Wintering Over - Oregon Living History Program at Fort Clatsop January 14-15

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park presents a free special living history program during the Saturday and Sunday of Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. On Saturday, January 14, and Sunday, January 15, the Fort Clatsop replica will come alive from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition during the park's 11th annual presentation of "Wintering Over: snugly fixed in their huts."

During this two day Wintering Over event, visitors are encouraged to converse with expedition members (portrayed by first-person character interpreters) camped at their Fort Clatsop winter headquarters in 1806. Explore what it is like for these Corps members as they survive off of elk and the good graces of their Clatsop and Chinook neighbors, while preparing to return to the United States. Discover who these people were, where they came from and what their journey has been like so far. Come explore the people behind the story!

Visitors will start with an orientation that will introduce the story of the Corps of Discovery and prepare them to participate in the 'Wintering Over' program. First-Person living history interpretation is an experiential program with no script. This allows for a real experience (not a staged event); visitors direct their own discoveries. The Pacific Northwest Living Historians partner with the park to provide this program.


In addition to this event at the fort, there are movies in the visitor center theater. 'A Clatsop Winter Story',a 22-minute movie about the 1805-06 winter from a Clatsop Indian perspective, will be offered each hour. Also, 'Lewis and Clark: Confluence of Time and Courage',a 34-minute movie about the entire voyage, will be available.

A unit of the National Park Service, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Fort Clatsop is located southwest of Astoria, Oregon, three miles east of U.S. Highway 101. The park, including the visitor center, fort, trails, and the parking lots, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Lewis and Clark NHP also maintains the Salt Works site in Seaside. Come and visit these sites during the time of year the expedition stayed on the coast. Admission to the park, and all National Parks, is free for this holiday weekend. For further information, call the park at 503-861-2471 ext. 214 or visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/lewi.

MAKING A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION THAT STICKS

from Stephen Blakesley - Clatsop County Health Promotion Specialist

I read this morning on breaking MTV news that the rapper “50 Cent” publically declared that one of his New Year’s resolutions was to quit smoking – “... it's a very dirty, filthy habit," he said. "But not [only] is it my New Year's resolution to quit, but it's also my New Year's resolution to get my friends to quit as well."

I’m sure it’s no surprise to any of us that quitting smoking makes it onto the lists of the top ten most popular New Year’s resolutions year after year. And it should. The hard-to-break addiction remains the number one thing a person can do to improve his or her health. Also no strangers to those top ten lists are: losing weight, eating better, and exercise. These too are excellent ideas because poor choice of diet mixed with physical inactivity is the number two killer behind tobacco in America, Oregon, and not surprisingly in Clatsop County.

So if we are, in fact, focusing on the right lifestyle choices to change, why aren’t those changes sticking? When resolutions are too big or to broad we can easily get discouraged and give up on them, often before we ever even get started. So here’s what we can do to make them stick:

Motivation – Your motivation must come from within you, this must be something YOU want to do.

Start small – Instead of “eating better” start by adding a serving of fresh vegetables three days a week

Map out your steps – If losing weight is your thing, plan the steps it will take to lose the 30 pounds, don’t just focus on the thirty pounds. You have to have a plan to get there.

Change your habits – If quitting smoking is your goal and you have a cigarette every morning when you rise, change it to a glass of water, or brushing your teeth. Be prepared that it takes repeating something 200-300 times to make it a habit, so be intentional about it and stick with it.

Seek a supportive environment – My wife’s got me doing push-ups again. My straining helps her stay motivated with her own exercises…and gets me off the couch. Fifty Cent understands this. He’s going to change his environment by getting his friends to quit with him.

Announce your resolution publically – Fifty Cent’s fans will now help hold him accountable. We all want to do what we say we will do. Tell the world, make it public, you’ll be more likely to stick it out and do it!

Get help- We don’t have to do this alone. There are organizations and classes can help us.

In Clatsop County, tobacco users can turn to the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line

The Oregon Tobacco Quit Line is a free program offered over the phone and on the Web that helps Oregonians quit tobacco by offering confidential, evidence-based coaching. Contact the Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669); 1-877-2NO-FUME (877-266-3863, Spanish version); or www.quitnow.net/oregon/. Callers may also be eligible for free nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum.

If you want to learn more about taking charge of your health, setting goals, and making changes that address chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, and other chronic health concerns, then “Living Well with Chronic Conditions” might be for you. This is a free six-week class that will get you moving towards a healthier you. To sign up call the Columbia Memorial Education Department at (503) 338-7564.

DOWNED TREE CAUSES WRECK ON HIGHWAY 6 NEAR GALES CREEK

Shortly after 9:30 pm on Wednesday December 28th, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue (FGF&R) was dispatched to a reported incident of a tree and electrical wires down across Highway 6 at Milepost 42. While responding to the incident additional information was received that two vehicles had struck the tree. Crews arrived shortly thereafter and found a tree had fallen across the entire highway and energized electrical wires were on the ground. Firefighters found that one vehicle, with three occupants, had hit the tree and launched into the air approximately 7 feet and rested 75 feet away. A second vehicle also hit the tree and branches but was able to stop in a safely manner, where it had stopped was on top of live power lines. Due to this dangerous situation, the driver had to stay in the vehicle and a safety zone was established until PGE arrived on scene.


Approximately an hour after the incident originated, PGE crews deemed the scene to be safe and the driver was allowed to exit the vehicle. Firefighters assessed all occupants of both vehicles and no injuries were reported. Firefighters cleared the scene around 11:30pm and at that time ODOT crews were working on clearing the highway with an estimated time of 1-2 hours until it would re-open. Through the duration of the incident, crews experiences gusts of wind around 20-30 MPH. It is assumed the tree had fallen due to high winds that the area has experienced with the weather system passing through.


Forest Grove Fire & Rescue wants to remind drivers to use added precaution when you encounter adverse weather conditions. Debris can be blown into travel lanes and during dark conditions might not be seen on rural roads.


FGF&R was assisted on scene by Washington County Sheriffs Office, Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation and Portland General Electric.

SEASIDE TO TEST TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM

The City of Seaside will be testing its Tsunami Warning System on Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 beginning at 11:00 a.m. This test will be to monitor and assess the notification system and will not be used as a public information trial alert. The warning will begin with three beeps and consist of a voice message stating, "This is a test. This is a test of the emergency warning system. This is only a test." The message will be broadcast in English and Spanish.

Free Statewide Community Health Screenings i

Oregon Lions Club are working with the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) to combat preventative blindness & deafness in the community through free health screenings. The Oregon Lions Mobile Health Screening Program (MHSP) will provide free health screenings to the public in the following areas: visual acuity, hearing, blood pressure, diabetes (with a 3 hour fast) and glaucoma (see schedule below).
MHSP is the only free screening program of its kind in Oregon. It will serve over 30,000 Oregonians this year - 84% of them children - at over 300 events in nearly every county in the state.
Many community lacking primary care are unaware they have health conditions that threaten their sight, jobs, quality of life and potentially their lives. The MHSP has and will continue positively impact lives through the early detection that we provide.
The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation, founded in 1959, serves as the non-profit arm of the Lions Clubs of Oregon. The Mission of the Foundation is "to screen, treat, save, and restore sight and hearing, in partnership with Lions Clubs, in order to prevent blindness and deafness for those in need." MHSP is one of numerous programs that the OLSHF operates to deliver humanitarian service; others include the Lions Patient Care Program, and the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Program. For additional information, please visit our website at www.olshf.org

January 24th:
Klatsop Homeless Connect
Seaside Convention Center
Times TBD

FIRST DAY HIKES DEBUT WITH FREE PARKING AT PARTICIPATING PARKS IN OREGON

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) joins America's State Parks in sponsoring First Day Hikes in seven Oregon State Parks on New Year's Day. Park rangers or volunteers will lead most of the hikes. Day-use parking fees are waived for all visitors at participating parks Jan. 1 only.

"We are excited to participate in First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into their parks. They're a great way to start off the new year," said OPRD Director Tim Wood. "This is the first time day hikes are offered in all 50 states on January 1, and Oregonians can join a nationwide event."

First Day Hikes help families enjoy state parks close to their homes and encourage a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of America's State Parks is to promote and advance the state park systems of America, for the contribution they make to the nation's environment, heritage, health and economy.

