Oregon’s US Senator Jeff Merkley will hold town halls in Tillamook, Clatsop and Columbia Counties this weekend.
On Saturday (Feb 5) at 2:30 p.m., he will meet with Tillamook County constituents at Garibaldi City Hall, 107 Sixth Street. Garibaldi, (Use the Community Room entrance on Acacia Avenue)
On Saturday at 5:30 p.m, he’ll meet with constituents in Clatsop County at the Warrenton Grade School Cafeteria, 820 SW Cedar Avenue in Warrenton.
On Sunday, (Feb 6) he’ll be in Columbia County, at 1:30 p.m., at the St. Helens Senior Center, 375 South 15th Street, in St. Helens.
Monday, January 31, 2011
ODFW to begin hazing Willamette sea lions
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will soon begin hazing sea lions below the fish ladders at Willamette Falls in an attempt to reduce predation on federally listed salmon and steelhead on their migration to the upper reaches of the Willamette River and its tributaries.
Now in the second year of a pilot program to see whether sea lion hazing can be effective in moving these animals away from Willamette Falls and potentially reduce fish mortality, the program will take place five days a week between dawn and dusk from Feb. 1 through April 30. The hazing effort will be restricted to the Willamette River between Willamette Falls and the I-205 Bridge about a mile downstream.
A small crew of ODFW employees will deploy hazing fireworks from the Willamette Falls fish ladder and a boat to move California sea lions away from the falls where salmon and steelhead congregate before entering fish ladders. No hazing will occur downstream of the I-205 Bridge, and sea lions will not be killed or harmed.
“Our purpose is not to harm the sea lions or move them off the river entirely, our intent is to move these animals away from ESA-listed fish that are congregating at the fish ladders waiting to swim upstream,” said Tom Murtagh, ODFW fish biologist in charge of the project.
The hazing operation is being conducted under the authority and consistent with policies set in the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Additionally, predation of listed salmon and steelhead by California sea lions below Willamette Falls has been identified as a concern in the Draft Upper Willamette River Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Plan.
Now in the second year of a pilot program to see whether sea lion hazing can be effective in moving these animals away from Willamette Falls and potentially reduce fish mortality, the program will take place five days a week between dawn and dusk from Feb. 1 through April 30. The hazing effort will be restricted to the Willamette River between Willamette Falls and the I-205 Bridge about a mile downstream.
A small crew of ODFW employees will deploy hazing fireworks from the Willamette Falls fish ladder and a boat to move California sea lions away from the falls where salmon and steelhead congregate before entering fish ladders. No hazing will occur downstream of the I-205 Bridge, and sea lions will not be killed or harmed.
“Our purpose is not to harm the sea lions or move them off the river entirely, our intent is to move these animals away from ESA-listed fish that are congregating at the fish ladders waiting to swim upstream,” said Tom Murtagh, ODFW fish biologist in charge of the project.
The hazing operation is being conducted under the authority and consistent with policies set in the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Additionally, predation of listed salmon and steelhead by California sea lions below Willamette Falls has been identified as a concern in the Draft Upper Willamette River Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Plan.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Oil sheen repsonse near the Port of Vancouver
The Coast Guard and Washington State Dept. of Ecology are investigating a sheen at the site of the derelict 431-foot barge, Davy Crockett, on the Columbia River near Camas, Wash., after more oil was discovered leaking from the vessel into the river Thursday.
Responders first went to the scene over the weekend when an oil sheen was reported around the Davy Crockett, after it broke free from its moorings and ran aground on the river’s northern bank.
Ecology received reports Thursday of a light, non-recoverable sheen extending into the Port of Vancouver, Wash., area, and responders traced it back approximately 8.5 miles to the site of the Davy Crockett.
Contractors, already hired by the vessel’s owners, are working with Coast Guard and Ecology responders to determine the source of the sheen. More boom has been placed around the ship; absorbent material is being used to soak up some of the oil.
Divers from Ballard Diving and Salvage Co. are trying to determine the exact source of the oil. Responders don’t know how much oil remains aboard the vessel.
The vessel is located outside of the shipping channel and does not pose a hazard to navigation.
The Coast Guard and Ecology will continue to work closely together on all future pollution incidents in an effort to prevent pollution from impacting the environment to the greatest extent possible.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
CLATSOP CTY BRD OF COMMISSIONERS HIGHLIGHTS
New oath administered
The oath of office was administered to new commissioners Debra Birkby, Peter Huhtala and Scott Lee for a second time prior to the beginning of the meeting. The three were originally sworn in at the board’s Jan. 12 meeting, after which an error was discovered in the script used to administer the oath of office to the three. The original script referred to “the office ? to which I have been appointed” rather than “the office ? to which I have been elected.” Circuit Court Judge Phil Nelson, who administered the oath on Jan. 12, also conducted the second swearing-in.
County counsel determined that the oath of office administered at the Jan. 12 meeting is valid and any actions the board made at that meeting remain in effect.
Arch Cape zoning ordinance adopted
The board approved an ordinance establishing the Arch Cape Rural Community Overlay. The new land-use designation adds and modifies land-use definitions, makes changes to the Arch Cape Rural Community Residential zoning designation. The ordinance also cleans up language for the entire Rural Community land-use designation, which was created in 2003 and applied to a number of other unincorporated communities in the county.
The proposed ordinance originally contained new regulations on short-term rentals, but was removed by the Clatsop County Planning Commission during its review, Planner Jennifer Bunch told the board.
Budget policies adopted
The board approved its Fiscal Year 2011-12 Budget Policies and Strategic Plan/Resource Reduction Strategy. The policies, which guide the budget-formulation process, maintain previous policies that, among other things, require: seeking savings wherever possible; adding no new staff or programs without specific board approval; no “back-filling” cuts in state or federal funding with county revenue; not spending money saved during the fiscal year.
The resource reduction strategy prioritizes programs for funding in the event of the need to cut spending. The board retained the list with no changes: Public Safety and Justice-1, Health and Human Services-2, General Government Direct Services-3, Community Development, Land Use, Transportation and Housing-4, Culture and Recreation-5.
Arch Cape panel member removed
The board voted to remove Stephen Malkowski from the Southwest Coastal Citizen Advisory Committee. The panel, also known as the Design Review Committee, serves as a local planning review body for the unincorporated community of Arch Cape.
The action came in response to a request made to the board of commissioners last month by committee Chairman George Cerelli, who asked that Malkowski be removed for missing multiple meetings of the panel. Malkowski responded that the committee’s other four current members should themselves be removed, because all have exceeded the four-year term limit mandated under the panel’s bylaws.
