Oregon Coast News - December 23, 2009
Daily news and sports coverage for the Oregon coast plus a variety of guides and directories useful to Oregon residents and visitors.
CB Awards
The City of Coos Bay recently announced 2009 awards for Employee of the Year and Manager of the Year at the City’s annual recognition event. Each year the City recognizes and honors an employee and a manager who during the course of the year was outstanding, and whose performance exemplified the highest standards. For 2009, Library Database Administrator Nancy Price was recognized as City Employee of the Year and Public Works and Development Director Jim Hossley was selected as Manager of the Year. Nancy Price was acknowledged for her exemplary initiative in managing databases and solving technical problems for the county’s libraries, her outstanding dedication to public service, and her strong willingness to assist others in achieving high professional standards. Jim Hossley was recognized for his leadership, excellent staff and public relations, integrity, his calmly professional management style that instills confidence, and his outstanding ability to handle a wide variety of responsibilities with expertise and ease. Outstanding service awards were also presented by the City Council to several employees in appreciation for their work, dedication, and support during the year.
Governor’s race
Former two-term Governor John Kitzhaber, in his effort to become an unprecedented three-term governor in Oregon, is off to a good start by doubling the fund-raising effort of his Democratic Party challenger Bill Bradbury. The former Roseburg Emergency Room doctor has raised nearly $390,000, while Bradbury, the sometimes Bandon resident who began his political career as a State Representative and then State Senator from the South Coast, has pulled in about $179,000. Chris Dudley, the former Portland Trailblazer center, leads the Republican challengers.
Sudden Oak Disease
Forty-one new Sudden Oak Death (SOD) infestations have been found in Curry County this year, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry. They total 14-acres. Commissioners in five Southwestern Oregon counties recently signed a letter to the Oregon State Forester asking the state to monetarily support a maximum amount of dollars to match federal funds allocated to eradicate the deadly pathogen. Last year, federal funds totaled nearly $825,000 in an eradication effort, while the state contributed $159,000. SOD reportedly spread to Oregon from California in 2001. Since then, $4 million has been spent, including $1.35 million from the state, to quarantine SOD in Curry County. The disease has been known to kill three types of oak trees, but has also affected rhododendrons as well as Oregon myrtlewood.
Cell phones
As of January 1, 2010, it will be illegal to use a handheld cell phone while operating a vehicle in Oregon. The new law is accompanied by a $142 fine for those cited by a law enforcement officer. Five other states already ban drivers from using handhelds. Cell phone users were reportedly involved in 1 percent of all crashes statewide last year. State officials also say they were part of the problem in 16 vehicular deaths between 2006 and 2008. The new law states that all drivers under 18 years of age are prohibited from using any and all mobile communication devices, including hands-free, when operating a vehicle. Those over 18 can use a hands-free device.
Marijuana
The Oregon Court of Appeals has upheld a Douglas Co. Circuit Court Judge’s decision to return marijuana to Marijuana Card Holders seized during a bust of a designated caregiver three years ago. Judge William Lasswell originally ordered former Sheriff Chris Brown to return 8 ounces each to three patients under the caregivers care, but Brown asked for reconsideration arguing the county could be in violation of federal laws prohibiting the delivery of a controlled substance. Judge Lasswell rejected the argument. The county and Oregon Dept. of Justice then appealed.
Quake
A 4.0-magnitude earthquake shook on land south of Eureka, CA Tuesday afternoon, 3:40 p.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake was centered 44-miles north of Ukiah, CA.
Candle safety
State Fire Marshal Randy Simpson reminds Oregonians candle-caused fires are preventable. "Although candles may be a part of holiday tradition in many homes, you should be sure to always keep an eye on them," advises Simpson. "Remember, when lighting a candle in your home you are creating an open flame and it's easy for it to quickly get out of control." In the five-year period from 2004 through 2008, there were 584 candle-related fires in Oregon resulting in 14 civilian deaths, 71 civilian injuries, 22 firefighter injuries and estimated property losses of nearly $16 million. Over this same five-year period, 43% of candle-related fires occurred during the three-week period from December 17 through January 8.
