Friday, September 30, 2011
"BEFORE" AND "AFTER" - HECETA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE STATE SCENIC VIEWPOINT NOW OPENFlorence OR - Work that began Aug. 16, 2011, on the Heceta Head Lighthouse parking lot and trail is finished, and the park is now open to visitors. The lighthouse tower, however, remains closed. A separate major restoration of the lighthouse will keep the lighthouse closed until late 2013.
The US Forest Service (USFS) and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) partnered on the $340,000 project to stop flooding in the west parking lot, and move and improve the erosion-prone trail leading to the lighthouse. Funds came from the Federal Highways Heceta Head Enhancement Project.
The picturesque park is well known for its iconic lighthouse, beach and historic lighthouse keepers' bed and breakfast. A private concessionaire managed by the US Forest Service runs the bed and breakfast. The park welcomes more than 800,000 visitors each year.
First time ever emergency Food Box distribution exceeds 1 million in Oregon and southwest Washington
For the first time ever, distribution of emergency food boxes in Oregon and southwest Washington topped 1million as growing levels of long-term unemployment forced more and more people to fall into poverty and to seek emergency food."I have never seen the demand for emergency food this high," said Rachel Bristol, CEO, Oregon Food Bank. "Joblessness is taking a tremendous toll on our families. Hiring has stalled, keeping Oregon's unemployment rate high. Low wages and limited benefits forced even people with jobs to seek emergency food. As a result, poverty has increased significantly. More than a half-million Oregonians now live below the poverty rate."
The Oregon Food Bank Network of 20 regional food banks and 923 partner agencies provided a record 81 million pounds of food and distributed 1,024,000 emergency food boxes - a 12 percent increase over the previous year - to families in need from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011.
Since the beginning of the Great Recession, food box distribution has increased 30 percent increase. The OFB Network now distributes almost a quarter-of-a-million more food boxes annually than it did before the recession.
Regional food banks across the state see the need continuing to grow.
"In 2004-05, the Bend area had one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state," notes Steve Murray, who directs food and energy programs for NeighborImpact, serving Jefferson, Deschutes and Crook counties. "For the past several years, Central Oregon has had one of the highest rates in the state.
"When the housing bubble burst, we lost our real estate and construction industries," he explained. "I see nothing to make me think those industries will come back anytime soon."
Last year, distribution of emergency food in Central Oregon climbed 21 percent, according to Oregon Food Bank annual statistics.
"I've been working in food-banking for 15 years," said Niki Sampson, who heads Klamath/Lake Food Bank, "and, this year, for the first time, I'm scared. The need for food keeps going up. Food box distribution increased 12 percent last year.
"We're seeing more people seeking food who are underemployed," she said. "People tell us, ‘I've paid most of my bills, but I have only four bucks left until payday. I just need a little help feeding my kids.'"
"Hunger hurts families, children, seniors and those who are disabled," emphasized Bristol, noting that Oregon was the state with the highest rate of child food insecurity in 2009 and that 50 percent of school-age kids now qualify for free-or-reduced-price meals.
"Children who are hungry have more trouble learning in school. And a number of studies now show that childhood hunger and malnutrition can result in irreversible health problems in the future," Bristol said.
In an average month, an estimated 260,000 people in Oregon and Clark County, Wash., ate meals from emergency food boxes. Of those, almost 86,000 were children.
In addition, soup kitchens served 3.9 million meals during the past year. And 98,000 people received supplemental food through other OFB Network agencies and programs.
"We were only able to meet this staggering demand for emergency food due to record levels of U.S. Department of Agriculture commodities and the tremendous generosity of the entire community: individuals, groups and businesses."
USDA commodities increased from 10 million to 18 million pounds with the help of stimulus funds, strong support from Oregon's congressional delegation and USDA efforts to support American farmers and ranchers through bonus buys of agricultural products.
"This year, we face a very different story," Bristol said. "Stimulus funding has ended. And we anticipate a 30 percent decline in USDA commodities."
As the OFB Network enters the 2011-12 fiscal year, Tom Kelley, who heads UCAN Food Bank in Douglas County, already sees food distribution continuing to climb. "In my 20 years in food-banking, we've never distributed more than 3,500 emergency food boxes in a month, and we've never served more than 13,000 household members in a month. We topped both of those numbers in August. It's a huge jump for us."
"In this tough economy, we need the support of the entire community more than ever," Bristol said. "No one should be hungry. With sufficient public will and support of the entire community, we believe it is possible to eliminate hunger and its root causes."
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011 regular meeting
Official minutes available once approved by board
Circus animal ordinance
The board voted to draft an ordinance for placement on the May 2012 election ballot banning elephants and other exotic animals from display within the county.
The ban would be limited to exotic animals used in circuses and other entertainment venues and would not cover rodeos and horse shows, 4-H and FFA events and educational displays. The ordinance would only cover the unincorporated county.
The ban was promoted by Astoria resident Janice Robertson and other supporters, who say elephants and other animals used in many travelling circuses suffer cruel and inhumane treatment.
The ordinance will be brought back to board for a public hearing at an upcoming meeting.
Ambulance plan reviewed
The board heard a report from County Manager Duane Cole on a pending update to the county’s Ambulance Service Area (ASA) plan, and approved the recruitment of members of an advisory oversight committee.
The ASA plan spells out the boundaries and minimum service standards for the service area, which covers the entire county. The current plan was adopted in 1996; the state of Oregon notified the county earlier this year that the plan was due for an update.
The plan update does not involve any change to the existing franchise agreement with the current service provider, MEDIX. The franchise agreement runs to 2016.
Health plan letter
The board approved a letter to be sent to the Governor’s Office regarding the pending changes to the Oregon Health Plan and reorganization of OHP service providers into Coordinated Care Organizations. The new program, approved by the Oregon Legislature and scheduled to launch in 2012, is designed to provide a continuum of integrated care for OHP patients’ physical, mental and dental health services, while at the same time reducing the state’s Medicare and Medicaid expenses.
The county’s proposed letter, drafted with input collected from local stakeholders by Public Health Director Margo Lalich, expresses concerns about data-sharing, unfunded mandates, allocation of funds saved by the program, and counties’ role within new regional structures.
Hood to Coast report
The board heard a report from organizers of the Hood to Coast Relay on the 2011 event, Bob Foote and Felicia Hubber. They said the number of running teams, which was increased from 1,000 to 1,250 for this year’s event, will be reduced to 1,050 for the 2012 running, due to congestion at the finish area in Seaside.
The event raised $517,000 for the American Cancer Society, they said.
Other Business
In other business the board:
-Approved a letter of support for a grant request from the Port of Astoria for federal funding to upgrade its Pier 3 facility for expanded log and lumber export activity. Commissioner Debra Birkby voted no, citing concerns about increased log truck traffic.
-Appointed Gary Sunderland, Bree Phillips and Clarke Powers to the Board of Property Tax Appeals. Patrick Jensen was appointed as an alternate.
-Approved a proclamation recognizing Oct. 1-8 as Oregon Days of Culture.
Official minutes available once approved by board
Circus animal ordinance
The board voted to draft an ordinance for placement on the May 2012 election ballot banning elephants and other exotic animals from display within the county.
The ban would be limited to exotic animals used in circuses and other entertainment venues and would not cover rodeos and horse shows, 4-H and FFA events and educational displays. The ordinance would only cover the unincorporated county.
The ban was promoted by Astoria resident Janice Robertson and other supporters, who say elephants and other animals used in many travelling circuses suffer cruel and inhumane treatment.
The ordinance will be brought back to board for a public hearing at an upcoming meeting.
Ambulance plan reviewed
The board heard a report from County Manager Duane Cole on a pending update to the county’s Ambulance Service Area (ASA) plan, and approved the recruitment of members of an advisory oversight committee.
The ASA plan spells out the boundaries and minimum service standards for the service area, which covers the entire county. The current plan was adopted in 1996; the state of Oregon notified the county earlier this year that the plan was due for an update.
The plan update does not involve any change to the existing franchise agreement with the current service provider, MEDIX. The franchise agreement runs to 2016.
Health plan letter
The board approved a letter to be sent to the Governor’s Office regarding the pending changes to the Oregon Health Plan and reorganization of OHP service providers into Coordinated Care Organizations. The new program, approved by the Oregon Legislature and scheduled to launch in 2012, is designed to provide a continuum of integrated care for OHP patients’ physical, mental and dental health services, while at the same time reducing the state’s Medicare and Medicaid expenses.
The county’s proposed letter, drafted with input collected from local stakeholders by Public Health Director Margo Lalich, expresses concerns about data-sharing, unfunded mandates, allocation of funds saved by the program, and counties’ role within new regional structures.
