The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Thursday, March 24, 2022
Oregon Beach Weather
Today– Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 61. East wind 6 to 10 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Friday– Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. South southwest wind around 7 mph.
Saturday– A 40 percent chance of rain. Patchy fog before 5pm. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 60. South wind around 6 mph.
Sunday– A 50 percent chance of rain. Areas of fog before 2pm. Otherwise, cloudy, with a high near 56.
Monday– A chance of rain before 11am. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, partly sunny, with a high near 54.
Oregon Ghost Conference Returns to Seaside this Weekend
Paranormal activity fans on the North Coast can once again look forward to a weekend filled with ghost tales and haunted encounters at the return of the Northwest’s largest paranormal convention.
The Oregon Ghost Conference will return to Seaside this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Seaside Civic and Convention Center. After a two year hiatus, conference director Rocky Smith is optimistic that turnout will be strong and that the conference will give coast residents a chance to learn more about Seaside’s haunted past.
“We’re just excited to be back,” Smith said. Attendees of this year’s event can look forward to tours of paranormal hotspots such as the Bridge Tender Tavern. The tavern is one of Seaside’s most notable sites for haunted tales, especially those of ghostly singing children
Conference locations also include the Starry Night Inn and the Times Theatre. The conference’s late night tour of the Times Theatre will follow a movie premiere of “Parasense.” Four other tours of the Starry Night Inn are planned for the weekend.
“We have more opportunities for people to do things outside of the convention center (this year), so it feels like the conference is expanding within Seaside itself,” Smith said.
The conference will also feature an array of speakers on paranormal claims, including authors and psychic mediums, such as Ankhasha Amenti, Vivien Powell and William Becker, who will lead attendees on a tour of a Victorian home. Also slated to speak are Ross Allison, Karen Frazier and Genvièv St. Clair, who will cover topics ranging from historical accounts of haunted prisons and theories of “sound healing” and “forensic hypnosis regression.”
In 2019, the conference seemed to be headed for growth in the region, but that came to a halt when the pandemic hit.
“In 2020, I had spent the whole year planning the event,” Smith said. “That really was tough because you spend a whole year planning something and tickets are being sold, then it all goes away,” he added. If this year’s conference goes well, Smith hopes to grow the event for paranormal activity lovers on the coast. “It’s really about making sure the event continues,” Smith said.
This year’s conference will also mark the event’s 10 year anniversary. For Smith, who grew up in Oregon City, it’s a passion. Working at museums and learning about the history of the town’s buildings sparked a keen interest for Smith in accounts of paranormal activity. “It’s always been a passion of mine to try to understand what’s happening through the history of the place,” Smith said.
Smith began researching paranormal activity in Oregon City in 1995 and has since documented nearly 100 places in the city which are rumored to be haunted. Combining interests in history and paranormal tales, he founded Northwest Ghost Tours in 2006.
Six years later, tours in Smith’s hometown evolved into the first Oregon Ghost Conference. Smith cites Seaside’s intriguing history as the driver of the conference, with ghost tales as an avenue to tell the stories of the city’s past.
“(The) Ghost conference is fun for a lot of people, but it’s always been backed by history,” Smith added. For more information on tours, speakers and to buy tickets, visit oregonghostconference.com.
Missing Toddler At Oregon Dunes Found Safe
It was a scary situation for one family on the Oregon dunes yesterday afternoon as the call went out at 4:55 pm for a missing person.
Matt House with West Lane Fire and Ems said it was all hands on deck including the airship from the U.S. Coast Guard as search and rescue teams looked in the water, down the beaches and on the dunes for a 3 year old that had apparently wandered off from family members.
The toddler had already been missing for about 30 minutes according to the information that was given to emergency responders. At about 6:10 the child was located by a Good Samaritan who saw the child wandering.
It was reported that the toddler was safe, sound and apparently very talkative according to one rescuer. The child was found about a mile from where the search originated.
Public input sought on recovery priorities for 2020 Labor Day fires
SALEM, Ore. — Oregon Housing and Community Services is looking for public input on what the priorities should be for spending $422 million in disaster recovery funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The funds will come in the form of a Community Development Block Grant for disaster recovery and mitigation and will assist with the ongoing recovery from the 2020 Labor Day fires.
