According to the 2010 census the ethnic breakdown for Wahkiakum County’s population of 3,978 is 94 percent White. Black persons were .03 percent of the total, American Indian and Alaska Native 1.3 percent, Asian persons 0.6 percent, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders 0.2 percent.
Of the 3,824 Wahkiakum County residents counted in the 2000 census, 93.5 percent were White. Blacks were 0.03 percent of the total, Native Americans 1.6, Asians 0.5, and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders 0.1 percent.
People reporting two or more races in 2010 were 3.1 percent, compared to 2.5 percent in 2000.
The Associated Press reported Wahkiakum County is one of the least expensive places for a single-parent family with one preschooler and one school-age child to live, reporting the family would need $32,997 a year to be self-sufficient. Most expensive places to live would be East King County at $65,690.
Ruby Murray, The Wahkiakum County Eagle.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
OREGON GIVES TAXPAYERS A SECOND CHANCE TO BID ON TAX CREDITS
If you missed the state tax credit auction in November, you'll get another chance to bid in December.The Oregon departments of Energy and Revenue are re-opening the auction so that more taxpayers can bid on the nearly $1.1 million in tax credits remaining. Bidding starts tomorrow ((December 1)) at 9 a.m. Pacific Time and runs through 5 p.m. PT, December 9.
The auction is open to individuals and to businesses that will owe tax when they file their 2011 Oregon tax return. The credits will reduce the amount of tax they'll owe. Unused portions may be carried forward for up to three years.
Here's how it works: The tax credits are available in $1,000 increments. Minimum bid is $950. Place your bid online at www.oregon.gov/dor.
To complete your bid, you must submit your payment so that it reaches the Department of Revenue by 5 p.m. PT, December 16, 2011. If you don't submit payment, your bid won't count.
If you're a winning bidder, the Oregon Department of Energy will issue a credit certificate.
The money raised in the auction will help support local renewable energy projects including biomass, solar and geothermal.
SEASIDE TO TEST TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM
The City of Seaside will be testing its Tsunami Warning System on Wednesday, December 7th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. This test will be to monitor and assess the notification system and will not be used as a public information trial alert. The warning will begin with three beeps and consist of a voice message stating, "This is a test. This is a test of the emergency warning system. This is only a test." The message will be broadcast in English and Spanish
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
ReliaCards users to receive free and unlimited point-of-sale, bank teller and U.S. Bank ATM transactions
New fee structure reached as part of negotiations for state’s electronic payment card contract State Treasurer Ted Wheeler and U.S. Bank have agreed to make point-of-sale, bank teller and U.S. Bank ATM transactions free and unlimited for Oregonians who receive unemployment and child support payments via state-issued ReliaCards.
The new terms were reached as part of ongoing negotiations over the state’s electronic payment card services, which have yet to be finalized. A full fee schedule will be available after the contract is final. The current contract is set to expire Dec. 31.
“The changes we have negotiated will benefit Oregon card users and taxpayers,” said Treasurer Wheeler. “I want to thank U.S. Bank for listening to the needs of Oregonians and for their commitment to making the program even better for all involved.”
“U.S. Bank has provided banking and financial services to Oregonians for more than 120 years and continues to be an advocate for a stronger community,” said Malia Wasson, president of U.S. Bank in Oregon and Southwest Washington. “We are pleased to be able to restructure our ReliaCard program so that it meets the needs of the State of Oregon and our shared constituents and clients.”
Oregon began providing payments through electronic payment cards in 2007 for unemployment and child support recipients. About half of the Oregonians who receive payments choose to have the money directly deposited for free to their bank accounts. Those who do not choose the free direct deposit option can have payments posted for free to any reloadable prepaid card, including U.S. Bank ReliaCard.
Under the revamped fee schedule, cardholders will:
· have free and unlimited withdrawals from US Bank-branded ATMs. That is a significant improvement from the current contract, which allows cardholders two free ATM visits a month;
· be allowed unlimited cash withdrawals from bank branch teller windows (over-the-counter cash withdrawals);
· continue to make point-of-sale purchases and receive cash back with no charge, like any debit card, at any merchant that accepts VISA-branded debit cards;
· continue to have two withdrawals a month from non-U.S. Bank-branded ATMs, without U.S. Bank charges. That is a unique benefit in Oregon’s contract that was negotiated because of the understanding that not all Oregonians live near a U.S. Bank branch; and
· no longer have access to overdraft protection as federal law changes make this option unavailable.
Before the advent the electronic payment card program, the state printed, mailed and processed hundreds of thousands of additional checks each month. As a result, costs to taxpayers were significantly higher. Between 2007 and December 2010, the accumulated savings as a result of just the Employment Department shift was estimated to be at least $11.5 million.
photo courtesy of ouroregon.org
Coast Guard Sector Columbia River and Oregon 102nd Civil Support Team members to receive medals Wednesday
Coast Guard Sector Columbia River members will be awarded Army Achievement Medals and members of the Oregon National Guard 102nd Civil Support Team (CST) will be awarded Coast Guard Achievement Medals during a ceremony at Sector Columbia River in Warrenton, Ore., Wednesday, at 10 a.m.
The medals are being awarded to honor the Coast Guard and Army National Guard partnership during the offshore boarding of the vessel Pan Pac Spirit Apr. 8, 2011.
The freight vessel Pan Pac Spirit transited through waters in the vicinity of Fukushima, Japan. The vessel passed radiation screening and was cleared to enter port.
The collaborative efforts of Station Cape Disappointment, Wash., Air Station Astoria, Ore., Marine Safety Unit Portland, Ore., and Oregon National Guard 102nd CST provided a skilled and thorough risk assessment to help ensure the health and safety of the populace within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone.
Click here for more information about the boarding.
The medals are being awarded to honor the Coast Guard and Army National Guard partnership during the offshore boarding of the vessel Pan Pac Spirit Apr. 8, 2011.
The freight vessel Pan Pac Spirit transited through waters in the vicinity of Fukushima, Japan. The vessel passed radiation screening and was cleared to enter port.
The collaborative efforts of Station Cape Disappointment, Wash., Air Station Astoria, Ore., Marine Safety Unit Portland, Ore., and Oregon National Guard 102nd CST provided a skilled and thorough risk assessment to help ensure the health and safety of the populace within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone.
Click here for more information about the boarding.
Open Horse Riding starts at Clatsop Fairgrounds Wed Nov 30
Open Horse Riding at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds will start this Wednesday Nov. 30th. The indoor arena will be open from 6pm to 9pm almost every Wed. through the winter. The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Posse members will be supervising. The cost is $5 per rider. Helmets are recommended for all riders, but those aged 18 and under, are required to wear one. You need to get out and your horse needs some exercise. For more information contact the fairgrounds at 503.325.4600.
Monday, November 28, 2011
National Park Service kicks off planning for Colewort Creek. Public Meeting at 7 pm, December 1, 2011
On December 1, the National Park Service willl hold a scoping meeting at the Netul Room in the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center to kick-off public planning for the proposed Colewort Creek Salmon Recovery Project.
The project proposes to return an additional 15 acres on the south bank of Colewort Creek from pastureland to wetlands by excavating tidal channels out of fill material. The project also proposes to improve habitat along existing tidal channels on the north bank.
The purpose of the Project is (1) to restore Colewort Creek to conditions known the Clatsop, Chinook and other tribes in the late 18th and early 19th century and experienced by the Lewis and Clark expedition and (2) to help satisfy federal legal responsibilities under the 2008 Biological Opinion for the Federal Columbia River Power System (2008 Bi-Op).
Colewort Creek Restoration Plan, Thursday, December 1, 2011, Public Meeting: 7 pm, Fort Clatsop Visitor Center at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.
The project proposes to return an additional 15 acres on the south bank of Colewort Creek from pastureland to wetlands by excavating tidal channels out of fill material. The project also proposes to improve habitat along existing tidal channels on the north bank.
The purpose of the Project is (1) to restore Colewort Creek to conditions known the Clatsop, Chinook and other tribes in the late 18th and early 19th century and experienced by the Lewis and Clark expedition and (2) to help satisfy federal legal responsibilities under the 2008 Biological Opinion for the Federal Columbia River Power System (2008 Bi-Op).
Colewort Creek Restoration Plan, Thursday, December 1, 2011, Public Meeting: 7 pm, Fort Clatsop Visitor Center at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.
HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAM SEEKS CLATSOP COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Partners and stakeholders are invited to help the effort to make health coverage available to all Clatsop County children.
Earlier this year, Clatsop County and Oregon’s Healthy Kids program formed a partnership to support Healthy Kids, Oregon’s no-cost and low-cost health coverage program for kids and teens 0-18 years of age. Part of the Oregon Health Authority’s first initiatives, Healthy Kids helped bring health coverage to more than 100,000 children statewide, cutting the rate of uninsured kids in Oregon by half – from 11.3 percent in 2009 to 5.6 percent today.
“In Clatsop County, we know there are still gaps in coverage for our children,” said Judi Mahoney, Healthy Kids Outreach and Enrollment Worker for Clatsop County. “By bringing together representatives from all sectors of our community, we can reach out and begin closing those gaps.”
The creation of the Clatsop County Healthy Kids Coalition addresses the need to increase access to health coverage for kids and teens in the county. The coalition held their first meeting on Nov. 2 with 24 representatives of various county agencies, advocacy organizations and business groups.
Among the first attendees were Danielle Sobel from the Office of Healthy Kids, community leaders representing local hospitals, Clatsop County, the American Legion, many county school districts, Head Start among other children’s centers, Healthy Start, the Department of Human Services, the local Housing Authority, Suzanne Elise Assisted Living Community and OSU Extension’s Family and Community Health program.
The coalition will meet every six to eight weeks to collaborate on outreach opportunities, and brainstorm new ideas to bring coverage to kids.
Right now, the coalition is seeking community partners and stakeholders to assist in outreach efforts and promote Healthy Kids among their clients and networks.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the DHS building in Astoria; 450 Marine Drive, 2nd floor conference room. For more information on the coalition or joining the coalition, please contact Judi Mahoney at (503) 358-2333. Families seeking assistance enrolling their children in Healthy Kids are encouraged to contact Judi.
Families can also apply for Healthy Kids coverage by calling 1-877-314-5678 or by visiting www.OregonHealthyKids.gov.
Earlier this year, Clatsop County and Oregon’s Healthy Kids program formed a partnership to support Healthy Kids, Oregon’s no-cost and low-cost health coverage program for kids and teens 0-18 years of age. Part of the Oregon Health Authority’s first initiatives, Healthy Kids helped bring health coverage to more than 100,000 children statewide, cutting the rate of uninsured kids in Oregon by half – from 11.3 percent in 2009 to 5.6 percent today.
“In Clatsop County, we know there are still gaps in coverage for our children,” said Judi Mahoney, Healthy Kids Outreach and Enrollment Worker for Clatsop County. “By bringing together representatives from all sectors of our community, we can reach out and begin closing those gaps.”
The creation of the Clatsop County Healthy Kids Coalition addresses the need to increase access to health coverage for kids and teens in the county. The coalition held their first meeting on Nov. 2 with 24 representatives of various county agencies, advocacy organizations and business groups.
Among the first attendees were Danielle Sobel from the Office of Healthy Kids, community leaders representing local hospitals, Clatsop County, the American Legion, many county school districts, Head Start among other children’s centers, Healthy Start, the Department of Human Services, the local Housing Authority, Suzanne Elise Assisted Living Community and OSU Extension’s Family and Community Health program.
The coalition will meet every six to eight weeks to collaborate on outreach opportunities, and brainstorm new ideas to bring coverage to kids.
Right now, the coalition is seeking community partners and stakeholders to assist in outreach efforts and promote Healthy Kids among their clients and networks.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the DHS building in Astoria; 450 Marine Drive, 2nd floor conference room. For more information on the coalition or joining the coalition, please contact Judi Mahoney at (503) 358-2333. Families seeking assistance enrolling their children in Healthy Kids are encouraged to contact Judi.
Families can also apply for Healthy Kids coverage by calling 1-877-314-5678 or by visiting www.OregonHealthyKids.gov.
