Approximately 794,000 Oregonians people under the age of 65—almost one in four (24.7 percent) of Oregon’s non-elderly population—have a diagnosed pre-existing condition that could lead to a denial of coverage in the individual health insurance market, according to a report released today by the consumer health organization Families USA. They are among the 57.2 million people nationwide who could potentially face discriminatory health coverage practices.
Once the newly-enacted health reform law is implemented, these Oregonians will gain significant protections: The new law prohibits insurance companies from denying health coverage to people due to pre-existing conditions; from charging discriminatory premiums based on health status; and from excluding benefits that would treat their health conditions.
The report shows that, while individuals in all age groups in Oregon have pre-existing health conditions, this is a problem that grows with age:
* More than one in six (16.8 percent of) young adults aged 18 to 24 have a diagnosed pre-existing health condition that could lead to a denial of coverage.
* Nearly two in five (37.8 percent) of adults aged 45 to 54 have a diagnosed pre-existing condition that could lead to a denial of coverage.
* In the 55 to 64 age group, the portion of adults with diagnosed pre-existing conditions climbs to nearly half (47.2 percent).
* Although the portion of children under 18 years of age with diagnosed pre-existing conditions is low compared to adult groups, there are 61,300 children in Oregon with such conditions.
“The thousands of Oregonians with diagnosed health conditions, and the many others who at some point may receive such a diagnosis, are the people most in need of health care coverage,” said Ron Pollack, Families USA’s Executive Director. “Thankfully, the new health reform legislation will protect all these individuals from the most harmful insurance company abuses that deny such critical coverage.”
In its analysis, Families USA indicates that the its totals may understate how many people nationally and in Oregon have pre-existing conditions, because the analysis only reflects those with diagnosed pre-existing conditions. Americans who are currently uninsured or underinsured, and who cannot afford care, often do not seek treatment and, as a result, their health condition may not be diagnosed.
The uninsured and those who do not have access to job-based coverage are at greatest risk; however, even those who now have coverage at work could be at risk if they lose or leave their jobs and have to find coverage in the individual market.
Income is no protection against an individual’s having a pre-existing condition that could lead to a denial of coverage, and the 794,000 Oregonians with diagnosed pre-existing conditions range across all income levels.
* The lowest-income Oregonians are most likely to have a pre-existing condition. More than one-quarter (28.0 percent) of those individuals in families with incomes below 100 percent of the federal poverty level—less than $22,050 for a family of four—are affected.
* Approximately 22.5 percent of individuals in Oregon families with incomes between 100 and 199 percent of poverty—between $22,050 and $44,100—are affected.
* While the lowest-income Oregonians are slightly more likely to be affected by pre-existing conditions, more than two-thirds (69.4 percent) of those with pre-existing conditions that could lead to a denial of coverage are middle class and higher-income Americans. These are individuals in families with incomes above 200 percent of poverty, or more than $44,100 for a family of four in 2010.
Individuals in every racial and ethnic group in Oregon have diagnosed pre-existing conditions that, absent reform, could lead to a denial of coverage.
* More than one-quarter (26.3 percent) of non-Hispanic whites have pre-existing conditions.
* More than one-quarter (29.7 percent) of African Americans (non-Hispanic) have such a condition.
* Approximately one-quarter (25.6 percent) of American Indians and Alaska Natives are affected.
* Nearly one in five (17.6 percent of) Hispanics are affected. It is important to note, however, that disparities in access to care and in the delivery of care may mean that many individuals have a pre-existing condition that has not been diagnosed. For example, previous research shows that at the national level more than a quarter (25.2 percent) of Hispanic adults had no health care visits in 2007, compared to 14.7 percent of non-Hispanic adults.
“As our study shows, nearly one-quarter of the non-elderly population of Oregon will now gain protections that they need to secure affordable health coverage,” said Pollack. “As more and more people learn about these protections, they will no doubt cherish the enactment of health care reform.”
The data for the report were based on data on health conditions from the federal Medical Expenditures Panel Survey and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS). Families USA commissioned The Lewin Group to analyze the data.
The report for Oregon with an analysis of the groups with pre-existing conditions in that state can be found at http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/health-reform/pre-existing-conditions/oregon.pdf
A full description of the report’s methodology can be found in the Technical Appendix of the national report, available at http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/health-reform/pre-existing-conditions.pdf
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Report: Almost One in Four Non-Elderly Oregonians Have Diagnosed Pre-Existing Health Conditions
A New Report From Families, USA Reveals 794,000 Non-Elderly Oregonians Will Gain Protections from Health Reform Law Prohibiting Insurance Coverage Denials and Discriminatory Premiums
Washington, D.C. – Approximately 794,000 Oregonians people under the age of 65—almost one in four (24.7 percent) of Oregon’s non-elderly population—have a diagnosed pre-existing condition that could lead to a denial of coverage in the individual health insurance market, according to a report released today by the consumer health organization Families USA. They are among the 57.2 million people nationwide who could potentially face discriminatory health coverage practices.
Once the newly-enacted health reform law is implemented, these Oregonians will gain significant protections: The new law prohibits insurance companies from denying health coverage to people due to pre-existing conditions; from charging discriminatory premiums based on health status; and from excluding benefits that would treat their health conditions.
