ROAD PERMIT APPROVED FOR ‘BRIDGES TO BREAKERS’ BICYCLE RIDE

The 100 mile “Bridges to Breakers” fund-raising bicycle ride will return for a second time to Clatsop County.  The challenging course with elevation gains of over one thousand feet, will start in St. Johns and finish at the Gearhart Golf Club.

In recommending that Clatsop County Commissioners approve a road permit for the event, Bart Catching of the Community Development Department, said based on last year’s event, other county departments are supporting the second time around.

“County Public Works and Sheriff’s Office staff, including the Sheriff himself, have informed me that the conduct of the event in 2012 was very positive.  Neither County Council, nor any of the other county departments involved in the formulation of the conditions last year suggested any modifications to the conditions for this year’s event.”

Event Coordinator Sean Gohard (GARD) said the event raises awareness for bicycle safety and raises money for bike helmets for kids.  The event will take place on Saturday, September 21st.  Participation is limited to 500 riders.  Gohard anticipates about 250 riders will take part this year.  

The Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the permit.

CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS GRANT APPEAL TO HOMEOWNER

Suppose you bought a single wide home in a rural area, lived in it for a couple of years, then decided to sell.  A month after listing, you’re informed the County made an error in a land-use determination for your property, and what you thought was a build-able lot, now isn’t.   That might put a damper on your sales effort.

That happened to John Newton of Clatsop County.  He then appealed the decision, but a Clatsop County Hearings Officer denied the appeal, so Newton took his case to the Board of Commissioners.

Public Heath Advisories Issued for Water Contact in Cannon, Tolovana and Short Sand Beaches

Public health advisories were issued Wednesday due to higher-than-normal levels of bacteria in ocean waters at Cannon Beach, Tolovana Beach and Short Sand Beach.  Cannon and Tolovana beaches are located in Clatsop County. Short Sand Beach is located in Tillamook County.

Water samples indicate higher-than-normal levels of fecal bacteria, which can result in diarrhea, skin rashes or other illnesses.  

Visitors should avoid wading at these beaches or nearby creeks or pools of water on the beach, also stay clear of water runoff flowing into the ocean in these areas.

CLATSOP FAIR MIXED SUCCESS

Clatsop County’s Fair Manager Gary Friedman (FREED-man) gave this year’s fair a grade of B plus in his report to the Board of Clatsop County Commissioners Wednesday night. 

“Let’s talk about why we get a B instead of an A, and that would be attendance.  Our attendance this year was basically flat.  Last year we had about 13,500 people at the fair. This year we were at about 13,700 despite a pretty aggressive advertising campaign to try and get more people to come out.  It didn’t really do much for us so we’re re-evaluating that.” 

Friedman said fair logistics were good, with all performers appearing, shows on time, 4-H participation good and no major incidents. One success was an increase in Fair revenues.

“Our carnival gate was up and our food vendors were also up, both of those entities pay a percentage to the fair.  It’s part of the way we make some of our money back, so we did well there. The livestock auction, the 4-H Livestock Auction was also up this year, about $7,000 over last year.  There was $187,000 raised by the kids this year at the livestock auction.”  

Coast Guard rescues 2 boaters, dog, near Gold Beach, Ore.

A crew aboard a 25-foot Response Boat – Small from Coast Guard Search and Rescue Detachment Rouge River and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend rescued two stranded boaters and their dog from Pyramid Rock, northwest of Gold Beach, Wednesday.

The two boaters and their dog were safely hoisted by the Dolphin crew and flown to Gold Beach where they were released with only minor injuries.  The RB-S crew successfully towed the boaters' 22-foot boat to Gold Beach where it was returned.

Bonamici Announces Fall Town Hall Meeting Schedule

Clatskanie, Astoria on Saturday, September 21st.

Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici has announced her fall town hall meeting schedule. The public events will occur throughout September around the 1st Congressional District. The schedule includes meetings in Clatskanie, Astoria, Tualatin, Hillsboro, Banks, Yamhill, Beaverton, and Sauvie Island.

SERIOUS INJURY TRAFFIC CRASH - HIGHWAY 101 NORTH OF GEARHART IN CLATSOP

Two people were seriously injured Monday morning in a three-vehicle traffic crash on Highway 101 north of Gearhart in Clatsop County. Oregon State Police (OSP) is conducting the investigation.

According to Sergeant Tim Schwartz, on August 26, 2013 at approximately 11:45 a.m., a Ford F350 pickup driven by ELIAS URDAHL, age 28, from Shelton, Washington, was northbound on Highway 101 near milepost 14 slowing to a stop for traffic ahead when it was struck from behind by an International equipment truck driven by CRAIG FRUEHLING, age 26, from Naselle, Washington, also trying to slow down. The impact pushed the Ford pickup into the southbound lane where it collided with a Chevrolet Impala driven by FELICIA CONLEY, age 52, from Longview, Washington. The pickup and passenger car came to rest in grass along the highway shoulder.

