Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 3/19 – Cleaning Up After the Storm, Siletz Tribe Regains Full Fishing Rights & 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, March 19, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Storm Warning Issued: 7:00 AM Mar. 19, 2025 – National Weather Service

...GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT THIS MORNING...
...STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO 5 PM PDT THIS AFTERNOON...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 AM PDT THURSDAY...

* WHAT...For the Gale Warning, south winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt and seas 8 to 13 ft at 11 seconds expected. For the Storm Warning, south winds 35 to 45 kt with gusts up to 60 kt and seas 12 to 17 ft at 11 seconds expected. For the Hazardous Seas Warning, very steep and hazardous seas 10 to 16 ft at 11
seconds expected.

* WHERE...All of the area.

* WHEN...For the Gale Warning, until 11 AM PDT this morning. For the Storm Warning, from 11 AM this morning to 5 PM PDT this afternoon. For the Hazardous Seas Warning, from 5 PM this
afternoon to 8 AM PDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS...Very strong winds and very steep seas could capsize or damage vessels. Visibilities will be significantly reduced.

* View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks

Cleaning Up After the Storm

Wind and rain and snow impacted our region. Agencies and neighbors still cleaning up after the storm.

On March 18, Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency due to flooding and landslides from February 24 through March 18, 2025.

“When emergencies hit, Oregon families and businesses need to know we have their back in every part of the state,” Governor Kotek said. “Recovery starts as soon as disaster strikes, and this declaration will help get Oregonians back to normal as soon as possible. I urge everyone to follow the instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, subscribe emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov, have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit, and stay aware of changing conditions.”

Following ORS 401.165, the Governor determined a potential threat to life, safety, property, and significant damage to infrastructure exists due to flooding and landslides that have caused and continue to cause a state of emergency in Clackamas, Coos, Curry, Douglas, Harney, Jackson, Josephine, Lane, Multnomah, and Malheur counties. At the time of this release, the Governor’s Office is closely monitoring a potential flood in the Burns area of Harney County and preemptively added Harney County to this declaration.

Beginning on February 24, 2025, ongoing storms have caused significant flooding and landslides throughout Oregon, resulting in one fatality, critical transportation failures and loss of power and communications capabilities.

This declaration directs the Oregon Department of Transportation to provide appropriate assistance and seek federal resources to repair and reconstruct the $10 million dollars or more in damages and impact to the federal aid highway system in the impacted counties.
This declaration is limited to the provision of assistance by the Oregon Department of Transportation to repair and reconstruct eligible roadways that are part of the federal aid highway system. This declaration is not to be construed as a comprehensive declaration or proclamation of emergency for other purposes.

On March 17, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) activated the State Emergency Coordination Center (ECC) to Level 3, which means the state is coordinating closely with local, Tribal, and state partners to share information and support local response and recovery operations as needed. To stay informed about current conditions and impacts, visit the Oregon Flood Dashboard: State of Oregon Flood Dashboard.

Staying Safe After the Floodwaters Retreat-  Oregon Press Release

Experiencing a flood can be incredibly stressful and dangerous. Once the immediate threat has passed, it’s crucial to take the right steps to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. It’s helpful to think about how you will recover from a flood before one ever happens. Take into account the potential dangers you may face after a flood, and how you will resolve repairs and obtain supplies needed to get back to normal.  Good INFO Here:     https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/OEM/Posts/Post/after-the-water-retreat

Siletz Tribe regains full fishing rights, 45 years after being forced to give them up

The tribe’s hunting, fishing and gathering rights have had strict limits under a 1980 agreement with the state and federal government, now set to be repealed.

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians have faced strict limitations on their hunting, fishing and gathering under a 1980 agreement between the tribe, the state of Oregon and the federal government. That agreement was recently repealed, fully restoring the tribe’s right to access its traditional foods.

In western Oregon, the Siletz River winds its way through the heart of the Siletz reservation. The name comes from the Tillamook language and refers to something coiled up like a rope, according to Siletz Tribal Council Member and Treasurer Robert Kentta.

“The town of Siletz is almost like an island because of this big loop the river takes,” he said.

The river is rich in resources like salmon, Kentta said, but under the 1980 agreement, it’s been a struggle for tribal members to access those resources. Tribal member Kevin Goodell described it as a horrible change for tribal members who grew up eating indigenous foods.

The Siletz reservation was first formed in the 1850s, and is the most diverse confederation of tribes on a single reservation, according to Kentta. By the 1950s, they had lost their land under the Congressional Western Oregon Termination Act, part of a U.S. Indian termination policy.

“It meant the last bit of our reservation land was sold by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and a small check was received by each tribal member,” Kentta explained.

The tribe reorganized in the late 1970s, and the Siletz reservation was restored in 1980 — but in exchange, the tribe was forced to sign the agreement with the state and federal governments that placed limits on their fishing and hunting rights.

“Even though there was lots of pressure, lots of Oregon newspapers had headlines of ‘if the Siletz tribe is restored there will be nets all over the rivers and the fish will disappear.” Kentta said. “Well, that didn’t happen.”

The restrictions included limited fishing spots, and only several hundred deer and salmon tags, and just 25 elk tags handed out, lottery style, to about 6,000 tribal members — a system Kentta described as very competitive and not very fair.

“It was horrible, because I grew up with my dad who didn’t have any limits,” Goodell said. “And he would hunt and fish and do what he wanted with the community hunting and fishing.”

Two years ago, the tribe and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) entered a new, voluntary agreement, giving the tribe the power to manage their own hunting and fishing rules — but the 1980 agreement was still technically on the books.

That changed late last week, when the state finally repealed it — a move that ODFW Federal Policy Director Davia Palmeri called long overdue. The federal government had already done its part to leave the agreement in the past, so the state’s repeal was the final step to officially remove the restrictions after 45 years.

“It is important to the department and to the state that we can work together with tribal governments to give their members access to those culturally significant resources,” she said.

