Once again, Clatsop County is extending the period for applications to the county Planning Commission by two weeks, to July 6.
Two seats are up for appointment to four-year terms running to June 2014; one seat is up for appointment to a term running to 2013; and there also is a vacancy on a fourth seat whose term ends June 30, 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 July 6. 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.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office: ELUSIVE WASHINGTON FUGITIVE PHOTO IMAGES AND DESCRIPTION
It is suspected that a Washington State fugitive identified as Colton Harris-Moore, 19, is believed to have recently traveled here to the State of Oregon. Moore previously received a great deal of media attention with his alleged crimes in and around the San Juan Islands, in Washington. Moore has been linked to a number of residential burglaries, occurring primarily in vacation home locations. This elusive fugitive is also suspected in the theft of an airplane, a boat and automobile.
Earlier this month a vehicle believed stolen by Moore from the north Oregon coastal community of Warrenton, was recovered unoccupied - in Dayton, Oregon, by members of the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office, on June 2, 2010.
Horse Showmanship and Gaming This Saturday in Skamokawa, WA
The first Silver Buckle Series Open Game Show will be held this Saturday June 19th at the Wahkiakum County Fairgrounds in Skamokawa Washington. This event is a fundraiser to support the operation of the Wahkiakum County Fair.
Registration for Showmanship is at 8:00 a.m. and ribbons to 5th place will be awarded. Registration for gaming events is at 8:30. The gaming events are: Pole Bending, Figure Eight Stake Race, Key Pole Race, Speed Barrels, International Flags Race and Texas Barrels. There will be a high point award in each age group at the June 19th show.
If you would like more information about the Game Show call the Wahkiakum County Fair office at 1-360-795-3480.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Author Bill Carter in Astoria Monday Night at Clemente's
Award-winning documentary filmmaker and author Bill Carter will discuss his new book: "Red Summer", about his experience fishing in Bristol Bay, Alaska, at Clemente's Restaurant, Monday night at5pm, in Astoria. A special menu "Filmmaker's Dinner", featuring wild salmon, will accompany a presentation of his controversial film: "Miss Sarajevo." Click to listen to an audio interview with the author and Talk of Our Towns's Donna Quinn.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
SNAP, TANF ASSISTANCE TO OREGON FAMILIES CONTINUES AT RECORD LEVELS
More Oregonians than ever before continue to count on public services to help their families get through economic tough times. Demand for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (formerly food stamps) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) increased again last month, and the trend is expected to continue into next year.
In May, a total of 706,653 Oregonians received SNAP benefits, an increase of 17 percent from one year ago and 46 percent since the beginning of the recession in July 2008, when Oregon's unemployment rate was just above 6 percent. Last month, a total of 26,885 families received TANF — up 5 percent from a year ago and 35 percent from July 2008; this program is available only for very low-income Oregon families.
SNAP benefits provide an important bridge for people who are unemployed or underemployed and earn too little to meet their basic nutrition needs. TANF helps families pay for shelter and other necessities that parents would not be able to otherwise afford. It also provides case management services for families struggling due to unemployment, underemployment or incapacitation of a primary wage earner.
In order to keep up with the increased demand, DHS has transformed its intake process to reduce wait times and eliminate backlogs. Because of our streamlining efforts, Oregonians receive their SNAP benefits an average of nine days sooner than they did before and in most places across the state, it is same-day service.
There are 160 DHS locations across the state where Oregonians can apply for SNAP, TANF and other benefits for which they may be eligible. Many state and federal programs have online applications: Go to www.oregon.gov/DHS/assistance.
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, families must earn less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level, along with other factors. For a family of four, the income limit is less than $3,400 per month. The maximum benefit for a household of four totals $668 per month. The overall average SNAP benefit per household is approximately $250 per month. Approximately three-fourths of all SNAP households have some form of income, which results in the actual benefit level received being reduced from the maximum.
Benefits are determined on a sliding scale, based on household income, and are distributed through the Oregon Trail Card that is used like a debit card to purchase food. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase foods for the household to eat, such as breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meats, fish and poultry; and dairy products. SNAP benefits are intended to act as a supplement to a family's overall food budget, not to cover it entirely. In many households with little or no income, it can be the primary means to meet the family's nutritional needs.
