Oregon Beach News, Wednesday 9/4 – 4.2 Earthquake Off Bandon Coast, Weather and Wildfire Updates Around the State & 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 4, 2024

Oregon Beach Weather

Small Craft Advisory Issued: 2:38 AM Sep. 4, 2024 – National Weather Service

...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 PM PDT THIS AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...North winds 15 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt and steep seas 6 to 8 ft.

* WHERE...All areas, though the highest winds and seas will be south of Cape Arago.

* WHEN...Until 2 PM PDT this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds and/or steep seas could capsize or damage smaller vessels.

* 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.

Seasonal Climate Forecast September – November 2024 https://www.oregon.gov/oda/programs/naturalresources/documents/weather/dlongrange.pdf

ODOT is advising travelers to keep hot cars off dry grass and keep trailer chains from dragging to prevent any new, disastrous fires from sparking. 

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.” — We’ve had an unprecedented fire season already. Don’t be that spark that could lead to a tragedy! Check Conditions

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.”

In either direction, be aware of the traffic impact from wildfires and recovery efforts.  — ODOT is advising travelers to keep hot cars off dry grass and keep trailer chains from dragging to prevent any new, disastrous fires from sparking. 

4.2 Earthquake Off Bandon Coast

A magnitude 4.2 earthquake occurred 23.3 km below the sea off the coast of Bandon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Monday’s undersea quake occurred off the Oregon Coast at Bandon. The USGS said the quake happened Monday morning, Sept. 2.

Officials said the quake happened around 10 a.m. and was about 130 miles west from Bandon, Ore. It is not clear how far away the earthquake may have been felt.

Waldport Wednesday Market

  · It’s a BEAUTIFUL Day to come to our WaLdPort WednEsDAY MarKet! 10 am to 3 pm @ the Community Center. FREE live music! Lots of vendors and places to purchase lunch. Fresh produce, too!

Did you know that the Lincoln County Readiness Fair is this Saturday?!

The Readiness Fair will be taking place this Saturday, September 7th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Newport Recreation Center. This year, the readiness fair will have a ton of great stuff to see and learn about, including: A free lunch for the first 350 people provided by Northwest Natural A free preparedness item for the first 150 families A raffle contest every hour for a free Go Kit Bring your NOAA Radio and learn how to operate it Sample preparedness food products and learn about food preservation Learn about bucket toilets and water purification Get a free glitter tattoo! Talk with local public safety organization about how to protect yourself and your family We can’t wait to see you at the Readiness Fair! Learn more at https://www.co.lincoln.or.us/…/Lincoln-County-Readiness…

Oregon Coast Aquarium 

  · In partnership with Nintendo of America, we’re hosting the Animal Crossing™: New Horizons Aquarium Tour! • Take photos with standees of familiar characters• Learn about in-game marine species • Check out the Animal Crossing: New Horizons photo opportunity, featuring a themed background with characters from the game.

The Tour is included with general admission and will be at the Oregon Coast Aquarium through October 20, 2024. Learn more at aquarium.org/animal-crossing

Enhanced Traffic Safety Enforcement Wraps up Summer — Lincoln City Police 

Traffic crashes throughout the country tend to increase during the summer months. To help make our roadways safer, the Lincoln City Police Department partners with Oregon Impact to utilize grant funding and increase traffic enforcement during this time period. LCPD utilized these funds to conduct a Pedestrian Safety Event in August, as well as additional DUI enforcement shifts over the Labor Day weekend.

On August 24^th, multiple LCPD Officers took part in a planned Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Event at the marked crosswalk at the intersection of SW 50^th St & S Highway 101. Ten citations were issued to drivers who either Failed to Stop for a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk or Passed a Stopped Vehicle at a Crosswalk. One cited driver even returned to the crosswalk to speak with the Officer in charge. Once the operation was explained, that driver requested the Enhanced Enforcement be conducted in other parts of the county as well. We would like to remind drivers that in Oregon, all intersections, marked or unmarked, are crosswalks in which the Pedestrian has the Right of Way unless there are signs specifically indicating otherwise.

Over the 2024 Labor Day weekend, grant funding supported an additional 13 hours of dedicated DUI enforcement in Lincoln City. During these shifts one driver was arrested for Reckless Driving and Eluding police after a pursuit, a second driver was arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants after striking an object while operating their vehicle. 

LCPD plans on utilizing further grant funding over the Christmas and New Year’s season to support additional traffic safety enforcement. We strongly encourage drivers to drive sober and drive safely, as their own lives and the lives of other innocent people on the roadway depend on it.

Deputies Arrest Man with Active Warrant During Disturbance Investigation in Coos Bay

On September 2nd, 2024, around 11:30 PM, Deputy Z. Smith and Deputy Rowden were dispatched to a disturbance reported on Flanagan Road in the Bunker Hill area of Coos Bay.While searching for those involved, the deputies recognized 33-year-old Terry DeWolf from past encounters at the property. He was behaving suspiciously and denied any knowledge of the disturbance or the individuals involved.

