Oregon Beach News, Thursday 12/23 – Dead Humpback Whale Washed Ashore at Cannon Beach near Silver Point, Landslides Could Impact Holiday Travel to the Oregon Coast

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

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Oregon Beach Weather

Today– A 40 percent chance of showers, mainly after 1pm. Snow level 2300 feet. Partly sunny, with a high near 46. West wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.

Friday– Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Snow level 2100 feet. Steady temperature around 42. Breezy, with a west wind 18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Christmas Day– Showers. Snow level 1400 feet. High near 44. West southwest wind 7 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Sunday– Rain. Snow level 900 feet. High near 42. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 100%

Monday– Snow showers before 7am, then rain and snow showers. Snow level 200 feet. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41.

 Dead Humpback Whale Washed Ashore on the South End of Cannon Beach near Silver Point

The Seaside Aquarium said Tuesday the small humpback has been dead for “sometime” and because of its condition, it’s unlikely a necropsy into cause of death will be done.

The aquarium said they will, however, be taking measurements of the whale.

A dead whale that washed ashore on the Oregon coast was swept back out to sea by high tide, only to re-emerge on the beach two miles away.

The aquarium said the population of humpback whales has made a steady recovery since the mid-1960s when there were only an estimated 1,400 humpbacks left. Due to the instatement of the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972 and a 1982 ban on commercial whaling, it’s estimated there are now between 18,000 and 20,000 humpbacks in the ocean.

Landslides Could Impact Holiday Travel to the Oregon Coast

Holiday-week travelers to the Oregon coast need to track road conditions, as several landslides recently have covered roadways.

Oregonians know that winter weather here can change in a minute, so always check road conditions on TripCheck.com before you go.

Oregon State Police seeking public assistance in vehicular assault-Lincoln County

On December 13, 2021 at approximately 3:52PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a road rage incident on Hwy 101 in Depoe Bay near milepost 128. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a road rage incident was occurring between a white Chevy S10 pickup and a silver Honda. The incident culminated with the 64-year-old male operator of the Chevy pickup being struck by the Honda while standing outside of his pickup. He sustained serious injuries and was transported to Samaritan North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City. 

The suspect vehicle is believed to be a 2008-2015 silver Honda, possibly Accord. During the incident, it is believed to have sustained damage to the passenger sideview mirror and potentially has damage to the hood.

OSP is seeking witnesses to identify the vehicle and suspect involved. If you have information or witnessed the incident, please contact the Oregon State Police at 1-800-442-2068 or OSP (677). Reference Case #SP21-346105. Oregon State Police 

Arrest Made in Fatal Crash on Hwy 126

On 12-22-2021, the Oregon State Police arrested Shane Tyler McVay for Manslaughter 1, DUII and Recklessly Endangering. The charges resulted from the September 20, 2021 crash that resulted in the death of Emily Susman. McVay was lodged in the Lane County Jail.

On Monday, September 20, 2021 at approximately 7:14 AM, Oregon State Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a four-vehicle crash on Hwy 126W near milepost 37. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a Kenworth log truck, operated by Shane McVay (64) of Eugene, was eastbound when the loaded trailer tipped over. The trailer struck a westbound Toyota Prius, operated by Sarah Susman (25) of Springfield and a Dodge Ram towing a boat, operated by Randall Tokich (70) of Eugene. The Dodge Ram then struck an eastbound Ford Mustang, operated by Jordyn Tippett (20) of Coquille.

Susman sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. McVay and Tippett were transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center at Riverbend with injuries. Tokich had minor injuries. 

OSP was assisted by Lane County Sheriff’s Office and ODOT.  Oregon State Police

Oregon reports 1,197 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 31 new deaths

PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 31 new COVID-19 related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 5,590, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.

OHA reported 1,197 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 409,232.

Note: The review of the approximately 550 death records is now complete. Every record was reviewed to determine whether they met the COVID-19 case definition and OHA reported out the information as the individual reviews were completed. Due to lags that occur in death reporting and the death certification processes, there will always be deaths reported with a lag, but the catch-up work is complete.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (11), Benton (19), Clackamas (120), Clatsop (9), Columbia (17), Coos (25), Crook (11), Curry (5), Deschutes (98), Douglas (27), Grant (9), Harney (3), Hood River (6), Jackson (73), Jefferson (6), Josephine (38), Klamath (18), Lake (2), Lane (106), Lincoln (4), Linn (52), Malheur (2), Marion (86), Morrow (8), Multnomah (253), Polk (22), Tillamook (6), Umatilla (13), Union (2), Wasco (4), Washington (122), Yamhill (20).

OHA updates hours for high-volume vaccine sites in Oregon for more public convenience

You can protect yourself against all COVID-19 variants by getting vaccinated and getting a booster, if you are eligible. Several sites around the state can accommodate large numbers of people seeking vaccinations. These high-volume sites offer all three COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and pediatric doses. They have added availabilities over the holiday season.

