The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Oregon Beach Weather
Hwy 101 Reopens After Crash In Coos Bay
COOS BAY, Ore. — UPDATE 10:16 a.m. | ODOT reports that northbound lanes on US-101 have reopened in Coos Bay.
————————— Original Story
The Oregon Department of Transportation reports that a crash occurred on US-101, near Alder Av. in Coos Bay Wednesday morning.
ODOT says all northbound lanes are closed on US-101, near Alder Av. due to the crash.
The department recommends drivers to follow a detour on Front St., or take an alternate route.
Warrenton Police Officer Resigns After Arrest in Columbia County
A Warrenton Police officer was arrested Tuesday in Columbia County following an altercation with an Evans woman.
Officer Michael Reddekopp, 32, of Evans, is charged with simple battery – family violence. He resigned in lieu of termination Wednesday morning, according to the Warrenton Police Department.
Columbia County deputies responded to an Evans home for a domestic violence call, according to an incident report. The victim said Reddekopp grabbed her arm and pinned her on a bed.
The victim told deputies she was putting information into Reddekopp’s phone when she found texts from another woman, according to the report. After confronting him, Reddekopp asked for his phone back.
When she refused, Reddekopp grabbed her arm, pinned her against a bed and forced the phone out of her hand, according to the report. She told deputies he got in his Warrenton Police patrol vehicle and left the home.
Another deputy met with Reddekopp and he “openly stated” that he grabbed the victim’s arm and pinned it down before taking his phone away, according to the report. Reddekopp later told other deputies he grabbed the victim’s arm, but did not pin her down.
Reddekopp was arrested and taken to the Columbia County Detention Center
Shooting Investigation in Coos Bay
A reported argument in the Barview Area of Coos Bay Monday afternoon, June 26, 2023, resulted in a shooting with injuries to three adults.
According to reports, police were notified about 1:30 p.m. about the shooting at a residence on Travis Lane. One female and two males were injured and transported to Bay Area Hospital, Coos Bay, with non-life threatening injuries.
Coos Co. District Attorney R. Paul Frasier said there is no on-going threat to the general public. The investigation is continuing.
Florence Man Killed in Fatal Crash – HWY101 – Lane County
On Saturday, June 24, 2023, at approximately 10:11 P.M., the Oregon State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 101, near milepost 186, in Lane County.
The preliminary investigation indicated a black Ford F-250, operated by Ravi Artemus Polini (24) of Fort Bragg (CA), was northbound on Hwy 101, near Sutton Lake Rd, when it left its lane of travel, crossed over a turn lane and left the roadway. After leaving the roadway, the Ford crossed Sutton Lake Rd. and T-boned a blue Chevy Bolt, operated by Logan Jacob Scott (31) of Florence, that was stopped at a stop sign.
The operator of the Chevy (Scott) was declared deceased at the scene.
OSP was assisted by ODOT.
Yachats Lions Club Hosts 4th of July Pancake Breakfast!
YACHATS, OR, July 4th – The Yachats Lions Club will host their “KTP Day” 4th of July Pancake Breakfast on July 4th from 7:30am – 11:00am at Yachats Lions Hall at 344 4th Street, Yachats OR 97498. There’s a $10 suggested donation to welcome folks for an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast!
This “Keep the Promise Day” event is part of a series of KTP Day events throughout Oregon. The goal is to celebrate the Lions’ connection to Helen Keller and their promise to address preventable blindness and hearing loss, in partnership with their Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF).
All proceeds from Yachats Lions Club’s annual fundraisers and their Yachats Lions Thrift Store makes giving back to their local community possible. They support Lions community service projects, which include scholarships to graduating seniors, food pantries, school programs, Yachats Youth & Family Services, South Lincoln Resources, Yachats Fire Department, and eyeglasses & exams for children & adults. With the motto “WE SERVE,” Yachats Lions Club is celebrating 73 years of service to Yachats and South Lincoln County.
