Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 7/30 -Tsunami Advisory for Entire West Coast Including All of Oregon, Clatsop County Fair Starts Today & 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, July 30, 2025

Oregon Beach Weather

The National Weather Service’s Distant Tsunami Advisory for the entire west coast, including all of Oregon, on Tuesday Evening

The distant tsunami advisory remains in effect.

If you’re on the coast:
– Stay off beaches, harbors, and low-lying areas
– Don’t go watch the waves
– Stay inland until the advisory is lifted

For updates, go to https://tsunami.gov

Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon

·A good reminder for Lincoln City community members and visitors. The Lincoln City Police Department WILL be conducting their normal tsunami siren test between the hours of 11:00am and 12:30pm. This is their usual Wednesday test, and the siren will only sound for a short time.

Please do not contact the Lincoln City Police Dispatch Center if you hear a siren during this time.As of this morning, July 30, 2025, the distant tsunami advisory remains in effect. This means you need to stay out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets. Our team continues to monitor information from the US National Weather Service Portland Oregon and tsunami.gov, but you also want to continue to be alert and watch for updates.

Lincoln City Police Department

 ·*******ATTENTION*******The Lincoln City Police Department WILL be conducting the normal tsunami siren test between the hours of 1100 and 1230. This will be a test only, as is usual on a Wednesday, and the siren will only sound for a short time. Please do not contact the Lincoln City Police Dispatch Center if you hear a siren during this time.If an actual alarm is sounded the siren will remain on for a prolonged period and other announcements will be made. To stay informed on all county emergencies, we recommend signing up for Lincoln Alerts at https://member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/newThe Lincoln County Oregon Emergency Management page has more information regarding Lincoln Alerts.

07/30/25 – 7:50am – Distant Tsunami Remains in Effect
Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office – 07/30/25 5:58 AM

DISTANT TSUNAMI ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT
Updated at 5:50am on 7/30/25

The Tsunami Advisory remains in effect from the National Weather Service.

What to do now in Lincoln County:
– Stay out of the water, off the beach, and away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets.
– Be alert to and follow instructions from your local emergency officials.
– If you feel a strong earthquake or extended ground rolling take immediate protective actions such as moving inland and/or uphill preferably by foot.

Continue to monitor for updates:
– National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/
– Tsunami.gov: tsunami.gov/
– Lincoln Alerts: member.everbridge.net/892807736721689/notif
– Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office FlashAlert: flashalert.net/id/LCSO

We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops or the tsunami advisory is downgraded.

The coasts of Oregon, Washington, and California have been upgraded from a tsunami watch to a tsunami advisory after an 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Peninsula in Russia.According to NOAA, an advisory means that a tsunami with strong waves is possible and people under the advisory should get out of the water and off the beach. People should also move away from harbors, marinas, breakwaters, bays and inlets.

North Bend Police Department – Oregon

 · Tsunami Advisory Update – No Local Impacts Observed City of North Bend Emergency Management officials actively monitored tsunami activity throughout the evening following alerts issued by the National Tsunami Warning Center. Observed wave heights were minor—0.7 feet at Port Orford (12:19 AM) and 0.6 feet at Charleston (12:30 AM) on July 30.At no point was there any indication of inundation or impact to the City of North Bend. While the region remains under a Tsunami Advisory until further notice, no emergency action was necessary based on current data and forecasted surge levels. Please be assured that the safety of our residents and businesses remains our top priority. Emergency Management continues to monitor conditions closely and will take swift action if warranted.For ongoing updates, visit: www.tsunami.gov

𝐀𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐖𝐒 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝟖:𝟐𝟖 𝐩.𝐦., 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥. 𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝟏𝟎:𝟑𝟎 𝐩.𝐦. Please stay off beaches and out of waterways. Even a smaller tsunami wave can cause dangerous and unpredictable currents. Continue to monitor for updates at www.tsunami.gov. Additional alerts will be sent if the status changes or the advisory is canceled. 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐍𝐖𝐒: https://inws.ncep.noaa.gov/a/a.php?i=118254493 Tsunami advisories are an advance notice to areas that could be impacted by a tsunami at a later time. Advisory areas may be upgraded to warnings, or canceled, based on new information.𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐝: At 4:25 PM (PDT) on July 29 an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 8.7 occurred 80 miles southeast of Petropavlovsk Kamchatka.

WOW – So Much to Do and See at the Clatsop County Fair Starting Wednesday July 30

Clatsop County Fair & Expo The 2025 Clatsop County Fair Guide is here!

Published by The Astorian and featuring the vibrant “Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights” artwork by local talent, Haddie VanBerkom. This all-in-one guide is your go-to for everything Fair! Plan your days, check out the schedules of events, and get ready to have fun! View the 2025 Fair Guide online now: https://issuu.com/eomediacc/docs/2025_clatsop_county_fair…

We can’t wait to see you at the Fair!

Historic North Bend Sway Swing Bridge Set To Close Due To Lack of Funds

The historic North Bend Sway Swing Bridge which has been a vital link for shipments of livestock, timber, and gemstones since 1914, is set to close due to financial issues. The Coos Bay Rail Line announced the closure following a recent incident where a power line beneath the bridge was struck by a vessel that caused damages that the rail line cannot afford to repair.

The bridge is expected to close this week, with maintenance efforts ongoing to preserve its condition.

Brian Early, General Manager of the Coos Bay Rail Line, said, “We’re now at a point where the port quite honestly has run out of money to pour into the bridge, so we’re going to discontinue its use probably before the end of the month.”

Originally owned by the Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad, the bridge was saved from closure in 2007 by the Port of Coos Bay. Matt Friesen, Director of External Affairs for the port, emphasized the bridge’s significance. “The bridge is a unique asset to the region, it’s historic, it’s been here for over a hundred years, it’s a legacy piece of infrastructure and I think the community is proud having a railroad come through here,” Friesen said.

