Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 5/7 – Prison Work Crew Saves Hiker’s Life in Oregon Coast Range, Coos County Man Sentenced To 162 Years In Prison For Child Sex Abuse Following ODOJ Cyber Tip Investigation & 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, May 7, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

Prison Work Crew Saves Hiker’s Life in Oregon Coast Range

A man who was hiking in the Oregon Coast Range suffered a medical emergency, and luckily five inmates who were working nearby rushed to help.

A group of inmates working on a local trail in the Oregon Coast Range helped save the life of a hiker who had a medical emergency.  The five inmates at the South Fork Prison Camp are proud that they helped save a man who was hiking around the Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground who was having a diabetic emergency which could have been fatal.

“Luckily we were there at the right place and the right time.”

This rescue was all about timing: The group of inmates had been working in the area and were having lunch when they ran to help the hiker. About 20 minutes later, they were walking off the trailhead, and an ambulance was on the way.

The crew has had CPR training and know how to operate an AED. While they serve their remaining sentence, they spend their time at South Fork Prison Camp working on everything from wildfire training to emergency response. 

“These guys know exactly what to do in these situations. We train for it; they knew what to grab,” said Maxwell Patel, forest crew coordinator with the Oregon Department of Forestry.  

Coos County Man Sentenced To 162 Years In Prison For Child Sex Abuse Following ODOJ Cyber Tip Investigation

– A Coos County man has been sentenced to more than 162 years in prison, after a jury found he was guilty of nine counts of sexual abuse of five children. The trial involving 53-year-old Dewayne Forrest comes after an investigation by the Oregon Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force.

ICAC received two cyber tips in 2021 about child sexual abuse materials being uploaded to an online storage account connected to a cellular telephone number registered under Forrest’s name. After executing a search warrant, Forrest admitted to ODOJ special agents that he had been previously investigated numerous times for child sex abuse since the 1990s in Coos County but had never been charged.

The agents followed up on the abuse complaints spanning 20 years, and after a thorough investigation, Forrest was charged with Rape, Sodomy, Unlawful Sexual Penetration, Sexual Abuse and Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. All his crimes involved children under the age of 12.

Five victims bravely testified in trial against Forrest and the jury returned a swift verdict of guilty on all counts. He later entered guilty pleas to Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse.“When our special agents learned this man had previously been investigated for sexually abusing children, they knew there was more to uncover,” said Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield. “Because they pushed forward – and because survivors came forward – this predator has been removed from the community for good. Without this investigation, there is no doubt in my mind that he would have continued to harm children.”

On May 2, 2025, Forrest was sentenced to 1,955 months in prison. There is concern that there may be additional victims of Forrest who have not been identified by law enforcement. If you have additional information regarding Forrest, please contact the ICAC task force with the Oregon Department of Justice, at 503-934-2092.

New Study Predicts Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake Tsunami Will Do Even Greater Damage To The Coast Than Previously Thought

If the once-every-500-year Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake doesn’t do enough damage to the coastal Northwest on its own, frequent and widespread flooding from rising seas that follows will take care of the rest, new research is suggesting.

Oregon, Washington and California are overdue for the recurring seismic event — popularly referred to as “The Big One” — which last occurred in 1700 and could cause Northwest coastlines to lower and retreat by more than 6 feet as land erodes into the sea.

Coupled with rising seas from climate change, many more coastal communities will essentially be on top of newly created floodplains and tidal zones amid rising waters.

The findings from researchers at Virginia Tech, the University of North Carolina, the University of Oregon and scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey were published last week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

They found that if The Big One were to occur in 2100, when waters along the Pacific coastline might be three feet higher than today as global ice sheets melt, it’s likely 6.6 feet of Northwest coast would subside into the sea.

That means more than 17,000 people in the region would soon be living on top of expanded coastal flood plains, double the number currently living in such flood zones today.

Researchers’ modeling shows that triple the number of structures, such as hospitals, airports and water and electricity plants, as well as roads, would be exposed to frequent flooding in the aftermath as are today, and could remain that way for centuries.

“One of the best ways to think about it is that you could have a coastal forest or a salt marsh that you’re walking your dog along, and then this earthquake happens, and that land, physically, almost instantaneously, in a few minutes, subsides, potentially half a meter to almost 2 meters,” said Andrea Hawkes, a professor of earth and ocean sciences at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington who worked on the study.

“All the sudden, instead of standing on dry land, you are now in the tidal zone.”

It’s not just a hypothetical. The study mentions several historical earthquakes that led to fundamental changes in coastal landscapes and the loss or relocation of whole towns.

The Great Chilean Earthquake of 1960 — the biggest ever recorded at a magnitude of 9.5 — caused more than 8 feet of coastal land in some parts of the country to slide into the sea, submerging pine forests and farms underwater and turning them into tidal marshes.

The Great Alaska earthquake in 1964 lowered coastal areas by more than 6 feet, the researchers wrote. In the aftermath, some communities had to relocate to higher ground because of increased tidal flooding. Similar coastal earthquakes in Sumatra and Japan in more recent history have also led to land loss and migration.

The Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake could reach a magnitude like that of the Great Chilean Earthquake, between 8.0 and 9.0, according to seismologists.

Hawkes said the point of the study is to improve preparation and planning in the coastal Northwest, not panic.

“The earthquake is kind of something you can’t really do anything about, right? It’s gonna happen,” she said. “But as you plan where you build in the coastal zone, something to keep in mind is that the sea level is continuing to rise, and that when you have these events, they will cause land farther upland to subside.”

She said there are communities along the coast that are already planning on moving or building critical infrastructure further inland because of projected sea level rise. The study Hawkes was part of, she said, can help them go further, by considering the impacts of The Big One.

“A lot of places are doing really good work in terms of moving schools, hospitals, community centers, to higher places, or, they’re really thinking about it,” she said. “It would be a shame if you missed it by X meters because you didn’t think about this other thing that’s coming.”

• Oregon Capital Chronicle is a nonprofit Salem-based news service that focuses its reporting on Oregon state government, politics and policy.

Gearing Up For 118th annual Florence Rhododendron Festival

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 118th annual Florence Rhododendron Festival from May 15 to 18, 2025. With this year’s theme, “Rhodies on the River,” the community is preparing for a vibrant celebration of floral beauty, coastal charm, and small-town pageantry.

Known affectionately as “Rhody Fest,” the event is the second-longest-running floral festival in Oregon, just behind the Portland Rose Festival, and the third oldest on the West Coast, following Pasadena’s iconic Tournament of Roses. This long-standing tradition has drawn generations of families and visitors from across the globe to the Oregon Coast every third weekend in May.

Featuring food vendors, a carnival, parades and even a classic car cruise, this is a big event that draws thousands to the coast each year. MORE INFO: https://florencechamber.com/rhododendron-festival/

Eugene Man Arrested in Florence

Early Monday morning, Florence Police responded to an alarm at the Senior Center on Kingwood Street around 5:45 a.m. Officers arrived to find a U-Haul van parked nearby and discovered a man actively stealing items from an outbuilding. The suspect, identified as 63-year-old Steven Blair Rouse of Eugene, was arrested on scene. Police say Rouse broke into a storage shed and freezer on the property. He was transported to Lane County Adult Corrections and faces charges of burglary, theft, criminal mischief, and trespassing.