Together, the Lions Clubs of Oregon, the statewide nonprofit OLSHF, and partners offer access to people for critical sight-saving surgeries and treatments, secure new eyeglasses, help people who can’t afford eyeglasses and hearing aids, and manage the largest vision screening program in the US.
To learn more about the Yachats Lions Club and their work in the local community, you can visit yachatslionsclub.org.
Oregon’s New Minimum Wage Rates Start July 1st
Starting July 1, the minimum wage in Oregon will go up 70 cents an hour.
The minimum wage won’t be the same dollar amount across the state, however, as Oregon’s minimum wage system is different than other states.
Oregon has three levels of minimum wage: the standard rate, a lower rate for rural areas and a higher rate for the more expensive Portland metro area.
Currently, the minimum rates across the state break down like this:
- $12.50 an hour in rural Oregon
- $13.50 an hour, considered the “standard rate” for more populated areas
- $14.75 an hour for the Portland metro area
Starting in July, everyone goes up 70 cents an hour, bringing the new minimum wage rates to:
- $13.20 an hour in rural Oregon
- $14.20 an hour, considered the “standard rate” for more populated areas
- $15.45 an hour for the Portland metro area
State data shows only one-in-20 Oregonians make minimum wage. A recent study by National Low Income Housing Coalition shows Oregon renters must make $29.72 an hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment. The figure is about seven dollars less than the average hourly rate of Oregon renters.
KGW went to the Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood to see how a raise would play, and found two baristas at Blue Kangaroo Coffee Roasters who make minimum wage plus tips.
“It is hard. I would say you need a couple roommates for sure or support from family or friends,” said barista Caden McFarland. “I definitely think working minimum wage, you cannot go out and get a place for yourself at all.”
“Seventy cents could make a difference in a day, yeah so over time it’ll be nice, definitely,” said barista Isabella Blair.
Sitting in front of the coffee roastery was one couple who appreciates the need for a raise, based on inflation.
“But do businesses have a problem then because can they afford employees when they start raising the minimum wage? So it’s tough on both sides,” said Sandra.
The challenges businesses are still facing with costs and trying to hire is real, that’s why fast food places and others advertise wages dollars above the minimum wage.
OLCC Recalls Cannabis Flower from Three Producers Whose Products Contain Contaminants
The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) is issuing product recalls for several batches of cannabis flower that tested positive for aspergillus (mold) and heavy metals (cadmium and mercury).
The issue was first identified by the OLCC during a routine audit of inventory in the state’s Cannabis Tracking System (CTS) on June 21, 2023. The various batches of cannabis flower and pre-rolls were sold by about 75 different Oregon recreational marijuana retailers to consumers from January 2023 to June 22, 2023.
The OLCC is utilizing the state’s CTS (Metrc) to identify affected inventory and has instructed retailers and other licensees to halt further distribution and sale. The products pose a risk to public health and safety should not be sold or consumed.
The recall includes the strains and harvests identified below; approximations of some of the product labels are also below: Produced by Greenworks Farms (license 020-100056600F3)*
Cin X Harvested January 2023; Tested February 2023 Mercury
Golden Glue Harvested January 2023; Tested February 2023 Mercury
- no pre-approved label photos available – retailers used generic labels
Produced by Nectar Markets, LLC (license 020-10162841067)
AVO – Blueberry Muffin Harvested October 2022; Tested April 2023 Cadmium;
Aspergillus
AVO – Deadhead OG Harvested November 2022; Tested April 2023 Aspergillus
AVO – Frosted Hog Harvested November 2022; Tested April 2023 Aspergillus
AVO – Orange Crush Harvested October 2022; Tested April 2023 Aspergillus
AVO – Papaya Punch Harvested November 2022; Tested May 2023 Aspergillus
AVO – Purple Punch Harvested October 2022; Tested April 2023 Aspergillus
AVO – Sour Secret Harvested October 2022; Tested April 2023 Aspergillus
OLCC Cannabis Recall – June 26, 2023
This is an example of one of the affected Nectar products:
Produced by Rebel Spirit (license 020-100677656B7)
Mafia Funeral Harvested October 2022; Tested January 2023 Aspergillus
These batches of cannabis flower were harvested before March 1, 2023. In this instance, the
licensees complied with existing testing requirements. Under Oregon Health Authority (OHA)
rules, cannabis products produced after March 1, 2023 are required to be tested for
microbiological contaminants and heavy metals. - While these licensees were in compliance with state testing requirements, OLCC issued the recall
based on the quality control testing done by the producers which indicated the presence of
microbiological contaminants and/or heavy metals at levels that pose a risk to public health and
safety. A recall was necessary to prevent further sale of contaminated products and to provide
notice to consumers.