Hood to Coast report
The board heard a report from organizers of the Hood to Coast Relay on the 2011 event, Bob Foote and Felicia Hubber. They said the number of running teams, which was increased from 1,000 to 1,250 for this year’s event, will be reduced to 1,050 for the 2012 running, due to congestion at the finish area in Seaside.
The event raised $517,000 for the American Cancer Society, they said.
Other Business
In other business the board:
-Approved a letter of support for a grant request from the Port of Astoria for federal funding to upgrade its Pier 3 facility for expanded log and lumber export activity. Commissioner Debra Birkby voted no, citing concerns about increased log truck traffic.
-Appointed Gary Sunderland, Bree Phillips and Clarke Powers to the Board of Property Tax Appeals. Patrick Jensen was appointed as an alternate.
-Approved a proclamation recognizing Oct. 1-8 as Oregon Days of Culture.
CLATSOP COUNTY INVITES REQUESTS FOR NONPROFIT GRANTS
The Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families and the Board of Commissioners will once again distribute grants to local nonprofits that assist people in need.
This year, in the effort to increase available funding and efficiency, the board and CCF have combined their funding processes, providing grants of up to $25,000 to high quality programs that can demonstrate viable collaboration to integrate and align services to as many children, youth, families and citizens of Clatsop County as possible.
Programs must demonstrate that they:
· Provide services to all county residents, as opposed to residents of a specific geographic area, with a demonstrated ability to effectively assist citizens in need;
· Work collaboratively with other groups and actively seek and receive significant portions of their funding from sources other than the county;
· Address a need not now being addressed by other groups or agencies;
· Have missions that are consistent with the Board’s and Commission on Children and Families priorities.
· Contribute to the Governor’s goals of preparing children for school readiness.
There are seven sections listed as part of the policy and criteria for applicants to answer. The policy and criteria are available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us.
Applications must be submitted to the Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 200, Astoria, no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14.
The Commission on Children and Families will review all proposals and make funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for approval at one of its regularly scheduled meetings.
Recipients will be required to sign a grant agreement obligating the agency(ies) to carry out the program as described in the application.
For more information contact the Clatsop County Juvenile Department at (503) 325-8601.
This year, in the effort to increase available funding and efficiency, the board and CCF have combined their funding processes, providing grants of up to $25,000 to high quality programs that can demonstrate viable collaboration to integrate and align services to as many children, youth, families and citizens of Clatsop County as possible.
Programs must demonstrate that they:
· Provide services to all county residents, as opposed to residents of a specific geographic area, with a demonstrated ability to effectively assist citizens in need;
· Work collaboratively with other groups and actively seek and receive significant portions of their funding from sources other than the county;
· Address a need not now being addressed by other groups or agencies;
· Have missions that are consistent with the Board’s and Commission on Children and Families priorities.
· Contribute to the Governor’s goals of preparing children for school readiness.
There are seven sections listed as part of the policy and criteria for applicants to answer. The policy and criteria are available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us.
Applications must be submitted to the Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families Office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 200, Astoria, no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14.
The Commission on Children and Families will review all proposals and make funding recommendations to the Board of Commissioners for approval at one of its regularly scheduled meetings.
Recipients will be required to sign a grant agreement obligating the agency(ies) to carry out the program as described in the application.
For more information contact the Clatsop County Juvenile Department at (503) 325-8601.
CLATSOP COUNTY VOTERS TO DECIDE CIRCUS-ANIMAL BAN
Clatsop County voters will likely be asked next year to decide whether elephants and other exotic animals should be banned from circuses and other public displays.
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to draft an ordinance for placement on the May 2012 primary election ballot.
The action comes as a result of a lengthy campaign by a local resident and supporters who urged the board to halt what they describe as cruel and inhumane treatment of animals in traveling circuses, some of which have appeared at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds.
The ordinance will be based on a draft version presented to the board for its review Wednesday. The ordinance, based on a similar law passed by the city of Redmond, Wash., is narrowly worded to specifically prohibit only elephants and other exotic animals as defined in state statute: felines and nonwolf canines except for domestic cats and dogs, bears except for black bears, crocodiles and nonhuman primates.
Rodeos and horse shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits and educational displays would be exempt from the ban. The ordinance would only cover the unincorporated areas of the county, not the cities.
The ordinance will be brought back to the board for a public hearing at an upcoming meeting.
At Wednesday’s meeting, Astoria resident Janice Robertson, who first approached the county to request the ban in early 2010, urged the board to forego a ballot measure and adopt the proposed ordinance itself.
Chair Dirk Rohne, who serves as the board of commissioners’ liaison to the Clatsop County Fair Board, said he personally believed that the public had the right to decide whether or not to attend circuses, but added he would support placing the issue on the ballot.
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to draft an ordinance for placement on the May 2012 primary election ballot.
The action comes as a result of a lengthy campaign by a local resident and supporters who urged the board to halt what they describe as cruel and inhumane treatment of animals in traveling circuses, some of which have appeared at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds.
The ordinance will be based on a draft version presented to the board for its review Wednesday. The ordinance, based on a similar law passed by the city of Redmond, Wash., is narrowly worded to specifically prohibit only elephants and other exotic animals as defined in state statute: felines and nonwolf canines except for domestic cats and dogs, bears except for black bears, crocodiles and nonhuman primates.
Rodeos and horse shows, 4-H and FFA exhibits and educational displays would be exempt from the ban. The ordinance would only cover the unincorporated areas of the county, not the cities.
The ordinance will be brought back to the board for a public hearing at an upcoming meeting.
At Wednesday’s meeting, Astoria resident Janice Robertson, who first approached the county to request the ban in early 2010, urged the board to forego a ballot measure and adopt the proposed ordinance itself.
Chair Dirk Rohne, who serves as the board of commissioners’ liaison to the Clatsop County Fair Board, said he personally believed that the public had the right to decide whether or not to attend circuses, but added he would support placing the issue on the ballot.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY VALUE APPEALS MOVE TO OREGON TAX COURT
Taxpayers with industrial property valued by the Oregon Department of Revenue must now appeal to the Magistrate Division of the Oregon Tax Court if they disagree with the state's valuation.
Before this change, taxpayers could appeal to the counties in which the properties were located or to the Magistrate Division.
The change takes effect today (September 28). You must file your appeal with the Magistrate Division by December 31.
This change affects nearly 1,600 taxpayers.
The department appraises and values all industrial properties in Oregon that have real property, machinery, equipment, buildings, and structure values of more than $1 million. This includes 893 sites with a combined market value of about $15 billion.
Industries include electronic and high tech, wood and paper, food processing, metals, chemicals, plastics, and printing.
Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund or make tax payments, or call 1-800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or e-mail, questions.dor@state.or.us. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), call 1-800-886-7204.
Before this change, taxpayers could appeal to the counties in which the properties were located or to the Magistrate Division.
The change takes effect today (September 28). You must file your appeal with the Magistrate Division by December 31.
This change affects nearly 1,600 taxpayers.
The department appraises and values all industrial properties in Oregon that have real property, machinery, equipment, buildings, and structure values of more than $1 million. This includes 893 sites with a combined market value of about $15 billion.
Industries include electronic and high tech, wood and paper, food processing, metals, chemicals, plastics, and printing.
Visit www.oregon.gov/dor to get tax forms, check the status of your refund or make tax payments, or call 1-800-356-4222 toll-free from an Oregon prefix (English or Spanish); 503-378-4988 in Salem and outside Oregon; or e-mail, questions.dor@state.or.us. For TTY (hearing or speech impaired), call 1-800-886-7204.
SERIOUS INJURY TRAFFIC CRASH - HIGHWAY 26 NEAR MANNING
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Tuesday afternoon's two vehicle head-on crash on Highway 26 in the Manning area that seriously injured three people. The highway was re-opened about 3:00 p.m. Names are released in this update.Acording to Senior Trooper Gar Orien, on September 27, 2011 at approximately 1:00 p.m. a Chevrolet Suburban driven by GEORGE H. RUTHERFORD, age 64, from north Portland, was eastbound on Highway 26 near milepost 46. For an undetermined reason, it traveled into the westbound lane and collided head-on with a Chrysler Cirrus containing two women.
RUTHERFORD was transported by LifeFlight to Oregon Health & Sciences University with serious injuries.
The two women were transported by Metro West ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center with serious injuries. They are identified as driver CECILIA LUCIA-BAZURTO, age 56, and passenger COSTANTINO MATADAMAS-HERNANDEZ, age 58, both from Woodburn.
OSP troopers from the North Plains work site are continuing the investigation.
