Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 9/30 – $14.6 Million of Delayed Federal Funding for Columbia Memorial Hospital’s Expansion Project Finally Released by FEMA, Florence Chamber Hosts Ambassador Conference & 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, September 30, 2026

Oregon Beach Weather

Here’s the overview of our weather outlook, but be sure to check out what we’re predicting in your area: https://www.farmersalmanac.com/extended-forecast

Please pay close attention to the weather conditions across the state.

$14.6 Million of Delayed Federal Funding for Columbia Memorial Hospital’s Expansion Project Finally Released by FEMA

On Monday Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Oregon’s U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, and Oregon State Representative Cyrus Javadi (D-Tillamook) announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released $14,567,624 in federal funds for Clatsop County and Columbia Memorial Hospital (CMH) to build a tsunami-resilient hospital expansion in Astoria, featuring a vertical evacuation structure for 1,900 people.

CMH had received an award for the expansion under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program — which provides grants for hazard mitigation planning and projects that reduce risks posed by natural hazards to communities — but faced roadblocks to accessing the funding after the Trump Administration suspended the BRIC program in 2025. Following legal challenges and advocacy by Oregon lawmakers, CMH’s BRIC funding has finally been released.

Clatsop County welcomes the release of more than $14.5 million in federal funding for Columbia Memorial Hospital’s expansion project in Astoria, clearing a major hurdle for construction of a more disaster-resilient hospital and vertical tsunami evacuation structure.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency funding will support resilience features incorporated into the new hospital, including a deep-pile foundation and a vertical evacuation structure designed to accommodate up to 1,900 people. Critical infrastructure, including generators and the hospital’s helipad, will also be located above the tsunami inundation zone.

“This victory was made possible by an extraordinary, multi-level coalition that showcases the true power of local, state, and federal collaboration,” said Mark Kujala, Chair of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners. “Our community kept this project front and center, and people at every level of government continued working together to make sure this critical funding was restored.”

The hospital expansion is designed not only to strengthen health care services on the North Coast, but also to provide critical infrastructure following a major earthquake and tsunami. The vertical evacuation structure will offer refuge for hospital patients, staff, visitors, and members of the surrounding community during a tsunami.

The release of the federal funding completes a critical piece of the project budget and allows work on the hospital’s disaster-resilience features to move forward.

Florence Chamber Hosts Ambassador Conference

The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the 2026 Oregon State Chamber Ambassador Conference October 1st through 3rd at Three Rivers Casino Resort. The annual event will bring Chamber Ambassador volunteers from communities across Oregon to Florence for leadership training, professional development, and networking.

Chamber President and CEO Bettina Hannigan says the conference is an opportunity to showcase Florence as a destination for meetings and conventions while generating business for local hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions. Organizers expect hundreds of attendees from throughout the state.

Local Action, Regional Impact: Volunteers Clean Beaches, Rivers and Community Spaces

From September 18 through September 27, communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington came together for SOLVE’s annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup.

During a 10-day volunteer effort, 1,553 volunteers participated in 96 cleanup and restoration projects across 15 counties, contributing more than 3,100 hours of service.

Projects took place in Clackamas, Clark, Clatsop, Coos, Curry, Deschutes, Jackson, Lane, Lincoln, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, and Yamhill counties.

Together, volunteers removed nearly 9,000 pounds of litter and debris, helping prevent pollution from traveling through local waterways to beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Volunteers also cleared over 9,450 square feet of invasive species, an area larger than three tennis courts, and mulched 300 plants to support healthier habitats and more resilient landscapes.

“Every year, Beach & Riverside Cleanup shows what is possible when people unite to care for the places they call home,” said Kris Carico, CEO of SOLVE. “This year, we saw that community action take many forms, from cleaning beaches and rivers to removing invasive plants and caring for neighborhood spaces. These local efforts add up to a meaningful regional impact.”

Oregon Coast: Cleaning Up for People and Wildlife – Along the Oregon Coast, 25 cleanup events from Astoria/Warrenton to Gold Beach invited volunteers to remove litter and marine debris from beaches, shorelines and coastal recreation areas.

Several projects connected cleanup efforts directly to wildlife protection. At Siltcoos Beach, volunteers helped remove marine debris near protected western snowy plover nesting habitat, while other coastal projects focused on keeping beaches and coastal recreation areas clean and safe for wildlife and visitors. In Gold Beach, Paws for Nature combined a community beach cleanup with a dog walk, giving people and their four-legged companions a chance to care for the coastline.

Thank You to Our Volunteers and Partners – SOLVE extends its gratitude to the volunteers, event leaders, business partners and organizations who made the 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup possible. Their time and effort helped make a visible difference across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

SOLVE’s 2026 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is proudly supported by Clean Water Services, Kaiser Permanente, Knife River, Keep America Beautiful, Metro, Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, Owens Corning, Portco Packaging, Tillamook, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., and KOIN.

To learn more about SOLVE and find upcoming volunteer opportunities, visit solve.org.

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 solve.org for more information or follow SOLVEPNW on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. 

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is holding four public meetings to receive input on the 2027 Recreational Bottomfish and Pacific Halibut Seasons.

ODFW staff will be hosting in person meetings October 5, 6, 7, and 8 to discuss the 2027 recreational bottomfish and Pacific halibut seasons with anglers. The meeting on October 8 will be a hybrid meeting, available for folks to participate in person or remotely (online), for those unable to attend any of the meetings in person.

The meetings will be held in four locations:

• Tillamook: Monday, October 5, 6-8 pm at the ODFW Office, 4907 3rd St., Tillamook
• Brookings: Tuesday, October 6, 6-8 pm at the Port Meeting Room at the Port of Brookings, 16330 Lower Harbor Road
• North Bend: Wednesday, October 7, 6-8 pm at the North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Avenue
• Newport: Thursday, October 8, 6-8 pm at ODFW Marine Resources Program Conference Room, 2040 SE Marine Science Drive (also available online, info below)

Discussion on the bottomfish fishery will reflect on how the fishery has progressed in 2026. We will also be discussing bag limits and season structure for 2027, including the potential allowance of limited retention of yelloweye rockfish now that that species has been declared rebuilt by the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Discussion on the Pacific halibut fishery will focus on the proposals that will be adopted at the September meeting of the Pacific Fisheries Management Council for further public review.

ODFW staff will have the meeting materials posted on the recreational bottomfish and Pacific halibut webpages by Friday, October 2.