During the investigation, it was discovered that Terry had an active arrest warrant. He was taken into custody and transported to the Coos County Jail, where he was booked for the outstanding warrant. “Police action is not indicative of guilt. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”

Fatal DUII Crash Investigation Leads to Arrest of Logsden Resident

On August 31st, 2024 at about 7:38 am, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle, head-on crash at approximately milepost 1.7 on Logsden Road, outside Siletz, OR. First Responders determined that one of the drivers involved, operating a 2002 Honda CRV, was deceased. Deputies identified the driver of the second vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet pickup, as 35-year-old Michael Eller of Logsden, OR. Fire and EMS determined that Mr. Eller was uninjured. There were no other occupants in either vehicle.  

Deputies, including a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) with 23 years of DRE investigative experience, conducted a DUII investigation after determining that Mr. Eller exhibited signs and symptoms of impairment. Mr. Eller was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Lincoln County Jail, where he was charged with DUII and Criminally Negligent Homicide.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is grateful to our agency partners in responding to this incident, and especially for the Oregon State Police in performing the crash reconstruction. The family members of the deceased have been notified and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has extended our sincere condolences for their loss. Members of the public with any information related to this crash are encouraged to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777 and reference case number NPS24015277.

While tourism is booming, many Oregon Coast residents struggle to stay housed

As Oregon Coast communities are increasingly dominated by tourism, many long-term residents are struggling with housing instability, and homelessness.

Over the last 20 years, Marti Johnson has lived in a few small Oregon Coast towns, but she’s always considered Newport home.

“Coming up here, especially the sign that Newport has that (says) ‘the friendliest?’” she said. “I’ve never met more friendly people in my life.”

Johnson said her teenage son has been in the same school system his entire life, an experience she never had growing up. He’s had opportunities to play sports and be surrounded by a circle of family and friends.

Johnson is an EMT and first aid instructor. She said despite working more and spending less, it gets harder for them to stay housed every year.

“We’ve been so close so many times,” she said. “I’ve had to borrow money from family members I still owe, I’ve had to sell things that were family heirlooms. (such as) my grandpa’s coin collection that he passed down to me. Things I didn’t want to do, I’ve done, to just try and make sure that we had another month.”

Johnson said in the past she’s had to scramble to find housing after previous landlords sold the home she was living in, or raised the rent higher than she could possibly pay.

“Working 40 hours, picking up every extra shift, working overtime, it still doesn’t cut it,” she said. “The struggle is real.” She said if that happens again, her family may end up on a friend’s couch, or be forced to leave the Oregon Coast altogether.

While tourism has rebounded since the COVID-19 pandemic, many Oregon Coast residents are still struggling.

According to the Lincoln County School District, roughly 15% of their students are experiencing severe housing instability or homelessness. That’s almost four times higher than the state average for school districts.

Karen Rockwell, the executive director of the Lincoln County Housing Authority, said housing instability is rapidly becoming the norm for many on the Oregon Coast — including teachers, healthcare and service workers. “They are unable to find decent places to live at all, and there are no subsidies for them,” she said.

Some employers, like the City of Newport, have rented apartments for new workers while they search for housing. Others, like Oregon State University, have resorted to building their own accommodations for students and researchers at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. READ MORE: https://www.opb.org/article/2024/09/01/oregon-coast-housing-tourism-boom/?outputType=amp

LATEST UPDATE FROM ODOT CONCERNING HYW 101 NORHT OF MANZANITA ODOT: Valley, No. Coast: Traffic will be flagged through one lane on U.S. 101 four miles north of Manzanita 24 hours a day until repairs to the bridge there can be made. The single-lane traffic flagging is likely to continue into September, so plan extra time into your trip on the north Oregon coast between Cannon Beach and Manzanita, including the Oswald West State Park area. Please watch out for flaggers in the area, as well as traffic slowdowns during this busy holiday travel weekend. Please go to TripCheck before you travel so you are up to date on anything that will affect your travel.

Important Information. US 101 is closed at MP 39 (4 miles north of Manzanita) for inspection of damage to a bridge in the Oswald West State Park area. ODOT advises that if you plan to travel between Seaside and Manzanita today and not the weekend, the nearest detour will be OR 53 and Hwy 26- please refer to www.TripCheck.com for updates.

The US Department of the Interior Sets Date for Floating Wind Energy Lease Auction

The US Department of the Interior (DOI) has released the scheduled date for the first-ever offshore wind energy lease auction off southern Oregon.

The two areas have the potential to provide up to 3.1 GW of generation capacity and, if fully developed, could power approximately one million homes with clean energy, according to DOI. Areas in the federal waters off Oregon are deemed most suitable for floating wind technology.

The two Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) in Oregon, the Coos Bay WEA and the Brookings WEA, will be auctioned on 15 October 2024 by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).

The Coos Bay (Lease Area P-OCS 0566) Wind Energy Area offshore Oregon is located approximately 32 miles (approximately 55 kilometres) from shore and covers 61,203 acres (approx. 248 square kilometres).