Washington County Sheriff's Office, Banks Fire District #13, and ODOT assisted at the scene.
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
OREGON STATE COMMISSION SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON CHRONIC PAIN ISSUES
Acute and chronic pain disorders are fast becoming among the most pressing concerns for consumers, employers and health care providers. According to a recent report from the Institute of Medicine, chronic pain affects at least 116 million American adults and costs up to $635 billion annually. These conditions are often complicated, involve many body systems and may require the use of multiple medications or a variety of treatments. The Oregon Pain Management Commission (OPMC) invites you to take part in an online public survey designed to help the commission better understand the effect of chronic pain on the lives of Oregonians. The survey will give citizens the opportunity to voice concerns about care, treatment and the quality of life as it is impacted by pain. The survey will remain open through November.
The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and can be found on the commission's website.
Individuals with pain may experience emotional and psychological issues. If they are disabled or unable to work, the financial burden affects them, their family, their workplace and community. Mismanaged pain leads to more visits to the emergency room and to medical providers, additional testing costs and increased prescription expenses. All of these dramatically increase health care costs in Oregon.
One objective of the survey is to identify the financial impact when pain patients are unable to access treatment in a primary care setting or when their treatment is not
managed successfully. Other survey goals include identifying the level and ease of access to health care for chronic pain conditions and to identify barriers that Oregonians face as a result of their pain.
Results of the voluntary survey will be analyzed for trends and issues identified by Oregon participants. No person or individual response will be identified. The information collected will assist the OPMC in fulfilling its mission.
Monday, September 26, 2011
ODFW eases bottomfishing restrictions Oct. 1
On Oct. 1, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will lift some restrictions on bottomfishing, allowing anglers to fish at all depths and halibut anglers to retain bottomfish.
The restriction were originally put in place to reduce the incidental bycatch of yelloweye rockfish, which is considered overfished by the National Marine Fisheries Service
Since July, ODFW has required anglers fishing for bottomfish to stay inside of the 20-fathom line. In addition, since the Central Oregon Coast nearshore halibut fishery reopened on Aug. 13, anglers have not been allowed to have both bottomfish and Pacific halibut onboard at the same time.
“Those efforts were successful enough in limiting yelloweye bycatch that we can open bottomfishing to all depths on Oct. 1 and not exceed our federal yelloweye harvest guideline for the year,” said Lynn Mattes, sport bottomfish and halibut project leader for ODFW. “We also can go back to the normal rules for the nearshore halibut fishery.”
Yelloweye rockfish generally live in deeper waters so bringing the fishery inside 20 fathoms protected the rockfish while allowing anglers to continue to fish for other bottomfish such as black rockfish and lingcod. Additionally, yelloweye rockfish released from shallower than 20 fathoms have a lower mortality rate.
The restriction were originally put in place to reduce the incidental bycatch of yelloweye rockfish, which is considered overfished by the National Marine Fisheries Service
Since July, ODFW has required anglers fishing for bottomfish to stay inside of the 20-fathom line. In addition, since the Central Oregon Coast nearshore halibut fishery reopened on Aug. 13, anglers have not been allowed to have both bottomfish and Pacific halibut onboard at the same time.
“Those efforts were successful enough in limiting yelloweye bycatch that we can open bottomfishing to all depths on Oct. 1 and not exceed our federal yelloweye harvest guideline for the year,” said Lynn Mattes, sport bottomfish and halibut project leader for ODFW. “We also can go back to the normal rules for the nearshore halibut fishery.”
Yelloweye rockfish generally live in deeper waters so bringing the fishery inside 20 fathoms protected the rockfish while allowing anglers to continue to fish for other bottomfish such as black rockfish and lingcod. Additionally, yelloweye rockfish released from shallower than 20 fathoms have a lower mortality rate.
OREGON HEATLH AUTHORITY KICKS OFF STATEWIDE COMMUNITY MEETINGS
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and Oregon Health Policy Board (OHPB) will host eight regional community meetings across the state.
The meetings are designed to educate residents about the new vision for the Oregon Health Plan established by bipartisan legislation passed earlier this year.
Under House Bill 3650, the administration of care for people on the Oregon Health Plan would be coordinated to bring better care, better management of chronic illness, more preventive care, more health equity and reduced waste and inefficiency.
The legislation creates local Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs), which would be responsible for administering the delivery of physical, mental, addictions, oral and other health care to the more than 600,000 child and adult Oregonians served by the Oregon Health Plan.
OHA and OHPB invite residents, health care professionals and businesses to join the conversation and help guide the proposed creation of CCOs in their community. Also at each meeting will be local innovators who have already begun the type of care coordination that would happen under the new organizations.
As required by HB 3650, a final proposal for such organizations will be delivered to the February 2012 Legislature by the Oregon Health Policy Board. Pending approval, the first CCO would launch in 2012.
Meetings are scheduled in the following communities.
Roseburg: Monday, Sept. 26, 6-8 p.m.
Umpqua Community College, Campus Center Building Dining Room
1140 Umpqua College Road
Medford: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m.
Santo Community Center
701 N. Columbus Ave.
Pendleton: Monday, Oct. 3, 6-8 p.m.
Pendleton Arts Center
214 N. Main St.
Pendleton, OR 97801
Florence: Wednesday, Oct. 5, 6-8 p.m.
The Florence Events Center
715 Quince St.
Florence, OR 97439
Bend: Thursday, Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m.
(location coming soon)
Portland: Monday, Oct. 10, 6-8 p.m.
University Place Hotel & Conference Center
310 S.W. Lincoln St.
Portland, OR 97201
Eugene: Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6-8 p.m.
(location coming soon)
Astoria: Thursday, Oct. 13, 6-8 p.m.
Judge Guy Boyington Building
857 Commercial St.
Astoria, OR 97103
If you are unable to attend a community meeting, you can offer feedback at health.oregon.gov.
For special accommodations, assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials, please contact Ari Ettinger at the Oregon Health Authority at ari.a.ettinger@state.or.us or call 503-947-2340 or 877-398-9238 at least 48 hours before the meeting.
For more information on Oregon health reform efforts and CCOs, visit health.oregon.gov.
The meetings are designed to educate residents about the new vision for the Oregon Health Plan established by bipartisan legislation passed earlier this year.
Under House Bill 3650, the administration of care for people on the Oregon Health Plan would be coordinated to bring better care, better management of chronic illness, more preventive care, more health equity and reduced waste and inefficiency.
The legislation creates local Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs), which would be responsible for administering the delivery of physical, mental, addictions, oral and other health care to the more than 600,000 child and adult Oregonians served by the Oregon Health Plan.
OHA and OHPB invite residents, health care professionals and businesses to join the conversation and help guide the proposed creation of CCOs in their community. Also at each meeting will be local innovators who have already begun the type of care coordination that would happen under the new organizations.
As required by HB 3650, a final proposal for such organizations will be delivered to the February 2012 Legislature by the Oregon Health Policy Board. Pending approval, the first CCO would launch in 2012.
Meetings are scheduled in the following communities.
Roseburg: Monday, Sept. 26, 6-8 p.m.
Umpqua Community College, Campus Center Building Dining Room
1140 Umpqua College Road
Medford: Tuesday, Sept. 27, 6-8 p.m.
Santo Community Center
701 N. Columbus Ave.
Pendleton: Monday, Oct. 3, 6-8 p.m.
Pendleton Arts Center
214 N. Main St.
Pendleton, OR 97801
Florence: Wednesday, Oct. 5, 6-8 p.m.
The Florence Events Center
715 Quince St.
Florence, OR 97439
Bend: Thursday, Oct. 6, 6-8 p.m.
(location coming soon)
Portland: Monday, Oct. 10, 6-8 p.m.
University Place Hotel & Conference Center
310 S.W. Lincoln St.
Portland, OR 97201
Eugene: Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6-8 p.m.
(location coming soon)
Astoria: Thursday, Oct. 13, 6-8 p.m.
Judge Guy Boyington Building
857 Commercial St.
Astoria, OR 97103
If you are unable to attend a community meeting, you can offer feedback at health.oregon.gov.
For special accommodations, assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials, please contact Ari Ettinger at the Oregon Health Authority at ari.a.ettinger@state.or.us or call 503-947-2340 or 877-398-9238 at least 48 hours before the meeting.
For more information on Oregon health reform efforts and CCOs, visit health.oregon.gov.
