Oregon Coast News - June 29, 2010
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
Bishop interviewing
The Port of Bellingham lost out on its bid to become the new Marine Operations Center – Pacific from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as Newport on the Central Oregon Coast got the nod. However, the Port of Bellingham may take something from the Oregon Coast. Jeffrey Bishop, the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay executive director is one of five finalists for a similar position with the Port of Bellingham. Prior to becoming the Executive Director at the Oregon Coast’s largest port in 2005, Bishop was the Industrial Development Manager for the Port of Tacoma. He also spent five years with the Port of Pasco, WA. The Port of Bellingham received over 100 applications for the position. The new director is expected to be hired by the end of July.
Salmon fishing
As Oregon’s commercial salmon fleet takes part in their first season in three years, although it is limited by federal regulators, a popular “Seafood Watch” guide published by the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, is encouraging consumers to not buy salmon caught in Oregon. The guide states the population of salmon that originates in the Sacramento River and migrates to Oregon’s waters is too depleted. Most fishery biologists believe when salmon enter the Pacific Ocean from the West Coast’s fresh water streams and rivers they swim north. The guide lists salmon caught in Alaska as the best choice, followed by salmon caught in Washington’s waters. Projected poor returns from the Sacramento River the last two years led federal officials to cancel commercial salmon seasons in 2009 and 2008 off Northern California and Oregon. Former Oregon Sea Grant agent and Coos County commercial fisherman Paul Heikkila says the move by “Seafood Watch” is irresponsible. He also says genetic testing this year has indicated that most of the salmon caught off the Oregon Coast is coming from the healthy Columbia River system.
Protest
They came together Saturday on the North Oregon Coast to protest offshore drilling. President Obama mentioned opening up the outer shelves in federal waters to the possibility of oil exploration to help quench America’s still increasing energy appetite. However, the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico has changed some opinions in Washington D.C. Still, about 70 people joined hands in front of Haystack Rock, about noon time near Cannon Beach, and demonstrated their opposition to any energy exploration off the coast of Oregon with a “hands across the sand” peaceful protest.
Arch Cape Cannons
Conservation work at Texas A&M University on the two historic cannon recovered from the beach at Arch Cape in February 2008 is starting to show results. Arch Cape is on the north Oregon coast between Oswald West State Park and Cannon Beach. The cannon, found by teen beachcomber Miranda Petrone while walking at Arch Cape with her father, were recovered from the ocean shore by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department with help from Arch Cape officials. The cannon were heavily coated by a concretion—a thick, hard layer of solidified sand and rock—after being buried deep on the beach for an unknown amount of time. It is possible the two cannon are the remnants of the 1846 wreck of the USS Shark, a US Navy vessel that sank on the Columbia Bar. Three of the Shark's cannon broke away from the wreck, and one was recovered from the Arch Cape area in 1898. The other two were never found. After being removed from the beach, the two cannon were temporarily stored in water tanks at a nearby state park. In early 2009, the department signed a contract with the Center for Marine Archaeology and Conservation at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Since April 2009, the lab has been soaking the artifacts to remove corrosive salt. Using handheld tools, graduate students at the lab began to delicately remove the concretions under the guidance of lab director Jim Jobling. After months of work, the lab has successfully revealed the metal and wood of one cannon. A symbol resembling a broad arrow is engraved on the cannon's surface, proving the cannon was at one time the property of the British Royal Navy. The early American navy frequently purchased cannon and other gear from overseas in the first half of the 19th century. "We still don't know exactly where these cannon came from, but the information revealed by the lab is certainly pointing toward the USS Shark theory," said State Archaeologist Dennis Griffin of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. "This is where it gets interesting and exciting. What more clues will we find as the lab continues to work? What questions will be answered, and what new ones will be posed? We'll find out as the lab continues to do their excellent work." The lab's physical work could still take several years to complete. As the group removes concretions, they then must chemically treat the wood and metal parts to shield them from corrosion. The cannon will return to Oregon after the lab finishes conservation. A local, state and federal advisory team will make a recommendation to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department about long-term curation and public display of the artifacts.
