The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Oregon Beach Weather
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY ISSUED: 2:29 AM APR. 26, 2023 – NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM PDT FRIDAY... * WHAT...North winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 6 to 9 ft at 7 seconds. * WHERE...All areas. * WHEN...Until 5 AM PDT Friday. * 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
Low Chinook Salmon Numbers Lead Oregon Delegates To Request Federal Disaster Declaration
Several Oregon delegates on Tuesday requested federal officials to issue an expedited fishery resource disaster for the state due to low Chinook salmon returns from California, state officials said.
According to state officials, the National Marine Fisheries Services is expected to close all of Oregon’s Chinook salmon fisheries through August 2023 to stabilize their low population numbers. Wildlife officials say the issue stems from low salmon population returns from the Sacramento and Klamath Rivers in California.
Factors influencing the populations numbers include climate change, increased drought, changing ocean conditions and loss of critical habitat, state officials said.
Officials said Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), along with U.S. Representatives Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), Val Hoyle (D-Ore.) and Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.) requested a declaration by the U.S. Department of Commerce, to trigger immediate federal aid.
Federal aid would help provide support to communities affected by the economic losses from low salmon populations, state officials said.
On April 21, Gov. Tina Kotek (D-Ore.) also requested a federal disaster declaration, citing Chinook salmon as a significant economic and cultural component in Oregon’s natural resource-based economy.
“Salmon are a vital component of Oregon’s natural resource-based economy,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “This fishery provides significant commercial, recreational, and economic benefits to Oregon. Salmon are also highly valued by Oregon’s Tribes for cultural, subsistence, and economic benefits. I’m committed to working with our federal partners to ensure that Oregon’s fisheries and affected communities have the resources they need to tackle this challenge.”
Former Employee Arrested For Burglary of Space Age Fuel in Lincoln City
On Monday, April 24, 2023, Lincoln City Police Detectives arrested 38-year-old Christopher Shayne Hoffman of Lincoln City, charging him with Second Degree Burglary, First Degree Theft and First Degree Criminal Mischief in connection with a recent burglary of the Space Age Fuel / US Market business.
On Wednesday April 12, 2023, at about 2:25 AM, Lincoln City Police Officers responded to the Space Age Fuel / US Market business, located at 565 SW Hwy 101, on a report of a burglary in progress at the location. The caller reported seeing a subject inside the business via the video surveillance system. Just as the officers arrived, a suspect fled out the back of the business and into the surrounding neighborhood. An area search for the suspect was conducted; however, the suspect was not located.
A comprehensive investigation by Lincoln City Police Officers and Detectives ensued. During the investigation, surveillance video from the victim business along with surveillance video from other nearby businesses was reviewed. Along with other investigative information, a suspect was developed.
Based on probable cause developed during the investigation, former employee Christopher Shayne Hoffman was determined to be the suspect who burglarized the business. On Monday, April 24, 2023, Lincoln City Police Detectives responded to the Lincoln County Jail where Hoffman was in custody on other unrelated offenses, and arrested him on the charges stemming from the burglary of Space Age Fuel / US Market.
The Lincoln City Police would like to thank all of the local business that provided surveillance video and information used to solve this burglary. This is another great example of the partnership with our citizens and businesses that enable us to quickly respond to, and solve criminal activity in our community.
The City of Reedsport is celebrating Arbor Day on Friday Morning at 10:00 a.m.
A release said the event will be held at Henderson Park, located at the corner of 9th and Greenwood Avenue. Residents are invited to help plant trees at the park. The event is presented by the City of Reedsport Parks and Beautification Committee.
Go to: https://www.cityofreedsport.org/ for more information on the City of Reedsport.
Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros at the Newport Armory 4/30
The City of Newport and various local community organizations are proud to present a Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros celebration on Sunday, April 30th from 1-3 p.m. at the Newport Armory located at 541 SW Coast Hwy in Newport, OR 97365.
This annual event is a celebration of children, books, and culture, and provides a fun and educational opportunity for families in the community. Attendees can expect to enjoy a variety of free activities such as crafts, games, snacks, and more. In addition to the fun-filled activities, the event will also feature free books for children while supplies last. Parents and guardians are encouraged to bring their children and participate in this exciting and enriching event.
The Newport Public Library and Newport Police Department are proud to co-lead and partner with putting together this event and encourage all interested parties to attend this amazing celebration of children, books, and culture. See you at the Newport Armory on Sunday, April 30th from 1-3 p.m. If you have questions about this event, please call the Newport Public Library at 541-265-2153.
Trial Begins In Lawsuit Linking Pacific Power To 2020 Labor Day Fires
The class action suit claims that PacifiCorp’s equipment started several of the devastating wildfires that burned across Oregon during a historic wind event in 2020.
Jury selection began Monday for a trial in which utility company PacifiCorp will have to defend itself against claims that its negligence resulted in several of the devastating wildfires that burned across Oregon during a historic wind event in September 2020.