Gov. Tina Kotek’s office applauded the move in a statement, declaring that “No tribe should have to choose between their land or their sovereign rights.”

Tribal members who spoke to KGW expressed relief, saying that even though they’ve already been operating under the new agreement for the past two years, it felt like the old restrictions were hanging over their heads as long as the 1980 agreement still technically existed. “It’s awesome for our people,” Goodell said. “Yeah, it’s a big step for us.” (SOURCE)

The Chief Executive Officer of Waterfall Community Health Center in North Bend has resigned. The former Gresham pastor is accused of sexually abusing teenagers.

According to a notice of proposed disciplinary action from the Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists, between roughly 1998 and 2001, Lance Nelson engaged in sexual misconduct with two minors. The board says Nelson remained in contact with the minors through his connections with Springwater Church of the Nazarene in Gresham. It also says he continued the sexual misconduct with the two minors while he pursued a counseling degree and offered the two individuals counseling services.

The board says it did not learn of the alleged conduct until 2023. On Tuesday, the Waterfall Health Center announced in a Facebook post that Nelson had resigned effective immediately.

Coos Bay Man Faces Federal Charges for Producing and Distributing Child Pornography

EUGENE, Ore.—A Coos Bay, Oregon man was arraigned in federal court Tuesday for possessing, distributing, attempting to produce, and producing child pornography.

Thomas Owen Barnett, 39, has been charged with attempting to use and using a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct and possessing and distributing child pornography.

According to court documents, between September and December 2023, Barnett is alleged to have knowingly and intentionally used a minor to engage in and record sexually explicit conduct. In September 2024, Barnett is further alleged to have used Kik and Instagram, online social media platforms, to engage in chats involving child sex abuse, seek opportunities to engage in child sexual abuse, and advertise the sale of child pornography. At times, Barnett posed as a young man or a minor female to persuade his victims to produce and exchange child pornography, including requests for sexually explicit materials depicting an infant.

Barnett made his initial appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on May 27, 2025.

Attempting to use a minor and using a minor to produce a visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct are each punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison with a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence, distribution of child pornography is punishable by up to 20 years in prison with a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence, and possession of child pornography is punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. If convicted, Barnett also faces up to a lifetime term of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 for each count.

This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Two Suspects Arrested in Coos County Murder Case —-Homicide Investigation in Coos County after Body Found Near Johnson Mill Pond

On March 12, 2025, at approximately 8:59 AM, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a deceased individual at Johnson Mill Pond, a county park situated between Coquille and Myrtle Point. Deputies arrived at the scene and discovered a male, later identified as Larry Burkhow, who had succumbed to apparent homicidal violence.

With no immediate clues or leads, deputies initiated an extensive investigation, conducting canvassing and interviews. Support was sought from nearby agencies, including the Oregon State Police, Coos Bay Police, Coquille Police, and Myrtle Point Police, who all contributed to the investigation efforts.

After pursuing several leads, authorities identified Elaine Warner, aged 57, as a person of interest. Warner was contacted in Brookings, Oregon, and consented to an interview. Following the interview, she was arrested on charges of second-degree murder.

Further investigation revealed a second suspect, Michael Finley, aged 60. The investigative team, aided by patrol deputies and the United States Marshal’s Service, launched a search for Finley after obtaining an arrest warrant. He was apprehended by patrol deputies near Langlois, Oregon, in the early hours of March 15, 2025.

The investigation spanned approximately 68 hours, with all involved officers working relentlessly. Both Finley and Warner remain in custody. The Coos County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to all assisting agencies, as well as the Curry County Sheriff’s Office and Brookings Police Department, for their valuable intelligence and support throughout the investigation. “Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE: On March 12, 2025, at about 0859 hours, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Johnson Mill Pond located between Coquille, and Myrtle Point Oregon in response to a report of a deceased person at that location. As a result of the call, a homicide investigation is being conducted.

At this point, further details about the decedent will not be released pending next of kin notification. However, the Coos County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the assistance of the public. If anyone was present at Johnson Mill Pond between the hours of 7 am and 9 am on March 12, 2025, please contact the North Coos Dispatch Center at 541-269-8911 Option 1.

The Coos County Sheriff’s Office or the Coos County District Attorney’s Office will follow up with more information as it becomes available. This is an active and ongoing investigation and any assistance by the public is appreciated.

 Oregon Representative Val Hoyle will be holding a series of town halls this week. In Florence on Wednesday

First, she’ll be stopping by the Florence Event Center and Theatre in Florence on Wednesday at noon, doors open at 11 a.m.

Then later that same day, Hoyle will hold a town hall in the Springfield High School gymnasium. That starts at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening an hour before.

Representative Hoyle will be joined by Tiffany Muller, the president of End Citizens United.

Spring Whale Watch Week Returns to the Oregon Coast for Spring Break

OREGON COAST, Oregon— Oregon State Parks will host Spring Whale Watch Week along the Oregon Coast Saturday, March 22 through Sunday, March 30.

Trained Oregon State Park volunteers and rangers will be stationed at 14 sites along the Oregon Coast to help visitors spot whales and their calves and answer questions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily March 22-30. The sites are some of the best places to watch for whales on the Oregon Coast.  Cape Foulweather will not be included this year because it is closed due to construction.

“Spring is a great time for whale watching because the gray whales are usually closer to shore on their return trip, typically around a mile or so out, and they might have calves in tow,” said Park Ranger Peter McBride.

An estimated 19,260 gray whales are expected to swim past Oregon’s shores from late winter through June as part of their annual migration back to Alaska.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced an end to an Unusual Mortality Event impacting gray whales in 2023. Since then, the estimated population has increased by roughly 30% from 14,530 in 2023 to 19,260 last year, according to NOAA. The numbers are on the rise overall, but the calf count is still low as the population continues to rebound.

Whale Watch Week provides an opportunity to see not only the gray whales but other coastal wildlife including birds and other marine mammals with help from trained volunteers and rangers.

