Oregon Coast News - January 21, 2010
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
High Surf
A High Surf Advisory is in effect for the South Oregon Coast through 4 p.m. today.
FERC
The Western Environmental Law Center, which provides “free or reduced-fee legal services to conservation groups, communities and individuals, challenging corporations and government agencies that violate environmental laws in the West,” has joined the grassroots effort opposed to the proposed Jordan Cove Energy Project for Coos Bay’s North Spit and its accompanying 234-mile long pipeline to a main north-south natural gas transmission line in South Central Oregon. The JCEP has proposed building a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal and has received approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Along with a coalition of environmentalists, and landowners, the Western Environmental Law Center, based in Eugene, has filed a request for a rehearing over FERC’s December approval. The State of Oregon is also challenging the federal agency’s decision. Jordan Cove is one of three LNG’s proposed in the state. The other two are located on the Columbia River. Oregon LNG is considered third in the permitting process and would like to build in the Warrenton area west of Astoria. Bradwood Landing, which received approval to proceed earlier from FERC, would like to start construction this summer east of Astoria.
CuCo burglaries
A traffic stop over the New Year’s holiday has led to the solving of numerous residential burglaries, mail thefts, and ID theft cases in Curry County. An Oregon State Police trooper stopped a 1998 VW Jetta as a possible intoxicated driver at 12:50 a.m. on Jan. 2nd in the Brookings area. Forty-seven year old Renee Yvonne Schmacher, and 23-year old Steven John Specht, both of Brookings, were taken into custody. Schmacher was charged with DUII, and Specht was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm, as well as Unlawful Possession, Distribution and Manufacture of a Controlled Substance. He was found in possession of stolen credit cars. Nearly two ounces of Methamphetamine was also discovered inside the car as well as the concealed loaded firearm. A search warrant was obtained for the vehicle on Jan. 5th. Investigators found a woman’s purse, stolen jewelry, stolen antique coins, credit cards, and numerous pieces of mail belonging to other people. Evidence obtained helped solve four residential burglaries and 36 cases of mail theft.
Smoking ban
At the request of a citizen, the Coos Bay City Council voted Tuesday night to ask staff to draft an ordinance forbidding smoking in city parks. The request came from Jennifer Stephens who specifically talked about Mingus Park and second-hand smoke. Coos County Public Health Department administrator Frances Smith also spoke out against smoking in open public spaces. According to Smith, Coos County has some of the highest smoking and lung cancer rates in the state. Councilors John Eck and Gene Melton voted against the motion. Bandon has a similar ordinance for its parks.
H1N1 Vaccine Clinics Scheduled for Elementary Schools in North Bend
In collaboration with the North Bend School District, Coos County Public Health has scheduled H1N1 immunization clinics for students at Hillcrest Elementary School on Thursday, January 21st, 3:30 – 5 p.m. The H1N1 vaccine will be given free of charge to students whose parents have signed and returned consent forms to the schools. The vaccine will be mostly in the form of nasal spray, with some shots also available to students who have asthma or other health problems that prevent them from using the spray. These clinics will be providing the second dose of H1N1 vaccine to children under the age of 10 years, which is necessary for full immunity. For more information about H1N1 flu clinics, call Coos County Public Health, 541-756-2020, ext. 580 or the Oregon Hotline, 1-800-978-3040. Information is also available at websites www.flu.oregon.gov and www.co.coos.or.us.
Inmate
An inmate who walked away from a work crew at the Lincoln Co. Animal Shelter in Newport Jan. 10th, was apprehended in Dallas, OR, Wednesday, Jan. 20th. Jeremy Gruver is believed to be the first inmate to walk away from a program that allows incarcerated inmates on the Central Oregon Coast to work outside the county’s jail. He’s been charged with Escape II and Escape III.
Whale Watching
The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department’s program is called “Whale Watching Spoken Here.” It should change to “Whale Watching Spoken by Morris Grover.” Grover is the head of the State Parks Whale Watching Center in Depoe Bay on the Central Oregon Coast. He took over the program after it was coordinated for many years by Mike Rivers at the Oregon State Parks Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center at Waldport. Grover has run with the program that involves hundreds of volunteers who man 24 sites along the Oregon Coast twice a year as part of Whale Watching Week in December and March. The two dates coincide with the migration of the California Gray Whale between the birthing grounds of Baja, Mexico and the feeding grounds in the Gulf of Alaska. Morris says there are more than 19,000 gray whales and 1,100 humpback whales that migrate each year. He estimates that about 30 whales pass the Oregon Coast each hour during the peak migration. The southerly migration is still continuing, but Morris says this winter’s rough weather is keeping the whales about six to eight miles off shore. The northerly migration during Spring Break usually has quieter breaking waves on shore and the whales tend to swim closer to land making them easier to view. During the recent December “Whale Watch,” 672 whales were spotted from shore. Morris says that is nearly double what was spotted in 2005-06 when 378 sightings were recorded. After the trained volunteers packed up January 1st from the choice viewing sites between Astoria and Brookings, Morris says they have counted an additional 230 at the center in Depoe Bay. The volunteers will return for the northern migration during Spring Break in March.
