The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Friday, June 25, 2021
Oregon Beach Weather
Today– Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 68. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 8 to 13 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Saturday– Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Light and variable wind becoming northwest 6 to 11 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday– Sunny, with a high near 75. North wind 3 to 6 mph.
Monday– Mostly sunny, with a high near 65.
Tuesday– Partly sunny, with a high near 66.
Oregon reports 232 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 1 new death
There is one new COVID-19 related death in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 2,760. The Oregon Health Authority reported 232 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 bringing the state total to 207,558.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (2), Clackamas (12), Clatsop (3), Columbia (5), Coos (2), Crook (1), Curry (7), Deschutes (14), Douglas (10), Harney (1), Hood River (1), Jackson (16), Jefferson (3), Josephine (15), Klamath (6), Lake (1), Lane (12), Lincoln (3), Linn (18), Marion (25), Morrow (1), Multnomah (29), Polk (7), Tillamook (1), Umatilla (12), Wasco (1), Washington (19) and Yamhill (4).
OHA updates vaccine target ZIP code tableau
Last week the Oregon Health Authority released an update to the vaccination metrics dashboard showing the number of people remaining to be vaccinated to reach 65% vaccinated by demographics and county.
Today a ZIP code tab on the vaccination metrics dashboard was added. Tracking people remaining to be vaccinated by ZIP code will help target where vaccination efforts can reach the most people and promote access across the state. The new dashboard shows the top 40 ZIP codes with the most people remaining and allows for sorting by individual counties.
Vaccinations in Oregon
Today, OHA reported that 11,168 new doses of COVID-19 vaccinations were added to the state immunization registry. Of this total, 4,978 doses were administered on June 23 and 6,190 were administered on previous days but were entered into the vaccine registry on June 23.
The seven-day running average is now 9,620 doses per day.
Oregon has now administered 2,454,959 first and second doses of Pfizer,1,715,306 first and second doses of Moderna and 164,742 single doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.
As of today, 2,365,580 people have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 2,122,292 have completed a COVID-19 vaccine series.
The number of adult Oregonians needing vaccinations to reach the 70% threshold is 35,290. A daily countdown can be found on the OHA vaccinations page.
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).
To date, 2,946,375 doses of Pfizer, 2,225,020 doses of Moderna and 299,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines 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.
COVID-19 hospitalizations
The number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across Oregon is 162, which is seven more than yesterday. There are 32 COVID-19 patients in intensive care unit (ICU) beds, which is two fewer than yesterday.
The total number of COVID-19 positive patient bed-days in the most recent seven days is 1,050, which is an 8.8% decrease from the previous seven days. The peak daily number of beds occupied by COVID-19 positive patients in the most recent seven days is 162.
The total number of patients in hospital beds may fluctuate between report times. The numbers do not reflect admissions per day, nor the length of hospital stay. Staffing limitations are not captured in this data and may further limit bed capacity. More information about hospital capacity can be found here.
Cases of COVID-19 are trending downward in Oregon following a slight increase after Memorial Day weekend.
Over the last week, new cases declined nearly five-percent. The number of hospitalizations increased slightly, but deaths declined. The number of positive tests declined to three-point-three-percent.
Oregon is on track to reach a COVID-19 vaccination rate of 70-percent by June 30th, or maybe a little sooner. The
Oregon Health Authority says 83-hundred new doses of vaccinations were recorded yesterday. The state is now 38-thousand-143 vaccinations away from reaching 70-percent. When Oregon reaches the 70-percent mark, most of the COVID-19 restrictions will be dropped.
LOCAL HEADLINES:
The 57th Annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest
The 57th annual Cannon Beach Sandcastle Contest is happening now as a Virtual Summer of Sandcastles and will run through Sept. 6. COVID-19 safe events have already included a Concert in the Park with Bruce Smith Band and a Virtual Singing Sands Fun Run/Walk. Monday, June 21, was the last day to register for the fun run/walk, which will run through the end of the month.
Sandcastle Committee Chair Debbie Nelson said two-dozen people registered for the fun run/walk. The event usually has about 75 people who run. Participants received a 2021 sandcastle t-shirt and medal.