A map of volunteer-staffed sites is available online on the official event webpage: https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=thingstodo.dsp_whaleWatching

The Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 22-30. Visitors to the center can enjoy interactive whale exhibits and take in the panoramic ocean views. Binoculars are provided. Rangers from Oregon State Parks will also be on hand to answer questions about the whales.

All Whale Watch Week visitors are encouraged to dress for the weather, to bring binoculars and to follow beach safety guidelines such as remaining out of fenced areas, knowing the tide schedule and keeping an eye on the surf at all times. Go to https://visittheoregoncoast.com/beach-safety/ for a list of safety tips.

For more information about coast parks and campgrounds, visit stateparks.oregon.gov.

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos and videos from Spring Whale Watch on social media using #OregonStateParks and #ORWhaleWatch.

Lincoln City Police – Distracted Driving Enforcement Operations Planned During April

The month of April is designated as the National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the Lincoln City Police Department will be utilizing traffic safety grant funds to conduct enhanced enforcement operations during the month.

The Lincoln City Police Department will be joining law enforcement agencies across the state and nation in working together to enforce distracted driving laws in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and deter drivers from using their mobile devices while driving. The enhanced enforcement operations will be conducted periodically throughout the month of April.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022 there were 3,308 people killed in traffic crashes and another 290,000 injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted Driving is a dangerous behavior for drivers, passengers, and non-occupants alike, and is a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roadways. Distracted driving is a specific type of inattention that occurs when drivers divert their attention from the task of driving to focus on other activities, such as using their phones. During the month, drivers will see increased patrol efforts with an emphasis on seeking out drivers who are distracted by talking or texting on their cell phones, or using other electronic devices while they are operating their vehicle. The goal of these enhanced enforcement efforts is to increase the safety of the citizens and visitors of Lincoln City.

The Distracted Driving Enforcement grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. Our objective is to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, and to reduce the number of distracted drivers on the roadways to prevent crashes that cause injuries and cost lives. These grant funds were made possible through the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

Lincoln Co. District Attorney’s Office Requests Help Solving Kelly Disney Homicide

WE NEED YOUR HELP!  17-year-old Kelly Disney was last seen in the early morning hours on March 9, 1984, walking eastbound on Highway 20 near U.S. 101 in Newport, Oregon. Kelly was observed on Highway 20 by several witnesses before disappearing and never being seen alive again.

In July 1994, Kelly’s skull was found in an abandoned vehicle near Big Creek Reservoir outside of Newport, Oregon. It appeared her skull had recently been placed at that location and her death was ruled a homicide. Kelly’s disappearance and homicide remain unsolved.

The Lincoln County District Attorney’s Cold Case Team is seeking information from the community in an effort to solve the 40-year-old disappearance and homicide of Kelly Disney. We believe there are individuals in our community who may have information that could assist in this investigation.

If you knew Kelly or heard about her disappearance, we want to hear from you. Whether you experienced something firsthand or heard information thirdhand, that information is valuable. No matter how insignificant you feel the information might be, we still want to hear from you.  

It is never too late to come forward and share information. If you do not want to reveal the circumstances in which you obtained the information, you can report information anonymously. SUBMIT A TIP: CALL: (541) 265-0669 —- EMAIL:  FindKellyDisney@co.lincoln.or.us

 Calling All Vendors!

Astor Street Opry Company is hosting a Spring Craft & Vendor Market and we’re looking for amazing vendors to join us!

 Dates:
March 22 | 11 AM – 6 PM
March 23 | 10 AM – 4 PM

 Location: Astor Street Opry Company

 Cost: $25 per 6 ft table

Spaces are limited — don’t miss your chance to be part of this fun event! To reserve your spot, message us today! https://www.facebook.com/AstorStreetOpryCompany

Respect Nesting Areas to Protect Threatened Snowy Plover on the Oregon Coast March 15 – Sept. 15

 – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Siuslaw National Forest remind visitors to the Oregon coast that it is plover nesting season ­— beachgoers can help recovery efforts for the threatened western snowy plover March 15 to Sept. 15.

Sensitive plover nesting areas are identified on maps for the northern Oregon Coast and southern Oregon Coast. Signs may be present at trailheads with additional rules and limits, such as staying on the wet sand and no dogs even on a leash, to help protect the small shorebirds and their exposed nests during this crucial period. Visitors may also see rope fencing in dry sand areas; this fencing delineates some, but not all, of the critical plover habitat that should be avoided.

Recreation restrictions occur in designated plover management areas: stretches of beach along the coastline where plovers nest or might nest. These areas combined make up about 40 miles of Oregon’s 362 miles of shoreline.

Seasonal recreation restrictions have helped protect these small birds that nest on open sand along Oregon’s beaches. Nests, and especially chicks, are well-camouflaged. During the nesting season, human disturbances can flush adult plovers away from their nests as they attempt to defend their young. Left alone too long, or too often, eggs or chicks can die from exposure, predators or people.

Reminders for recreation on designated plover beaches March 15-Sept. 15:

• The following are not permitted: dogs (even on a leash), driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, operating electric-assisted bicycles, camping, burning wood, flying kites or operating drones.
• Foot and equestrian traffic are permitted below the high-tide line on hard packed sand.
• Respect signs and barriers to protect nesting habitat.

“With the support of the public and improvements to plover habitat, we’re making great strides in reversing the decline of this species,” said Cindy Burns, Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist. “Keep doing your part to understand nesting season rules and to share the beach this spring and summer.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed western snowy plovers as a threatened species in 1993, when officials counted only 45 breeding adults. The numbers of breeding adults have steadily increased since then due to ongoing efforts. Officials counted 440 during the breeding season survey in 2024.

“We appreciate visitors’ support in keeping these shorebirds safe in the combined 40 miles of protected area along the coast. We invite visitors to enjoy permitted recreation in those areas or to recreate without seasonal restrictions on the hundreds of miles of beaches not designated as plover nesting areas,” said Laurel Hillmann, ocean shore specialist for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

More information on the snowy plover, including detailed maps of nesting sites, can be found on the Oregon State Parks website (oregon.gov/plovers) and on the Siuslaw National Forest website (https://t.ly/AKPAN). Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area can review Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) maps to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand.