For the Labor Day Weekend, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

With an anticipated increase in holiday travelers on the road according to AAA, Oregon State Police (OSP) and many law enforcement agencies in Oregon, including Tillamook County, are continuing a nationwide effort to prevent traffic crashes while targeting impaired drivers during the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend. The nationwide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign targets impaired driving to prevent traffic crashes that impact lives and affect those traveling on our highways during the second deadliest major holiday period for highway travelers in Oregon.

Astoria Police Seek Information Related to a Theft, Forgery and Fraud Case

Astoria Police are looking for information related to Theft, Forgery, and Fraudulent Obtaining of Controlled Substances on the part of Sarah Smith, Age 27 of Gearhart. They have developed information that there may be several cases that are unreported.

On August 19, 2013 Officer Nicole Riley took a call from a local dentist who had taken a check on a closed account, from a closed bank. The patient who had written the check was Sarah Smith, Age 27 of Seaside. The Checks belonged to an Astoria resident who had reported a burglary in June.

Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment rescues man, saves boat

The Coast Guard rescued a 73-year-old man and saved his fishing vessel after he ran aground in the Columbia River, Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River in Warrenton, Ore., received a call on VHF Channel 16 from a good Samaritan at approximately 1:25 p.m., reporting a 14-foot fishing vessel had run aground on a group of pilings in Baker Bay near Ilwaco, Wash., at the entrance to Ilwaco Channel.

A crew from Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Wash., launched a 25-foot response boat and arrived on scene less than five minutes later.

The response boat crew brought the man aboard and pulled his boat off the pilings.

He did not require medical assistance.

The Coast Guard took the boat in tow and transported both the man and boat to Fort Canby, Wash.

UPDATE: AMBER ALERT ACTIVATION IN OREGON RELATED TO SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA INVESTIGATION

The AMBER Alert in Oregon activated Wednesday afternoon, August 7, to assist San Diego County, California Sheriff's Office in locating a 40-year old homicide suspect and two children is still in effect. Updated information indicates the vehicle color is DARK BLUE.

Since Oregon's AMBER Alert activation there have been 134 tips received into the AMBER Alert tip line (1-866-5AMBER5). A large majority of tips reported similar vehicles or vague details. OSP and other law enforcement agencies have attempted to locate vehicles of interest mentioned in the tips, and in a few cases vehicles were located and stopped leading to confirmation that it was not the suspect vehicle or suspect/abducted children. Up to this point there have been no tips received in Oregon providing solid leads for San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

The suspect, JAMES LEE DIMAGGIO, age 40, is believed to be operating a dark blue 2013 Nissan Versa with California license plates 6WCU986. Two children identified as HANNAH ANDERSON, age 16, and ETHAN ANDERSON, age 8, may be with the suspect.

Many people may initially have received a Wireless Emergency Alert on a wireless device shortly after the AMBER Alert was activated in Oregon. The alert may have been a unique audible signal and vibration. The unique signal and vibration are intended to indicate the urgency of the message and make the alert accessible to people with hearing or vision-related disabilities. The message contains up to 90 characters and gives basic information.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has a FAQ section about the Wireless Emergency Alert program at www.missingkids.com/amber/wea. A link is also available on the OSP website.

Until otherwise advised, please continue to be on the lookout for the suspect vehicle, suspect, and missing children. Information related to the activation, along with photographs of the suspect, children, and vehicle, are available at:

http://www.amberalert.com/alerts/0062BD31C33369FD5CAD1E6D1F1E9148/

Slow Progress in cleaning up Astoria's Flavel Properties

Astoria city officials say progress will be slow in making improvements to the vacant Flavel properties in the downtown area.  City council member Arlene LaMear expressed dismay at the lack of progress and asked for an update.

City Development Director Brett Estes said community development staff have been working with City Attorney Blair Henningsgaard to move on the next step of enforcement actions, potentially citations, regarding the derelict building ordinance.  He cautioned that to go through the process will at a minimum -  take time, and that possible litigation could be expensive for the city. 

Aid for Astoria Water Sewer Rate Payers?

Astoria City Council member Drew Herzig has proposed a city fund for people having trouble paying their water and sewer rates.

“ We’ll probably just start the discussion tonight and continue it at our next council meeting, but I wanted to get that on tonight’s agenda because I’ve been talking to a number of people, so that’ll be 6-H, and its proposing that the city set up a fund to help people who are experiencing financial hardship in paying their water and sewer rates.  Thank You.”