Coos County Sheriff’s Office   ·  Arrest on May 6, 2025

On May 6, 2025, around 9:37 AM, Deputy Z. Smith responded to a complaint about a vehicle and trailer parked on Penny Road. What started as a routine check turned into a tense situation requiring quick action and teamwork. A local resident raised concerns about Tonya Mauldin, 40, who was inside a green Chevy pick-up. Deputy Smith approached and found Mauldin lying in the truck with a knife nearby. Acting swiftly, he secured the knife and tried to talk with her.

North Coos Dispatch informed Deputy Smith of active Protective and No Contact Orders involving Mauldin. She admitted to contacting someone she was legally barred from, which was later confirmed. As the situation escalated, Mauldin grew agitated, making threats and refusing to leave the vehicle. When she tried to start the truck, Deputy Smith stepped in to prevent any harm.

Deputies Mong, Lay, and Vitek arrived to assist, and after a brief struggle, Mauldin was safely taken into custody. She was arrested for Violating a No Contact Order and Resisting Arrest. Further investigation revealed she had also violated a Restraining Order by approaching a protected residence the previous night. After a medical evaluation, Mauldin was booked and lodged at the Coos County Jail.

Our deputies work hard to keep our community safe, often in challenging circumstances. A reminder: police contact does not indicate guilt, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

The City of Florence received delivery this week of the new Airman SDG 52kW Diesel Generator made possible through the Oregon Resilience Hubs & Network Grant award.

The City is excited to add this important piece of equipment into our Public Works fleet to support resiliency and emergency management efforts. In April 2024, the Florence City Council authorized the City to apply for funding from this Grant related to the City’s resiliency around proving vital services for the City’s wastewater pump stations during a power outage event.

The City’s application requested up to three portable, trailered generators. The City was awarded grant funding for one of these generators, with the award amount of $69,585.00. For full details on this grant program and how this generator will be used, visit https://www.ci.florence.or.us/…/city-florence-receives….

ARRESTS MADE IN LINCOLN CITY COMMERCIAL BURGLARY

In the early morning of April 30, 2025, Lincoln City Police Officers responded to a burglary alarm at Lee’s Chinese Restaurant. Upon arrival, Officers found the business had been broken into and the suspect(s) had fled. Officers found damage to equipment and property, as well as items stolen. Officers recovered evidence left by the suspect(s), and obtained video footage of a masked suspect burglarizing the business. Detectives were brought in and through further investigation, identified the suspect vehicle and later identified the two involved subjects.

On May 2, 2025, 38-year old Shanna Marie Martinez and 39-year-old Otoniel Fuentes Garcia, both of Lincoln City, were taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges of Burglary 1, Possession of Burglary Tools, Theft 1 and Criminal Conspiracy. At the time of his arrest, Fuentes Garcia was out on pretrial release for another burglary charge from an arrest by our agency in September 2024. Since her arrest, LCPD has additionally charged Martinez with two other burglaries involving residential properties in Lincoln City.

These incidents are part of an ongoing investigation, and anyone with information related to these incidents should contact Det. Jon Humphreys. LCPD would like to acknowledge and thank several local businesses and business owners who assisted us with this investigation by sharing security video footage that allowed us to identify and track the suspects in this case. As we move into the spring and summer, LCPD encourages business owners and residents to keep their doors and windows locked, and utilize security systems, security cameras and alarms.

Many people in the Florence area received an email from Florence Habitat for Humanity this week telling them they’ve “been selected to submit a proposal” for an upcoming project opportunity.

Included in the email is a link purportedly to a document that outlines the “scope of work” and other items.  The email also notes that the package contains “confidential information and must not be shared without written authorization.  

The main points of the email are like many online scams.  It has a semi-formal but urgent tone and contains many references or personal touches that lend credibility.  Things like an actual email address for the administrative assistant for Florence Habitat for Humanity and a QR code to sign up for the annual Rhody Run, organized by Habitat.  

Misty Berg, that administrative assistant, says it did not come from her, nor from anyone else inside that organization.  Fraud prevention experts say it is important that you not open any links in an email such as this one, and you should never respond or reply.  The best thing to do, they say, is to simply delete it.

Several Coastal Fire Agencies To Receive Wildfire Defense Grants

Several Central Oregon Coast fire agencies will receive state grant funding to hire additional staff during the upcoming wildfire season, according to the Oregon State Fire Marshal.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal 2025 Wildfire Season Staffing Grants help local fire agencies, many relying on volunteer crews, bring on extra firefighters during wildfire season.

Central Oregon Coast fire agencies awarded the grant funding include:

Rockaway FD – $35,000 (includes carryover funds)

Siletz RFPD – $35,000

Depoe Bay RFPD – $26,905 (from carryover funds)

Toledo FD – $35,000 (includes carryover funds)

Seal Rock RFPD – $35,000

Yachats RFPD – $35,000

“The Wildfire Season Staffing Grant is one of our most impactful tools to help local fire agencies respond to emergencies faster, protect communities, and support each other through mutual aid,” Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said. “We’re thankful to our legislators for continuing to invest in the safety and resilience of our communities.”

Since 2022, the grant has proven to be a vital resource in increasing preparedness, response capabilities, and overall community safety during Oregon’s increasingly challenging wildfire seasons, according to Ruiz-Temple.

These seasonal staff boost emergency response in 200 agencies across the state from wildfire calls to everyday emergencies, according to local fire chiefs.

In Lane County, Coburg Fire District Chief Chad Minter said the OSFM wildfire season staffing grants have greatly improved his agency’s response capabilities and those in neighboring districts.

“With this funding, we can staff a wildland engine daily during fire season with two additional firefighters who respond to all fires and support five nearby districts,” Minter said. “When not on calls, the crew assists with recruitment, training, outreach, and prevention. This staffing makes up 50% of our rapid response and is essential to keeping fires small. These grants are a smart investment.”

Local fire agencies were eligible to apply for up to $35,000 to increase staffing levels during the fire season. Each summer, the funding adds more than 1,500 firefighters across Oregon. The Oregon legislature allocated $6 million to the program this year. (SOURCE)

Call for Local Authors at the Cannon Beach Library

By The Cannon Beach Library

The Cannon Beach Library’s NW Authors Series invites local published authors to apply to our first Local Authors Festival on Saturday September 27th, from 3-5 p.m. at the library.

Connect with visitors and members of the community, meet with other local authors, and promote and sell your published books. The deadline for applying is June 15th and all authors that apply will be notified of their status via email by July 14th.

To apply for table space, submit the online application form or download and print an application on our website, https://cannonbeachlibrary.org/events-and-programs/local-author-festival/ . Applications can also be picked up at the library, 131 N Hemlock Street in Cannon Beach.