The report shows that, while individuals in all age groups in Oregon have pre-existing health conditions, this is a problem that grows with age:
* More than one in six (16.8 percent of) young adults aged 18 to 24 have a diagnosed pre-existing health condition that could lead to a denial of coverage.
* Nearly two in five (37.8 percent) of adults aged 45 to 54 have a diagnosed pre-existing condition that could lead to a denial of coverage.
* In the 55 to 64 age group, the portion of adults with diagnosed pre-existing conditions climbs to nearly half (47.2 percent).
* Although the portion of children under 18 years of age with diagnosed pre-existing conditions is low compared to adult groups, there are 61,300 children in Oregon with such conditions.
“The thousands of Oregonians with diagnosed health conditions, and the many others who at some point may receive such a diagnosis, are the people most in need of health care coverage,” said Ron Pollack, Families USA’s Executive Director. “Thankfully, the new health reform legislation will protect all these individuals from the most harmful insurance company abuses that deny such critical coverage.”
In its analysis, Families USA indicates that the its totals may understate how many people nationally and in Oregon have pre-existing conditions, because the analysis only reflects those with diagnosed pre-existing conditions. Americans who are currently uninsured or underinsured, and who cannot afford care, often do not seek treatment and, as a result, their health condition may not be diagnosed.
The uninsured and those who do not have access to job-based coverage are at greatest risk; however, even those who now have coverage at work could be at risk if they lose or leave their jobs and have to find coverage in the individual market.
Income is no protection against an individual’s having a pre-existing condition that could lead to a denial of coverage, and the 794,000 Oregonians with diagnosed pre-existing conditions range across all income levels.
* The lowest-income Oregonians are most likely to have a pre-existing condition. More than one-quarter (28.0 percent) of those individuals in families with incomes below 100 percent of the federal poverty level—less than $22,050 for a family of four—are affected.
* Approximately 22.5 percent of individuals in Oregon families with incomes between 100 and 199 percent of poverty—between $22,050 and $44,100—are affected.
* While the lowest-income Oregonians are slightly more likely to be affected by pre-existing conditions, more than two-thirds (69.4 percent) of those with pre-existing conditions that could lead to a denial of coverage are middle class and higher-income Americans. These are individuals in families with incomes above 200 percent of poverty, or more than $44,100 for a family of four in 2010.
Individuals in every racial and ethnic group in Oregon have diagnosed pre-existing conditions that, absent reform, could lead to a denial of coverage.
* More than one-quarter (26.3 percent) of non-Hispanic whites have pre-existing conditions.
* More than one-quarter (29.7 percent) of African Americans (non-Hispanic) have such a condition.
* Approximately one-quarter (25.6 percent) of American Indians and Alaska Natives are affected.
* Nearly one in five (17.6 percent of) Hispanics are affected. It is important to note, however, that disparities in access to care and in the delivery of care may mean that many individuals have a pre-existing condition that has not been diagnosed. For example, previous research shows that at the national level more than a quarter (25.2 percent) of Hispanic adults had no health care visits in 2007, compared to 14.7 percent of non-Hispanic adults.
“As our study shows, nearly one-quarter of the non-elderly population of Oregon will now gain protections that they need to secure affordable health coverage,” said Pollack. “As more and more people learn about these protections, they will no doubt cherish the enactment of health care reform.”
The data for the report were based on data on health conditions from the federal Medical Expenditures Panel Survey and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS). Families USA commissioned The Lewin Group to analyze the data.
The report for Oregon with an analysis of the groups with pre-existing conditions in that state can be found at http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/health-reform/pre-existing-conditions/oregon.pdf
A full description of the report’s methodology can be found in the Technical Appendix of the national report, available at http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/health-reform/pre-existing-conditions.pdf
Washington, D.C. – Approximately 794,000 Oregonians people under the age of 65—almost one in four (24.7 percent) of Oregon’s non-elderly population—have a diagnosed pre-existing condition that could lead to a denial of coverage in the individual health insurance market, according to a report released today by the consumer health organization Families USA. They are among the 57.2 million people nationwide who could potentially face discriminatory health coverage practices.
Once the newly-enacted health reform law is implemented, these Oregonians will gain significant protections: The new law prohibits insurance companies from denying health coverage to people due to pre-existing conditions; from charging discriminatory premiums based on health status; and from excluding benefits that would treat their health conditions.
The report shows that, while individuals in all age groups in Oregon have pre-existing health conditions, this is a problem that grows with age:
* More than one in six (16.8 percent of) young adults aged 18 to 24 have a diagnosed pre-existing health condition that could lead to a denial of coverage.
* Nearly two in five (37.8 percent) of adults aged 45 to 54 have a diagnosed pre-existing condition that could lead to a denial of coverage.
* In the 55 to 64 age group, the portion of adults with diagnosed pre-existing conditions climbs to nearly half (47.2 percent).
* Although the portion of children under 18 years of age with diagnosed pre-existing conditions is low compared to adult groups, there are 61,300 children in Oregon with such conditions.
