The Tillamook Air Museum is proud to announce the upcoming arrival of a combat-tested AV-8B Harrier II, a major addition to the Museum’s growing collection of historically significant aircraft. The aircraft will be flown directly to Tillamook from Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, a major U.S. Navy research, development, and test facility located in California’s Mojave Desert. The Harrier’s arrival under its own power will be a rare and historic moment for the region, offering the public a unique opportunity to witness military aviation history in motion. In addition to the Harrier, a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster lll will also be flying into Tillamook, transporting the demilitarization crew responsible for preparing the aircraft for public display. The Museum currently anticipates the Harrier and C-17 will a rrive on 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟰𝘁𝗵, weath er and operational schedules permitting. The public is encouraged to follow Tillamook Air Musuem's social media for the latest updates as the date approaches. After arrival, the aircraft will be demilitarized and prepared for permanent exhibition. It is being provided on long-term loan by the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. “This aircraft represents an extraordinary chapter in modern military aviation,” said Christian Gurling, Museum Curator. “We are proud to accept this historic piece of Marine Corps history. Acquisitions such as this are fast positioning the Tillamook Air Museum as a world-class destination for aviation heritage, as we continue to broaden and enhance the scope of our exhibits. We look forward to interpreting its legacy for the public in a way that honors its service and the people who flew it.” Originally delivered to the United States Marine Corps on March 30, 1995, the Harrier has logged 5,518 total flight hours, including 631 combat hours flown across 88 missions, and completed 5,457 landings. It saw combat in multiple theaters over a 30 year career, including missions during Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria, where it flew from both USS Boxer and forward air bases such as Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. It also supported humanitarian and combat operations from the USS Peleliu, USS Nassau, and USS America, including roles in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, and the Arabian Gulf. In one deployment, its unit provided aerial support following the collision of the USS John S. McCain near Singapore. This particular aircraft is a production radar model, built as a Harrier II+, meaning it was originally designed for frontline service with enhanced capabilities. In addition to its fleet combat role, it concluded its career with VX-31 at China Lake, where it served as a test platform supporting developmental and evaluation programs. “We are honored to welcome this distinguished aircraft to Tillamook,” said Rita Welch, Museum Director of the Tillamook Air Museum. “The arrival of a combat-tested Harrier flown directly from China Lake is a momentous occasion and one of the most significant acquisitions in the museum’s history. This aircraft greatly enhances our collection and strengthens our ability to educate the public about military aviation. We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Bonnie Towne at the National Naval Aviation Museum for her dedication and hard work in facilitating this loan. Her efforts were critical in making this historic transfer possible. We are honored to care for this remarkable piece of history and look forward to sharing its story with our visitors.” The Museum also extends its sincere thanks to Pablo “Louie” Sanchez, AV-8B Assistant Program Manager for Logistics (APML), who is leading the AV-8B Museum Task Force. His expertise and outstanding coordination have been essential in arranging the upcoming transfer of the Harrier to Tillamook. The Museum also gratefully acknowledges the efforts of his entire team, whose collective support has been vital in bringing this significant addition to the museum’s collection closer to reality. A special thanks to Visit Tillamook Coast for helping to assist in securing lodging for the Harrier’s demilitarization crew, and Tillamook Inn and Suites for hosting them while they are in Tillamook.

Every year, WEBS partners with Cape Lookout State Park to offer opportunities to give back, maintain our natural areas, and restore healthy coastal landscapes. Our efforts to remove ivy and establish new native plants have made a huge impact in the park over the last few years. This year, with the help of volunteers, WEBS will continue our efforts with ivy removal and native plant maintenance. “Events like this not only offer an opportunity to give back, participants can connect with others in the community, enjoy a day outdoors and hear about the successes and challenges for maintaining the health of Cape Lookout State Park” shared Marina Dreeben, WEBS stewardship coordinator. Volunteers are invited to join the fun: July 27, August 13, and August 24. Activities are designed to accommodate a variety of skill levels. Families are welcome. What to Bring : Water bottle and snacks Long pants and sturdy boots Rain gear and layers to stay warm and comfortable working on the Oregon Coast Work gloves, hand pruners, shovels, and trowels if you have them! (WEBS will also provide tools) Get more information and find a link to register on our website at: https://www.netartsbaywebs.org/even ts

