Living History at Fort Clatsop coming in January

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park presents a special living history program during the Saturday and Sunday of Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend.  On Saturday, January 19, and Sunday, January 20, the Fort Clatsop replica will come alive from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition during the park's 12th annual presentation of "Wintering Over: snugly fixed in their huts."

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

City of Astoria Nixes Support Letter for Arts Grant

City of Astoria Commissioners voted 3 to 2 yesterday not to write a letter of support for the Astoria Visual Arts organization with their application to the National Endowment for the Arts for an “Our Town” grant. Astoria Mayor Willis Van Dusen cited lack to time to adequately prepare a successful grant application.

VanDusen1.wav (:52)  “The City of Astoria has been very fortunate in being awarded a lot of different grants, and we have as a community, not just as the City of Astoria, as our community we have a very good reputation with applying for grants, securing the grants and then following through with the grants: and when the people who come back after the grant has been used and they say “What was done?” we have shown, time and time again we’ve used the grant well, and this just concerns me that we’re not, we haven’t done enough – we haven’t spent enough time on it, if it just started on the 13th of November, and here it is the end of December.  I would hate to rush into this and apply for a grant and as a community, not be able to follow through.”  

The grant would have assisted in adding live/work space for downtown artists, established and managed a dedicated exhibition and performance space and launched an Artists-in-Residence program in Astoria’s downtown core.  

Commissioners LaMear, and Roscoe voted for the motion, Commissioners Warr, Mellin and Mayor Van Dusen voted against.  Councilor Karin Mellin suggested re-applying for the grant at a later time.

City of Astoria explains post-slide plans

Three Astoria residences were evacuated after a landslide last Thursday brought down trees and debris on the south side of Duane Street between 5th and 6th.  Occupants were allowed to return to their homes the following day.

At a  special meeting of the Astoria City Council yesterday (Thurs), Nathan Crater, Assistant City Engineer, presented the findings of the city’s on-call geo-technical firm.

Crater1.wav; (:39)  “Landslide Technology characterized this as a relatively shallow slide.  They’re not finding any signs of deeper seated movement, which is positive.  Unfortunately there is a portion of soil about 30 feet above the top of the slide scar which is relatively unstable, and has a high likelihood of coming down at some point.  So because of this Landslide Technologies gave us two primary recommendations.  One was to remove the trees from the slide area itself, and the adjacent area, to eliminate any hazards coming down the hill, and the second recommendation was to remove the soil from the road and provide a catchment area in the event that more soil does come down.” 

City staff will investigate erosion control measures.  A temporary containment barrier will be installed and city staff will work with Landslide Technologies on long term mitigation measure.  Crater the estimate for the initial emergency clean up effort is about 25 thousand dollars to date. 

Astoria Police Officers Arrest 3 on Warrants and Recover Possible Stolen Property

Possible stolen tools recovered.

On December 27, 2012 Astoria Police Officers Nicole Riley and Scott DeLapp responded to a disturbance at 2863 Marine Drive. Clatsop County Sheriff’s deputy Jason Hoover responded to assist. The initial call indicated a fight at that residence. When officers arrived they contacted several people at and around the house.

Johnson named Co-Chair of Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development

Oregon State Senator Betsy Johnson (D-Scappoose) has been named Co-Chair of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development for the 2013 Legislative Session.

“Although we continue to face funding challenges, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to put in the hard work listening to Oregonians’ concerns and producing a budget that reflects the right priorities,” said Johnson. “I look forward to discussing plans to get people working again in both rural and urban parts of Oregon.”

As Co-Chair, Johnson will be responsible for overseeing the budget for the Department of Consumer and Business Services, the Business Development Department, the Department of Transportation, the Public Utility Commission, and several others

Public Invited to Comment on Proposed Bike/Pedistrian Projects

$8.5 million is available for alternative projects

  The Oregon Department of Transportation is seeking input from the public on projects being considered for funding through the Transportation Enhancement-Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (TE-OBPAC) 2012 Combined Solicitation program. Projects chosen will receive state-funded grants from ODOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program (OBPAC) or federal funds from the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), formerly the Transportation Enhancement (TE) Program. An online survey will collect input. To provide input over the phone, call the ODOT Active Transportation Section at (503) 986-3528 or (503) 986-3555. Comments will be accepted through 5:00 p.m., January 31, 2013. 