“The thousands of Oregonians with diagnosed health conditions, and the many others who at some point may receive such a diagnosis, are the people most in need of health care coverage,” said Ron Pollack, Families USA’s Executive Director. “Thankfully, the new health reform legislation will protect all these individuals from the most harmful insurance company abuses that deny such critical coverage.”
In its analysis, Families USA indicates that the its totals may understate how many people nationally and in Oregon have pre-existing conditions, because the analysis only reflects those with diagnosed pre-existing conditions. Americans who are currently uninsured or underinsured, and who cannot afford care, often do not seek treatment and, as a result, their health condition may not be diagnosed.
The uninsured and those who do not have access to job-based coverage are at greatest risk; however, even those who now have coverage at work could be at risk if they lose or leave their jobs and have to find coverage in the individual market.
Income is no protection against an individual’s having a pre-existing condition that could lead to a denial of coverage, and the 794,000 Oregonians with diagnosed pre-existing conditions range across all income levels.
* The lowest-income Oregonians are most likely to have a pre-existing condition. More than one-quarter (28.0 percent) of those individuals in families with incomes below 100 percent of the federal poverty level—less than $22,050 for a family of four—are affected.
* Approximately 22.5 percent of individuals in Oregon families with incomes between 100 and 199 percent of poverty—between $22,050 and $44,100—are affected.
* While the lowest-income Oregonians are slightly more likely to be affected by pre-existing conditions, more than two-thirds (69.4 percent) of those with pre-existing conditions that could lead to a denial of coverage are middle class and higher-income Americans. These are individuals in families with incomes above 200 percent of poverty, or more than $44,100 for a family of four in 2010.
Individuals in every racial and ethnic group in Oregon have diagnosed pre-existing conditions that, absent reform, could lead to a denial of coverage.
* More than one-quarter (26.3 percent) of non-Hispanic whites have pre-existing conditions.
* More than one-quarter (29.7 percent) of African Americans (non-Hispanic) have such a condition.
* Approximately one-quarter (25.6 percent) of American Indians and Alaska Natives are affected.
* Nearly one in five (17.6 percent of) Hispanics are affected. It is important to note, however, that disparities in access to care and in the delivery of care may mean that many individuals have a pre-existing condition that has not been diagnosed. For example, previous research shows that at the national level more than a quarter (25.2 percent) of Hispanic adults had no health care visits in 2007, compared to 14.7 percent of non-Hispanic adults.
“As our study shows, nearly one-quarter of the non-elderly population of Oregon will now gain protections that they need to secure affordable health coverage,” said Pollack. “As more and more people learn about these protections, they will no doubt cherish the enactment of health care reform.”
The data for the report were based on data on health conditions from the federal Medical Expenditures Panel Survey and demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS). Families USA commissioned The Lewin Group to analyze the data.
The report for Oregon with an analysis of the groups with pre-existing conditions in that state can be found at http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/health-reform/pre-existing-conditions/oregon.pdf
A full description of the report’s methodology can be found in the Technical Appendix of the national report, available at http://www.familiesusa.org/assets/pdfs/health-reform/pre-existing-conditions.pdf
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
DROWSY DRIVER VIDEO REMINDER TO BE RESTED AND DRIVE SAFE, SOBER AND BUCKLED UP THIS MEMORIAL HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Focusing ahead at the challenges faced during what historically has the highest percentage of alcohol-involved traffic fatalities of all major holidays during the year, police agencies throughout Oregon urge all travelers to drive safe and sober, and buckle up this Memorial Day holiday extended weekend.
Video Source: Oregon State Police (non-injury crash involving a driver who fell asleep on Interstate 84 east of The Dalles)
Starting Friday, May 28 through Monday, May 31, Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers will join law enforcement agencies in Oregon and around the country stepping up enforcement efforts during Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). This special nationwide program coincides with the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign, May 24 June 6.
ODOT's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reports that five people died in four separate fatal traffic crashes during the 2009 Memorial Day holiday period, May 22 25. More than 250 people have died in Oregon traffic crashes during the last 40 years over the Memorial Day holiday period. Since 1985, approximately 54 percent of the fatalities were in alcohol-involved crashes.
OSP Superintendent Timothy McLain urges everyone traveling this holiday weekend, whether long distance or on short drives near home, to support the enforcement efforts and safety restraint mobilization.
"Be prepared for the stepped up enforcement activities by buckling yourself and your child passengers before you go. Have a rested, sober driving at all times and report those whose driving is posing a danger to others on our roads," said McLain.
During the last three years' Memorial Day holiday weekends, OSP troopers arrested more than 250 people for DUII, including 88 DUII drivers arrested during last year's 102-hour holiday period. Troopers also responded to about 100 reported traffic crashes, assisted over 500 disabled motorists, and made over 6,000 traffic-related enforcement contacts.
According to ODOT's Occupant Protection Program, lack of safety belt use was a major factor in half of all Oregon motor vehicle occupant deaths last year. Alarmingly, one in three children under age 8 killed or injured in crashes were using adult belt systems or were totally unrestrained rather than riding in child seats appropriate for their size.
Nationally, nearly two-thirds (64%) of those who died in 2008 traffic crashes between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. were not searing their safety belts. During daytime hours between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. less than half (45%) of the passenger vehicles occupants killed in crashes were unrestrained.
