The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Friday, February 26, 2021
Oregon Beach Weather
Today- HIGH SURF ADVISORIES Showers likely. Snow level 2500 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. Breezy, with a west northwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Saturday- A 30 percent chance of showers before 10am. Snow level 2500 feet lowering to 2000 feet. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. North northwest wind 8 to 10 mph.
Sunday- Sunny, with a high near 53. Light and variable wind.
Monday– Rain likely before 1pm, then showers likely, mainly between 1pm and 4pm. Snow level 3500 feet lowering to 2500 feet. Cloudy, with a high near 50. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tuesday– Partly sunny, with a high near 51.
Oregon reports 553 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 10 new deaths
There are 10 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,204. The Oregon Health Authority reported 553 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 bringing the state total to 154,554.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (2), Benton (12), Clackamas (46), Columbia (4), Coos (26), Crook (2), Curry (5), Deschutes (10), Douglas (27), Harney (1), Hood River (2), Jackson (75), Jefferson (9), Josephine (13), Klamath (6), Lane (51), Lincoln (3), Linn (16), Malheur (4), Marion (58), Morrow (3), Multnomah (66), Polk (12), Tillamook (3), Umatilla (17), Union (4), Wasco (1), Washington (61) and Yamhill (14).
Vaccinations in Oregon
Today, OHA reported that 22,841 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 15,684 doses were administered on Feb. 24 and 7,157 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on Feb. 24.
Cumulative daily totals can take several days to finalize because providers have 72 hours to report doses administered and technical challenges have caused many providers to lag in their reporting. OHA has been providing technical support to vaccination sites to improve the timeliness of their data entry into the state’s ALERT Immunization Information System (IIS).
Oregon has now administered a cumulative total of 881,206 first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines. To date, 1,170,595 doses of vaccine have been delivered to sites across Oregon.
These data are preliminary and subject to change. OHA’s dashboards provide regularly updated vaccination data, and Oregon’s dashboard has been updated today.
More New COVID Cases in Coos County In February Than Any Month So Far
More Coos County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 so far in February 2021 than in any other month since the pandemic began – and the shortest month of the year isn’t even over yet.
Coos Health and Wellness confirmed the record-setting pace of new infections Thursday.
The 340 cases reported so far this month is more than the record 327 set in December – and broken in January with 329 new cases.
- April 2020: 21
- May 2020: 10
- June 2020: 10
- July 2020: 43
- August 2020: 30
- September 2020: 45
- October 2020: 105
- November 2020: 165
- December 2020: 327
- January 2021: 329
- February 2021 (as of Feb. 25): 340
The county has been classified as Extreme risk for the entire month, raising the question: Why are new cases still on the rise?
County health officials reported a new outbreak of COVID-19 among staff at the Walmart in Coos Bay. So far there are 7 known cases tied to the outbreak. ‘I think again we have to remember it starts with staff,’ explained Becky Fairhurst, a public health nurse and case investigator for Coos Health and Wellness, ‘but it could have connection outside the facility and the outbreak can grow beyond the location itself, but it did start as staff.’
Coos County public health officials are reporting a new outbreak at Shutter Creek Correctional Facility. There are two cases – one staff member and one inmate.
“There are pockets of people that are still doing things like we are in Low (risk),” said Eric Gleason, assistant director. “It’s not the majority of the population, but that in itself, those acts systematically effect everybody.”
While the vaccine provides hope, Gleason said it could be months at this rate before Coos County sees its new virus case count start to decrease.
Project Turnkey Grants to Transform Hotels Into Housing For Lincoln City, Eugene, and Corvallis
Oregon’s Project Turnkey Gains Momentum: $11.4 Million in Additional Grants Brings Three More Motel Properties Online to Provide Lodging for Displaced Community Members
Project Turnkey Provides Grants for Properties Located in Corvallis, Eugene and Lincoln City along with plans in Medford and Ashland
Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) announced that Project Turnkey is gaining momentum with three additional grants awarded to properties in Corvallis, Eugene and Lincoln City.
