Coast Community News

CLATSOP BOARD APPROVES DESIGN CONTRACT FOR HIGHWAY 101 FLOODING PROJECT

2012-02-09T09:42:00.000-08:00

A project aimed at reducing the chronic flooding problem at U.S. Highway 101 at the south end of Seaside took a step forward Wednesday.
The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners approved a design and permitting contract with an engineering consulting firm for the removal of an earthen berm on the bank of the Necanicum River. Following completion of the plans this spring, the county hopes to put the project out for bid in early July.

The berm lies along the river’s western bank – removal of it and some old road fill will allow high water in the river to flow into the adjacent field instead of backing up and flowing over the highway. The project is expected to alleviate the flooding that often accompanies heavy winter rains and causes traffic restrictions along the one-mile stretch of highway, while at the same time restore more than 100 acres of nearby former wetlands for a local conservation group.

The $145,382 contract with Northwest Hydraulic Consultants of Seattle covers the development of plans, specifications and cost estimates. The design contract will be funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation; on Wednesday the board also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the agency formalizing ODOT’s role.

ODOT cannot spend money from its highway budget on the berm project because the work area lies outside the road right-of-way. But the project does qualify for funding through the agency’s mitigation banking program, which pays for the restoration and preservation of wetlands and other sensitive natural resources. The work will open up to inundation about 110 acres of adjacent land within the North Coast Land Conservancy’s Circle Creek habitat reserve, and contribute to the group’s goal of re-establishing wetlands and riparian forests on the 364-acre site.

The land conservancy will be represented on a design review team with officials from Clatsop County, ODOT and the City of Seaside that will coordinate the design phase with the consultants.

Graphic Courtesy Northwest Hydraulic Consultants

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2012 regular meeting

2012-02-09T07:52:00.000-08:00

Jail project discussed

During a work session the board received a report from DLR Group consultants regarding the proposed expansion of the Clatsop County Jail in downtown Astoria. The county is considering seeking voter approval in May or November for a bond to fund the project.

Project Manager Bill Valdez of DLR displayed plans showing how the existing structure would be extended eastward, expanding the capacity of the jail unit on the second level from 60 to 164 beds, and providing for larger and more efficient booking and intake space and more secure vehicle entry on the ground floor. The design would also expand the medical facilities and add more units for holding inmates with mental health and other issues.

The project also includes the renovation of the Parole and Probation Division office in Warrenton to accommodate the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Division staff, who are currently headquartered in the jail facility.

Valdez said cost estimates for the project are still being finalized and will be available for the board’s Feb. 22 meeting when a further work session on the jail project is scheduled.

Highway project contract approved

The Board of Commissioners approved a $145,382 contract with Northwest Hydraulic Consultants for design and permitting for a proposed project to alleviate flooding on a stretch of U.S. Highway 101 south of Seaside. The project, tentatively proposed to go out for bid in July, would remove a berm along the Necanicum River to reduce or eliminate high water on the highway and restore wetlands on adjacent property owned by the North Coast Land Conservancy.

The board also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation committing the agency to fund the design contract from its mitigation banking program.

EOC grant approved

The board accepted a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant, provided through the Oregon Emergency Management office, to fund the new communications wing at the county’s Emergency Operations Center at Camp Rilea in Warrenton. The grant will fund 50 percent of the project cost, up to $183,913.

The communications wing will consist of a 1,050-square-foot addition on Camp Rilea’s Warrior Hall, site of the county EOC. The wing will provide a secure space for the EOC’s radio, microwave and other communications equipment.

Wetland project endorsed

The board approved a letter endorsing a project of the Columbia River Estuary Study Task Force to enhance salmon habitat at Carlson Island, in the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Reserve.

SCHOOL EXCLUSION DAY IN OREGON IS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15

2012-02-07T09:25:00.000-08:00

School Exclusion Day is Wednesday, February 15
Parents must provide schools and child care centers with children’s immunization records

The Oregon Immunization Program wants parents to know that children will not be able to attend school or child care starting Feb. 15 if their records on file show missing immunizations. State law requires that all children in public and private schools, preschools, Head Start and certified child care facilities have up-to-date documentation on their immunizations, or have a religious or medical exemption.

"Immunization is an effective way to keep schools and the entire community healthy. We want to make sure children are fully protected against vaccine-preventable diseases," said Stacy de Assis Matthews, school law coordinator in the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division. "If school and child care vaccination records are not up-to-date, the child will be sent home."

Information for parents about updated vaccine requirements:
• Parents of adolescents should be aware that one dose of Tdap vaccine is required for seventh- through 10th-graders. Tdap is a tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) booster.

• The hepatitis A vaccine, which protects against a communicable viral infection, is a two-dose series required for children 18 months and older in child care, preschool and kindergarten through third grade.

In 2011, local health departments sent 36,841 letters to parents and guardians informing them that their children needed immunizations to stay in school or child care. A total of 4,940 children were kept out of school or child care until the necessary immunization information was turned in to the schools or child care facilities.

Parents seeking immunizations for their children should contact their health care provider or local health department, or call Oregon SafeNet at 1-800-SAFENET or 1-800-723-3638. No one can be turned away from a local health department because of the inability to pay for required vaccines. Pharmacists can immunize children age 11 and older. Parents should contact their neighborhood pharmacy for details. Additional information on school immunizations can be found at the Immunization Program website at www.healthoregon.org/imm.

"Working in the Shadows" Author at CCC

2012-02-06T10:37:00.000-08:00

Gabriel Thompson, author of “Working in the Shadows”, will make two public presentations as part of Clatsop Community College’s Campus Reads event.

The book chronicles the author’s year-long experiment working undercover in the low-wage immigrant workforce. Thompson’s experiences included working in Arizona lettuce fields, a chicken slaughterhouse in Alabama, and the streets of New York making deliveries by bicycle.

Thompson will make two free public presentations on Wednesday February 8 in Astoria to discuss his experiences and other issues related to immigrant workers:

Clatsop Community College, Columbia Hall, Room 219 at 12pm and The Liberty Theater McTavish Room at 6:30pm.

Gabriel Thompson’s visit is made possible by the Clatsop Cultural Coalition, the Auzten Foundation and CCC faculty and staff.

Fish and Wildlife Commission sets rules for 2012 Columbia River sturgeon season

2012-02-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted rules for the 2012 Columbia River white sturgeon season on Friday, February 3rd at its meeting in Astoria.

The 2012 recreational white sturgeon season for the Columbia River was developed at a joint meeting of Oregon and Washington fishery managers on Jan. 26. The season is based on a harvest guideline of 10,400 fish for 2012, a 38 percent reduction from 2011. In response to a continued decline in the abundance of legal-sized fish in both the Willamette and Columbia rivers, the directors of Oregon and Washington departments of fish and wildlife agreed to reduce the harvest rate from 22.5 percent to 16 percent for 2012.

The Commission also approved administrative rules for selecting artwork for the new Habitat Conservation Stamp. The new program gives Oregonians the opportunity to purchase an annual stamp to benefit conservation of Oregon’s native species and habitats. Stamps will sell for $40 a year and will include an ODFW Wildlife Area Parking Pass (a $22 value). Revenue will be used to fund habitat conservation projects linked to the Oregon Conservation Strategy. An art contest is now underway to select artwork for the Habitat Conservation Stamp, which will go on sale later this year.

Finally, the Commission adopted the schedule of damages used in assessing commercial fishing violations during 2012. Each year, the Commission establishes the average market value per pound for each species of food fish. These values are used to set damages in lawsuits associated with the unlawful taking of food fish. The values are based on the average prices during the previous year as reported by Oregon commercial fish dealers.

The Commission is the policy-making body for fish and wildlife issues in Oregon. It generally meets monthly. The next scheduled meeting is March 9 in Corvallis.

Pacific County Tsunami Debris Presentations February 14th & 15th

2012-02-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

The Pacific County Emergency Management Agency has rescheduled three public presentations to discuss the marine debris generated by the March 2011 Japanese tsunami and its potential to impact the Pacific County coastline.

Presentations are now scheduled for:

February 14, 2012, 6:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Church Center, Seaview, WA

February 15, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at the Ocean Park Firehall, Ocean Park, WA

February 15, 2012, 5:30 p.m. at the Shoalwater Bay Tribal Center, Tokeland, WA

The Regional Coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program will lead the presentation. In addition, representatives from the Washington State Department of Ecology, the US Coast Guard, Washington State Emergency Management Division, and Washington State Department of Health have been invited to answer questions that might arise specific to their areas of expertise.

The public and local agencies and organizations are welcome to attend any of the presentations, which are intended to be of an informational nature.

OREGON RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT ON HEALTH INSURANCE

2012-02-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

Health insurance premiums continued to grow in 2011 but at slower rates than in recent years, according to the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) annual report on Health Insurance in Oregon.

Many insurers reported lower-than-expected medical claims in 2011, slowing growth in health insurance rates in the individual and small employer markets. The average annual rate increase in the small group market was 6.6 percent in 2011, down from nearly 11.7 percent in 2010.

In a press release, acting department Director Patrick Allen said: "Oregon has among the most competitive insurance markets in the country and that helps ensure that a high percentage of premiums go for health care versus administration and profit,"

A key change in insurance regulation started in fall 2011 when the DCBS Insurance Division began conducting public hearings on most rate requests. Starting this month (February) the department will stream hearings live. Details will be available at on the web, at www.oregonhealthrates.org. Click on "public hearings."

Kitzhaber's reforms could save over the long haul, but healthcare advocates say no further service cuts now

2012-02-02T10:10:00.000-08:00

A Health Management Associates study indicates Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber's healthcare reform proposals may save the state significant dollars over the long haul, but short term savings are not assured. Today, healthcare advocates for seniors and the disabled lobbied the Oregon Legislature against further cuts to services. You can read the complete study here.

Public comment sought on Oregon beach rules revisions

2012-02-02T06:33:00.000-08:00

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is seeking public comments on Oregon administrative rule changes affecting Oregon’s ocean shore. OPRD is responsible for the management of the ocean shore state recreation area under OAR 736-021-0060.

The rules were last revised in 1996

The proposed changes cover a range of safety and resource protection issues, such as clarifying limits on personal and commercial removal of natural products, and rules related to signs, campfires, and wildlife disturbance.

The deadline for accepting comments is February 6, 2012, and may be submitted via email to vanessa.demoe@state.or.us.

To see the complete rules:

www.oregon.gov/OPRD/RULES/notices.shtml

Geyser in the morning.

2012-02-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

Astoria residents along 16th between Irving and Jerome, watched a dramatic water leak after a contractor broke a water line Wednesday morning. Traffic was temporarily disrupted until the Astoria Public Works department made repairs. (Photo courtesy David King)

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners meet Wednesday February 8th.

2012-02-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

The Board of Clatsop County Commissioners will meet for a Work Session on Wednesday, February 8th at 10:00 am at 857 Commercial Street in Astoria, to consider expansion of the County Jail, the regular meeting will take place after the work session. The public is encouraged to attend.

Work Session: 10:00 am
Regular Meeting: 11:00 am

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.

CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Board of Commissioners Jan. 11, 2012 work session minutes .
b. Board of Commissioners Jan. 11, 2012 regular meeting minutes
c. Appointment of Public Health Administrator
d. Termination of lease with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
e. Oregon Emergency Management Program grant
f. Purchase of Ford F350 pickup
g. Purchase of Ford F450 pickup
h. Design and permitting contract for Highway 101 flood mitigation project
i. Intergovernmental agreement with ODOT for Highway 101 flood mitigation project
j. Bio-Oregon fish feed contract amendment

COMMISSIONERS’ REPORTS
COUNTY MANAGER’S REPORT
ADJOURNMENT

Executive Session
1) To consider information or records that are exempt by law from public inspection per ORS 192.660(1)(f)

Pacific County, WA, Winter Storm Damage Reporting Deadline Extended

2012-02-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

Residents who experienced damage to their homes or businesses in Pacific County due to the winter storm beginning January 13, 2012 are encouraged to report damage to the Pacific County Emergency Management Agency. This information assists in an overall damage assessment and is used to justify a request for federal assistance programs to support disaster recovery. Damage reports may be made by telephone between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., through 3:00 p.m. February 7, 2012, to one of the following numbers:

(360) 875-9340 360) 642-9340 (360) 484-7340 (360) 267-8340

(360) 875-9338 360) 642-9338 (360) 484-7338 (360) 267-8338

When calling, residential reporters must be prepared to provide answers to the following questions:

1. Street address and zip code

2. Fair market value of the primary residence structure (vacation homes and land excluded, not applicable to renters)

3. Best guess of structural losses in whole dollars (do not wait for a contractor; outbuildings, landscaping, and fences excluded, renters excluded)

4. Best estimate of personal property loss in whole dollars

5. Homeowners/renters insurance deductible

6. Are you living in your home (yes/no)

7. If leaving a message, include your telephone number

Business owners must be prepared to answer the following questions:

1. Street address and zip code

2. Fair market value of the business

3. Best guess of structural losses in whole dollars

4. Estimated business furnishings/inventory loss in whole dollars

5. Was the business closed – if so how many days

6. Do you have business continuity insurance

7. If leaving a message, include your telephone number

This information will be entered into a database for inclusion in a statewide assessment and does not qualify residents for emergency assistance.

Bonamici new First District Congressional Representative

2012-01-31T20:48:00.001-08:00

Results late Tuesday in the vote-by-mail contest showed Suzanne Bonamici leading Republican businessman Rob Cornilles 54 percent to 39 percent with 68 percent of precincts reporting. The Associated Press has called the race for Bonamici.

Oregon First District special election ballots due

2012-01-30T10:59:00.001-08:00

Ballots are due Tuesday, January 31st for the special election for the new Oregon First District Congressional Representative. It is now too late to mail ballots. Ballots can be dropped off at the following drop box locations:

The Clatsop County Clerk’s Office at 820 Exchange in Astoria. There is also a 24 hour drop box at that location.

In Warrenton, ballots can be dropped at Warrenton City Hall, 225 S. Main Ave.

The Cannon Beach City Hall, at 163 Gower Street and the Gearhart City Hall at 698 Pacific Way,

Seaside City Hall, at 989 Broadway.

Knappa High School, 41535 Old Highway 30.

In Columbia County ballots can be dropped at the Mist-Birkenfeld Fire Hall,
12525 Oregon Highway 202, and Clatskanie Library, at 11 Lillich Street in Clatskanie.

All these locations will receive ballots until 8pm Tuesday night.

ELKS AMERICANISM ESSAY WINNERS

2012-01-30T10:46:00.000-08:00

Photo: Left to right: Connor Merrill, Chance Giguiere, Aamiah Trine

Each year Elks offer an essay contest to grade school students. This year the topic was “Why I am Proud to Pledge Allegiance to our Flag”. The contest inspires children to think about our Pledge of Allegiance and their role as American Citizens. Excellent essays were submitted by Cannon Beach Elementary School 5th graders Chance Giguiere, Connor Merrell & Aamiah Trine. The essay submitted by Chance Giguiere was chosen as the winner and he received a $75 award. Second place went to Connor Merrill who received a $25 award. Aamiah Trine received a participation certificate. The students read their essays at a school assembly on Friday, January 27, 2012. They were all presented with a certificate. The winning essays were submitted to the NW District Contest and if chosen as winners at that level, the essays will be submitted to the State competition.

Elks support youth and are grateful for our local educators. For information about Seaside Elks Lodge 1748 please call 503-738-6651 or email to seasideelks@yahoo.com. Visit our site at oregonstateelks.com, elks.org or follow us on Facebook.

Fish and Wildlife Commission meet in Astoria Friday

2012-01-30T10:13:00.000-08:00

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider proposed rules for the 2012 Columbia River white sturgeon season when it meets in Astoria on Feb. 3, 2012.

The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, 204 W Marine Drive, Astoria, Ore. 97103.

The 2012 recreational white sturgeon season for the Columbia River was decided on Jan. 26 at the Columbia River Compact, a joint meeting of Oregon and Washington fishery managers. ODFW staff will ask the Commission to affirm these seasons by adopting the administrative rules necessary to implement them.

The Commission will also be asked to approve administrative rules for new Habitat Conservation Stamp. This is in response to HB 2127 passed by the 2011 Legislative session which allows ODFW to develop a program that will fund habitat conservation projects in accordance with the Oregon Conservation Strategy.

Finally, the Commission will be asked to adopt the schedule of damages used in assessing commercial fishing violations during 2012. Each year, the Commission establishes the average market price per pound for each species of food fish based on the average prices during the previous year as reported by Oregon commercial fish dealers. These values are used to set damages in lawsuits associated with the unlawful taking of food fish.

Meeting materials are available on the ODFW website. Public testimony is held Friday morning immediately following the expenditure report. Persons seeking to testify on issues not on the formal agenda may do so by making arrangements with the ODFW Director’s Office, at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, by calling 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed for individuals requesting assistive hearing devices, sign language interpreters or large-print materials. Individuals needing these types of accommodations may call the ODFW Director’s Office at 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6044 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Meeting Highlights for Wednesday January 25

2012-01-26T14:07:00.000-08:00

Utility district discussed

The board held a work session on the potential for establishing a people’s utility district in the county. Representatives from Bonneville Power Administration, PacifiCorp, the Citizens Utility Board and regional PUDs answered questions from commissioners about utility districts, power sources and related issues.

The county’s draft Strategic Plan, due to go before the board at a future date, includes a people’s utility district as a proposed long-term project for the county to pursue.

