Oregon Coast News - June 2, 2010
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
Memorial Day
The death of a 35-year old male motorcycle rider just east of Astoria on the North Oregon Coast was one of four statewide fatalities over the long Memorial Day Weekend. According to preliminary figures from the Oregon State Police, five people died on the state’s highways in 2009, but just two the year before. The highest number of fatalities occurred in 1979 when 13 died. A 44-year old Portland man was arrested following Sunday’s collision on Hwy. 30 for Manslaughter in the First Degree and DUII. The other fatalities occurred near Baker City, near Colton, and in Summer Lake. Troopers also arrested 73 DUII drivers over the holiday period. That’s down from the previous two years of 88 in 2009 and 79 in 2008.
ATV
A 19-year old Olympia, WA female was killed while watching an ATV jumping event on the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area south of Winchester Bay Saturday night, May 29th. According to a news release from the Douglas Co. Sheriff’s Office, Ellie Powell “suddenly (for an unknown reason) ran into the path of an airborne ATV” operated by a 21-year old male from Rogue River on the back side of Banshee Hill about 9:20 p.m. She received severe injuries and died at the scene. Jonathan Shonk, the driver of the 2007 Suzuki 400 quad was not injured.
Dunes death
The death of a 27-year old male from Klamath Falls and his dog Sunday, May 30th, at the Half Moon Beach Overflow Area near Winchester Bay is beating treated by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office investigators as an accident. According to a news release, Bradley Scott Lamphere went to bed in an enclosed cargo trailer about midnight. When his friends went to check on him Sunday morning, they found him deceased. A propane heater was found in the trailer still in the on position. He is believed to have died from asphyxiation.
Corruption allegations
The Oregon Attorney General’s Office has accepted a request from Coos County District Attorney R. Paul Frasier to investigate allegations of corruption made by Coos County Commissioner Kevin Stufflebean against Coos County Sheriff Andy Jackson. The Sheriff also requested the investigation. District Attorney Frasier says he anticipates the outside investigation will begin this week. Stufflebean and Jackson are both vying for a position on the Board of Commissioners.
Bank scam
From the Douglas Co. Sheriff’s Office in Roseburg. “On Saturday, May 29th, dozens of Douglas County Residents reported receiving a suspicious phone call claiming to be from Umpqua Bank. The automated message claims that the customer’s debit card or credit card has been deactivated with instructions to activate by pressing 1 on the keypad. People who press 1 are asked for personal information including debit/credit card number, Social Security card number and other information. THIS IS A SCAM. These calls are not coming from Umpqua Bank. According to the Umpqua Bank website, they "will never call you requesting your card number, PIN, expiration date, or 3-digit number." If anyone did respond by giving any personal information they should contact Umpqua Bank immediately at 1-866-486-7782. Additionally, if anyone believes they have been the victim of fraud because of this scam they should contact their local law enforcement agency to file a report.”
Reeves elected
Charleston commercial fisherman Jeff Reeves of North Bend has been elected vice-chair of the Oregon Salmon Commission again. Darius Peake, from the North Oregon Coast, was elected to also serve as chair again this year following a meeting of the Commission members in Newport last month. At their meeting, the Commission did move in favor of continuing Collaborative Research on the Oregon Coast Salmon (CROOS) project which is contracted with fisherman to collect genetic samples this season. A similar agreement took place in 2006 & 2007, but a fishing ban in 2008 and 2009 kept the commercial fleet off the ocean.
Cloverdale
Hwy. 101 was closed for a day on the North Oregon Coast in the small Tillamook County community of Cloverdale after a fire broke out Friday afternoon, 2:30 p.m., May 28th. Three buildings were destroyed including a fire station by the quickly moving fire. It also burned the Sure Win Enterprises building and a Napa Auto Parts building. Fire fighters responded from Tillamook to the north, and North Lincoln Fire & Rescue District to the south. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
Shooting
The Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office is reporting a fatal shooting on the North Oregon Coast. No information has been released by Sheriff Todd Anderson other than the shooting occurred at a residence near Nehalem. Deputies responded to the home Monday afternoon following a 911 call.
2010 Letter Carriers Food Drive sets record:
More than 1.7 million pounds of food in one day in Oregon, southwest Washington. The 2010 Letter Carriers Food Drive set a new record, collecting 1,711,519 pounds throughout Oregon and Clark County, Wash., in just one day, OFB announced Tuesday, June 1. That's a 6.6 percent increase over the number of pounds (1,605,693) collected in 2009. In addition, the drive raised $98,561. More than 4,000 urban and rural letter carriers throughout Oregon and Clark County, Wash., collected food donations from hundreds of thousands postal customers during the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive, May 8.
Continental ride
They’re calling their 4,260 mile long bicycle ride across the United States “Ride 4 the Wounded.” Two 24-year old Ohio natives, Robert Messenger and Andrew Finley, began their trek on Thursday, May 27th to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project at Florence on the Central Oregon Coast. They both were deployed overseas as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the U.S. Navy and Ohio Air National Guard. Although neither saw combat duty, they both knew others who did. Their final destination is Yorktown, VA. The project helps returning injured soldiers.