CLATSOP COMMISSIONERS HOST PUBLIC HEARING NOV. 30 ON CIRCUS ANIMAL ORDINANCE
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners is seeking public input on a proposed ordinance banning public displays of elephants and exotic animals within the county.
The board will hold a public hearing on the ordinance at its Wednesday, Nov. 30 meeting beginning at 6 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.
Following the public hearing the commissioners will consider whether to place the ordinance before county voters in the May 2012 primary election.
Ordinance 11-13 would prohibit the display of elephants and exotic animals in circuses and other entertainment venues. Rodeos and horse shows, 4-H and FFA events and educational displays would be exempt from the ban. The ordinance would cover only the unincorporated portion of the county.
For more information, including the full text of the proposed ordinance, view the Nov. 30 board agenda at www.co.clatsop.or.us.
The board will hold a public hearing on the ordinance at its Wednesday, Nov. 30 meeting beginning at 6 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.
Following the public hearing the commissioners will consider whether to place the ordinance before county voters in the May 2012 primary election.
Ordinance 11-13 would prohibit the display of elephants and exotic animals in circuses and other entertainment venues. Rodeos and horse shows, 4-H and FFA events and educational displays would be exempt from the ban. The ordinance would cover only the unincorporated portion of the county.
For more information, including the full text of the proposed ordinance, view the Nov. 30 board agenda at www.co.clatsop.or.us.
$5 OFF OREGON STATE PARK DAY-USE PERMIT IN DECEMBER
December is "stocking stuffer" month at Oregon State Parks. From December 1 through December 31, parkgoers can save $5 on the state park 12-month day-use parking permit.
The state park permit, which is required at 26 Oregon state parks, is on sale for $25 - regularly $30 - in December.
"The permit makes a great gift," said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) spokesman Chris Havel. "The $5 discount in December makes them even better." Parking permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle, making them even more of a value in today's economy. OPRD also offers a 24-month pass, priced at $50, that Havel said is "always a bargain."
Visitors who do not have long-term passes must purchase $5 daily permits. "That means remembering to have the cash and then taking time to buy a permit from a vending machine or stopping at a fee booth," said Havel.
The Oregon Coast Passport is also discounted $5 in December. The passport is a multi-agency product, valid at Oregon State Parks, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service sites along the Oregon Coast. The coastal passports are on sale for $30 - regularly $35 - in December.
The 12- and 24-month OPRD permits and coastal passports can be purchased, along with other gift possibilities such as gift certificates, by calling the Oregon State Parks Information Center, 1-800-551-6949. Callers may use debit or credit cards that have VISA or MasterCard logos to purchase permits, passports and gift certificates.
Walk-in customers can buy the OPRD permits at major OPRD offices, some state park friends' group stores and selected local businesses throughout the state. A list of vendors is posted at www.oregonstateparks.org/dayuse_permit_vendors.php. The coastal passports are sold at coastal state parks, federal agency offices and local vendors in several coastal communities.
The state park permit, which is required at 26 Oregon state parks, is on sale for $25 - regularly $30 - in December.
"The permit makes a great gift," said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) spokesman Chris Havel. "The $5 discount in December makes them even better." Parking permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle, making them even more of a value in today's economy. OPRD also offers a 24-month pass, priced at $50, that Havel said is "always a bargain."
Visitors who do not have long-term passes must purchase $5 daily permits. "That means remembering to have the cash and then taking time to buy a permit from a vending machine or stopping at a fee booth," said Havel.
The Oregon Coast Passport is also discounted $5 in December. The passport is a multi-agency product, valid at Oregon State Parks, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service sites along the Oregon Coast. The coastal passports are on sale for $30 - regularly $35 - in December.
The 12- and 24-month OPRD permits and coastal passports can be purchased, along with other gift possibilities such as gift certificates, by calling the Oregon State Parks Information Center, 1-800-551-6949. Callers may use debit or credit cards that have VISA or MasterCard logos to purchase permits, passports and gift certificates.
Walk-in customers can buy the OPRD permits at major OPRD offices, some state park friends' group stores and selected local businesses throughout the state. A list of vendors is posted at www.oregonstateparks.org/dayuse_permit_vendors.php. The coastal passports are sold at coastal state parks, federal agency offices and local vendors in several coastal communities.
Decision 2011: A Real Tree, or an Import?
by Chris Thomas
BEAVERCREEK, Ore. - Which is better for the environment: buying a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? Maybe it isn't such a tough question in Oregon, a state that devotes more acreage to growing Christmas trees than any other, but 'tis the time of year many Oregonians are facing that decision. It's a choice with implications for the economy as well as the environment.
Bill Ulfelder, a director of The Nature Conservancy, says natural Christmas trees offer plenty of environmental advantages as they grow.
"They capture climate-changing gases from the atmosphere, so they help abate climate change; they're putting oxygen into the air for us to breathe; they're good for wildlife, mammals, birds and insects."
On the other hand, he says most artificial trees are manufactured in Asia using polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs), which do not decompose in landfills. Even so, twice as many Americans buy artificial trees as real ones. Ulfelder also points out that making the switch to a real tree helps the U.S. economy: Christmas tree production is a $1 billion industry, providing 100,000 jobs across the country at more than 12,000 farms.
Blenda and Joe Tyvoll raise organic Christmas trees and let customers cut their own at Victorhill Farm, Beavercreek. Among the advantages of buying from organic farms, says Blenda Tyvoll, is all-natural pest control. The Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association now certifies some farms in its Socially and Environmentally Responsible Farm (SERF) program.
Tyvoll adds that properly disposing of the tree can be another environmental benefit.
"People can bring it into their house, enjoy it for Christmas, and once they're done, they don't have to worry about packing it up somewhere and storing it. They can take it to the curbside and it can be recycled. It goes right back into nature again; it's composted and goes back into the earth."
Another option is to cut a tree in one of Oregon's national forests. Permits cost only $5 per tree, and any Forest Service district office will sell up to five per household.
BEAVERCREEK, Ore. - Which is better for the environment: buying a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? Maybe it isn't such a tough question in Oregon, a state that devotes more acreage to growing Christmas trees than any other, but 'tis the time of year many Oregonians are facing that decision. It's a choice with implications for the economy as well as the environment.
Bill Ulfelder, a director of The Nature Conservancy, says natural Christmas trees offer plenty of environmental advantages as they grow.
"They capture climate-changing gases from the atmosphere, so they help abate climate change; they're putting oxygen into the air for us to breathe; they're good for wildlife, mammals, birds and insects."
On the other hand, he says most artificial trees are manufactured in Asia using polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs), which do not decompose in landfills. Even so, twice as many Americans buy artificial trees as real ones. Ulfelder also points out that making the switch to a real tree helps the U.S. economy: Christmas tree production is a $1 billion industry, providing 100,000 jobs across the country at more than 12,000 farms.
Blenda and Joe Tyvoll raise organic Christmas trees and let customers cut their own at Victorhill Farm, Beavercreek. Among the advantages of buying from organic farms, says Blenda Tyvoll, is all-natural pest control. The Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association now certifies some farms in its Socially and Environmentally Responsible Farm (SERF) program.
Tyvoll adds that properly disposing of the tree can be another environmental benefit.
"People can bring it into their house, enjoy it for Christmas, and once they're done, they don't have to worry about packing it up somewhere and storing it. They can take it to the curbside and it can be recycled. It goes right back into nature again; it's composted and goes back into the earth."
Another option is to cut a tree in one of Oregon's national forests. Permits cost only $5 per tree, and any Forest Service district office will sell up to five per household.
Skeletal Remains Found near Nicolai Mountain
On November 25, 2011, an elk hunter made a discovery, while traversing a drainage near Nicolai Mountain. After crossing a small stream over a log jam, the hunter stepped over an odd object which caught his eye. The hunter examined more closely and recognized the object to be a human skull. The hunter and his father contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report their find.
That afternoon, Deputies and Dr. Stefanelli, investigator with the District Attorney’s office, met with the hunters who led the law enforcement team back to the scene. The skull was recovered and secured waiting to be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
The following morning of November 26, Clatsop County Search and Rescue returned to the scene to search for additional clues. The team located additional skeletal remains and clothing items along the stream bed. No source of identification was found during the search. Clothing found include blue BDU style pants and a 2XL, black, Addias brand shirt.
Evidence will be sent to the Oregon State Police Crime lab and the State Medical Examiner’s Office for identification.
If you have any information regarding this case or a missing person possibly not from the North Coast area please contact Detective Jama Hulon or Sgt. Matt Phillips at the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office.
(503)325-8635.
That afternoon, Deputies and Dr. Stefanelli, investigator with the District Attorney’s office, met with the hunters who led the law enforcement team back to the scene. The skull was recovered and secured waiting to be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
The following morning of November 26, Clatsop County Search and Rescue returned to the scene to search for additional clues. The team located additional skeletal remains and clothing items along the stream bed. No source of identification was found during the search. Clothing found include blue BDU style pants and a 2XL, black, Addias brand shirt.
Evidence will be sent to the Oregon State Police Crime lab and the State Medical Examiner’s Office for identification.
If you have any information regarding this case or a missing person possibly not from the North Coast area please contact Detective Jama Hulon or Sgt. Matt Phillips at the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office.
(503)325-8635.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Minor flood warning for SW Washington coast
SOUTH WASHINGTON COAST-
557 PM PST FRI NOV 25 2011
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 3 PM SATURDAY
FOR MINOR TIDAL OVERFLOW ALONG LOW LYING SECTIONS OF THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON COAST...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A COASTAL
FLOOD ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 3 PM SATURDAY
FOR MINOR TIDAL OVERFLOW ALONG LOW LYING SECTIONS OF THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON COAST.
A SIGNIFICANT TIDAL OVERFLOW IS EXPECTED AROUND HIGH TIDE EARLY
SATURDAY AFTERNOON ALONG LOW-LYING PARTS OF THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON COAST. HIGH WATER WILL DEVELOP BY NOON SATURDAY ALONG
WILLAPA BAY AND ESTUARIES FROM MEGLER TO NORTH COVE AS THE TIDE
COMES IN.
* TIDES: HIGH TIDE SATURDAY WILL REACH 11.1 FT AROUND 1 PM.
ADDITIONALLY...THE TIDAL ANOMALY WILL RUN NEAR 1 FOOT WHICH WILL
MAKE THE OBSERVED TIDE NEAR 12 FT. THE OBSERVED TIDE SUNDAY
AFTERNOON MAY REACH NEAR 11 FT ALSO.
* IMPACTS: MINOR FLOODING NEAR THE POST OFFICE IN RAYMOND.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY INDICATES THAT ONSHORE WINDS AND TIDES
WILL COMBINE TO GENERATE FLOODING OF LOW AREAS ALONG THE SHORE.
557 PM PST FRI NOV 25 2011
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 3 PM SATURDAY
FOR MINOR TIDAL OVERFLOW ALONG LOW LYING SECTIONS OF THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON COAST...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A COASTAL
FLOOD ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 3 PM SATURDAY
FOR MINOR TIDAL OVERFLOW ALONG LOW LYING SECTIONS OF THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON COAST.
A SIGNIFICANT TIDAL OVERFLOW IS EXPECTED AROUND HIGH TIDE EARLY
SATURDAY AFTERNOON ALONG LOW-LYING PARTS OF THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON COAST. HIGH WATER WILL DEVELOP BY NOON SATURDAY ALONG
WILLAPA BAY AND ESTUARIES FROM MEGLER TO NORTH COVE AS THE TIDE
COMES IN.
* TIDES: HIGH TIDE SATURDAY WILL REACH 11.1 FT AROUND 1 PM.
ADDITIONALLY...THE TIDAL ANOMALY WILL RUN NEAR 1 FOOT WHICH WILL
MAKE THE OBSERVED TIDE NEAR 12 FT. THE OBSERVED TIDE SUNDAY
AFTERNOON MAY REACH NEAR 11 FT ALSO.