"Nighttime drivers and passengers continue to be among those least likely to wear seat belts. Consequently, they are also among those most likely to die in motor vehicle crashes. Even though it may be dark doesn't mean we can't see someone unbuckled in a vehicle, so we will join other Oregon law enforcement agencies supporting the enhanced enforcement of safety restraint laws during the Click It or Ticket campaign," said McLain.
More information about the "Click It or Ticket" campaign is available on ODOT's website at www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TS/safetybelts.shtml and at www.nhtsa.gov.
Oregon State Police and Oregon Department of Transportation offer the following safety reminders for holiday travel:
* Get plenty of rest before starting out. Fatigued drivers are more frequent during holiday weekends because of increased travel and activity. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
* Be aware that ODOT is in the midst of the busiest highway construction season ever. Stay up to date on road conditions by visiting TripCheck.com or calling 5-1-1.
* Even when workers are not present, all work zone speed limits still apply and fines double. Inactive work zones still have equipment, detours, and incomplete changes in the roadway so drivers need to slow down and be alert.
* Always use safety restraints and child safety seats correctly.
* Don't drink and drive.
* MOVE OVER if you are approaching any type of emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside assistance vehicle which is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.
Everyone plays an important part in keeping our highways and city streets safe. Immediately report aggressive, dangerous, and intoxicated drivers to the Oregon State Police at 1-800-24DRUNK (1-800-243-7865) or call 9-1-1.
Federal Science Team finds Oregon Coastal Coho Threatened by Declining Freshwater Habitat Conditions on Nonfederal Lands
Degradation is Outpacing Restoration
The National Marine Fisheries Service says the findings of a Biological Review Team tasked with evaluating threats to Oregon Coastal Coho salmon. The team affirmed that the fish is appropriately listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Pacific Rivers Council (PRC) has been working to protect coho salmon and their habitat since 1993 when they led a coalition of conservation groups to petition for listing of all Pacific coast coho
Chris Frissell, PRC’s Director of Science and Conservation is reviewing the team’s findings now. “The new Proposed Rule to list Oregon Coastal Coho as a threatened species is based on one of the most comprehensive and scientifically informed efforts ever undertaken to review a species and its habitat,” said Frissell. “The scientists concluded coho populations are weak in many parts of its range, with growing vulnerability to poor or deteriorating ocean conditions.”
These findings are significant because they shed light on the questions of habitat condition and trend which have been left unanswered in previous reviews. “Degradation of freshwater habitat from logging, roadbuilding and agriculture is a key reason that coho were listed in the first place,” observed Mary Scurlock, PRC Policy Director, “Although conditions on federal lands seem to be getting better, these findings tell us that habitat on private lands in most places is actually getting worse.”
The report clearly finds that “habitat complexity” is not improving. Key pervasive causes include intensive private land timber harvest and agricultural activity without adequate riparian protection and restoration, urban and suburban development, high road densities, continued low beaver populations, loss of tidal wetlands and instream gravel mining. For parts of the Umpqua Basin, a particular focus for PRC’s Legacy Rivers program, the team identified the additional problems of water diversion and predatory warm water fishes such as smallmouth and largemouth bass.
“Poorly-regulated land and water use continue to plague the coho salmon in streams, rivers and estuaries,” says Frissell, “Rapid climate change threatens to further erode survival in both rivers and the ocean.”
“These are important findings for the administrators of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, especially the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and other entities that make grants for restoration projects,” said John Kober, PRC Executive Director, “The implications are that Oregon is not consistently spending its money in the right places on the right projects, and that stronger regulatory standards and enforcement are needed to avoid undermining restoration investments.”
“Coho salmon remain on the road to extinction,” Frissell continues, “We are fortunate we still have time to regroup and reconsider how wisely we’ve been investing Oregon’s restoration resources.”
The Draft Rule to continue threatened status for Coho is open for comment until July 27, 2010.
The National Marine Fisheries Service says the findings of a Biological Review Team tasked with evaluating threats to Oregon Coastal Coho salmon. The team affirmed that the fish is appropriately listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Pacific Rivers Council (PRC) has been working to protect coho salmon and their habitat since 1993 when they led a coalition of conservation groups to petition for listing of all Pacific coast coho
Chris Frissell, PRC’s Director of Science and Conservation is reviewing the team’s findings now. “The new Proposed Rule to list Oregon Coastal Coho as a threatened species is based on one of the most comprehensive and scientifically informed efforts ever undertaken to review a species and its habitat,” said Frissell. “The scientists concluded coho populations are weak in many parts of its range, with growing vulnerability to poor or deteriorating ocean conditions.”
These findings are significant because they shed light on the questions of habitat condition and trend which have been left unanswered in previous reviews. “Degradation of freshwater habitat from logging, roadbuilding and agriculture is a key reason that coho were listed in the first place,” observed Mary Scurlock, PRC Policy Director, “Although conditions on federal lands seem to be getting better, these findings tell us that habitat on private lands in most places is actually getting worse.”