Strawberries
They’re known for their sweetness and flavor, Oregon strawberries. State agricultural officials say this year’s crops are ready to be picked, but the cool, wet weather in May has delayed them. Still, a couple of days of warm dry weather should turn the berries red and growers say they could be picked in the next week or two.
Breast & Cervical Cancer Program Can Serve More Women
Coos County Public Health has received funds to serve an additional 20 women in the federally funded Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP) during the month of June. The Health Department is a contracted BCCP provider, and initially was allotted enrollment for only 31 women for the year, compared to over 100 the previous year, due to federal cutbacks in the program. Renee Johnson, local public health BCCP coordinator, noted that “We were really glad to hear that we can serve 20 more women this month, as this program can especially benefit women at risk for breast cancer.” The program provides a clinical breast and pelvic exam and mammogram, and women who are found to have breast cancer can receive treatment through the Oregon Health Plan. There are eligibility requirements for BCCP: A woman must have no insurance or be under-insured, such as having a deductible of $500 or more. The household income level must be below 250% of the federal poverty level. (For example, the federal poverty level for a family of 2 would be $36,425 annual income.) The age eligibility is 50 and older, although women of any age who have symptoms of breast cancer may also be eligible. Contact Renee Johnson at 541-756-2020, ext. 652 at Coos County Public Health to sign up for one of the 20 available appointments, or for more information.
Foreclosure Assistance Funds
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) submitted a proposal for review to U.S. Treasury today that outlines its plan for disbursing $88 million in foreclosure assistance funds. One of five states to receive second round Hardest Hit funds through the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), Oregon received notice in late March that it will receive $88 million in foreclosure assistance funds because of its high rate of unemployment. After holding a series of forums throughout the state to listen to homeowners' concerns, OHCS designed the Oregon Homeowner Stabilization Initiative, which comprises five programs designed to help people who are recently unemployed, underemployed or have lost a significant amount of income. (See full proposal at oregonhomeownerhelp.org). "We want to keep homes affordable and prevent foreclosure for as many Oregonians for whom that is possible," says Oregon Housing and Community Services Director Victor Merced. "It's our goal to respond to areas most affected by the worst crisis." U.S. Treasury has promised a quick review of the initiative and funds are expected to be delivered to Oregon in October. OHCS will begin implementing the initiative by the end of the year. Although Treasury identified 16 counties as "Hardest Hit," state data reveal that 20 counties can be defined as "hardest hit" or "housing distressed": Clackamas, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Grant, Harney, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lake, Lane, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Wallowa and Yamhill. OHCS will target 80 percent of the funds to these 20 counties, which are home to 73 percent of Oregon's population. The remainder 20 percent of funds will be disseminated throughout the remaining 16 counties.
Summary of Programs: The five programs outlined in the initiative will work either as stand-alone options or in concert. Many recipients will use more than one. The first program, Loan Modification Assistance, will aim to help those homeowners who are on the verge of successfully modifying their existing mortgages but require a small amount of additional financial resources to do so. The second program, Mortgage Payment Assistance, will help economically distressed homeowners pay their mortgages for up to one year. If these recipients regain employment or otherwise restore their financial footing, they can exit into a third program: Loan Preservation Assistance. Loan Preservation Assistance will provide financial resources the homeowner may need to modify a loan, pay arrearages, or clear other significant financial penalties. Should homeowners not regain employment during the period of Mortgage Payment Assistance they will have the opportunity to receive Transitional Assistance. In such cases, the program will provide resources to help homeowners move to affordable, likely rental, homes. Finally, OHCS proposes to pilot a Loan Refinancing Program to address the needs of low- to moderate-income homeowners in counties experiencing dramatic declines in housing values. The department looks to partner with organizations that will purchase underwater home loans at discounted rates and then restructure and/or refinance the loan as an affordable mortgage. Homeowners who need help with foreclosure mitigation assistance immediately are encouraged to call 1-800-SAFENET. For further information and to read the full proposal, see http://www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org.
Registration Deadline Extended for 4-H Summer Camp!
There are still spaces available for youth who just completed grades 4-6 to register for 4-H Camp. The registration deadline has been extended to June 15. 4-H Camp will be held at Camp Myrtlewood June 29 through July 2 and is sponsored by the Coos County 4-H Leaders Association and OSU Extension Service. Activities include outdoor education, archery, crafts, outdoor cookery, swimming, hiking, campfire programs and a variety of special presentations by groups in Coos County. Our theme this year is “Keepin' It Green” – you won’t want to miss the fun! The registration fee is $125 and includes bus transportation from Coos Bay, Coquille or Myrtle Point, three meals per day, lodging in cabins, trained 4-H youth counselors, adult staff, full time nurse and lifeguards. Partial and full scholarships are available for current 4-H members. For more information, call the OSU Extension Service at 572- 5263 x. 0, pick up a registration form (Ohlsen Baxter Building, 631 Alder St, Myrtle Point) or on the web at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/coos/.