* IMPACTS: MINOR FLOODING NEAR THE POST OFFICE IN RAYMOND.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY INDICATES THAT ONSHORE WINDS AND TIDES
WILL COMBINE TO GENERATE FLOODING OF LOW AREAS ALONG THE SHORE.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Search continues for Nichole Sherman
Columbia County Sheriff's Office investigators continue to ask the public's help in finding an adult female missing since November 13th. Nichole Sherman 19, reportedly left from her residence at 68160 Meissner Rd. on Sunday November 13 at approximately 4:45 P.M. to go to a friend's house on Apiary Road. She never arrived. Investigators and family members have combed the area around the logical route between the two residences but have found no clues to the disappearance thus far.
"This is a highly suspicious disappearance, and we are putting extra effort into finding out what happened to Ms. Sherman," Sheriff Jeff Dickerson said. "We are hoping someone might have seen her or her vehicle either in the area of her residence at the time of her disappearance or later in the Longview area."
Ms. Sherman has been entered as a missing person. The Sheriff's Office is providing a photograph of the missing woman and of the model of vehicle she drives (red, 2001 Chev. Cavalier, Oregon License YCD562) in this effort. Anyone with information on this case can call and leave information on the Columbia County Sheriff's crime line at (503) 366-4698.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
SECOND TIME IN TWO MONTHS, TWO ARRESTED AT LINCOLN CITY RESIDENCE BY LINCOLN INTERAGENCY NARCOTICS TEAM
For the second time in the last two months, an investigation by the Lincoln County Narcotics Team (LINT), with the assistance of the Oregon State Police (OSP) and OSP SWAT team, led to the same Lincoln City residence and the execution of a search warrant last Friday. Two people were arrested following the several months-long investigation that included purchases of methamphetamine from the residence near the local high school.On November 18, 2011 at approximately 5:00 a.m., OSP SWAT team executed a search warrant at 3560 SE Fleet Avenue in Lincoln City. After safely securing the residence where two occupants were contacted, LINT detectives searched and seized a quantity of methamphetamine and other related evidence. Two stolen late model Honda motorcycles were also found and will be eventually returned to their owners.
The two individuals at the residence were taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges:
SAMUEL TRAVIS BLAIR CLARK, age 40
* Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine (3 counts)
* Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance Within 1,000 Feet of a School (3 counts)
* Theft by Receiving in the First Degree (2 counts)
* Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (2 counts)
* Maintaining a Residence Where Drugs Are Sold
* Warrant - Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Lincoln County)
* Warrant - Parole Violation (State Parole Board)
SHELBI RONELE SMITH, age 20
* Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine (3 counts)
* Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance Within 1,000 Feet of a School (3 counts)
* Maintaining a Residence Where Drugs Are Sold
* Warrant - Probation Violation (Polk County)
The LINT team is comprised of members of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Oregon State Police, and Lincoln County District Attorney's Office.
The two individuals at the residence were taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges:
SAMUEL TRAVIS BLAIR CLARK, age 40
* Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine (3 counts)
* Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance Within 1,000 Feet of a School (3 counts)
* Theft by Receiving in the First Degree (2 counts)
* Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (2 counts)
* Maintaining a Residence Where Drugs Are Sold
* Warrant - Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Lincoln County)
* Warrant - Parole Violation (State Parole Board)
SHELBI RONELE SMITH, age 20
* Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine (3 counts)
* Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance Within 1,000 Feet of a School (3 counts)
* Maintaining a Residence Where Drugs Are Sold
* Warrant - Probation Violation (Polk County)
The LINT team is comprised of members of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Oregon State Police, and Lincoln County District Attorney's Office.
ASTORIA COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN WINS FISHERMAN OF THE YEAR AT SEATTLE COMPETITION
While attending the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle, Washington, Astoria commercial fisherman Captain Martin McMaster earned some major bragging rights by winning Fisherman of the Year on Saturday, November 19. Martin and Elizabeth McMaster and their sons traveled to Seattle to attend the Expo for business representing McMaster Maritime and the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival. Both Martin and Elizabeth are from Astoria, Oregon, and have been serving on the board of the Festival for a year. While they were at the Pacific Marine Expo on Saturday, Martin entered the sponsored competitions to help promote the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival and generate interest in its annual Captain Phil Harris Highliner Competition.Martin "Marty" McMaster competed against past winners of this award and won the net mending portion winning $100 cash and qualifying to compete in the Fisherman of the Year competition. Competitors entered three portions of the event separately. Net mending, rope splicing and blindfolded knot tying separated the men from the boys. The winners of each of these events then went on to compete in the Fisherman of the Year Championship where each man was given a survival suit. The competitor that got into his suit completely and in record time would claim the crown. Marty got into his survival suit in an unprecedented 19 seconds flat! His prizes were another $100 bill, a brand new pair of XTra Tuff boots, a T-Shirt, a new survival suit and a custom jacket which will have his name and title embroidered in it.
Marty has been a commercial fisherman for 40 years, working in every aspect of the fishery, no doubt giving him the edge in the competitions. Martin was also the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival Highliner of the Year in the 40 and over division for two years: 2009 and 2010. He owns and runs the F/V Lady Laura and works the back deck to maintain his physical edge.
Marty is looking forward to bringing his newly claimed crown to the 2012 Commercial Fishermen’s Festival where he plans to compete again for Highliner of the Year. The 2012 Festival is being planned for September 8 & 9. For more information visit www.CommercialFisermensFestival.com.
ODOT schedules “mock” noise test prior to start of next phase of Astoria-Megler Bridge Project
In its continued preparation for the upcoming Phase II of the Astoria-Megler Bridge painting and repair project, the Oregon Department of Transportation will be conducting a “mock” construction exercise to monitor and record sample noise levels on Wednesday, November 23 between 10 a.m. to noon. The exercise will be conducted weather permitting. ODOT has hired an independent noise consultant firm from Portland to set up monitors within the vicinity of the bridge, including within the Uniontown neighborhood and in some rooms in hotels located near the bridge. ODOT has been working closely with the City of Astoria and area businesses to address concerns related to potential noise caused by equipment used to paint and repair rivets and bolts on the bridge.
“The purpose of the “mock” exercise is to record sustained and peak sample noise levels to help ODOT prepare a construction schedule that considers the needs of the community and local business owners,” said Larry McKinley, ODOT’s Area Manager in Astoria. “There is a need to find a balanced construction schedule between the anticipated noise impacts to the local community and needing to do the required painting and repair work to the bridge structure.”
During the exercise, equipment typical for the work will be staged at three independent locations (north end, mid span, and south end) along the span of the bridge. The equipment will be run for a period of time, a few minutes at each location, to capture the noise sample. Results of the noise sampling will help ODOT engineers come up with language that can be added to a contractor’s contract identifying ways to mitigate the noise impacts.
For the past two years, crews have been working on the Washington end of the bridge. However, there have been no residences or businesses impacted by the noise. This next phase of work is by the largest, and incorporates the main superstructure of the bridge located much closer to businesses and the general public. The project is expected to go out to bid in early 2012 and begin during the spring. The Phase II work could last five to six years.
During the two-hour exercise on Wednesday, there will be a single lane closure with flaggers controlling traffic. Motorists can expect minor delays.
photo courtesy oregoncoastdirectory.com
Irving Avenue Bridge repair preparations will begin Dec. 5th
Work crews will begin geologic explorations on Monday, December 5th as part of a project to replace the aging Irving Avenue & 19th Street Bridge in Astoria. A drilling crew and rig will be working on Irving Avenue collecting test borings for approximately five days. Motorists should expect a one-lane closure during daytime hours where the work is taking place. Traffic control will be set up on site to direct traffic.
This work is part of the preliminary investigation necessary to help develop design and construction plans for a new bridge. The current Irving Avenue bridge was built in 1946 from steel, which typically has a 50-year lifespan. The new bridge will be built to handle safe vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle passage. Conceptual estimates put the cost of the new bridge at approximately $5 million. The Federal Highway Bridge Program, administered by the Oregon Department of Transportation, will fund 90% of the cost to replace the bridge.
Actual construction on a new bridge won’t begin until fall of 2013 at the earliest. In the meantime technical consultants led by David Evans and Associates under the direction of the City of Astoria will be undertaking a variety of technical analyses and design tasks. The current plan is to monitor for earth movement over the winter (wet) season.
Public meetings will be held to keep people informed and ask for input on the new bridge design. The first public meeting is planned for spring/summer 2012.
This work is part of the preliminary investigation necessary to help develop design and construction plans for a new bridge. The current Irving Avenue bridge was built in 1946 from steel, which typically has a 50-year lifespan. The new bridge will be built to handle safe vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle passage. Conceptual estimates put the cost of the new bridge at approximately $5 million. The Federal Highway Bridge Program, administered by the Oregon Department of Transportation, will fund 90% of the cost to replace the bridge.
Actual construction on a new bridge won’t begin until fall of 2013 at the earliest. In the meantime technical consultants led by David Evans and Associates under the direction of the City of Astoria will be undertaking a variety of technical analyses and design tasks. The current plan is to monitor for earth movement over the winter (wet) season.
Public meetings will be held to keep people informed and ask for input on the new bridge design. The first public meeting is planned for spring/summer 2012.
Coast Guard closes Columbia River bar entrance due to hazardous weather
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Columbia River, in Astoria, Ore., issued the closure of the Columbia River, Ore., bar entrance due to hazardous conditions at approximately 9 p.m., Monday (11/21).
The bar closure applies to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP, Sector Columbia River. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 for further information or to request crossing.
The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closure on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.
The bar is anticipated to re-open by 8 a.m., Wednesday, based on current weather predictions.
The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.
For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.
The bar closure applies to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP, Sector Columbia River. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 for further information or to request crossing.
The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closure on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.
The bar is anticipated to re-open by 8 a.m., Wednesday, based on current weather predictions.
The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.
For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.
Monday, November 21, 2011
STRONG PACIFIC STORM FORECAST TO HIT COAST MONDAY NIGHT
A Pacific storm front is expected to bring high winds and possible flooding to area rivers and streams this week, according to the National Weather Service.
The agency has issued a high wind warning and flood watch for the north and central Oregon Coast and south Washington Coast beginning Monday (11/21) night. Sustained winds of up to 50 mph with gusts of up to 80 mph are forecast for beaches and headlands, with winds in coastal communities of 40 mph-sustained and 70 mph-gusts. High winds are expected to last through Tuesday night, potentially causing downed trees and power lines.
The storm is also forecast to bring several inches of rain to the Oregon Coast Range and Willapa Hills in Washington between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning, potentially causing flooding in creeks and small rivers in Tillamook and Clatsop counties and southwest Washington counties.
A high surf advisory is also in effect for early Tuesday morning into Tuesday night.
For updates, go to www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr. For information on winter storm preparation, go to www.co.clatsop.or.us.
To receive weather advisories from the National Weather Service, sign up with the ClatsopALERTS! emergency notification system at www.co.clatsop.or.us or (503) 338-3656.
The agency has issued a high wind warning and flood watch for the north and central Oregon Coast and south Washington Coast beginning Monday (11/21) night. Sustained winds of up to 50 mph with gusts of up to 80 mph are forecast for beaches and headlands, with winds in coastal communities of 40 mph-sustained and 70 mph-gusts. High winds are expected to last through Tuesday night, potentially causing downed trees and power lines.
The storm is also forecast to bring several inches of rain to the Oregon Coast Range and Willapa Hills in Washington between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning, potentially causing flooding in creeks and small rivers in Tillamook and Clatsop counties and southwest Washington counties.
A high surf advisory is also in effect for early Tuesday morning into Tuesday night.
For updates, go to www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr. For information on winter storm preparation, go to www.co.clatsop.or.us.
To receive weather advisories from the National Weather Service, sign up with the ClatsopALERTS! emergency notification system at www.co.clatsop.or.us or (503) 338-3656.