Despite the closure, there are no plans to dismantle the bridge. “We want to maintain the bridge this is again a temporary situation that we’re dealing with, there’s unanticipated expenses that continue to pile up that we can’t continue to manage with the resources we have right now,” Friesen said.

The Port of Coos Bay is exploring federal and state funding options to address the financial challenges. “Well we’re continuing to look at investments for both federal and state funding options so there’s a variety of different kinds of packages that we’re hoping to be able to obtain funding for but it’s a complicated kind of mix and match that we have to play with funding opportunities, we’re exploring everything that we can,” Friesen said.

Bay Area Hospital ·JOIN US, SATURDAY AUGUST 2 for our Annual Bay Area Community Partner Celebration event.

Half a century of healing, community support, and priceless collaborations – this couldn’t have been possible without our incredible EMS, first responders, and local community partners! With presentations, food trucks, and a chance to meet the real-life heroes of our community, this is an event you don’t want to miss. 

Opening ceremony at 1:00pm — Event runs from 12 noon to 4:00pm in our main parking lot.

Wildlife Center of the North Coast

 · Looking for a way to get involved with WCNC? We’re in need of more Event & Outreach volunteers! Send a message to connect -> info@coastwildlife.org

Coos County Sheriff’s Office

UPCOMING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY OPERATION in Lincoln City

The Lincoln City Police Department will be utilizing grant funds to conduct a Pedestrian Safety Operation on Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 on Hwy 101 in the area of the North 2900 block of Highway 101, in the vicinity of the new Wecoma Place Apartments.

The primary focus of the operation is to raise pedestrian safety awareness. With the use of a decoy pedestrian, the Lincoln City Police Department hopes to raise awareness of drivers and pedestrians through education and enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way laws. The operation will be conducted between the hours of 11:00AM and 3:00PM. Warning signs will be posted prior to entering the pedestrian safety operation zone.

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are dedicated to enhancing the safety of our citizens and guests of the city, and these safety operations are conducted in an effort to reduce the potential for injuries or death to pedestrians.

Funding for the pedestrian safety operations are made possible through a grant provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

The Lincoln City City Council has voted to terminate the contract of David Benson, the City Manager Pro Tem, without cause.

The Council is prepared with a new policy to move forward with their hiring process(es) and will be addressing the immediate needs associated with this unexpected change within the coming weeks, according to a release from the city of Lincoln City.

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

·Sign up for our Neighborhood Radio class and learn how to communicate with your neighbors during an emergency.

The Neighborhood Radio class has been scheduled for Saturday, August 30, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Class is via zoom. Click the link below to learn more and register for the class.https://evcnb.org/events-and…/neighborhood-radio-08302025

Salmon Derby Replaced by Crab Bounty Hunt

A new event is replacing the canceled Labor Day Weekend S.T.E.P. Salmon Derby in Winchester Bay. Due to low fall Chinook salmon forecasts, organizers have launched the 2025 Crab Bounty Hunt.

One hundred tagged legal male crabs have been released, and participants must register tags at Salmon Harbor Tackle by 2 p.m. on August 31. A drawing that afternoon at Blue Box Café will award a $1,000 cash grand prize, plus additional prizes for second through eighth place. All proceeds benefit the local Salmon Trout Enhancement Program.

An investigation into workplace conduct issues at the Clatsop County District Attorney’s office has left the office short-staffed, causing confusion and consternation for those dealing with the fallout.

Two employees were placed on indefinite leave at the end of June, tied to an ongoing investigation ordered by the county. Among those on leave is a deputy district attorney. Another deputy district attorney left around that time as well to take a new job.

Clatsop County Manager Don Bohn confirmed that the district attorney’s office has employees out on various types of leave. In a statement, the county said an outside investigator has been retained to conduct an investigation into workplace conduct and that the district attorney’s office “is prioritizing workload and evaluating short term staffing options as necessary.”

Your input is needed to help create a new evacuation map and earthquake preparation awareness for Lincoln County!

All attendees of this workshop on July 29 at the Newport Recreation Center will receive a $50 gift card. Dinner will be provided and childcare services will be available. To sign up, either scan the QR code in the image, or visit https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/…/SV_3z3pW4JzfWwMDe6…

Fix-It Booths in Florence

Florence residents can now take advantage of free repair help thanks to a new program from Waste Wise Lane County.

“Fix-It Booths” are popping up at the Florence Farmers Market and others in Cottage Grove and Oakridge, offering hands-on assistance for broken household items like clothing, small appliances, and electronics.

Unlike larger Fix-It Fairs, these booths feature one fixer at a time—making them more flexible and frequent. The goal is to reduce waste, save money, and support sustainability in rural communities. Event details are available at fixitlanecounty.org/calendar.

 Lincoln City Accepting Non Profit Grant Requests til July 31

The city of Lincoln City nonprofit grant program is now accepting applications from local nonprofit agencies. When preparing the city budget each year, the city considers the financial needs of nonprofit organizations that foster community wellness.

Lincoln City recognizes the essential role of nonprofits. They serve the most vulnerable populations and in return strengthen the community. It is through the Nonprofit Grant Request Program that the city is able to provide resources to these vital organizations.

The application can be found on the City’s website at www.lincolncity.org/government/nonprofit-grants

The submission deadline is July 31, at 5 p.m. For more information, contact, Michael Phillips, executive assistant to the city manager, at 541-996-1202 or mphillips@lincolncity.org

The 2025 Florence Visitors Guide and Chamber Directory is now available

The publication includes updated business listings, local attractions, and travel information for the Florence area. Free copies are available at the Florence Area Visitors Center. Local businesses can also request display stands and additional copies to distribute to customers. The guide is produced annually to provide resources for visitors and highlight points of interest throughout Oregon’s Coastal Playground.

The Lincoln County Assessor’s Office will be conducting a reappraisal of all accounts in and around Yachats.

