The latest news stories and stories of interest for the Oregon Beach cities from Astoria to Brookings and around the state of Oregon from the online digital home of the valley, OregonBeachMagazine.com

Echo Mountain Damage Assessments

ANY COMMUNITY MEMBER who experienced fire or wind damage to their home, business, outbuildings, or vehicles are encouraged to complete the Lincoln County online damage assessment process to report their damages.

The more information, local government can capture, about our damaging event the week of the 7th, the more advocacy local government can apply for financial assistance from FEMA and Small Business Administration (SBA) for our recovery.

We encourage any property owner or renter who experienced damage to ALSO fill out the online FEMA financial assistance application – even if you have insurance. You may qualify for some assistance but you must apply to receive any assistance.

Another option for business owners and property owners is to apply through the SBA for low interest loans for their recovery efforts.

We understand that the information being presented to you is overwhelming and can be confusing; we have provided the most useful documents related to applying to FEMA/SBA in this email and on our website.

Please watch for an update on a MULTI AGENCY RESOURCE CENTER or MARC – that will be available to any individual or business affected by either the Fire or the Wind event that occurred the week of the 7th. There will be 20+ agencies available to provide information, resources and/or answer questions. We are finalizing the dates, times, locations and available resources this morning and will distribute that communication early afternoon today. You will be able to come to this MARC location to fill out the on-line FEMA and SBA application forms.

LOCAL LINCOLN COUNTY DAMAGE ASSESSMENT SURVEY: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/62a4c41e1afd4ea785623f43c120adf4

FEMA Financial Assistance Application: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

–          Select the Get Assistance on the top menu, then select Apply Online

Small Business Administration Application: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Information/Index

• FEMA – Financial Assistance Application and Tips for Protecting Yourself During Recovery
  • Extended In Person FEMA Reps at Lincoln City Community Center, 9am – 6pm Mon. Sept. 28 – Oct. 2nd; stop by to review your application, provide additional information if you were initially denied and/or to file a new claim
  • Disaster Fraud – Tips to Protect Yourself
  • What to Expect When Applying with FEMA
• American Red Cross – Sheltering
  • Do you still need temporary housing – see updated phone number to reach the Red Cross Assistance Center, temporary housing assistance for those impacted by the disaster
  • Phone – 1-800-733-2767 ext. 4
  • In Person – Lincoln City Community Center – 2150 NE Oar Place, 9am to 5pm
• Small Business Administration
• Fact sheet for Oregon Disaster – find out if you might qualify for low interest loans to help you recover
• Oregon Veterans
• Assistance available for those affected by the disaster
• County Transit Services for Disaster Victims
  • County Transit rides are free to the Donations Site at the Outlet Mall and to the FEMA/Red Cross Services at the Community Center
• Oregon Unemployment
• Unemployment assistance update for those affected by wildfires

Oregon reports 299 new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases, eight new deaths

COVID-19 has claimed eight more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death toll to 555, the Oregon Health Authority reported today. OHA also reported 299 new confirmed and presumptive cases of COVID-19 as of 12:01 a.m. today, bringing the state total to 33,291.

The new confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases reported today are in the following counties: Baker (1), Benton (8), Clackamas (28), Clatsop (2), Columbia (3), Coos (1), Crook (1), Deschutes (7), Douglas (7), Jackson (11), Jefferson (4), Josephine (5), Klamath (10), Lane (32), Linn (4), Malheur (9), Marion (49), Morrow (4), Multnomah (52), Polk (3), Umatilla (11), Wallowa (1), Washington (41), and Yamhill (5).

Covid-19 cases in Lane County continue to spread at a rapid rate. Lane county added 37 cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, and 189 people are considered infectious. Lane County says 527 more people are being monitored as contacts.

Those are people who’ve been in contact with public health officials, who are being watched to see if they develop the virus.

At the current rate, Public Health says Lane County may have to go back to phase one of reopening to get things under control. Officials say small gatherings have been a major factor, with cases from those gatherings branching out.

“There are all kinds of regulations, recommendations, laws, executive orders that could be put into place,” said Jason Davis, with LCPH. “None of them will be effective if people don’t willingly make the choice to put community first and to put health first.”