Astoria Man Arrested for Weapon Threat

Weapon Found to be Inoperable Pellet Gun

On December 17. 2012 at 0808 Astoria Police Responded to a report that a male subject had pointed a rifle at his care giver and made threats to Charter Cable employees. Officers responded and contacted the caregiver who was no longer with the subject. She reported that while at a regularly scheduled visit with a 52 year old male subject who lives at 1508 Exchange St. he became upset over a billing dispute with Charter Cable. During that dispute he retrieved what was reported to be a bolt action rifle. The care giver said that he worked the action on the rifle and then put it to his shoulder pointing it out the window and saying "bang, bang." He also made threats that he would shoot any Charter Cable employees that he saw. 

Clatsop Community College Fall Term Academic Honors List

Clatsop Community College is proud to announce the following students have been recognized for their superior academic achievement during Fall Term 2012. The Dean's List recognizes students completing 12 or more graded credits and achieving a grade point average (GPA) of 3.75 to 4.00. Honor Roll status recognizes students completing 12 or more graded credits and achieving a GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012 regular meeting

Peter Hutala, Patricia Roberts

Housing Authority decision

The board voted to appoint itself the governing body of the Clatsop County Housing Authority in place of the agency’s existing governing board.

The commissioners voted 4-1 to take the action, with Commissioner Patricia Roberts voting no. The action becomes effective immediately.

The board acted in response to concerns about whether the CCHA board properly followed state public meetings requirements in handling the agency’s business, in particular that subcommittees of the board were given power to deliberate over contracts and other items outside of properly noticed public meetings.

THE BOARD OF CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS BECOMES GOVERNING BODY OF COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted Wednesday to appoint itself the governing body of the Clatsop County Housing Authority in place of the agency’s existing governing board.

The commissioners voted 4-1 to take the action, with Commissioner Patricia Roberts voting no. The action becomes effective immediately.

The board acted in response to concerns about whether the CCHA board properly followed state public meetings requirements in handling the agency’s business, in particular that subcommittees of the board were given power to deliberate over contracts and other items outside of properly noticed public meetings.

The housing authority manages several low-income housing facilities around the county, including Owens-Adair in Astoria, Tilikum and Wapiti in Warrenton, and Clatsop Shores in Seaside, and makes housing grants available to a number of local social service organizations.

Board Chair Peter Huhtala said the commissioners’ decision to appoint themselves as the CCHA governing body will not result in any changes to the agency’s staff or facilities. “We are just replacing one board with another,” he said.

The board scheduled a special meeting for Friday, Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria to meet as the housing authority board.

Clatsop Community College Invites Applications for Budget Committee

Clatsop Community College is seeking expressions of interest from persons desiring to fill a vacancy on the Clatsop Community College Budget Committee.  One three-year term is vacant.  The appointed members must be qualified to vote in elections within the district.  Interested parties should submit a letter of interest to the Board secretary, Kari Ferber, at Clatsop Community College, 1651 Lexington Avenue, Astoria, Oregon 97103 or via email at kferber@clatsopcc.edu no later than 5 p.m., on January 3, 2013.

OREGON ARTS COMMISSION SETS JANUARY 31, 2013 DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR ARTS & CULTURAL TOURISM GRANTS

Arts Commission Sets January 31, 2013 Deadline for Applications for Arts & Cultural Tourism Grants Grants to Support Projects and Partnerships that Advance Arts-based Cultural Tourism

The Oregon Arts Commission announces a January 31, 2013, 5:00 pm electronic deadline for applications for its Arts & Cultural Tourism Grants.   Oregon arts organizations and units of local governments working to increase tourism motivated entirely or in part by the arts-related offerings of a community or region are invited to submit proposals.   

