Oregon Coast News - September 10, 2009
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
Jobs
According to the Oregon Employment Department’s “South Coast Labor Trends” for September 2009, “Coos County payroll employment declined by 390 jobs in July, mostly due to seasonal reduction in local government education. Slight gains in retail trade, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality helped offset the decline in education jobs. Over the year, Coos County has lost 830 jobs, across a broad spectrum of industry sectors. Unemployment rates in both South Coast counties have leveled off in the past couple months, after climbing steeply in late 2008 and earlier this year.” Curry County, “payroll employment totals were unchanged between June and July.”
Unemployment benefits end for some Oregonians
Approximately 3,000 Oregonians have come to the end of their unemployment insurance benefits, as their final extensions expired this past week. According to the Oregon Employment Department, the rate of Oregonians running out of all extension benefits will grow to about 500 per week statewide. In July, 2008 Congress passed the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program which added an additional 13-weeks of benefits following a 26-week regular claim. Since then, further additions to the EUC program, plus Oregon’s continued high unemployment rate, meant unemployed Oregonians could receive a total of 79 weeks of benefits. However, as of September 5, those who qualified at the beginning of the extension programs have now exhausted all benefits. The Oregon Employment Department has been in contact with those affected throughout the time they have been receiving benefits. Oregonians on unemployment can monitor the status of their claims online, plus the department makes contact by phone and through the mail.
Ocean Renewable Energy Conference
An Ocean Renewable Energy Conference Sept. 14-17 will take in three locations in Oregon including two on the Coast. The conference will reportedly “feature a wide range of industry, academic, environmental and agency representatives from the U.S. and around the world to discuss the latest developments and progress with wave energy, a technology in which Oregon has the potential to become a world leader.” A number of events are part of this year’s conference, as well as “Wave Energy Week” in Oregon Sept. 14-18, which was declared by Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski. Events include: Seaside - (Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 15-16) – Sessions will include the global context for ocean renewable energy; OWET funded projects; existing and future uses; regulatory and policy framework; economic development potential; utility perspective; current wave energy projects in Oregon; and the Pacific Northwest strategy for wave energy development. There will be several panel discussions, and events will be at the Seaside Convention Center. Corvallis and Newport - (Thursday, Sept. 17) – This will be Oregon State University Day, hosted by the Northwest National Marine Renewable Energy Center, and will include presentations at the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, as well as at the Wallace Energy Systems and Renewables Facility and the Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory on the OSU Campus in Corvallis. OSU is involved in all aspects of wave energy development, including technological advancement, industrial testing, energy forecasting, environmental monitoring and impact, and community outreach.
Quake
A 2.3-magnitude earthquake was recorded off of Cape Mendocino, CA Wednesday morning. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 8:02 a.m. quake was located 32-miles west to southwest of Eureka, CA.
Rail tunnels
Repairs to rail tunnels along the Coos Bay to Eugene line are getting underway. The 110-mile long line, closed unexpectedly in September of 2007 because of unsafe tunnels by Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad, might be reopened as early as mid 2010. The Oregon International Port of Coos Bay purchased the line for $16.6 million after the U.S. Surface Transportation Board forced CORP to sell the embargoed line.
FERC visit
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission staff will conduct a public site visit of the proposed Oregon LNG liquefied natural gas import terminal on the Columbia River west of Astoria on Thursday, Sept. 17th. The Warrenton location is one of three proposed LNG projects in Oregon. Bradwood Landing, east of Astoria on the Columbia River and the Jordan Cove Energy Project on Coos Bay’s North Spit are the other two.
Fire Station
Coos Bay isn’t the only Oregon Coast community receiving a new fire station. North Lincoln Fire & Rescue plans to dedicate its new 4,600 square foot facility off East Devils Lake Road in Lincoln City on Sept. 11th. A $5 million general obligation bond helped the tax district to purchase the property and construct the three-bay station.
Port Orford school
Driftwood Elementary School at Port Orford will reopen Monday, Sept. 14th following repairs to a broken water main. Students attending grades K-8 had an extended summer break when the broken line was discovered the first day of school, Tuesday, Sept. 8th.