The report clearly finds that “habitat complexity” is not improving. Key pervasive causes include intensive private land timber harvest and agricultural activity without adequate riparian protection and restoration, urban and suburban development, high road densities, continued low beaver populations, loss of tidal wetlands and instream gravel mining. For parts of the Umpqua Basin, a particular focus for PRC’s Legacy Rivers program, the team identified the additional problems of water diversion and predatory warm water fishes such as smallmouth and largemouth bass.
“Poorly-regulated land and water use continue to plague the coho salmon in streams, rivers and estuaries,” says Frissell, “Rapid climate change threatens to further erode survival in both rivers and the ocean.”
“These are important findings for the administrators of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, especially the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and other entities that make grants for restoration projects,” said John Kober, PRC Executive Director, “The implications are that Oregon is not consistently spending its money in the right places on the right projects, and that stronger regulatory standards and enforcement are needed to avoid undermining restoration investments.”
“Coho salmon remain on the road to extinction,” Frissell continues, “We are fortunate we still have time to regroup and reconsider how wisely we’ve been investing Oregon’s restoration resources.”
The Draft Rule to continue threatened status for Coho is open for comment until July 27, 2010.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
COUNTY SEEKS PLANNING COMMISSION APPLICANTS
Clatsop County is seeking applications for openings on the county Planning Commission.
Two seats are up for appointment to four-year terms running until June, of 2014; one seat is up for reappointment to a term running until 2013; and there also is a vacancy on a fourth seat whose term ends June 30th of 2011.
The Planning Commission is a seven-member volunteer panel that holds land-use hearings, implements the county’s zoning ordinances and comprehensive land-use plan and advises the Board of Commissioners on land-use issues.
The Planning Commission bylaws require that no more than two members be residents of incorporated cities in the county, and that the remaining five members be residents of various geographic areas of the county. The bylaws also prohibit more than two members who work in real estate, and well as more than two members who work in the same business or profession. Of the three current commissioners whose seats are not up for appointment, one currently lives inside an incorporated city.
The Planning Commission regularly meets the second Tuesday of each month, in Astoria, beginning at 10 a.m.
Applications for the position will be taken through June 8, 2010. The Board of Commissioners will make the appointments.
Application forms are available from the County Manager’s office at 800 Exchange St., Suite, 410, Astoria, by calling (503) 325-1000 or online at www.co.clatsop.or.us.
For more information contact Will Caplinger, Development Services Manager, at (503) 325-8611 or by email at wcaplinger@co.clatsop.or.us.
Two seats are up for appointment to four-year terms running until June, of 2014; one seat is up for reappointment to a term running until 2013; and there also is a vacancy on a fourth seat whose term ends June 30th of 2011.
The Planning Commission is a seven-member volunteer panel that holds land-use hearings, implements the county’s zoning ordinances and comprehensive land-use plan and advises the Board of Commissioners on land-use issues.
The Planning Commission bylaws require that no more than two members be residents of incorporated cities in the county, and that the remaining five members be residents of various geographic areas of the county. The bylaws also prohibit more than two members who work in real estate, and well as more than two members who work in the same business or profession. Of the three current commissioners whose seats are not up for appointment, one currently lives inside an incorporated city.
The Planning Commission regularly meets the second Tuesday of each month, in Astoria, beginning at 10 a.m.
Applications for the position will be taken through June 8, 2010. The Board of Commissioners will make the appointments.
Application forms are available from the County Manager’s office at 800 Exchange St., Suite, 410, Astoria, by calling (503) 325-1000 or online at www.co.clatsop.or.us.
For more information contact Will Caplinger, Development Services Manager, at (503) 325-8611 or by email at wcaplinger@co.clatsop.or.us.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Tillamook Firefighers receive recognition
Recipients: Rescue 48 & 49, Tillamook Fire District. Lt. Alan Christensen -Lt. Jason Sterling - Lt. Kyle Christensen - Lt. Daryl Hamilton - Firefighter Joe Salinas - Firefighter Kris Davis - Firefighter Mike Perez.
Returning from a water rescue diving accident on June 27, 2009, Rescue crews 48 and 49 were flagged down by three motorcyclists. Hearing that another rider had wrecked and fallen over a 20' embankment, both crews responded. Packing in necessary equipment, the three-mile trail proved challenging with varying terrain conditions and narrow passage. On scene, patient assessment and care was initiated. The location of the patient required fire crews to set up a 3:1 rope rescue system in order to move the patient up to the trail where further care could commence. With multiple fractured ribs, the patient was loaded into a Stokes basket and with the assistance of Tillamook County Sheriff's Office Forest Deputy Jim Hill, fire crews balanced the Stokes for the next three miles across the terrain. After nearly three-and-a-half hours and a six-mile roundtrip, crews delivered the patient at the command post campsite where Lifeflight transported the patient to a trauma center.
Also pictured State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson and OFCA President Mark Prince
Friday, May 21, 2010
Tug MIKI HANA re-connects with barge
SEATTLE — The Coast Guard continues to monitor the towboat MIKI HANA as it tows a 330-foot barge approximately 20 miles off the coast of Grey's Harbor, Wash., Thursday.