APPLICATIONS SOUGHT FOR CLAPSOP COUNTY MEMBERS ON COL-PAC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

Clatsop County is seeking applicants for representatives on the Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District Board of Directors.

Col-Pac provides its government members and small businesses access to various development services and resources from federal, state and local agencies and private sources. The district covers Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and western Washington counties.

Clatsop County is seeking applicants from the private sector. Vacancies are for a member and alternate.

The Col-Pac board usually meets every other month, on the second Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to noon. Meeting location rotates between member counties.

Applications will be taken through Dec. 31. Application forms are available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us under “Your County-Citizen Involvement,” from the office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, or by calling (503) 325-1000.

Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission sets 2013 annual sturgeon limit at one fish

The Oregon statewide annual bag limit for sturgeon will be reduced to one fish beginning in 2013 under new rules adopted last week by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission.

The new rules covers all Oregon waters including inland rivers, bays and estuaries and supersedes a two fish annual bag limit set in September as part of the 2013 Sport Fishing Regulation development process.

At its meeting last Friday, the Commission had considered a proposal from an Oregon/Washington Workgroup that would have closed sturgeon to all retention in most state waters in 2013, but decided on the reduced bag limit as a transition to catch-and-release only fishing in 2014.

The reduced bag limit comes after several years of declining harvest quotas reflecting concerns about shrinking numbers of legal-sized fish.

Commercial Dungeness crab season delayed

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced the opening of the ocean commercial Dungeness crab season in Oregon will be delayed through Dec. 30.

The ocean commercial Dungeness crab season along the Oregon coast normally opens on Dec. 1, but can be delayed to ensure a high-quality product to consumers and avoid wastage of the resource. Coast-wide crab quality testing showed some test areas did not meet minimum preseason test criteria. Fishery managers met today and decided to further delay the opening through Dec. 30 to allow crab quality to improve.

In Oregon, crabbers will be allowed to begin setting their gear in the ocean for a gear pre-soaking period starting at 8:01 a.m. on Dec. 28 and start harvesting crab at 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 31.

Recreational harvest of crab in the ocean and in Oregon’s bays will remain open.

OREGON GOVERNOR KITZHABER WILL CONVENE SPECIAL LEGIALATIVE SESSION

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber has called for the state legislature will meet in Special Session on Friday, December 14, to consider authorizing Governor Kitzhaber to enter into agreements with companies committing to significant job growth and investment in Oregon. The Governor called the session at a news conference this morning where he emphasized what he called an extraordinary opportunity  to boost Oregon’s economy with high wage jobs.

ASTORIA SUNDAY MARKET DONATES OVER $20,000 IN 2012

The Astoria Sunday Market board presented a $10,000 check to Astoria Downtown Historic District Association this past Friday with $7500 for the Building Blocks business development program headed up by Michele Reeves and $2,500 for the RARE program providing a full-time staff member for the association.  Board President Mitch Mitchum gave the check to ADHDA President Dulcye Taylor at its monthly membership meeting.  “The Market board believes that a strong downtown association is a great investment toward revitalizing downtown and we are especially pleased with the progress they have made these past few years,” noted Mitchum.

Cathlamet, Washington Fire Chief Jerry DeBriae Announces Retirement

Jerry DeBriae, Cathlamet’s long-serving fire chief, has announced his retirement after more than four decades in command of the Town’s all-volunteer firefighters.
“This is the time for me to go,” he told volunteers at their monthly meeting on Thursday evening. “Our department is solid. It will survive forever. I’d like to thank all the volunteers who have been here with me.”
DeBriae joined the department 52 years ago, at age 16. Under his leadership, the department expanded its capacity to extinguish structure fires, established a Wildland Unit to support state mobilizations against forest fires and provided EMS services to much of Wahkiakum County.
In 2006-08, Chief DeBriae built and donated to the Town a new fire hall, replacing its original 1930s-era facility at a cost of approximately $1 million.

CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS RALLY, MEET WITH GOVERNOR TO SUPPORT GILLNETTERS

   A Clatsop County delegation that included Clatsop County commissioners Scott Lee and Dirk Rohne met with Gov. John Kitzhaber Thursday in Salem to urge him to re-think a proposal to restrict the Columbia River commercial gillnet salmon fishery.

Following the meeting the group joined a rally of about 40 gillnetters and supporters on the steps of the Oregon capital in a show of support for the industry.

Clatsop County commissioners oppose a plan of Kitzhaber’s introduced last August to ban gillnet fishing on the main stem of the Columbia and restrict it to off-channel areas. The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, together with its Washington State counterpart, were tasked with developing rules to implement the proposal. The Oregon commission meets Friday, Dec. 7 in Portland to take up the draft rules; the Washington panel considers a companion set of rules at a meeting Dec. 14-15 in Olympia.

Letter to the Community from the North Coast Land Conservancy After the Wednesday Morning Fire

Dear Friends,

Early in the morning on December 5th, North Coast Land Conservancy suffered a devastating loss when our beloved office at our Circle Creek Habitat Reserve burned to the ground.  We are so thankful that no one was injured in the fire, but we have suffered a terrible loss of materials, equipment, and memories.  We are working to get back on our feet as quickly as possible, but please understand that in the next few days our land line will be down.  If you need to reach us, please send an email to nclc@nclctrust.org and we will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.

We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, support and offers of help from you, our community.  Your kindness at this time gives us strength, and reminds us all that although there is much that has been lost, the core of our work together still remains: the thousands of acres of  land that you have helped us to conserve and protect are still there, providing healthy habitat for people, plants and wildlife on the Oregon coast.

So many people have asked us how they can help. The simplest and truest answer is that, if you can send a donation of financial support to North Coast Land Conservancy now, it would help tremendously in our efforts to rebuild our organization. We are grateful for any amount that you can share with us during this difficult time.

You can send checks to:
North Coast Land Conservancy
P.O. Box 67
Seaside, OR 97138

You can also donate through our website, www.nclctrust.org

We are in need of a number of practical items as well: tables, chairs, filing cabinets, bookshelves, a coffee maker (we’re going to need a lot of coffee in the coming weeks!) and other office supplies, right now we truely have nothing.  If you have any of the above, or any other furniture or practical office supplies that you think might be useful, please contact us at nclc@nclctrust.org and let us know what you have.  Thank you so much.

This is a difficult time for everyone at North Coast Land Conservancy, but we know that we will not only survive this challenge but we will move forward stronger because of you, our friends and supporters.  We often say it, and it has never rung more true than today:

We can’t do it without you!

With much gratitude for your support,

Katie Voelke
Executive Director

CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WILL CONSIDER TRANSFER OF CLATSOP COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY POWER AND DUTES TO THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AT THEIR DECEMBER 12TH MEETING

BOARD OF CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, December 12th, Wednesday
Regular Meeting: 6:00 pm
AGENDA:
1. FLAG SALUTE
2. ROLL CALL
3. AGENDA APPROVAL
4. RECOGNITION
a. Commissioner Patricia Roberts
b. Mary Blake
5. BUSINESS FROM THE PUBLIC - This is an opportunity for anyone to give a 3 minute presentation about any item on the agenda (except public hearings) OR any topic of county concern that is not on the agenda. People wishing to speak during Business from the Public must fill out and sign a Public Comment Sign-in Card.
6. PRESENTATION
Veterans Services Officer
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Board of Commissioners Oct. 17, 2012 work session minutes .................................... {Page 1}
b. Board of Commissioners Nov. 20, 2012 special meeting minutes ............................... {Page 5}
c. State of Oregon Surplus Property Disposal Intergovernmental Agreement extension . {Page 7}
8. BUSINESS AGENDA
a. Audited 2011-12 Financial Statements ...................................................................... {Page 21}
b. Funding recommendations to outside agencies ......................................................... {Page 23}
c. Transfer of Clatsop County Housing Authority power and duties to Clatsop County Board of
Commissioners .......................................................................................................... {Page 27}

CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO HOLD RALLY IN SALEM THURDAY DEC 6TH FOR GILLNETTERS

To show support for the local commercial salmon fishing industry, the Clatsop County commissioners are organizing a rally on the steps of the state capital in Salem, Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

The commissioners are inviting anyone in the salmon gillnet industry and their supporters to attend the event. The state capital building is located at 900 Court St. NE in Salem.