SHIBA REMINDS SENIORS ABOUT EARLY MEDICARE ENROLLMENT THIS YEAR /BENEFICIARIES MUST MAKE CHANGES A MONTH EARLIER, FROM OCT. 15-DEC. 7
Oregonians with Medicare will need to make their annual benefit changes early this year, and Oregon's Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is available to help.The annual Medicare enrollment period when beneficiaries can change health or drug coverage is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, a month earlier than usual. Medicare instituted the new time frame to ensure there is enough time to process any changes so that coverage begins without interruption on Jan. 1.
SHIBA, a federally funded program available to help Oregon's more than 600,000 Medicare beneficiaries, has counselors available statewide at 1-800-722-4134 to provide free, unbiased one-on-one assistance during annual enrollment.
This month, seniors will receive their "Annual Notice of Change" letter from their insurance company. The letter will outline any changes to their benefits or costs in 2012, including whether their current plan will be available.
"It is important that seniors watch the mail for the letter, which will help determine whether you want to consider other plans in 2012," said Lisa Emerson, SHIBA manager.
If you do choose to look at new plans, SHIBA suggests you do the following:
Find your insurance cards: You may need your red, white, and blue Medicare card to review benefit details or enroll in a new plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan, you may also need that card.
Update your list of prescription drugs: Check with your doctor to make sure you understand each prescription. Is a generic available? Can you eliminate any unneeded medications? Based on your list, do you have the right plan for you?
Use the Medicare.gov plan finder: The plan finder uses your prescription list to compare prescription drug and Medicare Advantage health plans in your area. Not all companies cover the same drugs so it's important to have a complete list of your medications and dosages when using this tool.
Contact your doctor, hospital, and pharmacy before making changes: Not all health and drug plans contract or work with the same providers. If you switch plans, make sure you understand which providers you can see for the best price.
Apply for help with drug costs: If you have limited income and assets, you may qualify for extra help with prescription drug costs. SHIBA counselors can help you apply for this benefit through Social Security.
More information and assistance
SHIBA: To meet with a counselor, contact the SHIBA Helpline at 1-800-722-4134. You will be asked to enter your ZIP code to be connected to a program in your area. Visit www.oregonshiba.org to view a calendar of Medicare events available in your county or to find a guide to the Medigap, Medicare Advantage, & Prescription Drug Plans available in Oregon. The guide for 2012 will be available online in mid-October.
Medicare: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help you understand your coverage options and enroll in a plan.
image courtesy: medicareguide.org
Thursday, September 22, 2011
OSP SEEKING INFORMATION TO IDENTIFY ELUDING MOTORCYCLIST FOLLOWING TROOPER'S CRASH NEAR CLATSKANIE
Oregon State Police (OSP) is asking for the public's help to locate and identify the motorcycle and its driver involved in an early Sunday morning (Sept. 25th) attempt to elude along Highway 30 near Clatskanie. The motorcyclist, who was reportedly wearing a black helmet and dark colored clothing, has not been identified after the trooper crashed her patrol car and received minor injury.On September 25, 2011 at approximately 6:30 a.m. OSP Trooper Jessica Spurlock was patrolling westbound on Highway 30 about three miles west of Clatskanie when she saw a unknown make or model dark colored motorcycle eastbound traveling 74 mph in a 55 mph speed zone. Spurlock turned around and overtook the motorcycle in Clatskanie where she attempted a traffic stop.
The motorcycle sped up to speeds near 120 mph eastbound from Clatskanie. The trooper, with emergency lights and siren activated, kept the motorcycle in sight until losing control of the 2010 Ford Crown Victoria patrol car near milepost 59 and crashing into an embankment.
The motorcycle was last seen eastbound at a high rate of speed. Two vehicles that were westbound and may have witnessed the trooper's crash failed to stop and drove past the crash scene toward Clatskanie.
Spurlock, who has worked for OSP for 6 years, was later transported by OSP to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria where she was examined for minor injuries and released. She was using safety restraints.
OSP would like to speak with any witnesses who were westbound at the time of the trooper's crash or may have seen the motorcycle eastbound shortly after 6:30 a.m. between Clatskanie and Rainier.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-452-7888.
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Safety Fair in Warrenton & National Child Passenger Safety Week
The community is invited to a FREE Child Safety Fair and BBQ this Saturday, September 24th from 10am to 2pm at Lum’s Auto Center to recognize National Child Passenger Safety Week. This Safety Fair will offer ten safety stations for the children to learn about fire safety, water safety, poison safety, helmet safety, pedestrian safety, power safety, motor vehicle safety, ambulance safety, Child Identity Program, and North Coast Parenting. Once each child has visited each safety stations they can enter a drawing to win a prize. Children are encouraged to bring their bikes to participate in the bike rodeo and have fun maneuvering their bike through an obstacle course. Warrenton Fire Department will be teaching children about fire safety and children will be able to look and sit in a fire engine. The Clatsop County Sheriff Marine Patrol Deputy will be on hand to teach the community about water safety and the importance about wearing a life jacket. There will be a Car Seat Clinic and child passenger safety technicians will be inspecting child safety seats for recalls, defects, and for correct installation. Pacific Power will be educating children on the safety and risks of electricity.
The City of Astoria Water Department has been leaking money.
Mark Carlson, city finance director, says the concern is the loss of revenue from unpaid utility bills. Carlson.wav “We’ve done some research, and over the last 24 months there’s been about twenty six hundred dollars a month that has been going to collections that in essence, will never be collected....what we found additionally is that about ninety five percent of these dollars were related to, ah, tenants and people that are renting.” (:17)
At Monday night’s meeting (9/19/11) of the Astoria City Council, council members heard a draft resolution regarding the water and sewer department receipts and billing practices that if implemented, will shift the responsibility for payment away from tenants.
Carlson2.wav “Ultimately, the responsibility for the payment of that utility bill falls to the property owner, uh the landlord. In the event that the tenant doesn’t pay so that would be one of the major changes that we would be making.” (:13)
Proposed changes include requiring in-person applications with ID required for new service, persons with previous unpaid bills would have clear past due amounts before service could be established, or restored, service deposits would rise from just over 97 dollars to 150 dollars, and if utility bills go unpaid for 60 days, the city could place a lien on the property.
Carlson said the changes would bring
ODFW Outdoor recreation
Wild coho seasons open on coastal rivers
Wild coho fisheries are now open on the Nehalem, Tillamook Bay, Nestucca, Siletz, Yaquina, Alsea, Siuslaw,
Upriver bright chinook salmon are moving into the Columbia River between
Dedication ceremony for Astoria's Franklin Avenue bridge replacement set for Friday, September 23rd
A dedication ceremony will be held on Friday, September 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at the site of the Franklin Avenue Bridge replacement project over 38th Street in the Adair-Uppertown historic district. The City of Astoria is inviting the public to attend this ceremony to celebrate the recent completion of this successful project.After three and a half years of planning and construction, Astoria’s Adair-Uppertown historic district now boasts a new $5.0 million bridge that will serve the neighborhood for decades to come. The attractive concrete structure was designed with input from the surrounding community and complements the historic nature of the neighborhood and city. The new Franklin Avenue Bridge is a two-span concrete bridge with one center support, which maintains the views toward the Columbia River. The design complements the historic neighborhood and features an arched support and arched railings, as well as historic-style streetlights. Because it is constructed of concrete, the new bridge is very durable, and will accommodate vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians for many years to come.
The City of Astoria thanks everyone who worked on this project, including the construction company, Granite Construction Northwest and the engineering firm, David Evans and Associates. The City also thanks the Oregon Department of Transportation for providing technical support and the majority of the funding through the Federal Highway Bridge Replacement Program.
For more information, contact Steve Ruggles, City of Astoria Public Works Department, Engineering Division, at (503) 338-5173 or email sruggles@astoria.or.us.
photo courtesy: The Daily Astorian.
Monday, September 19, 2011
NAMES RELEASED ON DOUBLE FATALITY CRASH ON HIGHWAY 101 NEAR WHEELER
On 9/17/11 at 3:14pm, a two vehicle traffic crash occurred on Highway 101 just south of Wheeler. Two passengers of one of the vehicles involved died as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. A third passenger of the same vehicle was seriously injured. The crash occurred when the driver of a southbound 2006 Dodge Caravan lost control of her vehicle on a curve to the left and spun into the northbound lane. The van was struck on the right side by a northbound 2005 Chevrolet Silverado pickup. Both vehicles were totaled as a result of the crash.
