The latest news stories across the state of Oregon from the digital home of the Oregon coastal cities, OregonBeachMagazine.com
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Oregon Beach Weather
SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY ISSUED– NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
...SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 11 AM PDT FRIDAY... ...HAZARDOUS SEAS WARNING NOW IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM WEDNESDAY TO 11 AM PDT FRIDAY... * WHAT...For the Hazardous Seas Warning, very steep and hazardous seas 7 to 12 ft at 10 seconds expected. For the Small Craft Advisory, north winds 20 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt and seas 7 to 12 ft at 10 seconds. * WHERE...All of the area into Tuesday morning, then remaining steep into Wednesday morning south of Coos Bay beyond 5 nm from shore and near Cape Blanco. Steep seas returns to all areas Wednesday morning and continues through Friday morning. * WHEN...For the Hazardous Seas Warning, from 11 PM Wednesday to 11 AM PDT Friday. For the Small Craft Advisory, until 11 AM PDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Very steep and hazardous seas could capsize or damage vessels. Bar crossings will become especially treacherous. * View the hazard area in detail at https://go.usa.gov/x6hks
Oregon Coast Aquarium Starts $25 Million Renovation
The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is closing some exhibits to the public Tuesday 9/6 as it starts a $25 million dollar renovation project.
Courtesy: Oregon Coast Aquarium
Courtesy: Oregon Coast Aquarium
Courtesy: Oregon Coast Aquarium
After 30 years of operation, the aquarium is undergoing a transformation. “It really needed a refresh,” said capital campaign director Molly Dumas.
Last year the aquarium built a new children’s play area, an outdoor amphitheater for animal presentations and a new exhibit on headwaters.
Now in phase two, it’s closing two galleries with exhibits on shore species and tidepools so they can be expanded and improved. Dumas said they’re also changing the pool where visitors get to touch the animals.
“We’re expanding the touch pool to be more accessible,” she said. “Guests of all ages and abilities will be able to touch sea stars and anemones, plus they’ll see a new octopus exhibit.”
The aquarium’s café will also undergo a renovation. The two exhibit galleries are expected to reopen next summer.
Work on the third phase of the renovation is planned for 2024 and will feature tropical species, sea jellies and mangrove exhibits. The aquarium’s focus will extend from the Oregon shore to the entire Pacific Rim by looking at ocean acidification, plastic pollution and coral bleaching.
“We’re finding that the things that we’re experiencing across the Pacific are impacted by the decisions that we make here on the shore,” Dumas said. “So we’re going to feature coral that is experiencing bleaching from the acidification of the ocean from pouring chemicals into it. We’re going to have mangrove exhibits so we can see small species that are down by the Indo-Pacific. And how plastic bottles that we discard are being tangled into these mountains of pollution down there.”
Aquarium visits this year were the highest in a decade, following a lull from the pandemic.
The nonprofit had to change direction after shutting its doors due to the spread of the coronavirus. It put more programming online and organized educators to meet virtually with schools and scout troops. It plans to maintain a strong online presence as the exhibit halls close for renovation.
Admission prices can be found on the aquarium’s website, starting at free for children 2 and younger up to $24.95 for adults ages 18 to 64. Ticket sales and memberships pay for animal care as well as conservation and rehabilitation efforts.
Kayaker Dies Near Seaside
At 10:45 a.m. on Monday, September 5, Seaside Fire & Rescue responded to a report of an empty kayak in the ocean off 4th Avenue in Seaside.
A witness said the victim was out in the ocean with a group of kayakers and became separated from his kayak, prompting the 911 call. Seaside lifeguards and rescuers responded within minutes but it was unclear how long the victim had been in the water. The victim was reported to be wearing a black wetsuit and no life preserver.
Units deployed two rescue crafts, systematically searching the surf zone. A witness soon alerted rescuers to a body in the water off 2nd Avenue. The victim, a male in his 50s, was transported to Providence Seaside Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
Seaside officials wish to remind beachgoers that the Pacific Ocean presents many dangers, even to those familiar with the risks. Please use extreme caution when entering the water. Learn more at SeasideFire.com/beach-safety.
The Seaside Police Department, Gearhart Fire Department, and Medix assisted Seaside Fire & Rescue on this call.