Business park plan reviewed
The board held a work session discussion with consultants Cardno WRG on the updated master plan for the county’s North Coast Business Park in Warrenton.
The update details proposed development for the remaining 195 acres of the park, as well as street and utility improvements and wetlands protection. The plan identifies potential locations for manufacturing, office and other uses, while maintaining flexibility to aggregate smaller parcels for larger development.
The county plans to host an open house at a future date to gather public input before sending the plan to board for approval.
Other business
-Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Astoria School District to collect a construction excise tax levied by the district. The tax will be collected as an additional fee on building permits issued for non-exempt structures at a rate of $.25 per square foot for residential improvements and $.53 per square foot for commercial improvements. Under Oregon law the county is required to collect the fee.
-Approved a letter to the Oregon Department of State Lands on proposed changes to DSL rules governing dikes, levees and other in-water structures. The letter expresses approval for revisions the department made following heavy opposition that met the original plan changes last spring, but states that the county remains opposed to increasing fees on residents and diking districts.
-Presented the Katherine Hellberg Distinguished Service Award to former County Surveyor Steve Thornton, who retired in December after more than 33 years of service with Clatsop County. The Hellberg Award was established in 1997 to recognize county employees whose careers demonstrate a commitment to public service.
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
The oath of office was administered to new commissioners Debra Birkby, Peter Huhtala and Scott Lee for a second time prior to the beginning of the meeting. The three were originally sworn in at the board’s Jan. 12 meeting, after which an error was discovered in the script used to administer the oath of office to the three. The original script referred to “the office ? to which I have been appointed” rather than “the office ? to which I have been elected.” Circuit Court Judge Phil Nelson, who administered the oath on Jan. 12, also conducted the second swearing-in.
County counsel determined that the oath of office administered at the Jan. 12 meeting is valid and any actions the board made at that meeting remain in effect.
Arch Cape zoning ordinance adopted
The board approved an ordinance establishing the Arch Cape Rural Community Overlay. The new land-use designation adds and modifies land-use definitions, makes changes to the Arch Cape Rural Community Residential zoning designation. The ordinance also cleans up language for the entire Rural Community land-use designation, which was created in 2003 and applied to a number of other unincorporated communities in the county.
The proposed ordinance originally contained new regulations on short-term rentals, but was removed by the Clatsop County Planning Commission during its review, Planner Jennifer Bunch told the board.
Budget policies adopted
The board approved its Fiscal Year 2011-12 Budget Policies and Strategic Plan/Resource Reduction Strategy. The policies, which guide the budget-formulation process, maintain previous policies that, among other things, require: seeking savings wherever possible; adding no new staff or programs without specific board approval; no “back-filling” cuts in state or federal funding with county revenue; not spending money saved during the fiscal year.
The resource reduction strategy prioritizes programs for funding in the event of the need to cut spending. The board retained the list with no changes: Public Safety and Justice-1, Health and Human Services-2, General Government Direct Services-3, Community Development, Land Use, Transportation and Housing-4, Culture and Recreation-5.
Arch Cape panel member removed
The board voted to remove Stephen Malkowski from the Southwest Coastal Citizen Advisory Committee. The panel, also known as the Design Review Committee, serves as a local planning review body for the unincorporated community of Arch Cape.
The action came in response to a request made to the board of commissioners last month by committee Chairman George Cerelli, who asked that Malkowski be removed for missing multiple meetings of the panel. Malkowski responded that the committee’s other four current members should themselves be removed, because all have exceeded the four-year term limit mandated under the panel’s bylaws.
Business park plan reviewed
The board held a work session discussion with consultants Cardno WRG on the updated master plan for the county’s North Coast Business Park in Warrenton.
The update details proposed development for the remaining 195 acres of the park, as well as street and utility improvements and wetlands protection. The plan identifies potential locations for manufacturing, office and other uses, while maintaining flexibility to aggregate smaller parcels for larger development.
The county plans to host an open house at a future date to gather public input before sending the plan to board for approval.
Other business
-Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Astoria School District to collect a construction excise tax levied by the district. The tax will be collected as an additional fee on building permits issued for non-exempt structures at a rate of $.25 per square foot for residential improvements and $.53 per square foot for commercial improvements. Under Oregon law the county is required to collect the fee.
-Approved a letter to the Oregon Department of State Lands on proposed changes to DSL rules governing dikes, levees and other in-water structures. The letter expresses approval for revisions the department made following heavy opposition that met the original plan changes last spring, but states that the county remains opposed to increasing fees on residents and diking districts.
-Presented the Katherine Hellberg Distinguished Service Award to former County Surveyor Steve Thornton, who retired in December after more than 33 years of service with Clatsop County. The Hellberg Award was established in 1997 to recognize county employees whose careers demonstrate a commitment to public service.
Tom Bennett
Community Relations Coordinator
OREGON RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT ON HEALTH INSURANCE
The Department of Consumer and Business Services has released its annual report describing health insurance regulation in Oregon and how the state's seven largest health insurers are faring financially.
Some of the key findings from the 2011 Health Insurance in Oregon report:
• The recession took a toll on Oregonians' ability to remain insured; enrollment through Oregon's seven-largest insurers dropped 15 percent from 2007 to 2009.
• Health insurance premiums continue to rise by double digits, corresponding with ongoing increases in medical claims costs.
• The state's seven largest health insurers are financially stable. As of mid-2010, these insurers showed an average 3 percent profit compared to 1 percent for each of the prior two years.
• The state-regulated insurance markets cover about 39 percent of Oregonians; only 12 percent of Oregonians are in plans subject to state rate regulation. Others receive coverage through self-insured employer plans, government programs such as Medicare/Medicaid, or are uninsured.
"The report offers the background for understanding the changing nature of commercial health insurance," DCBS Insurance Division Administrator Teresa Miller said. "The data presented in the report also underscores the need to control medical claims costs, which drive health insurance rates."
For example, the report shows that in 2009 the seven largest health insurers in Oregon spent 91 cents of every premium dollar to pay medical claims.
The report includes extensive data on the seven insurers' share of Oregon's competitive health insurance market. The report also discusses how state regulation of insurance is changing as a result of the federal Affordable Care Act.
The report is available on the DCBS website.
People with questions about insurance issues can reach the Insurance Division's consumer advocates at 503-947-7984 in the Salem area or toll-free at 1-888-877-4894. The report notes that in a typical year, the consumer advocacy staff handles about 16,000 inquiries about all types of insurance.
Some of the key findings from the 2011 Health Insurance in Oregon report:
• The recession took a toll on Oregonians' ability to remain insured; enrollment through Oregon's seven-largest insurers dropped 15 percent from 2007 to 2009.