Steve Pierce: weather blogger for the Columbian - A strong second storm coming tonight
"The strongest storm of the fall season will bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of Oregon and Washington today through Wednesday. Storm #1 will move through today bringing rain and gusty winds to mainly the coast and northern Willamette Valley. Storm #2 is currently projected to pack quite a punch on Tuesday. As the center of the storm tracks north offshore, a strong cold front will bring wind gusts approaching 75-80 mph along the north Oregon beaches and 40-45 mph in the valley Tuesday. Eastern Oregon and Washington will also see gusty winds from storm #2. Computer estimated rainfall totals through Wednesday evening are quite impressive, ranging anywhere from 3-6" along the northern Oregon coast to 2-4" in the valleys. Although forecast models are still wavering a bit, there appears to be a growing consensus of NW Oregon and SW Washington being the area that will see the highest rainfall totals. The heaviest rainfall will likely fall from early Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service currently has several advisories, watches and warnings posted for high wind, rainfall and the potential for localized flooding. Communities in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington have the potential to receive a lot of rainfall in a short period of time between now and Wednesday."Steve Pierce is currently the President of the Oregon Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS).
photo courtesy the Oregon Secretary of State's office.
Coast Guard rescues two boaters after vessel allides with piling
The Coast Guard rescued two boaters from a 22-foot pleasure craft after it allided with a group of piling near the shore of Sand Island, Ore., on the Columbia River, Friday.
A 25-foot response boat crew from Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Wash., arrived on scene at approximately 9 p.m. and transferred the two boaters on board.
The vessel was positioned on top of the piling at an estimated two feet above the water surface.
Commercial salvage operators refloated the vessel at high tide, Saturday morning and towed it to Ilwaco.
No injures were reported.
For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.
Flood Watch
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A
* FLOOD WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON...INCLUDING THE COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST OREGON SW WASHINGTON AND THE NORTH OREGON COAST.
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ASTORIA...CANNON BEACH...TILLAMOOK...VERNONIA...JEWELL...TRASK...FRANCES...RYDERWOOD...RAYMOND...LONG BEACH. AND CATHLAMET
*THE WATCH WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON
* HEAVY RAIN IS EXPECT TO DEVELOP ACROSS PORTIONS OUR AREA TONIGHT (MONDAY) NIGHT AND TUESDAY.
SEVERAL INCHES OF RAINFALL ARE EXPECTED IN THE WILLAPA HILLS AND NORTH OREGON COAST RANGE...POTENTIALLY DRIVING CREEKS AND SMALL
RIVERS TO FLOOD TUESDAY AND POSSIBLY WEDNESDAY.
* SIGNIFICANT RISES ARE EXPECTED ON LARGER COASTAL RIVERS...BUT WIDESPREAD FLOODING IS NOT EXPECTED ON LARGER MAIN STEM RIVERS AT THIS TIME.
..HEAVY RAIN MAY CAUSE FLOODING ON SMALL STREAMS TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY...AND HEAVY RAIN EXPECTED TO PUSH COASTAL RIVERS CLOSE TO BANKFULL
Thursday, November 17, 2011
OREGON SENATE BILL 204 STAKEHOLDER WORK GROUP MEETING SET FOR NOV. 18
The Oregon Health Authority has convened a work group of stakeholders for discussions about Senate Bill 204. The bill requires that OHA prescribe by rule a uniform payment methodology for hospital and ambulatory surgical center services that:
(a) Incorporates the most recent Medicare payment methodologies established by the
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or similar payment methodologies, for hospital and ambulatory surgical center services;
(b) Includes payment methodologies for services and equipment that are not fully addressed by Medicare payment methodologies; and
(c) Allows for the use of alternative payment methodologies, including but not limited to pay-for-performance, bundled payments and capitation.
The work group will meet Friday, Nov. 18, 3-5 p.m., Room 1B at the Portland State Office Building, 800 N.E. Oregon St. Portland, OR 97232
Public comment: All SB 204 work group meetings are open for the public to attend. However, there will be no public comment or testimony taken during the work group sessions. All comment and testimony is welcome at the Oregon Health Policy Board's monthly meetings, which are the second Tuesday of every month. For details about time and location of OHPB meetings and opportunities for public comment, go to health.oregon.gov.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Without hesitation
Petty Officer 2nd Class Leon Doniphan, a food service specialist aboard Cutter Alert in Astoria, Ore., poses for a photo in front of a Large Navigation Buoy on the Columbia River in Astoria. Doniphan swam to the aid of a young girl who was nearly swept underneath the buoy in September 2011. His actions most likely saved her life. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty 
Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn
Petty Officer 2nd Class Leon Doniphan clings to a chain after rescuing a girl in danger of being swept under a Large Navigation Buoy on the Columbia River in Astoria, Ore., Sept. 10, 2011. Doniphan was able to pull himself and the girl, hand-over-hand, back to shore despite the strong current. Photo courtesy of Rod Hallock
Seaman Hugh Dailey (right) extends a hand to a survivor in the Columbia River in Astoria, Ore., Sept. 10, 2011. The girl was in danger of being swept under a Large Navigation Buoy when Petty Officer 2nd Class Leon Doniphan (left) swam to her rescue. Photo courtesy of Lewis Nevel
Search and Rescue is perhaps the most well known of all the Coast Guard missions.
The idea of the rescue itself, the direct, firsthand lifesaving opportunity, is the reason many Coast Guardsmen sign up. These individuals crave a chance to rise to the occasion; to be in a position to save a life.
While this desire is the driving force behind many successful Coast Guard rescues, it is something that exists independent of our service, within our men and women.
Nothing demonstrates this driving force better than the recent off-duty actions of Petty Officer 2nd Class Leon Doniphan, a food service specialist (FS) aboard Cutter Alert, homeported in Astoria, Ore. Doniphan bravely, and without hesitation, swam to the aid of a young girl in immediate danger of drowning in the Columbia River. His actions most likely saved her life.
On the evening of Sept. 10, 2011, Doniphan finished his work on the cutter, changed out and crossed the brow to the pier.
“I noticed a group of individuals on the shore fixated on the river’s edge,” said Doniphan. “I was unable to tell what had their attention at the moment.”
According to Rod Hallock, a California resident visiting Astoria, what had their attention was a young girl in a dire situation.
“My wife Shirley and I were discussing how fast the current of the Columbia was moving, when we noticed a young girl, about 11 or 12-years-old, swimming around the pilings under the dock,” remarked Hallock. “The girl swam to a large round structure. She tried unsuccessfully to swim against the current and quickly became panicked. She yelled that the current was taking her under the structure. The situation became grim quickly.”
The structure was a retired Large Navigation Buoy, 40 feet in diameter, chained to shore. The girl was nearly swept under the buoy, but managed to grab a hold of small piece of metal on the buoy’s edge. The piece of metal was the only available handhold, and she quickly began to lose her grip.
Washington resident Lewis Nevel, another witness to the event, suddenly realized how much trouble the girl was facing. “She was struggling against the current, fighting to keep her head and shoulders above the water. She was yelling that she couldn’t hold on,” explained Nevel.
Doniphan reached the group of onlookers, read the situation and sprang into action.
“The young sailor wasted no time,” Nevel said of Doniphan. “He dropped his backpack, pulled off his sweatshirt and called to the girl, ‘Hold on, keep your head up!’ He called out to another nearby sailor to go get a life preserver. He quickly skirted down some very slippery rocks on the jetty. It looked at one point that he slipped and fell against one of the rocks before entering the water. He kept talking to the girl, ‘You’ll be okay, hold on!’
Doniphan’s words of reassurance were backed by his actions as he lunged into the water and swam the approximate 40 feet to her aid. He was able to grab and hang on to the same small piece of metal the girl clung to.
“The current was very strong and was trying to pull me under the buoy also,” said Doniphan. “I had to exert a great deal of effort to keep myself right and face to face with the girl in the water. The water was very cold and I had jumped in wearing sweat pants which caused drag. I told her that I was going to get her off the buoy, but I told her first that she couldn’t panic. I explained to her how if she panicked she could drown us both. As I calmed her I told her to trust me and to get onto my back.”
Doniphan was able to twist his body around despite the current. The girl clung to his shoulders. The crowd on shore held their breath as the next moments would determine the fate of both the young girl and her would be rescuer. Doniphan let go of the buoy and swam with all his might, clearing both he and the girl of the looming metal structure.
“I kicked as hard as humanly possible to get us away from that buoy,” stated Doniphan. “Once we were away from the buoy I realized we were still being swept downriver. I managed to swim just far enough to be able to grab a hold of the chain that helps secure the buoy to shore. With the girl still on my back, using the chain I was able to pull us, hand-over-hand, back to the rocks on shore.”
Seaman Hugh Dailey, one of Doniphan’s shipmates aboard Cutter Alert, met the two at the water’s edge and helped the exhausted girl up the rocks. The girl’s friends joined the small crowd that had gathered. The girl gave Doniphan a big hug and thanked him. Members of the crowd, including Hallock and Nevel, extended handshakes. Doniphan had put himself at risk and brought the girl to safety.
Doniphan’s actions inspired Hallock and Nevel to write letters to Cmdr. Daniel Pickles, Doniphan’s commanding officer. The detailed letters included photos of the rescue and commended Doniphan for his actions that day.
Doniphan remains modest, despite the recognition. Like many lifesavers before him, he maintains that his rescue efforts were circumstantial.
“I have courage, but I don’t feel like a hero. I’m a regular guy, a cook. I was in the right place at the right time. I could never stand by and watch someone die if I thought there was something I could do.” “Besides,” he joked, “I wasn’t about to let someone drown next to a Coast Guard Cutter! The media would have a field day with that!”
Doniphan, who is married with two children, enjoys working as an FS in the Coast Guard.
“My son Javon, daughter Nia, and wife Vanessa are why I stay motivated to achieve great things. My family is a big part of why I am who I am. Going FS made sense for me because of advancement opportunities, and there were openings right away. I like the job because by working hard to feed everyone, you earn the admiration of the crew.”
Though Doniphan’s job in the Coast Guard does not routinely put him in life or death situations, his desire to step up and put himself on the line is why he joined, and a big part of who he is. He remains adamant that it was his obligation to enter the water that September day.
"As Coast Guardsman, we may be called to serve, to fight, to die anytime, any place. I keep myself in good physical condition and was glad that I could respond adequately."
Doniphan’s rescue did not involve an emergency call to a Coast Guard command center. Nobody ordered Doniphan to act. Though a Coast Guardsman, he performed the rescue as a civilian. People like Doniphan, however, are the reason the Coast Guard exists.
Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn
Petty Officer 2nd Class Leon Doniphan clings to a chain after rescuing a girl in danger of being swept under a Large Navigation Buoy on the Columbia River in Astoria, Ore., Sept. 10, 2011. Doniphan was able to pull himself and the girl, hand-over-hand, back to shore despite the strong current. Photo courtesy of Rod Hallock
Seaman Hugh Dailey (right) extends a hand to a survivor in the Columbia River in Astoria, Ore., Sept. 10, 2011. The girl was in danger of being swept under a Large Navigation Buoy when Petty Officer 2nd Class Leon Doniphan (left) swam to her rescue. Photo courtesy of Lewis Nevel
Search and Rescue is perhaps the most well known of all the Coast Guard missions.
The idea of the rescue itself, the direct, firsthand lifesaving opportunity, is the reason many Coast Guardsmen sign up. These individuals crave a chance to rise to the occasion; to be in a position to save a life.
While this desire is the driving force behind many successful Coast Guard rescues, it is something that exists independent of our service, within our men and women.
Nothing demonstrates this driving force better than the recent off-duty actions of Petty Officer 2nd Class Leon Doniphan, a food service specialist (FS) aboard Cutter Alert, homeported in Astoria, Ore. Doniphan bravely, and without hesitation, swam to the aid of a young girl in immediate danger of drowning in the Columbia River. His actions most likely saved her life.
On the evening of Sept. 10, 2011, Doniphan finished his work on the cutter, changed out and crossed the brow to the pier.
“I noticed a group of individuals on the shore fixated on the river’s edge,” said Doniphan. “I was unable to tell what had their attention at the moment.”
According to Rod Hallock, a California resident visiting Astoria, what had their attention was a young girl in a dire situation.
