Oregon Coast News - June 25, 2010
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
Leah Freeman case
Investigators for the Coquille Police Department have scheduled a news conference from this morning, 9 a.m., City Hall, regarding the Leah Freeman murder investigation. The 15-year-old Coquille teen disappeared 10 years ago. Her body was found six weeks later, but no arrests have ever been made. The news conference will take place in the City Council Chambers and is open to the public.
Advisory lifted
The public health advisory posted more than a week ago at Bastendorff Beach west of Charleston was lifted Thursday by officials with the Oregon Beach Monitoring Program after re-sampling showed the fecal bacteria level in the ocean water had dropped back down below state standards. An advisory for Sunset Bay, just south of Bastendorff Beach remains in effect.
Sen. Cantwell threatens NOAA funding
Still reeling from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s decision to move its Marine Operations Center – Pacific from the Seattle area to the Central Oregon Coast at Newport, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell sharply criticized the move during a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee and questioning of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. Cantwell referred to a review by the Commerce Department’s inspector general that she said validated her belief that Newport’s selection was improper and should be nullified. The federal agency is already moving forward with the move and plans to be relocated on Yaquina Bay’s South Beach with its fleet of ships, staff and employees by next year.
USCG Cutter Fir deployed to the Gulf
You may have recently seen the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Fir conducting maintenance and repairs of navigational buoys in bays and river channels along the Oregon Coast. Today it is en route to the Gulf of Mexico to join other Coast Guard cutters to help with the massive British Petroleum oil spill. The 50-member crew of the Astoria-based cutter had six-days to prepare for their journey that will take them down the West Coast to the Panama Canal and through to the Gulf where oil continues to spew from an opening on the Gulf’s floor. Half of the Coast Guard’s 16 cutters identical to the 225-foot long Fir have been deployed to the Gulf to help with the cleanup effort.
Coast Guard, local agencies to patrol for intoxicated boaters Friday-Sunday
The Coast Guard, along with local law enforcement and other state agencies including the Clatsop County Sherriff's Department and Washington Fish & Wildlife will patrol the waters of the Oregon and Washington coasts and rivers for intoxicated boaters Friday, June 25 thru Sunday, June 27. The effort is part of Operation Dry Water, an initiative to inform boaters of the dangers of boating under the influence (BUI) of alcohol and to enforce laws concerning BUI and safe boating. "Our aim is to allow people to enjoy the waterways as safely as possible," said Lt. j.g. Joe Miller, Recreational Boating Safety Officer at Coast Guard Air Station Astoria. During 2009's operation, 2,442 marine law enforcement officers across 46 states and five territories made contact with 17,454 recreational vessels and issued 5,320 boating safety warnings, 283 BUI citations and 1,127 citations for other violations. Fourteen arrests were made in the state of Oregon. This year, all 56 states, trusts and territories are expected to participate, searching for boat operators whose blood alcohol concentration exceeds the national limit of .08 percent. Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision and reaction time. It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration and motion – “stressors” common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs, and some prescription medications. Authorities contend that this BUI crackdown is just as important to public safety as the enforcement of drunk driving laws.
Moving Wall
It’s a half-size replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. The “Moving Wall” has arrived in Curry County and opened to the public Thursday evening at the Port of Brookings Harbor. A group of Vietnam veterans from Coquille and Port Orford escorted the exhibit into Brookings. It will remain open to the public around the clock through Monday, June 28th, 2 p.m., before it moves on to its next stop.
Welcome signs
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is rekindling a previous “Welcome” sign program aimed at welcoming large groups or organizations to the Bay Area. Chamber Executive Director Timm Slater says “we want our visitors to know we appreciate them being here and look to make their stay memorable for all the right reasons.” Local businesses are encouraged to use their reader boards to welcome visitors to our community.
New Boys & Girls Club Board
The Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon welcomed a new Board President, Cindy Ball, at the Annual Board Meeting and Awards dinner held June 16th at The Mill Casino – Hotel. The Annual Meeting is a time to reflect on the Club’s goals and achievements from the previous year, as well as to elect new officers and hand out awards for outstanding contributions to the organization. In his remarks, outgoing President Larry Close, praised the efforts of staff, directors, trustees and community supporters who, together, provide hope and opportunity to Coos County youth. He elaborated on his time as a Club kid in San Francisco, and how it helped shape his life. Close has been the President of the Board of Governors for the past six years. In her statement to the Board, Ball commended Close for his commitment to the organization, and outlined her vision for the Club. She wants to see the Club make an impact on the Community with improved communication, on youth through dynamic and quality programming and among Board committees with consistent and productive participation. The Outstanding Board Member of the Year was given to Roger Gould for his significant contributions as Chairman of the Pacific Region Board Leadership Conference, Chairman of the Oregon Area Council, and his many other contributions to the Club. Jill Christiana was given the Distinguished Service Award for her 20 years of volunteer service on the Board. Also honored for 5 years of service were: Audrey Albaugh, Barb Kronsteiner, and Kari Lyons.
