Weather for Travelers Could Be Dicey
As one of Oregon’s busiest travel periods approaches, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management is urging extra caution as multiple weather systems move through the state. Rain, mountain snow, and strong winds are expected through Wednesday, creating hazardous travel conditions and the potential for power outages. The National Weather Service says snow showers will affect mountain passes, while coastal and inland winds could gust as high as 70 miles per hour. Saturated soils increase the risk of fallen trees and downed power lines. Officials encourage travelers to check road conditions, allow extra travel time, and carry emergency supplies. The National weather service has issued a wind advisory for Mapleton which does include the coastal region of Florence.
Money for Mental Health
Governor Tina Kotek, the Association of Oregon Counties, and the Oregon Health Authority have announced an agreement to modernize County Financial Assistance Agreements, replacing a 30-year-old framework. The updated agreements are designed to clarify expectations and strengthen accountability for state behavioral health funding. According to state and county leaders, the changes aim to improve coordination, transparency, and flexibility in delivering mental health and addiction services. The effort builds on recent statewide investments in crisis response, treatment capacity, and workforce development. County commissions must approve the final agreements before funding is distributed.
Street Construction Takes a Break
Most of the concrete has been poured for the new safe routes to school project that extends sidewalks from Siano Loop to Kingwood street. The crews have taken the holiday off, but cones remain in place. City manager Erin Reynolds says it’s still a good idea to avoid the area.
“it is still an active project area even thought there won’t be crews out there working there is a lot of cones and signage and try to stay out of the area, please.”
The project is funded through a grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Helicopter Receives a Second Order
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to keep a Coast Guard rescue helicopter stationed in Newport, issuing a preliminary injunction that reinforces an earlier court order. Judge Ann Aiken ruled the helicopter is critical to public safety, particularly for commercial fishermen during the most dangerous season of the year. The decision follows lawsuits filed by Lincoln County, the State of Oregon, and fishing industry groups after the Coast Guard temporarily reduced operations in Newport while deploying crews to the southern border for immigration enforcement. The helicopter has already been returned, but the ruling prevents it from being reassigned again while the case continues.