VIDEO (1:00)
The MIKI HANA temporarily lost control of the barge on Wednesday when the towing cable parted during heavy seas. The crew of the MIKI HANA was able to recover the barge and reestablish the tow several hours later. The crew is currently working to secure and retrieve the 1700 feet of broken tow cable that is presently trailing behind the barge.
A second towing vessel is assisting the MIKI HANA for its transit north to a port to be determined where repairs will be made to the vessel's towing equipment. The barge contains approximately 700,000 pounds of construction materials and 400 gallons of diesel fuel.
Representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, Washington State Department of Ecology, Olympic National Marine Sanctuary, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Makah Tribal Office of Marine Affairs and the towing company are working collaboratively to ensure a safe transit.
VIDEO (1:00)
The MIKI HANA temporarily lost control of the barge on Wednesday when the towing cable parted during heavy seas. The crew of the MIKI HANA was able to recover the barge and reestablish the tow several hours later. The crew is currently working to secure and retrieve the 1700 feet of broken tow cable that is presently trailing behind the barge.
A second towing vessel is assisting the MIKI HANA for its transit north to a port to be determined where repairs will be made to the vessel's towing equipment. The barge contains approximately 700,000 pounds of construction materials and 400 gallons of diesel fuel.
Representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, Washington State Department of Ecology, Olympic National Marine Sanctuary, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Makah Tribal Office of Marine Affairs and the towing company are working collaboratively to ensure a safe transit.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Razor Clamming Programs at Fort Stevens
Fort Stevens State Park will be offering a program on how to dig razor clams Saturday May 29th 2010. Meet on the beach at the Peter Iredale Shipwreck at 6:30 am and the program will cover regulations, life history, and digging techniques for the razor clam. A limited number of clam guns and shovels will be available for participants. A valid Oregon Shellfish license is required for anyone 14 years or older who want to dig.
For more information contact
Dane Osis
Park Ranger
Fort Stevens State Park
(503) 861-3170 ex 41
Dane.Osis@state.or.us
Youngs Bay Bridge Closure May 24-27
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) will be closing the Old Youngs Bay Bridge on U.S. 101 Business (also known locally as Alternate 101), from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each evening on May 24-27 as part of the deck replacement project scheduled to start June 4.
This is an engineer’s estimate of the time it will take to install a work platform under the double bascule lift spans. The work platform will give ODOT crews and contractors a working surface to walk on during June 4-20 when they replace the deteriorating roadway deck.
The planned deck replacement during June 4-20 will be a full 24-7 bridge closure. Motorists will use U.S. 101 as the detour route.
The drawbridge, built in 1921, has been closed to marine traffic from May 1 to June 30. ODOT plans to replace the current deck with a conventional open steel grid decking system.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
OREGON LNG PIPELINE HEARING RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE 10
A public hearing on the consolidated land-use application from Oregon LNG for a proposed natural gas pipeline has been rescheduled to June 10.
The hearing will begin at 1 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria, before Hearings Officer Peter Livingston.
Oregon LNG/Oregon Pipeline LLC has applied to Clatsop County to install 41 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline serving its proposed liquefied natural gas terminal at the Skipanon Peninsula in Warrenton.
The pipeline route runs in a generally southeasterly direction from Warrenton. The proposed pipeline is 121 miles long overall and would connect to a natural gas hub in Molalla. The terminal project itself is within the city limits of Warrenton and is not part of the pipeline land-use application.
The proposed pipeline route through Clatsop County crosses seven different zoning designations and three special overlay zones. Natural gas pipelines are allowed in those zones as outright permitted uses or conditional uses.
The entire application and accompanying documents are available on the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us. The application file can also be viewed at the Transportation and Development Services office, 800 Exchange St., Suite 100 during normal business hours.
The planning office will accept written testimony on the application until 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 9. Comments may be faxed to (503) 338-3666, emailed to comdev@co.clatsop.or.us or mailed to the Clatsop County Transportation and Development Services Department, 800 Exchange St., Suite 100, Astoria OR 97103.
The hearing will begin at 1 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria, before Hearings Officer Peter Livingston.
Oregon LNG/Oregon Pipeline LLC has applied to Clatsop County to install 41 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline serving its proposed liquefied natural gas terminal at the Skipanon Peninsula in Warrenton.
The pipeline route runs in a generally southeasterly direction from Warrenton. The proposed pipeline is 121 miles long overall and would connect to a natural gas hub in Molalla. The terminal project itself is within the city limits of Warrenton and is not part of the pipeline land-use application.
The proposed pipeline route through Clatsop County crosses seven different zoning designations and three special overlay zones. Natural gas pipelines are allowed in those zones as outright permitted uses or conditional uses.
The entire application and accompanying documents are available on the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us. The application file can also be viewed at the Transportation and Development Services office, 800 Exchange St., Suite 100 during normal business hours.
The planning office will accept written testimony on the application until 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 9. Comments may be faxed to (503) 338-3666, emailed to comdev@co.clatsop.or.us or mailed to the Clatsop County Transportation and Development Services Department, 800 Exchange St., Suite 100, Astoria OR 97103.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Have you filed your form 990 today?