In addition to a new president, the following officers of the board of directors were appointed: Barb Kronsteiner, vice president; Jim Graves, treasurer; and Amber Little, secretary. The Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon has been serving the community through recreational and educational programs since 1982. Today, the Club has more than 3,000 members. Charitable donations further the Club's mission of enhancing the lives of local youth and families. For more information please call 267-3635 or visit the Club website at www.bgc-sworegon.org.
Artistic Cows
Neon horses may have been the first animal art to pop up along the Oregon Coast at a Hwy. 101 gallery between Newport and Waldport. Then there were the large colorful and themed bears from Grants Pass that visited Brookings for a city promotion. Now, artistic themed cows are appearing where else but in the coast’s dairy cow capital of Tillamook County. Three cow sculptures have been erected in downtown Tillamook, Rockaway Beach and Hebo. They are part of a community project initiated by members of the 2008 Ford Institute Leadership Program which encourages local leaders to implement community projects. The “personality cows” will eventually reflect the three geographic areas where they are located.
Researchers seek squid-sighting reports
Scientists tracking the northward migration of Humboldt squid into Oregon's offshore waters are enlisting commercial fishermen to help them keep count of these tentacled predators – and what they're eating. Led by marine fisheries ecologist Selina Heppell, a professor in Oregon State University's Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and graduate student Sarikka Attoe, the team is attempting to learn more about the squid, whose historic range has followed the Humboldt current in the eastern Pacific waters from the southernmost tip of South America to California. Since 2002, the squid – Dosidicus gigas, also known as the jumbo squid – have been found in increasing numbers in the waters off Oregon, Washington and as far north as Alaska. Normally deep-diving, the animals are turning up in shallower coastal waters, sometimes in very large numbers. Aggressive feeders, they are known for swarming feeding frenzies when they come upon prey (usually small fish, crustaceans and other squid). With funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through Oregon Sea Grant, Heppell is attempting to map the distribution of catches of jumbo squid off the Oregon coast, identify correlations between squid catch and oceanographic variables, and determine what the squid are eating as they pass through Oregon's offshore waters – particularly whether they're dining on such commercially fished species as hake and salmon. To aid in that effort, the researchers are asking fishermen to report sightings of the squid, including information about where they were seen (using GPS coordinates), approximate numbers of squid, and whether fishing was going on when the squid were seen. Graduate research assistant Attoe has visited ports up and down the coast to explain the project to fishing groups and distribute waterproof posters and fliers promoting what she's dubbed “SQuID CSI,” an online reporting form at the Heppell Lab’s Web site, http://oregonstate.edu/heppell/reportsquid.html. Fishermen are also encouraged to collect samples of the squid for dissection by scientists to analyze what the animals are eating. For more information about the project, contact SQuIDCSI@gmail.com.
Keep young wildlife wild: It’s best for the animals and it’s the law
This is the time of year when Oregon’s wildlife are raising their young, teaching them what to eat, where to take shelter, and how to survive in the wild. During this time, parents will temporarily and naturally leave their young to feed elsewhere. Unfortunately, well-intentioned people sometimes mistake young animals temporarily left by their parents as orphans and remove them from the wild. Doing so reduces the animal’s chances at long-term survival in its natural habitat. Last year, of 732 “orphaned” animals admitted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, 81 died, 15 were euthanized and 65 may never be released back to the wild. Never assume an animal is orphaned and remove it from the wild without further consultation. Only if you are certain an animal is orphaned because you saw the parent die should you interfere. If you see a truly orphaned animal or one that clearly is in distress, is being disturbed by people or pets, is in a situation that endangers the animal (such as lying near or on a road) call your local ODFW office, OSP office, or a local wildlife rehabilitation center. If you see a seal pup, young sea lion, or other marine mammal in distress or stranded, call 1-800-452-7888. Leave marine mammals on the beach. Young seals are often left on the beach while mothers feed in the ocean. Don’t touch, feed or try to move it. Stay back at least 100 yards and make sure dogs are leashed. If you see a baby sea lion, seal pup, or other young marine mammal stranded or in distress, contact OSP’s special hotline for marine mammals at 1-800-452-7888. Visit the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network for more information.
