MANZANITA, Oregon— Nehalem Bay State Park will reopen day-use areas including trails and the boat launch on May 23, but the campground will remain closed through at least June due to ongoing construction.

“We’re excited to welcome visitors back to the park, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we work to improve the park experience,” said Park Manger Ben Cox.

The day-use areas opening include the boat ramp, the south day-use parking area, the airport and the multi-use path east of the main entrance road. The main entrance from Garey Street will be reopened to the public at the same time to serve the day-use areas. 

The campground and the Horizon Street entrance will remain closed to the public through June while work continues in the campground. The campground is slated to reopen as soon as July 1 depending on the construction schedule. The park will open campground reservations in the next few weeks for dates starting in July.

Check the webpage for updates.

The construction work at Nehalem Bay includes:

• Upgrading water and electrical lines within the camp loops
• Adding a restroom/shower building to serve increasing visitation and provide more accessible facilities (accessible features include adult changing table for visitors with disabilities)
• Adding an accessible restroom and accessible campsites to the horse camp
• Adding hose bibs to horse camp sites
• Renovating and adding additional accessible campsites and paths
• Repaving the main entrance road
• Adding traffic calming features park entry road from the Garey Street entrance to the airport intersection
• Adding a new day-use fee station near the airport intersection

The work at Nehalem Bay was made possible by GO Bonds, a $50 million investment approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021. It’s one of nine projects at eight parks focused on building capacity, increasing accessibility and maintaining aging park infrastructure. Visit the Go Bond website for a complete list of projects.

An Oregon Department of Corrections (DOC) adult in custody, Nickolas James Beaumont, died shortly after midnight May 14, 2025. Beaumont was incarcerated at Oregon State Penitentiary (OSP) in Salem and passed away at the facility. As with all in-custody deaths, the Oregon State Police have been notified, and the State Medical Examiner will determine cause of death.

Beaumont entered DOC custody on December 13, 2018, from Klamath County with an anticipated release date of November 8, 2026. Beaumont was 29 years old. Next of kin has been notified.

DOC takes all in-custody deaths seriously. The agency is responsible for the care and custody of approximately 12,000 men and women who are incarcerated in 12 institutions across the state. While crime information is public record, DOC elects to disclose only upon request out of respect for any family or victims.

OSP is a multi-custody prison located in Salem that houses approximately 2,000 adults in custody. OSP is surrounded by a 25-foot-high wall with 10 towers. The facility has multiple special housing units including disciplinary segregation, behavioral health, intermediate care housing, and an infirmary (with hospice) with 24-hour nursing care. OSP participates in prison industries with Oregon Corrections Enterprises including the furniture factory, laundry, metal shop, and contact center. It provides a range of correctional programs and services including education, work-based education, work crews, and pre-release services. OSP was established in 1866 and, until 1959, was Oregon’s only prison.

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SALEM, Ore ­— The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is accepting applications to fill two positions on the Local Government Grant Program Advisory Committee.

The dealine to apply is May 31, 2025. The 10-member committee allocates funding to public park and recreation projects throughout the state. OPRD is seeking one representative from a city with a population of less than 15,000 people, and a representative of the public who represents an historically under-represented community. Public-at-large positions may be held by a recreation professional or any citizen with an interest or background in outdoor recreation.

The main function of the committee is to read, assess and score grant applications submitted to the Local Government Grant Program Advisory Committee and attend a three-day grant application presentation meeting to be held in Salem July 29, 30 & 31.  Committee members can attend the meetings in person or via Zoom.  

Expectations and responsibilities are listed on the program webpage: oregon.gov/oprd/GRA/pages/GRA-lggp.aspx. Interested applicants should submit a Committee Interest Form by May 31, 2025.

Committee members serve up to two consecutive four-year terms.  Members represent the following categories:

• Counties east and west of the Cascade Range
• Cities under 15,000 people
• Cities over 15,000 people
• Park and recreation districts, metropolitan service districts or port districts
• People with disabilities
• Three members of the public including at least one person who represents an historically under-represented community.

If travel is involved, OPRD will reimburse all travel, meals and lodging expenses associated with committee meetings.

The Local Government Grant Program is funded by the Oregon Lottery and currently awards about $14 million annually to outdoor park and recreation projects throughout the state. Eligible applicants to the program are cities, counties, parks and recreation districts, port districts and metropolitan service districts.

OPRD is committed to ensuring that all committees represent the growing age, ethnic and gender diversity of the state. New committee members will ultimately be appointed by the OPRD Director.

For information, contact Mark Cowan at 503-951-1317 or k.cowan@oprd.oregon.gov">mark.cowan@oprd.oregon.gov.

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The Oregon Commission on Historic Cemeteries will meet via online meeting on May 27 at 1:00 p.m. The primary agenda item is approval of the 2025 Oregon Historic Cemeteries grants. The meeting is open to the public and the agenda includes an opportunity for public comment. Register for the meeting to receive online access information.

State law established the seven-member Commission to maintain a listing of all historic cemeteries and gravesites in Oregon; promote public education on the significance of historic cemeteries; and help obtain financial and technical assistance for restoring, improving and maintaining their appearances. For more information about commission activities, contact coordinator Kuri Gill at 503-986-0685 or by e-mail at i.gill@oprd.oregon.gov">kuri.gill@oprd.oregon.gov.

Special accommodations for the meeting – including translation services – may be made by calling (503) 986‐0690 at least 72 hours prior to the start of the meeting.

For call-in details and the agenda or more information about the commission, visit www.oregonheritage.org.

Richland, WA — April 10, 2025 — Christensen Inc., a leading distributor of fuel and industrial lubricants across the western US, is proud to announce the appointment of George Fuller, as the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer.
 

With over 25 years of experience in operations, strategy, and supply chain management, George Fuller has a proven track record of driving performance, optimizing operations, and leading high-impact teams in complex environments. His appointment marks a significant step forward in Christensen’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth.
 

“We are thrilled to have George on Christensen’s executive team,” said Tony Christensen, Chief Executive Officer of Christensen Inc. “His depth of leadership, experience scaling operations, and customer-first mindset are the perfect match for where we’re headed. He has a tremendous passion for people and will play a vital role as we continue expanding our services and footprint.”
 

Prior to joining Christensen, Fuller held senior leadership roles at companies such as Hydrite Chemical Manufacturing and Univar Solutions, where he led large-scale logistics, procurement, and sales initiatives. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer at Shrieve, overseeing a multi-national chemical distributing and manufacturing company.
 

In his new role, Fuller will lead Christensen’s daily operations, supply chain functions, and sales across all the company’s operating divisions.
 

“At this phase of my life, I could not be more excited to be in the position where I can be part of such a great organization with great people,” said Fuller. “It’s not about one department or person, it’s about all of us collectively working together on this growth trajectory, and I believe we will achieve this because of the team members I know and will get to know.”
 

For more information, visit www.christensenusa.com.