Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 8/28 – Civil War Reenactors Prepare for Battle Over Labor Day Weekend at Clatsop County Fairgrounds & 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, August 28, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

Active Weather Alerts – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 AM PDT THURSDAY...
...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 PM PDT THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...For the Small Craft Advisory, north winds 15 to 25 kt
with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 6 to 9 ft at 12 seconds. For
the Hazardous Seas Warning, very steep and hazardous seas 6 to
9 ft at 12 seconds.

* WHERE...Very steep seas mainly 10 nm offshore south of Bandon. All
areas will experience conditions hazardous to small craft.

* WHEN...For the Small Craft Advisory, until 8 AM PDT Thursday.
For the Hazardous Seas Warning, until 11 PM PDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Very steep and hazardous seas could capsize or
damage vessels. Bar crossings will become especially
treacherous.

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

Wildfires continue to produce smoke in the Pacific Northwest. Breathe a little easier by keeping up to date on air quality conditions and concerns at Fire.AirNow.gov.

We’re not out of the woods yet – Please take precautions to avoid sparking a human-caused fire, be familiar with evacuation levels, and have a go-kit ready in case you need to leave your home.”

Fire Weather Tools from the National Weather Service

As we prepare for the peak of wildfire season in the U.S., the National Weather Service (NWS) reminds wildland fire managers that we have tools to help you monitor and fight wildfires. Whether it is a prescribed burn, ground fire or crown fire, fire managers can use this information to make decisions on how best to combat fires and keep the public safe. 

Fire weather forecasters – The NWS issues Fire Weather Outlooks for the next eight days. These outlooks show areas where pre-existing fuel conditions, combined with forecast weather conditions, may result in a significant threat of wildfires.

Our Fire Weather Program supports land managers and firefighters who mitigate and respond to fires. Our weather forecasts are designed to highlight times and locations where a fire may be exceptionally hard to control. For example, we offer Red Flag Warnings, which mean warm temperatures, very low humidities and stronger winds are ongoing or expected to produce an increased risk of fire danger in 12 to 24 hours for specific locations. 

Need a fire weather Spot Forecast? Land managers can request a site-specific, localized forecast for prescribed burns and wildfires to assess a potential threat. NWS recently updated this tool and will deliver additional enhancements to the application later this year. Learn more about the new Spot Forecast tool.  

For federal and select state large wildfires, onsite weather forecasting support to firefighters is critical. An NWS Incident- Meteorologist (IMET) can be deployed to your incident command post. IMETs arrive on scene within 12 to 24 hours after activation and can serve up to 14 consecutive days before being relieved by another IMET. https://www.weather.gov/news/241507-fire-weather-tools

Civil War Reenactors Prepare for Battle Over Labor Day Weekend at Clatsop County Fairgrounds

One of the Northwest’s largest Civil War reenactments is returning to the Clatsop County Fairgrounds over Labor Day weekend.

The event draws hundreds of reenactors each year from around the Northwest for live battles and demonstrations of artillery, cavalry, fashion and medicine from the 1860s.

Camps are open to the public between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday. Battles are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and Monday at 11 a.m. There will also be a Civil War-era church service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Fort Stevens State Park, which is home to a fort built during the Civil War to guard the Columbia River from potential Confederate and British attacks, hosted the annual reenactment for decades before it moved to the fairgrounds. Admission is $15 for adults, free for kids 12 and under. For more about the event, visit www.nwcwc.net.

Work crews work to repair a fire hydrant that was damaged in a motor vehicle crash on Tuesday morning in Florence. City of Florence officials said that residents and businesses can expect to see some discoloration in their tap water.

The crash happened at 15th Street and Kingwood Street with city workers on scene since early on the morning of August 27, the city said in a social media post yesterday afternoon. Tap water may appear brown due to the extent of the damage that occurred and repairs are expected to be completed by the end of the day, city officials said. The City of Florence said that the water is safe for drinking despite brown discoloration as workers were able to prevent contaminants from entering the system as they made repairs. Discoloration usually only lasts a few hours while sediments settle to the bottom of the water main line, according to city officials.

The city recommends checking water hourly to see if the discoloration has cleared by running one cold water faucet for one to two minutes, turning it off, and checking after an hour to see if discoloration is still present. Once it runs clear, run all cold-water faucets for a minute or two to clear out plumbing lines and pull in fresh water from the water main in the street, the city said. City officials also recommend residents keep gallon jugs of water on hand for unexpected emergency in the amount of a gallon per person per day for about two weeks, plus more for pets.

More information is available on the City of Florence’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CityofFlorenceOregon/posts/pfbid032bhMSnwE7zm7XgcSeUgxEmnXfGnpxjYBFYtvKriJsRVXVmfu3YSRBXi6cGVAxQfgl

Florence Pedestrian Enforcement Today

Another campaign from the Florence Police will be taking place on August 28^th.  this is to remind people of the pedestrian laws regarding crossing in cross walks.  Under Oregon law a crosswalk exists at any public street intersection, whether marked with paint or unmarked. Crosswalks also exist between intersections (mid-block) where indicated with white paint.  Failure to stop for a pedestrian is a violation of law.

On Wednesday, august 28^th the Florence police will be conducting a pedestrian enforcement operation at the intersection of 9^th street and Kingwood from noon until 3pm.  according to Oregon law a vehicle must stop for a pedestrian until they have cleared the lane a driver is in and the adjacent lane.  On a two lane street this means the pedestrian must complete the entire intersection before a driver can pull forward. A vehicle turning must give a pedestrian an additional 6 feet into another lane before advancing.  The law is similar for marked and unmarked intersections.  Vehicles are also prohibited from passing a stopped vehicle as it may be a clue that a pedestrian is crossing.

SCINT Search Warrant in Powers – An on-going SCINT investigation into illegal Marijuana grow operations, led to several criminal charges.

On 08/19/2024, Detective B. Davis obtained a search warrant for a residence off South Powers Road where it was believed an illegal Marijuana grow operation was taking place. The Coos County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed the search warrant without incident in the early morning hours of 08/21/2024. During the execution of the search warrant, eight subjects were located and detained within the investigation.

During the search of the property, an outdoor Marijuana grow was located. Investigators seized 18 Marijuana plants, several pounds of dried Marijuana bud, over one pound of suspected Methamphetamine and 9 firearms. As a result of the evidence at the residence off South Powers Road; William R. Smith (65) was arrested with the requested charges of: Unlawful Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Manufacture of Marijuana, Unlawful Possession of Marijuana and 4 counts of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Kurt A. Lively (67) and other subjects located on scene will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for review of charges.

While actively investigating the above location, SCINT investigators obtained knowledge of an additional illegal Marijuana grow operation within the City of Powers. Upon arrival at the residence within the City of Powers, Fred R. Fry (71) was found in possession of 25 Marijuana plants, without a Marijuana permit. Fred will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office for review of charges.

SCINT would like to thank the road crew working within Powers for assisting CCSO in the destruction of the illegal Marijuana plants. “Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law”

Lincoln County Animal Shelter announces change to Lincoln County pet licensing program

After nearly 5 years of partnering with Docupet for pet licensing services, your Lincoln County Animal Shelter is bringing pet licensing back in house.