The driver of the Dodge Caravan, BOBBI JOANNE RADCLIFFE, age 49, from The Dalles was transported to Tillamook County General Hospital via ambulance where she was treated for minor injuries and released. Two passengers of the Dodge Caravan, DOUGLAS LEE ARNOLD, age 71, and DOUGLAS CLARK ARNOLD, age 8, both from The Dalles, died at the scene as a result of injuries sustained during the crash. Two additional passengers, SANDRA ARNOLD, age 45, and KIM ARNOLD, age 16, both also from The Dalles, were transported via ambulance to Tillamook County General Hospital. SANDRA ARNOLD was treated for non life threatening injuries and later released. KIM ARNOLD was seriously injured as a result of the crash. She was transported from Tillamook County General Hospital to OHSU via ambulance due to the extent of her injuries.
The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup, CHAD PERDUE, age 47, and his passenger, AVEREE PERDUE, age 9, both from Castle Rock, WA, were transported from the scene to Tillamook County General Hospital via ambulance. They were both treated for minor injuries and later released.
Investigation revealed that safety belts were used by all occupants of both vehicles.
Oregon State Police personnel from the Tillamook Worksite and the McMinnville Patrol Office investigated the crash. Assisting at the scene were the Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Manzanita Department of Public Safety, Tillamook Ambulance, Pacific West Ambulance, Nehalem Bay Fire and Rescue, Garibaldi Fire and Rescue, Rockaway Fire and Rescue and ODOT.
Photo courtesy of OSP
Free Public Event: Tsunami Train-the-Trainer
The Pacific County Emergency Management Agency (PCEMA) will be offering a free six hour course for Tsunami Public Education on October 11, 2011 at Pacific County Fire District 1 (26110 Ridge Avenue, Ocean Park, WA 98640). The course will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. with a one hour midday break. Workbooks will also be provided.
Topics for the course include: near-and far-source tsunami events and scenarios, the Cascadia Subduction Zone, tsunami modeling, inundation mapping in Washington, local vulnerabilities, emergency management systems, human behavior to risk, and community training.
The Train-the-Trainer program aims to develop an educational curriculum to train qualified Tsunami public education instructors. It is a joint effort of the NOAA Center for Tsunami Research (NCTR) and the Washington State Emergency Management Division (WAEMD), and has been organized locally by PCEMA. Participants will gain skills and knowledge regarding: local hazards, risk reduction, tsunami response, and community assessment. The goal of this course is to better prepare the citizens and communities of Pacific County by developing and coordinating disaster preparedness public education programs.
All persons interested in participating must pre-register with Denise Rowlett by calling (360) 642-9338 or (360) 875-9338 or email drowlett@co.pacific.wa.us.
Topics for the course include: near-and far-source tsunami events and scenarios, the Cascadia Subduction Zone, tsunami modeling, inundation mapping in Washington, local vulnerabilities, emergency management systems, human behavior to risk, and community training.
The Train-the-Trainer program aims to develop an educational curriculum to train qualified Tsunami public education instructors. It is a joint effort of the NOAA Center for Tsunami Research (NCTR) and the Washington State Emergency Management Division (WAEMD), and has been organized locally by PCEMA. Participants will gain skills and knowledge regarding: local hazards, risk reduction, tsunami response, and community assessment. The goal of this course is to better prepare the citizens and communities of Pacific County by developing and coordinating disaster preparedness public education programs.
All persons interested in participating must pre-register with Denise Rowlett by calling (360) 642-9338 or (360) 875-9338 or email drowlett@co.pacific.wa.us.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
ASTORIA SUNDAY MARKET ENDS OCTOBER 9th
The 2011 Astoria Sunday Market (ASM) season is coming to a close in just three weeks. Sunday, October 9, is the final day of the Market season so there is still time to stock up on favorite items to last through the winter or to get some early holiday shopping done. “Many Market patrons take advantage of the final days of the season to make sure they have enough canned tuna, soap, towels and other items,” explains director Cyndi Mudge. “While many vendors do offer online sales it’s much easier and more fun to buy directly from our artisans’ right here in Astoria.” Mudge notes that quite a few vendors are happy to do custom orders, “So don’t hesitate to ask if you want something special before the season ends.”There is also great produce this time of year and Astoria Sunday Market has a number of farmers that come each week including Kingfisher Farms, which is the only coastal farm represented; DeAsis Farms; Iko Farms; Candy Her Farm specializing in Asian vegetables; and Packer's Orchards. "We also have a number of 'micro-farms' typically located in The Square between Duane and Exchange," added Mudge. Fresh produce is a treat to be savored these last few weeks remaining.
Astoria Sunday Market is involved in a number of projects during its final weeks including coordinating food vendors for the Northwest Brew Cup September 24-25 at the old train station east of Columbia River Maritime Museum, providing vendors for the cruise ships arriving at the Port September 25, 26 & 27, and coordinating marketing and vendors for the Astoria Timber Festival on Saturday, October 8, at Clatsop County Fairgrounds.
The Astoria Sunday Market is a non profit 501 (c) 3 organization formed to revitalize historic downtown Astoria and to improve the economic viability and vitality of farmers, artists, artisans and other small business operators in the Pacific Northwest. The Market is dedicated to creating a vibrant educational marketplace for the community benefit. Funds raised from Astoria Sunday Market go towards programs and projects that benefit downtown. Since its inception, Astoria Sunday Market has raised and donated $137,000. Recipients include Liberty Theater, the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival, Surging Waves Chinese Garden, Astoria Music Festival and Astoria Regatta, among many others.
CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING OF NEW BUILDING: OREGON FOOD BANK -- TILLAMOOK COUNTY SERVICES, OCT. 1
Celebrate the grand opening of a new building for Oregon Food Bank - Tillamook County Services, Saturday, Oct. 1, at 1760 Wilson River Loop, Tillamook Ore. "We're thrilled with our new space and invite the entire community to our grand opening," said Cari Clifton, branch manager, Oregon Food Bank - Tillamook County Services."
Dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony begin at 11 a.m. with guest speakers State Sen. Betsy Johnson; Tillamook County Commissioner Mark Labhart; Rachel Bristol, CEO, Oregon Food Bank; and Imie Camellia, president, North County Food Pantry. The facility will be open for tours and refreshments from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"The new location will help us better serve Tillamook County," Clifton said. "The new 6,000 square-foot warehouse doubles our current space. The additional space also allows us to increase freezer and cooler size 163 percent, which means we can distribute more nutritious fresh and frozen food to people who are hungry in Tillamook County."
Freezer space will increase from 1,024 cubic feet to 2,688 cubic feet. Cooler space will increase from 768 cubic feet to 2,016 cubic feet.
"The additional space also allows us to welcome more volunteers to help repack food," Clifton said. "We thank Rogers Terminal, a division of Cargill, and Tillamook County Creamery Association for helping to fund building improvements."
OFB - Tillamook County Services (formerly known as The Regional Food Bank for Tillamook County) distributes more than a half-a-million pounds of food each year to 25 partner agencies throughout Tillamook County.
"The number of families seeking emergency food increased 8 percent last year," Clifton noted. "Every week, new families, who have never had to ask for help before, contact me asking where to get food. This new building will help us distribute more food to our partner agencies, and it will help us work more efficiently."
Oregon Food Bank is a charitable, nonprofit organization that works to help low-income families alleviate hunger and its root causes. It distributes food from a variety of sources through a statewide network that includes its four branches (in Beaverton, Ontario, Portland and Tillamook), 16 independent regional food banks and more than 900 partner agencies. Oregon Food Bank also addresses the root causes of hunger through advocacy, education and building community food networks.
ELKS SPONSOR FREE VISION SCREENING FOR CHILDREN IN ASTORIA
WHAT: Free vision screening for children aged three to five
WHEN: Monday October 3rd, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WHERE: 785 Alameda Street, Astoria, OR 97103
DETAILS: One in every 10 children between the ages of three and five has a vision problem. Most of these conditions require treatment before the age of seven to avoid long-term damage. If left untreated, they may lead to a lifetime of unnecessary vision impairment and possibly blindness.
While some school districts offer vision-screening programs, formal screening should begin at age three. Good vision is essential for proper physical development and educational progress. Early detection provides the best opportunity for effective, inexpensive treatment.
The vision-screening program is provided by the Elks Children’s Eye Clinic at the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, in partnership with the Oregon State Elks Association and the Astoria Head Start.
For more than 50 years the Oregon Elks Association has contributed millions of dollars in research and equipment and thousands of volunteer hours toward the prevention and treatment of pediatric eye disease.
For more information locally, please contact the Astoria Head Start at 503-325-5421.
WHEN: Monday October 3rd, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WHERE: 785 Alameda Street, Astoria, OR 97103
DETAILS: One in every 10 children between the ages of three and five has a vision problem. Most of these conditions require treatment before the age of seven to avoid long-term damage. If left untreated, they may lead to a lifetime of unnecessary vision impairment and possibly blindness.