The online meeting information for October 8:

Microsoft Teams Need help? Join the meeting Meeting ID: 211 115 957 295 009 Passcode: fe2Cm72o

Dial in by phone — +1 503-446-4951,,525043499# United States, Portland Phone conference ID: 525 043 499#

ODFW provides reasonable accommodation upon request, including assistive listening devices, sign language interpreters, and materials in large print or audiotape. To request accommodation, please contact the Marine Resource Program at 541-867-4741 (voice) or 541-867-0311 (fax) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Voters in the Florence area will decide in November whether to renew an expiring levy for ambulance services.

Florence-area voters will decide this November whether to renew the Western Lane Ambulance District operational levy, which keeps the property tax rate unchanged at $45 per $100,000 of assessed value.

]Key Levy Details

• Service Area: Covers nearly 700 square miles, including all of coastal Lane County and surrounding rural, inland areas.
• Call Volume: Handles approximately 5,000 emergency medical calls and 3,700 ambulance transports each year.
• Fund Usage: Maintains and fuels three ambulances, purchases life-saving equipment and medications, and covers staffing for paramedics, dispatch, operations, and training.
• Taxpayer Impact: The cost remains flat at $45 per $100,000 of assessed property value if approved.

This fall, the Siuslaw region has the opportunity to donate learning materials, cleaning supplies, and fun items to area child care providers and early learning educators.

The Siuslaw Vision Child Care Working Group’s “Back to School Fall Supply Drive” is gathering items to directly benefit our local children and their education. This is your chance to spread joy, foster creativity, and support the youngest minds in our community. The drive will run from Monday, September 14, to Friday, October 16, 2026.

Child care providers Wildflower Montessori School, Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool, Little Blue Birds, Stepping Stones, Breanna Daycare, Head Start of Lane County, Mapleton Community Preschool, and in-home providers have created a list of their needs this fall.

People can donate by swinging by collection at Banner Bank, Bi-Mart, BeauxArts Fine Art Materials, Coastal Fitness, Columbia Bank, First Community Credit Union, Fred Meyer, Grocery Outlet, the Florence Visitors Center, Jawsome Kids Resale, and True Value Hardware.

The “Back to School Fall Supply Drive” is hosted by the Siuslaw Vision Child Care Working Group and sponsored by True Value Hardware, Siuslaw Childcare Friends, the City of Florence, and Siuslaw Vision. Learn more at https://siuslawvision.org/childcare/

Join us for the Curry Infusion Center Ribbon-Cutting Celebration on Saturday, October 10, from 12:30–2:00 p.m.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m. at the Curry Infusion Center, located on the southeast corner of Curry General Hospital, 94220 4th Street, Gold Beach.

Following the ceremony, the community is invited to tour the new Infusion Center and enjoy refreshments at Bethany Lutheran Church, 94190 5th Street, Gold Beach.

Come celebrate this important milestone for cancer care on the southern Oregon coast and the extraordinary community support that helped make it possible!

Charleston Marina repairs

The emergency comes as the port juggles maintenance and construction projects across its operations, many of them at the Charleston Marina.

The Oregon Transportation Commission is expected to make its final decision in December. ODOT is taking public comments through Sept. 25.

The marina’s ice plant, which supplies the commercial fishing fleet, was down for a week in late August after a part broke loose inside the machinery. Staff fabricated temporary replacement parts to get the plant running again. Permanent parts are not expected until November.

The port is seeking a $2.3 million state grant to replace the Charleston shipyard’s marine ways, a system used to haul boats out of the water for repairs. The project would cost $3.3 million.

A state review committee ranked 35 applications this month and recommended about a dozen for funding, including Charleston. The program has less money to give out than expected after the Legislature redirected $42 million from it in March to help close a budget shortfall.

Marina Manager Ray Dwire told commissioners the Charleston project ranked well despite the reduction.

“We still ended up very, very good in the runnings,” he said.

New Tsunami Guidance Could Save Lives on the Oregon Coast

A major earthquake along Oregon’s coast could give people just minutes to escape a tsunami, leaving some coastal communities with little time to reach higher ground.

In response, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management has developed new guidance designed to help communities determine where vertical evacuation structures are needed and how they can be built.

In the event of a major tsunami triggered by a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake, dispatchers at the Oregon Department of Emergency Management would help coordinate rescue efforts.

Oregon faces a two-fold threat along the coast: an earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone followed by a tsunami.

An earthquake could last three to five minutes, according to Bridget Good with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management.

A large earthquake would trigger a tsunami, potentially leaving some people with little time to reach higher ground.

A vertical evacuation structure is a structure built within the tsunami zone that is designed to provide safety above the inundation level, Good said. Such structures could take several forms, including a tower, hospital, school or apartment complex.

There are currently three vertical evacuation structures in the U.S.: two in Washington and one in Oregon at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.

The structures can provide elevated areas during a tsunami, but some coastal communities are far enough from high ground that reaching it could take too long.

Oregon needs at least 20 more structures along the coast, said Stephen Richardson with the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, but the structures are expensive.

The state’s new guidance is intended to help communities determine where the structures are needed. It also addresses questions about how buildings would withstand the first wave and how they would accommodate people with disabilities. For example, the guidance considers accessibility needs in emergencies when elevators may not operate.

The goal is to give coastal communities another option when they may have only minutes to react.

Officials say knowing where to go before the shaking begins could make all the difference when a major Cascadia earthquake strikes. (SOURCE)

Construction on the new 86-room Braun Hospitality hotel in Florence is moving into its final stages.

Matt Braun says the building’s exterior envelope is complete, interior painting is underway, and crews will begin site concrete work, including curbs and sidewalks, next week. Braun says favorable weather has also helped keep the project on budget and allowed savings to be redirected toward additions including a mural, outdoor fire pit and locally produced artwork.

Substantial construction is expected to wrap up in mid-December, with furnishings and equipment installed in January. Braun says the hotel will begin hiring late this year and expects to employ about 22 to 24 people when fully staffed. The hotel is currently expected to reach final completion around January 18th.

Homes For Good Planning Affordable Housing in Florence

Homes for Good is moving forward with plans for a new affordable housing development on Quince Street in Florence. Project developer Marissa Johnson says the proposed Field on Quince project would include three residential buildings with 88 units, including a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments.