Local published authors of any age with books published in any genre are invited to apply, including self-published authors. We’re primarily looking for authors from the Washington peninsula through the southern Oregon coast. Ideally, we will be looking for 3 fiction authors, 3 nonfiction authors, 3 mystery authors, and 3 children’s/YA authors.

The Local Authors Festival is designed to create a space to connect local published authors with readers, and to highlight the accomplishments of local published authors. Please make sure to read the application guidelines and event information before applying!

It’s a sign of the times, Early Rhody Carnival Day Passes are on sale now—get yours at a discount at the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center.

 If you’re looking to save a few bucks, you can encourage your kids to sign up to be a banner carrier in the 118th Festival Grand Floral Parade.  Ages 9 through 17 are eligible to earn their carnival credentials.  More information, including a link to download the 2025 Rhododendron Festival Event Program can be found at RhodyDays.net 

The City of Reedsport is accepting applications to fill council position #5. Councilor Rich Patten recently resigned.

The person selected will begin at the time of appointment and serve until the end of 2026. At the general election in November 2026, the position will be open for election for a new four-year term.

Applicants have to have lived in the city of Reedsport for the previous 12 months. City employees are not eligible to serve.

Those interested in applying for the position may pick up an application at Reedsport City Hall on Winchester Avenue or online at www.cityofreedsport.org. Anyone with questions about the position or the application process can contact City Recorder Rhonda Bryan at 541-271-3603 extension 1005.

Brooking’s Capella by the Sea Seeks Volunteers

The City of Brookings is calling for volunteers to help keep the Capella by the Sea open to the public beginning May 1st. The chapel was built in 2008 and donated in 2009 by Oscar-winning film producer Elmo Williams as a memorial to his late wife, Lorraine.

Michelle Robidoux is the Public Works and Development Services Administrative Assistant for the City of Brookings. “We like to keep the Capella open to the public May through October, and again during Nature’s Coastal Holiday,” Robidoux said. “But to do that, we rely on volunteers.”

Due to previous volunteers aging out, the city is now facing a shortage and hopes to recruit new faces. Volunteers work two-hour shifts, simply welcoming visitors and enjoying the calm space. “It’s a great way to meet people, build your resume, and give back to the community,” Robidoux said.

The Capella is typically open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, though hours may vary based on volunteer availability. To get involved, contact Michelle Robidoux at 541-469-1103. — https://www.brookings.or.us/facilities/facility/details/capellabythesea-2

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Get your fully stocked GoBag and GoBag supplies at our Pop-Up Shop. Pick up at the Manzanita Police Station on Saturday, May 10, between 1:00 – 1:30 PM.Order now!

Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission New License Plate To Help Support Oregon’s Dungeness Crab Industry

Oregon’s Dungeness crab fuels families, $68M a year industry — According to the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, Dungeness crab fishing typically brings in more money than every other type of fishing in the state.

For many people, when Dungeness crab is on the menu, it’s a go-to in Oregon. It’s a savory treat that fuels a multi-million dollar a year industry in the state.  It’s a tradition that not only supports the state economy, but also families up and down the Oregon coast.

According to numbers from the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, commercial crabbing has over the last decade pulled in an average of more than $68 million a year. Typically, Dungeness crab fishing brings in more money than every other type of fishing in Oregon, said Crystal Adams, the executive director of the commission, which supports and promotes the state’s crabbing industry. 

“It’s our livelihoods,” Adams said. “A labor of love. People do it because it’s in their blood and, you should support that. Support your industry, support your state, support local fishermen.”

Oregon is the dominate producer of Dungeness crab, where on average 16 millions pounds of crab are harvested per season, according the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website. It’s considered the most valuable single species commercial fishery in the state.

A portion of the harvest stays in state and is sold at local grocery stores and restaurants — but most of Oregon’s Dungeness crab is processed and shipped all over the world. 

“It’s a difficult thing to go do, but it’s a very positive thing and we just want everybody to try it and buy it and yeah, support us,” Reeves said.

Right now, the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission is working on a license plate that would help support Oregon’s Dungeness crab industry.

Celebrate Oregon’s coastal heritage and show your support for one of the state’s most iconic industries with the new Oregon Dungeness Crab license plate! This eye-catching design features a bold, bright orange Oregon Dungeness crab against a light blue sea background, inspired by the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission logo.

By purchasing this specialty plate, you’re not only adding a unique touch to your vehicle but also supporting vital programs that sustain and promote Oregon’s Dungeness crab fishery.”Get your License Plate Here – https://oregondungeness.org/new-licence-plate/ —- Learn More with Our FAQs

Cannon Beach Gallery · Calling All Art Instructors & Volunteers!

We’re hiring paid art instructors for our Summer Art Camp (July 14-18, 2025)! Earn $28 per hour for in-person teaching and prep time. Instructors can design their own curriculum and teach any medium in 2-hour sessions (10 AM – 12 PM or 1 – 3 PM)—or both—over the 5-day camp! Select your preferred age group and inspire young artists this summer.

We’re also looking for volunteers to assist instructors, help during lunch sessions, and supervise outdoor playtime .Inquire today and be part of an unforgettable creative experience! info@cannonbeacharts.org

Elks to Feed You Well at Rhody Festival  

The 118th Rhododendron Festival is less than three weeks away, and preparations are well under way.  The Florence Elks Lodge announced over the weekend that they are preparing their traditional events to add to the weekend festivities.  This year, they’ll be serving their barbecue chicken dinners to go on Saturday, May 17, only.  Follow the smoke to the parking lot for a half-chicken dinner, potato salad, and beans for just $15.  That starts at 11:00 and lasts until it is sold out.  At the same time, the Ladies of the Elks have their homemade pie and bake sale.  Sunday, May 18th the Past Exalted Rulers of the Lodge will be serving their traditional pre-parade breakfast from seven AM to eleven for just ten bucks.  All proceeds from the festival community events are used by lodge members to support local causes.  

Wildlife Center of the North Coast ->>> ALL ARE INVITED TO THIS FUN, FREE EVENT! Spring Festival May 10th & 11th, 2025 – 11am to 3pm

This fun, two-day festival is our Annual Spring Open House & Native Plant Sale, with free tours of our facility, fun activities for the kids, awesome raffle prizes, and visits with our Education Ambassadors. We will be announcing the winners of our 2025 Birds of a Feather Youth Art Contest & displaying all of the artwork that was entered.

Bring the whole family. Everyone is invited to this free-community event! All money raised from the Birds of a Feather Spring Festival will support our 2025 Birds of a Feather Annual Campaign. Donations to our Annual Campaign support our mission of promoting compassion, empathy, and respect for all life through wildlife rehabilitation, ecological teachings, and wildlife conservation.

Oregon’s Shore Acres State Park Volunteer Days – Chance to Give Back

Shore Acres State Park will host Garden Volunteer Days once a month April through September to give visitors a chance to volunteer in the garden.

Volunteers can learn how to prune a rose or maintain a 100-year-old-lily pond as they work alongside rangers in caring for the beautiful gardens at 89526 Cape Arago Highway, Coos Bay.

