Oregon Coast News - February 19, 2010
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
Oil drilling ban extended
The Oregon Senate has followed the House and passed legislation banning oil exploration within the state’s three-miles of territorial waters for another ten years. The U.S. Mineral Management Service estimates that under the entire Oregon and Washington outer continental shelf, there are 400 million barrels of undiscovered oil. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, this amount would supply the entire country for only 20 days. “Off shore drilling is a threat to Oregon’s valuable commercial fishing, aquaculture, tourism and recreational sectors,” said Senator Joanne Verger (D-District 5), who represents Oregon’s central coast. “The potential benefits of exploring the Oregon coast for oil is negligible compared to the major threat drilling would pose to Oregon’s coastal communities and jobs.” The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for his approval.
Oregon’s agriculture
Agriculture's economic downturn has swept across Oregon, negatively impacting all but one of the state’s 36 counties when it comes to agricultural sales in 2009. An overall drop of nearly 15 percent last year left very few commodities in good shape. According to statistics released this month by Oregon State University, the state’s total agricultural sales for 2009 decreased 14.8 percent to about $4.1 billion with 23 counties recording double digit decreases this past year. When the price paid for cranberries fell through the floor last year, Curry and Coos counties suffered, recording eye-popping ag sales decreases of 53 and 49 percent respectively. Marion County remains the runaway leader in terms of agricultural sales, $439 million, but still saw a reduction of $111 million in 2009. Only Hood River County recorded an increase last year, which clearly demonstrates the unprecedented difficulties facing a diverse Oregon agriculture industry.
Landowner protection
An Oregon House Bill that protects landowners from “massive lawsuits or sky-high insurance rates” for opening up their land for recreational use, passed the House on Thursday in Salem and now goes to the Senate for consideration. House Bill 3673, championed by State Representative Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay) on the House floor at the State Capitol, passed with unanimous, bipartisan support. House Bill 3673 was drafted in response to a 2009 Oregon State Supreme Court decision that found a landowner could forfeit his immunity and be held liable for personal injury even if the injury arose out of a recreational use for which no charge was made, or on a portion of the property for which no access fee was charged. The case arose from a biking accident at Tugman State Park where a bicyclist, who paid a fee to camp in a separate area of the park, rode his bike off the end of a bridge at a separate no fee area of the park. The decision touched off concerns for state officials worried that the liability costs of public recreation could discourage landowners from allowing public access to any portion of their land, even for a small charge. “We are going to make sure that Oregon’s most scenic places stay open for hunters, hikers, bikers and anglers,” Representative Roblan commented. “This bill will encourage public and private landowners to allow access to their land for recreation.”
Fatal
A Chehalis, WA man was killed and five others were injured during a head-on collision Thursday morning on Hwy. 101 at Otter Crest, ten miles north of Newport on the Central Oregon Coast. Forty-two year old William Wooley, Waldport, was southbound when for an unknown reason, his 1998 Ford Expedition crossed the centerline and crashed into a northbound 2005 Nissan Altima driven by 51-year old Richard A. Wilson, of Chehalis. His wife, 53-year old Susan Louise Wilson was seriously injured. She was transferred by air ambulance to Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland. Wooley was seriously injured and taken to Newport’s Samaritan Pacific Community Hospital, but later transferred to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis. There were three passengers in Wooley’s vehicle. Forty-year old Luann C. Cleveland, Waldport, critically injured and taken by air ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis, 12-year old Megan Flanagan, Waldport, minor injures and taken to North Lincoln Hospital in Lincoln City, and 12-year old Anica Jameson, Florence, seriously injured and transferred by air ambulance to Portland’s Legacy Emanuel Hospital. Hwy. 101 was closed for nearly three-hours.
Small quake
A small 1.6-magnitude earthquake was recorded in Coos Co. early Thursday morning. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake shook the ground at 1:32 a.m., three-miles south to southwest of Coquille.