While some school districts offer vision-screening programs, formal screening should begin at age three. Good vision is essential for proper physical development and educational progress. Early detection provides the best opportunity for effective, inexpensive treatment.
The vision-screening program is provided by the Elks Children’s Eye Clinic at the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, in partnership with the Oregon State Elks Association and the Astoria Head Start.
For more than 50 years the Oregon Elks Association has contributed millions of dollars in research and equipment and thousands of volunteer hours toward the prevention and treatment of pediatric eye disease.
For more information locally, please contact the Astoria Head Start at 503-325-5421.
Chill It’s Only a Drill next week in Pacific County, WA
On Wednesday, September 21, 2011 shortly after 10:15 a.m. the All Hazard Alert Broadcast (AHAB) sirens will be tested sounding both the standard test message and the actual warning tone. The AHAB sirens in Pacific County and the other outer Washington coastal counties are being activated to conduct a true “end-to-end” test of the entire tsunami warning system.This test will help familiarize residents with the sound made by the AHAB sirens during an actual tsunami warning. It will differ from the routine monthly testing that occurs on the first Monday of each month since it will broadcast an audible siren wail tone for the full 3 minute warning instead of a chime tone; however, the voice message will be exactly the same as the routine test message.
NOAA weather radios set to receive the required monthly test will also activate during this test.
This event is a key element in the Weather Radio Awareness Month campaign in Washington State as well as National Preparedness Month and earthquake and tsunami education efforts.
Citizens with questions or concerns may contact the Pacific County Emergency Management office at (360) 642-9340 or (360) 875-9340. In addition, a post-test survey is available for residents at www.weather.gov/test.
Photo courtesy of Long Beach Weather.
CLATSOP SHERIFF, RURAL LAW COMMITTEE HOST PUBLIC MEETINGS
The Rural Law Enforcement District Advisory Committee is hosting the first in a series of public meetings on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. at the St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 79441 Hwy 101 in Arch Cape.
The Sheriff’s Office along with the RLED panel is seeking public input in developing the Sheriff’s Office Strategic Plan for 2012 through 2017. The plan is used to guide the operations of the Sheriff’s Office with an emphasis on the following areas: Strengths, Weaknesses, Challenges and Opportunities. The intent is to develop a list of guiding strategies that then allow the Sheriff’s Office to develop specific actionable tasks or policies.
This is an opportunity for the public to provide input in regards to how the Sheriff’s Office is doing its job now, where they would like to see their Sheriff’s Office in the future and how do we get there. The meeting will include a briefing on how the Sheriff’s Office has performed on the current strategic plan. You can visit the County’s Website at www.co.clatsop.or.us and go to the Sheriff’s page to view the current strategic plan.
The Sheriff will also provide a briefing on current activity levels and crime statistics. We are excited about our expanded ability to provide meaningful information from the Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System the Sheriff’s Office transitioned to earlier in the year. We will also discuss jail proposals and outline the issues that the jail faces currently. We will be asking for public input of the various proposals.
If you are unable to make this meeting there will be more opportunity, as the Sheriff’ s Office intends to conduct further meetings in Jewell/Elsie, Lewis and Clark, Clatsop Plains/Gearhart and Knappa/Svensen/Westport areas throughout the fall and winter to seek additional input on the Strategic Plan and jail proposals.
The Sheriff’s Office along with the RLED panel is seeking public input in developing the Sheriff’s Office Strategic Plan for 2012 through 2017. The plan is used to guide the operations of the Sheriff’s Office with an emphasis on the following areas: Strengths, Weaknesses, Challenges and Opportunities. The intent is to develop a list of guiding strategies that then allow the Sheriff’s Office to develop specific actionable tasks or policies.
This is an opportunity for the public to provide input in regards to how the Sheriff’s Office is doing its job now, where they would like to see their Sheriff’s Office in the future and how do we get there. The meeting will include a briefing on how the Sheriff’s Office has performed on the current strategic plan. You can visit the County’s Website at www.co.clatsop.or.us and go to the Sheriff’s page to view the current strategic plan.
The Sheriff will also provide a briefing on current activity levels and crime statistics. We are excited about our expanded ability to provide meaningful information from the Computer Aided Dispatch/Records Management System the Sheriff’s Office transitioned to earlier in the year. We will also discuss jail proposals and outline the issues that the jail faces currently. We will be asking for public input of the various proposals.
If you are unable to make this meeting there will be more opportunity, as the Sheriff’ s Office intends to conduct further meetings in Jewell/Elsie, Lewis and Clark, Clatsop Plains/Gearhart and Knappa/Svensen/Westport areas throughout the fall and winter to seek additional input on the Strategic Plan and jail proposals.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
SUNSET EMPIRE TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSED BUS ROUTE CHANGES
Sunset Empire Transportation District is seeking public comment on proposed changes to Route 101 and Route 10 and the addition of Route 30 service. Route changes are being proposed for Route 101 and Route 10 due to buses being frequently behind schedule. Route 30 service is going to be added back five-days-a-week from Warrenton to Westport and link up with the Columbia County Transit system. Proposed route change information may be viewed on our website at www.ridethebus.org or viewed and copies obtained at Sunset Empire Transportation Transit Center at 900 Marine Drive in Astoria.
Public comment and discussion well be taken during a Special Public Hearing scheduled for October 5th at 2 PM at the Transit Center in Astoria. Letters and comments may be dropped off at the SETD Transit Center, mailed to 900 Marine Drive Astoria, OR 97103, or emailed to answers@ridethebus.org until Oct. 12th.
For more information or if you need assistance or an alternative format please call 503-861-5372.
New Youngs Bay Bridge to close for maintenance
The New Youngs Bay Bridge in Astoria will be closed at least one night during September 21-23 and September 27-28 to allow ODOT to perform a bridge maintenance operation. The bridge closure will be from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Normal traffic will be instructed to detour onto Highway 105. Loaded trucks that cannot go over the Lewis and Clark Bridge will use Fort Clatsop Road and Lewis and Clark Road.
ODOT crews will be greasing the counter weight and span cables. While the bridge will be closed for only one night, multiple dates were needed so crews could provide the necessary notification in case of bad weather.
Photo courtesy ODOT
MULTI-INJURY TRAFFIC CRASH INVOLVING SCHOOL BUS - HIGHWAY 101 IN WARRENTON AREA
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Monday afternoon's multi-injury traffic crash involving a Warrenton School District bus and a pickup at the intersection of Highway 101 and Perkins Road.According to OSP Senior Trooper James Pierce, preliminary information indicates on September 12, 2011 at approximately 3:55 p.m. a Warrenton School District bus driven by SABRINA J. RAINEY, age 33, from Astoria, was stopped on Perkins Road waiting to cross Highway 101. RAINEY started across the highway and was struck in the passenger side by a southbound 2001 Ford F150 pickup driven by JOHN N. COOK, age 64, from Gearhart.
Six student passengers were identified as being transported to different hospitals for treatment:
* ANSIL E. RAINEY, age 6, transported by Medix ambulance to Seaside Providence Hospital with minor injuries.
* JADEN RAINEY, age 9, transported by ambulance to Seaside Providence Hospital with minor injuries.
* EYLEA GONIWICHA, age 16, transported by ambulance to Seaside Providence Hospital with minor injuries.
* SERENA GONIWICHA, age 16, transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital then transferred to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland with serious injuries.
* TIMOTHY WARREN, age 11, transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
* SAMANTHA WARREN, age 13, transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.
A seventh student identified as LILLY TEADTAE, age 14, was reportedly picked up at the scene by her parent with no confirmed injury.
COOK was transported by ambulance to Columbia Memorial Hospital then to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center with serious injuries.
All occupants in both vehicles were using safety restraints. The pickup's airbags deployed.
OSP troopers from the Astoria Area Command office are continuing the investigation. No enforcement action has been taken. No other information to be released at this time.
OSP was assisted at the scene by Warrenton Police Department, Warrenton Fire Department, Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, Medix Ambulance, ODOT and Warrenton School District officials.
Photograph Source: Oregon State Police
Monday, September 12, 2011
OREGON INSURANCE DIVISION HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING WEDNESDAY IN ODS RATE REQUEST
On Wednesday, September 14th, a public hearing on ODS Health Plan request for a 9.9 percent rate increase for individual health plans affecting 26,333 members. The hearing will be in in Room 260 of the Labor and Industries Building, 350 Winter St. NE, Salem.
The division will do a brief overview of the health insurance rate review process;
ODS will present its justification for the request; division staff will ask questions; OSPIRG will comment; testimony from the public will be taken.