Clamboree
June 26 & 27. 10:00am- 6:00pm Saturday, 10:00-4:00pm Sunday, Join the Empire celebration of the history, the clams, the culture, and the future of our area. Located in Empire, venues include the Fire Hall, the Hollering Place, Ed Lund Park, the Tribal House of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw tribes, and the downtown area along Newmark Avenue. Events will include live music, a parade, food with clam themes, historic tours and cultural information and activities. Demonstrations include Native American crafts, live Coast Guard operations, and much more. Hosted by the Concerned Citizens of Empire. For more information contact Tom Greaves 541-888-3020 t.greaves@charter.net.
SouthWestern Oregon Rose Society
What: 33rd Annual Rose Show; When: Saturday, June 26, 2010; Where: Pony Village Mall across from Sears; Why: Share beautiful roses with people. To answer questions about growing roses in our area. To invite others to join this great hobby. SWORS is presenting their 33rd annual rose show. Entries accepted from 6:30 to 9:30 AM on Saturday. Judging begins at 10 AM. The doors will open to the public as soon as judging is done, usually between 12:30 -1:00. Trophies awarded at 5 PM Saturday. It is a one day show this year. If you have never shown before, now is the time to show your favorite roses. Members are on hand to help you with your entries. Please contact us if you have questions.
NB Senior Ctr. Seeks volunteers
Volunteers are wanted at the North Bend Senior Center. If you are willing to help during lunch time, Bingo, or one of the many other activities please contact Carmen or Mildred at (541) 756-7622. “You don’t have to be a senior to volunteer at the North Bend Senior Center!”
Riverfront Rhythms Presents "Solid Brass"
WHERE: Umpqua Discovery Center, 409 Riverfront Way; WHEN: Friday, JUNE 25th, 6:30 pm; Contact: Diane Novak, Director 541-271-4816. Members include: Clell Laird, keyboard; Mike DuVal, bass; Dean Conyers, drums; Ron Carpani, woodwinds; Bob Richardson, trombone; Frosty West, cornet. ON THE WATERFRONT AT THE
UMPQUA DISCOVERY CENTER IN REEDSPORT. Solid Brass was formed by a nucleus of members from the former Coos Bay Clambake Jazz Band. They play a variety of instrumental styles from early jazz through the swing era and utilize the various vocal talents for a pleasing listening experience. Free Concert / Picnicking Welcome / Food vendors on site, outdoors, lawn seating (bring your chairs or blankets). No pets, smoking or alcohol on concert site.
New River Events
New River is located south of Bandon. Events this summer include: June 26 at 10 a.m. with Life in the River. Participants will learn more about the fish at New River with Steve Mazur from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife during a presentation and exploration of the river. A New River calendar of events can be downloaded at the Coos Bay District website: www.blm.gov/or/districts/coosbay.
Homemade Pies and a Silent Auction Round Off “Dinner and a Movie” Fundraiser
to Send FBLA Students to National Competition
Local grandmothers are rolling up their sleeves to bake some delectable homemade pies for FBLA's "Dinner and a Movie" fundraiser. On Saturday, June 26, 2010, FBLA students and parents will be serving a spaghetti dinner with an abundance of homemade pie at the Highland School cafeteria from 5:30 to 6:45. Diners can also participate in a silent auction for one night's stay in a King Spa Suite at the Best Western Salbasgeon Inn, a $50 gift certificate for Bedrock's Restaurant, or a stunning 3-piece ceramic fish. The dinner is followed by a special showing of the movie “Avatar” at 7:00 in the Pacific Auditorium. The entire event costs only $10 per person, and all proceeds go toward supporting the four Reedsport Community Charter School students who will be traveling to Nashville, Tennessee, in July to compete in the Future Business Leaders of America national competition. Admission to the movie only is by donation. Tickets can be purchased at the Reedsport Community Charter School office, Les Schwab Tires, Reedsport Pharmacy, Bedrock's, or by calling 541-271-4064.
