Oregon Beach News, Monday 1/24 – Dungeness Crab Season On Track With Catch and Coast Guard Calls, Coos Bay Missing Child Alert UPDATE: 17-year-old Katelyn Smith was found on Sunday

The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com

Monday, January 24, 2022

Oregon Beach Weather

Today– Sunny, with a high near 55. East wind 5 to 8 mph becoming north northwest in the afternoon.

Tuesday– Sunny, with a high near 55. East northeast wind 7 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Wednesday– Sunny, with a high near 55. East wind 5 to 7 mph.

Thursday– Sunny, with a high near 55.

Friday– A chance of rain. Partly sunny, with a high near 53.

Dungeness Crab Season On Track With Catch and Coast Guard Calls

Dungeness crab season is in full swing and crabbers are on track to bring in numbers similar to those brought in last year even after weather issues caused safety concerns early in the season.

Nearly 8 weeks into Dungeness crab season, and despite some safety and weather obstacles, numbers are right where they should be.

The Coast Guard has performed multiple search and rescues so far.

“We surpassed all of last season in terms of landings and ex-vessel value,” says Tim Novotny, Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission spokesperson. “The most recent numbers that we got from the state was that we landed just shy of 14 million pounds of crab and the ex-vessel value was already about the third highest in our industry’s history.”

Novotny says storm activity stalled crabbing in late December as crabbers have trouble even on good days crossing the bar. “Any time the guys cross the bar, that’s dangerous,” Novotny says.

Officer Carolyn Harbert from Coast Guard Sector North Bend says they’re responsible for 6 bars along the southern coast. Harbert says they’ve had to conduct 17 search and rescues – an average number of rescues – since the season started on December 1.

“What makes them so dangerous is it’s a bottleneck between open ocean and the river or bay or whatever it may be, so it can cause some pretty significant surface conditions,” Harbert says.

When this happens in Coos Bay, it requires highly qualified surfmen be sent out to guide operators through the jetties. She says this is for any waves over 8 feet or if the water is breaking.

At the Long Fisheries Dock in Charleston, dock boss JD Evanow says it takes a special person to get through the bar each day.

“These guys are pretty tough, so they earn their money. You know, it’s not an easy job. Not just anybody can do it. Dungeness crab fishing is one of the most deadliest fisheries we have. The weather, and the conditions, the bar crossings.”

The Coast Guard reminds boaters in between inspections to maintain a high standard for safety on board, and that they’re always available on channel 16 for safety information.

Novotny says processors haven’t been able to move as much product through their plants, due to staffing shortages. They continue to face staff shortages.

UPDATE: 17-year-old Katelyn Smith was found on Sunday, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Child Welfare Division. The agency said it is thankful for the community support.

Coos Bay Missing Child Alert — Katelyn N. Smith is missing and is believed to be in danger

Katelyn Smith

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Katelyn N. Smith, age 17, a child in foster care who went missing from Coos Bay on Jan. 20. Katelyn is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Katelyn and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.

Katelyn is suspected to be in the Coos Bay area. She may be in the presence of a 17-year-old male, or Trayton W. Glass, age 20. 

Name: Katelyn N. Smith
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Aug. 3, 2004
Height: 5-foot-six
Weight: 120 pounds
Hair: Blue
Eye color: Brown 
Other identifying information: Katelyn’s lower lip is pierced; she has a nose piercing.
Coos Bay Police Department Case #P20220240
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1441272

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. 

Seaside Man Arrested On Multiple Counts Of Encouraging Child Abuse

On Thursday, January 20, 2022, at approximately 11 a.m., detectives from the Seaside, Warrenton, and Cannon Beach Police Departments, as well as the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office with joint assistance from Oregon and Washington’s Department of Justice (DOJ) and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Investigators, conducted a search warrant at the residence of John M. Dailey (DOB 1/20/1961), located at 2561 N. Roosevelt, #204, in Seaside, Oregon. 