The sandcastle contest began June 5 with a promo build from master’s team Form Finders. Nelson said she was able to see the build from start to finish this year. A production crew also filmed the build, which will be uploaded to the website soon, Nelson added. Around two-dozen people have participated in the sandcastle contest so far, which is more than last year.
“We want to be safe,” Nelson said of the virtual event.
Nelson said about 100 people attended the Concert in the Park with Bruce Smith Band. They did some cover songs as well as originals. The band had not been able to play for over a year. The concert was free for everyone to attend.
Nelson hopes more people will get involved in the sandcastle contest. The contest has been a constant tradition since 1964. This is Nelson’s 12th year as chair. She has seen the contest through stormy weather, rain, record-breaking crowds at the 50th anniversary and a pandemic.
Sponsors this year include title sponsor Coaster Construction and sponsors Columbia Bank, Jeffrey Hull Gallery, and The Waves.
To participate in the Virtual Sandcastle Contest, purchase a $25 Sandcastle Kit at the Chamber Visitor Information Center, located at 207 North Spruce St. in Cannon Beach, or online. The kit includes registration details, a small sandcastle poster, swag and candy.
Visit the chamber’s website for more information on how to enter the contest at https://www.cannonbeach.org/events-and-festivals/sandcastle-contest/
You can also buy limited edition posters and other merchandise on the chamber’s website and at the Chamber Information Center.
Curry County Transfers Public Health Services To The OHA
A Curry County townhall meeting discussed the full transfer of Curry County’s public health services to the Oregon Health Authority by July 1, 2021.
The transfer of responsibility will ensure access to Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) services and inspection of Curry County facilities.
There are two primary programs under OHA including drinking water services and the food, pool and lodging and health safety program.
Oregon is to enforce the federal safe drinking water act and regulate specific state level systems that don’t meet the criteria for the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Curry County residents had some concern over how many new staff members would be hired to facilitate services. The administrator for the Center for Health Protection says only one additional hire has been made to cover inspections in Curry County.
Staff with WIC services say a part time position may need to be filled for additional local services. The OHA adds that more challenges could arise as it navigates the takeover.
OHA is contracting with Josephine County and partnering with local organizations to make public health determinations.
Locals can continue to call and text Curry WIC services for assistance and contact the Curry County sheriff in case of public health emergencies.
Fatal Crash on Hwy 101 – Curry County
On Thursday, June 24, 2021 at approximately 11:30 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 339.
Preliminary investigation revealed a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle, operated by James Rice (29) of Brookings, was northbound when it struck a, also northbound, Infiniti QX60, operated by Brecken Watterson (43) of Cedar Park, TX. The Infiniti was turning left into a viewpoint.
Rice sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Watterson and 4 juvenile passengers were not injured.
OSP was assisted by the Curry County Sheriff’s Office, Gold Beach Police Department, Gold Beach Fire Department, Pistol River Fire Department, and ODOT
AROUND the STATE of OREGON
Record-High Heat Wave Across Most of Oregon Raising Concerns about Wildfires and People’s Health
Record-high heat is forecast in the normally mild-weathered Pacific Northwest this weekend, raising concerns about wildfires and the health of people in a region where many people don’t have air conditioning.
City officials in Seattle were opening libraries as cooling centers and crews were being sent to places in Oregon where the risk of wildfires was high.
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch and predicted “dangerously hot” conditions Friday through at least Tuesday. The heat wave will cover portions of Washington, Oregon and Idaho, with temperatures rising to 114 degrees Fahrenheit (45 Celsius) in places, the agency said.
In Oregon, forecasters predicted record-setting weekend temperatures between 102 and 106 degrees
Fahrenheit (38 and 41 degrees Celsius) — and possibly higher — in the Portland metropolitan area.
The hottest temperature ever recorded in Portland was 107 degrees Fahrenheit (41 Celsius), in 1965 and 1981. Cooling centers will open in most cities on Friday.
According to Weather.gov :: “A record-breaking and dangerous heat wave is coming to the West,” and will affect most of Oregon later this week and through this weekend. A strong high pressure over the Pacific Northwest will bring unseasonably hot weather beginning Friday and lasting through next Monday. Temperatures will be 20 to 30 degrees above normal for this time of year, and will remain hot overnight, which will limit relief from the heat and contribute to increased risk of heat related illness.”