Following the hearing, the division will continue its review of the request. Public comments will be accepted through Sept. 20 and can be made online, as well. Visit: www.oregonhealthrates.org
The division will do a brief overview of the health insurance rate review process;
ODS will present its justification for the request; division staff will ask questions; OSPIRG will comment; testimony from the public will be taken.
Following the hearing, the division will continue its review of the request. Public comments will be accepted through Sept. 20 and can be made online, as well. Visit: www.oregonhealthrates.org
CStates reopen lower Columbia chinook seasons
Fishery managers from Oregon and Washington today announced that they will reopen some chinook salmon seasons in the lower Columbia River, effective Sept. 16. The additional fishing opportunity is possible due to lower than expected catches of ESA-listed lower river wild tule fall chinook.
Under the rule change adopted at a joint state hearing Monday afternoon, chinook retention will be allowed from Buoy 10 upstream 19 miles to Tongue Point starting Sept. 16 and continuing through the end of the year. The daily bag limit from Sept. 16 through the end of the year will be two adult salmon/steelhead in combination. Coho and steelhead must be adipose fin-clipped, but chinook can either be clipped or not. Retention of jacks is prohibited in this fishery until Oct.1.
Farther upstream, from Tongue Point approximately 69 miles upstream to the Warrior Rock/Lewis River line, chinook retention will be allowed Sept. 16, 17, and 18. Chinook retention (for adults and jacks) will close again effective Sept. 19 and reopen Oct. 1 through the end of the year. The daily bag limit is two adult salmon/steelhead in combination. Coho and steelhead much be adipose fin-clipped. When chinook retention is allowed, adult and jack chinook may be retained whether fin-clipped or not.
From the Warrior Rock/Lewis River line upstream to the Oregon/Washington border, chinook retention is currently open and will remain open until the end of the year with no changes from previously adopted seasons.
Under the rule change adopted at a joint state hearing Monday afternoon, chinook retention will be allowed from Buoy 10 upstream 19 miles to Tongue Point starting Sept. 16 and continuing through the end of the year. The daily bag limit from Sept. 16 through the end of the year will be two adult salmon/steelhead in combination. Coho and steelhead must be adipose fin-clipped, but chinook can either be clipped or not. Retention of jacks is prohibited in this fishery until Oct.1.
Farther upstream, from Tongue Point approximately 69 miles upstream to the Warrior Rock/Lewis River line, chinook retention will be allowed Sept. 16, 17, and 18. Chinook retention (for adults and jacks) will close again effective Sept. 19 and reopen Oct. 1 through the end of the year. The daily bag limit is two adult salmon/steelhead in combination. Coho and steelhead much be adipose fin-clipped. When chinook retention is allowed, adult and jack chinook may be retained whether fin-clipped or not.
From the Warrior Rock/Lewis River line upstream to the Oregon/Washington border, chinook retention is currently open and will remain open until the end of the year with no changes from previously adopted seasons.
Special Port of Astoria Mtg. Tuesday Sept. 13
On Tuesday, September 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. AGENDA: Port of Astoria Special Meeting
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Changes/Additions
3. Public Comment
4. Property Agreements – Floyd Holcom
5. Korea Update – Travel Authorization
6. Port Road Jurisdictions
7. Rice Island Sand Analysis
8. Airport - Grant Award
9. Airport - Hangar Update
10. Commission Direction
11. Public Comment
12. Adjourn
The Lincoln County Interagency Narcotics Team (LINT), with the assistance of Oregon State Police and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, arrested a 56-year old Waldport man Friday after serving a search warrant at his residence and seizing a small amount of methamphetamine, about one pound of marijuana, several firearms and other evidence.On September 9, 2011 at approximately 6:05 a.m., LINT detectives, Oregon State Police and Lincoln County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant at 340 SW Pacific View Street in Waldport. Officers contacted JAMES EARL RUDDIMAN JR, age 56, and two other adults at the residence. Subsequent search led investigators to seize a small quantity of methamphetamine, about one pound of marijuana, scales, and other evidence. Officers also found several firearms including a semi-auto handgun and a sawed off shotgun.
RUDDIMAN was arrested and lodged in the Lincoln County Jail for UNLAWFUL DELIVERY and POSSESSION of METHAMPHETAMINE. He was also charged with Unlawful Possession of a Short barreled shotgun. The other adults were not arrested and the investigation is continuing.
The LINT team is comprised of members from the Lincoln County District Attorney, Lincoln City Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and Oregon State Police.
All Oregon DMV offices will be closed Friday, Sept. 16
Oregon DMV Headquarters and all local DMV field offices will be closed Friday, Sept. 16.
The closure is the first of 10 statewide mandatory unpaid “furlough” days for employees scheduled for the state’s 2011-13 budget period.
Customer waiting times tend to be longer on the days just before and after office closures, so DMV suggests that customers try to do business by mail or online, if possible, or plan their visits to DMV before Thursday, Sept. 15, or after Monday, Sept. 19.
The next statewide furlough is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 25 the day after Thanksgiving.
The closure is the first of 10 statewide mandatory unpaid “furlough” days for employees scheduled for the state’s 2011-13 budget period.
Customer waiting times tend to be longer on the days just before and after office closures, so DMV suggests that customers try to do business by mail or online, if possible, or plan their visits to DMV before Thursday, Sept. 15, or after Monday, Sept. 19.
The next statewide furlough is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 25 the day after Thanksgiving.
FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH INVOLVING WRONG WAY DRIVER - INTERSTATE 5 SOUTH OF ALBANY
Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers are continuing the investigation into Saturday night's wrong way driver-involved fatal traffic crash that resulted in the death of the at-fault driver, a 71-year old Tillamook man, and non-life threatening injuries to four other people. OSP is asking anyone with information regarding where the victim was prior to the traffic crash to please contact Trooper Casey Hunter at (541) 967-2026 ext. 4250.According to Lieutenant Mark Cotter, on September 10, 2011 at 9:13 p.m. OSP Northern Command Center dispatch received a report of a vehicle driving northbound in the southbound lanes at milepost 219 about three miles north of Exit 216 and nine miles south of the Highway 34 interchange (Exit 228). Trooper Hunter was the only trooper on duty in the Albany area and responded south from milepost 238.
Two minutes later at 9:15 p.m., OSP was notified of a head-on collision in the southbound lanes near milepost 221. Shortly after emergency responders arrived on scene it was confirmed the wrong way driver, MONTY ROBERT FLOYD UPSHAW, age 71, from Tillamook, was deceased.
Preliminary investigation indicates a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt driven by UPSHAW was northbound in the southbound lanes when it sideswiped a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by KAILANI K. BROWN, age 31, from Springfield, then collided head-on with a 2005 Chevrolet pickup driven by OSIEL MILLAN FIGUEROA, age 35, from Coos Bay.
BROWN was not injured.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Coast Guard tows distressed fishing vessel to Coos Bay, Ore.
A Coast Guard 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Coos Bay, Ore., towed the disabled fishing vessel Willapa Maid to Coos Bay, Wednesday.
Coast Guard Group North Bend, Ore., received a call from the crew of the 48-foot Willapa Maid at approximately 9 p.m., Tuesday, stating the fishing vessel was disabled and taking on water approximately 30 miles west of Coos Bay with two people on board.
Air Station North Bend launched an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and Station Coos Bay launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew.
The helicopter crew arrived on scene at approximately 10:45 p.m., and lowered a dewatering pump to the distressed vessel.
The motor lifeboat crew arrived on scene at approximately 11 p.m., and passed a second dewatering pump and damage control kit to the vessel.
The crew of the Willapa Maid was able to successfully dewater the vessel.
The motor lifeboat crew then towed the Willapa Maid safely to Coos Bay, arriving at approximately 10:30 a.m., Wednesday.
No injuries were reported
Coast Guard Group North Bend, Ore., received a call from the crew of the 48-foot Willapa Maid at approximately 9 p.m., Tuesday, stating the fishing vessel was disabled and taking on water approximately 30 miles west of Coos Bay with two people on board.
Air Station North Bend launched an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and Station Coos Bay launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew.
The helicopter crew arrived on scene at approximately 10:45 p.m., and lowered a dewatering pump to the distressed vessel.
The motor lifeboat crew arrived on scene at approximately 11 p.m., and passed a second dewatering pump and damage control kit to the vessel.
The crew of the Willapa Maid was able to successfully dewater the vessel.
The motor lifeboat crew then towed the Willapa Maid safely to Coos Bay, arriving at approximately 10:30 a.m., Wednesday.
No injuries were reported
Coast Guard tows distressed fishing vessel to Coos Bay, Ore.