“My wife Shirley and I were discussing how fast the current of the Columbia was moving, when we noticed a young girl, about 11 or 12-years-old, swimming around the pilings under the dock,” remarked Hallock. “The girl swam to a large round structure. She tried unsuccessfully to swim against the current and quickly became panicked. She yelled that the current was taking her under the structure. The situation became grim quickly.”
The structure was a retired Large Navigation Buoy, 40 feet in diameter, chained to shore. The girl was nearly swept under the buoy, but managed to grab a hold of small piece of metal on the buoy’s edge. The piece of metal was the only available handhold, and she quickly began to lose her grip.
Washington resident Lewis Nevel, another witness to the event, suddenly realized how much trouble the girl was facing. “She was struggling against the current, fighting to keep her head and shoulders above the water. She was yelling that she couldn’t hold on,” explained Nevel.
Doniphan reached the group of onlookers, read the situation and sprang into action.
“The young sailor wasted no time,” Nevel said of Doniphan. “He dropped his backpack, pulled off his sweatshirt and called to the girl, ‘Hold on, keep your head up!’ He called out to another nearby sailor to go get a life preserver. He quickly skirted down some very slippery rocks on the jetty. It looked at one point that he slipped and fell against one of the rocks before entering the water. He kept talking to the girl, ‘You’ll be okay, hold on!’
Doniphan’s words of reassurance were backed by his actions as he lunged into the water and swam the approximate 40 feet to her aid. He was able to grab and hang on to the same small piece of metal the girl clung to.
“The current was very strong and was trying to pull me under the buoy also,” said Doniphan. “I had to exert a great deal of effort to keep myself right and face to face with the girl in the water. The water was very cold and I had jumped in wearing sweat pants which caused drag. I told her that I was going to get her off the buoy, but I told her first that she couldn’t panic. I explained to her how if she panicked she could drown us both. As I calmed her I told her to trust me and to get onto my back.”
Doniphan was able to twist his body around despite the current. The girl clung to his shoulders. The crowd on shore held their breath as the next moments would determine the fate of both the young girl and her would be rescuer. Doniphan let go of the buoy and swam with all his might, clearing both he and the girl of the looming metal structure.
“I kicked as hard as humanly possible to get us away from that buoy,” stated Doniphan. “Once we were away from the buoy I realized we were still being swept downriver. I managed to swim just far enough to be able to grab a hold of the chain that helps secure the buoy to shore. With the girl still on my back, using the chain I was able to pull us, hand-over-hand, back to the rocks on shore.”
Seaman Hugh Dailey, one of Doniphan’s shipmates aboard Cutter Alert, met the two at the water’s edge and helped the exhausted girl up the rocks. The girl’s friends joined the small crowd that had gathered. The girl gave Doniphan a big hug and thanked him. Members of the crowd, including Hallock and Nevel, extended handshakes. Doniphan had put himself at risk and brought the girl to safety.
Doniphan’s actions inspired Hallock and Nevel to write letters to Cmdr. Daniel Pickles, Doniphan’s commanding officer. The detailed letters included photos of the rescue and commended Doniphan for his actions that day.
Doniphan remains modest, despite the recognition. Like many lifesavers before him, he maintains that his rescue efforts were circumstantial.
“I have courage, but I don’t feel like a hero. I’m a regular guy, a cook. I was in the right place at the right time. I could never stand by and watch someone die if I thought there was something I could do.” “Besides,” he joked, “I wasn’t about to let someone drown next to a Coast Guard Cutter! The media would have a field day with that!”
Doniphan, who is married with two children, enjoys working as an FS in the Coast Guard.
“My son Javon, daughter Nia, and wife Vanessa are why I stay motivated to achieve great things. My family is a big part of why I am who I am. Going FS made sense for me because of advancement opportunities, and there were openings right away. I like the job because by working hard to feed everyone, you earn the admiration of the crew.”
Though Doniphan’s job in the Coast Guard does not routinely put him in life or death situations, his desire to step up and put himself on the line is why he joined, and a big part of who he is. He remains adamant that it was his obligation to enter the water that September day.
"As Coast Guardsman, we may be called to serve, to fight, to die anytime, any place. I keep myself in good physical condition and was glad that I could respond adequately."
Doniphan’s rescue did not involve an emergency call to a Coast Guard command center. Nobody ordered Doniphan to act. Though a Coast Guardsman, he performed the rescue as a civilian. People like Doniphan, however, are the reason the Coast Guard exists.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Astoria Police see Sex Offender
Astoria Police are seeking help from the public in locating a suspect wanted on numerous charges related to sexual assaults and Parole Violation. He is also a registered sex offender who has not registered since his flight from this incident.Silas Eastman, a 36 year old male is wanted by Astoria Police for a Labor Day weekend incident involving a 16 year old victim who is Eastman’s daughter. Eastman is alleged to have provided alcohol to his daughter prior to the abuse. She immediately reported the incident to the other adults in the house. When confronted Eastman left. Eastman is the non custodial parent and his daughter was his sister at the time of the incident.
Eastman has previously said that he has the means to disappear if he is ever at risk of going back to jail. Eastman had been living in a trailer in Tillamook County. His trailer was moved immediately after this incident. He is on parole. His parole was revoked when the new incident came to light but he has yet to be taken into custody.
Eastman has been indicted by the Clatsop County Grand Jury in the incident on charges of Unlawful Sexual Penetration I, Sex Abuse I, Attempted rape I, and Sex Abuse II, warrants have been issued but Eastman has not been located.
Eastman is known to use the alias of Silas Savage. He has previous convictions of Rape I, Sex Abuse I, Assault IV, and Menacing. He is 5’ 8”, has blue eyes, and blond hair. He has known tattoos on his chest of a small cross, and the names Tracy and Rebecca. He has unknown tattoos on his upper arms and right shoulder. He is also missing a finger on his left hand and has a scar on his left eyebrow area.
Eastman has connections to Astoria, Tillamook, Beaverton and Prineville. He has previously worked in the construction or restaurant industry.
Astoria Police can also be found at www.facebook.com/AstoriaPolice and on Twitter @AstoriaPD
Thursday, November 10, 2011
The Grand Opening of the Astoria Recreation Center
It's the grand opening of the Astoria Recreation Center - Tuesday, November 22, at 11 am. There will be snacks, exercise demos, tours of the facility, and lots of family fun! Everyone is welcome. The new Astoria Recreation Center is located at 1411 Grand St. in Astoria.
For questions, call 741-3035
For questions, call 741-3035
Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 regular meeting Sirens, generator accepted
The board voted to accept ownership of 20 emergency sirens formerly part of the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program at the Umatilla Chemical Depot in eastern Oregon. The equipment – 19 stationary sirens, one mobile siren plus spare parts – is being provided to the county by the Oregon Military Department free of charge. The county Emergency Management Division plans to install the sirens in coastal communities from Arch Cape to Warrenton, as well as Miles Crossing, to improve early warning capabilities for citizens and visitors in the event of tsunamis, floods and other disasters.
Emergency Management Director Dean Perez noted that while the meeting agenda included a map of proposed siren locations, the county will work with cities, unincorporated communities and the state parks department to select particular sites for each device with the assistance of a siren expert. The county hopes to begin erecting the sirens in April 2012.
The board also accepted a 40-kilowatt diesel generator from the chemical stockpile program. The generator, valued at $20,000, will be donated to the Elsie/Vinemaple Rural Fire Protection District to provide back-up electricity to the station during power outages.
Social gathering ordinance approved
The board approved an ordinance establishing a Social Gathering Permit. The permit will be required of certain events involving more than 1,000 people lasting more than eight hours.
County Manager Duane Cole explained that the new permit was prompted by two events, an outdoor “rave” music festival last year and an annual motorcycle gathering in Jewell. While organizers of both events cooperated with county officials and no problems were experienced with either event, it was decided that the county needed a permit for large events of less than 3,000 people; gatherings larger than that are regulated by state law.
Permit applicants will be required present plans for handling parking, traffic, waste disposal and safety measures, and to make a deposit to cover any county staff time connected with the event. Permit applications will be reviewed and approved by the board of commissioners.
The board also approved amendments to two existing permits. The Park Special Use Permit, which formerly required board approval, can now be handled by the county Park Superintendent. The ordinance for the County Road Event Permit was changed to allow the county to act as the sole permitting agency on behalf of local fire districts for the annual Hood to Coast Relay event.
Business Park CCRs approved
The board approved a set of covenants, conditions and restrictions covering future development at the county-owned North Coast Business Park in Warrenton. The CCRs, which apply to the 190-acre Phase 2 portion of the park, call for the formation of an Owners Association Board of Directors to review plans for construction and alteration of buildings and other improvements, landscaping and stormwater management. The conditions also prohibit certain businesses such as slaughterhouses and asphalt plants, and spell out requirements for preservation of natural areas.
CEDR presentation
During a work session the board heard a report from Clatsop Economic Development Resources (CEDR) director Kevin Leahy. The agency, which promotes economic development with funding from the county, cities, Clatsop Community College, private donors and the federal Small Business Administration, has created 48 jobs and retained another 19, hosted 35 training events and offered 1,090 hours of business counseling to 404 clients.
Non-profit allocations approved
The board approved the disbursement of $30,000 in county funds to local non-profit social service agencies. The allocations were made under a new policy approved by the board in September that gave the Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families the task of choosing the funding recipients. The new process allows the CCF to combine the county dollars with its own funding to better meet the county’s and commission’s goals of supporting vulnerable local populations.
The county funds allocations are:
- Clatsop Court-Appointed Special Advocates - $11,279
- Helping Hands - $11,278
- Clatsop Community Action - $7,443
The CCF’s $57,864 in funding is allocated to:
- Sunset Empire Parks and Recreation District - $4,000
- Clatsop County Juvenile Department youth programs - $25,000
- Hope House/Lutheran Community Services NW - $19,300
- Clatsop County Action - $9,564
Other Business
In other business the board:
-Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon State Radio Project for funding for the new Emergency Operations Center communications wing at Camp Rilea. The state agency will provide $83,000 of the project’s $500,000 cost; the federal government will cover $250,000 and the county will pay for the remaining $167,000.
-Approved an agreement with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for a $141,000 grant to fund improvements to the adult fish holding pond at the South Fork Klaskanine Fish Hatchery operated by the county’s Select Area Fisheries Enhancement program.
-Re-appointed Commissioner Patricia Roberts as the county’s representative on the Council of Forest Trust Land Counties. Commissioner Scott Lee was chosen as the alternate.
ClatsopALERTS! USERS RECEIVE NATIONAL EMERGENCY TEST MESSAGE
While Wednesday’s nationwide test of the National Emergency Alert System fizzled in Oregon, local citizens and businesses signed up with ClatsopALERTS! received the message.
The Clatsop County Emergency Management Division ran a test of the “reverse 911” emergency notification system by sending out the national alert to ClatsopALERTS! users via text and email.
The National Emergency Alert System is meant to allow federal officials to reach the American public during extreme emergencies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency sent out the much-publicized test signal at 11 a.m. Wednesday to “primary entry point” stations in every state. But due to an apparent malfunction at Oregon Public Broadcasting, the signal was never relayed to local radio and television stations in Oregon and Southwest Washington as intended.
Prior to Wednesday’s test, however, the county Emergency Management Division decided to piggyback on the national alert in order to test ClatsopALERTS! and solicit feedback from users. At 11 a.m. staff manually sent out the message to a total of 1,044 registered numbers.
ClatsopALERTS! enables local emergency officials to send out alerts to local citizens and businesses on storms, tsunamis and other emergencies as well as other incidents such as boil-water notices. Land-line telephone numbers are automatically entered into the system, but those wishing to receive messages on cell phones or via email must register for the service.
Alerts for major emergencies are sent by voice; other messages are sent by text or email only. Because Wednesday’s national alert was only a test, it was sent to ClatsopALERTS! users only as text.
To find out more about ClatsopALERTS! and the register, go to www.co.clatsop.or.us or call (503) 338-3656.
The Clatsop County Emergency Management Division ran a test of the “reverse 911” emergency notification system by sending out the national alert to ClatsopALERTS! users via text and email.