Specific areas include (but are not limited to) the city of Yachats and surrounding area, including San Marine and Wakonda Beach. Appraisal staff will be driving county vehicles and carrying assessor’s office identification.

Physical reappraisals are routinely conducted to update the Lincoln County assessment records and maintain equitable assessments. Newly reappraised values in these areas will be reflected on the 2025-26 tax statements, which will be mailed in late October. Appraisal questions may be directed to appraisal staff by calling 541-265-4102.

Access to assessor’s office maps and property records continue to be available on the assessor’s web page at www.co.lincoln.or.us/assessor.

 SOLVE Launches Summer with SOLVE Campaign to Take Action and Preserve Outdoor Spaces 

– Summer is here, and with it comes more opportunities to enjoy the PNW’s beaches, parks, and rivers. However, the increased outdoor activity also leads to more litter and strain on the environment. To combat this, SOLVE is launching its Summer with SOLVE campaign, designed to take action, connect communities, and celebrate the beauty of our region through environmental action.

“Summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s also a time to ensure these spaces remain clean and sustainable for future generations,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “Together, we can create cleaner, more inviting spaces that reflect our pride in our region and our commitment to caring for the environment. By working together, we can make a significant impact and inspire others to join in the effort to protect our natural spaces that we love to enjoy, especially during summer.”

SOLVE kicked off summer with Pick It Up, Portland!, a citywide celebration on World Environment Day, June 5. The event focused on four different locations across Portland: Market Street Downtown, Holladay Park, Sellwood Riverfront Park, and Eastbank Esplanade. This was the first of many volunteer opportunities offered by SOLVE this summer, with more projects planned throughout the season, including the ongoing Waterway Cleanup Series, protecting the health of local rivers, streams and creeks.

What You’ll See This Summer

As outdoor recreation increases, SOLVE volunteers will:

• Remove litter from parks, neighborhoods, beaches, and riverbanks
• Maintain recreation sites and public green spaces
• Mulch around native trees and shrubs
• Remove invasive plant species that thrive in summer months like Japanese knotweed, Himalayan blackberry, and Scotch broom

Key Summer Events:

• Willamette River Cleanup (August 9): A focused cleanup of the Willamette River, combating litter both on the water and along the riverbanks.
• Waterway Cleanup Series (ongoing through September): A series of cleanup efforts dedicated to preserving Oregon’s rivers and streams during the peak outdoor season.
• Monthly Detrash Portland Events: Community cleanups in Portland’s business districts, focusing on revitalizing key areas in the city.

Looking ahead, SOLVE is also preparing for its annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup, September 20-28, part of the global International Coastal Cleanup, World Rivers Day and National Public Lands Day initiatives.

Join Summer with SOLVE

This summer, SOLVE invites you to take part in protecting and preserving the natural spaces that make our region special. Whether you’re volunteering at a cleanup event, leading your own group, or taking on a DIY project, there’s a way for everyone to get involved.

Try the Trash Bag Challenge—pick up a bag of litter, then challenge friends or coworkers to do the same. Pass the bag, spread the impact, and inspire others to take action.

Every effort counts. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods, parks, and waterways clean and beautiful for generations to come.

For more information about Summer with SOLVE and how to get involved, visit solveoregon.org/seasons or follow us on social media.

About SOLVE

SOLVE brings communities together to take care of our environment and enhance our waterways. Since 1969, the organization has grown from a small, grassroots initiative to a national model of volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon, and SW Washington, to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas, while empowering a community of environmental stewards for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information.

First Step Florence focuses on helping families in the Florence, Oregon  area  who are  in  need of safe, stable, transitional housing.  We offer the only transitional housing program in the Florence region. https://firststepflorence.org/

Supporters of Job Corps are asking the community to contact their congress members and urge them to help save the program.

While some students at the Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria are rushing to finish their courses, others are scrambling to figure out what comes next.

As the U.S. Department of Labor plans to shut down nearly 100 Job Corps Centers nationwide, including the Astoria facility, many of the students feel their futures are being threatened as the situation remains in limbo.

The closure will mean the elimination of 168 jobs, including instructors, admissions counselors and advisers, according to a new filing with Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission, which is required when mass layoffs occur.

Job Corps is a free vocational training program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for people ages 16 to 24. The Labor Department said last month it would “pause” the program.

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer — who for one term represented Oregon’s 5th Congressional District — said the program “is no longer achieving the intended outcomes that students deserve.”

The contract for the Astoria center was “terminated” as of June 30, according to the state filing. A new operator is not expected to be named.

“The U.S. Department of Labor ordered Tongue Point to send all students home by June 6th,” Oregon U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley said in a May statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive.

“This sudden shutdown of programs at the three Job Corps sites in Oregon is a devastating blow to the hundreds of youth striving to learn a craft and stand on their own feet,” Merkley added. “I’ll do what I can to reverse this brutal decision.” ——— Tongue Point Job Corp Center: https://tonguepoint.jobcorps.gov/

Southern Oregon Coast Pride   ·  We’re Hiring!

Southern Oregon Coast Pride is looking for a passionate, organized, and community-rooted leader to join our team as a Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator! Semi-Remote | Based in Coos, Curry, or Del Norte Counties Full-Time | $55K–$58K + benefits Flexible schedule with evenings/weekends as needed Travel required within Coos & Curry Counties (mileage reimbursed)

You’ll lead event planning for Pride in the Park, support our Gender Affirmation Closet, organize volunteers, and help foster joy and resilience in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Center equity. Build relationships. Uplift community. Review the job description: http://bit.ly/40gCrI2 and send your resume + cover letter to Laura Erceg at pride@unitedwayswo.org.

Friends of Haystack Rock  · We have puffins!

Check out our website, Friendsofhaystackrock.org to see them live! We have our webcam zoomed in on a couple active burrows. Your best chance to see them is in the morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

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

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.