Seaside Detectives began building a case against Dailey when an ICAC tip was received regarding him downloading and distributing child pornography using various computer devices in his residence. The extensive investigation resulted in the issuance of a search warrant for Dailey’s residence to be searched and for specific items related to child pornography to be seized and analyzed. 

During the execution of the search warrant, evidence of nine counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse 1 (ORS 163.684) and nine counts of Encouraging Child Sexual Abuse 2 (163.686) were seized and analyzed. With the assistance of Oregon DHS, two juvenile dependents were taken into protective custody. 

Dailey was arrested for the charges without incident and transported to the Clatsop County Jail. This remains an ongoing investigation with potential future pending charges.

The Seaside Police Department would like to thank the above-mentioned agencies for their assistance and commitment to making our communities safer. 

If you have information regarding this investigation, please contact Detective Jess Vaughan at 503-738-6311 or email at jvaughan@cityofseaside.us.

Learn About Plans to Improve the Oregon Coast Trail at Virtual Open House

The public is invited to learn about plans to close gaps along the Oregon Coast Trail (OCT). Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is hosting an online open house and webinar for people to learn about the Oregon Coast Trail Action Plan that aims to improve safety, access and convenience for all trail users, with an emphasis on connecting trail gaps.

Visit the open house at bit.ly/OCTOpenHouse1 any time through Feb. 11 to view a presentation about the project and provide feedback.

The project team will also host a live webinar on Zoom from 12 – 1 p.m. Jan. 26 via bit.ly/OCT-Webinar1, or access the meeting by calling in:

Dial: (253) 215-8782 

Meeting: 992 0765 9206 

Password: 12622

The OCT stretches along the entire 362-mile coastline, from the border to border, offering hikers spectacular coastal vistas, lush forests and recreation opportunities for day hikers and long-distance hikers alike. Most of the trail is on sandy beaches, with sections of overland trail across headlands, forests, rivers and through some of the coast’s 28 cities. About 10 percent of the trail is disconnected, inconvenient, unsafe or inaccessible — mainly where the route requires people to hike on the shoulder of U.S. 101 or where it follows county roads and local streets. 

OPRD is leading the planning effort to close these gaps in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) and Oregon Solutions. The plan will identify gaps in the hiking experience and determine actions and funding needed to improve and maintain the trail over time.

The OCT was approved in 1971 by the Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council and developed and managed by OPRD as part of the state park system of Oregon. OPRD manages most of the trail; some sections are managed by the US Forest Service, Oregon Department of Transportation and cities through which the trail passes.

Individuals who require special accommodations to view the webinar or open house should contact Paul Reilly at eilly@oprd.oregon.gov“>paul.reilly@oprd.oregon.gov or 541-272-7394.

Oregon reports 10,947 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 20 new deaths

There are 20 new COVID-19-related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,936, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported 10,947 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 bringing the state total to 570,892.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (40), Benton (181), Clackamas (845), Clatsop (80), Columbia (201), Coos (200), Crook (114), Curry (28), Deschutes (663), Douglas (226), Gilliam (1), Harney (1), Hood River (43), Jackson (661), Jefferson (213), Josephine (243), Klamath (253), Lake (11), Lane (1,196), Lincoln (109), Linn (480), Malheur (99), Marion (1,221), Morrow (43), Multnomah (1,487), Polk (261), Tillamook (38), Umatilla (317), Union (68), Wallowa (20), Wasco (72), Washington (1,280) and Yamhill (252).

OHA briefs media on rising hospitalizations, surging cases

Health Officer and State Epidemiologist Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., briefed media Friday on the latest developments in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although cases and hospitalizations are surging, Sidelinger spoke about the difference Oregonians are making by wearing masks, indoors and outdoors, by restricting gatherings and by staying home when sick or upon a positive test.

“There is some light at the end of this very dark tunnel. The recent modeling suggests that cases could peak within the next week or so with hospitalizations – a lagging indicator – peaking in the following weeks,” he said.

