RECERTIFICATION PROCESS UNDERWAY FOR OREGON PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL PROGRAMS

The Oregon Department of Revenue has started its annual review of participant eligibility for the state's Senior and Disabled Citizens Property Tax Deferral Program.

About half the current participants in the program soon will receive a one-page recertification letter containing several questions about themselves and their property. Revenue will use their answers to verify they still meet program eligibility criteria set by the Legislature. The rest of the program's participants will receive letters next year.

FORESTRY'S ASTORIA DISTRICT ANNOUNCES FIREWOOD PERMIT CHANGES

Beginning February 1, the manner in which firewood permits are issued by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) Astoria District Office will change. The new program will allow for permits to be issued geographically by management basin instead of timber sale area as was done in the past.

There are 15 different management basins in ODF's Astoria District, ranging in size from 4,265 to 18,832 acres. Most are located in the eastern portion of Clatsop County. Firewood cutting will be allowed on downed wood that is within 50 feet of a surfaced road.

Hitchin' fundraiser supports the Clatsop Community College Performing Arts Center

The musical play Hitchin' opens February 7 at the Clatsop Community College Performing Arts Center, with the folk group Brownsmead Flats as the orchestra. The six performances of the coming-of-age adventure are a fundraiser for the PAC.

Hitchin’, written by Ned Heavenrich of the Brownsmead Flats, had its debut at the PAC in 1997 with an encore in 1999 and another successful run at the River Theater in 2004. The play tells the story of a young man’s adventures, the colorful characters he encounters and his trials and growth as he hitchhikes from the Midwest to the West Coast during the upheaval of the early 1970s.

HS SENIORS INTRODUCTION TO CLATSOP COMMUNITY COLLEGE

High School Seniors are invited to Clatsop Community College’s Senior Preview Day on Thursday, February 28th.   The event is designed to help high school seniors learn about the numerous programs and opportunities available at the College.  The event will be held at the CCC gymnasium,  1650 Lexington Ave. in Astoria,  from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  High School Seniors should register with their school counselor by February 21st to participate.

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NAME THAT BOAT!

Ferry Wahkiakum to be replaced.

WAHKIAKUM COUNTY FERRY NAMING CONTEST STILL OPEN
Wahkiakum County officials still are seeking submissions to their ferry-naming contest. As of last Thursday, only three entries had been officially submitted.  So far they’ve only got three entries.
County Clerk Marsha LaFarge told the Daily News  there have actually been several more suggestions, but an official application must be filled out for the suggestions to be accepted.  
The new Puget Island-to-Westport ferry is expected to go into service next year and replace the existing vessel, named the Wahkiakum. Suggested names should reflect local symbols, tribes, geographical features or communities that are important to the region. The contest is open to everyone, not just Wahkiakum County residents.
To make an official submission to the contest, participants must fill out an application on Wahkiakum County’s website, www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us or pick one up on the third floor of the county Courthouse at 64 Main St. in Cathlamet.
The deadline for entries is Feb. 15.

Highlights of the Board of Clatsop County Commissioners Meeting January 23rd

Shoreline sewer extension

The board held a public hearing on proposed amendments to the county comprehensive land-use plan allowing for the construction of a 3.3-mile sewer line connecting the Shoreline Sanitary District to the City of Warrenton’s wastewater treatment plant.

The comprehensive plan and state land-use law prohibit extension of sewer service outside of urban growth boundaries (UGBs). The amendments, to both the comprehensive plan’s Goal 11 (Public Facilities and Services) element and Clatsop Plains Community Plan, allow placement of the sewer line connection outside of the Warrenton UGB and the Cullaby Lake Rural Service Area, which the Shoreline Sanitary District serves, due to special circumstances.

City of Astoria Approves "Sirens" for Waterfront Condominium to Deter Starlings

Some Astorians have complained recently about loud siren type noises that were sounding in the area of the Columbia House Condominiums on the Astoria waterfront near 3rd Street. Air horns were being used to deter a large flock of starlings that have been plaguing the building by using it as a nesting site, spreading dropping and repeatedly getting into and spreading refuse from garbage containers. 
City Manager Paul Benoit said the Condominium Association was granted city permission to use the air horns. 