Garden Volunteer Days run 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

• May 16, June 20 and July 18: Garden cleanup including weeding, trimming, mowing, mulching, planting, rose pruning and pulling invasive plants. Ages 14 and older.
• Aug. 15: English Ivy pull to help remove this invasive species from the garden. For ages 14 and older.
• Sept. 19: Garden cleanup including weeding, trimming, mowing, mulching, planting, rose pruning and pulling invasive plants. Ages 14 and older.

Participants should be prepared to travel a short distance on uneven ground at the service site. Service will take place outdoors, and volunteers should be comfortable wearing work gloves and using hand tools. Gloves, hand tools and morning snacks are provided. Bring a lunch.

Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Wear something you don’t mind getting dirty. Please contact Park Ranger Jess Hayward with any questions at Jess.hayward@oprd.oregon.gov or 541-888-3732.

Shore Acres features a formal garden with plants and flowers from all over the world. It includes a Japanese-style garden with lily pond and two curated rose gardens that include All-American Rose Selections. Something is in bloom almost every day of the year: the first spring bulbs pop up in late February; rhododendrons and azaleas soon follow; roses bloom through the summer; and dahlias appear August through mid-October.

Respect Nesting Areas to Protect Threatened Snowy Plover on the Oregon Coast Through 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.

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.”

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.

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.

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

The deadline for REAL ID is here. There’s a chance that full enforcement may get gradually rolled out, but today May 7, 2025, is the changeover deadline.

Starting then, state-level ID cards, such as driver’s licenses, won’t be accepted for federal purposes, namely getting through airport security, unless it’s REAL ID-compliant.

If you plan to catch a domestic flight on or after May 7, you will be required to use a REAL ID. A little gold or black star in the upper right-hand corner is one of the easiest ways to know you’re holding a REAL ID.

In Oregon, it’s a black star. A REAL ID is an identification card that serves all of the same purposes of a standard drivers’ license or state-issued identification card. A federally-mandated switch to REAL ID for federal purposes, such as flying domestically, was originally signed into law by Congress in 2005.

The purpose is to establish “minimum security standards for license issuance and production,” according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website. The law, established four years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, came in response to federal calls for higher security standards in the U.S. Originally, the law mandated the switch to REAL ID by 2008, but it has been pushed back for various reasons due to logistical hurdles and later the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fallen officers honored during annual Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony

— A ceremony held Tuesday, May 6 commemorated law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in Oregon. The annual Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony honors the state’s fallen officers and those they left behind.

The event was held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy, site of the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial. Tuesday’s ceremony remembered three fallen officers whose names were recently added to the memorial: Patrolman Andrew J. Laugeson of the Portland Police Bureau, end of watch May 12, 1917; Policeman George M. Lowe of the Ashland Police Department, end of watch March 3, 1919; and Assistant Chief Merle W. Bethscheider of the Silverton Police Department, end of watch May 29, 1965.

The ceremony was attended by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, elected officials and public safety professionals from throughout the state. In addressing the audience, Governor Kotek paid tribute to the state’s fallen officers, honoring their courage, selflessness, and enduring legacy, while offering her condolences and gratitude to the loved ones they left behind.

“Who we are as people in the face of adversity is an opportunity to be our very best selves. The officers memorialized today met the moment with dignity and heroism and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Governor Kotek Said. “There is no sacrifice more noble, no pledge to the public more honorable, and that extends to their families as well.”

Patrolman Andrew J. Laugeson succumbed died on May 12, 1917 after succumbing to injuries from a fall. Patrolman Laugeson was boarding a streetcar on Mississippi Avenue when he slipped and fell, striking his head on the pavement. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he passed away two days later. Patrolman Laugeson had served with the Portland Police Bureau for five years, and was survived by his wife and eight children.

Policeman George M. Lowe on foot patrol in the early morning hours of March 3, 1919, and was struck by a train after it switched tracks. Policeman Lowe succumbed to his wounds instantly. He had served with the Ashland Police Department for seven months and was survived by his wife and five children.

Assistant Chief Merle W. Bethscheider suffered a massive heart attack while in pursuit of a suspect on May 29, 1965. He was survived by his son, his mother, and his brother.

Speaking on behalf of Patrolman Laugeson, Deputy Chief Chris Gjovik of the Portland Police Bureau emphasized that the sacrifices of the officers whose names adorn the wall never fade with time.

“By placing Andrew’s name here, we not only honor his life of sacrifice, but we also reaffirm that no matter how many years pass, we will not forget those who gave everything in the name of public safety,” he said. “Their stories, their service, and their humanity live on in the hearts of those who continue to wear the badge, and in the stone that bears their names.”

The memorial bears the names of the 199 officers who have died in the line of duty since the 1860s. This includes law enforcement, corrections, and parole and probation officers from city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies.

The ceremony is a significant event that the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is honored to host each year in partnership with the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation, and Oregon’s various statewide law enforcement associations.

Oregon’s memorial ceremony is held ahead of National Police Week events in Washington, D.C. so that family members and coworkers can attend both memorial ceremonies. More than 23,000 officers who have died in the line of duty are honored on the national memorial.

Captain Shane Strangfield of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, president of the Oregon Fallen Badge Foundation Board of Directors, spoke of the duty to preserve the legacy of the fallen and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

“When they took their oath to serve, they made a solemn commitment to the citizens of Oregon,” Captain Strangfield said. “In turn, we made a commitment to them, and to their families, that their sacrifice would never be forgotten.”

### About DPSST – The mission of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) is to pursue excellence in training and accountability for public safety professionals.

DPSST certifies and licenses police, corrections, and parole and probation officers, as well as regulatory specialists, emergency telecommunicators and medical dispatchers, criminal justice instructors, private security providers, private investigators, fire service professionals, and polygraph examiners in the state of Oregon.  DPSST works with public and private safety agencies around the state to provide basic, leadership and specialized training at the 237-acre Oregon Public Safety Academy in Salem and regionally throughout the state.

For more information on the Oregon Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial, please visit https://www.oregon.gov/dpsst/Memorials/LawEnforcement/Pages/default.aspx.

A ban on book bans: Oregon bill would protect access to library materials

Senate Bill 1098 aims to prevent removal of books about protected classes in Oregon

Oregon lawmakers are taking steps to protect access to library materials written by diverse authors or that include themes of race, gender or sexual orientation. 

On Wednesday afternoon, the House Education Committee heard public comments on Senate Bill 1098, which would prohibit schools and library districts from removing books with stories about religion, disability, LGBTQ+ issues or other characteristics of a protected class in Oregon’s anti-discrimination law in public education. 

As Republican lawmakers across the U.S. have passed laws to restrict access to certain books and limit discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion, Democratic Oregon lawmakers are taking steps to ensure that books by diverse authors remain accessible to readers.

The bill does not remove existing standards for determining if a book is appropriate, but it adds the additional requirement that a book cannot be excluded or removed because of the perspective it represents, said bill sponsor Sen. Lew Frederick, D-Portland.

“If folks only allege there’s inappropriate material when that material is by or about a protected class, then that’s when there’s a problem,” Frederick said. 