Regence Revises Small Business Rate Hike Public Hearing Set for January 5th in Salem

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon has filed for a 4.5% average premium increase, impacting 47,806 Oregonian with small-employer-sponsored coverage, effective April 2012.

According to the insurer, the proposal represents a 2.2% decrease from the previously-approved rate increase, due to lower-than-expected medical utilization.

Regence appears to have lost over 11% enrollment in its small business plans since the insurer’s last filing in March of 2011, when it reported enrollment of 54,299.

According to the filing, some employers could see rates increase as much as 8.5% while others could see a decrease of as much as 6.6%. The exact impact depends on the ages of employees, geographic location, and other factors.

January 5th, from 2:00-3:30pm the Oregon Insurance Division willhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif hold a public hearing on this pending rate increase. More information on the hearing is available on the Division’s website.

OSPIRG Foundation’s Health Insurance Rate Watch project will analyze the ODS Health Plan proposed rate increase, submit an comment to the Insurance Division and post it on the OSPIRG website.

Read the Regence rate hike proposal and post a comment of your own. The deadline for public comments is January 7, 2012.

OREGON’S 100 BEST LIST INCLUDES CLATSOP COMMUNITY BANK FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR

Oregon Business recently notified Clatsop Community Bank staff that the bank is among the magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon” for 2012. This is the third consecutive year Clatsop Community Bank will appear on the list.
Rankings of the “100 Best” will be announced at an Oregon Business banquet on March 1, 2012. Clatsop Community Bank finished 25th in the small company category two years ago, and moved up to the 9th spot in the same category last year.
“The businesses on the ‘100 Best’ list are determined by surveys that company employees complete and then submit to Oregon Business,” said Clatsop Community Bank Executive Vice President Joe Schulte. “To be named to the

list three years in a row is evidence of our commitment to the people who work with us. They are what set us apart from our competitors, and they are the reason for our success.”
“We’re so pleased to make the ‘100 Best’ list again this year,” said bank President and CEO Steve Ferber. “It is a constant reminder, as we grow, of what makes us successful in the first place,” he added.
Two hundred and sixty-three businesses competed for a spot on the Oregon Business “100 Best” list, and more than 14,000 employee surveys were submitted for consideration.
In April 2012, Clatsop Community Bank will celebrate its fourth anniversary in business. It is the only bank locally owned in Clatsop County, and has branches in Seaside and Astoria, Oregon.

HEARINGS OFFICER UPHOLDS COUNTY CITATION AGAINST MOBILE HOME PARK IN WARRENTON

A hearings officer has ruled in favor of Clatsop County in its dispute with the owner of a mobile home park at Sunset Lake cited for numerous code violations.

In a ruling issued Dec. 16, Hearings Office Paul Elsner ordered Resources Northwest Inc. and Ken Hick, owners of Sunset Lake Resort and RV Park, to pay a fine of $4,200 and abide by rules governing the number and siting of units at the park.

The county issued Hick a compliance order last June for multiple violations of county codes including allowing too many permanent dwellings on the property, as well as allowing recreational vehicles to be used as dwelling units without proper utility connections.

According to the county, the park has contained as many 91 sites used for permanent dwellings, when under the current rules the parks is allowed only 16. Many of the recreational vehicle units are not connected to proper water, sewer or electrical service, and some are releasing “gray water” into Sunset Lake. Many are also sited on spaces smaller than allowed in rules governing RV parks, and/or are too close to the lake or nearby Lewis Avenue.

Hick and Resources Northwest Inc. challenged the county order on the grounds that the park was “grandfathered in” as a legal, nonconforming use and does not have to abide by existing county zoning rules on number, density and location of units and other requirements.

In his ruling, Elsner pointed to letters from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality from 1997 declaring that the park was allowed a maximum of 16 mobile homes and 27 RV sites. The owners produced no evidence of approvals or permits allowing a larger number of units, Elsner said.

Under Elsner’s order, the owners have until Feb. 1, 2012 to reduce the number of units to the approved maximum, have them lawfully connected to water, sewer and electrical systems, and pay all necessary permit fees. Failure to make the changes will result in additional daily fines on top of the $4,200 penalty for each unpermitted site or space.

Port of Astoria Commisssion Meets

The Port of Astoria Commission will hold their regular meeting tomorrow (Tues, Dec 20) night at 6pm, at the Port Administrative Offices, 422 Gateway Avenue, Suite 100 in Astoria. The agenda includes the Director and staff reports and discussions about the Warrenton Fiber agreement and the Clifton Terminal. The meeting is open to the public.

Fort Clatsop Holiday Happenings December 26 -January 1

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park will offer special programs about
the Corps of Discovery's winter at Fort Clatsop on the days following
Christmas.

Starting December 26 Fort Clatsop will feature scheduled living history programs and guided walks by park rangers each day through January 1. Costumed rangers will present flintlock muzzle-loading programs at 10:30, 1:30, and 3:30; and hands-on programs about various aspects of the explorers winter at Fort Clatsop from 11:00 to 1:00 and from 2:00 to 3:15. Ranger-guided walks on the Netul River Trail will be offered this week at 11:00 and 2:00. Each day will start and end with "The Star Spangled Banner" talk (9:30 and 4:30) about the second flag of the United States that flies at the fort.

In addition to the programs being offered at the fort, there are movies in the visitor center. "A Clatsop Winter Story", a 22-minute movie about the 1805-06 winter from a Clatsop Indian perspective, and "Lewis and Clark: Confluence of Time and Courage". a 34-minute movie about the entire voyage, will be offered each hour.

The park is closed on Christmas Day, December 25.

photo: Susan Rhoads explaining features of a flintlock rifle

Highlights from Wed Dec 14th Board of Clatsop County Commissioners Meeting

Planning, public works split approved

The board of commissioners approved a reorganization plan that divides the county’s Community Development and Public Works departments into separate entities.

County Manager Duane Cole told the board that the workload in both offices requires that each have its own director. Currently the two offices are jointly directed by Ed Wegner as Transportation and Development Services Director. The change will become effective Jan. 1.

Under the plan, Wegner will return to his original position as Public Works Director. Hiller West, hired in September as principal planner, will become director of Community Development. West has a lengthy background in land-use planning, most recently as planning director of Monroe, Wash.

Planning and Public Works were combined in the Transportation and Development Services Department in 2007.

Darigold funding approved

The board approved an amendment to the county’s contract with Groat Brothers Inc. covering the demolition of the former Darigold Building to provide additional funding for removal of contaminated soil and other work at the site. The original $49,850 contract approved by the board in April included an additional $7,450 contingency fund, which will be used to cover the cost of removing a fuel oil tank from the building site. The amendment will allow spending up to another $22,500 to pay for clean-up of soil contaminated with petroleum product.

Medical examiner appointed

The board appointed Susan Heinick, MD as District Medical Examiner for Clatsop County. Heinick, an emergency room physician at Providence Seaside Hospital, replaces Joann Stefanelli, who resigned from the position earlier this year. Stefanelli will continue to offer her services on a part-time basis.

The medical examiner investigates all unattended deaths and participates in criminal investigations as part of the local Major Crime Team.

Other Business

In other business the board:

-Approved a request from Columbia County to support the participation of a Rainier company, Rightline Equipment Inc., in the Lower Columbia Maritime Enterprise Zone. The zone, which covers Columbia County and a portion of Clatsop County, provides tax breaks to qualified new and expanding businesses.

-Approved a $50,000 payment to the Westport Water Association for improvements to its water system made necessary by damage from flooding that accompanied the December 2007 storm. The improvements, totaling approximately $500,000 and funded primarily by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, were completed earlier this year and involved a partnership with the nearby Wauna Water District that included development of an additional water source, adding a chlorinator and increasing water line capacity. The funds from Clatsop County come from the proceeds of the tax penalty levied on Georgia-Pacific over the Lower Columbia Enterprise Zone.

-Approved an agreement between the Clatsop County 4-H and Extension Service and the North Coast Food Web for the operation of the North Coast Communities Food Project, a collaborative campaign to improve community food security, promote good nutrition and health and support diversification of regional food production and access. Funding comes from a Meyer Memorial Trust grant.

-Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Oregon to receive $91,306 - $61,900 for the current fiscal year plus $29,406 carryover from 2010-11 – to fund treatment and intervention services through the Sheriff’s Office Community Corrections Division targeted at Measure 57 criminal offenders.

-Approved the language of input to be given at the Dec. 15 meeting of the state Territorial Sea Plan Working Group in Astoria, which is examining ocean-planning and wave-energy issues off the state coastline. Among other points the input calls for vigorous public involvement, recommends conditional-use reviews versus restrictive zones for wave-energy projects, and seeks compatibility between the state plan and local planning efforts.

-Conducted the first reading of an ordinance adopting the county’s Administrative Code. Provisions in the code, which spells out the county’s organizational structure, board and committee rules, contracting rules and financial policies, have previously been established by board resolution, but county staff recommended its adoption by ordinance so it is included in the process, currently underway, of codifying all the county ordinances. Second reading and adoption of the Administrative Code ordinance is scheduled for Jan. 11.

-Adopted new board rules governing meeting procedures and protocol, committee appointments, travel policy and other items.

-Appointed Pamela Alegria to the Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee.

CLATSOP COUNTY REORGANIZATION SEPARATES PLANNING, PUBLIC WORKS OFFICES

Four years after the two were combined, Clatsop County’s public works and planning offices will become independent departments again.

On Wednesday the county board of commissioners approved a plan to dissolve the Transportation and Development Services Department, created in 2007 as an umbrella entity for the two offices.

Under the plan, Transportation and Development Services Director Ed Wegner will return to his original position as Public Works Director, which he first assumed in 2004. Hiller West, hired in September as principal planner, will head the Community Development Department. The change will become effective Jan. 1.

County Manager Duane Cole said the reorganization, by assigning a manager to each of the two departments, will bring better oversight to both offices at a time when each has a sizeable workload, including the various long-term projects in the draft county Strategic Plan.

Cole praised Wegner’s tenure as Transportation and Development Services director, which included the lengthy Bradwood and Oregon Pipeline liquefied natural gas land-use reviews conducted by the planning office.

“We’re excited to be getting him back over at Public Works,” Cole said. “They have a lot of projects going on, and Ed is the guy for that.”

Cole noted that West has a lengthy background in planning, including an early job with the Columbia River Estuary Study Task Force. He most recently served as planning director for the city of Monroe, Wash.

Citizens should see no change in services. Both offices will remain in their current locations – Community Development at 800 Exchange Suite 100 and Public Works at 1100 Olney Ave. – and keep their same hours.

The reorganization involves no other personnel changes. There are 45 fulltime-equivalent personnel in the various Transportation and Development Services divisions, including Community Development, road maintenance, building codes, surveyor, fisheries and parks.

City accepting applications for Ilwaco City Council Position #4

The City of Ilwaco is accepting Declaration of Interest Applications for Position #4 on the Ilwaco City Council.

“The Ilwaco City Council works together to pass laws and make policies that affect the present and future of Ilwaco,” said Mayor Mike Cassinelli. “Councilmembers should have a desire to make this town the best it can be and care about the people and what goes on. They should have the time and be willing to get involved. The council has a lot to accomplish in 2012, and we hope we find a candidate ready to not only identify problems and challenges, but ready to work with the other council members to focus on solutions.”

Under Washington State Code, a council vacancy is filled after interviews and a vote by the City Council. The appointees will serve until the term is filled by election in November 2013. Applicants must be a registered voter in Pacific County at the time of application and have resided within the Ilwaco city limits for at least one year. The City Council meets regularly on the second and fourthhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif Mondays of each month at 6:00 p.m., at the Ilwaco Community Building. Council Workshops are frequently scheduled prior to meetings. Additional workshops and committee meetings are scheduled during business and evening hours.

Click here for an application for appointment to the City Council or pick up an appliciation at Ilwaco City Hall, 120 First Av, in Ilwaco. Applications must be received by Noon on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.
For further information, contact City of Ilwaco at 360-642.3145, or visit www.ilwaco-wa.gov.

WINTER WHALE WATCH WEEK BEGINS DECEMBER 26

Bring binoculars for a chance to view Gray whales during Winter Whale Watch Week, Dec. 26 - Jan. 1.

"The 24 designated ‘Whale Watching Spoken Here' sites were selected because they are the best viewpoints to spot some of the roughly 18,000 whales that cruise past Oregon on their annual southbound migration," said Dave Newton, Whale Watching volunteer coordinator. Trained volunteers will be available along the coast 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. daily to help visitors learn about the whales' migration and feeding habits, and offer tips on how to spot the whales.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily during the watch week. The whale watching center has general exhibits on whales, staff to answer questions and ‘whale size' windows with panoramic ocean views.

OPRD coordinates both the winter and spring whale watch weeks in partnership with the Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center and Washington State Parks, which operates the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. More information about the Whale Watching Spoken Here program and a map of the official viewpoints are available online at www.whalespoken.org

Robin W. Baird, Cascadia Research photo. Courtesy: nmfs.noaa.gov

Oregon Governor Kitzhaber Releases Recommendations to Streamline and Improve Regulatory and Permitting Processes in Oregon

Following on his commitment at the Oregon Business Summit to accelerate job growth and economic development in Oregon, Governor Kitzhaber today released the Initial Proposal for the Regulatory Streamlining and Simplification Project, which was launched on September 15th of this year.

The proposal aims to create and maintain an efficient, simple, and streamlined permitting system that makes it easy to start and expand businesses while protecting public regulatory goals.

“While our regulatory review and permitting processes are improving, they still need work to assure that unnecessary delays are not a barrier to businesses expanding or locating in Oregon,” Said Governor Kitzhaber. "The ‘rolling maybe’ in permitting is unacceptable in an accelerating time-to-market world, and I am working to see how we can improve our regulatory systems, while still protecting those values we Oregonians hold dear.”

Project co-sponsors include Governor Kitzhaber, Attorney General John Kroger and Department of Administrative Services Director and Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan. Senator Lee Beyer, Senator Chris Telfer, Representative Nancy Nathanson and Representative Patrick Sheehan serve on an advisory committee comprised of public and private sector representatives to make immediate recommendations as well as a final proposal to be submitted in May 2012.

“Improving the business climate in Oregon is crucial to the state’s economic recovery,” said Attorney General Kroger.

Immediate recommendations include:


Initiate benchmarking and conduct a survey of selected states to assess how Oregon might best improve the regulatory process, including regulatory appeals.

Manage the rule-making practices and the performance of regulatory processes to achieve improvements in timeliness, certainty and outcomes.

Coordinate and promote ongoing efforts that lead to a one-stop, efficient natural resource permitting process.

Direct agency leaders to consider regulatory streamlining as budgets are developed and recommended to the governor.

Build on achievements of Governor Kulongoski’s Streamlining Initiative, including the award winning ePermitting Project at the Building Codes Division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

Continue support for ongoing efforts by the Regional Solutions Centers and process improvement initiatives.

To view the Governor’s Regulatory Streamlining and Simplification Project Initial Proposal: http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/docs/regulatory_streamline_project_proposal_120511.pdf

Sunset Empire Board meets Thurs, Dec 15th

The Sunset Empire Transportation District’s regular board meeting will be held on Thursday, December 15th at 9am, at the Astoria Transit Center Conference Room, 900 Marine Drive in Astoria.

PORT OF ASTORIA SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH 6PM.

On Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. the Port of Astoria Commission will hold a Special Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Port Administrative Offices, 422 Gateway Ave., Suite 100, Astoria, Oregon. The Port Commission reserves the right to add or delete items as needed, to change the order of the agenda, and to discuss any other business deemed necessary at the time of the meeting. The Special Meeting is open to the public.

AGENDA
Port of Astoria
Special Meeting
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Changes/Additions
3. Public Comment
4. Newport Consortium Update
5. Fire Boat Update
6. Slip 2 Bulkhead Costs
7. East Cascade Update
8. Solution Group DOC
9. Leases
Astoria Pacific Seafood
DaYang Seafood
Empire
10. Warrenton Fiber Agreement
11. Seafood Offloading Fees
12. Commission Direction
13. Public Comment
14. Adjourn

Dungeness crab season opens Dec. 15 along most of Oregon’s coast

Dungeness crab is back on the menu for holiday feasts as commercial crabbing opens Dec. 15 along most of the Oregon coast.

