Law Enforcement Officials Say Kidnapping Suspect May Still Be In Clatsop County

 Astoria Police Department has received credible information of a sighting of Russell Wayne Deviney in Seaside Oregon during the evening of Tuesday, 05/12/2015.  A person believed to be Deviney entered the U Street Pub.  A still photo of the subject can be seen at left.  The subject reportedly had a balding head with short hair and appeared to have recently shaved his mustache.  He also had eye glasses with him, but did not wear them consistently.  The man asked questions about how to get to Cannon Beach and was on foot.  It is possible he intends to travel South down the Oregon Coast.  On 05/13/2015, late in the evening Seaside Police Department received a report of a possible sighting of Deviney at the Seaside Outlet Mall on 05/12/2015 sometime in the afternoon.  Astoria Police Department continues to be in contact with local, state and federal agencies to locate Deviney.  Astoria Deputy Chief Eric Halverson said “please call your local police department immediately if you see someone you believe is Deviney.  We would rather take calls and find out that the person is not Deviney, than miss an opportunity to get him into custody.”  Deviney is described as being 6’02”, 185 pounds with Hazel eyes, and blonde hair.  Deviney may make efforts to alter his appearance.  As of 05/12/2015 we believe Deviney was wearing a black hoodie style sweatshirt over a gray t-shirt, blue jeans, and a dark color stocking cap.

APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR CLATSOP COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION OPENINGS

Clatsop County invites applications for two upcoming openings on its Planning Commission. 

 

The Planning Commission is the county’s committee for citizen involvement on development and land use issues, such as zoning, natural resources, transportation, natural hazards, economic development, housing, farm and forest lands and coastal zones. The commission makes land use decisions on variances, conditional uses and subdivisions. It also makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on amendments to the comprehensive plan and its implementing ordinances. The Planning Commission regularly meets the second Tuesday of each month, in Astoria.

Clatsop Community College Fire Engine Makes its Debut

The Clatsop Community College Fire Science Program has acquired its own fire engine for training purposes. The engine was displayed with its new number, lettering, colors and logo on Wednesday at the high school job fair at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds. The engine’s new graphics were designed and applied by Jeff Miller of Red Dwarf Graphics in Astoria. The engine was donated to the college by the Pacific County Fire District #1.

CLATSOP COMMISSIONERS HONOR COUNTY VOLUNTEERS

The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, April 8 honored Volunteer of the Year recipients and recognized the more than 600 citizens who donate their time to the county.
The board approved a proclamation declaring April 12-18 to be Volunteer Week in Clatsop County.
In 2014, 631 volunteers provided a total of 22,619 hours of service to the county, representing a value of $482,921.
Individual Volunteer of the Year is Shannon Danen, who was honored for his 19 years of work with the Clatsop County Sheriff's Office Underwater Recovery Team. Currently Team Leader, Danen has led multiple recovery missions, and his knowledge and experience allows the Sheriff's Office to provide closure to families of individuals who have died in tragic accidents.

ATV INSTRUCTION DATES IN CLATSOP COUNTY

Clatsop County Sheriff's Office All Terrain Vehicle Instruction Courses scheduled for the remainder of 2015.
5/26/2015
2 hour Youth Evaluation 8am - 10am
4 hour all ages Instruction Course 12pm - 4pm
7/25/15
4 hour all ages Instruction Course 8am - 12pm
2 hour Youth Evaluation 12pm - 2pm
9/26/2015
4 hour all ages Instruction Course 8am - 12pm
2 hour Youth Evaluation 12pm - 2pm
11/21/2015
4 hour all ages Instruction Course 8am - 12pm
2 hour Youth Evaluation
* Maximum class size of 6
* Register for 2 hour evaluation at www.oregonatvsafety.com
* Register for 4 hour Instruction Course at www.atvsafety.org
* Youth under 16 looking for "Hands on Requirement" need to sign up for one of the classes; do not need to take both
* 2 hour evaluation is for riders with plenty of previous riding experience
* 4 hour class is for new riders
* All riders must have their Oregon ATV Rider Card prior to class. The card is available free through an online power point at www.rideatvoregon.com
* If you have any questions please contact Deputy Justin Dersham at 503-325-8635.

