Oregon Coast News - May 13, 2010
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
Quake
A large 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook the Pacific Ocean floor off the South Oregon Coast Wednesday night. According to the U.S. Geological Survey the quake was located 106-miles west of Gold Beach and occurred at 9:35 p.m. It’s the second 5.1 quake recorded off the Oregon Coast in the last week. The first one struck last Friday 264-miles west of Yachats and was followed by six smaller quakes in the same area. Both large quakes were located within the two fault lines that run parallel with the Oregon Coast.
Cougar
A second report of a cougar seen in North Bend was made to police Tuesday night, 11:45 p.m., in the Laura Lane area. According to an entry on the police log, “officer observed cougar in wooded area east of Laura Lane / cougar retreated at time of sighting. Officer attempt to locate throughout and monitored area throughout the night / unable to locate. ODF&W notified.” A cougar sighting Sunday night was reported to NBPD Monday in the area of Airport Lane, near the BLM. A wildlife biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in Charleston has doubts that a cougar is roaming North Bend. Bill Kinyoun says they have not found any evidence of a cougar, but added they have been taking the sightings seriously.
LNG bankruptcy
More of the financial fallout from the failed $650 million Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas import terminal is becoming known on the North Oregon Coast. NorthernStar Natural Gas of Houston, TX pulled the plug on its efforts to locate the terminal 25-miles east of Astoria on the Columbia River earlier this month. In filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, NorthernStar listed $165,000 in assets and $129 million in liabilities. Clatsop County is owned $186,000 for legal and staff work on the LNG’s land-use approval process. Other debts owed include the Oregon DEQ, Astoria Rotary Club, an office supply store, an area group owner of radio stations and much more to consultants, attorneys and others. On the plus side, NorthernStar did spend $100 million in the region during its six-year effort.
Roblan Seeks Answers from Federal Officials on Secret LNG Meeting
State Rep. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay) has launched an investigation into activities that may have led to an unexplained delay in the permit process for the Coos Bay LNG terminal. In a letter mailed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Roblan has asked for internal documentation of a meeting between FERC officials, anti-LNG groups from Oregon and an Oregon Department of Justice attorney who recently left the DOJ under a cloud of suspicion on an unrelated case. “What I want to know is whether there was undue influence forced on FERC to delay the Coos Bay building process,” Roblan said. “We’ve got people here ready to go to work on the jobs promised by this new terminal. Their lives and livelihoods shouldn’t be put on hold because of backroom deals that shut out our community. The people of the South Coast deserve to know why this process was delayed.” Specifically, Roblan is asking federal officials to provide information on a meeting or series of meetings held last June in Washington, DC. He wants to know who attended in person and via phone, who authorized the meeting, the agenda for the meeting and whether any of the people in attendance were claiming to act on behalf of the State of Oregon. “I know there’s controversy about the LNG terminal. But in the end, I believe this is about good jobs and better economic opportunity for our coastal communities,” Roblan said. “We pride ourselves on open, honest government in Oregon. Whether you support or oppose the construction of this terminal, it’s important that we all feel like we were treated fairly and we all had our say in what appears today to be a secret meeting that led to a decision delaying the building of this terminal and the hundreds of jobs it brings to our community. I expect quick answers to these questions from federal officials, particularly in light of the fact that one of the people in attendance was recently relieved of his duties at the Department of Justice.”
Jobs
According to the latest South Coast Labor Trends newsletter from the Oregon Employment Department, over the past year, Coos County has lost 480 payroll jobs, a percentage decline of 2.3 percent. Professional and Business Services and Construction posted the largest net drops in employment. Curry County has lost 110 payroll jobs led by drops in Manufacturing, Educational and Health Services and Leisure and Hospitality.
Population
Between 2000 and 2009, Coos and Curry counties’ populations increased much slower than Oregon’s overall increase, 0.5 percent and 1.0 percent, respectively, compared to 11.8 percent statewide. According to a report from the Portland State University Research Center, all of the increases in the South Coast population were due to net migration as there were 3,549 more deaths than births in the region. The two-county area gained only an estimated 489 residents between 2000 and 2009. From July 1, 2008 to July 1, 2009, Coos County’s population fell by 145, a decrease of 0.2 percent. Unincorporated areas of the county, where about 38 percent of the population resides, accounted for most of the loss over the most recent year, down 205 residents. Coquille gained 40 residents and powers gained 25. Curry County lost 170 residents, for a drop of 0.8 percent. The unincorporated areas accounted for most of the population decline, with a slight loss in Gold Beach offset by very small increases in Brookings and Port Orford. Population by age shows that Curry County has a higher percentage than Coos County in every age group from 55 years and older. The South Coast has a higher percentage of those in older age groups than Oregon overall. More information at www.pdx.edu/prc/.