Fatal Crash on Hwy 101-Tillamook County
On Saturday, September 3, 2022 at approximately 3:28 PM, Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a single vehicle crash on Hwy 101 near milepost 84.
Preliminary investigation revealed a southbound blue Toyota Sienna, operated by Thomas Still (73) of Aumsville, left the roadway, striking a utility pole and then a tree.
Still sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. Hwy 101 was affected for approximately 4 hours.
OSP was assisted by Nestucca Rural Fire and Rescue, Tillamook PUD and ODOT Incident Response.
Over the last two and a half years of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical experts have found that the virus can cause damage to many parts of the body.
Although most people experience symptoms in their nose, throat and lungs, the virus also can damage other organs, including the heart.“COVID-19 can cause the heart to do its job — pumping blood – less efficiently,” said Eric Stecker, an Oregon Health & Science University cardiologist.
When the heart isn’t working efficiently it can cause several problems, including shortness of breath and irregular heartbeats. Learn more about how COVID-19 affects the heart on our blog: https://covidblog.oregon.gov/how-does-covid-19-affect-your-heart/
With hot weather in the forecast across Oregon, keep your community safe by learning the signs of heat-related illness and what to do if you see someone with symptoms. Remember to check in regularly with family, friends, and neighbors who are vulnerable to heat, especially if they live alone, are older, or don’t have AC. If you or someone you know needs help finding a place to cool down, visit http://ow.ly/EkY550Km92X or call 211. Heat-related illness can happen indoors or outdoors in as little as 10-15 minutes. Learn more: http://ow.ly/uhAm50Km92W
Wildfire Updates
Temperatures and instability will both rise sharply today as upper-level high pressure builds over the region. There is a slight chance for thunderstorms in central Oregon this afternoon. An upper-level trough will start to impact the region tomorrow with a boost in general winds and some potential for thunderstorms, mainly east of the Oregon Cascades.
Any storms that develop today and tomorrow are unlikely to get much rain to the ground but could generate dry lightning and gusty outflow winds. Temperatures will be cooler Thursday behind the system before upper-level pressure builds back with temperatures warming Friday into the weekend. Models lack consistency by this point, but another trough possibly moves in from the Pacific late in the weekend.
Significant fire potential remains elevated as fire danger stays above average due to hot, dry and unstable weather.
Breakdown of the upper-level ridge tomorrow into Thursday with increased winds and thunderstorm potential will lead to high risk for new significant fires for southern and eastern Oregon.
Double Creek. 10 miles SE of Imnaha, OR. Start 8/30. Full Suppression. Cause: Lightning. 43,668 acres (+5,130). 0% containment. Timber. Active fire behavior. Evacuations in effect. Road, trail and area closures.
Cedar Creek. 15 Miles E of Oakridge, OR. Start 8/1. Full Suppression. Cause: Lightning. 17,625 acres (+910). 12% containment. Timber. Moderate fire behavior. Road, trail and area closures.
Crockets Knob. 19 miles N of Prairie City, OR. Start 8/22. Full Suppression. Cause: Lightning. 4,265 acres (+43). 25% containment. Brush. Active fire behavior. Evacuation notices. Road, trail and area closures.
Motel rooms were full of fire evacuees in the Klamath Basin and Southern Oregon this weekend. Also, air quality in Southern Oregon quickly diminished as the two fires to the south continued to grow.
Cal Fire says the Mill Fire’s size is 4,263 acres today with 40% containment. It says more than 700 fire personnel are working on the wildfire that burned 4,000 acres Friday from Weed to Lake Shastina, California, in about 10 hours.
It says the Mountain Fire’s size is 10,338 acres with 10% containment today. It also started Friday in mountainous terrain about nine miles southwest of Gazelle, or about ten miles west of Weed. CalFire says it has 1,700 personnel working on that fire today which includes aircraft attack of the growing wildfire.
Siskiyou County Sheriff Jeremiah Larue confirmed yesterday the Mill Fire killed two people. CalFire’s Mill Fire update today shows 88 structures destroyed, 11 structures damaged, another 411 threatened and 18 outbuildings destroyed. It also shows three injuries and 559 people who evacuated. The mandatory evacuation order for the
Mill Fire remains intact for an area from Weed to Lake Shastina.