Representatives of Clatsop County and the Salmon For All commercial fishing group are scheduled to meet with Gov. John Kitzhaber prior to the rally.

The commissioners are opposing a proposal from Gov. Kitzhaber that would prohibit gillnet fishing on the mainstem of the Columbia River. Rules implementing the governor’s proposal, which would limit gillnets to off-channel fishing areas in a three-year phased process, are due to be considered by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission at a meeting Thursday and Friday, Dec. 6-7 in Portland. The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is scheduled to take up the rules at a meeting Dec. 14-15 in Olympia.

Gillnetters and supports argue that the plan would threaten the livelihoods of many area fishermen while accomplishing little toward the conservation of protected salmon runs. Commercial gillnetters harvest at least half of their overall catch in the Columbia channel, through a fishery highly regulated by state and federal agencies.

On Nov. 28 the county board of commissioners opened its regular meeting to testimony from gillnetters and supporters regarding the proposed rules. Twenty-four citizens offered input – an audio recording of the testimony is available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us.

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will take up the gillnet plan beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, Dec. 7 at the Holiday Inn-Portland Airport, Willamette Room, 8439 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland. Public testimony will be taken at the meeting. For more information go to www.dfw.state.or.us/agency/commission

CITY OF ILWACO SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR PLANNING COMMISSION

The City of Ilwaco is accepting resumes and letters of interest for Position #2 on the Ilwaco Planning Commission. The appointee will serve until the term ends on the second Monday of January 2019.

CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OPPOSE KITZHABER’S GILLNET PROPOSAL

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners is taking a strong stand against Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber’s plan to restrict commercial salmon gillnet fishing on the lower Columbia River.

On Wednesday, Nov. 28, the board approved sending a letter opposing the plan to both the Oregon and Washington fish and wildlife commissions, which are due to consider rules implementing the governor’s proposal at meetings Dec. 6-7 in Salem and Dec. 14-15 in Olympia, Wash.

CLATSOP COUNTY TAX DEPARTMENT OFFERS CLASS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

The Clatsop County Assessment and Taxation Department will host a Business Personal Property training course Thursday, Dec. 13.

The training will provide business owners information on what is considered personal property in business and how to file returns, and explain tax calculations and collection laws. The course is free of charge.

All businesses are required to file a Confidential Personal Property Return with the county assessor’s office each year.

Clatsop County Commisssion Meeting Highlights from Wednesday, November 26

Housing authority action delayed, Board supports gillnetters

The board of commissioners postponed action on a proposal for the board to appoint itself the governing body of the Clatsop County Housing Authority (CCHA) in place of the agency’s current governing board. The commissioners will take up the issue at their Dec. 12 meeting.

Chair Peter Huhtala explained that the issue arose over concerns about past actions involving the housing authority, including the resignation of a property management company contracted by CCHA over the eviction of a tenant from a CCHA rental property in 2009, as well as questions whether the selection of a contractor by the CCHA board to perform work at a property in September complied with the agency’s procurement policies.

Early Morning Burglaries lead to two arrests in Seaside

Monday morning at approximately 5:30 a.m. a Seaside Patrol Officer spotted a male subject in the area of Seaside High School. While watching this subject he observed him trying doors to the high school in an attempt to get inside. After watching him try to open a couple of doors, the subject was able to make entry into one he found unlocked.

After calling for assistance, officers entered the school and found the subject in one of the hallways and when contacted refused to respond to verbal commands. The subject was uncooperative and started reaching towards his pocket. He was quickly taken into custody without incident. Officers discovered a butterfly knife in his pocket.