PUBLIC MEETINGS SET TO DESIGN 2017 OREGON HEALTH PLANS

Oregonians who want to participate in the process of setting the essential health benefits and standard plan design for 2017 health insurance plans can attend the first meeting of the Essential Health Benefits Rulemaking Advisory Committee. The first meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Friday, April 10, at the Labor and Industries Building in Salem.
Essential health benefits are a set of health care services that all health insurance plans in the individual and small group markets that are subject to the Affordable Care Act's market reforms must cover with no annual or lifetime dollar limits. Essential health benefits are defined by a benchmark plan selected by the Department of Consumer and Business Services that reflects a "typical employer plan" available in Oregon. Oregon must notify the federal government of its benchmark plan selection in June 2015.

OREGON PROPERTY TAX DEFERRAL PAPERWORK DUE APRIL 15

Oregonians eligible for disabled or senior citizen property tax deferral programs have three weeks left to file paperwork.

Bronson Rueda, deferral program manager at the Department of Revenue, said in a statement that for taxes to be paid in November, taxpayers need to meet the April 15 deadline.  This applies to participants who received re certification forms by mail in February and new applicants for deferral. If forms are not submitted by the deadline, property taxes will have to be paid this year.   

The deferral program allows eligible senior citizens and people with disabilities to have the state of Oregon pay property taxes on their behalf until they move, sell their home, or die. Eligibility criteria must be met.  A lien is placed on the participant’s home, and all taxes, interest, and fees must be repaid before the lien is removed. Oregon's deferral programs have approximately 6,300 active participants.

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights Wednesday, March 25, 2015 meeting

 The Board of Clatsop County Commissioners met Wednesday, March 25th.

Business action included the approval to approve the annexation of the City of Cannon Beach into the 4-H and Extension Service District.  In November, Cannon Beach voters elected to annex the city into the district, which coverall of ClatsopCounty iwth the exception of Cannon Beach.
The board adopted a new county-wide fee schedule covering charges for various serviced in 13 departments, offices and divisions.  The fees are based on information gathered through a study conducted by consultants MGT America that examined the offices' costs to provide services and comparable fees in other jurisdictions.  The new fee rates will take effect July 1.

In other business the board:
-Appointed Cindy Johnsen and Robin Resley to the Clatsop County Planning Commission.
-Proclained March 22-28 as Tsunami Preparedness Week.

GEARHART RECALL ELECTION DAY IS THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Voters in the City of Gearhart are reminded that Thursday, March 26 is the last day to return completed ballots in the special recall election. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Thursday. Mailed ballots received after the deadline will not be counted. Ballots may be dropped off at Gearhart City Hall, 698 Pacific Way, or at the Clatsop County Clerk's Office, 820 Exchange St., Astoria or the 24-hour drop box in front of the Clerk's Office. The election asks voters to vote on the recall of Gearhart Mayor Dianne Widdop. The election is only open to voters in Gearhart. For more information go to the Clatsop County website, www.co.clatsop.or.us.

CLATSOP COUNTY LAUNCHES TSUNAMI HAZARD OVERLAY PROJECT

Clatsop County has launched the Tsunami Hazard Overlay Project to develop land-use provisions designed to improve local resiliency in the event of the natural disaster forecast to strike the Northwest coast.

The first meeting of the project's advisory committee is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at 10 a.m. at 800 Exchange St., Suite 430, Astoria.

The primary purpose of the project is to develop a comprehensive knowledge of tsunami hazards within the county, identify what strategies and options apply locally, and to determine what level of detail is necessary to implement the resulting comprehensive plan and development provisions.

Astoria Police Investigate Robbery Report Police Looking for Witnesses

Astoria Police are seeking information after a woman reported being robbed at knife point on the Astoria River Walk, near Astoria Warehousing, yesterday (Mon) morning just before 10am.