The Mountain Fire update today shows 332 people evacuated for that wildfire which threatens 690 structures with none listed as damaged or destroyed. The causes for both fires are under investigation.
CalFire reports today the growing Mountain Fire about ten miles west of Weed has burned 10,338 acres and it is 10% contained.
Rum Creek Fire Update
The Oregon National Guard is helping fight the Rum Creek Fire that has burned approximately 17,000 acres and is said to be 12% contained. Fifty-one guard members have been helping with the safety and security of the area with road closure points since Monday, Aug. 29, in the Merlin area.
Additionally, the guard has dispatched an HH-60 medical lift helicopter and crew to the Medford Airport to help if any firefighters or support staff become critically injured and need rapid transport for medical treatment.
The medical evacuation crew has been at the Medford Airport on call since Wednesday, Aug. 31. HH-60 Pilot, Chief Warrant Officer Corey Wadsworth said, ‘We are here in Medford for MEDEVAC stand by for the wildland fires and are the dedicated MEDEVAC asset for any of the fire fighting crews in the area.”
On the smoke-filled roads around the fire’s perimeter, the road closure points are operated by teams of Soldiers and Airmen that ensure vehicle occupants have a legitimate reason to go into the fire complex area. Air National Guard, Staff Sgt. Joshua Rose on Road Closure Point 2 said, “we’re just trying to keep everybody safe, keep the bad people out, and let the good people in, that kind of a thing. The overall experience out here has been great. A lot of the residents have been really appreciative of what we’re doing out here.”
firefighters continued strengthening and reinforcing primary and contingency lines in the northwest corner of the fire near the Rogue River, as well as in the northeast corner near Grave Creek.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Tuesday due to high temperatures and low relative humidity. Forecasted temperatures could reach 105F, which would be the hottest since the Rum Creek Fire started Aug. 17. These conditions could promote rapid fire spread.
Aviation resources supported firefighters on the ground with water drops on the fire, which was flanking at the far northwest edge of the fire footprint, and also on a hot spot in an unburned drainage in the northeast section. Aviation supervision was over the fire most of the day looking for any fire activity outside primary and contingency lines.
On the southeastern edge of the fire, containment lines are mopped up to a depth of 200 feet, and crews will begin gridding Tuesday. Gridding is the systematic search for remaining heat, smokes or hot spots by systematically walking across an area on parallel courses or gridlines
On the west side of the fire, about half of primary and contingency lines are mopped up to 100 feet.
Oregon State Fire Marshal Office task forces have mopped up to a depth of 300 feet around structures from Galice to Almeda Bar. Task forces are steadily being released to support other incidents or returning to their home units.
Members of the public should be aware that active surface burning and single tree torching could continue in the interior for some time until large fuels are extinguished or reduced to ash. Smoke may be visible to varying degrees depending on conditions.
Public safety: The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Tuesday and Wednesday. Residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water and stay indoors or in a shaded area as much as possible.
Evacuations: Existing evacuation orders and notifications remain in place. An interactive map showing evacuation levels according to address can be found at //JosephineCounty.gov/FireMap. For the most current evacuation information and resources, go to Josephine County Incident Information (rvem.org).
River status: The Wild section of the Rogue River below Grave Creek will remain open unless fire conditions warrant closure. River status is determined on a day-to-day basis. Please call 541-471-6535 for more information regarding Rogue River permits. No new boating permits will be issued.
Road control: Josephine County Sheriff’s Office has established traffic access points around the fire zone. Road blocks are located at Galice Road near Crow Road; Galice Store; Bear Camp Road at Peavine (top intersection); Lower Grave Creek Road at Angora Creek (Grays Ranch); Quartz Creek Road about 3 miles up (end of County maintenance); Dutch Henry Road near Kelsey Creek (42 44’56.2/123 40’35.4); and Hog Creek at Galice Road. The National Guard is staffing the roadblocks. Only residents (must show proof of residency) and permitted users will be allowed through.