The bigger Brookings (Lease Area P-OCS 0567) Wind Energy Area spans 133,792 acres (approx. 541 square kilometres) and is located approximately 18 miles (approx. 29 kilometres) from shore. (READ MORE)

Lincoln County Oregon Emergency Management —

  · Do you have a NOAA Weather Radio in your go kit? Do you know how to work it? Bring it by the Lincoln County Readiness Fair this Saturday, September 7th! We will have someone available to help you set it up. The Readiness Fair is from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Newport Recreation Center.

Hope to see you there! Not able to make it? Learn more about NOAA Weather radios at https://preview.weather.gov/mob/nwr

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.

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.

 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

Governor Kotek issues a proclamation recognizing September as Preparedness Month in Oregon

– Governor Tina Kotek has officially proclaimed September Preparedness Month in Oregon.

“I want to call out the extraordinary work of local and state leaders who made sure our state was prepared for this year’s unprecedented wildfire season,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “As firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fires burning across the state, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management effectively mobilized shelters, evacuation support, and identified the resources each community needed.”

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) will observe preparedness month by launching a new community-based initiative designed to help individuals and their communities prepare for emergencies and practice their skills as a group. The Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to individual and community resiliency.  

The digital version of the kit is available at Oregon.gov/OEM and is offered in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Vietnamese, with American Sign Language videos coming soon.

“As director of OEM, it’s a top priority for me to help people living in Oregon be ready for disasters,” Erin McMahon, said. “The Be 2 Weeks Ready program helps foster a culture of preparedness within established community groups such as faith-based organizations, neighborhood associations, local 4-H clubs, schools, and workplaces.”

Preparing for emergencies can feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that being two weeks ready doesn’t have to be expensive or happen all at once. There are a lot of effective and low-cost to no-cost actions your community can take today to be ready for tomorrow. You can find more details about these on FEMA’s preparedness site Ready.gov, but here are a few:

• Visit ORAlert.gov to sign up to receive local emergency alerts or update your contact information
• Enable Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on your mobile phone.  
• Understand Oregon’s evacuation levels and know the evacuation routes in your area.  
• Familiarize yourself with TripCheck.com.  
• Make go bags with survival essentials for every member of your family, including pets.
• Store copies of important information or documents in a password-protected online drive or on a flash drive in a waterproof container in your go bag.

Also, look to your local leaders for additional tips on how your community is preparing. Connect with your local emergency management office, sheriff’s office, or Tribal police and follow them on social media to stay up to date during quickly changing emergencies.  

When a disaster strikes, you are the help until help arrives. By working together, communities can enhance their collective resilience and ensure everyone is equipped to handle emergencies.  

In addition to the Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit, people interested in helping their communities and deepening their basic disaster response skills can join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and learn from peers.

There are four types of CERT programs: Community, Workplace, Campus, Teen. Each program is supported by a sponsoring organization. A sponsoring organization can be any government agency, such as a fire department, emergency management agency or city council.

In the end, OEM wants to help people feel empowered, not frightened, when thinking about how they will respond in an emergency. The Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit and CERT programs can help individuals build meaningful connections with one another that will lead to better outcomes for everyone when disaster strikes. 

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More than 50 active CERT programs exist in Oregon. People can find contact information for teams in their area on the Oregon Department of Emergency Management website.

People who are interested in becoming a Be 2 Weeks Ready program coordinator or want to find a program near them can email eparedness@oem.oregon.gov“>community.preparedness@oem.oregon.gov.

Take action now during National Preparedness Month to get ready for emergencies – Prepare your household now for more extreme weather events and natural disasters. 

The American Red Cross Cascades Region is encouraging everyone to take critical action during National Preparedness Month this September to be ready for worsening disasters. Deadly storms, raging wildfires and extreme heat are becoming more frequent and intense and families are experiencing the effects.

“Disasters can happen at any time, often without warning, changing lives forever in just minutes,” says Red Cross Regional Disaster Officer Jonathan Seibert.“ As our climate changes, it’s critical to help protect your loved ones and National Preparedness Month is the ideal time to get your household ready for emergencies.”

HOW TO PREPARE Get ready for disasters by making a plan to stay safe, gathering important supplies and knowing how you’ll stay connected. Follow these steps to prepare for emergencies:

1. Depending on the emergency, you may need to stay where you are or go somewhere else to stay safe. If you may need to leave, think about where you will go, how you will get there, where you will stay and what you’ll take with you. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation.
2. Next, gather and organize critical supplies — like food, water and medicine — into a go-kit and a stay-at-home kit. Your go-kit should include three days of supplies that you can take with you. Your stay-at-home kit should have two weeks of food and water, and a one-month supply of medications, if possible.
3. Customize your kit to meet your household’s specific needs. If you have young children, don’t forget formula and diapers. If you have pets, include leashes, carriers, food, bowls, litter and a litterbox.
4. Make a plan to reconnect with loved ones if you are separated or if the phone or internet is down. Write down important phone numbers on a contact card and carry it with you.
5. Finally, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time weather alerts and expert advice in both English and Spanish. And don’t forget to sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to get critical information during local emergencies. 

