Oregon Coast News - January 22, 2010
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
Pedestrian fatality
A second pedestrian fatality has occurred on the South Oregon Coast. This time a Gold Beach man died after being struck by a vehicle while walking in the middle of Hwy. 101 south of the city near the north Hunter Creek Loop turnoff Tuesday night. Forty-three year old Samuel L. Peck died at the scene after being hit by a 1990 Toyota pickup truck operated by 19-year old Crystal Bailey, Gold Beach. She was not injured. Earlier this month, a 49-year old Bandon man was killed Jan. 11th while walking along Hwy. 42-South early in the morning.
Sherbondy
She had a gambling problem. Forty-seven year old Gwendolyn Sherbondy, of Coquille, fed her habit by stealing money first from the high school graduation fund she was in charge of, and later from robbing four banks. Former Myrtle Point native, and now the presiding U.S. District Court Judge in Eugene, Michael Hogan, sentenced Sherbondy Tuesday to five-years and three-months in federal prison. She was also ordered to pay restitution of more than $11,000 for the three banks she was convicted of robbing, Washington Mutual (10/29/07) in Myrtle Point, Washington Federal Savings & Loan (9/2/08) in Lincoln City, and Wells Fargo Bank (2/24/09) in Roseburg. She was not convicted of robbing the Bank of America branch in Bandon on June 11, 2007. Her sentence is in addition to the two years she received in Coos County for stealing the graduation funds.
Abalone
An investigation by the Oregon State Police Fish & Wildlife Division Special Investigations Unit (SIU) led to the conviction and sentencing of two Gold Beach-area men related to activities surrounding the unlawful taking of Flat Abalone along the southern Oregon coast. One of the men convicted, KEVIN LEE HIERSCHE, age 51, was the only person in Oregon to be issued a permit by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) to harvest wild Flat Abalone. He was also the only person legally allowed to commercially harvest wild abalone along North America's west coast. "Mr. Hiersche was entrusted with a tremendous privilege, but greed and temptation led him to violate that trust in the worst possible way," said OSP SIU Sergeant David Anderson. The OSP SIU is primarily responsible for conducting in-depth and complex investigations of individuals or groups in violation of the fish and wildlife laws and regulations, with specific emphasis on those violators that are flagrant or illegally commercializing our state's fish and wildlife resources. In March 2009, OSP investigators served a search warrant at HIERSCHE's residence and seized evidence including personal log and invoice books. Thirty pounds of frozen, vacuum sealed Flat Abalone was also seized that HIERSCHE and DANIEL WILLIAM WRIGHT, age 40, illegally harvested in 2009 without a valid permit. WRIGHT assisted as a ‘tender' while HIERSCHE dove from his boat named the "Jerry Lee". HIERSCHE admitted to investigators he reported false harvest poundage, and a review of seized personal log books revealed he exceeded annual allowable harvest amounts in 7 of the 8 years he had a permit. In August 2009, a Curry County Grand Jury indicted HIERSCHE on 44 misdemeanor and felony counts and WRIGHT on five felony counts. This month, both men entered guilty pleas and received the following sentences in Curry County Circuit Court: HIERSCHE: * One count of Unlawful Taking of Flat Abalone Closed Season (class C felony); * Two counts of Unlawful Taking of Flat Abalone Closed Season (class A misdemeanor); * One count of No Wholesalers License (class A misdemeanor); * One count of Falsifying Business Records (class A misdemeanor). He was sentenced to:
* 40 days in jail; * 36 months probation; * 120 hours community service; * $21,000 in fines; * Pay $18,538 in restitution to ODFW; * Ordered to have no contact with WRIGHT. WRIGHT: * One count of Unlawful Taking of Flat Abalone Closed Season (class C felony). He was sentenced to: * 10 days in jail; * 18 months probation; * $2,500 fine; * Pay $5,000 restitution to ODFW; * Pay $800 attorney fees; * Ordered to have no contact with HIERSCHE.
Bradwood Landing
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has set a public meeting regarding the proposed Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas import terminal east of Astoria on the Columbia River. At this meeting DEQ will provide the most current information about the air quality and water quality permits that the DEQ will require for the proposed LNG terminal and accompanying pipeline project. DEQ Water Quality and Air Quality Program staff will talk about the agency’s authority and role in each permit process and discuss the status of each permit application. DEQ will discuss the potential timeline for drafting permits, holding a formal public hearing and making permitting decisions. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and to provide comments related to DEQ permitting considerations and processes. There will be additional opportunities for public comment after this meeting as the DEQ permit processes continue. Meeting details: When: March 3, 2010; Where: Knappa High School Gymnasium 41535 Old Hwy 30 Astoria, OR 97103 Phone: 503-458-6166. An information session will begin at 6 p.m., followed by an opportunity to provide comments until 9 p.m.