Beginning September 1, 2024, Lincoln County pet licenses will no longer be available through Docupet.  If you have a Docupet account, you will still have access to your account, including the HomeSafe^tm 24/7 lost pet service.

As we transition back to providing all licensing services through your Lincoln County Animal Shelter, all new license purchases and renewals can be obtained by mail, in person at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, or over the phone.  We are still in the process of developing an online licensing option.

We’d like to take this opportunity to remind our community why licensing is important:

License fees help support Lincoln County Animal Shelter and Services programs and operations, including providing food, veterinary care, safe shelter, training, behavior enrichment, foster and adoption services to hundred of animals each year.

License fees are an important way the community supports our policy of not euthanizing animals for space and finding new homes for as many animals as possible.

License fees help support Lincoln County Animal Services in their investigations into loose dogs, nuisance animals, aggressive dogs, bite reports, and reports of animal cruelty.

Lastly, dog licenses are required by law.  By having your dog licensed, you avoid potential fines.  If your dog is brought to the shelter and is current on their license, then the first impound fee is waived.  Failure to obtain a dog license could result in a citation with a fine up to $265.

For more information on how to license your pet, please visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net/animalshelter.  If you are not sure if your pet’s license is current, or you would like to purchase a pet license, please contact your Lincoln County Animal Shelter at 541-265-0720 or at lcanimalshelter@co.lincoln.or.us.

Enhanced DUII Enforcement Planned For Labor Day Weekend – Lincoln City Police 

The Lincoln City Police Department will again be utilizing grant funds to step up their enforcement efforts against drunk driving over the Labor Day weekend. This additional enforcement effort is being conducted in conjunction with national crackdown efforts that are designed to curb drunken driving, decrease crashes, reduce injuries, and save lives. During the upcoming Labor Day weekend, law enforcement agencies nationwide will be out in force looking to remove drunk and impaired drivers from the roadways.  Lincoln City Police officers will be putting extra focus on seeking out drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs. Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) continues to be a leading cause of motor vehicle crash injuries and deaths throughout the nation.

The Lincoln City Police Department last used these grant funds over the Christmas / New Year’s Holiday time period. During those enforcement operations, multiple traffic stops were conducted resulting in several citations and warnings for various traffic violations, and two drivers were arrested for DUII.  

The members of the Lincoln City Police Department are committed to the safety of our citizens and visitors. The DUII Enforcement grant funds are a valuable resource that assist us in improving the traffic safety in our community. Our goal is simple: to save lives and prevent injuries caused by DUII crashes. These grant funds were made possible through the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Impact.

Coos Bay Library Events

The Coos Bay Library is kicking off fall with a plethora of events in September! Have you been to see the Native Innovations display? If not come and check it out. This is an interactive display that is interesting and fun for all ages and features some innovations by local tribes! This display will remain up until mid-September.

Did you know that Coos Bay is celebrating its 150th birthday? To help celebrate the library is hosting a scavenger hunt of current and historically famous places here in Coos Bay. Beginning September 6 and running until September 16, solve the clues and take a picture of yourself at each place to win a prize. Bonus prizes will be given to anyone who posts their pictures on social media and tags the Coos Bay Public Library.

Non-Profit Seminar in Florence

If you are on the board of a non-profit here in western Lane County there will be a one day seminar to learn about valuable tools and resources available and to interact with other community members.  The event will be at the Florence Event Center on Friday September 20^th. the sessions will total 4 ½ hours with a lunch and networking. 

Topics will cover effective board management, and a look at board governance plans and transitions.  Siuslaw residents will have a cost of $25.00 to attend.  This includes Florence, Dunes City, Mapleton, Swisshome, and Deadwood.  You can contact Siuslaw Vision as vision@siuslawvision.org for information and a discount code.

New State Report Shows Good Year for Commercial Fishing in Oregon

Oregon’s commercial fishing industry had a solid, if not record-breaking, year in 2023, according to a new report from the state Employment Department.

Statistics covering everything from pounds of seafood landed, revenues from individual fisheries and total employment showed strong signs of at least keeping up with historical averages, said the report’s author, Shaun Barrick, a workforce economist for Lincoln, Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook counties.

“Typically, commercial fishing in Oregon is really a mixed bag because of how many species we target,” Barrick said. “But, as always, it’s hard to overstate how important it is for employment. And the cultural impact of fishing is huge.”

Here are some numbers highlighting Barrick’s report.

Commercial landings and revenue

• The 301 million pounds of seafood landed were worth $178 million. That was an increase from 2022, where 286 million pounds of seafood worth, when adjusted for inflation, $136 million.
• Still, the 2023 numbers were below the average landings and revenue of the prior five years (2018-2022) of 319 million pounds and $189 million.
• Crab harvests in 2023 were twice as large as the previous five-year average of 18.3 million pounds, and far larger than the 4.9 million pounds landed in the late-opening 2022 season.
• The average landed price per pound for Dungeness crab was $2.80 in 2023, the lowest seen since 2013’s $2.74.

“Generally, I think the price gets dropped that low due to large amounts of imported crab,” Barrick said. “Last year’s dollar value was definitely low.”

• Salmon landings dropped nearly 20 percent last year to 1.7 million pounds. That was more than the previous five-year average of 1.4 million pounds, but below the average of the 2000s and 2010s.
• A pink shrimp harvest of 44 million pounds – an increase of 7 percent from 2022 – was above the average of the previous five years. Even so, shrimp prices fell to 42 cents per pound in 2023, their lowest level since 2010.
• The albacore tuna harvest dropped last year to its lowest level since the early 2000s. Just 2.45 million pounds of albacore were landed in Oregon in 2023, the lowest volume since 1991.

Employment

• Excluding tribal fishing, an estimated 1,212 people worked in Oregon’s commercial fishery on an annual average basis in 2023. That represented a slight decrease of 15 jobs from 2022 numbers, but was very similar to the annual average of fishers in Oregon since 2020.
• The estimated 310 fishery workers last year in Lincoln County topped all other counties, with Clatsop, Curry, Coos and Tillamook counties taking spots two through five. Those five counties, combined, had 95 percent of the total employment.
• Surprisingly, non-coastal Jefferson County had a handful of people employed in commercial fishing. “These jobs are sometimes based on crayfish harvests,” according to the report.

Revenue

• Some 796 vessels had at least one landing in 2023, down from 861 the year before.
• Those vessels averaged about $224,000 each in landed value in Oregon in 2023, up by 42 percent from the previous year.
• Each vessel supported about 1.5 workers on an annual average basis.
• The 39 seafood processors in Oregon in 2023 surpassed the previous high point of 36 in 2019. The processing industry paid more than $49 million in wages in 2023, “which clearly shows the benefit of adding value to raw natural products,” according to the report.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office received information from the public regarding multiple scam calls.

Residents in on the Central Oregon Coast are receiving calls from subjects identifying themselves as active members of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. The scammers are requesting money for a COVID small business loan. If you receive any calls from anyone identifying themselves as a police officer or Sheriff’s Deputy requesting money or anything of value please do not provide any financial information or resources.