• Health insurance premiums continue to rise by double digits, corresponding with ongoing increases in medical claims costs.
• The state's seven largest health insurers are financially stable. As of mid-2010, these insurers showed an average 3 percent profit compared to 1 percent for each of the prior two years.
• The state-regulated insurance markets cover about 39 percent of Oregonians; only 12 percent of Oregonians are in plans subject to state rate regulation. Others receive coverage through self-insured employer plans, government programs such as Medicare/Medicaid, or are uninsured.
"The report offers the background for understanding the changing nature of commercial health insurance," DCBS Insurance Division Administrator Teresa Miller said. "The data presented in the report also underscores the need to control medical claims costs, which drive health insurance rates."
For example, the report shows that in 2009 the seven largest health insurers in Oregon spent 91 cents of every premium dollar to pay medical claims.
The report includes extensive data on the seven insurers' share of Oregon's competitive health insurance market. The report also discusses how state regulation of insurance is changing as a result of the federal Affordable Care Act.
The report is available on the DCBS website.
People with questions about insurance issues can reach the Insurance Division's consumer advocates at 503-947-7984 in the Salem area or toll-free at 1-888-877-4894. The report notes that in a typical year, the consumer advocacy staff handles about 16,000 inquiries about all types of insurance.
Monday, January 24, 2011
UPDATE: INFORMATION AND PHOTOGRAPH RELEASED SEEKING PUBLIC'S HELP IN LINCOLN CITY POLICE OFFICER SHOOTING AND SEARCH
The search for the suspect who shot and critically injured a Lincoln City police officer Sunday night has not been positively identified and the multi-agency search is continuing in the Waldport area. Investigators are seeking information to locate and interview the registered owner of the vehicle that was being operated by the suspect and later abandoned near Waldport.
The vehicle's registered owner is identified as DAVID ANTHONY DURHAM, age 43. Mr. DURHAM is an Oregon resident described as a white male, 6'3", 185 pounds. The provided DMV photograph was taken in 2007.
Investigators have made contact with all known locations where Mr. DURHAM may be but have not located him. Investigators are releasing his name and photograph to help obtain information that will confirm he is safe and to be able to interview him to learn if he has information to help identify and locate the suspect in this investigation.
Anyone with information regarding Mr. DURHAM's location is asked to call the Lincoln County 9-1-1 Non-Emergency phone number at (541) 265-4231.
More information will be released when authorized by investigators and Lincoln City Police Department.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Highway 6 closure and Tillamook flood photos
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers provided these photographs taken Sunday, January 16, 2011, of Tillamook-area flooding and a major landslide that still has Highway 6 closed.
According to OSP Sergeant Greg Plummer, the slide started at the top of a ridge north of Highway 6 where the main power supply lines run toward Tillamook. The entire hillside slid south across Highway 6 and into the Wilson River. Mud and trees covered the highway closing it for at least two days. Power and phone service was knocked out in the immediate area of the slide. Several smaller slides on Highway 6 and Highway 101, as well as flooding issues throughout the county, have kept transportation and public safety agencies very busy.
Weeknight tunnel closures begin tonight -------(Tues, Jan 18)
Weeknight tunnel closures will begin 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 18. Motorists traveling on U.S. 26 will be detoured to Oregon Highway 47, to Timber Road back to U.S. 26 during the tunnel closures.
To keep the road open to the coast, the Dennis Edwards Tunnel will be open weekdays and weekends. The contractor, Johnson Western Gunite, will work inside the tunnel between January and June. During daytime work, motorists will be directed through the tunnel by flaggers.
The work requires overnight tunnel closures during the week, but motorists can still get around the tunnel using the detour.
The tunnel will be closed according to the following closure schedule:
* January 18 through May 27, 2011:
o Tunnel closed Sunday nights from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
o Tunnel closed Monday through Thursday from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
* March 18-27, 2011 (Spring Break): Tunnel will be open all days and all nights for Oregon spring break.
* May 27, 2011: Full nighttime closures should be COMPLETE prior to Memorial Day weekend.
* Summer, 2011: Construction complete.
The tunnel is open on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Coast Guard encourages preventative measures for moored and anchored vessels
The Coast Guard encourages owners and operators of vessels anchored or moored in Oregon and Washington states to conduct preventative maintenance in anticipation of severe winter weather conditions.
The Coast Guard is providing this information to the public after responding to three vessels which sank at their docks, while moored, due to heavy rains.
Pollution violations caused by sunken vessels could result in fines and salvage costs. A maximum civil penalty of $40,000 per day or up to three times the cost incurred by the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund may be assessed.
To prevent the sinking of a vessel, the Coast Guard recommends boaters:
• Check local weather forecasts frequently. Be aware that storms can come up quickly and without warning.
• Cover and secure your boat. Heavy rains can flood boats causing them to sink in extreme cases.
• Check the shaft packing for excess leakage.
• Perform routine checks for signs of loose or deteriorating planks on wooden hulled vessels.
• Conduct a routine inspection of your automatic bilge pump.
• Visually inspect all thru-hull fittings for damage or loose connections.
• Remove all unnecessary fuel, designate a caretaker, and leave contact information with the harbormaster if you are planning to be away for an extended period of time.
These simple steps can prevent damage to the environment and personal property while limiting man hours and taxpayer dollars spent on avoidable incidents.
For more information please contact Coast Guard Public Affairs at (206) 220-7237.
The Coast Guard is providing this information to the public after responding to three vessels which sank at their docks, while moored, due to heavy rains.
Pollution violations caused by sunken vessels could result in fines and salvage costs. A maximum civil penalty of $40,000 per day or up to three times the cost incurred by the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund may be assessed.
To prevent the sinking of a vessel, the Coast Guard recommends boaters:
• Check local weather forecasts frequently. Be aware that storms can come up quickly and without warning.
• Cover and secure your boat. Heavy rains can flood boats causing them to sink in extreme cases.
• Check the shaft packing for excess leakage.
• Perform routine checks for signs of loose or deteriorating planks on wooden hulled vessels.
• Conduct a routine inspection of your automatic bilge pump.
• Visually inspect all thru-hull fittings for damage or loose connections.
• Remove all unnecessary fuel, designate a caretaker, and leave contact information with the harbormaster if you are planning to be away for an extended period of time.
These simple steps can prevent damage to the environment and personal property while limiting man hours and taxpayer dollars spent on avoidable incidents.
For more information please contact Coast Guard Public Affairs at (206) 220-7237.