Manager search approved

The board authorized staff to seek a consultant to assist with the search for a new county manager to replace Duane Cole, who announced earlier this month that he is retiring June 1. A tentative schedule calls for soliciting county manager applicants in March and early April, conducting interviews in May and making a selection by the end of May.

Other Business

In other business the board:

-Approved a letter to the regional office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency seeking a further extension of the agency’s deadline for ruling on the proposed listing of Astoria Marine Construction Company on the federal Superfund pollution clean-up list. The letter refers to recent correspondence from the Progressive insurance company stating it would cover the expenses of Astoria Marine’s defense.

-Approved its 2012-13 budget policies, which guide the drafting of the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The policies follow those of previous years in calling for no new staff or programs without specific board approval, no increase in materials and services spending, budget savings not be spent in other areas, and no “back-filling” of cuts in state or federal funding for local programs. The policies also contain a Resource Reduction Strategy that priorities spending areas as: 1-Public Safety and Justice; 2-Health and Human Services; 3-General Government Direct Services; 4-Community Development, Land Use, Transportation and Housing; 5-Culture and Recreation.

-Made appointments to the Southwest Coastal Citizens Advisory Committee, the design-review land-use panel for the community of Arch Cape. All seven positions on the committee were opened after the board approved new bylaws for the panel in September. Appointees are: Virginia Birkby, Richard Donofrio, Bill George, Tod Lundy, Michael Manzulli, John Mersereau and Dan Seifer.

-Were presented with the audited financial statements from the county’s auditor, Boldt, Carlisle and Smith, for the 2010-11 fiscal year for the county, 4-H and Extension Service District, Road District 1, Rural Law Enforcement District and Westport Sewer Service District. The statements received an unqualified opinion from the auditor, indicating they present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the county in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

-Approved the vacation of two undeveloped roads near Labiske Lane south of Astoria.

-Awarded a plaque to Glenn Ahrens, Oregon State University Extension Service Staff Chair, in recognition of his more than 10 years of service with the agency’s Clatsop County office.

CLATSTOP COMMISSIONERS UPHOLD COUNTY CITATION AGAINST MOBILE HOME PARK

2012-01-26T13:42:00.000-08:00

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday upheld a citation issued against the owner of a mobile home park for multiple county code violations.

The board voted unanimously to deny an appeal by Ken Hick and Resources Northwest Inc., owners of the Sunset Lake Resort and RV Park, filed against an order issued in December by a county hearings officer regarding number and location of dwelling units on the property.

The county Planning Division began enforcement action against the park in 2010 in response to a petition signed by 60 neighboring residents. Following investigations by planning and building codes staff, the office issued a citation in June 2011 for numerous violations, including too many dwelling sites for both manufactured homes and recreational vehicles, sites located too close together and too close to adjacent Sunset Lake, and RVs used as permanent dwellings without lawful hook-ups to electrical, water and sewer service. Gray water was also being released into the lake from some sites, according to the citation.

As many as 90 mobile home and RV units have been located at the park.

Hick appealed the citation on the grounds that the current use at the park predates current zoning regulations and is “grandfathered in” as a pre-existing use.

Hick’s appeal was heard by Hearings Officer Paul Elsner in October. In December Elsner rejected Hick’s argument and upheld the county order, and ruled that the park is allowed a maximum of 16 mobile home and 27 RV sites. Hick was fined $100 for each unit in excess of the allowed maximum, or $4,200, and required to bring the remaining sites up to code and pay all necessary permit fees by Feb. 1.

On Wednesday the board had the option of conducting its own hearing on Hick’s appeal. Instead it voted to uphold the hearings officer ruling based on the existing record, which totaled more than 800 pages.

Commissioner Patricia Roberts, whose district includes Sunset Lake, told the board Wednesday that the RV park has been a source of “constant complaints” from citizens and that the issue had had a “fair and thorough review.” She asked that residents displaced from the park be referred to Clatsop Community Action, the Clatsop County Housing Authority and Northwest Housing Authority for assistance finding new housing opportunities.

Commissioner Dirk Rohne said while he felt bad for the park’s residents, he pointed to a letter from Warrenton Fire Chief Ted Ames pointing to the fire danger in the park’s overcrowded spaces.

Neah Kah Nie Water District Pirates Spring tests positive for E. coli, but no boil-water order

2012-01-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

DRINKING WATER NOTICE

NeahKahNie Water District Pirates Spring Tested Positive for E. coli and Does Not Meet Treatment Requirements

Pirate Spring untreated water recently tested positive for E. coli, a fecal indicator (see definition below). As our customers, (the residences north of and outside Manzanita city limits) you have a right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this situation. On Friday January 20th, we collected our monthly untreated (raw water) sample from this spring. The sample tested positive for E. coli. The spring water is treated with chlorine before it is served, however this does not meet the required level of treatment for viruses.

What This Means
This is not an emergency but we are required to provide this notice. The water does not need to be boiled prior to consumption. In fact it is unknown whether any of this water entered the distribution system as Pirates Spring is normally on standby mode as a backup source. If it had been an emergency, you would have been notified within 24 hours. All chlorine-treated water samples collected at Pirates Spring have tested absent for E. coli and other bacteria. However, until we consistently provide the required level of treatment or are able to identify the contaminant entry point and correct it, if we were to continue utilizing this source, there would be an increased chance that disease-causing organisms could contaminate the water distribution system.

Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicates that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term health effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms.

The symptoms above can be caused by reasons other than organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

You may drink the water. However, if you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor.

If you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, are pregnant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice from your health care providers about drinking this water. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Steps We Are Taking
The last time water was pumped from Pirates Spring was on January 18th and at that time only a small amount was transferred in order to test and exercise the pumping system. Pirates Spring was taken off line (isolated) from the distribution system on Monday January 23, 2012 as soon as we learned of the positive test results and this spring will remain isolated until that time when the county and state authorities agree it is once again safe.

For more information, please contact Richard Felley of NeahKahNie Water District at 503-368-7309 or at 9155 Nehalem Road, NeahKahNie Beach during normal working hours.

This notice is being provided by NeahKahNie Water District. State Water System ID# 41-00506.

Ilwaco State of the City Address

2012-01-24T10:56:00.000-08:00

Last (Monday) night Ilwaco City Mayor Mike Cassinelli gave his state of the city address. He recognized new members of the city council and planning commission, and reported that the city is responding to the citizen concerns of maintaining city roads and sidewalks and improving storm drainage. To achieve those goals the Stormwater Utility Fee will now apply to all city parcels. The Mayor said that grant funding paid for significant improvements to city streets and sidewalks, and also paid for chip sealing the Port of Ilwaco parking lots.
The Mayor added that an important goal during the past year was to address the issue of water rates and water quality. A lower base rate was implemented for all water customers and all consumption is now billed at a commodity rate. Beginning this March, residential customers will be receiving water/sewer bills on a monthly basis, and 97% of residential customers now have radio read water meters. State funded low interest rate loans will fund construction of new reservoirs and system improvements.

MAJOR LAND PURCHASE IN COLUMBIA ESTUARY BY THE COLUMBIA LAND TRUST

2012-01-24T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Columbia Land Trust, Bonneville Power Administration and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have announced the largest purchase of riverside habitat in the Columbia River estuary in nearly 40 years. On Monday, The Columbia Land Trust completed the purchase of the 920-acre Columbia Stock Ranch on the south shore of the Columbia River near Goble, Ore., with $5.3 million in Bonneville Power Administration funding. The purchase sets the stage for the Corps of Engineers to restore hundreds of acres of historic wetlands in the next few years to provide food and shelter for salmon migrating to and from the ocean.

Management and restoration plans for the property will be developed with public input. The restored habitat will benefit coho, chinook and chum salmon; steelhead; and cutthroat trout, as well as terrestrial wildlife such as black bear, elk and river otter

Poll of Oregon’s First Congressional District: 'Down to the wire'

2012-01-16T10:56:00.000-08:00

The campaign to replace David Wu in Oregon’s First Congressional District is going right down to the wire. In a Moore Information poll of 300 likely voters in the district, conducted January 11-12, Cornilles was supported by 42%, Bonamici by 46%, while 10% were undecided and 2% said they wouldn’t vote for either candidate. Bonamici led in the Multnomah County portion of the district, but the race was tied elsewhere.

As ballots begin arriving in voters’ mailboxes, Cornilles appears to be surging.
Cornilles is benefiting from a political environment that is more negative for Democrats than it was during the 2010 election. Currently, more than six-in-ten district voters believe things in the country are off on the wrong track and just 48% approve of Barack Obama’s performance as president, while 48% disapprove. By contrast in October 2010, Obama’s performance was 53/44% approve.

Both Cornilles and Bonamici still enjoy positive images. Despite nearly a million dollars spent in negative advertising against him, Cornilles is rated favorably by 42%, unfavorably by 36%, while the remaining 22% have no opinion or have never heard of the Republican. Bonamici’s image is 48% favorable, 33% unfavorable and 19% no opinion/never heard.

This poll was conducted for the Cornilles campaign, by telephone, using live interviewers, January 11-12, 2012, among a representative sample of 300 likely voters in the district. Cell phone only households were included as part of the sample. Forty eight percent of the sample are registered Democrats, 35% Republicans and the remainder are non-affiliated/Independent/others. The potential sampling error is plus or minus 6% at the 95% confidence level. Photo courtesy: news.opb.org

Oregon and Washington agree to reduce sturgeon catch by 38% on the lower Columbia River

2012-01-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

For the third straight year, fish and wildlife directors from Washington and Oregon have agreed to reduce the catch of white sturgeon on the lower Columbia River, where the species has declined in abundance in recent years.

Under the new agreement, the total allowable harvest of white sturgeon below Bonneville Dam will be reduced from 22.5 percent of the “legal-size” fish to 16 percent in 2012.

The new harvest rate will hold the combined catch by sport and commercial fisheries to 9,600 sturgeon measuring 38 to 54 inches long. Last year’s guideline for those waters was 15,640 fish, although only 14,488 were actually harvested.

This year’s agreement will reduce the sturgeon harvest in the lower Columbia River by 38 percent, following a 30 percent reduction in 2011 and a 40 percent reduction the previous year.

The abundance of legal-size sturgeon has declined nearly 50 percent since 2007, according to surveys by both states. Factors often cited for the decline include increased predation by sea lions and a drop in the abundance of smelt and lamprey, which contribute to sturgeons’ diet.

Concerned by these trends, the fish and wildlife commissions charged with setting policy for each state called for significant catch reductions in 2012 during separate meetings last week. The responsibility for negotiating a common catch rate fell to the fish and wildlife directors of each state.

“This was not a difficult negotiation,” said Phil Anderson, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Both directors came into this discussion with serious concerns about the status of the resource and a commitment to make a significant reduction in the 2012 harvest level. I also heard stakeholders’ concerns about the decline in the sturgeon resource and their support for taking a more conservative approach in our harvest management.”

Roy Elicker, director of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, agreed, noting that the discussion quickly turned to how to best manage the 2012 fishery under the reduced harvest level.

“It’s clear that recent trends in sturgeon populations warrant a more precautionary approach,” Elicker said. “For 2012, the plan is to maintain the season and catch-allocation structure that has been in place for several years, but with shorter fishing periods.”

Under the 16 percent harvest rate, the portion of the catch available to recreational fisheries will be allocated as follows: 4,160 fish in the estuary, 2,080 above Wauna and between 1,768 and 2,022 in the Willamette River.

The directors agreed to some flexibility in the portion of the catch assigned to the Willamette River. This flexibility may be necessary to meet Oregon’s goal of four sturgeon retention days on the Willamette, Elicker said.

Projections indicate that 65,000 white sturgeon between 38 and 54 will be present below Bonneville Dam this year.

Fishery managers from Washington and Oregon will meet Jan. 26 in Portland to set this year’s fishing seasons for sturgeon and spring chinook salmon on the lower Columbia River. Later in the year, the states plan to begin a public process involving fishermen to fully review current sturgeon management strategies on the Columbia and Willamette rivers prior to the 2013 fishing season.

photo courtesy: thecolumbiariverfishingguide.com

FREE EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI PUBLIC FORUM

2012-01-13T10:38:00.001-08:00

Cascadia Region Earthquake Workgroup (CREW)is hosting a public forum, which will be simultaneous broadcast as a webinar for the public. Discussion will include what Oregon has learned from the earthquake in Japan (Tohoku) and the subsequent tsunami and how that knowledge can help with the survival and recovery of our coastal communities and state.

The forum will be held at the White Stag Building 70 NW Couch St. Portland, OR from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on January 25, 2012. The simultaneous broadcast as a webinar will be at http://pdx.uoregon.edu.index.php?p=webcast for anyone who is interested.

Three of Oregon’s top experts in the field will be speaking: Dr. Chris Goldfinger, Professor of marine Geology at Oregon State University, Kent Yu, PhD, PE, SE, Principal and Branch Manager for Degenkolb Engineers in Portland Oregon and current Chairman of the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Commission and Dr. Althea Rizzo, Geologic Hazards Program Coordinator for the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

"This webinar will benefit families and the entire community," said Dr. Rizzo. "Understanding that an earthquake of this type is inevitable, Oregonians can better understand their risk and enhance their survivability."

NOTE: March has been proclaimed by the Governor as Earthquake and Tsunami Awareness Month. This differs from the past when April was the declared month.

CLATSOP COUNTY MANAGER DUANE COLE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

2012-01-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

Clatsop County Manager Duane Cole announced his retirement to the county board of commissioners Wednesday, Jan. 11.
Cole's last day with the county will be May 31.
"I have been fortunate to have professionally served 35 years in local government - a field to which I have dedicated my entire career," Cole said in a letter to the board. "For me it is now time to be with my family, pursue other interests, and explore the next phase of life."
Cole joined Clatsop County in May 2009 from the city of Walla Walla, Wash., where he served as city manager.
The board of commissioners will detail its process for recruiting Cole's replacement in the near future.
“Duane Cole brought professionalism, competency, and integrity to government in Clatsop County. He engaged fully to make Clatsop County government more effective and more efficient. His organizational talent has brought many positive changes and has made Clatsop County a leader in many areas. His legacy to us is a solid foundation on which we can build success. He will always be welcome here. He will be missed,” Chair Rohne stated today.
Cole said he is providing the board with more than the 90 days' notice of departure required in his contract in order to allow the commissioners adequate time to select a replacement before his retirement.
Born in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and raised in Milton-Freewater, Ore., Cole received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Oregon.
His career in public administration began in 1977 at the age of 23 when he was hired as city administrator of Pilot Rock, Ore. He subsequently served with the city of Pendleton as finance director, assistant city manager and city manager pro tem, and as city administrator for Susanville, Calif. He was city administrator for Newberg for 12 years until 2002, when he took the top administrative job with Walla Walla.
Under Cole's tenure, Clatsop County revived a proposal to expand the county jail that will go before the board of commissioners soon for a decision whether to seek voter approval for the project. The county has also led a collaborative effort with local cities, the Port of Astoria and Oregon Highway Department to find a solution to the chronic flooding problem on U.S. Highway 101 south of Seaside that appears likely to go forward this year.
The county also leased the historic county jail building to the Clatsop County Historical Society for development of the Oregon Film Museum; negotiated a sale of the former Darigold Building in downtown Astoria to Coastal Family Health Center for its planned new clinic; completed the update of the North Coast Business Park Master Plan charting future development at the county-owned space in Warrenton; and launched an examination of planning issues covering the county's near-shore ocean zone.
One of Cole's biggest accomplishments is the development of a Strategic Plan. The document, due to go before the board of commissioners for adoption in the near future, identifies more than 40 major capital, infrastructure and planning projects as well as projected timelines and funding sources for each.
Cole expressed thanks to the county's commissioners and staff.
"To each of you I extend my sincere appreciation for the excellent opportunities for professional and personal development that you have provided me at Clatsop County," he wrote. "Your respect and encouragement has been welcomed and valued."

OPRD TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS ON OCEAN SHORES RULES

2012-01-10T10:20:00.000-08:00

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) will seek public comments on Oregon administrative rule changes affecting Oregon’s ocean shore. OPRD is responsible for the management of the ocean shore state recreation area under OAR 736-021-0060.

These rules were last revised in 1996. Since then, the numbers of visitors and kinds of recreation have grown and changed, as have natural resource protection activities. The current draft rule changes, as well as historical and cultural sites, on the ocean shore, and make it easier for visitors to understand and locate all rules pertinent to ocean shore management.

The proposed changes cover a range of safety and resource protection issues, such as clarifying limits on personal and commercial removal of natural products, and rules related to signs, campfires, and wildlife disturbance. The proposed changes do not add a new requirement for activity permits, but do explain traditional management better: events which block public access or could harm natural or cultural resources need a permit. Proposed changes are available online at www.oregon.gov/OPRD/RULES/notices.shtml

The meeting schedule follows:

January 24: Salem 3:30 pm-5:30 pm OPRD Headquarters, 725 Summer St. NE, Suite C, Salem OR 97301

January 26: North Bend 3 pm-5 pm North Bend Library, 1800 Sherman Ave., North Bend OR

January 27: Gold Beach 3 pm-5 pm Gold Beach City Hall, 29592 Ellensburg Ave, Gold Beach OR

January 30: Newport 7 pm-9 pm Newport Recreation Center (Rm 105), 225 Avery Street, Newport OR

January 31: Cannon Beach 7 pm-9 pm Cannon Beach City Hall (Council Chambers), 163 E. Gower Street, Cannon Beach OR

The deadline for accepting comments is February 6, 2012, and may be submitted to vanessa.demoe@state.or.us. Those wishing to comment during a public meeting must register with the hearings officer in the first 45 minutes of the meeting. Accommodations for persons with disabilities are available if requested in advance by calling (503) 986-0719.