Fish Restoration and Enhancement Board to meet in Salem
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fish Restoration and Enhancement Board will meet on Fri., Feb. 19 at ODFW Headquarters, 3406 Cherry St. NE, Salem. The meeting will last from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open to the public. The agenda includes an R&E Program budget report and staff updates, a message from ODFW Director Roy Elicker, election of a new Board vice-chair, a presentation by the Farmer’s Conservation Alliance, review of new project proposals and other program business. There also will be an opportunity for public comment. Created by the Oregon Legislature in 1989, the Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program is funded by a surcharge on sport and commercial fishing licenses and commercial poundage fees. The program’s seven-member citizen board reviews fish restoration and enhancement project proposals and makes funding recommendations to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. 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 Information and Education Division at 800-720-6339 or 503-947-6002 at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting. For more information on the Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program, or to view information regarding current R&E Program applications, visit www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/RE or contact program coordinator Laura Tesler at (503) 947-6259.
Rising Tide Live!
Rising Tide Live! announces a casting for parts in an upcoming production, “A Nice Family Gathering” by Phil Olson. The comedy concerns a Thanksgiving Day get together of a strange family including the deceased father who wants to control a bit more and make some amends. Several of the parts have been cast with local RTL! members and the audition will be for: Jill Michaels wife 20 -30; Carl journalist truck driver and brother 30 – 40; Michael doctor and brother 30 -40; Jerry Dad’s old golfing buddy 60ish; Stacey “odd one out” sister 20 -30. Auditions will be held February 19, Friday, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, February 20, Saturday, 12:00 - 3:00pm, at Pacific Auditorium, 3320 Longwood Avenue, Reedsport, OR, Contact: Joe Coyne 271-2103. Amanda Rice will be directing and this will be the fourth full production of Rising Tide Live! The production is expected to take place during the second and third week of May. Anyone who has back stage experience or wants to experience the excitement of live theater is also welcome to come talk to the group. The production is subject to pending rights to be issued by Samuel French, Inc., and selections from the script will be available before hand. For more information please contact Joe Coyne 271-2103.
Senior Computer Club
Bay Area Seniors Computer Club, BASCC, was created in 2000 as a non-profit organization meeting twice a month to help seniors in our area to better understand & enjoy using computers. BASCC welcomes all, however you must be 50 years of age or older to become a member. Dues are $15 for individuals and $24 for couples per year. Meetings are at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on 1290 Thompson Rd., Coos Bay
and normally held on the first and third Friday of each month. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for coffee and basic computer help. The meeting starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 11a.m. Visitors are welcome. The club also has classes & information available for your learning needs. If you are already knowledgeable about computers, then please come join with them to help others. There is always a need more knowledgeable people! See their Web site at www.BASCC.info. For further questions or information call Mary at (541) 756-5695. Meeting schedule for February: Normally, Friday, February 19th would be a meeting day, but THIS February 19th, BASCC MEMBERS, new & old, will be celebrating the Club's 10th Anniversary! -- 10 years of learning and helping others to learn to use computers. Join in the Fun by Wearing a Costume (OPTIONAL), Door prizes, finger food, new name badges for members & lots of reminiscing!
Vienna Boy’s Choir
A concert by the world-renowned Vienna Boys Choir has been scheduled for Feb. 20, beginning at 7 p.m., in the Don Whitney Auditorium at Tillamook High School, 2605 12th St.
Barn Dance
A public Barn Dance will be held at the Greenacres Grange Hall on Saturday evening, February 20, beginning at 7PM. All are invited. The evening will feature three hours of social dancing to the energetic music of the Eugene Barnstormers. Dancers of all ages, including singles, couples and families, are welcome at this monthly gathering sponsored by the South Coast Folk Society. The Greenacres Grange Hall is located at 93393 Greenacres Lane, just seven miles south of Coos Bay on Hwy. 42. The atmosphere at the Grange is friendly and relaxed, and admission is only $6.00. Students, seniors, and new dancers pay $5.00. Accompanied children under six are free. This is an alcohol, tobacco,and fragrance free event. Contact Gail (756-4701) or Paul (572-5370) for more information.