Friday, January 14, 2011
BUDGET, HUMAN SERVICE COMMITTEES IN CLATSOP COUNTY SEEK APPLICANTS
Clatsop County is currently inviting citizens to serve on the Human Services Advisory Committee and several budget committees.
The Board of Commissioners will make the appointments. Applications will be taken through Jan. 31. Application forms are available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us under “Quick Links-Citizen Involvement,” from the office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, or by calling (503) 325-1000.
The Human Services Advisory Committee is seeking volunteers to fill five full-term seats ending February 28, 2014. The committee advises the County Public Health Department on services for local residents with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and drug or alcohol addictions.
Clatsop County residents can have a hand in developing their county government’s budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. These citizen committees review the proposed budgets and make recommendations to the county commissioners. Each committee is made up of five county commissioners and five other local residents they appoint. The county Budget Committee generally meets for two days in May. Seats are available on the:
Clatsop County Budget Committee: A full, three-year term representing District 5 is open on this committee, which reviews the county’s overall operating budget. Applicants must live in District 5, which covers southern Clatsop County including Cannon Beach, Arch Cape, Elsie, Hamlet and Jewell and portions of Seaside.
Road District 1 Budget Committee: One un-expired term ending February 28, 2013 is available. The committee reviews the district’s budget for roadwork such as cutting brush, patching pot holes, cleaning and replacing culverts, maintenance road shoulders and drainage ditches, grading and re-basing 220 miles of county roads. Applicants must live in the unincorporated areas of the county.
4H Extension Service District Budget Committee: One un-expired term ending February 28, 2012 is open. The district funds secretary staff, program assistants, office space, travel, supplies and other operation expenses to provide support to faculty provided by the Oregon State University Extension Service program. Applicants can live anywhere in the county except for Cannon Beach, which is not part of the district.
Westport Sewer Service District Budget Committee: two full, three-year terms and three un-expired terms ending February 28, 2012 and February 28, 2013 are available to residents of the sewer district, which serves about 95 connections in the unincorporated community of Westport.
The Board of Commissioners will make the appointments. Applications will be taken through Jan. 31. Application forms are available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us under “Quick Links-Citizen Involvement,” from the office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, or by calling (503) 325-1000.
The Human Services Advisory Committee is seeking volunteers to fill five full-term seats ending February 28, 2014. The committee advises the County Public Health Department on services for local residents with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and drug or alcohol addictions.
Clatsop County residents can have a hand in developing their county government’s budgets for the upcoming fiscal year. These citizen committees review the proposed budgets and make recommendations to the county commissioners. Each committee is made up of five county commissioners and five other local residents they appoint. The county Budget Committee generally meets for two days in May. Seats are available on the:
Clatsop County Budget Committee: A full, three-year term representing District 5 is open on this committee, which reviews the county’s overall operating budget. Applicants must live in District 5, which covers southern Clatsop County including Cannon Beach, Arch Cape, Elsie, Hamlet and Jewell and portions of Seaside.
Road District 1 Budget Committee: One un-expired term ending February 28, 2013 is available. The committee reviews the district’s budget for roadwork such as cutting brush, patching pot holes, cleaning and replacing culverts, maintenance road shoulders and drainage ditches, grading and re-basing 220 miles of county roads. Applicants must live in the unincorporated areas of the county.
4H Extension Service District Budget Committee: One un-expired term ending February 28, 2012 is open. The district funds secretary staff, program assistants, office space, travel, supplies and other operation expenses to provide support to faculty provided by the Oregon State University Extension Service program. Applicants can live anywhere in the county except for Cannon Beach, which is not part of the district.
Westport Sewer Service District Budget Committee: two full, three-year terms and three un-expired terms ending February 28, 2012 and February 28, 2013 are available to residents of the sewer district, which serves about 95 connections in the unincorporated community of Westport.
NEW EMERGENCY OPS CENTER TO IMPROVE CLATSOP COUNTY’S CAPABILITIES
The installation of a new, dedicated Emergency Operations Center will enable Clatsop County to deal with major emergencies with the flip of a switch.
The county board of commissioners voted Wednesday to authorize up to $166,667 in funding for the project, which will construct a wing on Warrior Hall at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center for the exclusive use of the county as a communications hub during emergency events.
The addition will house emergency communications equipment that was previously acquired by the county but which currently has no permanent site.
In 2006 the county signed an agreement with the Oregon Military Department to locate the county’s Emergency Operations Center at Camp Rilea’s Warrior Hall. The new location was designed to provide a secure site away from hazard zones where county officials could coordinate responses to major emergencies with local, state and federal agencies and other partners.
The agreement gave the county use of a room at the facility, but the space has proven to be too small, and the arrangement left the communications equipment meant for the EOC stored in a closet, requiring time for set-up. With a new wing dedicated solely for the county’s use, the equipment can be left in place, meaning that the center can be activated on a moment’s notice, Perez said. It will also be far easier for the county to conduct training exercises with the various participants who would staff the EOC during an actual emergency.
The new facility will total about 1,050 square feet, and will be located immediately adjacent to the large briefing room in Warrior Hall to accommodate joint operations with the military. A separate free-standing tower will hold the EOC’s antennae.
“This communications wing is state of the art,” Perez said. “Our emergency managers will be able to communicate quickly and efficiently in a safe and secure environment.”
The project is estimated to cost approximately $500,000. The Emergency Management Division has obtained a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover half the cost, as well as a commitment from the Oregon Wireless Interoperability Network (OWIN) to pick up one-third of the local match, or $88,333. The county’s $166,667 share will come out of its Special Projects Fund.
The board of commissioners voted unanimously for the project, but some raised concerns about the future of OWIN, which was recently the focus of scrutiny over cost overruns, missed deadlines and mismanagement associated with several of its projects across the state.
OWIN was launched by the Oregon Legislature in 2005 with the goal of modernizing the state’s aging emergency communications infrastructure and creating a linked statewide network of radio and microwave relay stations. But as of the end of 2010, few of the projects planned through the program, which had an initial price tag of $414 million, had begun, and questions have been raised about OWIN’s future in light of the state’s ongoing budget crisis.
Perez said OWIN’s current troubles should not jeopardize its promised funding for the Warrior Hall project. The project will not proceed until the county has completed a memorandum of understanding with the agency.
The county board of commissioners voted Wednesday to authorize up to $166,667 in funding for the project, which will construct a wing on Warrior Hall at Camp Rilea Armed Forces Training Center for the exclusive use of the county as a communications hub during emergency events.
The addition will house emergency communications equipment that was previously acquired by the county but which currently has no permanent site.