Fishery managers made the decision today to open the ocean to crabbing along the Oregon coast from the Columbia River to just north of Gold Beach (42°26'00" N. Lat.). The ocean commercial Dungeness crab season in Oregon normally opens Dec. 1, but was delayed this year because crab did not meet minimum pre-season quality testing.

The testing measures the percentage of meat in the crab, by weight. Fishery managers can delay the season to allow the crab to fill with meat and ensure a high-quality product to consumers.

Recreational harvest of crab in the ocean off Oregon was also delayed. On Dec. 15 sport crabbers may pursue the tasty crustaceans on all but the southern part of the coast from just north of Gold Beach (42°26'00" N. Lat.) to the California border. Recreational boaters may catch crabs north of the line and then return to Gold Beach.

The recreational harvest of Dungeness crab in Oregon’s bays and estuaries is open year round.

The closed portion of the coast will open to sport and commercial harvest beginning Jan. 15.

Commercial crabbers are allowed to set their gear three days before the season opens, so ocean watchers will see the lights of crab boats off most of the coast as early as Monday (Dec. 12).

Fort Clatsop Open House, Sunday, December 18

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park announces Fort Clatsop's Holiday Open House Sunday, December 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fort Clatsop will come alive with the sights and smells of the holidays. Visit the fort during the season when the Lewis and Clark Expedition stayed near the Pacific Ocean.

Holiday open house activities include:
The Star Spangled Banner flag raising at the fort at 9:30 a.m. Volley of gunfire flintlock programs at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Christmas 1805 ranger talks at 12:00 p.m. and 4 p.m. A special night flintlock volley of gunfire follows the 4 p.m. talk. Tallow rendering and candle making will be continuous from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Star Spangled Banner retiring of the flag at 3:30 p.m. Ranger-led discovery walks on the Netul Trail at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

After visiting the fort, warm-up in the visitor center with hot apple cider and participate in hands-on children's activities.

A special guest speaker presentation by Elita Tom, Getting to Know Sacagawea, is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in the visitor center Netul River Room.

At 2:00 p.m. three short films from the park's 2011 Teen Film Camp will be premiered and visitors will have a chance to interact with the filmmakers in the Netul River Room.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the walks and most of the programs outside of the visitor center. The park, including the Lewis & Clark National Park Association bookstore, is open daily (except for Christmas Day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special winter ranger programs are also planned for each day from December 26 through January 1.

For more information, call the park at (503) 861-2471.

Rule change in Alsea, North Fork Nehalem allows anglers to keep tagged fish

As part of a study of winter steelhead on the Alsea and North Fork Nehalem rivers, ODFW has adopted a temporary rule that allows anglers who catch a radio-tagged hatchery winter steelhead to harvest the fish.

Permanent fishing regulations prohibit the harvest of radio-tagged fish. Instead, anglers are required to release the fish unharmed so scientists can continue to collect data.

However, according to Ryan Couture, ODFW manager at the Oregon Hatchery Research Center, the temporary rule change is designed to encourage anglers to turn in radio tags from any fish they catch. While the temporary rule is aimed at the Alsea and the North Fork Nehalem rivers where tagging will occur, it also will apply to other streams in the NW Zone to allow anglers to harvest and recovery tags from fish that may relocate into nearby basins.

“A key piece of information we hope to collect is where the fish was caught,” he said. “Once we have that information, the tag is no longer useful in that fish. We can, however, reuse that radio tag in the next iteration of the study.”

The radio-tagged fish are easily identified by a 6-inch long antenna coming out of the mouth. Anglers who catch a radio-tagged fish should record the date and location of the catch and call one of the following ODFW offices to record that data and arrange to return the tag:

· Oregon Hatchery Research Center (541) 487-5510

· Alsea Hatchery (541) 487-7240

· Nehalem Hatchery (503) 368-5670

· ODFW Newport Office (541) 265-8306

· ODFW Tillamook Office (503) 842-2741

The radio tags are being used to trace the movement and timing of adult winter steelhead returning to the Alsea and North Fork Nehalem. Beginning early this winter, and continuing through spring 2012, the location and behavior of the radio-tagged fish will be tracked using several fixed and handheld receivers along the river.

The data collected will help determine if a new strategy for releasing hatchery steelhead smolts is working to help make returning adult fish more available to anglers.

“Hatchery steelhead on the Alsea River have a reputation for moving very quickly up the river directly to the hatchery,” Couture said. “We want to see if releasing the smolts lower in the river will help slow them down and give anglers a better chance to catch them.”

ODFW also is looking for volunteers to help catch the fish to be tagged on the Alsea. To volunteer, contact Ryan Couture at (541) 487-5510.

In order to encourage anglers to return tags to ODFW, two sport groups are sponsoring drawings that will award prizes to anglers returning tags. The Alsea Sportsman’s Association will award two $50 gift certificates to a local sporting goods stores to two anglers whose names are drawn from Alsea River tag returns. Angler’s returning radio tags from the North Fork Nehalem will be eligible to win one of the popular fish prints from the Association of Northwest Steelheaders.

“The idea is not to target tagged fished, but to help ODFW recover some expensive radio tags that could be reused,” said Ty Wyatt of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders.

ASTORIA'S IRVING AVENUE @ 19TH STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT UPDATE

Work crews began geologic explorations on Monday, December 5th as part of a project to replace the aging Irving Avenue & 19th Street Bridge in Astoria. Due to difficult soil conditions the drilling project will be extended for a week ending on the 18th of December.

For more information and to get on the project mailing list, contact Steve Ruggles, City of Astoria Public Works Dept., at 338-5173 or email at sruggles@astoria.or.us.

LANDSLIDE CLOSES RECREATION AREA IN TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST

Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) officials have closed a dispersed camping site along Ben Smith Creek in the Tillamook State Forest due to a landslide creating the potential for flooded trails and camping sites.

The landslide encompasses approximately 18 acres and has deposited trees and sediment into the stream. The debris from the landslide has caused a change in the course of the stream and also created the potential for large amount of material to move downstream in a debris flow. During heavy rainfall and high flows, sediment is moving from the slide area through Ben Smith Creek and into the Wilson River.

Ben Smith Creek enters the Wilson River just above where Oregon Highway 6 crosses the Wilson at Lee's Camp, about 25 miles east of Tillamook. ODF geotechnical specialists have determined that any additional release of material at the landslide location does not pose a risk to motorists using Highway 6 nor pose a hazard to homes located on the Wilson River.

Some recreation trails surrounding Ben Smith Creek (accessed from Hwy 6 on Ben Smith Road) have been closed by ODF until further notice due to the potential for trail washouts and debris flows. Signs have been posted by ODF at trailheads to advise members of the public about the safety concerns. Large sections of wood will continue to end up in the creek, creating new habitat for fish as a result.

ODF geotechnical and engineering specialists began reviewing the area in 2010 and determined the release of debris at the creek is part of a larger hillside failure in a landscape where slide activity is part of the natural erosion process. The landslide is considered slow-moving, having been identified as a concern by ODF geotechnical specialists in November 2010. The first activity in the landslide area occurred prior to 1994-95 when it was discovered by ODF personnel preparing for thinning operations and road rebuilding.

"These actions are part of a natural process always at work in NW Oregon forests," said Mike Buren, ODF geotechnical specialist. "These changes are going on in the forest undetected by most people, especially in fall and winter."

Specialists from ODF will continue to monitor the landslide area throughout the winter and spring of 2012.

Additional photo and video resources about the landslide incident are available on the ODF web site: www.oregon.gov/ODF/newsroom/newsreleases/2011/NR1175.shtml

23rd Annual Astoria Fire & Rescue Christmas Food Parade

The Astoria Fire & Rescue fire engines will be parading through neighborhoods in Astoria on Thursday, December 8th, Friday, December 9th, and Saturday, December 10th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Firefighters, family, and friends will be picking up non-perishable food items and donations for needy families this holiday season. The fire engines will be decorated with lights and playing Christmas music. We’ve heard that Santa Claus will be making an appearance to help us hand out candy canes and spread the Christmas joy!