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

The first round of 2025 Cape Perpetua Collaborative Tidepool Ambassador Tours are just on the horizon! Do you have your spots reserved?Join Jamie, Amber, and Liz during the lowest tides of the season, for educational tours around the marine reserve! Meet a wide variety of local flora and fauna, learn about Oregons Marine Reserves, and discover how you can be a vital steward for protecting these sensitive environments.Swim on over to our site at capeperpetuacollaborative.org and scroll down to our events calendar, or directly on our eventbrite-https://www.eventbrite.com/…/cape-perpetua…

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.:

• 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.

Coos Bay Police Department –  WE’RE HIRING 9-1-1 DISPATCHERS

$4684 – $5972/Month DOQ — We offer:•A dynamic team environment •Alternative schedule benefiting work/life balance •Up to 5 weeks paid time off per year after the first year •The opportunity to serve your community

Our team members have come from a variety of work fields- no experience necessary! For additional information from the North Coos 9-1-1 Recruitment Team or to schedule a ride-along please email: join911@coosbayor.govhttps://www.coosbayor.gov/…/Compon…/JobPosts/Job/126/107

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

Look what’s coming up soon at the Club… (sign up at glenedenbeach.org)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

OHA 2025 Oregon Beach Monitoring Season

Agency lists monitored beaches for May-September

—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is kicking off the 2025 season by announcing the coastal recreation areas it will be keeping an eye on for bacteria during summer and early fall.

The OBMP, based at the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division, monitors some of the most frequently visited beaches in the state.

The list includes beaches where the program has found bacteria present, or beaches for which local partners and the public have requested monitoring due to potential pollution.

• To see a video about Oregon’s beach monitoring effort, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82GVixgeGsM

The following beaches are being monitored this season, including name, and the city and county in which they are located:

• Seaside Beach – Seaside, Clatsop County
• Cannon Beach – Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Tolovana Beach State Park– Cannon Beach, Clatsop County
• Short Sand Beach (Oswald West State Park) – Arch Cape, Tillamook County
• Manzanita Beach – Manzanita, Tillamook County
• Rockaway Beach – Rockaway, Tillamook County
• Twin Rocks Beach – Twin Rocks, Tillamook County
• Oceanside Beach – Oceanside, Tillamook County
• Cape Kiwanda Beach – Pacific City, Tillamook County
• Neskowin Beach – Neskowin, Tillamook County
• D River Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Siletz Bay Beach – Lincoln City, Lincoln County
• Beverly Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Agate Beach – Newport, Lincoln County
• Nye Beach – Newport, Lincoln City
• Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln City
• Seal Rock Beach – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• Heceta Beach – Florence, Lane County
• Bastendorff Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Sunset Bay State Park Beach – Coos Bay, Coos County
• Hubbard Creek Beach – Port Orford, Curry County
• Harris Beach State Park – Brookings, Curry County
• Mill Beach – Brookings, Curry County
• Crissey Fields State Recreation Site – Brookings, Curry County

The OBMP season runs from mid-May to mid-September.  Advisories are issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within this sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in upcoming seasons.

The OBMP works with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to determine beaches that need monitoring based on several criteria. These criteria include pollution hazards present; previous monitoring data that identify water quality concerns; type and amount of beach use; and public input.

As part of an adaptive sampling plan, beaches and sampling locations are routinely re-evaluated to ensure available resources best protect public health. A copy of DEQ’s beach evaluation is available upon request.

For more information and current beach monitoring conditions please visit: www.healthoregon.org/beach — https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/healthyenvironments/recreation/beachwaterquality/pages/status.aspx

Wildfires In Oregon — Fires are catching across Oregon, and our brave firefighters are working tirelessly to protect our communities. We must all do our part

 Sign up for emergency alerts

 Follow evacuation orders immediately

 Don’t park on dry grass

 Keep 30 feet of defensible space around your home

 No outdoor burning or fireworks

Together, we can help keep Oregon safe.

Nearly 80% of all fires this season have been attributed to human or undetermined causes; the rest were determined to be started by lightning. A large fire is considered any wildfire that burns more than 100 acres in timber or 300 acres of grassland and brush. As always, for the latest fire information visit the NWCC fire website.

If you see a fire call 911.  Also if you are a witness to the start of a fire and can provide information, eye-witness statements, video, photos or any other data, you can assist investigators by emailing them to etips@odf.oregon.gov“>odf.firetips@odf.oregon.gov. This information helps our investigators in creating a full picture of what happened and identify a responsible party if there is one.

Smoke and Wildfires Impacting Road Safety Across Oregon

ODOT, OEM, and DEQ Urge Drivers to Plan Ahead, Stay Informed, and Travel Prepared

– As wildfires continue to impact parts of Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek has declared a State of Emergency, effective July 16, 2025, through December 31, 2025. Travelers are urged to use extra caution on the roads and know the conditions in the areas they are traveling to. Smoke can severely reduce visibility and create dangerous driving conditions. In some areas, wildfire activity has led to road closures or detours. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM), and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are working together to keep Oregonians safe—and they’re asking the public to do their part before hitting the road.

“If you’re planning a road trip this summer, make sure your car is ready,” OEM spokesperson, Erin Zysett, said. “Start your trip with a full tank of gas or electric charge, check your tires and air conditioner, and know your route. Conditions can change quickly during wildfire season.”

OEM urges travelers to carry a well-stocked emergency car kit in case they become stranded or delayed. Your kit should include: 

• Jumper cables
• Flares or a reflective triangle
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Blanket
• Map or printed directions
• Cell phone and car charger
• Backup power supply
• Hand-crank Weather Radio
• N95 mask (to help filter smoky air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place if needed)
• Wet wipes, garbage bags, and toilet paper for sanitation
• Whistle to signal for help
• Water and non-perishable snacks
• Cash or traveler’s checks
• Portable shovel

“Smoke  affects visibility as well as air quality and can lead to sudden changes in driving conditions,” said Chris Varley, DEQ Spokesperson. “If visibility is poor or the air is hazardous, consider delaying your trip. Your safety comes first. If you must drive in smokey conditions, close all the windows and direct the car’s air system to recirculate to help reduce the amount of smoke entering the car.”

