing 72-year-old Bandon man on the shoreline rocks below Cape Perpetua.
The family of Dennis D. Strader of Bandon had been looking for him since last Tuesday.
Oregon State Police said a hiker had reported Thursday seeing a body on the rocks between Devils Churn and Thor’s Well in an area referred to as Good Fortune Cove. Police said responders determined conditions Thursday were too dangerous to attempt a recovery, which was postponed until Friday.
Lincoln County Search and Rescue personnel recovered Strader’s body Friday, state police said in a report.
State police said Strader had been reported missing by his family on Wednesday. In a Facebook post, Strader’s family said he was traveling to Newport and was last heard from about 7 p.m. Tuesday near Cape Perpetua. The family said he had heart issues.
The deputy Oregon State Medical Examiner in Lincoln County will try to determine a cause of death.
Oregon Bill Would Fund Study Giving Homeless $1,000 A Month To Spend
A proposed Oregon bill would provide the state’s homeless population $1,000 per month that recipients could use at their own discretion.
The bill, introduced last month, would establish a People’s Housing Assistance Fund Demonstration Program to give 12 monthly thousand-dollar payments to those suffering from homelessness or who are on the brink of becoming homeless.
“Payments may be used for rent, emergency expenses, food, child care or other goods or services of the participant’s choosing,” the bill states.
People who spend more than 50 percent of their monthly household income on rent, and those who earn 60% or less of the area median income would also be eligible for the funding.
The legislation would also require the Portland State University Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative to study how effective the long-term cash assistance program would be across different demographics and household populations, as well as consider other circumstantial elements, such as domestic violence.
The program would last until January 2026, at which time the study would be due for presentation, the bill states.
Data shows as many as 14,650 people are experiencing homelessness in Oregon.
The state has been experiencing a long-lasting homeless issue for several years, especially in areas like Portland where up to 700 tent camps have taken over sections of the city.
Review Shows Oregon Bridges In Decline For 10th Straight Year
According to a report from the state Department of Transportation, the condition of Oregon’s bridges continued to decline last year.
Last year, the percentage of bridges in the state that were considered “distressed” hit a ten-year high. Structures with that designation frequently have restrictions on the weight of crossing vehicles.
ODOT said in 2021, 40 of the bridges it oversees were in “poor” condition and in need of improvements or replacing. The overwhelming majority are rated fair.
“Our bridge inspectors and our crews are out there working to keep bridges safe,” said Katherine Benenati with ODOT. “Just because a bridge is rated poor does not mean it’s unsafe. If we find a condition that would make a bridge unsafe, we would close that bridge.”
Over half of the bridges in service today were designed before 1970 and ODOT said older bridges weren’t designed to carry the traffic volumes and weights of larger vehicles common today.
ODOT said it’s managing its poor bridges “reasonably well,” but that the number of bridges moving from good condition to fair condition shows they can’t keep up with the maintenance required to keep bridges in good condition.
In the last two years, 53 bridges in Oregon had declining overall condition ratings compared to 25 bridges with improving condition ratings.
Most of the state’s 2,700 bridges are now at or exceeding their life expectancy — 800 of them are more than 60 years old. According to ODOT, Oregon’s bridges are regularly inspected and safe for public use. . ODOT has its own system for numbering highways, which can be found in the 2022 Bridge LogEditSign —- FHWA’s 2022 National Bridge Inventory Data: chrome-extension://bdfcnmeidppjeaggnmidamkiddifkdib/viewer.html?file=https://artbabridgereport.org/reports/state/OR.pdfEditSign
Oregon Food Bank Preparing For End Of Pandemic Food Benefits Statewide
“Maybe 700,000 more people might need food assistance this coming month and we will be there.”
Today 3/1, pandemic-era emergency food assistance benefits are coming to an end. As SNAP recipients prepare to see, on average, a 40% decrease in their total food benefits, the Oregon Food Bank is preparing for the possibility of increase need for help.