About 70 to 73 units are currently planned for households at 50-percent of area median income, with another 15 to 18 units designated as workforce housing. The nearly seven-acre site at 505 Quince Street would also include community spaces, gardens, play areas, dog runs, bicycle storage and a connection to the estuary trail.

Homes for Good is now preparing its application for an Oregon Housing and Community Services impact assessment, with financial closing typically taking one to two years. with construction to begin within the next 4 years

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Honeyman Memorial State Park closed in early 2027 for tree removal

Oregon State Parks will remove over 150 dead or unhealthy trees in Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park campground and day use area. During the removal work, the campground will be closed for several days. The length of the closure and exact timing is still being determined.

“OPRD implements a hazard tree inspection program that is crucial for identifying trees that are exhibiting signs of health decline and could become hazardous to people and infrastructure,” said Kathryn Charlton, Coastal Region Forester.

The project will take about a month and a half beginning in January 2027. A hired contractor will remove approximately 20 dead and unhealthy trees from Cleawox day use area around Cleawox Lake. They will remove about another 145 trees with declining health and structural issues from the campground area. Specifically, Loop H will see the removal of around 55 shore pines and several large Sitka spruce with decay and structural issues will be removed in Loops A, B and C.

As part of Oregon State Parks’ commitment to safety and stewardship, tree maintenance and removal is a regular occurrence. Information about the closure will be posted on the park web page and Oregon State Parks social media.

“We are providing this early notice so folks can plan accordingly with their camping plans,” said Park Manager Ryan Warren. “This campground is a popular destination, so we wanted to give visitors advance notice of this hazard tree project.”

Oregon State Parks will donate some of the logs from these trees to Suislaw Soil and Water Conservation District and Smith River Watershed Council l to place in streams for riparian and aquatic habitat restoration efforts. For some of these large trees, a short portion of the lower stem will be left standing to become snag. Snags provide food, nesting and denning resources for wildlife such as birds and small mammals that use the park as habitat.

Reedsport Fire Department Seeks Volunteer Ham Radio Operators

The Reedsport Volunteer Fire Department is looking for volunteers interested in becoming licensed ham radio operators to support emergency communications in western Douglas County. Training is online and offered at no charge.

The Reedsport Volunteer Fire Department is looking for volunteers interested in becoming licensed ham radio operators to support emergency communications in western Douglas County.

The volunteers would work with the Western Douglas County Emergency Operations Center, located at the Reedsport Fire Station at 2680 Frontage Road.

According to the department, training is offered online at no charge. A background check is required for anyone interested in the volunteer positions.

Ham radio operators can play an important role during major emergencies, especially when normal communication systems are down. In those situations, radio operators may help keep local emergency officials connected with county, state and federal agencies.

The department said the positions are vital because ham radio could become one of the last available ways to communicate during an emergency incident.

Anyone interested in learning more can contact Melvina Adolf at 928-200-0979 or the Reedsport Fire Department at 541-271-2423.

Oregon Whale Sightings

Oregon Whale Sightings is a fun place to hear about and report cetaceans along our beautiful coastline.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1176168644064352/

Puffins on the Oregon Coast

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.

Organized by the Haystack Rock Awareness Program and Friends of Haystack Rock, the free event will not only celebrate the return of the puffins to their Oregon nesting grounds but also give the public the chance to spy on the birds as well. Interpretive rangers will be on hand with binoculars and spotting scopes to help people safely observe the tufted puffins.

Donor Offers $50K Reward in 40-Year-Old Case of Missing Oregon Coast Teen

Lincoln County authorities hope the recent offer from an anonymous donor of a $50,000 reward will lead to the remains of a 17-year-old Siletz girl who was last seen walking on U.S. 20 more than four decades ago.

An anonymous donor put up money hoping it will spur information that leads not only to Kelly Disney’s remains but also to the conviction of her killer, according to the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office.

The DA’s Office has confirmed that an anonymous donor offered the reward for any information leading to Disney’s remains and/or the conviction of her killer.

Information can be submitted anonymously at 541-265-0669 or online at FindKellyDisney@co.lincoln.or.us

READ MORE on CASE: https://lincolnchronicle.org/15597-2/

Nearly 50 years after the bodies of two teens from Alaska were found on the Oregon coast, authorities are still seeking answers into the unsolved case.

In 1978, Teresa M. Krause and Elena Jacobs were reported missing by the Tongue Point Job Corps center in Astoria.

Later that year, their bodies were found in the area of Del Rey Beach near Gearhart. Alisha Holland and Josh McCulloug, co-hosts of the Murder in the Rain podcast, joined us on AM Extra’s True Crime Tuesday to look back at the unsolved double homicide. https://www.murderintherain.com

Wildlife Center of the North Coast · We need your help! 

Make a difference in wildlife rescue! Join our Wild at Heart Membership Program starting at just $5/month. Help us save lives! https://coastwildlife.org/wild-at-heart/

It’s been a busy summer here at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast, and our rehab clinic has gone through lots of supplies caring for patients!!

->> To help us restock and stay prepared for the next wave of wildlife in need, we’ve updated our Amazon Wishlist with the items we need most. https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA

Every donation—big or small—goes directly to helping orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife get a second chance at life. Check out our wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LU97SQA0VPZA Thank you for being part of our wildlife rescue family! 

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.

Gleneden Beach Community Club Events

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

Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Follow on Facebook: Emergency Volunteer Corps of Nehalem Bay

Oregon Food Bank · Find free food sites near you using OregonFoodFinder.org.

If you can’t make it to a food location, someone else can pick up food for you.You will just need to print and fill out the Authorized Representative form at https://lnkd.in/dsskUpkQ, and have them take it with them to the food sites. You can find step-by-step instructions at https://lnkd.in/dVBRxn-A.

Worried about recent changes or losing assistance?

Here are resources that can help:

211Info:  Dial 2-1-1 or visit the211Info food webpagefor information and referrals to more than 1,500 food resources across Oregon.

Oregon Food Bank:  Use the Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder Mapto find over 100 food pantries, free food markets or hot meal programs near you. 

Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon (ADRC): Call 855-673-2372 or visit theADRC food webpage to find local meal programs and food boxes in your area. 

Oregon Department of Human Services – Many Oregonians may qualify for SNAP work or activity rule exemptions without realizing it

Could you qualify for an exemption to SNAP work or activity rules? Contact us so we can talk about your situation and your options! Common reasons people might qualify include:- You’re pregnant.- You’re physically or mentally unable to work.- You’re already working enough hours to meet the requirement.- You’re participating in a qualifying education or training program.- You have moved to an exempt county or waived Tribal land.- You are responsible for caring for a child or another person, depending on their circumstances.