Before You Go:

• Check road closures and conditions at https://tripcheck.com
• Monitor air quality at Oregon Smoke Information
• View active wildfire maps and evacuation levels at https://wildfire.oregon.gov
• Sign up for OR-Alert messages at https://oralert.gov
• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your phone
• Pack and emergency kit
•  Visit https://wildfire.oregon.gov to learn more about how to be ready for fire season.

Fire Season INFO

All Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) districts are in fire season. This means that to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, fire restrictions may be in place where you live or at a destination you plan to visit or recreate.

Here are some links regarding fire info for mainly Oregon.These links are very important and are updated daily.

* Northwest Coordination Centerhttps://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/fire_info.php…

* Central Oregon Fire Info Bloghttps://centraloregonfire.org/

* Lane County/Oregon Fire Updates – FB Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/650665385833845

* Oregon Fires 2025 FB pagehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/1481912815460351

* South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership – SCOFMPhttps://www.facebook.com/SCOFMPFIREINFO

* US Forest Service – Deschuteshttps://www.facebook.com/deschutesnationalforest

* Rouge Weather – THE DAILY WILDLAND FIRE BRIEFINGhttps://www.facebook.com/RogueWeatherNow…

* Wildfire Trackerhttps://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map

* Watch Duty websitehttps://www.watchduty.org/

* Watch Duty FB Page –https://www.facebook.com/watchdutyapp

* Pacific Aerial Firefighting Aircrafthttps://www.facebook.com/groups/344050713692737/

“We have already experienced several large fires in the state this year and anticipate fire behavior to be progressively more volatile. RIGHT NOW is the time to practice fire prevention and preparedness,” said Michael Curran, Oregon Department of Forestry’s Fire Protection Division Chief.

As we move into the Fourth of July and the holiday weekend, it’s important to remember that forests and fireworks DO NOT MIX. Private use of fireworks is not allowed on forest land, which includes all private lands protected by ODF and all other state and federal forest lands in Oregon. Remember to check any additional city and county firework restrictions as well.

Curran said, “Prevention is our number one tool to reduce property loss, firefighting costs, and risk to the lives of our firefighters. We can’t prevent lightning fires, but we can prevent human-caused fires.”

Now is the time to brush up on your wildfire prevention knowledge. Tips include:

• Know before you go. Campfires may be banned or only allowed in approved campgrounds.
• Make sure your campfire is cool to the touch before going to sleep or leaving your site. Don’t forget to Drown, Stir, Repeat. 
• Backyard debris burning either requires a burn permit during fire season or is prohibited altogether. If you burned earlier this spring, go back and check on your debris burn site to make sure nothing reignites due to the heat.
• Don’t flick a cigarette onto the ground. It may be just enough to start a fire.
• Don’t park or idle over dried grass.
• Don’t drag tow chains.
• Check local restrictions and fire danger levels.

ODF protects over 16 million acres of private, county, state, and federal land in Oregon from wildfire. Fire season is declared at the local level when conditions reach a point where the risk of a fire starting and spreading becomes clear. This year, the Southwest Oregon district was the first to declare on June 1, and the North Cascade District was the last to declare on July 1. For more information on how you can help prevent wildfires, visit keeporegongreen.org.

End of July is a good time to give urban trees a good soaking — The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind urban homeowners that now is the perfect time to remember to water your trees.

“By the end of July, soils in Oregon are very dry. Coupled with long, hot days, this puts trees under a great deal of stress. Drought-stressed trees are vulnerable to pests, at risk from losing their leaves early, and even dying,” said ODF Community Assistance Forester Brittany Oxford.

Oxford advises that trees three years and younger need about 15 gallons of water once a week, possibly more during heat waves.

“What’s harder for many in western Oregon to grasp is that even older trees benefit from a deep watering at least a few times during the summer,” said Oxford. “That’s why the last week of July and the last week in August have been designated as Soak It Weeks, to serve as reminders for urban homeowners to deeply water their older trees at least once during those times.”

Oxford points out that rainfall in western Oregon is no longer reliable enough in spring and fall to get trees through the dry summer months in good shape. ”Higher average temperatures are especially hard on the many trees in Oregon cities that are native to places where it rains a lot in summer, such as eastern Asia or the eastern U.S.,” she said.

While some trees native to dry areas of the world might not need or even want watering in the summer, most other trees will grow faster, look better and be healthier if watered in the summer.

“Get to know what species of tree you have and adjust the watering needs according to how drought-tolerant it is, your soil type, and how exposed to sun your tree is,” says Oxford. “A tree in full sun may need more water than one growing in shade.”

She recommends that trees four to 10 years old may need anywhere from 20 to 30 gallons every other week. Trees older than that may only need a deep soaking once a month.

In all cases, water should be given close to the tree’s trunk. “Apply it slowly so it soaks down into the roots and doesn’t run off,” advised Oxford. “Drilling small holes on one side of a five-gallon bucket near the bottom can be a convenient way to water. Just refill the bucket from a hose as many times as needed.”

Watering in the morning or evenings is advised to reduce water loss from evaporation.

“Mulching around a tree also cuts down on water loss, but keep it from touching the tree’s trunk,” said Oxford.

Find more guidance on watering trees at https://www.oregon.gov/odf/Documents/forestbenefits/fact-sheet-watering-your-trees.pdf

The Trump administration is requesting that Oregon provide personal information of individuals who are receiving food stamps by as early as Thursday.

Officials from the Trump administration assert that this information is being collected to combat fraud and reduce government waste; however, anti-hunger organizations and certain elected officials argue that instances of fraud are infrequent and suggest that the government may have a more hidden agenda.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is mandating that state agencies responsible for administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as food stamps, supply sensitive personal data.