Today last day for Oregonians to register to vote in Jan 31st election.

2012-01-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

Today is the deadline for Oregonians to register to vote for the special election coming up on January 31st. Oregon District one voters will be deciding on their new congressional representative.

Voter registration can be done at any county elections office or online.

CLICK HERE FOR OREGON VOTER REGISTRATION LINK.

Clatsop County Deputies assist in self inflicted shooting

2012-01-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

On January 6th 2012 Deputy Justin Dimmick responded to the Williamsport Mainline per report of garbage dumping. While enroute, he came upon a vehicle traveling towards him with three individuals. The vehicle came to a sudden stop and one of the passengers exited claiming his friend had been shot.
Upon surveying the situation, Deputy Dimmick was able to verify that one of the subjects David Raymond Lithieser 02-03 88 was suffering from a gunshot wound to his right leg. His friends had attempted to stop the bleeding with a belt however the wound was serious and needed immediate attention.
Deputy Dimmick and now Deputy Hoover who had just showed up on scene, applied first aid and summoned Medical. All Clatsop County Deputies two weeks earlier had just gone through a class and were issued tourniquets for their patrol vehicles. The Deputies applied the tourniquet and were able to stop the bleeding until Astoria Fire and Medixarrived on scene for transport.
The subjects advised they had been target shooting and Lithieserwent to draw his pistol from his holster and accidentally shot himself in the leg prior to leveling the gun to the target.
This new item in the patrol units has already paid off and fortunately the injury will be recoverable.
.

VIDEO EXPLORES MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS RELATED TO OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTINGS

2012-01-06T09:32:00.000-08:00

One year ago, Rainier Police Chief Ralph Painter lost his life in the line of duty. Early Thursday morning, six police officers were shot, one fatally, during a deadly shooting with a suspect in Ogden, Utah. These tragic incidents are a reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face each day when responding to a call.

Sometimes, these encounters end when an officer is involved in a shooting. Such an incident occurred Thursday, January 5th, in Medford, Oregon. After an officer-involved shooting incident, a law enforcement officer’s decisions made in split seconds will be reviewed and reported on often without having all the facts.

To provide educational outreach to local communities, Lane County District Attorney Alex Gardner with the assistance of Eugene Police Department, local law enforcement, and national and regional experts, produced a 17-minute video that provides important details regarding officer-involved shootings and the process used to investigate them.

Hollywood vs Reality Officer-Involved Shootings, includes a series of segments designed to explore common myths and misconceptions, most of which are addressed by national and regional experts including Dr. Bill Lewinski of Force Science Institute; Dr. Alexis Artwohl; Eugene Police Officer Joe Kidd; Oregon State Police Sergeant Alan Gilbert; and, District Attorney Gardner.

Since the video’s release in September 2011, the Lane County District Attorney’s office has had approximately 1,200 requests for it from around the world and United States. The video provides useful background for reporters and the public, and can be viewed on this link: http://bit.ly/q0V69v

2012 WINTER, SPRING, & SUMMER SELECT AREA FISHERIES Informational Meeting

2012-01-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

DATE: Thursday January 12, 2012
TIME: 7:00-8:00 PM
LOCATION: The Holiday Inn Express
204 W Marine Dr
Astoria, Oregon
PURPOSE: To present spring Chinook run size expectations for Select Areas and to solicit public involvement in the 2012 commercial and recreational winter, spring, and summer Select Area fishery planning process.
AGENDA:
1. Update on Select Area Fisheries project
2. Review of 2011 Select Area commercial fisheries
• Fall season harvest
• Winter, spring, and summer seasons and harvest
3. Discuss expected 2012 spring Chinook returns
4. Discuss management of 2012 winter/spring/summer Select Area fisheries
• Season/harvest management considerations
• Staff recommendations
Youngs Bay
Blind Slough/Knappa Slough
Deep River
Tongue Point/South Channel
• Season setting process
5. Other topics
• Recreational fisheries
• General discussion

John North (971) 673-6029 ODFW
Patrick Hulett (360) 577-0197 WDFW
Steve Meshke (503) 325-6452 CCF

First Razor Clam Digs for the New Year

2012-01-05T10:56:00.000-08:00

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced tentative dates for evening razor clam digs during the next two months at Washington’s ocean beaches. (WDFW) emphasized that final approval of all openings will depend on results of marine toxin tests that show the clams are safe to eat.

The first dig is scheduled Jan. 20-21 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks on evening tides. The second is planned during President’s Day weekend, Feb. 18-19, at Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks.

No digging will be allowed at any beach before noon.

Additional digs through spring will be announced once a catch assessment is completed for the season through February, said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

Kalaloch Beach will remain closed until April, due to a low abundance of razor clams. The National Park Service, which manages that beach in cooperation with WDFW, has announced plans to open Kalaloch for a razor clam dig April 7-9.

The dates, beaches and evening low tides for the digs scheduled in January and February are:

Jan. 20, Friday, 4:28 p.m. (-0.5 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks

Jan. 21, Saturday, 5:17 p.m. (-0.8 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks

Feb.18, Saturday, 4:13 p.m. (0.0 feet) Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks

Feb.19, Sunday, 5 p.m. (-0.2 feet) Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks

Oregon Senator Wyden Schedules Town Hall in Tillamook County on January 7th

2012-01-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will host a town hall in Tillamook county on January 7th. Senator Wyden has been holding town halls in every Oregon county every year since 1996.

Tillamook County Town Hall Meeting

Date: Saturday, January 7, 2012

Time: 1 p.m.

Location: Tillamook County Library, 1716 3rd Street, Tillamook

CLATSOP COUNTY SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR BUDGET COMMITTEES

2012-01-05T06:49:00.001-08:00

Clatsop County is currently inviting citizens to serve on local budget committees.

These citizen committees review the proposed budgets and make recommendations to the county commissioners. Each committee is made up of five county commissioners and five other local residents they appoint. The committees generally meet in May to review the proposed budgets.

Seats are available on the following committees:

Clatsop County Budget Committee: A full, three-year term representing District 1 is open on this committee, which reviews the county’s overall operating budget. Applicants must live in District 1, which includes western Astoria as well as Warrenton and Hammond.

Road District 1 Budget Committee: Four full three-year terms ending Feb. 28, 2015 and one un-expired term ending February 28, 2013 are available. The committee reviews the district’s budget for roadwork such as cutting brush, patching pot holes, cleaning and replacing culverts, maintaining road shoulders and drainage ditches, grading and re-basing 220 miles of county roads. Applicants must live in the unincorporated areas of the county.

Westport Sewer Service District Budget Committee: Two full terms ending June 30, 2015, two unexpired terms ending June 30, 2014 and one unexpired term ending June 30, 2013 are available to residents of the sewer district, which serves about 95 connections in the unincorporated community of Westport.

The Board of Commissioners will make the appointments. Applications will be taken through Jan. 31. Application forms are available online at www.co.clatsop.or.us under “Quick Links-Citizen Involvement,” from the office at 800 Exchange St., Suite 410, or by calling (503) 325-1000.

Tsunami Debris: Treasure or Trash?

2012-01-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

The Pacific County Emergency Management Agency has arranged three public presentations to discuss the marine debris generated by the March 2011 Japanese tsunami and its potential to impact the Pacific County coastline.

Presentations are scheduled for:

January 17, 2012, 6:00 p.m. at the Peninsula Church Center, Seaview, WA

January 18, 2012, 10:00 a.m. at the Ocean Park Firehall, Ocean Park, WA

January 18, 2012, 5:30 p.m. at the Shoalwater Bay Tribal Center, Tokeland, WA

The Regional Coordinator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program will lead the presentation. In addition, representatives from the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Emergency Management Division, and Washington State Department of Health have been invited to answer questions that might arise specific to their areas of expertise.

The public and local agencies and organizations are welcome to attend any of the presentations, which are intended to be of an informational nature. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

photo courtesy newslincolncounty.com

MERKLEY TO HOLD COASTAL TOWN HALLS IN LINCOLN, TILLAMOOK AND CLATSOP COUNTIES

2012-01-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

Town Halls are Wednesday, January 11th and Thursday, January 12th in Toledo, Bay City and Cannon Beach, Oregon

Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley will hold town halls in Lincoln, Tillamook and Clatsop Counties next week.
He will update constituents on his work in Washington, DC and answer their questions and invite their suggestions about how to tackle the challenges facing Oregon and America.
“Fighting for Oregonians is my number one priority. Traveling to every county lets me hear directly how we can work together to make our state stronger,” Merkley said. “I urge all residents of Lincoln, Tillamook and Clatsop Counties to come and discuss how we can create a brighter future for Oregon.”
In 2008, Merkley pledged to hold town halls in each of Oregon’s 36 counties every year. He upheld his pledge in the previous three years and is continuing that commitment in 2012.
What: Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley holds town hall in Lincoln County.
When: Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 5:00 pm
Where: Toledo Fire Department, 285 NE Burgess Rd, Toledo, OR 97391
What: Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley holds town hall in Tillamook County.
When: Thursday, January 12, 2012, 1:00 pm
Where: Bay City Arts Center, 5680 A Street, Bay City, OR 97107
What: Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley holds town hall in Clatsop County.
When: Thursday, January 12, 2012, 4:00 pm
Where: Cannon Beach Community Hall, 207 N. Spruce St., Cannon Beach, OR 97110

Wintering Over - Oregon Living History Program at Fort Clatsop January 14-15

2011-12-30T11:19:00.000-08:00

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park presents a free special living history program during the Saturday and Sunday of Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. On Saturday, January 14, and Sunday, January 15, 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 11th 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!

Visitors will start with an orientation that will introduce the story of the Corps of Discovery and prepare them to participate in the 'Wintering Over' program. First-Person living history interpretation is an experiential program with no script. This allows for a real experience (not a staged event); visitors direct their own discoveries. The Pacific Northwest Living Historians partner with the park to provide this program.

In addition to this event at the fort, there are movies in the visitor center theater. 'A Clatsop Winter Story',a 22-minute movie about the 1805-06 winter from a Clatsop Indian perspective, will be offered each hour. Also, 'Lewis and Clark: Confluence of Time and Courage',a 34-minute movie about the entire voyage, will be available.

A unit of the National Park Service, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Fort Clatsop is located southwest of Astoria, Oregon, three miles east of U.S. Highway 101. The park, including the visitor center, fort, trails, and the parking lots, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Lewis and Clark NHP also maintains the Salt Works site in Seaside. Come and visit these sites during the time of year the expedition stayed on the coast. Admission to the park, and all National Parks, is free for this holiday weekend. For further information, call the park at 503-861-2471 ext. 214 or visit the park's website at www.nps.gov/lewi.

MAKING A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION THAT STICKS

2011-12-30T10:00:00.000-08:00

from Stephen Blakesley - Clatsop County Health Promotion Specialist

I read this morning on breaking MTV news that the rapper “50 Cent” publically declared that one of his New Year’s resolutions was to quit smoking – “... it's a very dirty, filthy habit," he said. "But not [only] is it my New Year's resolution to quit, but it's also my New Year's resolution to get my friends to quit as well."

I’m sure it’s no surprise to any of us that quitting smoking makes it onto the lists of the top ten most popular New Year’s resolutions year after year. And it should. The hard-to-break addiction remains the number one thing a person can do to improve his or her health. Also no strangers to those top ten lists are: losing weight, eating better, and exercise. These too are excellent ideas because poor choice of diet mixed with physical inactivity is the number two killer behind tobacco in America, Oregon, and not surprisingly in Clatsop County.

So if we are, in fact, focusing on the right lifestyle choices to change, why aren’t those changes sticking? When resolutions are too big or to broad we can easily get discouraged and give up on them, often before we ever even get started. So here’s what we can do to make them stick:

Motivation – Your motivation must come from within you, this must be something YOU want to do.

Start small – Instead of “eating better” start by adding a serving of fresh vegetables three days a week

Map out your steps – If losing weight is your thing, plan the steps it will take to lose the 30 pounds, don’t just focus on the thirty pounds. You have to have a plan to get there.

Change your habits – If quitting smoking is your goal and you have a cigarette every morning when you rise, change it to a glass of water, or brushing your teeth. Be prepared that it takes repeating something 200-300 times to make it a habit, so be intentional about it and stick with it.

Seek a supportive environment – My wife’s got me doing push-ups again. My straining helps her stay motivated with her own exercises…and gets me off the couch. Fifty Cent understands this. He’s going to change his environment by getting his friends to quit with him.

Announce your resolution publically – Fifty Cent’s fans will now help hold him accountable. We all want to do what we say we will do. Tell the world, make it public, you’ll be more likely to stick it out and do it!

Get help- We don’t have to do this alone. There are organizations and classes can help us.

In Clatsop County, tobacco users can turn to the Oregon Tobacco Quit Line

The Oregon Tobacco Quit Line is a free program offered over the phone and on the Web that helps Oregonians quit tobacco by offering confidential, evidence-based coaching. Contact the Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669); 1-877-2NO-FUME (877-266-3863, Spanish version); or www.quitnow.net/oregon/. Callers may also be eligible for free nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches or gum.

If you want to learn more about taking charge of your health, setting goals, and making changes that address chronic conditions like heart disease, asthma, arthritis, diabetes, and other chronic health concerns, then “Living Well with Chronic Conditions” might be for you. This is a free six-week class that will get you moving towards a healthier you. To sign up call the Columbia Memorial Education Department at (503) 338-7564.

DOWNED TREE CAUSES WRECK ON HIGHWAY 6 NEAR GALES CREEK

2011-12-29T10:16:00.000-08:00

Shortly after 9:30 pm on Wednesday December 28th, Forest Grove Fire & Rescue (FGF&R) was dispatched to a reported incident of a tree and electrical wires down across Highway 6 at Milepost 42. While responding to the incident additional information was received that two vehicles had struck the tree. Crews arrived shortly thereafter and found a tree had fallen across the entire highway and energized electrical wires were on the ground. Firefighters found that one vehicle, with three occupants, had hit the tree and launched into the air approximately 7 feet and rested 75 feet away. A second vehicle also hit the tree and branches but was able to stop in a safely manner, where it had stopped was on top of live power lines. Due to this dangerous situation, the driver had to stay in the vehicle and a safety zone was established until PGE arrived on scene.

Approximately an hour after the incident originated, PGE crews deemed the scene to be safe and the driver was allowed to exit the vehicle. Firefighters assessed all occupants of both vehicles and no injuries were reported. Firefighters cleared the scene around 11:30pm and at that time ODOT crews were working on clearing the highway with an estimated time of 1-2 hours until it would re-open. Through the duration of the incident, crews experiences gusts of wind around 20-30 MPH. It is assumed the tree had fallen due to high winds that the area has experienced with the weather system passing through.

Forest Grove Fire & Rescue wants to remind drivers to use added precaution when you encounter adverse weather conditions. Debris can be blown into travel lanes and during dark conditions might not be seen on rural roads.

FGF&R was assisted on scene by Washington County Sheriffs Office, Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation and Portland General Electric.

SEASIDE TO TEST TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM

2011-12-29T10:07:00.000-08:00

The City of Seaside will be testing its Tsunami Warning System on Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 beginning at 11:00 a.m. This test will be to monitor and assess the notification system and will not be used as a public information trial alert. The warning will begin with three beeps and consist of a voice message stating, "This is a test. This is a test of the emergency warning system. This is only a test." The message will be broadcast in English and Spanish.

Free Statewide Community Health Screenings i

2011-12-29T07:51:00.001-08:00

Oregon Lions Club are working with the Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation (OLSHF) to combat preventative blindness & deafness in the community through free health screenings. The Oregon Lions Mobile Health Screening Program (MHSP) will provide free health screenings to the public in the following areas: visual acuity, hearing, blood pressure, diabetes (with a 3 hour fast) and glaucoma (see schedule below).
MHSP is the only free screening program of its kind in Oregon. It will serve over 30,000 Oregonians this year - 84% of them children - at over 300 events in nearly every county in the state.
Many community lacking primary care are unaware they have health conditions that threaten their sight, jobs, quality of life and potentially their lives. The MHSP has and will continue positively impact lives through the early detection that we provide.
The Oregon Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation, founded in 1959, serves as the non-profit arm of the Lions Clubs of Oregon. The Mission of the Foundation is "to screen, treat, save, and restore sight and hearing, in partnership with Lions Clubs, in order to prevent blindness and deafness for those in need." MHSP is one of numerous programs that the OLSHF operates to deliver humanitarian service; others include the Lions Patient Care Program, and the Lions Eyeglass Recycling Program. For additional information, please visit our website at www.olshf.org

January 24th:
Klatsop Homeless Connect
Seaside Convention Center
Times TBD

FIRST DAY HIKES DEBUT WITH FREE PARKING AT PARTICIPATING PARKS IN OREGON

2011-12-29T07:50:00.001-08:00

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) joins America's State Parks in sponsoring First Day Hikes in seven Oregon State Parks on New Year's Day. Park rangers or volunteers will lead most of the hikes. Day-use parking fees are waived for all visitors at participating parks Jan. 1 only.

"We are excited to participate in First Day Hikes as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into their parks. They're a great way to start off the new year," said OPRD Director Tim Wood. "This is the first time day hikes are offered in all 50 states on January 1, and Oregonians can join a nationwide event."