Heating assistance
Continuing efforts to help low-income residents pay their utility bills, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) announced Thursday in response to a letter signed by both senators, the Department of Health and Human Services will release more than $5.4 million to Oregon in contingency funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The funding will directly help low-income households pay their utility bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program was created in 1981 to help low income residents cover their utility bills. The program helps eligible families pay for heating, cooling and other energy costs as well as home weatherization.
Tree planting
Winter weather and gray days in Oregon keep many of us indoors. However, these conditions are ideal for planting trees, around our homes or to help regenerate Oregon's forests. Oregon has actively promoted replanting trees as a part of forest management since the Forest Conservation Act of 1941, and a key facet of Oregon's landmark 1971 Forest Practices Act requires landowners to complete replanting of forests within two years following timber harvest. According to the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, that means between 40 and 50 million tree seedlings are planted every winter and spring in Oregon on forest land owned by families, industrial timber companies or by federal, state and local governments. Oregon law requires reforestation when timber harvesting reduces the number of trees per acre below density levels (also called ‘stocking levels') specified in Oregon Department of Forestry rules. The amount of trees replanted depends on site characteristics and the landowner's forest management plans, but at minimum 100 to 200 seedlings per acre must be planted to meet reforestation rules. Most Oregon forest landowners opt to plant about 300 to 400 tree seedlings per acre.
College employees raise money for local hungry
Southwestern Oregon Community College faculty and staff raised spirits this last holiday season by raising money to battle hunger in the local area. The classified and faculty unions joined together to collect money for Oregon Coast Community Action’s (ORCCA) South Coast Food Share program. The employees raffled off a digital camera at a union Christmas party for a portion of the funds. A $200 donation from the United Employees Guild in Portland (AFT Group) brought the total amount raised to $686.61. ORCCA estimates that for every donated dollar, they can purchase 7 pounds of food. With that in mind, the total contributions from the two Southwestern employee unions were equivalent to 2.5 tons of food. ORCCA’s South Coast Food Share partners with over 30 member organizations to provide food for over 1500 food boxes and 4000 meals per month. Those who are interested in learning more about how they can help should contact ORCCA at 541-888-1574 or visit www.orcca.us.
LTOB comedy
Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Inspired by Neil Simon's early career experience as a junior joke-smith for “Your Show of Shows”, the play focuses on the Sid Caesar/Jackie Gleason-like Max Prince, the star of a weekly comedy-variety show circa 1953. The staff includes Simon's alter-ego Lucas Brickman, who maintains a running commentary on the writing, fighting, and wacky antics which take place in the writers' room. At the plot's core is Max's ongoing battles with NBC executives who fear his humor is too sophisticated for Middle America. LAUGTHER will be playing at Little Theatre on the Bay at 2100 Sherman Avenue in North Bend. Sunday Performances are at 2:00 PM, Friday and Saturdays are at 2:00 PM. There is no performance on Super Bowl Sunday. Laughter opens January 22, 2010, and runs through February 6th. Advance Tickets are $10.00, or $12.00 at the door. Call LTOB at 756-4336 for ticket information.
Introduction to the Internet Browser
Coos Bay Public Library will be offering an “Introduction to the Internet Browser”
class for novice computer users. The class will be held on Friday, January 22nd
from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Library’s Internet computers. This class is for computer novices who wish to have help in learning how to use the Internet. The class will cover the most important features of a browser, how to use an Internet address, and will also discuss first steps and tips for easier use. Attendees should be comfortable using a computer mouse. Seating is limited so pre-registration is required. The sign-up sheet is available at the Reference Desk in the Library. There is no admission charged. Please call 269-1101 for further information on this program.