This request includes the names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of individuals who have received or applied for SNAP benefits within the past three years.

New survey gathers feedback to help build a more sustainable future for parks

— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) wants to better understand the public’s values and priorities for the future of state parks through a new survey as it launches a strategic initiative to reimagine how parks are funded, operated and supported.

OPRD faces a potential 14% budget shortfall for park operations by 2027 even with recent fee increases. The gap is due to increasing costs, the impact of higher visitation and changes in lottery funds. The strategic initiative will work to address that shortfall before 2027.

“For more than a century, Oregon’s parks have been a source of pride, joy, and connection for communities across the state,” said Lisa Sumption, OPRD Director. “But the way we fund the system has not kept up with how Oregonians use and value it today. We’re not waiting for the crisis—we’re planning ahead to build a more resilient and relevant park system.”

OPRD launched an online survey this month to collect feedback from visitors and potential visitors about their priorities for new and existing experiences, services and amenities as well as views on public-private partnerships, sponsorships and other funding options.

The survey is open to everyone and will help inform decisions about the future of state parks. Those who complete the survey have the option of entering a drawing for a free Oregon State Parks annual parking permit.

Oregon State Parks continues to experience record visitation with more than 56.6 million estimated visits in 2024. It is one of the most visited park systems in the country.

This level of use significantly increases wear and tear on aging park infrastructure, driving up maintenance needs and long-term operational costs.

Parks’ funding comes from three main sources. A little less than half comes from constitutionally dedicated lottery funds, about 15% comes from the agency’s share of recreational vehicle license plate fees and roughly 35% comes from park fees from visitors. Oregon State Park operations is not funded by general fund taxes.

“We already operate leanly, but we’re also taking a hard look at costs and spending decisions as we plan the future. We’re building new partnerships with Oregon businesses and growing opportunities for visitors to experience state parks in new and innovative ways,” Sumption said.

In addition to operating more than 250 state parks and maintaining hundreds of historic structures, the agency also manages the ocean shore, the State Historic Preservation Office, ATV safety programs and permits as well as multiple grant programs for trails, ATVs, historic structures and local government projects.

For more information about the survey or to learn about ways to support parks, visit stateparks.oregon.gov/ or take the survey at bit.ly/stateparksurvey.

OHA launches ‘Connect to Hope’ awareness campaign, data dashboard on third anniversary of 988

Oregon Health Authority is marking the third anniversary of 988—the three-digit number that anyone can call, text or chat when in need of mental health support—with two significant milestones: the launch of a new data dashboard to increase transparency, track usage and demonstrate the impact of 988 in Oregon and the start of a new public awareness campaign, called “988 Oregon: Connect to Hope.”

“No matter who you are or what you are navigating, 988 Oregon offers a 24/7, immediate connection to trained mental health professionals who can help prevent mental health crises from escalating, save lives and promote recovery and hope throughout our communities,” said Ebony Clarke, Behavioral Health Director, Oregon Health Authority (OHA). “As OHA works to invest in the whole continuum of behavioral health care, we want everyone in Oregon to know that 988 can be a front door to help: providing free, compassionate support whether people are facing economic uncertainty, struggling with relationship or family issues, or simply don’t have a strong support system. Reaching out is a sign of strength.”

Over the past year, 988 Oregon answered more than 85,000 calls, texts and chats, each one connecting someone with a trained counselor. Nearly all calls to 988 are effectively de-escalated over the phone. By connecting people with resources and upstream support, 988 helps enhance access to care and potentially reduce more costly interventions such as hospital visits.

About 988 Oregon – When someone in Oregon calls, texts or chats 988, they are connected with mental health crisis counselors at one of the state’s two designated 988 centers: Lines for Life, which serves the entire state, and Northwest Human Services, which supports people from Marion and Polk Counties.

Research shows that most individuals who reach out to 988 feel significantly less depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking with a trained mental health professional. Callers don’t need to be in crisis to reach out—a focus of the new campaign, which was informed by community input—and family and friends can connect with 988 to get advice on supporting someone else.

OHA has also launched a new 988 data dashboard, which helps answer common questions about 988 trends in Oregon. For example, while 988 began as the simple-to-reach number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, more people call or text 988 about mental or emotional health concerns and family or relationship issues than thoughts of suicide. The dashboard also highlights the rise in calls, text and chat volume since it began in July 2022.

Promoting and strengthening 988 Oregon helps OHA deliver on commitments to build behavioral health capacity and to reduce stigma, key goals within OHA’s 2024-2027 Strategic Plan. Increasing awareness and understanding of 988 in Oregon also promotes equitable access to support and care.

For more information, or if you or someone you know needs help, visit 988Oregon.org or simply dial or text 988.

A volunteer diver, who assisted in recovering a child’s body from the Siletz River earlier this year and regularly helps in recovery around the state, reported that Deschutes County authorities threatened to arrest him on Tuesday if he attempted to enter the water to aid in the search for a man who fell over Dillon Falls last weekend.

Juan Heredia, 53, from Stockton, California, stated that he became aware of the search efforts via Facebook and chose to contribute to the endeavor. The missing individual is in his 30s and was visiting Oregon from another state, as informed by his brother.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released his identity. On Saturday, six individuals were floating on the Deschutes River when they failed to exit before reaching Dillon Falls, a Class 5 rapid, according to the sheriff’s office.

Three individuals were rescued, while the bodies of two women, Amanda Loyd, 40, from Rockwall, Texas, and Lindsay Bashan, 33, from Parkland, Florida, were recovered. One person is still unaccounted for.

For the first time in many years, patrons can approach the bar, enjoy a shot of whiskey, and perhaps even witness a gunfight erupt in Shaniko along Highway 97.