SOLV
Another successful year for the Stop Oregon Litter & Vandalism (SOLV) program. In its 40th year, SOLV engaged over 52,000 volunteers for 1,352 projects across the state and southwest Washington. Together they removed over 1.2 million pounds of trash and 760,000 pounds of invasive plants. They also participated in planting nearly 41,000 trees and shrubs. SOLV organizes twice a year beach cleanup programs that help remove debris and trash from Oregon’s public beaches in the spring and fall.
Financial Education Classes
Debbie Pickering, Executive Director for Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Coos-Curry, Inc. announces they have been awarded grant funding in the amount of $33,317 from the Leightman Maxey Foundation. “This funding will to allow us the ability to provide free financial education classes and free one-on-one confidential debt management counseling for Curry County citizens during 2010,” said Mrs. Pickering. She went on to say, “We will be sending a Certified Educator/Counselor to Curry County (Brookings, Gold Beach and Port Orford) three days per week, 3 weeks per month. Day-time and evening classes will be scheduled, and counseling will be provided on an appointment basis.” CCCS encourages businesses to schedule classes for their employees, civic groups to schedule for meeting presentations about their services, or any community group of 5 or more to contact them for a presentation or class. Individuals can contact CCCS to schedule appointments. Mrs. Pickering said, “Individuals and families are really struggling in our current economy and should reach out for help at the first sign of financial distress.” Contact Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Coos-Curry at (800) 248-7040.
Recent “Round-Up” Donations Benefit Local Afterschool Program
Thanks to funds raised through a recent “Round-Up” campaign at the JCPenney at Pony Village Mall, more local children in need will have access to afterschool programming. From December 4-13, JCPenney customers were invited to “round-up” their JCPenney purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to the Boys & Girls Club of Southwestern Oregon. Donations raised at JCPenney’s recent “Round-Up” event generated $562.67 for the Club bringing the annual amount to $1,073.92 that was raised in 2009 through four “Round-Up” events held throughout the year. One hundred percent of the contributions collected directly benefit the local Boys & Girls Club in an effort to make affordable afterschool programs accessible for local families. “With the money raised from JC Penney’s recent Round-Up program, even more children can benefit from Boys & Girls Club after-school programs,” said Rob Miles. “We appreciate JC Penney’s support as we work towards our goal of providing high-quality after-school programs that provide academic, physical and social development for children in our community.” Recent studies show that more than a quarter of America’s school children are on their own between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.* More parents seek the resources to enroll their children in a beneficial afterschool program that help kids develop social skills, provide opportunities to be physically active and achieve academic success in school. JCPenney’s continuing support and commitment to the afterschool cause and has made it possible for tens of thousands of children to participate in essential afterschool programs nationwide.
Benefit concert
Aaron Johnson and George Whitty Give Back, A Benefit for Coos Bay Schools' Music Programs, Wednesday, December 23, 7 p.m., Egyptian Theatre, Coos Bay. Doors open at 6 p.m. Ticket prices: Regular $15. Egyptian members & seniors $12. Students $10. Family (4 max) price $25. Aaron is a freshman at the Manhattan School of Music where he has a full scholarship, plays saxophone & clarinet, and is a member of MSM's most prestigious jazz ensemble, only the second freshman to be invited to play in it. George plays keyboards, composes, arranges, and produces. He has won three Grammys and will be playing The Egyptian's grand piano at the concert. George now lives near Los Angeles with his wife Denise and their two young sons Ryan and Christopher. His most recent tour was with David Sanborn. Both musicians were touched when they read about the Coos Bay schools not being able to afford enough instruments for all the students who wanted to take band, and they wanted to do something to help. Aaron made arrangements with The Egyptian, which will benefit from the concert as well as the schools.