In 2006 the county signed an agreement with the Oregon Military Department to locate the county’s Emergency Operations Center at Camp Rilea’s Warrior Hall. The new location was designed to provide a secure site away from hazard zones where county officials could coordinate responses to major emergencies with local, state and federal agencies and other partners.
The agreement gave the county use of a room at the facility, but the space has proven to be too small, and the arrangement left the communications equipment meant for the EOC stored in a closet, requiring time for set-up. With a new wing dedicated solely for the county’s use, the equipment can be left in place, meaning that the center can be activated on a moment’s notice, Perez said. It will also be far easier for the county to conduct training exercises with the various participants who would staff the EOC during an actual emergency.
The new facility will total about 1,050 square feet, and will be located immediately adjacent to the large briefing room in Warrior Hall to accommodate joint operations with the military. A separate free-standing tower will hold the EOC’s antennae.
“This communications wing is state of the art,” Perez said. “Our emergency managers will be able to communicate quickly and efficiently in a safe and secure environment.”
The project is estimated to cost approximately $500,000. The Emergency Management Division has obtained a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to cover half the cost, as well as a commitment from the Oregon Wireless Interoperability Network (OWIN) to pick up one-third of the local match, or $88,333. The county’s $166,667 share will come out of its Special Projects Fund.
The board of commissioners voted unanimously for the project, but some raised concerns about the future of OWIN, which was recently the focus of scrutiny over cost overruns, missed deadlines and mismanagement associated with several of its projects across the state.
OWIN was launched by the Oregon Legislature in 2005 with the goal of modernizing the state’s aging emergency communications infrastructure and creating a linked statewide network of radio and microwave relay stations. But as of the end of 2010, few of the projects planned through the program, which had an initial price tag of $414 million, had begun, and questions have been raised about OWIN’s future in light of the state’s ongoing budget crisis.
Perez said OWIN’s current troubles should not jeopardize its promised funding for the Warrior Hall project. The project will not proceed until the county has completed a memorandum of understanding with the agency.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
BOARD WITHDRAWS LNG APPROVAL; WILL REEXAMINE APPLICATION
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners will withdraw last year’s approval of the land-use application from Oregon Pipeline LLC and reexamine the issue.
The board voted Nov. 8, 2010 to accept a hearings officer’s ruling granting approval to the consolidated application. The decision was appealed to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals by project opponents led by Columbia Riverkeeper.
The board, with three new members, voted Wednesday to file a notice of withdrawal with the Land Use Board of Appeals for reconsideration of the November 2010 ruling, which granted conditional approval for the construction of 41 miles of pipeline to serve a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal in Warrenton.
Jurisdictions have the authority to withdraw, re-examine and potentially reverse land-use decisions prior to completing and filing the record of the process with the Land Use Board of Appeals.
The deadline for the county to withdraw the November ruling was Friday, Jan. 14, which is the day that the record of the prior proceedings were due at the Land Use Board of Appeals.
The schedule for reconsideration will depend on the Board’s direction after a public hearing Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria to discuss and determine the scope of its review of the Oregon Pipeline application. That review may, pending Board action, take place at a public hearing March 9, 10 a.m. at the Boyington Building. The board can limit its review to the existing record, accept testimony from certain parties or re-open the hearing process.
The board voted 4-1 to approve the Oregon Pipeline application in November. Three commissioners who voted to approve the application were replaced by three new members, Debra Birkby, Peter Huhtala and Scott Lee, who were sworn in Wednesday. The three new members joined Commission Chairperson Dirk Rohne in supporting the withdrawal Wednesday. Commissioner Patricia Roberts voted no.
The board voted Nov. 8, 2010 to accept a hearings officer’s ruling granting approval to the consolidated application. The decision was appealed to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals by project opponents led by Columbia Riverkeeper.
The board, with three new members, voted Wednesday to file a notice of withdrawal with the Land Use Board of Appeals for reconsideration of the November 2010 ruling, which granted conditional approval for the construction of 41 miles of pipeline to serve a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal in Warrenton.
Jurisdictions have the authority to withdraw, re-examine and potentially reverse land-use decisions prior to completing and filing the record of the process with the Land Use Board of Appeals.
The deadline for the county to withdraw the November ruling was Friday, Jan. 14, which is the day that the record of the prior proceedings were due at the Land Use Board of Appeals.
The schedule for reconsideration will depend on the Board’s direction after a public hearing Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria to discuss and determine the scope of its review of the Oregon Pipeline application. That review may, pending Board action, take place at a public hearing March 9, 10 a.m. at the Boyington Building. The board can limit its review to the existing record, accept testimony from certain parties or re-open the hearing process.
The board voted 4-1 to approve the Oregon Pipeline application in November. Three commissioners who voted to approve the application were replaced by three new members, Debra Birkby, Peter Huhtala and Scott Lee, who were sworn in Wednesday. The three new members joined Commission Chairperson Dirk Rohne in supporting the withdrawal Wednesday. Commissioner Patricia Roberts voted no.
Heroin Arrests made in Astoria
At 7:21 pm on January 12, 2011 Astoria Police Officer Joe Symonds saw a vehicle exit the roundabout without signaling and stopped the vehicle on the traffic violation. During the stop he developed probable cause to believe there were drugs in the vehicle and searched it with consent of the occupants. During the search Officer Symonds located drug paraphernalia, and Heroin. Two of the occupants, Joanne Rice (age 22 and currently residing in Beaverton) and Timothy Carpenter, age 23, 1745 Jerome were arrested for possession of Heroin. During the processing at the Clatsop County Jail Rice disclosed that she had heroin secreted in her person.
Based on information that was developed on the stop, and the following morning, Officer Symonds obtained a search warrant to search a storage unit.
On Wednesday January 13, 2011 at about 3:45 PM. members of the Astoria Police Department, Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, and Clatsop County Inter-Agency Narcotics Team (CCINT), executed a search warrant at 92 Hamburg Ave. #E in Astoria, Clatsop County, Oregon.
Officers were able to park their patrol vehicles away from the area, but to keep covert surveillance. This was done to allow persons involved in drug traffic to approach the storage unit without knowing Police were searching it.
At approximately 4:50 PM. officers searching the unit were told there was a vehicle coming to the storage unit. A male subject knocked, and was detained inside. He was not arrested.
Officer Nicole Riley went outside to contact the driver of the vehicle the male subject had just arrived in. She recognized the driver of a red Honda Passport as Randall T. Haines, (age 24, 92649 Fernhill Road Astoria). She knew Haines was wanted on a Felony Warrant. Officer Riley attempted to enter the vehicle to arrest Haines. While she was still partially inside the vehicle, Haines drove away from the scene. Officer Riley was able to safely get out of the vehicle.