Workshop on Construction Permits Scheduled
Southwestern Oregon Community College, in conjunction with the Chetco and Lower Rogue Watershed Councils, OSU Extension Service, Curry County Planning Department, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), Oregon Departments of State Lands and Environmental Quality, and US Fish & Wildlife, will hold a one-day workshop on permit applications required for working in or near water bodies. Permits are required for most ground-disturbing practices and are required by the State of Oregon (DSL and DEQ), the Federal Government (ACOE) and Curry County for clearing, construction, logging, or any ground disturbing activities that may impact streams, rivers, wetlands, or water quality. The workshop is scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Best Western Beachfront in Harbor, Oregon, and is open to the general public as well as builders, contractors, developers, and landscapers in Curry County. During the morning session there will be presentations from ACOE, Oregon DSL and DEQ, and Curry County on when, where, and from which agencies permits are required. The afternoon session will provide hands-on assistance in working through the permitting process. Participants are encouraged to come with project applications they are either currently or will soon be working through. Registration is required by January 22; the registration fee of $15 includes lunch. Checks for registration should be made out to OSU Extension Service. Participants may register at any Southwestern Oregon Community College offices in Brookings, Gold Beach, or Port Orford. For more information on this workshop, please contact Margaret McHugh, Coordinator at maggie.mchugh@oacd.org / 541-247-2755 ext 4# or Aleta Mankamyer (SOCC Brookings) at amankamyer@socc.edu.
Winter Gala
Bay Area Sunrise Rotary Club will hold a “Winter Gala” at The Mill Casino Hotel on Saturday, January 23, 2010 – 6:00-10:00 PM. The annual fund (and fun) raiser will include dinner, auction, and dancing to Hudson Ridge. Cost is $60 per ticket and can be obtained by calling 541-756-5401, 541-297-7956 or 541-290-1850. The auction will feature several trip packages, art, jewelry, wine and much more. One Fantastic Trip Package that will be auctioned: 4 nights at Wyndam World Mark Condominiums in Windsor, CA; $200 gift certificate to frontier tickets to be used for sports, concert, or theater tickets; 2 tickets to the Santa Rosa Symphony; 2 rounds of golf at the Oakmont Golf Course; Private wine tasting tour and picnic by resident wine specialists; Complimentary wine tasting at Arrowhead Winery; Dinner for 2 at Cafe Portofino; Dinner for 2 at Monti's Rotisserie and Bar; Dinner for 2 at the Villa Restaurant; And a bottle of Beringer Private Reserve 2005 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. (Estimated PKG Value - $1800.00). Plus: A package from Santa Rosa . . .A package from Eugene that includes dinner for 2 and a night at the Hilton and 2 tickets to the Hult Center.
Junior chef teams to compete in charitable culinary challenge
The Mill Casino and the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute (OCCI) will be hosting a culinary challenge called Quick Fire on January 24. The challenge pits the Boys & Girls Club Junior Chefs against the NBHS Culinary Junior Chefs. The event will take place in the Salmon Room of the Mill Casino. Doors open at 4:15 p.m. and the competition will begin at 4:30 p.m., continuing for about 2 hours. There will be nice items available for auction. Admission is only $10 to the event, with proceeds benefitting the North Bend High School Culinary Program and the Boys and Girls Teen Culinary Scholarship Fund. For more information about Quick Fire, please contact Chef Dan Catanio, Mill Casino, at 541-756-8800, extension 2286 or Chef Shawn Hanlin, OCCI, at 541-888-1546.
NBPD log
Some of the activities on the North Bend Police log for early Thursday morning and late Wednesday night: 5:41 a.m., McCullough Bridge, “male standing on bridge westbound on south end. Officers responded advised unable to locate anyone on the bridge.” 2:47 a.m., 14th St. & Broadway, “OSP trooper request officer assistance.” 10:41 p.m., 1735 Virginia Ave., “reports his vehicle was hit while parked at Safeway. RP will come into the station with his vehicle on Thursday.” 10:26 p.m., end of Ferry Road, “officer out with 12-28 vehicle. Subjects were warned for Criminal Trespass.” Twenty-one year old male and 39-year old female. 9:17 p.m., Maine & Chester streets, “subjects in small red Dodge passenger car with a spoiler on the back threw out a bottle that smashed in front of her children and almost hit them. Subjects attempting to scare young kids. Last seen headed back toward Hillcrest on Chester St.” 9:11 p.m., 1100 block Tower St., “reports someone vandalized her mailbox again.” 6:26 p.m., 1600 block Virginia, “reports intoxicated male in Subway is verbally harassing people.” 6:04 p.m., Sherman Ave., “anonymous report of female standing in the crosswalk hitchhiking.” 4:15 p.m., 2323 Pacific Ave., “Theft of cell phone from location.” 3:09 p.m., 1500 16th St., “Hit & Run to Bus.”
Trespassed
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Wednesday, 3:01 p.m., 3600 block Broadway Ave., Goodwill, “Store supervisor request officer respond for a previously trespassed male who is refusing to leave and making threats.” Seventy-six year old Barney R. Tidwell, Coos Bay, cited for Criminal Trespass II. “Cited in lieu of custody.”