First Day Hikes help families enjoy state parks close to their homes and encourage a healthy lifestyle. The purpose of America's State Parks is to promote and advance the state park systems of America, for the contribution they make to the nation's environment, heritage, health and economy.

Regence Revises Small Business Rate Hike Public Hearing Set for January 5th in Salem

2011-12-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon has filed for a 4.5% average premium increase, impacting 47,806 Oregonian with small-employer-sponsored coverage, effective April 2012.

According to the insurer, the proposal represents a 2.2% decrease from the previously-approved rate increase, due to lower-than-expected medical utilization.

Regence appears to have lost over 11% enrollment in its small business plans since the insurer’s last filing in March of 2011, when it reported enrollment of 54,299.

According to the filing, some employers could see rates increase as much as 8.5% while others could see a decrease of as much as 6.6%. The exact impact depends on the ages of employees, geographic location, and other factors.

January 5th, from 2:00-3:30pm the Oregon Insurance Division willhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif hold a public hearing on this pending rate increase. More information on the hearing is available on the Division’s website.

OSPIRG Foundation’s Health Insurance Rate Watch project will analyze the ODS Health Plan proposed rate increase, submit an comment to the Insurance Division and post it on the OSPIRG website.

Read the Regence rate hike proposal and post a comment of your own. The deadline for public comments is January 7, 2012.

OREGON’S 100 BEST LIST INCLUDES CLATSOP COMMUNITY BANK FOR THIRD STRAIGHT YEAR

2011-12-22T09:28:00.000-08:00

Oregon Business recently notified Clatsop Community Bank staff that the bank is among the magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work for in Oregon” for 2012. This is the third consecutive year Clatsop Community Bank will appear on the list.
Rankings of the “100 Best” will be announced at an Oregon Business banquet on March 1, 2012. Clatsop Community Bank finished 25th in the small company category two years ago, and moved up to the 9th spot in the same category last year.
“The businesses on the ‘100 Best’ list are determined by surveys that company employees complete and then submit to Oregon Business,” said Clatsop Community Bank Executive Vice President Joe Schulte. “To be named to the

list three years in a row is evidence of our commitment to the people who work with us. They are what set us apart from our competitors, and they are the reason for our success.”
“We’re so pleased to make the ‘100 Best’ list again this year,” said bank President and CEO Steve Ferber. “It is a constant reminder, as we grow, of what makes us successful in the first place,” he added.
Two hundred and sixty-three businesses competed for a spot on the Oregon Business “100 Best” list, and more than 14,000 employee surveys were submitted for consideration.
In April 2012, Clatsop Community Bank will celebrate its fourth anniversary in business. It is the only bank locally owned in Clatsop County, and has branches in Seaside and Astoria, Oregon.

HEARINGS OFFICER UPHOLDS COUNTY CITATION AGAINST MOBILE HOME PARK IN WARRENTON

2011-12-20T06:45:00.000-08:00

A hearings officer has ruled in favor of Clatsop County in its dispute with the owner of a mobile home park at Sunset Lake cited for numerous code violations.

In a ruling issued Dec. 16, Hearings Office Paul Elsner ordered Resources Northwest Inc. and Ken Hick, owners of Sunset Lake Resort and RV Park, to pay a fine of $4,200 and abide by rules governing the number and siting of units at the park.

The county issued Hick a compliance order last June for multiple violations of county codes including allowing too many permanent dwellings on the property, as well as allowing recreational vehicles to be used as dwelling units without proper utility connections.

According to the county, the park has contained as many 91 sites used for permanent dwellings, when under the current rules the parks is allowed only 16. Many of the recreational vehicle units are not connected to proper water, sewer or electrical service, and some are releasing “gray water” into Sunset Lake. Many are also sited on spaces smaller than allowed in rules governing RV parks, and/or are too close to the lake or nearby Lewis Avenue.

Hick and Resources Northwest Inc. challenged the county order on the grounds that the park was “grandfathered in” as a legal, nonconforming use and does not have to abide by existing county zoning rules on number, density and location of units and other requirements.

In his ruling, Elsner pointed to letters from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality from 1997 declaring that the park was allowed a maximum of 16 mobile homes and 27 RV sites. The owners produced no evidence of approvals or permits allowing a larger number of units, Elsner said.

Under Elsner’s order, the owners have until Feb. 1, 2012 to reduce the number of units to the approved maximum, have them lawfully connected to water, sewer and electrical systems, and pay all necessary permit fees. Failure to make the changes will result in additional daily fines on top of the $4,200 penalty for each unpermitted site or space.

Port of Astoria Commisssion Meets

2011-12-19T09:34:00.001-08:00

The Port of Astoria Commission will hold their regular meeting tomorrow (Tues, Dec 20) night at 6pm, at the Port Administrative Offices, 422 Gateway Avenue, Suite 100 in Astoria. The agenda includes the Director and staff reports and discussions about the Warrenton Fiber agreement and the Clifton Terminal. The meeting is open to the public.

Fort Clatsop Holiday Happenings December 26 -January 1

2011-12-19T09:10:00.000-08:00

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park will offer special programs about
the Corps of Discovery's winter at Fort Clatsop on the days following
Christmas.

Starting December 26 Fort Clatsop will feature scheduled living history programs and guided walks by park rangers each day through January 1. Costumed rangers will present flintlock muzzle-loading programs at 10:30, 1:30, and 3:30; and hands-on programs about various aspects of the explorers winter at Fort Clatsop from 11:00 to 1:00 and from 2:00 to 3:15. Ranger-guided walks on the Netul River Trail will be offered this week at 11:00 and 2:00. Each day will start and end with "The Star Spangled Banner" talk (9:30 and 4:30) about the second flag of the United States that flies at the fort.

In addition to the programs being offered at the fort, there are movies in the visitor center. "A Clatsop Winter Story", a 22-minute movie about the 1805-06 winter from a Clatsop Indian perspective, and "Lewis and Clark: Confluence of Time and Courage". a 34-minute movie about the entire voyage, will be offered each hour.

The park is closed on Christmas Day, December 25.

photo: Susan Rhoads explaining features of a flintlock rifle

Highlights from Wed Dec 14th Board of Clatsop County Commissioners Meeting

2011-12-16T06:36:00.001-08:00

Planning, public works split approved

The board of commissioners approved a reorganization plan that divides the county’s Community Development and Public Works departments into separate entities.

County Manager Duane Cole told the board that the workload in both offices requires that each have its own director. Currently the two offices are jointly directed by Ed Wegner as Transportation and Development Services Director. The change will become effective Jan. 1.

Under the plan, Wegner will return to his original position as Public Works Director. Hiller West, hired in September as principal planner, will become director of Community Development. West has a lengthy background in land-use planning, most recently as planning director of Monroe, Wash.

Planning and Public Works were combined in the Transportation and Development Services Department in 2007.

Darigold funding approved

The board approved an amendment to the county’s contract with Groat Brothers Inc. covering the demolition of the former Darigold Building to provide additional funding for removal of contaminated soil and other work at the site. The original $49,850 contract approved by the board in April included an additional $7,450 contingency fund, which will be used to cover the cost of removing a fuel oil tank from the building site. The amendment will allow spending up to another $22,500 to pay for clean-up of soil contaminated with petroleum product.

Medical examiner appointed

The board appointed Susan Heinick, MD as District Medical Examiner for Clatsop County. Heinick, an emergency room physician at Providence Seaside Hospital, replaces Joann Stefanelli, who resigned from the position earlier this year. Stefanelli will continue to offer her services on a part-time basis.

The medical examiner investigates all unattended deaths and participates in criminal investigations as part of the local Major Crime Team.

Other Business

In other business the board:

-Approved a request from Columbia County to support the participation of a Rainier company, Rightline Equipment Inc., in the Lower Columbia Maritime Enterprise Zone. The zone, which covers Columbia County and a portion of Clatsop County, provides tax breaks to qualified new and expanding businesses.

-Approved a $50,000 payment to the Westport Water Association for improvements to its water system made necessary by damage from flooding that accompanied the December 2007 storm. The improvements, totaling approximately $500,000 and funded primarily by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, were completed earlier this year and involved a partnership with the nearby Wauna Water District that included development of an additional water source, adding a chlorinator and increasing water line capacity. The funds from Clatsop County come from the proceeds of the tax penalty levied on Georgia-Pacific over the Lower Columbia Enterprise Zone.

-Approved an agreement between the Clatsop County 4-H and Extension Service and the North Coast Food Web for the operation of the North Coast Communities Food Project, a collaborative campaign to improve community food security, promote good nutrition and health and support diversification of regional food production and access. Funding comes from a Meyer Memorial Trust grant.

-Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Oregon to receive $91,306 - $61,900 for the current fiscal year plus $29,406 carryover from 2010-11 – to fund treatment and intervention services through the Sheriff’s Office Community Corrections Division targeted at Measure 57 criminal offenders.

-Approved the language of input to be given at the Dec. 15 meeting of the state Territorial Sea Plan Working Group in Astoria, which is examining ocean-planning and wave-energy issues off the state coastline. Among other points the input calls for vigorous public involvement, recommends conditional-use reviews versus restrictive zones for wave-energy projects, and seeks compatibility between the state plan and local planning efforts.

-Conducted the first reading of an ordinance adopting the county’s Administrative Code. Provisions in the code, which spells out the county’s organizational structure, board and committee rules, contracting rules and financial policies, have previously been established by board resolution, but county staff recommended its adoption by ordinance so it is included in the process, currently underway, of codifying all the county ordinances. Second reading and adoption of the Administrative Code ordinance is scheduled for Jan. 11.

-Adopted new board rules governing meeting procedures and protocol, committee appointments, travel policy and other items.

-Appointed Pamela Alegria to the Recreational Lands Planning Advisory Committee.

CLATSOP COUNTY REORGANIZATION SEPARATES PLANNING, PUBLIC WORKS OFFICES

2011-12-16T06:34:00.001-08:00

Four years after the two were combined, Clatsop County’s public works and planning offices will become independent departments again.

On Wednesday the county board of commissioners approved a plan to dissolve the Transportation and Development Services Department, created in 2007 as an umbrella entity for the two offices.

Under the plan, Transportation and Development Services Director Ed Wegner will return to his original position as Public Works Director, which he first assumed in 2004. Hiller West, hired in September as principal planner, will head the Community Development Department. The change will become effective Jan. 1.

County Manager Duane Cole said the reorganization, by assigning a manager to each of the two departments, will bring better oversight to both offices at a time when each has a sizeable workload, including the various long-term projects in the draft county Strategic Plan.

Cole praised Wegner’s tenure as Transportation and Development Services director, which included the lengthy Bradwood and Oregon Pipeline liquefied natural gas land-use reviews conducted by the planning office.

“We’re excited to be getting him back over at Public Works,” Cole said. “They have a lot of projects going on, and Ed is the guy for that.”

Cole noted that West has a lengthy background in planning, including an early job with the Columbia River Estuary Study Task Force. He most recently served as planning director for the city of Monroe, Wash.

Citizens should see no change in services. Both offices will remain in their current locations – Community Development at 800 Exchange Suite 100 and Public Works at 1100 Olney Ave. – and keep their same hours.

The reorganization involves no other personnel changes. There are 45 fulltime-equivalent personnel in the various Transportation and Development Services divisions, including Community Development, road maintenance, building codes, surveyor, fisheries and parks.

City accepting applications for Ilwaco City Council Position #4

2011-12-15T09:56:00.000-08:00

The City of Ilwaco is accepting Declaration of Interest Applications for Position #4 on the Ilwaco City Council.

“The Ilwaco City Council works together to pass laws and make policies that affect the present and future of Ilwaco,” said Mayor Mike Cassinelli. “Councilmembers should have a desire to make this town the best it can be and care about the people and what goes on. They should have the time and be willing to get involved. The council has a lot to accomplish in 2012, and we hope we find a candidate ready to not only identify problems and challenges, but ready to work with the other council members to focus on solutions.”

Under Washington State Code, a council vacancy is filled after interviews and a vote by the City Council. The appointees will serve until the term is filled by election in November 2013. Applicants must be a registered voter in Pacific County at the time of application and have resided within the Ilwaco city limits for at least one year. The City Council meets regularly on the second and fourthhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif Mondays of each month at 6:00 p.m., at the Ilwaco Community Building. Council Workshops are frequently scheduled prior to meetings. Additional workshops and committee meetings are scheduled during business and evening hours.

Click here for an application for appointment to the City Council or pick up an appliciation at Ilwaco City Hall, 120 First Av, in Ilwaco. Applications must be received by Noon on Wednesday, January 4, 2012.
For further information, contact City of Ilwaco at 360-642.3145, or visit www.ilwaco-wa.gov.

WINTER WHALE WATCH WEEK BEGINS DECEMBER 26

2011-12-15T07:32:00.001-08:00

Bring binoculars for a chance to view Gray whales during Winter Whale Watch Week, Dec. 26 - Jan. 1.

"The 24 designated ‘Whale Watching Spoken Here' sites were selected because they are the best viewpoints to spot some of the roughly 18,000 whales that cruise past Oregon on their annual southbound migration," said Dave Newton, Whale Watching volunteer coordinator. Trained volunteers will be available along the coast 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. daily to help visitors learn about the whales' migration and feeding habits, and offer tips on how to spot the whales.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay will be open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily during the watch week. The whale watching center has general exhibits on whales, staff to answer questions and ‘whale size' windows with panoramic ocean views.

OPRD coordinates both the winter and spring whale watch weeks in partnership with the Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center and Washington State Parks, which operates the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. More information about the Whale Watching Spoken Here program and a map of the official viewpoints are available online at www.whalespoken.org

Robin W. Baird, Cascadia Research photo. Courtesy: nmfs.noaa.gov

Oregon Governor Kitzhaber Releases Recommendations to Streamline and Improve Regulatory and Permitting Processes in Oregon

2011-12-13T13:20:00.000-08:00

Following on his commitment at the Oregon Business Summit to accelerate job growth and economic development in Oregon, Governor Kitzhaber today released the Initial Proposal for the Regulatory Streamlining and Simplification Project, which was launched on September 15th of this year.

The proposal aims to create and maintain an efficient, simple, and streamlined permitting system that makes it easy to start and expand businesses while protecting public regulatory goals.

“While our regulatory review and permitting processes are improving, they still need work to assure that unnecessary delays are not a barrier to businesses expanding or locating in Oregon,” Said Governor Kitzhaber. "The ‘rolling maybe’ in permitting is unacceptable in an accelerating time-to-market world, and I am working to see how we can improve our regulatory systems, while still protecting those values we Oregonians hold dear.”

Project co-sponsors include Governor Kitzhaber, Attorney General John Kroger and Department of Administrative Services Director and Chief Operating Officer Michael Jordan. Senator Lee Beyer, Senator Chris Telfer, Representative Nancy Nathanson and Representative Patrick Sheehan serve on an advisory committee comprised of public and private sector representatives to make immediate recommendations as well as a final proposal to be submitted in May 2012.

“Improving the business climate in Oregon is crucial to the state’s economic recovery,” said Attorney General Kroger.

Immediate recommendations include:

Initiate benchmarking and conduct a survey of selected states to assess how Oregon might best improve the regulatory process, including regulatory appeals.

Manage the rule-making practices and the performance of regulatory processes to achieve improvements in timeliness, certainty and outcomes.

Coordinate and promote ongoing efforts that lead to a one-stop, efficient natural resource permitting process.

Direct agency leaders to consider regulatory streamlining as budgets are developed and recommended to the governor.

Build on achievements of Governor Kulongoski’s Streamlining Initiative, including the award winning ePermitting Project at the Building Codes Division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

Continue support for ongoing efforts by the Regional Solutions Centers and process improvement initiatives.

To view the Governor’s Regulatory Streamlining and Simplification Project Initial Proposal: http://governor.oregon.gov/Gov/docs/regulatory_streamline_project_proposal_120511.pdf

Sunset Empire Board meets Thurs, Dec 15th

2011-12-12T10:13:00.000-08:00

The Sunset Empire Transportation District’s regular board meeting will be held on Thursday, December 15th at 9am, at the Astoria Transit Center Conference Room, 900 Marine Drive in Astoria.

PORT OF ASTORIA SPECIAL MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH 6PM.

2011-12-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. the Port of Astoria Commission will hold a Special Meeting. The meeting will be held at the Port Administrative Offices, 422 Gateway Ave., Suite 100, Astoria, Oregon. The Port Commission reserves the right to add or delete items as needed, to change the order of the agenda, and to discuss any other business deemed necessary at the time of the meeting. The Special Meeting is open to the public.

AGENDA
Port of Astoria
Special Meeting
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
1. Call to Order/Roll Call
2. Changes/Additions
3. Public Comment
4. Newport Consortium Update
5. Fire Boat Update
6. Slip 2 Bulkhead Costs
7. East Cascade Update
8. Solution Group DOC
9. Leases
Astoria Pacific Seafood
DaYang Seafood
Empire
10. Warrenton Fiber Agreement
11. Seafood Offloading Fees
12. Commission Direction
13. Public Comment
14. Adjourn

Dungeness crab season opens Dec. 15 along most of Oregon’s coast

2011-12-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

Dungeness crab is back on the menu for holiday feasts as commercial crabbing opens Dec. 15 along most of the Oregon coast.

Fishery managers made the decision today to open the ocean to crabbing along the Oregon coast from the Columbia River to just north of Gold Beach (42°26'00" N. Lat.). The ocean commercial Dungeness crab season in Oregon normally opens Dec. 1, but was delayed this year because crab did not meet minimum pre-season quality testing.