PROSPECTIVE CONTRACTOR IDENTIFIED FOR ASTORIA'S GARDEN OF SURGING WAVES PROJECT

Two contractors, Robinson Construction of Hillsboro and JP Contractors of Portland responded to the bid solicitation for construction of the Garden of Surging Waves in downtown Astoria. Negotiations are currently underway with the low-bid contractor,Robinson, whose proposal also calls forwork to be performed bylocal subcontractors. Robinson’s work is well known in the area, and includes major projects like Lewis & Clark Elementary School and the Astoria Middle and High School remodels.

PORTLAND POLICE SEEK PUBLIC HELP TO FIND ENDANGERED RUNAWAY

photo: courtesy Portland Police

photo: courtesy missingchildren.com

Portland police are asking for the public's help in locating a 13-year-old runaway they believe is endangered.
Portland Police Bureau spokesman Sgt. Pete Simpson says Raemi Pearl Carter has been in contact with friends since leaving home Dec. 12.
But based on information learned by investigators, police now consider her an endangered runaway.
Police have released a photo of Carter.
Anyone who sees the young teenager or knows her whereabouts is asked to call 911.

PUBLIC INVITED TO INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS ON PROPOSED SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTER IN ASTORIA

The public is invited to learn more about the school-based health center proposed for the Astoria School District at a series of community meetings beginning later this month.

The meetings will be held Jan. 30, Feb. 26 and March 21. All the meetings will take place at the Astoria High School auditorium from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Organizers will provide information as well as take feedback and answer questions.

The health center project is a joint effort of the Astoria School District, Coastal Family Health Center (CFHC) and the Clatsop County Public Health Department. Its goal is to provide easier access to health care for district students.

Citizen Complaints Led to Drug Bust in Seaside on Thursday

Clatsop County Drug Task Force detectives, with the assistance of Seaside Police Officers and Clatsop County Sheriff’s Deputies, executed multiple search warrants at two different locations in Seaside, resulting in the arrest of four subjects, in the early hours Thursday morning.  Information from numerous sources, including citizen complaints, regarding frequent drug related traffic at 581 S. Edgewood St. Apt #1, Seaside, Oregon.  A subsequent investigation led to the traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Robert Anton Dunagan DOB:06/29/61, of Seaside.  Dunagan was found to be in possession of dealer quantities of Methamphetamine. 

"FISCAL CLIFF" DELAYS OREGON'S TAX SEASON

The Oregon Department of Revenue announced today that its tax processing season will get a later start than usual this year, due to late tax law changes made by Congress to resolve the "fiscal cliff" crisis.

     The Internal Revenue Service's 2013 filing season will start January 30, eight days after its originally planned kickoff date of January 22. That's when the IRS will begin processing individual income tax returns filed electronically and on paper.

     Since Oregon can't start processing electronically filed returns until the IRS opens its electronic filing system, the Department of Revenue will start its 2013 filing season on the same day, said Theresa Schuh, manager of Revenue's Personal Income Tax Program.

NEW, TOLL-FREE NUMBER GIVES OREGON SENIORS, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES EASY ACCESS TO THE HELP THEY NEED TO REMAIN INDEPENDENT, HEALTHY, AND SAFE

Oregon's Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) has opened a statewide toll-free telephone number so that all Oregonians can easily access resources and information from anywhere in the state on issues related to aging or living with a disability.

The phone number is 1-855-ORE-ADRC.

"This is one of those phone numbers that all Oregonians should keep handy," said Mike McCormick, Deputy Director of the Aging and People with Disabilities Program at the Oregon Department of Human Services.

"You may not need it now, but someday you will," McCormick said. "As Oregonians age and baby boomers turn 65 in greater numbers, the ADRC will be here to answer questions and help families make decisions and locate vital services.  Having a single access point makes it so easy for anyone to call to get what they need."

‘COVER OREGON’ HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE HOSTS MEETINGS JAN. 24

   Cover Oregon will host two community meetings in Clatsop County in January. Residents will have the opportunity to learn about the development of Oregon’s health insurance exchange and provide input on its progress.