CLIMATE CRISIS EFFECTS.  This summer, a record-breaking 1.5 million acres have been burned by wildfires in Oregon. We’ve opened more than 20 shelters for level 3 “Go Now” evacuations since June.  

So far in 2024, nationwide, 2.7 million more acres of land have been burned by wildfires compared to all of 2023.  In July, Hurricane Beryl broke records as the earliest Category 5 storm ever recorded and in early August, Hurricane Debby brought widespread flooding to much of the East Coast. Plus, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record according to experts. Altogether in 2024, the U.S has experienced 19 climate disasters, each with losses of over a billion dollars — more than double the average from the last 40 years.

When these disasters happen, the Red Cross is there providing food, shelter and comfort to ensure no one faces this difficult time alone. To help families better cope with this worsening climate crisis, the Red Cross is also enhancing our support for those who need it most and increasing our capacity to respond to non-stop disasters. 

“The best defense during an emergency is to be prepared, and that’s true for both our individual families and our entire community,” said Red Cross Cascades Region CEO Priscilla Fuentes. “During National Preparedness Month, consider donating to help people affected by disasters big and small, or making an appointment to give blood. If you have the time, take a first aid class or put on a red vest and join us as a volunteer.”

Visit redcross.org or call 800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) to learn more today.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

Fire Season In Oregon Above Average

This year so far, 1.5 million acres have already burned across Oregon compared with the 10-year average burned in an entire fire season of 640,000 acres. The western side of Oregon got more of a break this summer as most of the aggressive activity has been in eastern Oregon.

With around 5,000 firefighters currently dispatched across the state, they have worked for almost two months straight and are experiencing fatigue.

Kotek said that the state has been able to protect a lot of communities but the team has been pushed to the brink this season. She also predicts that fire seasons are not going to get easier and Orgeon must figure out how to have consistent funding to do the necessary work.

Kotek confirmed that Oregon received approval for seven FEMA grants that will provide help in the form of significant levels of reimbursement. Other states and even other countries like Australia and New Zealand have sent help to Oregon.

WILDFIRE OUTLOOK FOR SEPT 2024 – DEC 2024 – Looks like Oregon will hopefully end NEW active fires in September based on this prediction. FIRES  in red.

Wildfires have burned more than 1 million acres across the state, making Oregon by far the worst off out of all the states in terms of acres burned this summer.

Governor Kotek issued an emergency declaration on July 12, which allows the Oregon fire agencies to get out-of-state support. She has also issued emergency conflagration declarations for several fires, allowing for more resources to be mobilized.

The details of all major wildfires currently burning in Oregon are listed below, and the details will be continually updated. No fire that is more than 90% contained will be listed unless evacuation orders are in effect. Information about fire acreage and containment percentages is approximate.

Emergency Conflagration Act invoked for the Copperfield Fire, OSFM mobilizes resources

On Sunday night, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the Copperfield Fire east of Chiloquin off Sprague River Road in Klamath County. As of 8:00 Saturday night, the fire was estimated between 1,500 to 2,000 acres. Gusty winds near 40 miles per hour pushed the fire to rapidly grow.

The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office has levels 2 and 3 evacuation notices in place. Those near the fire should follow the sheriff’s office for any changes to evacuation levels.

Southern Oregon is under a Red Flag Warning through tomorrow evening.

“The weather drove this fire, and Oregon will continue to face challenging weather conditions over the next three weeks. Fire season isn’t over yet and I encourage everyone to stay vigilant,” Chief Deputy Travis Medema said. “I cannot thank our incident management teams and task forces headed to this fire enough. They have had a busy season and responded no matter the time, no matter the situation.”

The OSFM Red Incident Management Team and eight task forces are being mobilized to the fire. Two task forces from Lane County and Central Oregon are part of the response and were sent through Immediate Response earlier Sunday evening.

The OSFM Red Incident Management Team will be briefed Monday at 10 a.m. and will be in unified command with the Oregon Department of Forestry Incident Management Team 3.

Level 3 evacuations in place as high winds fuel rapid growth of Copperfield Fire near Chiloquin. For the latest on the fire, please follow the South-Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.

From Klamath County School District: Because of uncertain fire conditions and air quality issues related to the Copperfield Fire, Chiloquin Schools will be closed today, Sept. 3, 2024. All after-school activities are canceled. The Klamath County School District will update families later today. Read more about the fire on BasinLife.com

Copperfield Fire

• Location: About 20 miles north of Klamath Falls near Chiloquin
• Acreage: 3500 + acres
• Cause: Unknown
• Began: Sept. 1
• Containment: Unknown
• Closures: Sprague River Road is closed east of Chiloquin.
• Evacuations: Level 3 evacuations for areas north and south of Sprague River Road east of Chiloquin. Evacuation points set up at the Klamath County fairgrounds.
• More info: Visit the Klamath County Emergency Management webpage for more evacuation information.

Residents and visitors in the area are advised to stay safe and stay informed. Visit https://www.klamathcounty.org/300/Emergency-Management for up-to-date information on evacuations and evacuee resources. Per the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, evacuation levels will be reassessed the morning of September 3rd. Any changes will be published first to Genasys Protect, then by Mass Notification, then to the Klamath County Common Operating Picture (COP). A road closure remains in effect on the Sprague River Highway between mile markers 5 and 15.