Learn more about exemptions in this news release: https://apps.oregon.gov/…/many-oregonians-may-qualify…Or visit https://oregon.gov/snapworkrules to find information about SNAP work rules and more.

9/30/2026 — Gas Prices in Oregon Today

Oregon, the 2026 General Elections Voter’s Pamphlet is now available to preview online at oregonvotes.gov/voterspamphlet. The Oregon Voters’ Pamphlet is a source of information about candidates, measures, and voting rules. Translated copies will be published Friday, October 9, and printed pamphlets will be delivered between October 7 and October 9.

Governor Tina Kotek and Senator Christine Drazan, R-Canby, will face off October 1 at the University of Oregon in their first debate ahead of the November 3 election

The university is partnering with KVAL, the Oregon Journalism Project and Lookout Eugene-Springfield for the event, which starts at 6 p.m. and will be live streamed.

Despite the debate taking place on UO’s campus, it will not feature a live audience.

UO’s School of Journalism and Communications will host a watch party in conjunction with the university’s Wayne Morse Center for Law and Politics, the City Club of Eugene and the Springfield City Club. 

Drazan and Kotek are set to debate two more times before the Nov. 3 election. KOBI and Southern Oregon University will hold a debate in Medford on Oct. 7. The pair will meet again Oct. 13 in Bend, at a debate hosted by KTVZ and The Source.

2026 Preparedness Events — Ready Fair

To cap off Preparedness Month, OEM invites the public to attend the Ready Fair on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, in Salem. This free, family-friendly event is designed to help our communities build resilience and preparedness.

The Ready Fair will bring together subject-matter experts and community partners to share practical tips and resources aligned with OEM’s Be 2 Weeks Ready program. 

What to Expect: 

• Expert-Led Booths on emergency alerts, food and water planning, sanitation, and more 
• Interactive Activitiesincluding a fun, earthquake-themed escape room and shake simulator. 
• Preparedness for All Ageswith kid-friendly stations and hands-on learning. 
• Food Trucksand a chance to win a fully stocked emergency go-bag for your family. 

Event Details: 

• Date:Saturday, October 10, 2026 
• Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 
• Location:3930 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE, Salem, Oregon 97302 
• Cost:FREE and open to the public 

In addition to the Ready Fair, OEM is encouraging people to participate in the Great Oregon ShakeOut: October 15, 2026, at 10:16 AM (local time). Join millions of people across Oregon to practice earthquake safety. The ShakeOut is a fast, simple drill to help you learn how to Drop, Cover and Hold On.

And the Great Oregon Camp-In: October 16–18, 2026. Held the weekend after the ShakeOut, the Camp-In is an at-home preparedness exercise where households practice living without utilities, refine emergency plans and test their supplies. Participate for a few hours or the entire weekend.

“Community preparedness is strongest when people feel informed, supported, and empowered,” OEM’s Community Preparedness Coordinator Kayla Thompson, said. “Our goal is to meet Oregonians where they are, provide accessible resources, and encourage everyday steps that build resilience long before an emergency happens.”

For more information on Preparedness Month and the Be 2 Weeks Ready campaign, visit www.oregon.gov/oem.  

PACIFIC NORTHWEST WILDFIRE UPDATE

The 2026 Oregon wildfire season has officially broken historical records, burning 2.1 million acres across the state and costing an estimated $1.4 billion in suppression efforts. While the peak of this extreme season has concluded, minor local incidents, regional containment efforts, and prescribed fall burning remain active.

Fire Activity & Containment Updates

• Grasshopper Fire & Austin Fire: Major containment milestones have been reached. Both the Grasshopper Fire (93,972 acres near Dufur) and the Austin Fire (12,889 acres near Estacada) are now 98% contained. Daily updates for these incidents are concluding as management transitions down to local Type 3 incident teams.
• Hatch Grade Fire (Border Incident): Just across the Oregon/Washington border, southwestern Walla Walla County is actively battling the Hatch Grade Fire, which rapidly expanded overnight to 5,000 acres. Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations were expanded for the Reese, Touchet, and Gardena areas, with state mobilization authorized.
• Prescribed Burn Kickoff: Due to shifting seasonal weather, regional fire teams are transitioning to fuel-reduction efforts. The Deschutes National Forest and Malheur National Forest have initiated fall prescribed burn units, including the Starr 33 project area in Bear Valley.

Although regional precipitation has reduced active perimeters, forest and fire officials warn that fire season is not officially over. Backyard burning remains strictly prohibited in several fire districts across Oregon to prevent new human-caused ignitions. You can cross-reference local fire footprints using the interactive Wildfire Explorer Fire Map.

Oregon Division of Financial Regulation keeps pause on cancellations in place by extending wildfire emergency order another 30 days

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) has extended the wildfire emergency order and bulletin a second time for 30 days to Oct. 29. The order was set to expire Sept. 29. The division initially issued the order in late July for people affected by the state’s wildfire situation and extended it 30 days in late August.

The ZIP codes listed in the bulletin remain covered.  As a reminder, this order requires all property and casualty insurance companies to take proactive measures to protect people in wildfire affected areas.

The order: • Suspends cancellations and nonrenewals 

• Establishes a grace period for premium payments for all insurance policies issued, delivered, or covering a risk in the affected areas

• Extends deadlines for policyholders to report claims or submit other claims-related communications

• Requires all insurers to take all practicable steps to provide opportunities for policyholders to report claims 

If your home or property was damaged by the wildfires, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to discuss your situation and learn next steps. If you still have concerns, the division’s consumer advocates are here to help. Call 888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. 

Visit the DFR’s wildfire insurance resource page to view the order, bulletin, and more insurance information. ### About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov. 

Last Day for The public (9/30) to submit comments on the 350-page draft proposal. Submit comments on the revised Blue Mountain Forest Plan > here.

The U.S. Forest Service’s proposed revisions to the Blue Mountain Forest Plan would allow more logging and taking older trees in the name of wildfire prevention

Officials at the U.S. Forest Service are proposing new management plans for eastern Oregon’s Blue Mountains that include potentially tripling the amount of logging across 5.5 million acres in the next decade.