Oregon’s most renowned ghost town now features an Old West tavern that operates on weekends. Benjamin Harleman, the owner of the High Desert Ranger Saloon, also serves as the president of the High Desert Rangers gunfighters club.

Harleman embodies the role of a traditional saloon keeper, donning a black felt wide-brimmed hat, a collarless “granddad” shirt, and a blue wool vest while he serves drinks behind the bar. The saloon provides a variety of root beers and sodas, alongside alcoholic beverages at the bar.

For food, Harleman typically has wings or nachos available for patrons. While cash is preferred, in a rare concession to modernity, the bar also accepts Venmo or CashApp.

Webinar series to honor 35 years of disability civil rights each week of July

— The public is invited to a series of free webinars featuring conversations with disabilities advocates, experts and influencers who will share the latest information on educational and employment access, challenging perceptions about disabilities, as well as how to remove barriers.

Topics by date are:

• July 8: Striving for educational access and equity for students with disabilities
• July 15: Working toward equal access employment for people with disabilities
• July 22: Hannah and Shane Burcaw, who host YouTube channel Squirmy and Grubs on changing perceptions about disabilities
• July 29: Oregon’s journey to accessibility: removing barriers

The free weekly webinar series is being hosted by Oregon Disabilities Commission (ODC), Oregon Department of Human Services, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon in recognition and celebration of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“The Americans with Disabilities Act was a landmark victory in the fight for civil rights, laying the foundation for greater equity and independence. The anniversary of the Act is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and to reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and accessible Oregon for people with disabilities,” said Mark King, Chair of ODC. “We are grateful to our co-hosts for their partnership in presenting the upcoming webinar series. Their collaboration helps ensure we continue to educate, engage and advocate in ways that honor the spirit and impact of the ADA.”

The series will take place every Tuesday throughout July, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Time, beginning July 8. The sessions are open to the public, and registration is now available through the event web page on Zoom.

The series will be accessible to people with disabilities and will be translated into Spanish. Captioning and American Sign Language interpretation will also be provided. For questions about accessibility for the webinar series, or to request an accommodation, contact egonDisabilities.Commission@odhsoha.oregon.gov“>OregonDisabilities.Commission@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

More information about the series, including presenter biographies and shareable flyers, will be shared on the Oregon Department of Human Services ADA event web page.

About the Oregon Disabilities Commission: The Oregon Disabilities Commission is charged by state statute to advise the Oregon Department of Human Services, the Governor, the Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on issues related to achieving the full economic, social, legal and political equity of individuals with disabilities. ODC also acts as a coordinating link between and among public and private organizations serving individuals with disabilities.

Oregon Lottery Earns Top Honors from National Council on Problem Gambling

Oregon Lottery’s efforts to educate and support responsible gaming initiatives are being recognized nationally with four top awards. Each year, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) honors individuals and organizations from around the world for their significant impact in the fields of problem gambling awareness, research, and responsible gambling.

Oregon Lottery earned awards in the following categories:

• Corporate Social Responsibility Award for Oregon Lottery’s overall program
• Corporate Public Awareness Award for Oregon Lottery’s “Safer Play” PSA campaign
• Corporate Multicultural Communications Award for Oregon Lottery’s “multicultural digital/print media marketing campaign”
• Don Feeney Award for Responsible Gambling Excellence (individual honor) – Stacy Shaw, Oregon Lottery senior manager for product marketing

“These awards reflect how deeply safer play is woven into everything we do,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “It’s more than just a requirement. It’s a shared commitment for the entire agency and is rewarding to be recognized as a national leader.”

The awards ceremony took place on Friday, July 18, in Columbus, Ohio, during the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling 2025.

“Over the past year, we have invested in our Safer Play Program to conduct research, offer marketing outreach, and provide resources that let us reach more people on their help seeking journey,” said Shaw. “Receiving these awards shows that our peers and colleagues see the impact of this important work, which we are excited to continue.”

Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery profits have funded problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts throughout Oregon. Since that time, over $148 million in Lottery funds has supported those services.

Oregonians can access online tools and connect with free, professional counseling by going to the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) website.

Celebrating 40 years of selling games since April 25, 1985, Oregon Lottery has earned more than $16.5 billion for economic development, public education, outdoor school, state parks, veteran services, and watershed enhancements. For more information on the Oregon Lottery, visit www.oregonlottery.org.

The Oregon State Fair is set to commence on August 22nd. This year, there will be a total of 11 concerts. Featured artists include the All American Rejects, Wynonna Judd, Cheap Trick, and the Beach Boys.

Attendance to the concerts is complimentary with general admission to the fair; however, reserved seating and VIP Plus Suite Seats can be purchased. Tickets are available for purchase on the Oregon State Fair’s official website. The fair will take place from August 22nd until September 1st. —   Buy tickets and learn more at: https://oregonstatefair.org/

Registration Now Open for 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference

Registration is now open for the 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference, the state’s largest gathering dedicated to honoring and supporting women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The biennial event, hosted by the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs, will bring together women veterans from across Oregon for a weekend of connection, resources and recognition.

The event is free and open to all women veterans, but registration is required. The 2025 Oregon Women Veterans Conference is being held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the Riverhouse Lodge in Bend, which was the planned location of the 2020 event that was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year’s theme, ‘Stronger Together: Community and Connection,’ reflects the heart of what this conference is all about,” said Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels, director of the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs. “Women veterans have long served with distinction, strength and resilience — often in the face of tremendous challenges and barriers.

“This conference is an opportunity to honor our service, share our stories, and ensure every woman who has worn the uniform feels seen, valued and supported. We are stronger when we stand together, and united, we will continue to drive the ODVA mission forward.”

The Oregon Women Veterans Conference began nearly 30 years ago as a grassroots effort by a small group of women veterans seeking connection, support, and resources. Since the first event in 1998, the conference has grown into a unique statewide gathering that brings together women veterans from across Oregon to access benefits, build meaningful connections, and amplify their voices.