It’s always cooler at the beach. And the Rockaway Beach Music Festival is keeping the cool vibe going this summer with a free, two-day long music festival hosted at the Rockaway Beach Wayside August 16-17. Hosted by Neah-Kah-Nie Coast Art and Music Cultural Foundation (NCAM) , the event will feature twelve, live performing musical artists. The lineup includes local bands Mercury Coast and Hope Montgomery; as well as: Glitterfox, Mitch Whitaker, members of Typhoon, The Dead Lines, Nik Xandir Wolf, Doral Vance, Blaine Heinonen, Sunkicks, and Dylan Crawford.

The Oregon Coast’s vibrant creative spirit takes center stage once again as the Nestucca Valley Artisans Festival returns to the Kiawanda Community Center in Pacific City on August 16 and 17, 2025 , from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This much- anticipated event offers residents and visitors the chance to experience and support the region’s thriving arts community. The festival features 23 local artists, all members of Nestucca Valley Artisans , a nonprofit collective committed to nurturing and promoting local creativity. Attendees will enjoy a wide selection of original, handcrafted artwork, including paintings, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, woodworking, photography and more for sale. “This is a unique chance to purchase original art directly from local artists in the community,” said Brendan Alex Phoenix, Marketing Director of Nestucca Valley Artisans. “Take home a one-of-a-kind reminder of the Oregon Coast while supporting local artists.” Returning artists include: Walt Amacher (photography), Marilyn Burkhardt (paintings, prints, sculptures), Bill Cary (pottery), Candace Churchley (book arts, basket weaving), Denise Clausen (calligraphy, quilting), Sharon Erb (watercolors, charcoal), Shawn Geers (abstract acrylics), Arlon Gilliland (painting, masks), Catherine Hingson (watercolors), Dana Hulburt (acrylics, driftwood calligraphy), Patti Hoffert (paintings), Teresa Mahannah (paintings, wooden houses), Sue Miller (fused glass jewelry), Tim W. Moore (nature photography), Alita Pearl (silver jewelry, leather bags), Brendan Alex Phoenix (photographic art), Kent and Nancy Searles (lapidary wire wrapping) and Merrie Jo Snow (paintings, prints). New artists this year: Jim Beck (woodwork), Lynne Beck (stained glass mosaics), Kathy Compton (food-themed mixed media acrylics) and S hawn Ramirez (abstract mixed media acrylics). Located inside the Kiawanda Community Center at 34600 Cape Kiwanda Dr., the Nestucca Valley Artisans Festival offers free parking and admission. Walkable from Cape Kiwanda and local restaurants, with nearby trolley and bus stops, it’s the perfect opportunity to buy coastal art. The Nestucca Valley Artisans is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural fabric of Pacific City and the surrounding coastal region through exhibitions, education, and community events that support local artists and celebrate creative expression.

Join Captain Thron Riggs, retired Columbia River Bar Pilot, at a reception for his show "Wildscapes" at the NCRD Gallery, 36155 9th Street in Nehalem, on Saturday, July 12 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Riggs, who has a deep affinity for the Oregon Coast, and particularly the Nehalem Bay area, will be showing 40 new paintings—many showcasing this rugged landscape. North County Recreation District (NCRD) is hosting the show for Captain Riggs who has generously offered 80% of the proceeds from the show to support the vital role NCRD plays in the health and wellness of the Nehalem Bay area community. 