For schools in the area, the exponential growth of COVID-19 cases in the past week, as well as original guidance from health officials suggests extreme caution must be taken. 

The district cited OHA’s data, which shows for the second week in a row Lane County has seen more than 30 cases per 100,000, as the reason behind their decision.

The district said that case counts must return to safe levels.   Other parents shared their concerns for finding childcare, balancing their own work schedules and keeping their students on track — especially for children who have an Individualized Education Program or other disabilities.

United Way of Lane County said Tuesday they’ve added $150,000 to the amount being distributed. This brings the total to $414,250 since the Holiday Farm Fire started on Labor Day.

The money is being allocated to seven local organizations that are leading recovery efforts, United Way said.    Catholic Community Services has been providing $250 Visa gift cards to fire victims through funds provided from United Way. They have received a second $100,000 grant to fund this direct financial assistance, United Way said.

Impacted individuals and households who reside or have a business located in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion counties are eligible for the relief. Taxpayers in localities added later to the individual assistance disaster areas, as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will be eligible to receive the same relief.

If you are a victim of Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds, any penalty and interest imposed for late filing or late payment related to due dates that fall on or after September 7, 2020 and before January 15, 2021 will be waived if you file and pay by January 15, 2021. If you receive a billing or adjustment notice from Revenue related to a late filing or late payment caused by a disaster situation, follow the instructions in the notice to request a waiver of penalty and interest.

The Oregon relief applies to all affected taxpayers who are filing any income, payroll, and excise taxes originally due during the relief period. See our website for a list of qualifying tax programs and frequently asked questions.

Copies of past tax records
Affected taxpayers who need to obtain copies of Oregon tax records will be able to receive replacements free of charge. To obtain copies of critical tax records on file with the Oregon Department of Revenue, please call us at 800-356-4222. These records may include copies of prior tax returns filed with the department, information returns such as W-2s and 1099s, and notices that we’ve issued.

Updating taxpayer information
Affected taxpayers may also need to update their account information, such as an address or phone number. Address changes can be made by calling 800-356-4222, logging into Revenue Online, or by filling out and submitting a change of address form on the Revenue website www.oregon.gov/dor.

Regarding collections
Taxpayers should not skip or reduce current payments. Those who are unable to pay their debt in full can resolve outstanding debt and avoid automated collection by arranging a payment agreement with the department. Those unable to comply with their existing payment agreement between now and January 15, 2021 can request a modification to their payment plan by calling the department at least five business days before their payment due date.

Taxpayers can find agency contact information, more tax resources, tools, and COVID-19 or wildfire relief tax information at www.oregon.gov/dor or by calling 800-356-4222 or 503-378-4988.

This relief follows the IRS’s announcement on September 16, 2020 that victims of Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds now have until January 15, 2021 to file and pay various individual and business taxes.

Details on the federal relief can be found at www.irs.gov/newsroom under “Tax Relief in Disaster Situations.”

To get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments, visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. You also can call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing- or speech-impaired), we accept all relay calls.

Around the state of Oregon

In Medford, fire officials are warning residents sifting through rubble on burned property in the Almeda fire area no to dig through the debris without professional monitoring assistant.

“Burned properties may contain hazards such as asbestos fibers, toxic chemicals, unstable trees, and dangerous structures,” Jackson County officials said. “Complying with state and federal hazardous waste laws is complex, and contractors completing this work must have special licenses and certifications. Lastly, insurance policies may not cover the cleanup’s full cost if not completed correctly.”

Emergency Operations Center Director John Vial said, “With property owner permission, over the next few weeks, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, using EPA Strike Teams, will begin to remove household hazardous wastes from burned properties. This is the first step in the cleanup process, and our goal is to make this process as easy for property owners as possible and to ensure that it is completed in a comprehensive, safe, and organized fashion.

”County officials said avoiding any sort of haphazard cleanup can have “significant benefits” to property owners, explaining the state has organized a task force to deal with the massive cleanup.