Hwy 20 Closure Will Temporarily Limit Travel Options Between Valleys And Central Oregon
The Oregon Department of Transportation is warning drivers of an upcoming closure of US Highway 20 between the Willamette Valley and central Oregon. A three-mile section about 27 miles east of Sweet Home and 19 miles west of Santiam Junctions will be closed to traffic from Sept. 9 to Sept. 22.
During the shutdown, crews will build a retaining wall and repair damage caused by a landslide. The detours are lengthy and involve either Oregon Highway 22 to the north, or Oregon Highway 126 to the south. Both detour routes re-join Highway 20 just west of Santiam Pass.
ODOT said that once the road re-opens, drivers can expect single-lane closures on weekdays through the end of October.
OSU And UO Receive Millions In ‘Build Back Better Regional Challenge’ Grant Money To Help Timber Research
Timber has always been a big part of Oregon’s past, and now thanks to a federal grant, it’s likely to play an equally important role in the state’s future.
Oregon State University and the University of Oregon are both set to receive millions of dollars towards timber research as part of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
The two universities will receive about $24.6 million through a joint initiative called the TallWood Design Institute, with more than $16 million going to the University of Oregon and about $8 million going to Oregon State University.
“This funding will allow us to do to three-story mock-ups of these types of retrofit buildings, which will tell us more about how they work and how much they cost,” said Judith Sheine, a professor with the architecture department at the University of Oregon.
TallWood Design is part of the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition, a collaborative effort to support Oregon’s timber industry, which also includes the Port of Portland, Business Oregon, the Oregon Department of Forestry and the Department of Land Conservation and Development.
The money for the two universities comes from an overall $41.4 million grant to the coalition. The funding will allow both schools to be leaders in the industry, Sheine said, especially when it comes to building affordable housing.
“What we’re working on for the affordable housing is a panelized approach where we would have mass timber panels that would have water proofing, and being able to assemble them in a certain location,” she said.
Nearly $15 million of the university money from the grant will go toward the Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory at the University of Oregon, and $2 million will be put toward affordable housing prototyping.
The grant will also allow university staff to do more research that will hopefully create more jobs for the timber industry, Sheine said.
Mass timber is a type of engineered wood that binds together multiple sheets of wood. The resulting product is stronger than conventional wood and can be used to build larger and taller structures.
Senate Bill 744, passed by the Oregon Legislature last year, ordered the Oregon Department of Education to deliver a report evaluating the state’s graduation requirements by Sept. 1, 2022.
Released Thursday, ODE’s report outlines research and recommendations on what’s expected of Oregon high school
graduates, with two main findings and eight suggestions. In the first review of Oregon’s graduation requirements in 15 years, the Oregon Department of Education examined graduation requirements in other states and solicited feedback from thousands of Oregonians.
The report concluded that Oregon’s graduation requirements should change to be more equitable and better aligned with what businesses and colleges want from future employees and students. ODE director Colt Gill said the recommendations focus on changing Oregon’s education system to better serve students and get them to graduation.
But both feedback and data collected for the report show inequities in graduation among student groups — from the types of diploma students receive, to the method by which they fulfill graduation requirements. ODE Administrator for Research and Accountability Dan Farley said the changes Oregon needs to make are systemwide, not based on individual student achievement.
Washington and Oregon Among States With Longest Life Expectancy
Washington and Oregon rank in the top 10 states for the longest life expectancy, according to new numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The high rankings come with the caveat that the pandemic has thrown lengthening human lifespans into reverse across the U.S.
It is clear that if you want to live long and prosper, the Pacific Northwest is a fine place. Washingtonians have the second longest life expectancy of any state in the nation, behind only Hawaii. Oregonians are not far behind in eighth place and Idaho comes in eleventh.
According to the new data published by the Centers for Disease Control, a child born in Washington or Oregon in 2020 can expect to live around 79 years. That’s two years longer than the national average. The life expectancy for an Idaho child born in 2020 is closer to 78 years.
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic though, life expectancy has declined in all 50 states. The decline in life expectancy was less pronounced in the Northwest states, but still the excess deaths during the first year of the pandemic shaved about a year off the expected lifespan of people in this region.
https://www.oregon.gov/osp/missing/pages/missingpersons.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Have-You-Seen-Me-Southern-Oregons-Missing-People-161249961222839/posts/
