Oregon Coast News - December 2, 2009
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
Crab vessel
On the first day commercial crab pots could be pulled to start the 2009-10 Dungeness Crab season, a 38-foot fishing vessel out of Charleston went down inside the Coos Bay channel Tuesday afternoon with a full load. According to witnesses, the “Manatee,” with three crew members on board, “split a plank” in the channel about 3 p.m. and began taking on water. The U.S. Coast Guard responded with it’s 47-foot motor lifeboat from Station Coos Bay. The crewmen were pulled from the water, but one was transported by ambulance to Bay Area Hospital. The vessel reportedly sank near the river bar entrance, but is not considered a hazard to navigation. An investigating officer and a commercial fishing vessel inspector from Coast Guard Sector Portland, OR, will examine rescue equipment and interview the vessel master Wednesday.
Safety donation
Crewmen on thirty-one Oregon Dungeness crab vessels are heading out to sea a bit safer this season thanks to a special offer from Englund Marine Supply’s Charleston, OR division with the support of the industry-funded Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission (ODCC). Owners of the vessels purchased 84 new, USCG-approved inflatable work vests designed to be worn ‘on deck’ during routine fishing activity such as pulling crab pots, as well as during hazardous bar crossings all too common during the peak of the winter-time crab harvest along the Oregon coast. The low-profile vests inflate to provide buoyancy when they are submerged underwater and serve as a life jacket should a crewman accidently fall overboard. They are the first of their kind to be approved by the Coast Guard and are just now starting to show up in the marketplace. Crab vessel owners took advantage of a ‘price discount’ made possible by Englund Marine Supply, headquartered in Astoria, OR, and the ODCC, and took delivery of the work vests just in time for the start of this year’s crab season which officially began at 12:01 am on December 1st. Although the forecast calls for good weather during the first week of the fishery, the vests will provide an added sense of security when winter storms make the hard work on a crab boat more dangerous than usual. This is not the first time the fishing gear company and the Commission have partnered up to help make the Oregon crab fishery safer. Englund Marine routinely repacks life rafts and donates flares and other items used in ODCC-sponsored ‘safety training’ classes offered to the crab fleet, free-of-charge and conducted with assistance from the USCG Fishing Vessel Safety Office in Portland, OR. The Northwest Dungeness crab fishery received the dubious distinction of being the ‘deadliest fishery’ in a report published in April of 2008 by the government’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which cited statistics from 2000 to 2006. The Oregon fishery figured prominently in that report and the ODCC has been working hard since then to enhance fleet safety awareness and preparation through training opportunities and programs like the work vest order.
Hwy. 101 fatal
Hwy. 101 was closed for nearly two-hours seven-miles south of Port Orford Tuesday morning following a fatal single-vehicle traffic accident. According to an Oregon State Police report, 46-year old Franklin Thomas, Gold Beach, was southbound near milepost 308 at 12:51 a.m. when his 1999 Ford Ranger pickup truck failed to negotiate a sharp right curve and traveled off the west shoulder before rolling over. He was not wearing safety restraints and was ejected from the truck. “Alcohol is a possible contributing factor.”
H1N1 Flu Shots NB
The Coos Co. Health Dept. will hold an H1N1 shot clinic as follows: December 2nd NB Middle School 10-12pm in the mat room, and then from 12-2pm at NB High School in student services. If questions, please contact NBHS Nurse Tim Amato 751-7280 or 751-7177.
IBO
The Vigue Company will be presented Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, during the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Independent Business Operator’s weekly forum at the Mill Casino/Hotel in North Bend. The no-host luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. RSVP the Chamber at (541) 266-0868.
Nearshore task force to meet Dec. 2-3 in Newport
Oregon ’s Nearshore Research Task Force, created in 2009 to advise the state on how to ”ensure the protection and utilization of Oregon ’s nearshore resources”, will meet Dec. 2-3 in Newport. The meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2 and will reconvene on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 8:30 a.m. at the Hallmark Resort, 744 SW Elizabeth Ave. , Newport 97365 . The public is invited to attend. The Task Force was created by the state Legislature in June 2009 (NB 3106) to bring together representatives from universities, state agencies, industry and the public to plan for future needs for the management and protection of Oregon ’s nearshore ocean, which extends from the shoreline out to three nautical miles. According to Caren Braby, manager of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s marine resources program, this initial meeting will focus on a review of the documents that currently guide management of resources in the nearshore system and decide how the Task Force will deliberate in the upcoming year. Wednesday’s agenda includes presentations by several state agencies involved in nearshore ocean management, including ODFW, Governor Kulongoski’s Office, Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, and Oregon Sea Grant. This is the first of what will be regular meetings of the Task Force to review and consolidate priorities for research, management and education related to nearshore marine resources, and to identify long-term funding sources to support these activities. The Task Force will make recommendations to the legislature in August 2010 and may continue work until January 2012. The Task Force includes seven members from state agencies and seven members appointed by the Governor to represent various perspectives including local government, conservation, commercial and sport fishing, and non-fishing coastal industry and recreation.