More importantly, the forecast shows the difference everyone in Oregon is making by continuing to take preventive steps. The projected peak for hospitalizations is about 1,500 in early February.

Without the widespread adherence the state has seen from Oregonians, the curve would be much steeper – about 1,900 hospitalizations.

“The critical difference here in Oregon is you,” Sidelinger said. His full comments can be found here. A recording of the briefing is here.

Masks were burned in front of the Oregon Health Authority building in Portland as the agency took testimony on a proposal to make the indoor mask requirement permanent.

Under Oregon law, OHA can’t make another temporary extension of the rule. If it’s made permanent, the rule would be repealed when COVID-19 cases decline. Most people testified in opposition of the extension with many people saying they can’t trust the agency to eliminate the rule.

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Oregon Office of Economic Analysis Says Wages Up and Unemployment at An All Time Low

By most measures the labor market is tight. The unemployment rate now stands at 4.1% which is lower than it’s been throughout Oregon’s history, other than the 2017-19 time period last cycle where the unemployment rate was roughly in the 3.5-4% range.

Wage growth and labor income overall are booming as a result. Average wages are up 17% since the start of the pandemic, and total wages and salaries in the state are 11% above pre-pandemic levels. Oregon Office of Economic Analysis forecast for wages has never been stronger, despite a somewhat lower employment outlook tied to the recession and slower population growth.

Over the past year — Dec ’20 to Dec ’21 — Oregon businesses added 107,000 jobs for a growth rate of 5.9%. The workers are coming back. Labor supply has increased. The state has now recovered more than 4 in 5 of the lost jobs at the start of the pandemic. Now, those gains are not quite as fast as businesses would have like, and the adjustments by businesses in terms of wage increases and the like are challenging. That being said, in an inflationary boom like we are in, firms have been able to not only absorb those higher costs but also pass them on to customers. (https://oregoneconomicanalysis.com/2022/01/21/labor-demand-in-oregon-graph-of-the-week/)

Keizer Woman Killed When Vehicle Crashed Into Her House

Authorities say a 67-year-old woman was killed when a driver accused of being under the influence of intoxicants crashed his vehicle into her Oregon home.

A 63-year-old man who was in the house in the town of Keizer north of Salem was seriously injured. Police say the driver of the vehicle left the roadway twice and hit a power pole before crashing into the home.

The woman died at the scene and the injured man was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The 41-year-old driver was arrested on multiple charges including manslaughter, reckless driving, driving under the influence and a probation violation.

Roseburg Rivers Edge RV Park Incident Under Investigation

On Thursday, January 20, 2022, deputies went to a trailer in the Rivers Edge Mobile Home Park to conduct follow up related to a criminal investigation.

When they arrived, deputies heard a gunshot from inside the trailer where they were contacting an individual; which prompted a several hour stand-off. Several law enforcement officers responded to the area and attempted to have the occupants to exit the trailer peacefully.

Area residents and a nearby school were notified of the situation, which was confined to the trailer unit, and asked to avoid the area.  

The Sheriff’s Office Tactical Response and Crisis Negotiations Teams were activated and continued to diffuse the situation. After no response from the individuals inside, tactical action was taken which resulted in a female exiting the trailer a few minutes later.

The female, identified as 30 year-old Callista Mayfield of Roseburg, was taken into custody without incident. Deputies continued making attempts to have the male, 42-year-old James Robert Young of Roseburg, exit the trailer. During an interview following her arrest, the female indicated to law enforcement that Young had taken his own life.

Tactical team members entered the trailer and located Young deceased inside. The Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office responded and is investigating the death as a suicide at this time.

Mayfield was transported to the jail where she was lodged on an arrest warrant out of Lane County. Next of kin has been notified. Douglas Co. Sheriff’s Office

Klamath Falls Man Arrested After Firing Shots Into Home With Child Inside

One man has been arrested by Klamath County Police after officers say that the man fire four rounds into a residence with a four-year-old child and adult inside.

Klamath Falls Police have identified Shane Whynot as the suspect who fired those rounds into the home and also a nearby vehicle.