Astoria Police received a phone call shortly after 10am yesterday, from a 32 year old female who reported she had been robbed at knife point on the Astoria River Walk. She reported she had been walking two dogs on the elevated area between Astoria Warehousing and the Holiday Inn Express Hotel. She said that she was approached by a male 6” tall, 40-50 years old, wearing a brown hat, blue jeans, and a red and blue plaid shirt. She indicated the male subject pointed a knife at her and demanded her purse. The purse contained only some cash, her ID, and a partially filled bottle of pain medicine. The male subject left eastbound and the victim returned to her car at the Maritime Memorial to call police on the phone she left in her car.

Astoria Police were in the area quickly but were unable to locate anyone matching the description of the suspect. Police have released a photo of the dogs, hoping someone may remember the dogs the victim was walking with.  

Any information will be helpful. Anyone with information should contact Astoria Police at 503.325.4411 or Officer Lance Shepherd at lshepherd@astoria.or.us 

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights Wednesday, March 11, 2015 special meeting

Enterprise Zone resolution

The board voted to approve an application to the State of Oregon to establish a Clatsop Enterprise Zone. The zone, covering multiple properties in Astoria, Warrenton, Miles Crossing and Knappa, would extend property tax exemptions of up to five years to certain qualifying new and expanding businesses for new development. The project is a joint effort of the county, the cities of Astoria and Warrenton and the Port of Astoria. The Warrenton City Commission and port commission have each approved resolutions supporting the application – the Astoria City Council is due to vote on its own resolution March 16.

The application will be considered by the state’s Business Oregon economic development agency.

Tsunami overlay project

The board heard a presentation from Community Development Department staff on a new Tsunami Hazard Overlay project designed to develop provisions in the county’s comprehensive plan and development code to improve local resilience in the event of a Cascadia earthquake-generated tsunami. The project will be funded by a $7,000 Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development grant.

The board voted to appoint an advisory committee for the project with the following members: Patrick Corcoran, Jim Miller, Tom Horning, Kelly Stearns, Phil McCurdy, Bruce Francis, Bill Eddy, Laren Wooley, Patrick Wingard, Linda Lapp-Murray, Dannell Davis, Ryan Helligso and Commissioner Lianne Thompson.

Other Business

In other business the board:

-Directed the Local Government Personnel Institute to negotiate a contract with Michelle Kennedy Consulting to perform a 360-degree performance review of county management.

-Approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Oregon Judicial Department to receive approximately $100,000 in state funding for three maintenance/improvement projects at the county courthouse: roof replacement, new back-up generator, and exterior surveillance video cameras.

-Appointed Mindy Stokes to the Human Services Advisory Council

provided by Clatsop County

ODOT plans to remove hazard trees along U.S. 101 through Cannon Beach - Work scheduled March 9-11

An Oregon Department of Transportation crew will be removing hazard trees along U.S. 101 near Cannon Beach from Monday, March 9 through Wednesday, March 11, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. ODOT will be conducting traffic control through the work zone and the public is encouraged to drive with caution and to expect minor delays.

The project includes the removal of a number of alder trees that have been identified by the ODOT arborist as hazardous to motorists and to the safe operation of the roadway. The activity is scheduled to take place along U.S. 101 from Ecola Creek Bridge at milepost 28.70 to Sunset Blvd at milepost 29.48.

Oregon AG Rosenblum To Run Again

Oregon attorney general, Ellen Rosenblum has announced her intention to run for another term of office

Oregon’s chief law-enforcement officer made the announcement during her talk at last night’s Columbia Forum at the Columbia Memorial Hospital Community Center in Astoria, after an audience member asked her to address a rumor she was losing interest in the job.

“I love this job.  I’m honored to have gotten to serve.  Sometimes I just kind of, have to tickle myself a little bit to make sure this is really for real, because for me it’s really brought together my entire career and makes me feel like I can serve you well, based in part on who I am and what I care about, but also the background that I bring to the job.  So with your indulgence, I do plan to run for a second term, and I look forward to that.  (applause)

Rosenblum, was elected to a four-year term as Oregon’s first female attorney general in 2012. She will next be up for election in 2016. 

Rosenblum said her priorities are for protecting ordinary Oregonians, with an emphasis on  children, seniors and vulnerable populations. 

