SEASIDE RESUMES TSUNAMI TESTING

The City of Seaside will again commence its monthly testing of the Tsunami Warning System on Wednesday, October 3^rd, beginning at 11:00 a.m. This test is conducted 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.

This test will be conducted the first Wednesday of each month through May of next year.

Does My Vote Really Count? Forum at Clatsop Community College, noon on Thursday, Sept. 27

Josh Marquis

In celebration of U.S. Constitution Day, Clatsop Community College and the Astoria Chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) are sponsoring a discussion with Clatsop County District Attorney Josh Marquis and CCC instructor Dr. Stephen Berk entitled, “Does My Vote Really Count?” 

This informative and interactive discussion is free of charge, 12:00pm – 1:30pm, Thursday, September 27 in CCC’s Columbia Hall, Room 219, 1651 Lexington Avenue, Astoria.

U.S. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.

ATV SAFETY CLASSES OFFERED IN CLATSOP COUNTY

The Clatsop County Sheriff's Office is making available ATV Safety classes to Clatsop County youth. As of January of 2012 all youth riding ATV's or dirtbikes on public lands in Oregon are required to have completed a "hands on" class. The Sheriff's Office is presenting the ATV Safety Institute Ridercourse to endorse youth under this requirement. And, for the first time, the course has partnered with Deanna Holbrook and the MSF Dirtbilke School to provide hands on training for youth riding motorcycles off road.

Pacific County Drug Take Back Announces Dates

The fall Prescription Drug Take Back will occur this year on Saturday, September 29^th from 10-2:00 at the following two Pacific County locations:

·         Everybody’s Supermarket (Raymond)

·         Sid’s Supermarket (Long Beach)

This is a great chance to clean out your medicine cabinet of irrelevant or expired meds.  The ultimate goal of the program is to reduce the supply of prescription drugs out in the community and also to provide a safe and environmentally friendly way to dispose of prescriptions J.  Please pass word along to any you think might like to know about this event.

These events are coordinated in conjunction with local law enforcement, by the Teen Advocacy Coalition (TAC) in north county and WellSpring Community Network in South County.  If you would like more information about this or other coalition events, please contact the coordinators:

WellSpring Community Network Coordinator- Monica Younger admin@wellspringpacific.com  website:  www.wellspringpacific.com

Teen Advocacy Coalition (TAC) Coordinator- Kassi Reisbeck kreisbeck@southbendschools.org  website: www.pacifictac.wordpress.com

Community Alert Regarding Rash Of Burglaries and Thefts In Naselle Area

Over the course of the past several weeks, the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office has received several theft and burglary complaints from citizens in the Naselle area. Property reported to have been stolen ranged from small items to items as large as motorcycles and lawn mowers. All reported incidents are believed to have occurred when the owners were not home. All the reported incidents are still being actively investigated by the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office.

Major Fire in Seaside Tuesday Morning

A structure fire in downtown Seaside disrupted traffic for several hours this morning as fire crews from surrounding communities including Cannon Beach and Gearhart responded.  Medics were requested for one confirmed injury.  Seaside Police said several buildings, maybe four, were involved, including a former Laundromat and the Seaside Foods building on Avenue A.  Avenue A was closed to traffic.  At this time, the cause of the fire remains unknown.

SOLVE Partners with Japan-related Organizations to provide cultural and language interpretive services at Beach and Riverside Cleanup on September 22

Oregon's one-of-a-kind Beach and Riverside Cleanup will feature a special partnership between SOLVE and dozens of Japan-related organizations throughout Oregon and southwest Washington through the coordination of the Japan-America Society of Oregon (JASO).  The organizations are partnering to provide cultural and language interpretive services at the SOLVE Beach and Riverside Cleanup, presented by the Oregon Lottery, this Saturday, September 22.

Free workshop to help small businesses understand, achieve bond requirements in Oregon

Small businesses often face the daunting task of being “bondable.” When it comes to working on government contracts in the transportation industry, being bonded is often a requirement. Now, a free six-week workshop will help small business owners in Oregon and southwest Washington find out just what it takes to become bonded and how to expand their existing bonding capacity. The free, 3-hour evening courses begin Oct. 4 at the Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs Center, 4134 N. Vancouver Ave. in Portland.