VCB
If the Coos Bay City Council agrees, a proposal by North Bend would change the make-up of the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor’s Convention Bureau. Spurred by the recent controversy over the Coquille Tribe’s decision to no longer donate a transient room tax to the City of North Bend and a request for two seats on the VCB to continue donations to the tourism promotional committee, the North Bend City Council proposed a new Board Tuesday night with one representative from each city and the Tribe and two other seats filled by representatives from the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and the local hotel-motel industry. The proposal will be considered by the Coos Bay City Council at its May 18th meeting. If approved, it will then be forwarded on to the Tribe for consideration.
CB Fire Station
The Coos Bay Urban Renewal Agency is discussing the future of the three-sided downtown Fire Station after it is vacated this summer when the Fire Dept. moves to its new building near 4th & Elrod. The Fire Station was built as a temporary structure on the south side of the old City Hall building. City Manager Rodger Craddock says they’ve already discussed the condition of the structure and what the benefits might be to having it taken down. The location, on the northeast corner of 4th & Anderson, is believed to be a prime real estate location. If a decision is reached to demolish it, Craddock says it most likely would not occur until after the Lockhart Building, directly behind it, is removed this fall.
Rural Hospital recognition
The Oregon Association of Hospitals and Health Systems (OAHHS), in collaboration with the Oregon Office of Rural Health and the Oregon Rural Healthcare Quality Network, honored several rural hospitals, including one in Bandon, at this year's Rural Hospital Summit, "The Way Forward." Selected by their peers for various accomplishments within their communities to improve overall health outcomes. The awards were presented by Andy Davidson, president and CEO of OAHHS. The awards presented included: Rural Hospital Quality Leader: This award was presented to Southern Coos Hospital & Health Center in Bandon, Oregon, for demonstrating outstanding performance in overall quality outcomes and patient safety culture. Other honors went to hospitals in The Dalles and Lebanon.
Armed Forces Day celebration
Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski will preside over a ceremony to honor military members during the national observance of Armed Forces Day, at 12:00 noon, on May 13, at the State Capitol Mall. Also attending the ceremony will be Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, the Adjutant General, Oregon, Col. Daniel Hokanson, Commander of the 41 Infantry Brigade Combat Team, and local and state business and civic leaders. The event will feature various units of the Oregon National Guard, including members of the Oregon Army National Guard's 41 Infantry Brigade Combat Team, who recently returned from a 10-month deployment to Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Also featured will be the Oregon Army National Guard's 234 Army Band, and high school Junior ROTC teams from local communities, including North Salem, Oregon City, LaPine, Redmond, and Klamath Falls. The ceremony will include a flyover by F-15 Eagles from the 142 Fighter Wing, and a howitzer salute by the Oregon Army National Guard's 2 Battalion, 218 Field Artillery. Based on 2004 Congressional legislation, the month of May has been dedicated as a national observance honoring military members of the armed forces. The public and the media are encouraged to attend.
CB Boat Building Center
The Coos Bay Boat Building Center Board will hold a meeting May 13, 2010, 1:15 pm, Boat Building Center Facility, 100 Newmark Avenue, Coos Bay OR 97420. Agenda: Tour of shop and discussion of arrangements for the grand opening on June 26th, development of workshops, and newsletter.
National Police Week is May 9 - 15, 2010
Douglas County Law Enforcement Officers will participate locally in a memorial ceremony, held in honor of those who have given their lives in the performance of their duties. Date: Thursday, May 13, 2010; Time: 0900 hours; Location: Douglas County Courthouse, front steps, 1036 SE Douglas Avenue, Roseburg, Oregon. Scheduled speakers include: Sheriff John Hanlin, Douglas County Commissioner Susan Morgan, and Sutherlin Police Chief Mike Mahler. The ceremony will last about 30 minutes. The media and public are invited to attend.