Oregon Arts Commission
The Oregon Arts Commission announces 28 awards totaling $110,000 in the 14th year of its Arts Build Communities (ABC) grant program. The program supports projects that broaden the impact of the arts in communities and foster community arts partnerships across the state. "The strongest Arts Build Communities projects reflect creative partnerships that use the arts to address important community challenges," said Arts Commissioner Bart Eberwein of Portland who chaired the review of ABC grant applications. "These grantees will help Oregon communities address a broad spectrum of needs by linking the arts with audience development in underserved communities, literacy, at-risk youth, economic and downtown revitalization, as well as community development. We're able to support these community arts development projects in Oregon through our funding partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts." Forty -eight (48) community and arts groups submitted requests totaling over $260,000 to the Arts Commission. The twenty-eight (28) Arts Build Communities awards reflect the Commission's priorities for funding: project excellence, support for work in underserved areas, and the depth and breadth of the proposed activities. The Oregon Arts Commission established the Arts Build Communities program in 1996, and it has since become nationally recognized for its power to create meaningful, collaborative projects of significant benefit to communities. ABC grants also serve as catalysts for other grant money to advance economic and community development through artistic projects. The following projects were selected for funding in 2010 from the Oregon Coast: Astoria
Liberty Restoration Inc., $3,600. To support the development of a five-year strategic plan for the Liberty Theater. The planning process will create a sustainable plan that addresses the economic, ecological, and social factors which impact the operation of the theater and result in a more effective annual strategic operation. This project may serve as a model for other performing arts venues in Oregon. Powers - Powers Action Team, $5,250. To support "Art Along the River," an arts education project. A partnership of the Powers Action Team, Powers School District and the Powers Ranger District developed plans for the series of nature-based art apprentice educational and marketing opportunities for local low- and middle-income youth. Tillamook - Friends of Latimer Quilt & Textile Center, $4,200. To support the "Tillamook County Quilt Trail: Preserving and Promoting our Rural Heritage" project which places quilt images on the street (visible) side of unique farm structures. These buildings will be used as the "canvas" throughout the County as a means to promote the region's quilting and agrarian heritage.
Bunker
They were headed towards the old bunker near the North Bend airport when a police officer intercepted them. According to an entry on the police log for Monday night, 11:09 p.m., Colorado Ave., Nine teens were contacted, including four males and five females between 16 and 20 years of age. “Under investigation. Report taken.”
Skateboarding
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Monday, 7:50 p.m., Winsor Ave., “reported vehicle went by heading N/B he believes subject was hanging onto vehicle while skateboarding.” An officer checked the area, but was unable to locate.
Rolled
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Monday, 6:25 p.m., Virginia Court, “reported someone’s car rolled away from her and ran into his parked car / subject is requesting officer contact before cars are moved.” The involved vehicles included a 1999 Dodge Durango and a 1999 Ford Winstar van.
Accident
A reported non-injury accident at Tremont Ave. & Newmark St. in North Bend Monday evening, 6:06 p.m., resulted in a citation to one driver. According to an entry on the police log, 89-year old Robert Henry Sigle, Coos Bay, was cited for Following too Closely after his 2006 Jeep Liberty struck at 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe operated by 26-year old Jamie Nacole McCluskey of Coos Bay.
Marijuana
According to entries on the North Bend Police log, security at the Mill Casino/Hotel turned over suspected marijuana at two separate times Monday. At 1:12 p.m., “security reported finding less 1 oz. marijuana in hotel room. Officer responded, picked it up for destruction.” At 2:34 p.m., “Mill security advised a guard had located a bag with marijuana inside. Surveillance was able to identify the subject who dropped it. Officer respond / advised item was seized but it still remains questionable that the substance is marijuana, subject was warned for PCS > ounce.”
Parking
According to an entry on the North Bend Police log for Monday, 12:07 p.m., 1611 Virginia Ave., Pony Village Mall, “reported a dispute between her and her daughter and another female over an illegally parked vehicle and a note that was left on it. Officer responded, verbal only. Parties separated prior to officer’s arrival.”
Escorted
A request to Coquille Police Monday evening, 7:52 p.m., “needs someone escorted from the house” on the 600 block of No. Baxter Road resulted in the arrest of a 31-year old male. According to an entry on the police log, Zachary James Spence “will be charged with Harassment (Domestic), Interfering with making a 911 report and Menacing.” He was additionally found to be wanted on a Springfield PD warrant and a Deschutes Co. Work Center warrant charging Violation of Release on original charges of two-counts Rape III, and four-counts Sexual Abuse III, and Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor.
Mutual Aid
Mutual Aid was requested from the Coos Bay Fire Dept. Monday afternoon, 4:29 p.m., from the Sumner Fire Station.