Oregon Parks and Recreation Offers ATV Grant Writing Workshops

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will hold a series of ATV grant writing workshops throughout the state in September and October. The closest workshop to Oregon's North Coast will be the session in Salem on Tuesday, September 25th.  During the workshops, ATV staff will demonstrate a new on-line grant application system and review the grant process. Workshop attendees will create an on-line account for upcoming grant application programs.

ADHDA WELCOMES NEW COORDINATOR IN MIDST OF MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

The Astoria Downtown Historic District Association (ADHDA) welcomed its new coordinator, Rebecca Frick, earlier this month. Like her predecessor, Blaire Buergler, Frick is a RARE volunteer. RARE (Resource Assistance for Rural Environments) is a program administered by the University of Oregon that places participants in communities for an 11-month period. The primary goal of the program is to build capacity within rural communities.

“The RARE program has been great for us,” said Dulcye Taylor, president of ADHDA. “By demonstrating the additional value we can provide by having someone dedicated to the effort on a fulltime basis, we believe we’ll eventually have the financial support to transition to a permanent staffing situation,” Taylor explained. This is the third year ADHDA has applied to and been accepted in the program.

Coast Community Radio's Tillicum Foundation Seeks Board Members

 

The Tillicum Foundation is seeking candidates for its Board of Directors.
Three positions, each for a two year term, will be filled by election at the Foundation's Annual Meeting on Saturday, November 2nd.

Directors are active fund raisers and serve as the Foundation's ambassadors to the communities served by Coast Community Radio. Members of the Board are responsible collectively to oversee the financial health of the Tillicum Foundation and to set policy and strategic direction.

Any member of the Foundation may apply for candidacy for the Board with a Letter of Intent addressed to Coast Community Radio, P. O. Box 269, Astoria OR 97103.

Describe, in two hundred words or less, your background and why you'd like to serve on the Board. Letters of Intent must be received by 5 PM on Friday, September 28th.

David L. Hall
President, Board of Directors
Tillicum Foundation

Highlights of Wednesday Sept. 12th Clatsop County Commissioners Meeting.

Design guidelines approved

The board approved a set of design guidelines for the county’s North Coast Business Park in Warrenton. The guidelines, developed from covenants, conditions and restrictions adopted by the board last December, cover the 190 acres of the park designated for industrial and office use and are aimed at maintaining visual identity and continuity through rules covering signage, landscaping, structural appearance, parking and other development features.

The board also appointed a Design Review Committee consisting of Board Chairman Peter Huhtala, Community Development Director Hiller West and Assistant County Manager Nicole Williams. The committee will eventually turn over its authority to an owners association when the parcels in the business park are sold.

DRIVER ARRESTED FOLLOWING MONDAY'S SERIOUS INJURY TRAFFIC CRASH - HIGHWAY 30 WEST OF CLATSKANIE

Oregon State Police (OSP) arrested the driver of a vehicle Wednesday afternoon following an investigation into Sunday's single vehicle crash along Highway 30 about fourteen miles west of Clatskanie that injured four people, one seriously.

OSP Senior Trooper Robin May arrested JESUS ISRAEL OSORIO, age 34, from Kelso, Washington, after he was released from Oregon Health & Science University where he has been treated since the September 9, 2012 traffic crash. OSORIO was arrested as a Fugitive From Justice based upon an outstanding Cowlitz County, Washington warrant for Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance - Heroin. He was lodged in the Multnomah County Jail. OSORIO was also cited for No Operators License, Driving Uninsured, and Fail to Drive Within a Lane.

Grant funds available for historic resources in Washington

The Washington Trust for Historic Preservation is accepting applications for the 2013 Valerie Sivinski Washington Preserves Fund. Deadline is Monday, Oct. 15. Established in 1997, the program has awarded grants to 90 projects totaling more than $77,000 in funding to local historic preservation organizations and advocates engaged in the important work of preserving Washington’s cultural heritage.

LOCAL FOUNDATION WILL AWARD $40,000 IN GRANTS TO PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATORS IN CLATSOP, COLUMBIA, TILLAMOOK AND WASHINGTON COUNTIES

The G.A.P.S. Foundation (Generating Assistance for Public Schools), is offering its sixth annual grant program this fall. Grants totaling $40,000 will be awarded for projects that impact young children and students in the areas listed below. Public schools educators in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington counties are eligible to apply for grants between $100 and $2,500.