Treasurer Read Praises Inter-Agency Team Working to Move Unclaimed Property and Estates Programs to Oregon State Treasury
Oregon’s Unclaimed Property and Estates Administration programs will move from the Department of State Lands to Oregon State Treasury on July 1.
Salem, OR – State Treasurer Tobias Read today praised months of behind-the-scenes work by employees preparing for Oregon’s Unclaimed Property and Estates programs to move from the Department of State Lands to Oregon State Treasury on July 1, 2021.
The transfer, initiated by Senate Bill 454 and approved by the Oregon Legislature in June 2019, will move oversight of the two programs to Treasury while continuing to protect Oregonians’ assets. Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program holds more than $773 million in unclaimed funds and other property for owners to claim in perpetuity. The Estates Administration Program safeguards personal estates when Oregonians die without a will and known heirs.
“These programs are vital to reuniting Oregonians with their lost property, and I appreciate the inter-agency team working hard to complete the transfer without any interruptions or hiccups for people claiming or reporting funds,” said Treasurer Read. “I’m especially impressed by the collaboration and attention to detail despite the fact that many employees are working remotely during the pandemic.”
Most U.S. states house their unclaimed property programs in state treasuries. In 2019, Oregon legislators determined that moving Oregon’s Unclaimed Property Program to Oregon State Treasury would better align with other states’ programs. The transfer will integrate unclaimed property program staff with the Treasury team responsible for investing and managing unclaimed funds until they are claimed by their rightful owner. Treasury’s investment staff oversee the $2.2 billion Common School Fund in a diversified portfolio of investments.
The Oregon Department of State Lands will retain responsibility for distribution of investment earnings income to public schools. Two disbursements per year go to public schools across Oregon; in 2020, nearly $55 million was distributed.
Vicki Walker, Director of State Lands, applauded her team for carefully preparing for the move while also overseeing the program’s day-to-day responsibilities. “Our goal all along has been for the program transfer to be as seamless as possible for the people who rely on it,” said Director Walker. “I’m proud of the staff who have done an excellent job of overseeing the operations of the program while working on program transfer logistics.”
A total of 16 staff from both programs will become Oregon State Treasury employees on July 1; all existing positions were retained by the Legislature. “We look forward to officially welcoming the unclaimed property and estates staff to our team,” said Treasurer Read.
Following the transfer, most people using the program will see no difference in their experience submitting or following up on a claim, and the main portal for searching for and claiming unclaimed property will remain the same: unclaimed.oregon.gov. Businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies that report and remit unclaimed property should continue to meet the annual reporting deadline for unclaimed funds. Oregon Dept. of State Lands
Mail In Voting Bill
Oregonians could mail their ballots right up until Election Day and still have them counted under a bill headed to Gov. Kate Brown. House Bill 3291 would eliminate the need for the traditional warning given to voters about five days before each election: “It’s the last day to safely mail your ballot.”
Currently, ballots that arrive at county elections’ offices after 8 p.m. on Election Day are not counted, regardless of when they were mailed. Ballots that arrive in the mail up to seven days after an election would be counted, unless their postmark showed that they were mailed after Election Day. If a postmark is missing or unreadable, the bill would direct elections officials to assume the ballot was mailed prior to the deadline.
Gov. Brown Commutes Sentences Of 41 Inmates For Helping Fight 2020 Wildfires
In recognition of 41 inmate’s efforts to help fight wildfires in 2020, Gov. Kate Brown has commuted their sentences by 12 months.
The Oregon Department of Corrections conducted a case-by-case analysis of all inmates who worked as firefighters for a potential one-time, 12-month conditional commutation of their sentence.
The governor’s office released a statement in part here: ” While the Labor Day 2020 wildfires destroyed homes and forests across Oregon, many adults in custody—who qualified for participation in a fire crew due to good behavior and having received proper training—bravely fought these wildfires, alongside civilian firefighters, and helped prevent further destruction and loss of life across the state. The governor recognizes that these adults in custody served our state in a time of crisis, and she believes they should be rewarded and acknowledged for their contribution to this historic firefighting response.:
The governor’s office also added that DOC screens inmates prior to fire crew participation to ensure the safety of the public. Criteria includes having a record of good conduct for the last 12 months, having a suitable housing plan, having their out-of-custody health care needs addressed and not presenting a safety risk to the public.