Scammers have targeted other counties, including Lane County with similar techniques. Note the number, the name of the caller, and report the call to your local police agency. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office does not solicit donations or money over the phone or through the mail.

Rhododendron Theme Sought

The Florence Area Chamber of commerce has announced that they will be looking for the theme of the 2025 Rhododendron Festival.  Each year ideas are collected from the public with one person chosen for their creativity. 

The theme’s winner will receive a $100 prize for their submission.  Deadline for submissions is September 23^rd.

After the theme is chosen the chamber will then look to the public for a design of the 119^th annual rhododendron Festival Logo.  A form is available on the Florence Chamber website http://florencechamber.com

Southwestern Oregon Community College is offering free GED and Adult Basic Education classes fall term 2024

Coos Bay, OR – Southwestern Oregon Community College is offering free GED® and Adult Basic Education classes fall term 2024. These classes prepare individuals to take the GED® exam and update skills to enroll in college or career training programs. Students enrolled in these classes can build a pipeline to enter college, training programs, and jobs in high-demand career areas.

We will have three options for GED® and Adult Basic Education classes next term:

1. MorningGED®Class – Monday through Thursday from 9am-11am
2. AfternoonGED®Class – Monday through Thursday from 12pm-2pm
3. EveningGED®Class – Tuesday through Thursday from 5pm-8pm

All classes will be live and in person on the Coos Campus. The afternoon class will also be live and in person on the Curry Campus.

For students who cannot make it to either campus, classes are offered via Zoom during all three sessions. Fall term starts September 16th and ends November 27th.

To register for orientation and classes, go to https://swoccapce.org/ and click GET STARTED. For questions, please email Adult & Pre-College Education at apce@socc.edu or call 541-888-1593.

Missing Oregon Man’s Vehicle Found Abandoned On California Logging Road

The vehicle of a man reported missing out of Tillamook County, Oregon was found abandoned on a logging road in northern California earlier this week.

According to the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, 69-year-old Gregory Alan Russell was reported missing from the Tillamook County area on August 5. However police say the initial report indicates Russell drove away from his home on August 1, but wasn’t reported as missing until four days later.

Police later learned that Russell was seen at a casino in the North Bend area prior to traveling to California. He reportedly had contact with people he knew in Trinity County, however the sheriff’s office believes none of those individuals knew Russell had been reported missing.

On Tuesday, Russell’s vehicle was found parked on a logging road in the Deerlick Springs area, however Russell was not in the area. According to the sheriff’s office, “Russell has in the past had some peculiar behaviors in regards to his actions and it is believed that he wandered from the vehicle into the woods.” The following morning, search and rescue efforts began and are currently ongoing.

Russell is described as 5 foot 10 inches and 190 pounds. He has green eyes and brown hair. Anyone who has seen Russell or knows his whereabouts are asked to contact the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 530-623-2611.

The Coos Bay Police Department is asking for the public’s help after a man was found dead near Eastside Park.

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION — The Coos Bay Police Department (CBPD) is investigating a homicide that occurred in the Eastside area of Coos Bay. On August 13, 2024, at 7:22 a.m., the North Coos 9-1-1 Center received a report of a man down near Eastside Park, which is located at 5th Avenue and E St in Coos Bay.

CBPD officers arrived and discovered 36-year-old Braxton Busch of Coos Bay deceased from homicidal violence. The Coos County Major Crime Team, which includes members from multiple local law enforcement agencies, was activated to aid with the investigation.

This is still an active investigation. The CBPD is seeking information from the public, such as video surveillance footage from the area around Eastside Park. If you have not yet been contacted by police and have any information or video footage from the early morning hours of August 13th, please contact the CBPD at 541-269-8911 Ext 1.

Florence Police Enforcement Campaigns

The city of Florence Police Department will be conducting a DUII Enforcement campaign.  Beginning this Friday and lasting through the 4^th of September local law enforcement along with partnering agencies will be on the lookout for impaired drivers.  Additionally they will also be conducting another campaign on Monday August 19^th through September 1^st on the use of child restraints and safety belts in motor vehicles. 

The Oregon Department of Transportation has released data that show 37% of traffic fatalities were from the lack of seatbelt use or child restraint use. In 2021 data shows that the leading cause of death in children ages one through 12 were motor vehicle accidents.  1475 children in 2021 were injured in Oregon traffic crashes according to the data. These two campaigns are part of a national push that is funded federally.

 Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival held from September 7-8.

This beloved annual event invites kite enthusiasts, families and visitors of all ages to experience the magic of kites soaring against the picturesque backdrop of the Oregon coast.

The Lincoln City Fall Kite Festival, known for its kaleidoscope of colors and intricate designs, will take place at the D River State Recreation Site. The festival promises a weekend filled with breathtaking kite displays, professional kite flying demonstrations, delicious food vendors and hands-on activities including a kite making workshop.

“Lincoln City’s Fall Kite Festival is a cherished tradition that brings together our community and visitors for a weekend of joy and creativity,” said Stephanie Hull, event and outreach coordinator for Explore Lincoln City.

“This year’s event will also host international fliers coming in from Canada, Australia and Germany so it’s sure to be an extra-special weekend filled with vibrant colors and incredible kite displays.”

The Fall Kite Festival is a free event open to the public. While attendees are allowed to bring their own kite, they will need to be flown at locations away from the festival up or down the beach to allow the professional flyers to display their talents! The event is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends on a leash to enjoy the festivities.

Parking will be available at the Lincoln City Community Center and Lincoln City Outlets. A free shuttle service will operate continuously, transporting visitors between these locations and the festival site.

Event Schedule:

Saturday:

• 10:00 am: Announcements – Festival Opening Performance
• 10:00 am – 2 pm: FREE Kite Making Workshop. Donations to benefit Family Promise of Lincoln County.
• 10:00 am – 4 pm: Performances by Featured Fliers
• 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Tours of the Big Kite Field
• 4:00 pm – Festival Closes

Sunday:

• 11:00 am – 11:20 am: Kite Flier Memorial 
• 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm: Mega Fly! Enjoy watching all the fliers on the field together!
• 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm: Performances by Featured Fliers
• 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Tours of the Big Kite Field
• 4:00 pm – Festival Closes 

ALL DAY: Pixie Fest Carnival Games, proceeds going to Kiwanis Club of Lincoln City

ALL DAY: Walk through the Wind Gardens

ALL DAY: BIG show kites fill the Lincoln City festival sky with color!

ALL DAY: Art Kite Display

For more information on the festival, visit here.

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

OHA 2024 Oregon Beach Monitoring Season

Agency shares list of monitored beaches for May-September

—The Oregon Beach Monitoring Program (OBMP) is kicking off the 2024 beach monitoring season by announcing the list of coastal recreation areas it will be keeping an eye on for bacteria during summer and early fall.

The 24 beaches on the list that the OBMP, based at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Public Health Division, is publishing includes some of the most frequently visited beaches in Oregon. It also 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 concerns.

The following are Oregon beaches being monitored during 2024, including beach 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 County
• Ona Beach (Brian Booth-Beaver Creek State Park) – Seal Rock, Lincoln County
• 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

Beach monitoring season runs from mid-May to mid-September. Beach advisories are only issued for beaches that are actively being monitored within this sampling window. Other beaches will be investigated for inclusion in the next beach monitoring season.