Local chef selected for World Ice Art Championships
Chef Chris Foltz of Southwestern Oregon Community College has been selected to compete in the 2010 World Ice Art Championships, held in Fairbanks, Alaska. “This is the ‘Culinary Olympics’ of the carving world,” said Shawn Hanlin, Executive Director of Oregon Coast Culinary Institute. According to the event’s website, it is one of the largest annual ice art competitions and exhibitions in the world. The World Ice Art Championships, in their 21st year, have grown to a month-long event involving more than 70 teams from all over the world. The competitions and the accompanying Kids Park attract more than 100 ice artists and approximately 45,000 visitors. Sculptors will work between Feb. 20 and March 5. The college has an interest in offering ice carving classes to their students in the future. Another chef and a student may be joining Foltz in Alaska to explore the craft. The National Ice Carving Association (NICA) has close ties to the America Culinary Federation (ACF). “This opportunity presents the college with momentum to take advantage of Chef Chris’s other great talent of ice carving.” said Hanlin. “Many prospective students ask if we teach ice carving. I look forward to the time we actually do.”
Winter Concert
Clarinetist, Rebecah Pulsifer and Nate Helgeson, Principal Bassoonist of the Oregon Coast Chamber Orchestra (OCCO) will be featured among the four members of the Oregon Coast Chamber Orchestra (OCCO) at the winter 2010 concert. The "Celebrating our own" program will be on Sunday, February 21st, at 2 pm in the Pacific Auditorium at Reedsport High School and will feature four of OCCO’s principal players. Early bird tickets for the matinee concert are $10, which admits two persons, and are on sale at the Reedsport Branch of Umpqua Bank. Tickets will be $10 each at the door. In addition to Pulsifer and Helgeson also playing in this program will be principal violist, Kate Rogers (William Alwyn, Pastoral fantasy for viola and strings). “On the death of a friend”, a composition by OCCO’s oldest member, Wilke Renwick, will begin the second half of the program. Other works on the concert include selections by Saint Saens, Johann Strauss SR., Tchaikovsky, and Waldteufel. Pulsifer is a graduate of Western Michigan University, where she earned degrees in Clarinet Performance and English. While at Western Michigan, she served as principal clarinetist for the university orchestra and for the Kalamazoo Philharmonia. She was named a finalist for Western Michigan University's annual concerto competition in 2008 and was nominated to Pi Kappa Lambda; a national music honors society, in 2007. Since graduation, Pulsifer completed an internship with National Public Radio in Los Angeles and now works with low-income housing in Florence. Take advantage of the special pricing and buy your tickets early. For more details, visit www.occo.ws or call 541-997-6770.
Mardi Gras Swamp Fest
Tickets are on sale for the Mardi Gras Swamp Fest, to be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Bandon's Harbortown Events Center, 325 Second St., The Coos Historical and Maritime Museum and Kirk and Betty Day and the Events Center are sponsoring the fund-raising dinner and dancing from 7 to 11 p.m. McFarlin's Pub and Grill in Bandon is catering the event and guests will dance to the swamp rock offerings of Kelly Thibodeaux and the
Etouffee Band. Tickets for the evening's dinner and entertainment are $25 in advance
($30 at the door) and are available from museum board members and at outlets throughout the county, including, in North Bend, the Coos Historical and Maritime Museum and Books by the Bay; in Coos Bay at Farr's True Value Hardware and The Shop in the Hub Building; in Coquille at Farr's; in Myrtle Point at the Myrtle Point Herald; and in Bandon at Winter River Books and Gibson Graphics.
Assault
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for early Thursday morning, 2:25 a.m., 871 So. Broadway, Blue Moon, a 27-year old female was listed as a victim of an assault.
Intoxicated
A report of a “problem with intoxicated female wanting to drive” at Walt’s Pour House, 1880 No. 7th St., Coos Bay, resulted in an arrest early Thursday morning, 12:57 a.m. According to an entry on the police log, 22-year old Elana Volner was charged with Assault on Public Safety Officer, two-counts of Attempted Assault on Public Safety Officer, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief II, and Resisting Arrest. She was first transported to Bay Area Hospital and then the Coos Co. Jail at Coquille. Her vehicle was secured at the business. North Bend Police also assisted with the call.
MIP
A request by Southwestern Oregon Community College Security for a police officer early Thursday morning resulted in an arrest and MIP citations. According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for 12:31 a.m., 185 Student Way, Gray’s Harbor building, 20-year old Jeffrey B. Kosta was arrested on a Curry Co. warrant for Furnishing Alcohol to Minors. He was transported to the Coos Co. Jail with a BAC of .172%. Others arrested included: 18-year old Justin Wolfe (BAC .06%), 19-year old Jonathan Mills (BAC .21%) and 19-year old Jarrid Doffing (BAC .08%).
