The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Friday, December 24, 2021
Oregon Beach Weather
Today – Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between noon and 1pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 1pm. Snow level 1800 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a steady temperature around 42. Breezy, with a west southwest wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Christmas Day – Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Snow level 1300 feet. High near 43. Breezy, with a west wind 9 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Sunday – Rain and snow showers, becoming all rain after 10am. Snow level 500 feet. High near 41. Breezy, with a west wind around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Monday – Snow showers likely, mainly before 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 38. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible
Tuesday – Snow showers likely before 10am, then rain and snow showers likely. Snow level 200 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38.
Teenage Girl Dies After Crashing Into Tree in Coos County
Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to the single vehicle crash on Highway 242 shortly before 5 a.m. A 15-year-old girl died in the traffic crash in Coos County early Thursday morning.
The preliminary investigation indicated that a southbound silver Mazda driven by a 16-year-old girl from Broadbent, left the roadway and struck a tree. The crash is under investigation.
The juvenile driver was transported to Coquille Valley Hospital and later life-flighted to Riverbend Hospital in Eugene by the U.S. Coastguard with serious injuries. Her 15-year-old female passenger died in the crash.
The crash happened on Highway 242 at milepost 1. The roadway is also known as Powers Highway.
OSP was assisted by Myrtle Point Police, Myrtle Point Fire and Rescue, Myrtle Point Ambulance, U.S. Coastguard, Southern Oregon Chaplains and ODOT.
Search Still on for Missing Seaside Man
Deputies in Clatsop County are asking for help finding a 44-year-old veteran who was reported as missing after a welfare check at his home off Highway 26 on December 13.
Evan Goin, a veteran, reportedly left his vehicle at his home, which is located off the highway about five miles east of the Highway 101 interchange.
The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office was called to do a welfare check on December 13, saying Evan had not attempted to contact his family or shown up to work.
In the following days, the sheriff’s office joined other search teams to look around his property and scour neighboring timberlands. The searches were unsuccessful.
Authorities said Goin might be in a mental health crisis, adding “Evan was reported to have been shooting at unknown items on his property hours earlier.”
Goin was last seen wearing a black shirt, jeans, and brown Romeo style boots.
Anyone who might have helpful information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Sgt Bruce Scott @ 503-325-8635.
Siuslaw Coast Guard Rescue Successful Thanks to Local Resident
The quick actions of a resident of Rhododendron Drive may have saved a life on Wednesday afternoon, according to Coast Guard Station Siuslaw River Officer In Charge Jay Niles. The individual noticed what appeared to be a person floating in the Siuslaw River and contacted Station Siuslaw.
“Special thanks to Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue, Western Lane Ambulance District, & the City of Florence, Oregon – Government Police Department for their professional assistance today after our lifeboat crew recovered an individual who found themselves struggling to stay afloat in the frigid waters of the Siuslaw River.
The subject was sighted by a residence on Rhododendron who thankfully called 911 and our Station directly. The quick action by the concerned citizen most likely was the link that saved a life,” Niles said. “The swift ebb current had carried the subject nearly 1/2 mile in just minutes. Our ready crew launched within minutes of notification and after a short transit recovered the subject and was met at the CG Station by SVFR & WLA who were able to continue lifesaving efforts . Without their quick response, the outcome may have been different!
Western Lane Ambulance District Chief of Operations Matt House was one of the first responders on the scene and helped transfer the unconscious woman to shore from the Coast Guard vessel while administering CPR.
House reports the individual was initially unresponsive but once on shore she soon started breathing and was able to open her eyes and acknowledge questions. The individual was then taken to Peace Health Peace Harbor Hospital where she was treated and stabilized.
Oregon reports 1,350 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 8 new deaths
PORTLAND, Ore. — There are eight new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,598, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.
OHA reported 1,350 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today bringing the state total to 410,565.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (3), Benton (24), Clackamas (114), Clatsop (9), Columbia (19), Coos (17), Crook (5), Curry (3), Deschutes (106), Douglas (27), Gilliam (1), Harney (1), Hood River (6), Jackson (104), Jefferson (5), Josephine (35), Klamath (10), Lake (1), Lane (76), Lincoln (2), Linn (43), Malheur (7), Marion (109), Morrow (7), Multnomah (345), Polk (28), Sherman (1), Tillamook (6), Umatilla (25), Union (7), Wallowa (3), Wasco (3), Washington (164) and Yamhill (34).
Oregon makes progress toward goal of 1 million people boosted before February
Last week, Governor Kate Brown announced a goal of getting 1 million more Oregonians a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by the end of January as the state prepares to confront a projected surge in cases from the Omicron variant.
When the challenge started Dec. 17, 949,749 people had received a booster dose. Since Dec. 17, 118,397 Oregonians have received a booster. As of today, Oregon needs 881,603 people to get a booster to reach the goal and make our state safer from the Omicron variant. Find a booster here.