The National Emergency Alert System is meant to allow federal officials to reach the American public during extreme emergencies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency sent out the much-publicized test signal at 11 a.m. Wednesday to “primary entry point” stations in every state. But due to an apparent malfunction at Oregon Public Broadcasting, the signal was never relayed to local radio and television stations in Oregon and Southwest Washington as intended.
Prior to Wednesday’s test, however, the county Emergency Management Division decided to piggyback on the national alert in order to test ClatsopALERTS! and solicit feedback from users. At 11 a.m. staff manually sent out the message to a total of 1,044 registered numbers.
ClatsopALERTS! enables local emergency officials to send out alerts to local citizens and businesses on storms, tsunamis and other emergencies as well as other incidents such as boil-water notices. Land-line telephone numbers are automatically entered into the system, but those wishing to receive messages on cell phones or via email must register for the service.
Alerts for major emergencies are sent by voice; other messages are sent by text or email only. Because Wednesday’s national alert was only a test, it was sent to ClatsopALERTS! users only as text.
To find out more about ClatsopALERTS! and the register, go to www.co.clatsop.or.us or call (503) 338-3656.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
COUNTY OFFICES CLOSED FOR VETERANS DAY
All Clatsop County offices will be closed Friday, Nov. 11 for the Veterans Day holiday.
An Open Letter to the Community from Clatsop Community College
Clatsop Community College is committed to a secure and fiscally sustainable future for our college, students, faculty, and staff. To move the college in this direction, we have had to make immediate and dramatic cuts to operate within our means. By State law, we must have an annual balanced budget.
On July 1, the beginning of this fiscal year, we believed we had brought the college into fiscal balance through a combination of staff reductions, operating budget cuts and tuition increases. However, new revenue forecasts from the State along with declining property tax receipts and timber tax revenue means we are faced with the need to make an additional $1-million budget cut effective before July 1, 2012. We have faced this situation with grim resolve and taken the immediate steps necessary to balance the 2011-2012 budget.
New cuts which we began to announce on November 2 will affect all aspects of the college. We have made additional operational reductions, left vacant positions unfilled, reduced support and administrative staff, and now must face faculty reductions, fee increases and an additional increase in tuition.
For many years, the college has utilized a healthy proportion of full-time faculty. Regrettably, this option is no longer affordable. Similar to other Oregon community colleges, we must increase the share of courses taught by qualified adjunct faculty. We have no doubt that students’ educational needs will be met; that students will continue to graduate and succeed; and that employers and our local community will continue to find highly trained workers and educated citizens coming from Clatsop Community College programs. Clatsop Community College will offer a comprehensive range of classes that supports certificates, degrees, skill development and transfer opportunities.
We at Clatsop Community College remain focused on creating opportunity and building community for the citizens of Clatsop County and beyond. With the generous support and assistance from our community partners and the citizens of the North Coast, CCC will continue its mission of developing a highly skilled and educated citizenry for the next 50 years and beyond.
The future of this institution largely depends upon how we respond in the coming days, weeks, and months. We ask you to join us in a unified community response to sustain and strengthen Clatsop Community College. Your financial support will help prevent even more detrimental reductions and may permit some positions to be reinstated in the fall. We can and should work together to provide the best possible educational opportunity for everyone who lives and works here.
I welcome your ideas (ideas@clatsopcc.edu).
Larry Galizio, President
Clatsop Community College
On July 1, the beginning of this fiscal year, we believed we had brought the college into fiscal balance through a combination of staff reductions, operating budget cuts and tuition increases. However, new revenue forecasts from the State along with declining property tax receipts and timber tax revenue means we are faced with the need to make an additional $1-million budget cut effective before July 1, 2012. We have faced this situation with grim resolve and taken the immediate steps necessary to balance the 2011-2012 budget.
New cuts which we began to announce on November 2 will affect all aspects of the college. We have made additional operational reductions, left vacant positions unfilled, reduced support and administrative staff, and now must face faculty reductions, fee increases and an additional increase in tuition.
For many years, the college has utilized a healthy proportion of full-time faculty. Regrettably, this option is no longer affordable. Similar to other Oregon community colleges, we must increase the share of courses taught by qualified adjunct faculty. We have no doubt that students’ educational needs will be met; that students will continue to graduate and succeed; and that employers and our local community will continue to find highly trained workers and educated citizens coming from Clatsop Community College programs. Clatsop Community College will offer a comprehensive range of classes that supports certificates, degrees, skill development and transfer opportunities.
We at Clatsop Community College remain focused on creating opportunity and building community for the citizens of Clatsop County and beyond. With the generous support and assistance from our community partners and the citizens of the North Coast, CCC will continue its mission of developing a highly skilled and educated citizenry for the next 50 years and beyond.
The future of this institution largely depends upon how we respond in the coming days, weeks, and months. We ask you to join us in a unified community response to sustain and strengthen Clatsop Community College. Your financial support will help prevent even more detrimental reductions and may permit some positions to be reinstated in the fall. We can and should work together to provide the best possible educational opportunity for everyone who lives and works here.
I welcome your ideas (ideas@clatsopcc.edu).
Larry Galizio, President
Clatsop Community College
Detailed voter returns in Clatsop County
VOTES
PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 33) . . . . . 33... 100.00%
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . 14,591
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . .7,207
VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL . . . . . . .49.39%
DEMOCRAT
Representative in Congress, 1st District
Vote For 1
Dominic Hammon. . . . . . . . . ....52... 1.19%
Suzanne Bonamici . . . . . . . . 2,625... 60.29%
Brad Witt . . . . . . . . . . .....690... 15.85%
Saba Ahmed . . . . . . . . . . .....11... .25%
Brad Avakian . . . . . . . . . ....681... 15.64%
Dan Strite . . . . . . . . . . ....248... 5.70%
Robert E Lettin . . . . . . . . .....9... .21%
Todd Lee Ritter . . . . . . . . ....18... .41%
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . ......20... .46%
Total . . . . . . . . . 4,354
REPUBLICAN
Representative in Congress, 1st District
Vote For 1
Lisa Michaels . . . . . . . . . ...222... 7.83%
D R Delgado-Morgan . . . . . . . ...54... 1.90%
Pavel Goberman. . . . . . . . . ....84... 2.96%
Jim Greenfield. . . . . . . . . ...306... 10.79%
Rob Cornilles . . . . . . . . . .2,121.. 74.76%
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . ......50... 1.76%
Total . . . . . . . . . 2,837
PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 33) . . . . . 33... 100.00%
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . 14,591
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . .7,207
VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL . . . . . . .49.39%
DEMOCRAT
Representative in Congress, 1st District
Vote For 1
Dominic Hammon. . . . . . . . . ....52... 1.19%
Suzanne Bonamici . . . . . . . . 2,625... 60.29%
Brad Witt . . . . . . . . . . .....690... 15.85%
Saba Ahmed . . . . . . . . . . .....11... .25%
Brad Avakian . . . . . . . . . ....681... 15.64%
Dan Strite . . . . . . . . . . ....248... 5.70%
Robert E Lettin . . . . . . . . .....9... .21%
Todd Lee Ritter . . . . . . . . ....18... .41%
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . ......20... .46%
Total . . . . . . . . . 4,354
REPUBLICAN
Representative in Congress, 1st District
Vote For 1
Lisa Michaels . . . . . . . . . ...222... 7.83%
D R Delgado-Morgan . . . . . . . ...54... 1.90%
Pavel Goberman. . . . . . . . . ....84... 2.96%
Jim Greenfield. . . . . . . . . ...306... 10.79%
Rob Cornilles . . . . . . . . . .2,121.. 74.76%
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . ......50... 1.76%
Total . . . . . . . . . 2,837
AREA ELECTION RESULTS
In Oregon, for the District One Congressional seat, Rob Cornilles was the top Republican Candidate, he’ll be facing Democrat Susan Bonamicci in January.
In Tillamook County:
Measure 29-124: The Tillamook County Road General Obligation Bonds Authorization went down, , 4, 234 no votes to 3, 785 in favor.
Washington State:
Initiatives
1125 State Expenditures on transportation. Would prohibit the use of motor vehicle fund revenue and vehicle toll revenue for non transportation purposes, and require that road and bridge tolls be set by the legislature and be project specific. TOO CLOSE TO CALL as of 6am, with 49% of counted voters in favor and 51% against. This battle was largely funded by Bellevue Developer Kemper Freeman.
1163 Home Health Workers. Would reinstate background checks, training and other requirements for long term care workers and providers. YES
1183 Privatize liquor sales Would close state liquor stores and sell their assets, license private parties to sell and distribute spirits, regulate licensees and change regulation of wine distribution. YES. Washington State Liquor stores will be out of business as of June of next year. Costco spent over 22 million dollars on the campaign.
State Senate Joint Resolution 8206 A constitutional amendment on the budget stabilization account maintained in the state treasury. Would require the legislature to transfer additional moneys to the budget stabilization account in each fiscal biennium in which the state has received extraordinary revenue growth. YES
Pacific County
Emergency Medical Service 1 Proposition no. 1
Ambulance and Emergency Medical Services Funding $567,296 Passed with 1990 yes votes over 973 no votes
In contested Pacific County elections:
Write-in candidate Vinessa Mulinix will take the Ilwaco City Council position 2 seat. She got 144 votes over Don Berger’s 119.
Mark Perez won the contested Long Beach City Council member number 2 seat, with 209 votes over 181 for Rhonda Benson.
For the City of South Bend member number 1 council seat, the winner is Lisa Olsen, with 224 votes over 214 for Ed Hensley.
For the Port of Willapa Harbor, Tim Bond won the position two seat with 1,469 votes over Frank Porembski’s 1,272.
The Hospital District 2 seat was won by Tim Russ, the District 3 seat by Nancy Gorshe.
And for School District 116, there were two contested seats. The winners are Jason Dunsmoor and Beth Stevens.
In School District 301, voters in Pacific and Lewis Counties chose Tim Speck over Colin Newell for position 2.
In Water District North Beach, position two was won by Gwen Brake.
.
In Wahkiakum County, Steven McNicholas won the race for the Cathlamet Town Council position 1, with 97 votes over write in candidate Dale Jacobsen’s 61.
For the Town Council position 3 race, write-in candidate Dick Swart, former Cathlamet mayor, won with 65% of the vote.
Also in Wahkiakum County, Former real estate broker Lori Scot is the new Port District 2, position 3 commissioner. She garnered 322 votes over long time incumbent Carleton Appelo’s 268 votes. Applelo was one of the area’s longest serving commissioners. He became a Wahkiakum Port 2 commissioner in 1966.
In Tillamook County:
Measure 29-124: The Tillamook County Road General Obligation Bonds Authorization went down, , 4, 234 no votes to 3, 785 in favor.
Washington State:
Initiatives
1125 State Expenditures on transportation. Would prohibit the use of motor vehicle fund revenue and vehicle toll revenue for non transportation purposes, and require that road and bridge tolls be set by the legislature and be project specific. TOO CLOSE TO CALL as of 6am, with 49% of counted voters in favor and 51% against. This battle was largely funded by Bellevue Developer Kemper Freeman.
1163 Home Health Workers. Would reinstate background checks, training and other requirements for long term care workers and providers. YES
1183 Privatize liquor sales Would close state liquor stores and sell their assets, license private parties to sell and distribute spirits, regulate licensees and change regulation of wine distribution. YES. Washington State Liquor stores will be out of business as of June of next year. Costco spent over 22 million dollars on the campaign.
State Senate Joint Resolution 8206 A constitutional amendment on the budget stabilization account maintained in the state treasury. Would require the legislature to transfer additional moneys to the budget stabilization account in each fiscal biennium in which the state has received extraordinary revenue growth. YES
Pacific County
Emergency Medical Service 1 Proposition no. 1
Ambulance and Emergency Medical Services Funding $567,296 Passed with 1990 yes votes over 973 no votes
In contested Pacific County elections:
Write-in candidate Vinessa Mulinix will take the Ilwaco City Council position 2 seat. She got 144 votes over Don Berger’s 119.
Mark Perez won the contested Long Beach City Council member number 2 seat, with 209 votes over 181 for Rhonda Benson.