New plover activity   

Plovers have been found nesting in new or historical nesting sites. For example, plover nests have been identified at the Sand Lake Recreation Area, near the lake’s inlet, every year the last few years. Beachgoers can protect these birds by recreating on the wet sand areas, avoiding roped off nesting areas, observing trail kiosks and signs, packing all trash out and keeping dogs on leash.

Background on plover protections

Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW).

Habitat loss from invasive plants — as well as human disturbances, including litter and discarded food scraps that attract predators — have contributed to the birds’ decline. The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, saveoregondunes.org, is working with land managers on a restoration strategy and to raise public awareness about the need to restore the dunes ecosystem for western snowy plovers, rare plants and animals and the unique recreation

Fishery Managers Worry About Effects of NOAA Cuts

The long term impacts of recent staff cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are still unknown, but fishery managers on the West Coast called the situation troubling. 

On Thursday, NOAA laid off more than 800 workers as the Trump administration continues its push to reduce the federal workforce.

West Coast lawmakers have warned that the cuts — and the potential for more layoffs in the future — could endanger lives and threaten maritime commerce and the fishing industry. NOAA manages federal tribal, commercial and recreational fisheries and includes the National Weather Service, which provides weather forecast data.

For West Coast fisheries, the firings have created uncertainty for fishery management now. (SOURCE)

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.

Siuslaw schools are collecting unwanted, unused, or broken electronics now through April 8th in partnership with Lane County Waste Management and NextStep Recycling.

The school that collects the most e-waste will win a sustainability grant of up to $500. Accepted items include TVs, computers, printers, cellphones, game consoles, and more—excluding plastic non-electronic items. Donations are repaired or recycled for community use. Drop-offs are accepted at NextStep Recycling in Eugene, and businesses can request a free pickup. More details at wastewiselane.org/ERC.

SWIFTY and Yachats Lions Club Partner for Bird Nesting Boxes
Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation 

SWIFTY (Swallows in Flight to Yachats) in conjunction with students from Newport High School and 4-H of Waldport, and with support from the Yachats Lions Club, we have put together two programs to build and install bird nesting boxes.

The project with the 4-H group is to build 16 Tree Swallow nesting boxes to replace existing, failing, boxes at the Tami Wagner Wildlife Area (Oregon Dept of Fish and Wildlife) along the Yachats River, which is the only state-owned elk refuge on the Oregon Coast. Under SWIFTY’s direction, cedar swallow boxes were assembled by 4-H kids at the Yachats Lions Club Hall in Yachats on February 17th.

The installation at the Tami Wildlife area is provisionally scheduled for March 1st. In addition there is an educational component to the project where the kids will be doing posters on different facets of the life and ecology of tree swallows. The topics are: Migration, Nesting and Nest Boxes, Feathers and Flight, Threats, Feeding, Breeding and Behavior. The Yachats Lions Club paid for the cost of the construction materials.

SWIFTY has also arranged with Newport High School special education teacher Violet Brown and assistant Matt Bouvier to have students in the E.C.E.L. program construct 14 nesting boxes for Purple Martins, our largest North American swallows. The boxes are constructed from cedar lumber according to a design that is in widespread use in British Columbia. The boxes will replace dilapidated boxes on pilings in the Siletz River near Kernville. The box installation will be carried out by boat at a high tide during March, in time for the return of the birds from their migration to Brazil. The Yachats Lions Club paid for the cost of all the construction materials.

SWIFTY is a group of local wildlife enthusiasts who in 2020 started building birdhouses for swallows. Our motivation is to bring attention to the need to help cavity nesters such as swallows, wood ducks and chickadees, who have experienced declining forest habitat for nesting. In addition, many of these cavity nesting birds are migratory and have seen declining numbers due to the warming of the planet particularly in the Western US where lack of water, forest fires, and pollution impacts their survival across long distances. SWIFTY works with public and non-profit conservation and land management groups. We currently have several hundred boxes installed in Lincoln County, monitoring over 200 yearly.

The mission of the Lions Clubs is to empower Lions Clubs, volunteers and partners to improve health and wellbeing, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally and encourage peace and international understanding.

4’H is the largest youth empowerment program in the US. It is delivered by Cooperative Extension–a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. For more than 100 years, 4??’H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they make their lives and communities better.

Clatsop Community College

 · The CCC Upward Bound program is seeking a catering service for their summer academy that gives high school students a start to achieving their college goals. Catering would be from June 16- July 25 (Mon-Thurs) and serving breakfast and lunch. They are looking for healthy, balanced meals with vegetarian options.

Please submit your interest in catering by April 7, 2025. Follow the link for more details: https://drive.google.com/…/1nE3p7GLlRT… Contact Amy Magnussen at amagnussen@clatsopcc.edu or 503-325-2898 for questions or further details.

The Columbia River Maritime Museum is looking for its newest crew member!

MUSEUM EDUCATOR — Full Time, Salary Position reporting to Director of Education

Full job description and employment application are available on our website – https://www.crmm.org/join-our-crew.html

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)

The Oregon Coast Aquarium New Tufted Puffin Oregon License Plates on Sale

One of Oregon’s most adorably iconic seabirds is coming to the front and back of a car near you. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has opened voucher sales for its new tufted puffin license plates.

The design, featuring a tufted puffin floating in the ocean and gazing down at some fish below, was created by the
aquarium’s graphic design and marketing coordinator, Cam Mullins.

Starring a tufted puffin—one of Oregon’s iconic seabirds–funds from the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts. You can purchase a voucher now and exchange it at the DMV once the physical plates are available. We need to sell 3,000 vouchers to reach the production stage—meaning the sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins, and the sooner you’ll have your puffin plates in-hand. Read the full story at aquarium.org/puffin-plate-debut: photo by OCAq’s Jeremy Burke

Tufted puffins are native to Oregon and nest on the rocky coast. The aquarium has a Seabird Aviary that sustains a flock of these sea birds and the profits from the license plates will go to benefit these puffins and their wild counterparts.