The Forest Service published a draft of proposed changes to the 35-year-old Blue Mountain Forest Plan last week. It would allow more logging, mining and grazing across four national forests spread across eastern Oregon, as well as parts of southeast Washington: the Malheur, Ochoco, Wallowa-Whitman and Umatilla National Forests.

The draft plan describes increases in logging and animal grazing as important to local economies and to preventing wildfire.

It predicts everything from habitat conservation to forest carbon storage would improve over the long term if more logging is allowed because strategically logging and grazing parts of the forest would prevent wildfire, which officials characterize as the biggest threat to habitat and forest loss.

Environmental advocates disagree with the framing.

The Blue Mountains encompass Oregon’s largest protected wilderness areas. Conservation groups have expressed concern and outrage over the draft management plan, which they say could exacerbate area drought and water quality issues, wildfire risks and impact habitat for elk, wolverine, wolves, moose, owls and salmon.

“This plan seeks to open up and pillage one of the wildest places left in the U.S.,” Lauren Anderson, a climate forests manager at the nonprofit Oregon Wild, said in a statement. “The Trump administration is already taking a hatchet to protections for water, wildlife and the public’s voice. This plan is that philosophy in action, putting at risk the very values that make the Blue Mountains special.”

Bev Law, a forest scientist and professor emerita at Oregon State University who has studied extensively the potential forest carbon storage in Oregon forests, found that protected wilderness areas in the Blue Mountains contain the second highest proportion of above-ground carbon stocks in all of Oregon’s protected wilderness areas.

Nick Smith, a spokesperson for the American Forest Resource Council, a trade association representing the timber industry, said in a statement that the group is still reviewing the proposed updates but that change is overdue.

“These national forests face some of the highest wildfire, insect and disease risks in the West. At the same time, the region is steadily losing the sawmills, logging contractors and the skilled workforce needed to carry out active forest management and provide markets for the material that needs to come out of the woods,” he said.

The draft Blue Mountain Management Plan proposal also includes rescinding a 32-year-old rule called the Eastside Screens that prohibits logging trees that are 21 inches in diameter or larger on six eastern Oregon and Washington national forests. Forest Service officials attempted to rescind the rule during the first Trump administration, but conservation groups sued and it was blocked by a federal judge.

Forest Service officials have argued that some younger trees that grow fast should be able to be removed even if they are more than 21 inches in diameter, because they are crowding out other tree species that take longer to grow but are important to the forest ecosystems.

The proposal also assumes Congress will soon rescind the 25-year-old Roadless Rule, which prohibits road construction, logging and mining on roughly 60 million acres of public land, including about 2 million acres of forests in Oregon. That alone would increase the amount of land classified as open for logging in the Blue Mountains by 17%, according to the draft.

Most of the increased logging would take place in the Malheur National Forest, followed by the Wallowa-Whitman and then Umatilla national forests. (SOURCE)

Oregon Department of Administrative Services Announces Maximum Rent Increases for Landlords

Today, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) published the annual maximum rent increases allowed by law for calendar year 2027.

The maximum allowable rent increase percentage in 2027 for tenancies subject to ORS 90.324(b) is 10%.

Per ORS 90.324, “no later than September 30th of each year, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall calculate the maximum annual rent increase percentage allowed for the following calendar year:

• For tenancies subject to ORS 90.600 (1) in facilities* with more than 30 spaces, as six percent.”
• “For tenancies subject to ORS 90.600 (1) in facilities* with 30 or fewer spaces or for tenancy types subject to ORS 90.323, percentage is the lesser of:
  • Ten percent; or
  • Seven percent plus Consumer Price Index (CPI).”

To view the methodology, calculation and Consumer Price Index data, refer to the Maximum Annual Rent Increase 2027 (Excel file).

The allowable rent increase percentage for calendar year 2026 was 9.5%.

Questions related to the administration of the maximum allowable rent increase and other landlord-tenant concerns can be directed to Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS).

*”Facilities” is defined as manufactured dwellings and marinas.

Classified employees at Oregon’s seven public universities have successfully negotiated a tentative labor contract with the state’s higher education institutions.

SEIU 503 announced this development early Monday, just hours before a planned picket, effectively canceling the strike. The union, which represents a diverse group of workers including custodians, dining hall staff, and administrative personnel across various universities such as Oregon State and the University of Oregon, celebrated the agreement with festivities on multiple campuses, featuring pizza parties and coffee gatherings.

The proposed contract includes a 3% cost-of-living increase for this year and the next, alongside updated policies regarding layoff protections and health insurance. However, SEIU officials indicated that the full details of the tentative agreement will not be available for public review for several days.

Asante and the nurses’ union at Rogue Regional Medical Center are working towards finalizing a new multi-year contract by the end of the month.

The two parties are scheduled to meet for the ninth time this Thursday, continuing negotiations that began in July, as their current agreement is set to expire at the end of September.

Following their meeting on September 10, both sides issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of nurse scheduling, noting that their discussions enhanced mutual understanding of the complexities involved and highlighted the significance of scheduling in promoting a sustainable work environment for nurses while supporting the community.

A new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument was officially unveiled at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland on Sunday, September 27, 2026

The dedication ceremony honored the profound sacrifices of Oregon’s 6,000+ Gold Star Families—those who have lost loved ones in military service to the nation. The monument project was spearheaded by local volunteers, including Nancy Menagh, president emeritus of Gold Star Wives of America, in partnership with the Woody Williams Foundation. Attendees at the emotional dedication included grieving family members like Linda Gibson, whose son, Army Sgt. Brennan Gibson, was killed in action in Iraq.

• Location: Nestled within the grounds of the Willamette National Cemetery at 11800 SE Scott Blvd, Portland, OR.
• Design & Symbolism: These monuments typically feature a two-sided black granite design. One side honors the fallen heroes, while the other pays tribute to the families they left behind, featuring four panels representing Homeland, Family, Patriotism, and Sacrifice.
• Purpose: It provides a permanent, dedicated space for grieving relatives to gather, reflect, and find community support.

This tribute follows the dedication of Oregon’s very first Gold Star Families monument, which was established earlier this year in February 2026 at Pfc. Ryan J. Hill Memorial Park in Keizer, Oregon

Oregon Secretary of State Encourages Voters to Verify Authenticity of Election Mail 

As Oregon officials begin to send ballots out for the upcoming November election, the state’s top elections officer is encouraging voters to verify whether their election-related mail comes from an official source. 

Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read’s office recommended in a recent press release that Oregonians look for an official election photo, consider that third-party groups creating fake mail often use outdated or incorrect data and make sure their registration is correct using the oregonvotes.gov website. The office said the most accurate and up-to-date voter registration information will be with people’s local election offices. 

“We’re already getting reports about misleading mail going out to voters, so I want Oregonians to have the tools to be able to tell fact from fiction,” Read said in a statement. “The good news is, it’s pretty simple: If you receive something in the mail about voter registration or your ability to participate in the upcoming election, look for the official election mail logo to verify that it’s from an official source.”

A logo for official election mail will come with a note clarifying that it is authorized by the U.S. Postal Service, and it is used for materials such as ballots, voter registration cards and voter reply mail. It features the stars and stripes of the America flag and the words “Official Election Mail” and “Authorized by the U.S. Postal Service.” It comes in black or specific shades of blue or red. 

Read’s office encouraged Oregon voters seeking more information about election-related mail to contact the Oregon Secretary of State’s Elections Division at ​elections.sos@sos.oregon.gov or by calling 1-866-673-VOTE. He also recommended people contact their local county clerks, who are listed on the secretary of state’s website. (SOURCE)

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued Executive Order 26-26 on September 23, 2026, establishing new safety and oversight standards for how state government agencies procure and use advanced “frontier” artificial intelligence models.

Key Details of Executive Order 26-26

• Third-Party Review: Directs the state chief information officer (CIO) to set qualifications and criteria for an independent third-party reviewer to assess AI safety before state acquisition.
• Defining “Frontier” AI: Orders the state CIO to establish a clear technical definition for the most advanced artificial intelligence software subject to these new rules.
• Kill Switch Assessment: Requires the state to evaluate the feasibility and viability of incorporating an emergency “kill switch” to shut down unsafe AI systems.
• Timeline and Review: The order takes effect immediately, with the state CIO given 90 days to submit an implementation proposal. Governor Kotek will reassess the necessity of the order every three months.

Governor Kotek stated that the action was necessary due to regulatory gaps and evolving risks surrounding advanced technology, serving as an interim safeguard until federal or state legislative standards are enacted. You can read the full text and official updates through the State of Oregon Newsroom.

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Oregon lawmakers could ban Flock, automated license plate reading cameras in 2027

The move may draw stern opposition from local law enforcement leaders who have long said the technology is crucial to fighting crime despite growing civil liberties concerns.

Oregon lawmakers took action earlier this year to regulate the use of an increasingly bipartisan focus of anti-surveillance advocates nationwide: Flock cameras. Now, they could be on the verge of outlawing the technology altogether.

The push for more legislation in 2027 comes as reports of the technology’s misuse have gained bipartisan condemnation nationwide.

At a U.S. Senate hearing on Wednesday, those concerns were on full display as lawmakers heard from a Florida woman testifying about her experience spending 13 days in jail after a Flock camera misidentified her vehicle in a fatal hit-and-run case. 

Flock Safety, the Atlanta-based company behind the cameras, is one of many providers of automated license plate reader technology. It has drawn particular ire from civil rights groups nationwide over concerns that the camera data has falsely implicated individuals in crimes, allowed police to stalk their ex-partners and assisted immigration enforcement. In Oregon, several cities have stopped using Flock cameras over the past year, though private businesses and companies also use them. 

“My constituents have been clear with me that they want to be able to go about their lives without being surveilled, and we are quickly moving into a new age in which everything we do is being tracked,” said Rep. Willy Chotzen, a Portland Democrat who serves as vice chair of the House Judiciary Committee. “People don’t like it, they find it creepy, and they want to make sure that we’re protecting our rights to privacy.”

The Oregonian/OregonLive first reported on the push by Chotzen and Rep. Alek Skarlatos, R-Winston, to introduce the legislation in 2027. Skarlatos did not respond to an email or phone call seeking comment. 

This year’s law, Senate Bill 1516, was part of a larger omnibus public safety package, allowing Oregonians to sue vendors of automated license plate readers and limiting the amount of time police may hold onto the data to 30 days unless linked to a criminal inquiry or court proceeding. The regulations won the support of law enforcement leaders who cautioned that concerns over a single vendor should not outweigh the importance of the technology at large. 

“The ability to share and query ALPR information in these clearly permissible scenarios strengthens interagency coordination, improves case outcomes, and enhances community safety while fully respecting Oregon’s legal boundaries and protected activities,” presidents of the Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association and Oregon Association Chiefs of Police wrote in a February 2026 letter.

It’s still too early to tell exactly how either of those groups will mobilize in response to the legislation, though they are likely to make the case that the technology is valuable to their law enforcement duties. Their executive directors did not respond to the Capital Chronicle’s request for comment. 

Andrew Smith, a Flock spokesperson, defended the technology in the wake of Oregon lawmakers’ potential action. 

“A blanket ban would take a proven investigative tool away from communities and officers who rely on it,” Smith said in a statement. “We supported the last session’s thoughtful, bipartisan legislation that put strong privacy, transparency and accountability guardrails in place — while preserving law enforcement’s ability to use technology responsibly to keep people safe.”

Chotzen and Skarlatos will likely also need to win over State Sen. Floyd Prozanski, a Eugene Democrat who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. Prozanski, whose office did not respond to requests for comment, has noted that more legislation would likely come in future sessions but has yet to commit to specifics. 

“I value the tool for legitimate, lawful law enforcement purposes,” he said in January. “But I also believe that there needs to be safeguards and guardrails.”

Bipartisan opposition growing – Since the law’s passage, some progressive activists and civil rights groups warned the law didn’t go far enough and have hoped to capitalize upon opposition to Flock growing across the political spectrum nationwide. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in August ordered that Flock cameras be removed from the state’s highway system. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has paused state funding for the cameras. 

Law enforcement, meanwhile, are defending their experience with the technology and note that Flock isn’t the only name in the game. Privacy advocates contend that many other license plate readers are subject to the same flaws as Flock.

The Portland Police Bureau, for instance, has five automated license plate readers created by the Chicago-based tech company Motorola Solutions. They are installed on vehicles in the agency’s east precinct rather than stoplights or intersections, according to Terri Strauss, a spokesperson for the bureau. The agency has used license plate reading technology for more than a decade, Strauss said.