Here are the details:

Deschutes County Fairgrounds, 3800 SE Airport Way, Redmond operates a drive-through clinic.

  • Open every day, 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 3

Learn more on the Deschutes County Public Health website.

Jackson County Expo Center, 1 Peninger St., Central Point

  • Open every Monday through Thursday, 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sundays in December, family fun clinic, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Closed every Friday and Saturday
  • Closed Dec. 23 through Dec. 26 and Dec. 31 through Jan. 1

Learn more on the Jackson County Public Health website.

Lane County, PeaceHealth Riverbend Annex, 123 International Way, Springfield

  • Open every Tuesday through Saturday, 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Closed every Monday (including Jan. 3)
  • Closed Dec. 23 through Dec. 27

Learn more on the Lane County Public Health website.

Marion County, Oregon Health Authority Warehouse, 3455 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem

  • Open every Monday through Saturday, 12 to 7 p.m.
  • Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25

Learn more on the Marion County Public Health website.

Governor Kate Brown announced on Tuesday that she has extended her state of emergency declaration for the coronavirus, saying that it provides needed flexibility for facing an anticipated surge of the Omicron variant. In a press conference with Governor Brown and state officials last week, OHSU lead data scientist Dr. Peter Graven
predicted that the Omicron variant could surpass Delta in hospitalizations due to its apparent extreme transmissibility.

Brown’s office said that the emergency declaration provides the necessary framework to mobilize resources in the state’s COVID-19 response, allowing the deployment of medical providers to hospitals, providing flexibility
around professional health licensing, and ensuring that Oregon can continue to access federal disaster relief funds. The extended emergency declaration, Executive Order 21-36, will remain in effect until June 30 of 2022 unless extended or rescinded.

Brown rescinded a number of executive orders governing COVID-19 restrictions at the end of June this year, but left the emergency declaration in place. This was before the Delta variant surged over the summer.

Oregon Health Authority — We’ve heard some questions about getting tested for a specific COVID-19 variant and how variants are tracked.

All COVID-19 tests can detect all variants, but they will not tell you which variant you have. There is no specific test for the Omicron variant, or for other variants.

Laboratories in Oregon perform sequencing on a subset of positive PCR tests. Sequencing is a process in which scientists map the entire genetic makeup of a virus. This allows them to determine which variants are circulating in a certain area and how prevalent they are.

To learn about the COVID-19 variants that have been detected in Oregon, visit our Variant Dashboard: http://ow.ly/z78d50Gdq8G

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Oregon Slated To Receive More Than $92 Million In 2022 For Clean Drinking Water Projects

Oregon is expected in 2022 to receive a total of $92,079,000 in federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which was signed into law last month.

The bipartisan effort earmarks more than $50 billion toward strengthening crucial water infrastructure projects. That includes:

• $20+ billion for safe drinking water.

• $15 billion in dedicated funding to replace lead pipes.

• $12 billion to ensure clean water for communities.

• $1.8 billion to protect regional waters.

• $135 million for additional water improvements.

The $92 million state revolving fund Oregon is slated to receive will be the first of five yearly installments.

“Access to safe and reliable drinking water is critical for our communities to stay healthy and thrive,” U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici said in a written statement Wednesday, Dec. 22.

“Lead and contaminants pose serious health threats to Oregonians,” Bonamici added. “As a mom and a policymaker, I’m especially concerned about making sure our kids can drink clean water at home and at school. This federal investment of $92 million will provide clean safe drinking water to hundreds of thousands of Oregonians. That’s what it means to build back better.”

The funds, while much welcome, will only put a small dent in what is required, with Oregon cities needing at least $23 billion over the next two decades to to fund the cost of repairing, replacing and upgrading water infrastructure, according to a recent survey conducted by the League of Oregon Cities and Portland State University’s Center for Public Service.

While details on how the money will be broken down in Oregon are yet to be released, the bill is intended to achieve a number of key initiatives laid out by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which include targeting disadvantaged communities, making progress toward lead-free water for all, and tackling “forever chemicals” like perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other emerging contaminants.

Tribal communities across the nation are slated to receive a total of $154,080,000 in funding in 2022. This could be critical for communities like Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, where most residents don’t have access to clean drinking water.

The reservation’s decades-old pipes and pumps have failed multiple times in recent years, forcing community members to rely on donated water and supplies from donations and their Emergency Management team.

“Soon, the Congress has a chance to make a real down payment on building a new system that fulfills America’s treaty obligations to Native American tribes,” U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden told OPB during a press conference at Warm Springs in October.