To be eligible for TANF, parents with children must earn less than the total monthly income limit. For a two-parent family with two children, that maximum is $795, along with an asset limit of $2,500 (not including the family home, or the first $10,000 value of family vehicles). The maximum benefit for the family of four, with no other income, is a total of $647 per month. TANF provides temporary assistance and case management services for families struggling due to unemployment, underemployment or incapacitation of a primary wage earner. TANF and TANF-related programs also provide employment and training services, child care while looking for work or other alternatives, assistance seeking Social Security Income or Social Security Disability Income, and help to flee or stay free from domestic violence.
In May, a total of 706,653 Oregonians received SNAP benefits, an increase of 17 percent from one year ago and 46 percent since the beginning of the recession in July 2008, when Oregon's unemployment rate was just above 6 percent. Last month, a total of 26,885 families received TANF — up 5 percent from a year ago and 35 percent from July 2008; this program is available only for very low-income Oregon families.
SNAP benefits provide an important bridge for people who are unemployed or underemployed and earn too little to meet their basic nutrition needs. TANF helps families pay for shelter and other necessities that parents would not be able to otherwise afford. It also provides case management services for families struggling due to unemployment, underemployment or incapacitation of a primary wage earner.
In order to keep up with the increased demand, DHS has transformed its intake process to reduce wait times and eliminate backlogs. Because of our streamlining efforts, Oregonians receive their SNAP benefits an average of nine days sooner than they did before and in most places across the state, it is same-day service.
There are 160 DHS locations across the state where Oregonians can apply for SNAP, TANF and other benefits for which they may be eligible. Many state and federal programs have online applications: Go to www.oregon.gov/DHS/assistance.
To be eligible for SNAP benefits, families must earn less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level, along with other factors. For a family of four, the income limit is less than $3,400 per month. The maximum benefit for a household of four totals $668 per month. The overall average SNAP benefit per household is approximately $250 per month. Approximately three-fourths of all SNAP households have some form of income, which results in the actual benefit level received being reduced from the maximum.
Benefits are determined on a sliding scale, based on household income, and are distributed through the Oregon Trail Card that is used like a debit card to purchase food. SNAP benefits can be used to purchase foods for the household to eat, such as breads and cereals; fruits and vegetables; meats, fish and poultry; and dairy products. SNAP benefits are intended to act as a supplement to a family's overall food budget, not to cover it entirely. In many households with little or no income, it can be the primary means to meet the family's nutritional needs.
To be eligible for TANF, parents with children must earn less than the total monthly income limit. For a two-parent family with two children, that maximum is $795, along with an asset limit of $2,500 (not including the family home, or the first $10,000 value of family vehicles). The maximum benefit for the family of four, with no other income, is a total of $647 per month. TANF provides temporary assistance and case management services for families struggling due to unemployment, underemployment or incapacitation of a primary wage earner. TANF and TANF-related programs also provide employment and training services, child care while looking for work or other alternatives, assistance seeking Social Security Income or Social Security Disability Income, and help to flee or stay free from domestic violence.
NEW INSECT EATS ALDER TREES IN THE COLUMBIA GORGE
Skamania County, Wash. -
The Green Alder Sawfly was first detected in the lower 48 states of United
States this spring in Vancouver, WA. Now green caterpillar-like larvae of
the sawfly insects can be found eating the leaves of alder trees along the
Columbia River in Skamania County. Entomologists from the US Forest Service
and Washington State Department of Agriculture are surveying for the new
insect in Western Washington State.
"When green alder sawfly was first found in April, we had hoped to eradicate
a small infestation in Vancouver," said Kathy Sheehan, entomologist with the
U.S Forest Service. "Thanks to an informal network of entomologists,
though, we soon found this sawfly throughout western WA. Now we will be
watching closely to see what effect this non-native species has on alders."
The green alder sawfly is native to Europe and Western Eurasia in addition
to parts of North Africa. It was first discovered in Newfoundland, Canada in
the mid-1990's and first collected in Alaska in 2004. The green alder sawfly
is an accidentally introduced pest of alder trees.
Larvae of the green alder sawfly resemble bright green caterpillars and grow
up to ½- ¾ inches long. The larvae chew holes in leaves and can defoliate a
tree if sawfly populations are high enough. The adults are active in early
spring and resemble a wasp without the stinger and constricted waist.