PLEASE Help Prevent Human-Caused Wildfires

• Immediately call 911 to report fires.
• Drones and other unmanned aircrafts are illegal to fly near fires.
• Fireworks, incendiary/tracer ammunition and exploding targets, are prohibited during fire season (May-October).
• Use caution when target shooting. Clear a 20-foot radius around the target by removing all vegetation and rocks.
• Ensure vehicles and trailers are properly maintained
• Make sure chains and other metal parts are not dragging.
• Keep exhaust systems clean and use spark arrestors.
• Do not park on dry grass.
• Carry extra water, shovel, and/or a fire extinguisher with you.
• Ensure your campfire is completely extinguished before leaving your campsite by making sure it is cool to the touch.
• Please don’t smoke and if you do, don’t throw out cigarette butts.
• Please be mindful and think about your actions

To ensure all Oregonians remain safe during the 2024 wildfire season, we urge everyone to stay tuned into these communications channels and follow all official safety guidelines related to air quality and recreation:

Watch Duty app: Download this app on your smartphone to understand where wildfires are in real time as well as monitor air quality and other metrics. https://app.watchduty.org

Northwest Interagency Coordination Center: During fire season, this web-based interactive map is updated daily with current fire perimeters and locations. This website acts as the wildfire resource coordination center for the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Oregon Dept of Forestry, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources and the National Park Service. https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/index.aspx

InciWeb the Incident Information System: The federal interagency all-risk incident information management system provides an interactive map with real-time location information on wildfires. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Oregon Department of Forestry Wildfire News: The official wildfire news blog for the Oregon Department of Forestry. Look here for all wildfire news related to state forest lands. https://odffire.com/

Keep Oregon Green: A partnership comprised of statewide and interagency groups working together to promote awareness of the risk and causes of wildfires and how to be prepared in case of a wildfire emergency. https://keeporegongreen.org/

OregonLive Wildfire Map: A project managed by OregonLive that incorporates data from InciWeb, National Interagency Fire Center, Northwest Interagency Coordination Center, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, NOAA into an easy-to-use map tool. https://projects.oregonlive.com/wildfires/map

Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Air Quality Monitoring Data: A real-time map and cell phone application you can use to track air quality, including wildfire smoke impacts, across the state. Check your app store for OregonAir. https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map

Purple Air – Air Quality Map System: Real-time air quality information using crowdsourced data and data from EPA air sensors. https://map.purpleair.com/1/mAQI/a10/p604800/cC0…

NOAA High Resolution Rapid Refresh Data Visualization: The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency(NOAA) is an experimental data visualization tool for wildfire smoke. Be sure to turn on the “Vertically Integrated Smoke” layer to see smoke paths. https://hwp-viz.gsd.esrl.noaa.gov/smoke/index.html

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 Past 2 Weeks 9/4/24 9:00am per INCIWEB

Incident	Type	State	Incident Size	UpdatedSort ascending
Whisky Creek Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	2097 Acres	4 minutes 14 seconds ago
Sandstone Fire – ORMHF	Wildfire	Oregon	702 Acres	4 minutes 14 seconds ago
North Willamette Complex – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	4588 Acres	7 minutes 5 seconds ago
Middle Fork Fire – ORCLP	Wildfire	Oregon	5286 Acres	20 minutes 34 seconds ago
Diamond Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	11141 Acres	24 minutes 3 seconds ago
Rail Ridge – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	61433 Acres	39 minutes 55 seconds ago
Willamette Complex Fires – South – ORWIF	Wildfire	Oregon	13644 Acres	2 hours 34 minutes ago
Copperfield Fire – OR98S	Wildfire	Oregon	3656 Acres	2 hours 48 minutes ago
Red Fire – ORDEF	Wildfire	Oregon	851 Acres	3 hours 5 minutes ago
Cottage Grove – Lane 1 – OR77S	Wildfire	Oregon	25305 Acres	11 hours 48 minutes ago
Homestead Complex – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	5918 Acres	12 hours 22 minutes ago
Shoe Fly Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	20247 Acres	15 hours 15 minutes ago
Crazy Creek – OROCF	Wildfire	Oregon	86968 Acres	1 day 22 hours ago
Microwave Tower Fire – OR95S	Wildfire	Oregon	1313 Acres	2 days 16 hours ago
Lone Rock Fire – ORPRD	Wildfire	Oregon	137222 Acres	1 week 1 day ago
Dixon Fire – ORUPF	Wildfire	Oregon	1970 Acres	1 week 4 days ago
Falls Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	151689 Acres	1 week 5 days ago
Telephone Fire – ORMAF	Wildfire	Oregon	54005 Acres	1 week 5 days ago
Battle Mountain Complex – OR97S	Wildfire	Oregon	183026 Acres	2 weeks 1 day ago
Warner Peak Fire – ORSHR	Wildfire	Oregon	65866 Acres	2 weeks 1 day ago

Please Help Prevent Wildfires!