BOARD OF CLATSOP COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION WEDNESDAY

The Board of Clatsop County Commissioners will hold a Work Session on  Wednesday, March 4th at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial in Astoria.

During the work session at 5:00 pm, the Board of Commissioners will consider a Clatsop Enterprise Zone

Work Sessions are an opportunity for Board members to discuss issues informally with staff and invited guests. The Board encourages members of the public to attend Work Sessions and listen to the discussion, but there is generally no opportunity for public comment. Members of the public wishing to address the Board are welcome to do so during the Board’s regularly scheduled meetings held twice monthly.

Study outlines impact of tsunami on the Columbia River

Engineers at Oregon State University have completed one of the most precise evaluations yet done about the impact of a major tsunami event on the Columbia River, what forces are most important in controlling water flow and what areas might be inundated.
They found, in general, that tidal stages are far more important than river flow in determining the impact of a tsunami; that it would have its greatest effect at the highest tides of the year; and that a tsunami would be largely dissipated within about 50 miles of the river’s mouth, near Longview, Wash.
Any water level increases caused by a tsunami would be so slight as to be almost immeasurable around the Portland metropolitan area or Bonneville Dam, the study showed. But water could rise as much as 13 feet just inside the mouth of the Columbia River, and almost 7 feet within a few miles of Astoria.
“There have been previous models of Columbia River run-up as a result of a tsunami, but they had less resolution than this work,” said David Hill, an associate professor of civil engineering in the OSU College of Engineering. “We carefully considered the complex hydrodynamics, subsidence of grounds that a tsunami might cause, and the impacts during different scenarios.”
The impact of tsunamis on rivers is difficult to predict, researchers say, because many variables are involved that can either dampen or magnify their effect. Such factors can include the width and shape of river mouths, bays, river flow, tidal effects, and other forces.

Governor Kate Brown Addresses Oregonians Following Swearing-in Ceremony

New Oregon Governor Kate Brown delivered the following address following her swearing-in ceremony on Wednesday, February 18th:

Governors Roberts and Kulongoski, tribal leaders, Speaker Kotek, President Courtney, honored colleagues, good morning. 
As I take the oath of office this morning, I am blessed to have the support of a large and wonderful family, many of whom are here. I want to specially thank two people who’ve had a great influence on my life: my mother, Sally, and my spouse, Dan Little, who is my rock.
It’s been a tough few months.  The people of Oregon have had reason to question their trust in state government. Oregon has been in the national news for all the wrong reasons. 
That changes starting today. It’s time for us to get back to work. It’s time to move Oregon forward.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown Announces Executive Team Staff Members

On Wednesdy, February 18th, Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced members of her Executive Team:

Brian Shipley, Chief of Staff
Brian comes to the Governor’s Office after having served in the government relations department at Oregon Health & Science University. Prior to that, he held positions throughout state government, including serving as Kate Brown’s Deputy Secretary of State and as a member of Governor Ted Kulongoski’s executive team. He also was Chief of Staff for the Senate Majority Leader and Director of Legislation for the Peter Courtney, President of the Senate.

Brian graduated from Willamette University with a degree in Politics and Environmental Science and received his law degree from Georgetown University.

Benjamin Souede, General Counsel
Ben graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and cum laude in 2002 from Harvard Law School. After law school, he served as a judicial law clerk for the Hon. Susan P. Graber of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. After completing his clerkship, Ben moved to Washington, D.C. to serve as a Senior Advisor to then-Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY).

Ben began his legal practice with the leading D.C. litigation firm Williams & Connolly LLP. Upon returning to Portland, he continued in private practice as an attorney, first with Lane Powell PC and then as a founding attorney of what is now the Angeli Ungar Law Group LLC. He is also a founding member of the Advisory Board to the Oregon Innocence Project.

Kristen Grainger, Communications Director
Kristen graduated from the University of Washington in 1988, and has been vice president and assistant to the president at Willamette University since 2002. Prior, she worked in Oregon state politics for more than 13 years as a journalist, political advisor and legislative advocate, including service with Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers from 1996 to 2002, and communications director for Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski’s 2002 gubernatorial campaign.