The testing measures the percentage of meat in the crab, by weight. Fishery managers can delay the season to allow the crab to fill with meat and ensure a high-quality product to consumers.

Recreational harvest of crab in the ocean off Oregon was also delayed. On Dec. 15 sport crabbers may pursue the tasty crustaceans on all but the southern part of the coast from just north of Gold Beach (42°26'00" N. Lat.) to the California border. Recreational boaters may catch crabs north of the line and then return to Gold Beach.

The recreational harvest of Dungeness crab in Oregon’s bays and estuaries is open year round.

The closed portion of the coast will open to sport and commercial harvest beginning Jan. 15.

Commercial crabbers are allowed to set their gear three days before the season opens, so ocean watchers will see the lights of crab boats off most of the coast as early as Monday (Dec. 12).

Fort Clatsop Open House, Sunday, December 18

2011-12-09T07:46:00.000-08:00

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park announces Fort Clatsop's Holiday Open House Sunday, December 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fort Clatsop will come alive with the sights and smells of the holidays. Visit the fort during the season when the Lewis and Clark Expedition stayed near the Pacific Ocean.

Holiday open house activities include:
The Star Spangled Banner flag raising at the fort at 9:30 a.m. Volley of gunfire flintlock programs at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Christmas 1805 ranger talks at 12:00 p.m. and 4 p.m. A special night flintlock volley of gunfire follows the 4 p.m. talk. Tallow rendering and candle making will be continuous from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Star Spangled Banner retiring of the flag at 3:30 p.m. Ranger-led discovery walks on the Netul Trail at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

After visiting the fort, warm-up in the visitor center with hot apple cider and participate in hands-on children's activities.

A special guest speaker presentation by Elita Tom, Getting to Know Sacagawea, is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. in the visitor center Netul River Room.

At 2:00 p.m. three short films from the park's 2011 Teen Film Camp will be premiered and visitors will have a chance to interact with the filmmakers in the Netul River Room.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the walks and most of the programs outside of the visitor center. The park, including the Lewis & Clark National Park Association bookstore, is open daily (except for Christmas Day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special winter ranger programs are also planned for each day from December 26 through January 1.

For more information, call the park at (503) 861-2471.

Rule change in Alsea, North Fork Nehalem allows anglers to keep tagged fish

2011-12-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

As part of a study of winter steelhead on the Alsea and North Fork Nehalem rivers, ODFW has adopted a temporary rule that allows anglers who catch a radio-tagged hatchery winter steelhead to harvest the fish.

Permanent fishing regulations prohibit the harvest of radio-tagged fish. Instead, anglers are required to release the fish unharmed so scientists can continue to collect data.

However, according to Ryan Couture, ODFW manager at the Oregon Hatchery Research Center, the temporary rule change is designed to encourage anglers to turn in radio tags from any fish they catch. While the temporary rule is aimed at the Alsea and the North Fork Nehalem rivers where tagging will occur, it also will apply to other streams in the NW Zone to allow anglers to harvest and recovery tags from fish that may relocate into nearby basins.

“A key piece of information we hope to collect is where the fish was caught,” he said. “Once we have that information, the tag is no longer useful in that fish. We can, however, reuse that radio tag in the next iteration of the study.”

The radio-tagged fish are easily identified by a 6-inch long antenna coming out of the mouth. Anglers who catch a radio-tagged fish should record the date and location of the catch and call one of the following ODFW offices to record that data and arrange to return the tag:

· Oregon Hatchery Research Center (541) 487-5510

· Alsea Hatchery (541) 487-7240

· Nehalem Hatchery (503) 368-5670

· ODFW Newport Office (541) 265-8306

· ODFW Tillamook Office (503) 842-2741

The radio tags are being used to trace the movement and timing of adult winter steelhead returning to the Alsea and North Fork Nehalem. Beginning early this winter, and continuing through spring 2012, the location and behavior of the radio-tagged fish will be tracked using several fixed and handheld receivers along the river.

The data collected will help determine if a new strategy for releasing hatchery steelhead smolts is working to help make returning adult fish more available to anglers.

“Hatchery steelhead on the Alsea River have a reputation for moving very quickly up the river directly to the hatchery,” Couture said. “We want to see if releasing the smolts lower in the river will help slow them down and give anglers a better chance to catch them.”

ODFW also is looking for volunteers to help catch the fish to be tagged on the Alsea. To volunteer, contact Ryan Couture at (541) 487-5510.

In order to encourage anglers to return tags to ODFW, two sport groups are sponsoring drawings that will award prizes to anglers returning tags. The Alsea Sportsman’s Association will award two $50 gift certificates to a local sporting goods stores to two anglers whose names are drawn from Alsea River tag returns. Angler’s returning radio tags from the North Fork Nehalem will be eligible to win one of the popular fish prints from the Association of Northwest Steelheaders.

“The idea is not to target tagged fished, but to help ODFW recover some expensive radio tags that could be reused,” said Ty Wyatt of the Association of Northwest Steelheaders.

ASTORIA'S IRVING AVENUE @ 19TH STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT UPDATE

2011-12-08T06:44:00.001-08:00

Work crews began geologic explorations on Monday, December 5th as part of a project to replace the aging Irving Avenue & 19th Street Bridge in Astoria. Due to difficult soil conditions the drilling project will be extended for a week ending on the 18th of December.

For more information and to get on the project mailing list, contact Steve Ruggles, City of Astoria Public Works Dept., at 338-5173 or email at sruggles@astoria.or.us.

LANDSLIDE CLOSES RECREATION AREA IN TILLAMOOK STATE FOREST

2011-12-08T06:40:00.001-08:00

Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) officials have closed a dispersed camping site along Ben Smith Creek in the Tillamook State Forest due to a landslide creating the potential for flooded trails and camping sites.

The landslide encompasses approximately 18 acres and has deposited trees and sediment into the stream. The debris from the landslide has caused a change in the course of the stream and also created the potential for large amount of material to move downstream in a debris flow. During heavy rainfall and high flows, sediment is moving from the slide area through Ben Smith Creek and into the Wilson River.

Ben Smith Creek enters the Wilson River just above where Oregon Highway 6 crosses the Wilson at Lee's Camp, about 25 miles east of Tillamook. ODF geotechnical specialists have determined that any additional release of material at the landslide location does not pose a risk to motorists using Highway 6 nor pose a hazard to homes located on the Wilson River.

Some recreation trails surrounding Ben Smith Creek (accessed from Hwy 6 on Ben Smith Road) have been closed by ODF until further notice due to the potential for trail washouts and debris flows. Signs have been posted by ODF at trailheads to advise members of the public about the safety concerns. Large sections of wood will continue to end up in the creek, creating new habitat for fish as a result.

ODF geotechnical and engineering specialists began reviewing the area in 2010 and determined the release of debris at the creek is part of a larger hillside failure in a landscape where slide activity is part of the natural erosion process. The landslide is considered slow-moving, having been identified as a concern by ODF geotechnical specialists in November 2010. The first activity in the landslide area occurred prior to 1994-95 when it was discovered by ODF personnel preparing for thinning operations and road rebuilding.

"These actions are part of a natural process always at work in NW Oregon forests," said Mike Buren, ODF geotechnical specialist. "These changes are going on in the forest undetected by most people, especially in fall and winter."

Specialists from ODF will continue to monitor the landslide area throughout the winter and spring of 2012.

Additional photo and video resources about the landslide incident are available on the ODF web site: www.oregon.gov/ODF/newsroom/newsreleases/2011/NR1175.shtml

23rd Annual Astoria Fire & Rescue Christmas Food Parade

2011-12-07T06:28:00.000-08:00

The Astoria Fire & Rescue fire engines will be parading through neighborhoods in Astoria on Thursday, December 8th, Friday, December 9th, and Saturday, December 10th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Firefighters, family, and friends will be picking up non-perishable food items and donations for needy families this holiday season. The fire engines will be decorated with lights and playing Christmas music. We’ve heard that Santa Claus will be making an appearance to help us hand out candy canes and spread the Christmas joy!

In 2010, we collected 3,780 pounds of food. Our goal this year is to collect over 4,000 pounds of food. All the food collected this year will benefit needy families in Astoria. Please help make this goal possible! Here are the dates when we will be in your neighborhood:

Thursday, December 8th

The parade will start at Emerald Heights, through Alderbrook and Uppertown.

Friday, December 9th

The parade will start at 8th and Franklin and continue through the upper hills of Astoria.

Saturday, December 10th

The parade will start at Columbia Street and continue through the south hills of Astoria.

If you will not be home during the food parade in your area, you can drop off a bag of non-perishable food items to the Astoria Fire & Rescue at 555 30th Street, Astoria. There will be a barrel in our lobby for the non-perishable food. Our lobby is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Cash donations will be accepted to help purchase turkeys and additional food for the Christmas Food Baskets. Checks can be made to: Clatsop Community Action, for the Christmas Food Program. Checks or cash donations can be given during the food parade, or dropped off at Astoria Fire & Rescue, 555 30th Street, Astoria.

Specific details of the each route can be obtained by contacting the Astoria Fire & Rescue at (503) 325-2345.

SALEM POLICE SEEK PUBLIC'S HELP AFTER VANDALS CAUSE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF DAMAGE IN SALEM AREA

2011-12-06T07:46:00.000-08:00

Vandals went on a spree of breaking windows, causing thousands of dollars worth of damage to a residence, businesses, vehicles and bus shelters throughout the Salem area.

The majority of the incidents appear to have occurred overnight from Friday, December 2nd to the early morning hours of Saturday, December 3rd. Thus far the Salem Police Department is aware of 30 incidents where windows were broken, cracked and/or shattered by what appears to be some type of small projectile similar in size to a BB.

Several Cherriots bus shelters were damaged in northeast Salem; however, businesses and vehicles were damaged throughout the city.

These types of crimes are very costly in dollars and labor and present a substantial public safety threat to our community. The breakage and shattering of the windows indicates the projectiles were shot with considerable velocity. This creates a significant safety concern because of the high potential for injuries to persons from the projectiles, flying glass or ricochet.

The Salem Police Department is asking the public for assistance in identifying those responsible for these acts of vandalism. Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the Salem Police Department at 503-588-6027.

IRVING AVENUE @ 19TH STREET BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT BEGINS

2011-12-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

Work crews will begin geologic explorations on Monday, December 5th as part of a project to replace the aging Irving Avenue & 19th Street Bridge in Astoria. A drilling crew and rig will be working on Irving Avenue collecting test borings for approximately five days. Motorists should expect a one-lane closure during daytime hours where the work is taking place. Traffic control will be set up on site to direct traffic.

This work is part of the preliminary investigation necessary to help develop design and construction plans for a new bridge. The current Irving Avenue bridge was built in 1946 from steel, which typically has a 50-year lifespan. The new bridge will be built to handle safe vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle passage. Conceptual estimates put the cost of the new bridge at approximately $5 million. The Federal Highway Bridge Program, administered by the Oregon Department of Transportation, will fund 90% of the cost to replace the bridge.

Actual construction on a new bridge won’t begin until fall of 2013 at the earliest. In the meantime technical consultants led by David Evans and Associates under the direction of the City of Astoria will be undertaking a variety of technical analyses and design tasks. The current plan is to monitor for earth movement over the winter (wet) season.

Public meetings will be held to keep people informed and ask for input on the new bridge design. The first public meeting is planned for spring/summer 2012.

For more information and to get on the project mailing list, contact Steve Ruggles, City of Astoria Public Works Dept., at 338-5173 or email at sruggles@astoria.or.us.

Razor Clam Dig this Saturday at 4 WA ocean beaches

2011-12-05T06:42:00.000-08:00

Clam diggers who want to dig some fresh razor clams for the holidays will get their first chance this coming Saturday, Dec. 10 at four ocean beaches. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has approved the evening dig at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches after marine toxin tests showed that the clams on those beaches are safe to eat. The low evening tide on Saturday Dec. 10 will be at 6:30 p.m. No digging will be allowed at any of those beaches before noon. WDFW has also tentatively scheduled a two-day dig Dec. 22-23 at the same four beaches, pending the results of future toxin tests. Final approval for that dig will be announced once those tests show the clams are still safe to eat. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2011-12 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach.

7TH ST. & MARINE DR. STORM DRAIN PIPE REPAIR PROJECT IN ASTORIA

2011-12-02T06:03:00.000-08:00

Lovett, Inc., contractor for the City of Astoria 7th Street & Marine Drive Pipe Repair Project, is scheduled to begin operations on Monday, December 5, 2011. They will be repairing a damaged storm drain pipe under Marine Drive at 7th Street.
Work for this project is expected to last for two weeks, through Friday, December 16th. Construction activity will be taking place between Bond Street and Astor Street along 7th Street.
All schedules are subject to change in the event of unfavorable weather conditions. No parking at these locations will be allowed. Citizens should be prepared for short traffic delays and street closures. If you have questions please call Astoria Public Works at 503-338-5173.

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011 regular meeting

2011-12-01T11:15:00.000-08:00

Official minutes available once approved by board

Jail architect selected

The board of commissioners voted to select DLR Group to provide architectural and engineering services for the proposed remodel and expansion of the Clatsop County Jail, and to direct staff to negotiate a contract with the firm. The company was the top choice of a county selection committee that reviewed seven bid proposals for the project.

The work will involve drawing up detailed schematic plans and cost estimates for adding up to 100 beds to the 69-bed facility in downtown Astoria. Once the plans and estimates are completed, the board of commissioners will consider whether to seek voter approval next year for a bond measure to fund the expansion project.

In October the board voted to make available up to $100,000 from the county’s Special Projects Fund for the schematic and cost estimate work.

Sheriff Tom Bergin said DLR Group is recognized nationally for its work on correctional facilities and is well prepared to take on the county project.

Circus ordinance to ballot

The Board of Commissioners voted to place an ordinance banning displays of elephants and exotic animals on the May 2012 primary election ballot.

Ordinance 11-13 would prohibit the display of elephants and exotic animals in circuses and other entertainment venues. The ordinance exempts 4-H and FFA events, rodeos and horse shows and educational events from the ban.

Four citizens spoke in favor of the ordinance Wednesday. The ban was originally proposed by a county resident over concerns about treatment of animals in traveling circus shows.

Other business

In other business the board:

-Voted to approve a zone change application to the City of Warrenton by the Lower Columbia Youth Soccer Association for county-owned property leased to the association for its Warrenton soccer facilities on Ridge Road. The application requests a change from Low-Density Residential to Open Space-Institutional for four tax lots. In January, at LCYSA’s request, the county amended the legal description of the property to add additional property for the association – the zone change is necessary to allow LCYSA to use the added land for playing fields and parking.

-Approved a $48,486.75 contract with Big River Excavating for clearing and grubbing the route for Ensign Lane in the North Coast Business Park in Warrenton. Construction of the road, slated for 2012-13, is vital for the future development of the park. Funding for the contract will come from the Industrial Development Revolving Fund, which holds proceeds from the $8.6 million sale of the 75-acre highway-front commercial section of the business park.

-Took no action on two letters proposed to be sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality over the proposed listing of a local business, Astoria Marine Construction Company, under the federal Superfund National Priorities List pollution cleanup program. County Manager Duane Cole presented the board with a letter from Oregon Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden to the regional EPA office dated Nov. 30 that asks the agency to provide more time for the company to identify funding sources to pay for cleanup planning at the site. Cole said the county will wait on the EPA’s response to the senators’ letter before taking action.

-Discussed proposed new rules for the board of commissioners in a work session. The rules, which cover basic board operations such as chair and vice-chair selection, agenda-setting and meeting protocol, committee appointments and travel policies, will be brought back to the board for final action Dec. 14.

-Approved an adjustment of the 2011-12 budget to account for the delay in construction of a new boathouse for the County Sheriff’s Office, which was originally scheduled for completion in the 2010-11 budget year. The new boathouse replaces a facility destroyed in the December 2007 windstorm.

-Voted to accept the deed to a piece of property on Lewis and Clark Road. The narrow strip of land lying between the road and the Lewis and Clark River is part of a larger parcel owned by Linda Holton, who requested the deed transfer to the county to remove an encumbrance on the property title and allow a pending sale of the larger parcel to proceed. The transferred property is part of the road right-of-way and is maintained by the county road division.

-Appointed Thomas Duncan, Paul Gillum, Mel Jasmin, Bob Link, Duane Mullins and Paul Olheiser to the Ambulance Service Area Advisory Committee. The county recently re-activated the committee to lead an update of the Ambulance Service Area Plan.

Coast Guard Awards for offshore vessel boarding

2011-12-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River members were awarded Army Achievement Medals and members of the Oregon National Guard 102nd Civil Support Team (CST) were awarded Coast Guard Achievement Medals during a ceremony at Sector Columbia River in Warrenton, Ore., Wednesday.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

The medals were awarded to honor the Coast Guard and Army National Guard partnership during the offshore boarding of the vessel Pan Pac Spirit Apr. 8, 2011.

The freight vessel Pan Pac Spirit transited through waters in the vicinity of Fukushima, Japan. The vessel passed radiation screening and was cleared to enter port.

The collaborative efforts of Station Cape Disappointment, Wash., Air Station Astoria, Ore., Marine Safety Unit Portland, Ore., and Oregon National Guard 102nd CST provided a skilled and thorough risk assessment to help ensure the health and safety of the populace within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone.

The boarding marked the first time Coast Guard Sector Columbia River worked with the 102nd CST in a real world situation, after two years of training together to prepare for such an event.