Over the past year, the OLCC has worked with the OHA to implement rules that require the
testing for harmful heavy metals (Mercury, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead) and microbiological
contaminants (Aspergillus, E. Coli, and Salmonella).
Aspergillus can create harmful mycotoxins, trigger allergic reactions, or in some cases cause
aspergillosis. Recent research has found that fungal infections – nearly half of which were
attributable to aspergillosis – are 3.5 times more likely in cannabis users. See OHA’s bulletin on
aspergillus testing for more information about why such testing is now required in Oregon.
Consumers should also be aware that heavy metals are carcinogenic and considered to cause a
variety of diseases. Cannabis is efficient at absorbing and storing heavy metals and other
pollutants found in soil and water, which increases the risk that cannabis users could ingest or
inhale heavy metals. These metals can damage the kidneys and nervous system and increase
the risk of some cancers.
OLCC Cannabis Recall – June 26, 2023
Consumers who purchased the recalled products are encouraged to destroy them. The OLCC has
not received any health-related complaints from the use of the recalled products. OLCC staff has
worked directly with retailers to halt the sale of the contaminated products, and will continue to
look into the matter.
Consumers with health-related concerns about a recalled product should contact the Oregon
Poison Center at 800-222-1222, or their medical provider. Consumers who consumed this
product may experience respiratory irritation. If consumers have other product related
complaints related to this recall, they should notify the OLCC at olcc.recalls@oregon.gov and
include any information they have, including the consumer’s name and phone number, or
alternative means of contact.
Wyden Applauds Unprecedented Nearly $700 Million to Expand Broadband Access Across Oregon
Funding Comes After Wyden Successfully Fought to Fix Inaccurate FCC Maps so Oregon Received Hundreds of Millions More in Broadband Dollars
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today applauded the announcement that Oregon will receive a record $689 million to expand access to broadband internet to rural and underserved communities – the largest single broadband grant in Oregon’s history.
“Today’s announcement of nearly $700 million to boost broadband access could be life-changing for Oregonians across our state. In rural Oregon, a community without reliable broadband is like a farm without water – it’s not going to last very long. Just over the past few days traveling from Ontario to Burns, Baker to John Day and Joseph, I’ve heard stories of students doing their homework in the library parking lot, seniors unable to connect to crucial telehealth services and rural Oregonians paying huge amounts for unreliable broadband,” Wyden said. “I worked with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Assistant Secretary Alan Davidson to ensure Oregonians got their fair share of this federal funding. And I won’t stop working until every Oregonian has reliable, affordable broadband access.”
Wyden successfully fought to correct inaccuracies in the National Broadband Map that would have cost Oregon hundreds of millions of dollars in grants. The original map incorrectly listed thousands of homes and businesses as being served by broadband, based on false information provided by internet service providers.
Wyden received a commitment from Secretary Raimondo in January to fix out-of-date broadband maps before federal BEAD grants were distributed to states. He had previously hosted an open-to-all Oregonians forum on improving the maps, alongside the Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA), and he worked on a bipartisan basis to highlight ongoing concerns. He has long championed expanding broadband access to rural and underserved areas of Oregon and across the United States. https://www.wyden.senate.gov/news/press-releases/wyden-applauds-unprecedented-nearly-700-million-to-expand-broadband-access-across-oregon#:~:text=Washington%2C%20D.C.%20%E2%80%93%20U.S.%20Senator%20Ron,broadband%20grant%20in%20Oregon’s%20history.