Christmas trees
Douglas Fir trees from Oregon are not welcome in the State of California this holiday season. Concerned about the potential spread of the deadly Sudden Oak Death tree disease, border inspection stations are stopping and inspecting vehicles carrying Christmas trees bought in Oregon. Sudden Oak Death Disease remains on acreage in the southwest corner of the state. State Department of Agriculture officials have not been able to eradicate the disease, but have controlled it and limited it to about 150-acres in Curry County.
Sea turtle
A black sea turtle, found washed ashore on a Southwest Washington beach last Friday, is headed for the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport where it will be rehabilitated and returned to the Pacific Ocean. The turtle, which measured 28-inches across its back and weighed about 100 pounds, was believed to be suffering from hypothermia. Officials at the Seaside Aquarium on the North Oregon Coast say it mostly likely got stranded after following a warm current up the West Coast. Black sea turtles can grow up to six-feet in length and weigh up to 600 pounds.
Stufflebean
Coos County Board of Commissioners member and Commission on Children and Families Chair Kevin Stufflebean has been elected Chair of the Oregon Coalition of Local Commissions on Children and Families. The two year term begins in January 2010. Also elected to serve in other Coalition offices were members from Deschutes, Yamhill and Baker Counties. All 36 Commissions on Children and Families belong to the Coalition. Their by-laws require a lay member serve as Chair and previous leaders have come from Multnomah and Washington Counties. The Coalition is the key organization that represents Commissions during the Oregon Legislative Sessions. The Officers work closely with Coalition representatives to be sure that their efforts on behalf of Oregon children and families are well represented in Salem. “This is a real honor for Coos County” commented Commission Director Judy McMakin “Coalition members have been very impressed with Kevin’s work on behalf of Coos County’s children and families and they wanted to support his continued efforts on behalf of all children in Oregon. This is the first time a small coastal county has had this honor.”
DEQ Proposes Approval of Environmental Cleanup at Newport Site
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is proposing approval of the cleanup of contaminated soil at 7654 Avery St. in Newport. DEQ has determined that no further action is needed at the property. The 30-acre property is divided into three lots within the city limits of Newport. The surrounding area is a mix of industrial and residential land uses. A closed landfill is adjacent to the property on the north side. After an environmental assessment, the owner removed about a ton of oil-stained soil from inside two shop buildings at the site. DEQ required the removal of waste materials from the property and investigated further environmental impacts. DEQ identified and sampled contaminated soil from several areas. Sampling results showed low levels of contamination from petroleum products and metals remain, but they are below DEQ levels of concern, and the site does not require further action.
Forestry Panel formed to review Greatest Permanent Value
A member of the Coquille Tribe has been appointed to serve on an Advisory Committee for the Oregon Board of Forestry. The first meeting will be held Wednesday, Dec. 2nd, in Salem for an orientation as it begins a review of the administrative rules that define "greatest permanent value" and forest management planning. The greatest permanent value rule is the standard that must be used – by law – to manage state forests for broad benefits. The Tillamook and Clatsop state forests in northwest Oregon are examples of state-managed forest lands. The committee will meet from 1:15 to 5 p.m. at the Oregon Department of Forestry headquarters (Tillamook Room) at 2600 State Street. The public is welcome to attend, but no formal comment period is planned. The Board of Forestry asked to have the committee formed to gain a wide range of input. The committee will not make recommendations; instead, it will offer rule concepts and act as a sounding board for the Board of Forestry, which is reviewing the 10-year-old rules. The 14-member committee is scheduled to meet four times – Dec. 2, Jan. 7, Feb. 17 and March 17. A summary report will be delivered to the Board of Forestry in April. In addition to taking a look at the greatest permanent value rule, the committee will see if there are ways to improve the forest planning rule – how forest management plans are constructed and how they can be changed. After receiving input from the advisory committee and other stakeholders, the board could choose to advance one or more of the developed concepts for further review through the administrative rule-making process. The initial meeting Dec. 2 is designed to be an orientation for committee members. Board Chair John Blackwell will welcome the committee, which will receive some general background material on these state forest lands, along with the details on its upcoming work. The committee's actual work – providing input to the Board of Forestry – will begin on Jan. 7. Committee members are Cass Moseley (chair), University of Oregon; Barrett Brown, Oregon Motorcycles Association; Duane Cole, Clatsop County manager; Jeff Hickman, Sierra Club – angling/hunting; Dave Ivanhoff, Hampton Affiliates; Ray Jones, Stimson Lumber Co.; Ed Kamholz, citizen representative; Paul Levesque, Tillamook County administrator; Meryl Redisch, Portland Audubon; George Smith, Coquille Indian Tribe; Bill Street, Woodworks District (union); Al Switzer, Klamath County commissioner; Bob Van Dyk, Wild Salmon Center; Joan Zuber, Mazamas (hiking); and ex-officio member Rod Krahmer, ODFW. The term "greatest permanent value" is defined in state law and administrative rule. It seeks a full range of social, economic and environmental benefits. Examples of these benefits include timber harvest with resulting revenues for public services in local counties, healthy streams, wildlife habitat and recreation. The rule does not specify how much of each benefit is appropriate. It is up to the Board of Forestry to make that determination.