Boat Building Center
The Coos Bay Boat Building Center Board of Directors will hold a meeting at 1:15 p.m. January 21, 2010 in the conference room at North Point, Inc., 100 Central Avenue, Coos Bay OR.
CB Downtown Assn.
The Coos Bay Downtown Association will hold their annual meeting on Thursday, January 21st, 5:30 p.m., at the Coos Art Museum, 235 Anderson Avenue. All interested citizens – whether they are members of the Downtown Association or not – are invited to attend the meeting. Guest Speakers will be Mayor McKeown and Urban Renewal Chair Gene Melton. A review of 2009 events and activities and a preview of events and activities planned for 2010 will be given. Refreshments will be provided.
Oregon Albacore Commission
Public Meeting, Thursday, January 21, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Charleston Marina RV Park, 63402 Kingfisher Road, Charleston, Oregon. Agenda: 10:00 a.m. Public Meeting: 1. Call to Order, Introductions – Rick Goche, Chair; 2. Administrative Report – Nancy Fitzpatrick; a. Approval of Meeting Minutes; b. Approval of Financial Reports; c. Amend Administrative Rules; 10:30 3. Safety Training Classes (OAC sponsor?); 11:00 4. Regulatory Discussion; a. ODFW 2009 Report; b. April 10-15 PFMC Meeting – Portland
New control date for limited entry; c. Catch shares discussion; d. WFOA update. Noon – Working Lunch (lunch will be provided). 1:00 p.m. Continue morning agenda items discussion; 2:00 5. Promotion/Marketing; a. Marketing opportunities; b. The Foodie Show DVD –To view online see: www.thefoodieshow.com; c. Promotional materials
6. Oregon Department of Agriculture Update; 7. Other Business; 4:00 Adjourn.
Oregon International Port of Coos Bay Commission
The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay Commission will meet on Thursday, January 21, 2010, 7:00 p.m., Port Commission Chambers, 125 Central Ave, Suite 230, Coos Bay OR 97420. Tentative Agenda: 1. Call Meeting to Order: 2. Introduction of Guests: 3. CONSENT ITEMS: A. Minutes: Approval of November 19, 2009 Minutes. B. Approval of Invoices from November/December/January Totaling: $1,239,475.38; C. Ratification of all Agreements on JC/Weyerhaeuser Agreements. 4. MANAGEMENT REPORTS: A. Executive Director Jeff Bishop. Verbal; B. Deputy Executive Director Mike Gaul. Verbal; C. Director of Communications and Freight Mobility Martin Callery. Verbal; D. Director of Finance and Administration Donna Nichols. E. Marina Facilities Manager Aaron Simons; F. Rail Operations Manager Dan Lovelady; 5. PUBLIC COMMENT: 6. ACTION ITEMS/REPORTS: A. FY08/09 Audit Review Donna Nichols/Larry Reiber. B. Business Center Lease Rate Structure Donna Nichols. C. Partnership for Coastal Watersheds Presentation Craig Cornu/Dr. Jon Souder; D. Kentuck Meth House Testimony – Clarification Mike Gaul; 7. OTHER: 8. INFORMATION ITEMS: A. Letter from DEQ- Sport Fish Cleaning Waste Discharge Approval; B. Letter from Coos Historical & Maritime Museum – Thank You; C. Coos River S.T.E.P. News – Thanks Port of Coos Bay; D. Email: Charleston Boat Ramp – Float Decking Cleanliness; E. Letter from Parsons Brinckerhoff; F. Info on Oregon Tuna Classic; G. Letter from Pat Houck – Charleston Ice; H. Business Center Newsletter for January 2010; 9. COMMISSION COMMENTS: 10. NEXT MEETING DATE; February 18, 2010; 11. ADJOURN.