DUII
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for early Friday morning, 12:15 a.m., 300 block So. Broadway, 26-year old Virginia Tanner arrested for DUII (BAC .12%), cited and released from CBPD. Vehicle secured at the secene.
Accident
A non-injury accident Wednesday night, 9:06 p.m., 100 block Wall St., resulted in the arrest of a 52-year old female. According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log, Karen D. Lindt, with an arrest warrant from Walla Walla, WA for Larceny from Building and Probation Violation under the name of Karen Denise Wilbur, was taken into custody, transported and lodged in the Coos Co. Jail at Coquille.
Jumping in road
They were allegedly “jumping into traffic and walking down middle of roadway.” According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for early Thursday morning, 12:06 a.m., Virginia Ave., 23-year old Dustin Brandon was arrested on a Parole Officer Mental Hold.
Suspicious music
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for 11:26 p.m., Wednesday night, 800 block Lewis St., “reported suspicious music coming thru the wall. Officer responded and spoke with RP, warned Misuse of 911.” Police were summoned to the same address at 9:35 p.m.
Cited
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Wednesday, 4:36 p.m., 13th & Marion streets, 29-year old Sabrina Marie Liggett, North Bend, cited for No Valid Operator’s License, Driving Uninsured, warned for Defective Lighting and Failure to Renew License.
Intoxicated
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for 3:24 p.m., 1500 block Union Ave., “intoxicated male stumbling down the road.” A 48-year old male was contacted by an officer and warned for Disorderly Conduct. “Subject was quite intoxicated. He will find some place to sober up and we should not have any further problems with him.”
Criminal Trespass
Juveniles previously trespassed from the Pony Village Mall, 1611 Virginia Ave., were reported at the location Wednesday, 12:12 p.m. According to an entry on the North Bend Police log, “juvenile taken into protective custody.” Charged with Criminal Trespass I, PCS Less than an Oz., PCS within a 1000 feet of School, MIP Tobacco. “Juvenile released to mother.”
Traffic Grant
With funding provided by a traffic grant, North Bend Police issued warnings and citations to motorists in a concentrated crackdown of violators Wednesday. According to multiple entries on the police log: 11:40 a.m., Broadway, 55-year old Michael Smith warned for Speed; 12:18 p.m., Sheridan, 44-year old Suzanne Onsurez cited for DWS-Violation and warned for Failure to Signal and Failure to Provide Proof; 12:38 p.m., Virginia Ave. & Monroe St., 33-year old Steven Fuller warned for Speed; 1:27 p.m., Virginia Ave. & Marion St., 70-year old David Gleason warned for Failure to use Safety Belt; 1:34 p.m., Virginia & Harrison avenues, 32-year old Nathaniel Dodd warned for Unlawful Lane Change; 1:48 p.m., Broadway Ave. & Alder St., 43-year old Charles Hill warned for Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device; 2:11 p.m., Sherman Ave. & Lombard St., 56-year old Louise Schintz Nelson warned for VBR and Obstructed Plate; 2:37 p.m., Newmark & Upper Edgewood, 26-year old Adam Brunner cited for DWS – Violation and warned for Driving Uninsured, Failure to Carry SR22 & Seatbelt; 2:40 p.m., Cedar & Newmark streets, 71-year old John McGuire, Coquille, cited for VBR; 3 p.m., Exchange St. & Sherman Ave., “officer stopped 2 vehicles that Failed to Remain Stopped for a Bus.” Cited were: 72-year old Carol Fletcher, North Bend, “Failure to Stop and Remain Stopped for School Bus with Red Lights Flashing,” and 36-year old Charles J. Renard, North Bend; 3:17 p.m., Broadway Ave. & 11th St., 19-year old Kyle Earls warned for VBR in School Zone, Failure to Notify DMV of Address Change and Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance; 3:45 p.m., Mill Casino, 59-year old Judy Tjaarda warned for VBR.