In order to receive the funding later this year, the agency must complete a series of federal requirements, including developing an Action Plan to lay out how the money will be spent. The Action Plan will focus on replacing housing, particularly for low- and moderate-income families or individuals, but there are also other ways the money can be spent, such as on public infrastructure or economic revitalization.
OHCS has been meeting with local governments and community groups working on wildfire recovery to get their input on priorities for the Action Plan, but we also want to hear from interested members of the public. OHCS invites anyone who is interested to take its online survey, including a mobile-friendly version, which is available on the OHCS website.
“We are looking for public input, because it’s the right thing to do. It’s the ‘Oregon Way,’ and we know it will make the plan better,” said Alex Campbell, chief external affairs officer for Recovery and Resiliency at OHCS. “We are especially interested to hear from folks we know were hit the hardest and who face the greatest challenges in recovery, including our Latino/a/x neighbors, older residents, and Oregonians who have specific housing needs due to disability or other circumstance.”
Once a draft Action Plan is written, Oregonians will have another opportunity to provide comment in May, as required by HUD. More details on how to participate will be announced in the coming weeks.
To learn more about the Community Development Block Grant funding process, timeline, and upcoming presentations, and to download an Oregon Wildfire Disaster Recovery fact sheet, visit the OHCS website or sign up to receive e-mail notifications.
Oregon reports 314 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, 30 new deaths
PORTLAND, Ore. — There are 30 new COVID-19-related deaths in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 7,013, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) reported at 12:01 a.m. today.
OHA reported 314 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 702,288.
The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Benton (10), Clackamas (18), Clatsop (1), Columbia (2), Coos (9), Curry (1), Deschutes (12), Douglas (7), Grant (3), Hood River (3), Jackson (17), Jefferson (2), Josephine (5), Klamath (5), Lane (26), Linn (5), Marion (25), Multnomah (106), Polk (2), Tillamook (5), Umatilla (1), Wasco (1), Washington (45) and Yamhill (3).
Oregon crosses threshold of 7,000 COVID-19 related deaths
Today, Oregon recorded more than 7,000 cumulative deaths, even as the state continues to see declines in hospitalizations and the start of a recovery and resilience-building process after more than two years of battling COVID-19, said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., health officer and state epidemiologist.
“We again are reminded that COVID-19 continues to impact families and communities in Oregon, and we recognize each person represents a tremendous loss to those closest to them,” Sidelinger said.
People in Oregon who have not been vaccinated remain at highest risk of serious illness, hospitalization and death.
OHA encourages all eligible individuals to protect themselves against COVID-19 variants by getting vaccinated and getting a booster. They can find a vaccine provider using the Get Vaccinated Oregon tool here.
Last week (March 15), Oregon crossed the threshold of 700,000 COVID-19 related cases. Oregon ranks second lowest among states in the number of cases per capita (16,596 per 100,000). However, the pandemic isn’t over, and COVID-19 poses a risk to many people.
State health officials recommend Oregonians keep in mind the ‘5 Essentials’ for navigating and staying safe during the current phase of the pandemic:
Oregon OSHA fines Dollar Tree Stores $32,000 for repeated violations of workplace safety requirements
Oregon OSHA has fined Dollar Tree Stores Inc. $32,000 for repeatedly exposing employees to potential serious injury from unsecured materials falling on them, tripping and falling in cramped aisles, and inaccessible fire extinguishers and emergency exits.
The penalty was issued as part of a citation resulting from an inspection of the Dollar Tree at 29756 SW Town Center Loop West in Wilsonville. Under Oregon OSHA rules, penalties multiply when employers commit repeat offenses. The $32,000 fine following the inspection of the Wilsonville site reflects the fact that most of the violations identified there were repeats of violations cited previously at other Dollar Tree locations in Oregon.
The citation against the Wilsonville location stems from an inspection the division initiated in response to a complaint.
The inspection – launched in late 2021 and wrapped up in February – included interviews, on-site walk-throughs and observations, and an examination of records, including internal company audits revealing workplace hazards left unaddressed. The inspection identified five violations, four of which involved repeat offenses, exposing employees to serious physical harm.
“The workplace safety and health standards enforced by Oregon OSHA are there for a reason, so that employers have clear and time-tested steps to follow to keep workers out of harm’s way,” said Lou Savage, interim administrator for the division. “Failing to follow them is not an option. Repeatedly failing to follow them serves only one purpose: to deepen the risk of severe injury and suffering.”