Both meetings are Thursday, Jan. 24 at:

·   10 a.m.-noon – Providence Seaside Hospital, 725 S. Wahanna Rd., Seaside

·   5:30-7:30 p.m. – Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria

CLATSOP COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER ASKING FOR INFORMATION

On 12/24/12 a dog was dropped off at the Clatsop County Animal Shelter. At approx. 3:42pm Warrenton Police received a report of a dog at large at the shelter. When they arrived they found a dog running loose and were able to contain it in a play yard. Animal Control was contacted and found that the dog had a collar that was cutting into its neck. The dog was taken to a local vet and the collar was removed and the wounds treated. The dog referred to as "Lil Bear" is recovering and still receiving medical care. We are looking for any information on who dropped the dog off and/or who the dog belonged to. The dog is approx. 4 year old Lab/chow mix, chocolate brown and red. Please contact Deputy Stephen Hildreth at the Clatsop County Animal Control Services, 503-861-7387 if you have any information regarding this case.

CLATSOP COMMISSIONERS OPPOSE GENETICALLY-MODIFIED SALMON

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners is urging federal regulators to block approval for a new genetically-modified salmon.

On Wednesday the board unanimously approved a resolution asking the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to reject an application from the Massachusetts-based company AquaBounty Technologies for its genetically-engineered AquAdvantage salmon.

On Dec. 21 the FDA released an environmental assessment that deemed the new salmon safe for the environment. A 60-day comment period follows before the agency issues a final ruling.

FLU VACCINATIONS SATURDAY IN TILLAMOOK

The Tillamook County Health Department will be holding a clinic for influenza vaccinations on Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 10 AM 2 PM.  People of all ages are strongly urged to receive this vaccine due to the significant health risks from influenza, including death with this current influenza activity.  There are adequate supplies of influenza vaccination available.   

There has been a spike of cases locally in recent weeks and of the cases that have tested positive for the current strain, none are known to have received the influenza vaccine.

The Immunization Clinic will be held Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 10AM 2 PM at the Tillamook County Health DDepartment central clinic, 801 Pacific St. in Tillamook, OR.  Vaccinations will be given on a walk-in basis. There is not available staff to answer phones and schedule appointments at this special clinic.  Be sure to bring insurance information if you have it. 

Warming Center open overnight Friday and Saturday in Tillamook

The CARE Tillamook Warming Center will be open tonight  January 11 and Saturday January 12th.  The center is located at 5th and Miller streets in Tillamook.  The open hours are overnight from 8pm to 9am.  The center offers shelter only.  No food is served.

Pacific County Preparedness Drive

AmeriCorps Member Kirsten Harvill, in coordination with the Pacific County Emergency Management Agency (PCEMA), is organizing a disaster preparedness supply drive for low income families throughout Pacific County. Items will be collected from January 7th to February 8th.
Items that can be donated include:
 Bottles of water, water filters
 Non-perishable food items

Petition for Judicial Review of Gillnet Ban Filed in Oregon Appeals Court

On Friday, January 4, attorney Ben Miller of Harrang Long Gary Rudnick P.C. in Eugene filed a Petition for Judicial Review with the Oregon Court of Appeals, seeking to have the radical reallocation plan and gillnet ban adopted by the Oregon Fish & Wildlife Commission on December 7, 2012 ruled invalid. Attorney Miller cites five separate instances of rules violations committed by the Commission and the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife during the foreshortened process leading up to the Commission’s decision, any one of which would invalidate the entire process. Steve Fick, James Wells, and Fishhawk Fisheries are the Petitioners in the case. Attorney Miller indicated he will seek a stay of enforcement of the rule changes adopted by the Commission pending judicial review.

Liens to be Placed on Astoria Flavel Properties

Flavel House Courtesy Theo Elliot

Monday night the Astoria City Council again took up the matter of the long vacant Flavel properties, both downtown and the well-known vacant residence ot 627 15th Street.  The council adopted 3 resolutions that will allow the city to place liens on each of the properties.  Brett Estes, Astoria’s Community Development Director, said the liens would allow for future foreclosures on the downtown properties.