A witness told Officer Riley Haines’ vehicle had just about hit him. The driver pointed out where Haines’ vehicle was last seen driving, which was North on Pier II.
Officers were able to locate Haines’ vehicle after his vehicle crashed on Pier II. He was arrested on the warrant. The original charge on the arrest warrant was Delivery of Heroin. Haines was later charged with Eluding a Police Officer, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Interfering with Police, and Hit & Run resulting in property damage. He was transported to the Clatsop County Jail and lodged.
The search warrant at 92 Hamburg Ave. resulted in the arrest of John A. Norris (age 36, 92813 Knappa Dock Road, Astoria. He was lodged at the Clatsop County Jail for Unlawful Delivery and Possession of Methamphetamine.
Based on information that was developed on the stop, and the following morning, Officer Symonds obtained a search warrant to search a storage unit.
On Wednesday January 13, 2011 at about 3:45 PM. members of the Astoria Police Department, Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, and Clatsop County Inter-Agency Narcotics Team (CCINT), executed a search warrant at 92 Hamburg Ave. #E in Astoria, Clatsop County, Oregon.
Officers were able to park their patrol vehicles away from the area, but to keep covert surveillance. This was done to allow persons involved in drug traffic to approach the storage unit without knowing Police were searching it.
At approximately 4:50 PM. officers searching the unit were told there was a vehicle coming to the storage unit. A male subject knocked, and was detained inside. He was not arrested.
Officer Nicole Riley went outside to contact the driver of the vehicle the male subject had just arrived in. She recognized the driver of a red Honda Passport as Randall T. Haines, (age 24, 92649 Fernhill Road Astoria). She knew Haines was wanted on a Felony Warrant. Officer Riley attempted to enter the vehicle to arrest Haines. While she was still partially inside the vehicle, Haines drove away from the scene. Officer Riley was able to safely get out of the vehicle.
A witness told Officer Riley Haines’ vehicle had just about hit him. The driver pointed out where Haines’ vehicle was last seen driving, which was North on Pier II.
Officers were able to locate Haines’ vehicle after his vehicle crashed on Pier II. He was arrested on the warrant. The original charge on the arrest warrant was Delivery of Heroin. Haines was later charged with Eluding a Police Officer, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, Interfering with Police, and Hit & Run resulting in property damage. He was transported to the Clatsop County Jail and lodged.
The search warrant at 92 Hamburg Ave. resulted in the arrest of John A. Norris (age 36, 92813 Knappa Dock Road, Astoria. He was lodged at the Clatsop County Jail for Unlawful Delivery and Possession of Methamphetamine.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
MEMORIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR RAINIER POLICE CHIEF ANNOUNCED
Memorial services for Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter have been set for Friday, January 14, 2011, at l:00 pm at University of Portland Chiles Center, 5000 North Willamette Boulevard, Portland. A memorial procession is scheduled to begin 10 am at the Port of Longview in Washington and proceed across the Lewis and Clark Bridge to Rainier to take Chief Painter to Portland via US Highway 30. Hundreds of law enforcement officers and firefighters from across the country are expected to attend. Additional details on the procession will be announced later.
For citizens who wish to pay their final respects to Chief Painter, visitation has been scheduled from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 13, 2011, at the Rainier City Hall, 106 West B Street, Rainier, Oregon. A Public Safety Honor Guard will stand vigil during the viewing hours.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at 10:00 am at Rainier High School, 28170 Old Rainier Road. This service is for local citizens, friends and family. Parking will be at the football and softball fields with shuttle service provided.
A toll-free telephone number has been established for citizens and public safety officers to call for information regarding services for Chief Painter. That phone number is 1-877-709-3331. The City of Rainier's web site, www.cityofrainier.com will also have up to date information.
Tax deductible donations to cover the cost of the memorial services may be made at any Columbia County Fire Station, Rainier City Hall or the United Way. United Way donations should indicate Columbia County Firefighters Association for Chief Ralph Painter.
An account has been set up at Bank of American for contributions to Chief Painter's family. Donations can be made at any branch. Condolence messages and cards for Chief Painter's family may be mailed to the City of Rainier, PO Box 100, Rainier, OR 97048.
Chief Painter was shot and killed January 5th in a confrontation with a man who was reportedly acting suspiciously at a car stereo installation shop known as Rainier Sound Authority. Twenty-one-year-old Daniel Armbaugh Butts of Kalama, Washington, is being held without bail in the Columbia County Jail in connection with the Chief's death.
For citizens who wish to pay their final respects to Chief Painter, visitation has been scheduled from 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm on Thursday, January 13, 2011, at the Rainier City Hall, 106 West B Street, Rainier, Oregon. A Public Safety Honor Guard will stand vigil during the viewing hours.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2011, at 10:00 am at Rainier High School, 28170 Old Rainier Road. This service is for local citizens, friends and family. Parking will be at the football and softball fields with shuttle service provided.
A toll-free telephone number has been established for citizens and public safety officers to call for information regarding services for Chief Painter. That phone number is 1-877-709-3331. The City of Rainier's web site, www.cityofrainier.com will also have up to date information.
Tax deductible donations to cover the cost of the memorial services may be made at any Columbia County Fire Station, Rainier City Hall or the United Way. United Way donations should indicate Columbia County Firefighters Association for Chief Ralph Painter.
An account has been set up at Bank of American for contributions to Chief Painter's family. Donations can be made at any branch. Condolence messages and cards for Chief Painter's family may be mailed to the City of Rainier, PO Box 100, Rainier, OR 97048.
Chief Painter was shot and killed January 5th in a confrontation with a man who was reportedly acting suspiciously at a car stereo installation shop known as Rainier Sound Authority. Twenty-one-year-old Daniel Armbaugh Butts of Kalama, Washington, is being held without bail in the Columbia County Jail in connection with the Chief's death.
Commander William R. Timmons, of Sector Lower Columbia, (center left and holding paper) and (left) Lt. Derek Fine, Auxiliary Liaison Officer with Sector Lower Columbia swear-in Dave W. Phillips as Flotilla 64 Commander (center right) and Glen Wood as Flotilla 64 Vice Commander (right) at annual Flotilla Change of Watch and dinner.
At the annual Change of Watch and dinner of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Buoy 10
Flotilla 64 Astoria, Dave W. Phillips of Astoria was sworn in as Flotilla Commander, and Glen Wood of Longview, Washington, as Vice Commander. Commander William R. Timmons with Sector Lower Columbia, assisted by Lt. Derek Fine, Sector Lower Columbia Auxiliary Liaison Officer performed the swearing-in Ceremony.