Graffiti
According to reports to the North Bend Police Dept., three businesses were tagged with graffiti. Entries on the police log: Wednesday, 9:22 a.m., 1900 Virginia Ave., Daugherty’s Maytag and Knutson’s Carpet Hut. 9:17 a.m., 2200 block Pony Ck. Road.
Vehicle/Pedestrian
A vehicle verses pedestrian accident with an injury was reported Wednesday morning, 7:38 a.m., Virginia and Madrona avenues in North Bend. According to an entry on the police log, both were warned by a police officer. Forty-three year old Stacy K. Purdue, North Bend, warned for Failure to Stop and Remain Stopped for Pedestrian, and a 15-year old female juvenile was “warned for Failure to Wear Safety Gear.”
Shoplift
A 13-year old juvenile was trespassed from Safeway and Pony Village Mall for one year following a shoplifting complaint Wednesday, 7:18 a.m. According to an entry on the North Bend Police log, “juvenile will be referred for Theft III.”
Vehicle
A vehicle was reportedly broken into on the 1800 block of Garfield St. in North Bend. According to an entry on the police log, the report was received at 7:14 a.m., Wednesday morning.
Warrant
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for midnight, Wednesday, 600 block Tiara, 23-year old Jeremy Mitchell arrested by a Coos Co. Sheriff’s deputy on a CBPD warrant charging Failure to Appear on original Assault IV & Harassment charge. He was transported to the Coos Co. Jail at Coquille.
Probation
A report to Coos Bay Police of “suspicious conditions” Wednesday night at North Wall St. and Newmark Ave. led to the arrest of 30-year old Michael Cheser on a Probation Violation charge, according to an entry on the police log.
Indecent exposure
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Wednesday, 8:59 p.m., 2051 Newmark Ave., Walmart, 40-year old Gregory Bruckner arrested for Public Indecency.
Suspicious subject
A report of a “suspicious subject” at the Egyptian Theatre at 229 So. Broadway in Coos Bay, led to a citation Wednesday evening. According to an entry on the police log for 5:07 p.m., Maxwell Kremer was cited for Drinking on Unlicensed Premise.”
Juvenile
According to an entry on the Coquille Police log for Wednesday, 11:22 a.m., GP site, a 14-year old male juvenile was detained on a Probation Violation charge.
Domestic
A call about a “domestic disturbance” in the Gleneden Beach area of the Central Oregon Coast Monday resulted in the arrest of a 44-year old male who allegedly punched a family member twice following an argument and in front of a minor child. According to a news release from the Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s Office, Michael Paul Renner, Gleneden Beach, was also found to be in violation of a Restraining Order. He was charged with Assault IV Domestic Felony, Violating a No Contact Order, and wanted on an outstanding warrant. He was transported and lodged in the county jail at Newport.
Meth
The passenger and driver switched seats when they were stopped by a Lincoln Co. Sheriff’s deputy Saturday night, Jan. 16th, in Newport. According to a news release, 23-year old Charlette M. Blackmon, Redmond, got into the driver’s seat and 23-year old Gavin J. Towns the passenger seat. Towns was found to have a suspended driver’s license. Also in the vehicle were 19-year old Paige M. Fitzpatrick, Redmond, and a three year old child. Alleged signs of methamphetamine use were observed by the deputy. A search of the vehicle revealed drugs and drug paraphernalia. Fitzpatrick reportedly hid a meth pipe and a small bindle of meth under the child’s seat. Blackmon was linked to the drugs as well. The two women were arrested on Unlawful Possession of Meth charges, and Fitzpatrick was additionally charged with Tampering with Evidence and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor. Both were transported to the county jail at Newport. The child was taken into protective custody and Towns was cited and released.
WX
Mostly cloudy with rain showers in the forecast for the Oregon Coast today. Highs in the lower 40s to lower 50s and southwest winds 10-15 mph. Mostly cloudy tonight with a chance of rain showers, lows in the mid 30s to lower 40s and south winds 10-15 mph. Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain Saturday and Sunday.
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OREGON COAST SPORTS
http://jcinews.com/bay-area-sports.htmPac-10 bxb
Cold shooting cost Oregon State in a 59-35 loss at Stanford (9-9, 3-3) in men’s Pac-10 basketball Thursday night. Seth Tarver led the Beavers (8-10, 2-4) with 10-points. Talisha Rhea scored 26-points, but OSU (9-7, 1-5) lost at home to No. 2 Stanford (16-1, 6-0) 63-47 in a Pac-10 women’s basketball game at Corvallis. In Eugene, California won its third in-a-row in downing Oregon’s women 72-62. The Bears are 9-8 overall and 3-3 in the Pac-10, while the Ducks fall to 12-6, 3-3. The Oregon men lost their fourth straight Pac-10 game, 89-57 at Cal in Berkeley, CA. The Golden Bears improve to 12-6, 4-2, while the Ducks fall to 10-8, 2-4. They’ll switch opponents for games on Saturday.