Corvallis Housing First (CHF) was selected to receive one of the next Project Turnkey grants, in the amount of $2.475 million in state funds to purchase and transform a 24-room hotel in Corvallis, Oregon. Priority will be given to the most vulnerable members of the Corvallis community who are unhoused, including people with disabilities, veterans, people of color and seniors.
“We are so excited for this opportunity to provide more safe shelter options during the pandemic and permanent supported housing to people experiencing chronic homelessness in our community,” said Andrea Myhre, Executive Director of Corvallis Housing First, “This project came together because of good planning as well as partners and volunteers working tirelessly to come up with new solutions for getting people into housing.”
Located at 1480 SW 3rd St, Corvallis, OR 97333, CHF anticipates the facility to be in use beginning in March 2021.
Lane County Human Services was also selected to receive a Project Turnkey grant, in the amount of $5.56 million in state funds to purchase and transform a 50-room hotel in Eugene, Oregon. Priority will be given to wildfire evacuees.
“The Holiday Farm Fire was absolutely devastating to thousands of residents along the McKenzie River,” said Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch. “Six months later and people are still struggling to find acceptable temporary housing. Project Turnkey is an incredible investment and will provide a lot of families with a safe place to live while they work through the rebuilding process.”
Located at 599 East Broadway, Eugene, OR 97401, Lane County Human Services anticipates the facility to be in use beginning in March 2021.
Northwest Coastal Housing (NWCH) in Lincoln City is another Project Turnkey grant awardee, slated to receive $3.348 million in state funds to purchase a 42-room hotel along Highway 101 in Lincoln City, Oregon. Priority will be given to community members displaced by the Echo Mountain Complex Fire.
“This is wonderful news for survivors of the Echo Mountain Fire,” Claire Hall, Board of County Commissioners for Lincoln County and Chair of Oregon Housing Stability Council, said. “North Lincoln County’s critical housing shortage was exacerbated by the fire. Too many individuals and families are still living in their vehicles, are doubled up with friends or relatives, or in other unstable situations. This will give them a safe, long-term place to work on rebuilding their homes and their lives.”
Located at 1014 NE Hwy 101, Lincoln City, OR 97367, NWCH anticipates the new “Phoenix Rising NW” to be in use beginning in March 2021.
“We at Northwest Coastal Housing are so grateful for this opportunity to help our neighbors impacted by the wildfires, COVID and other crisis by providing temporary lodging complete with service navigation. Our goal is to ease the trauma, provide our occupants with lodging, help them to stabilize and breathe,” stated Sheila Stiley, Executive Director of Northwest Coastal Housing. “Our agency was established to advocate for and support community efforts addressing housing needs. This is an unconventional and innovative way of accomplishing just that, which seems to be a growing trend when responding to crisis, and we could not have succeeded without overwhelming support from our partners.”
Earlier this month OCF announced the first Project Turnkey grant of $4.2 million in state funds for Options for Helping Residents of Ashland (OHRA) to purchase and transform an Ashland motel. The new OHRA Center anticipates beginning to safely house community members negatively impacted by wildfires and COVID-19 pandemic beginning in March 2021.
“Now that the application window has closed, the Project Turnkey Advisory Committee is doubling down on efforts to review and move highly-qualified applicants through the due diligence process,” said Megan Loeb, Program Officer, Oregon Community Foundation. “We have a strong pipeline of nearly 30 applicants and are excited to see more projects awarded in the weeks ahead.”
When funds became available from the state for this project, OCF convened a diverse statewide advisory committee to create an equitable review process of all applicants. Working with urgency, and with counsel from real estate development experts, the selection committee has condensed a complicated real estate transaction into a 6-8-week process.