Commander Phillips has been a resident of Astoria since 1972 and has served as Public Education Officer for Division 6 and Vice Flotilla Commander. He is presently retired from Clatsop Community College and serves as a board member of the Clatsop County Housing Authority, Columbia Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees and Board of the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
Vice Commander Wood is retired and has previously served in the US Coast Guard. He joined the Auxiliary two years ago and is a certified airplane pilot. He recently received Auxiliary certification as a boat crewman and an instructor.
David Philips shared his appreciation at the dinner for being elected the new Flotilla Commander.
He said, “ My overreaching goals for the new year are to create more opportunities for fellowship and fun within the Auxiliary, attract new members and improve the boating safety outreach to recreational boaters.
Commander Timmons praised the efforts of the Coast Guard Auxiliary particularly the extraordinary work done during the Buoy 10 Season.
For more information about or how to join the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, authorized by Congress in 1939 go to www.uscgaux.com or contact Matthew Carter, Flotilla Staff Officer for Public Affairs at (503) 481-6648.
APPLICANTS SOUGHT FOR RECREATION COMMITTEE
Clatsop County is seeking applicants for a vacancy on the Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee.
The citizen committee assists in developing long-range plans for county parks, and formulating amendments to the recreation lands element of the county’s comprehensive land-use plan. The committee meets once a month.
The opening is for a term ending in February 2013. The county board of commissioners will make the appointment.
Applications must be turned in by Jan. 21 to the County Manager’s Office to be considered for an appointment. Application forms are available from the office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, by calling (503) 325-1000 or online at www.co.clatsop.or.us
The citizen committee assists in developing long-range plans for county parks, and formulating amendments to the recreation lands element of the county’s comprehensive land-use plan. The committee meets once a month.
The opening is for a term ending in February 2013. The county board of commissioners will make the appointment.
Applications must be turned in by Jan. 21 to the County Manager’s Office to be considered for an appointment. Application forms are available from the office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, by calling (503) 325-1000 or online at www.co.clatsop.or.us
Monday, January 10, 2011
BENEFIT FOR HIPFISH MAGAZINE - "HIP AID"
COLUMBIAN THEATER. Sunday, January 23. 4pm to 8pm. A pull-out-all-the-stops music and performance marathon event hosted by Fisher Poet Dave Densmore and Songstress/Activist Alexa Wiley, featuring performances by Michael Hurley, The Swaggers, Ma Barley, Radio Cowboy (Heather Christie), and many more.
VOODOO LOUNGE. (21 and Over) Opens at 5pm with music by Denise Drake and an Open Mic 6pm – 9pm, hosted by KMUN’s Cocktail Nation, Nacho Biz. The Open Mic will be sign-up on site.
The box office of the Columbian Theater will open at 3:30pm the day of the show for wristband purchases. There is a sliding scale admission of $10 - $20.
For more info: www.helphipfish.com
SILENT ART AUCTION. Artists of the Columbia Pacific Region donated art will be on display in galleries Saturday, January 15 – Saturday, January 22. Participating galleries include: RiverSea Gallery, Light Box Photographic Gallery, Lunar Boy Gallery, Old Town Framing Co., and Dots & Doodles. Auction winners will be announced the 23rd. Artists can deliver work before Jan 14 to RiverSea Gallery. Please check www.helphipfish.com for a list of artists. Contact RiverSea for more info: 503.325.1270 or email riverseadirector@hotmail.com
Traffic change ahead on Wilson River Highway
Drivers will soon notice a helpful traffic change at the Devils Lake Fork Bridge on Oregon 6 at milepost 32 in eastern Tillamook County.
Beginning the week of Jan. 17, ODOT’s contractor will reopen the bridge to two-way traffic at night and on weekends. Drivers will still need to watch out for flaggers and alternating one-way traffic on weekdays through February.
Keeping traffic moving during construction is important to ODOT. Because this bridge is subject to snowy and icy winter conditions, ODOT is giving it priority to plow, sand, and deice the highway when needed. Construction crews are well equipped in this isolated area to connect with Emergency Services if necessary.
“We are also coordinating this project with other coastal corridor highway work to ensure that travelers will always have access to and from the coast,” said ODOT spokesman Lou Torres.
Beginning the week of Jan. 17, ODOT’s contractor will reopen the bridge to two-way traffic at night and on weekends. Drivers will still need to watch out for flaggers and alternating one-way traffic on weekdays through February.
Keeping traffic moving during construction is important to ODOT. Because this bridge is subject to snowy and icy winter conditions, ODOT is giving it priority to plow, sand, and deice the highway when needed. Construction crews are well equipped in this isolated area to connect with Emergency Services if necessary.
“We are also coordinating this project with other coastal corridor highway work to ensure that travelers will always have access to and from the coast,” said ODOT spokesman Lou Torres.
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES PROGRAM BEGINS JAN. 19 IN ASTORIA
What: Strengthening Families Program 10-14
When: January 19-March 2, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Where: Astoria Middle School, Astoria
Parents and youth, want a fun way to meet new friends while the weather is rainy? Join the Strengthening Families Program.
Parents, you will learn new ideas on how to work through stressful situations that come up for middle school-aged youth. Youth, this is a chance to make new friends, talk about issues at school and work on ways to handle stressful everyday situations like peer pressure.
The Strengthening Families Program for youth ages 10-14 and their parents/caregivers is a great way to make sure everyone is on track for a successful school year. A delicious dinner and childcare for younger siblings will be provided.
Classes start Wednesday, January 19, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and will run until March 2. The cost is free. To register and for more information please contact, Julie Soderberg at (503) 325-8673 or Ms. Carson at Astoria Middle School (503) 325-4331.
When: January 19-March 2, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Where: Astoria Middle School, Astoria
Parents and youth, want a fun way to meet new friends while the weather is rainy? Join the Strengthening Families Program.
Parents, you will learn new ideas on how to work through stressful situations that come up for middle school-aged youth. Youth, this is a chance to make new friends, talk about issues at school and work on ways to handle stressful everyday situations like peer pressure.
The Strengthening Families Program for youth ages 10-14 and their parents/caregivers is a great way to make sure everyone is on track for a successful school year. A delicious dinner and childcare for younger siblings will be provided.