Experts are uncertain of the impact that this new insect will have on alder
tree health or on our local flora and fauna. As with any organism newly
introduced to our region, there is a concern that economic and environmental
damage to our forests could result.
For more information about the Green Alder Sawfly, visit:
http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/nr/fid/invasives/green-alder-sawfly.shtml or contact
the WSU Extension office at 509-427-3931
Monday, June 14, 2010
Public meetings to held on the Radar Ridge Wind project near Naselle, WA
The U.S. fish and Wildlife Service has scheduled two public scoping meetings for the process of preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement under the National Environmental Policy Act. The proposed project under review is the Radar Ridge Wind Project near Naselle, Washington. The this EIS, the USFWS is the lead agency, and the Bonneville Power Administration is the cooperating agency.
Radar Ridge LLC intends to prepare a Habitat Conservation Plan and apply for an indidental take permit for the marbled murrelet, a bird under the protection of the Engangered Species Act. If granted, the permit would authorize the incidental take of marbled murrelet for the construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of the Radar Ridge Wind Project. The project would consist of up to 32 wind turgines with a total generating capacity of 82 megawatts of electricity. Power generated by thge wind turbines would be transmitted to an existing BPA substation at Naselle, Washington.
We have scheduled two public scoping meetings. The public scoping meeetings are intended to inform interested parties of the Radar Ridge Wind Project and gather public input that will facilitate the development of the EIS.
The public scoping meetings will be held on:
Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 7 to 9 p.m., at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office at 510 Desmond Drive, Lacey, Washington, 98503
Wednesday, June 16th, 2010, 7 to 9 p.m., at Naselle High School, 793 State Route 4, Naselle, Washington, 98638
If you cannot attend one of these meetings, you can still provide comments on the Radar Ridge Wind Project at the following email address:
radarridgewindproject@fws.gov.
USFWS is accepting all comments through June 28, 2010, on the scope of the EIS, the range of alternative, and the impacts that should be analyzed.
For further information on the Radar Ridge Wind Project, call Jim Machaels at (360) 753-7767, or Mark Ostwald at (360)753-9564. Information of the project is also available at www.fws.gov/wafwo
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
ELECTION FILING FILING PERIOD OPEN FOR CLATSOP COUNTY RACES
The filing period is open for seats on several local city councils up for election in November.
Prospective candidates have until Aug. 24 to file a declaration of candidacy for the positions, which will appear on the Nov. 2 general election ballot. For candidates filing by petition, it is recommended that nominating petitions be submitted by Aug. 13 to ensure signature verification by the deadline.
The following seats are up for election:
City of Astoria
Mayor
Councilor, Ward 1
Councilor, Ward 3
City of Cannon Beach
Mayor
Two Councilor At Large positions
City of Gearhart
Councilor, Position 1
Councilor, Position 3
City of Seaside
Mayor
Councilor, Ward 1
Councilor, Ward 2
Council At Large, Wards 3 and 4
City of Warrenton
Commissioner, Position 4
Commissioner, Position 5
Clatsop Soil and Water Conservation District
Director, Zone 1
Director, Zone 2
Director, Zone 4
Director At Large, Position 2
Candidates for city council seats file with the respective city governments. Filing for the Soil and Water Conservation District is done through the Oregon Department of Agriculture; contact Heather Rickenbach at (503) 986-4775 for information and qualifications.
More information is available at www.co.clatsop.or.us under “Clerk and Elections,” or contact the Clatsop County Clerk’s Office at (503) 325-8511.
NATIVE FISH SOCIETY ASKS ODFW TO PROVIDE BETTER ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE STATE'S FISH HATCHERIES
The Native Fish Society has asked the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to complete a cost/benefit analysis of Oregon's hatchery system. Fiscal and ecological accountability is needed in the operation of Oregon's hatchery system. This need is even more acute now with the recently announced declines in the state's general fund.
Oregon's fish hatchery program is growing at the rate of about a million dollars a year. This growth rate is unsustainable given the likely loss of general tax revenues that currently help fund the program. The only way to compensate for the loss of state taxpayer support for the hatchery program would be for the recreational and commercial anglers to support additional large increases to their license fees.