Forest Patrol Assessments going to counties without extension of landowner offset
SALEM, Ore.—Forest Patrol Assessments are charged to public and private landowners to help fund wildfire suppression efforts by the Oregon Department of Forestry. The associated costs due to required increases in staffing and resources were deferred in the 2021–23 biennium by a one-time offset of $15 million for both public and private landowners. ODF’s 2023–25 budget, as approved by the state legislature, does not include the offset.
The Labor Day wildfires of 2020 demonstrated the state’s vulnerability to catastrophic wildfires. In response, the 2021 Legislature passed Senate Bill 762 adding wildfire response capacity and preparedness programs to benefit Oregonians.
Senate Bill 762 directed the Oregon Department of Forestry to create new programs and increase capacity for adequate protection of public and private forestland and rangeland. The cost for increased capacity is shared between public and private landowners through Forest Patrol Assessments. Private landowner rates are provided to county tax assessors July 1 for inclusion in property tax rolls.
Landowners pay a per-acre assessment to help fund wildfire suppression. To alleviate the initial financial increase to forest patrol assessments, SB 762, passed by the 2021 Legislature, included a one-time offset in the amount of $15 million. This offset was intended to mitigate a sharp increase from previous landowner rates to the new rates that were created by expansion of wildfire capacity in SB 762.
An extension of the landowner offset was considered during the 2023 legislative session. However, the extension ultimately did not make it into ODF’s budget. As a result, the fiscal-year 2024 Forest Patrol Assessments will be provided to county assessors for inclusion in county property tax rolls. Those assessments include the increased costs for fire protection required by law, but without the one-time financial assistance for landowners provided in the 2021–23 biennium.
In response, Senator Steiner sent a letter to Republican legislative leadership stating her commitment to seeking solutions to this cost burden for the 2024 legislative session. Click here for that letter. In it, Senator Steiner writes:
“After consulting with partners and interests closely involved with these issues, we have committed to convening a workgroup to propose revisions in the assessment and harvest tax structure to better address the cost of grazing and forest fire protection in ways that consider proportionate contributions from various stakeholders.”
This legislative workgroup convened by Senator Steiner, in coordination with the Governor’s Office, will work to bring potential landowner rate relief and concepts to restructure wildfire funding to the 2024 Legislature. If landowner offsets are again funded by the 2024 Legislature, it will be applied to fiscal year 2025 Forest Patrol Assessments, reducing the per-acre charge in the second year of the biennium.
An updated funding structure is necessary to address the increasing severity of Oregon’s wildfires. ODF protects approximately 16.2 million acres of public and private forestland and rangeland, and hotter and dryer climate conditions require ever-increasing demands on wildfire firefighting resources.
State encourages drivers to review auto coverage, promotes safe summer driving tips
Salem – Now that summer has arrived and people are hitting the road for vacations, the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is reminding Oregonians of safe driving tips and to check with your insurance agent or company to review your insurance policies.
With changes in driving patterns and potential risks during the summer, it is crucial for drivers to understand policy limits and coverages. DFR encourages drivers to have a conversation with their agent or insurance company to explore coverage options, ensure policies are up to date, and that appropriate protection is in place.
Additionally, it is a good time to ensure vehicles are in good working order by reviewing the following:
Air conditioning: With rising temperatures, maintaining a comfortable driving environment is crucial for both driver concentration and passenger well-being. Drivers should regularly check their vehicle’s air conditioning system to make sure it is functioning optimally. A properly functioning air conditioning system not only provides comfort, but also helps prevent fatigue and promotes alertness while driving. A lack of air conditioning on a hot summer day affects everyone, but is particularly dangerous for people who are in poor health or who are sensitive to heat, such as children and older adults.