Gas tax
While the City of Coos Bay discusses the possibility of a one-cent gas tax to help pay for street repairs and maintenance, four Central Oregon Coast communities have also addressed a similar proposal with two City Councils approving a tax and two saying no. Both Newport and Lincoln City have approved a fuel tax, while the communities of Depoe Bay and Toledo decided to not pursue the additional revenue source. Referendum petitions were filed in both Newport and Lincoln City to put the gas tax to a vote of the people, but the Newport petitions fell short of the required necessary number of register voter signatures with 45% ruled invalid for living outside the city. The Newport tax, which begins Oct. 1st, calls for an additional three-cents a gallon from June to October and one-cent a gallon the other months. Lincoln City’s rate will be a straight three-cents a gallon. Petitioners have until Sept. 27th to gather enough signatures. The Coos Bay Council has formed a sub-committee to meet with North Bend officials to talk about a possible gas tax. Committee members include Mayor Jeff McKeown, and councilors Joannie Johnson and Gene Melton. City Manager Chuck Freeman says it may be too late, however, as the Oregon Legislature put a deadline as of the end of September to enact city gas taxes.
Communication
The City of Coos Bay has decided to spend $2,000 on a consultant to help improve communications between elected officials and the city’s administration. Jennie Messmer, recommended by the League of Oregon Cities, will conduct a four-hour workshop on Oct. 12th in Coos Bay. She plans to meet with the Mayor, City Manager and Council members before the workshop.
Skate Park
A 27-year old North Bend male was arrested by an Oregon State Police trooper near the City of Coos Bay’s Mingus Park Skate Park Tuesday evening after he allegedly swung a golf club at a group of juveniles. According to a CBPD news release, officers responded at 7:24 p.m. and arrested Timothy J. Fox on charges of Menacing, Theft II, Disorderly Conduct II and Possession of Less than an Oz. of Marijuana. He was transported to the Coos Co. Jail at Coquille and later released on citations.
CB Public Works
The City of Coos Bay Public Works Standing Council Committee Meeting will meet on Thursday, September 10, 2009 – 7:00 p.m., in the City Manager’s Conference Room – 500 Central Avenue – Coos Bay Oregon. Agenda: 1) Smoke Testing Results; 2) Geotechnical/Structural Engineer of Record; 3) Energy Trust Design Build Wastewater Project Status; 4) Update on Dog Park; 5) Other Business; 6) Public Comments; 7) Adjourn.
VCB
Notice is hereby given that the regularly scheduled board meeting of the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau will be held Thursday, September 10th, 2009 at 8:30am at the Red Lion hotel located at 1313 Bayshore Ave, Coos Bay.
NB Park & Rec
The City of North Bend’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will meet on Thursday, Sept. 10th, 4:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Reedsport traffic
The City of Reedsport Traffic Safety Advisory Committee will meet on Sept. 10th, 1:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room. Recommendations from the City Manager and Police of Chief are on the agenda.
NB Parks
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. in the council chambers of City Hall, 835 California Street, North Bend.
ODFW seeks volunteers to help enhance Nehalem Basin fisheries
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will host a public meeting on Thursday, Sept. 10 in Manzanita to highlight volunteer opportunities in the Nehalem Basin. The meeting will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Pine Grove Community Center at 225 Laneda Ave., Manzanita. ODFW biologists will outline several volunteer opportunities available through the Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program (STEP), including habitat restoration, conducting surveys and fish propagation. “The STEP program is a chance for the public to become more involved in improving fish populations and habitat in the Nehalem Basin,” said Chris Knutsen, ODFW fish biologist. “We really want to talk to folks who are interested in enhancing fish runs and fisheries in the Basin, and have time or ideas to contribute.” Recognizing that volunteers could play in important role in the restoration of native stocks of trout and salmon, the Oregon Legislature created the Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program in 1981. Since then volunteers have donated thousands of hours to habitat restoration, collecting survey data, conducting educational programs and rearing millions of salmon and trout eggs. For more information about STEP and the upcoming public meeting, contact Chris Knutsen at (503) 842-2741.