NFS has asked the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to complete a cost/benefit analysis for each of its separate hatchery programs in order to help determine the risks of these programs to native species and to help prioritize individual hatchery operations as reductions in these programs occur. The Hatchery Accountability Project provides a legitimate process that the department could use to determine which hatchery programs need to be reduced or eliminated. This process could lead to a smaller and more fiscally sound and sustainable hatchery program over the long term.
Oregon operates a fish hatchery system statewide that includes several dozen separate facilities. These facilities produce millions of salmon, steelhead and trout each year for release into the waters of the state to support commercial and recreational fisheries. For many years, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has said reform of the hatchery system is underway. The only major visible reform that NFS has seen has been the relocation of coastal coho releases to the Young's Bay area and the expansion of supplementation and acclimation programs. These small changes are relatively insignificant and some may actually be counterproductive. There has not been any fundamental change to the way ODFW operates the hatchery system.
The Hatchery Accountability Project would provide the department with a legitimate way to prioritize its various programs based upon which programs are the most cost effective, which ones provide the largest benefit to the most anglers and which projects have the least potential for inflicting harm to native fish and wildlife resources. Saving the best programs and eliminating the worst ones should help lead to a more sustainable state hatchery program.
The Oregon Hatchery Accountability Project is based upon the following criteria:
• What is the return on investment in terms of fish caught in commercial and recreational fisheries?
• Are the angling opportunities provided commensurate with the investment?
• What are the environmental risks and costs associated with each hatchery program?
NFS has asked ODFW to begin the analysis on hatchery programs that a) seem overly expensive b) only serve small segments of the angling community or c) have a high risk of adversely effecting native fish and wildlife populations. Examples of such programs include:
1. The Atlantic salmon stocking program
2. The Cascade lakes brook trout stocking program
3. Trout stocking in flowing waters
4. The Willamette basin summer steelhead program
5. Programs that utilize non-native or introduced fish stocks
6. The transfer of anadromous salmonids among watersheds
"The Native Fish Society believes that the information provided by the Hatchery Accountability Project will provide ODFW, the Governor, the Oregon Legislature and the public with valuable tools to use in assuring that Oregon's fish hatchery program is operated in the public interest for the long-term benefit and health of our native fish populations," said NFS Executive Director Bill Bakke, "All we ask is that ODFW conduct an annual cost-benefit analysis of its hatcheries. That way the taxpayers, who are paying for the hatcheries, can make informed decisions about them. It just makes sound business sense to do so."
The ODFW Commission will decide on the agency's budget at their July 16 meeting, and it is NFS' hope that the Commission will direct the agency to begin the Hatchery Accountability Project at this time.
Contact Info: Bill Bakke
Executive Director
(503) 246-5890
bmbakke@gmail.com
Oregon's fish hatchery program is growing at the rate of about a million dollars a year. This growth rate is unsustainable given the likely loss of general tax revenues that currently help fund the program. The only way to compensate for the loss of state taxpayer support for the hatchery program would be for the recreational and commercial anglers to support additional large increases to their license fees.
NFS has asked the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to complete a cost/benefit analysis for each of its separate hatchery programs in order to help determine the risks of these programs to native species and to help prioritize individual hatchery operations as reductions in these programs occur. The Hatchery Accountability Project provides a legitimate process that the department could use to determine which hatchery programs need to be reduced or eliminated. This process could lead to a smaller and more fiscally sound and sustainable hatchery program over the long term.
Oregon operates a fish hatchery system statewide that includes several dozen separate facilities. These facilities produce millions of salmon, steelhead and trout each year for release into the waters of the state to support commercial and recreational fisheries. For many years, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has said reform of the hatchery system is underway. The only major visible reform that NFS has seen has been the relocation of coastal coho releases to the Young's Bay area and the expansion of supplementation and acclimation programs. These small changes are relatively insignificant and some may actually be counterproductive. There has not been any fundamental change to the way ODFW operates the hatchery system.
The Hatchery Accountability Project would provide the department with a legitimate way to prioritize its various programs based upon which programs are the most cost effective, which ones provide the largest benefit to the most anglers and which projects have the least potential for inflicting harm to native fish and wildlife resources. Saving the best programs and eliminating the worst ones should help lead to a more sustainable state hatchery program.