Belts and hoses: To ensure safe and uninterrupted travel, drivers should regularly inspect their vehicle’s belts and hoses. Extreme temperatures can cause wear and tear, leading to potential breakdowns. It is recommended for drivers to schedule maintenance checks or consult a qualified mechanic to examine and promptly replace worn-out or damaged belts and hoses.
Tires: Proper tire maintenance is crucial for safe driving, especially during summer when road surfaces can become scorching hot. Drivers should regularly inspect their tires for signs of wear and tear, ensure correct inflation levels, and maintain adequate tire tread depth. Adequate tire condition contributes to optimal traction, better control, and improved fuel efficiency.
Essential vehicle components: Regular maintenance of essential vehicle components is vital to ensure a safe and reliable driving experience. Drivers should regularly check vehicle fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Also, inspect the cooling system, batteries, and wiper blades to avoid potential breakdowns and maintain clear visibility on the road.
Essential supplies: In preparation for long journeys or unexpected situations, it is essential for drivers to stock their vehicle with necessary supplies. DFR suggests including items such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, extra water, nonperishable snacks, a roadside emergency kit that includes jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, work gloves, a change of clothes, emergency blankets, towels, and coats. These supplies can be invaluable during emergencies or when stranded on the road.
“We encourage all drivers to prioritize safety during the summer season by following these essential tips,” said Andrew Stolfi, insurance commissioner and director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “By practicing responsible driving habits and taking proactive measures, we can collectively contribute to safer roads and a more enjoyable driving experience for everyone. In addition to taking safety measures, and before hitting the road, drivers should make sure their auto insurance coverages are updated and their current proof of insurance is in the vehicle.”
### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and www.dcbs.oregon.gov.
Oregon State Fire Marshal asks Oregonians to Keep Firework use Legal and Safe
“Keep it legal, keep it safe” is the message from the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM). The 2023 fireworks retail sales season begins June 23 and runs through July 6 in Oregon. The OSFM would like everyone to know which fireworks are legal to use, where fireworks can be used, and how to use them safely.
“We ask Oregonians to be responsible if they plan to use fireworks as part of their celebrations,” OSFM Assistant Chief Deputy Mark Johnston said. “Every year, we see fires and injuries because of improper use of fireworks or illegal fireworks. Our message is simple: keep it legal and keep it safe.”
To reduce the risk of starting a fire, some local governments in Oregon have firework sales or use restrictions in place. Check your local regulations and follow them where you live or where you may be traveling to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Consumer-legal fireworks can only be purchased from permitted fireworks retailers and stands. State regulations limit where those fireworks may be used. People who plan to visit public lands and parks are asked to leave all fireworks at home. The possession and use of fireworks are prohibited in national parks and forests, on Bureau of Land Management lands, on U.S. Fish and Wildlife properties, on state beaches, in state parks, and in state campgrounds. Fireworks are also prohibited on many private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry.
For those who purchase legal fireworks, fire officials encourage everyone to practice the four Bs of safe fireworks use:
- Be prepared before lighting fireworks: keep water available by using a garden hose or bucket.
- Be safe when lighting fireworks: keep children and pets away from fireworks. Never use fireworks near or on dry grass or vegetation.
- Be responsible after lighting fireworks: never relight a dud. Please wait 15 to 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water before disposal.
- Be aware: Use only legal fireworks in legal places.
Oregon law prohibits the possession, use, or sale of any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or travels more than 12 feet horizontally on the ground without a permit issued by the OSFM. Fireworks commonly called bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are illegal in Oregon without a permit. Officials may seize illegal fireworks and charge offenders with a class B misdemeanor which could result in a fine of up to $2,500. Those who misuse fireworks or allow fireworks to cause damage are liable and may be required to pay fire suppression costs or other damages. Parents are also liable for fireworks damage caused by their children.
The OSFM has published resources on its website regarding the sale and legal use of consumer fireworks, retail sale permits, and state rules for firework use and enforcement activities. Safety messaging and activities for kids can also be found on the OSFM’s fireworks page.
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.
Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com