Public libraries and schools saw more attempts to remove books between July 2023 and 2024 than in any year since the Oregon Intellectual Freedom Clearinghouse at the State Library began tracking challenges. Nearly 90% of those challenges were to books written by or about underrepresented groups, according to a letter State Librarian Wendy Cornelisen submitted to lawmakers.

This is the second time Frederick brings this bill to the statehouse. Frederick proposed a similar bill last year, which passed the Senate in a 17-12 vote, but the bill died as the five-week 2024 legislative session ended. This year’s attempt passed the Senate on nearly a party-line 18-10 vote, with Sen. Dick Anderson, R-Lincoln City, voting in support of the bill. It awaits action in the House.

Most of the fifteen people who signed up to speak to the committee supported the bill, including several parents, an author and representatives from LGBTQ+ and library advocacy groups such as ACLU of Oregon and the Oregon Library Association. 

“This bill is a tool to save Oregon schools and parents’ time and energy,” said Bridget Tyler, a Corvallis parent. “It doesn’t take power away from parents. It sets limits that prevent people who don’t have children in our kids’ schools from interfering in our choices.”

Three Republican lawmakers spoke in opposition to the bill, including Sen. Noah Robinson, R-Cave Junction, who said he is concerned that public school libraries carry inappropriate materials that are “sexually explicit” and have “heavy profanity.” 

Rep. Emily McIntire, R-Eagle Point, said the bill is redundant because schools already must follow non-discrimination policies. 

Rep. Dwayne Yunker, R-Grants Pass, said the bill would silence parents and school boards who raise concerns about education materials presented in Oregon public schools.  

The committee will decide whether to advance the bill during a work session at a later date. From there, it would need a vote by the full House and then head to Gov. Tina Kotek, who could choose to veto the bill, sign it into law, or allow it to become law without her signature. Upon becoming law, the bill would take effect immediately.

Editor’s Note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Senate Bill 1098 did not pass the Senate on a full party-line vote. (SOURCE)

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Reaches Statewide Milestone in Oregon

Salem, OR – 05/06/2025 – The Imagination Library of Oregon has welcomed our 57^th Local Program Partner, the Lower Umpqua Library and the Reedsport Rotary Foundation in Douglas County, making it possible for families in Reedsport and Gardiner to register their children under 5 to receive free books by mail each month. This marks a significant milestone for the Imagination Library of Oregon, which is now available in every county and zip code in our state!

Lower Umpqua Library Director, Alex Kuestner, says “we’re excited to make Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library available in our area, this will be a wonderful resource for local families!”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Lower Umpqua Library to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Reedsport and Gardiner. Since its inception, the Reedsport Rotary Foundation has been committed to supporting the education of the children and youth of our area,” says Kristen Zetzsche of the Reedsport Rotary Foundation.

A generous grant from the Betsy Priddy Fund of Oregon Community Foundation made this coverage possible. “We are deeply proud to support Dolly Parton’s efforts to help all Oregon children learn to read,” says Lisa Mensah, President and CEO of Oregon Community Foundation. “Partnerships like this one create high quality learning opportunities for our youngest Oregonians in every corner of our state.”

“Seeing people come together to help the Imagination Library of Oregon reach this milestone is inspiring!” says Laurie McNichols, Imagination Library of Oregon State Director. “DPIL is a global program, but at our core we have always been, and will always be, grassroots. We are so excited to welcome the Lower Umpqua Library, with support from the Reedsport Rotary Foundation and funding from Oregon Community Foundation.”

In May of 2024, the State of Oregon, via the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), partnered with The Dollywood Foundation to launch the expansion of the Imagination Library of Oregon, providing a 50% funding match to help cover the cost of books and mailing. With this new partnership in place, the State of Oregon committed to making the Imagination Library accessible across the state as well as growing enrollment so more children could receive books and learn to love reading.

“This is an incredible milestone. The goal of the statewide expansion was to ensurethat children ages 0-5 in every zip code in Oregon have access to books. With the addition of Reedsport, that goal has been achieved,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “By expanding the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, we’re helping more young children across the state build early literacy skills and develop a lifelong love of reading – no matter where they live or what their background may be.”

“Every child deserves the opportunity to fall in love with reading, no matter their zip code or family income,” says Majority Leader Ben Bowman, Chief Sponsor of the bill that made the state match a reality. “The Imagination Library is one of the most effective tools we have to close early literacy gaps and invest in Oregon’s future.”

Currently, 65,000 Oregon children are enrolled in the Imagination Library, which is approximately 30% of all children under the age of five in our state. The program is free for all families. Children can be registered as early as birth to receive new, high-quality, age-appropriate books addressed to them in the mail each month until their fifth birthday.

“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library isn’t just about books – it’s about fostering relationships between caring adults and children that spark the joy of reading at an early age,” Governor Tina Kotek emphasizes. “This program is essential to improve our literacy outcomes and helps make sure every Oregon student, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to develop a love of reading before they ever step into a classroom.”

A love of books and reading offers the foundation for literacy skills that prepare children for success in school and life. The Imagination Library levels the playing field for all children by helping them build their own home libraries and encouraging increased interactions with family members around books and reading. “It’s a wonderful way for families to build routines and cherished memories together,” says Kaylee Chrystal, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Imagination Library of Oregon.

To learn more as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library expands across Oregon, or to enroll your child, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com/oregon.

About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library – Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book-gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has gifted over 250 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. This is achieved through funding shared by The Dollywood Foundation and Local Community and State Partners. The Imagination Library mails more than 3 million high-quality, age-appropriate books directly to children’s homes each month. Each child enrolled in the program receives one book per month from birth to age five – at no cost to families.  Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading and inspiring children to Dream More, Learn More, Care More and Be More.

The program’s impact has been widely researched, and results demonstrate its positive impact on early childhood development and literacy skills. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.

About the Lower Umpqua Library District – Reedsport, Oregon – The Lower Umpqua Library serves a rural district on the Oregon Coast, which traces its roots back to 1920 when the first library was established in Reedsport. In 1982, the community raised funds to build our current library building in the heart of downtown Reedsport. In 2017, the Douglas County Library System, of which we were a part, closed. Our dedicated volunteers and board worked hard to rescue materials from the old county system and keep the Reedsport library open. They rallied the community to pass a special tax district for northwestern Douglas County (including Reedsport, Gardiner, Winchester Bay, Scottsburg, and the rural hinterland), providing an independent financial basis to resume normal operations. Currently, our library has five employees and numerous dedicated volunteers. Recent projects to expand the library’s collection and reach include specialty sections (such as Classics, Pacific Northwest, and World Languages) and five neighborhood library bookcases, which we have installed throughout our district.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FIELDS ARTIST FELLOWSHIP 

Four Oregon Artists to Receive $150,000 Each Over Two Years 

— Oregon Community Foundation, in partnership with Oregon Humanities, is now accepting applications for the Fields Artist Fellowship, which awards $150,000 to Oregon-based artists working to address community issues through creativity and cultural expression.  