Coos Co. Assessor
Coos County taxpayers will have an opportunity to meet with the assessor, Adam Colby , during scheduled town hall property tax meetings. Colby will provide a power point presentation, which overviews the Oregon property tax system, and answer taxpayer questions regarding assessments in the Coos County real estate market. Oregon’s constitution limits the increase in taxable assessed value for each property to 3% per year, unless there have been changes made to the property such as new construction or additions, new partitions, or removal from special assessment or exemption programs. The majority of property owners in Coos County have a taxable assessed value much lower than their real market value and will see the required 3% increase in their taxable value. It is important to note that even though the real estate market for residential properties continues to decline, the assessed value of most properties will still see a 3% increase this year as required under the constitution because the assessed value is still lower than the real market value. The first meeting will be at the Coquille Community Building on Sept. 10th; Bandon City Council Chambers Sept. 15th; North Bend City Council Chambers Sept. 17th; Powers Senior Center Sept. 22nd; Lakeside City Council Chambers Sept. 24th; Myrtle Point Library Sept. 29th; Coos Bay City Council Chambers Oct. 1st. All of the meetings will run from 6 to 8 p.m. Additional questions or comments can be sent directly to the assessor at: Work: 541-396-3121 Ext. 275, Cell: 541-404-5159, E-Mail: ccaoassr@co.coos.or.us, Blog: www.cooscountyassessor.com.
DWS
A report of a “possible intoxicated driver” resulted in traffic citation to a 27-year old male Tuesday night on Hwy. 42. According to a Coquille Police log entry, Ryan Davidson was cited for DWS at 8:06 p.m.
Burglary
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Tuesday, 7:03 p.m., 45 E. Lockhart, Hanson Animal Hospital, a burglary was reported by a 66-year old male. “Back door appears to have been kicked in.”
Cited
A report of a “male walking on edge of road against traffic doesn’t appear to be doing well” resulted in a citation Tuesday, 1:40 p.m., on Bayshore Dr. near the Super 8 Motel. According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log, 48-year old Patrick Royster was charged with Urinating in Public and Open Container. According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for 2:37 p.m., same individual, “reported intoxicated subject walking in the roadway at location. Officer advised subject warned for Disorderly Conduct and left walking north on the sidewalk.” At 3:49 p.m., same individual, “reported an intoxicated male subject walking across the McCullough Bridge N/B stumbling in traffic. Officer responded, watched the male subject, advised he was walking fast, and walking fine. Officer never observed him in the roadway, but contacted him and advised him to stay out of road while he was walking.”
PCS
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Tuesday, 9:37 a.m., 344 No. Front. St., a 30-year old male complained about “two subjects smoking marijuana in the breezeway of location.” Jesse Smalley was cited for PCS Less than an Oz. Marijuana.
Fire Dept.
According to an entry on the North Bend Fire Dept. log for early Wednesday morning, 2500 block Sheridan Ave., a 21-year old male was reported not conscious and unknown if he was breathing.
Intoxicated?
An off duty police sgt. reported he was behind a possible intoxicated driver at Oak and Ohio streets in North Bend Tuesday night, 10:01 p.m. According to an entry on the police log, the 49-year old female driver was contacted at her residence, “subject is not intoxicated, was driving and eating ice cream.”
Grass fire
According to an entry on the North Bend Fire Dept. log for Tuesday, 12:29 p.m., a grass fire was reported at the airport.
Hit & Run
A two vehicle accident was reported at Newmark and Brussells streets in North Bend Tuesday morning with one fleeing the scene. According to an entry on the police log for 10:04 a.m., a blue Toyota four-door was involved in an accident with a 1999 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck operated by a 28-year old female from Lakeside. A teletype was sent county wide for the sedan.
Traffic grant
North Bend Police utilized a traffic grant to enforce traffic laws on Tuesday. According to entries on the police log: 10:01 a.m., Newmark & Broadway, 57-year old Deborah Schirtz was cited for Violation of the Basic Rule (VBR), speeding, 40/25; 10:21 a.m., Broadway & 17th, a 30-year old female was warned for VBR and Failure to Carry/Present Insurance and Driver’s License; 10:38 a.m., Sherman at Moe’s, a 49-year old male was warned for Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device; 10:45 a.m., Sherman & Maryland, a 46-year old female was warned for Speeding; 11:12 a.m., Newmark & Tremont, a 51-year old female was warned for VBR; 11:29 a.m., Sheridan Ave. & Newmark St., 18-year old Ronnie Gue cited for VBR 40/25; 11:39 a.m., Newmark & Broadway, 79-year old male warned for Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device; 12:16 p.m., Lewis & Broadway, 34-year old male warned for Failure to Use Child Safety Seat, Obstructed Windshield and Failure to Carry Current Proof of Insurance; 12:51 p.m., Virginia Ave. & McKinley St., 35-year old male warned for VBR and Unreasonable Sound Amplification;
Hashish
A 24-year old Eureka, CA female was cited for Possession of a Controlled Substance – Schedule I (Hashish) at Hwy. 101 and Cut in Reedsport on Tuesday morning, 12:29 a.m. According to an entry on the police log, Emily Ann Ioup was booked and lodged into the City Jail awaiting transport to the Douglas Co. Jail at Roseburg.