OBMP works with Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to identify beaches that need monitoring based on several established criteria. These criteria include: pollution hazards present; previous beach 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, or contact OBMP at each.Health@odhsoha.oregon.gov“>Beach.Health@odhsoha.oregon.gov or 971-673-0400.

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Hewlett-Packard Campus In Corvallis Will Receive $50 Million From The Federal Government Under The CHIPS And Science Act

Governor Tina Kotek, U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, Jeff Merkley, U.S Reps. Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle, Oregon State University President Jayathi Murthy and White House CHIPS Implementation Coordinator Ryan Harper were among the officials joining HP executives in Corvallis Tuesday morning to celebrate the funding.

The money will go toward the expansion and modernization of HP’s facility in Corvallis and supporting HP’s manufacturing of different technologies and products.

“This proposed investment provides HP with an opportunity to modernize and expand our facility to further invest in our microfluidics technology, which is the study of the behavior and control of fluid on a microscopic scale,” said HP CEO Enrique Lores in a prepared statement.

The project will create an estimated 150 construction jobs and 100 manufacturing jobs. HP has granted the project agreement to Andersen Construction , based in Portland, according to the press release. HP is also working with Portland Community College for training and recruitment programs and has representatives on an advisory council for Linn-Benton Community College.

“HP invented its inkjet printer here in Corvallis, and the facility still remains one of the company’s leading research posts, contributing to our state’s leadership in technological innovation,” Kotek said in a statement. “Oregon is a leader in the semiconductor industry because of our world class talent and strong partnerships with higher education. We are uniquely positioned to enhance national security by helping to grow the country’s semiconductor industry.”

The Biden-Harris administration has announced more than $32 billion in proposed funding across 16 states for the construction of semiconductor factories and research. Business Oregon in March announced Intel had also been awarded $8.5 billion in federal funding through the federal CHIPS act. The company employs 23,000 people at its Hillsboro campus.

In Oregon, lawmakers passed the Oregon CHIPS Act during the 2023 legislative session. The bill directed $240 million toward a grant and loan program to support the expansion of semiconductor businesses in Oregon. HP will be receiving $9.5 million from the Oregon CHIPS Act. Intel was awarded $115 million in January. (SOURCE)

AAA says travel will be busy for Labor Day Weekend

Airports, highways, beaches and theme parks are expected to be packed for the long holiday weekend as Americans mark the unofficial end of summer the same way they celebrated the season’s unofficial start: by traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration anticipates screening more than 17 million people between Thursday and next Wednesday — a record for the Labor Day period.

AAA says bookings for domestic travel are running 9% higher than last year for the holiday weekend, while international trips are down 4%.

American Airlines plans to have its largest Labor Day weekend operation ever and expects a 14% increase in passengers compared to last year.

Motorists are getting a break on gasoline compared with last year. The nationwide average was recently $3.44 per gallon, compared to $3.86 a year ago, according to AAA.

Oregon Department of Transportation –  As the 2024-25 college football season nears, expect heavy traffic on the weekends of home games for University of Oregon and Oregon State University.

If you’re traveling on these game days, plan ahead and explore your transportation options! Traffic is especially heavy on days when both teams have home games, or when they play each other: Aug. 31, Sept. 14 (UofO vs OSU) and Nov. 9.

Expect all-day traffic congestion in the #WillametteValley on these dates as thousands of fans travel to and from the games. Remember, there are many ways to get around in Oregon! You can walk or roll, take a bus or train, or share a ride. Learn more, plan a trip, or find a ride at GetThereOregon.org.

Fans should also consider their public transportation options, such as the Amtrak Cascades passenger train, which service to and from Eugene during University of Oregon football home game weekends. Train or POINT Intercity Bus Service riders can avoid traffic and parking hassles, and once in town, can ride the Lane Transit District Autzen Express bus.

Oregon State Fair Runs Through September 2nd

185 Acres of Amazing Things to Explore!!! https://oregonstatefair.org/

If you missed out on pre-fair deals , there are still ways to save on specific days. — Admission on opening day is $5 courtesy of sponsor Mattress Firm. The $5 tickets can only be purchased that day at the gates and is a half-price or better deal on regular admission for children 6-12 ($10) and adults 13-64 ($12). Fair admission is $3 for seniors (65 or better) and free for children 5 and under.

“Share at the Fair Day” is Wednesday, Aug. 28, with $2 off admission when you donate two cans of food. The deal cannont be combined with any other offer. The National Association of Women in Construction will build the state of Oregon and an Oregon Trail wagon out of nearly 10,000 cans of beans. After the fair, they’ll dismantle the sculpture and donate the cans to Marion Polk Food Share.

Free admission for children ages 6-12 is Thursday, Aug. 29, saving families $10 a kid. Ages 5 and younger are free every day during the fair.

“Heroes Day” is Monday, Sept. 2, with free admission for military, first responders, teachers, health care workers and their families.

Free parking passes are available with purchase at Oregon Wilco stores through Sept. 2, or while supplies last. The limit is one per purchase, with no minimum dollar amount required. Wilco locations include Salem, Silverton and Stayton. MORE INFO: https://oregonstatefair.org and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oregonstatefair

Large wildfires have burned tens of thousands of acres across the PNW, with human activity and lightning being a significant contributing factor. The uptick in human-caused fires, which include those started by campfires and debris burns strains firefighting resources significantly​.

Preventing wildfires requires a collective effort from everyone—help mitigate the risk of human-caused wildfires and protect our forests and communities.

Monitor Fires in Oregon – Updated Daily

Large Fires in Oregon 8/28/24 9:00am per INCIWEB

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	5909 Acres	9 minutes 37 seconds ago
Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	13076 Acres	10 minutes 25 seconds ago
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	2075 Acres	11 minutes 9 seconds ago
Sandstone Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	702 Acres	11 minutes 31 seconds ago
North Willamette Complex – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	4462 Acres	24 minutes 9 seconds ago
Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP	Wildfire	Oregon	5280 Acres	2 hours 23 minutes ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	11152 Acres	2 hours 44 minutes ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	755 Acres	12 hours 43 minutes ago
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	137222 Acres	1 day 16 hours ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	86968 Acres	1 day 19 hours ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	25265 Acres	3 days 18 hours ago
Dixon Fire – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1970 Acres	4 days 21 hours ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	151689 Acres	5 days 12 hours ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	54005 Acres	5 days 12 hours ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	183026 Acres	1 week 1 day ago
Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR	Wildfire	Oregon	65866 Acres	1 week 2 days ago
Courtrock Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	20019 Acres	1 week 3 days ago
Town Gulch – ORWWF	Wildfire	Oregon	18220 Acres	1 week 4 days ago
Cliff Mountain – ORWWF	Wildfire	Oregon	1108 Acres	1 week 5 days ago
Porcupine Fire – ORBUD	Wildfire	Oregon	6491 Acres	2 weeks 1 day ago
Badland Complex 2024 – ORVAD	Wildfire	Oregon	54563 Acres	2 weeks 3 days ago
Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	1313 Acres	2 weeks 4 days ago

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

8/28 -UPDATE: I-84 WB is now REOPENEDbetween Exit 302 at #BakerCity and Exit 216 at #Pendleton, due to a wildfire near Exit 216. The length of this closure is unknown. I-84 EB is reopened between MP 216-265 due to a crash.