142,783 Oregonians have enrolled in health coverage, still time to sign up; Deadline to enroll for 2022 health coverage through OregonHealthCare.gov is Jan. 15

OHIM Logo

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace is working to reach the state’s goal of getting 100 percent of Oregonians enrolled in health coverage, and this year it is closer to that goal. 142,783 people in Oregon have enrolled in health coverage for 2022, up from 141,089 during open enrollment for 2021 coverage.

“The American Rescue Plan has made health coverage more affordable for people in Oregon and we are seeing people are taking advantage of the extra savings,” said Chiqui Flowers, administrator of the Marketplace. “People shouldn’t wait – you must sign up by Jan. 15 for coverage.”

Health insurance purchased through OregonHealthCare.gov is more affordable than ever before. Individuals and families will only pay a certain percentage of their income on health insurance thanks to financial help available through the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace. Every Oregonian, whether uninsured, enrolled in COBRA, or directly through an insurance company, should look into Marketplace coverage, even if they were not previously eligible. More than 75 percent of people who signed up in 2021 received financial help for plans that include essential benefits such as doctor visits, prescriptions, emergency care, and mental health services.

  • A 40-something couple in the Portland area making $70,000 can get health coverage for as low as $300 per month.
  • A 26-year-old living in Eugene making $28,000 per year can get health coverage for as low as $1 per month.
  • Parents who are 30-something and have two children in La Grande earning $80,000 can get health coverage for as low as $145 per month.

Oregnians can preview plans and savings available to them by answering a few short questions at OregonHealthCare.gov. The website is also the best place to find a health insurance experts who can help with the application and enrollment process one-on-one by phone, email, or in person. Visit OregonHealthCare.gov today to get started. 

The Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, a part of state government, helps people get health insurance when they do not have job-based coverage, and do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan or another program. The Marketplace is the state-level partner to HealthCare.gov. For more information, go to OregonHealthCare.gov.

Residential Structure Fire in Roseburg

At 2:51 p.m. on December 22, 2021, Roseburg Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 889 SE Chadwick Street.  Douglas County Dispatch received multiple calls of smoke and flames showing from the residence. Dispatch received notification of a possible resident still inside the home. 

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a single family, two-story residence with heavy fire and smoke showing from the north side of the structure.  Firefighters conducted a primary search of the residence and found one unconscious female inside the residential structure.  The female was removed from the home and transported by ambulance to the hospital. 

Firefighters then conducted a secondary search and made an interior attack to extinguish the fire, secured utilities, and completed overhaul.  Three adult residents were displaced due to the fire.  The American Red Cross was notified and is assisting the displaced residents.

A total of 15 firefighters assisted with firefighting operations.  Other agencies assisting with the fire included Douglas County Fire District #2, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Roseburg Police Department, Pacific Power, and Avista Utilities.

The residence sustained extensive structural and water damage.  The home is no longer habitable.  Fire investigators were on scene and the cause of the fire is under investigation. Roseburg Fire Dept

Fatal Crash On Highway 97

On Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at approximately 5:34 PM, Oregon State Police and emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 97 near milepost 233. 

Preliminary investigation revealed northbound silver Honda Odyssey, operated by Yuriel Lucatero Campos (33) of San Ysidro, California, lost control due to icy conditions. The Honda Odyssey crossed into oncoming lanes and was struck head-on by a southbound International CMV, operated by Christopher Lucio (46) of Tulare, California.  

Lucatero Campos and four passengers were transported by ambulance to Sky Lakes Medical Center. A fifth male passenger (7) of San Ysidro, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Lucio was not injured. 

Hwy 97 was restricted to one lane for 6 hours.  OSP was assisted by Chiloquin Fire and Rescue and ODOT.

There have been multiple roll-over crashes recently in this section of Highway 97 from drivers losing control of their vehicles.

A former narcotics detective and current reserve officer for the Malin Police Department was arrested Tuesday after a drug task force found roughly 1,200 illegal marijuana plants growing on his property outside Dairy. 

Peter Michael Shepherd, 63, who goes by the name Mike Shepherd, faces felony charges of unlawful manufacture of marijuana and “engaging in a financial transaction in property derived from unlawful activity,” according to Klamath County District Attorney Eve Costello.

Eric Smith, 41, who allegedly leased Shepherd’s property to grow the drug without permits, was also arrested Tuesday afternoon at the Malin City Hall by the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office. Smith faces the same charges as Shepherd. 

Shepherd has a long career in local law enforcement. He ran for Klamath County Sheriff in 2012 and worked as a
civilian at Kingsley Field until 2016 in the information protection and human resource divisions. He also worked for the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office from 1990 to 2004 as a marine deputy, patrol officer, civil deputy and narcotics detective, among other positions. Since 2007, he has worked part-time for the Malin Police Department. A conviction on both of the Class C felonies could result in a total of ten years in prison, a fine up to $250,000, or both.

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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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