For the City of South Bend member number 1 council seat, the winner is Lisa Olsen, with 224 votes over 214 for Ed Hensley.
For the Port of Willapa Harbor, Tim Bond won the position two seat with 1,469 votes over Frank Porembski’s 1,272.
The Hospital District 2 seat was won by Tim Russ, the District 3 seat by Nancy Gorshe.
And for School District 116, there were two contested seats. The winners are Jason Dunsmoor and Beth Stevens.
In School District 301, voters in Pacific and Lewis Counties chose Tim Speck over Colin Newell for position 2.
In Water District North Beach, position two was won by Gwen Brake.
.
In Wahkiakum County, Steven McNicholas won the race for the Cathlamet Town Council position 1, with 97 votes over write in candidate Dale Jacobsen’s 61.
For the Town Council position 3 race, write-in candidate Dick Swart, former Cathlamet mayor, won with 65% of the vote.
Also in Wahkiakum County, Former real estate broker Lori Scot is the new Port District 2, position 3 commissioner. She garnered 322 votes over long time incumbent Carleton Appelo’s 268 votes. Applelo was one of the area’s longest serving commissioners. He became a Wahkiakum Port 2 commissioner in 1966.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
CRASH ON HWY 30 NEAR ASTORIA TURNS FATAL
On Monday, 11/07/2011, about 4:05pm, Clatsop County 911 received a call that a child had been struck by a truck after running across Highway 30 near MP 83 in the Knappa area. State Troopers from the Astoria Area Command, along with other emergency service providers, responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation, based upon witness and driver statements, indicate that an approximately 11 year old girl, and her 9 year old younger brother, were walking eastbound on the north side of HWY 30. For unknown reason they both attempted to cross Highway 30 to the south side. The 11 year old sister started to run across the highway and her younger brother followed shortly behind her. According to witnesses, they both ran between two westbound pick-up trucks. The sister made it safely to the south side of the roadway but her brother, identified as Austin Hennessee of Knappa, was struck by a Ford F250 pick-up driven by Kenneth Adams, 24, of Astoria. Adams immediately stopped an
d rendered first aid and CPR to Austin. Knappa Fire and Rescue arrived and Austin was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria where he was subsequently pronounced deceased.
Adams remained at the scene of the collision and cooperated fully with the investigation. No citations have been issued and the investigation is continuing. OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT and Clatsop County Sheriff's deputies as well as Knappa Fire and Rescue. Highway 30 at MP 83 is a two lane roadway and was reduced to one lane of travel for approximately one hour while the collision was investigated. Road conditions were damp at the time but it was not raining.
d rendered first aid and CPR to Austin. Knappa Fire and Rescue arrived and Austin was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria where he was subsequently pronounced deceased.
Adams remained at the scene of the collision and cooperated fully with the investigation. No citations have been issued and the investigation is continuing. OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT and Clatsop County Sheriff's deputies as well as Knappa Fire and Rescue. Highway 30 at MP 83 is a two lane roadway and was reduced to one lane of travel for approximately one hour while the collision was investigated. Road conditions were damp at the time but it was not raining.
Monday, November 7, 2011
BALLOTS DUE BACK TUESDAY IN NOV. 8 SPECIAL ELECTION
Time is running out to return ballots for the Nov. 8 special primary election.
Ballots for the election must be returned by 8 p.m. Tuesday in order to be counted. To ensure their ballots arrive on time, voters are advised to bring completed ballots to one of the approved drop sites. Ballots placed in the mail before the deadline but not delivered until after will not be counted.
Completed ballots in Clatsop County can be dropped at the following sites:
· Clatsop County Clerk’s Office, Public Services Building, 820 Exchange St., Astoria -or- 24-hour drop box in front of office.
· Cannon Beach City Hall, 163 Gower St., Cannon Beach
· Gearhart City Hall, 696 Pacific Way, Gearhart
· Seaside City Hall, 989 Broadway, Seaside
· Warrenton City Hall, 225 S. Main Ave., Warrenton
· Knappa High School, 41535 Old Highway 30, Knappa
· Mist-Birkenfeld Fire Hall, 12525 Oregon Highway 202
· Clatskanie Library, 11 Lillich St., Clatskanie
For more information on Clatsop County Elections: contact the Clerk and Elections Office at (503) 325-8511 or go to the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us and click on “Nov. 8, 2011 Special Primary Election.”
Ballots for the election must be returned by 8 p.m. Tuesday in order to be counted. To ensure their ballots arrive on time, voters are advised to bring completed ballots to one of the approved drop sites. Ballots placed in the mail before the deadline but not delivered until after will not be counted.
Completed ballots in Clatsop County can be dropped at the following sites:
· Clatsop County Clerk’s Office, Public Services Building, 820 Exchange St., Astoria -or- 24-hour drop box in front of office.
· Cannon Beach City Hall, 163 Gower St., Cannon Beach
· Gearhart City Hall, 696 Pacific Way, Gearhart
· Seaside City Hall, 989 Broadway, Seaside
· Warrenton City Hall, 225 S. Main Ave., Warrenton
· Knappa High School, 41535 Old Highway 30, Knappa
· Mist-Birkenfeld Fire Hall, 12525 Oregon Highway 202
· Clatskanie Library, 11 Lillich St., Clatskanie
For more information on Clatsop County Elections: contact the Clerk and Elections Office at (503) 325-8511 or go to the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us and click on “Nov. 8, 2011 Special Primary Election.”
Friday, November 4, 2011
GENE STRONG RETIRES FROM CLATSOP COUNTY EMERGENCY PROGRAM
When the next emergency strikes Clatsop County, local officials will be better prepared to respond, thanks in large part to the work of outgoing Emergency Services Coordinator Gene Strong.Strong is retiring from the position early next year after managing the county’s emergency preparedness efforts for six and a half years. Strong’s last day with the county will be Jan. 31, and the county hopes to have a new emergency services manager hired by that time so the transition is as seamless as possible.
Strong already had one full career behind him when he joined the county in 2004, having retired just the year before after 20 years as Sheriff of Wahkiakum County, Wash. His long experience proved extremely useful for the Clatsop County position.
“When I started I had a vision of taking an agency from the ground up, and I had the opportunity to do that,” Strong said. “It’s been a fun challenge.
When he came on board Clatsop County’s emergency management program was largely inactive and had lost what little state funding it had been receiving. Strong worked to improve communications infrastructure, gain outside funding and in general get the office “back on track.”
Sheriff Tom Bergin said Strong made the Emergency Management office one of the most efficient in the state.
“With Gene’s knowledge and vast amount of contacts he has put us in a state of preparedness well above what most counties will ever hope to achieve. We all owe Gene a huge thank you for making our county a safe place,” he said.
One of Strong’s first priorities was upgrading the county’s aging and inadequate communications network, which often left Sheriff’s Office personnel and other emergency responders in the field unable to talk with dispatchers. The project involved acquiring new radios and repeaters and updated transmission facilities on Wickiup Mountain – a $2 million project almost entirely funded with outside grants.
Strong also spearheaded the planning and fundraising for the county’s new Emergency Operations Center at Camp Rilea. A new wing will be built at the facility’s Warrior Hall to house state-of-the-art communications equipment and provide a permanent, centralized headquarters for coordinating the local response to a variety of disasters. State and federal dollars will cover two-thirds of the $500,000 total cost.
Successfully pursuing these and other projects involved more than just good grant-writing ability, Strong said. They also required coordination with many other agencies, including local fire and police departments.
“In the beginning it could be a challenge to get people together,” he said.
The program has also expanded training opportunities for local officials, and involved volunteer groups like amateur radio operators and the new Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) in training and planning.
In 2010 the Emergency Management program was brought under the County Manager’s Office, and Human Resources Director Dean Perez was named Emergency Management Director. The program now has a staff of four full- or part-time personnel and an annual budget of $380,000, half of which is funded through an Emergency Management Program grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Perez praised Strong’s technical expertise.
“No one in Oregon is more knowledgeable about emergency radio communications systems,” he said, adding that Clatsop County’s upgraded infrastructure is considered a model for other counties.
During the December 2007 gale that struck the North Coast, much of the county’s communications was knocked out.
“We fell silent, but that will not happen again – that was (Strong’s) vision – we can’t go silent again,” Perez said.
TransActive & PFLAG Oregon North Coast Present “Of Trucks and Tiaras” Workshop
In partnership with the Clatsop Community College IOU (Isms, Obias, and Us) Committee, TransActive Education & Advocacy and PFLAG Oregon North Coast present "Of Trucks and Tiaras: Supporting Trans and Gender Non-conforming Children and Youth in Your Community" Thursday, November 17 from 3:00-5:00pm at Clatsop Community College’s Columbia Hall, 1651 Lexington Ave, Astoria, in Room 219.
The two-hour workshop will cover tools and tips for how to best support gender non-conforming youth aged 4 to 18 - kids who may identify as transgender, gay, or lesbian, but also any youth bullied for "not acting like a lady" or "being a sissy". The workshop is designed for parents, teachers, students, counselors, and other adults in the community who work with youth. There is no cost to attend the workshop, though donations will gladly be accepted.
TransActive Education & Advocacy works with the families of gender non-conforming children to minimize and prevent child abuse by providing parents with resources and support, and encourages youth empowerment by working with schools, pediatricians and case workers to ensure a healthy and safe environment for gender non-conforming children to grow up in. For more information, visit http://www.transactiveonline.org.
The two-hour workshop will cover tools and tips for how to best support gender non-conforming youth aged 4 to 18 - kids who may identify as transgender, gay, or lesbian, but also any youth bullied for "not acting like a lady" or "being a sissy". The workshop is designed for parents, teachers, students, counselors, and other adults in the community who work with youth. There is no cost to attend the workshop, though donations will gladly be accepted.
TransActive Education & Advocacy works with the families of gender non-conforming children to minimize and prevent child abuse by providing parents with resources and support, and encourages youth empowerment by working with schools, pediatricians and case workers to ensure a healthy and safe environment for gender non-conforming children to grow up in. For more information, visit http://www.transactiveonline.org.
CCC’s RAIN Magazine Accepting Submissions
RAIN Magazine, Clatsop Community College's (CCC) literary publication, is accepting submissions now through January 10, 2012 for its Spring 2012 edition.
Proud of its 40-year history publishing the art & literature of our talented coastal community, RAIN welcomes submissions from the general public as well as CCC students. There is no theme for the 2012 edition, but we do appreciate work that celebrates the unique landscape and lifestyle of the Columbia Pacific region. Please submit no more than 5,000 words of prose, three poems, three digital photos, or three high quality digital reproductions of original artwork. Our ability to print color is limited, so artists submitting color images should indicate if the image may appear in B&W. Include name, address, phone number, e-mail and a brief bio with all entries. No SASE necessary; manuscripts will be recycled.
Online submissions are welcome and encouraged if submitted as a WORD or JPEG attachment (email to: rainmagazine@clatsopcc.edu). Submissions, online or otherwise, without proper contact information may not be considered.
Mail submissions to:
RAIN Magazine, Clatsop Community College, 1651 Lexington Avenue, Astoria, OR 97103
Please direct inquiries to: Nancy Cook, 503-338-2335, ncook@clatsopcc.edu.
Proud of its 40-year history publishing the art & literature of our talented coastal community, RAIN welcomes submissions from the general public as well as CCC students. There is no theme for the 2012 edition, but we do appreciate work that celebrates the unique landscape and lifestyle of the Columbia Pacific region. Please submit no more than 5,000 words of prose, three poems, three digital photos, or three high quality digital reproductions of original artwork. Our ability to print color is limited, so artists submitting color images should indicate if the image may appear in B&W. Include name, address, phone number, e-mail and a brief bio with all entries. No SASE necessary; manuscripts will be recycled.
Online submissions are welcome and encouraged if submitted as a WORD or JPEG attachment (email to: rainmagazine@clatsopcc.edu). Submissions, online or otherwise, without proper contact information may not be considered.
Mail submissions to:
RAIN Magazine, Clatsop Community College, 1651 Lexington Avenue, Astoria, OR 97103
Please direct inquiries to: Nancy Cook, 503-338-2335, ncook@clatsopcc.edu.