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/

Organizations are collecting funds and resources for those impacted by Oregon’s wildfires

Salem, Ore – The impact of this year’s wildfire season continues to reverberate throughout the state as 2024 has shaped up to be one of the most destructive years on record.

At this time, the number of acres burned is four times the average when compared to the same point in past seasons. Residents in these communities have been deeply affected. As many as 18,000 residents were under a level 1, 2 or 3 evacuation level during the height of the response.

The full scale of the loss will not be clear for a few months at least. Initial reports show that dozens of people have been injured, and there was at least one wildfire-related death. An air tanker pilot named James Bailey Maxwell, 74, who died in a crash while working in the vicinity of the Falls Fire, north of Burns, on July 25, 2024.

Initial reports show fires have destroyed as many as 28 homes and 73 structures. Much of the damage has been to grazing land and livestock, heavily impacting the ranching community in eastern Oregon.

More than 10,000 people are involved in the response including 261 fire crews, 483 engines and 31 helicopters. Local and statewide emergency response departments and agencies are working around the clock to contain the remaining wildfires.

Several organizations are collecting funds and resources for those impacted. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) staff have gathered a list and made it available at Wildfire.oregon.gov.

Some donation resources include:

• The Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and the Oregon Farm Bureau are collecting monetary donations.
• Oregon State University is collecting monetary donations, pledges of any in-kind, and donations of hay, feed and transportation.
• Wildland Firefighter Foundation supports firefighters on the frontlines who have been injured and families of those killed in the line of duty.

OEM and agency partners want to caution the public to beware of scams when donating, and only give to trusted organizations. Scammers often contact their possible victims by telephone, social media, email or in person so be suspicious of direct asks. Also, be cautious if the person asking for donations creates a sense of urgency and won’t let you think about it or donate later. If you want to donate money to support the wildfire recovery effort, it’s best to donate to the organization directly.

OEM has compiled a library of additional recovery resources with information from multiple agencies to help residents during and after a fire.

This library includes but is not limited to:

• Basic needs support: List of shelters, food pantries, replace SNAP benefits, medical equipment replacement and vital document replacement
• Stay informed: Sign up for OR-Alert to stay tuned for updates and additional resources.
• Returning home: Assess damages to home, vehicles and property, report damages to local county emergency management office, file an insurance claim. Follow guidelines for safe cleanup because ash contains hazardous materials. How to avoid scams when rebuilding.
• Mental Health: Help is available 24/7 to anyone who is struggling or experiencing a crisis. Call 988 for support statewide or visit Lines for Life. AgriStress Hotline serves those in the farming, ranching, fisheries and forestry communities. Call 833-897-2474 or visit their website.
• Agriculture resources:
  • OSU Extension Service’s list of resources for those impacted by wildfires in Oregon.
  • Wildfire resources for agriculture and livestock producers | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu).
  • Methods for mitigating soil erosion after a wildfire | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu).
  • Livestock wildfire resources on the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s website.
  • Oregon Cattlemen’s Association Wildfire Fund Donations page.
  • Oregon Department of Environmental Quality wildfire resource page.
  • USDA Farm Service Agency’s Disaster Assistance Programs and Disaster Assistance Programs At-A-Glance fact sheet.
  • USDA Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool.

For additional information about current wildfires, response and recovery, go to Oregon Wildfire Response & Recovery. Sign up for OR Alerts to get lifesaving alerts and instructions during emergencies to help you and others stay safe in Oregon.

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

PHOTO CAPTION: Photo taken by Tabetha Daugherty, OEM Regional Preparedness & Response Coordinator. The photo is of charred hills outside the contained portion of the Durkee Fire in Baker County.

Medford’s Asante hospital hit with $303M lawsuit after nurse accused of replacing fentanyl with tap water

Attorneys representing nine living patients and the estates of nine patients who died filed a wrongful death and medical malpractice complaint on Tuesday. 

 Attorneys representing both living and deceased patients of an Oregon hospital filed a $303 million lawsuit against the facility on Tuesday after a nurse was accused of replacing prescribed fentanyl with nonsterile tap water in intravenous drips.

The wrongful death and medical malpractice complaint accuses Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford of negligence. The suit says the hospital failed to monitor medication administration procedures and prevent drug diversion by their employees, among other claims.

A spokesperson said the hospital had no comment.

Dani Marie Schofield, a former nurse at the hospital, was arrested in June and charged with 44 counts of second-degree assault. The charges stemmed from a police investigation into the theft and misuse of controlled substances that resulted in patient infections. She has pleaded not guilty.

Schofield is not named or listed as a defendant in the complaint filed Tuesday. A separate suit was filed against Schofield and the hospital earlier this year on behalf of the estate of a 65-year-old man who died.

The 18 plaintiffs in the new suit include nine patients and the estates of nine patients who died. According to the suit, the hospital began informing them in December that an employee had replaced fentanyl with tap water, causing bacterial infections.

“All Plaintiff Patients were infected with bacterium uniquely associated with waterborne transmission,” the complaint says.