Altogether, Oregon OSHA cited Dollar Tree Stores Inc. for the following violations at the Wilsonville location, reflecting the application of increased penalties for repeat violations of the same rule at other stores in the state:
- Failure to stabilize and secure boxes of merchandise to prevent them from falling onto or in the path of employees, which potentially exposed employees to struck-by, trip, and fall hazards. It was the sixth repeat violation of this rule since 2018. Penalty: $7,500
- Failure to ensure an adequate width for aisles and walkways, which potentially exposed employees to trip and fall hazards. It was the fourth repeat violation of this rule since 2019. Penalty: $10,500
- Failure to ensure that stored materials, including merchandise in the stockroom and at the back of the store, did not block access to portable fire extinguishers. It was the second repeat violation of this rule since 2018. Penalty: $3,500
- Failure to ensure that merchandise, carts, and conveyor rollers in the stockroom did not block emergency exit routes, which potentially exposed employees to trip and fall hazards, and smoke inhalation or burns. It was the second repeat violation of this rule since 2020. Penalty: $10,500
- Failure to keep written records of safety committee meetings for three years, including names of attendees, meeting dates, safety and health issues discussed, recommendations for corrections, and dates by which managers agree to follow up on corrections.
Safety committees are important because they offer a meaningful opportunity for workers – the people who do the tasks and operate the equipment that could expose them to hazards – to participate in keeping a workplace safe and healthy. Most employers in Oregon are required to have a safety committee or hold safety meetings.
Employers have 30 calendar days after receiving a citation to file an appeal.
Workers have a right to a safe and healthy workplace. That includes the right to raise concerns free from retaliation and to file a complaint with Oregon OSHA, which advances safety for all Oregon workers through enforcement, consultation, technical, and public education and training services. The Ombuds Office for Oregon Workers, an independent advocate, offers workers help in understanding their rights within workplace safety and health rules, and their rights within the workers’ compensation system.
Moreover, the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) Multicultural Communications Program provides outreach to communities with limited English proficiency. That outreach includes information about on-the-job safety and health. The program includes a toll-free phone number for Spanish-speaking Oregonians: 800-843-8086.
### Oregon OSHA, a division of DCBS, enforces the state’s workplace safety and health rules and works to improve workplace safety and health for all Oregon workers. For more information, go to osha.oregon.gov.
DCBS is Oregon’s largest business regulatory and consumer protection agency. For more information, go to www.oregon.gov/dcbs/.
Merkley, Wyden Announce Over $46 Million In Federal Awards To Help Keep Oregonians Off The Streets And In Their Homes
Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, D-Ore., announced Wednesday more than $46 million in FY2021 Continuum of Care Competition awards headed to seven Oregon counties and multiple organizations to help people experiencing homelessness.
These awards from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are part of approximately 7,000 renewed and new grants that will promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness.
“Oregonians in every corner of our state are struggling under the crushing weight of our affordable housing crisis, and like so many other problems, America’s housing emergency has only been magnified by the pandemic,” said Merkley. “I’m grateful these Oregon counties and communities are receiving this important funding to ensure access to affordable and safe housing is available to every member of our communities throughout this pandemic and beyond.”
“Housing is a human right, and it’s essential that federal funds fulfill that commitment for Oregonians needing a roof over their heads and a floor under their feet,” said Wyden. “Today’s announcement takes a solid step toward battling the affordable housing crisis throughout our state, and I’ll keep working to secure similar investments that help reduce homelessness in Oregon’s communities.”
The CoC program is designed to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness. The 2021 awards include approximately $102 million for new domestic violence support projects. The awards also fund new projects that focus on adding permanent housing to communities, including new permanent supportive housing, new rapid rehousing, and projects that provide transitional housing to households and then shift them to rapid rehousing.
A breakdown of counties and organizations receiving these awards can be found below. Please note each county and or organization may be funding multiple projects with these awards:
Eugene/Springfield/Lane County CoC – $4,135,613
Portland/Gresham/Multnomah County CoC – $28,599,693
Medford/Ashland/Jackson County CoC – $268,247
Central Oregon CoC – $786,031
Salem/Marion, Polk Counties CoC – $1,269,871
Oregon Balance of State CoC – $2,791,050
Hillsboro/Beaverton/Washington County CoC – $4,055,487
Clackamas County CoC – $4,111,571
Man Sets House on Fire with Occupants Inside Including a Child in Klamath Falls
Tuesday morning, at 6:32 am, the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the 4400 block of Barry Avenue on a report of a disturbance. It was reported that Keith Russell Sheldon Mulvey, 48 of Redding, CA, had attempted to set fire to an occupied residence and then fled the scene.