Intoxicated
According to entries on the Coos Bay Police log for Monday, 3:44 p.m., Cape Arago & Charleston, “pedestrian that is intoxicated and in the roadway.” At 3:51 p.m., Life Care Center at 2890 SE Ocean Blvd., 25-year old female complained “intoxicated man looking for Walmart. Appears he is on foot. They want him to leave their property.”
Hit & Run
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Monday, 3:08 p.m., 1000 block So. 1st St., 26-year old Ashley Patton cited for Failure to Perform the Duties of Driver. Victim listed as Coos Co. Sheriff’s Dept. A rear bumper of a work truck was reportedly damaged at Fred Meyer.
Warrant
According to an entry on the Coos Bay Police log for Monday, 2:41 p.m., Huckleberry Trailer Court, 34-year old Steven Wade Hermann, arrested on a warrant charging Failure to Appear on an original charge of Assault IV, Menacing, Harassment. Additional warrant for Failure to Appear II.
Thefts
Reports of thefts from vehicles on the Coos Bay Police log for Monday. At 6:57 a.m., 20-year old female “theft from vehicle” on the 800 block So. 5th St. At 7:57 a.m., 900 block So. 7th St., 41-year old female “theft from vehicle.” At 8:10 a.m., 900 block So. 7th St., 34-year old female “theft from vehicle.”
Ditch
They were all described as intoxicated. A delivery driver reported a vehicle in a ditch by the entrance to the South Slough Sanctuary on Seven Devils Road south of Charleston Monday evening. According to an entry on the Coos Co. Sheriff’s log for 6:15 p.m., the Jeep Cherokee was pulled out of the ditch, but was found back in the ditch at 6:39 p.m. The driver was requesting a tow truck and got a ride with the tow driver.
Hitchhiker
According to an entry on the Coos Co. Sheriff’s log for Monday, 3:15 a.m., Hwy. 42, milepost 14, a male reported a suspicious subject, “white female adult hitch hiker, wearing only night gown, no shoes.” A deputy checked the area, but was unable to locate anyone.
WX
A frost advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. Partly cloudy today along the Oregon Coast with highs in the mid 40s to lower 50s and northeast winds 5-10 mph. Partly cloudy tonight, lows in the 30s to 40s and east winds 5-10 mph. Mostly cloudy Christmas Eve and mostly to partly cloudy on Christmas Day.
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OREGON COAST SPORTS
Las Vegas Bowl
Oregon State’s football team lost 44-20 to No. 15 Brigham Young University in the 18th annual Las Vegas Bowl Tuesday night. The No. 16 Beavers (8-5) led 7-0 in the first quarter, but the Cougars (11-2) rallied and led the rest of the way. The loss snapped a five bowl game winning streak by OSU coach Mike Riley. BYU quarterback Max Hall threw for 192-yards and three touchdowns.
Oregon bxb
Malcolm Armstead scored a career-high 23 points, five of six three-pointers, as Oregon held off visiting Idaho State (2-10), 77-71 in a non-conference men’s collegiate basketball game at Mac Court in Eugene Tuesday night. It was the third win in a row for the Ducks (7-4) who next play Arkansas-Pine Bluff at home on Monday, Dec. 28th. Oregon’s women fell 89-86 in overtime at Utah (7-4) Tuesday night after losing a 15-point second half lead. The Ducks (9-3) open Pac-10 play Friday, January 1st at home to Washington.
OSU bxb
The Oregon State men's basketball looks for its 1600th win in program history tonight as the Beavers (5-5) host Fresno State at 5:32 p.m. at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis. The game will be televised by FSN NW.
Blazers
The Portland Trailblazers (18-12) beat the Dallas Mavericks (20-9) 85-81 in a come-from-behind win on the road Tuesday night in NBA basketball. Guard Brandon Roy scored 23-points for the Blazers, while LaMarcus Aldridge had 19 points and 12 rebounds. Portland plays at San Antonio tonight.
OSU bb
The preseason Collegiate Baseball top 40 poll was released Monday, Dec. 21st, and Oregon State is ranked 10th in the nation. Texas got the top ranking, followed by LSU, Virginia and Cal State Fullerton. Arizona State is ranked fifth.
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