Memorial Day Benefit Mystery Dinner Theater
A Memorial Day Benefit Mystery Dinner Theater to support The Memorial Day Celebration will be held June 26th at the Reedsport Community Building. The mystery "The Last Ride” will be performed by The Poison Pen Players staring Knox Story. A no host social hour will start at 5:00 p.m. with dinner and show starting at 6 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling the Delaine Humphries at the Family Resource Center (541) 271-9700. Admission is $55.00 for dinner and show and is a benefit for the Memorial Day Celebration. Do not miss the Mystery Raffle. For more information please contact the Reedsport/Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce Office (541) 271-3495.
ODFW offers razor clamming workshop
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife invites you to come play in nature’s largest sandbox during its Family Clamming Workshop on June 26 at Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria. ODFW is teaming with Oregon State Parks in a family-friendly workshop that will show participants everything they need to know to go digging for razor clams on Oregon beaches, how to clean the clams, and give you recipes for cooking them. The workshop starts at 5:30 a.m. and will finish up by 1:30 p.m. The cost is $40.00/person for adults; $10.00/person for children 12-17, and free for children under the age of 12. The registration fee includes the use of all necessary equipment, instruction/materials and a barbeque lunch. Pre-registration is required and registration materials can be found on the ODFW website at: http://www.dfw.state.or.us/outdoor_skills/workshops/Family_Clamming_062610.asp
SOLV
6/26/2010 - 804 TRAIL STATE PARK INVASIVE WEED ERADICATION, Overleaf Lodge, Yachats, 10:00AM - 1:00PM Pull and remove ivy and thistle along the 804 trail approximately 1000 feet north of the Overleaf Lodge. There will be a BBQ lunch with raffle in the Overleaf Lodge parking lot after the project. Info & Registration: Project Oregon or contact Drew Roslund at drew@overleaflodge.com, or 541-815-0045
SOLV
6/26/2010 - TILLAMOOK COUNTY JUNE DAIRY PARADE, Tillamook County Fairgrounds, Tillamook, 9:00AM - 1:00PM Hand out trash bags before the parade and collect the trash along the parade route after the parade. Tillamook Public works will be collecting the trash and recycle afterwards and disposing of it. Info & Registration: Project Oregon or contact Kim Remington at junedairyparade@yahoo.com, or 503-842-7525
Lighthouse Run
Highway 101 Harley-Davidson’s 10th Anniversary Lighthouse Run, June 25 & 26, 2010, Poker Run, 50/50, Cash Prizes, Show-n-Shine, Entertainment: Music & Comedy, Dinner.
Male vs. female
According to entries on the Coos Co. Sheriff’s log for Wednesday. 6:43 p.m., 23-year old male reported he was involved in a dispute with his girlfriend on Isthmus Heights. “They have broken windshields out of each others vehicle, female left area on foot. Both parties being referred to D.A. for Domestic. 7:52 p.m., Ellen Road, 50-year old female reported Family Dispute. “Verbal only; parties separated; male will stay with mother for evening.” 8:22 p.m., 200 block Sara Lane. Fifty-five year old male complained “wife refusing to let RP leave residence. Contacted by phone, will leave the residence for the night until wife sobers up and then will return to get his things, will recall if further assistance needed.”
Rape
According to an entry on the Coos Co. Sheriff’s log for Wednesday, 6:26 p.m., Flanagan Road. Sixty-two year old female listed as victim. “Victim of rape at BAH, occurred 6/18 and 10 times since. Friday on Flanagan 10 times since. Contact made with victim at BAH, extremely intoxicated, isn’t sure if she wants to pursue, will recontact if she changes her mind.”
Clam digging
According to an entry on the Coos Co. Sheriff’s log for Wednesday, 9:42 a.m., Charleston, South Slough, “male stranded by water while digging clams. Paged Charleston Fire and Bay Cities Ambulance, notified Coast Guard who retrieved subject by boat.”
Drinking
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Wednesday, 11:52 a.m., Farmer’s Market downtown, “2 subjects sitting on bench drinking beer.” Fifty-five year old Harry Ward and 63-year old Caroll Richard Bunch cited for Drinking Unlicensed Premise.
Hit & Run
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Wednesday, 9:49 a.m., 100 block W. Commercial Ave., “motor vehicle accident Hit & Run.” Sixty-year old Donald Toftum cited for Failure to Perform Duties of Driver.