The voucher is available for purchase on the aquarium’s website. The cost covers the $40 surcharge fee and the money left over after the deduction of the DMV’s fees will go to support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s
rehabilitation and conservation efforts. The aquarium is building a new marine wildlife rehabilitation center with
hopes of doubling the number of animal patients it can offer care to. FOLLOW on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/OregonCoastAquarium

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

OHA urges people to check immunity against measles; get vaccinated

As cases appear in other states, including neighboring California, Oregon health officials recommend measures to stay safe

With spring break and summer travel season approaching, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) encourages people to make sure they are protected against measles. Getting the MMR vaccine — for measles, mumps and rubella — is the most effective prevention tool against the highly contagious virus. 

Twelve U.S. states, including California, Texas and New Mexico, have reported cases of measles since Jan 1. While Oregon has no cases so far in 2025, last year the state recorded 31 confirmed cases — its highest measles count in more than 30 years — during an outbreak among unvaccinated people, including two children younger than 5. 

“Measles is an amazingly contagious virus that unfortunately in recent years has re-emerged in our communities, primarily due to a declining percentage of people who are getting vaccinated,” said Paul Cieslak, M.D., medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA’s Public Health Division. 

“Measles is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection for individuals who haven’t received immunity through the MMR vaccine,” said Dawn Nolt, M.D., M.P.H., professor of pediatrics (infectious diseases) in the OHSU School of Medicine.

“The good news is that we have a highly safe and effective vaccine – it is our strongest line of defense and the best way to keep yourself, your children and your community safe. If you have questions about the vaccine, we encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns.” she said.

Cieslak said anyone planning travel to countries or states where measles is circulating should get the MMR vaccine before they go. “Getting the vaccine now will allow you to start building immunity prior to your trip,” he said.  

Cieslak addresses common questions about measles, symptoms, the vaccine and more in this week’s Oregon Health News newsletter, published Thursday. 

Symptoms — Measles typically starts with a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. A rash usually follows, beginning on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. 

Symptoms begin seven to 10 days after exposure to a person with measles. Common complications of measles include ear infection, lung infection and diarrhea. Swelling of the brain is a rare but much more serious complication. 

About 20% of people who contract measles are hospitalized. In developed countries in recent years, one or two of every 1,000 measles cases have been fatal.  

Measles spreads through the air after a person with measles coughs, sneezes, or even breathes. People who are infected can be unknowingly contagious for four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. 

That means someone with measles can be unaware they are infected and can easily spread the virus before noticing any symptoms. 

During the 2024 outbreak in Oregon, OHA worked with local public health officials to share information about specific locations where known measles cases had spent time so that members of the public were aware they may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. 

What families of school-age children should know — In addition to reducing risk of transmission, getting the vaccine can help families avoid having to isolate at home for several weeks if they are exposed to measles. 

Additionally, state law requires an unvaccinated child exposed to the virus to be excluded from school or childcare during the period when they could become sick, which is usually for 21 days after exposure. 

This exclusion period can be extended if there are more measles cases. 

What people born before 1957 should know — People born before 1957 do not need to be vaccinated against measles—they are presumed to be immune. 

That’s because, before the measles vaccine was first available to the public in 1963, virtually all children would contract measles by their teenage years, making them immune for life. 

What people born in 1957 or later should know — People born in 1957 or later, however, could still benefit from the vaccine because they would have been at least 6 years old in 1963. At that age, there was still a meaningful chance they hadn’t been exposed to measles yet and could benefit from the new vaccine. 

People who can document receiving the measles vaccine series at some point in their lives or have documentation showing a previous measles diagnosis or laboratory evidence of immunity can be confident they are immune and do not need to receive the MMR vaccine.  

What anyone traveling should know —

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following measles prevention measures for anyone traveling, especially internationally:  

• Babies ages 6 through 11 months can receive an early dose of the vaccine to protect them for travel; but they should then receive another dose at 12 through 15 months and a final dose between ages 4 and 6.
• Children older than a year who have not been vaccinated should immediately receive one dose and follow with a second dose at least 28 days later.
• Children older than a year with one prior dose should receive an early second dose of MMR vaccine separated by at least 28 days.
• Teenagers and adults previously vaccinated with one dose should consider getting a second dose if they are traveling to an area where measles is circulating.
• People preparing to travel internationally who have not been immunized should get the vaccine prior to departure. 

More CDC recommendations can be found here. 

In recent years, OHA has bolstered its tracking of communicable diseases, such as measles, with the development and modernization of data reporting tools, including an interactive, web-based dashboard that visualizes data on communicable disease incidence in Oregon. The dashboard’s data are disease, month, demographic group and county. 

Increasing awareness and education about primary prevention, public health risks and preventive health services are among actions OHA is taking as part of its 2024–2027 Strategic Plan. 

The plan further supports expanding access to vaccines and other health resources for children, parents and families in all communities in Oregon.   — To learn more about measles and to receive daily status updates of measles outbreak data, visit OHA’s Measles and Rubeola web page. 

Filing a return could net thousands in tax credits for low-income families

Salem, OR—Oregon’s newest refundable personal income tax credit put more than $39 million into the pockets of low-income families in its first year in 2024.

The Oregon Kids Credit, created by the Legislature in 2023, is a refundable credit for low-income people with young dependent children. For those with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $25,750 or less, the full credit is $1,000 per child for up to five dependent children under the age of six at the end of the tax year—a maximum benefit of $5,000. A partial credit is available for individuals and families with an MAGI up to $30,750.

So far in 2025, more than 22,000 taxpayers have claimed $25 million in benefits from the Oregon Kids Credit.

When combined with the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Oregon Earned Income Credit, it could help boost the tax refund for the lowest income families by a total of $13,770.