Gina Zejdlik, Senior Policy Advisor
Gina is a graduate of the University of Washington and Notre Dame law school. She previously worked as a Deputy Legislative Counsel for the Oregon Legislature with an emphasis on government ethics, redistricting and election law. After serving as Legislative Director for Secretary of State Kate Brown, she was appointed Interim Elections Director. Most recently, Gina served as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State.

 --from the Governor's office

CLATSOP COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE PROPOSED TO BOOST INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

  

The public is invited to learn more about a proposed enterprise zone designed to boost economic development in Clatsop County at a meeting Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Judge Guy Boyington Building, 857 Commercial St., Astoria.

Clatsop County, the Port of Astoria and the cities of Astoria and Warrenton will consider submitting an application to the State of Oregon for the designation of an enterprise zone covering multiple areas.

The enterprise zone program allows property tax exemptions of up to five years on new capital construction such as new buildings/structures, modifications, additions and new equipment, in exchange for job creation and other public benefits. Participating firms are required to meet program requirements set by the state as well as the local sponsors. Once the five-year period ends the qualifying improvements are fully taxed.

Clatsop County Board of Commissioners Highlights Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015 regular meeting

Vision adopted

The board adopted the Clatsop Vision 2030Together. The Vision, crafted with assistance from consultants Zenn Associates and developed through a long public outreach effort that included interviews, community workshops and surveys, provides a roadmap for where citizens hope to see the county in 15-20 years. It includes an overarching vision and core community values, as well as visions for each of six focus areas: Economy and Jobs; Arts, Culture and History; Health, Safety and Resilience; Education and Learning; Environmental, Natural Resources and Recreation; and Community Development and Planning.

The board will consider a plan with specific implementation measures at a future meeting.

Wetlands measures

The board voted unanimously not to have county staff draw up interim wetlands protection measures for the Arch Cape and Cove Beach communities, instead opting to allow a newly formed ad hoc committee to examine the issue and bring recommendations to the board. The committee will focus on the Local Wetland and Riparian Corridor inventories conducted for the Arch Cape area in 2011.

Budget policies adopted

The board approved the Fiscal Year 2015-16 Budget Policies and Strategic Plan/Resource Reduction Strategy. The policies provide guiding principles and instructions for developing the upcoming year’s county budget. They include:

·   Conserving General Fund resources to fund high-priority programs.

·   “Status quo” department staffing levels with any proposed changes fitting within base budgets; any new staffing or program request accompanied by justification form.

·   A goal of no increase in materials and supplies expenditures for General Fund departments

·   Pursuing revenue sources to the fullest extent possible

·   Budget savings achieved during the fiscal year be saved and added to ending fund balance

·   No “back-filling” use of General Fund dollars to make up shortfalls in state or federal funding.

The Resource Reduction Strategy prioritizes county functions for funding in the event that cuts are necessary during the budget year:

1.     Public Safety and Justice

2.     Public Health

3.     Government Direct Services

4.     Community Development, Land Use, Transportation and Housing

5.     Culture and Recreation

Fee study discussed

The board heard a presentation on a comprehensive study of the county’s service fees. The study examined what percent of the cost of service delivery the existing fees cover, compared Clatsop County’s fees to other jurisdictions, and recommended fee adjustments. The board will consider action on the recommendations at its Feb. 25 meeting.

Other Business

In other business:

-Approved an increase in the vaccine administration fee for the county Public Health Department from the current $21.96 per vaccination to $44. Director Brian Mahoney explained that the current rate covers only 50 percent of the department’s actual costs to administer vaccinations.

-Approved a property line adjustment on the southern boundary of Cullaby Lake County Park to account for cranberry bogs that were found to encroach into the park property during a 2010 survey. The county will trade 0.88 acres of property to two neighboring landowners in exchange for land of equal size to adjust the boundary and place the bogs entirely outside the park.

-Appointed Commissioner Lisa Clement to the Northwest Senior and Disability Services Board.

-Approved a proclamation declaring Feb. 2-9 as Tongue Point Job Corps Week in recognition of the program’s 50^th anniversary in Clatsop County.

-Voted to hold all the board’s regular meetings at 6 p.m.