The 2025 conference will continue that legacy with inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops, fantastic networking opportunities and assistance for women veterans connecting to the full range of benefits and resources they have earned. It is a supportive space where women who have served can connect, grow, and thrive beyond their military service.

This year’s keynote speaker is Erin McMahon, director of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management and a retired U.S. Army brigadier general, attorney and combat veteran. During her 24-year career in the U.S. Army, McMahon served as the principal deputy general counsel for the National Guard Bureau, advising senior leaders through a wide variety of domestic disaster responses and serving as the first female Army National Guard general officer in the Office of the General Counsel.

Registration is free and may be completed online at www.eventbrite.com/e/odva-women-veterans-conference-tickets-1407725487829. Community sponsors and donors are the primary sources of funding for this event and help ensure all women veterans can attend the conference free of charge.

Registration for the Women Veterans Conference covers the event only; attendees are expected to make their own lodging and travel arrangements. More information about the Women Veterans Conference, including local lodging, donations and sponsorship opportunities, can be found online at wvc.oregondva.com.

Established in 1945, the Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs is dedicated to serving Oregon’s diverse veteran community that spans five eras of service members. ODVA administers programs and provides special advocacy and assistance in accessing earned veteran benefits across the state. Learn about veteran benefits and services, or locate a local county or tribal veteran service office online at oregon.gov/odva.

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.

Staying Informed During a Communications Outage: Best Practices for the Public

Disasters can damage critical infrastructure, leading to temporary outages in cell service, internet, and power. When communication systems go down, it’s vital to be prepared with alternate ways to get emergency information and stay connected. Here’s how you can prepare and respond:

  Have a Battery-Powered or Hand-Crank Emergency Weather Radio

• Why it matters: Emergency radios can receive Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts via AM/FM or NOAA Weather Radio frequencies—even when cell towers and the internet are down.
• Note: Emergency radios do not receive Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) like cell phones do. Tip: Pre-tune your radio to your local emergency broadcast station (e.g., OPB in Oregon or NOAA frequencies).

Turn On WEA Alerts on Your Phone

• Make sure Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) are enabled in your phone’s settings. These alerts include evacuation orders, severe weather warnings, and other urgent notifications.
• WEA messages are sent through cell towers—if cell service is out, WEA alerts will not be delivered. This is why having backup methods like a radio is essential.

Charge Everything in Advance and Have Backup Power

• Charge phones, power banks, laptops, and rechargeable flashlights before fire weather conditions worsen.
• Consider solar-powered chargers or car chargers as backups.
• If you are sheltering in place, a generator (solar or gas powered) is helpful.

Know Your Evacuation Routes in Advance

• Save printed or downloaded evacuation maps in case you can’t access GPS or navigation apps.
• Most mapping services (like Google Maps or Apple Maps) offer the ability to “Make maps available offline.” Download your area in advance so you can navigate even if cell towers or internet access are down.
• When in doubt, call 511 or visit the TripCheck.com website if you have cell service.
• Don’t wait for a notification—if you feel unsafe, evacuate early.

Print or Write Down Critical Contacts and Info

• Phone numbers of family, neighbors, and local emergency contacts.
• Address of evacuation shelters, veterinary services (for pets/livestock), and medical facilities.
• Your own emergency plan, including meeting locations.
• Have copies of vital documents in your go-bag and take video of your property (inside and out) for insurance claims later.

If Calling 9-1-1 Over Wi-Fi or Satellite, Check Your Location Settings

If you call 9-1-1 using Wi-Fi calling or a satellite-connected phone (like an iPhone or Android), your location might not be automatically visible to dispatch. Instead, it may rely on the emergency address saved in your phone’s settings.

• Update this emergency address when you travel or relocate—especially in evacuation zones or rural areas.
• Most importantly, always tell the dispatcher exactly where you are—include your address, landmarks, road names, or mile markers to help first responders reach you quickly.

Sign Up for Alerts Before There’s an Outage

• Register for OR-Alert and your county’s local alert system.
• Follow your local emergency management officials’ and bookmark resources like: wildfire.oregon.gov.

 Prepare for Alert Delays or Gaps

• Know the three levels of evacuation:
  • Level 1 – Be Ready
  • Level 2 – Be Set
  • Level 3 – GO NOW
• If you hear a siren, see a neighbor evacuating, or witness fire behavior increasing—take action even if you haven’t received an alert.

 Be Your Own Info Network

• Check on neighbors, especially seniors or those with disabilities.
• Post printed signs with updates for those passing by.

In rural areas, community bulletin boards or fire stations may serve as local information points.

Support and Restoration in Progress
To help maintain emergency communications during this incident, OEM deployed eight Starlink terminals under the guidance of ESF 2 and the Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). A Communications Technician (Jeff Perkins) was also deployed to assess connectivity needs on the ground. These Starlink terminals have been providing service to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Oregon State Police (OSP), Warner Creek Correctional Facility, and will soon support the town of Lakeview, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Lakeview Ranger Station. OEM’s Regional Coordinator (Stacey) is also on-site supporting the Lake County EOC. Coordination has been strong across local, state, and private sector partners. *** Update: As of 7/10/25 at 1:47 PM, fiber service has been restored.

Reconnect When Service Returns

• Once communications are restored, check official websites:
  • Oregon.gov/oem
  • Your county emergency management page
  • TripCheck.com for road conditions
• Share verified info—not rumors—on social media or community pages.

 Prepare for Delays in Restoration

• Communication may come back in phases. Damage to fiber lines or cell towers can take time to repair.
• Continue using backup methods and stay alert for updates via radio or in-person notices.

 Final Tip:

In an emergency, CALL 9-1-1 to report life-threatening danger, not for general information. Use local non-emergency numbers or go to physical information points if needed. You can find more tips for preparing in OEM’s Be2Weeks Ready toolkit.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com