Positive Parenting Project collaborates with regional foundation
Southwestern Oregon Community College’s Pathways to Positive Parenting Project has been named the “HUB” for parenting education in Coos and Curry counties. This designation brings with it at least three years of grant funding through the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), in collaboration with the Meyer Memorial Trust, to further develop and continue community parenting education in our local area. “We know there are excellent parenting education programs in Oregon, but they are underfunded and parents often don’t know how to find them,” said Mary Louise McClintock, OCF’s Early Childhood Program Director. “Research continues to show that support for parenting education is one of the most important investments we can make in our children’s futures as well as our society’s longer-term economic health.” The Pathways to Positive Parenting Project has been offering free family parenting sessions for eight years in partnership with the Commission on Children & Families, local elementary schools, the Department of Human Services and other community partners who have valued the most important work that those involved do. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to continue working with our community partners and parents,” said Laurie Potts, Southwestern Childhood Education Director. “Throughout Curry and Coos counties, we will be able to continue to offer ongoing free family dinners, child care and parenting sessions for parents to strengthen their ability to be the best parents they can be for their precious children.” For more information and upcoming scheduled parenting sessions in your area – please contact us at 541 888 7123 or email us at positiveparenting@socc.edu.
CB-NB VCB Advertising
Notice is hereby given that the regularly scheduled board meeting of the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau will be held Thursday, May 13th, 2010 at 8:30am. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the location of the meeting has changed. The meeting will be held at the Mill Casino RV Park, located at 3201 Tremont, North Bend, in the Executive Suite (1st floor of Lodge by pool). There is a 2nd advertising subcommittee that same day, May 13th which has been moved to 2:30pm and will also be held at the Mill Casino Hotel, located at 3201 Tremont Ave, North Bend, Oregon. The meeting will be held in the 2nd floor conference rooms of the hotel tower.
CB Parks Commission
The City of Coos Bay Parks Commission will meet on Thursday, May 13, 2010, 4:00 PM in the Public Works Conference Room at City Hall. Agenda: I. Call to Order and Approval of March 11, 2010 Minutes; II. Ford Foundation Empire Lakes Project Update; III. Update to Debris-Boom Repair; IV. Update for Pump Out/Dump Station at City Dock; V. Eastside Park Playground Equipment; VI. Bay Area Optimists 10th Street Park; VII. Budget 2010/2011.
Intoxicated
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Tuesday, 7:42 p.m., 275 No. Broadway, Tioga, 18-year old female complained, “very intoxicated male just walked out of location & started threatening her & her boyfriend. He is now just sitting in front of the Tioga.”
Vehicles
According to entries on the Coos Bay Police log for Tuesday evening. 7:02 p.m., 900 block So. 4th St., “27-year old male complained “vehicle speeding down the road.” 7:24 p.m., Hwy. 101 & Taco Bell southbound, 50-year old female complained “a blue VW cutting people off & ran 5 red lights.” 7:28 p.m., Ocean Blvd. & Newmark, 36-year old female complained “ran the red light, honking his horn, smoke coming from the tires.”
Child assaulted
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Tuesday, 6:28 p.m., “child assaulted.” Victim listed as an 11-year old. Forty-year old Christopher Bryan Wilson arrested on charges of Disorderly Conduct and Harassment. Transported and lodged in the Coos Co. Jail at Coquille.
Warrant
During a traffic stop in North Bend Tuesday morning, a 30-year old male was arrested on an outstanding warrant. According to an entry on the police log, 7:56 a.m., Broadway Ave. & 14th St., James Wenzell, North Bend, was found to be wanted for Failure to Appear on an original charge of Custodial Interference II. Also charged with Probation Violation. Transported to the Coos Co. Jail at Coquille.
Sex Abuse
According to an entry on the Coos Co. Sheriff’s log for Tuesday, 6:39 p.m., 1900 block Newmark Ave., 32-year old Jeffrey David Sturdivant arrested on charges of Sex Abuse I, Sex Abuse III, transported to the county jail at Coquille.
WX
Partly cloudy then clearing along the Oregon Coast today with highs in the lower 60s to lower 70s. Partly cloudy tonight with lows in the mid 40s to lower 50s and partly cloudy on Friday. Winds out of the north today at 10-20 mph, followed by the northwest tonight at 10-15 mph.