In 2010, we collected 3,780 pounds of food. Our goal this year is to collect over 4,000 pounds of food. All the food collected this year will benefit needy families in Astoria. Please help make this goal possible! Here are the dates when we will be in your neighborhood:

Thursday, December 8th

The parade will start at Emerald Heights, through Alderbrook and Uppertown.


Friday, December 9th

The parade will start at 8th and Franklin and continue through the upper hills of Astoria.


Saturday, December 10th

The parade will start at Columbia Street and continue through the south hills of Astoria.

If you will not be home during the food parade in your area, you can drop off a bag of non-perishable food items to the Astoria Fire & Rescue at 555 30th Street, Astoria. There will be a barrel in our lobby for the non-perishable food. Our lobby is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cash donations will be accepted to help purchase turkeys and additional food for the Christmas Food Baskets. Checks can be made to: Clatsop Community Action, for the Christmas Food Program. Checks or cash donations can be given during the food parade, or dropped off at Astoria Fire & Rescue, 555 30th Street, Astoria.


Specific details of the each route can be obtained by contacting the Astoria Fire & Rescue at (503) 325-2345.

SALEM POLICE SEEK PUBLIC'S HELP AFTER VANDALS CAUSE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF DAMAGE IN SALEM AREA

Vandals went on a spree of breaking windows, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to a residence, businesses, vehicles and bus shelters throughout the Salem area.

The majority of the incidents appear to have occurred overnight from Friday, December 2nd to the early morning hours of Saturday, December 3rd. Thus far the Salem Police Department is aware of 30 incidents where windows were broken, cracked and/or shattered by what appears to be some type of small projectile similar in size to a BB.

Several Cherriots bus shelters were damaged in northeast Salem; however, businesses and vehicles were damaged throughout the city.

These types of crimes are very costly in dollars and labor and present a substantial public safety threat to our community. The breakage and shattering of the windows indicates the projectiles were shot with considerable velocity. This creates a significant safety concern because of the high potential for injuries to persons from the projectiles, flying glass or ricochet.

The Salem Police Department is asking the public for assistance in identifying those responsible for these acts of vandalism. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Salem Police Department at 503-588-6027.

IRVING AVENUE @ 19TH STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT BEGINS

Work crews will begin geologic explorations on Monday, December 5th as part of a project to replace the aging Irving Avenue & 19th Street Bridge in Astoria. A drilling crew and rig will be working on Irving Avenue collecting test borings for approximately five days. Motorists should expect a one-lane closure during daytime hours where the work is taking place. Traffic control will be set up on site to direct traffic.

This work is part of the preliminary investigation necessary to help develop design and construction plans for a new bridge. The current Irving Avenue bridge was built in 1946 from steel, which typically has a 50-year lifespan. The new bridge will be built to handle safe vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle passage. Conceptual estimates put the cost of the new bridge at approximately $5 million. The Federal Highway Bridge Program, administered by the Oregon Department of Transportation, will fund 90% of the cost to replace the bridge.

Actual construction on a new bridge won’t begin until fall of 2013 at the earliest. In the meantime technical consultants led by David Evans and Associates under the direction of the City of Astoria will be undertaking a variety of technical analyses and design tasks. The current plan is to monitor for earth movement over the winter (wet) season.

Public meetings will be held to keep people informed and ask for input on the new bridge design. The first public meeting is planned for spring/summer 2012.

For more information and to get on the project mailing list, contact Steve Ruggles, City of Astoria Public Works Dept., at 338-5173 or email at sruggles@astoria.or.us.

Razor Clam Dig this Saturday at 4 WA ocean beaches

Clam diggers who want to dig some fresh razor clams for the holidays will get their first chance this coming Saturday, Dec. 10 at four ocean beaches. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has approved the evening dig at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches after marine toxin tests showed that the clams on those beaches are safe to eat. The low evening tide on Saturday Dec. 10 will be at 6:30 p.m. No digging will be allowed at any of those beaches before noon. WDFW has also tentatively scheduled a two-day dig Dec. 22-23 at the same four beaches, pending the results of future toxin tests. Final approval for that dig will be announced once those tests show the clams are still safe to eat. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2011-12 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.

7TH ST. & MARINE DR. STORM DRAIN PIPE REPAIR PROJECT IN ASTORIA

Lovett, Inc., contractor for the City of Astoria 7th Street & Marine Drive Pipe Repair Project, is scheduled to begin operations on Monday, December 5, 2011. They will be repairing a damaged storm drain pipe under Marine Drive at 7th Street.
Work for this project is expected to last for two weeks, through Friday, December 16th. Construction activity will be taking place between Bond Street and Astor Street along 7th Street.
All schedules are subject to change in the event of unfavorable weather conditions. No parking at these locations will be allowed. Citizens should be prepared for short traffic delays and street closures. If you have questions please call Astoria Public Works at 503-338-5173.

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 regular meeting

Official minutes available once approved by board

Jail architect selected

The board of commissioners voted to select DLR Group to provide architectural and engineering services for the proposed remodel and expansion of the Clatsop County Jail, and to direct staff to negotiate a contract with the firm. The company was the top choice of a county selection committee that reviewed seven bid proposals for the project.

The work will involve drawing up detailed schematic plans and cost estimates for adding up to 100 beds to the 69-bed facility in downtown Astoria. Once the plans and estimates are completed, the board of commissioners will consider whether to seek voter approval next year for a bond measure to fund the expansion project.

In October the board voted to make available up to $100,000 from the county’s Special Projects Fund for the schematic and cost estimate work.

Sheriff Tom Bergin said DLR Group is recognized nationally for its work on correctional facilities and is well prepared to take on the county project.

Circus ordinance to ballot

The Board of Commissioners voted to place an ordinance banning displays of elephants and exotic animals on the May 2012 primary election ballot.

Ordinance 11-13 would prohibit the display of elephants and exotic animals in circuses and other entertainment venues. The ordinance exempts 4-H and FFA events, rodeos and horse shows and educational events from the ban.

Four citizens spoke in favor of the ordinance Wednesday. The ban was originally proposed by a county resident over concerns about treatment of animals in traveling circus shows.

Other business

In other business the board:

-Voted to approve a zone change application to the City of Warrenton by the Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association for county-owned property leased to the association for its Warrenton soccer facilities on Ridge Road. The application requests a change from Low-Density Residential to Open Space-Institutional for four tax lots. In January, at LCYSA’s request, the county amended the legal description of the property to add additional property for the association – the zone change is necessary to allow LCYSA to use the added land for playing fields and parking.

-Approved a $48,486.75 contract with Big River Excavating for clearing and grubbing the route for Ensign Lane in the North Coast Business Park in Warrenton. Construction of the road, slated for 2012-13, is vital for the future development of the park. Funding for the contract will come from the Industrial Development Revolving Fund, which holds proceeds from the $8.6 million sale of the 75-acre highway-front commercial section of the business park.

-Took no action on two letters proposed to be sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality over the proposed listing of a local business, Astoria Marine Construction Company, under the federal Superfund National Priorities List pollution cleanup program. County Manager Duane Cole presented the board with a letter from Oregon Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden to the regional EPA office dated Nov. 30 that asks the agency to provide more time for the company to identify funding sources to pay for cleanup planning at the site. Cole said the county will wait on the EPA’s response to the senators’ letter before taking action.

-Discussed proposed new rules for the board of commissioners in a work session. The rules, which cover basic board operations such as chair and vice-chair selection, agenda-setting and meeting protocol, committee appointments and travel policies, will be brought back to the board for final action Dec. 14.

-Approved an adjustment of the 2011-12 budget to account for the delay in construction of a new boathouse for the County Sheriff’s Office, which was originally scheduled for completion in the 2010-11 budget year. The new boathouse replaces a facility destroyed in the December 2007 windstorm.

-Voted to accept the deed to a piece of property on Lewis and Clark Road. The narrow strip of land lying between the road and the Lewis and Clark River is part of a larger parcel owned by Linda Holton, who requested the deed transfer to the county to remove an encumbrance on the property title and allow a pending sale of the larger parcel to proceed. The transferred property is part of the road right-of-way and is maintained by the county road division.

-Appointed Thomas Duncan, Paul Gillum, Mel Jasmin, Bob Link, Duane Mullins and Paul Olheiser to the Ambulance Service Area Advisory Committee. The county recently re-activated the committee to lead an update of the Ambulance Service Area Plan.

