Oregon Coast News - September 23, 2009
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
Jobless rate
The unemployment rate inched back up during the month of August within the five complete counties along the Oregon Coast. According to figures released by the state Employment Dept., 13.7% of the workforce in Coos County was unemployed and looking for jobs during the month, that compares with 13.2% in July and 7.9% in August of 2008. Curry County’s rate went up a tenth of a percentage point from 14.1% in July to 14.2% in August, still higher than the 8.2% last year. Other counties along the coast had rates in the 10% to 11% range. Lincoln Co. came in at 11.4%, up from 11.1% the prior month, and 6.8% in August 2008. Tillamook Co. maintained the same rate as the previous month, 10.0%, but still higher than the 5.6% the previous year. And Clatsop Co. had a rate of 10.3%, up from 10.1% in July and the 5.3% last year.
Southern Oregon fires
Firefighters from Coos Co. make up part of a structural task force that is in Southern Oregon fighting a wildfire that has resulted in the evacuation of 50 to 100 homes. According to an entry on the North Bend Fire Dept. log, some department members left for Ashland at 2 p.m. Monday. Governor Ted Kulongoski declared the Siskiyou fire burning outside of Ashland a conflagration, which authorizes the state fire marshal to mobilize firefighters and equipment from other locations in the state to help battle the fire listed Monday evening at 100 acres.
Wild coho season closes in Yaquina, Nehalem basins
The first wild coho season in 15 years on two coastal river basins will close this week as anglers reach harvest limits designed to provide what biologists hope will become Oregon’s newest sustainable salmon fishery. Retention of non fin-clipped coho will close on the Yaquina and Nehalem rivers at the end of the regular fishing day on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Both rivers will remain open to adipose fin-clipped hatchery coho through the end of the year. In addition, the Yaquina remains open for chinook salmon under 2009 temporary rules. The Yaquina and Nehalem, along with the Coos and Coquille rivers, opened to the harvest of wild coho Sept. 1 under a pilot project of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Under this initiative, proposed by ODFW and approved by NOAA Fisheries, anglers were allowed to keep non fin-clipped coho for the first time since 1994 when they were listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. ODFW biologists, who have been monitoring the coho populations, believed ocean and habitat conditions had improved enough that a limited season could take place this year without putting the wild coho population at risk. Prior to the season, ODFW set harvest limits of 500 adult coho for the Yaquina and 1,000 adult coho for the Nehalem. The Coos River basin has already reached its harvest limit of 1,000 fish and was closed to coho retention Sept. 18. The Coquille River , which has a harvest limit of 1,500 adult fish, will remain open until Nov. 30 or its limit is achieved. As of Sept. 20, anglers on the Coquille had caught 187 wild coho. Fin-clipped hatchery coho may be retained in both the Yaquina and the Nehalem basins. In the Nehalem basin, where large returns of hatchery coho are expected, the “bonus bag limit” of three hatchery fish remains in effect.
Park Fees
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission will consider adopting changes in Oregon Administrative Rules governing state park fee increases and reservation procedures in a teleconference from 2-3 p.m. Sept. 29. Public comments on the changes will continue to be accepted until 5 p.m. Sept. 23. Comments can be e-mailed to res.nw@state.or.us.
Hwy. 38
The Oregon Department of Transportation has designated the drive between Elkton and Reedsport on Hwy. 38 as part of the new “Umpqua River Scenic Byway.” It’s the first east-west route between the coast and Interstate 5 to receive such a designation. Elkton resident Tom Llewellyn was one of the first to begin the process seven to eight-years ago for the state highway that follows the Umpqua River. The route actually begins east of Oakland, and also takes in Hwy. 138 to Elkton. As a new Scenic Byway, the Douglas County highway has new signage and there’s even a brochure now available.
CB City Manager
He received high marks during his last evaluation, but was also a finalist for a similar job in Walla Walla, WA since then. Coos Bay City Manager Chuck Freeman will undergo an open evaluation during a special session of the City Council Wednesday, 6 p.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, according to a meeting announcement.