Coos Co. Airport District Board
The Board of Commissioners for the Coos Co. Airport District will meet on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010, 7:30 a.m., Coos County Airport District Board Room, Terminal Building. Tentative agenda: CALL TO ORDER; PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE; NTRODUCTION OF GUESTS; SECTION: PAGE I. REVIEW OF MINUTES, December 17, 2009 Regular Board Meeting; II. COMMITTEE REPORTS: III. REVIEW OF INVOICES; IV. FINANCE REPORT; V. MANAGEMENT REPORTS: A. Executive Director; 1) Maintenance Manager; 2) Operations Manager; B. District Counsel Jerry Lesan; VI. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORTS / ACTION REQUESTS: A. Audit Presentation – Tara Kamp of Pauly, Rogers & Company; B. Resolution 2009/2010 – 07 To Remove/Add Signers to Umpqua Bank and Oregon Pacific Bank; C. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Lease Renewal; D. Coos Aviation Lease Amendment; E. Enterprise Rent-A-Car Overpayment Refund; F. Fiscal Year 2010/11 – Budget Calendar; G. Fiscal Year 2010/11 – Budget Officer Appointment; VII. INFORMATION ITEMS: A. South Coast Clambake Jazz Festival 2010 Donation– Discussion; B. Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Thank You Letter to the Chairman; C. Commission Workshop – Set Date; VIII. OTHER: PUBLIC COMMENT; COMMISSIONERS’ COMMENTS; ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
DUII
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for early Wednesday morning, 4:21 a.m., Virginia Ave. and Sanford, 22-year old Joshua Jennings, Coos Bay, “taken into custody for DUII. Subject cited and released at the station.”
Dispute
He “reported his wife was verbally abusing him. Officer advised female is in the bedroom being quiet.” According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for early Wednesday morning, 3:24 a.m., 2000 block Inland Dr., “RP warned for Misuse of 911.”
Shoplifting
Two females were arrested by North Bend Police Tuesday evening, 5:34 p.m., for allegedly shoplifting at Macy’s in the Pony Village Mall. According to an entry on the police log, “loss prevention @ Macy’s reported 2 shoplifters in custody at their office / subjects cooperative.” Twenty-five year old Sarah L. Harpold, Coos Bay, and 21-year old Erin R. Campbell, North Bend. Harpold charged with Theft II ($183.99) and Campbell Theft II ($187).
Shoplift
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Tuesday, 4:22 p.m., 1735 Virginia Ave., “Safeway request officer for shoplifter already in custody.” Fifty-eight year old Debra Lynn Norton, North Bend, cited for Theft III, and Trespassed for 1 year.
Panhandler
A 39-year old female was trespassed from the parking area at the North Bend School District’s administrative offices Tuesday on Meade Street following a complaint about panhandling. According to an entry on the police log for 3:09 p.m., Amber Camille Cruz was allegedly individuals for money.
DWS
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Tuesday, 2:32 p.m., Virginia & Broadway, 26-year old Joseph Perry cited for DWS – Violation.
Graffiti
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Tuesday, 8:01 a.m., 2600 block 11th St., “NB Housing Authority reported graffiti in multiple spots of location.”
Traffic Grant
With overtime financing provided by a grant, North Bend Police continued an extra effort to enforce traffic laws on Tuesday, Jan. 19th. According to entries on the police log: 12:06 p.m., Virginia & Hamilton, 37-year old Lance Porter warned for VBR; 12:41 p.m., Newmark & Cedar, 36-year old Daniel Esposito, Coos Bay, cited for Failure to Wear Safety Belt; 1 p.m., Newmark & Liberty, 47-year old Donald Scherer, Coos Bay, cited for No Valid Operator’s License, warned Failure to Signal Lane Change; 1:13 p.m., Exchange & Sherman, 18-year old Brenden Hepner, Coos Bay, cited for Failure to Keep Safety Belt in Working Order, passenger, 23-year old Zachary Stellatino, Driver’s License seized due to being expired; 1:48 p.m., Sherman & Exchange, 64-year old Joyce Utzig, Coquille, cited for No Valid Operator’s License & Driving Uninsured. Warned Expired Registration; 2:18 p.m., Newmark & Broadway, 29-year old Chad Arnold warned Expired Registration Tags, subject just bought the vehicle and is en route to DMV to update info; 2:50 p.m., Virginia & 4th, passenger warned for Failure to Wear Safety Belt; 3:15 p.m., Monroe & Virginia, 47-year old Bobby Church warned Careless Driving and VBR.
Warrant
A 26-year old female, wanted on a Coos Bay Police Dept. warrant, was arrested on the Central Oregon Coast Tuesday. According to an entry on the police log for 9:56 p.m., “Lincoln Co. request confirmation of warrant on subject.” Heather Jordan was taken into custody on a warrant charging Fraudulent Use of Credit Card & Theft II.
Tampering
According to an entry on the Coquille Police log for Tuesday, 3:34 p.m., 39-year old Janet Roby arrested on charges of Aggravated Theft I and Tampering with Evidence. She was lodged in the Coos Co. Jail at Coquille.
Turned self in
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Tuesday, 1:53 p.m., “Subject in lobby to turn self in.” Thirty-year old Roe Morrison charged with Criminal Trespass I and Criminal Mischief II.