Supported Program Areas:

* Early Intervention/Early Childhood Education,

* Special Needs and Underprivileged Youth (Examples: Low-Incidence, Developmentally Delayed, At-Risk, Alternative and Behavioral Programs and Migrant and Indian Ed Programs),

* Northwest Outdoor Science School, and

* Professional/Technical and Vocational Programs.

G.A.P.S supports public education by providing financial assistance to the special programs of the Northwest Regional Education Service District and component districts serving young children and students with special needs and those who are at-risk.

The application process runs Monday, Sept. 10, through Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Awards will be announced Friday, November 16. 

To view past grants, and access the online application and information needed to apply, go to http://www.gapsfoundation.org.

CLATSOP COUNTY OFFERS SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING

In the United States more people die by suicide (50% more) each year than by homicide. 

Experts believe that most suicidal individuals do not want to die – they just want to end the pain they are experiencing. When suicidal intent or risk is detected early, lives can be saved. 

September 9 through 15 is National Suicide Prevention Week and Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. Together we can reduce the number of lives shaken by a needless and tragic death.

In support of this worldwide and national recognition around suicide prevention, the Clatsop County Juvenile Department and the Commission on Children & Families will be hosting a one- to two-hour “Question, Persuade, Refer” gatekeeper training, facilitated by certified trainers Laura Parker and Teresa Crouter on Monday, Sept. 24 at 5 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria. This free training program is open to any citizen interested in recognizing someone at risk for suicide and increasing his or her knowledge of intervention skills and how to refer someone to help.

For more information and to register, contact Teresa Crouter or Laura Parker at (503) 325-8601.

Sunset Empire Transportation District Offers New Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Sunset Empire Transportation District has opened an Electric Vehicle Charging Station at the SETD Transit Center in Astoria. The charging station offers a “DC fast charger” capable of charging a depleted battery in 30 minutes or a “medium speed charger” that will take from two to four hours to complete a charge. The new electric charging station is located in the parking area on the northeast side of the transit center, at 900 Marine Drive in Astoria.. There will be a Grand Opening for the charging station on September 12th at 12 noon.

For more information please contact Mary Parker at 503-861-5370.

Coast Guard invites public to open house in Warrenton, Ore.

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River will host its annual open house in Warrenton, on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Visitors will meet Coast Guard crews and see rescue boats and helicopters up close.

Helicopter flight and rescue demonstrations, aircraft, emergency vehicle and vessel displays, as well as water safety and environmental protection exhibits will all showcase the expertise and value of your local Coast Guard units.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary, Red Cross, Department of Defense and local fire and police will join the Coast Guard for a fun-filled, educational day.  A Barbeque lunch will be available.

The air station is located at 2185 SE 12th Place in Warrenton, next to the Astoria Regional Airport

Wildfire Danger Increases

Typical coastal fall weather patterns of foggy mornings to hot sunny afternoons are raising the fire danger levels in western Oregon.

Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind citizens that no open debris burning is allowed.  Burn barrels should not be ignited after 10:00 a.m.  Regulated Use is still in effect, hunter and campers should exercise caution while recreating in the forest.  Warming fires are not allowed.  Campfires are only permitted in designated camp sites. 

IRVING AVENUE AT 19TH STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN ASTORIA

Survey crews will begin work on Monday, September 10^th as part of a project to replace the aging Irving Avenue & 19^th Street Bridge in Astoria.  Survey work is anticipated to take two and a half weeks. Engineers and scientists will be making additional periodic visits to the site during the preliminary design phase of the project.  No delay to vehicular traffic is expected at this time. 

Tillamook County General Hospital Offers Complete Health Improvement Program

Sometimes it takes a health scare to get your attention and convince you it’s time to begin making better lifestyle choices.

That’s what happened to Curt Lorenz two years ago. Faced with the serious diagnosis of renal failure, he and his wife, Karen, decided to take a whole new approach to their health and signed up for Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) classes presented by Tillamook County General Hospital. The couple knew that adopting a new lifestyle was not going to be a quick fix. “If you’ve been on the same diet for 30 years, you’re not going to change overnight,” stated Curt. “CHIP classes offer a common sense approach to life that makes changes to a healthy lifestyle much more achievable.”