The class action lawsuit was first filed at the end of September 2020, shortly after the fires, by a Linn County couple who lost their homes to the Beachie Creek Fire. The complaint grew to include survivors of the Echo Mountain Fire in Lincoln County, the South Obenchain Fire in Jackson County, the 242 Fire in Klamath County and the Santiam Canyon Fire — the last one formed by the merger of multiple large fires, including Beachie Creek.
According to the complaint, Pacific Power and its parent company failed to de-energize power lines in areas of particular risk, despite forecasts warning of a historic wind event and extreme fire danger.
As a result, the lawsuit continues, trees brought down active power lines — sparking some of the fires that destroyed hundreds, if not thousands of homes, businesses and other structures, resulting in several deaths.
“This devastation could have been avoided if Defendants had turned off the power surging through their power lines,” the complaint alleges. “Instead, PacifiCorp and Pacific Power prioritized dollars over livelihoods and lives.”
In November, PacifiCorp settled with a couple who had sued over their losses in the Archie Creek Fire in Douglas County, another of the Labor Day weekend fires.
No such settlement has been reached in this case, and jury selection began Monday. Opening arguments are scheduled to begin Tuesday and the trial is expected to last into mid-June. Plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $1.6 billion.
In a filing Monday, PacifiCorp attorneys said there was no explicit request from government officials to de-energize power lines ahead of the storms.
The defense attorneys argued for the ability to cross-examine Nik Blosser, former Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s Chief of Staff, saying that the plaintiffs “intend to give him a starring role in testifying.”
PacifiCorp is a Portland-based company, and the trial will take place in Multnomah County Circuit Court.
As a result of these devastating fires and state-level rule changes, Oregon power companies have become more aggressive with power shutoffs in subsequent years. (SOURCE)
Traffic Stop Leads to Seizure of 100,000 Fentanyl Pills and More -Union County
On April 21, 2023, at approximately 6:37 am, a Trooper from the La Grande Area Command stopped a vehicle traveling westbound on Interstate 84 near La Grande, Oregon. While on the stop, the Trooper observed signs of criminal activity.A search of the vehicle was conducted which led to the seizure of approximately 100,000 Fentanyl pills, 3 Kilograms of Heroin and 1 Kilogram of Fentanyl Powder.
This case is being investigated jointly by the Oregon State Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Traffic Stop Leads to Seizure of 86 Pounds of Powdered Fentanyl and Methamphetamine – Marion County
On April 23, 2023, at about 9:15 a.m., An OSP Trooper out of the Salem Area Command stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. While on the stop, the Trooper observed signs of criminal activity and subsequently asked for consent to search the vehicle.
The driver denied consent but admitted to importing marijuana from California.
OSP K-9 Titan was deployed and alerted to a large duffel bag in the trunk. An additional search of the vehicle revealed a large amount of various controlled substances.
51 lbs. of suspected Methamphetamine
31 lbs. of suspected powder fentanyl
9 lbs. of suspected cocaine
2 lbs. of suspected heroin
Both occupants of the vehicle were detained, interviewed, and charged with federal drug charges and lodged at the Multnomah County Jail.
This case is being investigated jointly by the Oregon State Police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and OSP. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Forestry department invites public comment on state forest management activities
Salem, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Forestry is inviting public comment on planned projects, timber sales and other management activities in state-owned forests in fiscal year 2024.
Starting April 25 through 5 p.m. June 8, Oregonians can weigh in on draft Annual Operations Plans (AOPs) for state forests on the Astoria, Forest Grove, Klamath Falls, Tillamook, West Oregon, and Western Lane Districts. These plans lay out on-the-ground activities expected to take place in the coming fiscal year. State forests by law must provide economic, environmental, and social benefits to Oregonians. To achieve the legal mandate, these lands are managed to create healthy productive forests, high-quality habitat for native fish and wildlife, clean water, timber, revenues to rural communities, and recreation and education opportunities. Overall management policies and management goals are established in long-range Forest Management Plans and Implementation Plans. Annual Operations Plans describe activities to achieve the objectives and goals laid out in the longer-range plans. ODF is seeking input on the draft AOP summary documents, which can be viewed on the State Forests website.
Common topics included in an Annual Operations Plan include:
- Timber harvest operations
- Recreation improvement and maintenance projects
- Forest road construction, maintenance, and improvements
- Reforestation/replanting and young stand management activities
- Habitat improvement for native species
- Invasive species management
The most useful input speaks to these specific activities and whether they are consistent with longer-range plans, offers suggestions to improve efficiency or effectiveness, corrects errors, provides additional information, and is solution-oriented, understanding that state forests are working forests and by law must provide a variety of economic, environmental, and social benefits. Activities that affect fish and wildlife habitat are reviewed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, while operations that may affect threatened and endangered fish and wildlife habitat are shared with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Public comment on planned projects, timber sales and other management activities on the North Cascade District fiscal year 2024 Annual Operation Plan will be conducted separately.
ODF is offering several convenient avenues to comment on AOPs:
- Online comments can be submitted received through ODF’s comments page
- Comments can be emailed to: odf.sfcomments@odf.oregon.gov
- Comments can also be mailed to ODF Public Affairs, 2600 State St., Salem, OR 97310
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.