The two-year fellowships will go to four artists to advance their artistic practice and honor and sustain their commitment to create social change within their community. Eight more finalists will receive a one-time award of $10,000. The 12 fellows will receive professional development, networking, and community-building opportunities throughout the program.  

“As an individual artist, receiving these funds was huge in terms of interrupting and creating social change in my rural town,” says Crystal Meneses, who received one of the inaugural Fields fellowships in 2019. “It opened doors for me that would never and have never been open.” 

Applications from Oregon artists will be considered between May 6, 2025 and June 13, 2025. A selection committee will review applications and award the fellowships by December 2025. The Fellowship term will begin in May 2026 and run through May 2028. 

“It is an honor to recognize the power that a single artist can have in their community through this program,” says Jerry Tischleder, Senior Program Officer for Arts and Culture at Oregon Community Foundation. “We look forward to adding another cohort of individuals into this growing network across Oregon.” 

Artists of all disciplines and artistic media are encouraged to apply, including writers, filmmakers, visual artists, multimedia artists, culture bearers, and performance artists. Eligibility requirements include the following: 

• At least five years of professional practice in an artistic discipline or combination of disciplines 
• At least three years of residence in Oregon (non-continuous) and the intent to reside in Oregon for the majority of the fellowship term (May 2026 to May 2028) 
• Demonstrable evidence of artistic practice that can engage with community groups and organizations and/or address community concerns 

Oregon Community Foundation, in partnership with Oregon Humanities, administers the program and convenes gatherings for the fellows. All funding is provided by the Fred W. Fields Fund of Oregon Community Foundation. 

Proposals must be submitted by June 13, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. The application portal and full request for proposals can be found here.  

Find more information here. An informational webinar will be held on May 22, 2025 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Sign-up to attend using this link. A recording will be posted on this page after the webinar date. For questions, contact Program Administrator Aimee Craig. 

About Oregon Community Foundation  – Since 1973, Oregon Community Foundation has worked to improve the lives of all Oregonians through the power of philanthropy. In 2024, OCF distributed more than $211 million in grants and scholarships in every county in Oregon in partnership with donors and volunteers. Individuals, families, businesses and organizations can work with OCF to create charitable funds to support causes important to them. To learn more, visit oregoncf.org. 

About Oregon Humanities – Oregon Humanities connects people and communities through conversation, storytelling, and participatory programs to inspire understanding and collaborative change. More information about our programs and publications—which include Consider This, Conversation Project, Humanity in Perspective, The Detour podcast, Facilitation Training, and Oregon Humanities magazine—can be found at oregonhumanities.org. Oregon Humanities is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and a partner of the Oregon Cultural Trust. 

This summer, boat tours will once again be available at Crater Lake National Park with new concessionaire, ExplorUS.

Some uncertainty stemmed for a while with planned rehabilitation of the Cleetwood Cove Trail and Marina, but park officials have opted to postpone the trail work, which is crucial as it provides the sole access to the lake and is the park’s most frequented trail, until 2026. This project is anticipated to close the trail for a minimum of two years, consequently halting boat tours as well.

Boat tour prices range from $33 to $48 for the standard tour, $42 to $60 for the Wizard Island-lake combination, and $20 to $32 for the Wizard Island shuttle. For further details and reservations, please visit https://explorecraterlake.com/things-to-do/boat-tours/.

The commencement of boat tours is contingent upon the removal of snow from Rim Drive and the assessment of trail safety by rangers, which may vary until late June, particularly in years with significant snow accumulation.

The standard and combo boat tours include a park ranger who offers interpretive insights regarding the lake, its geological features, and other relevant information. All tours depart from the Cleetwood Cove boat dock. The 1.1-mile trail from Rim Drive descends approximately 700 feet in elevation.

Visitors are advised to exercise caution due to the park’s high elevation—approximately 6,176 feet at the Rim Drive trailhead—and the steepness of the trail. The descent to the dock generally takes about 45 minutes, while the return hike from the lake to the rim parking area typically requires more time.

Oregon Caves chateau named one of nation’s most endangered historic places

The Depression-era chateau at the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, closed since 2018 for rehabilitation work, is one of the nation’s most at-risk historic sites, according to a national nonprofit dedicated to preserving America’s history.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation on Wednesday listed the historic caves chateau as one of its 11 Most Endangered Historic Places of 2025. It’s the first time an Oregon site has made the list, which draws national attention to historic sites in an effort to spur fundraising and preservation work, since it launched in 1988.

“Each site on this year’s list has inspired passionate supporters from their surrounding communities to work together to save these cherished landmarks and repurpose them for the public, now and into the future,” said Carol Quillen, President and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Their leadership shows the power of preservation to create stronger communities, energized local economies, and a healthier environment for everyone.”  

The designation comes as the National Park Service, which manages the Oregon Caves, braces for further federal funding cuts. President Donald Trump’s budget request for the next fiscal year proposes cutting $900 million from National Park Service operations, and the administration indicated it wanted to transfer responsibility for smaller sites from the federal government to states. 

The caves, at the end of a steep, narrow and winding hour-long drive from Cave Junction, have long drawn tourists to picturesque but sparsely populated southern Oregon. Along with Crater Lake, Redwood and Lassen Volcanic national parks, the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, Lava Beds National Monument and the former Tule Lake segregation center, the caves are part of the National Park Service’s Circle of Discovery in Oregon and northern California. 

While the main draw of the national monument is the cave itself, one of only a few marble cave systems in the country, the 1934-built chateau attracts architectural buffs and provided overnight lodging and concessions before it closed for construction in 2018. It features a rustic exterior of Port Orford cedar bark, Cave Creek runs through the dining room and it’s home to the country’s largest public collection of Monterey furniture, a western style popular in the 1930s and 1940s. 

The National Park Service closed the chateau in 2018 for an $8.6 million project to update wiring and plumbing and bring it into compliance with modern accessibility standards.

But as work continued, the Park Service identified major structural problems. It set aside an additional $4.5 million in 2020, then canceled its construction contract in 2023 because of insufficient funding. 

The National Park Service faced a $23.3 billion deferred maintenance backlog as of July 2024, according to a report from the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. The Oregon Caves are one of five Oregon sites managed by the National Park Service.

The state’s only national park, Crater Lake, is the best known, but the park service also manages John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in eastern Oregon, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park near Astoria and the McLoughlin House unit of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.

Crater Lake, which has closed several sections of trails and its rim road because of fire damage in recent years, will close its boat tours and Cleetwood Cove trail to the lake’s surface for at least three years following the summer season for maintenance. Crater Lake alone faces a deferred maintenance backlog of $240 million, according to the National Park Service.  (SOURCE)

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation reports it recovered more than $2 million for Oregonians in the first quarter of this year.

The division received more than 1,400 complaints related to insurance, mortgages, securities, loans, and other financial services. In one case, an insurance company was notified that a customer had sold their vehicle but had not removed it from their policy. The additional charges were not detected until months later.

The DFR says its advocates helped the customer obtain a $3,300 refund.

