A lot has changed since the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum’s (TCPM) founding in 1935. New history, exhibits, and staff. But something remains the same: TCPM’s commitment to preserving the history of Tillamook County. As TCPM looks to the future, they’re asking the community to be a part of the process. “The Tillamook County Pioneer Museum Board is deeply committed to ensuring the museum grows alongside our community,” TCPM Board of Directors President Ryan Weber said. “We envision the museum as a vibrant gathering place where neighbors, families, and visitors can come together to connect with the history of our county in meaningful ways.” TCPM is currently developing a five-year strategic plan to help guide the future of the museum. “By embracing museum best practices and creating experiences that are both accessible and relevant to today, we aim to honor the past while inspiring the future,” Weber said. “These are the very reasons we are undertaking a five-year strategic planning process. We want to chart a thoughtful path forward that reflects our community’s voice and ensures the museum remains a place of pride for generations to come.” The public is invited to participate in a community survey about TCPM. The survey can be found at: surveymonkey.com/r/TCPM2025 About the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum Founded in 1935 by Tillamook Oregon pioneers, the Tillamook County Pioneer Museum offers 19 display areas that focus on the history of the North Oregon Coast. The museum’s mission is to preserve and interpret the Cultural Heritage of the North Oregon Coast and to foster appreciation and respect of the North Oregon Coast's environment. The current collection includes 55,000 items and 20,000 photographs ranging from prehistoric specimens to modern-day. The Tillamook County Pioneer Museum is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free for children under the age of 10. The research library can be accessed by appointment only.

The City of Tillamook would like to inform residents and tourists of upcoming construction work scheduled to take place at Coatsville Park (9th Street Park), this construction is expected to require closing a portion of the parking lot, exercise equipment, and swing set . The construction is expected to begin on Monday, September 22, 2025 and last until November 30, 2025 depending on the contractor’s availability and project schedule. During this time, Coatsville Park will require periodic closings of the entire park area when necessary, however most of the time the park will remain open to the public in areas outside of the playground area. The public is expected to proceed with caution in the area. Work i s planned to install a new piece of playground equipment, as well as installation of a new rubberized surface, to increase child safety. For questions or additional information, please contact the City of Tillamook Public Works Department at (503) 374-1823.

It’s that time again to let the gourd times roll at The Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch. “It's a different kind of pumpkin patch in a beautiful, remote, authentic and relaxed setting,” Zweifel said. “Come for the afternoon and enjoy the good, wholesome family fun.” Boasting thousands of gourds and u-pick pumpkins, and the biggest corn maze on the Oregon Coast, the Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch will operate every Saturday and Sunday in October from noon – 5 p.m. Get the full, down-home experience with free hay-rides behind one of the farm’s tractors, or snap a cute family picture at one of multiple photo booths. “People who come here, remark about how family-friendly and non-commercial it is,” Owner Patrick Zweifel said. “It is very relaxed. People come with their families and a basket of food and hang out for several hours.”

Benefit Concert brings The Voice contestants to Garibaldi

What influences an area? Laws? The economy? The environment? “Oregon Voices” tries to answer these questions . As a traveling exhibit from the Oregon Historical Society, “Oregon Voices” examines some of the important people, industries, organizations, and laws that have shaped the state of Oregon from the end of World War II through 2020. “My hope with bringing ‘Oregon Voices’ to the Museum is to expand the narratives displayed in the permanent and temporary exhibits,” Tillamook Pioneer Museum Exhibit & Programs Developer Jenny Teece said. “This traveling exhibit touches on multiple different identities, industries, and perspectives that encapsulates the Oregon experience that people from all walks of life can relate to.” The exhibit has five, threesided pop-up kiosks that cover a different topic on Oregon history: industry and economy; equal rights and social justice; migration and immigration; environment and energy; and Indigenous Tribes of Oregon.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day by cleaning up the beach from Oceanside to Netarts with the Friends of Netarts Bay WEBS and Oceanside Action Partnership, Saturday, September 27, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. WEBS and OAP will have welcome tables set up at The Schooner Restaurant and the upper parking lot at Oceanside Beach, so volunteers can choose where to start the day. “Let’s take this opportunity to clean up the beach with friends or family, or expand your community by teaming up with fellow volunteers,” says Marina Dreeben, WEBS stewardship coordinator. “In addition to cleaning up the beach, join us for a marine debris survey demonstration at The Schooner at 9:30 a.m. to learn how debris is monitored on the beach year-round, and how you can help!” In our efforts to reduce waste, instead of using plastic bags, please bring your own bucket to collect debris. There will be some extra buckets on hand if needed. Be sure to stick around after the cleanup for a special treat just for volunteers – The Schooner will be grilling up fresh oysters from Pearl Point Oyster here in Netarts to thank you for keeping our coastal ecosystems clean!! As you head out to clean up or just explore, it is important to remember that ocean shores can be dangerous. Avoid logs in the water, keep your distance from marine mammals, and never turn your back on the ocean! If you find any hazardous material, please alert a staff member. Advanced registration saves time, but is not required. To register and read more about this event visit http://www.netartsbaywebs.org/events Questions? Contact info@netartsbaywebs.org

Join WEBS Board President, Michael Krall on Saturday, September 20 for an introduction to Tillamook County birds and birding. Starting with an optional, two-hour slow and easy bird walk, participants will scope out some of our Northwest feathered friends along inland trails and coastal shores. After the walk, the group will meet at the Netarts Community Club for an informative indoor presentation. Michael will share his photographs, some tips on where and when to bird in Tillamook County, and talk about some of the birds we can expect to see in these diverse habitats. Michael birds and photographs extensively in Tillamook County, around Oregon, and beyond. He caught the birding bug starting with a Golden Eagle banding in central Oregon with his 8th grade science teacher some 60 years ago. Michael said, “I have always been partial to woodpeckers.” In 2017, he made a book of photographs featuring all 22 woodpecker species found in the US and Canada. Now Michael is working on the 50 or so US warbler species and has just a few to go! “So many birds, so little time!” Registration is required. Learn more and register for this event at: https://www.netartsbaywebs.org/even ts

Editor’s note: This feature story contains information about suicide and suicide prevention and awareness. If you, or someone you know, is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, help is available: Suicide & Crisis Lifeline : Call or text 988. 24/7 Tillamook County Crisis Hotline : 1-800-962-2851 or 503-842-8201 24/7 AgriStress Helpline (available specifically for people in farming, ranching, fishery, and forestry industries): call 833-897-2474 Mental health and behavior health services are available at: Tillamook Family Counseling Center: 503-842-8201, tfcc.org Adventist Health : 503-815-2292 Nehalem Bay Health Center : 1-800-368-5182 Tillamook County Community Health Centers: 503-842-3938