Herzig suggested the fund start with ten thousand dollars for the assistance.  Saying many Astorians on fixed incomes are facing hardship in paying increased water and sewer rates, he said Clatsop Community Action would be willing to do adminstrative work for the program so as not to add to the city’s administrative burden.  Program requirements would be similar to those Clatsop Community Action already administers.

Progress Made on Astoria’s Garden of Surging Waves

Work on Astoria’s Garden of Surging Waves is progressing.  City Manager Paul Benoit told the city council that the marble dragon columns are scheduled to be erected at the park before the Regatta Parade on Saturday. 

“About two weeks following, you’ll start seeing some real activity out there.  The artists are fabricating the mosaics, the wood beams are being fabricated.  We met with Josh, the project superintendent, this afternoon, and again, dragon columns by Friday, and then you’ll see a lot of activity within two to three weeks after.”

Benoit added that project designer Swuenn Ho was recently let go from Mulvanny G2, but relative to the Garden of Surging Waves, the project architect will continue to work with designer Swuenn Ho on the details.  Mulvanny G2 assured development director Brett Estes  the project will proceed with Swuenn Ho’s involvement, possibly as a contractor.

Astoria CSO Project Cost Increase due to Century Link Franchise Agreement Failure to Perform

The cost of Astoria’s combined Sewer Overflow project is up by a little over 35 thousand dollars due to lack of fulfillment by CenturyLink of franchise agreement requirements. 

City Manager Paul Benoit told the Astoria City Council that the cost overruns would be tracked separately to better facilitate cost recovery

“Unlike all of the other utilities, Century Link has not done the work necessary to ensure that their infrastructure is properly located, or that their infrastructure is adjusted and moved to ensure that there are no project delays.  They really dropped the ball, particularly when you look at what the other utilities have done.”

Benoit said officials are working with City Attorney Blair Henningsgaard to submit a claim to the company for full recovery of the additional costs.

In Astoria, outdoor burning could trigger a call to 911.

In Astoria, your outdoor campfire or burn barrel could trigger a call to 911.  Fire chief Ted Ames told the Astoria City Council that although outdoor burning is allowed in Astoria by permit, that current state fire restrictions are now in force, allowing general burning in screened burn barrels only from daylight until 10am, campfires are allowed if 3 feet or under in size, for cooking, warming or ceremonial purposes only, constantly tended and put out before returning into the home.   Ames said if people are distressed by their neighbors outdoor burning, they should call the fire department.

“If somebody’s truly having a problem with burning, and they make a call to the business line and we’re not available, I encourage folks when I talk to them on the phone, to call 911, for the simple reason that if its serious enough that its causing a problem for them, and they can’t get hold of us right away, we would like to be able to get out to the people and make sure that we take care of the problem.”

Ames said Astoria does have a burn permit system, with a 50 dollar charge for two years, renewable to an additional year for 35 dollars.  Although no specific guidelines come with the permits, Ames suggested no trash, such as plastic or diapers, be burned and if burning is causing distress to neighbors, expect a visit from fire department personnel. 

Ilwaco parks solicits citizen input

The City of Ilwaco Parks and Recreation Commission invites the public to fill out a questionnaire to help contribute to the Ilwaco’s Parks, Trails & Natural Areas Plan. The questionnaire can be filled out online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7R56S99, or printed copies are available at City Hall, 120 First Avenue North, Ilwaco. Every Ilwaco utility customer will receive a questionnaire in their August bill. Completed printed questionnaires should be returned to Ilwaco City Hall by Tuesday, August 20, 2013, to ensure your input is included in the survey tabulation.

Ilwaco owns and managed two city parks, Blake Lake and City Park. Black Lake is well known for its fishing, as well as its covered picnic area and beautiful trails around the lake and through wooded areas. Ilwaco City Park has basketball, softball and tennis facilities, and a covered picnic area and children’s play structure.

FORESTLAND CLASSIFICATION COMMITTEE SEEKS APPLICANTS

Clatsop County is accepting applications for the County Forestland Classification Committee.

The Forestland Classification Committee is charged with reviewing all lands within Clatsop County to determine if they meet the definition of Forestland under the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire protection program. The committee will meet 2-3 times per month for the next three years; individuals must be able to commit to the entire three years to be considered. The meetings will take place in Astoria, with the possibility of field trips throughout the county.

DRIVERS CITED IN ASTORIA FOR FAILURE TO YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS

Wednesday evening from 4 to 7 PM  Astoria Police conducted a Pedestrian Safety Enforcement.  The effort focused on drivers failing to obey Oregon traffic laws relating to pedestrians, although officers did stop some vehicles for other traffic violations.  The time of day for the enforcement was specifically chosen after a review of reported vehicle/pedestrian crashes in Astoria over the past several years indicating the majority of this type of crash occurred between these hours.