For charitable groups, it's down to the wire to meet an I-R-S deadline...or lose their nonprofit, tax-exempt status next week. For larger groups, filing a “Form 990” with the I-R-S is nothing new…but Congress has changed the law to also include smaller groups that raise less than 25-thousand dollars a year in donations. Sandy Gill with Northwest Nonprofit Resources, says many of them are parent-teacher groups or all-volunteer organizations that most likely have never filed before.
"I think that there are a number of organizations that are doing their level best, and they just don’t know. But the reality is, that somebody in that organization received a letter from the IRS."
Gill says it is a simple process, particularly for small groups…and it's much easier than having to reapply for tax-exempt status by missing the Monday deadline.
"They need to file a very simple postcard electronically with the IRS, asking for things like the legal name of their organization, other names that they might go by, their mailing address, a website if they have it – there’s actually eight questions that they need to answer."
Nonprofits have had three years to file the forms, and the deadline is Monday, May 17th. Gill says just over 48-hundred nonprofit groups in Oregon have still not filed. She says there’s a list of nonprofits by state and zip code, where people can check to see if their group needs to file. Find it online at “councilofnonprofits-dot-org.” The shorter, postcard form is called a “990-N" and it is also available online.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
9-1-1 AND OTHER PHONE SERVICE DISRUPTED IN TILLAMOOK AND OTHER AREAS.
9-1-1 AND OTHER PHONE SERVICE DISRUPTED.
CenturyTel (formerly Embarq) customers in the Sheridan, Willamina, Carlton areas are experiencing telephone service issues and cannot call 9-1-1 or any number outside their local area. CenturyTel has assured us they are working on the problem but have not been able to provide an estimated time when the system will be back in service.
This service affects landline phones, cellular phones will be able to contact emergency 9-1-1.
CenturyTel customers outside Yamhill County in Tillamook County, Lincoln County and other coastal areas are experiencing the same problems.
If a citizen needs further information they should contact their CenturyTel phone company at 877-290-5458.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
OSP SEEKING TIPS RELATED TO INJURED EAGLE FOUND NEAR RAINIER
Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division is asking for the public's help to identify the person(s) responsible for shooting and injuring a bald eagle late April in the area of Dibblee Point Beach near Rainier. The eagle is currently being treated at the Wildlife Center of the North Coast (WCNC) where x-rays revealed several shotgun BBs were found in its head, neck, body and both wings.
According to OSP Fish & Wildlife Trooper Tim Schwartz, on April 30, 2010 two horseback riders found the injured eagle near the western portion of Dibblee Point Beach located on the Columbia River near Rainier. Two OSP troopers responded to the scene, found the eagle and used a blanket to contain and capture it.
The troopers took the large female eagle to WCNC for a physical evaluation. WCNC Director Sharnelle Fee said digital radiographs conducted at Bayshore Animal Hospital revealed the eagle was shot and that nearly three dozen shotgun BBs were found throughout its body, including about seven in its head. One of the BBs was near the eagle's eye and may cause vision problems.
Fee believes the eagle probably would not have been able to travel very far with the injuries it sustained. She said the eagle is recovering well and was moved to an outside flight pen over the weekend.
Fee will be posting information on the eagle's progress at www.coastwildlife.org . Questions for WCNC can be directed to Fee at (503) 338-0331 or director@coastwildlife.org .
Anyone with information to help in this investigation is asked to contact Trooper Schwartz at (503) 397-0325 ext. 42.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Spring snow too little, too late, BPA warns electricity rates could rise
The Bonneville Power Administration now estimates it will likely finish the fiscal year with negative net revenues of approximately $230 million. This shortfall was reported in BPA’s second quarterly review published April 30 and is a direct result of the Northwest’s low snowpack. Reduced stream flows have resulted in $450 million less revenue than BPA anticipated at the beginning of the fiscal year.
Traditionally, BPA’s sales of surplus power – power available beyond BPA’s commitments to its customers – have represented about a fifth of the agency’s revenues. Snowpack is the fuel that typically provides surplus power from the hydro system, and revenues from these sales help keep Northwest electricity rates down.
“This is a bad situation that has just gotten worse,” said BPA Administrator Steve Wright. “We had hoped a wet spring would help snowpack across the Columbia River Basin, but that didn’t happen. We are now looking at the fifth lowest runoff since the hydro system has been in existence.”
Traditionally, BPA’s sales of surplus power – power available beyond BPA’s commitments to its customers – have represented about a fifth of the agency’s revenues. Snowpack is the fuel that typically provides surplus power from the hydro system, and revenues from these sales help keep Northwest electricity rates down.
“This is a bad situation that has just gotten worse,” said BPA Administrator Steve Wright. “We had hoped a wet spring would help snowpack across the Columbia River Basin, but that didn’t happen. We are now looking at the fifth lowest runoff since the hydro system has been in existence.”
BPA does not expect to make significant changes in the short term because the agency is dipping into its reserves to cover costs. This depletion of reserves, however, reduces BPA's ability in the future to handle additional financial risks, such as another below-average water year.
BPA’s internal expenses are projected to be at or modestly below start-of-year estimates and hence are not contributing to the problem.