Portland Sex Offender Sentenced to 24 Years in Prison For Enticing A Minor Online and Receiving Child Porn 

PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man was sentenced to federal prison Monday for using multiple social media applications to entice a young child to send him sexually explicit images of herself.

Shawn Alan Smith, 44, was sentenced to 288 months in federal prison and a life term of supervised release. Smith was also ordered to pay restitution to his victim.

According to court documents, between July 11 and September 15, 2020, Smith used multiple fake online social media personas, including several on KIK messenger and TikTok, to communicate with a nine-year-old child. While posing as a minor himself, Smith instructed the child victim to take sexually explicit photos of herself and send them to him, which she did. Smith also engaged in a video chat with the child while pretending to be the father of one of his fake online personas. At the time of the offense, Smith was a registered sex offender following prior state criminal convictions for child pornography offenses in Oregon and Maryland.

On March 9, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at Smith’s Portland apartment. While the agents were attempting to gain entry to the apartment through a door he had barricaded, Smith threw his phone and computer out his bathroom window. Smith was arrested and charged by federal criminal complaint with production and attempted production of child pornography.

On January 21, 2025, Smith pleaded guilty to a two-count superseding information charging him with online enticement of a minor and receipt of child pornography.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was prosecuted by Mira Chernick, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

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.

Jeld-Wen To Close Chiloquin Factory – Displacing 128 Workers

Door and window manufacturer Jeld-Wen has issued a notice of closure for its factory in Chiloquin, which has 128 employees.

Jeld-Wen, which since it sold to a Canadian firm and hasn’t done well over recent years, notified state employment officials of its plan Thursday. The company indicated layoffs will begin June 30 and be complete by December. The Chiloquin factory makes interior, steel, fiberglass and custom doors.

According to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification submitted to the state of Oregon, the plant’s closing affects 104 production employees, seven management positions and four support staff members.

On Dec. 1, the remaining 13 employees will be cut.

A spokesperson with the company, Katie Lykins, said in an email, “While decisions that impact people are never easy, we make them only after careful consideration and with the understanding that our actions today are necessary to position Jeld-Wen for long-term success.”

Founded by Richard (Dick) Wendt in Klamath Falls, the company moved its headquarters to Charlotte, N.C., in 2015, shortly after being sold to a private equity firm in Canada. It has since gone public and is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Its share price has collapsed, from nearly $20 a share a year ago to $5.58 at Thursday’s close.

Jeld-Wen sales fell 12% last year, to $3.8 billion, and the company reported a $189 million loss.

Jeld-Wen closed a factory in Atlanta in 2023. Last year, it also announced plans to close facilities in Alabama and Denmark and to “right-size” other factories.

It had 16,000 employees worldwide at the end of 2024, and only 10,000 left in North America.

Oregon’s manufacturing sector has been in decline for nearly three years, shedding approximately 13,000 jobs.  In Klamath County, the unemployment rate is 6.3% — nearly 2 points above the statewide rate.

Oregon Declares May 18–25, 2025, Volcano Awareness Week in Recognition of the 45th Anniversary of the Mount St. Helens Eruption

SALEM, Ore. – On May 18, 1980, the ground shook, the sky turned black, and Mount St. Helens exploded in what remains the most destructive volcanic eruption in U.S. history. Fifty-seven lives were lost, thousands of animals perished, entire forests were flattened, and over 200 homes were destroyed. The eruption caused an estimated $1.5 billion in damage. The eruption reshaped landscapes sparked years of scientific study and reinforced the importance of disaster readiness.  

Now, 45 years later, Oregon’s Governor Tina Kotek is commemorating this significant event by proclaiming May 18–25, 2025, Volcano Awareness Week — a time not only for remembrance, but for readiness.  

Led by the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), the proclamation seeks to educate residents and visitors about volcanic hazards and preparedness efforts across the state and serves as a crucial reminder: the Pacific Northwest is still very much an active volcanic zone. 

“Oregon is home to several active volcanoes, and awareness is key to protecting communities and ensuring public safety,” said OEM Director Erin McMahon. “Volcano Awareness Week serves as an opportunity to learn about preparedness, mitigation, and response strategies while recognizing the ongoing monitoring efforts that keep people informed.” 

Living in a Land of Fire: Understanding Oregon’s Volcanic Risks 

The Cascade Range — the snow-capped mountains many Oregonians and Washingtonians know and love — is part of a 1,300 km (800 mile) chain of volcanoes stretching from northern California to southern British Columbia. These dramatic peaks, formed by the slow collision and subduction of tectonic plates, include some of the most well-known and still-active volcanoes in the country. 

In Oregon alone, we have five potentially active volcanoes: 

• Mount Hood
• Mount Jefferson
• Newberry Volcano
• Three Sisters
• Crater Lake (Mount Mazama)

They are among the ten active Cascade volcanoes monitored by the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Volcano Early Warning System — a program designed to detect and alert officials to signs of volcanic unrest before an eruption occurs.   

DOGAMI, in coordination with the U.S. Geological Survey Cascades Volcano Observatory, plays a critical role in providing scientific data to support disaster preparedness. “Oregon’s rocks record a long-lived legacy of volcanism. Volcanoes offer stunning beauty, but also present potential risks to nearby communities”, said DOGAMI Geological Survey and Services Program Manager Jason McClaughry. “Creating detailed geologic and hazard maps combined with data from modern monitoring tools allows both DOGAMI and CVO to understand the volcanic history of Oregon and to help communities prepare for future volcanic hazards.” 

Why Volcano Awareness Week Matters 

This week is a joint effort between the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI), and partners like the USGS and the Washington State Emergency Management Division. Together, they’re working to raise public awareness about volcanic hazards — and more importantly, how Oregonians can prepare for them. 

OEM and DOGAMI, in collaboration with local governments and scientific organizations, will conduct public outreach efforts, social media campaigns, and educational initiatives throughout the week, including: 

• Understanding volcanic hazards such as ashfall, landslides, lahars, and pyroclastic flows.
• Reviewing evacuation routes and emergency response plans (visit TripCheck.com)
• Monitoring volcanic activity through USGS alerts and OR-Alerts.
• Preparing emergency kits with food, water, respiratory protection, and communication devices. 

Upcoming Anniversary Related events: 

• Wednesday, May 7 | 6:30 p.m.
  45th Eruptiversary Views & Brews: Voices of the Volcano (In-Person AND Virtual)
• Saturday, May 10 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Cascades Volcano Observatory Open House 
• Thursday May 15 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  A Reddit Ask-Me-Anything session with experts from USGS and the states of Oregon and Washington
• Sunday, May 18 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  
  45th Anniversary Event with USFS at the Coldwater Science and Learning Center 
• Saturday, May 24 | 3:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
  OPB Event at OMSI – Sharing of OPB Field Guide episode and panel discussion 
• The official web cam for Mount. St. Helens is also back online, with its power restored for the first time in a nearly two years. 
• See more historic photos of the eruption on the US Forest Service’s Historic Mount St. Helen’s Flcker page.

Even though volcanic eruptions are rare, their impacts can be swift and widespread. Awareness and preparedness can mean the difference between chaos and calm in the face of an eruption.