8/27 – ELKTON, OR Fire – Five residences had to be evacuated, three people were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation due to a fast-moving grass fire on South Market Road south of Wildhorse Resort & Casino Tuesday afternoon. The fire was contained this evening.

In these dry conditions, a single spark can cause a lot of damage. Learn how you can prevent wildfires by visiting the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s wildfire prevention page. 

U.S. Forest Service Hiring in Oregon

The U.S. Forest Service is looking to shore up its wildland firefighting force in the Pacific Northwest.  Recruitment events will take place across Oregon next month, with stops in Bend, Sandy and La Grande on September 12th, in an effort to hire a couple hundred permanent seasonal positions.

“That’s our goal, is to hire up to 200, maybe even a little more if we can, into these what we call entry level, perm-fire-hire positions, which are typically your six to nine-month timeframe employment within the agency,” said Jason Heinz who works in regional workforce development for the Forest Service.  He added those jobs are spread around Oregon, Washington and Alaska, and in most cases fill a currently vacant position.  Heinz says several factors make it more difficult to recruit wildland crews.

“We are increasing the number of individuals that work for the agency, our fire seasons are getting longer, burnout is a real thing. And so, we’re trying to work on adding more capacity to our crews so that we can have a better work-life balance.” 

Applications can be submitted now through September 24th. Visit USAJobs.gov to apply.

Oregon Farm Bureau — Thanks to the generous support of our agricultural community, we are now receiving both monetary and feed donations through our Wildfire Relief Fund. If you are a farmer or rancher affected by the wildfires, please take a moment to complete our short application for relief. https://www.oregonfb.org/

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The next chapter in Oregon’s fight against fentanyl starts next week

The new programs to treat drug users will look different across Oregon counties as law enforcement officials and outreach providers map out local strategies with limited resources

Oregon is about to embark on a new experiment as it seeks to stem the tide of fentanyl overdoses across the state. 

Starting Sunday, 14 counties in Oregon will start deflection programs that are intended to help people enter recovery and avoid criminal charges and jail. The timing of the programs coincides with the start of a new misdemeanor penalty for low-level drug possession. 

Both are the product of House Bill 4002, which state lawmakers passed this year after fentanyl overdoses killed about 1,400 Oregonians in 2023, up from 280 in 2019. The bill recriminalizes possession of small amounts of drugs, while prioritizing recovery instead of jail time. 

The bill allows – but does not require – counties to set up programs to help people avoid criminal charges and get help, whether through treatment or other recovery services. The programs require law enforcement, community mental health providers and prosecutors to work together for the best response. Under the law, people who don’t have access to the programs or decline them will be offered treatment and the expungement of their charges if the case goes to court. 

So far, officials in 28 of Oregon’s 36 counties intend to start new programs. Of those, 14 will start by Sept. 1, while the others will launch later this year or early next year, grant applications filed with the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission show. 

The new law unwinds part of Measure 110, which voters passed in 2020. That measure decriminalized low-level drug possession and put a system of $100 citations in place to encourage people to seek help. But law enforcement said the citation system lacked teeth and failed to motivate people to enter treatment. 

The new law didn’t entirely undo Measure 110. It preserves the provision to put a share of cannabis revenue toward addiction programs and services, including peer mentors, harm reduction and housing services. 

In the upcoming months, lawmakers, prosecutors and treatment providers will closely watch the impact of the approach each county takes. READ MORE: https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2024/08/28/the-next-chapter-in-oregons-fight-against-fentanyl-starts-next-week/

More Providence workers vote to join a union; company continues to stall in other contract negotiations

Tualatin, Ore. – In what is becoming a regular occurrence, another group of healthcare workers employed by Providence Oregon have voted for union representation with Oregon Nurses Association (ONA). RNs, physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), speech language pathologists (SLPs), LPNs, and others who work for Providence Benedictine say they organized because of a lack of transparency by the administration, increased patient load and having to use paid time off for low census. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was responsible for overseeing the elections where an overwhelming majority of workers voted yes.

“I have been at Providence for 11 years, but I have been a physical therapist for 36 years, and I understand the importance of balancing the high but rewarding demands of quality patient care and the systems behind it,” said Julianna Harder, physical therapist at Providence Benedictine. “We are professionals who care greatly about our work, but we need to feel a sense of agency in what we do, for our own sustainability as much as for the benefit of our patients. Over the years, Providence has become a large corporation, and employees have felt the impact of that in our daily work. For instance, policies have been implemented with no say from the employees, and we feel that if any policies do impact our day-to-day lives as well as those of our patients, it’s paramount to have a voice on such matters. Our goal in forming a union is to work collaboratively and effectively to improve employees’ working conditions, viable expectations, and patient care ability.”

Providence Benedictine caregivers visit patients in Marion, Polk, Benton and Linn Counties. They will join the existing Providence Home Health and Hospice bargaining unit.  

Since February 2023, just over 1,000 caregivers from Providence Oregon have voted to unionize. Employees have repeatedly said they are organizing to provide better patient care citing Providence’s emphasis on the bottom line at the expense of patients and staff. Caregivers are fed up with Providence’s laser focus on increasing profits at the expense of patient care and are demanding to spend more time with individual patients and families through improved scheduling, recruitment and retention.  

While more Providence employees are taking the leap to organize with ONA, thousands of others are at the bargaining table trying to reach fair contracts. Nurses at Providence Newberg, Providence St. Vincent, Providence Hood River, Providence Willamette Falls, Providence Medford, and Providence Milwaukie have spent 10 months at the bargaining table trying to come to an agreement on safe staffing, healthcare benefits, and competitive wages to recruit and retain more nurses. In June the nurses from the six facilities held a three-day strike after Providence walked away from bargaining. Providence’s response was to prevent nurses from returning to work for an additional two days. Caregivers with Providence Portland, Providence Seaside, and Providence Home Health and Hospice return to the bargaining table in September. In 2023 the three bargaining units walked out for five days and later reached fair contracts. Meanwhile, providers (physicians, PAs, NPs, CNMs and RNs) with Providence Women’s Clinic (PWC), Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Providence Immediate Care Clinics, and Providence Medford are attempting to negotiate first contracts but have seen many of their proposals diminished or rejected outright.    

“It should come as no surprise that more healthcare workers are organizing. Nurses, doctors, service workers, techs, therapists and other employees are saying ‘time’s up’ and standing up to the callous treatment by Providence executives,” said ONA Board Member and Providence Willamette Falls Bargaining Unit Chair Virginia Smith, RN. “This is about more than money, this is about respect and trusting caregivers to do the job that they studied and trained to do. The people that sit across from us at the bargaining table spend no time with patients, insist they know best and refuse to listen to our expertise. If Providence executives continue this pattern of behavior, you can expect many more workers to organize unions.” 