OHA announces four new high-volume vaccine centers
The Oregon Health Authority today announced several new high-volume vaccination sites to provide easy access to COVID-19 vaccines and boosters shots.
The new sites are:
- Florence Events Center, 715 Quince St., Florence, starting Dec. 31. Open daily Monday through Saturday from 12 p.m.- 7 p.m. Sundays from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. This venue will be closed on Tuesday, Jan.18 due to a previous commitment.
Learn more on the Lane County website.
- Roseburg Public Library, 1409 NE Diamond Rd., Roseburg, starting Jan.4. Open daily (including weekends), 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Learn more on the Douglas County website
- Pony Village Mall, 1611 Virginia Ave., North Bend, starting Jan 8. Open daily (including weekends) from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Learn more on the Coos County website
- Spirit Mountain Casino, 27100 SW Salmon River Highway, Grand Ronde, starting Jan. 15. Open Monday through Saturday, 12 p.m.- 7 p.m. Sunday from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Learn more at the Polk County website or the Yamhill County website
These sites offer all three COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and pediatric doses. The vaccines are safe, effective and free. You do not need health insurance. No appointment is necessary.
People in Oregon age 18 and older are eligible for booster shots six months after a second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or two months after the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Boosters provide added protection from serious illness from COVID-19.
Several sites around the state can accommodate large numbers of people seeking vaccinations. Many have added availabilities over the holiday season.
You can find information about the current six high-volume sites in other counties here.
For more information about vaccination clinics and providers near you go to GetVaccinated.Oregon.gov or visit OHA’s webpage on available clinics across the state.
Winter storms projected to impact the state over the next 7-10 days: Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management urges risk reduction, offers safety best practices
Winter storms are projected to move into the Pacific Northwest over the next 7-10 days, bringing freezing temperatures, mountain and valley snow, and gusty winds. The Office of Emergency Management is urging Oregonians to reduce their risk by taking preparedness actions and following safety best practices — staying informed, being aware of surroundings, and being ready with a plan and emergency kit.
“Our state has already experienced a number of weather-related emergencies this year, emphasizing the importance of taking action now to be prepared for what’s next,” said OEM Deputy Director Matt Marheine. “Winter storms mean increased risk for those traveling as well as those staying home for the holiday. It’s critical all Oregonians are empowered to do their part for themselves, their family and their community to stay safe.”
Extremely cold temperatures are predicted for next week. OEM is highlighting the need to check in on family, friends, neighbors and vulnerable populations, especially if the power goes out or roads turn icy. Oregonians should know where to call for help and save 911 for life-threatening emergencies only.
- For non-emergency assistance, dial 677 from a mobile phone or call 800-442-0776 in the state’s northern counties and 800-442-2068 in southern counties. If you are unsure what Oregon State Police dispatch to dial, call either one and they will assist.
- Dial or text 211 – or visit 211info.org for health and social service assistance and general information.
- Dial 511 or visit tripcheck.com for travel updates.
- Text-to-911 helps those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have limited speech capabilities, as well as anyone unable to talk due to an emergency, and should only be used for emergencies.
“We need to look out for one another and share information to help raise awareness of ways to access resources and stay safe. Make sure you, your family and neighbors know where to go for warming shelters or how to safely stay warm if the power fails. Well-connected communities are more resilient,” said Marheine.
OEM is sharing additional safety tips and resources to help Oregonians reduce risk:
Be 2 Weeks Ready
Individuals should proactively prepare to be self-sufficient for at least two weeks during an emergency or disaster. Being 2 Weeks Ready means having a plan and enough supplies for you and your household to survive on your own for a full two weeks should an emergency — like a severe ice storm — occur. Visit oregon.gov to learn more.
Stay informed – the more information you have, the better you can prepare!
- Monitor the weather forecast for watches, warnings or advisories at weather.gov.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts at oralert.gov.
Limit exposure and know where to find warming centers
- Many counties across the state are setting up warming shelters – locations vary depending on the jurisdiction.
- Dial 211 or visit 211info.org/em-shelters to find warming centers listed by county and updated as information is shared.
- When necessary to be outdoors, limit exposure time and wear warm layers. Know the signs to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Travel safely – know before you go
- Check weather and road conditions in advance at tripcheck.com or call 511.
- Share your travel route before you travel and be sure to pack water, food, warm clothes and an emergency kit.
- Be patient and allow for extra travel time – review winter weather travel tips from ODOT.
Be aware of power hazards – heat the home safely
- Carbon monoxide kills: Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate the unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
- The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.
Communicating during outages
- Snow, ice and wind can damage cell towers, makingfor challenging communications via mobile phones and the Internet; use a battery-operated radio to listen to public broadcast stations for updates.