Methadone
A 23-year old North Bend male was arrested in Reedsport early Tuesday morning on a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance – Schedule II (Methadone). According to an entry on the police log for 4:28 a.m., Hwy. 101 and Winchester, Dirk Benedict Dieterich was cited and released.
MIP
According to an entry on the Reedsport Police log for Monday, 6 p.m., Winchester Bay, a Douglas Co. Sheriff’s deputy requested assistance during the arrest of 18-year old Joseph Raymond Cullison, Yachats, on charges DUII, MIP-Consumption, Resisting and Interfering. He was booked into the City Jail and then transported to the Douglas Co. Jail at Roseburg.
Structure fire
According to an entry on the Reedsport Police log for Monday, 2:41 a.m., 1200 block Ranch Road, a structure fire was reported. American Red Cross volunteers also responded.
DUII
According to an entry on the Reedsport Police log for Sunday, 10:24 p.m., 28-year old Cale Stephen Morgan, Lebanon, was arrested for DUII at 6th & Fir, and Refusal. His vehicle was impounded. He was booked at the City Jail and released after being given a court date.
Fight
A report of “several subjects fighting” at the Reedsport Mobile Park on the 2800 block of Longwood, resulted in citations to seven teenagers who were eventually released to their guardians. According to an entry on the police log for Saturday, 1:56 a.m., four males and three females, all between the ages of 13 & 19 were involved.
WX
Mostly cloudy along the Oregon Coast this morning and then clearing with highs in the mid 60s to mid 70s and northeast winds 5-10 mph shifting to the northwest by late afternoon. Mostly clear tonight but becoming partly cloudy with lows in the lower 50s to lower 60s and north winds 5-10 mph. Partly cloudy and then sunny on Friday.
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OREGON COAST SPORTS
MHS Booster Club
The Marshfield Booster Club meets at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 10th, at Abby’s Pizza in Coos Bay. Football player Chris Krajcir (4 catches, 84 yds., 1 TD against North Bend) and volleyball’s Nikki Gross (who had a good day at the jamboree and was a floor leader for us will) be honored as Athletes of the Week.
MHS vb
Marshfield’s volleyball team opens the season tonight at home in Coos Bay against visiting Siuslaw of Florence. The Jayvee team will play at 5 p.m., the frosh will host Roseburg at 5:30 p.m., and the varsity follows the JV match in the Pirate Palace.
NB vb
North Bend dropped two non-league volleyball matches on the road in Eugene Tuesday. The Bulldogs fell 3-1 to Marist (25-18, 25-16, 18-25, 25-22), and then to 6A Sheldon 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-6). North Bend plays at Junction City tonight in a non-league match.
MHS fb
Marshfield’s jayvee football team will open the season at Marist in Eugene today at 6 p.m. The Pirate’s frosh team will host the Spartans at Pete Susick Stadium in Coos Bay at 5 p.m.
NB sc
North Bend’s boy’s soccer team is scheduled to play at Elmira tonight.
Bay Area Soccer Rivalry
North Bend scored in the 40th minute of the first half on a lob shot by senior Jeramy Dubisar, and Marshfield scored in the 40th minute of the second half as the Bay Area Rivalry boy’s soccer match ended in a 1-1 tie at Pete Susick Stadium in Coos Bay Tuesday night. Pirate Coach Carl Kennedy says sophomore Alex Flaherty scored the tying goal for Marshfield.
Blazers
The Portland Trailblazers have announced the signing of 6-9 forward Jeff Pendergraph to a National Basketball Association contract. The former Arizona State player was the 31st pick overall in this year’s NBA Draft by Sacramento and then traded to Portland. He underwent surgery Wednesday to correct a left hip impingement. Pendergraph averaged 14.5 ppg his senior season with the Sun Devils.
Oregon vb
Oregon’s volleyball team improved to 6-0 Tuesday night with a 3-1 win over visiting Portland State in Eugene. The defending Big West tournament champions, and an NCAA qualifier, was the first time to take a set from the 14th ranked Ducks during the 2009 preseason. The two teams were tied 1-1, before Oregon won the final two games to clinch the match. The Ducks next play at Utah in Salt Lake City on Sept. 15th and then Utah Valley on Sept. 16th in Orem, Utah.
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