Gas tax
On a slim 4-3 vote, the City of Coos Bay’s Council has opted to not pursue a local gas tax to help pay for street repairs and maintenance. Facing a state deadline to impose a levy, the city was running out of time. The Bay Area already has some of the highest gas prices on the South Coast, while just 23-miles up the road, Reedsport and another 18-miles north to Florence, prices are much lower. Mayor Jeff McKeown originally initiated the discussions on a proposed tax. The cities of Newport and Lincoln City on the Central Oregon Coast have approved gas taxes, but both are being challenged by voter referendums.
Officer sentenced
Former Coquille Police Officer James Bryant pled guilty to a charge of Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor and was sentenced by a Coos County judge to 15-days in jail. Judge Richard Barron, in announcing his sentence Monday at the courthouse in Coquille, told Bryant that there are different standards for citizens and police officers. Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor is considered a misdemeanor and Bryant is a first-time offender.
Hoisted
An injured male was hoisted off of a 19-foot pleasure craft near the entrance to the Coos Bay channel Tuesday morning by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station North Bend. According to a news release, a 47-foot motor lifeboat from Station Coos Bay was deployed first after receiving the report of the injury at 11:12 a.m. However, heavy sea conditions made it too dangerous to perform a vessel transfer and an HH-65C Dolphin helicopter was summoned. The unidentified male was transported to Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay.
Elk Ck.
The public health advisory at Elk Creek in northern Douglas Co. has been lifted by state health officials. The advisory was posted after several dogs died from drinking water from the creek earlier this month. High levels of an algae toxin were found in the stagnant water near Elkton.
Squid
A large number of squid have been reportedly washing up on beaches on the Central Oregon Coast, especially near Heceta Head north of Florence. A spokesman for the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept. says they could be Humboldt Squid, which are more common in warmer ocean waters near Santa Cruz, CA, south of San Francisco. Squid has also been found as far north as the Strait of Juan de Fuca between Washington State and British Columbia’s Vancouver Island. Warmer than usual ocean waters off the Pacific Northwest is believed to be the reason the squid have moved north.
IBO
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Independent Business Operator’s forum will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 11:30 a.m., in the Salmon Room at the Mill Casino/Hotel in North Bend. Katherine Hoppe, executive director of the Coos Bay – North Bend Visitor & Convention Bureau will be the guest speaker. RSVP the Chamber office at (541) 266-0868.
Boat Building Center Board of Directors Meeting
The City of Coos Bay’s Boat Building Center Board of Directors will be holding a public meeting to provide an update of the development of the Center. The meeting will held Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at the Sunset Middle School located at 245 South Cammann, Coos Bay, Oregon. All interested parties are encouraged to attend the meeting. For more information, please contact Economic Revitalization Manager Joyce Jansen at (541) 269-0215.
CB Community Foundation
The Coos Bay Schools Community Foundation will present grants to 20 recipients during a “celebration reception” on Wednesday, Sept. 23rd, 4:30 to 6 pm. At the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, lower level, at 400 Highland Ave. in Coos Bay. “The mission of the Coos Bay Schools Community Foundation is to promote programs in Arts, Academics, Activities and Athletics for the benefit of the students of the Coos Bay School District by raising funds through community partnerships.”
Reedsport schools
The Reedsport School District Board of Directors and the staff of the Reedsport Junior/Senior High School invite the community to view the progress of the construction work on the facility. The open house is from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on September 23, 2009. The work will be going on through the summer of 2010, but this is an opportunity to view the work completed to date. Completed at this time are the remodeled locker rooms, administration area, and classrooms facing Longwood Drive. In progress or yet to be completed is the roofing, heating system, science classrooms, the east/west hallway and various other details. The staff and district board is anxious for the community to view the work on this community facility.