“Getting the whole burn scar area cleaned up systematically will help maintain property values, avoid blight, and ensure compliance with state and federal laws,” Jackson County explained. “If a property owner chooses to remove debris themselves, they should receive clearance from local authorities, mitigate hazards, and wear an N95 mask, gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy shoes. Avoid rinsing debris or waste into storm drains.”

The county provided the following contacts for more information:

• City of Talent: (541) 535-1566
• City of Phoenix: Email joe.slaughter@phoenixoregon.gov
• Jackson County: (541) 774-6238
• FEMA: (800) 621-3362
• DEQ, Medford Office: (541)776-6010

Les Schwab Tire Stores Sold
Officials at Oregon-based Les Schwab Tires confirmed Tuesday they have agreed to sell the company to Meritage Group, a family-owned investment firm.

“The decision to sell has always been about securing the long-term success of the company,” said CEO Jack Cuniff.

Cuniff said Meritage Group has a history of preserving culture and values while growing a company over time.

“This is a great fit, and aligns well with Les’ vision and all we have built together,” he added.

Managing Director Aubrey Barth with Meritage said Les Schwab is an ideal investment for them. They also own Columbia Distributing, which is based in Portland.

“The company’s exceptional employees and programs, strong financials, and respected, customer-focused brand set it up for success for years to come,” Barth said.

The sale is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

Les Schwab opened its first location in 1952 and has since expanded to multiple states and hundreds of locations.

Impacted individuals and households who reside or have a business located in Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion counties are eligible for the relief. Taxpayers in localities added later to the individual assistance disaster areas, as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will be eligible to receive the same relief.

If you are a victim of Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds, any penalty and interest imposed for late filing or late payment related to due dates that fall on or after September 7, 2020 and before January 15, 2021 will be waived if you file and pay by January 15, 2021. If you receive a billing or adjustment notice from Revenue related to a late filing or late payment caused by a disaster situation, follow the instructions in the notice to request a waiver of penalty and interest.

The Oregon relief applies to all affected taxpayers who are filing any income, payroll, and excise taxes originally due during the relief period. See our website for a list of qualifying tax programs and frequently asked questions.

Copies of past tax records
Affected taxpayers who need to obtain copies of Oregon tax records will be able to receive replacements free of charge. To obtain copies of critical tax records on file with the Oregon Department of Revenue, please call us at 800-356-4222. These records may include copies of prior tax returns filed with the department, information returns such as W-2s and 1099s, and notices that we’ve issued.

Updating taxpayer information
Affected taxpayers may also need to update their account information, such as an address or phone number. Address changes can be made by calling 800-356-4222, logging into Revenue Online, or by filling out and submitting a change of address form on the Revenue website www.oregon.gov/dor.

Regarding collections
Taxpayers should not skip or reduce current payments. Those who are unable to pay their debt in full can resolve outstanding debt and avoid automated collection by arranging a payment agreement with the department. Those unable to comply with their existing payment agreement between now and January 15, 2021 can request a modification to their payment plan by calling the department at least five business days before their payment due date.

Taxpayers can find agency contact information, more tax resources, tools, and COVID-19 or wildfire relief tax information at www.oregon.gov/dor or by calling 800-356-4222 or 503-378-4988.

This relief follows the IRS’s announcement on September 16, 2020 that victims of Oregon wildfires and straight-line winds now have until January 15, 2021 to file and pay various individual and business taxes.

Details on the federal relief can be found at www.irs.gov/newsroom under “Tax Relief in Disaster Situations.”

To get tax forms, check the status of your refund, or make tax payments, visit www.oregon.gov/dor or email questions.dor@oregon.gov. You also can call 800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish) or 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon. For TTY (hearing- or speech-impaired), we accept all relay calls.

FATAL CRASH ON HWY 138W – DOUGLAS COUNTY

On Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at approximately 1:15 P.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel  responded to a two vehicle crash on Hwy 138W near MP 23A.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a Toyota Rav, operated by Sara Myers (45) from Sutherlin, was westbound slowing to turn south (left) onto Dovetail Lane when an also westbound Honda motorcycle, operated by Keith Berry (34) from Sutherlin,  attempted to pass.  The Honda motorcycle crashed into the drivers side of the Toyota Rav. 