Hwy. 18 fatal
The victim of one of three fatal accidents to occur in Western Oregon over the weekend has been identified by investigators. Sixty-four year old Judith Meredith, of Salem, was eastbound on Hwy. 18 about two-miles west of Grand Ronde when she vehicle hit a motorhome pulling a vehicle in the opposite direction about 11:30 a.m. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The Montana couple in the motorhome was not injured. About 100 gallons of fuel; however, spilled from the RV. The highway was closed for nearly five-and-a-half hours with coastal traffic detoured onto Hwy. 22 to Hebo in Tillamook County. An elderly Tillamook brother and sister were killed Friday when they pulled out in front of a dump truck on Hwy. 101 on the North Coast south of Warrenton, and a 49-year old Bandon man died Saturday when his Harley Davidson motorcycle went out of control on Hwy. 42 just east of Myrtle Point.
4th of July fire safety
The Keep Oregon Green Association is cautioning Oregonians to use extreme caution when visiting the forests this weekend. Although it seems like it should still be wet enough to eliminate fire danger, 45 human-caused wildfires have already been fought and suppressed by Oregon firefighters. Many Oregonians love the great outdoors, and no matter what the recreational activity, sitting around a campfire is one of the special times we all enjoy. During the 2009 wildfire season, however, 116 escaped or abandoned campfires burned over 200 acres on state and private lands. Here's what you can do to avoid causing Oregon's next wildfire: Always call the local fire district to assure that fires are allowed where you're going to camp. If they are allowed, and you choose to camp in an undeveloped campground, here are a few suggestions to ensure that your campfires will be safe. - When selecting a site for a campfire, avoid areas near buildings, fallen trees, tree trunks, or low overhanging branches. - Scrape all leaves and litter away down to bare earth for at least five feet on all sides of the fire. Dig a pit in the center of this circle and surround it with rocks. - Build your campfire downwind and at a safe distance from your tent, never leave it unattended, and after you light it, thrown your match into the fire. If any sparks escape the campfire, have a shovel or rake handy to suppress them. When it's time to leave the campfire and head to bed or back to town, make sure you put the campfire out – DEAD OUT! - Drown all embers, sticks, and coals, especially those that might have fallen under the rocks. - Stir the coals to make sure all heat has been removed. - Drown the area again. Please remember that wildfire prevention is your individual responsibility. Be alert to weather conditions, especially wind; and ALWAYS be careful with fire. Leave your fireworks home – they don't belong in the forests. By being responsible, we can all Keep Oregon Green and have a safe 4th of July weekend.
Oregon Youth Authority seeks Coos Co. Foster Homes
Monica Picatti says it happens several times a year. She receives a call seeking an Oregon Youth Authority foster care placement for a Coos County youth, but has to make a referral to foster care that may be as far away as Salem or Portland. "I know these are good homes," Picatti says of distant placements, "but sending youth far from their home counties means less family contact and a loss of school and community supports with which the youth is familiar." Coos County currently has four OYA foster care homes. Picatti says the state juvenile corrections agency is seeking additional foster homes in the area where she is OYA's foster care certifier, which incorporates Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson and Josephine counties. The five counties together have only six foster care providers. OYA recruits foster parents for youth ages 12-18 who are on probation or parole, need an out-of-home placement, may be in various stages of treatment for their offenses and for whom an evaluation has shown foster care to be appropriate. Foster parents receive a monthly maintenance reimbursement for the services they provide to youth. OYA is seeking new foster homes that would each serve one youth. Picatti says foster parents make a real difference in young lives, assisting with school and jobs, supporting volunteering, and modeling positive behavior and choices. For example, one southwest Oregon foster parent supported a youth in completing GED certification, becoming a certified nursing assistant and getting a job. Another supports youth in local volunteering and has a youth who recently received a full-ride college scholarship. Qualifications to serve as a foster parent include being at least age 21, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, financially stable and able to pass a criminal history check. Prospective foster parents also should be emotionally mature and have an understanding of how to help youth build positive relationships and live independently. Picatti says she is available to talk with prospective foster parents, and that interested people also are welcome to attend monthly foster parent meetings. She may be reached at Monica.picatti@oya.state.or.us or at 541-756-4290 ext. 225. Placing appropriate youth in high-quality foster homes helps fulfill OYA's mission of protecting the public and reducing crime by holding offenders accountable and offering reformation opportunities in safe environments. OYA supervises approximately 1,100 offenders on probation and parole in communities throughout Oregon, and has custody of approximately 900 offenders ages 12-24 in correctional and transitional facilities in Albany, Burns, Florence, Grants Pass, La Grande, Salem, Tillamook, Warrenton and Woodburn.