Coast Guard Awards for offshore vessel boarding

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River members were awarded Army Achievement Medals and members of the Oregon National Guard 102nd Civil Support Team (CST) were awarded Coast Guard Achievement Medals during a ceremony at Sector Columbia River in Warrenton, Ore., Wednesday.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The medals were awarded to honor the Coast Guard and Army National Guard partnership during the offshore boarding of the vessel Pan Pac Spirit Apr. 8, 2011.

The freight vessel Pan Pac Spirit transited through waters in the vicinity of Fukushima, Japan. The vessel passed radiation screening and was cleared to enter port.

The collaborative efforts of Station Cape Disappointment, Wash., Air Station Astoria, Ore., Marine Safety Unit Portland, Ore., and Oregon National Guard 102nd CST provided a skilled and thorough risk assessment to help ensure the health and safety of the populace within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone.

The boarding marked the first time Coast Guard Sector Columbia River worked with the 102nd CST in a real world situation, after two years of training together to prepare for such an event.

Census shows Wahkiakum County's ethnic mix unchanged

According to the 2010 census the ethnic breakdown for Wahkiakum County’s population of 3,978 is 94 percent White. Black persons were .03 percent of the total, American Indian and Alaska Native 1.3 percent, Asian persons 0.6 percent, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders 0.2 percent.
Of the 3,824 Wahkiakum County residents counted in the 2000 census, 93.5 percent were White. Blacks were 0.03 percent of the total, Native Americans 1.6, Asians 0.5, and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders 0.1 percent.
People reporting two or more races in 2010 were 3.1 percent, compared to 2.5 percent in 2000.
The Associated Press reported Wahkiakum County is one of the least expensive places for a single-parent family with one preschooler and one school-age child to live, reporting the family would need $32,997 a year to be self-sufficient. Most expensive places to live would be East King County at $65,690.

Ruby Murray, The Wahkiakum County Eagle.

OREGON GIVES TAXPAYERS A SECOND CHANCE TO BID ON TAX CREDITS

If you missed the state tax credit auction in November, you'll get another chance to bid in December.

The Oregon departments of Energy and Revenue are re-opening the auction so that more taxpayers can bid on the nearly $1.1 million in tax credits remaining. Bidding starts tomorrow ((December 1)) at 9 a.m. Pacific Time and runs through 5 p.m. PT, December 9.

The auction is open to individuals and to businesses that will owe tax when they file their 2011 Oregon tax return. The credits will reduce the amount of tax they'll owe. Unused portions may be carried forward for up to three years.

Here's how it works: The tax credits are available in $1,000 increments. Minimum bid is $950. Place your bid online at www.oregon.gov/dor.

To complete your bid, you must submit your payment so that it reaches the Department of Revenue by 5 p.m. PT, December 16, 2011. If you don't submit payment, your bid won't count.

If you're a winning bidder, the Oregon Department of Energy will issue a credit certificate.

The money raised in the auction will help support local renewable energy projects including biomass, solar and geothermal.

SEASIDE TO TEST TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM

The City of Seaside will be testing its Tsunami Warning System on Wednesday, December 7th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. This test will be to monitor and assess the notification system and will not be used as a public information trial alert. The warning will begin with three beeps and consist of a voice message stating, "This is a test. This is a test of the emergency warning system. This is only a test." The message will be broadcast in English and Spanish

ReliaCards users to receive free and unlimited point-of-sale, bank teller and U.S. Bank ATM transactions

New fee structure reached as part of negotiations for state’s electronic payment card contract

State Treasurer Ted Wheeler and U.S. Bank have agreed to make point-of-sale, bank teller and U.S. Bank ATM transactions free and unlimited for Oregonians who receive unemployment and child support payments via state-issued ReliaCards.

The new terms were reached as part of ongoing negotiations over the state’s electronic payment card services, which have yet to be finalized. A full fee schedule will be available after the contract is final. The current contract is set to expire Dec. 31.

“The changes we have negotiated will benefit Oregon card users and taxpayers,” said Treasurer Wheeler. “I want to thank U.S. Bank for listening to the needs of Oregonians and for their commitment to making the program even better for all involved.”

“U.S. Bank has provided banking and financial services to Oregonians for more than 120 years and continues to be an advocate for a stronger community,” said Malia Wasson, president of U.S. Bank in Oregon and Southwest Washington. “We are pleased to be able to restructure our ReliaCard program so that it meets the needs of the State of Oregon and our shared constituents and clients.”

Oregon began providing payments through electronic payment cards in 2007 for unemployment and child support recipients. About half of the Oregonians who receive payments choose to have the money directly deposited for free to their bank accounts. Those who do not choose the free direct deposit option can have payments posted for free to any reloadable prepaid card, including U.S. Bank ReliaCard.

Under the revamped fee schedule, cardholders will:

· have free and unlimited withdrawals from US Bank-branded ATMs. That is a significant improvement from the current contract, which allows cardholders two free ATM visits a month;

· be allowed unlimited cash withdrawals from bank branch teller windows (over-the-counter cash withdrawals);

· continue to make point-of-sale purchases and receive cash back with no charge, like any debit card, at any merchant that accepts VISA-branded debit cards;

· continue to have two withdrawals a month from non-U.S. Bank-branded ATMs, without U.S. Bank charges. That is a unique benefit in Oregon’s contract that was negotiated because of the understanding that not all Oregonians live near a U.S. Bank branch; and

· no longer have access to overdraft protection as federal law changes make this option unavailable.

Before the advent the electronic payment card program, the state printed, mailed and processed hundreds of thousands of additional checks each month. As a result, costs to taxpayers were significantly higher. Between 2007 and December 2010, the accumulated savings as a result of just the Employment Department shift was estimated to be at least $11.5 million.
photo courtesy of ouroregon.org

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River and Oregon 102nd Civil Support Team members to receive medals Wednesday

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River members will be awarded Army Achievement Medals and members of the Oregon National Guard 102nd Civil Support Team (CST) will be awarded Coast Guard Achievement Medals during a ceremony at Sector Columbia River in Warrenton, Ore., Wednesday, at 10 a.m.

The medals are being awarded to honor the Coast Guard and Army National Guard partnership during the offshore boarding of the vessel Pan Pac Spirit Apr. 8, 2011.

The freight vessel Pan Pac Spirit transited through waters in the vicinity of Fukushima, Japan. The vessel passed radiation screening and was cleared to enter port.

The collaborative efforts of Station Cape Disappointment, Wash., Air Station Astoria, Ore., Marine Safety Unit Portland, Ore., and Oregon National Guard 102nd CST provided a skilled and thorough risk assessment to help ensure the health and safety of the populace within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone.

Click here for more information about the boarding.

Open Horse Riding starts at Clatsop Fairgrounds Wed Nov 30

Open Horse Riding at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds will start this Wednesday Nov. 30th. The indoor arena will be open from 6pm to 9pm almost every Wed. through the winter. The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Posse members will be supervising. The cost is $5 per rider. Helmets are recommended for all riders, but those aged 18 and under, are required to wear one. You need to get out and your horse needs some exercise. For more information contact the fairgrounds at 503.325.4600.

National Park Service kicks off planning for Colewort Creek. Public Meeting at 7 pm, December 1, 2011

On December 1, the National Park Service willl hold a scoping meeting at the Netul Room in the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center to kick-off public planning for the proposed Colewort Creek Salmon Recovery Project.
The project proposes to return an additional 15 acres on the south bank of Colewort Creek from pastureland to wetlands by excavating tidal channels out of fill material. The project also proposes to improve habitat along existing tidal channels on the north bank.

The purpose of the Project is (1) to restore Colewort Creek to conditions known the Clatsop, Chinook and other tribes in the late 18th and early 19th century and experienced by the Lewis and Clark expedition and (2) to help satisfy federal legal responsibilities under the 2008 Biological Opinion for the Federal Columbia River Power System (2008 Bi-Op).

Colewort Creek Restoration Plan, Thursday, December 1, 2011, Public Meeting: 7 pm, Fort Clatsop Visitor Center at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAM SEEKS CLATSOP COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Partners and stakeholders are invited to help the effort to make health coverage available to all Clatsop County children.