All of the plaintiffs experienced mental anguish, according to the suit, which seeks millions of dollars in damages for medical expenses, lost income and the pain and suffering of those who died.

Medford police began investigating late last year, after hospital officials noticed a troubling spike in central line infections from July 2022 through July 2023 and told police they believed an employee had been diverting fentanyl.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that has helped fuel the nation’s overdose epidemic, but it is also used in legitimate medical settings to relieve severe pain. Drug theft from hospitals is a longstanding problem. (SOURCE)

3 Dead After Small Plane Crashes Into Townhomes in Fairview Near Troutdale Airport

The crash sparked a fire that spread to four of the townhome units, according to fire officials. About 9,000 people lost power for hours due to downed power lines.

Three people are confirmed dead after a small plane with two occupants crashed into a residential area near the Troutdale Airport Saturday morning, striking a set of power transmission lines and then hitting a row of townhomes, setting multiple units ablaze. The twin-engine Cessna 421C crashed at around 10:30 a.m. in Fairview, about 11 miles east of Portland.

Gresham fire officials confirmed Saturday evening that there were at least three fatalities in the incident, but said they could not confirm any other details about who died. The Federal Aviation Administration previously confirmed that there had been two people onboard the plane, and Gresham Fire Chief Scott Lewis said that one townhome resident was unaccounted for.

There were also multiple injuries in the incident, according to Lewis and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Deputy John Plock, but the extent of the injuries and the number of injured people were not known.

Video shot by people at the scene late Saturday morning showed at multiple units on fire in the row of townhomes, with debris strewn in front and visible flames in the upper story of one house and smoke billowing from a window of the other, with a large number of fire personnel responding.

There was a “somewhat large” debris field, Plock said, and there were two main crash areas because some pieces apparently began to break off after the plane hit the power equipment.

The crash side is located near a power transmission line, and video from the scene on Saturday showed multiple wires apparently knocked off of one of the transmission towers. Some of the lines landed in a nearby field and sparked a brush fire, Plock said, although the fire didn’t spread far.

The damage to the lines also caused a power outage; Portland General Electric confirmed that around 9,000 customers in the Fairview area had been impacted. PGE later said service had been restored to all impacted customers as of 3 p.m.

PGE told KGW on Saturday evening that its crews were onsite and working with National Transportation Safety Board officials to safely access the power equipment and assess the damage before beginning repairs. The transmission tower itself was still in place, PGE said; most of the damage appeared to be to the lines.

Lewis said fire crews were first notified of the incident by staff at the Troutdale Airport control tower, who reported a column of smoke west of the airport. Arriving crews found heavy fire in the row of townhomes, initially involving two units but later spreading to impact four in total. 

The incident became a five-alarm fire, Lewis said, in part because the high temperatures on Saturday meant that fire personnel needed to frequently take breaks to avoid overheating. Portland Fire & Rescue and Vancouver Fire Department crews responded in addition to Gresham Fire Department crews.

The crash impact caused structural damage to the building, he added, so fire crews couldn’t safely work inside the building as much as they’d normally be able to in a residential fire, and had to focus more on exterior operations with overhead water from a ladder truck. He said it wasn’t clear if fuel from the plane helped feed the fire, but that the size of the smoke column in the initial reports suggested that it was possible.

A total of five families have been displaced, Lewis said, with the possibility of a sixth displaced family depending on the condition of their unit once fire crews assess it. 

Plock added that volunteers from the Trauma Intervention Program had responded to the site to help the people who were displaced, and the Red Cross later told KGW that the agency had sent team members to scene and that all the affected families had safe places to stay lined up for Saturday night.

The FAA said the NTSB will lead the investigation into the crash, with the FAA also involved. An NTSB spokesperson told KGW that the agency has dispatched two investigators to the site who will document the plane wreckage and then move it to a secure facility for further evaluation.

Anyone who witnessed the accident or has surveillance video or other relevant information is asked to contact witness@ntsb.gov. The NTSB spokesperson said the agency would not discuss the cause of the accident during the on-the-ground investigation phase, and that it will be up to local authorities to release any information about victims or injuries. (SOURCE)

Recreational Trails Program accepting grant applications for trail projects
SALEM, Oregon— The Recreational Trails Program is accepting grant applications through Nov. 15 for the approximately $1.6 million in grant funds available for the 2024 grant cycle. 

Grants are available for trail construction, heavy restoration, trailhead facilities, trail building and maintenance equipment, land or easement acquisitions, safety and education, trail assessments for accessibility or maintenance and water trails.

The federally funded reimbursement grant program provides matching grants to construct, expand or improve public trails for motorized and non-motorized use. Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent via https://oprdgrants.org by Sep. 30. Applications due Nov. 15.

An optional webinar is scheduled 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Sept. 11 to provide information on the program and how to navigate the application process. Registration is required: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YcBVw4OpQseoi6GZQgYffg#/registration. A recording of the webinar will be posted on the Recreational Trails Program web page shortly afterward at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Pages/GRA-rtp.aspx

The grant program is open to local governments, park districts, state and federal agencies, tribal governments, other public land managers, and nonprofits.