Marriage equality vote means Washington's marriage, divorce certificates must change

The Washington Department of Health is seeking comments from the public on proposed changes in gender-specific terms for Washington’s marriage and divorce certificates in response to the new same-sex marriage law that takes effect on December 6. A public hearing will be held at 8 a.m., Wednesday, November 28, at 310 Israel Road SE, Rooms 152-153, in Tumwater. The department collects records of all people who marry or divorce in Washington, and issues copies of records to the public. Current forms use gender-specific terms, including bride, groom, husband, and wife. State health officials propose using gender-neutral terms on certificates. The proposal includes identifying the gender of couples on the certificate form, so the public will have information about the number of same-sex couples in Washington.
Proposed changes to the rule defining the content of Washington marriage and divorce certificates (WAC 246-491-149) are available on the agency’s website. Written comments on the proposed rule change will be accepted until 5 p.m. on November 28, 2012. Comments may be submitted online or by writing to Washington State Department of Health, P.O. Box 47814, Olympia, WA 98504-7814.

CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS INVITE PUBLIC INPUT ON GOVERNOR’S GILLNET PROPOSAL

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners is inviting public comment on a proposal by Gov. John Kitzhaber to restrict commercial salmon gillnet fishing on the lower Columbia River.

The board will accept input at its Wednesday, Nov. 28 meeting beginning at 6 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.

The Governor’s proposal, presented to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission in August, would prevent the use of gillnets by non-tribal fishers on the main channel of the lower Columbia River, and would restrict them to off-channel areas within the Select Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) program. The commission is scheduled to consider a series of rules implementing the proposal Dec. 6 in Portland, and the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is taking up a corresponding set of regulations Dec. 14 in Olympia.

The Clatsop County commissioners want to hear from fishing families and others how the proposed rule changes would affect them. The county will submit all comments to the Oregon and Washington fish and wildlife commissions.

Astoria Megler Bridge Open

The Astoria Megler bridge has reopened to both lanes of traffic.

Flood Warning Issued for the Willapa & Naselle Rivers

 The National Weather Service (NWS) in Portland has issued a flood warning for the following rivers in Pacific County: 

·      Willapa River: flood warning is in effect until Tuesday morning. The river is forecast to rise above flood stage around 3:00 p.m. Monday and is expected to crest at 22 feet around 10:00 p.m. Monday. Expect widespread flooding. Historically, numerous roads are flooded with deep and swiftly moving water including Heckard Road and U.S. Highway 101. The magnitude of flooding on U.S. Highway 101 will depend on the tide. This evening’s high tide will be around 5:00 p.m.  

·      Naselle River: flood warning is in effect until Tuesday morning. The river is forecast to rise above flood stage around 1:00 p.m. Monday and is expected to crest at 16.6 feet around 5:00 p.m. Monday. Expect minor flooding causing mainly pasture land flooding at this point. Some roads may have water over them in spots.

Wild Weather hits NW Oregon and SW Washington

A commercial truck driver received minor injuries Monday morning when high winds blew his truck and semi-trailer over onto their side on the Highway 101 Astoria-Megler Bridge. The bridge remains closed until a tow truck can remove both vehicles later this afternoon.

According to Trooper Jessica Spurlock, on November 19, 2012 at approximately 10:00 a.m., a 2011 Volvo truck pulling an empty 53-foot semi-trailer driven by RODNEY L WOODZELL, age 50, from Dayton, Ohio, was traveling southbound on Highway 101 near milepost 3 over the Astoria-Megler Bridge when it lost control in high wind conditions. The truck and semi-trailer rolled onto their left side with the trailer coming to rest partially against the guardrail.

Oregon State Police (OSP), ODOT and local emergency personnel responded to the scene. WOODZELL was transported by an Astoria policer officer to Columbia Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

Due to severe weather conditions and high winds, recovery of the truck and trailer will be delayed until later this afternoon. The bridge remains closed on both the Oregon and Washington sides.

 Alternate routes include the Westport to Puget Island Ferry and the Lewis and Clark bridge over the Columbia River between Longview Washington and Rainier Oregon.