The Northwest is unique in its reliance on hydropower, which in good years provides ample clean, renewable and low-cost electricity. Snowpack, rather than rain, is most critical since the hydropower system has limited storage for water. In an ideal spring, the snow melts gradually so that water is available to power generators at federal dams throughout the summer. This surplus generation can provide upwards of a fifth of BPA’s total revenue in an average year. With reduced snowpack, the fuel to power the dams is running low. By April, snowpack building season is pretty much over.
The April forecast from the National Weather Service’s Northwest River Forecast Center called for 69 million acre-feet of runoff from January through July as traditionally measured at The Dalles, Ore. The reduced runoff results from a persistent El Niño weather pattern that brought unusually dry conditions to the Northwest this past winter.
BPA has been aware of the El Nino pattern and the likelihood of low runoff. Because of this, the agency has worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation to manage reservoir storage very conservatively.
BPA is a not-for-profit federal electric utility that operates a high-voltage transmission grid comprising more than 15,000 miles of lines and associated substations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. It also markets more than a third of the electricity consumed in the Pacific Northwest. The power is produced at 31 federal dams operated by the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation and one nuclear plant in the Northwest and is sold to more than 140 Northwest utilities. BPA purchases power from seven wind projects and has more than 2,800 megawatts of wind interconnected to its transmission system
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
NorthernStar Natural Gas suspends development of its Bradwood Landing LNG import terminal
NorthernStar Natural Gas has announced suspension of its development of the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas terminal 25 miles east of Astoria on the Columbia River.
In a press release on Tuesday, NorthernStar Natural Gas President Paul Soanes, stated that “The extended delays in the processing of state and federal permits for Bradwood Landing and the difficult investment environment have forced us to suspend development.”
In a press release on Tuesday, NorthernStar Natural Gas President Paul Soanes, stated that “The extended delays in the processing of state and federal permits for Bradwood Landing and the difficult investment environment have forced us to suspend development.”
The proposal has generated controversy in Clatsop County, Oregon, the project's planned location, and in Wahkiakum County, Washington, where a major population center: Puget Island, lies just across the Columbia from the proposed site. In both counties, elections for commissioners seats have hung on positions for or against the project.
In 2009, The National Marine Fisheries Service, represented by the U.S. Department of Justice joined Oregon, Washington, Columbia Riverkeeper, the Nez Perce tribe and other environmental groups in appealing the approval by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission of the project. The suit is still pending in the ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
This year, LUBA again remanded the two issues back to Clatsop County. Soon thereafter, Bradwood Landing/Northern Star LLC filed an appeal with the Oregon Court of Appeals.
Two remaining LNG terminal projects remain on the drawing board in Oregon, one in Coos Bay, and one on the Skipanon Peninsula in Warrenton.
PANEL APPROVES 2010-11 PROPOSED CLATSOP COUNTY BUDGET
The Clatsop County Budget Committee voted Monday to give unanimous approval to the proposed 2010-11 fiscal year budget.
The panel made no changes to the $52.4 million document, which next goes to the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners for a public hearing June 9 and adoption on June 23.
The budget committee is made up of the five county commissioners and five citizen members Joe Bakkensen, Russ Farmer, Mike Hinton, Cary Johnson and Dan Bartlett. Bartlett was unable to attend Monday’s meeting.
The budget maintains virtually all existing county programs and services. The combined budget totals $52,461,700 a 6.2 percent decrease from the 2009-10 budget, reflecting a number of factors, including the completion of several grant-funded projects in the current fiscal year, and a reduction in transfers between funds. The General Fund, which covers basic county functions such as public safety and planning, is slated to increase 1.3 percent from 2009-10, to $17,426,800.
County Manager Duane Cole, who delivered the budget message to the committee, noted that timber revenue forecasts for the Clatsop State Forest for the upcoming year have improved since the proposed budget was drafted. That may allow the county, which had projected $1.6 million in timber dollars in the 2010-11, to proceed with some projects that originally had been postponed, including a patrol car purchase and computer upgrades, he said.
The budget boosts General Fund support to the Public Health Department by $60,000 to fund a Clinic Manager position. This requires an exception from the county budget policies that discourage “back-filling” cuts in state and federal funding, but the administration felt the position was vital for the department, Cole told the committee.
On the other side of the ledger, the budget saves more than $100,000 by bringing the Central Services and Assessment and Taxation offices under one director, Cole noted.
Only one county position is set to be cut. A deputy post in the Sheriff’s Office funded by the Oregon Department of Forestry will be eliminated because of the drop in revenue from the state forests.
Sheriff Tom Bergin told the committee he has approached large private timber owners in the county about helping maintain the position, which is focused on law enforcement in forested areas.
The entire proposed 2010-11 Clatsop County Budget document is available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us. Copies will also be available for view at the Astoria, Seaside, Warrenton and Cannon Beach city libraries.
Copies of the document may also be purchased: $40 for bound copies, $18 for unbound and $10 for copies on disk. For more information contact the Clatsop County Manager’s Office at (503) 325-1000.
The budget committees of the following special districts ? Rural Law Enforcement District, Road District #1, Westport Sewer System District and 4-H and Extension Service Special District ? will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 4 at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria to review and approve the districts’ proposed 2010-11 budgets.
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