Police say that the shooting occurred in the 200 Block of North Eldorado Avenue on Saturday January 22. 

Officers were able to pull video footage from the surrounding area and developed a suspect vehicle. The vehicle was later located in the 1900 block of Burns Street where officers detained Shane Whynot, DOB 1/25/1991, on scene and developed probable cause for his arrest.

During the search of the suspect vehicle, officers found empty shell casings, additional live ammunition and a stolen pistol that was consistent to the type of firearm used during the shooting. There was also a dealer quantity of suspected methamphetamine located in the vehicle.

Whynot has been booked and lodged at the Klamath County Jail for Attempted Murder x2, Unlawful Use of a Weapon x4, Disorderly Conduct, Reckless Endangering, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Theft I (Possession of a stolen firearm), Criminal Mischief I, DCS Methamphetamine and PCS Methamphetamine.

Police state that the investigation is still on-going. 

SP Fish & Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance with Poaching Case of Four Antelope – Harney County

The Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division is seeking public assistance identifying the person(s) responsible for the unlawful taking of four antelope in Harney County.  

On January 17, 2022, a Fish and Wildlife Trooper from Burns responded to a report of two dead, and two injured antelope on private property adjacent to Highway 78 near milepost 33 and Rodeo Lane.  This location is about four miles south of Crane, Oregon.

The two severely injured antelope had to be euthanized due to their injuries and none of the antelope could be salvaged.

The unlawful take is believed to have occurred sometime during the evening of January 16 to the early morning hours of January 17.  

OSP is urging anyone with information regarding this case to call the Oregon State Police Tip-line at 1-800-452-7888, OSP (677), or email at TIP@state.or.us. Reference case # SP22-013307.

Report Wildlife and Habitat Law Violators

The Oregon Hunters Association TIP reward offers preference points or cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or issuance of a citation for the unlawful take/possession or waste of Bighorn Sheep, Rocky Mountain Goat, Moose, Elk, Deer, Antelope, Bear, Cougar, Wolf, Upland Birds, Waterfowl, Furbearers, Game Fish and Shellfish. Cash rewards can also be awarded for turning in people who destroy habitat, illegally obtain licenses/tags, and for the unlawful lending/borrowing of big game tags. Oregon State Police

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Coos Bay Missing child alert — Katelyn N. Smith is missing and is believed to be in danger

Katelyn Smith

The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Child Welfare Division, asks the public to help find Katelyn N. Smith, age 17, a child in foster care who went missing from Coos Bay on Jan. 20. Katelyn is believed to be in danger.

ODHS asks the public for help in the effort to find Katelyn and to contact 911 or local law enforcement if they believe they see her.

Katelyn is suspected to be in the Coos Bay area. She may be in the presence of a 17-year-old male, or Trayton W. Glass, age 20. 

Name: Katelyn N. Smith
Pronouns: She/her
Date of birth: Aug. 3, 2004
Height: 5-foot-six
Weight: 120 pounds
Hair: Blue
Eye color: Brown 
Other identifying information: Katelyn’s lower lip is pierced; she has a nose piercing.
Coos Bay Police Department Case #P20220240
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #1441272

A small number of children in foster care may be in significant danger when they run away or have gone missing. As ODHS works to do everything it can to find these missing children and ensure their safety, media alerts will be issued in some circumstances when it is determined necessary. Sometimes, in these situations, a child may go missing repeatedly, resulting in more than one media alert for the same child.

Report child abuse to the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline by calling 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).  This toll-free number allows you to report abuse of any child or adult to the Oregon Department of Human Services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. 

Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Asks for Public’s Help in Search For Trucker Suspect

Please share!!! The first real clue to come in on all the missing person cases in the area. Help Klamath Falls Oregon Sheriff Office ID this trucker. He was the last to see this woman alive and could be the key to not only solving this woman’s disappearance but a number of the hundred other women missing in PNW. IF you have any information, please call (541) 883-5130

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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/

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