The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) represents a diverse community of 20,000 nurses, and health care professionals throughout Oregon. Together, we use our collective power to advocate for critical issues impacting patients, nurses, and health care professionals including a more effective, affordable and accessible healthcare system; better working conditions for all health care professionals; and healthier communities. For more information visit www.OregonRN.org.

Missing Texas Woman Found in Klamath Falls

Morgan Guidry Arrest / Missing Person: Brenna Swindell located —- At approximately 12:32 a.m., patrol officers from the Klamath Falls Police Department had received an automatic license plate reader (ALPR) alert regarding a vehicle flagged as stolen out of Texas in our area. The patrol officers searched the area and located the vehicle near South 6th St and Klamath Avenue. The officer continued to follow the vehicle and waited for an additional patrol unit before attempting to make a traffic stop.

While waiting for the additional unit, the officers were notified the vehicle was associated to Brenna K. Swindell, who is listed as a missing / endangered woman out of Travis County, Texas. They also learned she may be with her estranged boyfriend, 36 years old Morgan Guidry, who had a felony arrest warrant for family violence.

Once the additional patrol unit arrived to assist, a high-risk traffic stop was conducted and both Mr. Guidry and Ms. Swindell were located inside the vehicle. Mr. Guidry was taken into custody without further incident, transported to the Klamath County Jail, and lodged on the felony warrant out of Texas. Ms. Swindell was found unharmed and was able to call her parents in Texas to make travel arrangements to return to Texas.

Owners of Local Real Estate Investment Company Indicted in Federal Court for Fraud

PORTLAND, Ore.—An indictment was unsealed in federal court today charging the owners of a local real estate investment company with defrauding individual investors and commercial lenders out of more than $18 million.

Robert D. Christensen, 54, of Sherwood, Oregon, and Anthony M. Matic, 55, of Damascus, Oregon, have been charged in a 21-count indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.

According to the indictment, from approximately January 2019 through June 2023, Christensen and Matic are alleged to have devised and carried out a scheme wherein they convinced individual investors to fund the purchase and renovation of undervalued residential real estate properties. After renovating the properties, Christensen and Matic claimed they would rent the properties to generate income and then refinance them to extract their increased value from the renovations. The pair further misled investors into believing they would be repaid their full principal investment along with interest as high as eight to fifteen percent and a large lump sum payout, all within periods as short as 30 to 90 days.

Christensen and Matic’s scheme failed to generate the promised returns almost immediately and they began using new investments to repay earlier investors to keep their business afloat. When they were unable to raise enough money from new investors, Christensen and Matic are alleged to have devised a separate scheme to defraud commercial lenders. By December 2020, the pair began submitting loan applications with false financial information to different commercial lenders and, based on their misrepresentations, received millions of dollars in loans.

In total, Christensen and Matic’s two schemes defrauded individual investors out of more than $11 million and commercial lenders out of more than $7 million.

Christensen and Matic made their initial appearances in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Both were arraigned, pleaded not guilty, and released on conditions pending a 7-day jury trial scheduled to begin on October 29, 2024.

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud are punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Money laundering in punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. All three charges may also result in fines of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gains or losses resulting from the offense.

This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Trisotto. An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Oregon joins federal antitrust lawsuit over rental pricing software

The lawsuit, joined by eight states and Washington D.C., alleges that RealPage’s software helps landlords keep rental prices high, even in a down market

Oregon’s attorney general has joined other states, the District of Columbia and federal government in an antitrust lawsuit against a company selling property management software that recommends rental prices to landlords.

The lawsuit against Texas-based RealPage accused the company of gathering confidential rental data from more than 16 million units nationwide to create software that enables landlords to coordinate prices rather than compete. It said that RealPage has a monopoly in the rental management software, controlling at least 80% of that market.

“Its dominant position is protected by substantial data advantages due to its massive reservoir of ill-gotten competitively sensitive information from competing landlords,” the lawsuit said. “RealPage replaces competition with coordination. It substitutes unity for rivalry. It subverts competition and the competitive process. It does so openly and directly – and American renters are left paying the price.”

Filed Friday in U.S. District Court in North Carolina, the lawsuit comes at a time of soaring rents in Oregon, especially in the Portland area. Under normal market conditions, renters would benefit from competition among landlords, who would limit hikes when the economy is booming and reduce rents when the economy is tight to make housing more affordable, the lawsuit said. But it said RealPage’s software stymies competition, something that Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said was against the law. 

“RealPage’s use of its AI pricing algorithm effectively acts as a hub for property managers and landlords to share confidential, competitively sensitive information and to engage in a pricing alignment scheme to avoid competition,” Rosenblum said in a statement. “It undermines a fair rental market and constitutes a violation of Oregon and federal antitrust laws (the Sherman Act).”

Jennifer Bowcock, a RealPage spokesperson, said in a statement that the company would “vigorously” defend itself against the allegations. She said its revenue management software was built to be “legally compliant” and that the company had worked “constructively” with the Department of Justice for years and that in 2017, the agency had reviewed its software and not found anything objectionable.

“We believe the claims brought by DOJ are devoid of merit and will do nothing to make housing more affordable,” Bowcock said.

The lawsuit names areas in 24 states – Arizona, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Ohio, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington –  where at least 30% of property managers use RealPage’s software. In Oregon, they include 54,000 units in the Aloha-Beaverton area and in central Portland, where a one-bedroom, one-bath unit can cost more than $2,200 a month.

“Americans should not have to pay more in rent because a company has found a new way to scheme with landlords to break the law,” U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. 

Rosenblum added that housing is a major concern in Oregon, where rents have soared in recent years. 

“At a time when housing affordability is a top concern for Oregonians – and for countless Americans beyond our state’s borders – the issues of fairness and competition could not be more critical,” she said.

Besides Oregon, attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Washington joined the lawsuit.

The U.S. Department of Justice – joined by Oregon and other states – has also filed antitrust lawsuits against Amazon, and Meta, Facebook’s owner. In December, Google agreed to pay $700 million to resolve an antitrust suit involving its Play Store, and in March, the U.S. Department of Justice, Oregon and other states sued Apple, also claiming monopolistic behavior to stem competition. (SOURCE)

Kroger and Albertsons head to court to defend merger plan against US regulators’ objections

Kroger and Albertsons will defend their plan to merge – and try to overcome the U.S. government’s objections – in a federal court hearing scheduled to begin Monday in Oregon.

The two companies proposed what would be the largest supermarket merger in U.S. history in October 2022. They say joining together would help them rein in costs and better compete with big rivals like Walmart and Costco.

But the Federal Trade Commission sued to try to block the deal, saying it would eliminate competition and raise grocery prices in a time of already high food price inflation. The commission also alleged that quality would suffer and workers’ wages and benefits would decline if Kroger and Albertsons no longer competed with each other.

The FTC is seeking a preliminary injunction that would block the merger while its complaint goes before an in-house administrative law judge. In a three-week hearing set to begin Monday, U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson is expected to hear from around 40 witnesses, including the CEOs of Kroger and Albertsons, before deciding whether to issue the injunction.

The attorneys general of Arizona, California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon and Wyoming all joined the case on the FTC’s side.