Submitted by Clatsop County

CAPACITY CROWD QUESTIONS LNG PERMITTING AT PUBLIC MTG IN WARRENTON TUES

A capacity crowd of over 100 packed the Warrenton Community Center last night (Tues) for a  public meeting about the permitting process for the proposed Oregon LNG export terminal and pipeline project.

Representatives from Oregon DEQ, the  Department of State Lands, the Department of Land Conservation and Development and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers addressed questions relating to the permitting and certification process. 

DEQ representatives focused on 401 water quality certification, intended to ensure that work completed under the Federal Clean Water Act Section 404 Dredge/Fill permit would meet state water quality standards.

Representatives from the Army Corps of engineers declined specific comments on a pending lawsuit filed by Oregon LNG against the Corps.  The Corps says it has a permanent easement to deposit dredge spoils in the same location of the proposed terminal on the Skipanon Peninsula.  The easement, dating from 1957, could prevent construction of the proposed terminal.

Public comments will continue to be taken until February 16th.*  Comments can be mailed, emailed or faxed to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.  

The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced conditional authorization for Oregon LNG to export domestically produced LNG to countries that do not have a Free Trade Agreement with the U.S.

Oregon DEQ will hold another question and answer session in a public meeting January 29th in Vernonia. 

*Comments may be mailed to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Northwest Region, Attn: 401 Public Comments, 2020 SW 4th Ave., Suite 400, Portland, OR 97201

Comments can be emailed to:
401publiccomments@deq.state.or.us, or faxed to:

503-229-6957

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN OREGGON CAN APPLY FOR GRANTS FOR PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECTS

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) announces the opening of the 2015 Local Government Grant Program grant cycle for funding public parks and recreation projects.

Large, small and planning grants are available for cities, counties, metropolitan service districts, park and recreation districts, and port districts looking to fund the following types of projects: planning, development, rehabilitation, acquisition, and acquisition and development.

The Local Government Grant Program is designed to help local government agencies acquire property for park purposes and fund outdoor park and recreation areas and facilities. The grants are funded from voter-approved lottery money. 

OPRD gives more than $4 million annually to Oregon communities for outdoor recreation projects and has awarded nearly $50 million in grants since 1999. 

Applications, a grant manual, application deadlines and other information are online at oprdgrants.org.



Submitted by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

CLATSOP COUNTY SEEKS APPLICANTS FOR BUDGET COMMITTEES

  

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:  One full term, ending February 28, 2018, representing District 1 is open on this committee, which reviews the county’s overall operating budget. Applicants must live in District 1 which covers western Astoria as well as Warrenton and Hammond.

Road District 1 Budget Committee: Three full terms ending February 28, 2018 and two un-expired terms ending February 28, 2016 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.

ODFW donates 175 tons of salmon to Oregon’s food banks

Banner runs of Pacific salmon helped feed thousands of Oregonians in 2014.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife hatcheries donated more than 350,000 pounds of Chinook and coho salmon to food banks in communities across the state.

The huge donation of high quality protein was made possible by one of the largest returns of Pacific salmon in years. A record 1.2 million Chinook and 1 million coho returned to the Columbia River in 2014. Similar returns are expected again in 2015.

“The unprecedented returns salmon to our region the past two years have benefited fishermen, the economy, and helped feed thousands of people who might otherwise have gone hungry,” said Chris Kern, deputy administrator of ODFW’s fish division.

The vast majority of salmon donated to Oregon’s food banks are collected after ODFW hatcheries gather enough eggs to produce the following year’s crop of juvenile salmon. Once the young salmon are reared at the hatcheries and then released, a small percentage of them will return to the hatcheries as adults after spending three or four years maturing in the ocean.

“We’re proud that our hatcheries have such positive impact on the lives of Oregonians,” said Manny Farinas, ODFW West Region hatchery coordinator. “Thanks to all of our great volunteers that helped collect, process, and deliver the fish to the various food banks.”

If forecasts materialize as hoped, 2015 could be another outstanding year for salmon returns. Preliminary data compiled in December by fishery managers from Oregon and Washington suggests Chinook returns will be even larger than 2014 while coho returns could be mixed.