Corps of Engineers Seeks Public Comment in Astoria Tonight

The Army Corps of Engineers is hosting a public scoping meeting tonight at the Holiday Inn Express in Astoria, 204 West Marine Drive Astoria, OR 97103.

 

The Corps is developing an Environmental Impact Statement about the predation of ESA-listed salmon in the Columbia River Estuary and is seeking public input for the various alternatives and scope of the EIS. 

Ocean Park library to close to complete remodel

As construction nears completion on the expansion project that began in July at the Ocean Park Timberland Library, the building will close for approximately three weeks beginning Saturday, November 24 to finish the renovation. The library is expected to re-open to the public on Tuesday, December 18. The outdoor book drop will stay open during the library closure.

CLATSOP COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE ARRESTS TWO ON DRUG CHARGES

A Clatsop County Drug Task Force investigation has led to the arrest of CASEY DWAYNE HAMPTON DOB: 11/07/73 and JAMES RICHARD MCGUIRE DOB: 07/11/69 on drug related charges as well as outstanding warrants Friday morning. 

HAMPTON was the target of a previous heroin trafficking investigation involving the Clatsop County Drug Task Force and the Pacific County Drug Task Force resulting in his arrest in Pacific County on 06/29/12.  Detectives received information HAMPTON had since relocated to Clatsop County where he resumed his heroin trafficking. 

Columbia River fisheries management workgroup to meet in Seaside on Nov. 15

The workgroup considering changes to fisheries on the lower Columbia River, including the eventual removal of non-tribal commercial gill nets from the mainstem, will meet in Seaside on Thursday, Nov. 15 at the Best Western Ocean View Resort at 414 North Prom, Seaside, OR 97138. The meeting will go from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is open to the public with some opportunity for public comment late in the morning.
This will be the third and final meeting of the Columbia River Fisheries Management Workgroup

UNCOUNTED BALLOTS TALLIED; MARGIN GROWS IN GEARHART RACE

A tally of uncounted ballots from the Nov. 6 General Election conducted Friday by the Clatsop County Elections Division resulted in a wider margin between the two candidates in the close race for Gearhart mayor.

The new totals, following the count, are now 356 votes for Dianne Widdop and 350 for Bob Shortman.

But the complete tally will not be finalized until after Nov. 16, the deadline to resolve some uncounted ballots.

CLATSOP COUNTY SEEKS FUNDING APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES SERVING PEOPLE IN NEED

The Clatsop County Health and Human Services Council and the Board of Commissioners are seeking funding applications from local agencies that serve people in need.

The purpose of this funding is to provide an investment in community programs that target those population groups that are most in need socially and economically.

This year up to $10,000 is available to provide grants to high-quality programs that can demonstrate viable collaboration to integrate and align services to as many residents of Clatsop County as possible. 

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES BRIDGE/POWERLINE PROJECT

“This is a lot of people for one tiny bridge,” Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Chair Peter Huhtala told the crowd of roughly three dozen who assembled for Wednesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new span on Ziak-Gnat Creek Road in Knappa.

The group gathered to celebrate not only the newly rebuilt bridge but a unique public/private partnership benefitting local wildlife. In conjunction with the bridge project, overhead utility lines that injured and killed numerous birds were placed underground.

Clatsop County staff were joined by representatives of Pacific Power and CenturyLink utilities, Bergerson Construction, Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, community members and Oregon Sen. Betsy Johnson and Rep. Deborah Boone.

Pacific County Emergency Mgmt. Seeks Facilities Willing to Offer Emergency Shelter

 The Pacific County Emergency Management Agency is embarking on a long-term project to identify and assess the sheltering capacity within Pacific County. 

In the initial phase of the project, PCEMA has developed a ten question survey where respondents can indicate their interest in sheltering persons, animals, or both persons and animals.  

The survey is primarily electronic and a link is being emailed to various facilities in the county who may be interested in participating. 

Backman Wins Wahkiakum County Commission Seat

With a 20 vote lead, Independent Mike Backman has defeated Democrat Greg Prestegard for the position 1 seat on the Board of Wahkiakum County Commissioners.