Kroger, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, operates 2,800 stores in 35 states, including brands like Ralphs, Smith’s and Harris Teeter. Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco and Shaw’s. Together, the companies employ around 710,000 people. (SOURCE)

Oregon Consumer Nonprofit Rolls Out New Legal Services To Help Scam Victims

The nonprofit Oregon Consumer Justice is rolling out new legal services to help people who have fallen victim to illegal scams.

OCJ was established in 2015. Until now, it has been focused on changing public policy in the Oregon Legislature. Now it’s hiring attorneys and opening to the public.

“We’re focused on autos, which is a big thing – purchasing a car, a used car, a new car, or warranties,” OCJ Executive Director Jagjit Nagra explained.

“We’re also looking at debt,” he said. “Whether you’re talking about credit card debt, medical debt, or student loan debt – or you owe money to the government. And finally, we’re looking at insurance.”

Unlike most legal aid organizations, OCJ does not have income requirements. “Our doors are open to anyone and everyone,” Nagra said.

The nonprofit has two lawyers: a paralegal and a researcher. “So we have four people on our legal team,” said Nagra. “That legal team will be growing over the next year or two. I would venture to say maybe doubling in size.”

While that’s good news for struggling consumers, it is not expected to be enough to help everyone who contacts OCJ. “The need in the consumer space is so large that, quite frankly, even if I had 100 lawyers it would be nearly impossible,” Nagra said.

The nonprofit is funded by money that remains unclaimed in class action lawsuits, as well as donations. It recently published a free comic book to help consumers avoid some of the pitfalls involved in buying a used car. (SOURCE)

One person was killed and multiple people were injured in a head-on crash that closed U.S. Highway 20 east of Santiam Pass for several hours Tuesday, authorities said.  

Oregon State Police confirmed a fatality resulted from the two-vehicle head-on crash.  ODOT posted a TripCheck traffic advisory shortly after 11 a.m. of the crash near milepost 83, about two miles east of the Santiam Pass summit. Motorists were advised to use an alternate route.

The location is about eight miles east of Santiam Junction and 17 miles west of Sisters.

A 38-year-old Portland Public Schools math teacher thought he was chatting with a 13-year-old girl when he launched into a sexual roleplay and discussed driving to California to meet her, court records show.

Portland police and federal agents arrested Craig Douglas-Meyers at his Montavilla neighborhood home Friday following a tip from a Yorba City, California, police detective who had posed as an underage girl on an online chat forum last month, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Douglas-Meyers, who is expected to be arraigned Monday afternoon on a single felony charge of luring a minor, is now on paid leave from his $96,500-a-year position at Hosford Middle School, according to a district spokesperson.

Following his arrest, the longtime teacher told investigators he had hidden his illicit cybersex habit from his wife, claiming the conversations were “just pretend” and a form of stress relief.

The future of grasshopper and cricket control in Oregon is in the air after a district judge ruled against the overuse of pesticides by a federal agency.

Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Marco Hernandez in U.S. District Court in Portland ruled that the U.S. Department of Agriculture had failed to consider controlling the pests with methods other than pesticides as required by law.

The USDA sprays pesticides on millions of acres in the West every year — including wide swaths of Oregon — to constrict the spread of insects, which can decimate crops and rangeland used by cattle.  Farmers have long struggled with the pests, with infestations rising in recent years.

Southern and eastern Oregon have dealt with some of the worst plagues of grasshoppers in decades that have destroyed millions of acres of farmland and killed crops that fuels their livelihoods.  But the two environmental groups that in May 2022 brought the suit — Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and the Center for Biological Diversity — say pesticides do harm in the long run.

Oregon is poised to undergo a significant policy shift on September 1, as House Bill 4002 comes into effect, reinstating criminal penalties for the possession of hard drugs.

This new legislation marks a substantial reversal from Measure 110, which was passed in 2020 and decriminalized the possession of small amounts of various drugs while emphasizing treatment over criminalization.  House Bill 4002 seeks to undo many of the changes enacted by Measure 110, particularly regarding hard drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

Under the new law, possession of these substances will again be subject to criminal charges, a move supporters believe will address concerns about public safety and drug misuse.  Proponents of House Bill 4002 argue that reinstating criminal penalties is crucial for creating a clear deterrent against public drug use. They assert that this approach will ensure that individuals are aware of the serious consequences associated with drug possession, potentially leading to reduced drug use and improved public safety.

Local police officials have also voiced their support for the bill, stating that it will provide them with necessary tools to address drug-related issues more effectively.

Previously, under Measure 110, law enforcement had limited options beyond referring individuals to treatment programs, a situation they believe left gaps in their ability to intervene. However, the shift back to criminalization has faced significant criticism.

Opponents argue that reinstating criminal penalties could undermine the progress made in treating drug addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. They worry that this approach may lead to increased incarceration rates among individuals struggling with substance abuse, potentially worsen social and economic challenges.

Mt. Bachelor Ski Area Up For Sale

Bachelor ski area has decided to put it and two other properties up for sale, the company confirmed Thursday. Officials at Powdr Corp., the Utah-based corporation that has owned Mt. Bachelor since 2001, said it could take six months or longer for a sale to go through.

“The upcoming ski season and Bachelor’s employees will not be impacted,” said Stacey Hutchinson, Powdr Corp. vice president of communications and government affairs.

In the next few weeks Mt. Bachelor, Eldora ski resort in Colorado and SilverStar in British Columbia will be listed with JP Morgan Chase. The company has already sold Killington Resort and Pico Mountain in Vermont. It is retaining its ownership in Copper Mountain in Colorado and Snowbird resort in Utah, as well as the Woodward brand, which includes camps and ski mountain centers and two national park concession contracts.

When Powdr Corp. merged with Mount Bachelor ski area in 2001 it outbid the Pape Co. of Eugene, according to The Bulletin’s reporting in 2001. It wasn’t until years later, in 2016, that Powdr purchased Sun Country Tours, also based in Bend and for sale. With that acquisition, the ski area was able to expand summer activities that were approved by the U.S. Forest Service.

Mt. Bachelor ski area has 4,300 acres of lift-accessible terrain, making it the seventh largest ski area in North America, according to the company website. It’s popular because of its light, dry snow and long season. Generally the season begins right after Thanksgiving and runs through spring. Each year it gets about 400 inches of snow.

Share your experiences and thoughts on e-bikes in Oregon State Park survey

SALEM, Oregon— Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is inviting the community to share their experiences and opinions on electric assisted bicycle (e-bike) and other electric micromobility (e-micromobility) devices in an online survey through Aug. 31. 

OPRD is seeing an increase in the use of e-bikes and e-micromobility devices in Oregon State Parks, which can present both opportunities and challenges. 

Earlier this year, the Oregon Legislature adopted a 3-class classification system for e-bikes based on the type of motor, level of electric assistance and speed capabilities. OPRD plans to update its e-bike rules later this year in line with these changes. 

Currently, electric assisted bicycles that fit the definition under Oregon law (ORS 801.258) may ride on bicycle trails 8 feet and wider unless otherwise marked at Oregon State Parks or on beaches where motor vehicles are allowed. However, e-bikes, when used by a person with a mobility-related disability, are considered other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMD) by the ADA, which means they’re allowed for accessibility. 