Berry and his passenger, Caylla Ritchie (27) from Roseburg, sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced deceased.

Myers was transported by ambulance to Mercy Medical Center with serious injuries. 

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) received federal approval to issue Pandemic EBT benefits in September to promote increased food security for families who receive no-cost meals through participation in the United States Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program.

Benefits will start being distributed Sept. 28 for an estimated total amount of more than $35.6 million in federal money. Recipients may see two deposits on their Oregon EBT card – an initial deposit of $100 and a second deposit for all students receiving an amount over $100. Amounts vary by the school district.

“These additional federal funds provide much needed assistance for our families as they manage the transition back to school,” said Dan Haun, ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Director. “We hope these benefits bring some relief to families facing today’s uncertainties.”

“Child Nutrition Programs know that the P-EBT benefit plays a crucial role in supporting students’ nutritional needs during this time of crisis and change,” ODE School Nutrition Program Manager, Damasita Sanchez said. “We appreciate the partnership with DHS to provide this critical support for Oregon communities.”

Students must be enrolled in an eligible school for the 2020-21 school year to be eligible for September P-EBT. There is no application process for this benefit.

Eligible students who receive Oregon SNAP benefits, or were mailed an Oregon EBT card with P-EBT benefits in the past, will receive their September P-EBT benefits on their existing Oregon EBT card. Families who lost their Oregon EBT card can request a new one by calling their local ODHS office. New Oregon EBT cards will be mailed in October.

Many families eligible for P-EBT are also eligible for on-going food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and are encouraged to check eligibility and apply at https://apps.state.or.us/onlineApplication/#NewClientAccount.

Eligible students will receive up to $176 depending on their school’s start date. Visit https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/assistance/food-benefits/pages/p-ebt.aspx for details.

Administered by ODHS, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Oregon, including many older adults and people with disabilities. Oregonians in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP, child care, cash assistance, and Medicaid. Learn more at https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits. For local resources in your area, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1.

Les Schwab Tire Center and Oregon FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) have partnered for a Drive Away Hunger Initiative to collect food and raise hunger awareness for the month of October.

The Drive Away Hunger initiative is one that Oregon FFA and Les Schwab Tire Centers have been partnering on annually since 2015. Each year Oregon FFA members, advisors, volunteers, Les Schwab employees, and our partnering stores across Oregon have worked together to increase the impact of the initiative.

Through Saturday, Oct. 31, non-perishable food donations can be dropped at any Les Schwab Tire Center, Wilco, or Grange Coop store. Last year the Oregon FFA’s Drive Away Hunger initiative helped raise 580,084 pounds of food, equal to 435,171 meals. The Oregon FFA is part of the National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America. It is a national youth organization of 760,113 student members, all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. There are 8,739 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Oregon FFA is made up of more than 11,000 members in 114 chapters throughout the state.

Salem – Oregon Insurance Commissioner Andrew Stolfi will host the statewide virtual Wildfire Insurance Town Hall on Thursday, Oct. 1, at noon.

He will be joined by representatives from the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation to answer common questions about wildfire insurance, the claims process, and how the division can help Oregonians.

Everyone affected by the wildfires are encouraged to tune in to the live stream on the division’s video webpage. You can also listen to the town hall by calling 888-808-6929 (toll-free), access code 1369311.

“Our goal for the wildfire town hall is to provide Oregonians with important information they can use right now to take some initial steps toward recovery,” said Stolfi, who is also the director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. “Recovery will take time, but we are here to help Oregonians through every phase of their insurance claim.”

Oregonians can submit questions before the town hall. The commissioner and division representatives will answer as many questions as possible during the event.

The town hall will be recorded and captioned in both English and Spanish for people who have difficulty hearing, as well as many of those who are not native English speakers. That recording will be made available as soon as the captioning is complete.

The division’s wildfire insurance page has resources and contact information to help answer many wildfire insurance questions. The division is also prepared to help people in any language they choose. Visit dfr.oregon.gov/help for more information.