“The scale of this humanitarian crises for unsheltered Oregonians is enormous,” said Dr. Ernesto Fonseca, CEO, Hacienda CDC and Project Turnkey Advisory Committee Member. “Project Turnkey is one innovative and cost-effective solution that brings affordable housing in record time to people in critical need.”
OCF has been studying root causes of Oregon’s dual crisis of homelessness and affordable housing for two years, beginning with research commissioned from ECONorthwest, “Homelessness in Oregon” which provided statewide analysis of the disproportionately large homeless population in Oregon.
About Project Turnkey
The Oregon Legislature allocated a total of $65 million for Project Turnkey for the purpose of acquiring motels/hotels for use as non-congregate shelter for people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of homelessness. Two discrete funds were provided by the state: one totaling $30 million to be awarded in counties and tribal communities impacted by the 2020 wildfires; and one totaling $35 million for the remaining 28 counties in the state. Oregon Community Foundation is administering both funds through an application and selection process, with guidance from an Advisory Committee of state, local, and community stakeholders. For more information, please visit Project Turnkey online.
About Corvallis Housing First
Corvallis Housing First (CHF) was founded in 2007 (as the Corvallis Homeless Shelter Coalition) to provide solutions for ending homelessness and achieving self-sufficiency. CHF provides housing and services for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Corvallis community. For more information about CHF, please visit: corvallishousingfirst.org.
About Lane County Human Services
Lane County Human Services administers a range of programs that support people in communities—veterans, seniors, children, youth and families—during challenges and transitions in their lives. The resources offered by Lane County Human Services and its public and nonpro?t partners open new doors to an entire network of services, providing help and creating opportunities. For more information about Lane County Human Services, please visit: lanecounty.org.
About Northwest Coastal Housing
Based in Newport, Oregon, Northwest Coastal Housing (formerly known as the Community Development Corporation of Lincoln County) was established in May 1991. NWCH is a nonprofit organization committed to developing affordable housing, advocating for and supporting community efforts that enhance affordable living options. NWCH’s mission is “to provide affordable, safe, decent, and stable housing with compassion and integrity”. For more information about NWCH, please visit: nwcoastalhousing.org.
About Oregon Community Foundation
Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) puts donated money to work in Oregon – more than $100 million in grants and scholarships annually. Since 1973, OCF grantmaking, research, advocacy and community-advised solutions have helped individuals, families, businesses and organizations create charitable funds to improve lives for all Oregonians. Impactful giving–time, talent and resources from many generous Oregonians–creates measurable change. For more information about OCF, please visit: http://oregoncf.org
Fatal Crash on Hwy 101 in Coos County
On Thursday, February 25, 2021 at approximately 7:15 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 227.
Preliminary investigation revealed that a commercial motor vehicle with double trailers had became disabled on the northbound shoulder of Hwy 101. Previous to becoming disabled the CMV was operated by Anthony Prom (50) of Seattle, WA.
A Chevrolet S-10 pickup, operated by Frank Martinez (77) of Lakeside, traveled onto the shoulder and crashed into the rear of the CMV combination.
Martinez sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Prom was not injured.
OSP was assisted by the Coos County Sheriff’s Department, Hauser Fire Department, Bay Cities Ambulance, ODOT, and Southern Oregon Public Safety Chaplains. Oregon State Police
AROUND the STATE of OREGON
Senate Republicans Boycott Floor Session in Protest of Oregon Covid Restrictions
Senate Republicans refused to show up for the Oregon Senate’s scheduled floor session Thursday morning in protest of coronavirus shutdowns and slow vaccination rollout to seniors.
It is the fourth time Senate Republicans have denied a quorum over the past three legislative sessions, a move Democrats have called undemocratic.
Two-thirds of the Senate’s 30 members must be present for the upper chamber to do any business, including passing bills. Democrats are in a supermajority with 18 members, but unless two Republicans are also in the chamber, the floor session cannot begin.