The EITC is for people with an adjusted gross income of up to $66,818 in 2024. Families may be eligible for a maximum refundable credit of $7,830 on their federal tax return, and a maximum Oregon EIC of $940 on their state tax return.

All three credits are fully refundable, meaning the portion of the credit that is larger than what a taxpayer owes can be refunded. Taxpayers may even be able to claim the credits and receive a tax refund if they don’t normally file a tax return.

To claim the credits, taxpayers must file a return. To assist taxpayers, Oregon offers several free filing options, including free fillable forms and the new Direct File Oregon. Taxpayers who need help filing their taxes can also find free assistance options on the agency website.

Families who are eligible for the Oregon Kids Credit are also likely eligible for the refundable Working Family Household and Dependent Care Credit (WFHDC), which helps low- to moderate-income families pay for the care of their dependents while they’re working, looking for work, or attending school.

For more information about the federal EITC, the Oregon EIC, the Oregon Kids Credit and other similar credits, go to the Tax benefits for families page.

Taxpayers filing their own 2024 income tax returns can get free assistance using the new combination of IRS Direct File and Direct File Oregon when Oregon Department of Revenue volunteers visit libraries across the state this tax season.

The department offers special computer kiosks in four of its regional offices where taxpayers who don’t have access to computers can file their return using the free fillable forms and Direct File Oregon e-file options.

The kiosks are available in the DOR regional offices in:

• Bend, 951 SW Simpson Ave, Suite 100

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

• Eugene, 1600 Valley River Drive, Suite 310

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

• Gresham, 1550 NW Eastman Parkway, Suite 220

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.)

• Portland, 800 NE Oregon St, Suite 505
  Monday – Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (closed 12 – 12:30 p.m.)

Taxpayers can visit the Oregon Department of Revenue website to find free tax preparation sites by using the department’s interactive map.

To get tax forms, check the status of their refund, or make payments, visit the Revenue website or email questions.dor@dor.oregon.gov.

Taxpayers can also call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), the department accepts all relay calls.

Medical Emergency at Mount Bachelor Ski Resort Results in Tragic Fatality

Deschutes County, Ore. – On March 17, 2025, at 3:04 p.m., Deschutes County 911 received an emergency SOS text message from an Apple device via satellite. The message reported a “trapped and injured person in steep terrain.” GPS coordinates included in the message indicated the location was on the west side of Mount Bachelor. (43.9861 -121.7032)

911 dispatchers immediately dispatched Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol, AirLink, Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) deputies, and Sheriff Search and Rescue teams to the scene. Dispatchers also established voice contact with the reporting party and provided CPR and life-saving instructions.

Ski patrollers reached the reporting party and assumed patient care. Minutes later, the patient was transported to the Mt. Bachelor Clinic, where he succumbed to his injuries.

DCSO deputies identified the deceased as Benjamin Shelkey, 34, of Seattle, Washington. Investigators determined Shelkey was found unresponsive, buried in snow. Third parties at the scene worked for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to free him before beginning CPR.

While the cause of the accident remains under investigation, and the official cause of death has not yet been determined, the circumstances are consistent with snow immersion suffocation. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office urges outdoor enthusiasts to use caution when recreating in backcountry and resort areas, particularly in deep snow conditions.

Statement from Sheriff van der Kamp:
“On behalf of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the Central Oregon community, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Benjamin Shelkey. This is a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with those who knew and loved him. We also want to recognize the swift response and dedication of all those citizens and ski patrollers who assisted in this rescue effort. Tragedies like this remind us of the risks of outdoor recreation, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when venturing into deep snow conditions.”

We thank our partners—Deschutes County 911, Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol, U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement, and AirLink—for their professionalism and commitment to public safety.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with five K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff Kent van der Kamp, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves over 200,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 259 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 193 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.

Heavy Rainstorm Leads to Central Point Woman’s Tragic Death after She Drowns in Flooded Creek

JCSO Case 25-1401 CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Heavy rain and flooding led to the tragic death of a Central Point woman yesterday afternoon. Our condolences go to her family and friends in this difficult time. Next-of-kin has been notified. Out of respect for the family’s privacy we will not be releasing the decedent’s name.

Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputies responded to a call for a missing woman yesterday, March 16 at 4:21 PM in the 5000 block of Kane Creek Road in rural Central Point. Investigators learned the woman was attempting to clear branches from a culvert under her driveway when her waders (waterproof overalls) filled with water and swift flood waters pulled her through the culvert and into nearby Kane Creek.

Jackson County Fire District 3 responded with a swift water Technical Rescue Team. FD3 personnel located the woman approximately 100 yards down the creek and she was transported by Mercy Flights ambulance to a local hospital. Medics attempted lifesaving measures but she was pronounced deceased.

This incident is a tragic reminder of the dangers of rainstorms leading to flooding. During periods of heavy rains, stay away from flood-prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches, and culverts. Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area. If you live or work in flood-prone areas, remain alert during heavy rainstorms. Fast-moving water can erode stream and river banks, making them unstable and dangerous. The water may carry debris on and beneath the surface which can pose significant risks. For more information on flood safety go to: https://www.ready.gov/floods. There is no further information available for release.

Updated essential salmonid habitat map available now

The map identifies streams where removal-fill permits are often required to help protect critical habitat for salmon species

The State of Oregon has published the 2025 essential salmonid habitat map, which shows streams where activities like building docks or adding riprap usually require a removal-fill permit.   

The map identifies streams that are critical habitat for Chinook salmon, steelhead trout, and other sensitive, threatened or endangered fish species. Oregon law protects these streams by requiring a removal-fill permit for most projects that remove or add any materials.

View the 2025 map and learn more.

The map is updated as often as yearly to reflect current Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife data. These regular updates keep habitat information accurate, which in turn helps property owners do their part to protect fish, said Oregon Department of State Lands Director Vicki Walker. 

“Anyone who lives along a river or stream should check the map,” Walker said. “The first step in protecting fish populations is knowing whether a waterway is essential habitat.”