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OREGON COAST SPORTS
MHS Boosters
The Marshfield Booster Club luncheon will be held today, 11:30 a.m., at Abby’s Pizza in Coos Bay. Spring sports coaches and athletes will be in attendance to talk about their teams.
MHS bb
Springfield wrapped up its first 5A Midwestern League baseball title in 10-years Wednesday night at home during a 5-1 win over visiting Marshfield. Miller pitcher Jordan Van Engers allowed three hits and struck out 12 Pirates in posting the victory to end the regular season for Springfield at 12-3. Marshfield finished with a 2-13 record. Catcher Raymond Jones had two of the Pirates hits. Thurston finished second in league with a 10-5 record, and North Eugene came in third, also at 10-5.
MHS sb
Marshfield downed Springfield 9-7 in a 5A Midwestern League softball game at Coos Head Field in Coos Bay Wednesday with a three-run rally in the fifth inning to overcome a 7-6 Miller lead. The Pirates (3-11) were led by Kara Young’s 2-for-4, including a double and four RBIs, while Sam Sundet was 2-for-3 with two RBIs and Laurie Haynes 2-for-3 with an RBI. Marshfield will get its make up game in at Thurston today, 5 p.m. The Colts have already clinched the league title.
NB tn
North Bend won the boy’s tennis District 3 championships at Medford Wednesday with 29-points. Marist was second with 22.
MHS AOW
The Marshfield Booster Club recognizes Elliot Aurdahl and Jasmine Meline as the Athletes of the Week as nominated by their coaches. Baseball coach Quintin Hall – Senior Elliot Aurdahl pitched a complete game against Willamette and had a three run home run to get our second win. Track coach Mac McIntosh - Freshman Jasmine Meline. Over the last four days and two track meets, Jasmine has achieved lifetime-best 400 and 1500-meter marks and propelled the Pirate long relay to a season-best time that sets up a pivotal battle for critical third-place points at the upcoming District championship meet. Jasmine's consistent improvement in races ranging from 800 to 3000 meters, achievement of the "Gold Standard" in all three events, and fast time of 5:07 in the 1500 at the Grants Pass Rotary Invitational make her the leader of a female distance crew that includes two seniors with state championship experience. Jasmine earned 8 points by finishing fourth in the 1500 and sixth in the 800 meter races, helping the Pirates to a third-place team trophy at the 40-team Grants Pass meet. Her 1500 time moves her to fourth on the Pirate All-Time Freshman record list, complementing her current fourth-place standing on the 800 list. Both marks rank 5th in league. Jasmine's quiet determination, devastating kick, and exemplary work ethic belie her relative youth and inexperience and portend a bright future for the Pirate distance crew. The two will receive certificates from the Booster Club courtesy of Troy Turner with Outlaw Photography.
OSU fb
The USC at Oregon State college football game Sat., Nov. 20 will air live on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2 at 5 p.m. PST it was announced Tuesday by the Pac-10 Conference. The selection is the third nationally televised game on the schedule to date, joining the Sat., Sept. 4 contest vs. TCU (@ Cowboys Stadium) on ESPN and the Sat., Sept. 25 trip to Boise State on either ABC or ESPN.
UO fb
If you're looking to firm up tailgating and watch party plans for the upcoming college football season, today's word that half of Oregon's 2010 schedule is now set for broadcast on national television networks should be very helpful to that end. We've known for some time that the Thursday night game vs. UCLA on Oct. 21 was slated for ESPN at 6 p.m. PT, but now you can tack on at least two more ESPN appearances, one on ESPN2, one on ABC and another on Fox Sports Net. Here's the rundown, as of May 11. All times are Pacific... Sept. 11 at Tennessee, ESPN2, 4 p.m.; Sept. 25 at Arizona State, FSN, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 2 vs. Stanford, ESPN, 8:15 p.m.; Oct. 21 vs. UCLA, ESPN, 6 p.m.; Oct. 30 at USC, ABC, 5 p.m.; Nov. 26 vs. Arizona, ESPN, 4 p.m.
UO tr
Oregon remained No. 2 in the men's track & field poll and No. 3 in the women's in the latest USTFCCCA rankings. The men closed the gap between themselves and top-ranked Texas A&M to less than eight points. The Pac-10 is also gaining representation with USC at No. 6, Arizona State at No. 7 and Stanford at No. 14. The top six women's teams stayed the same with Texas A&M leading Louisiana State and Oregon.
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