Census shows Wahkiakum County's ethnic mix unchanged

2011-11-30T11:13:00.000-08:00

According to the 2010 census the ethnic breakdown for Wahkiakum County’s population of 3,978 is 94 percent White. Black persons were .03 percent of the total, American Indian and Alaska Native 1.3 percent, Asian persons 0.6 percent, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders 0.2 percent.
Of the 3,824 Wahkiakum County residents counted in the 2000 census, 93.5 percent were White. Blacks were 0.03 percent of the total, Native Americans 1.6, Asians 0.5, and Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders 0.1 percent.
People reporting two or more races in 2010 were 3.1 percent, compared to 2.5 percent in 2000.
The Associated Press reported Wahkiakum County is one of the least expensive places for a single-parent family with one preschooler and one school-age child to live, reporting the family would need $32,997 a year to be self-sufficient. Most expensive places to live would be East King County at $65,690.

Ruby Murray, The Wahkiakum County Eagle.

OREGON GIVES TAXPAYERS A SECOND CHANCE TO BID ON TAX CREDITS

2011-11-30T10:39:00.000-08:00

If you missed the state tax credit auction in November, you'll get another chance to bid in December.

The Oregon departments of Energy and Revenue are re-opening the auction so that more taxpayers can bid on the nearly $1.1 million in tax credits remaining. Bidding starts tomorrow ((December 1)) at 9 a.m. Pacific Time and runs through 5 p.m. PT, December 9.

The auction is open to individuals and to businesses that will owe tax when they file their 2011 Oregon tax return. The credits will reduce the amount of tax they'll owe. Unused portions may be carried forward for up to three years.

Here's how it works: The tax credits are available in $1,000 increments. Minimum bid is $950. Place your bid online at www.oregon.gov/dor.

To complete your bid, you must submit your payment so that it reaches the Department of Revenue by 5 p.m. PT, December 16, 2011. If you don't submit payment, your bid won't count.

If you're a winning bidder, the Oregon Department of Energy will issue a credit certificate.

The money raised in the auction will help support local renewable energy projects including biomass, solar and geothermal.

SEASIDE TO TEST TSUNAMI WARNING SYSTEM

2011-11-30T10:00:00.001-08:00

The City of Seaside will be testing its Tsunami Warning System on Wednesday, December 7th, beginning at 11:00 a.m. This test will be to monitor and assess the notification system and will not be used as a public information trial alert. The warning will begin with three beeps and consist of a voice message stating, "This is a test. This is a test of the emergency warning system. This is only a test." The message will be broadcast in English and Spanish

ReliaCards users to receive free and unlimited point-of-sale, bank teller and U.S. Bank ATM transactions

2011-11-29T10:34:00.001-08:00

New fee structure reached as part of negotiations for state’s electronic payment card contract

State Treasurer Ted Wheeler and U.S. Bank have agreed to make point-of-sale, bank teller and U.S. Bank ATM transactions free and unlimited for Oregonians who receive unemployment and child support payments via state-issued ReliaCards.

The new terms were reached as part of ongoing negotiations over the state’s electronic payment card services, which have yet to be finalized. A full fee schedule will be available after the contract is final. The current contract is set to expire Dec. 31.

“The changes we have negotiated will benefit Oregon card users and taxpayers,” said Treasurer Wheeler. “I want to thank U.S. Bank for listening to the needs of Oregonians and for their commitment to making the program even better for all involved.”

“U.S. Bank has provided banking and financial services to Oregonians for more than 120 years and continues to be an advocate for a stronger community,” said Malia Wasson, president of U.S. Bank in Oregon and Southwest Washington. “We are pleased to be able to restructure our ReliaCard program so that it meets the needs of the State of Oregon and our shared constituents and clients.”

Oregon began providing payments through electronic payment cards in 2007 for unemployment and child support recipients. About half of the Oregonians who receive payments choose to have the money directly deposited for free to their bank accounts. Those who do not choose the free direct deposit option can have payments posted for free to any reloadable prepaid card, including U.S. Bank ReliaCard.

Under the revamped fee schedule, cardholders will:

· have free and unlimited withdrawals from US Bank-branded ATMs. That is a significant improvement from the current contract, which allows cardholders two free ATM visits a month;

· be allowed unlimited cash withdrawals from bank branch teller windows (over-the-counter cash withdrawals);

· continue to make point-of-sale purchases and receive cash back with no charge, like any debit card, at any merchant that accepts VISA-branded debit cards;

· continue to have two withdrawals a month from non-U.S. Bank-branded ATMs, without U.S. Bank charges. That is a unique benefit in Oregon’s contract that was negotiated because of the understanding that not all Oregonians live near a U.S. Bank branch; and

· no longer have access to overdraft protection as federal law changes make this option unavailable.

Before the advent the electronic payment card program, the state printed, mailed and processed hundreds of thousands of additional checks each month. As a result, costs to taxpayers were significantly higher. Between 2007 and December 2010, the accumulated savings as a result of just the Employment Department shift was estimated to be at least $11.5 million.
photo courtesy of ouroregon.org

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River and Oregon 102nd Civil Support Team members to receive medals Wednesday

2011-11-29T10:08:00.001-08:00

Coast Guard Sector Columbia River members will be awarded Army Achievement Medals and members of the Oregon National Guard 102nd Civil Support Team (CST) will be awarded Coast Guard Achievement Medals during a ceremony at Sector Columbia River in Warrenton, Ore., Wednesday, at 10 a.m.

The medals are being awarded to honor the Coast Guard and Army National Guard partnership during the offshore boarding of the vessel Pan Pac Spirit Apr. 8, 2011.

The freight vessel Pan Pac Spirit transited through waters in the vicinity of Fukushima, Japan. The vessel passed radiation screening and was cleared to enter port.

The collaborative efforts of Station Cape Disappointment, Wash., Air Station Astoria, Ore., Marine Safety Unit Portland, Ore., and Oregon National Guard 102nd CST provided a skilled and thorough risk assessment to help ensure the health and safety of the populace within the Sector Columbia River Captain of the Port Zone.

Click here for more information about the boarding.

Open Horse Riding starts at Clatsop Fairgrounds Wed Nov 30

2011-11-29T09:53:00.000-08:00

Open Horse Riding at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds will start this Wednesday Nov. 30th. The indoor arena will be open from 6pm to 9pm almost every Wed. through the winter. The Clatsop County Sheriff’s Posse members will be supervising. The cost is $5 per rider. Helmets are recommended for all riders, but those aged 18 and under, are required to wear one. You need to get out and your horse needs some exercise. For more information contact the fairgrounds at 503.325.4600.

National Park Service kicks off planning for Colewort Creek. Public Meeting at 7 pm, December 1, 2011

2011-11-28T12:03:00.000-08:00

On December 1, the National Park Service willl hold a scoping meeting at the Netul Room in the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center to kick-off public planning for the proposed Colewort Creek Salmon Recovery Project.
The project proposes to return an additional 15 acres on the south bank of Colewort Creek from pastureland to wetlands by excavating tidal channels out of fill material. The project also proposes to improve habitat along existing tidal channels on the north bank.

The purpose of the Project is (1) to restore Colewort Creek to conditions known the Clatsop, Chinook and other tribes in the late 18th and early 19th century and experienced by the Lewis and Clark expedition and (2) to help satisfy federal legal responsibilities under the 2008 Biological Opinion for the Federal Columbia River Power System (2008 Bi-Op).

Colewort Creek Restoration Plan, Thursday, December 1, 2011, Public Meeting: 7 pm, Fort Clatsop Visitor Center at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.

HEALTHY KIDS PROGRAM SEEKS CLATSOP COMMUNITY PARTNERS

2011-11-28T11:53:00.001-08:00

Partners and stakeholders are invited to help the effort to make health coverage available to all Clatsop County children.

Earlier this year, Clatsop County and Oregon’s Healthy Kids program formed a partnership to support Healthy Kids, Oregon’s no-cost and low-cost health coverage program for kids and teens 0-18 years of age. Part of the Oregon Health Authority’s first initiatives, Healthy Kids helped bring health coverage to more than 100,000 children statewide, cutting the rate of uninsured kids in Oregon by half – from 11.3 percent in 2009 to 5.6 percent today.

“In Clatsop County, we know there are still gaps in coverage for our children,” said Judi Mahoney, Healthy Kids Outreach and Enrollment Worker for Clatsop County. “By bringing together representatives from all sectors of our community, we can reach out and begin closing those gaps.”

The creation of the Clatsop County Healthy Kids Coalition addresses the need to increase access to health coverage for kids and teens in the county. The coalition held their first meeting on Nov. 2 with 24 representatives of various county agencies, advocacy organizations and business groups.

Among the first attendees were Danielle Sobel from the Office of Healthy Kids, community leaders representing local hospitals, Clatsop County, the American Legion, many county school districts, Head Start among other children’s centers, Healthy Start, the Department of Human Services, the local Housing Authority, Suzanne Elise Assisted Living Community and OSU Extension’s Family and Community Health program.

The coalition will meet every six to eight weeks to collaborate on outreach opportunities, and brainstorm new ideas to bring coverage to kids.

Right now, the coalition is seeking community partners and stakeholders to assist in outreach efforts and promote Healthy Kids among their clients and networks.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the DHS building in Astoria; 450 Marine Drive, 2nd floor conference room. For more information on the coalition or joining the coalition, please contact Judi Mahoney at (503) 358-2333. Families seeking assistance enrolling their children in Healthy Kids are encouraged to contact Judi.

Families can also apply for Healthy Kids coverage by calling 1-877-314-5678 or by visiting www.OregonHealthyKids.gov.

CLATSOP COMMISSIONERS HOST PUBLIC HEARING NOV. 30 ON CIRCUS ANIMAL ORDINANCE

2011-11-28T10:19:00.001-08:00

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners is seeking public input on a proposed ordinance banning public displays of elephants and exotic animals within the county.

The board will hold a public hearing on the ordinance at its Wednesday, Nov. 30 meeting beginning at 6 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.

Following the public hearing the commissioners will consider whether to place the ordinance before county voters in the May 2012 primary election.

Ordinance 11-13 would prohibit the display of elephants and exotic animals in circuses and other entertainment venues. Rodeos and horse shows, 4-H and FFA events and educational displays would be exempt from the ban. The ordinance would cover only the unincorporated portion of the county.

For more information, including the full text of the proposed ordinance, view the Nov. 30 board agenda at www.co.clatsop.or.us.

$5 OFF OREGON STATE PARK DAY-USE PERMIT IN DECEMBER

2011-11-28T09:52:00.000-08:00

December is "stocking stuffer" month at Oregon State Parks. From December 1 through December 31, parkgoers can save $5 on the state park 12-month day-use parking permit.

The state park permit, which is required at 26 Oregon state parks, is on sale for $25 - regularly $30 - in December.

"The permit makes a great gift," said Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) spokesman Chris Havel. "The $5 discount in December makes them even better." Parking permits are transferable from vehicle to vehicle, making them even more of a value in today's economy. OPRD also offers a 24-month pass, priced at $50, that Havel said is "always a bargain."

Visitors who do not have long-term passes must purchase $5 daily permits. "That means remembering to have the cash and then taking time to buy a permit from a vending machine or stopping at a fee booth," said Havel.

The Oregon Coast Passport is also discounted $5 in December. The passport is a multi-agency product, valid at Oregon State Parks, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service sites along the Oregon Coast. The coastal passports are on sale for $30 - regularly $35 - in December.

The 12- and 24-month OPRD permits and coastal passports can be purchased, along with other gift possibilities such as gift certificates, by calling the Oregon State Parks Information Center, 1-800-551-6949. Callers may use debit or credit cards that have VISA or MasterCard logos to purchase permits, passports and gift certificates.

Walk-in customers can buy the OPRD permits at major OPRD offices, some state park friends' group stores and selected local businesses throughout the state. A list of vendors is posted at www.oregonstateparks.org/dayuse_permit_vendors.php. The coastal passports are sold at coastal state parks, federal agency offices and local vendors in several coastal communities.

Decision 2011: A Real Tree, or an Import?

2011-11-28T09:51:00.000-08:00

by Chris Thomas

BEAVERCREEK, Ore. - Which is better for the environment: buying a real Christmas tree or an artificial one? Maybe it isn't such a tough question in Oregon, a state that devotes more acreage to growing Christmas trees than any other, but 'tis the time of year many Oregonians are facing that decision. It's a choice with implications for the economy as well as the environment.

Bill Ulfelder, a director of The Nature Conservancy, says natural Christmas trees offer plenty of environmental advantages as they grow.

"They capture climate-changing gases from the atmosphere, so they help abate climate change; they're putting oxygen into the air for us to breathe; they're good for wildlife, mammals, birds and insects."

On the other hand, he says most artificial trees are manufactured in Asia using polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs), which do not decompose in landfills. Even so, twice as many Americans buy artificial trees as real ones. Ulfelder also points out that making the switch to a real tree helps the U.S. economy: Christmas tree production is a $1 billion industry, providing 100,000 jobs across the country at more than 12,000 farms.

Blenda and Joe Tyvoll raise organic Christmas trees and let customers cut their own at Victorhill Farm, Beavercreek. Among the advantages of buying from organic farms, says Blenda Tyvoll, is all-natural pest control. The Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association now certifies some farms in its Socially and Environmentally Responsible Farm (SERF) program.

Tyvoll adds that properly disposing of the tree can be another environmental benefit.

"People can bring it into their house, enjoy it for Christmas, and once they're done, they don't have to worry about packing it up somewhere and storing it. They can take it to the curbside and it can be recycled. It goes right back into nature again; it's composted and goes back into the earth."

Another option is to cut a tree in one of Oregon's national forests. Permits cost only $5 per tree, and any Forest Service district office will sell up to five per household.

Skeletal Remains Found near Nicolai Mountain

2011-11-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

On November 25, 2011, an elk hunter made a discovery, while traversing a drainage near Nicolai Mountain. After crossing a small stream over a log jam, the hunter stepped over an odd object which caught his eye. The hunter examined more closely and recognized the object to be a human skull. The hunter and his father contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report their find.

That afternoon, Deputies and Dr. Stefanelli, investigator with the District Attorney’s office, met with the hunters who led the law enforcement team back to the scene. The skull was recovered and secured waiting to be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office.

The following morning of November 26, Clatsop County Search and Rescue returned to the scene to search for additional clues. The team located additional skeletal remains and clothing items along the stream bed. No source of identification was found during the search. Clothing found include blue BDU style pants and a 2XL, black, Addias brand shirt.

Evidence will be sent to the Oregon State Police Crime lab and the State Medical Examiner’s Office for identification.

If you have any information regarding this case or a missing person possibly not from the North Coast area please contact Detective Jama Hulon or Sgt. Matt Phillips at the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office.
(503)325-8635.

Minor flood warning for SW Washington coast

2011-11-25T19:15:00.000-08:00

SOUTH WASHINGTON COAST-
557 PM PST FRI NOV 25 2011
...COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 3 PM SATURDAY
FOR MINOR TIDAL OVERFLOW ALONG LOW LYING SECTIONS OF THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON COAST...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A COASTAL
FLOOD ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 3 PM SATURDAY
FOR MINOR TIDAL OVERFLOW ALONG LOW LYING SECTIONS OF THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON COAST.
A SIGNIFICANT TIDAL OVERFLOW IS EXPECTED AROUND HIGH TIDE EARLY
SATURDAY AFTERNOON ALONG LOW-LYING PARTS OF THE SOUTHWEST
WASHINGTON COAST. HIGH WATER WILL DEVELOP BY NOON SATURDAY ALONG
WILLAPA BAY AND ESTUARIES FROM MEGLER TO NORTH COVE AS THE TIDE
COMES IN.
* TIDES: HIGH TIDE SATURDAY WILL REACH 11.1 FT AROUND 1 PM.
ADDITIONALLY...THE TIDAL ANOMALY WILL RUN NEAR 1 FOOT WHICH WILL
MAKE THE OBSERVED TIDE NEAR 12 FT. THE OBSERVED TIDE SUNDAY
AFTERNOON MAY REACH NEAR 11 FT ALSO.
* IMPACTS: MINOR FLOODING NEAR THE POST OFFICE IN RAYMOND.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A COASTAL FLOOD ADVISORY INDICATES THAT ONSHORE WINDS AND TIDES
WILL COMBINE TO GENERATE FLOODING OF LOW AREAS ALONG THE SHORE.

Search continues for Nichole Sherman

2011-11-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

Columbia County Sheriff's Office investigators continue to ask the public's help in finding an adult female missing since November 13th.

Nichole Sherman 19, reportedly left from her residence at 68160 Meissner Rd. on Sunday November 13 at approximately 4:45 P.M. to go to a friend's house on Apiary Road. She never arrived. Investigators and family members have combed the area around the logical route between the two residences but have found no clues to the disappearance thus far.

"This is a highly suspicious disappearance, and we are putting extra effort into finding out what happened to Ms. Sherman," Sheriff Jeff Dickerson said. "We are hoping someone might have seen her or her vehicle either in the area of her residence at the time of her disappearance or later in the Longview area."

Ms. Sherman has been entered as a missing person. The Sheriff's Office is providing a photograph of the missing woman and of the model of vehicle she drives (red, 2001 Chev. Cavalier, Oregon License YCD562) in this effort. Anyone with information on this case can call and leave information on the Columbia County Sheriff's crime line at (503) 366-4698.