US Senator Jeff Merkley Holds Town Hall Meeting in Astoria

An audience of over 100 people packed the Kern room at the Columbia Maritime Museum for a Town Hall meeting held by Oregon US Senator Jeff Merkley this (Monday) morning.

     The first term Senator made a short summation of current issues before the Senate, including the last minute “fiscal cliff” compromise.

     Jeff Merkley1.wav  (:23) “We had a deal that was put together basically through Mitch McConnell, Senator McConnell, Tennessee, the minority leader, and uh, Biden, the Vice President.  They came to us seconds before midnight, literally seconds before midnight we were getting briefed on.  It had a few good things, and a few big problems in it.”

     Merkley said the good things were the continuation of unemployment insurance, which he said prevented over 30 thousand Oregonians from being cut off from benefits, also the continuation of the present level of Medicare doctor re-imbursement rates.

    But he said the bill set up a series of further fiscal cliffs, without providing enough revenue to fill the gaps.

SOUTH CLATSOP COUNTY COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM MEETING JAN. 14

 An informational and training meeting for the South Clatsop County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will be held Monday, Jan. 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Cannon Beach Fire District Hall, 188 Sunset Blvd.

CLATSOP COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH REGIONAL HOUSING AGENCY

The board of commissioners of the Clatsop County Housing Authority on Thursday approved an intergovernmental agreement temporarily assigning the Northwest Oregon Housing Authority to handle the agency’s management duties.

NOHA assumes CCHA’s management services as the CCHA board reviews the future management of the agency. At the same meeting, the board voted to place CCHA Executive Director Kathy Lucas and Operations Manager Sheila Heino on paid administrative leave.

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

US SENATOR JEFF MERKLEY TO HOLD TOWN HALLS IN CLATSOP, COLUMBIA AND TILLAMOOK COUNTIES

Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley will hold town halls in Clatsop and Columbia Counties on Monday, January 7th, then in Tillamook County on January 11th. 

Merkley will update constituents on his work in Washington, DC also answer questions and invite suggestions about how to tackle the challenges facing Oregon and America.

“Talking directly to Oregonians in every county is a great way to hear about the issues folks want me to fight for in Washington,” said Merkley. “I urge all residents of Clatsop and Columbia Counties to come and share their opinions and work with me to make our state and nation a stronger place.”

2013 YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR’S PROGRAM: BIZ KIDZ OPEN HOUSE MONDAY, JANUARY 14

 Kids K – 12 are invited to bring their special talents, skills or interests to a whole new level!  Join the Young Entrepreneur’s Club and become a Market Biz Kid.  Astoria Sunday Market in partnership with Clatsop County 4-H is hosting an open house to kick off the 2013 Young Entrepreneur’s Club season.  Here, prospective Biz Kidz can meet other members, learn about the club and hear tips on choosing a product.  Young Entrepreneurs who already have a product are encouraged to bring samples to show.  Pizza and refreshments are served.  The evening begins at 6 pm at the 4-H Club House located on Walluski Loop across from the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. The Club House is located in the parking lot on the right.

TSUNAMI EVACUATION MAPS FOR NEWPORT, NESKOWIN, PACIFIC CITY, SAND LAKE, AND TIERRA DEL MAR RELEASED

The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) has released five more maps in its new, second-generation tsunami evacuation map series for communities along the Oregon coast. This set includes communities in Lincoln and Tillamook Counties. The purpose of the evacuation map is to help people identify safe evacuation routes and assembly areas, as developed by local emergency authorities. The maps are available free online in PDF format.

*     Newport North and Newport South

*     Neskowin

*     Pacific City

*     Sand Lake and Tierra Del Mar

 

These evacuation maps incorporate the best tsunami science that is available today, including updated computer simulation models using high-resolution lidar topographic data and knowledge gained from the 2004 Sumatra, 2010 Chile, and 2011 Tohoku earthquakes and tsunamis.

 

http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2012-12/2967/60519/press-release-2012-12-28_evacmaps-FINAL.pdf

To learn more about these publications and find other evacuation maps and information on how to prepare for tsunamis, visit: http://OregonTsunami.org