Previous walkouts have been used to kill greenhouse gas emissions cap-and-trade bills and in protest of a multibillion-dollar K-12 education funding package.
The 11 Senate Republicans sent a letter to Gov. Kate Brown announcing their intentions to deny quorum, saying they had not received enough attention regarding their expressed concerns about kids not being in school and seniors not receiving vaccines.
“In this show of solidarity with Oregonians who are being failed by the current direction of your policies, we hope this action conveys the importance of these issues,” the letter read, in part.
Brown last year shut down in-person schooling and instituted policies that prevented schools from reopening based on COVID-19 case metrics. In December, she announced that starting Jan. 1 it would be optional for schools to base their decision to reopen on those metrics.
Districts that started in-person learning before meeting county-recommended metrics were required to take additional steps, such as providing on-site COVID-19 testing.
She was among only a handful of governors that pushed teachers toward the top of the line to access vaccines, ahead of older residents.
Oregon has the third-to-worst senior vaccination rate in the country, Republicans wrote in their letter. The Oregonian first reported that statistic.
Adults age 80 and older were allowed to start getting shots Feb. 8, with younger adults added each week after that. Currently, adults age 70 and older qualify. Adults 65 and older will be eligible starting March 1.
Dru Draper, communications director for the Senate Republican Caucus, said the denial of quorum is not planned to be a multi-day affair like previous walkouts, but the decision on future floor sessions has not been made either way.
“As of right now, it’s just today,” he said. “We’re going to do whatever we have to to make sure that we’re standing up for seniors not getting vaccinated, kids not in schools and people who are out of work.”
Draper said Republicans have been harping on these issues for weeks, receiving little acknowledgment from the Governor’s Office or their Democratic colleagues. The frustration has been building for some time, but he couldn’t say exactly when the decision was made to deny quorum in protest.
After denying quorum, the Senate Republican office published a list of “demands” calling on Democratic leaders to refocus the legislative session on responding to the pandemic with more urgency.
They want schools reopened immediately, seniors to be prioritized in vaccine distribution and Republican bills passed on the issue of economic relief.
Republicans will be releasing an education package Friday that would “give parents and kids control over their education and use budget authority to reopen schools.”
During previous Republican walkouts, Democratic lawmakers described the action as undemocratic, denying the will of the majority of Oregonians who voted for the current make-up of the Legislature.
In November, voters re-elected Democrats to supermajorities in both the House and Senate and gave Democrats all of the statewide offices on the ballot.
“Senate Republicans continue to sabotage Oregon’s democracy and undermine the will of voters. They have abdicated the oaths of office many of them took just weeks ago,” Senate Democratic Leader Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, said in a statement.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month
For the 19th year, the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling dedicates March to help increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery services. This coincides with the National Problem Gambling Awareness Month whose campaign theme is “Awareness + Action.”
“Problem Gambling Awareness Month is always important to us, as we highlight a ‘hidden’ addiction that millions of Americans face, including one in every 38 Oregon adults,” said Executive Director of the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling Julie Hynes.
“This year, we bring special attention to problem gambling, given the stress, isolation and financial uncertainty of so many Oregonians throughout the pandemic,” said Hynes. “Some can be tempted to seek hope through jackpots and escape from everyday problems via other gambling options. More widespread legalized online betting, day trading, and even video gaming apps have caused harm for more people this year. We want people to know that they’re not alone, and that there is effective, free and confidential help available for them as well as their loved ones.”
National Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a grassroots effort that brings together a wide range of stakeholders – public health organizations, advocacy groups and gambling operators – who work collaboratively to let people know that hope and help exist.
Outreach continues to be challenging because of the pandemic. People are isolated at home and the need for online gambling resources and options for treatment are critical. Visits to the Oregon Problem Gambling Resource website (www.opgr.org) tend to increase during March as result of the focused marketing and social media outreach efforts.