SECOND TIME IN TWO MONTHS, TWO ARRESTED AT LINCOLN CITY RESIDENCE BY LINCOLN INTERAGENCY NARCOTICS TEAM

2011-11-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

For the second time in the last two months, an investigation by the Lincoln County Narcotics Team (LINT), with the assistance of the Oregon State Police (OSP) and OSP SWAT team, led to the same Lincoln City residence and the execution of a search warrant last Friday. Two people were arrested following the several months-long investigation that included purchases of methamphetamine from the residence near the local high school.On November 18, 2011 at approximately 5:00 a.m., OSP SWAT team executed a search warrant at 3560 SE Fleet Avenue in Lincoln City. After safely securing the residence where two occupants were contacted, LINT detectives searched and seized a quantity of methamphetamine and other related evidence. Two stolen late model Honda motorcycles were also found and will be eventually returned to their owners.

The two individuals at the residence were taken into custody and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges:

SAMUEL TRAVIS BLAIR CLARK, age 40
* Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine (3 counts)
* Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance Within 1,000 Feet of a School (3 counts)
* Theft by Receiving in the First Degree (2 counts)
* Possession of a Stolen Vehicle (2 counts)
* Maintaining a Residence Where Drugs Are Sold
* Warrant - Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Lincoln County)
* Warrant - Parole Violation (State Parole Board)

SHELBI RONELE SMITH, age 20
* Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine (3 counts)
* Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance Within 1,000 Feet of a School (3 counts)

* Maintaining a Residence Where Drugs Are Sold
* Warrant - Probation Violation (Polk County)

The LINT team is comprised of members of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln City Police Department, Oregon State Police, and Lincoln County District Attorney's Office.

ASTORIA COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN WINS FISHERMAN OF THE YEAR AT SEATTLE COMPETITION

2011-11-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

While attending the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle, Washington, Astoria commercial fisherman Captain Martin McMaster earned some major bragging rights by winning Fisherman of the Year on Saturday, November 19. Martin and Elizabeth McMaster and their sons traveled to Seattle to attend the Expo for business representing McMaster Maritime and the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival. Both Martin and Elizabeth are from Astoria, Oregon, and have been serving on the board of the Festival for a year. While they were at the Pacific Marine Expo on Saturday, Martin entered the sponsored competitions to help promote the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival and generate interest in its annual Captain Phil Harris Highliner Competition.

Martin "Marty" McMaster competed against past winners of this award and won the net mending portion winning $100 cash and qualifying to compete in the Fisherman of the Year competition. Competitors entered three portions of the event separately. Net mending, rope splicing and blindfolded knot tying separated the men from the boys. The winners of each of these events then went on to compete in the Fisherman of the Year Championship where each man was given a survival suit. The competitor that got into his suit completely and in record time would claim the crown. Marty got into his survival suit in an unprecedented 19 seconds flat! His prizes were another $100 bill, a brand new pair of XTra Tuff boots, a T-Shirt, a new survival suit and a custom jacket which will have his name and title embroidered in it.

Marty has been a commercial fisherman for 40 years, working in every aspect of the fishery, no doubt giving him the edge in the competitions. Martin was also the Commercial Fishermen’s Festival Highliner of the Year in the 40 and over division for two years: 2009 and 2010. He owns and runs the F/V Lady Laura and works the back deck to maintain his physical edge.

Marty is looking forward to bringing his newly claimed crown to the 2012 Commercial Fishermen’s Festival where he plans to compete again for Highliner of the Year. The 2012 Festival is being planned for September 8 & 9. For more information visit www.CommercialFisermensFestival.com.

ODOT schedules “mock” noise test prior to start of next phase of Astoria-Megler Bridge Project

2011-11-22T09:12:00.000-08:00

In its continued preparation for the upcoming Phase II of the Astoria-Megler Bridge painting and repair project, the Oregon Department of Transportation will be conducting a “mock” construction exercise to monitor and record sample noise levels on Wednesday, November 23 between 10 a.m. to noon. The exercise will be conducted weather permitting.

ODOT has hired an independent noise consultant firm from Portland to set up monitors within the vicinity of the bridge, including within the Uniontown neighborhood and in some rooms in hotels located near the bridge. ODOT has been working closely with the City of Astoria and area businesses to address concerns related to potential noise caused by equipment used to paint and repair rivets and bolts on the bridge.

“The purpose of the “mock” exercise is to record sustained and peak sample noise levels to help ODOT prepare a construction schedule that considers the needs of the community and local business owners,” said Larry McKinley, ODOT’s Area Manager in Astoria. “There is a need to find a balanced construction schedule between the anticipated noise impacts to the local community and needing to do the required painting and repair work to the bridge structure.”

During the exercise, equipment typical for the work will be staged at three independent locations (north end, mid span, and south end) along the span of the bridge. The equipment will be run for a period of time, a few minutes at each location, to capture the noise sample. Results of the noise sampling will help ODOT engineers come up with language that can be added to a contractor’s contract identifying ways to mitigate the noise impacts.

For the past two years, crews have been working on the Washington end of the bridge. However, there have been no residences or businesses impacted by the noise. This next phase of work is by the largest, and incorporates the main superstructure of the bridge located much closer to businesses and the general public. The project is expected to go out to bid in early 2012 and begin during the spring. The Phase II work could last five to six years.

During the two-hour exercise on Wednesday, there will be a single lane closure with flaggers controlling traffic. Motorists can expect minor delays.

photo courtesy oregoncoastdirectory.com

Irving Avenue Bridge repair preparations will begin Dec. 5th

2011-11-22T06:40:00.001-08:00

Coast Guard closes Columbia River bar entrance due to hazardous weather

2011-11-22T06:30:00.000-08:00

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Columbia River, in Astoria, Ore., issued the closure of the Columbia River, Ore., bar entrance due to hazardous conditions at approximately 9 p.m., Monday (11/21).

The bar closure applies to all vessels and any request to transit the bars prior to reopening must be approved by the COTP, Sector Columbia River. Mariners may contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM Channel 16 or Sector Columbia River by telephone at (503) 861-6211 for further information or to request crossing.

The Coast Guard will re-evaluate the bar closure on an ongoing basis and will re-open the waterway as soon as the offshore weather improves.

The bar is anticipated to re-open by 8 a.m., Wednesday, based on current weather predictions.

The Coast Guard understands the effects these closures have on commerce and will make every effort to re-open these waterways as soon as they are considered safe for navigation.

For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

STRONG PACIFIC STORM FORECAST TO HIT COAST MONDAY NIGHT

2011-11-21T11:35:00.000-08:00

A Pacific storm front is expected to bring high winds and possible flooding to area rivers and streams this week, according to the National Weather Service.

The agency has issued a high wind warning and flood watch for the north and central Oregon Coast and south Washington Coast beginning Monday (11/21) night. Sustained winds of up to 50 mph with gusts of up to 80 mph are forecast for beaches and headlands, with winds in coastal communities of 40 mph-sustained and 70 mph-gusts. High winds are expected to last through Tuesday night, potentially causing downed trees and power lines.

The storm is also forecast to bring several inches of rain to the Oregon Coast Range and Willapa Hills in Washington between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning, potentially causing flooding in creeks and small rivers in Tillamook and Clatsop counties and southwest Washington counties.

A high surf advisory is also in effect for early Tuesday morning into Tuesday night.

For updates, go to www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr. For information on winter storm preparation, go to www.co.clatsop.or.us.

To receive weather advisories from the National Weather Service, sign up with the ClatsopALERTS! emergency notification system at www.co.clatsop.or.us or (503) 338-3656.

Steve Pierce: weather blogger for the Columbian - A strong second storm coming tonight

2011-11-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

"The strongest storm of the fall season will bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to parts of Oregon and Washington today through Wednesday. Storm #1 will move through today bringing rain and gusty winds to mainly the coast and northern Willamette Valley. Storm #2 is currently projected to pack quite a punch on Tuesday. As the center of the storm tracks north offshore, a strong cold front will bring wind gusts approaching 75-80 mph along the north Oregon beaches and 40-45 mph in the valley Tuesday. Eastern Oregon and Washington will also see gusty winds from storm #2. Computer estimated rainfall totals through Wednesday evening are quite impressive, ranging anywhere from 3-6" along the northern Oregon coast to 2-4" in the valleys. Although forecast models are still wavering a bit, there appears to be a growing consensus of NW Oregon and SW Washington being the area that will see the highest rainfall totals. The heaviest rainfall will likely fall from early Tuesday morning through Wednesday morning. The National Weather Service currently has several advisories, watches and warnings posted for high wind, rainfall and the potential for localized flooding. Communities in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington have the potential to receive a lot of rainfall in a short period of time between now and Wednesday."

Steve Pierce is currently the President of the Oregon Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (AMS).

photo courtesy the Oregon Secretary of State's office.

Coast Guard rescues two boaters after vessel allides with piling

2011-11-21T10:30:00.000-08:00

The Coast Guard rescued two boaters from a 22-foot pleasure craft after it allided with a group of piling near the shore of Sand Island, Ore., on the Columbia River, Friday.

A 25-foot response boat crew from Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Wash., arrived on scene at approximately 9 p.m. and transferred the two boaters on board.

The vessel was positioned on top of the piling at an estimated two feet above the water surface.

Commercial salvage operators refloated the vessel at high tide, Saturday morning and towed it to Ilwaco.

No injures were reported.

For additional information contact the District 13 Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

Flood Watch

2011-11-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PORTLAND HAS ISSUED A

* FLOOD WATCH FOR PORTIONS OF NORTHWEST OREGON AND SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON...INCLUDING THE COAST RANGE OF NORTHWEST OREGON SW WASHINGTON AND THE NORTH OREGON COAST.

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ASTORIA...CANNON BEACH...TILLAMOOK...VERNONIA...JEWELL...TRASK...FRANCES...RYDERWOOD...RAYMOND...LONG BEACH. AND CATHLAMET

*THE WATCH WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON

* HEAVY RAIN IS EXPECT TO DEVELOP ACROSS PORTIONS OUR AREA TONIGHT (MONDAY) NIGHT AND TUESDAY.
SEVERAL INCHES OF RAINFALL ARE EXPECTED IN THE WILLAPA HILLS AND NORTH OREGON COAST RANGE...POTENTIALLY DRIVING CREEKS AND SMALL
RIVERS TO FLOOD TUESDAY AND POSSIBLY WEDNESDAY.

* SIGNIFICANT RISES ARE EXPECTED ON LARGER COASTAL RIVERS...BUT WIDESPREAD FLOODING IS NOT EXPECTED ON LARGER MAIN STEM RIVERS AT THIS TIME.

..HEAVY RAIN MAY CAUSE FLOODING ON SMALL STREAMS TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY...AND HEAVY RAIN EXPECTED TO PUSH COASTAL RIVERS CLOSE TO BANKFULL

OREGON SENATE BILL 204 STAKEHOLDER WORK GROUP MEETING SET FOR NOV. 18

2011-11-17T09:39:00.000-08:00

The Oregon Health Authority has convened a work group of stakeholders for discussions about Senate Bill 204. The bill requires that OHA prescribe by rule a uniform payment methodology for hospital and ambulatory surgical center services that:

(a) Incorporates the most recent Medicare payment methodologies established by the

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or similar payment methodologies, for hospital and ambulatory surgical center services;

(b) Includes payment methodologies for services and equipment that are not fully addressed by Medicare payment methodologies; and

(c) Allows for the use of alternative payment methodologies, including but not limited to pay-for-performance, bundled payments and capitation.

The work group will meet Friday, Nov. 18, 3-5 p.m., Room 1B at the Portland State Office Building, 800 N.E. Oregon St. Portland, OR 97232

Public comment: All SB 204 work group meetings are open for the public to attend. However, there will be no public comment or testimony taken during the work group sessions. All comment and testimony is welcome at the Oregon Health Policy Board's monthly meetings, which are the second Tuesday of every month. For details about time and location of OHPB meetings and opportunities for public comment, go to health.oregon.gov.

Without hesitation

2011-11-14T09:54:00.001-08:00

Petty Officer 2nd Class Leon Doniphan, a food service specialist aboard Cutter Alert in Astoria, Ore., poses for a photo in front of a Large Navigation Buoy on the Columbia River in Astoria. Doniphan swam to the aid of a young girl who was nearly swept underneath the buoy in September 2011. His actions most likely saved her life. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Littlejohn

Petty Officer 2nd Class Leon Doniphan clings to a chain after rescuing a girl in danger of being swept under a Large Navigation Buoy on the Columbia River in Astoria, Ore., Sept. 10, 2011. Doniphan was able to pull himself and the girl, hand-over-hand, back to shore despite the strong current. Photo courtesy of Rod Hallock

Seaman Hugh Dailey (right) extends a hand to a survivor in the Columbia River in Astoria, Ore., Sept. 10, 2011. The girl was in danger of being swept under a Large Navigation Buoy when Petty Officer 2nd Class Leon Doniphan (left) swam to her rescue. Photo courtesy of Lewis Nevel

Search and Rescue is perhaps the most well known of all the Coast Guard missions.

The idea of the rescue itself, the direct, firsthand lifesaving opportunity, is the reason many Coast Guardsmen sign up. These individuals crave a chance to rise to the occasion; to be in a position to save a life.

While this desire is the driving force behind many successful Coast Guard rescues, it is something that exists independent of our service, within our men and women.

Nothing demonstrates this driving force better than the recent off-duty actions of Petty Officer 2nd Class Leon Doniphan, a food service specialist (FS) aboard Cutter Alert, homeported in Astoria, Ore. Doniphan bravely, and without hesitation, swam to the aid of a young girl in immediate danger of drowning in the Columbia River. His actions most likely saved her life.

On the evening of Sept. 10, 2011, Doniphan finished his work on the cutter, changed out and crossed the brow to the pier.

“I noticed a group of individuals on the shore fixated on the river’s edge,” said Doniphan. “I was unable to tell what had their attention at the moment.”

According to Rod Hallock, a California resident visiting Astoria, what had their attention was a young girl in a dire situation.

“My wife Shirley and I were discussing how fast the current of the Columbia was moving, when we noticed a young girl, about 11 or 12-years-old, swimming around the pilings under the dock,” remarked Hallock. “The girl swam to a large round structure. She tried unsuccessfully to swim against the current and quickly became panicked. She yelled that the current was taking her under the structure. The situation became grim quickly.”

The structure was a retired Large Navigation Buoy, 40 feet in diameter, chained to shore. The girl was nearly swept under the buoy, but managed to grab a hold of small piece of metal on the buoy’s edge. The piece of metal was the only available handhold, and she quickly began to lose her grip.

Washington resident Lewis Nevel, another witness to the event, suddenly realized how much trouble the girl was facing. “She was struggling against the current, fighting to keep her head and shoulders above the water. She was yelling that she couldn’t hold on,” explained Nevel.

Doniphan reached the group of onlookers, read the situation and sprang into action.

“The young sailor wasted no time,” Nevel said of Doniphan. “He dropped his backpack, pulled off his sweatshirt and called to the girl, ‘Hold on, keep your head up!’ He called out to another nearby sailor to go get a life preserver. He quickly skirted down some very slippery rocks on the jetty. It looked at one point that he slipped and fell against one of the rocks before entering the water. He kept talking to the girl, ‘You’ll be okay, hold on!’

Doniphan’s words of reassurance were backed by his actions as he lunged into the water and swam the approximate 40 feet to her aid. He was able to grab and hang on to the same small piece of metal the girl clung to.

“The current was very strong and was trying to pull me under the buoy also,” said Doniphan. “I had to exert a great deal of effort to keep myself right and face to face with the girl in the water. The water was very cold and I had jumped in wearing sweat pants which caused drag. I told her that I was going to get her off the buoy, but I told her first that she couldn’t panic. I explained to her how if she panicked she could drown us both. As I calmed her I told her to trust me and to get onto my back.”

Doniphan was able to twist his body around despite the current. The girl clung to his shoulders. The crowd on shore held their breath as the next moments would determine the fate of both the young girl and her would be rescuer. Doniphan let go of the buoy and swam with all his might, clearing both he and the girl of the looming metal structure.

“I kicked as hard as humanly possible to get us away from that buoy,” stated Doniphan. “Once we were away from the buoy I realized we were still being swept downriver. I managed to swim just far enough to be able to grab a hold of the chain that helps secure the buoy to shore. With the girl still on my back, using the chain I was able to pull us, hand-over-hand, back to the rocks on shore.”

Seaman Hugh Dailey, one of Doniphan’s shipmates aboard Cutter Alert, met the two at the water’s edge and helped the exhausted girl up the rocks. The girl’s friends joined the small crowd that had gathered. The girl gave Doniphan a big hug and thanked him. Members of the crowd, including Hallock and Nevel, extended handshakes. Doniphan had put himself at risk and brought the girl to safety.

Doniphan’s actions inspired Hallock and Nevel to write letters to Cmdr. Daniel Pickles, Doniphan’s commanding officer. The detailed letters included photos of the rescue and commended Doniphan for his actions that day.

Doniphan remains modest, despite the recognition. Like many lifesavers before him, he maintains that his rescue efforts were circumstantial.

“I have courage, but I don’t feel like a hero. I’m a regular guy, a cook. I was in the right place at the right time. I could never stand by and watch someone die if I thought there was something I could do.” “Besides,” he joked, “I wasn’t about to let someone drown next to a Coast Guard Cutter! The media would have a field day with that!”

Doniphan, who is married with two children, enjoys working as an FS in the Coast Guard.

“My son Javon, daughter Nia, and wife Vanessa are why I stay motivated to achieve great things. My family is a big part of why I am who I am. Going FS made sense for me because of advancement opportunities, and there were openings right away. I like the job because by working hard to feed everyone, you earn the admiration of the crew.”