Arrest
According to an entry on the Coquille Police log for Tuesday, 12:42 p.m., 1000 block No. Myrtle Place, “assist Parole & Probation.” Thirty-three year old Alice G. Hall taken into custody on a Parole Violation detainer and charged with PCS Less than an Oz. Marijuana, transported to Coos Co. Jail at Coquille.
WX
Showers for the Oregon Coast today with highs in the mid 40s to mid 50s and south winds 15-25 mph with gusts to 40 mph. Rain tonight with lows in the mid 30s to lower 40s and west winds 5-10 mph. Rain showers on Friday.
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OREGON COAST SPORTS
Blazers
The Portland Trailblazers bounced back from their opening road loss at Washington Monday and beat the Philadelphia Sixers (13-28) 98-90 Wednesday night at the Wachovia Center. Portland (26-17) plays at Boston on Friday. All Star guard Brandon Roy left the game in the first half with a hamstring injury. Andre Miller had 24-points and LaMarcus Aldridge scored 23 to lead Portland.
MHS Boosters
The Marshfield Booster Club will meet at 11:30 a.m., Abby’s Pizza in Coos Bay. Coaches and athletes will be in attendance to talk about their current seasons.
NB sw
North Bend will host Reedsport in a coed swim meet today at 4 p.m.
NB wr
North Bend travels to Brookings-Harbor today for a 4A Far West League wrestling dual with the Bruins.
Pac-10 bxb
Oregon State plays at Stanford tonight in Pac-10 men’s basketball while Oregon visits Cal across the San Francisco Bay at Berkley, CA. The Beaver women host Stanford in Corvallis tonight, while down in Eugene, the Ducks host California. They’ll all switch opponents on Saturday.
Prep Cross Country
The Championship Committee for the Oregon Schools Activities Association is taking a closer look at the team championship competition for Cross Country and Golf. Charged with decreasing expenses but also increasing competitiveness, the committee set off a fury of responses when it opened discussion at its most recent meeting. OSAA Assistant Executive Director Brad Garrett says he’s already received more than 190 email responses from all over the country regarding changing the team qualifying element from Cross County, but very little correspondence regarding a similar discussion on golf. Garrett says the OSAA classifies Cross Country as an individual sport, putting it on the same level as Track and Field, Swimming, Tennis and Wrestling. However, over the years two teams have been allowed to qualify for state from each league’s district championships into the state championships. At state, four team trophies are awarded for each classification. The proposal includes regional competition and taking the top 25 individuals to the state meet, no more than 100 for each boy and girl classification. Garrett says the team scoring component can be tallied like it is in Track. However, coaches in the state are so far not supporting the notion and have not only written their non-support to the OSAA and Championship Committee members, but have also started a petition drive to Save Our Sport (SOS). Marshfield Coach Doug Landrum feels the 5A Midwestern League, which the Pirates compete within, has most likely run it last district meet and will see a regional meet this fall. “Someone has the bright idea that we need to have less kids running at the state meet and that will save money. I'm glad it is not being suggested to drop the sport completely. In our league we are looking hard at dropping all the league meets. It honestly is not cost or time efficient to pull kids out of school, drive 2 hours to Eugene, compete against 2 other schools and get back at 8:30 on a school night. I am for that change, not crazy about others I'm hearing about.” David Frank is the successful coach at Central Catholic High School in Portland. In an email to other prep Cross Country coaches in the state he writes, “I've been trying to get a handle on this idea... The hardest part in fighting it is learning the rationale behind the proposal; it's tough to argue against an invisible foe. My guess is that it's a money saving idea, and my worry is that someone will say, "Well, if it's just money, let's take less teams and individuals to state and save money that way." And the OSAA will say, "Ok." And behind closed doors they'll congratulate themselves on getting exactly what they wanted. So, my hope is that we'll make a proposal that doesn't reduce the number of teams and individuals and makes it clear to the powers that be how important the team aspect of cross country is... Let's work together and fight hard.” The petition being circulated by Chris Johnson, the successful coach at Siuslaw in Florence states, “The OSAA is considering taking away the team competition at the State Meet and making cross country an individual sport. Anybody who has ever run cross country knows that it's a team sport. The proposal would likely make it so that the only way to get to the State Meet would be through an individual qualification process - effectively eliminating the team competition. This would be extremely detrimental to the future growth of the sport in the State of Oregon. Make your voice heard!” http://www.petitiononline.com/OSAAXC10/petition.html. Garrett adds, “Personal opinion is that it will remain the same – team and individual with fewer numbers …. Most likely some type of regional.” Marshfield High School Principal Greg Mulkey is a member of the OSAA Championship Committee.
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