The final unofficial tally on Tuesday night had Prestegard ahead by 20 votes. Today the tables were turned, and in the latest unofficial tally, Backman had a 20 vote lead, with 1111 votes over Prestegard’s 1091. The position carries a four-year term.

Certification date is November 27th

Clatsop Meth Dealer Sentenced to 68 Months

Erin Alber Ayles, age 59, was sentenced to 68 months in prison by Judge Cindee Matyas on 11-1-12 for Delivery of a Controlled Substance.  Ayles was arrested on 9-2-12 at the time of a Clatsop County Drug Task Force search warrant and 11.5 grams of methamphetamine was seized from him at the time of his arrest.  Chief Deputy DA Ron Brown sought and Ayles was given an “upward departure” sentence due to his persistent involvement in the same type of offenses.  This was Ayles 3^rd conviction for DCS meth this year.  The court also forfeited drug money seized from Ayles.  Brown said that Ayles was one of the bigger dealers of meth in our county and Ayles was dealing multiple ounces of meth on a weekly basis which he obtained from his source in Portland.  The Drug Task Force arrested 23 individuals on or about 9-2-12 for various drug charges (both methamphetamine and heroin) after an investigation which lasted several months, Brown said.  Ayles pled No Contest to the charge midway through trial when a co-defendnat  agreed to turn state’s evidence and testify against Ayles, Brown said.

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012 regular meeting

Highway project approved

 

The board approved a $728,092.50 contract with Henderson LLC of Lake Oswego for the flood control/wetland mitigation project on U.S. Highway 101 south of Seaside.

The project will involve the removal of earthern berms and road fill along the Necanicum River and nearby property. The work is designed to allow water in the river to flow into the adjacent fields during rain-driven high-water periods and reduce flooding on the highway that often causes traffic restrictions. The neighboring property is owned by the North Coast Land Conservancy, which is participating in the project as part of a plan to restore wetland habitat to the former pastureland. Funding comes from the Oregon Department of Transportation wetland mitigation bank program.

The project’s completion date is Sept. 30, 2013. Public Works Director Ed Wegner and County Engineer Ron Ash told the board that some work on the project could begin this month with some favorable weather.

Tight Area Races Still Undecided

Greg Prestegard, 3rd from left and Mike Backman, far right Wahkiakum Eagle photo.

While most area races have been essentially decided, candidates for two local races are still waiting to find out who will be the victor.  A hand recount is likely in the race for Gearhart City Mayor. Candidate Dianne Widdop received 346 votes to fellow office seeker Bob Shortman’s 344.   Just two votes separated the two candidates as of last night’s unofficial tally.

In Wahkiakum County, Washington, another close race will likely be essentially decided tomorrow afternoon.  In the race for position 1 on the Wahkiakum County Commission,  Democrat Greg Prestegard (PRESS-teh-gard) had a nearly 6% lead over Independent Mike Backman in the August Primary.  In last night’s count, there was just a 20 vote difference.  

RECOUNT LIKELY IN GEARHART RACE; VOTER TURNOUT AT 81 PERCENT

The Clatsop County Elections Division will likely conduct a recount of ballots in the race for Gearhart mayor cast in the Nov. 6 General Election.

Just two votes separate the two candidates. Dianne Widdop received 346 votes to Bob Shortman’s 344 based on the current unofficial tally.

Interim County Clerk Nicole Williams said the two-vote margin triggers an automatic recount under state law, which requires hand recounts when the margin is less than one-fifth of 1 percent.

The Elections Division still has a number of uncounted ballots to process. These primarily involve ballots in which the signatures on the mail-in envelopes do not match voters’ signatures on their registration cards, Williams said.

Those voters will be contacted by elections staff and asked to come to the Elections Division office to resolve the discrepancies. Under state law those voters have 10 days from the election – Nov. 16 – to respond.

Following the processing of those ballots, if the vote count in the Gearhart race remains within the current margin, a hand recount will be conducted.

Voter turnout in Clatsop County totaled 17,522, or 81.03 percent of registered voters. For complete results go to www.co.clatsop.or.us.