Earlier this year, Clatsop County and Oregon’s Healthy Kids program formed a partnership to support Healthy Kids, Oregon’s no-cost and low-cost health coverage program for kids and teens 0-18 years of age. Part of the Oregon Health Authority’s first initiatives, Healthy Kids helped bring health coverage to more than 100,000 children statewide, cutting the rate of uninsured kids in Oregon by half – from 11.3 percent in 2009 to 5.6 percent today.

“In Clatsop County, we know there are still gaps in coverage for our children,” said Judi Mahoney, Healthy Kids Outreach and Enrollment Worker for Clatsop County. “By bringing together representatives from all sectors of our community, we can reach out and begin closing those gaps.”

The creation of the Clatsop County Healthy Kids Coalition addresses the need to increase access to health coverage for kids and teens in the county. The coalition held their first meeting on Nov. 2 with 24 representatives of various county agencies, advocacy organizations and business groups.

Among the first attendees were Danielle Sobel from the Office of Healthy Kids, community leaders representing local hospitals, Clatsop County, the American Legion, many county school districts, Head Start among other children’s centers, Healthy Start, the Department of Human Services, the local Housing Authority, Suzanne Elise Assisted Living Community and OSU Extension’s Family and Community Health program.

The coalition will meet every six to eight weeks to collaborate on outreach opportunities, and brainstorm new ideas to bring coverage to kids.

Right now, the coalition is seeking community partners and stakeholders to assist in outreach efforts and promote Healthy Kids among their clients and networks.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the DHS building in Astoria; 450 Marine Drive, 2nd floor conference room. For more information on the coalition or joining the coalition, please contact Judi Mahoney at (503) 358-2333. Families seeking assistance enrolling their children in Healthy Kids are encouraged to contact Judi.

Families can also apply for Healthy Kids coverage by calling 1-877-314-5678 or by visiting www.OregonHealthyKids.gov.

CLATSOP COMMISSIONERS HOST PUBLIC HEARING NOV. 30 ON CIRCUS ANIMAL ORDINANCE

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners is seeking public input on a proposed ordinance banning public displays of elephants and exotic animals within the county.

The board will hold a public hearing on the ordinance at its Wednesday, Nov. 30 meeting beginning at 6 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.

Following the public hearing the commissioners will consider whether to place the ordinance before county voters in the May 2012 primary election.

Ordinance 11-13 would prohibit the display of elephants and exotic animals in circuses and other entertainment venues. Rodeos and horse shows, 4-H and FFA events and educational displays would be exempt from the ban. The ordinance would cover only the unincorporated portion of the county.

For more information, including the full text of the proposed ordinance, view the Nov. 30 board agenda at www.co.clatsop.or.us.

$5 OFF OREGON STATE PARK DAY-USE PERMIT IN DECEMBER

December is "stocking stuffer" month at Oregon State Parks. From December 1 through December 31, parkgoers can save $5 on the state park 12-month day-use parking permit.

The state park permit, which is required at 26 Oregon state parks, is on sale for $25 - regularly $30 - in December.

"The permit makes a great gift," said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) spokesman Chris Havel. "The $5 discount in December makes them even better." Parking permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle, making them even more of a value in today's economy. OPRD also offers a 24-month pass, priced at $50, that Havel said is "always a bargain."

Visitors who do not have long-term passes must purchase $5 daily permits. "That means remembering to have the cash and then taking time to buy a permit from a vending machine or stopping at a fee booth," said Havel.

The Oregon Coast Passport is also discounted $5 in December. The passport is a multi-agency product, valid at Oregon State Parks, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service sites along the Oregon Coast. The coastal passports are on sale for $30 - regularly $35 - in December.

The 12- and 24-month OPRD permits and coastal passports can be purchased, along with other gift possibilities such as gift certificates, by calling the Oregon State Parks Information Center, 1-800-551-6949. Callers may use debit or credit cards that have VISA or MasterCard logos to purchase permits, passports and gift certificates.

Walk-in customers can buy the OPRD permits at major OPRD offices, some state park friends' group stores and selected local businesses throughout the state. A list of vendors is posted at www.oregonstateparks.org/dayuse_permit_vendors.php. The coastal passports are sold at coastal state parks, federal agency offices and local vendors in several coastal communities.

Decision 2011: A Real Tree, or an Import?

by Chris Thomas

BEAVERCREEK, Ore. - Which is better for the environment: buying a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? Maybe it isn't such a tough question in Oregon, a state that devotes more acreage to growing Christmas trees than any other, but 'tis the time of year many Oregonians are facing that decision. It's a choice with implications for the economy as well as the environment.

Bill Ulfelder, a director of The Nature Conservancy, says natural Christmas trees offer plenty of environmental advantages as they grow.

"They capture climate-changing gases from the atmosphere, so they help abate climate change; they're putting oxygen into the air for us to breathe; they're good for wildlife, mammals, birds and insects."

On the other hand, he says most artificial trees are manufactured in Asia using polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs), which do not decompose in landfills. Even so, twice as many Americans buy artificial trees as real ones. Ulfelder also points out that making the switch to a real tree helps the U.S. economy: Christmas tree production is a $1 billion industry, providing 100,000 jobs across the country at more than 12,000 farms.

Blenda and Joe Tyvoll raise organic Christmas trees and let customers cut their own at Victorhill Farm, Beavercreek. Among the advantages of buying from organic farms, says Blenda Tyvoll, is all-natural pest control. The Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association now certifies some farms in its Socially and Environmentally Responsible Farm (SERF) program.

Tyvoll adds that properly disposing of the tree can be another environmental benefit.

"People can bring it into their house, enjoy it for Christmas, and once they're done, they don't have to worry about packing it up somewhere and storing it. They can take it to the curbside and it can be recycled. It goes right back into nature again; it's composted and goes back into the earth."

Another option is to cut a tree in one of Oregon's national forests. Permits cost only $5 per tree, and any Forest Service district office will sell up to five per household.

Skeletal Remains Found near Nicolai Mountain

On November 25, 2011, an elk hunter made a discovery, while traversing a drainage near Nicolai Mountain. After crossing a small stream over a log jam, the hunter stepped over an odd object which caught his eye. The hunter examined more closely and recognized the object to be a human skull. The hunter and his father contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report their find.

That afternoon, Deputies and Dr. Stefanelli, investigator with the District Attorney’s office, met with the hunters who led the law enforcement team back to the scene. The skull was recovered and secured waiting to be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office.

The following morning of November 26, Clatsop County Search and Rescue returned to the scene to search for additional clues. The team located additional skeletal remains and clothing items along the stream bed. No source of identification was found during the search. Clothing found include blue BDU style pants and a 2XL, black, Addias brand shirt.

Evidence will be sent to the Oregon State Police Crime lab and the State Medical Examiner’s Office for identification.

If you have any information regarding this case or a missing person possibly not from the North Coast area please contact Detective Jama Hulon or Sgt. Matt Phillips at the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office.
(503)325-8635.

Minor flood warning for SW Washington coast

SOUTH WASHINGTON COAST-
557 PM PST FRI NOV 25 2011
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 3 PM SATURDAY
FOR MINOR TIDAL OVERFLOW ALONG LOW LYING SECTIONS OF THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON COAST...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A COASTAL
FLOOD ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 3 PM SATURDAY
FOR MINOR TIDAL OVERFLOW ALONG LOW LYING SECTIONS OF THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON COAST.
A SIGNIFICANT TIDAL OVERFLOW IS EXPECTED AROUND HIGH TIDE EARLY
SATURDAY AFTERNOON ALONG LOW-LYING PARTS OF THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON COAST. HIGH WATER WILL DEVELOP BY NOON SATURDAY ALONG
WILLAPA BAY AND ESTUARIES FROM MEGLER TO NORTH COVE AS THE TIDE
COMES IN.
* TIDES: HIGH TIDE SATURDAY WILL REACH 11.1 FT AROUND 1 PM.
ADDITIONALLY...THE TIDAL ANOMALY WILL RUN NEAR 1 FOOT WHICH WILL
MAKE THE OBSERVED TIDE NEAR 12 FT. THE OBSERVED TIDE SUNDAY
AFTERNOON MAY REACH NEAR 11 FT ALSO.
* IMPACTS: MINOR FLOODING NEAR THE POST OFFICE IN RAYMOND.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY INDICATES THAT ONSHORE WINDS AND TIDES
WILL COMBINE TO GENERATE FLOODING OF LOW AREAS ALONG THE SHORE.