“At the start of the pandemic, the federal government rushed in to help families that were struggling and one of the things they did was add more money into SNAP benefits,” said Susannah Morgan, CEO of the Oregon Food Bank. “Those of us in the anti-hunger world were thrilled, not just because more people would have grocery money then, but because we have been asking for decades for more money for SNAP. The SNAP dollars run out between week two and three. They don’t get a family all the way through the month. So this extra money, around $100, was really, really helpful to a lot of families around Oregon and it is ending across the nation. Maybe 700,000 more people might need food assistance this coming month and we will be there.”
Tuesday afternoon, the Oregon Food Bank’s statewide warehouse was bustling with volunteers hard at work.
“We have been in absolute high volume mode ever since the start of the pandemic,” said Morgan. “There was no point in the pandemic in which we shut down and weren’t able to get food out to our neighbors. So I am sure that will be the same in March that we will rise to meet the additional demand, but the only way we will be there is if the community stands behind us. We need community support and we need the state of Oregon to step up and ensure that those shelves stay full.”
For those who wish to help, you can donate monetarily or donate you time and volunteer.
“Food is available for you and your family,” said Morgan. “Please go to OregonFoodFinder.org or call 2-1-1 if that’s more convenient for you. Every food assistance site is located there. There will be one near you ready to help. I always think it’s a smart idea for folks who are worried that they won’t have enough money to get food through the month to go to the free sites first because we do not have everything. We have excess food, great food, really high quality food, but not as much variety as the grocery store. Please come see what we have first and then go to the grocery store second and it will stretch your grocery dollars.”
Eugene’s Valley River Inn Suffers Significant Damage in Tuesday’s Fire
Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a devastating fire at the Valley River Inn Tuesday morning.
Eugene Springfield Fire said the fire was reported at about 11:07 a.m. on February 28. Eugene Springfield Fire responded with all available fire crews and numerous emergency personnel. At of 2:22 p.m., the fire was under control, Eugene Springfield Fire said. Several fire crews remained on scene to tend to hot spots and the building, and the Fire Marshal’s Office had started their investigation of the fire.
Eugene Springfield Fire said the fire started on the second floor on the south side of the building and quickly spread to the third floor and the attic. The fire was quickly upgraded to a three-alarm fire. Eugene Springfield Fire said the building’s sprinkler system was not activated, but the fire alarm did sound. This allowed for a successful evacuation of the building, with no injuries reported.
The hotel manager said all hotel guests were asked to pack their belongings and leave the building. They were all provided another room at a local hotel in the area. The manager said the hotel will be closed for a couple of weeks until further notice.
Eugene Springfield Fire said the building suffered extensive damage, including a partial roof collapse. The cause of the fire is currently unknown. There were no injuries or deaths reported.
FBI Portland Division Now Accepting Applications for the FBI’s Teen Academy
PORTLAND, OREGON – Have you ever wanted to be part of a SWAT Team? Or fingerprint a suspect? Or learn how to catch a cyber-criminal? Then consider participating in the FBI Teen Academy.
The FBI Teen Academy program provides an excellent opportunity for rising high school juniors and seniors to learn about exciting careers in law enforcement within the FBI and beyond. Applicants chosen for the program actively engage with FBI agents and leaders in the Bureau to learn about case studies, crime prevention, evidence gathering, and investigative techniques related to criminal activity. The Teen Academy allows students to delve deeply into levels of law enforcement unavailable to them in a general classroom setting.
“We are excited to be able to offer the FBI’s Teen Academy program again this year,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Portland Field Office. “It’s a great opportunity for these kids to learn about the FBI, engage with our Special Agents and develop leadership skills. We try to make this week-long program beneficial and useful for the students but we get so much out of it ourselves, hearing from this next generation of what their concerns are and how the FBI can do better, it’s a great opportunity for everyone.”
Students will learn about how criminals are captured, hear from FBI agents about actual cases, and learn how to raise their self-awareness online and watch for cyber-predators. Graduates of the Teen Academy program develop a keen understanding of how the FBI interacts with local law enforcement agencies and how participants can raise crime prevention awareness in their communities. In addition, hands-on instruction by FBI experts and other law enforcement agents allows students to understand the importance of communication between national and local agencies.