“Creating awareness of problem gambling and available resources is a statewide commitment that is reflected in the official proclamation that Oregon Lottery and the Oregon Health Authority worked with the Governor’s office to develop,” added Lottery Senior Manager Product Market Stacy Shaw, who is also an officer on the National Council on Problem Gambling board of directors.
“It’s great that people are seeking information,” Shaw added, “and we hope that the conversation and action continues to grow this year. We’re proud to be in a state that has robust system of prevention through treatment services that are free to anyone concerned about gambling problems, and we want people to know that they don’t have to worry about seeking help.
“This year we are focusing on letting people know that in Oregon treatment is really free, a message that’s important to people struggling with gambling issues.”
Problem Gambling Services Manager Greta Coe, with Oregon Health Authority’s Health Systems Division, notes the COVID pandemic has made this “a very trying and isolating time for many people.” Because of this, she says, it was important for Oregon Problem Gambling Resource (OPGR) and other local community sources to ramp up their outreach activities and media presence to address the increase in gambling activity and addiction.
“We’ve expanded our efforts to build awareness that gambling is an activity that comes with risks,” said Coe, “and it’s crucial we provide both free education and judgment-free treatment for those who develop gambling problems, as well as resources for those impacted by a loved one’s gambling.
The Oregon Lottery’s commitment to problem gambling support is year-round. Since 1992, one percent of Oregon Lottery profits has funded problem gambling treatment and prevention efforts throughout Oregon. Since that time, over $111 million in Lottery funds has supported those services.
To get help for a gambling issue, anyone can call 1-877-MYLIMIT. Treatment is free, confidential and it works. For more information about problem gambling treatment resources or to chat with a specialist, go to Oregon Problem Gambling Resource at opgr.org.
About the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling
The Oregon Council on Problem Gambling is the state affiliate to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Its purpose is to promote the health of Oregonians by supporting efforts to minimize gambling-related harm. Board members include stakeholders from the gaming industry, the treatment and prevention field, the recovery community and state and county administrators. Oregon Lottery
ShakeAlert(R) Helps Oregonians Prepare for the Unpredictable
Wildfires, floods, volcanoes and earthquakes: Oregon has its share of natural hazards. Each of these hazards presents unique challenges, but one of the biggest challenges for earthquake preparedness is unpredictability. Earthquakes strike without warning, causing widespread damage in a matter of seconds.
Fortunately, there is a preparedness tool, ShakeAlert® Earthquake Early Warning, coming to Oregon on March 11. ShakeAlert does not predict earthquakes. Rather, it uses a network of sensors to detect an earthquake that has just begun. Data from the sensors are used by ShakeAlert processing centers to calculate the estimated quake magnitude and intensity. Alert distribution providers (e.g. operators of purpose-built apps) create an alert which can be delivered to wireless devices – in a matter of seconds – potentially reaching device users before the shaking does. In the seconds between receiving an alert and feeling shaking, people can protect themselves by dropping, covering and holding on.
“One of the reasons earthquakes are unpredictable is due to a phenomenon called ‘stick-slip,’” explains Jenny Crayne, an educator with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), which is supporting outreach and education related to ShakeAlert. The push and pull of plate tectonics puts pressure on rocks within the earth. But rather than glide smoothly along, the rock “sticks,” held fast by friction. Sooner or later, and without notice, pressure overcomes this friction and the rock “slips,” resulting in an earthquake.
By studying past earthquakes and by mapping and monitoring movement along plate boundaries and faults, seismologists can identify areas, like the Pacific Northwest, with a high earthquake hazard, explains Crayne. Seismologists can also look at recurrence interval (the average amount of time between quakes) to estimate the likelihood of an earthquake occurring in the future. But probabilities aren’t predictions; no one knows exactly where the next earthquake will occur, or when.
This is why ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning is such a valuable preparedness tool. By rapidly detecting earthquakes and deploying alerts, the System can offer live-saving seconds for individuals. ShakeAlert-powered alerts can also be used to trigger automated actions such as closing a gas valve or slowing a train. These actions can prevent cascading infrastructure failures in the aftermath of an earthquake.