“ALPR alerts do not provide independent authority to stop a vehicle; officers must confirm an alert and establish their own reasonable suspicion or probable cause before making a stop,” Strauss wrote in an email. “All ALPR data is owned by the city of Portland, securely stored in compliance with Criminal Justice Information System requirements, accessible only to Oregon law enforcement, and cannot legally be shared with immigration authorities.”

Chotzen said there are “real tradeoffs” between privacy and security, but that his community wants more action when it comes to combatting surveillance. He pointed to the actions of Democrats and Republicans across the country as evidence.

“They’re asking for us to swing the pendulum back toward more privacy,” he said. “And we’re seeing across the country folks are doing the same.” (SOURCE)

Chronic Elude Suspect Arrested; Search Warrants Reveal Loaded Firearm, Large Quantities Fentanyl, Heroin, Meth, Drug Dealing Supplies

JCSO Case 26-4161, CPPD Case 26-5423 — JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. – A drug dealer is in jail after multiple attempted eludes throughout Jackson County. The suspect, Ismael Garcia-Nava Jr., 32, of Medford, is lodged in the Jackson County Jail after crashing on September 19 while attempting to elude Central Point Police Department (CPPD). Garcia-Nava was originally arrested August 12 after crashing during an attempted elude with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO). Due to jail overcrowding he was force released on August 22 before a search uncovered the drugs and firearm in his vehicle.

Multiple search warrants revealed more than 100g of fentanyl, nearly 400g of heroin, 28g of methamphetamines, scales, packaging material, and a loaded firearm. Garcia-Nava’s charges include unlawful possession, manufacture, and delivery of controlled substances, felon in possession of a firearm, multiple counts of elude, and reckless driving.

On August 12, JCSO deputies attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding. The vehicle eluded into an industrial area, where the deputy lost sight of it. Medford Police Department (MPD) officers located the vehicle and it continued to elude, ultimately crashing on Elk Street in Medford.

MPD assisted JCSO in establishing a perimeter and deploying a drone. The driver, Garcia-Nava, was spotted fleeing on foot and jumping fences within the perimeter and taken into custody without further incident. Garcia-Nava was found to have an active warrant for an unlawful delivery of heroin parole violation. He was lodged at jail and his vehicle was taken under a seizure warrant for further investigation.

On August 23, JCSO deputies executed a search warrant on the suspect’s vehicle and located 41g of fentanyl, 26g of methamphetamine, 93g of marijuana, packaging, a digital scale, and a loaded semi-automatic handgun. JCSO filed the additional charges and entered a warrant for Garcia-Nava’s arrest.

On September 19, Garcia-Nava attempted to elude a CPPD traffic stop near Hanley Road and West Pine Street in Central Point.  After the pursuit was terminated, Garcia-Nava continued to drive recklessly through heavy traffic before crashing at the corner of North Front Street and Laurel Street. Garcia-Nava continued to elude on foot, discarding a shoulder bag before CPPD arrested him without incident.

On September 24, a search warrant was granted to search the discarded shoulder bag. Upon searching, CPPD officers located 396g of heroin, 64g of fentanyl, and 2.5g of meth as well as a digital scale, and drug packaging.

This case remains open. There is no further information available for release at this time

DFR warns of “self-funded” limited-partner health plans

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is warning consumers to carefully review health insurance coverage offered through “self-funded” limited-partner plans or other unlicensed entities.

Oregonians should exercise caution before enrolling in a limited partner plan. Companies may offer plans that refer to consumers as “limited partners” or “employees” to avoid Oregon consumer-protection regulations. Many limited partner plans cover only preventive care, such as check-ups and annual health screenings. The plans tempt consumers with promises of low premium costs. However, consumers often end up with higher out-of-pocket costs due to uncovered medical bills. With open enrollment rapidly approaching, it is important to know what the difference is between these plans and standard plans. Open enrollment, which begins Nov. 1 and goes through Jan. 15, is for those who do not get insurance through their job, Medicare, or the Oregon Health Plan.

DFR warned of these plans back in April. They are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and do not provide comprehensive medical coverage, although they may be marketed otherwise. This leaves consumers with the possibility of being unexpectedly responsible for unpaid medical bills. Individual health plans that comply with the ACA are available only through a licensed insurance agent or through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Consumers should pay close attention to ensure that they are on the “.gov” website as there are other websites with similar web addresses that offer non-ACA-compliant plans.

“Consumers should remember the adage that if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” said Oregon Insurance Commissioner TK Keen. “If a health insurance policy offers unusually low premiums and low deductibles yet promises full or unlimited coverage, be skeptical.”

Red flags to look for include:

• A salesperson marketing limited partner plans or other “ERISA plans” directly to consumers
• A salesperson claiming they do not need a license because their product is not insurance or is exempt from regulation
• A salesperson offering to sign you up outside open enrollment and without eligibility for a special enrollment period
• A health insurance plan seeming abnormally cheap or referencing “stop-loss” insurance
• A group issuing coverage with minimal requests about an applicant’s health
• A company attempting to quickly collect a large amount of premium
• A company delaying or denying claims and making excuses for failure to pay

Before providing an insurance sales agent with any payment or personal information, DFR encourages consumers to request the agent’s full name and National Producer Number. Consumers can verify the agent’s licensure status by visiting DFR’s check a license webpage.

DFR urges Oregonians to be careful when choosing a company to purchase health care coverage from. Organizations and health plans that DFR and other state regulators have identified as having marketed limited partner or self-funded coverage include:

• Socios Buenos, LP aka Vista Health
• Affordable Benefit Choices LLC
• LP Management Services, LLC
• Aither Healthcare Competitive Health
• NXT Level Health
• Multiplan PHCS Network
• Verdegard Administrators, LLC fka Hawaii Mainland Administrators, LLC
• Pioneer Health/Innovative Healthcare Solutions
• ClearShare Health and Clearwater Benefits LLC
• Emergency Management Alliance
• Premier Health Solutions
• Strategic Limited Partners, LP
• The Vitamin Patch, LLC

Consumers who believe they may have been deceived or have questions can contact our consumer advocates at 1-888-877-4894 (toll-free) or email .insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov“>dfr.insurancehelp@dcbs.oregon.gov.

About Oregon DFR: The Division of Financial Regulation protects consumers and regulates insurance, depository institutions, trust companies, securities, and consumer financial products and services. The division is part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency. Visit dfr.oregon.gov and dcbs.oregon.gov.