Charter School
The Reedsport Community Charter School Board of Directors has created a plan for the operation of the grade 7 – 12 Reedsport Junior/Senior High School. On September 23 at 7:00 p.m. in Pacific Auditorium the charter school board will present the plan to the community with an opportunity for questions and answers. It is projected the school will begin operation as a charter school with the beginning of the second semester of the school year beginning on February 1, 2010. An open house viewing of the building construction progress will at 6:00 p.m preceding the community charter proposal meeting. The community is urged to attend both sessions.
Mr. Bulldog contestants
Congratulations Mr. Bulldog Contestants for 2009/2010: Craig Banry, Jeramy Dubisar, Nick Garcia, Talon Haga, Hunter Hensler, Dalton Iveans, Tanner Laiche, Dylan Lesher, Sam Lynass, Dion MacDonald and Paul Teixeira!
Bike riders
Two early morning bicycle riders in North Bend were warned “for no lighting” by police officers during traffic stops Tuesday. According to entries on the police log, a 33-year old male was warned at Union and Virginia avenues at 1:01 a.m., and a 20-year old male at 3:49 a.m. on the 2000 block of Hayes St.
Warm weather disputes
According to entries on the North Bend Police log, a warm Monday night led to disagreements and disputes between couples. At 11:05 p.m., Virginia Ave. & Myrtle St., 32-year old male and a 21-year old female, “officer advised both subjects warned for Disorderly Conduct. Female went inside and male left location. At 12:33 a.m., Tuesday, 3400 block Spruce St., 41-year old male and 21-year old female, “anonymous RP reported Domestic Dispute at location. Officers advised verbal only, female leaving location.
Defective lighting
North Bend Police reported several motorists were warned for defective lighting Monday night. At 8:16 p.m., a 25-year old male was stopped at Wall & Myrtle streets. At 10:17 p.m., Broadway Ave. & Clark St., a 25-year old male. At 10:26 p.m., Sherman Ave. & Exchange St., a 35-year old female. At 11:28 p.m., Union & Colorado avenues, a 23-year old female. At 11:35 p.m., Virginia Ave. & Harbor Lights, a 45-year old female.
Fight
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Tuesday, 12:45 a.m., a 30-year old male complained “2 people fighting in hotel room” at 411 No. Bayshore Dr.
Warrant
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Monday, 5:12 p.m., “possible location of warrant subject.” Forty-three year old Rick Bustos was arrested by Neosho PD on a CBPD warrant for Assault II, Assault III, DUII & Reckless Driving. “Awaiting extradition from Missouri.”
Motorhome
According to an entry on the Coquille Police Dept. log for Monday, 4:09 p.m., Hwy. 42, milepost 16, “assisting CQFD on motorhome fire.”
Assault
Two adults were arrested Monday afternoon after Coos Bay Police were summoned to the parking lot at Walmart on the 2000 block of Newmark Ave. According to an entry on the police log, “states she is out with her stolen truck, no stolen entry location. She advised if officers don’t respond there will be a fight.” Forty-three year old Steven Bowen arrested on Assault IV – Domestic, Harassment, Parole Violation and Disorderly Conduct. Thirty-three year old Gigett Bowen arrested on Assault IV – Domestic, Harassment, and Disorderly Conduct.
Fire
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Fire Dept. log for Monday, 1:37 p.m., the Coos Co. Sheriff’s Office transferred a call about a house fire on the 1300 block of Montana Ave.
Vehicle in water
A vehicle was reportedly in the river off the South Coos River Hwy. Monday night, 8:42 p.m., according to an entry on the Coos Co. Sheriff’s log. “All subjects out of water and on road.”
Accident
One person was transported to Coquille Valley Hospital following a reported accident between a vehicle and a motorcycle on Hwy. 42, milepost 31, east of Myrtle Point, Monday, 4:16 p.m.
WX
Mostly cloudy this morning along the Oregon Coast and then clearing. Highs in the lower 70s to lower 80s and winds from the east around 5 mph, but shifting to the northwest by afternoon. Mostly clear tonight with lows in the lower to mid 50s and northwest winds 5-10 mph shifting to the west after midnight. Cloudy and then clearing on Thursday.