Firsthand Oregon program lets you be a biologist for a day
Look for bears on the coast, hike to a lake in the high Cascades during fish stocking, tour endangered Columbian white-tailed deer habitat or feed the elk at a wildlife area. It’s all part of the Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s new program, Firsthand Oregon. The outdoor program allows participants to get a firsthand look at the state’s fish, wildlife and habitats and learn what it takes to keep them healthy. Field-science and management concepts as they relate to the state’s natural resources will be discussed. “Our fish and wildlife face a variety of challenges,” said Tim Greseth, OWHF Executive Director. “In order to successfully meet their needs in a changing world, we need citizens who know about our state's native species." “Firsthand Oregon lets people get out in the field with a biologist for a close-up look at the state’s fish and wildlife,” said Chris Wheaton, ODFW Northwest Region Manager. “There is no better way to learn than to work alongside one of our biologists for a day.” The program is free. Registration is required. Participants should expect to encounter varied field conditions and be able to provide their own transportation to the tour site. Group size varies from six to 20, and trips run from July through December. All July trips are open to the general public. Foundation Members have until July 7 to join future trips, after which time all trips are open to the public. Register online at Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation’s website, http://www.owhf.org/firsthandoregon, or call Tim Greseth, (503) 255-6059. The Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation champions projects that benefit fish, wildlife, and habitat for access, education and enjoyment by all. Since its founding, OWHF has directed millions of dollars in funding to fish, wildlife and habitat projects throughout the state. OWHF and ODFW are working together to implement the Oregon Conservation Strategy, a blueprint and action plan for the long-term conservation of Oregon’s native fish and wildlife and their habitats. Learn more on ODFW’s website, www.dfw.state.or.us.
The Coastal Celtic Society announces its 2010 Summer Scholarship Applications
The Coastal Celtic Society will accept 2010 summer applications for scholarships effective immediately. Scholarships are offered under the following guidelines: Financial assistance is offered to help offset costs of education or training, but not travel related to education or training. Examples of eligible activities include instruction in Highland dancing, piping, drumming, fiddling, Celtic languages and history. Other related activities may be eligible. Applications will be accepted from anyone residing in Oregon. Preference will be given to applications from residents of the coastal counties served by the Society. Applicants may be of any age. Approximately 3 awards will be granted this round. Applications for this round must be postmarked no later than Friday, August 13, 2010. The maximum scholarship award is $500.00. To obtain an application and complete guidelines, contact: Carolyn McCord, chmc5011@msn.com , 541-997-9142. For further information about the Coastal Celtic Society contact: Robert B. More, President, themores@msn.com , 541-266-8989.
CB Historic Design Review Committee
The City of Coos Bay’s Historic Design Review Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, Noon, Public Works Conference Room, City Hall, 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay. The Committee will review a proposal for the Façade Improvement Program for property located at 100 Commercial Avenue, Coos Bay, which is located on the northwest corner of Broadway and Commercial. The business is the Blue Heron Bistro which is proposing to replace the entry door, install a door to the patio area and add a gate to the sidewalk from the patio area. Contact the Department of Public Works and Development at 541 269-8919 if you have questions.
CCCC&F
The Coos County Commission on Children and Families will meet on Tuesday
June 29, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at ESD, 1350 Teakwood, Coos Bay. AGENDA: I. Call to Order: 5:30 p.m.; II. Public Input; III. Consent Agenda; A. Financial Report; B. Commission Minutes May 2010; C. Directors Activity Report May 2010; IV. Reports: A. Drug Free Communities; B. Maslow Project Update; C. Community Schools Update; D. Early Childhood Committee Update; E. Coalition of Local Commissions; V. Old Business: A. Budget cuts; B. Remaining Funds; VI. New Business: A. Summer Calendar/County Fair; B. Next Meeting; C. Announcements; VII. Adjournment.
Charleston Advisory Committee
The Charleston Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, 11:30 a.m. to 1pm, Charleston Marina RV Park, Recreation Room. Agenda: 1. Call to Order, Mike Helfrich; 2. Review & approval – February 24, 2010 Minutes, Mike Helfrich; 3. Ice Dock Equipment Purchase Discussion, Donna Nichols; 4. The Port’s Moorage Methodology & Policy Discussion, Donna Nichols; 5. Other; 6. Committee Comments; 7. Adjourn.
NB City Council
The North Bend City Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. in the council chambers of City Hall, 835 California Street, North Bend. They will consider approval of the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor and Convention Bureau Intergovernmental Agreement.