A Coast Guard 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Coos Bay, Ore., towed the disabled fishing vessel Willapa Maid to Coos Bay, Wednesday.
Coast Guard Group North Bend, Ore., received a call from the crew of the 48-foot Willapa Maid at approximately 9 p.m., Tuesday, stating the fishing vessel was disabled and taking on water approximately 30 miles west of Coos Bay with two people on board.
Air Station North Bend launched an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and Station Coos Bay launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew.
The helicopter crew arrived on scene at approximately 10:45 p.m., and lowered a dewatering pump to the distressed vessel.
The motor lifeboat crew arrived on scene at approximately 11 p.m., and passed a second dewatering pump and damage control kit to the vessel.
The crew of the Willapa Maid was able to successfully dewater the vessel.
The motor lifeboat crew then towed the Willapa Maid safely to Coos Bay, arriving at approximately 10:30 a.m., Wednesday.
No injuries were reported
Coast Guard Group North Bend, Ore., received a call from the crew of the 48-foot Willapa Maid at approximately 9 p.m., Tuesday, stating the fishing vessel was disabled and taking on water approximately 30 miles west of Coos Bay with two people on board.
Air Station North Bend launched an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and Station Coos Bay launched a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew.
The helicopter crew arrived on scene at approximately 10:45 p.m., and lowered a dewatering pump to the distressed vessel.
The motor lifeboat crew arrived on scene at approximately 11 p.m., and passed a second dewatering pump and damage control kit to the vessel.
The crew of the Willapa Maid was able to successfully dewater the vessel.
The motor lifeboat crew then towed the Willapa Maid safely to Coos Bay, arriving at approximately 10:30 a.m., Wednesday.
No injuries were reported
COALITION PARTNERS WITH CITIES ON VOLUNTARY TOBACCO-FREE PARK ZONES
Fresh air is good for young lungs. And the Tobacco Free Coalition of Clatsop County and local cities are urging residents and visitors to keep smoke away from where young people play.
The coalition has distributed more than three-dozen signs for posting at public parks in communities around the county, asking visitors to the facilities to voluntarily refrain from smoking. The signs are primarily posted near play structures and walking trails.
The campaign is aimed at reducing secondhand smoke and cigarette litter in areas where children congregate, as well as promoting a healthy, tobacco-free environment for everyone.
The signs bear a design from Astoria second-grader Talia Richley whose picture was chosen in the Tobacco Free Coalition’s “Happy Healthy Parks” art contest.
According to the Surgeon General, there are no safe levels of secondhand smoke, a carcinogen that can trigger asthma attacks and respiratory complications. Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of exposure to secondhand smoke.
And cigarette litter, much of which is non-biodegradable, pollutes the environment and can be ingested by toddlers, pets and wildlife.
“The purpose of park areas is to promote community wellness, and tobacco-free policies fit with this idea,” said Steven Blakesley, Health Promotion Specialist with the Clatsop County Public Health Department. “We need to make environmental changes to better promote healthy lifestyle choices. Everybody has a stake in this. As adults we can set examples that will develop healthy behaviors.”
The Oregon Health Authority estimates that tobacco-related illnesses cost Clatsop County an estimated $27 million a year in direct medical costs and lost productivity, and that 21 percent of all deaths in the county are caused by tobacco-related illnesses. Twenty-four percent of 11th graders in Clatsop County consume tobacco, versus 16 percent statewide, according to the Oregon Healthy Teens survey.
For more information go to the “Tobacco Prevention and Education” page on the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us.
The coalition has distributed more than three-dozen signs for posting at public parks in communities around the county, asking visitors to the facilities to voluntarily refrain from smoking. The signs are primarily posted near play structures and walking trails.
The campaign is aimed at reducing secondhand smoke and cigarette litter in areas where children congregate, as well as promoting a healthy, tobacco-free environment for everyone.
The signs bear a design from Astoria second-grader Talia Richley whose picture was chosen in the Tobacco Free Coalition’s “Happy Healthy Parks” art contest.
According to the Surgeon General, there are no safe levels of secondhand smoke, a carcinogen that can trigger asthma attacks and respiratory complications. Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful effects of exposure to secondhand smoke.
And cigarette litter, much of which is non-biodegradable, pollutes the environment and can be ingested by toddlers, pets and wildlife.
“The purpose of park areas is to promote community wellness, and tobacco-free policies fit with this idea,” said Steven Blakesley, Health Promotion Specialist with the Clatsop County Public Health Department. “We need to make environmental changes to better promote healthy lifestyle choices. Everybody has a stake in this. As adults we can set examples that will develop healthy behaviors.”
The Oregon Health Authority estimates that tobacco-related illnesses cost Clatsop County an estimated $27 million a year in direct medical costs and lost productivity, and that 21 percent of all deaths in the county are caused by tobacco-related illnesses. Twenty-four percent of 11th graders in Clatsop County consume tobacco, versus 16 percent statewide, according to the Oregon Healthy Teens survey.
For more information go to the “Tobacco Prevention and Education” page on the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us.
Secretary of State audits Healthy Kids and finds an error worth $4.6 million in federal funds
An Oregon state audit released on Wednesday found that the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) could strengthen its calculation method for reporting child enrollment and, while Healthy Kids advertising transactions were generally accurate and proper, could do more to strengthen controls over these expenditures.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offered states additional funds for
increasing enrollment of uninsured children in Medicaid above a baseline amount and forstreamlining the enrollment and renewal processes. The Office of Healthy Kids began an outreach effort to increase enrollment, earning $10.5 million in additional funds for federal fiscal year 2010.
The auditors reviewed the calculation of enrollment used in applying for additional federal funds and found that OHA analysts had included some children who were not eligible to be counted.
As a result, Oregon was credited with $4.6 million more than warranted. The Oregon Health Authority had not yet received these funds and managers promptly notified the federalgovernment of the correction.
“The Office of Healthy Kids earned extra funding through its efforts, but not as much as OHA had originally calculated,” said Audits Director Gary Blackmer. “Greater scrutiny of its enrollment reporting process can reduce these kinds of errors in the future.”
The audit also examined the expenditures incurred by the Office of Healthy Kids for its advertising and outreach effort and found controls generally ensured accurate and propertransactions for the advertising expenditures. The audit noted some areas where stronger controls could be implemented to improve tracking and recording processes.
“This is a worthy program providing Oregon children with healthcare,” said Secretary of State Kate Brown. “I am confident the recommendations made will improve processes within the Office of Healthy Kids.”
The report, including the agency response, can be found at ww.sos.state.or.us/audits.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offered states additional funds for
increasing enrollment of uninsured children in Medicaid above a baseline amount and forstreamlining the enrollment and renewal processes. The Office of Healthy Kids began an outreach effort to increase enrollment, earning $10.5 million in additional funds for federal fiscal year 2010.
The auditors reviewed the calculation of enrollment used in applying for additional federal funds and found that OHA analysts had included some children who were not eligible to be counted.
As a result, Oregon was credited with $4.6 million more than warranted. The Oregon Health Authority had not yet received these funds and managers promptly notified the federalgovernment of the correction.
“The Office of Healthy Kids earned extra funding through its efforts, but not as much as OHA had originally calculated,” said Audits Director Gary Blackmer. “Greater scrutiny of its enrollment reporting process can reduce these kinds of errors in the future.”
The audit also examined the expenditures incurred by the Office of Healthy Kids for its advertising and outreach effort and found controls generally ensured accurate and propertransactions for the advertising expenditures. The audit noted some areas where stronger controls could be implemented to improve tracking and recording processes.
“This is a worthy program providing Oregon children with healthcare,” said Secretary of State Kate Brown. “I am confident the recommendations made will improve processes within the Office of Healthy Kids.”
The report, including the agency response, can be found at ww.sos.state.or.us/audits.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Vista Volunteer for Pacific County Emergency Management
Natasha Nesbitt has been named by the Pacific County Emergency Management Agency (PCEMA) as the selected AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) member. Natasha will serve with PCEMA for 12 months to build and strengthen the local volunteer base by developing a strong public education outreach program to enhance disaster preparedness and response needs in Pacific County with a focus on low income and vulnerable communities.
PCEMA was awarded an AmeriCorps VISTA member position for the 2011-2012 program year. The Washington Service Corps (WSC) handles all administrative benefits of the AmeriCorps VISTA program. The WSC is administered by the Washington State Employment Security Department with federal funding provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
PCEMA was awarded an AmeriCorps VISTA member position for the 2011-2012 program year. The Washington Service Corps (WSC) handles all administrative benefits of the AmeriCorps VISTA program. The WSC is administered by the Washington State Employment Security Department with federal funding provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service.
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