The 2025 update added approximately 113 stream miles of essential habitat in multiple areas of Oregon. Approximately 12 stream miles are no longer essential habitat. See the draft map to view the changes for 2025.

The annual map update process includes Tribal engagement and a public review and comment period.

Stay informed about future map updates by joining DSL’s email list for essential salmonid habitat map information. Sign up to receive emails.

Oregon and nine other states recently achieved a collective goal of shifting new car buyers toward electric rather than gas-powered vehicles in an effort to reduce pollution and combat climate change.

The states have collectively registered 3.3 million new electric vehicles in the last 12 years, fulfilling a 2013 agreement to do so by 2025, according to a report shared Monday by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management, a Boston-based nonprofit association of state air pollution control agencies. 

Transportation was and remains the largest source of planet warming greenhouse gases in Oregon and the nation. When then-Gov. John Kitzhaber signed onto the 2013 agreement, just 300 electric vehicles were registered in Oregon.

Today, more than 100,000 electric vehicles have been registered in the state, according to the Oregon Department of Energy. That’s about 5% of all new cars registered in the state in the last decade.

Senator Merkley’s Town Halls Packed

Oregonians have been turning out in record-breaking numbers to Senator Merkley’s town halls this year. His office works to find the best venues available, but many venues have reached capacity. He was just in Josephine and Jackson County and more scheduled around the state. Town Hall Schedules: https://www.merkley.senate.gov/connect/town-halls/

Oregon Humane Society Warns about Scam Regarding Medical Bills for Your Lost Pet

Scammers are targeting the owners of lost pets pretending to be the Oregon Humane Society, the real Oregon Humane Society said on Friday.

In a so-called “spoofing” scam, the callers tell pet owners that their missing pet is injured and needs medical care. Then they demand payment.

“This scam preys on vulnerable people who are searching for their lost pet, which makes it particularly cruel,” Laura Klink, public information officer for the Oregon Humane Society said in a news release.

The calls even look like they are coming from the Oregon Humane Society’s main number, Klink said.

The humane society uses online payment portals including ezyVet and PayJunction, Klink said, so it’s a red flag if the caller asks for money through services like Zelle or Venmo.

If pet owners are concerned they’re being targeted by this scam, they should hang up and call the Oregon Humane Society directly at (503) 285-7722, Klink said.

Common School Fund will send record-breaking $76.8 million to Oregon schools in 2025

Oregon’s K-12 public schools will receive a record $76.8 million from the Common School Fund in 2025, state officials announced today.

“Across the country, school districts are facing budget shortages caused by the expiration of federal pandemic relief dollars, declining enrollment, increasing costs due to inflation, and many other factors,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “Here in Oregon, we are lucky to have the Common School Fund – a critical and reliable resource in our shared goal to give students the best shot to succeed.”

Every one of Oregon’s 197 school districts receives money from the Common School Fund, which has supported public education since statehood, every year. How much each district receives depends on the number of students served. Portland Public Schools, the state’s largest district, will receive $6.6 million in 2025. Redmond School District will receive $974,288. Coos Bay School District will receive $382,092.

The average 2025 distribution is $389,607. Bethel School District in Eugene, with about 5,000 students, will receive $806,193 in 2025. See how much every Oregon school district will receive from the Common School Fund in 2025 (PDF). 

“The Common School Fund is consistent and can be used for anything, from keeping the lights on to providing instruction,” said Benjamin Dodds, teacher at Bethel School District’s Willamette High School. “That’s what makes it such a helpful funding source for schools across Oregon.”

The Common School Fund has contributed to schools since Oregon became a state, when the federal government granted nearly 3.4 million acres “for the use of schools.” The State Land Board – Oregon’s Governor, Secretary of State, and State Treasurer – was established to oversee these school lands dedicated to generating revenue for the Common School Fund.

Valued at $2.38 billion as of February 2025, the Common School Fund is managed by the Oregon State Treasury, with oversight from the Oregon Investment Council. The Fund achieved a 9.7 percent return in 2024. 

Annually, 3.5 percent of the Fund is distributed to schools. The 2025 distribution of $76.6 million is $2.4 million more than the 2024 distribution of $74.2 million and $4.4 million more than the 2023 distribution of $72.2 million.

“Schools are the foundation of healthy families and communities,” said State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. “We’re committed to safeguarding the Common School Fund and ensuring that our responsible investment strategies continue to generate returns that put more educators, counselors and other staff in front of students across Oregon.” 

Today, about 681,000 acres of school lands in all 36 Oregon counties are managed by the Department of State Lands on behalf of the State Land Board. Ranchers and farmers, Tribal governments, businesses, and more work with DSL to lease and buy lands, plan for future community needs, and keep lands healthy. School lands generated $7.2 million in revenue during fiscal year 2024. 

“This is a historic investment and a smart one,” said Secretary of State Tobias Read. “Oregonians value education because we know our tomorrow depends on the students and teachers in classrooms today. We must continue to manage these lands wisely so Oregonians can keep benefitting from this valuable resource for generations to come.” 

About the State Land Board and the Department of State Lands: The State Land Board consists of Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State Tobias Read, and State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner. Established by the Oregon Constitution in 1859, the Land Board oversees the state’s Common School Fund. The Department of State Lands is the Land Board’s administrative agency, managing the lands and resources that help fund Oregon’s public schools and protecting the state’s waterways and wetlands for the many benefits they provide.

Governor Kotek has been saying for months that Oregon’s public schools need more money, and they need to be held accountable for better academic outcomes.

Now Kotek — along with fellow Democrats Senate President Rob Wagner and Speaker of the House Julie Fahey — pushed two complementary bills forward to legislators this week.  House Bill 2009 had its first hearing Monday afternoon; Senate Bill 141 is set to have its first hearing on Wednesday.

Both were presented earlier in the session as placeholder bills meant to study the adequacy of public education and school accountability. They now carry amendment proposals that lay out more specifics. This is the latest of several efforts in recent months to give Oregon more teeth when it comes to education. 