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OREGON COAST SPORTS
MHS vb
Visiting Roseburg swept all three volleyball matches against Marshfield in Coos Bay Tuesday night. The 6A Indians won the frosh match 25-23, 25-23; the jayvee match 25-9, 25-13; and, the varsity match 25-15, 25-3, 25-15.
NB vb
North Bend opens the 4A Far West League volleyball season at Siuslaw in Florence tonight.
NB fb
North Bend’s football team is still looking for its first win of the 2009 season, but it’s not because Rick Taylor’s Bulldogs have not been trying. The Dawgs opened at Bay Area Rival Marshfield and lost a close game in overtime. That was followed by a road trip to Newport and a close loss to the Cubs. Last weekend, North Bend played its second 5A Midwestern League team and fell to unbeaten North Eugene after taking an early 3-0 lead. This week the Bulldogs are on the road for the fourth straight time and another tough opponent. Phoenix is unbeaten at 3-0 after winning at Brookings-Harbor last weekend. Taylor is optimistic his young team is coming together. “Well, we have played three teams who have improved over last year and all are expected to do very well in their leagues. Our next three games pose similar problems. To compete with these types of team, we cannot make our own mistakes and we have done that too often lately. The guys are working hard and I am proud of their desire, but we need to focus every practice, every game. We cannot take any steps back and need to get better every week. I believe we can. A few weeks ago we only had five players who had started a varsity game and only a handful more who had played in one. Now we have almost thirty who have been in a varsity game, so we are getting more experience. Hopefully, we we can turn that into positive points and plays. The players are not satisfied with three losses, so I know they are willing to do the extra to turn things around. I have confidence that they will.”
UO fb
Kickoff between Oregon and California is scheduled for 12:36 p.m. PDT at Autzen Stadium with a live telecast on ABC. The Golden Bears lead the all-time series, 39-30-2, but the Ducks have a 9-6 edge at Autzen Stadium. The last three meetings in Eugene have been decided by a touchdown or less, including Cal’s 31-24 victory in its last trip to Autzen in 2007. Cal has won four of the last five match-ups after Oregon had taken seven straight between 1994 and 2003. Through the first three weeks of the season, Oregon’s schedule ranks as the eighth most difficult in the FBS based on cumulative opposition (20-8, .714 pct.). The Ducks will be facing a ranked opponent for the third time in four games this season.
Casey’s honored
Oregon State head baseball coach Pat Casey and his wife, Susan, have been selected to receive the 2009 Nell and John Wooden Coaching Achievement Award from the World Sport Humanitarian Hall Of Fame. The annual award honors a coach and spouse who have made exceptional contributions to their players' lives and in the community. The award announcement came on Monday; it will be presented to Susan and Pat in a ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Qwest Center in Boise, Idaho. The two will be given the award in a ceremony that will also include the induction of the NBA's Adonal Foyle, MLS great Diego Gutierrez and world-class hurdler Tracy Mattes into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. Casey will be in his 16th season with Oregon State in 2010 and has led the Beavers to two national titles and two Pacific-10 Conference Championships.
OSU fb
The Versus Network has announced it will televise the Oct. 3 Pac-10 Conference football game between the Oregon State Beavers and Arizona State Sun Devils from Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe. Kickoff is scheduled for approximately 4 p.m. PDT. Versus is also airing this weekend's league opener for the Beavers, as they host the Arizona Wildcats at 4:37 p.m. Ron Thulin, Kelly Stouffer and Lewis Johnson will call the action from Reser Stadium. The game at ASU will mark the 23rd consecutive live televised game for Oregon State.
OSU vb
Senior Rachel Rourke (Queensland, Australia) has been named the Pac-10 Volleyball Player of the Week for Sept. 15-21, announced Monday afternoon by Commissioner Larry Scott. Rourke, a 6-5 outside hitter, was instrumental in the sweep of No. 6 Michigan in the Michigan ADIDAS Invitational last weekend. She had a season-high 25 kills, hitting .420, adding a career-best tying five service aces. Her eight straight tough jump serves in the first set helped bring the Beavers back into the first set after falling behind 12-2.
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