Eisner puts Curry Campus project in motion
Southwestern Oregon Community College continues to take visible steps in the process of building a new college campus on the north end of Brookings for Curry County. About the same time that logging of the site began, Lee Eisner was named as the Clerk of the Works for the project. Since the majority of the college administration is located in Coos Bay, the Clerk will operate in Brookings as the on-site representative on a day-to-day basis. He will monitor the new construction and site development, as well as anticipate and observe the construction, contract progress, procedures, workmanship, schedule, required state and federal reporting data, and overall job safety of the project. “During my career I have occupied every seat around the project team table,” said Eisner. “I have been the architect, the owner, the owner’s representative, and the general contractor. My understanding of each role helps me do my job better.” Eisner currently resides in Gold Beach. He has served clients in and around Brookings for many years, but also has experience throughout the United States and around the world. When describing what makes a project successful, he speaks of safety, compliance, on-time completion, under budget and free of litigation. He uses an integrated system of project management tools and sophisticated procurement strategies, but suggests that regular contact is one of the best tools to stay on plan and exceed goals. “Communication and relationships are what make successful projects successful,” said Eisner. “For example, every morning I walk the entire worksite taking notes. When appropriate, I make contact with the general contractor to ensure that the project stays safe and on schedule. He prides himself on staying involved at just the right intervals, attending meetings, creating documentation, and sometimes simply getting tough about an issue when it is vital to the success of the project. Eisner’s first official day on the project was June 1, though he has already spent much of his own time learning about the history, plans and project details, while beginning to meet the necessary contacts. “I am excited to be part of one of the most important building projects in the county now and in the foreseeable future,” said Eisner.
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OREGON COAST SPORTS
NBHS Spring Sports dessert
North Bend High School will hold its Spring Sports Dessert Wednesday, June 2nd at 6:45 p.m. in high school gym. Spring athletes in Golf, Tennis, Baseball, Softball, Track and the Equestrian Team will be honored.
FWL sb
North Bend Outfielder Emily Foster was named Second Team All 4A Far West League in voting by the conference’s coaches following the end of the regular softball season. Bulldog First Baseman Kelcy Cheser was named Honorable Mention, Katie Banta was named Honorable Mention Infield, and her sister Kristin Banta was Honorable Mention Utility/DH.
SOCS
The Southern Oregon Coast SOCS will host Siuslaw of Florence Thursday at Coos Head Field in Coos Bay in a summer softball game at 6 p.m., weather permitting. The SOCS have three teams this year, a 12 and under, 14 and under and 16 and under. MHS varsity coach Floyd Montiel is leading the 16U team, while his assistant during the school year Jenny Howland runs the 14U team. The 14s is made up of 6 Marshfield players and the rest are 7th and 8th graders from Sunset and two players from Coquille. The 16 team has the following players: Marshfield - Sam Sundet, Alisha Charitar, Kara Young, Breanne Johnson, Laurie Haynes, Kirby Neale and Helena Carocci; Coquille - Chelsie Forbes and Christy Andy; Myrtle Point - Courtney Love and Marissa Duchi. The SOCS are scheduled to go to four tournaments this year and will schedule single or double header during the week through the month of July.
American Legion
The North Coos Waterfront American Legion baseball team, coached by Quintin Hall, opens the 2020 summer season Tuesday, June 8th, with a non-league doubleheader against Three Rivers of Florence at Clyde Allen Field in North Bend. The first game begins at 5 p.m. North Coos Waterfront competes in the American Legion “A” North Division. The league consists of two teams from Roseburg, South Eugene, South Umpqua, North Eugene, and Sheldon of Eugene. Last year the team was 18-17 overall, and 12-12 in league. A total of 32 games are scheduled this season.
OSU bb
Oregon State senior outfielder Adalberto Santos and sophomore right-handed pitcher Sam Gaviglio have been named the Pacific-10 Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively, on Monday, as announced by league commissioner Larry Scott. Santos, of New York, N.Y., helped guide the Beavers to a 3-1 record last week, including a 2-1 series win over Arizona to close out the 2010 regular season. The senior outfielder was 8-for-15 from the plate for a .533 batting average. In Saturday's 5-0 victory over the Wildcats, Gaviglio notched a career-high 13 strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings of work. The sophomore right-hander from Ashland, Ore., walked just two batters and allowed five hits to improve to 3-3 this season and 13-4 lifetime at Oregon State.
Wagner
Oregon State women’s basketball coach LaVonda Wagner was fired “without cause” Tuesday by Athletic Director Bob De Carolis. Wagner was 68-85 in her five seasons with the Beavers. Last year’s team went 11-20 overall and 2-16 in the Pac-10. She will be paid up to $1.2 million for this month and the remaining three years on her contract. The firing followed player departures and the school’s hiring of an outside consultant which verified allegations of player mistreatment against Wagner.
Prep bb
North Eugene will play Ashland for the 5A baseball title Saturday at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer. The Highlanders, the No. 3 team from the Midwestern League beat West Albany Tuesday to advance in the championship bracket. Astoria will meet Scappoose for the 4A championship.
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