FATAL TRAFFIC CRASH - HIGHWAY 6 NEAR LEE'S CAMP IN TILLAMOOK COUNTY

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into Monday morning's single vehicle fatal traffic crash that occurred along Highway 6 near Lee's Camp in Tillamook County.

Preliminary information indicates on December 30, 2013 at approximately 6:40 a.m., a passenger car driven by a 21-year old female was traveling eastbound on Highway 6 near milepost 26 attempting to pass two other vehicles when the driver lost control. The vehicle crossed the westbound lane, struck a guardrail and went down an embankment where it overturned onto its top in a creek.

Responding firefighters used ropes to access the overturned car about 40 feet down from the roadway. The female driver was pronounced deceased at the scene. She was using safety restraints and her car's airbags deployed.

OSP troopers from the Tillamook office are conducting the investigation. Trooper Sarah Reding is the lead investigator. Speed is being investigated as a possible contributing factor.

OSP was assisted at the scene by Tillamook County Sheriff's Office, Tillamook Fire District, Tillamook Regional Medical Center Ambulance, and ODOT.

Photograph - Oregon State Police

2014 Brings Change to Pacific County Sheriff’s Office

The New Year will bring changes to the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office in Washington.  Pacific County Sheriff Scott Johnson has announced changes to the Sheriff’s Office command staff including a retirement, promotion, and new appointment.  In November Chief Civil Deputy Debbie Allison, who has been employed by Pacific County in excess of 30 years, announced her intent to retire effective Tuesday, December 31. 

With the retirement of Deputy Allison, Sheriff Johnson has appointed Denise Rowlett as Chief Deputy, with responsibility for civil, financial, and administration operations within the office.  Rowlett has been employed with the Sheriff’s Office for over 14 years serving as Deputy Director of Emergency Management since 2008.

Scott McDougall has been appointed to fill the position of Deputy Director of Emergency Management.  McDougall joins the office with previous experience in the fire service as well as Pacific County Fair Manager. 

Astoria Man Arrested on Drug Charges

A Clatsop County Drug Task Force investigation has led to the arrest of DUSTIN WILLIAM TAYLOR DOB: 01/29/86, on drug related charges Saturday morning. Drug Task Force detectives with the assistance of Clatsop County Sheriff's Deputies executed search warrants on Taylor and his residence located at 33788 Cullaby Lake Lane Warrenton, Oregon. At the residence detectives located methamphetamine, heroin, hashish, marijuana, prescription amphetamines and Ketamine as well as paraphernalia, including syringe needles, smoking devices, scales, packaging material, records of drug sales and $1,565.00 in cash. Inside the residence was a monitor conne cted to three closed circuit security cameras covering multiple angles of approach to the exterior of the residence.
Taylor was arrested on charges of Delivery of a Controlled Substance Heroin, Delivery of a Controlled Substance Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance Heroin, Possession of a Controlled Substance Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance Hashish, Possession of a Controlled Substance Ketamine and Possession of a Controlled Substance Amphetamine. Taylor was transported to the Clatsop County Jail where he was lodged.

CRASH - HIGHWAY 101 NORTH OF GEARHART IN CLATSOP COUNTY

Oregon State Police (OSP) is continuing the investigation into a serious injury pedestrian-involved traffic crash that occurred Thursday afternoon on Highway 101 about four miles north of Gearhart in Clatsop County. The name of the injured pedestrian is released in this update.

According to Sergeant Andrew Merila, on December 26, 2013 at approximately 2:50 p.m., JAKE EDWARD WEIL, age 20, from Warrenton, was standing on the east side of Highway 101 near Dellmoor Loop Road (about milepost 16) when he reportedly tried to cross the highway to a coffee stand and was struck by a northbound 2005 Nissan passenger car. The car's driver tried to stop but couldn't avoid hitting the pedestrian.

OREGON CIGARETTE TAX INCREASE KICKS IN JANUARY 1

The Oregon Department of Revenue is reminding smokers that the tax on cigarettes will increase on January 1, 2014. Legislation enacted in the special legislative session this fall increases the state tax on a standard, 20-count pack of cigarettes by 13 cents: from $1.18 to $1.31.

"Ordinarily, the consumer pays the tax as a part of the price when purchasing cigarettes from an Oregon retailer. Consumers must remember that they are responsible for filing and paying the tax on cigarettes purchased on-line or otherwise brought in from outside the state," said Chris Wytoski, manager of Oregon's tobacco tax program.

Oregon's total tobacco tax revenue, from cigarettes and other tobacco products, is about $250 million per year. The revenue supports the Oregon Health Plan, the state General Fund, and the Tobacco Use Reduction Account. Portions of cigarette tax revenue are also specifically dedicated to cities, counties, and public transit and, with recent legislation, mental health programs.

ASTORIA WATER LINE LEAK

Water service was disrupted for some City of Astoria water customers today.  A waterline was compromised early this morning at 5th and Madison in Astoria. Assistant City Engineer Nathan Crater (KRAY-ter) says that caused an effect on the pumping system for the Skyline tank, resulting in another leak in the Skyline area.  Crews are working to refill the Skyline tank.  Water service is the Skyline area should be restored shortly.   The leak at 5th and Madison should be repaired by this afternoon.

Long Beach Razor Clam Season Extended

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced there will be sixteen additional days of razor clam digging at the Long Beach Peninsula between Dec. 29 and Feb. 28. 

Long Beach will be open daily from Dec. 29 through Jan. 4, then again Jan. 17 and 18, Jan. 29 through Feb. 2 and Feb. 27 and 28.

Diggers can take 15 razor clams per day, but must keep the first 15 dug. Each digger’s catch must be kept in a separate container.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2013-14 license to harvest razor clams. Licenses range form a three-day razor clam license ($8.60) to an annual combination fishing license ($54.25).