Those who have been approved for commutation will be notified by the end of next week through their release counselor.
The Kruise of Klamath is Back!
The entirety of the Kruise of Klamath will be held downtown this year due to dry conditions at Moore Park. There will be street closures to accommodate the event: SHOW ‘N SHINE: Main Street will be closed from 11th Street
to 3rd Street from 6:00 AM until 1:30 PM.
Please note: Any vehicles parked within this section of Main Street this morning after 5:00 will be towed off of Main Street to the closest convenient location.
EVENING CRUISE: Main Street will be closed from 12th Street to 4th Street and Klamath Avenue will be closed from 12th Street to 3rd Street from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Side streets within these routes will be closed and motorists detoured around the event.
Oregon Bottle Drop mark Bottle Bill’s 50th birthday with ‘Hidden Bottle Hunts’ Across the State
Oregon’s iconic Bottle Bill is turning 50! On July 2, 1971, Governor Tom McCall signed into law the nation’s first bottle and can redemption system, which has helped keep Oregon clean and litter-free for 50 years. Not only was it the first, but it remains among the best, with Oregon regularly seeing some of the top redemption and recycling rates in the nation.
To mark the 50th Anniversary of the Bottle Bill, the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC), parent company to BottleDrop, is hosting a treasure hunt by hiding six commemorative, gold-colored, 50th Anniversary bottles in parks throughout the state.
The six, statewide Hidden Bottle Hunts will take place July 7-11. OBRC will release one clue per bottle, per day, on this webpage, leading hunters to the final hiding spot. The lucky winners will get to keep the commemorative bottle and select a BottleDrop nonprofit partner to receive a $500 donation through BottleDrop’s Containers for Change program.
Participants can sign up to receive daily clues at our BottleDrop Hidden Bottle Hunt webpage, or can view new clues each day at bottledropcenters.com/hunt. Six separate hunts, geographically dispersed across Oregon, will be conducted simultaneously, with separate clues being released daily for each hunt.
”There’s no better way to celebrate the Bottle Bill’s 50th birthday than to engage Oregonians in a fun outdoor activity that features the special places it helps keep litter free,” said Eric Chambers, external relations director for OBRC, the not-for-profit cooperative that serves as the operational steward of the Bottle Bill.
“Our Hidden Bottle Hunts will be fun for individuals and families, connect closely with the Bottle Bill’s mission of protecting public spaces, and best of all, the winners get to ‘redeem’ their bottle for a nice donation to one of 4,000 participating nonprofits serving communities across Oregon,” Chambers added.
What is the Bottle Bill?
On July 2, 1971, Oregon became the first state in the nation to pass a Bottle Bill – a system that provides a redemption value to Oregonians, incentivizing recycling and keeping bottles and cans out of our natural areas. It remains a groundbreaking approach to addressing the issue of litter in our forests, rivers, beaches, scenic byways and other natural areas. Over time, Oregon’s system has grown and innovated, and has become a national model of beverage container redemption and recycling, inspiring national and international delegations to visit Oregon to learn about its unique and effective system. Learn more about the Bottle Bill here.
About BottleDrop and the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative
The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) is the industry steward of Oregon’s nationally recognized beverage container redemption system and operator of the BottleDrop network. Headquartered in Clackamas, Ore., OBRC is a statewide, not-for-profit cooperative, formed by the beverage industry to serve as the operational steward of Oregon’s Bottle Bill. OBRC helps keep Oregon beautiful by providing outstanding services to partners, distributors, retailers and the public for the recovery, reuse and recycling of beverage containers. Through OBRC’s BottleDrop Redemption Centers and container pickup service for more than 2,500 retail partners, the co-op recycles nearly two billion beverage containers annually, protecting the Oregon we love, supporting the causes we cherish, and inspiring innovation beyond our borders – all without any taxpayer funding.