Search continues for Nichole Sherman

Columbia County Sheriff's Office investigators continue to ask the public's help in finding an adult female missing since November 13th.

Nichole Sherman 19, reportedly left from her residence at 68160 Meissner Rd. on Sunday November 13 at approximately 4:45 P.M. to go to a friend's house on Apiary Road. She never arrived. Investigators and family members have combed the area around the logical route between the two residences but have found no clues to the disappearance thus far.

"This is a highly suspicious disappearance, and we are putting extra effort into finding out what happened to Ms. Sherman," Sheriff Jeff Dickerson said. "We are hoping someone might have seen her or her vehicle either in the area of her residence at the time of her disappearance or later in the Longview area."

Ms. Sherman has been entered as a missing person. The Sheriff's Office is providing a photograph of the missing woman and of the model of vehicle she drives (red, 2001 Chev. Cavalier, Oregon License YCD562) in this effort. Anyone with information on this case can call and leave information on the Columbia County Sheriff's crime line at (503) 366-4698.

SECOND TIME IN TWO MONTHS, TWO ARRESTED AT LINCOLN CITY RESIDENCE BY LINCOLN INTERAGENCY NARCOTICS TEAM

For the second time in the last two months, an investigation by the Lincoln County Narcotics Team (LINT), with the assistance of the Oregon State Police (OSP) and OSP SWAT team, led to the same Lincoln City residence and the execution of a search warrant last Friday. Two people were arrested following the several months-long investigation that included purchases of methamphetamine from the residence near the local high school.On November 18, 2011 at approximately 5:00 a.m., OSP SWAT team executed a search warrant at 3560 SE Fleet Avenue in Lincoln City. After safely securing the residence where two occupants were contacted, LINT detectives searched and seized a quantity of methamphetamine and other related evidence. Two stolen late model Honda motorcycles were also found and will be eventually returned to their owners.

The two individuals at the residence were taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges:

SAMUEL TRAVIS BLAIR CLARK, age 40
* Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine (3 counts)
* Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance Within 1,000 Feet of a School (3 counts)
* Theft by Receiving in the First Degree (2 counts)
* Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (2 counts)
* Maintaining a Residence Where Drugs Are Sold
* Warrant - Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Lincoln County)
* Warrant - Parole Violation (State Parole Board)

SHELBI RONELE SMITH, age 20
* Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine (3 counts)
* Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance Within 1,000 Feet of a School (3 counts)

* Maintaining a Residence Where Drugs Are Sold
* Warrant - Probation Violation (Polk County)

The LINT team is comprised of members of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Oregon State Police, and Lincoln County District Attorney's Office.

ASTORIA COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN WINS FISHERMAN OF THE YEAR AT SEATTLE COMPETITION

While attending the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle, Washington, Astoria commercial fisherman Captain Martin McMaster earned some major bragging rights by winning Fisherman of the Year on Saturday, November 19. Martin and Elizabeth McMaster and their sons traveled to Seattle to attend the Expo for business representing McMaster Maritime and the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival. Both Martin and Elizabeth are from Astoria, Oregon, and have been serving on the board of the Festival for a year. While they were at the Pacific Marine Expo on Saturday, Martin entered the sponsored competitions to help promote the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival and generate interest in its annual Captain Phil Harris Highliner Competition.

Martin "Marty" McMaster competed against past winners of this award and won the net mending portion winning $100 cash and qualifying to compete in the Fisherman of the Year competition. Competitors entered three portions of the event separately. Net mending, rope splicing and blindfolded knot tying separated the men from the boys. The winners of each of these events then went on to compete in the Fisherman of the Year Championship where each man was given a survival suit. The competitor that got into his suit completely and in record time would claim the crown. Marty got into his survival suit in an unprecedented 19 seconds flat! His prizes were another $100 bill, a brand new pair of XTra Tuff boots, a T-Shirt, a new survival suit and a custom jacket which will have his name and title embroidered in it.

Marty has been a commercial fisherman for 40 years, working in every aspect of the fishery, no doubt giving him the edge in the competitions. Martin was also the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival Highliner of the Year in the 40 and over division for two years: 2009 and 2010. He owns and runs the F/V Lady Laura and works the back deck to maintain his physical edge.

Marty is looking forward to bringing his newly claimed crown to the 2012 Commercial Fishermen’s Festival where he plans to compete again for Highliner of the Year. The 2012 Festival is being planned for September 8 & 9. For more information visit www.CommercialFisermensFestival.com.

ODOT schedules “mock” noise test prior to start of next phase of Astoria-Megler Bridge Project

In its continued preparation for the upcoming Phase II of the Astoria-Megler Bridge painting and repair project, the Oregon Department of Transportation will be conducting a “mock” construction exercise to monitor and record sample noise levels on Wednesday, November 23 between 10 a.m. to noon. The exercise will be conducted weather permitting.

ODOT has hired an independent noise consultant firm from Portland to set up monitors within the vicinity of the bridge, including within the Uniontown neighborhood and in some rooms in hotels located near the bridge. ODOT has been working closely with the City of Astoria and area businesses to address concerns related to potential noise caused by equipment used to paint and repair rivets and bolts on the bridge.

“The purpose of the “mock” exercise is to record sustained and peak sample noise levels to help ODOT prepare a construction schedule that considers the needs of the community and local business owners,” said Larry McKinley, ODOT’s Area Manager in Astoria. “There is a need to find a balanced construction schedule between the anticipated noise impacts to the local community and needing to do the required painting and repair work to the bridge structure.”

During the exercise, equipment typical for the work will be staged at three independent locations (north end, mid span, and south end) along the span of the bridge. The equipment will be run for a period of time, a few minutes at each location, to capture the noise sample. Results of the noise sampling will help ODOT engineers come up with language that can be added to a contractor’s contract identifying ways to mitigate the noise impacts.

For the past two years, crews have been working on the Washington end of the bridge. However, there have been no residences or businesses impacted by the noise. This next phase of work is by the largest, and incorporates the main superstructure of the bridge located much closer to businesses and the general public. The project is expected to go out to bid in early 2012 and begin during the spring. The Phase II work could last five to six years.

During the two-hour exercise on Wednesday, there will be a single lane closure with flaggers controlling traffic. Motorists can expect minor delays.

photo courtesy oregoncoastdirectory.com

Irving Avenue Bridge repair preparations will begin Dec. 5th

Work crews will begin geologic explorations on Monday, December 5th as part of a project to replace the aging Irving Avenue & 19th Street Bridge in Astoria. A drilling crew and rig will be working on Irving Avenue collecting test borings for approximately five days. Motorists should expect a one-lane closure during daytime hours where the work is taking place. Traffic control will be set up on site to direct traffic.

This work is part of the preliminary investigation necessary to help develop design and construction plans for a new bridge. The current Irving Avenue bridge was built in 1946 from steel, which typically has a 50-year lifespan. The new bridge will be built to handle safe vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle passage. Conceptual estimates put the cost of the new bridge at approximately $5 million. The Federal Highway Bridge Program, administered by the Oregon Department of Transportation, will fund 90% of the cost to replace the bridge.

Actual construction on a new bridge won’t begin until fall of 2013 at the earliest. In the meantime technical consultants led by David Evans and Associates under the direction of the City of Astoria will be undertaking a variety of technical analyses and design tasks. The current plan is to monitor for earth movement over the winter (wet) season.

Public meetings will be held to keep people informed and ask for input on the new bridge design. The first public meeting is planned for spring/summer 2012.

Coast Guard closes Columbia River bar entrance due to hazardous weather

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Columbia River, in Astoria, Ore., issued the closure of the Columbia River, Ore., bar entrance due to hazardous conditions at approximately 9 p.m., Monday (11/21).

The bar closure applies to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP, Sector Columbia River. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 for further information or to request crossing.

The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closure on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.

The bar is anticipated to re-open by 8 a.m., Wednesday, based on current weather predictions.

The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.

For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.