By participating in this survey now, the public can inform OPRD about their current e-bike and e-micromobility use, concerns and opinions. Additional opportunities for public involvement will be available through the rulemaking process. 

This online survey only takes a few minutes to complete. Respondents can also choose to enter a drawing for an annual state parks parking permit upon completing the survey. Responses will be accepted until midnight August 31, 2024.

Taking part in this survey will help the agency gain a better understanding of the role of electric devices in outdoor recreation. 

OPRD encourages everyone to follow the rules and guidelines for riding safely in Oregon State Parks. Learn more about riding safely at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=v.feature-article&articleId=350.

Seeking proposals to run Smith Creek Village, other concessions at Silver Falls

SILVERTON, Oregon—Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking proposals to operate Smith Creek Village retreat center, South Falls Café and two historic ranches at Silver Falls State Park.

Smith Creek Village is a retreat center on the south side of Silver Falls that includes lodging (13 cabins and 4 lodges) and a restaurant with a commercial kitchen, dining room and seating area with lots of natural light

“Silver Falls is one of the crown jewels of the park system, and this is an incredible opportunity to be a part of this breath-taking destination,” said Willamette Valley District Manager Sarah Steele.

The park is one of the most popular in the state with an estimated 1.5 million day-use visits per year and features the nationally recognized Trail of Ten Falls. 

In 2021, OPRD signed an agreement with Silver Falls Hospitality to run two services— Smith Creek Village and the historic ranches—and a separate agreement with Oregon Commission for the Blind to run South Falls Café. Both contracts will expire at the end of October, prompting a new request for proposals. The new 10-year contract will include all three business opportunities.

The opportunity includes:

• Smith Creek Village, a retreat at the south end of the park with a restaurant, dining area, and lodging including 13 individual cabins and four group overnight lodges as well as outdoor event space, historic buildings, meeting areas and a commercial kitchen. 
• South Falls Café, a popular café near the trailhead for the Trail of Ten Falls with a full kitchen and indoor and patio space at the South Falls Lodge. Concession services at the South Falls Café currently include casual dining, food to go, and snacks for picnicking and hiking. 
• The Davidson Ranch and the Foothills Ranch, two large overnight facilities with commercial kitchens for private retreats and group lodging for weddings and other gatherings. 

OPRD is looking for a business or individual to run all three opportunities. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30. OPRD will host an open house 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 16, and 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 17 for prospective concessionaires. Registration is required. Email utler@oprd.oregon.gov“>Winona Butler by 2 p.m. Aug. 14 to register.

Silver Falls is expected to see continued growth with work now underway to develop the North Gateway: a new campground, visitor center and park improvements slated to open in 2026. 

The park offers everything from camping, hiking and biking to picnicking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Several of the park’s structures date back to the Civilian Conservation Corps established in 1933. The architecture features the now-iconic look of stone facades and timber beams seen at Silver Falls Lodge. 

Those who are interested in learning more can contact Contract Specialist Winona Butler at utler@oprd.oregon.gov“>winona.butler@oprd.oregon.gov or go OPRD’s website and click on the Silver Falls Concession Opportunity. The deadline to apply is Aug. 30, 2024.

Photos of the properties are available for download. 

Act now to secure Summer EBT benefits – Deadline is 9/2/2024

(Salem) – As summer begins to wind down, families have a limited window to secure essential food assistance through the new Summer EBT program. The program offers $120 per child to help cover grocery costs when school food programs are not as easy to access. With the application deadline quickly approaching on Sept. 2, 2024, it’s crucial for eligible families to act now.

Thousands of families may be unaware that they qualify for this essential benefit. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) are urging families to check their eligibility and apply before the deadline. Remember, once benefits are received, you have 122 days to use them.

Most eligible children received their benefits automatically on June 28, 2024, if their households:

• Participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Participate in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Are Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in households with incomes under 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level 

Children in foster care also automatically received Summer EBT. 

However, families who did not receive benefits automatically, particularly those with children in Head Start programs that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs, should still apply to determine their eligibility.

Families are encouraged to visit sebt.oregon.gov or contact the Summer EBT Call Center at 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328) to verify their eligibility and apply. ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht said, “Making sure children have access to nutritious food throughout the summer is critical. This small action could provide significant support to families in Oregon.” 

Interview with ODHS Director Fariborz Pakseresht

Since June 28, 2024, more than 329,000 eligible school-aged children have been issued $39.5 million in Summer EBT food benefits. More than 60 percent of families receiving benefits in the initial issuance were able to immediately use benefits on existing Oregon EBT cards; the rest received new cards in July.

“The results of the Summer EBT launch so far have far exceeded our expectations, but we know that there are many more families out there who have children who may be eligible for the $120 Summer EBT benefit,” ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams said. “We encourage our schools and Summer Meals providers to have flyers on site to raise awareness and get our families the benefits they qualify for.”

Interview with ODE Director Dr. Charlene Williams

Act now and don’t let this opportunity pass by. Make sure your family receives the assistance it deserves by applying for Summer EBT before Sept. 2, 2024.

To learn more:

• Call 833-ORE-SEBT (833-673-7328). The call center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
• Visit sebt.oregon.gov.

SNAP Double Up Food Bucks Benefits for Oregon Residents

You can use  Double Up  dollars when purchasing eligible items at participating farmers markets across the state. Just bring your SNAP EBT card with you to a participating farmers market and visit the information booth before you begin to shop.

Adapted from the Fair Food Network’s national model, Oregon Double Up Food Bucks makes it easy for low-income Oregonians to eat more fruits and vegetables while supporting family farmers and local economies. Double Up is Oregon’s first statewide incentive program, designed to be convenient for shoppers.

The program doubles the value of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (sometimes called “SNAP” or “food stamps”) benefits at participating farmers markets, grocery stores, and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms so shoppers can bring home more fresh produce.

Double Up is currently offered at over 85 farmers market locations, 35 grocery stores and more than 40 CSA farms across the state — with new locations joining the program each year.

For every $1 in SNAP you spend, you will get $1 of Double Up Food Bucks to spend on more fresh fruits and vegetables, up to $20 per transaction. For example: if you spend $20 in SNAP benefits, you’ll get an extra $20 free that you can use to buy more produce. Learn more at OregonFoodBank.org/DoubleUp.

Oregon Wildlife Agencies Want Your Help Tracking Roadkill

This summer, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Zoo started asking Oregonians to do their own tracking and upload pictures of roadkill.

“The state wants to get a better idea about where different animals, different species are getting struck and killed by cars,” said Rachel Wheat, the ODFW wildlife connectivity coordinator.

If Oregon’s naturalists can identify roadkill hotspots, then maybe the state can reduce the number of animals killed in interactions with people each year by removing vegetation that attracts wildlife to a specific area or by building a wildlife crossing.

Roadways and vehicular traffic are a significant contributor to fragmentation of habitat and impacts to wildlife, including injury and mortality. The purpose of this project is to improve our understanding of the impacts of roads on Oregon’s wildlife, and to identify roadkill hot spots and vulnerabilities among a diversity of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. This information can help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions and make roadways safer.

To sign up and for more information visit: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/roadkills-of-oregon

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com