Pacific Power offers Oregon customers rebates for backup power 

Program helps eligible customers prepare for wildfire-related outages and winter storms 

With a record-setting wildfire season that brought power disruptions to communities across Oregon winding down, Pacific Power is reminding eligible customers about rebates that can help them prepare for future outage events. As our focus transitions to winter storm season, qualified customers and licensed care facilities can still get help purchasing backup power equipment.

Income-qualified residential customers who rely on electricity for medical equipment can receive a rebate of up to $1,000, and eligible licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices can qualify for up to $4,000 in rebates. These rebates can be used toward a qualified portable power station, battery or permanent backup generator.

“We prioritize emergency preparedness education and communication in our communities so our customers are prepared in the event an outage whether related to wildfire safety or seasonal storms,” said Carrie Laird, vice president of wildfire mitigation and emergency operations for Pacific Power. “We want eligible customers and care facilities to know this assistance is available and encourage them to apply before the upcoming deadlines so that they can take advantage of these helpful programs, which can offer peace of mind.”

To qualify for the residential rebate, applicants need to have an active Pacific Power account number, either as a customer or as the tenant of a Pacific Power customer. They also have to be enrolled in both Pacific Power’s Medical Certificate program and Oregon Low Income Discount program. Eligible customers should select backup power equipment from the program’s qualified product list and meet applicable requirements, which are spelled out in detail on our website.

Licensed care facilities also have to have an active Pacific Power account number, either directly or through a Pacific Power customer whose property they occupy. Eligible facilities include licensed residential care homes, care facilities, adult foster homes and hospices.

Eligible equipment must be purchased by December 31, 2026, and Pacific Power must receive the completed application and purchase receipt by January 31, 2027. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until the program’s annual funding is fully used.

Pacific Power launched the Oregon Backup Electric Power Rebate Program in 2023. Since then, the company has issued 421 rebates totaling more than $1.2 million.

The program is also helping communities strengthen their backup power readiness. In 2025, Linn County identified eligible care facilities and encouraged them to invest in backup power. Twenty-seven facilities received rebates of $4,000 each, for a total of $108,000. A batch application process is now available for jurisdictions submitting applications for multiple facilities.

Customers with questions about batch applications for multiple care facilities may email Generator@resource-innovations.com“>PacPowerGenerator@resource-innovations.com.

Check out Oregon State Parks with your library card

Borrow an Oregon State Parks parking permit for free at 82 libraries statewide.

– Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (ORPD) and the State Library of Oregon are partnering to offer free state parks parking permits to Oregon public libraries. There are currently 200 parking permits available at 82 libraries across the state.

“Oregon’s state parks are for everyone,” said OPRD deputy director JR Collier. “As we assess ways to manage our budget responsibly, we also want to uplift equitable access to our parks.”

Each participating library received up to four parking permits. These are the physical hang tags you check out from the library and put in your car. The permit covers parking in all Oregon State Parks day-use areas for one vehicle. Go to the Oregon State Parks website to find participating libraries. All you need to participate is your library card.

“Libraries help make life more affordable for Oregonians. This program leverages the existing borrowing system to help connects folks of all income levels with the beauty and splendor of Oregon’s State Parks,” said Wendy Cornelisen, State Librarian.

Both OPRD and the State Library contributed 100 parking permits to the program to distribute to libraries. The agencies determined how many passes each library would receive based on interest from the library, its proximity to a park charging a day use fee, and the size of the population it serves. The State Library purchased permits with Library Services and Technology Act funds from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.

OPRD first distributed parking permits to 28 libraries as part of a year-long pilot program starting in August 2024. Those passes were checked out more than 2,100 times. At the pilot’s conclusion, OPRD evaluated how to best move the program forward in the context of its changing fees. In 2027, OPRD and the State Library will continue to explore options for an expanded long-term program that will serve even more libraries and people in Oregon. Learn more about the OPRD Library Pass Program.

Statewide hotline available for Oregonians affected by wildfires and smoke

People anywhere in Oregon who have been affected by wildfires or wildfire-related air quality can call 1-833-699-0554 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The statewide hotline is available to people experiencing any wildfire-related impact, including those who:

• Lost a home or property
• Evacuated and have ongoing needs
• Are sheltering in place and have wildfire-related needs
• Are affected by wildfire smoke or poor air quality
• Have another need or concern caused by a wildfire

“During this difficult wildfire season, Oregonians impacted by fires deserve immediate and reliable access to the help they need,” said Governor Tina Kotek. “That’s why we’ve established a dedicated, 24/7 hotline – so that no Oregonian has to navigate this wildfire season alone or wonder where to turn to for help.”

The hotline is staffed by 211info. If a call is not answered, callers can leave a message and will receive a return call within one business day.

This hotline does not provide emergency evacuation assistance or help people locate immediate shelter. People who are in immediate danger, have a medical emergency, or need emergency help evacuating should call 911. People looking for information about shelters or other immediate resources can call 2-1-1. For current 211info operating hours, visit 211info.org.

People can also enter their contact information and describe their wildfire-related needs using the Oregon Wildfire Assistance web form. An ODHS staff member will review the information and follow up with them.

“This wildfire season is already affecting a growing number of Oregon Tribes and communities,” said Ed Flick, Director, ODHS Office of Resilience and Emergency Management. “Wildfires can affect people in many ways, even when their homes have not burned. We want people to know there is one place they can call to share what they are experiencing and learn what resources may be available.”

In previous years the hotline has been used to connect people who lost homes in disasters with recovery support. This year, the Oregon Department of Human Services is expanding it to people experiencing a broader range of wildfire impacts.

ODHS has informally coordinated individual assistance following Oregon disasters since 2020. This year, Governor Tina Kotek directed ODHS to be ready to formally activate individual assistance when needed as the state prepares to establish a formal program in 2027 under House Bill 4121.

211info and ODHS will work with local communities to connect people with existing programs and local resources. If those resources are not enough to meet the level of need, ODHS will work with state leaders to identify additional support and funding options.

The hotline does not guarantee financial assistance or eligibility for a particular program. Staff will listen to each caller’s experience, document their needs and help identify available resources and next steps.

Hotline information

• Call: 1-833-699-0554
• Available: 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• Missed calls: Leave a message and your call will be returned within one business day
• Shelter and other immediate resource questions: call 211
• Emergencies or emergency evacuation help: call 911

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.

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.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com

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