The Oregon Hatchery Accountability Project is based upon the following criteria:
• What is the return on investment in terms of fish caught in commercial and recreational fisheries?
• Are the angling opportunities provided commensurate with the investment?
• What are the environmental risks and costs associated with each hatchery program?
NFS has asked ODFW to begin the analysis on hatchery programs that a) seem overly expensive b) only serve small segments of the angling community or c) have a high risk of adversely effecting native fish and wildlife populations. Examples of such programs include:
1. The Atlantic salmon stocking program
2. The Cascade lakes brook trout stocking program
3. Trout stocking in flowing waters
4. The Willamette basin summer steelhead program
5. Programs that utilize non-native or introduced fish stocks
6. The transfer of anadromous salmonids among watersheds
"The Native Fish Society believes that the information provided by the Hatchery Accountability Project will provide ODFW, the Governor, the Oregon Legislature and the public with valuable tools to use in assuring that Oregon's fish hatchery program is operated in the public interest for the long-term benefit and health of our native fish populations," said NFS Executive Director Bill Bakke, "All we ask is that ODFW conduct an annual cost-benefit analysis of its hatcheries. That way the taxpayers, who are paying for the hatcheries, can make informed decisions about them. It just makes sound business sense to do so."
The ODFW Commission will decide on the agency's budget at their July 16 meeting, and it is NFS' hope that the Commission will direct the agency to begin the Hatchery Accountability Project at this time.
Contact Info: Bill Bakke
Executive Director
(503) 246-5890
bmbakke@gmail.com
Free Fishing Day Activities
Fort Stevens State Park along with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Rainland Flycasters will be hosting free fishing day activities at Coffenbury Lake Saturday June 12, 2010 from 9:00am-2:00pm.A kids fishing derby will be held with prizes and a biggest fish competition. A limited number of poles, tackle and bait will be provided for participants.
There will be fly casting demos put on by the Rainland Flycasters. And a BBQ lunch will be served.
June 12 is Free Fishing Day. No license is required to fish.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Citizen Groups Object to Potential for LNG Export From Proposed Terminals
Citizen groups opposing LNG terminals and pipelines in Oregon reacted today to an announcement that Sabine Pass LNG in Louisiana will seek to liquefy and export domestic U.S. gas. For years, conservationists, landowners, and ratepayer advocates have warned that similar proposed terminals in Oregon, including Oregon LNG, Jordan Cove, and the now bankrupt Bradwood Landing, could be converted to export projects, which would force Oregon energy consumers to compete with high-priced Asian markets.
Today's announcement by Cheniere, owner of the Sabine Pass LNG import project that became operational in 2008, provides evidence that LNG projects in Oregon could ultimately be used to export U.S. gas supplies.
According to Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, The threat of exporting LNG from Oregon is a real possibility. LNG terminals would not only destroy salmon habitat, but shipping our gas overseas weakens our energy security and may increase our gas bills. Exporting makes a bad idea worse.
Olivia Schmidt with Oregon Sierra Club stated, Oregonians oppose LNG projects, including the proposed bi-directional Palomar pipeline over Mt. Hood that could be used to export as well as import LNG. We?re not willing to see our farms, forests, and rivers decimated for LNG.
Conservation groups have not been alone in their concern about the potential for LNG export. In March, Oregon Citizen?s Utility Board (CUB) specifically cited the potential for LNG export as a risk to Oregon ratepayers because it would drive up prices towards higher levels seen in overseas markets. Additionally, Senator Merkley proposed an amendment to a budget bill in summer 2009 that would have restricted LNG exports out of concern that LNG proponents were planning to turn their terminals into export facilities.
Columbia Riverkeeper, Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club and others asked the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider the impacts of exporting LNG before FERC approved the LNG import terminals.? In an October 20, 2008 Request for Rehearing, the groups stated:
FERC also failed to disclose or evaluate the impacts of Bradwood Landing becoming an LNG export terminal in the future. . . . After the pipeline infrastructure in built under the guise of an import terminal, gas could easily flow from the Rockies to an export terminal on Oregon's coast. If so, American consumers would be competing for gas on a world market and potentially have to pay radically higher prices to compete.
CUB's statement regarding LNG in Oregon is available on its website: http://oregoncub.org/archives/2010/03/all_new_energy_1.php.