FBI Teen Academy members engage in group activities ranging from small group exercises to hands-on simulations. Participation is free to the applicants chosen, and volunteer organizations provide supplies for the events. As a result, students learn valuable life skills and increase their knowledge and understanding of how law enforcement agencies interact around the country.
To Apply — FBI Portland is currently accepting applications for its 2023 Teen Academy. The session will take place July 11, 2023 to July 14, 2023.
Submit your application to each.pd@fbi.gov“>outreach.pd@fbi.gov by Friday, April 14, 2023.
McMinnville Man Faces Federal Charges After Selling Fentanyl that Caused Seven to Overdose, One Fatally
PORTLAND, Ore.—A McMinnville, Oregon man is facing federal charges after selling fentanyl he claimed was cocaine that caused seven people to overdose, one fatally.
John Kyle Donnahoo, 28, has been charged by criminal complaint with distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and death.
According to court documents, on February 10, 2023, Donnahoo sold powdered fentanyl he claimed was cocaine to an individual at a residence in McMinnville for $100. Seven individuals, including the buyer, were present in the residence during the sale. One of the individuals tested the powder twice using fentanyl “test kits,” but neither test produced a positive result. All seven individuals consumed and overdosed on the fentanyl. Four were treated with Narcan at the scene by responding police officers and medical personnel before being rushed to the hospital in critical condition. One of these victims later died and three were admitted to an intensive care unit. Donnahoo took the other three individuals to the hospital himself where they were treated and eventually discharged.
Donnahoo made his first appearance in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stacie F. Beckerman. Donnahoo was ordered detained as a danger to the community pending further court proceedings.
This case is being investigated jointly by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, McMinnville Police Department, and Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office looking for help in identifying deceased female found near Jefferson
On February 21, 2023, about 4:45pm, deputies from the Sheriff’s Office Enforcement Division, Jefferson Contract, along with detectives from the Criminal Investigations Unit responded to a report of a citizen finding a female, deceased, in a field at the dead-end of Tenth Street in Jefferson, Oregon. The Marion County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to assist.
Wednesday, an autopsy was performed by the State Medical Examiner and the death has been determined to be natural causes.
The female found, was a white female, unknown age, 5’3 ½”, 128 pounds, wearing a red tank top, camo colored long sleeve shirt, Green sweatshirt, green sweatpants, and black tennis shoes. She was described as having a brooch attached to the green sweatshirt in the left chest area with a white pearl-looking piece in the middle of it.
We are asking anyone with information on a possible identify for this female to please call Deputy N. Morse, 971-720-0726.
Registration is Open for the 2023 Oregon Women Veterans Conference
Registration is now open for the 2023 Oregon Women Veterans Conference, which will be held on May 20 and 21 at the Salem Convention Center. Hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, this free, biennial event is the largest gathering of women veterans in the state.
Women veterans from every branch of military service, era and background are invited to attend this free event celebrating the service and contributions of women who answered the call to serve throughout history. The conference will include informational workshops, keynote speakers and networking opportunities.
This year’s theme, “Stronger Together — Voices of Service” is a testament to the continued strength, diversity and community of our women veterans, said ODVA Director Kelly Fitzpatrick, who is an Army veteran and the first woman to lead the state agency.
“Oregon continues to be a leader in recognizing, remembering and honoring the outstanding contributions of women who have served their country, and we are proud to be able to host this year’s conference in person again,” Fitzpatrick said. “Together, our collective voices achieve more, overcome challenges, and allow our stories to be shared.”
Women veterans make up one of the fastest-growing segments of the Oregon veteran community, with an estimated 25,000 women veterans living in the state today, representing nearly one-tenth of overall veteran population.
The first Oregon Women Veterans Conference was held 25 years ago in 1998.
“The camaraderie and shared calling of service is what inspires our lives and is what continues to unite women veterans across every generation and era of service,” said ODVA Women Veterans Coordinator Jessica Bradley.
The conference is an opportunity for women veterans to socialize, connect to resources, learn about their earned veteran benefits, and celebrate their service.
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Please visit wvc.oregondva.com to register and find additional event information on lodging and sponsorship and vendor opportunities.
Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.
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.