The Recreational Trails Program is funded through the Federal Highway Administration and administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD). Since 1993, the program has funded over 550 projects across Oregon.

Information about the program, including the grant manual, application instructions and program schedule, is on the Recreational Trails Program web page: https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/Pages/GRA-rtp.aspx

Questions can be directed to Jodi Bellefeuille, Recreational Trails Program coordinator, at ellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov“>jodi.bellefeuille@oprd.oregon.gov or 503-856-6316.

Women hold 4 of 5 statewide elected offices in OR – for now

Oregon’s Ban on ‘Ghost Guns’ Takes Effect

“Ghost guns,” which are 3D-printed firearms without serial numbers, will be prohibited across Oregon starting Sunday September 1st.

The unserialized guns are assembled at home and can be easily purchased online, but can’t be picked up in a metal detector. The ban comes after a federal judge denied a legal challenge that tried to block the prohibition.

In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2005 banning ghost guns. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, a Democrat, pushed for years to get legislation banning ghost guns.

“Unserialized guns are bad for everyone except criminals who don’t want to get caught,” she said at the time.

Starting on Sept. 1, 2024, all firearms built after Oct. 22, 1968, must have a serial number. Violating the law could result in a fine of $1,000 for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders could face higher fines and potentially incarceration.

Starting in July of 2023, Oregon law also prohibited the sale, transfer and import of unserialized firearms and the possession, sale and manufacturing of firearms that could not be detected by metal detectors or X-ray machines.

“Responsible gun ownership means respecting the gun laws of our state, and that now includes a ban on unserialized and undetectable ‘ghost guns.’” Rosenblum, who is not running for reelection, said in a statement. “For the safety of your families and communities, please make sure you understand our new law and that you are in compliance.”

The Oregon Department of Justice has issued a fact sheet to explain key parts of the new law and a list of federally licensed gun dealers in the state that can serialize firearms. (SOURCE)

The next chapter in Oregon’s fight against fentanyl starts this 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/

Press Release: Make Waves — Registration for the 2024 Beach & Riverside Cleanup is Now Open

Portland, Ore., August 29, 2024 – SOLVE invites volunteers to make a global impact this September by joining the annual Beach & Riverside Cleanup. From September 20 through September 28, families, community members, student groups, and nature enthusiasts from all stages of life will gather across Oregon and Southwest Washington for a 10-day event series with a variety of projects to choose from. Registration is now open for this vital community effort to protect and restore our coastlines, rivers, and public lands.

Connecting Local Actions to Global Movements – September 21 is International Coastal Cleanup Day, uniting millions of volunteers worldwide to protect our coasts and waterways from harmful trash and debris. This global movement amplifies the impact of local efforts, uniting communities for cleaner environments. The Beach & Riverside Cleanup wraps up on September 28 with National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event, focusing on trail maintenance, habitat restoration, and native tree planting.

Join the Effort – “After a season of heavy use, our rivers and beaches need care,” says Kris Carico, SOLVE’s Chief Executive Officer. “This event is a cherished tradition and a powerful force for change. We encourage everyone to get involved and make a lasting impact on our environment.”

SOLVE will host over 50 project sites across Oregon and SW Washington, from the Oregon Coast to the Willamette Valley and beyond. Last year, more than 1,500 volunteers removed 20,000 pounds of trash. Since 1986, the event has cleared over 2.5 million pounds of litter from Oregon’s natural areas. Volunteer registration is open for posted events and SOLVE is still seeking additional projects. Interested event leaders should register their events as soon as possible to fully maximize SOLVE’s support, resources, and everything needed to host a successful event. 

New Supply Hubs for Event Leaders – This year, SOLVE is making it easier for event leaders by launching five supply hubs at South Beach, Fort Stevens, Cape Lookout, Cape Blanco, and Sunset Bay. These hubs are equipped with reusable supplies like litter grabbers, vests, and buckets sponsored by Knife River. This partnership with Oregon Parks and Recreation strengthens SOLVE’s mission to provide even more volunteers with reusable supplies and host cleanup events with sustainability in mind.

Be Part of the Change – Join thousands of volunteers to protect our waterways, restore natural areas this September, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier Oregon. As the event dates approach, more details on project sites and opportunities will be released. For more information and to register, visit https://www.solveoregon.org/beach-riverside.

2024 Sponsors – SOLVE’s Beach & Riverside Cleanup 2024 is proudly supported by Chevron, Clean Water Services, Daimler Truck North America, Fred Meyer, Harper Houf Peterson Righellis Inc., Here is Oregon, Keen Footwear, Knife River, KOIN, Metro, NEEF, Oregon Parks and Recreation, and Owens Corning.

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 group to a national model for volunteer action. Today, SOLVE mobilizes and trains tens of thousands of volunteers of all ages across Oregon and Southwest Washington to clean and restore our neighborhoods and natural areas and to build a legacy of stewardship for our state. Visit solveoregon.org for more information. 

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.

Contact us: Info@OregonBeachMagazine.com