Intoxicated
A report of an “intoxicated male creating a disturbance” at Bastendorff Beach west of Charleston Wednesday afternoon resulted in a law enforcement response from a Coos Co. Sheriff’s Deputy and two Oregon State Police troopers Wednesday afternoon. According to an entry on the Sheriff’s log for 4:29 p.m., 20-year old Gentry King was arrested and transported to Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay. A report for Disorderly Conduct was taken.
Overturned
A blue Dodge overturned at the Powers Junction south of Myrtle Point on Wednesday. According to an entry on the Coos Co. Sheriff’s log for 3:46 p.m., a female on a cell phone reported “vehicle over embankment.” Sixty-three year old Joe Daniels was identified as the operator.
WX
Mostly to partly cloudy today along the Oregon Coast with highs in the mid 50s to lower 60s and east winds around 5 mph. Mostly cloudy tonight with lows around 40 and north winds 5-10 mph. Mostly cloudy on Saturday and Sunday with a chance of rain Saturday night into Sunday.
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OSAA sw
Preliminaries for this year’s Oregon Prep Swimming Championships get underway Friday at the Mt. Hood Community College Aquatic Center in Gresham. The Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA) championships will start at 9 a.m. for the 4A/3A/2A/1A prelims, followed by the 5A prelims at 2 p.m. Championship finals begin at 8 a.m. Saturday for 4A/3A/2A/1A, and at 1 p.m. for 5A schools.
MHS bxb
Marshfield hosts Thurston in the “Final Four” of the 5A Midwestern League Boy’s Basketball Tournament tonight at 7 p.m. in the Pirate Palace, Coos Bay. The winner will advance to the finals next week to play for the No. 1 & No. 2 seeds to the OSAA State Playoffs. The loser will meet the loser of the other semi-final game between Churchill at No. Eugene to determine the No. 3 seed. The Pirates (8-2, 12-8) and Colts (3-7, 11-10) have played twice this season with Marshfield winning in Coos Bay 63-43 and at Thurston in east Springfield 44-41. The first 500 fans with paid admission will receive a free hamburger and bag of chips from the Marshfield Booster Club. Students will receive a free bag of popcorn for attending. The game will be broadcast live on KMHS FM 91.3 and streamed live over the Internet around the world from the student radio station’s website.
NBHS bxb
With three games remaining in the 4A Far West League boy’s basketball season, North Bend has a two-game lead over Brookings-Harbor and Sutherlin. The Bulldogs play at South Umpqua tonight. The Lady Bulldogs are tied with Sutherlin for first place. The Wave, FM 105.5, will broadcast the games back to the Bay Area.
Spring sports
The Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA) will allow organized spring sports to begin practices on Monday, Feb. 22nd for baseball, softball, track & field, golf and tennis.
Pac-10 bxb
Oregon State (12-13, 6-7) upset Pac-10 men’s basketball leader California (17-9, 9-5) 80-64 at legendary Gill Coliseum in Corvallis Thursday night behind Roeland Schaftenaar’s 22-points. The Beaver women )9-15, 1-12) fell at Cal (15-10, 9-5) 66-62. No. 2 Stanford (24-1, 14-0) handed Oregon’s women (16-9, 7-6) a 104-60 loss in the Bay Area and the Cardinal men (12-14, 6-8) beat the Duck men (12-13, 4-9) 72-65. It was Stanford’s first road win in the Pac-10. They’ll switch opponents on Saturday.
Pac-10 bb
The collegiate baseball preseason gets underway today for both Oregon State and Oregon. The Beavers are in Hawaii for four games, while the Ducks are in Southern California to take on Cal-State Fullerton today, Long Beach State Saturday, Pepperdine Sunday and Loyola Marymount on Monday.
Pac-10 sb
Oregon’s softball team (4-3) is at the Louisville Slugger Tournament in Las Vegas this weekend, while Oregon State (2-3) is at the Aggie Classic at College Station, TX. The Ducks opened Thursday with a 5-0 loss to BYU.
OSU wr
Oregon State’s wrestling team is ranked as high as No. 13 in one collegiate wrestling poll. The Beavers finished the regular season with an 18-3 overall record, 6-2 in the Pac-10. OSU next competes in the Pac-10 Tournament Feb. 26 & 27 in Davis, CA.
Blazers
The Portland Trailblazers host the Boston Celtics tonight in the Rose Garden in an NBA basketball game.
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