This summer, an Oregon community college president is hitting the pavement to spotlight a critical issue: The basic needs of community college students. Starting mid-June, Clackamas Community College President Dr. Tim Cook — an avid marathoner — will embark on a bold challenge to run to every community college in Oregon. That’s more than 1,500 miles over 50 days, averaging 32 miles per day. The Running for Oregon Community College Students (ROCCS) campaign is a statewide awareness and fundraising initiative to highlight the challenges facing today’s students and to advocate for increased state funding for essential support services. Funds raised through ROCCS will be distributed directly to participating colleges to support students’ basic needs, such as food, housing, childcare and transportation. Community college students represent some of the most vulnerable populations in the state. A survey from The Hope Center highlights the pressing needs of Oregon's community college students: ● Food insecurity: Approximately 41% of students reported experiencing food insecurity within the previous 30 days. ● Housing insecurity: About 52% of students faced housing insecurity in the past year, which includes difficulties such as affording rent, utilities, or frequent moves. ● Homelessness: Nearly 20% of students experienced homelessness in the past year, indicating a lack of stable and safe housing. Oregon’s community colleges serve approximately 200,000 students, which is 52% of all public and private higher education enrollments in the state. Many of these students encounter significant obstacles, including housing and food insecurity, a lack of childcare, and transportation issues. Through this run, Oregon’s community colleges seek to highlight these challenges and generate support to address them. “As a first-generation college student, I understand the transformative power of education,” Cook said. “Through ROCCS, I aim to shed light on the significant challenges our students face, rally support to address these critical needs, and raise awareness of the valuable role community colleges play in our state.” “Tillamook Bay Community College is proud to support this mission and encourage the community to get involved,” TBCC President Dr. Paul Jarrell said. “This initiative not only raises awareness but also directly impacts our students by securing much-needed resources.” Follow Cook’s training and daily progress during the run on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/run4orccstudents/ . To donate or learn more about the run, visit http://run4orccstudents.org/ .  The ROCCS campaign is made possible through the generous support of Rivermark Community Credit Union, Johnson RV, and Daimler Truck North America.

For every 10,000 students who take the SAT, only seven will earn the coveted perfect score of 1600. That’s less than half a percentage of all test takers. And Neah-Kah-Nie High School senior (‘26) Dillon Gardner is one of them. “I was pretty shocked, I didn’t believe it at first,” Dillon said. “It was a quiet day in April and I opened up my computer to check on it and I see ‘1600.’ I was shocked and spent a minute or two just surprised because I didn’t expect to get a perfect score. But, it turned out to be real.” Comically, Dillon (and his father Jared Gardner) joke that it was the mocha his mother [Hilary Foote] gave him on the morning of the test that made all the difference. But, Dillon detailed that taking the test twice probably played the most to his advantage. “A few weeks prior I took the SAT a first time and got a score of 1480,” he said. “I decided to take another test because the second math section surprised me with its difficulty. I didn’t get the opportunity to answer half of the questions. So, I went back and took a different approach to solve those problems and thought I could do better, and I did.” While a perfect score is a momentous achievement, prepping for the test was not even remotely Dillon’s main focus during his high school years. During his time as a Pirate, he’s been involved with the robotics team, speech and debate, and is a member of the Dungeons and Dragons club. “The teachers and the tightness of the community are the main things I love about being here at Neah-Kah-Nie,” said Dillon. “Even though it’s very small, I get to know and see other students in multiple classes a day. But, it’s especially the teachers who put in the effort way beyond what they’re compensated for.” “The Argonauts,” Neah-Kah-Nie’s robotics team, made it to the state competition for the first time since the COVID pandemic. The team placed sixth out of 24 teams. “I’ve received quite a bit of mentoring from the volunteer programming assistant and I’m hoping to give back as much as I can,” Dillon said about returning to the team during his senior year. In addition to taking AP level classes at Neah-Kah-Nie, Dillon is also virtually enrolled at Tillamook Bay Community College through which he hopes to finish his Associate’s in Computer Science by the end of his senior year.