Fall Training for Literacy Tutors at CCC
Clatsop Community College will conduct its fall term Volunteer Literacy Tutor Training on Saturday, November 12, 11:00am to 2:00pm in Columbia Hall, Room 221, 1651 Lexington Avenue, Astoria.
This training is for practicing tutors, persons interested in becoming tutors and others interested in the subject. Participants will discuss goal-setting and lesson planning in the context of the new Oregon State Learning Standards for Adult Basic Skills Initiative that will alter the way in which adult basic skills are delivered to students. Discussion will also concentrate on learning strategies and tools that will help students listen and speak better.
Please call to reserve a place and direct any inquiries to: Eileen Purcell, 503-338-2557 or epurcell@clatsopcc.edu.
This training is for practicing tutors, persons interested in becoming tutors and others interested in the subject. Participants will discuss goal-setting and lesson planning in the context of the new Oregon State Learning Standards for Adult Basic Skills Initiative that will alter the way in which adult basic skills are delivered to students. Discussion will also concentrate on learning strategies and tools that will help students listen and speak better.
Please call to reserve a place and direct any inquiries to: Eileen Purcell, 503-338-2557 or epurcell@clatsopcc.edu.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
OREGON NORTH COAST DEMS SHOWCASE GREAT LOCAL COOKING IN FUND RAISER
Four of Astoria’s most creative concocters of world-class Chili are combining their talents for a Chili Feed, organized by Clatsop County Democrats. The Chili Feed, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM on Saturday, November 12, will include guest speakers and an Auction of homemade desserts. The event is a fundraiser for the Democrats as they gear up for the January 31 election to choose our representative in Congress for the 1st District.Guest speakers will be Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown and State Senators Betsy Johnson and Suzanne Bonamici. Bonamici is running for the 1st District seat in Congress.
Four of Astoria's coffee house chefs will conjure up the Chili for the event. The chefs are Carly from 3 Cups Coffee House, Charlie from Charlie’s Chowder & Coffee House, Tammy from Coffee Girl, and Mary from Downtown Coffee Shop. The Chili will range from spicy to mild and from meaty to vegan.
The Chili Feed & Dessert Auction is being held at the Warrenton Community Center, 170 SW 3rd Street. Tickets are $20 in advance at www.ClatsopDemocrats.org, or $25 at the door.
CLATSOP COUNTY, PARTNERS PUSH AHEAD WITH HIGHWAY 101 FLOODING PROJECT
The Oregon Department of Transportation may provide money for a proposed solution to the annual flooding problem on U.S. Highway 101 south of Seaside through its wetlands conservation program.
The project, spearheaded by Clatsop County with support from ODOT, the Port of Astoria and local cities, involves the removal of a berm along the nearby Necanicum River near Circle Creek Campground. The work was recommended by a hydrological consultant who says it should substantially reduce the incidence of flooding that occurs nearly every winter when heavy rains combine with high tides to send water over the roadway and cause traffic restrictions.
The project partners are planning the next steps, including drawing up detailed plans and obtaining permits, with the goal of launching the work in summer 2012.
In July Northwest Hydraulic Consultants of Seattle released a study, funded by the project partners and based on months of water-flow data and other information, recommending removal of the berm, at an estimated cost of $500,000. The structure, built in the 1960s along the west bank of the Necanicum, causes water to overtop the nearby highway by keeping high water in the river from spilling out onto the lower ground to the west, according to the study.
ODOT cannot spend money from its highway budget on the berm project because it does not directly involve the roadway itself. But the work may qualify for wetlands funding because the proposed solution will open up hundreds of acres of former pasture land to restoration.
At a meeting of project partners last week in Seaside, representatives from ODOT’s wetlands office explained that the adjacent 364 acres of land, currently owned by the North Coast Land Conservancy, can be added to the agency’s wetlands “bank” program, which maintains wetland areas around the state as mitigation for other wetland sites impacted by highway projects.
ODOT recently submitted a prospectus, a general outline of a Necanicum restoration project, to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Oregon Department of State Lands for their review. A more detailed analysis, including plans for longterm stewardship of the site, will then follow. Both plans will be released for public comment.
In the meantime, Clatsop County plans to ask the consultant to prepare a scope-of-work document for the berm removal. The project partners will meet again in January.
ODOT Area 1 Manager Larry McKinley said the state’s Regional Solutions Team, which coordinates state agency resources in support of local community economic development efforts, could assist in the permitting process. He noted the Highway 101 project is a key priority of Gov. John Kitzhaber.
The project, spearheaded by Clatsop County with support from ODOT, the Port of Astoria and local cities, involves the removal of a berm along the nearby Necanicum River near Circle Creek Campground. The work was recommended by a hydrological consultant who says it should substantially reduce the incidence of flooding that occurs nearly every winter when heavy rains combine with high tides to send water over the roadway and cause traffic restrictions.
The project partners are planning the next steps, including drawing up detailed plans and obtaining permits, with the goal of launching the work in summer 2012.
In July Northwest Hydraulic Consultants of Seattle released a study, funded by the project partners and based on months of water-flow data and other information, recommending removal of the berm, at an estimated cost of $500,000. The structure, built in the 1960s along the west bank of the Necanicum, causes water to overtop the nearby highway by keeping high water in the river from spilling out onto the lower ground to the west, according to the study.
ODOT cannot spend money from its highway budget on the berm project because it does not directly involve the roadway itself. But the work may qualify for wetlands funding because the proposed solution will open up hundreds of acres of former pasture land to restoration.
At a meeting of project partners last week in Seaside, representatives from ODOT’s wetlands office explained that the adjacent 364 acres of land, currently owned by the North Coast Land Conservancy, can be added to the agency’s wetlands “bank” program, which maintains wetland areas around the state as mitigation for other wetland sites impacted by highway projects.
ODOT recently submitted a prospectus, a general outline of a Necanicum restoration project, to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Oregon Department of State Lands for their review. A more detailed analysis, including plans for longterm stewardship of the site, will then follow. Both plans will be released for public comment.
In the meantime, Clatsop County plans to ask the consultant to prepare a scope-of-work document for the berm removal. The project partners will meet again in January.
ODOT Area 1 Manager Larry McKinley said the state’s Regional Solutions Team, which coordinates state agency resources in support of local community economic development efforts, could assist in the permitting process. He noted the Highway 101 project is a key priority of Gov. John Kitzhaber.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
OREGON SECRETARY OF STATE VISITS CLATSOP COUNTY ELECTIONS OFFICE
Yesterday (Tuesday) Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown paid a visit to the Clatsop County Clerk and Elections office to see the department’s ballot-processing for the Nov. 8th special primary election – and to try out a new service for voters with special needs, using an I-pad. Clatsop County Clerk Maeve Kennedy Grimes explained how the new service will work:
“Secretary of State Kate Brown launched a pilot project with the five counties that are involved in this District One election. We can go to, say a nursing facility or we can go to an assisted living facility, people would come up to us with their ballot information and we would assist them using the I-pad so that they could physically vote.”
Because the contest involves only five counties, the state has picked this election for the pilot project. Grimes illustrated how the I-pad can help some disabled voters.
“We can bring the I-pad and a wireless printer to them. If someone is visually impaired it can zoom in and make things larger and we would be able to assist them to use the I-pad and then print out a ballot.”
The ballot can then be mailed to or dropped off at the elections office. If the service proves successful, the state elections office will make the devices available to all 36 counties. Secretary of State Brown stressed the importance of voting by noting during her visit that she won her first race for the Oregon House of Representatives by just seven votes.
Ballots for the special primary election, which went out only to registered Democrats and Republicans, must be received at the Clatsop County Elections Division by 8 p.m. next Tuesday, November 8th. (:60)
New Washington Website Offers Insight on Health Care Rates
Whenever an insurance company wants to raise rates for individual or small group plans, the Insurance Commissioner's Office reviews those requests. In the past, the agency could approve or reject the new rates, but it couldn't release any information behind the decision. That changed earlier this year. Lawmakers passed a bill that allows the public to see how much of the premium goes toward medical claims, administrative costs, and company profit.
The new website allows the public to see proposed rate changes, and comment on the proposal. It also allows people to sign up for email alerts when their insurer files for a rate change, and when a decision is made.
The website (http://www.insurance.wa.gov/health-rates.shtml) was made possible by a federal grant under the Affordable Care Act.
At the moment there are eight rate requests pending, including those from Group Health and Regence Blue Shield.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Astoria Police and Schools Investigate Plot. 16 Year Old Arrested
On the afternoon of October 31, 2011 Astoria Police were contacted by Astoria High School administrators reporting that they had received information that a 16 year old male student had attempted to get another 15 year old student to join him in a school shooting at Astoria High School. The student solicited to join in the shooting brought printed Facebook messages to school administrators. School administrators immediately reported the matter to police.
Based on the initial investigation into the matter, Astoria Police determined that this was not a single conversation about a fantasy but a series of conversations expressing the desire to shoot people at the Astoria High School and to engage this particular 15 year old boy as a partner in the activity. Police were able to find corroborating evidence of the conversation. A search of the 16 year olds residence did not reveal any firearms. The 16 year old student lives with his mother in Astoria.
The 16 year old student was arrested by School Resource Officer Ken Hansen for Solicitation to Commit Murder. He was lodged by the Clatsop County Juvenile Department. The matter remains under investigation as Astoria Police look for further information about the potential plot. There is no current information that others are involved. Astoria Police will be interviewing witnesses and looking for any additional information.
Deputy Chief Brad Johnston said, “It is good that this 15 year old was able to see the severity of the situation and contact adults that he trusted. Early intervention in situations like this is best for all parties involved. The cooperation of schools and police during a situation like this is outstanding. While our processes run independent of each other they overlap well and we were able to keep in communication throughout the incident. Having a School Resource Officer who is in touch with the kids and knows who is who in the schools was a huge help in this investigation. He had information that would not have been available to most police officers investigating this crime because of his ability to see kids interact and understanding the dynamics at the school.”
Based on the initial investigation into the matter, Astoria Police determined that this was not a single conversation about a fantasy but a series of conversations expressing the desire to shoot people at the Astoria High School and to engage this particular 15 year old boy as a partner in the activity. Police were able to find corroborating evidence of the conversation. A search of the 16 year olds residence did not reveal any firearms. The 16 year old student lives with his mother in Astoria.
The 16 year old student was arrested by School Resource Officer Ken Hansen for Solicitation to Commit Murder. He was lodged by the Clatsop County Juvenile Department. The matter remains under investigation as Astoria Police look for further information about the potential plot. There is no current information that others are involved. Astoria Police will be interviewing witnesses and looking for any additional information.
Deputy Chief Brad Johnston said, “It is good that this 15 year old was able to see the severity of the situation and contact adults that he trusted. Early intervention in situations like this is best for all parties involved. The cooperation of schools and police during a situation like this is outstanding. While our processes run independent of each other they overlap well and we were able to keep in communication throughout the incident. Having a School Resource Officer who is in touch with the kids and knows who is who in the schools was a huge help in this investigation. He had information that would not have been available to most police officers investigating this crime because of his ability to see kids interact and understanding the dynamics at the school.”
Skywarn Spotter Training Offered November 8th in Ocean Park
The National Weather Service Portland Office will offer Skywarn Spotter Program training on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Pacific County Fire District 1 Ocean Park Fire Station Community Room, 26109 Ridge Ave, Ocean Park, WA 98640 The National Weather Service welcomes volunteers with an interest in severe weather spotting. The Skywarn program is totally voluntary. You will be trained on weather events similar to those listed in the Severe Weather Spotters Guide, and you may have the opportunity to call in several times a month depending on the weather pattern in your neck-of-the-woods.
If you agree, the National Weather Service may occasionally call you for a ground truth as to what is actually happening near your home. Most likely the phone call will be to confirm an element of potentially severe thunderstorms, like large hail, or damaging wind. Other calls may be to verify heavy snowfall or peak wind speed associated with large winter storms.
This information is provided at the request of and on behalf of the National Weather Service. Additional information may be found at: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/skytraining.php
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