- Outages may be widespread and power may not be back up for some time; check in on family and neighbors to ask who needs assistance and get them the help they need.
Be aware of flood and landslide warnings
- Snow and ice accumulation can trigger debris flows and landslides in steep terrain, and the risk is higher in wildfire burn areas. Be alert when driving; embankments along roadsides may fail, sending drought-stricken trees and debris onto the road.
Protect pets – as members of the family, emergency plans should include actions to keep pets safe
- Keep pets inside when the temperature drops. If they are outdoors for any reason, make sure they’re protected by a dry, draft-free shelter and routinely check the water dish to make sure the water is fresh and unfrozen.
- Remove common poisons like antifreeze and de-icing salt.
Additional winter weather safety tips and resources
- Oregon Office of Emergency Management
- Ready.gov
- American Red Cross Winter Weather Checklist
- Oregon Department of Transportation
- Humane Society – Protect Pets in Winter
- Oregon Health Authority – Preparing for Winter Storms
“We want to help ensure folks have the resources and information needed to do what they can to keep themselves, their families and communities safe,” said Marheine. “We can all do our part to make sure the memories made throughout the holidays are memorable for the right reasons.” Oregon Office of Emergency Management
Increased Emergency SNAP Benefits Continue in January
- Most Oregonians who receive SNAP benefits will continue to receive increased emergency food benefits in January
- Approximately 382,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $61 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits
- Find resources to meet your basic needs: Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center
(Salem) – Most Oregonians who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will receive emergency allotments in January.
The federal government has approved emergency allotments every month since March 2020. This gives SNAP recipients additional support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In January, approximately 382,000 SNAP households will receive approximately $61 million in extra food benefits in addition to their regular SNAP benefits.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to provide emergency benefits to most SNAP households in Oregon,” said Dan Haun, director of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Self-Sufficiency Program. “We also know that many Oregonians are still struggling to meet their basic needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we encourage them to contact our partners at 211 and the Oregon Food Bank for support during this difficult time.”
Emergency allotments will be available on Jan. 11 for current SNAP households. New SNAP households will receive the emergency allotments Jan. 29 or Feb. 2.
SNAP recipients do not have to take any action to receive these supplemental benefits as they will be issued directly on their EBT cards.
More information about emergency allotments is available at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Emergency-Allotments.aspx.
Questions about your SNAP benefits should be directed to the ONE Customer Service Center at 1-800-699-9075.
If you are a SNAP household and your income or the number of people in your household has changed, it could impact your benefits. It is important to make sure ODHS has the most up-to-date information.
You can report any changes to your income or household in many ways:
- Online at: ONE.Oregon.gov
- By mail at: ONE Customer Service Center, PO Box 14015, Salem, OR 97309
- By fax at: 503-378-5628
- By phone at: 1-800-699-9075 or TTY 711
Resources to help meet basic needs
- Find a food pantry: foodfinder.oregonfoodbank.org
- Learn about government programs and community resources for older adults and people with disabilities: Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon at 1-855-673-2372 or www.adrcoforegon.org.
- Dial 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211, www.211info.org
- Oregon Department of Human Services COVID-19 help center
Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 or reach out to the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) at 1-855-ORE-ADRC or 1-855-673-2372. Oregon Department of Human Services
Sadly, Missing Grants Pass Woman Has Been Found Deceased
A post on Facebook Thursday night announced that Rachael has been found and is “no longer with us.” Out of respect for the Behnke family, Rachael’s brother announced in a video that further details would not be shared at this time. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out for the Family and Community.
Grants Pass, OR. – Late on Thursday, December 23, 2021, the Grants Pass Police Department discovered Rachael Behnke deceased in her white Ford Explorer in a rural portion of Josephine County. She was the lone occupant of the vehicle that was parked off Highway 199 near Selma.
Rachael Behnke had originally been reported missing on Friday, December 10th after last being seen dropping off her child at school in Grants Pass. Report of the discovery was withheld until today at the request of the family.
Our hearts go out to the grieving family during this holiday season. We also want to thank all those who assisted in looking for Rachael over the last two weeks. Grants Pass Police Department
A 17-year-old was reported missing in Salem and detectives say the teen might be the victim of an online catfishing scheme.
Ezra Mayhugh, 17, was last seen on October 15, 2021 after being dropped off in downtown Salem by a friend, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said. He was reported as a runaway the following day when he did not return home.
Investigators say he might be in Washington or California. They hope to reunite Ezra safely with family members.
He’s described as about 5-foot 11-inches tall, weighing 130 pounds, with blonde hair and brown eyes.
If you have had contact with Mayhugh since October 15 or have other helpful information on his whereabouts, the sheriff’s office asks you to contact Detective M.J. Sphoon at 503-588-6808 or to submit a tip by texting TIPMCSO and your tip to 847411.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/