Disorderly
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Sunday, 7:34 p.m., 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay Public Library, “Violation City Code,” Ronald Sanford cited for Disorderly Conduct, “urinating in public.”
Assault
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Sunday, 4:15 p.m., Tribal Playground, 27-year old Justin Yarbrough arrested for Assault IV and Strangulation involving a 13-year old victim.
DUII
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Sunday, 1:15 p.m., 1020 So. 1st St., Fred Meyer, “attempt to locate drunk driver.” Fifty-three year old Bobby Worrell arrested for DUII and Reckless Endangering.
Flight
Here’s a surprise. You can’t take fireworks with you on a commercial airline. According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for early Monday morning, 6:12 a.m., North Bend airport, “TSA seizing fireworks from subject at location.”
KFC
According to back-to-back entries on the North Bend Police log fro Sunday night, 9:34 and 9:52 p.m., 2273 Newmark St., KFC, “Employee vehicle broken into and drive thru sign has Criminal Mischief done to it.” Second call, “vehicle broken into at location.” Reports taken for Criminal Mischief, UEMV and Theft II.
Marijuana
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Sunday, 5:14 p.m., North Bend Airport, “officer seized less than 1 oz. of marijuana from passenger in terminal. Subject warned.” Forty-eight year old male contacted.
Egged
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Sunday, 1:26 p.m., 2500 block Virginia Ave., “reported someone egged her 1994 Ford Explorer.” Report taken for Criminal Mischief.
Graffiti
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Sunday, 10:06 a.m., 1611 Virginia Ave., Pony Village Mall, “Mall Security reported someone tagged the west side of Macy’s by the employee entrance.”
WX
Mostly cloudy along the Oregon Coast today with highs in the lower 60s to lower 70s and north winds 10-15 mph. Mostly cloudy tonight with lows in the mid 40s to lower 50s and northwest winds 10-15 mph. Mostly to partly cloudy on Wednesday.
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OREGON COAST SPORTS
Oregon Amateur
University of Oregon junior Erica Omlid became UO’s third Oregon Amateur Championship finalist in as many years with her appearance in Saturday’s event finale. The Thurston High School native and 13th-seeded Duck lost to seventh-seeded Monica Vaughn of Reedsport, 8 and 6, in the 36-hole match play final hosted by the Willamette Valley Country Club. Vaughn had advanced to Saturday’s final thanks to a pair of upset wins Friday over second-seeded and former Duck coach and player Lara Tennant in the 19-hole quarterfinal and against third-seeded Amanda Jacobs of Portland in the 22-hole semifinal.
OSU golf
Oregon State University men’s golf head coach Brian Watts has resigned to accept the same position at the United States Military Academy at West Point, he announced last Thursday. Watts recently concluded his ninth season at the helm of the Beavers, leading the team to the NCAA Championships for the first time since 2001. OSU was ranked among the top 25 for most of the season and individual Diego Velasquez earned All-America honors by placing fourth at the NCAA Tournament.
Newest Blazers
The Portland Trailblazers introduced their newest players Monday afternoon during a news conference at the Rose Garden in Portland. The three were chosen in last week’s NBA Draft, Luke Babbitt (No. 16 pick), Elliot Williams (No. 22), and Armon Johnson (No. 34).
UO track
Amber Purvis broke her own school record in the women’s 200 meters, while Alex Wolff set a personal best in the men’s javelin Sunday at the USA Track & Field Championships. Purvis, running in lane seven, accelerated off the turn and passed a couple of competitors on the straightway to finish fourth behind a trio of professionals. The sophomore from Hercules, Calif., crossed the line in 22.74 with a legal plus-0.6 tailwind. That broke her own school record of 23.09 set at the 2009 Pan American Junior Games, as well as her windy best time of 23.00 set at April’s Pepsi Team Invitational. Wolff set a personal best in the men’s javelin with a throw of 242-6 (73.93 meters) at Drake Stadium. The throw was good for a fifth-place finish for the junior from Newberg, Ore., who was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA due to medical hardship in April.
OSU winner
Becky Bellingham of Harrisburg, Ore., has won the Oregon State TailMail sweepstakes drawing and will receive a pair of season-tickets to all ticketed sports for the 2010-11 school year, the athletic department announced on Monday. Bellingham was randomly chosen out of over 3400 contestants as the contest ran online from May 1 to June 18. Entries were collected online at osubeavers.com and at Oregon State athletic events. Oregon State TailMail is the official source for exclusive news and offers.
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