This week’s bills would set new metrics for public schools, paying more attention to existing markers, like graduation rates, but with some additional measures as well, such as eighth-grade math and early grade attendance rates.

They also aim to fine-tune what the Oregon Department of Education is responsible for. But perhaps the biggest change is that the bills would require districts to take certain steps if they aren’t showing enough improvement.

As it stands now, districts that have been struggling and qualify for state “intensive” support can choose whether to opt in — a measure that was designed and funded through the Student Success Act in 2019. As of this fall, only a fraction of the districts that qualify have taken the state up on their offer.

An Oregon appeals court on Wednesday found that a gun control law approved by voters over two years ago is constitutional, reversing a lower court ruling from a state judge who had kept it on hold.

The law, one of the toughest in the nation, requires people to undergo a criminal background check and complete a gun safety training course in order to obtain a permit to buy a firearm.

It also bans high-capacity magazines holding more than 10 rounds. Measure 114 has been tied up in state and federal court since it was narrowly approved by voters in November 2022. It was among the first gun restrictions to be passed after a major 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling changed the guidance judges are expected to follow when considering Second Amendment cases. 

A state judge in rural southeastern Oregon temporarily blocked the law from taking effect after gun owners filed a lawsuit claiming it violated the right to bear arms under the Oregon Constitution. Circuit Court Judge Robert S. Raschio then presided over a 2023 trial in Harney County and ruled that the law violated the state constitution. The Oregon attorney general’s office appealed the ruling.

Northwest Digital Heritage reaches one million digital records of cultural heritage collections available to view online

Salem, OR – People around Oregon and the world now have free access to search over one million digitized photographs, letters, documents, and more from around the Pacific Northwest. These historic and cultural materials are available in Northwest Digital Heritage, a website that searches the collections of over 300 regional libraries, museums, and cultural heritage organizations.

Northwest Digital Heritage is an online search portal that gathers records from the online collections of libraries, museums, universities, historical societies, and other organizations in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. The site was created in 2021 through a partnership between the Oregon Heritage Commission, State Library of Oregon, and Washington State Library.

Items available through Northwest Digital Heritage span topics, from football and women’s suffrage to Tribal treaties, Black history and culture, Crater Lake, and much more. The content has proven valuable to educators and students doing classroom projects, genealogists researching family connections, scholarly researchers, historians, cultural heritage organizations making exhibits, and other lifelong learners.

The over one million materials include over 60,000 photos from Oregon State Archives’ Oregon Scenic Images Collection, 20,000 items from the Oregon Historical Society Research Library, 5,000 records from the Harney County Library, 13,000 images from the Salem Public Library, and nearly 2,000 materials from the Five Oaks Museum in Washington County.

The collections in Northwest Digital Heritage are also included in the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA), which helps bring this unique and local Northwest content to a national audience. More than 5,000 institutions throughout the nation have contributed over 50 million records to the DPLA to date.

“Being able to search one million records for primary sources documenting the human experience in the Pacific Northwest is an incredible opportunity for those interested in history,” says Katie Henry, Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator. “The three Northwest Digital Heritage partners know these are only a fraction of cultural materials held by hundreds of organizations across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. We look forward to working with existing and new partners to continue growing this incredible resource.”

In addition to helping make this resource available, the Oregon Heritage Commission, State Library of Oregon, and Washington State Library assist heritage organizations across the Pacific Northwest. Such assistance includes:

• Training, resources, information, and guidance on digitizing and making collections accessible online;
• Grants and funding opportunities; and
• Hosting organizations’ online collections.

Northwest Digital Heritage is made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the State Library of Oregon and Washington State Library. To learn more visit https://www.northwestdigitalheritage.org.

Registration is closing soon for the Bob Ross-inspired Happy Little (Virtual) 5K

Oregon Parks Forever — Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  Registration is now open for the 2025 Run for the Trees at www.orparksforever.org.

Inspired by American painter and PBS television personality Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Oregon Parks Forever is sponsoring a virtual 5K race to help plant trees in Oregon’s parks & forests.  You must register by April 1^st in order to get your shirts and medal before the event.

Participants can walk, run, paddle or roll to complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 19 and 27 (covering Earth Day and Arbor Day).   Participants are encouraged to register by April 1 to ensure that your swag arrives before the event week.  If you register after April 1, you may not receive your swag before race week. Registration will close on April 15.

For $36 per person, each participant will receive a keepsake Happy Little T-shirt, a commemorative bib number and a finisher’s medal. All Oregon race proceeds support tree planting and forest protection efforts in Oregon parks.  Ten trees will be planted in Oregon for each registration.  This year, the trees will be planted in the Santiam Canyon.

Initially, the “Happy Little Trees” program began with a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Bob Ross Inc., with hundreds of volunteers helping to plant “happy little trees” at locations hard-hit by invasive pests and tree diseases. The partnership quickly expanded to include the Run for the Trees / Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

As the Happy Little 5K gained popularity, more states have joined the effort. Now in its fifth year, the Happy Little 5K has expanded its reach to include eleven other states. Together, Michigan, Oregon, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia and Tennessee will “lock arms” as they help raise awareness and funding for stewardship efforts in each state’s parks.

“We are thrilled to partner with Bob Ross, Inc. and these other eleven states on the Happy Little 5K concept as a way to honor the late Bob Ross and create a legacy event to plant trees,” said Seth Miller, Executive Director of Oregon Parks Forever.”

Oregon Parks Forever is joining this event as an expansion of our efforts to fund the replanting of trees killed by wildfires, heat domes and invasive insects.  Over the past two years, Oregon Parks Forever has been able to fund the replanting of more than 800,000 trees across Oregon.

“The official Bob Ross 5K is probably our most favorite initiative,” says Joan Kowalski, president of Bob Ross Company. “It’s the perfect blend of everything Bob held dear; nature, taking care of the environment, and happy trees too of course. He would have been so pleased to see how it’s getting so popular around the world.”

Learn more about the program at www.orparksforever.org.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com