ShakeAlert is an easy-to-use tool. Beginning March 11, 2021, mobile devices in Oregon will be able to receive ShakeAlert-powered alerts via Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA), just like a severe weather or AMBER alert. All WEA alerts, regardless of type, behave the same. The device makes a distinctive notification sound and the alert pops up in a text window on the screen. Some devices with text-to-voice capability may read out the message text.
In the case of an earthquake alert, the WEA text will read: “Earthquake Detected! Drop, Cover, Hold On. Protect Yourself. -USGS ShakeAlert.” This message is available in Spanish for phones set to receive alerts in that language.
ShakeAlert-powered alerts can also be delivered through purpose-built apps; newer Android phones have ShakeAlert capacity built into the operating system, offering a third alert delivery route.
“ShakeAlert can offer critical seconds of advance warning before we feel the impacts of shaking from an earthquake,” says Oregon Office of Emergency Management Director Andrew Phelps. “These precious seconds allow people to take protective actions to increase their chances of being disaster survivors rather than disaster victims.”
You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille or a format you prefer. Contact David Cardona, OEM Language Access Coordinator, at 971-719-1183 or email david.cardona@state.or.us. We accept all relay calls or you can dial 711. Oregon Office of Emergency Management
Report of ‘A Disturbance’ in Oregon Homeless Camp Finds Person Dead and Another Charged With Murder
A man faces Murder and other charges after officers found a person dead in a homeless camp Wednesday morning.
Ronald Andrew Mowy, 27, of Lebanon was taken into custody on suspicion of Murder in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Burglary in the First Degree.
Police have not identitifed the victim as they work to contact his family.
The investigation started at 10:35 a.m. with a report of a disturbance near 3199 Burdell Blvd. in Lebanon. “The person reporting the disturbance stated that there appeared to be yelling from a homeless encampment,” police said.
Officers found a man dead at the scene and identify Mowdy as the other person involved, police said.
“Mowdy has an extensive history with the Lebanon Police Department that involves thefts, trespassing, narcotics and disturbances, as well as outstanding warrants for his arrest,” police said.
Police ask anyone with information about the case to please contact Detective James Glover (541-258-4326) or Detective Sergeant Ryan Padua (541-258-4325).
Gray Wolf Travels from Oregon to the Central Sierra Nevada
Another GPS-collared gray wolf has dispersed from Oregon into California. The wolf, known as OR-93, has traveled farther south in California than the collared wolves that have preceded him.
OR-93 is a young male that dispersed from Oregon’s White River pack, southeast of Mt. Hood. He was fitted with a tracking collar within the White River pack’s territory in June 2020. Like many young wolves, he subsequently left his pack in search of a new territory and/or a mate.
After arriving in Modoc County in early February 2021, he quickly passed through portions of numerous California counties before arriving this week in Alpine County, between the trans-Sierra State Highways 4 and 108. He then moved just into Mono County, putting him hundreds of miles from the Oregon state line and his natal territory. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will continue to monitor his whereabouts with the cooperation of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
OR-93 is the 16th gray wolf documented to have dispersed into California, and most of those animals have traveled from Oregon. One of those dispersing wolves, OR-54, traveled as far south as the Lake Tahoe Basin before returning north. The others have primarily traveled, and sometimes settled, in the California’s northernmost counties.
The first wolf known in California since the 1920s, OR-7, first visited in late 2011. Since then, the state has seen the formation of two packs. The Shasta Pack in Siskiyou County had five pups in 2015 before disappearing late that year. The Lassen Pack, which occupies parts of Lassen and Plumas counties, has produced pups each year from 2017 to 2020. Additionally, a new pair of wolves has recently been documented in Siskiyou County and CDFW biologists believe it is likely they will produce pups this spring.