MHS wr
Grade issues and injuries issues prevented Marshfield from fielding a complete team in a dual wrestling match Wednesday at Churchill in west Eugene, the result was a 51-20 Lancer win over the Pirates. Coach Kris Davis says they need to get some kids healthy and others off the grade list. Marshfield had four forfeits. Picking up wins for Pirates were Skyler Harvey (103) by pin; Tyler Nixon (119) by decision; Cody Campbell (171) by pin; and, Cody Shipp (189) by a technical fall. Closes matches that could have gone either way, but ended up in Churchill’s favor were Nick Roderick (112), lost 6-3, and Jacob Browning (215), lost 5-2. This weekend Marshfield travels to Southern Oregon to the Eagle Point Invitational.
MHS sw
Marshfield hosts Springfield in a coed swim meet Friday, 3 p.m., at the Mingus Park Pool.
NB wr
North Bend’s wrestling team is at the Sutherlin Tournament Saturday.
MHS bxb
Marshfield looks to complete a perfect sweep of the first round of 5A Midwestern League boy’s basketball at North Eugene tonight. The Pirates are 4-0 and the Highlanders are 3-1. The game will be broadcast live on FM 91.3 Pirate Radio and streamed on the school’s website around the world. The Lady Pirates host North Eugene at the Pirate Palace. The jayvee games begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the varsities.
NBHS bxb
North Bend begins the second round of the 4A Far West League basketball race with home games against Douglas. The jayvee games begin at 4:15 p.m., followed by the varsity girls at 6 p.m. and the varsity boys at 7:30 p.m.
Blazers
The Portland Trailblazers, one and one on their current road trip back east, plays at Boston tonight in NBA action.
SOCC
Southwestern Oregon Community College’s basketball teams host Portland CC tonight at Prosper Hall in Coos Bay and Mt. Hood Saturday. The women play at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. On Saturday, the women play at 4 p.m. and the men at 6 p.m.
MHS Boosters
Thanks to an anonymous donation of $500, the Marshfield Booster Club now has $750 in a fund to purchase new barbecues for use at Buck’s Place at Pete Susick Stadium in Coos Bay. Booster Club President Steve Schneiderman reported last week that its two barbecues were in need of replacing. The Rex Young Family donated $250 initially, followed by the anonymous donation. Schneiderman says, “anyone else who would like to donate to the fund can send their donation to MHS Booster Club, P.O. Box 234, Coos Bay, OR 97420.” The barbecues are primarily used during the football season, but also at each Pirate Night when the Booster Club feeds athletes and coaches for free. One of the old barbecues will be given to the Pirate baseball team for use at their concession stand, and the future of the other one has not yet been determined. However, Schneiderman says it could possibly go to the softball program to be used at Coos Head Field. Honored as Athletes of the Week at this week’s Booster Club meeting were: Lindsey Bunnell and Ty Cutting. Bunnell was nominated by Dance Coach Debbie Brown. “Lindsey has been working EXTRA hard lately, going above and beyond for this team, and in working toward her own goals. She has been helping myself and Casi to choreograph our competition dance which has required her to put in over 30 hours of her own time this past month (in addition to our two practices each night) and this will continue over the next months until we have completed the routine. The judges at the Thurston Comp also liked her choreography which is a huge compliment. Lindsey competed this past weekend for the OSAA Dance Scholarship. This is the first time in the past dozen years that a Marshfield Upbeat has competed for this honor. It required a 4 hour audition in ballet, jazz and modern... in additional to the 9-10 hours she put into practicing and auditioning for the OSAA ALL-State team. Lindsey also had an outstanding performance at the Thurston Competition this past weekend despite a badly sprained ankle.” Cutting was nominated by boy’s varsity basketball coach Jesse Ainsworth. “His numbers aren't impressive, although he's only a sophomore, he's a starter and expected to guard the opposing teams best player every night and has averaged less than 2 turnovers a game.” Each student-athlete was presented with a framed certificate, including an action photo, during the regular meeting. The MHS Booster Club meets Thursdays, 11:30 a.m., at Abby’s Pizza in Coos Bay.
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