Four weeks into the classes, Curt’s total cholesterol dropped 25% and he lost 7 pounds. Karen, who previously had joint pain when walking up hills, is now walking pain-free. With their new way of life, the couple found they had more energy throughout the day, not only from their new diet, but due to weight loss as well.

Columbia Forum’s 23rd season begins in Astoria

The Columbia Forum will begin its 23rd season next Monday. First speaker of the 2012-13 season is David Boardman, executive editor and vice president of the Seattle Times. His topic: How does serious journalism thrive in the digital age?

The Columbia Forum is a speaker’s series sponsored by the Daily Astorian, Columbia Memorial Hospital, Craft3, OSU Seafood Laboratory, the Cannery Pier Hotel and Coast Community Radio.  Participants will enjoy a dinner preceding the presentation.  A Social half hour with appetizers begins at 6, Dinner is served at 6:30, and the lectures begin as dinner concludes, about 7:15.  The Columbia Forum is held at The Columbia Memorial Hospital Community Center at 2021 Exchange Street in Astoria.

For reservations and information, call Holly Larkins at 503-325-3211, ext. 227,     or email: forum@dailyastorian.com

MORE DRAMA IN ASTORIA DUII CASES

The long running tug of war over whether the Astoria municipal court, or Clatsop District Court has jurisdiction over Astoria DUII cases, displayed more drama at last night’s Astoria City Council meeting when Astoria Mayor Willis Van Dusen asked City Attorney Blair Henningsgaard to react to statements printed in a Daily Astorian editorial on Tuesday.

   

Mayor Willis Van Dusen: “It says here that Judge Albin Norblad, this in tonight’s paper, has ruled that the District Attorney has jurisdiction over all drunk driving cases cited within Astoria city limits.  Is this accurate?

COLUMBIA PACIFIC FARMERS MARKET CLOSES SEASON ON FRIDAY

The Columbia Pacific farmers Market in Long Beach, Washington, will hold its last market day of the season on Friday. 

Sarah Henry, market manager says there are great things in store for Friday’s market visitors.

Henry.wav (:28) “We’re a food-only market, so its going to be a lot of fresh vegetables, flowers, berries, as well as hot food, like tamales.  We’re going to have harvest-style fun and games, with burlap sack races, bobbing for apples and a farm-style petting zoo.”

About a dozen agricultural vendors typically participate in the Market, which runs May through September on Fridays, from 3 to 6pm in downtown Long Beach, behind the Police Station near the intersection of Pacific and 2nd Street NE.

Henry says the market is always looking for new vendors.  If you’re interested in selling your agricultural products locally, contact the Columbia Pacific Farmers Market on their Facebook page. (:34)

Calling all writers, artists and photographers for submission to The North Coast Squid's second annual literary magazine

The Manzanita Writer’s Series coordinators announce the continued collaboration with the North Coast Citizen to publish a second annual literary magazine.

The North Coast Squid showcases work of writers and artists who live on the north coast or have a strong connection to the area.

The second magazine will publish in February 2013 in time for the February Manzanita Writer’s Series event.

Three outside judges have just agreed to read and judge all submissions.

Pacific County Emergency Management visits with residents at local Timberland libraries

Get prepared early this fall for emergencies

September is National Preparedness Month. Pacific County residents can learn how to take care of their families in a tsunami or other emergency by joining presenters from Pacific County Emergency Management at the Pacific County Timberland libraries this month.

Learn how to make a family emergency plan and a survival kit for home or car. At some of the libraries you will also be able to make and take an emergency light jar. The programs are one hour each.

CLATSOP COUNTY INTERAGENCY NARCOTIC TEAM "OPERATION PANDORA'S BOX"

A Clatsop County Drug Task Force investigation over the course of approximately 6 months has resulted in the execution of multiple search warrants and arrests in Clatsop County Sunday morning September 2nd 2012.  "Operation Pandora's Box" resulted in 20 arrests as well as the seizure of Methamphetamine, Heroin and over $2,500.00 in cash.