Today's announcement by Cheniere, owner of the Sabine Pass LNG import project that became operational in 2008, provides evidence that LNG projects in Oregon could ultimately be used to export U.S. gas supplies.
According to Brett VandenHeuvel, executive director of Columbia Riverkeeper, The threat of exporting LNG from Oregon is a real possibility. LNG terminals would not only destroy salmon habitat, but shipping our gas overseas weakens our energy security and may increase our gas bills. Exporting makes a bad idea worse.
Olivia Schmidt with Oregon Sierra Club stated, Oregonians oppose LNG projects, including the proposed bi-directional Palomar pipeline over Mt. Hood that could be used to export as well as import LNG. We?re not willing to see our farms, forests, and rivers decimated for LNG.
Conservation groups have not been alone in their concern about the potential for LNG export. In March, Oregon Citizen?s Utility Board (CUB) specifically cited the potential for LNG export as a risk to Oregon ratepayers because it would drive up prices towards higher levels seen in overseas markets. Additionally, Senator Merkley proposed an amendment to a budget bill in summer 2009 that would have restricted LNG exports out of concern that LNG proponents were planning to turn their terminals into export facilities.
Columbia Riverkeeper, Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club and others asked the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider the impacts of exporting LNG before FERC approved the LNG import terminals.? In an October 20, 2008 Request for Rehearing, the groups stated:
FERC also failed to disclose or evaluate the impacts of Bradwood Landing becoming an LNG export terminal in the future. . . . After the pipeline infrastructure in built under the guise of an import terminal, gas could easily flow from the Rockies to an export terminal on Oregon's coast. If so, American consumers would be competing for gas on a world market and potentially have to pay radically higher prices to compete.
CUB's statement regarding LNG in Oregon is available on its website: http://oregoncub.org/archives/2010/03/all_new_energy_1.php.
Friday, June 4, 2010
The fifth Citizen Police Academy, with The Astoria Police Department
The Astoria Police Department will be hosting the fifth Citizen Police Academy in July and August. Classes will be held every Thursday evening at the Police Department from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, beginning July 15, 2010 and ending August 12, 2010. The Citizen Police Academy is open only to residents of Astoria. The Academy offers community members an opportunity to learn about their Police Department and the duties and responsibilities of the officers, records specialists and dispatchers.
The goal of the Citizen Police Academy is to form and maintain partnerships between the community and the police.
Participants will have opportunity to learn and experience the day-to-day operations of the department. They will tour the department, learn about criminal investigations, drug activity, hiring processes, the functions of patrol and records, view basic defensive tactics, tour the jail and shoot various department firearms.
Citizens wishing to participate must be 18 years of age or older and all applicants will be subject to a criminal background investigation and must sign a liability waiver. The Academy will require a substantial time commitment and attendees who miss more than one class will not be permitted to continue. The class size is limited to 15-20 participants.
After completing the Academy, a graduation ceremony will be held acknowledging the participation by the attendees.
To request an application, or for additional information, please contact Officer Kenny Hansen or Detective Andrew Randall at 503-325-4411.
Share your love of fishing during Free Fishing Weekend June 12-13
(image courtesy of ODFW)On June 12-13 the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife invites you to pass along your love of fishing to a friend or family member during Free Fishing Weekend.
June 12-13 is Free Fishing Weekend and on those two days Oregonians won’t need a fishing or shellfish license to fish, crab or clam anywhere in the state. You also don’t need to buy any additional tags.
(But all other current fishing and shellfish regulations will still apply.)
“For the avid angler, Free Fishing Weekend is a great time to take your spouse, your kids or your best buddy on a fishing trip without having to buy licenses” said Rick Hargrave, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife deputy administrator for information/education. “For the beginning angler, it’s a great time to test the waters and give fishing a try.”