Domestic Assault
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Wednesday, 7:35 a.m., 200 block Hall Ave., “man & woman fighting in front of location.” Nineteen year old Jonathan Simington arrested for Assault IV Domestic & Disorderly Conduct. Transported and lodged in the Coos Co. Jail at Coquille. Victim identified as a 21-year old female.
Wanted
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Wednesday, 6:47 a.m., “located wanted subject.” Thirty-two year old Shallan Byrd arrested on Coos Co. Sheriff’s Office warrant for Parole Violation on DUII. Transported and lodged in the county jail at Coquille.
Missing child
A child was reported missing by its father Wednesday, 1:44 p.m., in the College St. Park area of North Bend. According to an entry on the police log, Bay Cities Ambulance, Coquille Tribal Police and NBPD responded to provide assistance. The youth was located by its father. Earlier, at 12:05 p.m., a mother reported she became separated from her eight-year old son during a bike ride on the 1800 block of McPherson Ave. The “child went to fire hall. Mom called and reconnected with child.”
WX
Mostly cloudy along the Oregon Coast today after patchy morning fog. Highs in the lower 60s to lower 70s and northwest winds 10-15 mph. Mostly cloudy tonight with lows around 50 and north winds 10-15 mph. Mostly cloudy then clearing on Saturday.
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OREGON COAST SPORTS
American Legion
Instead of a doubleheader, the Oregon Coast’s two American Legion baseball teams got in a single seven-inning game in Florence Wednesday night. Three Rivers, the “AAA” team handed North Coos Waterfront, the “A” team a 15-5 loss completing a sweep for Three Rivers this year which won the first meeting in North Bend. North Coos is now 1-3 on the season and will return to North Division play Saturday at home against the Umpqua Blaze of Myrtle Creek. The doubleheader is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. at Clyde Allen Field in North Bend. Sunday, the Waterfront hosts Pepsi of Roseburg for two games beginning at 2 p.m.
SOCC Camp
The Men’s and Women’s Basketball Programs at Southwestern Oregon Community College will be conducting their 2nd annual overnight summer basketball camp this summer. The camp will be coached by college coaches Trevor Hoppe and Mike Herbert, as well as Southwestern Laker assistant coaches and former players. The camp will be held June 25-27. The fun and education begins Friday at 5 p.m. and continues through 11:30 a.m. Sunday when the camp will end with an awards ceremony. All meals are included for the overnight campers and lunch and dinner are included for the day campers. Boys and girls, grades 5-12, are welcome to attend. Overnight campers are only $100, while day campers will be just $60. Those staying overnight will be staying on campus and will need to bring their own bed linens or a sleeping bag, plus a pillow and a shower towel. For more information or to register, contact Mike Herbert, Southwestern Women’s Basketball Coach, at 541-888-7705.
Tedder
Marshfield two-year starting quarterback Kyle Tedder has been selected to play in the June 26th Les Schwab Bowl June 26th at Hillsboro Stadium. Tedder was the 5A Midwestern League Offensive Player of the Year this past school year. The annual All-Star game pits 6A & 5A players into two teams, North & South. Former Marshfield quarterback, and now head coach of 6A state champion Sheldon in Eugene, Marty Johnson, will coach the South team.
Anderson
They were both native Oregonians who went from high school football stars to their state’s universities and found more success. They parlayed that success into pro football careers and today, a former Duck is tutoring a former Beaver. Chris Miller played at Sheldon High School in Eugene and then went on to become an All Pac-10 quarterback at Oregon in the 1980s. Derek Anderson led Scappoose High School to state titles and was also an all conference Pac-10 signal-caller at Oregon State. Miller; however, left the pro game early after a series of concussions, while Anderson has had an up and down career in the NFL. He bottom out in Cleveland last year with his worst season, but after being let go by the Browns, he’s resurfaced at Arizona where Miller is the quarterback coach. The Cardinals have named former USC quarterback Matt Leinart, a first round pick and Heisman Trophy winner, as their starter heading into this season, but the 6-7 Anderson is number two.
Blazers
Kevin Pritchard is out as general manager of the Portland Trailblazers. Pritchard was with the Blazers for over three years and was preparing for his fourth draft when he was informed that he was fired from Paul Allen’s organization. With the 22nd pick in the NBA Draft this year, the Blazers chose Memphis swingman Elliot Williams who averaged 17.9 points per game and 4 rebounds for the Tigers. Portland also traded Martell Webster to Minnesota for the 16th pick overall, Luke Babbitt of Nevada.
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