Festival of Trees
The annual Festival of Trees, a holiday-themed fundraiser sponsored by The Mill Casino * Hotel and the Bay Area Rotary. The Festival of Trees, which raised over $14,000 last year, gives participating organizations the opportunity to showcase their holiday-decorating talents while raising money for local charities. This year's goal is to raise $15,000 for such charities as Shots for Tots and Teens, The Women's Safety and Resource Center and Coddington Place. A panel of judges will award the top choice in the following categories: Best Use of Color, Best Theme, Most Original, Most Whimsical, and the much-coveted Best of Show. The decorated trees and wreaths will be placed on display throughout the hotel lobby. The awards and information about the tree and its sponsors will be on display until Wednesday, Dec. 2, when each tree and wreath will be auctioned off to the highest bidder during a public auction that begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. in The Mill's Salmon Room. Doors open at 6 p.m. so potential bidders can have one more look at the trees. Contact Festival Coordinator, Debbie Webb at 541-808-1969 for more information about this event.
State Park passes
State park day-use pass patrons will have their last chance to buy a 12-month pass for $20 during the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department's (OPRD) annual December sale. The price for the pass will never again be as low after fees increase Jan.1, 2010. "The pass has always been one of the best bargains you can find for a holiday gift," says Recreation Programs Manager Richard Walkoski. "It will be especially appreciated this year." The increase in the regular price for the 12-month pass—from $25 to $30—will be the first in13 years. Its special holiday rate has stayed at $20 since OPRD first offered the discount 10 years ago. According to Walkoski, customers will find OPRD's 24-month pass an even better buy. "There has never been a better time to buy that two-year pass," he said. "This will be the last month you can get one for $40. On Jan. 1, the price goes up to $50." The sale of both the discounted 12-month pass and the 24-month pass will continue through Dec. 31. Both passes are sold through the Oregon State Parks Information Center, 1-800-551-6949. Callers can use debit or credit cards having VISA or MasterCard logos. Walk-in customers can buy the passes at major OPRD offices, some state park friends' group stores and selected local businesses throughout the state. A list of vendors is posted at www.oregonstateparks.org/dayuse_permit_vendors.php. Daily passes also will increase in cost Jan. 1, from $3 to $5. OPRD charges day-use fees at 26 of the 176 parks that have day-use areas.
ADVENT OBSERVANCE at Christ Lutheran Church
Christ Lutheran Church and School, 1835 N. 15th St., Coos Bay, will add three “Advent Event” evenings to its observance of Advent, the season of preparing spiritually for the Savior's birthday. These “Events” will be on the Wednesdays of December 2, 9, and 16. Each evening will begin with a soup supper at 6pm and include craft construction by the children attending to be followed by an informal service of singing and Bible study about the appearance of the angel Gabriel to Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph. The service will conclude by 7:30pm. All are invited.
Capture the Spirit of Coastal Douglas County Photo Contest
The Coastal Douglas Arts & Business Alliance is looking for photographs that 'Capture the Spirit of Coastal Douglas County.' In the latest fundraiser for the Reedsport Branch Library's renovation project, CDABA is hosting an amateur photography contest in Reedsport beginning December 2, 2009.A call to photographers to submit amateur photographs is being made for this juried contest for photos whose composition is of the Coastal Douglas area between Scottsburg and the coast from Gardiner to Winchester Bay.Entry forms for the contest will be available at Mindpower Gallery, Reedsport Branch Library, local banks, the Reedsport/Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce, Reedsport school offices, and local businesses. Prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges who will determine the top photos at 5pm on January 6 at Mindpower Gallery.