To help beginning anglers get started, ODFW and its partners are offering over 35 free fishing events throughout the state. At most events there will be free loaner equipment for novice anglers, special events for children, and lots of volunteers to help. For a complete list of events with times and locations, go to http://www.dfw.state.or.us/outdoor_skills/2010_free_fishing_events.asp
Thursday, June 3, 2010
ODFW Recreation Report
Saltwater anglers take note
ODFW will be hosting educational events in Depoe Bay (June 5), Garibaldi (June 12) and Gold Beach (July 12) aimed at both beginning and experienced saltwater anglers. All events will feature ODFW staff sharing fishing tips and secrets, showing how to identify fish and demonstrating how to return by catch to depth. More information
Excellent tidepooling coming up
Plan a trip to the beach: There will be minus tides in the afternoon and evenings of June 9 through 18. A minus tide is an excellent time to visit tide pools and watch the life that was just a few hours ago under as much as 10 feet of water. Look for green anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jelly fish, sea stars, pinkish corraline algae, lime green anemone and dark green sea lettuce.
Free Fishing Weekend June 12-13
Fish, crab or clam for free in Oregon during Free Fishing Weekend. There also will be dozens of free youth fishing events throughout the state. See details
New and improved Oregon Hunting Map
Visit the new map for added functionalities like boundaries and ownership layers.
http://www.oregonhuntingmap.com/
Report bear and turkey hunt results by June 30
Don’t forget to report your hunt results online or by phone (1-866-947-6339)—even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting.
ODFW will be hosting educational events in Depoe Bay (June 5), Garibaldi (June 12) and Gold Beach (July 12) aimed at both beginning and experienced saltwater anglers. All events will feature ODFW staff sharing fishing tips and secrets, showing how to identify fish and demonstrating how to return by catch to depth. More information
Excellent tidepooling coming up
Plan a trip to the beach: There will be minus tides in the afternoon and evenings of June 9 through 18. A minus tide is an excellent time to visit tide pools and watch the life that was just a few hours ago under as much as 10 feet of water. Look for green anemones, hermit crabs, sea urchins, small fish, jelly fish, sea stars, pinkish corraline algae, lime green anemone and dark green sea lettuce.
Free Fishing Weekend June 12-13
Fish, crab or clam for free in Oregon during Free Fishing Weekend. There also will be dozens of free youth fishing events throughout the state. See details
New and improved Oregon Hunting Map
Visit the new map for added functionalities like boundaries and ownership layers.
http://www.oregonhuntingmap.com/
Report bear and turkey hunt results by June 30
Don’t forget to report your hunt results online or by phone (1-866-947-6339)—even if you did not fill your tag or go hunting.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Seaside Transportation Plan Meeting Tues, June 8
SEASIDE--The public is invited to join the City of Seaside on Tuesday, June 8 to review the draft Seaside Transportation System Plan (TSP) recommendations and its phasing and implementation plan. The Transportation Summit (public meeting) will be held in the Broadway Middle School Cafeteria, 1120 Broadway in Seaside, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The public is encouraged to drop by and talk with representatives of the Project Management Team (comprised of the City of Seaside, Oregon Department of Transportation, Clatsop County, and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development). A short presentation will be held at 5:45pm.
The Seaside TSP focuses on needed improvements to the local and state transportation network in Seaside over the next 5-, 10-, and 20 years. The project has explored current and future transportation needs, including safety, connectivity, access, and congestion. The team has developed potential concepts to address these needs and has evaluated these concepts against community-established values and objectives. The project team will share recommendations for the state and local roadway, transit, bicycle, and pedestrian modal elements. It will discuss implementation and phasing, including expected costs, prioritization, and potential funding of recommendations. Part of this conversation will be what recommendations are not likely to receive funding within the 20-year planning timeframe.
Central to the plan is the City of Seaside’s and ODOT’s development of alternate mobility standards for US 101. Alternate mobility standards include a commitment from both agencies to invest in the local transportation network, alternate modes, management of access (driveways and intersections); and land use planning to ensure US 101 operates safely in the future.
The TSP is nearing completion, and the next steps are to finalize the plan and move forward with adoption. The public is encouraged to attend the Summit to share their thoughts on recommendations, implementation, and other topics.
Visit www.seasidetsp.org for more information
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Washington Health Plan
With more than 100,000 people on a waiting list for the state’s Basic Health program, low-income Washington residents are finding few affordable options for health care coverage.
To address this pressing need, the state is introducing the Washington Health Program – a non-subsidized version of the state’s popular Basic Health program. Washington Health and Basic Health are both administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA).
“Health care reform is on the way, and it will provide greater health care access to millions of Americans,” said Washington Governor Chris Gregoire. “But thousands of Washington residents can’t wait for 2014. They need coverage now – and Washington Health provides them with an affordable option.”