“Preparedness saves lives,” McMahon added. “By learning about volcanic hazards and response measures, Oregonians can help protect themselves, their families, and their communities.” 

Be 2 Weeks Ready 

Emergency preparedness starts at home. OEM encourages all residents to Be2WeeksReady — a campaign that promotes having enough supplies, water, food, and critical items to survive on your own for two weeks after a disaster. This is especially important during volcanic events, when roads may be impassable and air quality may be hazardous. 

Here are some key preparedness tips for volcanic hazards: 

• Know your local hazards. If you live near any of Oregon’s volcanoes, understand what type of hazards might affect your area. DOGAMI and OEM offer resources and maps to help you assess risk.
• Stay informed. Sign up for USGS volcano notifications sign-up for OR-Alerts, and make sure the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled on your phone.
• Follow evacuation levels. Oregon uses a three-level evacuation system:
  • Level 1: Be Ready – Stay aware and prepare to leave.
  • Level 2: Be Set – Be packed and ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
  • Level 3: Go Now! – Leave immediately for your safety.
• Make a plan. Know your evacuation routes and how you’ll communicate with loved ones if you become separated. Learn more with OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready Toolkit.
• Help others. Check on neighbors, especially those who may need extra assistance. 

​For more details on how to prepare for volcanic hazards, visit the U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards page. Residents are encouraged to follow OEM and DOGAMIonline for up-to-date information, safety resources, and emergency alerts. 

Explore More: 

• USGS Volcano Hazards Program
• National Volcano Early Warning System
• DOGAMI – Oregon Geologic Hazard Resources
• OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready Toolkit
• Make Preparedness Fun: Engaging Kids in Emergency Readiness
• Making Preparedness Fun: Explaining Volcano Evacuations to Kids
• Kids Volcano Activity Guide
• Social Media Toolkit 
• US Forest Service’s Historic Mount St. Helen’s historic photos 

# # # It is the mission of Oregon Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure the capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.

You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email licInfo@oem.oregon.gov” target=”_blank” title=”Email OEM Public Affairs”>OEM_PublicInfo@oem.oregon.gov. We accept all relay calls, or you can dial 711. 

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) and Oregon Trails Coalition will host eight virtual focus groups in May to better understand the needs of different types of trail users who use land and water trails throughout Oregon and not just at Oregon State Parks.

OPRD launched anonline surveythis month to collect feedback through April 30. The focus groups expand that effort and take a deeper dive into the needs of different trail users including mountain bikers, paddlers, hikers and adaptive equipment users.

The information from the survey and focus groups will help inform the Oregon Statewide Trails Plan, which provides guidance to OPRD as well as other federal, state, and local agencies and private sector partners. It outlines trends and issues, creates priorities for grant funding and recommends actions to improve trails over the next 10 years.

Participants can join the 90-minute Zoom sessions to provide feedback. Anyone interested in joining, can register in advance using the links below:

• May 5: OHV / ATV Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 7: BIPOC Nature Network Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 8: Mountain Biking and Bikepacking Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
• May 14: Adaptive Equipment Users and Disability Trails Plan Focus Group Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 15: Winter/Snow Trail Focus Group (Non-motorized and motorized) Noon to 1:30 p.m.
• May 27: Hiking, Trail Running, Backpacking, Equestrian User Focus Group 4:30- 6 p.m.
• May 29: Paddling (Flat water and Whitewater) Focus Group 4-5:30 p.m.
• Agency Partners Trails Plan Focus Group Meeting TBD.

Check the website for more information including updates such as the time and link for the agency partners trails plan focus group:https://www.oregontrailscoalition.org/post/oregon-state-trails-plan-share-your-trail-user-experience-in-focus-groups-this-may

OHA to issue algae warnings when dog deaths reported  

As summer approaches, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reminds people heading outdoors to enjoy the state’s lakes, rivers and reservoirs to be on the look-out for potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms.  

To help, OHA is adding a tool reporting the possible presence of cyanobacteria in freshwater lakes and rivers statewide. Starting immediately, OHA will issue pre-emptive public warnings following reports of dog illnesses or deaths possibly resulting from cyanotoxin exposure.  

OHA advises recreational visitors to always be alert to signs of cyanobacteria blooms in the water and in mats attached to the ground or rocks. This is because blooms can develop and disappear on any water body at any time when bloom conditions are favorable.  

Only a fraction of water bodies in Oregon are monitored for blooms and toxins, so it’s important for people to become familiar with signs of a bloom, exposures and symptoms by visiting OHA’s Cyanobacteria (Harmful Algae) Blooms website at http://www.healthoregon.org/hab. 

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs

No veteran should be without a place to call home, and the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is committed to ending veteran homelessness in our state.

The new ODVA Houseless Veterans Program collaborates with federal, state, county, and Tribal agencies, veteran services offices, and community homeless service providers to meet the urgent and unique needs of Oregon’s diverse veteran communities challenged with housing stability.

In addition to advocating for Oregon veterans experiencing or at risk for houselessness, the program provides direct service to veterans and their families seeking federal and state veterans’ benefits, including access to local VA health care, documentation of service, as well as other available state benefits, and local homeless services organizations and low-income assistance programs.

If you or a veteran you know is dealing with homelessness, contact the ODVA Houseless Veterans Coordinator today at houselessvets@odva.oregon.gov or visit https://ow.ly/V4EH50VnL93 to learn more.

The tenth anniversary season of ‘In a Landscape, Classical Music in the Wild’ commences in May and continues until September.

This season will feature 50 concerts showcasing classical music at two locations in Lake County: Summer Lake and Fort Rock, as well as the Alvord Desert. The Summer Lake concert is titled ‘Dark Sky Concert,’ as Summer Lake is recognized as an Oregon Dark Sky Park.

The performance at Fort Rock State Park is scheduled for September 13, followed by the Summer Lake Hot Springs concert on September 14.

Additionally, a performance near Jacksonville at Applegate Lake will take place on May 30, and another at the Alvord Desert on June 21.

The Fort Rock concert will start at 4 p.m. and conclude around 5:30 p.m., while the Summer Lake Hot Springs concert will begin at 9 p.m. and last approximately 1.5 hours due to the Dark Sky designation.

Tickets for individual concerts are priced at $50, or $135 for both performances, which includes two nights of camping at Summer Lake Hot Springs, with the camping fee charged per person. ‘Good neighbor’ tickets are also available for residents of Lake County.

Pianist Hunter Noack is curating a new program for this tour, which will encompass 50 concerts across six Western states: Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.

The performances will take place at 10 new venues, including the recently reopened Kah-Nee-Ta in central Oregon. Noack will perform on a 9-foot Steinway concert grand piano.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to sit near the stage, and wireless headphones will allow them to explore the surroundings while enjoying the music, creating a unique experience in the wild, particularly at Fort Rock, the Alvord Desert, and Summer Lake Hot Springs.

The series will kick off on May 10 in Goldendale, Washington, at the Maryhill Museum of Art. Tickets for the public can be purchased through the In A Landscape website at https://inalandscape.org.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com