Submissions must be delivered to the Reedsport Branch Library no later than January 6 at 5pm. Photos must be 8” x 10,” have a protective matting and be presentation ready.The winning photos will be announced and displayed at the Mindpower Gallery on January 8, 2010 from 10am to noon and between 5pm and 7pm. Refreshments will be served during the evening unveiling.The top three winners will take home a portion of the proceeds from auctioning off the winning photos at an upcoming event. The top ten winners will be printed in a 'Capture the Spirit of Coastal Douglas County' book comprised of the winners from this annual photography Contest. This book will be published upon the completion of library renovation project and will be available for sale. The overall winning photo will be matted and framed for free by Mindpower Gallery. Upon written agreement, the winning photos will also become part of a photo database to be used by the Reedsport/Winchester Bay Chamber of Commerce's Advertising Committee for future Coastal Douglas area advertising.CDABA and the Reedsport Branch Library have partnered together to raise $350,000 for the library renovation project that is expected to be completed in 2014. Built in 1983 in partnership with the City of Reedsport , Douglas County Library System and the Coast Douglas community, the Reedsport Branch Library has received regular cleaning and maintenance. Due to some design deficiencies and normal wear, the library is in need of repair particularly to the solarium, lighting upgrades, window replacements, and new siding and trim.For more information about the photo contest or the library renovation project, contact Sue Cousineau at the Reedsport Branch Library at 541-271-3500.
Marijuana odor
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for early Tuesday morning, 12:25 a.m., student housing at Southwestern Oregon Community College, “report odor of marijuana in area.”
Natural gas
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Fire Dept. log for Monday, 5:29 p.m., 1020 So. 1st St., Fred Meyer, a male reported “a smell of natural gas in the area.”
Yelling
A male was reportedly “yelling at traffic” at Koos Bay Blvd. & No. 8th St. in Coos Bay Monday, 5:12 p.m., according to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log.
Wanted
A wanted male was contacted on the 1600 block of Kingwood in Coos Bay Monday, 12:08 p.m. and taken into custody. According to an entry on the police log, 48-year old Carlyle Sands was wanted on a charge of Assault II. He was transported and lodged in the Coos Co. Jail at Coquille.
Bleeding
A “man sitting on the corner bleeding from the head” was reported to the Coos Bay Police Dept. Monday morning, 11:44 a.m., at Ocean Blvd. & Woodland Dr., according to an entry on the police log. The victim was listed as a 41-year old male.
Trespass
A male, who allegedly “tried to get into a vehicle with a female tenant” Monday morning, 7:05 a.m., on the 200 block of North Broadway in Coos Bay, was arrested. According to an entry on the police log, 55-year old Robert Alexander was charged with Criminal Trespass II and PCS Schedule III.
Lights
Several entries Monday night on the North Bend Police log regarding “defective lighting.” At 11:13 p.m., 32-year old male stopped at McDonalds and warned for “defective lighting.” At 10:49 p.m., Newmark and Cedar streets, 62-year old female stopped and “warned for defective lighting.” At 10:17 p.m., Virginia Ave. at Taco Bell, 48-year old mal stopped and “warned for white light to the rear.” At 9:15 p.m., Meade and Virginia avenues, 40-year old male stopped and “warned, no lighting.”
Hurry
A North Bend Police officer observed a vehicle “drive very fast in parking lot, female subject than ran inside store,” at 8:41 p.m., Monday night, 2121 Newmark St. According to an entry on the police log, “officer contacted subject who advised she was in a hurry. She was warned for speed.”
Indecent
According to an entry on the Coos Co. Sheriff’s log for Monday, 1:14 p.m., North Lake Road, Lakeside Library, a report of “indecent exposure.”
WX
Partly cloudy along the Oregon Coast today and then becoming sunny. Highs in the mid 40s to mid 50s and northeast winds 5-10 mph. Mostly clear tonight, then becoming partly cloudy with lows in the lower 30s to lower 40s and east winds 5-10 mph. Partly cloudy on Thursday.
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OREGON COAST SPORTS
Blazers
The Portland Trailblazers lost their third straight NBA game Tuesday night, 107-100 to the visiting Miami Heat at the Rose Garden. The Heat (10-7) ended a two game losing streak with the win. Michael Beasley scored a season high 27-points, while Dwayne Wade had 22 for Miami. The Blazers (12-8) host Houston Saturday.