Classes start Wednesday, January 19, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. and will run until March 2. The cost is free. To register and for more information please contact, Julie Soderberg at (503) 325-8673 or Ms. Carson at Astoria Middle School (503) 325-4331.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Boil-water order and system work on water lines east of Astoria
The Burnside, Fernhill, John Day, Olney-Walluski, and Willowdale (which includes Riverpoint) water systems have issued notices of a water shutoff and boil water order effective at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 due to some scheduled work on their water supply line. Approximately 600 rural residences and businesses along Highway 30 east from the Astoria city limits to the Bear Creek Bridge and along Highway 202 from the Fairgrounds to the Klaskanine Fish Hatchery and including Walluski Loop will be affected. Customers within the City limits who pay their bill directly to the City of Astoria will not be affected.
Water is anticipated to be turned back on at 5:00 a.m. on January 12, 2011, however it may be several hours longer before water service is fully restored. The City will be sending water samples to a State-certified water testing laboratory to confirm complete disinfection and the five outlying water systems will be doing the same. Due to the length of time that water quality laboratories require to process and analyze the samples, Gary McLauchlin, Astoria’s Water Quality Supervisor estimated the earliest the boil water order would be lifted would be noon, Friday, January 14. Affected customers will be informed when the tests show no bacteria and they no longer need to boil their water. Customers who are in the affected area and have questions regarding the shutdown and boil water order are urged to direct them to their water supplier. Questions can also be directed to Astoria Public Works Operations at (503) 325-3524.
Water is anticipated to be turned back on at 5:00 a.m. on January 12, 2011, however it may be several hours longer before water service is fully restored. The City will be sending water samples to a State-certified water testing laboratory to confirm complete disinfection and the five outlying water systems will be doing the same. Due to the length of time that water quality laboratories require to process and analyze the samples, Gary McLauchlin, Astoria’s Water Quality Supervisor estimated the earliest the boil water order would be lifted would be noon, Friday, January 14. Affected customers will be informed when the tests show no bacteria and they no longer need to boil their water. Customers who are in the affected area and have questions regarding the shutdown and boil water order are urged to direct them to their water supplier. Questions can also be directed to Astoria Public Works Operations at (503) 325-3524.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Jaime Herrera Beutler’s office opens for business Thursday in Vancouver
Southwest Washington Congresswoman-elect Jaime Herrera Beutler’s office in Vancouver, Washington will open tomorrow (Thursday). Beutler will be sworn into office today. Beutler's district office in Vancouver will be run by Shari Hildreth, who previously worked as deputy director to former Republican Senator Slade Gorton and Ryan Hart, former chairman of the Clark County Republican Party.
The office, previously occupied by Brian Baird, is located at O.O. Howard House, 750 Anderson Street, Suite B, Vancouver. The phone number is 360-695-6292. In Washington DC, the office number is 202-225-3536, the same as former Congressman Baird's.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
REWARD OFFERED TO HELP SOLVE ELK POACHING INCIDENT NEAR NEHALEM
Oregon State Police (OSP) Fish & Wildlife Division troopers are asking for the public's help for information to identify the suspects responsible for an unlawful taking and waste of a three x three bull elk in late November near Nehalem. This branched bull was unlawfully taken during the 2nd Coast Rifle Spike Elk Season. A $1,000 reward is offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.
According to Trooper Clint Galusha, on November 22, 2010 OSP Fish & Wildlife troopers investigated a three x three bull elk left to waste off of Lost Creek Road near Nehalem. Troopers were not able to salvage the meat from the branched bull elk left at the bottom of a clear cut. Galusha believes the suspects are four Hispanic male adults associated with a dark blue full-sized Hummer and a newer model gray or silver Ford three-quarter ton crew cab pickup. Both vehicles are believed to be from the Portland area.
OSP urges anyone with information concerning this poaching incident to call the OSP Turn in Poacher (TIP) line at 1-800-452-7888, or Trooper Galusha at (503) 815-3314.
The Oregon Hunter's Association in is offering a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this crime.
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
HWY 26 TUNNEL PROJECTS BEGINS THIS MONTH; NIGHTLY CLOSURES PLANNED
The Oregon Department of Transportation’s improvement project on the Dennis Edwards Tunnel on U.S. Highway 26, which includes nighttime tunnel closures, begins this month.
ODOT plans to install new lining, improve drainage and replace lighting on the tunnel, located west of the Oregon Highway 47/Vernonia junction. A bicycle warning system to improve cyclist safety will also be fitted. General contractor on the project is Johnson Western Gunnite Company.
To accommodate the work, the highway will be closed at the tunnel from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday nights and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday nights. The roadway will be open every day during daytime, as well as nights during weekends, holidays, and Oregon Spring Break. The closures are expected to take place for 12 weeks.
A signed detour route has been identified on Highway 47 and Timber Road. The detour adds approximately 15 miles and 25 extra minutes of travel time for Highway 26 motorists. ODOT will maintain the entire detour route, including plowing during periods of snow.
Full nighttime closures are scheduled to end prior to the Memorial Day weekend, May 28. The entire project is due to be completed by summer.
ODOT is hosting two open houses on the project to provide information and introduce the contractor and project manager:
· Wednesday, Jan. 12, 4:30-6:30 p.m. ? Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce, 207 N. Spruce St., Cannon Beach
· Thursday, Jan. 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m. ? Banks Christian Academy, 22785 NW Fisher Rd., Buxton
To get the latest information on the project, go to the project website, www.DennisEdwardsTunnel.org, or call the ODOT highway information hotline at 5-1-1.
ODOT plans to install new lining, improve drainage and replace lighting on the tunnel, located west of the Oregon Highway 47/Vernonia junction. A bicycle warning system to improve cyclist safety will also be fitted. General contractor on the project is Johnson Western Gunnite Company.
To accommodate the work, the highway will be closed at the tunnel from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday nights and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday nights. The roadway will be open every day during daytime, as well as nights during weekends, holidays, and Oregon Spring Break. The closures are expected to take place for 12 weeks.
A signed detour route has been identified on Highway 47 and Timber Road. The detour adds approximately 15 miles and 25 extra minutes of travel time for Highway 26 motorists. ODOT will maintain the entire detour route, including plowing during periods of snow.
Full nighttime closures are scheduled to end prior to the Memorial Day weekend, May 28. The entire project is due to be completed by summer.
ODOT is hosting two open houses on the project to provide information and introduce the contractor and project manager:
· Wednesday, Jan. 12, 4:30-6:30 p.m. ? Cannon Beach Chamber of Commerce, 207 N. Spruce St., Cannon Beach
· Thursday, Jan. 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m. ? Banks Christian Academy, 22785 NW Fisher Rd., Buxton
To get the latest information on the project, go to the project website, www.DennisEdwardsTunnel.org, or call the ODOT highway information hotline at 5-1-1.
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