“All the indicators are pointing to another good year of salmon returns,” Kern said.

submitted by ODFW

TALL SHIPS LADY WASHINGTON, HAWAIIAN CHIEFTAIN ANNOUNCE COLUMBIA RIVER TRIP

 

The tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain have announced an extended voyage on the Columbia River in July and August, 2015. The two vessels will visit 11 ports and offer educational programs, public sailing excursions, and public walk-on tours at most locations. Lady Washington is the official ship of Washington state, and Hawaiian Chieftain accompanies her on her voyages. The last extended trip on the Columbia River was in 2013. Here's the list of 2015 stops with public availability:

July 5: Depart Aberdeen
July 10-11: Kalama
July 15-20: Stevenson
July 22-23: Hood River
July 25-27: The Dalles
July 31-August 10: Pasco
August 13-14: Arlington
August 23-24: Rainier
August 26: Cathlamet
August 28: Ilwaco
 

Specific dates and times for tours and public excursions, including the ships' popular Battle Sails, will be announced in the spring. The ships are also working with local organizations on charters and special events. For information on chartering Lady Washington and/or Hawaiian Chieftain, visit the Charters page at www.historicalseaport.org, or call 800-200-5239.

ODFW monitoring seabird die-off on Oregon coast

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife biologists are investigating the deaths of large numbers of seabirds along the Pacific coast in the wake of harsh winter weather the past several weeks. 
 

Common murres and Cassin’s auklets have been showing up dead on coast beaches in greater numbers than usual. Preliminary lab results indicate the birds are extremely emaciated, likely related to exhaustion and starvation caused by exposure to cold temperatures and heavy wind. 

Herman Biederbeck, ODFW biologist in Tillamook said, quote: “The birds washing up on the beach seem to be starved and beaten up by the storms, we have seabird die-offs in the fall and early winter every year but this year we’re seeing elevated numbers”, close quote. 

Seabird mortality has been observed from as far south as California to as far north as British Columbia, leading some researchers to believe the die-off is the result of an unusually large hatch of young birds last spring, followed by harsh weather. 

Biederbeck said colored zip ties have been affixed to some dead birds by researchers from the University of Washington as part of a seabird mortality study.

People who encounter dead seabirds on the beach should not touch or move them. ODFW is asking beach walkers who find large concentrations of dead birds that have not been marked with colored zip ties to call their whereabouts in to their local ODFW field office or the wildlife health hotline at (866) 968-2600.

WEATHER RELATED TRAFFIC DELAYS IN PACIFIC COUNTY FOR MONDAY JAN 5

Washington State Route 4 is closed in both directions at Milepost 3 just west of Naselle at Youth Camp Lane.  A collapsed culvert has closed the road for several days estimated.  Local detour for small vehicles only is Parpala Road. No large trucks. The other detour is south from Naselle to Astoria Megler bridge via highway 401 then highwayt 101 through Chinook.  
South Valley Road in Naselle is closed.

Further north in Pacific County, Northeast of Raymond/South Bend: both directions off SR 105 are closed between Smith Creek Bridge (milepost 10) and Airport Road (milepost 4.5) due to a debris slide that is blocking the roadway near milepost 8. Crews will assess the conditions during daylight hours to make a determination on possible damage. At this time, there is no estimate for reopening the highway.

A slide is affecting both directions of US 101 near “A” Street in South Bend. 

FLOOD WARNING NASELLE RIVER

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the Naselle River until this afternoon or until the warning is canceled.  At 3am this morning the river level was at 15.1 feet.  Flood stage for the Naselle River is 15.5 feet.  The river is expected  to crest around 9am at 16.2 feet. Minor flooding is forecast.

CLATSOP COUNTY AGAIN RECOGNIZED FOR BUDGET PRESENTATION

   For the second consecutive year, the Clatsop County Budget and Finance Department is the recipient of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

The award recognizes the commitment of the county board of commissioners and staff to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentations. These guidelines assess how well an entity’s budget serves as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device. Budget documents must meet 14 mandatory criteria in those categories to qualify for the award.

A total of 1,424 entities have been selected for the award. Clatsop County received the award for the first time in 2013.