Though Doniphan’s job in the Coast Guard does not routinely put him in life or death situations, his desire to step up and put himself on the line is why he joined, and a big part of who he is. He remains adamant that it was his obligation to enter the water that September day.

"As Coast Guardsman, we may be called to serve, to fight, to die anytime, any place. I keep myself in good physical condition and was glad that I could respond adequately."

Doniphan’s rescue did not involve an emergency call to a Coast Guard command center. Nobody ordered Doniphan to act. Though a Coast Guardsman, he performed the rescue as a civilian. People like Doniphan, however, are the reason the Coast Guard exists.

Astoria Police see Sex Offender

2011-11-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

Astoria Police are seeking help from the public in locating a suspect wanted on numerous charges related to sexual assaults and Parole Violation. He is also a registered sex offender who has not registered since his flight from this incident.

Silas Eastman, a 36 year old male is wanted by Astoria Police for a Labor Day weekend incident involving a 16 year old victim who is Eastman’s daughter. Eastman is alleged to have provided alcohol to his daughter prior to the abuse. She immediately reported the incident to the other adults in the house. When confronted Eastman left. Eastman is the non custodial parent and his daughter was his sister at the time of the incident.

Eastman has previously said that he has the means to disappear if he is ever at risk of going back to jail. Eastman had been living in a trailer in Tillamook County. His trailer was moved immediately after this incident. He is on parole. His parole was revoked when the new incident came to light but he has yet to be taken into custody.

Eastman has been indicted by the Clatsop County Grand Jury in the incident on charges of Unlawful Sexual Penetration I, Sex Abuse I, Attempted rape I, and Sex Abuse II, warrants have been issued but Eastman has not been located.

Eastman is known to use the alias of Silas Savage. He has previous convictions of Rape I, Sex Abuse I, Assault IV, and Menacing. He is 5’ 8”, has blue eyes, and blond hair. He has known tattoos on his chest of a small cross, and the names Tracy and Rebecca. He has unknown tattoos on his upper arms and right shoulder. He is also missing a finger on his left hand and has a scar on his left eyebrow area.

Eastman has connections to Astoria, Tillamook, Beaverton and Prineville. He has previously worked in the construction or restaurant industry.

Astoria Police can also be found at www.facebook.com/AstoriaPolice and on Twitter @AstoriaPD

The Grand Opening of the Astoria Recreation Center

2011-11-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

It's the grand opening of the Astoria Recreation Center - Tuesday, November 22, at 11 am. There will be snacks, exercise demos, tours of the facility, and lots of family fun! Everyone is welcome. The new Astoria Recreation Center is located at 1411 Grand St. in Astoria.
For questions, call 741-3035

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights

2011-11-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011 regular meeting

Sirens, generator accepted

The board voted to accept ownership of 20 emergency sirens formerly part of the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program at the Umatilla Chemical Depot in eastern Oregon. The equipment – 19 stationary sirens, one mobile siren plus spare parts – is being provided to the county by the Oregon Military Department free of charge. The county Emergency Management Division plans to install the sirens in coastal communities from Arch Cape to Warrenton, as well as Miles Crossing, to improve early warning capabilities for citizens and visitors in the event of tsunamis, floods and other disasters.

Emergency Management Director Dean Perez noted that while the meeting agenda included a map of proposed siren locations, the county will work with cities, unincorporated communities and the state parks department to select particular sites for each device with the assistance of a siren expert. The county hopes to begin erecting the sirens in April 2012.

The board also accepted a 40-kilowatt diesel generator from the chemical stockpile program. The generator, valued at $20,000, will be donated to the Elsie/Vinemaple Rural Fire Protection District to provide back-up electricity to the station during power outages.

Social gathering ordinance approved

The board approved an ordinance establishing a Social Gathering Permit. The permit will be required of certain events involving more than 1,000 people lasting more than eight hours.

County Manager Duane Cole explained that the new permit was prompted by two events, an outdoor “rave” music festival last year and an annual motorcycle gathering in Jewell. While organizers of both events cooperated with county officials and no problems were experienced with either event, it was decided that the county needed a permit for large events of less than 3,000 people; gatherings larger than that are regulated by state law.

Permit applicants will be required present plans for handling parking, traffic, waste disposal and safety measures, and to make a deposit to cover any county staff time connected with the event. Permit applications will be reviewed and approved by the board of commissioners.

The board also approved amendments to two existing permits. The Park Special Use Permit, which formerly required board approval, can now be handled by the county Park Superintendent. The ordinance for the County Road Event Permit was changed to allow the county to act as the sole permitting agency on behalf of local fire districts for the annual Hood to Coast Relay event.

Business Park CCRs approved

The board approved a set of covenants, conditions and restrictions covering future development at the county-owned North Coast Business Park in Warrenton. The CCRs, which apply to the 190-acre Phase 2 portion of the park, call for the formation of an Owners Association Board of Directors to review plans for construction and alteration of buildings and other improvements, landscaping and stormwater management. The conditions also prohibit certain businesses such as slaughterhouses and asphalt plants, and spell out requirements for preservation of natural areas.

CEDR presentation

During a work session the board heard a report from Clatsop Economic Development Resources (CEDR) director Kevin Leahy. The agency, which promotes economic development with funding from the county, cities, Clatsop Community College, private donors and the federal Small Business Administration, has created 48 jobs and retained another 19, hosted 35 training events and offered 1,090 hours of business counseling to 404 clients.

Non-profit allocations approved

The board approved the disbursement of $30,000 in county funds to local non-profit social service agencies. The allocations were made under a new policy approved by the board in September that gave the Clatsop County Commission on Children and Families the task of choosing the funding recipients. The new process allows the CCF to combine the county dollars with its own funding to better meet the county’s and commission’s goals of supporting vulnerable local populations.

The county funds allocations are:

- Clatsop Court-Appointed Special Advocates - $11,279

- Helping Hands - $11,278

- Clatsop Community Action - $7,443

The CCF’s $57,864 in funding is allocated to:

- Sunset Empire Parks and Recreation District - $4,000

- Clatsop County Juvenile Department youth programs - $25,000

- Hope House/Lutheran Community Services NW - $19,300

- Clatsop County Action - $9,564

Other Business

In other business the board:

-Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon State Radio Project for funding for the new Emergency Operations Center communications wing at Camp Rilea. The state agency will provide $83,000 of the project’s $500,000 cost; the federal government will cover $250,000 and the county will pay for the remaining $167,000.

-Approved an agreement with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for a $141,000 grant to fund improvements to the adult fish holding pond at the South Fork Klaskanine Fish Hatchery operated by the county’s Select Area Fisheries Enhancement program.

-Re-appointed Commissioner Patricia Roberts as the county’s representative on the Council of Forest Trust Land Counties. Commissioner Scott Lee was chosen as the alternate.

ClatsopALERTS! USERS RECEIVE NATIONAL EMERGENCY TEST MESSAGE

2011-11-10T06:49:00.000-08:00

While Wednesday’s nationwide test of the National Emergency Alert System fizzled in Oregon, local citizens and businesses signed up with ClatsopALERTS! received the message.

The Clatsop County Emergency Management Division ran a test of the “reverse 911” emergency notification system by sending out the national alert to ClatsopALERTS! users via text and email.

The National Emergency Alert System is meant to allow federal officials to reach the American public during extreme emergencies. The Federal Emergency Management Agency sent out the much-publicized test signal at 11 a.m. Wednesday to “primary entry point” stations in every state. But due to an apparent malfunction at Oregon Public Broadcasting, the signal was never relayed to local radio and television stations in Oregon and Southwest Washington as intended.

Prior to Wednesday’s test, however, the county Emergency Management Division decided to piggyback on the national alert in order to test ClatsopALERTS! and solicit feedback from users. At 11 a.m. staff manually sent out the message to a total of 1,044 registered numbers.

ClatsopALERTS! enables local emergency officials to send out alerts to local citizens and businesses on storms, tsunamis and other emergencies as well as other incidents such as boil-water notices. Land-line telephone numbers are automatically entered into the system, but those wishing to receive messages on cell phones or via email must register for the service.

Alerts for major emergencies are sent by voice; other messages are sent by text or email only. Because Wednesday’s national alert was only a test, it was sent to ClatsopALERTS! users only as text.

To find out more about ClatsopALERTS! and the register, go to www.co.clatsop.or.us or call (503) 338-3656.

COUNTY OFFICES CLOSED FOR VETERANS DAY

2011-11-09T11:53:00.001-08:00

All Clatsop County offices will be closed Friday, Nov. 11 for the Veterans Day holiday.

An Open Letter to the Community from Clatsop Community College

2011-11-09T11:06:00.000-08:00

Clatsop Community College is committed to a secure and fiscally sustainable future for our college, students, faculty, and staff. To move the college in this direction, we have had to make immediate and dramatic cuts to operate within our means. By State law, we must have an annual balanced budget.

On July 1, the beginning of this fiscal year, we believed we had brought the college into fiscal balance through a combination of staff reductions, operating budget cuts and tuition increases. However, new revenue forecasts from the State along with declining property tax receipts and timber tax revenue means we are faced with the need to make an additional $1-million budget cut effective before July 1, 2012. We have faced this situation with grim resolve and taken the immediate steps necessary to balance the 2011-2012 budget.

New cuts which we began to announce on November 2 will affect all aspects of the college. We have made additional operational reductions, left vacant positions unfilled, reduced support and administrative staff, and now must face faculty reductions, fee increases and an additional increase in tuition.

For many years, the college has utilized a healthy proportion of full-time faculty. Regrettably, this option is no longer affordable. Similar to other Oregon community colleges, we must increase the share of courses taught by qualified adjunct faculty. We have no doubt that students’ educational needs will be met; that students will continue to graduate and succeed; and that employers and our local community will continue to find highly trained workers and educated citizens coming from Clatsop Community College programs. Clatsop Community College will offer a comprehensive range of classes that supports certificates, degrees, skill development and transfer opportunities.

We at Clatsop Community College remain focused on creating opportunity and building community for the citizens of Clatsop County and beyond. With the generous support and assistance from our community partners and the citizens of the North Coast, CCC will continue its mission of developing a highly skilled and educated citizenry for the next 50 years and beyond.

The future of this institution largely depends upon how we respond in the coming days, weeks, and months. We ask you to join us in a unified community response to sustain and strengthen Clatsop Community College. Your financial support will help prevent even more detrimental reductions and may permit some positions to be reinstated in the fall. We can and should work together to provide the best possible educational opportunity for everyone who lives and works here.

I welcome your ideas (ideas@clatsopcc.edu).

Larry Galizio, President
Clatsop Community College

Detailed voter returns in Clatsop County

2011-11-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

VOTES
PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 33) . . . . . 33... 100.00%
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . 14,591
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . .7,207
VOTER TURNOUT - TOTAL . . . . . . .49.39%

DEMOCRAT

Representative in Congress, 1st District
Vote For 1
Dominic Hammon. . . . . . . . . ....52... 1.19%
Suzanne Bonamici . . . . . . . . 2,625... 60.29%
Brad Witt . . . . . . . . . . .....690... 15.85%
Saba Ahmed . . . . . . . . . . .....11... .25%
Brad Avakian . . . . . . . . . ....681... 15.64%
Dan Strite . . . . . . . . . . ....248... 5.70%
Robert E Lettin . . . . . . . . .....9... .21%
Todd Lee Ritter . . . . . . . . ....18... .41%
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . ......20... .46%
Total . . . . . . . . . 4,354

REPUBLICAN

Representative in Congress, 1st District
Vote For 1
Lisa Michaels . . . . . . . . . ...222... 7.83%
D R Delgado-Morgan . . . . . . . ...54... 1.90%
Pavel Goberman. . . . . . . . . ....84... 2.96%
Jim Greenfield. . . . . . . . . ...306... 10.79%
Rob Cornilles . . . . . . . . . .2,121.. 74.76%
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . ......50... 1.76%
Total . . . . . . . . . 2,837

AREA ELECTION RESULTS

2011-11-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

In Oregon, for the District One Congressional seat, Rob Cornilles was the top Republican Candidate, he’ll be facing Democrat Susan Bonamicci in January.

In Tillamook County:
Measure 29-124: The Tillamook County Road General Obligation Bonds Authorization went down, , 4, 234 no votes to 3, 785 in favor.

Washington State:

Initiatives

1125 State Expenditures on transportation. Would prohibit the use of motor vehicle fund revenue and vehicle toll revenue for non transportation purposes, and require that road and bridge tolls be set by the legislature and be project specific. TOO CLOSE TO CALL as of 6am, with 49% of counted voters in favor and 51% against. This battle was largely funded by Bellevue Developer Kemper Freeman.

1163 Home Health Workers. Would reinstate background checks, training and other requirements for long term care workers and providers. YES

1183 Privatize liquor sales Would close state liquor stores and sell their assets, license private parties to sell and distribute spirits, regulate licensees and change regulation of wine distribution. YES. Washington State Liquor stores will be out of business as of June of next year. Costco spent over 22 million dollars on the campaign.

State Senate Joint Resolution 8206 A constitutional amendment on the budget stabilization account maintained in the state treasury. Would require the legislature to transfer additional moneys to the budget stabilization account in each fiscal biennium in which the state has received extraordinary revenue growth. YES

Pacific County
Emergency Medical Service 1 Proposition no. 1

Ambulance and Emergency Medical Services Funding $567,296 Passed with 1990 yes votes over 973 no votes

In contested Pacific County elections:

Write-in candidate Vinessa Mulinix will take the Ilwaco City Council position 2 seat. She got 144 votes over Don Berger’s 119.

Mark Perez won the contested Long Beach City Council member number 2 seat, with 209 votes over 181 for Rhonda Benson.

For the City of South Bend member number 1 council seat, the winner is Lisa Olsen, with 224 votes over 214 for Ed Hensley.

For the Port of Willapa Harbor, Tim Bond won the position two seat with 1,469 votes over Frank Porembski’s 1,272.

The Hospital District 2 seat was won by Tim Russ, the District 3 seat by Nancy Gorshe.

And for School District 116, there were two contested seats. The winners are Jason Dunsmoor and Beth Stevens.

In School District 301, voters in Pacific and Lewis Counties chose Tim Speck over Colin Newell for position 2.

In Water District North Beach, position two was won by Gwen Brake.
.

In Wahkiakum County, Steven McNicholas won the race for the Cathlamet Town Council position 1, with 97 votes over write in candidate Dale Jacobsen’s 61.

For the Town Council position 3 race, write-in candidate Dick Swart, former Cathlamet mayor, won with 65% of the vote.

Also in Wahkiakum County, Former real estate broker Lori Scot is the new Port District 2, position 3 commissioner. She garnered 322 votes over long time incumbent Carleton Appelo’s 268 votes. Applelo was one of the area’s longest serving commissioners. He became a Wahkiakum Port 2 commissioner in 1966.

CRASH ON HWY 30 NEAR ASTORIA TURNS FATAL

2011-11-08T10:03:00.001-08:00

On Monday, 11/07/2011, about 4:05pm, Clatsop County 911 received a call that a child had been struck by a truck after running across Highway 30 near MP 83 in the Knappa area. State Troopers from the Astoria Area Command, along with other emergency service providers, responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation, based upon witness and driver statements, indicate that an approximately 11 year old girl, and her 9 year old younger brother, were walking eastbound on the north side of HWY 30. For unknown reason they both attempted to cross Highway 30 to the south side. The 11 year old sister started to run across the highway and her younger brother followed shortly behind her. According to witnesses, they both ran between two westbound pick-up trucks. The sister made it safely to the south side of the roadway but her brother, identified as Austin Hennessee of Knappa, was struck by a Ford F250 pick-up driven by Kenneth Adams, 24, of Astoria. Adams immediately stopped an
d rendered first aid and CPR to Austin. Knappa Fire and Rescue arrived and Austin was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria where he was subsequently pronounced deceased.

Adams remained at the scene of the collision and cooperated fully with the investigation. No citations have been issued and the investigation is continuing. OSP was assisted at the scene by ODOT and Clatsop County Sheriff's deputies as well as Knappa Fire and Rescue. Highway 30 at MP 83 is a two lane roadway and was reduced to one lane of travel for approximately one hour while the collision was investigated. Road conditions were damp at the time but it was not raining.

BALLOTS DUE BACK TUESDAY IN NOV. 8 SPECIAL ELECTION

2011-11-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

Time is running out to return ballots for the Nov. 8 special primary election.

Ballots for the election must be returned by 8 p.m. Tuesday in order to be counted. To ensure their ballots arrive on time, voters are advised to bring completed ballots to one of the approved drop sites. Ballots placed in the mail before the deadline but not delivered until after will not be counted.

Completed ballots in Clatsop County can be dropped at the following sites:

· Clatsop County Clerk’s Office, Public Services Building, 820 Exchange St., Astoria -or- 24-hour drop box in front of office.

· Cannon Beach City Hall, 163 Gower St., Cannon Beach

· Gearhart City Hall, 696 Pacific Way, Gearhart

· Seaside City Hall, 989 Broadway, Seaside

· Warrenton City Hall, 225 S. Main Ave., Warrenton

· Knappa High School, 41535 Old Highway 30, Knappa

· Mist-Birkenfeld Fire Hall, 12525 Oregon Highway 202

· Clatskanie Library, 11 Lillich St., Clatskanie

For more information on Clatsop County Elections: contact the Clerk and Elections Office at (503) 325-8511 or go to the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us and click on “Nov. 8, 2011 Special Primary Election.”