Deputies arrived on scene and discovered Keith Mulvey arrived at the residence earlier in the morning to “spend time” with the homeowner. Mulvey was asked to leave the residence because there was a child inside. A verbal argument ensued between the two, then Mulvey left the residence and allegedly stated, “watch this.”
A few minutes later, the homeowner said they smelled smoke and walked outside to investigate. They observed flames described as 12 feet high, at the back of the residence and Keith Mulvey was walking away from it. The homeowner rushed towards the fire, moved several items that were on fire and close to the residence. The homeowner then extinguished the flames with a garden hose, sustaining minor burns in the process. The child was unharmed.
Several hours later, members from the Klamath Falls Police Department contacted Keith Mulvey near the intersection of Martin Street and Garden Avenue. Deputies responded and took Mulvey into custody without further incident. Mulvey was transported to the Klamath County Jail where he was lodged on charges, Arson I, Reckless Endangering and Criminal Mischief I.
Klamath Falls Disturbance and Gunfire with 2 People Shot
Also on Tuesday morning around 1:14am, Klamath County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported disturbance in the 200 block of Lalo Avenue, in Chiloquin, where a male subject was breaking windows at a residence in the area.
While deputies were in route, a second caller reported that shots were being fired in the area and it was reported two people had been struck by gunfire. Deputies arrived on scene and found a 21-year-old male had been shot in the leg and left side by a shotgun. He was treated by deputies on scene. While deputies were looking for the shooter a second male, 23 years of age, was contacted who had also been shot. Both were transported by Chiloquin Fire & Rescue to Sky lakes Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries.
Preliminary investigation revealed that 19-year-old Stone Reed was responsible for the shooting. Deputies later located Stone Reed during a traffic stop that was made on a West Chocktoot Street, where he was taken into custody without incident. Reed was lodged at the Klamath County Jail for Attempted Assault, Assault and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. This incident is still under investigation.
Driver Found and Charged With Murder In Fatal Hit-And-Run In Eugene
Authorities in Eugene have located a vehicle related to a road rage incident that left a Eugene pedestrian dead, and arrested a man on murder and hit and run charges. 29-year-old Dylan Mark Wilson suffered fatal injuries on March 14, 2022 during the pedestrian-vehicle collision, which occurred at Beltline and W. 11th.
Police responded just after 10 p.m. The Eugene Police Department released images of a vehicle they believed was involved.
Wilson died of injuries sustained in the crash later in the week, police confirmed.
The vehicle that was involved in the incident has been located. However, police are still asking witnesses who haven’t been in contact with officials yet to reach out.
Walter Max Sledge, 62, of Walton, was arrested without incident on March 22 and lodged at Lane County Jail on charges of Hit and Run and Murder, police said
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Chris Vreim at cvreim@eugene-or.gov or by calling 541-682-5192.
Police Ask for Public’s Help in Search For Victim’s Roommate In Albany Homicide – A 42-year-old woman, the roommate of a 75-year-old man whose death was ruled a homicide, is wanted for questioning in the case, Albany police officials said.
Elvin “Al” Pierce was found dead by officers around 9:10 p.m. Friday after a 911 caller reported a man was unconscious and not breathing. Investigators at that time said the circumstances surrounding his death were suspicious.
APD said Pierce’s roommate, 42-year-old Elizabeth Nicole Tyler Jimenez, wasn’t there at the home when officers found Pierce dead and they don’t know where she is. Authorities did not specifically state whether Jimenez is a suspect or if there are any charges against her.
Pierce’s car, a tan 2004 Buick Park Avenue with Oregon license plate 081FAX, is also missing.
Jimenez, who investigators believe is currently without a job, is described as often visiting local soup kitchens. She also has skills as a masseuse and a seamstress, officials said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact APD at 541-917-7680 or APD Lt. Buck Pearce at 541-917-3209.
Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Asks for Public’s Help in Search For Trucker Suspect
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
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/