Basic Health provides coverage to 66,000 Washington residents, with the state paying a portion of their premiums based on their income level. Washington Health provides essentially the same benefits as Basic Health, but with no subsidy and no cost to the state. Enrollees pay the full premium, plus a small amount for administrative costs.
The HCA is contracting with Community Health Plan (CHP) of Washington to provide Washington Health coverage. “Community Health Plan is committed to making high-quality health care available to more people through affordable insurance products,” said Lance Hunsinger, CEO of Community Health Plan. “We worked with the Health Care Authority to make sure the Washington Health Program offers both choice and quality at an affordable price. Our focus has always been to provide a low-cost option for those who currently have no insurance at all and we’re pleased to be a part of this important step forward for Washington residents.”
“We are pleased to be able to enhance our working relationship with Community Health Plan,” said HCA Administrator Doug Porter. “Providing coverage to 250,000 people in Basic Health, Medicaid and other programs, CHP continues to demonstrate their commitment to provide quality health care to low-income people across the state.”
Porter said Washington Health’s low premiums are due to low administrative costs and caps on annual costs. Washington Health members have the option of choosing $75,000 or $100,000 in health care coverage per year. “This is lower than payout maximums in other plans,” said Porter, “but in most cases, $75,000 is plenty of coverage throughout the year.” By comparison, less than 2% of Basic Health enrollees accumulated $75,000 total cost in 2009.
Premiums are as low as $100 per month. A 35 year old could expect to pay between $125 and $183 depending on their location and the coverage options they select. Washington Health is available to any state resident who is not enrolled in Basic Health, Medicaid, or eligible for Medicare. It is designed for low income people, but there are no income limitations. It is available anywhere in the state.
Coverage is expected to begin July 1. Applications are being taken now through the Washington Health website at www.washingtonhealth.hca.wa.gov. Applications can also be requested toll-free at 1-800-660-9840.
To address this pressing need, the state is introducing the Washington Health Program – a non-subsidized version of the state’s popular Basic Health program. Washington Health and Basic Health are both administered by the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA).
“Health care reform is on the way, and it will provide greater health care access to millions of Americans,” said Washington Governor Chris Gregoire. “But thousands of Washington residents can’t wait for 2014. They need coverage now – and Washington Health provides them with an affordable option.”
Basic Health provides coverage to 66,000 Washington residents, with the state paying a portion of their premiums based on their income level. Washington Health provides essentially the same benefits as Basic Health, but with no subsidy and no cost to the state. Enrollees pay the full premium, plus a small amount for administrative costs.
The HCA is contracting with Community Health Plan (CHP) of Washington to provide Washington Health coverage. “Community Health Plan is committed to making high-quality health care available to more people through affordable insurance products,” said Lance Hunsinger, CEO of Community Health Plan. “We worked with the Health Care Authority to make sure the Washington Health Program offers both choice and quality at an affordable price. Our focus has always been to provide a low-cost option for those who currently have no insurance at all and we’re pleased to be a part of this important step forward for Washington residents.”
“We are pleased to be able to enhance our working relationship with Community Health Plan,” said HCA Administrator Doug Porter. “Providing coverage to 250,000 people in Basic Health, Medicaid and other programs, CHP continues to demonstrate their commitment to provide quality health care to low-income people across the state.”
Porter said Washington Health’s low premiums are due to low administrative costs and caps on annual costs. Washington Health members have the option of choosing $75,000 or $100,000 in health care coverage per year. “This is lower than payout maximums in other plans,” said Porter, “but in most cases, $75,000 is plenty of coverage throughout the year.” By comparison, less than 2% of Basic Health enrollees accumulated $75,000 total cost in 2009.
Premiums are as low as $100 per month. A 35 year old could expect to pay between $125 and $183 depending on their location and the coverage options they select. Washington Health is available to any state resident who is not enrolled in Basic Health, Medicaid, or eligible for Medicare. It is designed for low income people, but there are no income limitations. It is available anywhere in the state.
Coverage is expected to begin July 1. Applications are being taken now through the Washington Health website at www.washingtonhealth.hca.wa.gov. Applications can also be requested toll-free at 1-800-660-9840.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