NB Boosters
The North Bend Booster Club meets today, noon, at North Bend Lanes. Coaches and athletes will be in attendance to talk about their upcoming seasons.
Holiday wreaths
The North Bend basketball teams are offering Holiday Wreaths for sale, for just $25 each. You may order from any basketball player or call the athletic office at 751-7160. Delivery this weekend.
NB Wrestling
North Bend’s wrestling team opens the season this Friday, Dec. 4th, at the Elmira Tournament west of Eugene. The Bulldogs then host the large Coast Classic Tournament on Dec. 11th & 12th. Coach Gary Prince says currently they have 37 wrestlers out this year, 20 of them returning from last season. “We finished second at the district tournament (four points behind South Umpqua). Wrestlers who will have an impact in our program this year include: Patrick Pulse (Jr), 103; Jonathan Fall (So), 112, 2nd district, 8th state; Nick Cheser (Sr), 119, 1st district, 6th state; Kyle Deming (Sr), 125; Gary Jansma (So), 125; Jake Fletcher (Jr), 135, 2nd district; Austin Hensley (Sr), 145; Nick Garcia (Sr), 160, 3rd district. Top newcomers for us include the following: Storm Parker (Fr), 171; Talon Haga (Sr), 130; Geordy Blower (So), 160.”
OSAA championship committee
The Oregon Schools Activities Association (OSAA) Championship Committee is charged with coming up with a playoff plan to implement next year en light of the new re-districting and re-classification of the prep sports leagues. The committee has so far determined to designate two automatic qualifiers from most of the leagues, followed by at-large qualifiers. Marshfield is in the 5A Hybrid Midwestern League which would have two automatic qualifiers. There would be nine at-large qualifiers statewide to make up the 20 teams that will advance to the 5A playoffs in each sport. North Bend is in the 4A Far West League, which will also have two automatic qualifiers, followed by six at-large qualifiers. Twenty teams will make up the 4A playoffs. The committee, however, is also supporting the introduction of a power rating model to determine the automatic qualifiers from each hybrid district and to determine the at-large teams in each classification. The OSAA staff has been instructed to examine and recommend a power rating model for consideration. The Championship Committee will next meet on January 11, 2010 in Wilsonville.
Civil War traffic
With football fans in Oregon and around the country focusing on Eugene for the biggest ‘Civil War' football game in state history, police and transportation officials urge Thursday travelers to stay focused on their game day driving and stadium behavior. According to ODOT, a sold-out Autzen Stadium puts an estimated 12,000 – 15,000 extra vehicles on Interstate 5. The extra traffic-related congestion affects travel time and increases the potential for traffic problems on the freeway system and secondary roads, including Highway 99W between Corvallis and Eugene. Oregon State Police (OSP), Lane County Sheriff's Office and Eugene Police Department (EPD) have a game plan in place to handle traffic problems, including stopping aggressive and dangerous drivers on Interstate 5 and secondary roadways leading to and from Eugene and Autzen Stadium. ODOT and local transportation departments will work with police agencies to help keep traffic moving smoothly through the area. The 113th meeting between the two schools Thursday night, 6 p.m., will determine this season’s PAC-10 representative to the Rose Bowl to play Ohio State on New Year’s Day. It will be nationally televised by ESPN.
Newcombe
In return for another amazing weekend on the volleyball court, Oregon senior outside hitter Sonja Newcombe picked up her second Pac-10 Conference Player of the Week honor this season and fourth of her career Monday, in an announcement by Commissioner Larry Scott. Last week, the Lake Arrowhead, Calif., native helped Oregon (19-9, 9-9) come back from an 0-2 deficit to win 3-2 at No. 4 Washington and end a 17-match series losing streak, while its 3-1 win at Washington State was its ninth straight over the Cougars. Friday’s career-high 36 kills in Seattle tied the Pac-10 season high and ranked fifth-best all-time for UO. She also added 21 digs – her fourth 20-kill, 20-dig effort of the Pac-10 slate and her career - and she had another of her 13 double-doubles this season (and 47 in her career) Wednesday in Pullman thanks to her 17 kills and 12 digs.
OSU mbxb
Oregon State’s win at George Washington University in Washington D.C. last weekend wasn’t the only highlight of the trip back east for the Beavers. Before the game, the team got a tour of the White House, a visit to the Oval Office, and even a short meeting with President Barack Obama, head coach Craig Robinson’s brother-in-law. After the meeting, the President and his family, along with Robinson’s mother and several aunts, uncles and cousins all attended the game and sat behind the Beaver’s bench to watch the 64-57 OSU victory.
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